Category: Members - Masonry Association of Florida, Inc. Florida Builds with BLOCK, BRICK & Stone.

MAF Member, Besser Names Ryan Suszek as New President

3/26/2019

Besser Company is proud to announce Ryan Suszek as Besser Company’s next President; our sixth President in the Company’s 115-year history. Beginning in April 2019, Ryan will assume his new leadership position, while Kevin Curtis remains as CEO. “I could not be more pleased with the Board’s decision,” Kevin stated. “Ryan has proven himself to be a very capable leader at Besser and we’re all excited to see his role expand.”

Ryan’s current role of Vice President of Pipe and Precast has provided him with valuable leadership experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the concrete products industry. In keeping with Besser tradition, Ryan has grown within the Company in a complete grassroots, hands-on approach. From the shop floor to global tradeshows, he has worked closely with nearly every department and function over his fourteen-year career with Besser, as well as customers throughout the world, to establish a complete understanding of our business and industry.

Ryan is surrounded by an excellent management team in all areas of Besser Company, who are all committed to continuing the Company’s legacy of providing outstanding customer service and unmatched innovation and quality. “The concrete products industry provides countless opportunities for collaboration and growth. I’m excited to lead the team at Besser in operational improvements and work closely with producers to create new and grow existing partnerships,” commented Ryan.

Ryan, his wife Melodi, and their son Boe reside in the Alpena area and, together, look forward to an exciting future at Besser.

About Besser Company
Besser is headquartered in Alpena, Michigan and has equipment operating in more than 130 countries worldwide. The company supplies complete manufacturing systems for the pipe, masonry, hardscape, precast and ready-mix segments of the industry. In addition, Besser manufactures curing systems for all segments of the concrete industry. The company manufacturers parts, provides service, and offers training from manufacturing locations staffed with Sales and Technical Service Representatives throughout the world. More information can be found at: www.besser.com.

Junior Achievement inspire event

2/15/2019

On Friday, February 8, 2019, Robert Ball, Vice President of Coastal Masonry, Masonry Association of Florida (MAF) Southeast Chapter President and Donna Hinson, MAF Executive Director represented the association's apprentice programs and masonry industry at the 1st Annual Junior Achievement Inspire Event. The educational job fair featured a concrete block/masonry demonstration by Central Broward Construction (Justin Lord, Owner Central Broward Construction and MAF State Board Vice Chairman). Over 2000 students attended and were exposed to the masonry industry and construction trades.

Ken Urquhart, Workforce Employment Manager for Junior Achievement of South Florida thanked the MAF for their participation:

"Thank you for reaching out about getting kids involved in the masonry specialty, and the construction industry in general. I agree that this is a great avenue for the kids to get involved. I will be in touch in the near future about some of our upcoming events and opportunities.

From all of us at Junior Achievement, we truly value your relationship and collaborating with you going forward."

For more information, please contact Robert Ball robert@coastalmasonry.com, Justin Lord justin@cbcfl.com or Donna Hinson, donna@floridamasonry.com

Top 10 Reasons to Join the Masonry Team

1/15/2019

The masonry industry offers great benefits including advancement opportunities, job security, paid training, and financial strength - and that’s just the beginning. Masonry work presents both an analytical and creative outlet, a sense of pride in accomplishment and job flexibility. Most importantly, masonry is an enduring craft that promises to be lucrative far into the future - and the opportunities are wide open!

For Florida Masonry Opportunities: Learn more at www.floridamasonry.com/apprenticeship.html
For nationwide masonry opportunities: Learn more at www.masoncontractors.org/careers.

MASONRY ASSOCIATION SE CHAPTER CHRISTMAS PARTY

12/16/2018

The MAF SE Chapter invited the Treasure Coast and Southwest Chapter Members to their annual Christmas party that was held on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at Galuppis Restaurant in Pompano Beach. The event featured an informal cornhole tournament, an open bar and complimentary dinner for the 45+ attendees. It was a great evening and Doris Portes of Coastal Masonry did a fantastic job coordinating the event!

maf's 2nd Annual Block-toberfest event held at Maschmeyer's debary block plant

10/29/2018

The Masonry Association of Florida BLOCK-toberfest event was on Friday, October 26, 2018 at the Maschmeyer Concrete Company of Florida Debary block plant with Block Strong as a sponsor. Troy Maschmeyer, Steve Bishop, Donna Hinson and Matt Sitter are pictured alongside legislators Rene Plasencia and Stockton Reeves.

Masonry Construction & Inspection Certification Workshop :: November 9-10, 2018 Orlando

10/15/2018

For Engineers, Contractors, Building Officials & masonry Industry professionals...

Whether designing, building, testing or inspecting, when you’re working with masonry, understanding all of the codes and specifications governing the various masonry components (block, brick, grout, mortar and steel) is essential.

Course includes TMS 402/602 Codes book and printed mark-up excerpts of ASTM materials. All other course materials distributed via USB flash drive. Classroom training requires participants to bring a laptop computer with USB flash capabilities.

Classroom Training: $399
MAF & BOAF Members: $349
Next class: November 9-10, 2018 in Orlando.
More info: www.masonryworkshop.com

MCAF TAMPA BAY MASONRY APPRENTICESHIP COMPETITION

5/30/2018

TAMPA BAY MASONRY APPRENTICESHIP COMPETITION
WHEN: SATURDAY JUNE 2, 2018
TIME: 8:30 AM -12:00 PM
WHERE: CEMEX YARD, 9117 Florida Mining Blvd, Tampa, FL
CONTACT: RSVP 239 201-6089

AWARDS CEREMONY & LUNCH BEGINS IMMEDIATELY AFTER COMPETITION

MAF Central Chapter Apprentice Competition 5.19.18

5/16/2018

Saturday, May 19, 2018
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Orlando Technical College
Mid Florida Campus
Directions

Come out to show your support as the MAF Central Chapter Apprentices compete for a space at the MAF State Apprentice Competition! Hamburgers, Hot dogs & Cold Drinks after the competition!

Click on the flyer at right for more information or contact:
Sheila Parsons - Program Coordinator
407-251-6050 mafapprentice@gmail.com

Life is Better With Block, Always Has Been, Always Will Be! Visit www.blockstrong.com

5/10/2018

Block Strong is a partnership between Florida Concrete & Products Association, Inc. and Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council, Inc.
© 2018 ConcreteBlockHomes.com
Website by: Bright Rain

Congratulations Olivia Bruening: 2017 Florida Skills USA Masonry Champion

6/2/2017

Submitted by Al Herndon, FMAEF

On April 25, 2017 in Lakeland at the Florida Skills State Conference, Olivia Bruening, a Senior at River Oak Technical College in Live Oak Florida, won 1st place in the Masonry Contest. Olivia competed with 14 of the best secondary masonry students in Florida and won 1st Place! Olivia will represent Florida at Skills USA In Louisville on June 22nd.

Olivia has been competing in the FMAEF Masonry Showcase in Starke Florida for the last two years. In February, Olivia was part of the River Oak Technical College Masonry Team that finished 3rd out of seven schools competing. Olivia scored the highest points for her team and advanced to the Florida Skills State Masonry Contest. Olivia has outstanding masonry skills and she has been recognized by her school and the school board, as well as the masonry industry in Florida, for her hard work in masonry.

Congratulation Olivia, and best of luck in Louisville!