Careers

At R.E. Kelley, our most valuable asset is our skilled workforce. Since 1934, we’ve been dedicated to craftsmanship, quality, and innovation in masonry restoration and specialty construction. When you join our team, you become part of a culture that values detail, excellence, and continual growth.

If you have questions about joining our team, feel free to reach out directly to our President, Ronald Schlegel, who prides himself on being accessible to everyone in the company. You can contact him at 716-818-0325.

How to Join Us

We welcome individuals at all skill levels who are committed to learning and growing in their trade:

Apprenticeship

If you’re new to the trade, we’ll guide you through the process of joining the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union apprenticeship program, where you’ll receive comprehensive training and hands-on experience.

Experienced Professionals

If you’re an experienced tradesperson not yet in the union, you can qualify to join directly as a journeyman by demonstrating your expertise through a resume review and practical evaluation.

We understand that joining a union can be complex if you’re new to the process,
and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Why Choose R.E. Kelley?

  • Commitment to Excellence:
    Join a team known for meticulous attention to detail and a reputation for quality that spans generations.

  • Advanced Tools and Technology:
    While you’ll provide your personal hand tools, you’ll have full access to our extensive inventory of specialty power tools and advanced technology.

  • Employee Development:
    We invest heavily in safety training and specialty education beyond union standards, ensuring our team stays ahead of industry trends and best practices.

  • Culture of Respect:
    Our company is built on a history of treating employees well, leading to generations of family members and friends working side by side. We pride ourselves on an inclusive, welcoming environment where talent and dedication are recognized and rewarded.

Learn More About the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union

Established in 1865, the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) is the oldest continuously operating union in North America.

BAC proudly represents highly skilled craftworkers across the United States and Canada—including bricklayers, stone and marble masons, cement masons, plasterers, tilesetters, terrazzo and mosaic workers, and pointers/cleaners/caulkers.

The union is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its members through fair wages, comprehensive benefits, safe working environments, and strong solidarity.

Local 3 BAC: Covering Buffalo, Rochester, Ithaca, Jamestown, and Binghamton Areas – bac3ny.com

Local 2 BAC: Covering Syracuse, Oswego, Utica, Watertown, and Albany Areas – baclocal2nyvt.org

If you have any additional questions about this application or our hiring process, feel free to contact our President, Ronald C. Schlegel, directly at 716-818-0235.

  • What services does R.E. Kelley provide?

    We specialize in exterior masonry restoration, concrete repair, waterproofing, joint sealants, traffic coatings, storefront/curtain wall repair, masonry coatings, and air barriers.

  • What types of buildings do you typically work on?

    Our projects range from historic churches and universities to commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and residential complexes.

  • How long has R.E. Kelley been in business?

    We’ve been serving Western and Upstate New York since 1934, with more than 90 years of proven experience in building restoration and repair.

  • Do you provide free estimates or proposals?

    Yes. Our team can provide detailed proposals that include scope of work, repair methods, and cost breakdowns.

  • Are you licensed and insured?

    Yes. We are fully licensed and insured to perform masonry restoration and related services in New York State, Pennsylvania and Ohio

  • Can you handle large-scale projects?

    Absolutely. Our portfolio includes multi-million-dollar restoration projects, as well as smaller repair jobs.

  • Do you work on historic buildings?

    Yes. We have extensive experience in historic masonry restoration, including specialized techniques and materials like terra cotta, limestone, and brick matching.

  • What geographic areas do you serve?

    We primarily serve Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and surrounding regions in Western and Upstate New York.

  • What sets R.E. Kelley apart from other contractors?

    Our longevity, skilled workforce, and reputation for quality craftsmanship make us one of the most trusted names in restoration.

  • How do I start a project with you?

    You can reach us by phone, email, or through our website contact form. We’ll schedule a site visit, review your needs, and prepare a proposal.

  • Can you fix leaks in our building?

    Yes. We specialize in stopping leaks of all kinds, including those in below-grade foundation walls, around windows, and through masonry walls. Our team is highly skilled in diagnosing and repairing water intrusion to protect your building envelope. The only type of leak we do not repair is roof leaks.

  • Can you find a brick to match our building?

    Yes. Our team has extensive experience sourcing and matching brick for restoration projects. Decades ago, there were hundreds of brick manufacturers across North America; today, only a limited number remain, which can make finding a perfect match more challenging. We work closely with manufacturers, distributors, and specialty producers to locate the closest possible match in texture, size, color, and range. When an exact match is no longer available, we can recommend alternatives such as custom blending, reusing salvaged brick, or applying staining techniques to achieve a seamless look.

  • Can you match the mortar in our building?

    Absolutely. Mortar matching is one of our specialties. In fact, a section of our warehouse is dedicated to custom blending mortar colors to match existing joints. Mortar is primarily composed of sand, portland cement, lime, and water—with sand being the key factor that influences color and texture. We source a wide variety of sands to achieve accurate matches and can further adjust colors with concentrated pigments to ensure your repair blends naturally with the original construction.

  • How does weather affect your work?

    Weather conditions can impact when and how we perform work. Rain, high winds, and freezing temperatures all affect masonry repairs and coating applications, as these products require proper curing times to deliver a high-quality result. In the spring, ground conditions also play a role. Many of our projects require heavy equipment such as boom lifts and telescoping forklifts, and we need firm ground to operate safely and prevent site damage.