Integrity Masonry’s Own Tessa Ferzli Featured on TVOkids
At Integrity Masonry, we talk a lot about craftsmanship, work ethic, and building something that lasts. But every once in a while, we get to share a story that captures all of that in a single moment.
This is one of those moments.
A recent feature from TVOKids highlights the masonry trade for a younger audience—and the person leading that story is our very own Tessa Ferzli.
CLICK THE IMAGE TO WATCH THE WHOLE VIDEO SPOTLIGHT AT TVOKIDS
An Integrity Success Story that Started at Age 17
Tessa’s journey into masonry didn’t begin in a classroom—it began on-site.
She started apprenticing with Integrity Masonry at just 17 years old. Like many entering the trades for the first time, she was stepping into a world that demands physical effort, precision, and resilience. But what set Tessa apart early on was her willingness to learn, adapt, and to try to lift twice as much as any guy on site!
As a child of immigrants and a woman entering a traditionally male-dominated trade, Tessa also faced the added challenge of carving out her place in an industry where representation has historically been limited. Rather than seeing that as a barrier, she used it as motivation to prove what’s possible through dedication and skill.
Over the years, she developed her abilities across all aspects of masonry—laying brick, working with stone, understanding structural systems, and mastering the finer details that separate good work from great work.
Today, she is a Red Seal certified mason and serves as the Operations Manager and an estimator at Integrity Masonry.
From Job Site to TV Screen
Supporting Tessa in her role as a guest host of this TVOkids segment was special.
This isn’t a generic portrayal of masonry. It’s a real tradesperson, with real experience, demonstrating the craft in a way that's interesting, fun, and accessible to the next generation.
For kids watching, it answers questions they may not even know they have:
What does a mason actually do?
What kinds of materials are used?
What does a typical day look like?
Could this be something I do one day?
Tessa represents a clear, tangible pathway—from beginner to professional, from apprentice to leadership.
Why Representation in the Trades Matters
The skilled trades need more visibility—especially among younger audiences.
Too often, masonry is misunderstood or overlooked entirely as a career option. Content like this changes that. It shows that:
Skilled trades are technically and intellectually engaging
There are real opportunities for growth and advancement
You can build a long-term, stable career without a traditional academic path
And importantly, it shows that there is no single “type” of person who belongs in the trades. Tessa’s story—as a woman and the child of immigrants—helps broaden that perspective and makes the industry more accessible to those who may not have previously seen themselves in it.
What This Means to Us
At Integrity Masonry, this feature is more than just a proud moment—it’s validation of something we’ve always believed:
If you invest in people, teach the craft properly, and create opportunities, the results speak for themselves.
Tessa’s progression—from a 17-year-old apprentice to a Red Seal mason, company leader, and business partner—demonstrates exactly what’s possible in this industry.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a parent, this is a great video to watch with your kids. If you’re young and exploring career options, it’s worth paying attention to. And if you’re in the industry, it’s a reminder of why mentorship and training matter.
The future of masonry depends on people like Tessa—and on the next generation she’s now helping to inspire.
Interested in working with a team that values craftsmanship and develops real talent? Contact Integrity Masonry to learn more about our services or opportunities in the trade.
