The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) proudly welcomes Steve Berry, Oldcastle APG Senior Executive and former Chief Operations Officer, as the latest inductee into the CMHA Hall of Fame. He was honored on February 3 during CMHA’s third Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana.
A dedicated industry leader, Steve Berry has played a pivotal role in shaping the masonry and hardscape industry over his extensive career. His leadership spanned both the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) and the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), where he served as ICPI Chair from 2004-2006 and later as NCMA Chair in 2017. Most notably, his vision and ability to unify stakeholders were instrumental in the formation of CMHA, bringing together the two organizations into one stronger association.
A Career of Leadership & Vision
CMHA’s Hall of Fame Award recognizes individuals whose careers are defined by unwavering commitment, industry advancement, and dedication to CMHA’s highest values. Steve Berry embodies these principles, having led with integrity, collaboration, and a focus on the future of the industry.
During the award presentation, Tim Ortman, current president of Oldcastle APG, reflected on Steve’s influence in both ICPI and NCMA, as well as his pivotal role in the formation of CMHA:
“Steve truly cares about the hardscape industry and drove it forward. Watching him at ICPI—it was a group you wanted to be part of, in an industry that was growing phenomenally. The leadership that team built, and what Steve added to it, was absolutely phenomenal. But he never forgot his masonry roots—40 years prior, slinging block at a plant in South Carolina. That passion for NCMA stayed with him. To serve as chairman of ICPI and then come back to lead NCMA was really coming full circle for him.”
“And honestly, I don’t think we’d be sitting here today as CMHA if it weren’t for Steve—his leadership, his ability to bring both sides together, work through differences, and focus on the positives. A huge credit to Steve for driving that through. That patience and ability to bring people together—that’s a real skill of his.”
A Respected Leader & Industry Advocate
Charles H. Gamarekian, Chairman and CEO of Cambridge Pavers Inc., also spoke about Steve’s lasting impact on the industry and the association:
“Belief, commitment, dedication, integrity—Steve, that’s what you have brought to this association. And to all the members here, take heed of those virtues, because he has practiced them for decades.”
“I’ve watched Steve’s journey—from committee meetings where he was just a member, to becoming a chairman, an officer, a director, and eventually chairman of the association. Through it all, there was never a side agenda. Whether it was ICPI, NCMA, or now CMHA, his only focus was what was best for the industry. He was the protector of the gate, keeping us straight, ensuring our intent was true, and always pushing forward. He was our leader at exactly the right time.”
A Grateful Acknowledgment
In accepting the Hall of Fame award, Steve Berry shared his gratitude for the association and the relationships he built along the way:
“I have been honored to be a part of this association over the years and have built many strong friendships and bonds along the way. A lot of those are lifetime friendships. And you know, you work hard inside an association. I’m thankful for the fact that we have really good foundations to build upon—Bob and staff during NCMA, and then Charlie and staff for ICPI. Two great associations, great foundations to bring together, and it was the right thing to do a couple years ago.”
“As you get closer to the end of your career, you realize how blessed you are to be part of a great company like Oldcastle and to work alongside true friends. I look forward to continuing to contribute to CMHA as much as I can, and I thank you for this honor and especially the friendships provided over the years. It was well worth the time.”
A Lasting Legacy
With a career defined by vision, unity, and unwavering leadership, Steve Berry’s induction into the CMHA Hall of Fame is a well-earned tribute to his lifelong dedication to the industry. His ability to bring people together, drive progress, and protect the integrity of the association has left an enduring mark on CMHA and the masonry and hardscape community as a whole.