Getting to know... Michael Moody

In the latest instalment of Bdaily’s Getting to know... feature, which looks at the person behind the business profile, Michael Moody, associate director at North Shields-based Classic Masonry, talks about following in family footsteps, leaving behind a legacy for generations to come and his love of Newcastle United.

We know you as the associate director of Classic Masonry, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…

I’m fundamentally a problem solver. 

What has always made me tick is understanding how things work, identifying what’s not working as well as it could, and finding a practical way forward. 

Before joining Classic Masonry, I was an engineer, but throughout my career, regardless of the specific role, I've found the most satisfaction in analysing problems, bringing structure to complexity and working with others to deliver solutions that make a genuine difference. 

Did you always want to work in construction?

My dad is a stonemason and my grandad was too, so construction was always part of family life. 

Growing up in Newcastle, it wasn't unusual to be walking through the city with them and hear things like, ‘I worked on that’, or ‘your grandad carved that’.

Seeing their work become part of the city's landscape really stuck with me.

It gave me an appreciation that construction isn't just about buildings and infrastructure – it’s about creating something that lasts and becomes part of people's lives and communities for generations.

From an early age, I liked the idea of being part of that. I wanted to contribute in my own way and leave my own mark on the city.

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?

The best part is seeing the finished result and knowing you've played a part in creating something that will serve people for years to come. 

Whether it's a heritage restoration, a complex stone installation or a major precast concrete structure, there's a real sense of satisfaction when you can stand back and see the impact of what the team has achieved.

I particularly enjoy that no two projects are ever quite the same. 

Every project brings its own challenges, whether that's working with historic masonry, coordinating the installation of large precast concrete units, managing site constraints or finding practical ways to deliver a complex design safely and efficiently.

Those are often the moments I enjoy most.

As for the worst part, it's probably when factors outside your control impact progress. 

Construction involves a lot of moving parts, and sometimes there are delays or challenges that can't be avoided. 

That said, even those situations usually become another problem to solve.

How do you relax outside of work?

Most of my time revolves around my kids. 

I wouldn't necessarily describe that as relaxing, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

When I do get the chance to switch off, I enjoy cooking. 

It's a great way to relax and reset after a busy day. 

I love exploring different cultures through food, trying new recipes and learning new techniques.

It's also a great way to bring the family together. 

Some of the best conversations happen around the dinner table, and there's a real satisfaction in creating something that everyone can enjoy. 

What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?

The North East is the perfect combination of history, people and lifestyle.

If I had to pick a favourite part of the world, it would be Northumberland.

You've got incredible history on your doorstep, from the castles and historic buildings to the coastline and countryside. 

Everywhere you go, there are reminders of the generations that came before us and the craftsmanship they've left behind.

The people play a huge part too. 

The North East has a strong sense of community, and you'll struggle to find friendlier or more genuine people anywhere else in the country.

And there's the football; if you're from Newcastle, it's almost unavoidable. 

Supporting Newcastle United is part of the fabric of the city and something that brings people together. 

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…

I once scored three goals past Shay Given at St James' Park in front of more than 52,000 people. 

I'll just leave that there and let people work out how.

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