Compete Against the Best in the Industry

Words: Dan Kamys

Compete Against the Best in the Industry

By Tim O’Toole

The MCAA is inviting all journeymen masons to compete in the annual Fastest Trowel on the Block Competition at the MCAA Convention at World of Concrete/World of Masonry in Las Vegas, Feb. 4, 2010.

The Fastest Trowel on the Block Competition showcases the speed and skill of a journeyman mason and how important teamwork is in accomplishing a final product. With a time limit in place, each contestant must make certain decisions based on the judging criteria set forth. Only those journeymen masons who have the skill, confidence and courage to face off with the industry’s best should compete. Winners of the contest will take home more than $10,000 in cash and prizes.

To submit a team (consisting of one journeyman mason and two tenders), visit www.fastesttrowel.com, and download the registration form. Registrations must be received by Dec. 23, 2009. Only 20 stalls are available on a first-come, first-served basis for those who are up to the challenge to prove they are the best.
For more information, contact the MCAA at 800-536-2225, or visit www.fastesttrowel.com.

Tim O’Toole is manager of information technology for the MCAA.

Monadnock Building
August 2026

Chicago’s Monadnock Building doesn’t dominate the skyline the way it once did. Surrounded by steel-and-glass towers, the dark brick structure can seem almost understated. But for anyone in the masonry industry, it remains one of the most important buildin

Cass Stern
American Treasure
Brick Clay Brick
Read More
Britt Stokes, Acme Brick’s Director of Marketing, Retires.
August 2026

Fort Worth, Texas – After faithfully serving Acme Brick Company for 40 years, Britt has chosen to retire – although he will still be involved with Acme on various projects. Britt began his career with Acme as staff photographer and through dedicati

Industry News
Read More
Why SkillsUSA is the Keystone to MCAA’s Outreach
August 2026

When I stepped into the role of the MCAA’s first Director of Youth Outreach and Education, I knew we had a massive job ahead of us. I am a fourth-generation brick mason, and I have spent over two decades teaching the trade, from working with apprentices a

Robert Melgaard
Outreach Outlook
Read More
The First Paycheck
August 2026

Several years ago, Huntley Brothers hired a young apprentice. It was his first real job, and he had never had a paycheck before. Friday rolled around, and he got paid just like everyone else. Later that day, one of the guys told me something I have never

Kent Huntley
Chairman’s Message
Read More