From July 22nd to September 22nd of this year, the 24-stop SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® Regional Series has made its way through 12 cities in search of the best bricklaying teams in North America. The search for the best bricklayer and mason tender dynamic duo in the industry has been more intense than ever. All eyes are beginning to turn toward Vegas, the site of the 2018 World Championship at the World of Concrete show. With only four more qualifying rounds left to go as of October 18th, 2017, the stage is nearly set for the main event on January 24th, 2018 in the MASONRY MADNESS® Arena in the World of Concrete Bronze Lot.
Now in its 15th consecutive year, the qualifier competitions are intended to test the skill, stamina, and speed of masons. In order to advance to Las Vegas, teams must win first place in one of the 24 regional contests. Last year’s Champion, Matt Cash of Huntley Brothers Company in Mint Hill, NC and SPEC MIX TOP CRAFTSMAN® winner Brian Tuttle of Quik Trowell Masonry in Clearfield, UT, will be back to defend their respective crowns. The competition is tougher than ever, and over 4,000 fans are expected to pack the house and cheer on the best of the best. Over $100,000 in cash and prizes is up for grabs, including a Ford F-250 Super Duty 4X4 pickup.
The Regional winners advancing to Las Vegas as of September 22nd are:
East Tennessee
Mason – Brian Wade – 624 Brick
Tender – Brian Mullins
Wade Masonry, Inc., Stanton, KY
Ohio
Mason – Emilio Dibra – 572 Brick
Tender – Charlie Cheatham
United Masonry, Highland Heights, OH
Utah
Mason – Trint Pierce – 562 brick
Tender – Alex Groesbeck
Kim Pierce Masonry, Spanish Fork, UT
Wisconsin
Mason – Jake Brock – 488 Brick
Tender – Nick Miller
Brock Construction, Fort Atkinson, WI
British Columbia
Mason – Riel Voigt – 697 Brick
Tender – Josh Shelley
S&S Masonry, Langley, BC
Ontario
Mason – Filipe Orfao – 693 Brick
Tender – Jose Orfao
Res Masonry Inc, Cookstown, ON
Illinois
Mason – Grzegorz Gora- 670 Brick
Tender – Stefan Majercak
Molloy Masonry, Chicago, IL
Florida
Mason – Vince Wright – 569 Brick
Tender – Clint Wright
Wright Masonry, Section, AL
Colorado
Mason – Esteban Cabral – 665 Brick
Tender –Oscar Gaucin
Phoenix Masonry, Thornton, CO
Washington
Mason – Eric Kent – 493 Brick
Tender – Phil Evans
R&D Masonry, Marysville, WA
Pennsylvania
Mason – Joe Masters – 342 Brick
Tender – Ryan Drakeley
Dan Lepore & Sons Company, Conshohocken, PA
California
Mason – David Jones Sr. – 513 Brick
Tender – David Jones Jr.
Bratton Masonry Inc., Fresno, CA
From the beginning, promoting the trade and encouraging quality craftsmanship have always been the focus of the competitions. The passion created around the event consistently encourages the next generation of skilled workers, while motivating experienced bricklayers to hone their skill.
The SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 movement has ignited the passion, pride, and competitive drive of masons around the world. Backed by all its sponsors, including new Platinum sponsor Hohmann & Barnard and Gold sponsor JagClamp, the event is laser focused on its mantra: Keeping the Trade Strong!
The SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 receives support from a family of sponsors. They are:
Platinum Level Sponsors
SPEC MIX®
QUIKRETE® Companies
Ford Commercial Vehicles
Hydro Mobile
Multiquip, Inc.
The Belden Brick Company
STABILA
Hohmann & Barnard, Inc.
Gold Level Sponsors
Prism Pigments
Marshalltown Company
STIHL Inc.
Mason Contractors Association of America
iQ Power Tools
Blaklader Workwear
JagClamp
Contributors
GATORBACK® Mortarboards
Easy-Spred®
AZ Best Block
Safway® Group
Jackson® Professional Tools
Xtreme Manufacturing
For more information on the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500, please visit www.specmixbricklayer500.com.
Words: Masonry Magazine
Photos: SPEC MIX®