RCP Block & Brick, Inc. - Serving San Diego Since 1947

RCP Block & Brick has been providing the hightest quality concrete masonry and hardscape supplies since 1947. The story of growth from our humble beginings to where we are today is one of commitment to the core values on which the company was founded.

The years following the end of World War II dawned a new age for San Diego County. The war had brought an influx of new residents into the area, largely due to the presence of the United States Navy. Most who came because of military service or wartime jobs, made the decision to put down roots and stay in the beautiful surroundings they now found themselves in. This created a number of opportunities for the men and women who had served their country.

A natural growth industry in this up and coming town would be construction. More homes, schools, churches and stores would need to be built to support the increased population. Lumber, plaster, brick, “BLOCK” and mortar were necessary to provide shelter and shops, and these needs could provide a new way of life for those coming home from far away lands.

In 1947 Marvin Finch was one of those young lads. At the age of 20 years he was returning from Germany after months of helping in the War clean-up effort. His service had taught him many things. Taking orders as a private, he learned that he wanted to be his own boss and didn't want to work for someone else. A high school pal discovered that Marv had $400 pay from the Army Air Corp burning a hole in his pocket. That, along with a strong back, bought him an ownership interest with his friend and a couple of other fellows in a concrete block making business. Revolutionized Concrete Products was born. It started with only four employees and made only one size of concrete block, an 8x4x12 that was cranked out by hand. Sales for the first 12 months totaled $8,000. Hard work, small returns and tough times eventually took their toll on Marv’s three partners and by the early 50’s he was a sole proprietor.

In 1948 the Chubb Family of La Mesa (Harry, Jane and their sons Wayne and Gene) established La Mesa Block Company, which, similar to R.C.P. Company, manufactured a limited line of concrete block using very basic methods. As time went on, each business continued to prosper. La Mesa Block Company expanded, with stores in Lemon Grove, La Mesa and Santee. Also in Santee, a modern block manufacturing plant was built, and in 1966 La Mesa Block and R.C.P. Company merged to become what is now RCP Block & Brick, Inc. Since that time, growth in the San Diego building industry and at RCP has been tremendous.

At present, RCP Block & Brick serves contractors, homeowners, dealers, municipalities and government agencies throughout Southern California from Six Complete Masonry Centers located in Chula Vista, Lemon Grove, Santee, Encinitas, Escondido and Murrieta. Using the latest technology, RCP’s two state of the art manufacturing facilities in San Diego County produce thousands of concrete masonry units in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors and textures. The RCP line of products includes not only basic concrete block, but attractive architectural units, interlocking pavers, Keystone segmental retaining walls, tumbled pavers and tumbled landscape wall block, plus pumice flue liners, turf-block and several hardscape items. Products such as clay brick, glass block, stone, porcelain tile, barbecues and more, round out the line of building materials available at RCP. Also available is delivery to customer’s homes or job sites on RCP’s fleet of GPS guided, radio dispatched trucks.

A dedication to honest business practices, outstanding quality and friendly, personal service is the foundation on which RCP was built and management continues to be dedicated to those founding principles. The untimely passing of Marvin Finch in 1998 was a sad time for family, staff and customers alike. However, Marvin’s sons Mike and Tom Finch, daughters Kathy Finch Olsen and Sharon Finch Regano, brothers Chuck & Dick Finch and partner Gene Chubb, remain committed to Marvin’s ideals and values. That commitment can also be seen in RCP’s 300 plus employees, many of whom have been with the company for 20 or 30 years and longer.

Numerous business honors have been awarded RCP Block & Brick including “San Diego County Small Business of the Year” from the State Senate in 1986 and “Large Family Owned Business of the Year” in November 2003. RCP also strives to be a good neighbor in the community through sponsorship of youth sports, donations of time, material and money to many worthwhile organizations and its annual Christmas food and toy drive. The company also belongs to State and National Concrete Masonry Associations and participates in their extensive testing programs to ensure high standards of block strength and quality.

"Our vision is to be the best material supplier in our industry and to
become world famous."
- Mike Finch, President & CEO

We Look Forward To Sharing Our Vision & Commitment With You.