Masonry Principles Podcast

Join us as we dive into the intersection of business and culture in the world of masonry construction. In this episode, we're joined by Noah Lupini, a seasoned industry expert, to explore the generational dynamics shaping the field. From discussing why entering the construction industry is a smart decision to unpacking the value of real-world experience versus academic knowledge, we uncover valuable insights that resonate across generations. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of masonry construction and the diverse perspectives driving its success.

MASONRY RESTORATION COMES IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES - THIS EPISODE DIVES INTO THE DETAILS! WE LOOK AT RESTORATION THROUGH TWOLENSES - CONTRACTOR AND ENGINEER. WE DISCUSS SSD AND THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING IT'S ROLE ON A JOB SITE. WE ALSO GET CANDID ON HOW WE CAN BUILD BETTER BUILDINGS IN THE BELOVED CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES THAT HOUSE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE STRUCTURES.

We talk all things marketing in the world of masonry with Laura Merritt, Senior Account Manager, aoe - a marketing firm out of Michigan. We have a candid conversation as to why marketing is important to masonry construction, how sharing the story of masonry can impact the bottom line, as well as tips to creating a strategic and effective marketing campaign. We've got you covered!

We have a great round table discussion between Amy Baker, Architect and Paul Cantarella, Contractor. We discuss ways to bridge the gap between specs and contractor as well as getting candid about the sometimes frustrating, always educational and certainly challenging aspects of building better buildings using masonry. 

We are kicking off the new year talking about GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforcement Polymer)! Learn about the GFRP provisions in our current edition 2022-TMS 402 Standard. We get into applications and where to GFRP is best suited 

Workforce Development: Not a problem for the trades, a characteristic of the industry. We discuss what the masonry industries are doing in Michigan and New York to get tomorrow's workforce excited about joining the construction industry. This isn't just about joining a trade, it is about creating a career. 

Techincal Service Engineer, Claude Bergeron with Holcim talks Portland Limestone Cement. We go over short term goals and strategies the cement industry is taking to promote sustainability as well as the long term sustainability strategies and insight into the industry. Visit www.holcim.com for more infomation!

In this episode we focus on construction innovations such as MULE, a lift assist device for masons. Invented and created by Construction Robotics, a New York based Company.  We talk with Matt Oklevitch, Construction Robotics (New York) and Edgar Boettcher, Bay Masonry (Michigan) about MULE, how it works, where it works and why it works.   

Meet SolaBlock - A company that is Keeping masonry in the future. We talk with Jason Laverty, Co-Founder and Chief Construction Officer at SolaBlock who introduces the next best thing in masonry, a solar panel cmu unit. In this episode we cover the history of how SolaBlock was created, how it solves carbon neutral footprints in design and how SolaBlock will change the masonry industry.

In this episode we talk to Kyle Lochonic with Davenport Masonry and Todd Dailey with Dailey Engineering about internal wall bracing. A great discussion covering the Advantages, as well as the history and why internal wall bracing is a good choice when designing new construction for both design and job site safety.

DAGOSTINO BUILDING BLOCKS CELEBRATES 100 YEARS! Meet Jeff Orvis with Dagostino Block, learn about the company and why concrete masonry units are a superior building material!

In this episode we really dive into the superiority of masonry as well as what we can to do to keep the masonry legacy alive. Paul Cantarella, Owner of Cantarella & Sons, shares his thoughts as a contractor in the industry and what works for him to stay relevant in the ever changing climate that is construction.

Amanda and Phil cover a lot! From how 2021 went to what 2022 will look like, flipping of projects and a workforce development initiative. They chat about  the next steps for check off and everything in between. A super informative, yet candid conversation to kick off the New Year! 

Meet Amy Baker, owner of Amy Baker Architect out of Michigan. A masonry advocate, she shares with us her favorite tools to use, one of her most memorable masonry projects as well as a special trick that makes planning on coursing so much easier!

We interview Peter Babaian, Principal at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger out of Chicago. This conversation covers retrofitting old masonry buildings and bringing them to the 21st century. We cover everything from tools and resources available to the types of mortar preferred when working with older buildings. 

Arizona has created there own in state check off program. We talk with Dawn Rogers, Executive Director of Arizona Masonry Council and learn more about their program as well as the four pillars that Arizona Masonry Council has created to better advocate, educate and promote masonry.

Meet Brian Trimble, PE*, LEED AP, Director of Industry Development and Technical Services at the International Masonry Institute. In this episode we dive into the world of masonry codes and brick details. 

Allison Verley, Building Envelope Specialist with Construction Innovations discusses the building envelope as a whole and reminds us that details are everything. She covers the four layers of the building system.

Phil and Amanda take over the mics! In this episode they share what each organization is working on, the market as a whole and plans for the future.

Curious what the trends are in the masonry marketplace? This episode is for you! Meet Jeff Snyder of Masonpro, a tenured resource with a passion for masonry. Take a dive with us from a masonry product perspective while learning about the benefits along with what is going on in the market.

Concrete masonry products are superior building products, and as an industry, we take pride in that. Their use creates safe, warm, energy-efficient spaces – key reasons that these are timeless products in construction. Known for its structural integrity, durability, and design flexibility, concrete masonry is ideal for many building applications, from educational, to commercial, and residential spaces. Your voice and vote are needed as we are in the final push toward the CMU Checkoff. This vote is our one chance to change the trajectory of our industry and take back the markets and customers we've lost.  

Masonry iQ™ is a REVIT Plugin that makes designing with masonry easier than ever.  Now users can quickly design custom patterns, render with local producers product, perform modularity studies, locate control joints and field cuts, and have plan view and section view details automatically drawn.  Masonry iQ gives the freedom to embrace the endless creative potential that masonry has to offer without being bogged down by the details. 

We jump right into a conversation with Brent Jacobs, Commercial Account Manager at DuPont Performance Building Solutions. We discuss Insulating multi wythe walls, options of meeting the energy code with single wythe walls and why dewpoint seems to be less of a concern with masonry walls vs steel stud construction. Don't miss this episode, we cover a lot in a little bit of time. 

If you want to learn more about masonry as an industry, this conversation is for you. We talk all things masonry with Brandon Hartsell, Project Manager with Gates Construction out of Mooresville, North Carolina. From  getting candid about the sometimes frustrating aspects of building buildings using masonry to workforce development.

There are many benefits to designing with masonry; one that may get overlooked is the contributions to carbon neutrality. While we understand sustainability is a forever evolving topic, we take an in-depth view with professional engineer, Christine Subasic, and dive into how, why and where to assist a more sustainable masonry structure.

How do we integrate proven materials like masonry into the bigger spectrum of what we are trying to accomplish in resilient construction?  We interview Jason Thompson of NCMA and take a dive into answering this question and how masonry accomplishes a more resilient footprint.  Want to learn more? Here is a great article - https://bit.ly/3rTRchu  Check out NCMA website  Check out MIM website Check out UMI website 

Get to know  your hosts of Masonry Principles, Phil Ledent and Amanda Bedian. In this brief episode you will learn a little bit of who they are and why they started this podcast.