Martinez Named 2016 Fastest Trowel

Words: Dan KamysThe 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. [caption id="attachment_12226" align="alignnone" width="1024"]2016 Fastest Trowel on the Block winner Jose Noe Martinez (center) with tender Heriberto Estrada (left) is presented the $8,000 grand prize from MCAA Chairman Mark Kemp (right). 2016 Fastest Trowel on the Block winner Jose Noe Martinez (center) with tender Heriberto Estrada (left) is presented the $8,000 grand prize from MCAA Chairman Mark Kemp (right).[/caption] 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.
About: Tools
What Mason Contractors Don't Know Is Costing Them Money
July 2026

Most mason contractors can tell you exactly what a job should cost before it starts. Bid labor hours, material takeoffs, and crew rates per square foot. The numbers are on paper, and they look right. What most can't tell you is whether those numbers held

Erin Koets
Build Smart
MAP Partner
Read More
Preserving Masonry Aesthetics with Concealed Lintel Systems
July 2026

Masonry has long been valued for its ability to create buildings with character, permanence, and visual appeal. Features such as arches, deep reveals, corbelling, and decorative brickwork continue to be popular design elements in modern architecture. Howe

Erica Oliveraz
MAP Partner
Read More
The Sync Up: Aligning Schedule, Labor, and Logistics in Masonry
July 2026

A masonry contractor is only as good as the crew standing on the staging. You can source the highest-grade block, line up the perfect mix, and have every submittal approved weeks in advance, but production ultimately depends on the stamina, skill, and phy

Shayne Sanders
MAP Partner
Sponsored
Read More
Color Trends Shaping Today’s Masonry Projects
July 2026

Homeowners today are coming into projects with a lot more opinions than they used to have. Between social media, home shows and contractor sites, most customers already have a look in mind before you even quote the job. For masonry contractors, having a

Chad Riley
Stone Savvy
MAP Partner
Read More