Trowels, Tradition, and a Passion for Plaster: A Conversation with New Age Artisans’ Jeremy Mistretta
This story is part of our Skilled AF podcast series, spotlighting diverse and inspiring voices connected to the skilled trades & construction community.
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
