More than just work: we base our selection not on the building's beauty, but on how the mason contractor helped achieve the project's design

Masonry Construction, July-August, 2004 by Rick Yelton

Everyone remembers that first summer job. Some probably labored for a parent as soon as they were able to carry a brick. Others may have begun their work lives as lifeguards, fast food counter clerks, or mowing lawns. If fortunate, these summer experiences helped you establish high quality work habits and respect for quality output.

Everyone in my family works in the summer. My daughter babysits, while the boys are beginning to search for more meaningful experiences and pay. This year my two college-age sons had unique experiences.

My older son's early return to school for a major project prevented him from accepting a steady, summerlong job. He relied on calls from temp work agencies to earn his spending money. He hated it. He discovered some less than honest managers who suggested paybacks for the assignments. And when he arrived at the jobsites, he was often treated as a scab. Based on his experience, my son is convinced society must do more to help those who want to work, but need flexibility in scheduling.

My younger son's experience was very different. He started his job on the Monday morning following high school graduation. He woke on his own at 5:00 a.m. to allow time to arrive at his 12-hour day laborer job. Despite the tough work conditions and difficult schedule, he found satisfaction in the experience and enjoyed his supervisors. I think this summer helped him create good work habits.

Despite their different experiences, the boys learned how work defines a person's life. The summer experiences are a part of their journey into adulthood and self sufficiency.

In our fourth annual "Project of the Year" award issue, we are honoring the men and women whose "summer" work also defined another important aspect of their lives. These efforts represent some of the best work accomplished in their careers.

These winning projects are more than just another pretty picture in an architect's portfolio. Each project represents a committed group effort, led by the mason contractor. Through the estimators and foremen, these winners transformed ink into a building. From the designer's pen to the journeyman's trowel, the mason contractor coordinated hundreds of people in their key roles in creating a structure that builds someone's dream.

Long after the scaffolds are sent back to the shop, the mortar tubs cleaned, and the final change order filed, these structures will remain in service to their owners and tenants. These efforts are the work that the mason truly takes pride in.

Our award program is very different than many others you may read or hear about. We invite all mason contractors from every part of the world to participate. We encourage all forms of masonry products to be displayed in their entries. And we base our selection not on the building's beauty, but on how the mason contractor helped achieve the project's design.

Our program is designed to not only honor those contractors who have built a life dream, but to help others do likewise. I encourage you to take time now and make a promise to enter next year.

Buy your foreman a cup of coffee and ask him to help in the process. Have him take photos of the work as it progresses. Have him write down the ideas presented to the GC to make the project go. Let him participate in the process. After all, it was his summer too.

To receive an entry form for the 2005 contest, contact Ron Holzhauer, Deputy Editor, 426 S. Westgate St., Addison, Il 60101, or e-mail rholzhauer@hanleywood.com.