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. 2d ago

    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

  2. Jul 14

    13. Block Party: The Community College Student Who Out-Designed the Competition

    Recorded live at the California Masonry Council's Design and Expo Day, host Adam Hutchinson sits down with Christian Benoit, first-place winner in the concrete block category — and a student who had never worked with masonry before this project.    Christian walks through how he turned a studio assignment on compressed stabilized earth block and rammed earth into an award-winning CMU design, why masonry might be sequestering more carbon than anyone realized, and why he thinks architecture schools are missing the boat on teaching masonry the way they teach mass timber.  Along the way, they discuss the real cost comparison between wood-frame and CMU walls, how California's climate zones change the insulation game, and why 150 students showing up to one event might be the blueprint for getting the next generation into the trade. In this episode: How Christian adapted an earth-block studio project into a first-place concrete masonry designThe surprising research on how much CO2 a CMU can permanently sequester over its lifetimeWhy a CMU wall can cost about the same as a wood-frame wall — once you count the tradesHow California's climate zones affect (or eliminate) the need for insulated blockWhat it's like entering the masonry industry with zero prior masonry backgroundWhy Christian thinks masonry deserves its own place in architecture curriculaThe power of getting students physically in the room — CMC bused 150 students to this eventWhat mentorship actually looked like on his path to an architecture degreeWhy showing up to a competition is worth it even if you don't winLearn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute: https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix

  3. Jul 7

    12. How Masonry Is Preserving History After the Palisades Fire | Evan Hall

    In this episode of In The Mix, Evan Hall joins Adam live from the California Masonry Council Design & Expo to discuss Project Chimney, an inspiring initiative preserving historic masonry chimneys that survived the Palisades Fire. Evan shares how House Museum partnered with masonry contractors and industry organizations to carefully salvage these iconic structures, protecting an important piece of Los Angeles' architectural history while creating a lasting memorial to resilience and recovery. Evan also discusses the vital role masonry plays in historic preservation, why the industry's craftsmanship deserves greater recognition, and how better storytelling, collaboration, and community engagement can help inspire the next generation of builders. This conversation offers a unique perspective on the lasting value of masonry—not only as a building material, but as a way of preserving culture, history, and craftsmanship. In This Episode: The story behind Project Chimney and the preservation of historic Palisades chimneysWhy masonry remains one of the world's most durable and resilient building materialsHow contractors safely salvage and reconstruct historic masonry structuresThe importance of preserving both architectural history and skilled trade knowledgeWhy branding and storytelling are major opportunities for the masonry industryHow collaboration between preservationists and masonry professionals is driving innovationThe importance of inspiring homeowners, architects, and the next generation of masonsConnect with Evan:Website: https://www.house.museum/mission/leadershipInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/evan.hall/ Learn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute: https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix

  4. Jul 2

    11. Why California Is Leaning on Masonry to Survive Wildfires and Earthquakes | Emeka Ukaga (California Masonry Council)

    In this episode of In The Mix, Adam sits down with Emeka Ukaga from the California Masonry Council to discuss the future of masonry and why the industry has an incredible opportunity to lead conversations around resilience, sustainability, and innovative building design. Drawing on his background in architectural engineering and building policy, Emeka shares how organizations like the California Masonry Council are helping bridge the gap between technical expertise, education, and industry advocacy. Together, they explore how masonry can play a critical role in addressing today's biggest building challenges—from wildfire resilience and energy efficiency to creative architectural design and long-term durability. They also discuss why stronger collaboration, better storytelling, and continued innovation will help position masonry as the material of choice for the next generation of construction. In This Episode: How the California Masonry Council is advancing technical education, advocacy, and industry marketingWhy masonry is uniquely positioned to meet today's demands for resilient and sustainable constructionThe role building codes and public policy play in shaping the future of the industryHow architects and engineers can push the creative boundaries of masonry designWhy wildfire resilience, durability, and long-term performance are becoming more important than everThe value of collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge sharing across the masonry communityWhy the industry must do a better job telling masonry's story to designers, owners, and the publicConnect with Emeka: Website: https://www.californiamasonrycouncil.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckukaga Learn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute: https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix

  5. Jun 25

    10. How the Masonry Industry Can Attract the Next Generation | Chantelle Roberts

    In this episode of In The Mix, Chantelle Roberts joins Adam live from the California Masonry Council Design & Expo to discuss one of the industry's biggest challenges: attracting and retaining talent. Drawing from her experience in both masonry and terrazzo, she shares insights on apprenticeship programs, the changing perception of trade careers, and why construction must evolve its culture to better support younger generations and women entering the workforce.   Chantelle also talks about the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and innovation in masonry, while highlighting the need for stronger industry storytelling around the value, versatility, and long-term benefits of masonry construction. This conversation offers a valuable perspective on how the industry can continue to grow and thrive.   In This Episode: Why apprenticeship programs are critical to the future of the masonry workforceThe importance of recruiting younger generations into constructionCreating opportunities for women to succeed in the masonry industryWhy appreciation, mentorship, and leadership matter in retaining talentWhy collaboration across contractors, designers, and industry organizations is essentialHow innovation and creativity can help expand the use of masonry materialsThe workforce challenges facing the industry and what organizations can do to address them  Connect with Chantelle:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantellemroberts?utm_source=chatgpt.com Website: https://masonry-concepts.com/   Learn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute:  https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix

