My family has been in the masonry business for over 100 years.

It all began November 5th, 1921, when my grandfather, master Bricklayer Gustav Hartmann, started his own masonry business in Northern Germany near Hannover in the small village of Engensen. Over the years of his career, he was contracted to build many brick homes and community buildings in and around his hometown.

This included Engensen’s landmark windmill, built in 1924, which is still standing to this day. While it’s no longer functioning as a mill, it has been converted to a home and is still occupied. Among the many buildings my grandfather and his team of highly skilled bricklayers worked on, is also Engensen’s schoolhouse, which was built in 1950, and is now used as a childcare centre. 

Diligence, honesty, punctuality, and highly excellent craftsmanship laid the foundation for all of my grandfather’s work.

In 1961, he handed the reins to my father, master bricklayer Dieter Pflueger. He continued the success story of this family business and was contracted throughout the region for numerous residential and commercial buildings, all built out of solid masonry and structural concrete by my father and his team. 

I received the “Master Bricklayer” title in 1989

My own career as a master bricklayer was a natural continuation of the family business.  I started my Bricklayer apprenticeship in 1981 and became a journeyman bricklayer in 1984. A few years later, I completed the rigorous training required to get the title “Master Bricklayer”, as only master craftsmen are allowed to open their own business and train apprentices in Germany.  I received the “Master” title in 1989 and soon after, I started my own business with smaller repair jobs and quickly grew a solid client base.

However, Germany experienced an economic downturn, and when Vancouver was awarded the 2010 Winter Olympics, local construction companies were desperately looking for skilled tradesmen. I answered the call and soon found myself heading to Vancouver. I started working in Vancouver in 2007 and have worked in Vancouver’s construction industry ever since, including working as a senior bricklayer for UBC for almost 6 years.

Canadian Red Seal and Project Management education.

I did accomplish the Red Seal and a project management certificate from UBC and worked my way up to positions such as super intendent and project manager, until I decided to start my own business as a masonry contractor. 

Since 2017, I have run my one-man business offering masonry condition assessments, preventive maintenance, repairs, and restorations to homeowners of mostly residential buildings in Metro Vancouver.

I still hold on to my grandfather’s principles of excellent craftsmanship, diligence and honesty, which continue to be the foundation of my long lasting family tradition.