Patlan Named 2017 Fastest Trowel Words: Mason ContractorsThe 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: 2017 Fastest Trowel on the Block, First Place - Gerardo Patlan 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. 2017 Fastest Trowel on the Block, Second Place - Jose Soto Second Place Jose Soto Sargon Masonry Phoenix Tender: Tomas Quinones Lopez Block Count: 115 Jose Soto also placed second in the 2016 MCAA Fastest Trowel on the Block competition. 2017 Fastest Trowel on the Block, Third Place - Jose Noe Martinez Third Place Jose Noe Martinez Stone Cold Masonry Phoenix 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. The MCAA would also like to thank the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) and Stabila for sponsoring the MCAA’s Fastest Trowel on the Block competition, and give a special thank you to the sponsors and service/material donors for their contributions including: 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.
