Meet GEORGE AI: The Tool Building Tomorrow's Foundation Words: Dan KamysGeorge Miller helped get the MCAA started 75 years ago, and another GEORGE will help kick off the next 75. Our AI system, which we’ve worked on for almost three years now, is filled with purpose-built Assistants designed to make the masonry industry more productive and efficient than ever. If you’ve ever used a computer or smartphone, congratulations, you already know how to operate GEORGE. Our solution for the masonry industry will work on any device, no apps or programs to install. All you need is a browser (like Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge) and an internet connection (WiFi or cellular data). We think it’ll be the tool for the future of masonry. Artificial "Intelligence"When it comes to AI, not all systems are created equal. GEORGE AI stands out as a purpose-built platform, designed to meet the unique needs of the masonry industry. Unlike generic AI solutions that try to be everything to everyone, GEORGE AI is tailored to the specific challenges and workflows of masonry professionals.The development of GEORGE AI was driven by a clear intent: to create a tool that understands the intricacies of masonry work. From the start, our goal was to build a system that could seamlessly integrate into the daily operations of contractors and masons, enhancing productivity and efficiency without adding complexity.Recognizing the potential for unscrupulous companies to overcharge for subpar AI solutions, the MCAA moved quickly to develop GEORGE AI. By creating a reliable, industry-specific platform, we want to cut off these opportunistic players and provide masonry professionals with a trustworthy alternative. GEORGE AI is not just a tool—it's a safeguard against overpriced, ineffective systems that will inevitably fail to deliver on their promises.What sets GEORGE AI apart is its focus on delivering practical, actionable insights. Each AI assistant within the platform is designed with a specific purpose in mind, whether it's helping with wall bracing, providing live Spanish translations, or ensuring safety compliance. This targeted approach means that GEORGE AI doesn't just offer generic advice—it provides solutions that are directly applicable to the tasks at hand.By prioritizing the needs of the masonry industry, GEORGE AI will become more than just a tool—it will be a trusted companion that professionals can rely on to get the job done right. As we continue to develop and refine the platform, our commitment remains the same: to empower masonry professionals with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving industry.Getting Started with GEORGE AIReady to dive into the world of GEORGE AI? Getting started is simple and straightforward. First, you'll want to take advantage of the open beta phase, which allows you to explore all the features and capabilities GEORGE has to offer at no charge. All you need is an MCAA account for you and your team, which you can create by clicking My Account on our homepage. Once you’ve made your account and/or logged in, you’ll see a big red GEORGE AI button on the left. Remember, it's important to register everyone on your team. This ensures that each member can benefit from the platform's personalized features.Upon GEORGE loading (which should be quick), notice that the home screen is tailored to each user. Whether you're on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone, your personalized dashboard and all the conversations you’re a part of remain consistent across all devices. This means you can seamlessly switch between devices without missing a beat, keeping your projects and tasks organized and accessible wherever you are.GEORGE AI is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for you and your team to hit the ground running. With everything you need at your fingertips, you'll be well-equipped to tackle any challenge the masonry industry throws your way. There is no wrong way to use GEORGE, so have fun. Meet the GEORGE AI AssistantsAt the time of this writing, the GEORGE AI beta boasts a suite of eight powerful assistants, each designed to tackle specific challenges within the masonry industry. Prior to GEORGE’s official launch expected toward the end of 2025, there are plans to release over 30 Assistants within the ecosystem. Each one will be purpose-built to tackle a specific issue. Talk to them like people… interrupt, tell them you’d prefer an output another way. Remember, AI Assistants are human-like but not human. Productivity: Helps you calculate how a variety of factors (jobsite congestion, crew morale, injuries, etc.) make an immediate impact on your bottom line. Spanish Translations: Provides real-time, industry-specific translations, or transactional translations allowing you to quickly close any language gaps among team members.Wall Bracing: Offers guidance on proper wall bracing techniques and calculations based on specific materials, conditions, and measurements.Silica Safety: Educates on silica exposure risks and safety measures, and can help you develop a written policy example. Heat Exposure: Provides best practices for managing heat-related risks, ensuring the well-being of your crew during hot weather conditions.Hazard Communication (Hazcom): Assists with understanding and implementing hazard communication standards, keeping your team informed and safe.PPE Usage: Guides the proper use of personal protective equipment, enhancing safety on the job site.Forklift Training: An expert on forklift training for the masonry industry and can administer and score example forklift training