FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
World of Concrete 2026 Registration Is Open ↗

Apprentices Rise to the Challenge

Words: Mason ContractorsThe ninth annual International Masonry Skills Challenge at the 2008 MCAA Convention in Las Vegas, NV at the World of Concrete/World of Masonry on January 24, 2008 showed off the best apprentices our industry has to offer. Contestants in first, second and third year skill levels throughout the country came to compete.

Each contestant was presented with a project drawing appropriate to their skill level just moments before the competition began. Contestants only had three hours to construct the project based on the materials provided. The final projects looked great; the apprentices should be very proud of their three hours of hard work. The judges were impressed with the quality of the apprentices' construction, and were tasked with the tough decision of choosing the winners.

The top-placing contestants for each skill level were:
/Public/News/20080213090600-1.jpg" width="300" height="200" border="0" alt="Derrick Stone, 2008 International Masonry Skills Challenge First Year winner.">
Derrick Stone, 2008 International Masonry Skills Challenge First Year winner.

First Year Apprentices

First Place
Derrick Stone
Rick Stone Masonry
Helotes, TX

Second Place
Nick Martin
Leidal and Hart Mason Contractors, Inc.
Livonia, MI

Third Place
Jose Lara Navarrow
Diablo Valley Masonry Industry
Sacramento, CA

/Public/News/20080213090600-2.jpg" width="300" height="200" border="0" alt="Roberto Lopez, 2008 International Masonry Skills Challenge Second Year winner.">
Roberto Lopez, 2008 International Masonry Skills Challenge Second Year winner.

Second Year Apprentices

First Place
Roberto Lopez
Top Quality Masonry
Phoenix, AZ

Second Place
Oscar Herrera
Wasco, Inc.
Nashville, TN

Third Place
Vicente Rodriguez
Karon Masonry of Maryland, LLC.
Beltsville, MD

/Public/News/20080213090600-3.jpg" width="300" height="200" border="0" alt="Steven Powers, 2008 International Masonry Skills Challenge Third Year winner.">
Steven Powers, 2008 International Masonry Skills Challenge Third Year winner.

Third Year Apprentices

First Place
Steven Powers
Edgar Boettcher Mason Contractor, Inc.
Traverse City, MI

Second Place
Sam Huhn
Adams Masonry, Inc.
Chattanooga, TN

Third Place
Joel Lopez
Cornerstone Masonry, Inc.
Salinas, CA

All winners received trophies and tool bags, plus first place winners took home $1,000, second place winners received $500 and $250 was awarded to third-place winners.

The Mason Contractors Association of America would like to thank the judges from across the country for donating their time and expertise, and the sponsors and service and material donors for their contributions including Angelus Block Co., Inc., EZ Scaffold, Hydro Mobile, Inc., Non-Stop Scaffolding, QUIKRETE, SPEC MIX, EZ Grout Corporation, John Spencer Brickwork, Marshalltown Company, Tradesmen’s Software, Inc., P&S Masonry, Inc., Stone Construction Equipment, Bon Tool Co., MK Diamond Products, Inc., and Wasco, Inc.
About: Convention
 0
Detailing for Durability: The 2026 Guide to High-Performance Stone Veneer Transitions
January 2026

Some of the most expensive failures involving manufactured stone veneer installations don’t come from the stone at all, but rather from the material transitions and flashing around it. Transitions are weak points in the overall cladding where water can fi

Jeff Tew
Technical Talks
Read More
How TMC Is Reaching the Next Generation of Masons
January 2026

Advocacy, outreach, and education have never been more important to the future of Texas masonry. As the state continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled trades. Industry leaders, schools, and organizations are working together to make sure the next

Ashton Fairchild
Industry News
Read More
Restoring South High School: A Beaux-Arts Icon in Youngstown
January 2026

By Eric Holm, Executive Director, Jubilee Urban Development A Testament To Time And Craftsmanship In the heart of Youngstown, Ohio, stands a structure that has witnessed more than a century of history, resilience, and craftsmanship. South High School,

Technical Talks
Read More
Risk Management Benefits of Reviewing the OSHA Top 10
January 2026

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards serve to keep employers aware of common risks that can have serious consequences. This annual list highlights the most frequently cited violations that inspe

Patrick Cunningham
MAP Partner
Read More