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

MITA alumni compete at Fastest Trowel

Words: Lyn OlesonWho laid the most block in the Fastest Trowel competition at Baselite Concrete Products in Dixon this year? It was former MITA student Howard Cole. He did 111 block in just 20 minutes! Yes one-hundred-eleven block. Not only did Howard start out as a MITA Apprentice, but masonry foreman Richie King started as a MITA student too. For real! Now they enjoy great careers in the industry, and support MITA trainees and apprentices with their leadership. We appreciate you MITA alumni!

At the Fastest Trowel at Dixon, journeymen put their speed and skill to the test against a 20-minute clock. They try to complete as much as possible of a 24‐foot long wall of standard, medium weight, 8”x 8”x 16” concrete masonry units. Each contestant (a journeyman with his favorite tender) uses the same weight block and the same mortar, supplied by Basalite. They can temper their mud with water or san190d.

They get a half hour or so before the clock starts to work their mortar, locate and set the height of the mortar boards, and finalize the locations of their block stacks. During this time period the contestant will also lay a 24‐foot base course and check the alignment (they don't count the block in the base course in the final total) but it must be all full size units. And the wall starts and end with half units, to have an actual finished length of 24 feet.

Howard laid the most to take 2nd place. But the judging also includes true and workmanship subjectively rated, and 1st place went to a multi-year winner Keith White of Stonelake Masonry.
 0
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 34 Recap: Major Ogilvie, CEO at Ogilvie Strategies, LLC
December 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Major Ogilvie joins the set to talk about his days playing football in college, how his journey started, and how he's seen the masonry industry change over the years.

Justin Stengel
The MASONRY STRONG Podcast
Read More
Building the Future of the Trades: STABILA’s International Social Media Day and Verified Social Channels Are Inspiring the Next Generation
December 2025

In an era when social media often shapes public perception more than traditional media, even the most time-honored trades are finding new ways to connect, educate, and inspire. STABILA, a global name synonymous with precision measurement tools is trusted

Elsa Bueno
MAP Partner
Read More
Brickworks Supply Joins the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program as a Gold Partner
December 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is proud to share that Brickworks Supply will join the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program as a Gold Partner.

Industry News
Read More
The Florida Department of Corrections Masonry Competition
December 2025

The intersection of Career & Technical Education (CTE) training and rehabilitation was on full display recently as the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) hosted a statewide masonry competition. Held at the Cross City Correctional Institution, the eve

Justin Stengel
News and Events
Read More