Today we’d like to introduce you to Zach Mason.
Hi Zach, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I always knew I would work in one of two fields: law or architecture. When I was in high school, I found an architect who was hiring someone part-time as a draftsman. This seemed like it was a perfect fit for me, even though I had no experience in the field. The firm’s primary focus was building high-end spec homes and custom homes, which we would draft in-house. I spent the next 8.5 years of my life working on anything and everything I could get my hands on, and I was very fortunate to have found a firm where I was encouraged to push my own boundaries and learn as much as possible. Over my tenure there I slowly started to not only draft, but also design the floor plans, select finishes, design landscape plans, and project manage their projects.
At a certain point in time, I realized I had outgrown the firm and my hunger for new experiences and knowledge was no longer being satisfied. Coincidentally, another builder reached out to me and asked me to join his team that focused primarily on remodels and commercial projects. This was a great opportunity for me to change things up and learn something new. I managed various projects while working there, from small bathroom remodels to multi-story commercial building remodels. However, I wasn’t satisfied; I needed to be able to design and see my projects come to life. The company I was working at started to slow down and I could feel that as the new guy, I would likely be the first person cut. My gut feeling was right, and I was laid off at the beginning of 2024. I took this as a time to reorient myself and figure out what my next step would be. Word spread that I was unemployed and multiple people reached out to see if I was open to taking on their remodeling projects. I took this as my sign that it was time to start my own company, and that is how Mason Design+Build was born.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not always been smooth. With this year being my first official year in business, I’ve experienced quite a few ups and downs. Starting a business can be isolating, and it can be hard for the people in your life to relate or understand if they have never started a business of their own. I’ve had to sacrifice a lot in this first year, and I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons along the way. Going from someone who is employed to being the person who creates employment is a big shift. You realize very quickly that you have to depend on yourself and be the creator of your own success. It’s not always easy to find clients, or compete with companies that have been in business for decades. Creating your own brand and establishing recognition is a huge challenge that I honestly underestimated prior to starting this journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mason Design+Build?
At Mason Design+Build, we specialize in actually listening to our clients and addressing their true wants and needs. So often, contractors use basic, boring materials just to get the job done and get paid. Homeowners are thrown into large showrooms with little to no design guidance and tasked with picking materials for their projects. Without professional guidance, many clients become overwhelmed and plagued with decision fatigue and wind up choosing materials in a “safe” color palette that may not actually align with their true style. We urge our clients to listen to their gut and pick that funky tile, that bold countertop, or whatever speaks to them. That is what makes a home unique and an extension of oneself.
Some clients already know they need to hire a designer and/or architect in addition to their contractor. This is a great option, however, it leaves room for miscommunication and finger pointing between the trades if they don’t all work together seamlessly. As a design-build firm, we eliminate those issues by keeping the design and construction process in-house. With our construction knowledge, we can foresee issues with certain materials that some designers may not be aware of. This helps to eliminate timely and costly delays during construction, while keeping projects aesthetically sharp and true to the client’s individual style.
One thing that sets us apart from other companies is our dedication to our clients. We pride ourselves on making you feel heard and satisfied. We are not just “remodeling” we are creating a space that speaks to your individuality and makes you feel even more at home. The most rewarding part of this job is seeing someone truly happy when their project is complete and hearing how much they love their new space. One of my principles when I started this company was to make sure that our clients are truly taken care of and that they never feel dismissed. We limit the amount of projects we take on to just a few at a time so we can devote all of our attention to our active projects. When we finish your project, we don’t disappear. We stand by our work and check in with our clients at various intervals after construction to make sure no issues arise. Most of our clients have become some of my favorite people and incredible friends.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If you’ve been wanting to remodel your home, or looking to build a new home, give us a call. Our consultations are free and we’d love to find out if we are a good fit for your project. If you aren’t ready to take on a project right now, you can follow along with us on instagram @masondesignbuild or visit our website at www.MasonDB.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.MasonDB.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masondesignbuild/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581510295408#
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mason-design-build-lakeland
Image Credits
Mason Design+Build
