Patlan Named 2017 Fastest Trowel
Gerardo Patlan is the 2017 Fastest Trowel on the Block champion
The annual Fastest Trowel on the Block competition, held January 18, 2017 during the MCAA Convention at the World of Concrete/World of Masonry in Las Vegas, drew a big audience to catch the fastest twenty minutes in masonry and see who would win the $8,000 grand prize.
The contest pits journeyman masons, accompanied by their favorite tender, against one another in a show of speed. Each contestant’s goal was to complete as much of a 30-foot long wall as possible, using 8”x8”x16” CMU and the provided mortar in a twenty minute heat. But speed alone won’t net the $8,000 check for first place. Contestants were also judged on craftsmanship, and use of normal masonry practices and hand tools.
Each mason worked quickly to build a quality wall, while the crowd cheered them on throughout the twenty minute competition. After the judges completed their scoring, the results were announced.
The top-placing contestants in this year’s competition were:
First Place
Gerardo Patlan
Fyffe Masonry & Plastering, Inc.Glendale, Ariz.
Tender: Roberto Patlan
Block Count: 119
This is the first time Gerardo Patlan has won the MCAA’s Fastest Trowel on the Block competition.
Second Place
Jose Soto
Sargon MasonryPhoenix
Tender: Tomas Quinones Lopez
Block Count: 115
Jose Soto also placed second in the 2016 MCAA Fastest Trowel on the Block competition.
Third Place
Jose Noe Martinez
Stone Cold MasonryPhoenix
Tender: Heriberto Estrada
Block Count: 116
Jose Noe Martinez placed first in the 2016 MCAA Fastest Trowel on the Block competition.
Winners were presented with trophies, plus first place took home $8,000, a special trophy from Marshalltown, and a 10-pack of mortar boards from GATORBACK; second place received $2,500; and $1,500 was awarded to third place. Cash prizes were provided by SPEC MIX, Inc. All winners received a Marshalltown tool bag and tools, a gift certificate from STIHL, and additional prizes. All contestants received a level from competition sponsor Stabila and a GROUT GRUNT masonry scoop.
The Mason Contractors Association of America would like to thank the judges from across the country for donating their time and expertise:
- Moroni Mejia, Echelon; Phoenix
- Greg Althammer, Airplaco; Cincinnati
- John Chrysler, Masonry Institute of America; Torrance, Calif.
- Robert Collins, Brick Mason Apprenticeship Local #4; Arcadia, Calif.
- Garen Graves, Oldcastle; Arlington, Texas
- Chick Hatton, Fraco USA; Havertown, Pa.
- Scott LaCaillade, WAL Masonry; Claremont, N.H.
- Giovanni LaFace, C&D LaFace Constructions; Syracuse, N.Y.
- Matt Marks, Gravevine Masonry Construction, Inc.; Norton, Ohio
- Cassie Mejia, Rhino Masonry; Gilbert, Ariz.
- Jack Ross, AZ Best Block; Phoenix
- Randall Rush, Rush Masonry, Inc.; New Orleans
- Melvin Schwendeman, Lang Masonry & Restoration Contractors; Waterford, Ohio
- Ryan Shaver, ProBlock/Stalite; Salisbury N.C.
Competition Sponsors
- National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA)
- Stabila
Contributors
- AZ Best Block
- GATORBACK, Inc.
- QUIKRETE
- SPEC MIX, Inc.
Prize Donations
- GATORBACK, Inc.
- GROUT GRUNT
- Marshalltown Company
- SPEC MIX, Inc.
- Stabila
- STIHL
MCAA Strategic Partners
- Amerimix
- Echelon
- EZG Manufacturing
- Federated Insurance
- Fraco Products, Ltd.
- Hohmann and Barnard, Inc.
- Hydro Mobile
- iQ Power Tools
- Kennison Forest Products, Inc.
- Mortar Net Solutions
- Non-Stop Scaffolding
- Pullman Ermator
- SPEC MIX, Inc.
- Stabila
- Trademen’s Software, Inc.
About the MCAA’s Fastest Trowel on the Block
The MCAA’s Fastest Trowel on the Block is hosted annually by the MCAA as part of MASONRY MADNESS® during the MCAA Convention at the World of Concrete/World of Masonry in Las Vegas. The competition is a showcase of industry craftsmanship and a testament of both the speed and skill of our industry’s workforce.The 2018 MCAA Fastest Trowel on the Block will be held Wednesday, January 24, 2018 during the MCAA Convention at the World of Concrete/World of Masonry in Las Vegas.
For more information about the competition and to register, please visit www.fastesttrowel.com.
About the Author
The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is the national trade association representing mason contractors. The MCAA is committed to preserving and promoting the masonry industry by providing continuing education, advocating fair codes and standards, fostering a safe work environment, recruiting future manpower, and marketing the benefits of masonry materials.
