Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege—and challenge—of growing Curatola Masonry into what I believe is one of the most respected masonry operations in Central Ohio. Building a masonry company isn’t just about bricks, mortar, and tools. It’s about people, process, leadership, and relentless commitment to quality. Here are the most valuable lessons I’ve taken from the past 12 months.
1. Reputation Is Everything
In the trades, your name carries weight. Your last job is your next job. I learned that every interaction—whether it’s a chimney rebuild or a small tuckpointing repair—shapes how the community views your company. We doubled down on communication, showed up when we said we would, and backed our work. Word-of-mouth, done right, becomes your most powerful marketing.
2. Skilled Labor Is Hard to Find—But Worth the Investment
You can’t build a masonry empire with warm bodies. I learned the hard way that hiring just to fill a spot costs more in the long run. What you really want are craftsmen who care. We focused on developing a crew of people who love what they do, respect the craft, and take pride in each joint they strike. That’s been a game changer.
3. You Must Systematize to Scale
I used to wear every hat—sales, scheduling, billing, estimating, jobsite cleanup. Eventually, I realized I was the bottleneck. So we started building systems—clear workflows, repeatable estimating templates, scheduled check-ins, and a project pipeline. Now, the business can breathe even when I’m not micromanaging every minute.
4. Technology Is Your Friend (Even in the Trades)
From job tracking apps to digital estimates and drone inspections, I embraced tools I once thought were “too corporate.” Turns out, tech can make a craftsman’s life easier. We got faster, more accurate, and more professional overnight by just streamlining our tools.
5. Commercial and Government Work Opens Doors
This year, we expanded into commercial and government contracting—and it taught me how important it is to be licensed, bonded, and buttoned-up. These jobs come with red tape, but they also come with bigger budgets, longer timelines, and long-term relationships. It was worth learning the ropes.
6. The Brand Has to Match the Quality
People expect quality work. But they also want a professional website, a clean truck, respectful workers, and clear communication. Our visual identity, online presence, and customer service all had to rise to match the level of craftsmanship we were delivering. It’s not just masonry—it’s an experience.
7. Diversification Creates Stability
We used to focus heavily on residential chimneys and stone work. Now we also handle concrete, commercial facilities, historical restoration, and even graffiti removal. That diversity helped smooth out the slow seasons and grow through tough economic cycles.
8. Relationships Trump Everything
The relationships I’ve built—with clients, suppliers, inspectors, and especially my crew—are the foundation of this business. A handshake still means something in our industry. I’ve learned to invest in people, and they’ve invested back tenfold.
Final Thoughts
Building a masonry company is gritty, real, exhausting, and incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned to trust my gut, trust my team, and never compromise on quality. We don’t just build walls—we build trust, one brick at a time.
If you’re in the business or thinking about joining it, know this: it’s not easy, but it’s worth every ounce of sweat.
—Justin Curatola
Owner, Curatola Masonry
Veteran-Owned. Licensed. Bonded. Proudly Serving Ohio.