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Articles by Damian Lang
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 15 Recap: Steve Wheeler, Sales and Business Development at EZG
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 15 Recap: Steve Wheeler, Sales and Business Development at EZG Words: Justin Stengel Steve Wheeler joins the MASONRY STRONG set to talk about how he was introduced to this industry, the art of selling, and his love of golf. A Career Built on Passion Steve Wheeler’s journey with EZG Manufacturing began over a decade ago. Reflecting on his early days. In Steve's words, but colloquially expressed, working at EZG meant wearing many hats.
GEN NXT: Skills Competition Winners
GEN NXT: Skills Competition Winners Words: Justin Stengel This month, the MCAA got the opportunity to sit down with the 2025 Skills Competition 1st place winners. First Year mason Michael McKee, Second Year mason Mason Ridenhour, and Third Year mason Alec Huntley did what it took to be the best at World Of Concrete this year. Placing first over numerous other skillful competitors is no easy task and shouldn't go unrecognized.
Chairman's Message: The Beauty of Efficient Efforts
Business Building: How Subcontractors Can Wow Their Customers! Being a contractor is hard as there are lots of moving parts out of your control. On every job there are over 5,762 chances to make a mistake, miss a schedule, or tick off customers. Things aren’t perfect including plans, specifications, field conditions, Contractor Tip of the Month: Less is More - How Silence Can Help You Close More Sales Sales is an art as much as it is a science.
Business Building: How Subcontractors Can Wow Their Customers!
Business Building: How Subcontractors Can Wow Their Customers! Words: George Hedley Being a contractor is hard as there are lots of moving parts out of your control. On every job there are over 5,762 chances to make a mistake, miss a schedule, or tick off customers. Things aren’t perfect including plans, specifications, field conditions, inspectors, subcontractors, suppliers, deliveries, conflicts, and payments.
Marvelous Masonry: The Tarragona Cathedral
Marvelous Masonry: The Tarragona Cathedral Words: Cass Stern Photos: DDurrich, saiko3p, Alexey_Fedoren, benkrut, Scenicgraphy, guy-ozenne, Vladislav Zolotov, Diego Coppola, elisabono, Robert Ray, Wirestock The Tarragona Cathedral, located in the historic city of Tarragona, Spain, is a significant example of medieval architecture and masonry.
Fechino Files: Masonry Apprentice Scholarship Program Recipients
Fechino Files: Masonry Apprentice Scholarship Program Recipients Words: Steven Fechino I hope everyone is warm when they read this now that winter is finally beginning to give us a reprieve. As a way to complete the Masonry Apprentice Scholarship Program I wanted to introduce the list of recipients who were awarded in October of 2024. This year, we were able to pull from several new schools and provide the Masonry Tool Bag to students that had not been aware of our program.
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 13 Recap: Mason Hill, Vice President at Hill Masonry, Inc
American Treasure: West Point Cadet Chapel The West Point Cadet Chapel stands as an enduring symbol of architectural brilliance, blending Gothic Revival grandeur with the precision and artistry of masonry. Perched on a hill overlooking the United States Military Academy, this iconic structure is a Business Building: A Little Thanks Goes A Long Way! Over the last twenty-five years, our construction company has built over 500 projects and hired at least 10,000 subcontractors.
Marvelous Masonry: Temple of Hephaestus
Marvelous Masonry: Temple of Hephaestus Words: Cass Stern Photos: davidionut, ankarb, Apostolos Giontzis, scaliger, Gatsi, MarioGuti, Starcevic, LaraIrimeeva, powerofforever Nestled on the hill of the ancient Agora in Athens, the Temple of Hephaestus stands as one of the best-preserved temples of antiquity. Built between 449 and 415 BCE, this Doric temple dedicated to Hephaestus, the god of fire and craftsmanship, embodies the pinnacle of ancient Greek masonry.
Chairman's Message: Grab Hold, the Wind Is At Our Back
Chairman's Message: Grab Hold, the Wind Is At Our Back Words: Dick Dentinger Each year, the MCAA holds two conventions. The mid-year meeting is held in the late summer or early fall. It’s always hosted at a city or venue that offers more of a boutique convention feel. Any members of the MCAA are welcome, and they gather to hold our committee and mid-year meetings as we steer the association’s direction and goals.
Fechino Files: Weeps and Term Bar
Fechino Files: Weeps and Term Bar Words: Steven Fechino I hope you are getting through the cold of the winter without issue, maybe even enjoy throwing a snowball (not an ice ball) at a coworker that deserves it. This month I thought I would do a quick primer on basic flashing installation. As many will have new hires, this may be used at a foreman meeting or just for new hire training.
Business Building: A Little Thanks Goes A Long Way!
Business Building: A Little Thanks Goes A Long Way! Words: George Hedley Over the last twenty-five years, our construction company has built over 500 projects and hired at least 10,000 subcontractors. As I think back, I don’t recall receiving a thank-you note from a subcontractor EVER, for any reason. It seems like the art of appreciation for your customer has become a forgotten art form. Business owners and managers tend to take good customers for granted over time.
