Masonry Magazine June 2005 Page. 26

Words: James Ericson
Masonry Magazine June 2005 Page. 26

Masonry Magazine June 2005 Page. 26
MCAA-2005 Masonry Convention
A special thanks to the contest sponsors, who contributed time, materials, labor and/or financial support: Quikrete, ACCI, Brick Industry Association, Buechel Stone, Building Stone Institute, County Materials, EZ Grout, Fraco, Gatorback, Glen-Gery Brick, ICS Blount, Illinois Brick, Lafarge North America, Marshalltown, MK Diamond Products, Multiquip, Non-Stop Scaffolding, Northfield Block and Spec Mix.

Fastest Trowel
THE FASTEST TROWEL showcases the skill of our journeyman masons and how important teamwork is in accomplishing a final product. The competition pitted the journeymen against one another in a show of both speed and craftsmanship. Each contestant's goal is to complete as much of an 18-block-long wall as possible. With the 20-minute time limit that is placed on the contestants, they must make split-second decisions based on the judging criteria. Only those journeymen masons who have the skill, confidence and courage to face off with the industry's best are invited to compete. The top-placing contestants in this year's competition were:

Benjamin Houghton, of Houghton Masonry in Blue Grass, Iowa, and his team took top honors at the MCAA Fastest Trowel event.

First Place
Benjamin Houghton, Houghton Masonry, Blue Grass, lowa
Tenders: Glenn Houghton, Jr., and Jeremy Schubick

Second Place
Scott D. Ramm, Heartland Construction, Cedar Rapids, lowa
Tenders: Rob and Russ Olson

Third Place
Javier Lares, Winco Masonry, Porter, Texas
Tenders: Gustavo Moctezuma and Ubaldo Salazar

Winners received trophies, plus first place took home $7,000, second place $2,500, and $1,000 to third place. Many thanks to the contest sponsor, Quikrete, who also provided the mortar and labor for the contest. Also, thanks to the following companies for contributing materials: EZ Grout, Gatorback, Northfield Block and Sterling Handling Equipment. All of this and more will be waiting for you at the MCAA Masonry Showcase 2006 tradeshow and convention in Las Vegas March 29-31, 2006. You are urged not to miss this growing event that is changing the face of the masonry industry.

Bennu Parts & Service
The ONLY Authorized Manufacturer of Spare Parts for Bennu Units

Base Parts
Wall Ties
Guard Rails
Series #1 and Series #2 Platform parts
Platform Parts
Wing Sections
Mast Sections
Masts
Wheel Kits
Adaptors and more

Made in U.S.A
Call: 847.595.8444
BENNU PARTS & SERVICE
Phone: 847.595.8444 Fax: 847.595.8554 www.bennuparts.com
CIRCLE 146 ON READER SERVICE CARD
22
Masonry
June 2005
www.masoncontractors.org


The Cornerstone of Success: Safety and Documentation in Masonry
April 2025

The masonry industry plays a vital role in constructing our homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Yet, beneath the enduring beauty of brick and stone lies a complex and often hazardous work environment. Ensuring the safety of workers and maintaining docu

How It's Made: Natural Stone Veneer
April 2025

Natural stone veneer is a durable, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing building material that has been used for centuries. It adds timeless beauty to masonry projects while offering structural integrity and resilience. But how does natural stone veneer

Vibing Masonry #5 - The Evolution of Concrete Masonry Units: From Ancient Foundations to Modern Innovations
April 2025

Early Development: The Genesis of Concrete Blocks (early Rome to 1900s) The history of concrete masonry units (CMUs) or concrete blocks begins with humanity’s earliest binding materials, notably the Romans’ remarkable concrete. Around AD 125, structures l

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 18 Recap: Jeff Tew, Westlake Royal Stone Solutions
April 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Jeff Tew joins the show, along with MCAA President Jeff Buczkiewicz, to talk about where his passion for this industry started and what it's been like working on the Supplier side of the industry. An Excitin