Young Mason Learns Fast

Words: Dan KamysJose Treto of Harlingen, Texas, is our Masonry Apprentice of the Month. Treto represented Texas in the national masonry contest held this past June in Kansas City, Mo., as part of the SkillsUSA National Championships. And, he did it by qualifying ahead of a classmate who had been the state representative in 2003.

Victor Santillan, Treto's instructor at Harlingen High School, is rightfully proud of his student. "I met Jose in my American history class. One day he mentioned that his father had been a masonry student and had won his district competition. It wasn't hard to interest him in enrolling in my masonry class."

Treto was fortunate to have discovered an outstanding masonry instructor. Santillan's students have participated in the national masonry competition eight of the last 13 years. Treto took advantage of all that Santillan had to teach, and he learned quickly.

"Jose started in my introductory nine-week class, and before I knew it he had bested his father by winning the state contest and competing at the national level."

Treto is looking ahead to enrolling in a technical school where he can continue to receive technical training.

Treto also claims that when Santillan retires, "I want his job!"

Bonding with Masonry 2026: Q4
November 2026

This issue’s questions come from an Engineer and a Masonry Inspector. What questions do you have? Send them to info@masonrymagazine.com, attention: Technical Talk. Q. An Engineer states that he attended a seminar and was told that to design reinforced

Acme Brick Company Continues as a Gold Partner in 2027
November 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is proud to announce that Acme Brick Company will continue as a Gold Partner in the 2027 Masonry Alliance Program.

Hohmann & Barnard, Inc. Returns as a Cornerstone Partner in 2027
November 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is thrilled to announce that Hohmann & Barnard, Inc. will return as a Cornerstone Partner in the 2027 Masonry Alliance Program.

Manufacturer Relationships
November 2026

As a contractor, the last person I wanted to see in my office was a salesman or a sales representative. Now that I better understand being a manufacturer, I see it in a different light. As a contractor, you can control the purchasing of material, understa