Family Matters
As the youngest of three brothers working in the family business, Morse brings a unique perspective to the masonry and hardscaping industry.
Growing up, Morse was “definitely more book smart,” more interested in academics than hands-on work. His father recognized this difference and encouraged him to pursue higher education rather than immediately joining the family business.
Morse became the first person in his family to earn a college degree, studying civil engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute before completing a master’s in fire protection engineering.
For nearly eight years, he worked in the engineering field, conducting fire modeling at an engineering firm.
But the pull of family and legacy proved strong and about three years ago, the timing aligned perfectly. As older employees were preparing to retire, Morse stepped in to handle the back-end operations—quotes, orders, financial administration, and big-picture planning.
“It was good for me to get some outside experience and now I can bring that fresh perspective,” Morse said.
His educational journey also didn’t end with his first master’s degree. He recently completed an MBA in February 2025, just before his first son was born on July 4, 2025.
His new business degree has proved particularly valuable for management skills, especially his HR classes.
“Learning how to deal with people, learning how to interact with people,” he said. “You may say one thing and they take it a totally different way, so it’s about trying to really understand, really take time to think about what you’re saying, and make sure it’s conveyed correctly.”
This is especially an important skill when working with and representing generations of his family. The family environment can make for a unique work environment.
“I think it can be very rewarding, but also very challenging. It’s your family, so you have to be able to cooperate with each other. But I’m very happy to be able to see my brothers and my father daily,” Morse said. “Actually, my parents live less than 10 minutes from the plant, so on a lot of days, we go have lunch with my mother, and she makes us sandwiches like we’re in middle school.”
Making an Impact That Lasts
What drives Morse isn’t just family obligation, but a genuine pride in the product and its impact.
“I think it’s really cool that the product we’re making is 100% made in America,” he said, noting that Jandris sources materials locally from Massachusetts and New England whenever possible. “It’s cool to have a locally sourced, locally produced product that has meaningful implications on the world and its infrastructure.”
With his civil engineering background, Morse has a particular appreciation for what most people overlook.
“A lot of people just drive by on their roads and their buildings and don’t look at them,” he said. “The whole point of concrete block is so it can last 100 years or more.”
Jandris Block’s work extends far beyond standard gray blocks. They produce retaining walls and specialize in architectural units with various mix designs, colors, and finishes. Their products have been used in landmark projects including TD Garden, where the Celtics play, and Gillette Stadium, home of the Patriots.
At the company’s annual holiday party, Morse and his brothers show employees a slideshow of all the buildings they helped produce that year, marking a tangible connection to their daily work.
“So often they see this block get made, but they don’t get to see the finished piece of what they helped create, you know?” Morse said. “I might be a little more sentimental about it because of the whole family thing, but it’s cool to show them that.”
Modernizing While Respecting Tradition
Morse’s role often involves bridging the gap between traditional methods and modern efficiency.
For instance, he’s been able to automate a lot of the company’s previously manual data compilation. But modernization can be a delicate balance.
“Sometimes we’ve been doing this the same way for 30 years and it works great,” Morse said. “I don’t want to reinvent the wheel, but I also want to bring in my perspective from being outside the industry for a number of years.”
Safety and employee welfare are top priorities in modernization decisions. The brothers recently replaced a mixer at one of the plants, not because the old equipment didn’t work, but because the new machine is safer, more efficient, and easier to clean.
Morse and his family try to create an environment that makes people want to come to work, checking in regularly with employees and asking what they need. For instance, Morse recently noticed plant monitors were on small screens.
“I’m like, ‘I’m going to get you guys some bigger monitors so you can see what you’re doing,’” he said. “This is the most important piece of machine in the plant, right? We can get some nicer monitors and prevent them from having to squint. Sometimes little things like that go a long way.”
Connecting Through CMHA
Morse credits his involvement with the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA), particularly the Emerging Professionals Group (EPG), with greatly expanding his knowledge, perspective, and professional network.
After regularly attending EPG meetups at mid-year and annual conferences, he got involved in planning when the group came to the Boston area.
“It was challenging to try and plan that,” he said, “but it was a really rewarding experience to help plan that and give my perspective of what I see from the manufacturing side versus the installation side.”
The EPG gatherings are about exchanging ideas and learning from peers.
“These are people I’m going to be seeing time and time again, year after year,” Morse said. “Especially being on the younger side, we’re the future of this industry.”
Advice for Aspiring Hardscapers
For anyone considering a career in the hardscaping industry, Morse’s advice centers on authenticity and initiative.
“Don’t be shy. Don’t be afraid to reach out. If you’re interested in this industry, you should go try it out. It’s about being consistent, being hardworking,” Morse said. “Everyone in CMHA is super nice and awesome and welcoming. The biggest thing is not to be afraid. Don’t be bashful. What’s the worst that could happen, really?”
When hiring, Morse is always looking for people who want to stay for the long-term. He wants someone who shows initiative and commitment.
“It doesn’t matter your skills. You can learn. It doesn’t matter your age. I think the biggest thing is just wanting to show up on time and be willing to learn,” he said. “We’re not expecting the most skilled people, we just want somebody who is invested in working here.”
Looking Ahead
As Morse continues to grow in his role at Jandris Block, he carries forward both the weight of family legacy and the excitement of innovation.
His journey demonstrates that success in this industry doesn’t require following a single path. Whether you’re book smart or hands-on, college-educated or trade-trained, there’s a place for anyone willing to learn and contribute.
