The annual Fastest Trowel on the Block competition, held Feb. 3, 2016, during the
MCAA Convention at the World of Concrete/World of Masonry in Las Vegas, drew a big audience to catch the fastest 20 minutes in masonry and see who would win the $8,000 grand prize.
The contest pit journeyman masons, accompanied by their favorite tender, against one another in a show of speed. Each contestant’s goal was to complete as much of a 30-foot long wall as possible, using 8”x8”x16” CMU and the provided mortar in a 20-minute heat. But speed alone won’t net the $8,000 check for first place. Contestants were also judged
on craftsmanship, and use of normal masonry practices and hand tools.
Each mason worked quickly to build a quality wall, while the crowd cheered them on throughout the 20-minute competition. After the judges completed their scoring, the results were announced.
The top-placing contestants in this year’s competition were:
FIRST PLACE
JOSE NOE MARTINEZ
Stone Cold Masonry
Phoenix
Tender: Heriberto Estrada
Block Count: 116
This is the first time Jose Noe Martinez has competed in the MCAA’s Fastest Trowel on the Block competition.
SECOND PLACE
JOSE SOTO
Sargon Masonry
Phoenix
Tender: Israel Mendoza
Block Count: 119
This is the first time Jose Soto has competed in the MCAA’s Fastest Trowel on the Block competition.
THIRD PLACE
ARCADIO ARMENTA
Sutter Masonry, Inc.
El Mirage, Ariz.
Tender: Guadalupe Aragon
Block Count: 113
Arcadio Armenta received his first job in the masonry industry twenty years ago as a tender and worked his way up. He also placed first in the 2013 and 2015 MCAA Fastest Trowel on the Block competitions.
Winners were presented with trophies, plus first place took home $8,000, a special trophy from Marshalltown, and a 10-pack of mortar boards from GATORBACK; second place received $2,500; and $1,500 was awarded to third place. Cash prizes were provided by SPEC MIX, Inc. All winners received a Marshalltown tool bag and tools, a gift certificate from STIHL, and additional prizes. All contestants received a level from competition sponsor Stabila.
For complete information about the competition, its sponsors and contributors, visit www.fastesttrowel.com.
Tim O’Toole is the Director of Marketing, Education, and Information Technology for the MCAA.