business pro f i l e has built its specialty into an art form Dale Taylor (above left) and the T&O team check out the 16-foot- wide fireplace for John Lasseter that Ken built several years ago. MAy / J U N E 2 0 1 3 45 Solid as Stone T&O MASONRY K en Taylor was just seventeen years old when he went to work for his father, Dale, in the family masonry business. The St. Helena-based by Kari Ruel partnership between the older Taylor and friend Dick Opp (the “T” and the “O”), begun in 1958, laid the foundations of well-known wineries, homes and historical projects in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ken quickly immersed himself in the trade under the leadership of Opp and worked side by side with him creating hand-crafted fireplaces and specialty masonry work until Opp passed away in 1978. Ken then continued to fine tune his craft while his father focused on traditional masonry work and operations of the business. In 2002, Ken purchased the business from his father, and Dale retired in 2005. Ken is a quiet and humble artisan. “Basically, I like to work with my hands,” he said. He welcomes challenges and enjoys the process of figuring out how to make the impossible possible. This quality, plus his attention to detail and strong work ethic, have resulted in his reputation for unique one-of-akind designs and masterpieces that are sought by top architects and designers. Examples of his craftsmanship can be found in the base of the Grape Crusher statue, Robert Mondavi’s home, Nickel & Nickel Winery, Far Niente, Harlan Estates, Meadowood Resort, Silver Oak, Auberge Resort and most recently, French Blue Restaurant, plus many more. The success of T & O Masonry and its 55-year history has culminated in Ken’s creative endeavors and in his high quality team. Partner Francisco Pena and 30-year veteran, estimator/project manager John Smith run a team of dedicated and conscientious craftsmen. “We have been blessed to be able to work on some amazing projects here in the Napa Valley, ones you couldn’t do anywhere else,” said Ken. “We are never forced to slam things together, and that allows us to do something nice that will showcase our work.” The most memorable projects for Ken to work on include the entrance to Leslie Rudd’s winery, Dreamworks/Disney’s John Lasseter’s fireplace, and Joe and Jennifer Montana’s five specialty fireplaces. In addition, he has been involved with Round Pond properties and their multiple projects for more than 20 years. He also took apart an old train station in Carson City and preserved the stones on a couple of his memorable projects here in the Valley. Besides creating remarkable masonry art here in the Valley, Ken, with Dale, who passed away in 2008, has traveled to Bolivia to build stone houses and schools as part of giving back in appreciation of the company’s success. Ken is married to Melinda and has a 31-year-old son, an assistant winemaker at B Cellars, and a 16-year-old daughter. For more samples of T&O Masonry's award-winning work, go to www.t-o-masonry.com. 707.963.2582. Ken Taylor
NVLife_MayJune_2013
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