Today we’d like to introduce you to Andre Mchenry.
Hi Andre, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
At age 18 I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life or what I was really good at. I also was raising my family by myself and had to find a well-paying job to provide for my family at the time. I started the trades and worked my way through the ranks for 9 years. Eventually, my hard work paid off and was promoted to become a foreman which was a person who ran and would oversee the project. I still felt I needed to push myself more so I started my own business in masonry and focused on an area that really needed help and that was residential. My company’s been up and running for two years and we’ve been award recipients of three awards thus far.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was a rocky road at first But I knew nothing in life was going to come easy. I had to deal with older people being jealous of me, and envious, I’ve also had to deal with racism. Other problems were just internal like keeping myself motivated and pushing through even tho some days I felt as if I wanted to quit or try a different career.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
So I specialize in restoration masonry. Which consists of repairing old buildings, residential houses, whether it’s spot brick, efflorescence, spalled block, water damage, new rebuilds, etc list goes on and on. We are known for taking an old building and restoring the integrity of the building without making it look like a new additional add-on. We make the building look as if there was never a problem with it and has stayed in its natural state. I’ve done work on some of the most prestigious buildings in the twin cities such as Dayton’s building downtown Mpls, A mill lofts, Mill city museum, Rayette lofts St.Paul, and many historic buildings the Ram tower downtown Mpls. Working on these buildings makes me proud because I know I’ve left a little mark on our Minnesota history. What sets me apart from the rest is my work ethic, drives my ambition. The desire to grow and want to learn more and more. Most people settle I’m constantly looking to improve in every aspect. I also give back to the community volunteer at the Salvation Army once a week and I go talk to our youth at high schools letting them know about the trades and educating them on the Benefits are starting in a high-paying field that wouldn’t put you in any debt. Generally, I’m the guy who ends up teaching them the skills for the job and helping them acquire a job as well which we do through an apprenticeship.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I use a website called Angie list, Facebook, and TikTok for advertising which has helped me tremendously.
Contact Info:
- Website: Mchenry-Masonry.com
- Facebook: Rico suavee
Image Credits
Mchenry Masonry
