Behind every successful businessman lies the tale of his journey. For over three decades, Bobby Gladu, owner of Artisan Masonry & Granite LLC, has been building not only structures made of brick and stone but also a life built on solid family values and a hard-working ethic.
As a dedicated entrepreneur and advocate for Rockwall, Texas, Bobby has combined the best of both worlds–-leadership in business and the spirit of service–-to help those around him.
A business’s foundation, no matter how small it may be at the beginning, is often foretelling. Bobby's journey began at the age of 13, when his mother married his stepfather, a residential mason. Watching and learning firsthand, he was introduced to the art of building and became inspired to continue the path.
In its earlier years, Artison Masonry & Granite LLC focused on smaller projects such as brick mailboxes and flower beds. In 1991, that small venture became an incorporated company.
What started as a one-man operation has since grown exponentially, specializing in commercial masonry and residential and commercial granite work. With a team of 75+ skilled craftsmen, along with 12 dedicated office staff, the company has expanded its scope to include big-box grocery stores (such as the Kroger in North Rockwall), elementary schools, police and fire stations, and high-profile projects like the Love Field Airport renovation and Baylor Stadium, featuring green marble from Spain.
One of Bobby’s proudest projects remains the Richardson Public Safety Fire HQ, where his team’s masonry stands as a testament to their high-quality work.
Several personal and professional influences drive these achievements. “We have an old-school, handshake-driven philosophy,” reflects Bobby. “Relationships take precedence, and we treat our employees like family. For example, our foremen have been with me for 30-plus years, and my superintendent started with me at 17 and is now 48.”
Just as Bobby built Artisan Masonry & Granite LLC from scratch, he and his wife, Heather, built their home from the ground up. They now share their space with seven horses, twenty cows, and five cats, embracing the rural Texas lifestyle. A down-to-earth vibe permeates his demeanor and signifies another facet that drives his success: Bobby’s passion for assisting his community.
Giving back is important, and Bobby practices what he preaches by being actively involved with numerous organizations. This includes the Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall County, which helps educate the community about child abuse, and where he serves as a Blue Tie Guy Ambassador, and the Rockwall Leadership Class of 2025, sponsored by the Rockwall Area of Commerce (this year’s project is a Sensory Garden for the training of dogs at Patriot Paws).
Another important initiative is aimed at preventing drownings by installing lifejacket loaner stations at all the boat ramps in Lake Ray Hubbard. “This is a man-made lake about 25 feet deep, with murky waters and dark sediments. Once I was training at the lake with our North Texas Search & Recovery Dive Team. When I got to the bottom, I sunk around 16 inches into the mud. I realized how quickly you could lose a kid in there. Saving even one life is worth all the efforts that go with supporting this project.”
An honest work ethic is at the core of the company. “We do what we say and say what we do. Every Monday morning, I remind my staff that our company is built off relationships, and if you take care of people, the money will follow.”
While there will always be an emphasis on quality craftsmanship in materials such as brick and granite, other focus areas include:
- Custom brick: These can be used to create intricate patterns and stylish designs.
- Granite, quartz, marble, and limestone: Natural resources versatile enough to utilize in everything from custom homes to commercial buildings.
- Insulated concrete forms (ICF) construction: A highly energy-efficient and durable building material, used in every school project as storm shelters.
- Rain screen panels: An exterior wall detail that helps drainage and evaporation while creating a capillary break that can prevent water damage from rain and snow. It is adaptable to any climate, energy efficient, and cost-effective.
Artisan Masonry & Granite LLC is continuously evolving. With new branding and a redesigned website, the sky's the limit. For more information, visit https://artisanmasonry.com/contact
"We have an old-school, handshake-driven philosophy,” reflects Bobby. “Relationships take precedence and we treat our employees like family."
“We do what we say and say what we do. Every Monday morning, I remind my staff that our company is built off of relationships and if you take care of people, the money will follow.”