GEN NXT: Austin Cataldi Words: Justin StengelPhotos: Austin CataldiThis month, the MCAA had a conversation with 19-year-old Austin Cataldi, a dedicated young professional whose path to masonry was shaped by family ties and a hands-on spirit. His journey is one of finding artistic expression in the same materials he works with. His clear vision for the future and deep respect for the camaraderie of the trade make him a standout voice in the next generation of masons.Austin’s entry into the trade was more of a pivot away from the traditional collegiate path. While he briefly considered the military, a suggestion from his mother to connect with an uncle in the residential masonry business sparked an initial interest. However, it was a visit to an open house that solidified his decision. While other trades failed to capture his interest, the masonry classroom offered a visual and tactile appeal that resonated immediately.MCAA: How did your journey in the masonry industry begin?Austin Cataldi: So, my freshman year of high school, I already knew I didn't want to go to college; it just wasn't on my mind. I considered the military, I considered other trades, but one thing that did happen is my uncle has his own residential masonry business. My mom reached out to him, and he brought up that I should try it out. I was kind of interested in it because I was always hands-on as a kid, and I figured, okay, I'll give it a shot. So, at my Berks Career and Technology Center, I went to an open house. I checked out some of the construction and woodworking trades, and I wasn't really that interested. But when I went into the masonry classroom, it really stuck out to me. They still had projects up that some of the other kids had done, and I liked the art of it. The art of it is really what caught my eye and made me want to start.For Austin, the allure of masonry goes beyond simple construction; he views the trade through a creative lens. He describes the craft as an art form where the complexity is determined by the mason’s ambition. The variety of materials, from mortar colors to brick patterns provides a "craftable" landscape that continues to spark his enthusiasm for the work.MCAA: What specifically about the art of masonry attracted you to it?Austin Cataldi: Realistically, any trade can be an art. You can make it as complex or as uncomplicated as you want. But with masonry, there are so many different materials that you can use. There are different mortar colors; you can put brick in a soldier, or you can do a rowlock. It's craftable. Knowing that it's craftable, that puts a spark in my eye. Seeing that really makes me enjoy masonry.Mastering the trade required overcoming significant physical hurdles. Austin is candid about the learning curve involved in manipulating the tools of the trade, specifically the trowel. Despite his teacher suggesting he had a natural aptitude, Austin recalls the struggle of mastering the subtle wrist movements required for proficiency. Additionally, adapting to the sheer weight of the materials, such as 12 or 16-inch blocks, demanded a level of physical strength and dexterity that could only be developed through repetition and perseverance.MCAA: What type of challenges have you had to overcome in your career?Austin Cataldi: Challenge-wise, definitely handling my trowel. That was the number one challenge since day one. My teacher said it came pretty naturally for me, which I didn't think at the time, but just handling it, it's the wrist movements that you really have to get down. That's something that I really did struggle with starting out, but over time, it comes to you. And laying heavier blocks, like if you go to a 12 or a 16-inch block, that's pretty hard, too. You gotta have the strength and ability to move the block and keep it in place. All in all, a lot of it is a struggle, but it's really fun once you get the hang of it.While the technical aspects are rewarding, Austin identifies the human element as the highlight of his career so far. The mentorship and camaraderie found on the job site provide a unique motivation. He speaks fondly of the seasoned masons who offer tips and recognize their own past struggles in his current journey, creating a cycle of respect and shared workmanship that fuels his desire to improve.MCAA: What's been your favorite part about being a mason?Austin Cataldi: My favorite part is the guys that I work with, actually. Being on different sites with different guys, they really put a spark in masonry. They can be real fun to hang out with, and they give you little tips now and then. That really makes me want to continue to do what I'm doing, because they see something in me. They say, "Oh yeah, I recognize myself in you." The workmanship is really a big part of it.When distinguishing between competence and greatness in the field, Austin points to a collaborative mindset. He believes that while a good mason focuses on their own section of the wall, a great mason possesses a holistic view of the project. Greatness, in his view, is defined by a willingness to look beyond one's own station to assist others, offering pointers and ensuring the collective success of the crew.MCAA: From what you've learned in your career, what do you think separates a good mason from a great mason?Austin Cataldi: I would say the workmanship. A good mason stays to themselves; they don't really worry about another mason's work. But a great mason cares about what everybody else is doing around them. You could have a good mason who is good at what he does, but he only cares about his part of the wall. To me, a great mason is somebody who looks over at your work, gives you pointers, and gives you tips. They tell you if you're doing well or if you could work on something. To me, that's a great mason, somebody helping out. Looking to the horizon, Austin has mapped out a clear and ambitious trajectory for his career. Having already transitioned into the commercial trade as a full-time mason, his sights are set on climbing the ladder to foreman, eventually moving into project management, and ultimately establishing his own business. His goal is to blend the oversight of running work with the ability to return to the field and lay brick whenever he chooses.MCAA: What are your plans for the future?Austin Cataldi: I actually do plan to have my own business one day. I've been in the commercial trade for over a year now, and I'm already a mason. I'd like to be a foreman next, and then, after a foreman, work in an office, possibly. And then after that step, create my own business and work. I can always get into the field again and continue to lay, and I think running my work is the thing I'm looking forward to most.For those hesitant to enter the industry, Austin offers a balanced perspective. He acknowledges the necessity of a strong work ethic and the physical demands of the job, but promises an experience that is immediately engaging. For him, the combination of hard work and the social bond of the crew creates an environment that is not just a job, but a lifestyle that keeps you coming back day after day.MCAA: What would you say to someone who is on the fence about joining the masonry industry?Austin Cataldi: I would let them know that it's definitely hard work. You gotta have a strong and almost unbreakable work ethic if you're coming into masonry. But I would let them know that they will have an amazing time if they join. It's really something that you start doing, and you'll like it the first day. That's how it was with me. You'll just want to keep coming back every day, be with the guys around you, and do different work. You’ll have a good time.About: GEN NXT
