Joe Ward and Bill Foster founded Masonry Products Sales in 1954. They were brick masons who began supplying their own jobs with brick. Other masons began to call them to supply their jobs. Beginning modestly and without debt, Masonry Products opened its doors on leased property in today’s Mid-City location. They soon discontinued brick laying and stuck to brick supply. Over the years, they gradually added more and more brick lines and all of the products needed to lay brick.

Through consistently honest and fair business practices, their company grew steadily. As the operation needed more space they increased the size of the leased railroad property and added more office space.

Ron Foster, son of Bill Foster, came to work at Masonry Products in 1976 following his tour in the Air Force.

In 1983, Foster-Taylor Fireplaces was created to market and install prefabricated fireplaces. It was first located in Kenner and eventually was relocated to the Mid-City location with Masonry Products.

The late 80’s and 90’s saw two major renovations of the office/showroom complex on N. Alexander St. and the addition of a new large showroom and brickyard on Highway 59 in Mandeville. The dominance and success of Masonry Products Sales and Foster-Taylor Fireplaces is evident by these facilities.