Patlan Named 2017 Fastest Trowel

Words: Greg Althammer, John Chrysler, Robert Collins, Garen Graves, Chick Hatton, Giovanni Laface, Scott Lacaillade, Matt Marks, Cassie Mejia, Gerardo Patlan, Jack Ross, Randall Rush, Melvin Schwendeman, Ryan Shaver, Moroni Mejia, Jose Soto, Roberto Patlan, Heriberto Estrada, Jose Martinez, Tomas LopezThe 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
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
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
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.
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