A time of change

Words: Karen HickeyI'm pleased to introduce myself as the new editor of Masonry magazine. This is an exciting time for me – a new beginning with a lot of changes.

The masonry industry is entirely new to me, so I have a lot to learn. I was fortunate to meet many people who work in masonry while I attended the World of Concrete/World of Masonry in February in Las Vegas. In any industry, the people are what drive progress and innovation. They are the backbone of the trade. The relationships between the people in these businesses are what really matter. My new relationships with the men and women in masonry will be something I'll work hard to build in the coming months and years.

Of course my knowledge of the terminology will also build as time passes, and I'll learn more details about the products and equipment used by masons. After all, I'm going to be learning from the experts! The March issue of Masonry covers some of the terminology and products I'm becoming familiar with: scaffolding, saws and saw blades, and also rehabs and restorations. We’re also covering the MCAA Annual Convention, which coincided with the World of Concrete exhibition.

We at Masonry magazine hope that this year has started off well for you, and that the changes in your life and business have been positive ones.

I look forward to working with and meeting many more of you!
No Shortcuts: The Journey of Real Stone
February 2026

Have you ever stopped and really thought about how that stone on the wall got there? I don’t mean the install...not the mortar, the scratch coat, or the clean-up. I mean the whole journey. From the first cut in the earth to the

Rob McKay
Technical Talks
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Stop Gambling on the Wall: Why the Modern Jobsite Demands a Sure Thing
February 2026

If you have spent any time walking the carpeted aisles of the World of Concrete, you know the vibe. It is a sensory overload of heavy machinery, slick demos, and the collective optimism of thousands of contractors. We are in Las Vegas, the gambling capita

Shayne Sanders
Technical Talks
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Helical Beaming: Strengthening Masonry from the Inside Out
February 2026

In the world of masonry restoration and retrofit, the goal is always the same: preserve the character and craftsmanship of historic structures while ensuring their long-term stability. But anyone who has worked on century-old brick or stone buildings know

Tiffany Tillema
Technical Talks
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The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction
February 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America is thrilled to announce the 2026 Annual Online Auction, the masonry industry’s premier event for scoring the best equipment at a fraction of costs. Whether you are looking to expand your equipment stockpile or

Justin Stengel
Industry News
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