If you have ever had the pleasure of visiting the office of John J. Smith Sr., founder of John J. Smith Masonry Company, over the last 4 decades, you would have recalled the numerous memorabilia of John Wayne that decorates his office.
The office itself was a shrine which included a signed photograph by "The Duke" himself and was emblematic of Mr. Smith's style - generous and loyal to a fault to his friends and industry colleagues and a force to be reckoned with for competitors and those who crossed his principle view of the world.
John J. Smith Sr. entered the construction industry on his return from military service in Korea in 1952, repairing furnaces at the Scullen Steel Mill, located on Manchester Avenue just east of St. Louis City limits. A short time later, he became an apprentice at Roy A. Elam Masonry where he rose from journeyman apprentice to vice president. In 1975, he left Elam to pursue his own business where he would later incorporate John J. Smith Masonry in 1977.
Over the years, the firm has been the masonry contractor on projects throughout the St. Louis area that are emblematic of masonry craftsmanship and excellence.
In 2000, when Mr. Smith was the chairman of MISL, he received the "Lead Man" award from the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA). The national award which annually recognizes one individual who has made significant contributions to the masonry industry. In presenting the award, MCAA president Donald Larson noted: "Few industry individuals have ever received the prestigious MCAA Lead Man Award. John Smith has served his industry in numerous capacities and has been a catalyst for elevating the MCAA into a respected national construction association."
In October of 2014, Engineering News-Record reported that John J. Smith Masonry Company, the firm Mr. Smith founded, was the seventh largest masonry contracting firm in the United States.
Mr. Smith's philosophy and longstanding presence on the St. Louis construction scene can be summed up in his own words: "When we are able to establish professional relationships that are truly beneficial, we truly have our fingers on the pulse of the industry".
The following list highlights the many volunteer responsibilities and significant accomplishments that exemplifies the tireless dedication of John Smith Sr. and his impact on the masonry industry.
National
- Mason Contractors Association of America: Lead Man Award recipient (2000)
- Mason Contractors Association of America: Region "E" Vice President (7 years)
Regional & Local
- Mason Contractors Association of St. Louis: St. Louis Arbitration Board (1978-1996)
- Mason Contractors Association of St. Louis: President (1984-1986)
- Mason Contractors Association of St. Louis: Vice President (1982-1984)
- Mason Contractors Association of St. Louis: Secretary (1980-1982)
- Mason Contractors Association of St. Louis: Treasurer (1978-1980)
- Mason Contractors Association of St. Louis: OSHA Safety Partnership
- Masonry Institute of St. Louis: Chairman (1990-2001)
- Bricklayers' Union Local No. 1: Apprentice Fund, Trustee (1984-1994)
- Bricklayers' Union Local No. 1: Pension/Welfare/Supplemental Pension Boards: Management Trustee (1980-2014)
- AGC - Eastern Missouri Laborers' Joint Training Fund: Trustee (1991-2014)
- Certified Mason Contractor
- Cardinal Ritter Board of Directors
Professional & Personal
- John J. Smith Masonry: Founder and President (1977-2000)
John Smith, Sr. not only invested in every employee at John J. Smith Masonry, he invested in the masonry industry through leadership, example, and passion. Smith tirelessly dedicated his time to making the industry a better place for all.
In recognition of his accomplishments and dedication to the industry, we ask that Mr. John J. Smith Sr. be considered for induction into the Masonry Hall of Fame of the Mason Contractors Association of America.
Entered the construction industry on his return from military service in 1952. Incorporated John J. Smith Masonry in 1977. Served as Mason Contractors Association of St. Louis Arbitration Board member (1978-1996), Treasurer (1978-1980), Secretary (1980-1982), Vice President (1982-1984), and President (1984-1986); MCAA Region E Vice President; Masonry Institute of St. Louis Chairman (1990-2001); Bricklayers’ Union Local No. 1 Apprentice Fund Trustee (1984-1994) and Pension/Welfare/Supplemental Pension Boards Management Trustee (1980-2014); and AGC - Eastern Missouri Laborers’ Joint Training Fund Trustee (1991-2014). Awarded C. DeWitt Brown Leadman Award (2000).