Effective Mentoring Tips For Young Masons

Words: Tom Vacala

As a young teenager, I was introduced to the construction industry—specifically, masonry—when I started working with my older brothers on weekends. I was the youngest of 11 kids (yes, eight boys and three girls!), and my brothers, who were bricklayers, often brought me along to help. For me, the attraction was clear: money meant freedom. Freedom to make choices, buy things I wanted, and feel independent. Without even really knowing it, that drive for freedom motivated me to dive headfirst into the industry.

I loved the work, but one day, the fast-paced hustle caught up with me. I lost everything (a story for another time—look out for my book!). Starting over wasn’t easy, but I relied on the trade skills my brothers taught me and the work ethic my father instilled in us. More importantly, I learned that success required doing things differently this time around.

After 40+ years of pulling a paycheck from this industry, I’ve learned some valuable lessons. Here are 10 essential tips for young masons looking to take full advantage of the opportunities in this field:

1. Outwork Everyone
Your boss owes you nothing beyond a paycheck for the work you produce. Don’t just do the bare minimum to justify your wages—aim to exceed expectations. Treat this as a career, not just a job.

If you want to stand out, think like an athlete. Take Kobe Bryant, for example. Teammate Dwayne Wade once described Kobe during the 2008 Olympics: “We’re all yawning and waking up, and he’s already three hours and a full workout into his day.”

To match that drive, treat your body like an athlete would. Fuel it with proper nutrition, exercise, and rest—your body is your most valuable tool.

2. Find a Mentor
When starting at a company, don’t wait for someone to assign you a mentor—take the initiative. Stay humble, observe, and identify someone you admire. Approach them with respect, ask for guidance, and offer to assist them whenever possible—even on weekends or at a discounted rate, if necessary.

I was fortunate to have a mentor that I found at a young age. I still remember working alongside him as he emphasized the importance of mastering the skill of striking my work perfectly. He told me that if I could perfect this, I could become a top-notch tuck pointer and bricklayer. He didn’t just tell me what to do—he showed me how. He taught me valuable tricks, like cleaning up the umbrellas on my head joints and the art of brushing my work so it wouldn’t need a second strike. These lessons set me apart from others in the field

I was even luckier because this mentor was my brother, Larry. To this day, I still look to him and many others for advice and guidance, whether it’s about work or life.

Mentorship is invaluable in this industry. Always remember: no one owes you anything, but you owe it to yourself to become the best version of you.

3. Be an Entrepreneur
Weekends are a great time to explore side jobs, which can help you develop essential entrepreneurial skills. From estimating jobs to managing materials, to hiring help, these experiences teach you more than just bricklaying.

You’ll learn from successes and failures alike. Each completed job builds your reputation—your resume, so to speak. Whether you’re a fly-by-night mason or a professional is entirely up to you.

4. Master the Art of Communication
Even as a mason, you’re in the people business. Effective communication with your foreman and coworkers is essential to growth.
Good communication requires active listening. As we teach in our foreman training: “Listen to comprehend, not to respond. And make eye contact.” These simple habits can set you apart in the workplace.

5. Build Your Brand
Your work is your brand. Are you punctual? Do you deliver consistent quality? Are you disciplined and focused?

I was fortunate to establish a strong brand as an award-winning masonry restoration foreman. This didn’t happen by chance—it stemmed from the culture of excellence within our company. Quality workmanship has always been a cornerstone of our values, instilled in every mason on our team. This commitment to quality has paid off time and time again. Even when we weren’t the lowest bidder on a project, we were awarded the job because clients trusted us to restore their buildings properly.

Brian Buffini, a renowned coach and leader in personal growth, shared a thought-provoking insight that resonated with me: “The first step to building a personal brand is to discover what drives you. Get introspective and identify how you show up in the world. Ask yourself what you want to be known for, why you do what you do, and how you want to make people feel. The answers will reveal what makes you unique in the marketplace, and it will be an image you carry with you throughout your career.” This advice should serve as a guiding principle for anyone looking to establish a lasting and authentic personal brand.

6. Live Below Your Means
In regions with seasonal work, like the Midwest, you need to prepare for cold weather & downtime. Save and budget wisely. You are NOT a rockstar so don’t try to live like one and spend your paycheck before you even receive it. This bad habit is easy to attract in our industry. I used to find myself saying, “you work hard every day, you deserve this sports car.” That got me into a lot of financial struggles in my early life.

A system I’ve found effective comes from Dave Ramsey’s The Total Money Makeover:

10% to God
60% to bills
30% to savings and investments

Dave wisely states, “If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.” This mindset resonates deeply with me—prioritizing discipline and living within your means today can pave the way for a financially secure and fulfilling retirement.

In addition to following this framework, aim to build an emergency fund that covers at least three months of expenses. This safety net can provide peace of mind and financial stability when life throws unexpected challenges your way.

7. Learn About Money
Understanding money management—stocks, bonds, real estate, taxes, and more—can be a game-changer. You don’t need to be an accountant, but a basic financial education is crucial.

Start with books like Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki or listen to finance podcasts like Bigger Pockets Money with Mindy & Scott. Once you understand money, you can start making it work for you.

8. Discover Your God-Given Talent or Charism
While laying brick is a skill, your deeper purpose might reside elsewhere. For me, that purpose shifted from restoring buildings to restoring people.

Take note of what brings you joy and fulfillment, both in your work and personal life. Stay open to change and willing to follow your calling as it unfolds. One practical way to explore your charism is by attending a “Called and Gifted” workshop, often hosted by local churches. For more information, visit About Called & Gifted - Catherine of Siena Institute.

Be patient with this process; it often takes years. Even when you believe you've identified your gift, it can evolve over time. The search is ongoing, but the journey is deeply rewarding.

9. Respect Your Tools
Your tools are a reflection of you. Clean and maintain them regularly, invest in replacements and upgrades, and always be prepared for the day ahead.

A well-organized tool bag, clean trowels, fresh line and line blocks, and a backup plan for unexpected weather show that you take pride in your craft.

10. Give Back
Mentorship is a two-way street. Just as someone once guided you, it’s your responsibility to help the next generation of masons. Share your knowledge and experiences freely—it’s the best way to honor the industry that has given you so much.

These tips are just the beginning. Masonry is not just a trade—it’s a career, a craft, and an opportunity to build a legacy. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance, the key is simple: stay hungry, stay humble, and always aim higher.

"A successful person find the right place for himself. But a successful leader finds the right right place for others" - John C. Maxwell

Effective Mentoring Tips For Young Masons

About: Featured

2024 Architectural Awards: Excellence In Masonry Winners

By: Ashley Kelly

NSI and ISFA Announce Silica Exposure Literature Review

By: Amy Oakley

La Maison Franchère: How Masonry Turns Functional Buildings Into Timeless Beauty

By: Vera Autushka

MASONRY STRONG Podcast Episode 5 Recap: Zach Everett

By: Justin Stengel

About: Featured