The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association has welcomed veteran Oldcastle APG executive Steve Berry and ORCO Block & Hardscapes Chairman Rick Muth to the CMHA Hall of Fame, recognizing leaders whose careers have been marked by significant contributions to the industry and unwavering dedication to the Association’s highest values. The honors were announced during the CMHA annual meeting, held in conjunction with the 2025 Precast Show at the Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis.
This year’s Hall of Fame honor is a milestone, as Pete Muth and Rick Muth become the first father-son duo to earn such CMHA recognition. Both were likewise chairmen of predecessor organization, National Concrete Masonry Association, in 1966 and 1995. Their southern California business has been an NCMA and CHMA member since 1960.
Like many CMHA Hall of Famers, Rick Muth grew up in the family business, learning the value of hard work from an early age. After earning a marketing degree from the University of Southern California in 1972, he pursued a master’s degree at Chapman University while playing a key role in ORCO’s expansion. Under his leadership, the business grew beyond a single-plant operator, building a reputation for innovation, quality, and commitment to serving the southern California market. His dedication to advocating for independent operators also led him to launch the NCMA Small Business and Family Business Forum in 1995, an initiative that remains a thriving part of CMHA. As ORCO Chairman, Muth continues to mentor the next generation, including his daughters, who are actively shaping the company’s future. His leadership and commitment to education, philanthropy, and industry innovation have left a lasting impact on colleagues, customers and the entire concrete masonry community.
ONCE AND FUTURE CHAIR
CMHA credits Steve Berry with playing a pivotal role in shaping the masonry and hardscape industry over an extensive career. His leadership spanned both the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute and NCMA, where he served respective chairman’s terms from 2004-2006 and 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.
“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,” longtime peer Charles H. Gamarekian, CEO of New Jersey-based Cambridge Pavers Inc., told CMHA members assembled for the Hall of Fame announcement. “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.”
“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,” Berry affirmed. “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 APG and to work alongside true friends. I look forward to continuing to contribute to CMHA.
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
CMHA welcomed a record 425 producer, associate, hardscape contractor and industry ally attendees for the Hall of Fame session and related annual convention activities. In addition to the Rick Muth and Steve Berry honors, the business session saw the election of Quikrete Hardscapes and Masonry Group Vice President of Commercial & Architectural David Pitre as Board chair, succeeding Sam Hoehner, regional vice president for Kentucky-based Lee Building Products. Joining them on the CMHA Executive Committee are Vice Chair Starling Johnson of Johnson Concrete Products; Secretary/Treasurer Trevor Fearn of CornerStone Wall Solutions; and Ex-Officio (Voting) Masonry – Heidi Jandris of Jandris Block and Hardscapes – Wayne Villaluna of Basalite Concrete Products.