--- title: IMI’s Emerging Contractor Program Builds Estimating and Project Management Skills for Union Masonry Contractors description: IMI’s Emerging Contractor class is designed for established contractors who are ready to take the next step in developing their business. Topics covered include business management, project management, estimating, contract documents, bidding, quality control, and quality assurance. image: https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/Emerging%20Contractor%202026.jpg --- [![IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400.png?width=174&height=34&name=IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400.png)](https://www.imiweb.org/) - BUILDING SOLUTIONS - SOLUTIONS - [New Construction](https://www.imiweb.org/new-construction/) - [Restoration](https://www.imiweb.org/restoration/) - NEW CONSTRUCTION ASSEMBLIES - [Brick](https://www.imiweb.org/new-brick-construction/) - [Concrete](https://www.imiweb.org/new-concrete-construction/) - [Concrete Masonry Units](https://www.imiweb.org/new-concrete-masonry-construction/) - [Plaster, Stucco, & EIFS](https://www.imiweb.org/new-plaster-stucco-eifs-construction/) - [Rainscreen](https://www.imiweb.org/new-rainscreen-construction/) - [Stone](https://www.imiweb.org/new-stone-construction/) - [Terrazzo](https://www.imiweb.org/new-terrazzo-construction/) - [Tile](https://www.imiweb.org/new-tile-construction/) - RESTORATION ASSEMBLIES - [Brick](https://www.imiweb.org/brick-restoration/) - [Concrete](https://www.imiweb.org/concrete-restoration/) - [Plaster](https://www.imiweb.org/plaster-restoration/) - [Stucco](https://www.imiweb.org/stucco-restoration/) - [Stone](https://www.imiweb.org/stone-restoration/) - [Terra Cotta](https://www.imiweb.org/terra-cotta-restoration/) - [Terrazzo](https://www.imiweb.org/terrazzo-restoration/) - [Tile](https://www.imiweb.org/tile-restoration/) - SEGMENTS - [Cultural and Civic](https://www.imiweb.org/cultural-civic/) - [Higher Education](https://www.imiweb.org/higher-education/) - [Multifamily Residential](https://www.imiweb.org/multifamily-residential/) - [Healthcare](https://www.imiweb.org/healthcare/) - [K-12 Education](https://www.imiweb.org/k-12-education/) - [Retail and Hospitality](https://www.imiweb.org/retail-and-hospitality/) - SERVICES & TECHNICAL RESOURCES - SERVICES - [Architect, Engineer, & Designer Services](https://www.imiweb.org/designer-services/) - [Contractor Services](https://www.imiweb.org/contractor-services/) - [Specification Services](https://www.imiweb.org/specification-language/) - RESOURCES & TOOLS - [Detailing Series](https://www.imiweb.org/detailing-series/) - [Software & Design Aids](https://www.imiweb.org/software-and-design-aids/) - EDUCATION & TRAINING - EDUCATION FOR AEC PROFESSIONALS - [A/E Webinars & Education](https://www.imiweb.org/ae-education/) - [Contractor Webinars & Education](https://www.imiweb.org/contractor-education/) - TRAINING FOR CRAFTWORKERS - [About IMTEF](https://imtef.org/) - [Become an Apprentice](https://imtef.org/careers/) - [Find a Local Training Center](https://imtef.org/imtef-training-directory/) - [Health & Safety Training](https://imtef.org/safety-health/) - [International Training Center](https://imtef.org/national-training-center/) - INSTALLER CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS - [Adhered Masonry Veneer Program](https://www.imiweb.org/adhered-masonry-veneer-program/) - [Advanced Certifications in Tile](https://www.imiweb.org/advanced-certifications-in-tile/) - [Flashing Upgrade Training Program](https://www.imiweb.org/flashing-upgrade/) - [Grouting and Reinforcing Training](https://www.imiweb.org/grouting-reinforcing-training/) - [Historic Masonry Preservation Certificate Program](https://www.imiweb.org/historic-masonry-preservation-certificate/) - [Rainscreen Certificate Program](https://www.imiweb.org/rainscreen-certificate-program/) - [Supervisor Certification Program](https://www.imiweb.org/supervisor-certification-program/) - [Terra Cotta Installation and Repair Program](https://www.imiweb.org/terra_cotta_installation_and_repair_program/) - ABOUT IMI - ABOUT IMI - [About IMI](https://www.imiweb.org/about/) - [Team IMI](https://www.imiweb.org/team-imi/) - [News](https://info.imiweb.org/blog) - [Contact IMI](https://www.imiweb.org/contact/) - PROGRAMS & AWARDS - [BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest](https://imtef.org/iac/) - [JBC Masonry Innovation Competition](https://www.imiweb.org/jbcaward/) - [Masonry Camp](https://www.imiweb.org/imi-masonry-camp/) - [CONTACT](https://www.imiweb.org/imicontact/) - ![](https://imiweb.org/wp-content/uploads/icn-search-nav.png) ![HEADER_Contact1.jpg](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/mosaicprint_img/HEADER_Contact1.jpg?width=2000&name=HEADER_Contact1.jpg "HEADER_Contact1.jpg") # International Masonry