Hallman Wins 56th Masonry Contest at N.C. State Fair

Words: Neal Adams
https://masoncontractors.azurewebsites.net/Public/News/20091027082200-1.jpg" width="530" height="298" border="0" alt="Pictured from left to right: (top row) Gary Manning (contest judge), Jared Gandy (2nd place), Rhett Hallman (1st place winner), Calvin Brodie (contest planning committee), and Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry; (bottom row) Justin Helms (5th place), Chris Lunsford (4th place), Macy Williams (3rd place), and Doug Burton (head judge).">
Pictured from left to right: (top row) Gary Manning (contest judge), Jared Gandy (2nd place), Rhett Hallman (1st place winner), Calvin Brodie (contest planning committee), and Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry; (bottom row) Justin Helms (5th place), Chris Lunsford (4th place), Macy Williams (3rd place), and Doug Burton (head judge).

Rhett Hallman was the first place winner at the 56th Annual Masonry Apprentice Contest at the N.C. State Fair on Monday, October 19, 2009.

Hallman, who works for McGee Brothers Co., won a $325 premium from the State Fair, a plaque and an assortment of sponsor prizes for his efforts. He is from Monroe.

“The apprentice contests give these workers an opportunity to showcase their skills while having fun at the fair,” Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry said. “I congratulate all of them for taking part in this contest and for learning skills that will benefit them and our state.”

Apprenticeships have been the backbone of North Carolina’s work preparation programs for more than 70 years. Apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with related classroom instruction to prepare exceptional workers for North Carolina and America’s industry.

Jared Gandy from Concord, who also works for McGee Brothers Co., placed second. Macy Williams from Franklinton, who works for Brodie Contractors, took home third place honors.

Fifteen masonry apprentices competed in the contest. To be eligible to compete, apprentices must be registered in the occupation and training with an employer that has a program registered with the N.C. Department of Labor.

Contests are held in masonry, HV/AC-R, electrical, carpentry and plumbing.
About: Featured
What gives with head protection? Why workers want to keep their hard hats and ditch safety helmets.
April 2025

Last August, I took my pickup to the dealership for a nagging check engine light. While it was being looked over, I chatted with the salesman I normally deal with, and he told me about the latest and greatest 2025 models. He told me how the twin turbo inl

Greg Brown
Featured
Read More
Government Affairs: Bringing North Carolina to Washington, D.C. and Hopefully Young People to Your Jobsites
April 2025

For you long time members of the Mason Contractors Association of America you likely remember our Annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In where MCAA members from around the country would come to Washington, D.C. meeting with Members of Congress from their home sta

Stephen Borg
Featured
Read More
Chairman's Message: While We Are Still Here
April 2025

I truly value my days working on construction sites during the summers of my high school and college days. Some moments in our youth are so clearly meaningful that we file them away in our subconscious to be recalled when life events require inspiration.

Dick Dentinger
Chairman’s Message
Read More
Contractor Tip of the Month: The Tough Calls That Define a Leader
April 2025

In construction, every project balances a delicate trio: coordination, precision, and timing. However, beyond blueprints and schedules, leadership demands something far greater—the ability to lead and make difficult decisions that shape the future of a co

Damian Lang
Featured
Read More