Joel Brain is a mason & stone artisan with more than fifteen years of experience.
After graduating from the University of NH with a degree in Social Work he traveled abroad to India where he volunteered working with special needs children. While he was there he took advantage of an opportunity to volunteer with a local green building project. He found he loved working outdoors, with his hands, and within a strong community.
Joel arrived back in the US and began seeking opportunities to learn a trade. When he found an apprenticeship with an experienced New England stone mason it was both a lesson in the art of stone and earth, as well as a course in small business.
In 2005, Joel went on to co-found his first stone masonry business, Evolving Stone, with a business partner. Around that same time he and his wife, Hillary, started a family and together they began to dream of a community where they wanted to raise their young family. In love with the beauty of the Finger Lakes, the strong sense of community, and the emphasis on sustainability and local commerce they found that Ithaca, NY was perfect for them.
In 2008, they moved to Ithaca and Joel started working for the Planstman, helping to establish a stone division for the native plants focused nursery. Business flourished, but Joel knew when his family was settled into their new community he would want to work for himself again.
In 2010, we proudly announced the launch of BrainStone! Now heading into our ninth season, Joel has worked with more than 80 private residents, LACS, Friends of Stewart Park, the City of Ithaca, and the Ithaca Children’s Garden. We are so thankful to have been embraced by the community who supports us. We count ourselves lucky to live and work in Ithaca, NY.