Masonry Magazine December 2007 Page. 41
IMI Co-Chair John J. Flynn, who was surprised during the dedication ceremony with the announcement that the facility would be named in his honor.
For this international competition, contestants were judged in several areas, including workmanship, production value, proper safety procedures, and the integrity of construction (rather than the speed of construction).
In each of the eight crafts, prizes were awarded for first- through third-place finishers, with the top prize consisting of $5,000 in cash, a $10,000 savings bond and a $500 BAC tool sales certificate. During the five-and-one-half-hour brick competition, it was anyone's guess who would take the top three spots, but it was clear that all of the competitors - nearly 40 of them in all are skilled masons. In the end, Matt Beck from Local 1 Maryland/Virginia/District of Columbia earned first place, Jacob Amos from Local 1 Oregon took second place, and Steve Powers from Local 9 Michigan claimed third place.
Beck used to spend his summers laboring for a local contractor, which led him to take advantage of an opportunity to study masonry for his final three years of vocational high school. "I figured, 'why not, and I decided I liked it," he says. Now, Beck takes bimonthly classes through his local union, and listens to his foreman, but saves the most credit for his success for his instructor, John Clark, Jr. "He kept me interested," Beck says. He called his former instructor the night of the awards banquet. "He said it made his career," Beck says.
Amos was nervous when he first competed as a first-year apprentice, where he took second place as well. But this third-year apprentice was a seasoned vet of six contests by the time he arrived in Bowie, Md. Amos' grandfather was a bricklayer from England and the first BAC member in Seattle. As an accomplished bricklayer himself, Amos hopes to someday build his own home. "Anything I have, I want to learn to build it myself," he says. What might that future home look like? Amos dreams about constructing a castle. "I have something to work for," he says.
Powers started developing his masonry skills in high school trade school, breaking tradition with his farming family in upstate Michigan. He would have liked to stay in farming, but "there wasn't enough room" for a younger sibling. He credits his local union instructor, Matt Cecora, with honing his skills and his appreciation for the craft. "I am just going to stick with it," he says. Powers was happy just to compete, although he is enjoying the title and that trophy on his dresser. "You get a little more respect. It's a good year," he says.
Together, BAC and IMI operate North America's only professional training programs in all masonry crafts. Their training network consists of regional facilities, satellite centers and mobile training units, anchored by the National Training Center. Courses are offered at all stages of a BAC member's career, from entry-level apprentices to seasoned journey-level craftworkers. To learn more, visit www.imiweb.org and www.bacweb.org.
Hazel Bradford, director of communications for the International Masonry Institute, contributed to this report.
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MCAA Convention
OPENING SESSION LUNCH
Tuesday, January 22, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Level 2, Room S231
MCAA Member: $170
Non-Member: $185
MCAA President Frank Campitelli will officially welcome you to this year's annual convention. He will also introduce you to special guest and keynote speaker, Henry Winkler. Henry has become a true success in Hollywood as an actor, producer, director and author, and has spent nearly three decades in show business. He is one of the most recognized actors in the world, often remembered for his portrayal of "The Fonz" for 10 seasons on the hit series "Happy Days." Most recently, he has been co-authoring a series of children's novels, "Hank Zipper," based on his own struggle through school due to undiagnosed learning challenges. The series has appeared on several Best Sellers lists. Today, he continues to act, produce, write and direct, and is chairman of several national children's foundations.
Henry will also be available after the presentation to sign copies of his latest book.
This event is sure to be entertaining and we look forward to welcoming you to the opening of the convention!
For more information please call 800-536-2225 or visit us online at convention.masoncontractors.org