What does it really take to build a lasting masonry business from the ground up?
In this episode of In the Mix, Adam sits down with Benjamin Warfield of
Warfield Masonry to talk about family legacy, entrepreneurship, apprenticeship, and the mindset required to survive and grow in the construction industry for nearly 25 years.
From growing up on masonry job sites with his father to launching his own company at 27 during the 2008 market crash, Ben shares the real story behind building Warfield Masonry into one of the Pacific Northwest’s most respected masonry contractors. The conversation dives into leadership, risk-taking, union partnerships, mentorship, marketing, design-build collaboration, and why relationships are the foundation of long-term success in construction.
Along the way, Adam and Ben also discuss podcasting, snowboarding, faith, personal growth, and the importance of investing time into both people and craft.
In this episode:
- How Warfield Masonry started as a family business in 1977
- Ben’s journey from residential masonry into commercial construction
- What the 2008 recession taught him about resilience and business
- The importance of networking, relationships, and long sales cycles
- Why joining the union changed the trajectory of the company
- Lessons learned about leadership, apprenticeship, and company culture
- The role of marketing and personal branding in construction
- How collaboration and design-build improve project outcomes
- Ben’s “5 things” every mason and contractor should know
- Why mentorship, honesty, and investing in people matter most
About the Guest:
Benjamin Warfield is the owner of
Warfield Masonry, a Washington-based masonry contractor specializing in commercial, residential, and architectural masonry projects throughout the Pacific Northwest. Raised in the trade from a young age, Ben has spent decades building his expertise in masonry construction, business leadership, and workforce development. He is a passionate advocate for apprenticeship, union craftsmanship, design-build collaboration, and advancing the masonry industry through education, relationships, and mentorship.
Connect with Ben:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/warfield_masonry_llc/LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-warfield-78503b16Learn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute: https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix
What is In The Mix by Northwest Masonry Institute?
In the Mix is a podcast dedicated to the people, projects, and innovations shaping the masonry industry—block by block, brick by brick.
Hosted by Adam Hutchinson, Executive Director and professional engineer, this show brings together architects, engineers, contractors, and industry leaders to explore how masonry drives resilient, sustainable, and high-performance building design.
Each episode breaks down real-world applications of masonry construction, from structural integrity and fire resistance to long-term durability and environmental impact. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes insights, industry challenges, and practical conversations that matter to those designing, building, and specifying with masonry.
If you’re passionate about stronger buildings, smarter construction, and advancing masonry in modern design—this is your place to get in the mix.
Join us in supporting the Masonry Industry mission: https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix