The team at Phoenix Masonry represents its most valuable asset.

Phoenix Masonry completed Outlook DTC in the fall of 2017 using structural block, also known as concrete masonry units, and brick veneer.

Like the mythical phoenix rising from the ashes, Phoenix Masonry rose from the devastation of the Great Recession of 2008.

“When the market fell that year, my dad, Steve Crook, lost his masonry company. My sister, my mom and dad and I all went bankrupt, lost our homes, lost everything because we all worked with him,” says Christy Crook, Founder and President of Phoenix Masonry based in Thornton, Colorado.

Beauty Out of Ashes

In August 2010, after floating around a bit and working with other masonry firms, Christy and her sister, Cindy Jeannelle, decided to capitalize on what they had learned through the loss and to begin again. “We started Phoenix Masonry. Our whole idea was to rebuild a thriving, successful business—something beautiful out of the ashes,” Christy says. Cindy didn’t stay with the company for very long. Christy obtained full ownership in 2018, after purchasing back ownership stake in the company from Vice President Adam Gutierrez.

Phoenix Masonry is classified as a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE). The company has earned several other certifications, including Small Business Enterprise, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Women-Owned Small Business and Regional Transportation District Small Business Enterprise.

“We focus on structural, commercial masonry using structural block also known as concrete masonry units, brick, glass brick and natural stone while providing our services to architects, contractors and municipalities,” Christy says.

“Rising like our namesake took perseverance and hard work. The key was and continues to be assembling a team of people that works toward one common goal—a reputation for reliability, quality work and responsiveness. We’ve absolutely facilitated that here,” Christy says. “Our 30 men have become a cohesive group and have diligently increased our workflow, which has created the need to add more members to our team.”

Valuing the Team

“My employees, many of whom have been with me since the beginning, are my most valuable asset. I appreciate them and all of the work they do, and strive to treat them as I would want to be treated,” Christy says. With that in mind, Phoenix Masonry offers a comprehensive benefit package—health, vision and dental insurance, a 401(k) with up to 4% matching and a generous paid time-off policy with vacation and paid holidays, as well. “Those benefits, especially the time off, are well deserved considering the many projects we have accomplished,” Christy says.

After working as an operator at Phoenix Masonry for about four years, Rodrigo Nunez attests to the friendly, family atmosphere of the company and appreciates the benefits, perks and sense of pride he gets from the job. “Every time I drive by the PODS Enterprises LLC storage building in Longmont, Colorado, I am amazed that I helped create that beautiful building. When I remember how we worked with hammers and chisels, chipping away at those huge stones, I feel a kinship with the old-school masons,” Nunez says.

Christy values relationships with team members and clients alike. “Communication is key—working together, working with our general contractors to get a project completed—that sets us apart in my opinion,” she says. “Our motto of treating staff in the same way we want to be treated carries over to our connection with customers. We value relationships, and that requires continuous communication.”

Pride of Craftsmanship

The team’s accomplishments include the Denver International Airport (DEN) and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA), which involved restoration and remodeling requiring extensive masonry work. The company is also proud of the Stanley Marketplace, a high-profile project in Aurora, Colorado, that houses over 50 businesses within its masonry walls.

Water treatment facilities have become an important niche for the company. Projects can include expansion of an existing water treatment plant or construction of a new plant, and with the Denver area continually growing, additional water treatment facilities are in demand. In the last year, we’ve helped contractors get about 10 ground-up water treatment plants in on time and on budget,” Christy says.

Taking on such significant projects is made possible by the skilled Phoenix team. “I am inspired when my employees grasp the revelation that masonry construction isn’t just their job, but it’s their calling and they do it well,” Christy says. “This motivates me to spread the word— a career in masonry work provides the opportunity to expand skill sets, to practice innovative problem-solving and to experience the rewards of creating something of lasting value.”

Encouraging Others

Many of Christy’s priorities—communication objectives, relationship-building skills, M/WBE status and recruitment of strong talent for her growing company—led her to assist in establishing a nonprofit organization, Transportation and Construction Girl (TC Girl), in association with the HOYA Foundation.

“Starting in 2016, we began to do community outreaches geared for young women ages 13 to 20 to present the opportunities available to them in the transportation and construction fields,” Christy says. Career days allow girls to visit different facilities and companies around Denver, including the airport and the Regional Transportation District. “Visiting active job sites with crane operators and other heavy equipment operators in action is a highlight for the girls, especially as they get the opportunity to try out different equipment themselves,” Christy says.

TC Girl hosts an annual luncheon where local companies, including Phoenix Masonry, set up tents or tables, and girls can explore options such as welding, laying brick or experimenting with building information modeling drawings and drones. The luncheon also features scholarship awards. The keynote speakers are girls who previously received scholarships and participated in career days. They share their college experiences and career aspirations with the younger girls. “It is one of the neatest things I do,” Christy says. “I enjoy sharing my love of the construction industry with the girls in hopes that they will catch the vision as well.”

Celebrating a Decade of Teamwork

“Every year for our anniversary, we throw a family-friendly celebration at our location. This year will be our 10th, and we plan to celebrate big. In essence, we will commemorate the rising of the Phoenix,” Christy says. Phoenix Masonry has a large yard that can accommodate the whole crew along with all of their families, and there will be something for everyone—bouncy houses and an ice cream truck, barbecue and a food truck. Plus, bonuses will be handed out.

“We want everyone to realize that we are celebrating them. Our success is credited to our team members’ contributions,” Christy says. “Everyone values quality workmanship, excellent service, trust, integrity and honesty. We appreciate the effects of this on our status as a company.

“Because of the company’s employees, customers count on Phoenix Masonry,” Christy says. “Their votes of confidence have resulted in more projects and the need for more team members willing to assimilate our values as we continue to rise.”