Matthew John Tichy began his career in masonry by working as a laborer for another contractor. But as soon as he laid stone for the first time, he knew that was the work he was meant to do. So, in 2000, he founded his own business, Tichy Stone & Brick, Inc., at the age of 23. He and his team mostly worked on cultured stone projects. They held their work to the highest standards, striving to make every project better than the last. And their commitment to excellence earned them great success.

In 2005, Matt decided to seek further experience working for other contractors. Putting Tichy Stone & Brick, Inc. on pause, he spent two years working with skilled masons, completing brick and natural stone projects. But he still felt he was missing something: formal training in brick and block. So, in 2007, he joined the union and continued his education.

Matt participated in the union’s six-week pre-job course, which teaches entirely green students how to lay to the line. He spent much of his time assisting the other students but also received invaluable instruction. Upon completion of the course, he found the confidence he had been searching for.

Matt then began an apprenticeship in the union, working on a variety of projects while taking additional classes. He learned the masonry trade from the bottom up, building a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that would serve him well as he advanced in his career. During this time, he worked on everything from schools and hospitals to banks, shopping centers, and even a stadium.

Following his apprenticeship, Matt worked for a construction company. He led their masonry work on two projects and served as the foreman for another. And with this experience under his belt, he once again felt ready to work independently.

In 2010, Matthew John Tichy reopened Tichy Stone & Brick, Inc. He had no trouble finding clients, as his skills were in high demand. And he has created many masterpieces since then, always aiming to deliver the best possible product for every project.

Matthew John Tichy is a master stonemason. But what exactly does that mean?

Every stonemason starts his career as an apprentice. He studies the basics of the craft, learning important terms and foundational techniques.

When his apprenticeship ends, he becomes a journeyman. A journeyman can be trusted to independently complete everyday masonry work and solve common problems. He incorporates advanced construction elements into his work, such as conduits, plumbing, drainage, through-wall flashing, and joint reinforcement.

With experience, a journeyman mason may become a foreman. A foreman doesn’t just know how to do the work himself—he knows how to instruct others in it. He can create a comprehensive plan for a masonry project, assign roles to his team, and oversee its successful progression. A foreman is highly experienced, but he doesn’t represent the pinnacle of the masonry trade. That honor belongs to a master.

A master stonemason can complete any project with the utmost skill. No problem is too complex for him to solve, and there is nothing he cannot integrate into a work of stone. He accepts all challenges and overcomes them. Whether he faces poor weather, unideal site conditions, or a simple lack of manpower, a master has the mastery over them all. He delivers impeccable quality every time, no excuses.

Matthew John Tichy is proud to have earned the distinction of master stonemason after many years of hard work, education, and dedication to his craft. He was born to be a stonemason, and he loves sharing his abilities with others.

Matthew John Tichy: Master Stonemason

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Minnesota's Local Master Stonemason

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