January 31, 2012 9:00 AM CST
The Fastest Trowel on the Block showcases the skill of masons and how important teamwork is in accomplishing a final product. The competition pitted the masons from across the United States and Canada against one another in a show of both speed and craftsmanship. Each contestant's goal was to complete as much of an 18-block-long wall as possible. With the 20-minute time limit that was placed on the contestants, they had to make split-second decisions based on the judging criteria.
Each mason worked quickly to build a quality wall while the crowd cheered them on through the twenty minute competition. After the judges completed their scoring, the results were announced.
The top-placing contestants in this year’s competition were:
Triple M Masonry
Phoenix, AZ
Tenders: Manuel Coronado, Issac Perez
Mike Canez III joined the masonry industry through his family’s trade. He placed 3rd in the 2002 Fastest Trowel on the Block, 2nd in the 2007 Fastest Trowel on the Block, and won the 2006 and 2012 competitions.
A.S.R. Constructors
Riverside, CA
Tenders: Shawn Romano, Victor Lozono
Bob Christensen joined the masonry industry in 1979. He earned his contractor license and currently works for A.S.R. Constructors. He placed 3rd in the 2010 competition and 2nd in 2012.
Rhino Masonry, Inc.
Mesa, AZ
Tenders: Luis Vargas, Ricky Esparza
Kris Chee has worked in the masonry industry for over ten years. He placed 3rd in the 2009 and 2012 Fastest Trowel on the Block competitions, and won the 2010 and 2011 competitions.
Winners were presented with trophies, plus first place took home $6,000 and a special trophy from Marshalltown, second place received $2,500, and $1,500 was awarded to third place. All contestants received a Marshalltown tool bag and tools, a Grout Grunt, and additional prizes.
The Mason Contractors Association of America would like to thank the judges from across the country for donating their time and expertise:
Canez named 2012 Fastest Trowel
Mike Canez III is the 2012 Fastest Trowel on the Block champion
Mike Canez III, 2012 Fastest Trowel on the Block winner, with his tenders, Manuel Coronado and Issac Perez.
Masons and their tenders were highlighted at the 2012 MCAA Convention in Las Vegas, Nev. at the World of Concrete/World of Masonry on January 25, 2012. The annual Fastest Trowel on the Block competition drew a big audience to catch the action and see who would win the $6,000 grand prize.The Fastest Trowel on the Block showcases the skill of masons and how important teamwork is in accomplishing a final product. The competition pitted the masons from across the United States and Canada against one another in a show of both speed and craftsmanship. Each contestant's goal was to complete as much of an 18-block-long wall as possible. With the 20-minute time limit that was placed on the contestants, they had to make split-second decisions based on the judging criteria.
Each mason worked quickly to build a quality wall while the crowd cheered them on through the twenty minute competition. After the judges completed their scoring, the results were announced.
The top-placing contestants in this year’s competition were:
2012 Fastest Trowel on the Block, First Place - Mike Canez III
First Place
Mike Canez IIITriple M Masonry
Phoenix, AZ
Tenders: Manuel Coronado, Issac Perez
Mike Canez III joined the masonry industry through his family’s trade. He placed 3rd in the 2002 Fastest Trowel on the Block, 2nd in the 2007 Fastest Trowel on the Block, and won the 2006 and 2012 competitions.
2012 Fastest Trowel on the Block, Second Place - Bob Christensen
Second Place
Bob ChristensenA.S.R. Constructors
Riverside, CA
Tenders: Shawn Romano, Victor Lozono
Bob Christensen joined the masonry industry in 1979. He earned his contractor license and currently works for A.S.R. Constructors. He placed 3rd in the 2010 competition and 2nd in 2012.
2012 Fastest Trowel on the Block, Third Place - Kris Chee
Third Place
Kris CheeRhino Masonry, Inc.
Mesa, AZ
Tenders: Luis Vargas, Ricky Esparza
Kris Chee has worked in the masonry industry for over ten years. He placed 3rd in the 2009 and 2012 Fastest Trowel on the Block competitions, and won the 2010 and 2011 competitions.
Winners were presented with trophies, plus first place took home $6,000 and a special trophy from Marshalltown, second place received $2,500, and $1,500 was awarded to third place. All contestants received a Marshalltown tool bag and tools, a Grout Grunt, and additional prizes.
The Mason Contractors Association of America would like to thank the judges from across the country for donating their time and expertise:
- Moroni Mejia, Rhino Masonry, Inc.; Mesa, Ariz.
- Robert Collins, Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local #4 CA; Irwindale, Calif.
- Bobby Gladu, Artisan Masonry, Inc.; Garland, Texas
- Heath Holdaway, IMS Masonry, Inc.; Lindon, Utah
- Curtis Hoover, Anne Arundle County Public Schools; Stevensville, Md.
- Eugene Johnson Lake Marion High School; Santee, S.C.
- Alonza Lewis; Columbia, S.C.
- David Peloke, Foley Masonry and Tile; Tucson, Ariz.
- Nick Wilson, IMS Masonry, Inc.; Lindon, Utah
- SPEC MIX, Inc.
- QUIKRETE
- Angelus Block Co.
- Marshalltown
- Gatorback
- Grout Grunt
- Linovation Corporation
About the Author
The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is the national trade association representing mason contractors. The MCAA is committed to preserving and promoting the masonry industry by providing continuing education, advocating fair codes and standards, fostering a safe work environment, recruiting future manpower, and marketing the benefits of masonry materials.
