Harry E. McGraw, is the true epitome of what it means to "eat, breath, and live" masonry, with over 60 years of experience encompassing every aspect of the masonry industry.
Mr. McGraw, now recently retired at the age of 82, began his devoted life to masonry at the age of 17. With a skillset and work ethic like no other, Harry quickly worked his way to the top; beginning as a laborer, then moving on to apprentice, bricklayer/stone mason, foreman, superintendent, general superintendent, Vice President of Operations, and, most recently, as the retired Executive Director of Texas Masonry Council (TMC). He literally has been involved in every aspect of the masonry industry in Texas.
Harry's masonry career began at J.E. Hoover Masonry of Shreveport, LA, beginning as a laborer and working his way up to apprentice, bricklayer/stone mason, foreman, and superintendent. Twenty of his years were spent with the Dee Brown Masonry Company (and companies that were predecessor affiliates including Herman L. May, General Masonry and Cardinal Masonry) where he became the General Superintendent for the Houston, TX office. Proficiency in identifying problems and proven resolutions excelled Harry as one of the best in the industry. On the jobsite, his communication with members of his team, contractors and designers proved to create quality expectations by all. Field operations management such as safety, equipment procurement, material delivery, cost control, job progression and construction schedule enhanced overall productivity and increased profits, once again making Harry one of the most sought after industry professionals.
Not only has Harry been involved on the masonry contractor side of the industry, but he has also promoted masonry products to architects. After Dee Brown closed its Houston office, Harry was an architectural representative for Eagle Lake Concrete Products (now owned by Headwaters Building Materials). His experience in this position brought him to Korfil, Inc. where he spent six years as an Architectural Representative, Regional Manager and Vice President. As Vice President, Harry used his expansive knowledge of masonry to help troubleshoot problems for the entire United States. Returning to his true passion, Harry spent the next seventeen years with Lucia, Inc. of Houston, TX (a wholly owned masonry and natural stone subcontractor subsidiary of the Linbeck Corporation). Harry's unique ability to implement effective policies and procedures, enhance jobsite productivity, increase efficiency and meet benchmarks ultimately earned him the title Vice President of Operations.
Over the course of Harry's career, he has been responsible for the masonry/natural stone work on many high-profile and award winning projects including: Minute Maid Park (formerly Enron Field), Reliant Stadium, George Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M University, James Baker Institute for Public Policy and the Jesse Jones Graduate School at Rice University, the Wortham Center, the Hobby Performing Arts Center, the Bass Performing Arts Hall and the Fort Worth Modern Art Museum.
Most recently, Harry served as the Executive Director of the Texas Masonry Council, retiring in April of 2012. His masonry experience coupled with his ability to connect with masonry contractors and suppliers alike, management skills and integrity took an association lacking direction and placed it on a path to success. Rick Dunn, President of the TMC in 2010 and 2011, looks back at his years as President by remembering Harry as the first call of the morning (most of the time Harry called prior to 7:00 a.m.). Rick says, "Harry's dedication to TMC and in general the masonry business as a whole motivated him every day to get up early and start thinking of ways to improve our market share of wall space in Texas. I found his knowledge to be the most complete of anyone I have been associated with. Harry can talk in detail about wall systems, installing wall systems in the most profitable ways, and even selling those products. His experience is wide, vast and complete. In addition, Harry is a Christian gentleman who is kind, ethical, honest and intelligent. Harry is the youngest person I know with over 60 years promoting masonry."
Throughout Harry's career, his dedicated wife Lois has proudly stood by his side. Lois is also a champion of masonry, consistently accompanying him to local meetings, TMC events and MCAA conventions. To this day, Harry is still full of life and vigor and is currently enjoying retirement by continuing to work! He is offering independent masonry consulting services and is currently working with Crow Holdings on the Old Parkland Project in Dallas, TX. When an expert advisor is needed, Harry offers an objective point of view, while providing a high level of knowledge of best practices.
A proud husband, father, grandfather, and devoted industry promoter, Harry E. McGraw is an individual who is truly deserving of the MCAA Masonry Hall of Fame Honor.
Started career at 17 as a laborer at J.E. Hoover Masonry in Shreveport, LA. Moved on to apprentice, bricklayer/stone mason, foreman, superintendent, general superintendent, Vice President of Operations, and Executive Director of Texas Masonry Council (TMC). Used knowledge of masonry to help troubleshoot problems for the entire United States. Worked to promote masonry products to architects. Responsible for the masonry/natural stone work on many high-profile and award winning projects including Minute Maid Park, Reliant Stadium, George Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M University. Has literally been involved in every aspect of the masonry industry in Texas.