A Strong Foundation for Success
Lee Krinzman, Director of Education & Certification at the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA), said there are comprehensive educational opportunities available to industry newcomers and veterans alike.
“For anyone new to hardscaping, Hardscapingis.com is the perfect place to start. The site outlines training and educational opportunities, industry insights, and career guidance to help build a strong foundation,” Krinzman said. “Hardscaping offers a variety of career paths—including installation, design, sales, and business ownership—and the website outlines these opportunities to help you find the right fit. With these resources, you’ll gain the skills and confidence with the right footing to start a successful hardscaping career!”
Staying the Course
What makes hardscaping particularly appealing to learning enthusiasts is its multi-faceted nature. Each specialization requires its own set of skills and knowledge, allowing professionals to continuously expand their expertise or even transition between different roles as their interests evolve.
“CMHA offers four main installer courses for anyone in the Hardscaping or Masonry Industry. We have numerous other certificate courses for people new to the industry, sales staff, and those who just want to know best practices in the industry,” Krinzman said. “Over the past 2-3 years, CMHA has updated our installer courses with best practices for the industry and we encourage anyone looking to learn more to take our courses.”
Andrew Vear, a hardscaping industry consultant with decades of experience in installation, said he encourages people to jump at any opportunity to take a CMHA course.
“It’s one of the best ways to just gain knowledge about what you’re doing and why you’re doing something. Why are we putting in 6 inches of base? Why are we putting 8 inches of base? Why we would only need to put in 4 inches? I mean it explains all of these things so it’s not a mystery,” Vear said. “…The CMHA courses are a huge leap forward. It’s so much easier when you take a class that is in your field. It’s not like a math class where you are like, ‘I don’t understand how all this goes together.’ It’s specifically designed for the installation of pavers so you’re taking a real shortcut. You’re not learning a bunch of stuff you don’t need.”
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Continuing education and staying updated with evolving industry standards are crucial for hardscaping career longevity.
In addition to a formal education and taking courses, connecting with professionals, attending trade shows, and joining trade organizations can help hardscapers stay informed about emerging trends and new technologies.
“Networking with industry experts, joining trade organizations, and staying updated on trends through webinars and trade shows can further enhance knowledge and skills,” Krinzman said. “The more hands-on practice and industry exposure they gain, the more confident and prepared they’ll be for a successful career in hardscaping.”
Online resources, including YouTube tutorials, webinars, and social media communities, can provide further opportunities to learn and grow.
“Stay curious, adaptable, and committed to learning. The more knowledge and experience you gain, the greater your potential for success,” Krinzman advised.
For lifelong learners, hardscaping provides more than just a career – it offers a path of continuous growth and achievement. With a wide array of educational resources, diverse specialization options, and a strong emphasis on practical skill development, the field perfectly suits those who find joy in learning and satisfaction in mastering new challenges.