GEN NXT: Zyar Diehl

Words: Justin Stengel, Zyar Diehl

Zyar Diehl is an apprentice from Maryland who is making his mark in the industry. After recently winning the Maryland State Skills Competition, he was gracious enough to sit down with the MCAA and talk about how he got started in the industry and where his passion for the trade stems from.

Zyar’s path into the world of masonry began during a visit to a tech center's open house. It was here that Zyar stumbled upon the masonry program, where the simple act of laying a few bricks sparked a sense of enjoyment and challenge, describing the initial difficulty of the task but also the immense satisfaction it brought.

MCAA: How did you first get involved in the masonry industry?

Zyar Diehl: I went to an open house at the tech center once and I had stopped by the masonry program, and even just for the few bricks that I had laid, something about it just felt fun. It was difficult laying those few bricks, but it was fun and just super enjoyable.

The moment Zyar realized his passion for masonry came as he laid those first bricks and held the trowel in his hand. It was more than just the physical act; it was the act of the trade that captivated him. Emphasizing the complexity and skill involved in masonry work.

MCAA: What was the initial moment you realized you wanted to be a mason?

Zyar Diehl: When I placed those couple bricks and had the trowel in hand, just looking at what I did. Seeing all the things that actually go into masonry, because there’s more to it than just laying down mortar and bricks.

As a mason, Zyar's favorite part is seeing the transformation of materials into structures. Whether constructing a wall or a mailbox, seeing the tangible results of his hard work is incredibly fulfilling.

MCAA: What's been your favorite part so far about being a mason?

Zyar Diehl: Watching the work come together for sure. From a wall of bricks to something like a mailbox, for example, seeing the work that I do come together is the best part.

However, the journey is not without its challenges. The physical demands of the job can be taxing, especially on days when energy is low. Yet, Zyar finds ways to overcome these hurdles, and show up day after day.

MCAA: What challenges have you had to overcome in your career as a mason so far?

Zyar Diehl: Some days you don't wake up as energized as others, and it can be tough because it is physical labor. And if you're tired, you're going to drag. I've dragged a few times in masonry class stuff. And thankfully I've had caffeine, but there are days where it’s much harder than usual to get up and show up to the jobsite energized.

Despite the physical toll, Zyar's dedication to masonry remains unwavering. The satisfaction of completing a project, whether a side job or a larger customer assignment, reinforces his love for the craft. The end result, he says, makes all the hard work worthwhile.

MCAA: What about masonry keeps you coming back every single day?

Zyar Diehl: The hard work and enjoyment of it. My body definitely feels it, but it’s fun, it’s really fun. Whether it’s doing side jobs or bigger jobs for customers, watching the work come together and seeing the end result makes it worth it in the end.

Zyar's competitive spirit was sparked in his masonry class through in-house competitions. Achieving second place in one such competition opened the door to SkillsUSA, where he eagerly embraced the challenge.

MCAA: When did you first start competing in masonry competitions? And why did you start competing?

Zyar Diehl: It was in masonry class, and we had in-house competitions. Whoever got the highest score would go to compete in the SkillsUSA. I was looking forward to SkillsUSA because it seemed fun. So that's when I first started competing. Then I ended up going to SkillsUSA the second time we had the in-house competition. I came in 2nd Place, but there were two open spots so I got the opportunity to go and I did. And I had a blast.

Winning the Maryland State Skills Competition was a significant milestone for Zyar, reflecting his growth and skill development. Zyar acknowledges using feedback from scoring to continually improve.

MCAA: What does winning the Maryland State Skills Competition mean to you professionally and personally?

Zyar Diehl: It shows how much I've grown. When I first started masonry work, my brickwork did not look too good. I came a long way, and I still have more to work on. Especially after seeing the scoring, I can see exactly what I need to work on, and just better myself.

Looking ahead, Zyar plans to explore opportunities within a masonry company or potentially join a masonry union after graduation.

MCAA: What are your plans for the future of your career?

Zyar Diehl: Once I'm graduated I plan on either finding a masonry company and then working for them, or I was thinking, because we did have a job fair. Essentially, at the Tech center there was a masonry union that I was thinking about working for once I graduate.

He views masonry not merely as a job but as an art form, advising those considering the field to ensure they have a passion for the craft. He encourages others to find joy in the artistry of masonry.

MCAA: What would you say to someone who is on the fence about joining the masonry industry?

Zyar Diehl: I would say it's not really a job. It's more of an art. If you don't like what you're doing then I wouldn't say it's for you. Masonry is one of those things you have to like what you're doing in order to get good results. It’s more about your craft rather than thinking of it as a job. It's not really a job. It's more of an art.

GEN NXT: Zyar Diehl

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