Institute News ![HEADER_Contact1.jpg](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/mosaicprint_img/HEADER_Contact1.jpg?width=2000&name=HEADER_Contact1.jpg "HEADER_Contact1.jpg") # International Masonry Institute News [May 19, 2026](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/imis-emerging-contractor-program-builds-estimating-and-project-management-skills-for-union-masonry-contractors) [Leave a comment](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/imis-emerging-contractor-program-builds-estimating-and-project-management-skills-for-union-masonry-contractors#comments-listing) [Training](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/training), [Contractor Information](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/contractor-information) [Women’s History Month: Celebrating the Women of the Trowel Trades](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/womens-history-month-celebrating-the-women-of-the-trowel-trades) [Mortar or Grout? It Depends on the Trade](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/mortar-or-grout-it-depends-on-the-trade) # IMI’s Emerging Contractor Program Builds Estimating and Project Management Skills for Union Masonry Contractors Vanessa Ball, a member of BAC’s Mountain West ADC, has been working in pointing-cleaning-caulking since 1993. Over the years, she’s become extremely passionate about the craft, regularly studying new techniques and tools to improve her work. “You can make or break a building with the caulking,” Ball said. “It stands out.” Ball’s love of the industry inspired her to open her own union masonry restoration company, and she recently signed an agreement with BAC Local 4 IN/KY, after completing the International Masonry Institute’s (IMI) Aspiring Contractor class, which covers all the basics of getting started as a union contractor. Her next step was enrolling in IMI’s Emerging Contractor class. This class is designed for established contractors who are ready to take the next step in developing their business, said Tom Elliott, IMI Director of Industry Development and Technical Services. ![Emerging Contractor 2026](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Emerging%20Contractor%202026.jpg?width=1200&height=630&name=Emerging%20Contractor%202026.jpg) During a recent 2-day class at the John J. Flynn BAC/IMI International Training Center in Maryland, Elliott went over topics including business management, project management, estimating, contract documents, bidding, quality control, and quality assurance. One of the biggest lessons he shared with the class: “Plan for the unexpected.” “Have a plan A, B, C, D, and E,” he said. ![Photo Apr 17 2026, 10 23 36 AM](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo%20Apr%2017%202026%2c%2010%2023%2036%20AM.jpeg?width=541&height=473&name=Photo%20Apr%2017%202026%2c%2010%2023%2036%20AM.jpeg) Elliott is teaching a class that takes a deep dive into estimating later this year, which Ball said she plans to take. “I need to learn how to do everything, even if I’m not the one who is doing it,” she said. James Owens, HR director for signatory contractor Eschbach Brothers Masonry in Reading, Pennsylvania, said the class sharpened his project management skills. He added it was also helpful to be able to network with other contractors from around the country. His long-term goal is to become one of the owners of the family-owned company, and he said taking classes like this one will help him get there. “We’ve been around for 113 years, and I would like to see us go even further,” Owens said. ![Photo Apr 17 2026, 10 23 30 AM](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo%20Apr%2017%202026%2c%2010%2023%2030%20AM.jpg?width=624&height=468&name=Photo%20Apr%2017%202026%2c%2010%2023%2030%20AM.jpg)   [Training](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/training), [Contractor Information](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/contractor-information) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fimis-emerging-contractor-program-builds-estimating-and-project-management-skills-for-union-masonry-contractors%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fimis-emerging-contractor-program-builds-estimating-and-project-management-skills-for-union-masonry-contractors%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fimis-emerging-contractor-program-builds-estimating-and-project-management-skills-for-union-masonry-contractors%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fimis-emerging-contractor-program-builds-estimating-and-project-management-skills-for-union-masonry-contractors%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=IMI%E2%80%99s%20Emerging%20Contractor%20Program%20Builds%20Estimating%20and%20Project%20Management%20Skills%20for%20Union%20Masonry%20Contractors) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fimis-emerging-contractor-program-builds-estimating-and-project-management-skills-for-union-masonry-contractors%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fimis-emerging-contractor-program-builds-estimating-and-project-management-skills-for-union-masonry-contractors%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Related