May 10, 2005 11:50 AM CDT

Block Stacks Up at Fastest Trowel

By Melissa Polivka

First Place: Benjamin Houghton

The skill and speed of twelve masons and twenty three tenders were highlighted at Masonry Showcase's premier event in Chicago on April 22nd. The annual Fastest Trowel on the Block contest drew an audience of hundreds to the exhibit floor to catch the action and see who would win the $7,000 grand prize. Contestants came from across the country to compete against each other to build the biggest and best block wall.

The contest was more exciting than ever, as all the masons built quickly and with great quality. The audience picked their favorites and cheered them on through the twenty minute competition. After the judges did their scoring, the results were announced. The winners are:

First Place: Benjamin Houghton, Houghton Masonry, Blue Grass, Iowa
Second Place: Scott Ramm, Heartland Construction, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Third Place: Javier Lares, Winco Masonry, Porter, Texas

MCAA thanks QUIKRETE, the contest sponsor and contributor of labor and mortar.

Other materials were contributed by Sterling Handling Equipment, EZ Grout, Northfield Block, and Gatorback.

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About the Author

Melissa Polivka spent time as the Director of Marketing, Director of Membership, and Director of Workforce Development for the Mason Contractors Association of America.