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
GEN NXT: Luis Sontay
September 2026

For this month, the MCAA got to sit down with aspiring mason Luis Sontay. From taking an interest in masonry as a kid to placing 1st in a postsecondary competition, Luis’ dedication and passion for the trade is clear. Luis describes his early passion fo

Justin Stengel
GEN NXT
Read More
Mentmore Towers, Fort Point, and More
September 2026

The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, UK, stands as a sweeping estate that represents the absolute peak of English masonry. Conceived with breathtaking scale and precision, the monumental complex is defined by

Justin Stengel
Masonry in the Media
Read More
The Alhambra
September 2026

High above Granada, Spain, the Alhambra offers masonry professionals something more than an architectural landmark. It is a working lesson in how relatively simple building materials, placed by skilled craftsmen and maintained over generations, can create

Cass Stern
Marvelous Masonry
Read More
The Wall
September 2026

There is a story around Huntley Brothers that some of our guys simply call “The Wall.” I’ve told it enough times over the years that when I start telling it to one of our younger guys, I can see a few of the older ones rolling their eyes. They’ve heard i

Kent Huntley
Chairman’s Message
Read More