Campbell wins second “WORLD’S BEST BRICKLAYER” title

Words: Jeff FarmakesThe 2015 SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® National bricklaying championship decides, “Who is the World’s Best Bricklayer?” Mason Fred Campbell from Tennessee, took first place overall at this “World Series of Bricklaying,” with a brick count of 743.

Campbell took home a 2015 FORD F-250 SRW 4x4 Crew Cab Truck, $5,000, STIHL TSA 230 cut-off machine, loaded Marshalltown tool bag, Marshalltown trowel trophy, iQ Power Tools 360 table saw set, 10 Gatorback Mortarboards, STABILA 24"Level, World's Best Bricklayer trophy and an official World Champion Letterman Jacket!

TOP CRAFTSMAN and 2nd Place went to Garrett Hood with a 723 brick count. Hood won $5,000 for Top Craftsman and $4,000 for 2nd Place, Essicks Pro12 Mortar Mixer, two STIHL TSA 230 cut-off machines, two loaded Marshalltown tool bags, Marshalltown trowel trophy, iQ Power Tools iQPC912 + 3 Blades, 20 Gatorback Mortarboards, STABILA 24" Leve, TOP CRAFTSMAN and 2nd Place trophies.

Brian Wade took 3rd Place with a brick count of 666. Wade took home $3,000, $700 STIHL Gift Certificate, loaded Marshalltown tool bag, $200 iQ Power Tools Gift Pack, STABILA 24" Level, 10 Gatorback Mortarboards and 3rd Place trophy.

Established by SPEC MIX, Inc. in 2003 to showcase the skill and craftsmanship of professional masons, the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 is a two-person team competition consisting of a mason and a mason tender that are given 60 minutes to construct a 26 foot 8 inch, double wythe brick wall while meeting strict quality standards. Judged by over 30 highly qualified industry experts, the award places are based on the highest brick counts meeting the quality standards and competition rules. Following the World Champion distinction is the second most coveted title: SPEC MIX TOP CRAFTSMAN; the award that the panel of judges rate ”the most sellable wall” meeting the required 500 brick count and zero workmanship deductions.

For more details about the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 masonry competition go to www.specmixbricklayer500.com.
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