March 2012: World of Concrete/World of Masonry

Words: Dan Kamys

March 2012

World of Concrete/World of Masonry Increased Attendance and a Silver Lining

The SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 is about to commence. The SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 is about to commence.

After several years of doom and gloom, vendors and attendees at this year’s World of Concrete/World of Masonry show in Las Vegas put up increased attendance numbers – 52,088 – and had smiles on their faces. The overall tone relayed that, perhaps, the dark clouds of a crumbled economy are lifting, and things are slowly beginning to turn around for commercial construction.

MCAA’s Annual Convention featured several educational sessions, committee meetings, award dinners, and both the International Masonry Skills Challenge and the Fastest Trowel on the Block Competition (see coverage on pages 14-16).

The 10th annual SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 national bricklaying championship winner was Leif Reints of Reints Masonry Works in Neosho, Mo., won first place after laying 583 bricks in one hour. He took home a FORD F-250 4x4 truck, $5,000 and sponsor prizes worth thousands of dollars. The TOP CRAFTSMAN award was given to mason Scott Tuttle of Quik Trowell Masonry, Clearfield, Utah. Tuttle laid 474 bricks and won $5,000 in cash, a Multiquip EM120S mixer, a STIHL TS 420 A-EWC Cutquik cut-off machine and thousands in sponsor prizes. His tender was Brian Tuttle. Look for extended coverage of the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 in the April 2012 issue of Masonry.

Shown are BRICKLAYER 500 winner Leif Reints and Top Craftsman Scott Tuttle. Shown are Tony Sorcic and Bill Behie with Holcim, which debuted an exciting new construction weather app this year.
Shown are BRICKLAYER 500 winner Leif Reints and Top Craftsman Scott Tuttle. Shown are Tony Sorcic and Bill Behie with Holcim, which debuted an exciting new construction weather app this year. 
Randy Weil with Kem-O-Kleen boasted the company’s latest and greatest products. Terry Tuerk with Metabo demonstrates a lightweight drill.
Randy Weil with Kem-O-Kleen boasted the company’s latest and greatest products.  Terry Tuerk with Metabo demonstrates a lightweight drill.
New Australian company Kwik Lintel made a big splash at World of Concrete/World of Masonry. Shown is Dan Alderdice with new epoxy products from Quikrete, which debuts products each year at World of Concrete/World of Masonry.
New Australian company Kwik Lintel made a big splash at World of Concrete/World of Masonry. Shown is Dan Alderdice with new epoxy products from Quikrete, which debuts products each year at World of Concrete/World of Masonry.
Return to Table of Contents
Contractor Tip of the Month: Get Used to the Pain
April 2026

Pain isn’t just negative; it’s a natural part of growing and improving. Instead of seeing pain as a reason to quit, recognize it as a sign you’re making progress. What sets successful people apart is their ability to stay calm and keep going when things g

Damian Lang
Contractor Tip of the Month
Read More
Fechino Files: Diesels Below 32 Degrees
April 2026

I am guessing that if you are reading this, then you experienced the cold, late-January spell that took over most of the country. The cold weather has many effects on the operations of a masonry contractor, from job shutdowns to equipment starting issues,

Steven Fechino
Fechino Files
Read More
Outreach Outlook: Building Momentum Across the Southern Region
April 2026

As April arrives, the pace of our outreach and workforce efforts across the Southern Region reaches a new level of intensity. This is the time of year when our programs, partners, and state collaborators all accelerate at once. SkillsUSA competitions are

Conner Birdsong
Outreach Outlook
Read More
Marvelous Masonry: Elbphilharmonie
April 2026

Most people know the Elbphilharmonie for its glass façade and dramatic roofline. From a distance, that’s what defines the skyline in Hamburg’s HafenCity district. But for masonry contractors and suppliers, the real story starts at the base.

Cass Stern
Marvelous Masonry
Read More