What will I be doing?

Concrete and brick are all around us. The people who install them are called masons or mason contractors. There are more than 11,000 full-time masonry contractors in the U.S. Masonry services design, install and maintain, concrete, brick, rock and other masonry products. These products come in many forms: buildings, fences, walls, sidewalks and other structures. If you have proven your masonry skills working for someone else, maybe it’s time to consider working for yourself.

What will I need to start?

Masons need extensive skill and training for many jobs. However, other jobs, such as installing a brick or concrete walkway, can be done by the novice. You will only be able to sell the skills you have, so the first step to starting a masonry service is measuring your current skills and experience.

The second step is to gather tools and equipment you’ll need. If you’re repairing sidewalks, for example, you’ll need a concrete mixer and concrete hand tools. If you’re building block walls, you’ll need mortar equipment and tools.

Who will my customers be?

As an employed mason, you probably didn’t have to worry about who your customers were. Your customer was your foreman. You did what the foreman said and everybody was happy. But as you market your masonry skills, you must first determine who to sell to.

Customers for your masonry service depend on what services you offer. In most cases, your customers will be general contractors, remodeling contractors, homeowners, apartment owners, retail businesses, office building owners and manufacturing plants. Fortunately, once identified, they can be contacted through listings in local telephone books or through regional associations.