Leif Reints, 2012 SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 National Champion
January 26, 2013 7:00 AM CST
The 2012 SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 National Champion is back to defend his title! This is Leif’s 3rd time competing in the National Event. He is 32 years old. Leif learned the trade while attending Northeastern Vocational School in Afton, OK. Leif has been working hard to prepare for Nationals, getting in shape and practicing wall building whenever possible. He hopes to lay 720 brick at Nationals and will see some sights in his new truck if he brings home the title. He would like to thank SPEC MIX and all the sponsors for making the competition possible. And he thanks his instructor from vocational school all those years ago, Bud Johnson, friends and family for their support.
This is Jeff’s 4th time competing in the National Event. He is 51 years old and has been a mason for 35 years. Jeff originally learned the bricklaying trade while working on a hog farm in the early 1970’s. At this year’s National Event, it is Jeff’s goal to lay at least 700 bricks. He’s been preparing for the competition every day while working hard on the job. If he wins, he plans to celebrate all night long. Jeff would like to thank his family and friends for their continued support.
This is Mark’s 1st appearance at the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 National Event. He is 51 years old and has been laying brick since the age of 13, learning the trade from a family friend. Mark has been preparing for the National Event by going to work every day, and hopes to lay more than 700 brick. If he wins the title, he plans to take his wife out for dinner before heading home to celebrate with the rest of his family. Mark would like to thank his wife, Fairweather Masonry, his Union, and Don D.
This is Kim’s first time competition in the National Event. He is 57 years old and has been laying brick for 39 years. Kim started out as a tender before joining the Union and working through its apprentice program. He’s been preparing for the event by going to the gym to try to get in shape and practicing building the wall a couple nights a week. If Kim reaches his goal of 500 brick and takes home the title, he’ll celebrate in a manner not seen in Las Vegas before. Kim would like to thank Tyler Clark for talking him into competing in the regional event. He’d also like to thank his wife and boys, especially Adam, who reminds him to pay attention to details and not the guy next to him.
This is Steve’s 2nd time competing in the National Event. He is 38 years old and has been laying brick for 20 years after starting as a laborer and learning the trade on the job. Steve has been preparing for the Event by practicing competition style bricklaying and hopes to lay 700 brick. If he wins, he will celebrate with his family. Steve would like to thank his beautiful fiancée, Lisa, for always supporting him 100%, his 2 daughters, and his father and mother.
This will be Fred’s 3rd time competing in the National Event. He is 41 years old and has been laying brick for most of his life. His father taught him the trade from the age of 10. At 18 his father turned the family business over to him. Fred has been practicing on a wall set up just like the competition and has enlisted friends to judge his work. He hopes to lay 725 brick with no deducts. Fred would like to thank his wife and awesome 4 girls for their support and encouragement.
This is Jerry’s 1st appearance at the National Event. He is 55 years old and has been a mason for 40 years. Jerry learned the trade in Denver, CO working under Don Davidson of Lake Park Masonry. Jerry hopes to lay more than 500 brick. He plans to do his best and will be celebrate the trade, win or lose, every day! Jerry would like to thank God, his family, SPEC MIX and Boral Brick.
This is Bob’s 7th time competing in the National Event. He is 59 years old and has been a mason for 40 years. Bob has been reviewing his previous performances on Youtube to prepare. His goal is to lay 760 bricka, and if he takes the title home, he plans on driving his new truck to California after splitting the cash with his tender. Bob would like to thank his tender, Ramiro, for helping him win both the 1st Place and TOP CRAFTSMAN Awards at the Denver Regional.
This is Nick’s 3rd time competing in the National Event. He is 32 years old and has been laying brick for 15 years. Nick is a 3rd generation bricklayer who learned the trade from his family. His brother, Jake, has competed in the past at both the Regional & National level. He plans on lots of practice to reach his personal goal of laying 600-700 brick at the National Event. He plans to take his family out for a night on the town if he takes home the title. Nick would like to thank his wife and family as well as all the guys that help him practice.
