In The Mix by Northwest Masonry Institute

Adam Hutchinson
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Non-Profit

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

  1. Sep 8

    21. Building More Resilient Communities: Masonry, Insurance & Sustainable Rebuilding | Nakesha Bryant

    Live from the California Masonry Council Design & Expo, Adam sits down with Nakesha Bryant, a public adjusting professional transitioning into sustainable project management and advocacy, to explore what rebuilding after devastating fires can, and should, look like.  With firsthand experience helping homeowners navigate the insurance and rebuild process, Nakesha offers a unique perspective on the challenges facing communities after disaster and why more resilient building materials need to be part of the conversation. The conversation explores why masonry could play a critical role in creating more fire-resilient homes across California and the West, how insurance companies could incentivize homeowners to rebuild with non-combustible materials, and why stronger communication between insurers, builders, homeowners, and policymakers is essential. Nakesha also shares why she's transitioning out of insurance and toward advocacy and consulting—helping homeowners get the information and support they need to rebuild better and more sustainably. In This Episode: Why rebuilding with more resilient, non-combustible materials is becoming increasingly importantWhat decades-old brick homes can teach us about longevity and durabilityThe opportunity for insurance companies to incentivize more resilient constructionWhy communication between insurers, builders, homeowners, and policymakers needs to improveThe challenges homeowners face when insurance costs make rebuilding—and even staying insured—more difficultWhy Nakesha is transitioning from insurance into sustainable project management, advocacy, and consultingHow better information and guidance can help homeowners navigate the rebuilding processWhy masonry could play a bigger role in creating safer, more sustainable communitiesLearn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute: https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix

    21. Building More Resilient Communities: Masonry, Insurance & Sustainable Rebuilding | Nakesha Bryant

  2. Sep 2

    20. How Helical Piles Improve Seismic Performance and Retaining Wall Design | Paul Daysh

    Live from the California Masonry Council Design & Expo, Adam sits down with Paul Daysh, second-generation leader at California Retaining Walls, to explore how innovation is reshaping the future of retaining wall construction.  Drawing on decades of field experience, Paul shares how his family's company developed the patented GS2 wall system—combining helical pile foundations with reinforced masonry to solve many of the cost, schedule, and performance challenges facing today's construction industry.   The conversation dives into why traditional retaining wall systems are becoming increasingly difficult to build economically under modern building codes, and how alternative foundation solutions can reduce excavation, eliminate concrete cure times, and accelerate project schedules. Paul also discusses the importance of collaboration between engineers, geotechnical professionals, contractors, and manufacturers to ensure masonry continues to be one of the most resilient, sustainable, and cost-effective building materials available.    In This Episode: How the patented GS2 retaining wall system combines helical piles with reinforced masonryWhy eliminating traditional concrete footings can dramatically reduce project timelinesHow helical pile foundations perform in expansive soils, seismic regions, and challenging site conditionsWhy focusing on total project costs—not just material costs—creates better outcomes for owners and contractorsThe importance of collaboration between structural engineers and geotechnical engineersHow innovation can help masonry remain competitive against alternative building materialsWhy preserving industry knowledge and attracting the next generation of skilled professionals is critical for masonry's futureThe biggest opportunities—and threats—facing the retaining wall and masonry industries today  Connect with Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-daysh/ GS2 Wall Systems LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gs2-wall-systems Calwalls LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/calwalls Learn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute:  https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix

