MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 24 Recap: Gary Hensley, VP of Sales at Oldcastle Adams Words: Justin StengelOn this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Gary Hensley joins Justin in Indianapolis to talk about his story within the masonry industry, how he got started, how he's seen it evolve, and where he sees it going.Why the Masonry Industry?Concrete and masonry are the backbone of growing economies.There’s pride in “building on a firm foundation”—both literally and figuratively.People in the industry, from local family businesses to big organizations, share a bond and a common goal.Wearing Many HatsIn his early days, Gary handled both sales and marketing, eventually moving into operations—a path influenced by his father, who worked in manufacturing and operations.Gary’s skills weren’t just learned in a boardroom—they came from childhood, tinkering and building things from scratch.The Heart of MasonryMasonry is much more than blocks and mortar—it’s about relationships, pride in the craft, and being able to point to something you helped create.For Gary, whether you’re in sales or on a worksite, the value comes from being part of something bigger—seeing a building go up and knowing you contributed.A Hall of Fame MomentOne of the standout moments for Gary was seeing a friend and colleague inducted into the Masonry Hall of Fame:These recognitions affirm the contributions of both individuals and companies, inspiring everyone in the field to continue building—not just with blocks, but with passion and leadership.The Future of MasonryMasonry isn’t stuck in the past. As Gary reflects, the industry has gone from hand-moving blocks with buggies to using robots and producing not just structural, but also striking cosmetic masonry for architects.Life Beyond WorkGary’s story isn’t all about concrete and innovation. Off the clock, family comes first—along with a serious love of motorcycles.Adapting Through Economic ShiftsBefore fully committing to masonry, Gary’s first career was making OEM components for industries as diverse as automotive, restaurant, and fashion. But when international trade shifted production overseas, Gary saw the future and pivoted.New Generations, New IdeasYounger folks are coming into masonry and bringing a creative spark. Gary is excited to see new designs—spiral and interwoven brickwork, innovative uses of traditional materials.He encourages the next wave to join in—engineers, builders, marketers—because with masonry, you see the net results of your efforts, whether you’re designing, crafting, or selling.