This will be Ron’s 2nd appearance at the National Event. Representing his home country of Australia, Ron has been practicing his cornet speed and quality of brickwork to prepare for this year’s event. He has set a personal goal of 600 brick, and if he wins, will be extending his stay and taking a road trip in his new truck. Ron would like to thank his employer, The Country Group, their major sponsor, MET Sundry Supplies, and the SPEC MIX team for the opportunity.
The 2012 Craftsmanship Award winner is back to defend his title. This is Scott’s 5th time competing in the National Event as a mason. Scott is 35 years old and has been laying brick for 14 years. His goal this year is to lay 650-700 bricks. Scott has been preparing for the competition by building leads and the back side of the wall. He’s also been mentally preparing all year long, thinking and strategizing on how to do better. If he wins the title, he plans to celebrate with family and friends, and then drive his daughter straight to Disneyland. Scott would like to thank his wife, brother, family and friends for their support and encouragement. Scott would like to dedicate his performance this year to former SPEC MIX TOP CRAFTSMAN winner and mentor, Bill Morrosette, who passed away this past year. “This one’s for Bill!”
This is Darian’s 1st appearance at the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 National Event. He is 41 years old. Darian’s cousins introduced him to the trade while attending Vo-Tech 25 years ago. He’s been preparing for the competition on a practice area he’s set up at home. Darian’s not sure what he’ll do if he meets his goal of 600 brick and takes home the title, but he will meet that challenge when it happens. Darian would like to thank his family for their support.
This is Dave’s 3rd time competing at the National Event. His is 47 years old, and is a proud 5th generation mason, having learned the trade from his father. To prepare for the Event, Dave has been working on jobsites. He wants to be in the right frame of mind, focusing on his quality is most important. If Dave takes home the title, he plans to take his family out on the town for a great night. Dave would like to thank his wife, for her willingness to listen to him talk about brick for all these year, and his family and friends for their support.
This is Filipe’s 3rd time competing at the National Event. He is 43 years old. Filipe learned the trade from his older brothers more than 27 years ago. He has been preparing for the competition by practicing at home and on the job. If he meets his personal goal of 650 bricks and takes home the title, he plans on celebrating with his family and friends. Filipe would like to thank Mark Russell, his family, and his union brothers for their support.
This is Gary’s 2nd time competing at the National Event. He is 53 years old. Gary learned the trade from his father more than 37 years ago. He has been preparing for the competition by practicing on a wall he set up in his shop, on which he times himself on different laying techniques. If he meets his personal goal of 650 bricks with no deductions and takes home the title, he will taking his wife on vacation before heading home to Alabama. Gary would like to thank Boral Bricks and Patrick Bright in Gadsden, Alabama.
This will be Dave’s 5th appearance at the National Event. He is 44 years old and has been a mason for 26 years. He got his start working with his dad at their family run business, stating he “learned from the best!” This year Dave has been practicing a lot and he hopes to lay at least 650 bricks. If he wins, he plans on celebrating with his family and friends. Dave would like to thank his family and friends, especially Pat, his tender.
This is Ken’s 5th time competing in the National Event. He is 37 years old and began laying brick 14 years ago. He got his start when a friend offered him an apprentice position and worked his way up from laborer to business owner. Ken’s goal this year is to exceed 720 bricks. He’s been preparing for this year’s event by practicing for the past 5 years. If he wins, he plans on spending a night on the town in Las Vegas with his friends and family before and taking an extended road trip home. Ken would like to thank his friend and business partner for being his tender and teaching him the trade, and his wife for supporting him while he got ready for this competition.
Ray won the title of “World’s Best Bricklayer” in 2011, in his first appearance at the National Event. He is 46 years old and has been laying brick for 29 years. He learned the bricklaying trade while working with his family. Ray will be practicing hard leading up to the National Event as he hopes to reach his personal goal of 750 bricks. He would like to thank his wife Melissa, his tender Lynette, and everyone at J.A.M. Construction for their support.
This is David’s 1st time competing at the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 National Event. He is 29 years old. David started out as a laborer and began learning bricklaying 6 years ago. He’s preparing for the National Event by practicing once a week by building a wall on Saturdays. David hopes to lay 750 brick. If he takes home the title, David will throw a big party with family and friends. David would like to thank Glenn Hottmann, owner of G & G Enterprises, and his co-worker Uriel Medrano for encouraging him to compete.
