Fastest Trowel Speeds into Vegas

Words: Melissa Aguiar
/Public/News/4192006830.jpg" width="300" height="200" border="1">
Mike Canez, III of Triple M Masonry, Phoenix, AZ, winner of the 2006 Fastest Trowel on the Block Competition
The skill and speed of fifteen masons and their tenders were highlighted at Masonry Showcase's premier event in Las Vegas on March 31st. The annual Fastest Trowel on the Block contest drew an audience of hundreds to the exhibit floor to catch the action and see who would win the $7,000 grand prize. Contestants came from across the country to compete against each other to build the biggest and best block wall.

The contest was more exciting than ever, as all the masons built quickly and with great quality. The audience picked their favorites and cheered them on through the twenty minute competition. After the judges did their scoring, the results were announced. The winners are:

First Place: Mike Canez, III
Triple M Masonry, Phoenix, AZ

Second Place: Pascal Robertson
Robertson Masonry, Apopka, FL

Third Place: Moroni Meja, II
Rhino Masonry, Mesa, AZ

MCAA thanks QUIKRETE, the contest sponsor and contributor of labor and mortar. Other materials were contributed by Bon Tool, EZ Grout, Gatorback, Rinker and Sterling Handling Equipment.

About: Convention
The Return of Restraint: How "Quiet Luxury" Is Influencing Masonry Design
November 2026

For years, exterior design seemed to follow a familiar cycle: bigger statements, bolder contrasts, and whatever trend happened to dominate social media that season. Today, many customers are asking for something different. They're asking for homes that fe

Rent or Buy? Making Smarter Mixer Equipment Decisions
November 2026

For masonry contractors, deciding whether to rent or purchase a concrete or mortar mixer involves more than comparing rental rates with purchase prices. Equipment availability, crew productivity, maintenance, and frequency of use can all influence the lon

Bonding with Masonry 2026: Q4
November 2026

This issue’s questions come from an Engineer and a Masonry Inspector. What questions do you have? Send them to info@masonrymagazine.com, attention: Technical Talk. Q. An Engineer states that he attended a seminar and was told that to design reinforced

Hohmann & Barnard, Inc. Returns as a Cornerstone Partner in 2027
November 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is thrilled to announce that Hohmann & Barnard, Inc. will return as a Cornerstone Partner in the 2027 Masonry Alliance Program.