Determined Mason is Making the Grade

Words: Daniel Hiltebeitel, Michael PickelsMichael Pickels of Marion Center, Penn., is like many in masonry, he is both ambitious and hard working. After graduating from high school, Pickels worked for a full year as an apprentice bricklayer while applying to The Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades in Media, Penn. Once accepted as a masonry student, he set out to prove the worthiness of his application.

In Pickel's first year at the trade school, he was elected class president, served on the student council, and was selected MVP of the school's cross country team. This year he is serving as assistant coach. Somehow Pickels also finds time to pursue his archery hobby.

Instructor Daniel Hiltebeitel has high praise for Pickels. "He's a fine young man and an excellent student at a very challenging school. He has accomplished so much already," Hiltebeitel says.

And, Hiltebeitel ought to know. He has been an instructor for 24 years, and three of his previous students placed among the top three in the National Masonry Contest in Kansas City, Mo. Hiltebeitel's 2001 student, Keith Parker, took first-place honors in the post secondary competition. Pickels placed seventh overall in the 2002 competition.

Thinking ahead, Pickels says, "I have a lot yet to do here at Williamson before I graduate, but some day I'd like to own my own construction company." In pursuit of that goal, Pickles plans to join the U.S. Air Force after graduation and take business courses while in the service.
About: Featured
 0
What Is Biophilic Design?
April 2025

Biophilic design integrates natural elements into built spaces to fulfill our innate connection to nature. Rooted in the biophilia hypothesis, it goes beyond aesthetics, enhancing well-being, health and productivity. 5 Ways to Incorporate Biophilic Desig

Kelly Nguyen
Featured
Read More
One For The Ages - The 75th Midyear
April 2025

“One for the ages” this is how I would describe the upcoming midyear to anyone who has never attended or are undecided about attending MCAAs 75th Anniversary at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island September 7-11 2025. In short “one for the ages” means so

Mason Hill Ruth Hill
Featured
Membership Midyear Meeting
Read More
A Greener Future Through Masonry
April 2025

When it comes to building a more sustainable future, the construction and building materials sector has a lot of room for growth. According to the most recent data, construction and building-related emissions are responsible for 40% of greenhouse gas emis

John Cicciarelli
Featured
Block Carbon Reduction Cement Commercial Concrete Calculators General Education Manufactured Stone Masonry Cement Preblended - Mortar Preblended Ready Mix Restoration - Minor Restoration
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast Episode 19 Recap: Mike & Tom Finch
April 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Mike and Tom Finch join the set in Indianapolis to crack jokes, talk about how they both got started in this industry, and the ways they've seen this trade advance and evolve over the years. The Roots of a F

Justin Stengel
Featured
Industrial
Read More