Glen-Gery Announces 2025 Brick Color of the Year, Silver City
MASONRY STRONG Podcast Episode 3 Recap: Stephen Borg Learn about how Stephen made his way into politics and how he became the lobbyist for the MCAA. Speaking on what it was like to move from Chicago up to the highest level in Washington D.C. Steven’s journey to becoming a lobbyist was somewhat unexpected.
Work Trucks Need Hard-working Tires
Work Trucks Need Hard-working Tires Words: William Groak Whatever you're hauling, whatever job site you're headed to, your work truck needs to be dependable. It’s a vital part of your livelihood. That's why it’s important to check what holds your work truck up, namely the tires. Simply put, the right tires, along with proper tire care, will keep your work truck rolling. To most, tires are nondescript, black, and round.
MASONRY STRONG Podcast Episode 3 Recap: Stephen Borg
MASONRY STRONG Podcast Episode 3 Recap: Stephen Borg Words: Justin Stengel Learn about how Stephen made his way into politics and how he became the lobbyist for the MCAA. Speaking on what it was like to move from Chicago up to the highest level in Washington D.C. Steven’s journey to becoming a lobbyist was somewhat unexpected. Originally planning a short two-year stint in Washington, DC, he ended up working for a member of Congress for over a decade.
Vibing Masonry #2: Masonry for Sustainability & Energy Saving
Vibing Masonry #2: Masonry for Sustainability & Energy Saving Words: Steve Blye Welcome to the second installment of our “Vibing Masonry” series on the benefits and functionality of masonry in modern construction, with a focus on its environmental and sustainability advantages. The Environmental Case for Masonry Masonry is a sustainable option due to its reliance on natural materials, reducing dependence on synthetic substances.
GEN NXT: Parker Leske
Words: Cass Stern This month, MASONRY Magazine sat down with Parker Lenske, a young business owner who has a passion and knack for learning everything he can about the masonry industry. From being unsure of what to do with his life to starting his own company before he could legally drink. Parker Leske explains why he believes he has a bright future in this industry. Parker Leske’s entry into the masonry industry wasn’t planned but rather spontaneous.
Building More: Is It Over Yet?
Marvelous Masonry: Basílica de la Sagrada Família The Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, one of the most renowned architectural landmarks in the world, stands as a masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí's vision and a remarkable example of how masonry techniques have evolved over time. The construct Contractor Tip of the Month: The Challenges of Leadership If you read my columns regularly, you know I enjoy employing sports analogies. It is not just that I love sports, which I do—Go Bengals.
Chairman's Message: Mentoring Past and Future
Chairman's Message: Mentoring Past and Future Words: Dick Dentinger My wife, Sheryl, walked from her office to mine and placed the September issue of Masonry Magazine on my desk. She opened it to page 52 and said, “Look at this picture and tell me the first thing you see.” I gave it a quick glance.
Fechino Files: Masonry Square
Fechino Files: Masonry Square Words: Steven Fechino I hope this article finds you finally cooled down from this hot summer. Everywhere I went felt hot and sticky, well, except for Bozeman, MT. When you are in Bozeman, everything is cool. I have been working as a laborer, sawman, brick washer, and bricklayer on my daughter’s home. I am about three full days from completion. We all know how good it feels to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Marvelous Masonry: Basílica de la Sagrada Família
Marvelous Masonry: Basílica de la Sagrada Família Words: Cassandra Shea The Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, one of the most renowned architectural landmarks in the world, stands as a masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí's vision and a remarkable example of how masonry techniques have evolved over time. The construction of this iconic church, which began in 1882 and continues to this day, reflects a dynamic history of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation.
Business Building: Slap Their Backs To Win!
Business Building: Slap Their Backs To Win! Words: George Hedley My first year in high school, I went out for the water polo team. Our coach for the “B” team was also the head baseball coach who never played water polo and couldn't swim. As the season progressed, we learned the basics and began to gel as a team. I liked our coach and discovered his baseball teams consistently went to the league championships, and he held the league record for most coaching wins.
Marvelous Masonry: Akshardham Temple in Delhi
Marvelous Masonry: Akshardham Temple in Delhi Words: Cass SternPhoto Credits: TkKurikawa, Sumit_Kumar_99, StockByM, Sean3810, Alexander Reshnya, abhisheklegit The Akshardham Temple in Delhi, India, is not just a place of worship but a monumental achievement in architecture and masonry. Since its inauguration in 2005, the temple has stood as a beacon of spiritual and architectural grandeur, showcasing a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.
GEN NXT: Phillip Singleton
GEN NXT: Phillip Singleton Words: Justin Stengel In the realm of the ever-evolving masonry industry, Phillip Singleton stands as a beacon for the next generation of masons. Sharing his extensive journey and insights, Singleton offers advice and a roadmap for those eager to make their own path in the landscape of Masonry. Phillip's entry into masonry was significantly influenced by his grandfather, Bruce, who dedicated his entire life to the trade.
