Jay Magstadt: Building Blocks
By James Florence, Senior Writer
SOLANO — Following an accomplished career as a civil engineer, Jay Magstadt decided to alter his professional focus from modern infrastructure to a more classical form of construction. “After earning my BS in civil engineering from South Dakota State University, I spent 25 years managing freeway and bridge construction projects throughout the western United States,” he recounts. “Toward the end of this timeframe, I was involved in building masonry sound walls along freeways throughout the Bay Area. Soon after, an opportunity came along to buy a masonry manufacturing facility, and I decided to give it a shot. That was 2006, and I’ve been manufacturing and installing masonry and concrete paving products ever since.”
Today, as operations manager of CastleLite Block, LLC, Jay appreciates multiple aspects of his second career. “I enjoy managing personnel and overseeing things on both the production and installation sides,” he says. “As a manufacturer-installer, we’re able to control our products from beginning to end, which allows us to maintain excellent customer satisfaction.”
Originally from South Dakota, Jay resides in Danville, where he appreciates the natural beauty and community involvement. “In general, I enjoy the beauty of Northern California and its many iconic sites, from Yosemite to the Golden Gate Bridge. Danville in particular is a great area to raise children—the schools are fantastic and the whole community is invested in providing our students with a great education.”
Outside of work, Jay spends his time engaged in a variety of active pastimes. “I enjoy fishing, cooking and sports,” he says. “Besides following professional sports teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Boston Celtics, I play bocce ball in the local city league.” Additionally, Jay enjoys spending time with his wife, Kristie, and their daughter, Amanda, who is currently attending Washington State University.
When asked how his life would be different if he were to retire tomorrow, Jay says he’d spend more time communing with nature. “If I retired tomorrow, I’d buy a cabin on a lake and spend my days fishing and enjoying the outdoors.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite Bay Area restaurant?
A: La Taqueria in San Francisco.
Q: What kinds of music do you like?
A: Mostly ’80s and ’90s music.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Santorini, Greece. I went there 25 years ago and it was the most beautiful place I’d ever seen.
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: A night owl.
Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Peanut M&M’s.