posts [![New Class of Certified Instructors Equipped to Teach the Trowel Trades Nationwide](https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/IMIBricklayersUnionGraduation-10.28.2021-420.jpg)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/new-class-of-certified-instructors-equipped-to-teach-the-trowel-trades-nationwide) ##### [New Class of Certified Instructors Equipped to Teach the Trowel Trades Nationwide](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/new-class-of-certified-instructors-equipped-to-teach-the-trowel-trades-nationwide) The International Masonry Institute (IMI) and International Masonry Training and Education Foundation (IMTEF) have a lot to... By [Henrieta Muradzikwa](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/new-class-of-certified-instructors-equipped-to-teach-the-trowel-trades-nationwide/author/henrieta-muradzikwa) - October 29, 2021 [Read More](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/new-class-of-certified-instructors-equipped-to-teach-the-trowel-trades-nationwide) [![3 Black Training Leaders Discuss How to Support People of Color in Your Union](https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/how-to-support-poc-in-your-union-featured-image.jpg)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/3-black-training-leaders-discuss-how-to-support-people-of-color-in-your-union) ##### [3 Black Training Leaders Discuss How to Support People of Color in Your Union](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/3-black-training-leaders-discuss-how-to-support-people-of-color-in-your-union) ***A version of this article originally appeared in BAC Journal, Issue 2 2020, and is reprinted here with permission in honor of...*** By [Elizabeth Kekeris](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/3-black-training-leaders-discuss-how-to-support-people-of-color-in-your-union/author/elizabeth-kekeris) - February 23, 2021 [Read More](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/3-black-training-leaders-discuss-how-to-support-people-of-color-in-your-union) Search ### Categories - [Training (27)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/training) - [Sustainable Design (23)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/sustainable-design) - [Energy Efficiency (21)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/energy-efficiency) - [Conferences and Events (16)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/conferences-and-events) - [Tile (15)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/tile) - [Apprenticeship (10)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/apprenticeship) - [Structural Masonry (10)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/structural-masonry) - [Historic Masonry Restoration (8)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/historic-masonry-restoration) - [Instructor Certification Program (ICP) (8)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/instructor-certification-program-icp) - [Masonry Camp (7)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/masonry-camp) - [masonry (7)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/masonry) - [Member Spotlight (6)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/member-spotlight) - [JBC Masonry Innovation Competition (5)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/jbc-masonry-innovation-competition) - [Stone (5)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/stone) - [Apprentice Contest (4)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/apprentice-contest) - [Building Code (4)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/building-code) - [Project Feature (4)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/project-feature) #### ![logo-ftr-1](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-ftr-1.png?width=200&height=41&name=logo-ftr-1.png) BAC/IMI International Training Center 17101 Science Drive Bowie, MD 20715 [Privacy Policy​](https://imiweb.org/imi-privacy-policy/) | [Contact Us​](https://imiweb.org/contact-imi/) **Related Organizations** [International Masonry Training and Education Foundation](https://imtef.org/) [International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers](https://bacweb.org/) [International Council of Employers of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers](https://www.icebac.org/) [Tile Contractors’ Association of America](https://www.tcaainc.org/) ### Sign up for updates from IMI © International Masonry Institute. All Rights Reserved.