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MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 30 Recap: Pat Sauter, VP at King's Material, Inc.

Words: Justin Stengel

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Pat Sauter joins the set in Indianapolis to talk about his hobbies, the future of the masonry industry, and CMU.

Pat Sauter, with nearly 50 years in the masonry industry through his family business, King's Material, shares insights into a legacy that is more than just a company; it’s a family heritage deeply entrenched in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Pat’s journey in the masonry world began after he completed his business education at St. Louis University and dabbled in general contracting. However, the magnetic pull of his family’s masonry legacy was irresistible, leading him to embrace the business fully.

King's Material, located in Cedar Rapids with three block plants across Iowa, offers a variety of services, including block production, ready mix, minor precast, and supply for masonry, landscaping, and concrete contractors. Pat has been a part of the industry for 17 years, continuing the family’s 50-year legacy. For Pat, masonry work holds a special charm; it is about making a tangible impact on communities by constructing schools, homes, and public spaces. It's a profession that offers diverse projects ranging from residential homes to large public buildings, fostering personal connections with homeowners, architects, and contractors. In Pat's words, masonry is not just about stacking blocks; it’s about shaping neighborhoods and futures.

Pat's initial days in the family business were spent at the sales counter, an experience he cherishes as it helped him learn the products by interacting directly with masons and contractors. He believes that selling is fundamentally a "people business," involving problem-solving, effective communication, and a proactive approach.

His involvement with industry associations like the Concrete Masonry & Hardscape Association (CMHA) and the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) has been pivotal. Introduced to these meetings 12 years ago by Mark Wilhelms, Pat’s involvement evolved from attending meetings to serving on the board and eventually chairing the NCMA board in 2016-2017. These meetings focus on education, collaboration, and community outreach, aiming to grow the use of masonry in projects.

In the past decade, Pat has witnessed significant changes in the industry. The rise of young professionals has injected fresh ideas and energy, while government affairs and resiliency efforts focus on educating officials about the importance of durable building materials. This unified industry effort is unprecedented. On sustainability, Pat discusses the benefits of cement-based products, which absorb carbon over time and are more durable and recyclable.

Outside of work, Pat balances his professional life with family time. He and his wife have three young boys, and they enjoy golfing, attending concerts, and traveling. A memorable experience was taking his two oldest sons to an Imagine Dragons concert at Red Rocks. Pat loves Iowa, from dining out at farm-to-table restaurants to golfing and hiking with his family, and occasionally escaping Midwest winters for warmer climates.

Looking ahead, Pat aspires to enhance the masonry industry's narrative by simplifying technical research for designers and construction managers. He aims to broaden marketing efforts to reach beyond engineers, advocating for building codes that ensure fair treatment for masonry products.

Building codes, although complex, offer opportunities for increasing masonry use, and Pat values the expertise of those who navigate these regulations. He recently attended a marketing meeting aimed at expanding the industry's audience, particularly among architects and engineers, by showcasing new research and highlighting multiple career paths in masonry, from fieldwork to sales.

Pat sees innovation as essential, advocating for staying current by attending meetings and trade shows to network and share ideas. The industry’s diversity, from modern manufacturing to logistics and sales, is a significant attraction.

Safety remains a priority in masonry work, with strict policies ensuring employee well-being. Pat advises newcomers to explore the wide range of opportunities in masonry, from logistics to skilled labor, emphasizing the satisfaction of tangible results and teamwork. Joking about third-generation leadership challenges, Pat remains committed to growing King's Material and fostering industry growth, hoping to offer future opportunities for his children and others.

From his beginnings at the sales counter to his leadership roles, Pat Sauter embodies a commitment to a dynamic and evolving masonry industry built on relationships, innovation, and the shared goal of creating safe, lasting spaces for communities.

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Tune into the MASONRY STRONG Podcast every other Thursday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.


About: The MASONRY STRONG Podcast
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