The American Rite: Our Masonic Heritage Explained
By Armen Mardirousi, PM Have you ever wondered why our ritual feels distinctly "American" compared to our English or Scottish counterparts? Or perhaps you've heard the term "Preston-Webb Work" tossed around and wondered what it means? Well, grab your favorite beverage...
The Brotherhood of Man and the Manhood of the Brother
By Armen Mardirousi, PM In the sacred halls of our lodge, we gather as brothers united not by blood, but by bonds far stronger—those forged through shared ideals, mutual respect, and the common pursuit of light. The phrase "Brotherhood of Man and the Manhood of the...
Building Civilizations in Our Minds: The Proper Utilization of Masonic Tools
By Armen Mardirousi, PM In the sacred chambers of our Lodge, we are taught that the working tools of Masonry are not merely physical implements, but profound symbols designed to shape the intangible temple of our character. As we labor in the quarries of our daily...
Why the Best Real Estate Deals Never Hit the Market (And How to Find Them)
by Armen Mardirousi The phone call came at 7:30 PM on a Tuesday. "Armen, I know this sounds crazy, but I need to sell my duplex in Silver Lake within two weeks. My daughter got into Stanford, and I need the down payment for a house near campus. Can you help?" Three...
Why Most Small Business Marketing Fails (And How to Fix It)
by Armen Mardirousi Here's a harsh reality: 90% of small business marketing doesn't work. Not because the business owners aren't smart, not because they don't care, and definitely not because they aren't working hard enough. It fails because they're playing a game...
Breath of Fire for Business Leaders: Ancient Techniques for Modern Stress
by Armen Mardirousi It's 2 AM, and you're lying in bed with your mind racing through tomorrow's board meeting, the quarterly projections that don't add up, and that difficult conversation you need to have with your biggest client. Your heart is pounding, your jaw is...
Permit Navigation in Los Angeles: A Contractor’s Guide to Avoiding Delays
by Armen Mardirousi If you've ever tried to get a construction permit in Los Angeles, you know the feeling: you walk into the Department of Building and Safety with what you think is a simple project, and three hours later, you're holding a stack of correction notices...
The 90-Day Rule: Why Most Business Ideas Fail Before They Start
by Armen Mardirousi Here's a harsh truth: that brilliant business idea you had in the shower last week? It's probably going to die within 90 days. Not because it's a bad idea, but because you're going to kill it with the same enthusiasm that birthed it. After nearly...
Masonry in Business: Applying Masonic Teachings to Professional Success
By Armen Mardirousi, PM Freemasonry is more than a fraternal order—it’s a philosophy that, when applied thoughtfully, can foster meaningful relationships and long-term success in the business world. Masonic principles such as integrity, charity, self-improvement, and...
The Hidden Costs of Real Estate Investment: What First-Time Buyers Don’t Budget For
by Armen Mardirousi You've done your homework. You've calculated the down payment, researched mortgage rates, and even factored in property taxes. You're feeling confident about your first real estate investment... until reality hits with a series of unexpected bills...
The Personal Brand Paradox: Being Authentic While Staying Professional
by Armen Mardirousi The LinkedIn post sat in my drafts folder for three days. I'd written about how my Kundalini yoga practice helped me navigate a difficult business negotiation, but I kept hitting delete. Would talking about ancient breathing techniques hurt my...
The Importance of Lifelong Learning in Freemasonry
By Armen Mardirousi, PM “How often do we pause to question the assumptions that shape our daily lives?” This simple yet profound question touches at the heart of every Mason’s journey. Freemasonry has long championed the pursuit of knowledge—inviting us to peer beyond...
The Importance of Assisting a Worthy Brother: Upholding Our Masonic Obligation
By Armen Mardirousi, PM Throughout the centuries, Freemasons have cherished the obligation to extend a helping hand to a Worthy Brother in need. This principle, so pivotal to our fraternity, not only shapes our approach toward each other but also serves as a...
Conscious Capitalism: How Mindful Business Practices Increase Profits
by Armen Mardirousi The boardroom was silent except for the sound of pages turning. The quarterly numbers were in, and they weren't what anyone expected. Revenue was up 23%, employee retention had hit an all-time high, and customer satisfaction scores were through the...
The Rosicrucian Principles That Transformed My Business Philosophy
Armen Mardirousi The meeting wasn't going well. Two companies, both reasonable people, both convinced they were right. The deal that should have been a win-win was rapidly becoming a lose-lose situation. Egos were escalating, positions were hardening, and I could see...
From the East—Even After We Lay Down the Gavel: Reflections of a Past Master on Living the Craft Every Day
Brethren, When we were first initiated, each of us stood in the Northeast corner as a rough ashlar—unfinished, full of promise, yet bearing the marks of imperfection that come with being human. Since that night, we have met countless times “on the level,” shared...