About Mortar Net Solutions

History

Mortar Net Solutions™, formerly Mortar Net® USA, Ltd. develops, distributes and supports innovative moisture management solutions for masonry construction.

The company was founded in 1992 by Tom Sourlis and Colin Munro. Sourlis has over 25 years of experience as a mason with extensive architectural training from the Illinois Institute of Technology and Munro is a masonry industry expert with over 45 years of experience, including research, teaching, technical consultation, manufacturing, marketing, and contracting. He has guest lectured at several universities. He is a member of AIA, CSI, and The Masonry Society of which he was a past chairman of Committee C-15: Manufactured Masonry Units and is an honorary member of the Bricklayers & Allied Craftsmen International Union. He recently became a Fellow of ASTM and received their Award of Merit.

Sourlis knew how expensive it is to tear apart a wall, clear the cavity and rebuild it. As a response to seeing what water damage can do to a building, Sourlis invented MortarNet and patented its ability to collect mortar on multiple levels. He took the concept to Munro to get his opinion. Munro’s reaction was, “Finally! A real, workable solution to a very destructive problem.” This endorsement by an expert known as widely as Munro helped to propel the company and its innovative solution from idea to industry-leading product.

In addition to the patented mortar collection device, MortarNet®, Mortar Net has developed new proprietary solutions for masonry construction that include TotalFlash®, BlockFlash®, BlockNet®, HouseNet®, WallNet™, WeepVent™, CellVent™, LathNet™, DriPlane™, WallNet-F™, and WallNet+™. Mortar Net Solutions is also one of five partner companies which are developing and marketing the CavityComplete line of wall systems. The company constantly seeks to identify opportunities to add to its product offering by creating new solutions that enhance the durability and beauty of masonry construction.

From its founding the company has made a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. Recycled materials make up a large proportion of Mortar Net Solutions’ products. Low VOC compounds are identified and promoted for use with the company’s products. Sustainability is an important outcome of using solutions developed by Mortar Net Solutions that extend the useful life of masonry structures by reducing susceptibility to moisture damage and insect infestation.

From its days as a fledgling startup the company has grown to include well-qualified and experienced executive, marketing and technical team members who have developed and brought to market a series of innovative solutions that continue to aid masons and architects in their commitment to the creation of beautiful and durable structures.

Mortar Net Solutions was purchased by Keene Building Products at the end of 2021 and is now part of the Keene Family of Companies.

Mission/Vision/Values

Mission

The purpose of Mortar Net Solutions is to improve lives by supplying moisture management solutions to building professionals that enhance the performance of and increase the longevity of masonry structures.

Vision

Mortar Net Solutions brings satisfaction and security to designers, specifiers, building owners, and tradesmen by delivering cost effective, high performance moisture management products and services that contribute to the construction of long lasting, trouble free masonry structures.

Values

We believe in consistently conducting ourselves to earn trust and respect.
We believe that to sustain our commitment to deliver high performance, cost effective moisture management solutions in a competitive environment we must constantly innovate and continuously improve.
We believe that to achieve long run success we must conduct our business at the highest ethical and legal standards.
We believe that building important relationships into partnerships with key sales channel members, suppliers, and compatible industry members is important to creating sustainable success.
We believe success is achieved through the constructive collaboration and dedication of all Mortar Net Solutions employees motivated by an inspiring and rewarding environment.
We believe our success creates the responsibility and provides the resources to support the building professional and social communities in which we work and live.

Meet The Team

bill-lewis Bill Lewis

219-850-4503 | blewis@mortarnet.com

Controller – Bill is responsible for accounting operations, including working capital management, payables, receivables, budgeting, and financial reporting. He coordinates the annual review with Mortar Net Solutions independent auditors. Additionally, he manages the company’s traffic sources, negotiating freight rates and service level to achieve the highest value.

Bill joined Mortar Net Solutions in November of 2004. He has bachelor’s degree in Criminology with a minor in Business from Florida State University. He continued his education at DePaul University in Chicago where he worked on an accounting degree.

Steven Fechino

219-850-4514 | sfechino@mortarnet.com

Engineering Manager – Steven is responsible for providing engineering support services and product training for the full family of Mortar Net Solutions products. He provides the pre-engineering flashing take offs, flashing system solutions for contractors and distributor training. Steven joined the company in August, 2010.

Prior to joining Mortar Net Solutions Steven worked for the engineering firm Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates performing facade evaluations and repair concept details. He also worked for WASCO, Inc. as a Project Manager, completing jobs in masonry restoration, terra cotta repair, precast erection, granite and marble installations, and site masonry projects.

Steven has a bachelor of science degree in Civil Engineering Technology and two associate degrees in Civil Engineering and Drafting and Design Specializing in Building Construction.

greg-skyta Gregory Skyta

219-850-4516 | gskyta@mortarnet.com

Product Manager – Greg manages the current product line and is spearheading the onboarding process of new products to the masonry division. Greg has been with Mortar Net Solutionssince February of 2011.

Greg graduated from Daytona Beach Community College in 2007. He completed his Associates of Arts degree during his junior and senior year of high school which allowed him to transfer directly to the University of Florida as a junior. Greg spent 3 years in the Warrington College of Business Administration program at the University of Florida where he graduated in April of 2010 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Management.

nichole-bishop Nichole Bishop

219-850-4518 | nbishop@mortarnet.com

Sr. Cost Accountant – Nichole handles Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Work Orders and Receipt of Goods. She works with the warehouse to ensure all orders are shipped out in a timely manner. She is the back-up for customer service and works closely with the Controller on Budgeting, Costing and Inventory Management.

After working in the dental field for 10 years, Nichole spent the following 10 years working in accounting in the manufacturing and construction industries. Nichole joined the Mortar Net team in March 2015. She is a graduate of Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting.