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!"

Westminster Abbey Roof Repairs Race To Protect The Masonry Below
April 2026

Westminster Abbey is undergoing long-awaited repairs to its roof, and experts involved in the work say they have discovered hidden secrets along the way. For the masonry industry, the story is less about what's up top and more about what sits beneath it.

Building Stonework That Lasts Beyond the Surface
April 2026

How Today’s Systems Strengthen Traditional Masonry In masonry, longevity has always been the true measure of craftsmanship. Any wall can look impressive the day it’s finished, but the real test comes years later, after the first freeze-thaw cycle, after t

Mastering The Art Of Masonry Repair: The Dos and Don’ts
April 2026

Whether we specialize in repairs and restoration work or new construction, repairs are something that we all must do, at least from time to time. With ever-increasing competition from faster and cheaper building systems, the onus is on us as masonry profe

Brick And Glass Meet In Paris Park Community Center Design
April 2026

A Designboom feature spotlights a community center set in a Paris park, described as a monolithic brick building that is cut through by a glazed facade.