About Bi-State Masonry, Inc | 26+ Years Serving Quad Cities

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Building Excellence in Masonry Since 1999

Our Story

Founded in 1999 by Chris Belser, Bi-State Masonry, Inc. has grown from a small masonry contractor into one of the Quad Cities' most trusted names in commercial and residential masonry restoration and construction. What began as a vision to provide superior craftsmanship and reliable service has evolved into a full-service masonry company serving clients from Des Moines to Chicago.

For over 26 consecutive years, we've specialized in masonry restoration, new construction, and historic preservation. Our reputation is built on a simple promise: every project completed, every commitment kept. Throughout our history, we've never left a project unfinished and have maintained zero claims against our bid, performance, or payment bonds—a track record that speaks to our dedication to quality and client satisfaction.

Today, Bi-State Masonry employs 60 skilled professionals and operates state-of-the-art equipment to handle projects of any size and complexity. From a single chimney restoration to multi-million dollar commercial renovations, we bring the same level of expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence.

Our Mission & Values

Mission Statement

To deliver superior masonry craftsmanship and restoration services that preserve architectural integrity, exceed client expectations, and build lasting relationships throughout the Midwest.

Core Values

Quality Without Compromise
We maintain the highest standards of workmanship on every project, whether it's a $5,000 residential repair or a $500,000 commercial restoration. Our skilled craftsmen take pride in their work, and it shows in every brick laid and every joint pointed.

Merit-Based Excellence
As a proud merit shop, we compensate our team members based on skill level and performance, not seniority alone. This approach ensures that you get experienced, motivated craftsmen on your project who are committed to delivering exceptional results.

Integrity & Reliability
Our 26-year track record with zero bond claims and zero unfinished projects reflects our unwavering commitment to keeping our promises. When we commit to a timeline and budget, we deliver.

Safety First
The safety of our team and your property is paramount. We maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, follow rigorous safety protocols, and ensure all team members are properly trained and equipped for each project.

Historic Preservation Expertise
We understand that many of the Quad Cities' most beautiful buildings require specialized knowledge and care. Our expertise in historic restoration standards and tax credit compliance ensures that restoration projects maintain architectural authenticity while meeting modern performance requirements.

What Sets Us Apart

Comprehensive Capabilities

Unlike many specialty contractors, Bi-State Masonry offers a complete range of masonry and concrete services. This means you work with a single trusted contractor from planning through completion, eliminating coordination headaches and ensuring consistent quality throughout your project.

Commercial & Residential Expertise

While 95% of our work is commercial, we also serve residential clients with the same level of professionalism and expertise. Our dual focus means we bring commercial-grade capabilities and reliability to homeowners, and personal attention to commercial clients.

Competitive Merit Shop Pricing

Our merit-based employment model allows us to offer highly competitive pricing—often 20-25% lower than union shops—without compromising quality or craftsmanship. We pay our team members based on their skills and performance, ensuring you get experienced professionals at fair market rates.

Never an Unfinished Project

In over 26 years of operation, we've never left a project incomplete. We've never had a claim filed against our bid, performance, or payment bonds. This perfect track record demonstrates our financial stability, project management expertise, and unwavering commitment to seeing every job through to successful completion.

State-of-the-Art Equipment

We invest in modern equipment and technology to ensure efficiency, safety, and quality. From telescopic forklifts and hydraulic scaffolding to specialized confined space entry equipment, we have the tools necessary to handle complex projects safely and effectively.

Wide Geographic Reach

Based in East Moline, Illinois, we serve commercial clients from Des Moines to Chicago and residential customers within 50 miles of the Quad Cities. Our service area includes Davenport, Moline, Rock Island, Bettendorf, Iowa City, Dubuque, Muscatine, Peoria, Rockford, and surrounding communities throughout Iowa and Illinois.

