Just south of Middlefield on Shedd Road, A&A Masonry, owned and operated by Aaron Byler, has established itself as a dynamic masonry company which continues to shape the landscapes and homes of northeast Ohio with timeless stonework and a commitment to excellence.
The company’s origins began back in 1998, when it was founded as B&M Masonry by Aaron’s father and uncle. In 2003, the business became Mahlon’s Masonry, and in 2019, Aaron took the reins and gave it a new identity—A&A Masonry. He partnered with longtime colleague Allen Byler (no relation), and together they led the company until 2024, when Aaron became sole owner.
At just 14 years old, Aaron began working in the family business. “I didn’t grow up dreaming about owning a business,” he said. “In the beginning, I didn’t love it. But over time, as I got involved in the operations and saw the bigger picture, I realized I enjoyed not just building structures but building relationships and systems.”
His early memories include tagging along with his dad to worksites in Hunting Valley and Gates Mills, mimicking installers and laying block for fun. At 15, Aaron was sketching stone patterns that amazed his father and earned him new respect on the job. By 16, he was an installer on the team. The love for the craft has stayed with him ever since.
Today, A&A Masonry employs 12 full-time workers and works with two subcontractor crews, giving it access to a workforce of around 20 people. Almost all are from the Amish community, where fine craftsmanship is a way of life. The company’s specialties include stonework, CMU foundations, brick chimneys, fireplaces, retaining walls, patios, outdoor kitchens, and more crafted from materials like limestone, sandstone, porcelain, and bluestone.
“We’ve always looked to build long-term relationships with home builders,” said Byler. “We know builders need subcontractors they can trust. Our job is to reduce their stress, communicate clearly, and coordinate with other trades professionally.”
Though A&A also works directly with homeowners, Aaron recommends that clients work through a general contractor to ensure the best results and efficient project management. For landscape architects and design teams, A&A brings crucial expertise in structural hardscaping, executing ideas that require skills beyond typical landscaping.
A&A Masonry isn’t just about mixing mortar and laying bricks—it’s about the values that hold the company together: professionalism, attention to detail, execution, generosity and integrity.
“We talk often about our core values,” Byler explained. “But above all, our greatest value is attention to detail.”
That philosophy has made A&A a go-to contractor for luxury homes in Gates Mills, Hunting Valley, and Chagrin Falls, with occasional projects extending into Rocky River and Richfield. Whether it’s a grand outdoor fireplace or a quiet garden path, every project is treated with the same level of care and precision.
Aaron is intentional about preparing the next generation of masons. “This isn’t something you master in a week,” he said. “Each stone, each project, is different. It takes experience, instinct, and a willingness to keep learning.”
A&A’s crews now include apprentices as young as 14 giving them the opportunities afforded to Aaron. From installing block to shaping patios, these young craftsmen gain real experience while being mentored by seasoned masons.
With a history rooted in family, a reputation for excellence, and a future focused on mentorship and relationships, A&A Masonry continues to build more than structures—it builds trust, tradition, and a legacy in stone.
