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.
About: Featured
 0
The Evolution and Innovation of Concrete Unit Pavers
May 2025

When concrete unit pavers were first produced in Europe after the second World War, they were used as a replacement for clay brick pavers due to a lack of raw materials needed to produce that product. The primary emphasis was function with little to no co

Brandi Sauers
Featured MAP Partner
Read More
Masonry Mortar: The Right Type for the Job
May 2025

When it comes to masonry construction, mortar is much more than “glue” that holds everything together — it’s a critical component of wall performance, longevity, and aesthetics. It can “make it or break it”. Whether you’re laying a foundation CMU wall or

Garen Graves
Featured MAP Partner
Mortar
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 20 Recap: Mark Kemp, Superior Masonry
May 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Mark Kemp joins the set to talk about his esteemed career in masonry, how his passion stayed strong throughout the years, and how retirement has been treating him.

Justin Stengel
Read More
How It’s Made: Clay Thin Brick
May 2025

Clay thin brick is a versatile alternative to traditional full brick. It comes in numerous colors and styles and offers something for every design preference. Thanks to the lighter weight, it is designed to reach spaces full brick cannot. From floors to c

Allison Goley
Featured MAP Partner
Read More