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!"

Lake Erie Brick Listing Highlights The Long-Term Value Of Well-Maintained Masonry
February 2026

A Cleveland.com “House of the Week” feature spotlights a 1932 brick home near Lake Erie with a $1.59 million asking price. For mason contractors, it is another reminder that brick exteriors can be a premium selling point, but only when the masonry is care

Stone Cladding Panels Forecast Signals More Stone Veneer Work For US Mason Contractors
February 2026

A new IndexBox market update says demand for stone cladding panels is expected to accelerate through 2035, fueled by a broader construction upswing. For US mason contractors who install stone veneer, that points to more opportunity, but also more pressure

New Cavity Fire Barrier Guidance Puts Masonry Wall Safety In The Spotlight
February 2026

A masonry trade group has launched a new Technical Committee and released its first guidance focused on cavity fire barriers. For mason contractors, it is a timely reminder that fire performance details in cavity wall construction deserve the same attenti

The Practicality Behind Cavity Walls
February 2026

The construction industry tends to chase certainty. We want walls that never leak, materials that never move, and systems that behave the same in the field as they do on paper. Every generation pushes for a tighter envelope, a thinner assembly, or a smart