Ben Stapleton has spent more than two decades working at the intersection of real estate, sustainability, and innovation. As CEO of USGBC California, he leads one of the country's largest green building organizations, helping train thousands of industry professionals each year while advancing climate resilience, sustainable development, and low-carbon building solutions across the state.

In this episode of In The Mix, Ben joins Adam live from the California Masonry Council Design & Expo to discuss the future of resilient construction, rebuilding after natural disasters, and the role masonry can play in creating stronger, more sustainable communities.

Drawing from his work supporting wildfire recovery efforts across California, Ben shares lessons learned from rebuilding after devastating fires, how communities can better prepare for future disasters, and why building materials must be evaluated through a long-term lens rather than short-term environmental metrics. He also explores the growing importance of embodied carbon, transparency in construction materials, and why the masonry industry has a unique opportunity to tell a stronger sustainability story.

In This Episode:

• How USGBC California is helping communities prepare for and recover from wildfires
• Lessons learned from rebuilding efforts after major California fire disasters
• Why resilience should be a central focus of modern building design
• The role masonry plays in durability, wildfire resistance, and long-term sustainability
• Common misconceptions about embodied carbon and environmental product declarations (EPDs)
• Why life-cycle thinking matters when evaluating building materials
• How the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are driving conversations around low-carbon construction
• The importance of transparency, innovation, and data in the future of the building industry
• What the masonry industry can do to better communicate its sustainability advantages

Connect with Ben:
Website: https://usgbc-ca.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstapleton

Learn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute: https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix

After more than four decades as an architect, Steve Blye has designed everything from healthcare facilities and schools to municipal buildings and large-scale institutional projects. Today, as the Design and Technical Architect for the Masonry Advisory Council, he's helping architects, engineers, and owners better understand one of the most versatile building materials available: masonry.

In this episode of In The Mix, Steve joins Adam to share how his perspective on masonry evolved throughout his career, what architects often overlook when specifying masonry systems, and why some of the industry's oldest building methods still offer some of the best solutions today.

From lessons learned in architecture school to insights gained through decades of real-world projects, Steve explains how masonry continues to deliver durability, resilience, energy efficiency, fire resistance, and long-term value. He also discusses common misconceptions, evolving wall system designs, and why education remains one of the biggest opportunities for the next generation of architects and engineers.

In This Episode:

• Steve's journey from architect to masonry industry advocate
• Why masonry remains one of the most durable building materials available
• Common design misconceptions architects and engineers encounter
• How cavity wall systems have evolved over time
• The role of masonry in sustainability and carbon sequestration
• Lessons from historic masonry structures around the world
• Why education and industry collaboration matter for the future of design
• The hidden value masonry provides over a building's lifespan

What if the future of masonry isn’t just about better materials, but better relationships, smarter collaboration, and building structures designed to outlast generations?

In this episode of In The Mix, Adam sits down with Jordan Krebs of Sunset Stone to talk about the evolving world of manufactured stone veneer, masonry relationships, and what it really means to build a long-term career in the construction industry.

From the manufacturing process behind handcrafted stone veneer to the future of masonry in modern design-build construction, Jordan shares insights from both the sales side and the contractor side of the industry. The conversation explores everything from mortar technology and thermal mass to craftsmanship, workforce development, and why masonry continues to stand the test of time.

Adam and Jordan also reflect on their shared history in Spokane, the importance of relationship-building in construction, and how masonry products continue to shape communities for generations to come.

In this episode, we cover:

• Jordan’s journey into the masonry and hardscape industry through family connections and growing up around masonry products
• What makes Sunset Stone unique in the manufactured stone veneer market
• Why relationships and long-term trust matter more than “selling” in the construction industry
• How design-build delivery is changing the way masonry products are specified on projects
• The importance of craftsmanship, apprenticeship, and bringing younger generations into the masonry trades
• How masonry projects can revitalize communities and create buildings designed to last for generations

About the Guest:

Jordan Krebs is a sales representative for Sunset Stone in the Pacific Northwest, specializing in manufactured stone veneer systems and masonry products. With a background in hardscapes, dry cast products, and masonry materials, Jordan brings a relationship-focused approach to the construction industry, working closely with contractors, architects, distributors, and builders throughout the region. Passionate about craftsmanship, long-term building performance, and the future of the trades, Jordan is dedicated to helping projects succeed through collaboration, technical knowledge, and practical industry experience.

Connect with Jordan:

Website: https://sunsetstone.net/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-krebs-82074a30a

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunset-stone-llc?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company

Learn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute: https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix