2003 Fastest Trowel Competition

Words: Dan Kamys
/Public/News/3172003930-1.jpg" width="166" height="275" border="1">
At left, the first place winner was Rex Allen, Cunningham Masonry, FL.
One of the highlights of the final day of the Masonry Showcase on March 15th was the Fastest Trowel on the Block competition. Sponsored by Spec Mix, thirteen competitors from different parts of the country competed for the honor and a first prize of $5,000, as well as other prizes.

From the opening horn to the close after 20 minutes of furious activity, each trowel man, with a two-person support crew, worked to lay as many concrete blocks as possible.

Speed was not the only criteria when it came to judging the results of their efforts. A team of judges examined each 24-foot wall to ensure that the wall met the right standards in six exacting categories.

The first place prize was awarded to Rex Allen, Cunningham Masonry, Fla. He was ably supported by Kenneth Eiland and Charles Harris.

Second place and $2,500 went to Pascal Robertson, Pascal Robertson Masonry, Fla., and third place and $1,000 to Glen Houghton Sr., Houghton Masonry, Iowa.

In overall charge of the competition were co-chairmen, Steven Fechino, WASCO, Inc. and Harry McGraw, Lucia, Inc.

The following companies made generous donations of materials and prizes:

Crick Levels - the levels used in the competition, as well as the prize levels for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.
MultiQuip - two mortar mixers.
OmniQuip Textron - forklift use.
Red Brookshire of Florida - competition materials.
RMC Ewell Inc. - concrete blocks.
Spec Mix - mortar.

For further information contact Colin Faul, MCAA Director of Professional Development, at (800) 536-2225 or cfaul@masoncontractors.com.

About: Convention
Masonry Repair and Retrofit: Materials and Systems for Long-Term Performance
May 2026

Masonry has defined architecture for centuries, prized for its strength, durability, and timeless aesthetic appeal. From historic sites to modern designs, masonry buildings are durable and visually distinctive. However, exposure to moisture, freeze-thaw c

Rethinking Shelf Angle Design for High-Performance Masonry Walls
May 2026

If you've been around masonry construction long enough, you know the shelf angle is one of those details that’s easy to take for granted. It’s been used the same way for decades, set it at the slab edge, support the veneer, move on. But as building requir

When Schedules Tighten, Experience Shows
May 2026

In construction, schedules rarely open up; they tighten. Weather delays, trade coordination, and last-minute scope changes all add pressure, even on jobs that were planned down to the minute. When that happens, experienced masons don’t start cutting corne

Shelf Angles and Their Impact on Wall Performance
May 2026

Shelf angles have long been a standard component in masonry construction. Installed at the slab edge, they provide support for brick veneer and are often treated as a routine detail. However, as building performance requirements evolve, particularly aroun