  6. Jun 18

    9. Building Green with Masonry: Separating facts from Perception with Ben Stapleton

    Ben Stapleton has spent more than two decades working at the intersection of real estate, sustainability, and innovation. As CEO of USGBC California, he leads one of the country's largest green building organizations, helping train thousands of industry professionals each year while advancing climate resilience, sustainable development, and low-carbon building solutions across the state. In this episode of In The Mix, Ben joins Adam live from the California Masonry Council Design & Expo to discuss the future of resilient construction, rebuilding after natural disasters, and the role masonry can play in creating stronger, more sustainable communities. Drawing from his work supporting wildfire recovery efforts across California, Ben shares lessons learned from rebuilding after devastating fires, how communities can better prepare for future disasters, and why building materials must be evaluated through a long-term lens rather than short-term environmental metrics. He also explores the growing importance of embodied carbon, transparency in construction materials, and why the masonry industry has a unique opportunity to tell a stronger sustainability story. In This Episode: How USGBC California is helping communities prepare for and recover from wildfiresLessons learned from rebuilding efforts after major California fire disastersWhy resilience should be a central focus of modern building designThe role masonry plays in durability, wildfire resistance, and long-term sustainabilityCommon misconceptions about embodied carbon and environmental product declarations (EPDs)Why life-cycle thinking matters when evaluating building materialsHow the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are driving conversations around low-carbon constructionThe importance of transparency, innovation, and data in the future of the building industryWhat the masonry industry can do to better communicate its sustainability advantagesConnect with Ben:Website: https://usgbc-ca.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstapleton Learn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute: https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix

  7. Jun 11

    8. What Architects Need to Know about Masonry with Steve Blye

    After more than four decades as an architect, Steve Blye has designed everything from healthcare facilities and schools to municipal buildings and large-scale institutional projects. Today, as the Design and Technical Architect for the Masonry Advisory Council, he's helping architects, engineers, and owners better understand one of the most versatile building materials available: masonry. In this episode of In The Mix, Steve joins Adam to share how his perspective on masonry evolved throughout his career, what architects often overlook when specifying masonry systems, and why some of the industry's oldest building methods still offer some of the best solutions today. From lessons learned in architecture school to insights gained through decades of real-world projects, Steve explains how masonry continues to deliver durability, resilience, energy efficiency, fire resistance, and long-term value. He also discusses common misconceptions, evolving wall system designs, and why education remains one of the biggest opportunities for the next generation of architects and engineers.  In This Episode: Steve's journey from architect to masonry industry advocateWhy masonry remains one of the most durable building materials availableCommon design misconceptions architects and engineers encounterHow cavity wall systems have evolved over timeThe role of masonry in sustainability and carbon sequestrationLessons from historic masonry structures around the worldWhy education and industry collaboration matter for the future of designThe hidden value masonry provides over a building's lifespan

  8. Jun 4

    7. Beyond the Sale: How Relationships Drive the Masonry Industry Forward with Jordan Krebs

    What if the future of masonry isn’t just about better materials, but better relationships, smarter collaboration, and building structures designed to outlast generations?   In this episode of In The Mix, Adam sits down with Jordan Krebs of Sunset Stone to talk about the evolving world of manufactured stone veneer, masonry relationships, and what it really means to build a long-term career in the construction industry.   From the manufacturing process behind handcrafted stone veneer to the future of masonry in modern design-build construction, Jordan shares insights from both the sales side and the contractor side of the industry. The conversation explores everything from mortar technology and thermal mass to craftsmanship, workforce development, and why masonry continues to stand the test of time.   Adam and Jordan also reflect on their shared history in Spokane, the importance of relationship-building in construction, and how masonry products continue to shape communities for generations to come.   In this episode, we cover: Jordan’s journey into the masonry and hardscape industry through family connections and growing up around masonry products What makes Sunset Stone unique in the manufactured stone veneer market Why relationships and long-term trust matter more than “selling” in the construction industry How design-build delivery is changing the way masonry products are specified on projects The importance of craftsmanship, apprenticeship, and bringing younger generations into the masonry trades How masonry projects can revitalize communities and create buildings designed to last for generations   About the Guest: Jordan Krebs is a sales representative for Sunset Stone in the Pacific Northwest, specializing in manufactured stone veneer systems and masonry products. With a background in hardscapes, dry cast products, and masonry materials, Jordan brings a relationship-focused approach to the construction industry, working closely with contractors, architects, distributors, and builders throughout the region. Passionate about craftsmanship, long-term building performance, and the future of the trades, Jordan is dedicated to helping projects succeed through collaboration, technical knowledge, and practical industry experience.   Connect with Jordan:  Website: https://sunsetstone.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-krebs-82074a30a https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunset-stone-llc?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company  Learn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute: https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix

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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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