Side Story: Custom Work From a 'Pizza Man'

Words: Michael Sr, Michael JrOctober 2008

Mortars

mortar-sb1 Would you ever think to accept home building guidance from a pizza man? Michael Pizzolongo Sr., "The Pizza Man," is not only making his mark on the contracting industry, but also a billion-dollar home customization niche, with his stucco and concrete work. Pizzolongo has been designing and creating masterpieces for homeowners for more than 30 years, from custom wine cellars to repair and restoration projects. Almost half of U.S. homes contain some form of customization. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 25 percent of homeowners purchase or build their homes with custom features already included, such as extra fireplaces, hardwood flooring or outdoor kitchens. Another 20 percent of homeowners add custom features after their purchase. With Pizzolongo's work, fireplaces, custom barbeques and other traditionally brick accents are made simpler for the remodeler or new builder. Those projects normally require a concrete footing and anchoring to support the weight of the structure. Placing a footing would mean destroying the underlying materials, whether it be grass outside or hardwood floors inside. Pizzolongo discovered a way to bypass these requirements. To make the new structure a fraction of the weight, he uses Sakrete brand stucco and paints the installation with cement colors to create a true look of brick and mortar. mortar-sb2 He can also put decorative touches on already established walls. Wine cellars can have a new flair with Mediterranean-style exposed brick walls, rather than dull, gray cement blocks. The cellars are popular, and with Pizzolongo's approach, these basement makeovers are effortless and can be completed in a shorter amount of time. Pizzolongo says he prides himself on the detailed artistry it takes to successfully create imitation brick and stone, and he considers himself just as much an artist as a contractor. Pizzolongo has been creating innovative plastering, restoration, repair and custom artisan stucco projects for more than 30 years. Now, he is passing his knowledge and talent to his son, Michael Pizzolongo Jr. The two are making a name for themselves with their talent and workmanship.   Return to Table of Contents
The Cornerstone of Success: Safety and Documentation in Masonry
April 2025

The masonry industry plays a vital role in constructing our homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Yet, beneath the enduring beauty of brick and stone lies a complex and often hazardous work environment. Ensuring the safety of workers and maintaining docu

Erin Laird
Featured MAP Partner
Safety Training
Read More
How It's Made: Natural Stone Veneer
April 2025

Natural stone veneer is a durable, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing building material that has been used for centuries. It adds timeless beauty to masonry projects while offering structural integrity and resilience. But how does natural stone veneer

Rob McKay
Featured MAP Partner
Read More
Vibing Masonry #5 - The Evolution of Concrete Masonry Units: From Ancient Foundations to Modern Innovations
April 2025

Early Development: The Genesis of Concrete Blocks (early Rome to 1900s) The history of concrete masonry units (CMUs) or concrete blocks begins with humanity’s earliest binding materials, notably the Romans’ remarkable concrete. Around AD 125, structures l

Steve Blye
Featured
General Education Residential Restoration
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 18 Recap: Jeff Tew, Westlake Royal Stone Solutions
April 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Jeff Tew joins the show, along with MCAA President Jeff Buczkiewicz, to talk about where his passion for this industry started and what it's been like working on the Supplier side of the industry. An Excitin

Justin Stengel
Featured
Training
Read More