After contacting three licensed contractors (always check with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors to make sure a contractor is licensed), I chose Manuel's company. Although his bid was not the lowest one, I was the most impressed by his thorough knowledge of block & brick work.
He and his crew did a very professional job and cleaned up afterward. Having used masonry contractors in the past I've seen good ones and not so good ones.
The work was done in an expeditious fashion. Although a company owner may give bids, quite often you never see the owner until it is time to collect the check; not so with this company.
Manuel came to verify landscapers had done a proper clearing of some overgrown bushes and a tree before work could start. He delivered materials a day in advance so that work could start early the next morning. None of my neighbors were disturbed by any loud noises since his crew seemed to be mindful that people were still asleep on a Saturday morning.
I would encourage any homeowner or business owner in employing the services of this company.