This is Allen’s 1st time competing in a SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 Event, and has come all the way from the United Kingdom to compete. He is 38 years old and started in the masonry industry at the age of 16. To prepare for the National Event Allen continues to do what he has done his whole masonry career, giving it 100% every day. He hopes to lay at least 850 brick. Allen would like to thank his family and friends for their support, especially his tender Stewart.
Contestants announced for 2013 SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500
$100,000 in cash and prizes will be given away
By Rick Yelton
On Wednesday, February 6, 20 bricklayers and their tenders will compete for the title of the World’s Best Bricklayer. They are competing for more than $100,000 in cash and prizes at the National Event held at the 2013 World of Concrete at the Las Vegas Convention Center, in Las Vegas.
If you’re unable to attend in person, you can still watch. The event will be streamed live at www.specmixbricklayer500.com.
Here is the list of entrants.
1. Leif Reints, Bricklayer
Ryan Handle, Tender
Reints Masonry Works, Neosho, MissouriThe 2012 SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 National Champion is back to defend his title! This is Leif’s 3rd time competing in the National Event. He is 32 years old. Leif learned the trade while attending Northeastern Vocational School in Afton, OK. Leif has been working hard to prepare for Nationals, getting in shape and practicing wall building whenever possible. He hopes to lay 720 brick at Nationals and will see some sights in his new truck if he brings home the title. He would like to thank SPEC MIX and all the sponsors for making the competition possible. And he thanks his instructor from vocational school all those years ago, Bud Johnson, friends and family for their support.
2. Charles “Jeff” Burton, Bricklayer
Raymond Burton, Tender
Steady Pace Construction, LLC, Germantown, OhioThis is Jeff’s 4th time competing in the National Event. He is 51 years old and has been a mason for 35 years. Jeff originally learned the bricklaying trade while working on a hog farm in the early 1970’s. At this year’s National Event, it is Jeff’s goal to lay at least 700 bricks. He’s been preparing for the competition every day while working hard on the job. If he wins, he plans to celebrate all night long. Jeff would like to thank his family and friends for their continued support.
3. Mark Earwood, Bricklayer
Ken Fairweather, Tender
Fairweather Masonry, Bellevue, WashingtonThis is Mark’s 1st appearance at the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 National Event. He is 51 years old and has been laying brick since the age of 13, learning the trade from a family friend. Mark has been preparing for the National Event by going to work every day, and hopes to lay more than 700 brick. If he wins the title, he plans to take his wife out for dinner before heading home to celebrate with the rest of his family. Mark would like to thank his wife, Fairweather Masonry, his Union, and Don D.
4. Kim Pierce, Bricklayer
Adam Pierce, Tender
Kim Pierce Masonry, Spanish Fork, UtahThis is Kim’s first time competition in the National Event. He is 57 years old and has been laying brick for 39 years. Kim started out as a tender before joining the Union and working through its apprentice program. He’s been preparing for the event by going to the gym to try to get in shape and practicing building the wall a couple nights a week. If Kim reaches his goal of 500 brick and takes home the title, he’ll celebrate in a manner not seen in Las Vegas before. Kim would like to thank Tyler Clark for talking him into competing in the regional event. He’d also like to thank his wife and boys, especially Adam, who reminds him to pay attention to details and not the guy next to him.
5. Steve Cleveland, Bricklayer
William Hill, III, Tender
Midwest Masonry, Mundelein, IllinoisThis is Steve’s 2nd time competing in the National Event. He is 38 years old and has been laying brick for 20 years after starting as a laborer and learning the trade on the job. Steve has been preparing for the Event by practicing competition style bricklaying and hopes to lay 700 brick. If he wins, he will celebrate with his family. Steve would like to thank his beautiful fiancée, Lisa, for always supporting him 100%, his 2 daughters, and his father and mother.
