Mr. Bounds joined the MCAA in March of 1989. The 2018 convention will make 30 straight conventions for him.
He started in the industry at the age of 16 as a laborer in Bloomington, Ind. It was his summertime job, but a seed was planted. Upon graduation, he worked for a short period of time in his family’s retail carpet business, but the masonry world was in his blood.
In 1980, Mackie and his wife moved to Texas and he went to work immediately in the construction industry. He soon went to work for Al Brown Masonry and continued there until opening his own business March 21, 1989, which was also his birthday. He always said he was young and dumb, but we all know he had a vision! His first step was to join MCAA. He believed in supporting the industry and to be a part of it. His first convention was in 1988 when at Al Brown Masonry and he saw then the importance of his membership.
Mackie and wife, Norma Jean, are blessed with two children, son Kent and daughter Crystal. They saw the determination and drive and stood with him and behind him as he pursued his dream. Kent will tell you that his $.50 weekly allowance even came to an end. Mackie became the membership chairman of MCAA and always thought every mason contractor in the country should be a member. His goal was 1200 members, but before he could do that in 1997 he became a regional Vice President of MCAA.
Back at home, he put mason contractors together with the help of suppliers and in 1995 started the Central Texas Mason Contractors Association and became the first President of the association. He also served many years on the board of directors of the Associated Masonry Contractors of Texas (later named Texas Masonry Council). He was also legislative chairman of the association. As regional Vice President of MCAA, he made the motion to change the Lead Man Award to the Dee Brown Lead Man Award. Mr. Brown always addressed Mackie as “the kid” and it was his privilege to show the world his respect for Dee Brown. It wasn’t long before he was nominated to be MCAA Treasurer and started his climb to the President of MCAA.
Back at home, he was working with other trades and was helping put together a legislative voice for all subcontractors in Texas. It was soon formed as the Texas Construction Association. He spent hours at the Capital in Austin and was instrumental in the passage of the Prompt Pay Act in Texas and also getting laws passed that protected subs on “Contingency Pay clauses and Indemnity clauses”. Now the Texas Construction Association has a multimillion dollar budget and has become the strongest voice at the Capital when it comes to Construction Law. He also served five years as chairman of the Texas Subcontractors Association. While chairman, the association was given the Hammer Award as the fastest growing chapter of the American Subcontractors Association.
At MCAA, many changes took place as he was coming up the ladder as Secretary and Vice President. Mackie and Norma Jean still treasure all the many friendships that have been established in the industry at home, in the state and nationally. When Mackie became President, the national economy was at a low and MCAA was very low on funds. He rolled up his sleeves and started a journey. He worked feverishly to bring a fragmented industry together. He met with all industry associations and had open dialog. The first Midyear Meeting of his term was held with NCMA mid-year. He formed an alliance by traveling over 60,000 miles in his two years bringing people together in a tough time.
He opened discussions with NCCER to help address manpower issues. He traveled to Washington, D.C., meeting with Congressmen and Senators addressing the use of masonry in government buildings and went to the Pentagon with the help of his congressmen to promote sustainable construction for our soldiers. He kicked off Vision 2020 to have more masonry used nationwide by the year 2020. He established active committees that worked on behalf of the industry and specifically the MCAA. He knew the future was important and started the South of 40 Committee and had four committee chairs that were south of 40. He also recognized pride was needed back in our industry. He, with the help of others, established the Masonry Hall of Fame. He was so proud to induct Dee Brown in the very first class! He felt, once again “the kid” had come through.
Mackie has always loved his community. He is a Paul Harris Rotarian and was very active in many associations. He served as President of Axtell FFA Ag Booster Club, was awarded a Lone Star FFA Degree by the Texas FFA officers, served as Chairman of the McLennan County Jr. Livestock Show & Sale, served as Chairman of the Board of the Heart of Texas Fair Complex, which impacted the local economy $60 million per year and the list goes on. He has helped raise millions of dollars for youth scholarships throughout Texas. He also loves his cattle and ranch and served many years on the Beefmaster Board of Directors and as Chairman of the Board for two years. He finds rest looking at cattle and enjoying a part of God’s creation.
As he left MCAA Chairman role, with the help of Tom Daniels, they brought a vision to reality - The Masonry Foundation. He simply wanted masonry to be there for years and years, but not just there also at the top of the construction industry.
The things that mean the most to him have nothing to do with work - his wife of 39+ years, his two children and their spouses, and his three grandchildren. His foundation is in his God as he reads his bible every day and prays many times each day. The Church has always come first even when it meant less time for himself. He now looks forward in helping others to be happy and enjoy life.
Started in the industry at the age of 16 as a laborer. Moved to Texas in 1980 and worked for Al Brown Masonry until opening Brazos Masonry, Inc. on March 21, 1989. Served as MCAA Membership Chairman, MCAA Region F Vice President, MCAA Treasurer, MCAA Secretary, MCAA Vice Chairman, MCAA Chairman, founder and first President of the Central Texas Mason Contractors Association, and Legislative Chairman and Board of Directors for the Associated Masonry Contractors of Texas.
Formed the Texas Construction Association and served as Chairman. Established Vision 2020 campaign, MCAA South of 40 Committee, and Masonry Hall of Fame. Helped create The Masonry Foundation and served as Secretary. Awarded C. DeWitt Brown Leadman Award in 2013.