MCAC’s primary purpose is to inform, represent, and connect the masonry industry and the individuals that work within it.
The MCAC was incorporated in California as a non-profit corporation on April 1, 1963. Ryan M. O’Brien, who operated as a mason contractor from 1948 until 1962 and was very active in the Mason Contractors Exchange of Southern California, Inc., proposed in 1960 that the Association establish an Executive Council of the Exchange and invite the other surrounding mason contractor associations to join in the establishment of this Executive Council. Local associations in the San Fernando Valley, Long Beach, Orange County, San Bernardino, and Ventura County became members of the Executive Council and Ryan M. O’Brien served as its first Chairman.
This organization gave the mason contractors much greater voice in labor negotiations representing almost all the signatory mason contractors in Southern California. The idea of establishing a single organization to represent Southern California prompted the idea that expanding statewide would provide even greater benefits. Ryan O’Brien agreed to stop contracting for three to six months and visit the other mason contractor associations in California and encourage them to join this new statewide organization. O’Brien flew his Cessna 195 to the meetings of these associations and obtained their signature on the Articles of Incorporation of the MCAC.
The Masonry Contractors Association of San Diego and Imperial Counties was the first to join with the Los Angeles group to establish a statewide organization. They were followed by the Mason & Builders Association of California, Inc. in San Francisco, the Associate Mason Contractors of Santa Clara and San Benito Counties, and the Mason Contractors Association of Sacramento, Inc. These four (4) organizations along with the six local chapters of the Executive Council of Southern California became the Charter Members of the MCAC, Inc.
Today, MCAC has an expanded membership and mission representing both open-shop and signatory mason contractors of all sizes and specialties on a variety of issues related to the trade. The Association is headquartered in the state capital of Sacramento, CA.
MCAC HONORS FOUNDER RYAN M. O’BRIEN – RIP 11/24/19
On November 24, 2019 we said goodbye to our association founder, masonry industry icon and war hero Ryan M. O’Brien. MCAC 2018/19 President, Todd Williams, and my husband, Eric Pflueger, had the privilege of being pall bearers at Ryan’s memorial service on December 13.
Although it was a somber occasion, the mood definitely lightened when we got to share some of our favorite Ryan stories. One of Ryan’s favorite stories (that I heard many times — thank you very much Tom Daniel) was when the MCAC board (then CCMCA) tried to retire him thinking, that at 78 years old, maybe it was time for a succession plan. Ryan would proudly proclaim that he stuck around another 9 years! I couldn’t help but smile knowing Ryan’s was a life to be celebrated.
In honor of that life, the MCA San Diego made a $350 donation to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and MCAC made a $500 donation to The American Legion. These are both organizations Ryan supported and contributed to regularly.
We will never forget you Ryan. Thank you for all your contributions to the masonry industry and for giving us this incredible organization.
