Ep 13: Trowels, Tradition, and a Passion for Plaster: A Conversation with New Age Artisans’ Jeremy Mistretta

Jeremy Mistretta is the founder of New Age Artisans, a plaster contractor and manufacturer based in Bozeman, Montana, and the creator of the Plaster Portal, a global online learning hub preserving and teaching ancient plaster techniques. A self-taught craftsman with an English literature degree, Jeremy has transformed a chance encounter with plaster into a thriving career. His work spans high-end residential projects, historic restorations, and global knowledge exchanges, including a recent restoration and transformation of a 500-year old mosque in Morocco into a women and children’s center. Through New Age Artisans and the Plaster Portal, Jeremy is redefining how traditional craft can thrive in the modern era, while ensuring he gives back to the industry that’s provided so much for him.In this interview we cover:> Jeremy’s Journey: From East Coast summer jobs and a literature degree to discovering his plaster passion in Montana> Lessons from the School of Hard Knocks: The importance of mastering both trade skills and business acumen> The Clientele: Serving the 1% of the 1% in Montana’s luxury home market, Yellowstone Club, while staying grounded in craft and community> The Plaster Portal: A global education platform preserving ancient techniques and connecting artisans worldwide> Manufacturing Plaster: How New Age Artisans has developed its own line of plaster blend from local aggregates in Montana> Building Company Culture: Creating a circular economy that reinvests in employees, craft, and educating the next wave of plasterers> Cultural Responsibility: Giving back to the birthplace of Tadelakt through the restoration of a 500-year-old building in Morocco> Labor Shortage Insights: Firsthand perspective on the urgent need for skilled tradespeople-----Guest info:Jeremy Mistretta, Founder & Owner, New Age Artisans; The Plaster PortalFollow on InstagramConnect with The Skilled Project:Founder, Amanda Luchetti; ✉️: [email protected] on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedInSubscribe to newsletterLike the podcast? 🎧Subscribe to the podcastLeave a kickass reviewKnow someone Skilled AF? Submit a story hereHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.