Neighborhood Masonry Specialists: Building a legacy, brick by brick

GROSSES POINTES/ST. CLAIR SHORES — As a single mother, Nichole Shier was eager to build a family business that she could be proud of and eventually pass down to her sons.

In April 2014 her dream came true when she launched Neighborhood Masonry Specialists. “I discovered my passion for restoring historical homes while working for another masonry company for seven years, and I take pride in being a woman who now owns a construction company where both of my sons work with me,” Nichole said.

Her eldest son, Jamie Shier, serves as the head mason and her younger son, Julian Shier, is the sales manager. “Both of my sons went through advanced training so they could contribute their own expertise to the business,” she said.

From age 17, Jamie spent his summers working alongside the company’s master masons. To perfect his craft, he completed a union apprenticeship and achieved both journeyman and master mason status on his own.

Julian decided at age 11 to pursue a career in sales and went on to study construction management and business. “My daughter-in-law, Carlie Shier, plays a crucial role on our team too,” Nichole added. “She is our office manager and handles bookkeeping, payroll and administrative duties. Our team also includes a tightknit group of dedicated masons who each have 30 years of experience.”

As a result of their expert craftsmanship and unparalleled customer service, the company has earned a reputation throughout all five of the Grosse Pointes and St. Clair Shores as a sought-after leader in residential masonry restoration. “We do chimney repairs and rebuilds, tuckpointing, porch repairs and rebuilds, paver patios, aggregate driveways, sidewalks and patios, foundation work and comprehensive solutions from rebricking to waterproofing,” Nichole said, adding that, while her team also does roofing projects and gutters, their primary focus is on masonry. “The fact that we put quality before quantity and take our time with each project has given us the opportunity to work on some amazing historical homes.”

“We recently partnered with the homeowners of a historic 1910 residence on 34 Moross to completely revitalize their backyard. What was once a space filled with aging pavers and overgrown arborvitaes is now a stunning outdoor retreat. The transformation features a handcrafted lattice-style brick wall, a sleek bluestone patio, and custom-cut limestone caps, all thoughtfully designed to enhance both beauty and function while honoring the character of the home”

Nichole added: “As a small family-owned business, it’s rewarding when past clients call years later, and I immediately recognize them because I’m involved in every project. It’s also a testament to our work when they insist on using nobody but us.”

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