What does it really take to build a lasting masonry business from the ground up?

In this episode of In the Mix, Adam sits down with Benjamin Warfield of Warfield Masonry to talk about family legacy, entrepreneurship, apprenticeship, and the mindset required to survive and grow in the construction industry for nearly 25 years.

From growing up on masonry job sites with his father to launching his own company at 27 during the 2008 market crash, Ben shares the real story behind building Warfield Masonry into one of the Pacific Northwest’s most respected masonry contractors. The conversation dives into leadership, risk-taking, union partnerships, mentorship, marketing, design-build collaboration, and why relationships are the foundation of long-term success in construction.

Along the way, Adam and Ben also discuss podcasting, snowboarding, faith, personal growth, and the importance of investing time into both people and craft.

In this episode:

•  How Warfield Masonry started as a family business in 1977 
•  Ben’s journey from residential masonry into commercial construction 
•  What the 2008 recession taught him about resilience and business 
•  The importance of networking, relationships, and long sales cycles 
•  Why joining the union changed the trajectory of the company 
•  Lessons learned about leadership, apprenticeship, and company culture 
•  The role of marketing and personal branding in construction 
•  How collaboration and design-build improve project outcomes 
•  Ben’s “5 things” every mason and contractor should know 
•  Why mentorship, honesty, and investing in people matter most 

About the Guest:
Benjamin Warfield is the owner of Warfield Masonry, a Washington-based masonry contractor specializing in commercial, residential, and architectural masonry projects throughout the Pacific Northwest. Raised in the trade from a young age, Ben has spent decades building his expertise in masonry construction, business leadership, and workforce development. He is a passionate advocate for apprenticeship, union craftsmanship, design-build collaboration, and advancing the masonry industry through education, relationships, and mentorship.

Connect with Ben:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warfield_masonry_llc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-warfield-78503b16

What does it actually take to build safer, longer-lasting adhered masonry systems in one of the most demanding climates and seismic regions in North America?

In this episode of In the Mix, Adam sits down with John Gallup formerly a representative of Laticrete, now with HydroBlok, to break down the evolution of adhered veneer masonry, the science behind modern installation systems, and the code changes reshaping the industry.

From polymer-modified mortars and waterproofing assemblies to seismic shake-table testing at Portland State University, John shares how innovation, testing, and collaboration are helping architects, contractors, and engineers build smarter and more sustainably.

This conversation dives deep into the technical side of masonry systems while also exploring the real-world challenges of labor, climate, moisture management, and long-term durability in the Pacific Northwest. 

In this episode, we cover:

•  John’s journey into the construction and masonry industry through Laticrete
•  What Laticrete actually does—and how the company evolved from tile systems into masonry veneer systems 
•  How the Pacific Northwest climate creates unique moisture and freeze-thaw challenges 
•  Why fluid-applied waterproofing membranes are becoming essential in modern systems 
•  Inside the seismic testing initiative conducted at Portland State University 
•  The biggest advantages of thin veneer systems compared to traditional full-bed masonry 
•  Where masonry materials, chemistry, and installation technology are headed next 

About the Guest
John Gallup is a Technical Sales Representative for Laticrete, specializing in tile, stone, and adhered veneer masonry systems throughout Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. With extensive experience working alongside architects, contractors, distributors, and industry organizations, John has played a key role in advancing modern masonry veneer systems, code development, and seismic testing initiatives in the region. He is deeply involved in industry advocacy, education, and helping drive innovation in high-performance masonry assemblies.

Connect with John:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gallup-9a719419
https://www.laticrete.com/
https://www.hydroblok.com/

What if the future of multifamily housing isn’t choosing between masonry or mass timber—but combining both?
In this episode of In the Mix, Adam sits down with Alex Watchman of Clark Barnes to explore an innovative approach to mid-rise multifamily construction using CMU and cross-laminated timber (CLT) together as one structural system.

What started as a conversation at a Mariners game turned into a deeper discussion around building smarter, faster, and more resilient multifamily projects. Alex shares how this proposed “wood/block” system could open new possibilities for architects, engineers, and developers navigating today’s housing and construction challenges.

The conversation explores Type IV-C construction, seismic design considerations, fire resistance, scheduling efficiencies, and why this hybrid approach could create opportunities for both the masonry and mass timber industries moving forward.

In this episode:

• The origin of the “wood/block” CMU + CLT concept
• Why Type IV-C construction matters for multifamily housing
• How CMU and mass timber can work together structurally
• The hidden challenges of podium construction
• Seismic, fire-rating, and code considerations
• Why this approach could improve project timelines and efficiency
• The bigger vision for hybrid construction systems

About the Guest:
Alex Watchman is a licensed architect in Washington and a graduate of the University of Minnesota and Harvard Graduate School of Design. As part of Clark Barnes Architects in Seattle, Alex focuses on innovative approaches to resilient, efficient, and scalable building systems. His current research explores how CMU and mass timber can work together to unlock new possibilities in mid-rise multifamily housing design.