6. Fred Campbell, Bricklayer
Tony Shelton, Tender
Creative Masonry, Kinsgport, TennesseeThis will be Fred’s 3rd time competing in the National Event. He is 41 years old and has been laying brick for most of his life. His father taught him the trade from the age of 10. At 18 his father turned the family business over to him. Fred has been practicing on a wall set up just like the competition and has enlisted friends to judge his work. He hopes to lay 725 brick with no deducts. Fred would like to thank his wife and awesome 4 girls for their support and encouragement.
7. Jerry Goodman, Bricklayer
Heidi Albea, Tender
Jerry Goodman & Sons Masonry, Blythewood, South CarolinaThis is Jerry’s 1st appearance at the National Event. He is 55 years old and has been a mason for 40 years. Jerry learned the trade in Denver, CO working under Don Davidson of Lake Park Masonry. Jerry hopes to lay more than 500 brick. He plans to do his best and will be celebrate the trade, win or lose, every day! Jerry would like to thank God, his family, SPEC MIX and Boral Brick.
8. Bob Boll, Bricklayer
Ramiro Guerra, Tender
Boll Masonry, Littleton, ColoradoThis is Bob’s 7th time competing in the National Event. He is 59 years old and has been a mason for 40 years. Bob has been reviewing his previous performances on Youtube to prepare. His goal is to lay 760 bricka, and if he takes the title home, he plans on driving his new truck to California after splitting the cash with his tender. Bob would like to thank his tender, Ramiro, for helping him win both the 1st Place and TOP CRAFTSMAN Awards at the Denver Regional.
9. Nick Brock, Bricklayer
Nick Miller, Tender
Exteriors Plus, Jefferson, WisconsinThis is Nick’s 3rd time competing in the National Event. He is 32 years old and has been laying brick for 15 years. Nick is a 3rd generation bricklayer who learned the trade from his family. His brother, Jake, has competed in the past at both the Regional & National level. He plans on lots of practice to reach his personal goal of laying 600-700 brick at the National Event. He plans to take his family out for a night on the town if he takes home the title. Nick would like to thank his wife and family as well as all the guys that help him practice.
10. Ron Elliott, Bricklayer
Mark Roese, Tender
The Country Group Pty, Ltd, Botany NSW, AustraliaThis will be Ron’s 2nd appearance at the National Event. Representing his home country of Australia, Ron has been practicing his cornet speed and quality of brickwork to prepare for this year’s event. He has set a personal goal of 600 brick, and if he wins, will be extending his stay and taking a road trip in his new truck. Ron would like to thank his employer, The Country Group, their major sponsor, MET Sundry Supplies, and the SPEC MIX team for the opportunity.
11. Scott Tuttle, Bricklayer
Brian Tuttle, Tender
Quik Trowel Masonry, Clearfield, UtahThe 2012 Craftsmanship Award winner is back to defend his title. This is Scott’s 5th time competing in the National Event as a mason. Scott is 35 years old and has been laying brick for 14 years. His goal this year is to lay 650-700 bricks. Scott has been preparing for the competition by building leads and the back side of the wall. He’s also been mentally preparing all year long, thinking and strategizing on how to do better. If he wins the title, he plans to celebrate with family and friends, and then drive his daughter straight to Disneyland. Scott would like to thank his wife, brother, family and friends for their support and encouragement. Scott would like to dedicate his performance this year to former SPEC MIX TOP CRAFTSMAN winner and mentor, Bill Morrosette, who passed away this past year. “This one’s for Bill!”
12. Darian Douthit, Bricklayer
Andy Zepeda, Tender
Providence Masonry, Fairland, OklahomaThis is Darian’s 1st appearance at the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 National Event. He is 41 years old. Darian’s cousins introduced him to the trade while attending Vo-Tech 25 years ago. He’s been preparing for the competition on a practice area he’s set up at home. Darian’s not sure what he’ll do if he meets his goal of 600 brick and takes home the title, but he will meet that challenge when it happens. Darian would like to thank his family for their support.
13. Dave Jones Sr, Bricklayer
Ivan Rosales, Tender
Bratton Masonry, Fresno, CaliforniaThis is Dave’s 3rd time competing at the National Event. His is 47 years old, and is a proud 5th generation mason, having learned the trade from his father. To prepare for the Event, Dave has been working on jobsites. He wants to be in the right frame of mind, focusing on his quality is most important. If Dave takes home the title, he plans to take his family out on the town for a great night. Dave would like to thank his wife, for her willingness to listen to him talk about brick for all these year, and his family and friends for their support.
