In this episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will and Terry sit down with fourth-generation mason and Trinity Brick sales pro Zach Easley. They discuss why brick usually shouldn’t be painted, how masonry has evolved amid labor shortages, and efforts to rebuild interest in the trades through programs like Construct My Future, OU Construction Science, and Mid-Del Tech. Zach shares how hands-on training builds confidence and career pathways for students, from local competitions to nationals. The conversation also covers automation trials like the SAM bricklaying robot, prefab trends, and the growing use of thin brick for cost and logistics, while full-depth brick remains strong. They explore high-strength glass brick, its extreme cost and precision installation, architect-driven creative designs, and close with Zach’s brick-themed artwork, including massive brick-count pieces, and a shout-out to those supporting masonry education.

00:00 Introduction

01:37 Zach’s Background & Industry Role

04:22 Should You Paint Brick?

06:49 Masonry’s Future: Labor & Tools

09:18 Masonry Robots on the Jobsite

11:52 Training the Next Generation

17:23 Masonry as Art & Design

20:52 Thin Brick on the Rise

24:11 Thin vs. Full Brick

27:51 Prefab & Labor Impact

29:22 Prefab Pods Installed

30:17 Evolving Trade Skills

31:48 Old-School Jobsite Culture

38:25 Glass vs. Traditional Brick

40:11 Amsterdam Glass Brick Build

45:54 Brick Art & Massive Drawings

53:44 Conclusion

Contact Zack Easley at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brickartistzack/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-easley-ba6300b5/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brickartistzacke/

Email: [email protected]

Foundation Rescue Supply Link:

https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/

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Podcast Store Link:

https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1

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