Connect with Alex:
Website: https://www.clarkbarnes.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-watchman-71570686

Learn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute: https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix

What does it take to go from surviving a drive-by shooting… to leading one of the largest masonry unions in the Pacific Northwest?
In this episode of In the Mix, Adam sits down with Lowell Glodowski, President of BAC Local 1 (Washington & Alaska), to unpack a journey defined by resilience, grit, and relentless determination.
From an unexpected start in Job Corps to rising through the ranks of the masonry industry, Lowell shares how he carved out a path without connections, without shortcuts—and why that shaped the leader he is today.
This conversation goes far beyond career progression. It dives into the realities of union life, the evolution of workforce development, and how initiatives like Level Up are reshaping the future of the trades for the next generation.

In this episode, we cover:

•  Lowell’s powerful origin story—and the moment that changed everything 
•  How Job Corps led him into bricklaying (and why there was no waiting list) 
•  What it really takes to rise through the ranks without industry connections 
•  The mindset that carried him from apprentice to union president 
•  Inside BAC Local 1: structure, scale, and day-to-day operations 
•  The biggest challenges facing unions—and how they’re evolving 
•  Breaking down the earning potential and benefits of apprenticeship programs 
•  Why “earn while you learn” is one of the most overlooked opportunities today 
•  How the Level Up campaign is attracting a younger generation to the trades 
•  The importance of mentorship, visibility, and proving yourself through action 
•  What true success looks like beyond the job—balancing leadership and family 
•  Where the masonry industry is headed across Washington and Alaska 

About the Guest
Lowell Glodowski is the President of BAC Local 1, representing Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers across Washington and Alaska. With nearly three decades in the industry, Lowell’s journey spans from apprentice to business owner to union leader. Known for his no-excuses mindset and commitment to workforce development, he plays a key role in advancing training, recruitment, and long-term opportunity within the masonry trades.

How to Connect & Learn More
 If you or someone you know is interested in exploring a career in the masonry trades, here’s how to get started:

• Visit the training center: Reach out to the Western Washington Masonry Trades program to schedule a tour and learn more about available pathways 
• Contact the team directly: Connect with program administrators for guidance on next steps and application requirements 
• Apply online: Head to the Level Up campaign website to submit an application and explore opportunities 
• Phone: 206-768-8333 

Taking that first step—whether it’s a conversation, a tour, or an application—could open the door to a high-growth, high-opportunity career path in the trades.

Learn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute: https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix

What happens when an industry that once laid 6 billion blocks a year drops to just 1 billion?

In this episode of In the Mix, Adam sits down with Ron Adams, President of Cascade Construction and the Washington State Conference of Mason Contractors, to unpack the past, present, and future of the masonry industry—and what it will take to rebuild momentum.

From family legacy to industry leadership, Ron shares how masonry has evolved over the decades, why demand has shifted, and where the biggest opportunities lie right now.

This conversation goes beyond surface-level insights. It dives into the real challenges contractors, architects, and engineers face—and how collaboration, education, and smarter building strategies can bring masonry back to the forefront.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Ron Adams built his career in masonry—and the legacy behind it
• The surprising decline from 6 billion to 1 billion blocks per year
• Why masonry is often replaced (and why that assumption may be wrong)
• The efficiency myth: Is masonry actually slower and more expensive?
• How progressive design-build is changing construction collaboration
• The role of the MCAA and CMU checkoff program in shaping the industry
• Why architects and engineers need better masonry education
• The truth about energy efficiency, sustainability, and thermal performance
• How events like the Bricklayer 500 and Bricklayer 5,000 are reshaping industry culture
• What contractors can do right now to create more opportunities

Connect with Ron: https://cascademasonry.com

Learn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute: https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix

Masonry isn’t something most people plan on getting into, but once you’re in, you stay.

In this episode of In The Mix, Adam sits down with Jed Olafson, President of the Northwest Masonry Institute and co-owner of Johnston Construction, to talk about a career that started in drafting and turned into decades of leadership in the field.

Jed shares how he got his start designing panelized systems, working back when everything was drawn by hand, and how that technical foundation shaped the way he approaches masonry today. From early AutoCAD adoption to coordinating complex panel systems, his experience shows how good planning leads to better builds. 

This conversation gets into the real side of the industry—how projects actually come together, what works, and what doesn’t. 

In this episode:

• How panelized masonry systems improve efficiency and reduce jobsite complexity
• Why drafting and pre-planning still matter more than people think
• The transition from one generation of leadership to the next—and what it takes to make it work
• How family businesses continue to shape the industry
• Where masonry stands today against competing materials

Connect with Jed: https://johnstonconstruction.net/about

Learn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute: https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix

In the Mix is the podcast that puts masonry in the spotlight—block by block, brick by brick.

Hosted by Adam Hutchinson, Executive Director of the Northwest Masonry Institute and a licensed engineer in Washington, this podcast explores the real-world impact of masonry construction on modern building design.

Each week, Adam sits down with architects, structural engineers, contractors, and building owners to break down how masonry—including brick, block, and stone—supports resilient design, seismic performance, fire resistance, and long-lasting construction.

From commercial construction projects to sustainable building materials, In the Mix covers the strategies, innovations, and challenges shaping the future of the built environment. Whether you're designing structures, managing projects, or specifying materials, you’ll gain practical insights you can actually apply.

If you’re interested in masonry design, construction methods, building durability, and high-performance materials, this show will help you build smarter and more effectively.

Learn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute: https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix