MASONRY STRONG Podcast Episode 4 Recap: Tom Vacala

Words: Justin Stengel

Tom Vacala's story is as unique as it is inspiring. Born into a large family of 11 kids, Tom's initiation into the world of masonry was practically predestined. With a family deeply rooted in construction—his father a carpenter and his uncle a mason—Tom was exposed to the industry from a very young age.


"I remember mixing mortar at the age of probably 8 years old. I couldn't wait to get out of high school to go work," Tom reminisces fondly.


Growing up as the youngest, it was impressive how early Tom carved a niche for himself while learning from his siblings’ experiences. This illustrates a dynamic rooted in both family dedication and a strong sense of work ethic instilled primarily by his father.


Hands-On Experience from the Start
Tom shares his path from a bricklayer and tuck pointer to becoming a foreman, superintendent, owner, and eventually the VP of Operations. Throughout this journey, one constant companion has been his brother Larry, emphasizing the importance of family ties and collective growth.


An Everlasting Work Ethic 
Tom attributes much of his robust work ethic to his father, who worked tirelessly to provide for his large family. He recalls his father being up at the crack of dawn and wrapping up his day by mid-afternoon. It was this dedication that deeply resonated with Tom and his siblings.


“Your diploma out of high school is your diploma out of the house,” his father would say, a statement that stuck with him throughout his career.


Maintaining the Legacy
The family's story is interwoven with tales of entrepreneurship, hard work, and trying circumstances. Tom’s older siblings had to branch out and find their own spaces, which often meant starting young as entrepreneurs, a necessity that built resilience and adaptability.


A Family Profession
Interestingly, while Tom's father was a carpenter, most of the family dove headlong into masonry. The mosaic of experiences, from carpentry to masonry, demonstrates a diverse skill set passed down through generations.


Expanding Horizons with MCAA
Tom’s affiliation with the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) wasn’t immediate but steadily grew into a fruitful engagement. Spotlighting the collaborative spirit of this otherwise competitive industry, Tom shares how Larry, his brother, was pivotal in leading them toward involvement with MCAA.

The Power of Community Sharing
The community at MCAA fostered an environment of fellowship and shared growth, contrasting with the competitive market back home in Chicago. This shift towards camaraderie and collective benefit showcased the power of knowledge sharing.


Teaching and Revamping Foreman Course
Building on his extensive experience, Tom took on the task of developing foreman training courses alongside his partners Jamil and Donnie. Their mutual goal was to craft programs that weren’t just theoretical but deeply practical, involving real-world scenarios and rich experiences.


“We're not telling stories about 10, 20 years ago. It's relatable because it's what's happening today.”


Innovative Teaching Methods

  • Interactive Sessions: By incorporating storytelling and breakout sessions, Tom and his colleagues created a dynamic learning environment.

  • Engaging Exercises: Fun activities like "heads or tails" games keep participants active and involved.

Conquering Fears: Public Speaking
One of the pivotal moments in Tom’s journey was overcoming his fear of public speaking. Embracing roles that involved addressing audiences, including doctors about nutraceuticals, eventually led him to lecturing at his church, which he cherishes as a significant personal achievement.


"You’re always going to be afraid when you’re speaking publicly, but if I have a fear, I need to just head on—let’s go get it."


The Essence of Masonry Strong: Relationships
As we inch towards the conclusion, Tom echoes sentiment that encapsulates the spirit of the industry:


"Masonry Strong is about relationships. Relationships that we build through the MCAA are going to keep our industry strong."


Tom emphasizes that while education is crucial, it’s the relationships and community bonds that truly make the “masonry strong.”

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Tune in to listen to the MASONRY STRONG Podcast every Thursday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.


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