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MUDSLINGERS | BEHIND THE SCENES

MUDSLINGERS: architectural program. I have gone and spoke ry as a business with extensive career oppor-

NORTHERN REGION with the future architects of the world. Having tunities backed by innovation and technology
making it far more attractive and competitive
conversations with students doing projects I
ask them what do you think of masonry? Many in today’s expanding job market.
say they did not realize what all these amazing “I want to get more masonry out there. There
buildings in Milwaukee were made of I point
Spanning the northern-most portions of the will be more work for everybody if we do. And
United States is a territory rich with masonry out that they were put together one brick at a with our brand recognition, quality and sup-
pride. To be able to withstand the harsh winter time. Now they notice, now they understand port we will kick butt with workforce develop-
temperatures, you need extraordinary physical what masonry has to offer. It is gratifying to be ment and getting the work.”
and mental stamina. Thet’s why this region is a part of that.” We also caught up with Green Bay, Wisconsin
overseen by seasoned vet and SPEC MIX Sales “Keeping masonry out there is key.” Rolf is in- based sales rep Dan Neuens. “Worth it? I nev-
Manager, Mike Rolf. volved with Wisconsin Masonry Alliance and er consider it not worth it.” That is how Dan
Chicago Masonry Contractors Association -
Mike Rolf has been a part of the National SPEC Neuens replied when asked if the National
MIX BRICKLAYER 500 since its infancy. For unified groups/voices for legislation, product SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 was worth the
the last 15 years he has witnessed it grow into improvement and masonry’s value. “There is a effort. “Our job is to put on a really good show
a true extravaganza. “A lot has misconception that masonry is a slower form
changed. Today there are 40
plus people that go out to Vegas
to help put it together. What has
not changed is the purpose of all
the bricklayers. The SPEC MIX
family comes together to spread
the word about the masonry in- “There is a misconception that masonry is slower
dustry and SPEC MIX. It’s hard form of construction. It is not. From design to com-
work, laughs and fun.” pletion it can be as fast as any other building system.”
Construction began to be a part
of Rolf’s life at 14 years old. MIKE ROLF
Back in the 90’s when he was a
young adult there was a lot of REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
emphasis on getting a degree, so MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN
he put himself through college.
“I went because they pushed it
back then. Now the tables are
turned and the trades are more
of an option. School districts
talk about technical degrees of construction. It is not. From design to com-
and tech schools teach the art of masonry. pletion it can be as fast as any other building whether it is rainy, hot or windy. It is what we
The union has a 4-year apprenticeship where systems. There is a perceived cost of masonry. do, what we are passionate about. It is what we
contractors mentor. Donations like our new While there may be a small initial cost it will are there for.”
SPEC MIX Training Mortar to schools and hands-down outlast any other building ma- Neuens grew up in construction. His father
their contests are common and help fortify the terial. The future is very bright. Knowing the was a homebuilder, and he worked with him
programs. If teachers don’t have the materials, Concrete Masonry Check-Off Program passed during the summers beginning in 8th grade
they can’t teach it…we make sure they do!” congressional approval for President Trump’s through college. After a stint in plastics he
“In Wisconsin the Masonry Contractors As- signature, our industry will have the necessary joined the QUIKRETE Companies’ Wisconsin
sociation, IMI/BAC and Wisconsin Masonry funding to grow.” The program Rolf is refer- branch. That was 12 years ago and he’s been
Alliance (WMA) collaborated with the Uni- ring to allocates funding for R&D, marketing, an integral of the success of the SPEC MIX
versity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to include a education and training necessary to expand BRICKLAYER 500 since.
masonry class as a requisite for students in its market share. The idea is to position mason- “Who wouldn’t want to be involved in it?

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