  3. Aug 25

    19. Building Better with CMU: Resilience, Innovation & the Future of Masonry | Bob Wyckhuyse

    Live from the California Masonry Council Design & Expo, Adam sits down with Bob Wyckhuyse, Sales Manager at Angelus Block, to discuss how one of Southern California's largest block manufacturers is helping shape the future of resilient construction. From starting his career in an entry-level plant position to leading sales after more than two decades with the company, Bob shares a firsthand look at how masonry manufacturing has evolved—and why the industry's future is brighter than ever.  The conversation explores why concrete masonry continues to outperform expectations when it comes to fire resistance, energy efficiency, sustainability, and long-term durability. Bob also explains how better education, stronger industry collaboration, and modern marketing can help dispel outdated misconceptions about CMU while attracting the next generation of professionals. Whether you're an architect, contractor, engineer, or manufacturer, this episode offers practical insights into why masonry remains one of the smartest building materials available.  In This Episode:  How Angelus Block has evolved through innovation, sustainability, and manufacturing advancements  Why fire resilience, thermal mass, and durability continue to make CMU a standout building material  The biggest misconceptions architects and developers still have about masonry  How environmental product declarations (EPDs) and carbon sequestration are changing the sustainability conversation  Why education, industry collaboration, and better marketing are critical to masonry's future  The biggest opportunities—and threats—facing the masonry industry today  Why masonry offers stable, rewarding careers with opportunities far beyond the job site  Connect with Bob: Website: https://www.angelusblock.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-wyckhuyse-4a6010147   Learn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute:  https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix

  4. Aug 18

    18. Seven Buildings Stood, the Rest Got Demolished: Why URM Retrofits Actually Work | Mason Moritz

    After the 2003 Paso Robles earthquake, seven retrofitted unreinforced masonry buildings walked away nearly untouched. The ones that hadn't been strengthened? Torn down. Mason Moritz, once a structural engineer at Holmes in San Francisco, now a field engineer for Python Fasteners, joins the podcast to explain why that story keeps repeating, and why most engineers never hear it. Python manufactures the first ICC-certified, seismically rated anchor for existing masonry, born out of the Christchurch earthquake's real-world stress test on New Zealand's historic buildings. Mason's job now is closing the gap he used to sit on the other side of: most engineering programs teach little to no masonry design, so URM gets written off as a liability instead of understood as an asset.    In this episode: The Paso Robles case study: retrofitted URM buildings vs. the ones that got demolishedHow the Christchurch earthquake shaped Python's anchor researchWhy URM has a bad reputation engineers haven't been taught to questionMason's path from Holmes Structural Engineers to studying historic buildings in Portugal and the Czech RepublicClosing the education gap: Berkeley, Cal Poly SLO, and Trento research partnershipsStabilize-in-place vs. rip-out-and-replace, and what's at stake for historic building stockWhy reuse is the ultimate sustainability move: "the greenest building is the one that's already there"Learn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute: https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix

  5. Aug 11

    17. How a PR Graduate and Pilot Ended Up Championing the Masonry Industry | William Sundquist

    Recorded live at the California Masonry Council's Design and Expo Day, host Adam Hutchinson sits down with William Sundquist of General Shale and the National Construction Specification Institute (CSI) to explore why brick continues to be one of the most authentic, durable, and sustainable building materials available today.   William shares his unexpected path into the masonry industry, explains why performance—not aesthetics—should always drive specifications, and makes the case for preserving historic masonry while helping designers better understand brick's long-term value. From thermal mass and lifecycle costs to sustainability and craftsmanship, this conversation highlights why masonry has a powerful story to tell—and why the industry needs to do a better job telling it.    In this episode: How a PR graduate with a pilot's license found a lifelong career in the masonry industry Why great masonry specifications start with performance—not appearance The costly mistakes that happen when restoration projects use the wrong mortar Why preserving historic masonry buildings protects both communities and culture How brick's thermal mass and longevity make it a naturally sustainable building material The overlooked sustainability story the masonry industry needs to tell Why authenticity and craftsmanship continue to set masonry apart from other building systems How General Shale is helping provide building envelope solutions across North America Why architects, builders, and owners should be thinking more about lifecycle cost—not just upfront price The importance of inspiring the next generation of designers through industry events and education   Connect with William:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-sundquist-fcsi-9352522b Website: https://generalshale.com/   Learn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute:  https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix

