S T E P P I N G
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Trade is a family tradition By Garett Dickinson
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tonework goes back to the beginning of civilization. Since rock is naturally available, it made an obvious choice for construction. Brick and mortar soon followed. Techniques evolved and civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks and Mayans crafted structures still with us today. Originally, masons would have apprentices and through experience they would move through the ranks. Often, one
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SPRING EDITION
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would be born into this life. Masonry has historically been a family trade, many modern outfits reflect this tradition, such as Rundquist Masonry, a local four generation company. Another family impacting local stonework is the Stahls. Brian Stahl, the family patriarch, originally gained his education through the Stone Foundation in Taos, New Mexico. Brian brought these skills to Colorado in
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the 1980s to start his new business, In Stone. His son Josh was introduced to the trade watching his father work and began apprenticing for him as a teen cleaning rocks and mixing mortar. By 19, Josh made the decision to be a mason full time. “School wasn’t really for me and I work well with my hands,” Josh said. “I’m trying to create long-lasting stone art… I hope my son’s grandson can say my great grandfather built that.” Working together for many years in the Roaring Fork Valley, Brian recalled their relationship during that time. “It was gratifying,” he said. “It was also the kind of thing where it was a guy that I could depend on.” Josh, now the owner of Elite Stone and Tile, has been working in the Durango area since 2004. The combination of creativity and building something that lasts has kept Brian’s son in the trade for nearly 30 years. Both father and son have worked on many local projects throughout the years, including luxury homes in the Glacier Club and properties such as the Wild Wings Ranch. A property Josh has been involved in for years, Elk Park Ranch, is a recurring project for him through multiple owners. Originally done by Harrmann Masonry, Stahl took on a remodel when the original owners sold. Since that time, he has completed columns, floors, walls, interior and exterior fireplaces, an outdoor pizza oven and much more.
