Summary:
In this episode of the Grand Masters Chatcast, host Dan Tooker welcomes AJ Brown, the Grand Master of Iowa, and his wife Marlo, affectionately known as Toots. They discuss the challenges and joys of balancing a busy Masonic schedule with family life, the role of the First Lady in Masonry, and the dynamics of navigating Masonic cliques. AJ shares personal stories about their journey into Masonry and how they manage their family involvement in Masonic activities, emphasizing the importance of support systems and making the most of their experiences together. In this engaging conversation, Dan Tooker and AJ Brown discuss the intricacies of family dynamics within the Masonic community, the structure and leadership of the Grand Lodge, and the personal journeys of those involved. They reflect on the challenges and joys of balancing personal life with Masonic duties, the importance of community engagement, and the future of Masonry in Iowa. The dialogue emphasizes transparency, support, and the shared experiences that bind the Masonic community together.

Takeaways

• AJ is halfway through his year as Grand Master and still enjoying it.
• The variety of events keeps the Masonic experience fresh and exciting.
• Toots emphasizes the importance of staying informed about AJ's schedule.
• Balancing work and Masonic duties can be challenging but rewarding.
• Family support plays a crucial role in managing busy schedules.
• Masonic events can serve as opportunities for family bonding.
• Navigating cliques in Masonry is a common experience for both men and women.
• AJ and Toots have a blended family and embrace their unique dynamics.
• They use Masonic events as a chance for mini-adventures together.
• Involving children in Masonic activities can foster their interest and enjoyment. Some families may view masonry negatively due to time away.
• The structure of Grand Lodge leadership allows for breaks.
• AJ enjoys the hardcore year of being a Grand Lodge officer.
• Kids grow up with masonry as a part of their lives.
• Territorial behavior exists within social circles in masonry.
• AJ's energetic personality is a family trait.
• Traveling and meeting new people is a highlight of the journey.
• Communication and engagement with local lodges is crucial.
• The Grand Lodge rally was well-received and interactive.
• Community initiatives like the square meal project are important.

Summary
In this heartfelt conversation, Dan Tooker and AJ Brown reflect on the legacy of the late Darrell Fremont, discussing his impact on the Iowa Masonic community and the challenges of moving forward as Grandmaster. They share personal anecdotes and insights into the leadership qualities that made Darrell a beloved figure. The conversation also touches on the new recruitment campaign for Iowa Masons, highlighting innovative strategies to engage the public and attract new members to the fraternity. In this conversation, AJ Brown and Dan Tooker discuss innovative marketing strategies for Freemasonry, including the use of QR codes and poker chips to enhance visibility and recruitment. They celebrate the successful fundraising efforts for Iowa Masonic Charities, which exceeded their goal, and highlight upcoming events and conferences that foster collaboration among Grand Lodges. The discussion emphasizes gratitude for community support and the importance of moving forward together in the fraternity.

Takeaways

• This is the first podcast since the passing of Darrell Fremont.
• It's going to be a tough one.
• My goal for the rest of the year is just to carry out some of the visions that Darrell had.
• Darryl really grew into the role.
• I miss him every day.
• Darryl had a piece about him that was very calming.
• We all needed to hear some of those, know, get together and hold each other.
• This is the first time ever we are marketing ourselves to the public.
• We're really excited to see the results.
• Let's talk about these yard signs. The Lodge Service Committee is brainstorming innovative ideas.
• QR codes on yard signs can enhance public awareness.
• Poker chips with QR codes are effective marketing tools.
• Iowa Masonic Charities successfully raised over $200,000.
• Fundraising efforts include matching donations from lodges.
• The Midwest Conference of Grand Lodges fosters collaboration.
• AJ Brown looks forward to networking with other Grand Masters.
• Community support is vital during tough times.
• Gratitude is a central theme in Freemasonry.
• Moving forward together is essential for the fraternity.