  6. Aug 4

    16. How Contractors, Architects & Manufacturers Are Teaming Up to Grow Masonry | Ken Tejeda

    Live from the California Masonry Council Design & Expo, Adam sits down with Ken Tejeda of R&R Masonry to explore the power of collaboration, legacy, and advocacy in the masonry industry. As a second-generation contractor, Ken shares how his family's business has evolved over six decades and why the future of masonry depends on contractors, manufacturers, architects, and industry organizations working together with a shared vision. Ken also discusses the growing role of the California Masonry Council in promoting masonry across the state, the importance of educating architects and owners about the material's long-term value, and why durability, fire resilience, seismic performance, and timeless design continue to make masonry one of the strongest building solutions available. Whether you're a contractor, designer, or industry advocate, this conversation is packed with practical insights on protecting and growing the future of masonry. In This Episode: How family businesses continue to shape the masonry industryWhy collaboration is the key to growing masonry's market shareThe role of the California Masonry Council in promoting the industryMasonry's biggest advantages: durability, fire resilience, seismic performance, and design flexibilityWhy architects and building owners need a better understanding of masonry's long-term valueHow education, outreach, and hands-on experiences can increase masonry adoptionWhy the next generation should get involved and help shape the future of the industry Connect with Ken: LinkedIn: Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/ken-tejeda-72470a1a9

  7. Jul 28

    15. Training the Next Generation of the Concrete Industry with Jon Huddleston

    Engineering enrollment nationally has dropped 14% in the last couple of years. One concrete program is growing 5-10% a year — and 85% of its students graduate with zero college debt. How? In this episode, Adam sits down with Jon Huddleston, Director of the Concrete Industry Management Program at Middle Tennessee State University, to talk about where the next generation of the concrete and masonry industry is actually going to come from. Jon breaks down the scholarship model behind that debt-free graduation rate (hint: giving students a completely free ride might be the worst thing you can do for them), why hands-on competitions like the concrete canoe are non-negotiable for getting students to actually care, and the pitch he's making to the masonry industry specifically — get in the room with these students before someone else does.  If you've ever wondered where your next generation of masons, engineers, and estimators is coming from, this one's for you. Topics covered: The scholarship strategy behind an 85% debt-free graduation rate — and why full rides don't workWhy masonry needs its own version of the concrete canoe or bowling ball competitionHow a program with no household name is growing against a national enrollment declineThe case for industry-funded student travel to conferences and symposiumsWhy 95% of students need to see and touch it before it clicksJon's advice to every prospective student on networking, internships, and staying off their phonesA NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center project that hints at where the material is headed nextConnect with Jon Huddleston:Concrete Industry Management Program at Middle Tennessee State University: https://www.mtsu.edu/program/concrete-industry-management-concrete-contracting-concentration-b-s/ Learn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute: https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix

  8. Jul 21

    14. How a Broken Church Window Launched a 20-Year Masonry Career | Daniel "Mr. Jamez" Trippel

    Daniel "Mr. Jamez" Trippel's masonry career started with a rock through a church window. His buddy threw it and a couple at that church happened to own a masonry supply yard that needed a yard guy. Twenty-some years later, that accidental first job has become a career spanning hands-on craftsmanship, business ownership, and now commercial architectural sales with Mutual Materials, where he's just 30 days in and already calling himself "the tip of the spear" for getting masonry specced on projects. In this episode, Daniel tells Adam the whole unlikely story: starting as a laborer loading trucks, launching his own masonry company at 23, building it for five years — and walking away when the 2008 crash took his builders down with it. Now, after two decades installing the end product, he's on the other side of the process, putting samples in front of architects and designers so that somewhere down the line, a mason has a job to go to. Adam and Daniel also run the masonry industry through a SWOT analysis: why durability is masonry's biggest sustainability advantage, why the industry's segmentation is its own worst weakness, and why the biggest threat isn't competing materials — it's misinformation about what modern masonry can do. Plus, the story behind the "Mr. Jamez" persona, and why a made-up name might be the smartest career move in the trades. In This Episode: How a rock through a church window accidentally launched a masonry careerStarting a company at 23 — and why hiring his dad was the whole pointWhat the 2008 crash taught Daniel about surviving in the tradesWhy tilt-up isn't actually faster: the 28 curing days nobody counts"The most green building is the one that's already built" — masonry's real sustainability caseWhy post-1997 masonry buildings meet seismic standards (and the misconception that won't die)What 1,000-year-old buildings in Munich and Prague can teach Northwest architectsWhy showrooms beat spec sheets: getting materials into designers' hands78 masonry associations pulling in different directions — and the push to unite themThe origin of "Mr. Jamez," and why building a persona can change your career trajectory Connect with Mr. Jamez: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr_jamez_/ Website: https://www.mutualmaterials.com/ Learn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute:  https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix

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About

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

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