Passing the Trowel: Karl Bergamo

Words: Cass Stern

At 89 years old, Karl Bergamo is a living testament to the enduring strength and timelessness of the masonry profession. With nearly seven decades of experience in the trade and learning from the best (including WW2 Veterans), Bergamo has seen the industry evolve, faced its challenges, and enjoyed its rewards. His reflections, drawn from a life devoted to masonry, offer valuable insights for contractors, suppliers, and the next generation of masons alike.

Bergamo’s journey into masonry began early in life, shaped by his family’s involvement in the trade. “I’ve been a mason since 1954,” he shared. “So that’d be about 70 years, probably. My father was a mason contractor, and I worked with him when I was in high school and continued from then on.”

Starting out under the guidance of his father gave Bergamo a solid foundation in the craft. It was this early exposure to masonry, combined with a desire to produce work of enduring quality, that fueled his lifelong passion for the trade.

Reflecting on his career, Bergamo acknowledged both the difficulties and the satisfaction that come with the profession. “The challenging part was actually making sure I do the work well and consistently. It’s hard to be consistent,” he explained. Yet, it was precisely this challenge that made the rewards of masonry so fulfilling.

“The interesting part was the type of work I’ve done over the years,” he added. “I’ve been exposed to brick, block, stone, cement, you name it. Actually learning about the materials I was working with was interesting to me. It still is even today.”

Bergamo’s curiosity about his materials and methods kept him engaged and motivated throughout his career. His ability to adapt to different types of work is a testament to his dedication and skill.

For Bergamo, the difference between a good mason and a great one comes down to attention to detail and integrity. “Paying attention to details and learning as much as you can during the course of your career and giving people a fair price and quality work” are key, he emphasized. “People being able to trust you and your work is what makes you a great mason.”

This ethos of trust and reliability not only sets great masons apart but also helps build lasting client relationships—essential for any contractor striving for success in the industry.

Throughout his career, Bergamo has witnessed significant changes in the masonry industry, particularly in its workforce. “In the late nineties, I began to see the workforce changing,” he observed. “The majority of people trying to find decent people that were interested in the work and had a desire to produce something nice and something lasting seemed to be missing. That’s when I decided to retire at age 62, and since then, I’ve just been working on small projects.”

The decline in workforce quality that Bergamo noticed underscores a critical issue for today’s masonry industry: the need to attract and retain skilled workers who are passionate about the craft.

When asked about advice for those just starting out, Bergamo stressed the importance of mentorship and continual learning. “Pay attention to someone that is a qualified mason. Someone that has learned the trade properly,” he said.

He also emphasized the broader skills that masonry demands. “Study. There’s math involved. There’s knowing how to properly communicate. Be honest with people. Know what you’re talking about, and listen more than you talk. There is more learning in listening than in talking.”

For those hesitant to join the industry, Bergamo offered this encouragement: “I think you should let them try it, let them see if it’s for them. Like I said, it’s hard work and it won’t be for everyone. But if you try it and you like it, go all in. If you give it 100%, you’ll go further much faster in this industry than someone who only goes 50%.”

Bergamo’s reflections on the rewards of masonry reveal a deep pride in his work. “I want [future masons] to know that it’s hard work, but it’s also rewarding work,” he said. “The rewarding part comes when I can drive around to any part of the city I live in, and I can look at a building knowing that I worked on it. Seeing it in its completion is unlike any feeling I can describe. So know that the hard work is worth it.”

For Bergamo, the satisfaction of creating something tangible and enduring has been a defining feature of his career, one that he hopes future generations of masons will also experience. His satisfaction also came from substitute teaching at his local high school vocational school.

As masonry continues to evolve, Karl Bergamo’s story serves as both a history lesson and a source of inspiration for today’s professionals. His commitment to craftsmanship, integrity, and lifelong learning highlights the values that make masonry not just a trade, but an art form.

“To me, it’s about building something that lasts,” Bergamo concluded. “It’s hard work, but it’s worth it. If you care about what you’re doing, people will notice, and that’s what makes all the difference.”

For those shaping the future of the masonry industry, whether in the field or as suppliers supporting the craft, Bergamo’s words are a powerful reminder of the pride and purpose that come from building not just structures, but legacies.

Passing the Trowel: Karl Bergamo

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