MPZ Masonry

# MPZ Masonry: A Chicago Success Story ## From Vision to Industry Leadership ### The Founding (2001) **Founder:** Peter Calka **Partners:** Margaret Pawlik and Zibi Pawlik **Location:** Chicago, Illinois ### The Genesis Peter Calka, drawing from his extensive masonry expertise, founded MPZ Masonry Corporation in 2001. Recognizing the potential in his partners Margaret and Zibi Pawlik, Peter took on the role of comprehensive mentor, teaching them every aspect of the masonry business from the ground up. ### Comprehensive Training Program Peter's training approach was thorough and systematic, covering: - **Basic Masonry Techniques** - Fundamental skills and craftsmanship - **Tender Processes** - Understanding project bidding and proposals - **Estimating** - Accurate cost calculation and project assessment - **Project Management** - Overseeing operations from start to finish - **Business Operations** - All aspects of running a masonry company ### Historic Achievement Margaret Pawlik made Chicago construction history by becoming **one of the first women to pass the masonry contractor examination** in the city. This groundbreaking achievement broke significant gender barriers in the traditionally male-dominated masonry industry. ### Strategic Business Development Peter leveraged his established industry contacts throughout the Chicagoland area to launch and grow MPZ Masonry, demonstrating the importance of professional relationships in business success. ### Personal Sacrifice for Business Continuity During divorce proceedings, Peter made the difficult strategic decision to step back from active involvement in MPZ Masonry to protect the company from becoming entangled in legal proceedings. This selfless act preserved the business and allowed his partners to continue building on the foundation he had established. ### Current Success (2024) MPZ Masonry Inc. continues to thrive in Chicago with: - Complete range of masonry construction services - Approximately $1 million in annual revenue - 4 employees - 26 building permits totaling $40,975,800 - Major municipal contracts including CTA infrastructure projects ### Legacy Impact - **Industry Barrier Breaking:** Margaret Pawlik's historic certification opened doors for women in masonry - **Mentorship Model:** Demonstrated effective knowledge transfer from master craftsman to new practitioners - **Business Sustainability:** Company continues to operate successfully over two decades later - **Community Contribution:** Significant infrastructure work supporting Chicago's development ### Key Lessons 1. **Mentorship Matters** - Comprehensive training creates capable leaders 2. **Strategic Sacrifice** - Sometimes stepping back preserves long-term success 3. **Relationship Building** - Industry contacts are invaluable for business growth 4. **Breaking Barriers** - Supporting diversity creates industry-wide positive change 5. **Legacy Planning** - Building systems and people ensures continuity beyond the founder --- *This story exemplifies how vision, mentorship, and strategic decision-making can create lasting impact in both business and industry advancement.*Capitalism is the social system based upon private ownership of the means of production which entails a completely uncontrolled and unregulated economy where all land is privately owned.