Featured Contractor: Graham AKA Instagrahamski

Every stone tells a story—and for Graham Waleryszak (who many know as "Instagrahamski") each project is a blank canvas! As a skilled independent mason, with a passion for craftsmanship and creativity, he brings an artistic eye and hands-on expertise to every job site. Traveling across regions (and the country) collaborating with builders, designers, and homeowners, Graham transforms natural stone into functional, one-of-a-kind works of art.

With an English and social science degree, Graham started doing masonry work in summers, including chimneys and fireplaces, with plans to find his "real job." A mentorship with a traditional mason kicked off his now 25-year career, and helped build a strong foundation in technical skills and applications.

Split Fieldstone Mosaic Spa by Instagrahamski (natural stone supplied by SBI Materials)

Graham recalls the transition to Thinstone Veneer, especially the positive impact it had on productivity for his mentor. "He was in 60s and could continue working with veneer, because it wasn’t as hard on him. It keeps people in the industry longer; it's easier and more versatile to work with." It also makes him appreciate his traditional background, and the impact materials have on each project. "You have to know how the traditional stone looks, to make Thinstone Veneer look like it’s installed correctly." Skilled craftsmanship provides a foundation to add artistic accents, or to blend Full-Bed Veneer and Thinstone Veneer to accommodate different spaces with precision.

Each of our Featured Contractors' businesses are unique, with different sizes, business models, and at various stages of growth. Graham is an independent contractor who subs for different companies, and works with helpers while traveling to different destinations to for special projects and partnerships. While he says traveling presents extra logistical considerations, it optimizes the flexibility to work with people and on projects he loves! He is currently based in New Hampshire, but loves working on both coasts. "It's hard to be in different markets coordinating logistics, staging, and tools," he said. But this is where collaborating with others makes all the difference. 

CT Blend Roughly Squares & Rectangles (stone supplied by Georgetown Building Supply and Martignetti Enterprises)

Graham said he's made important connections that led to the right partnerships and client relationships through Instagram. One of his regular collaborations includes one of our previous Featured Contractors, Mark at Green Monster Landscapes. "We've done lots of cool projects together," Graham said. "We collaborate when we can, which eases the logistic challenges. It's all about supporting each other and building relationships." 

One of the business challenges we talked about with Graham was the trades gap in the country, and how fewer people go into masonry. And, like other masonry teams we've had the pleasure of talking with, finding the right people to work with can also be complex. "Finding people who you can spend your day with and do masonry with–that’s a challenge. You need quality people to do quality jobs," he said.

Among Graham's favorite projects in the last year: a hardscape transformation in Santa Rosa, California for a friend who owns a wine company and hosts special events. (See photo below for one aspect.) He also worked on a project in Maine that involved "a cool boulder retaining wall with 3,000 pound boulders" that combined stone with existing natural resources homeowners had onsite, among other details. Coordinating materials with the hardscape, and the Connecticut Blend Collection, created a unique and memorable look (and experience!)

This "Heart of Glass and Stone" project includes wine bottles, beach pebbles, and Delgado Stone materials!

When it comes to client relationships and rewarding outcomes, Graham's perspective sets him apart, and helps match him with the right opportunities. "It takes an artistic element–not only masonry," he explained. "And finding people who believe in that, and who see your work as one-of-a-kind." He also enjoys how this masonry-artistry combination incorporates both sides of the brain, the rules of masonry, building, and design and the stimulation of the creative process. 

He keeps projects running smoothly with one of the values we share: leading by example. "Leaders show up first before their team. There's also a lot of merit to being well organized. The day runs smoother, too, when you don’t have to deal with interpersonal stuff and can focus on the work: easy conversation, no ego." 

We appreciate Graham using our materials to add elegance and character to his creations, and we can't wait to see where his next adventure takes him! To learn more about Graham, and to see his inspiring projects and works-in-progress, follow Instagrahamski! You can contact him by phone at (603) 303-9136, or email him at graham_waleryszak@yahoo.com. For more natural stone inspiration, and ways masons/artists like Graham use it to transform spaces, download our ebook!