Business Building: How Much Profit Should Contractors Make?
Business Building: How Much Profit Should Contractors Make? Words: George Hedley Construction business owners often ask me: "How much profit should we expect to make? - 5%, 10%, 15% or more?" Most don’t know how much money they should make and don’t have a specific profit target to aim for. Some have heard 15% is a good target, but they aren’t sure if 15% profit is net or gross. Most claim their profit goal is to make as much money as possible or to make more than they are currently making.
Building More: A Company’s Appreciation
Fechino Files: Types of Diesel Fuels in our business are an expensive part of operating equipment. I am sure most of us have calculated daily usage and know what fuel we use in each piece of equipment. For example, do you use off-road diesel, kerosene, number one, or number two diesel? Chairman's Message: Top-Shelf Leadership When a business or association is doing well, there is always a temptation to relax and enjoy the ride.
Chairman's Message: Top-Shelf Leadership
Chairman's Message: Top-Shelf Leadership Words: Dick Dentinger When a business or association is doing well, there is always a temptation to relax and enjoy the ride. However, as anyone who has worked for an extended period in their career knows, there always seems to be some potentially knee-buckling challenge lurking. Having top-shelf leadership at a business makes certain we are on the lookout for opportunities and necessary re-tooling to ensure we remain relevant.
Fechino Files: Types of Diesel
Fechino Files: Types of Diesel Words: Steven Fechino Photo Credits: Steven Fechino, parema Fuels in our business are an expensive part of operating equipment. I am sure most of us have calculated daily usage and know what fuel we use in each piece of equipment. For example, do you use off-road diesel, kerosene, number one, or number two diesel? Does one piece use Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), and another piece not use DEF? Fuels are simple but still have specific uses.
Business Building: What’s Your Role As A Leader?
Business Building: What’s Your Role As A Leader? Words: George Hedley True or false? Large or small construction company owners and presidents should be focused on the same top priorities as successful leaders of major Fortune 500 corporations. Rather than staying focused on top priorities, most construction company owners and managers get stuck spending too much time on estimates, contracts, customers, project schedules, field production, project management, or scheduling crews and equipment.
Chairman's Message: Staying Current and Having Vision
Chairman's Message: Staying Current and Having Vision Words: Dick Dentinger As I prepared for my 8th-grade graduation, I opened my closet and very carefully removed the shining new suit I would wear to the ceremony. I was excited and thankful that my parents purchased it, because if they hadn’t, I would have stood out like a sore thumb as the only foolish boy out of uniform at the big event.
Fechino Files: Because I'm an Old Guy
Fechino Files: Because I'm an Old Guy Words: Steven Fechino I have had the fortune to work in several areas of masonry over the years and have seen a few things change. I am writing this for the older folks who have been around because, simply, I hope someone will enjoy it. I first got into the agriculture trade in 1976 and moved into the masonry trades in 1982.
GEN NXT: Khalib Kennedy
Words: Precision masonry Inc. When it comes to choosing a career path, sometimes it's the unexpected opportunities that lead us to our true passions. For Khalib a young mason currently working for McGee Brothers, his journey into the masonry industry began with a chance encounter during his senior year of high school. Despite the fact that he wouldn't be able to complete the full course due to starting late, Khalib's enthusiasm for masonry was undeniable.
Business Building: What's Your Role As Leader?
Business Building: What's Your Role As Leader? Words: George Hedley True or false? Large or small construction company owners and presidents should be focused on the same top priorities as successful leaders of major Fortune 500 corporations. Rather than staying focused on top priorities, most construction company owners and managers get stuck spending too much time on estimates, contracts, customers, project schedules, field production, project management, or scheduling crews and equipment.
Chairman's Message: Planning for Pivots and What-ifs
Chairman's Message: Planning for Pivots and What-ifs Words: Dick Dentinger When watching a football game, it’s always interesting to first see the play live in real-time, followed by the slow-motion replay afterward. In real time, it plays out in a handful of seconds. A running back receives the hand-off from his quarterback, charges forward as designed, and quickly runs into a charging defender.
Business Building: Too Busy To Build A Better Business?
Business Building: Too Busy To Build A Better Business? Words: George Hedley Your construction company's goal is not to be busy. Your goal is to build a business that works and delivers what the owners want - Profit, including a high return on investment of time, energy, people, and money.
Building Teams
Get masonry industry news in your inbox Subscribe to Masonry Messenger to receive the masonry resources and information you need to stay current. No Thanks X By Damian Lang On a hunting/golfing trip I organized with 35 friends a few weeks ago, I played in a scramble best ball tournament with a select group of passionate golfers. As we enjoyed a great round of golf, we felt we were on target to beat the other teams and win the first-place bet.
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