Chapters

00:00
Remembering Darrell Fremont

14:04
Moving Forward as Grandmaster

20:00
Recruitment Campaign for Iowa Masons

25:48
Innovative Marketing Strategies for Freemasonry

29:20
Fundraising Success for Iowa Masonic Charities

32:32
Exciting Upcoming Events and Conferences

39:12
Collaboration Across Grand Lodges

41:33
Gratitude and Moving Forward Together

Summary

In this episode of the Grand Masters Chatcast, host Dan Sooker welcomes back AJ Brown, the Grand Master of Iowa. They discuss AJ's busy schedule of Grand Master area meetings, the positive reception of social media marketing within the lodges, and the successful cornerstone laying ceremony. AJ shares insights on community engagement through events like Passmasters Night and highlights the importance of collaboration among Masonic bodies. The conversation also touches on the Iowa Masonic Charities' fundraising efforts and the various charitable initiatives they support. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the various charitable initiatives and programs supported by the Masonic community, particularly focusing on the Iowa Masonic Assistance Program. They share personal stories of how these programs have positively impacted individuals and communities, emphasizing the importance of local lodges in identifying and addressing community needs. The discussion also highlights the significance of educating lodge secretaries about available resources and the ongoing efforts to improve communication and engagement within the Masonic community. Additionally, they celebrate the camaraderie among lodges and outline fundraising goals for future initiatives.

Takeaways

• AJ Brown has been averaging 4.7 meetings a week as Grand Master.
• The Grand Master area meetings aim to engage membership and share new ideas.
• Social media marketing is being embraced by lodges for outreach.
• Community participation in Masonic events has been positive.
• The cornerstone laying ceremony was a successful public event.
• Passmasters Night fosters community and recognition among members.
• AJ enjoys speaking engagements and meeting members from various bodies.
• Listening to recorded games helps AJ reflect on his day during travels.
• Iowa Masonic Charities is launching a significant fundraising campaign.
• The campaign aims to restore and preserve the Grand Lodge Library and Museum. The Iowa Masonic Assistance Program provides matching grants for local lodges.
• Local lodges can choose projects that are most important to their communities.
• Personal stories highlight the impact of Masonic assistance on individuals in need.
• Communication is essential for educating lodge secretaries about charitable programs.
• The Masonic community is focused on supporting not just Masons but also their families and communities.
• Fundraising efforts are crucial for sustaining charitable initiatives.
• Camaraderie among lodge members enhances community engagement and support.
• Leadership plays a vital role in driving charitable efforts and initiatives.
• The importance of adapting to technology for grant applications is emphasized.
• Future fundraising goals aim to significantly increase support for community projects.

Summary

In this episode of the Grandmasters Chatcast, host Dan Tooker & MW Darrell Fremont speak with MW AJ Brown, the Grandmaster of Iowa, about his experiences and challenges in his new role. AJ shares his feelings about being installed as Grandmaster, the weight of the responsibilities he faces, and the importance of teamwork in Masonry. He discusses his vision for embracing change within the organization, the significance of learning from other jurisdictions, and the balance between his duties and family life. The conversation highlights the excitement and challenges of leadership in the Masonic community.

Takeaways

The gavel symbolizes heavy responsibilities and honor.

AJ Brown feels excited and honored to be Grandmaster.

Support from past Grandmasters is crucial for decision-making.

The team program emphasizes collaboration and unity in Masonry.

Energy is contagious and can drive positive change.

AJ aims to transform energy into actionable results.

Learning from other jurisdictions can inspire new ideas.

Balancing family and Grandmaster duties is a challenge.

Community engagement is vital for Masonry's future.

AJ values the support of his family in his role.

Titles

Teamwork in Masonry: AJ Brown's Vision

Embracing Change: A New Era in Iowa Masonry

Chapters

00:00 The Weight of the Gavel

05:10 Navigating Tough Decisions

06:04 The Team Program Vision

10:44 Embracing Change and Confidence

12:57 Learning from Other Jurisdictions

18:22 Balancing Family and Leadership

25:09 Hobbies and Personal Life

27:42 Unexpected Adventures on the Road

30:38 A Busy October Ahead

36:30 Navigating Family Dynamics

38:41 Balancing Responsibilities and Self-Care