Meet the Instructors

Anthony Hita joined LimeWorks.us in 2018 as an architectural conservator overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company’s laboratory. Anthony is responsible for laboratory analysis, technical documentation, sample preparation, report writing, product development, and client consultations. He specializes in masonry conservation and is a designated Professional Associate of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC). Anthony has published several papers on architectural history and has been invited to speak several times nationally and internationally on the topic of vernacular architecture. He serves on ASTM committees C07 on lime and limestone and C12 on masonry mortars. During his time with the company, Anthony has participated in dozens of projects, helped develop multiple commercial restoration products, and conducted or overseen nearly 250 mortar analyses.

Gene Lakin is a master plasterer. He started in the trade as a young apprentice at 16 and has loved it ever since. With hard work and determination, Gene eventually worked his way up to become a journeyman plasterer with the union. Throughout his illustrious time learning the art of plaster, he has gained indispensable knowledge and plastering abilities that can help anyone with their project. Gene is currently the resident plaster instructor and on-site training coach for LimeWorks.us. He has helped numerous people take their projects to the next level. His skills have transitioned flawlessly into the classroom at The Craftwork Training Center, teaching classes of all levels how to choose the suitable material, mix, and apply plaster to a historic preservation project.

Dave Lyons, a master mason, has been dedicated to the art of masonry since 1983. Joining LimeWorks.us in 2008, he has continuously elevated his expertise. Dave integrates his knowledge into fieldwork, specializing in historically appropriate repointing work, brickwork, stonework, internal and external plasterwork as well as one of our key instructors in our Brick, Stone and Terra Cotta repair material called Lithomex®. His proficiency extends beyond traditional craftsmanship, as he is well-versed in our products, having utilized them firsthand. Dave is readily available to assist anyone with repairs or answer any questions.

Charlie Hepler began his masonry career in 1991, when he bought his own stone house and thought he should take care of it “right.” He specializes in stone and brick work, especially in preparing the surfaces for repointing. Charlie has been a part of the LimeWorks.us Technical Install Team for over two decades. With hands-on expertise with LimeWorks.us products and tools, Charlie is ready to share techniques and information that comes with lived experience.

With a career filled with experience on historic restoration, Ken Saul, Sr., brings his talents as a master brick and stone restoration specialist to the Craftwork Training Center. Previously working for Stephen J. Korich Masonry Restoration Company and subsequently operating his own business for over 30 years as Saul Restoration Artisans, Ken then became the North American Senior Certification Trainer for Cathedral Stone Products. He certified contractors and demonstrated methodology for patching natural stone from NYC to Halifax, Nova Scotia, to San Antonio, Texas, and everywhere in between. Ken brings innovative new approaches and methodologies in the area of patching natural stone, brick and terracotta using Lithomex®.

Born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland, Alan Brady is a 5th-generation master stonemason. After graduating from David Dale College of Building and Printing, he entered a 5-year apprenticeship in stonemasonry and carving. He worked for one of the largest stone companies in Scotland for 25 years before moving to America in 2005, bringing his specialized skills to Chester Springs and the Mainline. For his work converting the Barony Church into a graduation hall for the University of Strathclyde, Alan won the Best Conservation/Restoration Award. He has been a part of the Craftwork Training Center and LimeWorks.us Technical Install Team since March, 2024, and is an avid Scottish Football supporter.