Our Capabilities

Commercial Masonry Services

Tuckpointing & repointing
Concrete restoration & patching
Brick replacement & repair
Structural masonry repairs
Shelf angle repair & replacement
Caulking & sealant application
Building cleaning & waterproofing
Deck coating & protective systems
Lintel installation & repair
Commercial door installation
Masonry cleaning (chemical & mechanical)
Confined space entry work
Bridge & parking ramp repairs
Plant maintenance contracts

Residential Masonry Services

Basement waterproofing
Chimney restoration & repair
Tuckpointing & repointing
Wall rebuilding & underpinning
Foundation repairs
Brick & stone patching
Planters & outdoor masonry features
Residential waterproofing solutions

Specialized Services

Historic building restoration
Tax credit-compliant preservation work
Epoxy & foam injection
Concrete forming & pumping
Sandblasting & abrasive cleaning
Epoxy & urethane flooring
Stone cutting & patching
Structural engineering coordination

Markets We Serve

Bi-State Masonry has extensive experience serving diverse market segments:

Government & Municipal
Federal, state, and local government facilities requiring reliable contractors with proven track records and appropriate bonding.

Educational Institutions
Schools, colleges, and universities throughout Iowa and Illinois, including work with the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and numerous K-12 districts.

Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals, clinics, and medical office buildings where minimal disruption and strict safety protocols are essential.

Industrial & Manufacturing
Warehouses, plants, and manufacturing facilities including utilities and heavy industry environments.

Commercial Real Estate
Office buildings, retail centers, multi-family residential, and mixed-use developments.

Historic Properties
Restoration and preservation of historic buildings with attention to architectural integrity and tax credit compliance.

Credentials & Certifications

Licensing & Insurance

Fully licensed in Illinois and Iowa
Comprehensive general liability insurance
Workers' compensation coverage
Bonding capacity for projects of all sizes
Never a claim against bid, performance, or payment bonds in 26+ years

Professional Affiliations

Better Business Bureau A+ Accredited (since January 2008)
Zero BBB complaints since accreditation
Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce member
Federal SAM Registration (since October 2005)
Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business

Leadership & Experience

Meet the Team Behind Bi-State Masonry

Our success is built on the expertise, integrity, and dedication of our leadership team. With decades of combined experience in commercial and residential masonry, Chris Belser and Justin Smith have built Bi-State Masonry into a trusted partner for projects throughout the Midwest.

Chris Belser, President & Founder

Leading Bi-State Masonry Since 1999

Chris founded Bi-State Masonry in 1999 with a clear vision: to create a masonry company that delivers superior craftsmanship, honest communication, and unwavering reliability to every client. What started as a one-person operation has grown into a 45-employee company serving major commercial clients and homeowners throughout the Quad Cities region and beyond.

A graduate of Black Hawk College, Chris brings over 26 years of hands-on expertise in masonry restoration, construction estimating, historic preservation, and project management. His deep understanding of both the technical and business aspects of masonry contracting has been instrumental in establishing Bi-State Masonry's reputation for completing every project on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Chris's leadership philosophy centers on merit-based employment—compensating team members based on skill level and performance rather than seniority alone. This approach has attracted and retained some of the most talented masonry craftsmen in the region, ensuring that every Bi-State Masonry project benefits from experienced, motivated professionals.

Under Chris's guidance, Bi-State Masonry has maintained a perfect record with zero claims against bid, performance, or payment bonds throughout its 26-year history. The company has also earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau with zero complaints since accreditation in 2008—a testament to Chris's commitment to client satisfaction and ethical business practices.

Beyond Bi-State Masonry, Chris has been involved in community development through ventures including Restore Quad Cities, Inc., and brings experience from his previous work with John Deere Product Development. His entrepreneurial approach and dedication to the Quad Cities community have made Bi-State Masonry not just a successful business, but a valued contributor to the region's commercial and historic preservation landscape.

Areas of Expertise:

Commercial masonry project management
Historic preservation & restoration
Construction cost estimating
Merit-based workforce development
Client relationship management
Business development & strategic planning

Justin Smith, Partner, Estimator & Project Manager

Bringing Business Acumen and Technical Precision to Every Project

Justin Smith joined Bi-State Masonry with a unique combination of business management expertise and construction industry knowledge, making him an invaluable partner in the company's continued growth and success. As Partner, Estimator, and Project Manager, Justin oversees the critical process of transforming client needs into accurate bids and seeing those projects through to successful completion.