tests.While these assistants are designed to provide valuable insights and support, it's important to remember that they are intended as examples of capabilities and should not be relied upon without human review and/or modification. Once GEORGE AI leaves beta, the information will be more reliable and trustworthy. AI is not perfect, so we always recommend a human look over outputs prior to using them. Additionally, to be compliant, you may need more than Assistant outputs. As always, please consult a trusted source like the MCAA to guide you through any questions. With these assistants at your disposal, GEORGE AI empowers you to tackle any challenge with confidence, providing the tools and support you need to succeed in the masonry industry.Exploring GEORGE AI's FeaturesGEORGE AI is more than just a collection of assistants; it's a comprehensive platform designed to streamline and enhance every aspect of masonry work. Here's a look at some of the standout features that make GEORGE AI an indispensable tool for professionals in the industry:Personalized Home Screens: GEORGE AI's home screen is tailored to each user, providing a personalized dashboard that remains consistent across all devices. Whether you're on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone, your projects and tasks are always at your fingertips.Upload Reference Files: Want to give the AI specific project documents in order for things like the Wall Bracing calculations to be more accurate? Just click the button near the microphone icon to upload your files. Double check the Assistant can “see” the file, and then use it to continue the conversation. Notification Center: Have to talk to two Assistants? Get one thread started, and start a conversation with another. When your answer is ready, GEORGE will let you know. Group Chats: Collaboration is at the heart of GEORGE AI. The platform allows you to create project groups and conversations, linking team members through MCAA accounts.Ask For File Outputs/Copy and Paste: Want to email the GC a message from our Productivity Assistant? Just double click the message, right click and copy and paste into your email browser. Alternatively, ask the AI for a Word version of the file. Private Notes: If you liked the way a conversation went with an Assistant, ask them to give you a prompt for next time. Save it in your private notes for the next time you start a conversation. Realtime Spanish Translations: Communication is key on any job site, and GEORGE AI's live Spanish translation feature ensures that language barriers are a thing of the past. With just a click, you can translate conversations in real-time, fostering better collaboration among diverse teams.These features are designed to make your work more efficient and effective, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—delivering quality masonry work. With GEORGE AI, you're equipped with the tools you need to tackle any challenge and stay ahead in the industry.The Open Beta and Roadmap AheadGEORGE AI is currently in its free open beta phase, a crucial period that allows masonry professionals to explore the platform's capabilities and provide valuable feedback. This phase is all about refining the system in a testing environment, ensuring that it meets the needs of its users before the full launch. By participating in the open beta, users have the unique opportunity to shape the future of GEORGE AI, contributing insights that will drive future updates and enhancements.Looking ahead, the roadmap for GEORGE AI is filled with exciting developments. The MCAA is committed to expanding the platform's capabilities, with plans to introduce over 30 new assistants while still in beta. These additions will further enhance the platform's ability to support masonry professionals in every aspect of their work.Future updates will also focus on integrating additional features, such as email and phone message capabilities, to create a seamless experience. The goal is to make GEORGE AI the ultimate productivity tool for the masonry industry, providing a comprehensive solution that addresses all the challenges professionals face.As GEORGE AI continues to evolve, the MCAA remains dedicated to its mission of empowering masonry professionals with the tools they need to succeed. The open beta is just the beginning of this journey, and the feedback from users will be instrumental in shaping the platform's future.The New Membership Model The introduction of GEORGE AI marks a significant milestone in the MCAA's ongoing commitment to supporting the masonry industry. As we look to the future, the MCAA is exploring new membership models that align with the evolving needs of professionals. While the goal is not to make money, the MCAA aims to offer GEORGE AI as part of its membership benefits, ensuring that all members have access to this powerful tool.The future membership model may transition to a Software as a Service (SaaS) approach, maintaining the current price range while offering a free or next-to-free basic membership. This basic membership will likely include some essential features of GEORGE AI, providing value to all members regardless of their level of engagement.GEORGE is the largest step forward for the MCAA in a long time, and we welcome all those interested to join us in this evolution. Our commitment is to the industry, providing stakeholders with the resources they need to thrive in a competitive landscape. As the platform continues to grow and evolve, the MCAA's vision remains clear: to empower masonry professionals with the tools and support they need to succeed.About: Spotlight