Howard Cole wins again!

Words: Lyn OlesonHoward Cole wins again! Howard is one of MITA’s first graduates and now a multi-year champion in the California Regionals Fastest Trowel on the Block.

Serious competitors were in the money, 14 in all. Howard slammed 111 block to win the California Regional earning the privilege to compete in the MASONRY MADNESS™ World of Concrete 2016 in Las Vegas in February 2016. Howard, with Frazier Masonry, took home the big check payout of $2,500.

More than 400 guests in attendance at RCP Block & Brick enjoyed an industry spectacle of fun, food, beverages and it was shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders in our industry.

Among the top three Journeymen receiving awards from RCP Block & Brick Architectural Representative Gina Adams and Vice President of Sales & Marketing Tom Finch are 2nd place Emilio Torres with J Ginger Masonry, 3rd place Mario Madrigal with J Ginger Masonry.
The Important Issues with Masonry Barrier Systems
July 2026

A barrier is an element, device, or material that is intended to stop something from passing through. Road barriers stop traffic, for instance. Sun lotion with a high SPF rating will stop UV rays (for a limited time) from damaging the skin. In masonry, ba

Four Home Design Trends Driving Masonry Demand in 2026
July 2026

As design trends continue to evolve, one theme remains consistent throughout 2026: homeowners want spaces that feel intentional, comfortable and enduring. According to Westlake Royal Building Products’ TrendLine platform, today's most influential trends e

The Modern Masonry Saw: Safety, Efficiency, and Smarter Cutting
July 2026

Masonry is a craft built on precision, strength, and durability. At the heart of every successful masonry project is one essential tool: the masonry saw. As technology evolves, so does the role of the saw on the jobsite. Today’s contractors are not just l

Getting the Finish Right on Burnished CMU
July 2026

The wall is complete. The lines are crisp. The coursing is tight, and the burnished CMU delivers exactly the refined appearance the design team envisioned. After weeks of coordination and careful installation, the project is final