A graduate of the University of Iowa's prestigious Tippie College of Business, Justin earned his Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus on Business Administration and Management. He also completed a specialized Certificate in Entrepreneurship, providing him with the strategic thinking and innovative approach that benefits every aspect of Bi-State Masonry's operations.

Before joining Bi-State Masonry, Justin gained valuable experience in project management and business operations with NexGen Development Corp. and Vizient, LLC. This diverse background gives him a well-rounded perspective on client needs, project logistics, and the financial aspects of construction projects.

As Estimator, Justin is responsible for analyzing project specifications, conducting detailed material and labor cost assessments, and developing competitive yet realistic bids that protect both the client's budget and the company's ability to deliver quality work. His attention to detail and thorough understanding of construction costs have been instrumental in winning projects and maintaining Bi-State Masonry's reputation for accurate, honest pricing.

In his Project Manager role, Justin serves as the primary point of contact for many clients, coordinating all aspects of project execution from initial planning through final inspection. He ensures that projects stay on schedule, within budget, and meet or exceed client expectations. His business management background allows him to identify potential issues before they become problems and to communicate effectively with clients, architects, general contractors, and subcontractors.

Justin's entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to client satisfaction have been key factors in expanding Bi-State Masonry's commercial portfolio throughout the Midwest. His ability to understand client objectives, translate them into actionable project plans, and manage the complex logistics of large-scale masonry work has made him a trusted partner for general contractors, facility managers, and property owners throughout the region.

Areas of Expertise:

Construction cost estimating & bid preparation
Commercial project management
Client relationship management
Project scheduling & logistics
Contract negotiation & administration
Business development & strategic planning
Entrepreneurial problem-solving

Our Team of Skilled Craftsmen

Behind our leadership team stands a workforce of 60 dedicated professionals—from experienced bricklayers and tuckpointing specialists to equipment operators and project coordinators. Every member of our team is valued for their skills, work ethic, and commitment to excellence.

Our merit-based compensation system ensures that the most skilled and experienced craftsmen are on your project. We invest in ongoing training and safety education to keep our team at the forefront of masonry techniques, materials, and best practices.

Office Management: Our administrative team, led by experienced office manager Julie Adair, ensures smooth project coordination, accurate documentation, and responsive communication with clients throughout every project phase.

Years of Combined Experience: Our team brings decades of collective experience across every aspect of commercial and residential masonry, from historic preservation of 100-year-old buildings to new construction using the latest materials and techniques.

Our Commitment to Safety

The safety of our employees, clients, and the public is our highest priority. We maintain:

Comprehensive safety training programs for all team members
Regular safety meetings and toolbox talks
Appropriate personal protective equipment for every task
OSHA-compliant safety protocols and documentation
Confined space entry procedures and equipment
Fall protection and scaffolding safety systems
Regular equipment inspection and maintenance schedules

Our safety record reflects our commitment—in 26 years of operation, we've maintained a strong safety culture that protects our team and minimizes risk for our clients.

Why Clients Choose Bi-State Masonry

"The best craftsmen in the region."
Our merit-based employment model attracts and retains the most skilled masonry professionals in the Quad Cities.

"They always deliver on their promises."
Zero unfinished projects and zero bond claims in 26+ years speaks louder than any marketing message.

"Fair pricing without surprises."
Our detailed estimates and transparent pricing mean no unexpected costs or change orders unless scope genuinely changes.

"They understand historic buildings."
Our expertise in preservation standards and tax credit compliance is invaluable for restoration projects.

"Easy to work with."
From initial consultation through final cleanup, we communicate clearly, show up on time, and respect your property and schedule.

"The projects look amazing when they're done."
Quality craftsmanship is visible in every detail—from straight joints to matched mortar colors to clean, professional finishes.

Ready to Start Your Project?

Whether you're planning a major commercial restoration, need emergency masonry repairs, or want to enhance your home with expert masonry work, Bi-State Masonry has the experience, expertise, and commitment to deliver exceptional results.

Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate:

Bi-State Masonry, Inc.
4900 8th Avenue
East Moline, IL 61244

Phone: (309) 786-8800
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.bistatemasonry.com

Serving the Quad Cities and Beyond Since 1999