14. Filipe Orfao, Bricklayer
Manuel Oliveira, Tender
Squire Masonry, Cookstown, Ontario, CanadaThis is Filipe’s 3rd time competing at the National Event. He is 43 years old. Filipe learned the trade from his older brothers more than 27 years ago. He has been preparing for the competition by practicing at home and on the job. If he meets his personal goal of 650 bricks and takes home the title, he plans on celebrating with his family and friends. Filipe would like to thank Mark Russell, his family, and his union brothers for their support.
15. Gary Palmer, Bricklayer
Jaman Palmer, Tender
Palmer Masonry, Gadsen, AlabamaThis is Gary’s 2nd time competing at the National Event. He is 53 years old. Gary learned the trade from his father more than 37 years ago. He has been preparing for the competition by practicing on a wall he set up in his shop, on which he times himself on different laying techniques. If he meets his personal goal of 650 bricks with no deductions and takes home the title, he will taking his wife on vacation before heading home to Alabama. Gary would like to thank Boral Bricks and Patrick Bright in Gadsden, Alabama.
16. Dave Moyle, Bricklayer
Pat Pope, Tender
Moyle Masonry, Wadena, IowaThis will be Dave’s 5th appearance at the National Event. He is 44 years old and has been a mason for 26 years. He got his start working with his dad at their family run business, stating he “learned from the best!” This year Dave has been practicing a lot and he hopes to lay at least 650 bricks. If he wins, he plans on celebrating with his family and friends. Dave would like to thank his family and friends, especially Pat, his tender.
17. Ken Rutley, Bricklayer
Adam Wiebe, Tender
Mayzes Masonry, Medicine Hat, Alberta, CanadaThis is Ken’s 5th time competing in the National Event. He is 37 years old and began laying brick 14 years ago. He got his start when a friend offered him an apprentice position and worked his way up from laborer to business owner. Ken’s goal this year is to exceed 720 bricks. He’s been preparing for this year’s event by practicing for the past 5 years. If he wins, he plans on spending a night on the town in Las Vegas with his friends and family before and taking an extended road trip home. Ken would like to thank his friend and business partner for being his tender and teaching him the trade, and his wife for supporting him while he got ready for this competition.
18. Ray Robinson, Bricklayer
Lynette Darby, Tender
J.A.M. Construction, Gainesville, FloridaRay won the title of “World’s Best Bricklayer” in 2011, in his first appearance at the National Event. He is 46 years old and has been laying brick for 29 years. He learned the bricklaying trade while working with his family. Ray will be practicing hard leading up to the National Event as he hopes to reach his personal goal of 750 bricks. He would like to thank his wife Melissa, his tender Lynette, and everyone at J.A.M. Construction for their support.
19. David Puga Arce, Bricklayer
Adrian Tena, Tender
G & G Enterprises, Glendale, ArizonaThis is David’s 1st time competing at the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 National Event. He is 29 years old. David started out as a laborer and began learning bricklaying 6 years ago. He’s preparing for the National Event by practicing once a week by building a wall on Saturdays. David hopes to lay 750 brick. If he takes home the title, David will throw a big party with family and friends. David would like to thank Glenn Hottmann, owner of G & G Enterprises, and his co-worker Uriel Medrano for encouraging him to compete.
20. Allen Wood, Bricklayer
Stewart Carvey, Tender
JDB Brickwork, Rochdale Manchester, EnglandThis is Allen’s 1st time competing in a SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 Event, and has come all the way from the United Kingdom to compete. He is 38 years old and started in the masonry industry at the age of 16. To prepare for the National Event Allen continues to do what he has done his whole masonry career, giving it 100% every day. He hopes to lay at least 850 brick. Allen would like to thank his family and friends for their support, especially his tender Stewart.
About the Author
Rick Yelton is the Commercial Editorial Program and Events Manager for Hanley Wood.
