MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 33 Recap: Dawn Rogers, Executive Director at Arizona Masonry Council

Words: Justin Stengel

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, we're happy to be joined by Dawn Rogers from the Arizona Masonry Council to talk about her journey in the masonry industry, as well as give her insight as to what the future of the industry looks like.

Dawn’s Entry Into Masonry
Dawn's entry into the field was serendipitous. Her story is filled with unexpected turns, mentorship, and a genuine passion for the industry and its people.

Education, Early Ambitions, and the Leap Into Masonry
Dawn's early life was focused on communication, broadcasting, and journalism. An encounter with Robin Roberts, a trailblazer in broadcasting, during her time at the Boys and Girls Clubs inspired her to pursue journalism. In college, she worked as a sports assistant and editor for her newspaper, gaining experience in radio, TV, and public relations. However, she longed for deeper connections, leading her to a job interview with the Arizona Masonry Guild and the Arizona Masonry Contractors Association. Here, she found a meaningful place where her passion for communication met real people.

The Seamless Transition from Broadcasting to Masonry
A journalism background proved invaluable in construction, as communication is crucial. Dawn naturally fit into an environment where relationships and teamwork are essential. Her entry wasn't just about managing programs; she wanted to understand and respect the work. She received a scholarship from a mason contractor without realizing it and found mentors in Joan Border and Connie Jones. Their guidance shaped her approach: ask questions, read everything, and understand the work. She spent time in the field, gaining respect for the craft.

Building the Community: Arizona Masonry Council
Dawn's history with the Arizona Masonry Guild and the Arizona Masonry Contractors Association came full circle when they merged to form the Arizona Masonry Council. Returning as executive director, she helped oversee the merger. Five years later, she feels the community is stronger than ever, acting as a central hub for guild members, contractors, and others in the field.

How Has Masonry Changed
Construction is constantly evolving, though not always rapidly. Dawn acknowledges the tension between tradition and new technology. She sees growing interest from architects and engineers in collaborating with masons and moving from isolated silos to joint problem-solving. Yet, she warns against losing the hands-on wisdom of seasoned workers. Relying solely on technology can miss valuable insights from those with decades of experience.

Honoring Experience While Embracing Change
As the industry evolves, Dawn emphasizes bridging generations by empowering newcomers with both technology and traditional expertise. She encourages young professionals to ask questions and learn from industry legends like Mark Sisto. To attract new talent, outdated mindsets must be challenged. She advocates for internal growth, creating welcoming meetings, and encouraging idea sharing.

Overcoming Resistance: Innovation vs. Tradition
Many veterans resist change, but Dawn sees it differently. She advocates for showcasing new tech through video, stories, and firsthand experiences. She believes in shifting the vocabulary from "change" to "innovation" to reduce fear and promote acceptance.

Networking, Meetings, and the Value of Connection
For Dawn, the best part of industry events is the people and networks you build. She values national connections and the importance of having someone to call for help. Even if meetings are repetitive, she finds joy in relationships and a well-built network.

Off the Clock: Family, Hobbies, and Personal Life
Outside of work, Dawn’s life revolves around her family. Her children are her main focus, and she enjoys reading and spending time outdoors. Although she’d like to travel more, she admits to some nerves. Her son, awarded an ROTC scholarship to Arizona State University, may see her traveling more in the future.

Kids, Work Ethic, and Respect
In the industry, there's a common complaint about younger workers' work ethic. Dawn offers a balanced view, noting unrealistic expectations but emphasizing field work for respect. She believes work ethic starts at home and encourages compassion for young people facing different challenges.

Advice for Young Professionals: Getting Started
Dawn’s path wasn’t typical, and her advice is to respect everyone you meet. Treat each encounter with respect, ask questions, and learn from those who have "walked the walk." The magic lies in diverse backgrounds and experiences.

The Next Chapter
Now in a leadership role, Dawn aims to tell masonry's story better, highlight sustainability, and collaborate across disciplines. She dreams of a "Got Milk?"-style campaign to market masonry nationally, using creativity and teamwork to communicate the industry's strengths and advancements.

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Tune into the MASONRY STRONG Podcast every other Thursday on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 33 Recap: Dawn Rogers, Executive Director at Arizona Masonry Council

About: The MASONRY STRONG Podcast

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