Why I Started K.B. Masonry

With masonry experience since 2012, I’ve had many “side jobs” on weekends because people know I do masonry work. After my full-time workweek, Monday through Saturday, I worked my “side jobs” in the evenings and on Sundays. In 2018, when my wife and I were having our second child, I realized I could be a better father and husband by supporting my family financially, personally, and professionally.

In 2018, I was working full-time for a reputable masonry contractor in Pennsylvania. One day, I sparked an entrepreneurial feeling while managing my “side jobs.” After seeing I had 3 weeks of side jobs lined up, I thought that if I could do them daily, it would boost my life in all these areas. That day, I made business cards “K.B. Masonry Repairs” and handed them out to every home, pizza shop, ice cream shop, and other shops I knew or visited often, letting everyone know what I was doing.

I started getting phone calls from the cards and had over 5 weeks of side jobs lined up. I then took a leap. With only $600 and a 2002 Subaru Impreza Hatchback, after many trips to suppliers carrying tools in the back, I invested all $600 in a 4’x6’ utility trailer to tow with my Subaru. Now I can haul materials, tools, and supplies without ruining my car’s interior or wasting time setting up the job, and I can focus more time on the work.

Next, I called my supportive boss at my full-time job and thanked him for trusting me and allowing me to go out on my own to complete these projects and improve financially, personally, and professionally. Then I received a call from someone who saw my card at a local pizza shop. He was a bathroom/kitchen remodeler known for high-quality, long-lasting work. He showed me what I needed to do and became my mentor because he saw the passion in me and in my unique masonry repair business. He gave me a few masonry repair jobs and showed me the ropes. I remain very thankful to him and tell him often.

After becoming more professional with an LLC, HIC license, insurance, updated business cards “K.B. Masonry LLC”, a brand, business bank accounts, t-shirts, logo, and supporters, I went all in on this venture. My first project as a business was an old 1914 brick home that needed brick repointing, step repairs, and foundation repairs. She left a fantastic review. I started taking on more projects because my work led to more. Neighbors saw my work and wanted the same. Then they wrote 5-star reviews and let others know. Now I knew I had something going. I started taking on larger projects. A year and a half into my business, I realized my passion was repointing and repairing historic masonry homes, restoring the original brick and stone strength and appearance using the best, most compatible materials and traditional techniques to ensure my projects last 100+ years.

So, I focused on historic masonry restoration. I started asking more questions and attending seminars and workshops to deepen my knowledge of historic masonry. Business owners called me for historic brick and stone repointing projects, and I used the opportunity to ask how to be a better businessman. They gave me advice, and I took action. I started reading and listening to business podcasts and business books. I focused on historic masonry homes throughout the U.S. while traveling. I realized many were being repointed and repaired without compatible materials and techniques, or with appearances that needed to better match the rest of the home. I realize there is more to this than I know.

I started focusing on the best materials, techniques, and the year-built homes that most needed repointing and repairs. So I became a historic masonry restoration specialist. Since 2018, I have worked on restoring brick and natural stone homes throughout northeast Pennsylvania, from stone farmhouses built in 1788 to older homes needing repointing, repairs, and full restoration back to the original look and strength.

Now, with great passion and a deep understanding of historic masonry restoration, my goal is to restore the oldest residential home in PA and the largest residential masonry home/castle.

Ultimately, my story is about finding my passion, helping historic masonry homeowners restore their masonry correctly the first time, and becoming a better father, husband, and person financially, personally, and professionally. K.B. Masonry has gone through a lot of trial and error and has achieved great things. To this day, I am proud of what my family, partners, customers, supporters, and I have built. But I feel like I am just getting started!