2017 NCMCA Metrolina Chapter Recognition Night

Words: Lynn NashThe North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association's Metrolina (Greater Charlotte) Chapter Recognition Night was held September 26, 2017.

A number of Metrolina Chapter area masons, apprentices and masonry students won awards and contests over the last year and were recognized with a dinner in their honor along with their invited guests. Honorees received checks and hardware along with official greetings from Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) President Jeff Buczkiewicz, NCMCA President Bob Gates, and a representative from NC Eighth District Congressman Richard Hudson's office.

More than 75 members and guests attended the September event in Charlotte.

In the Photograph

Top row, left to right

Todd Hartsell, Central Cabarrus High School - SkillsUSA National Champion
Kelby Thornton's instructor and Masonry Expert for the USA WorldSkills Team

Kent Huntley, NCMCA President Elect and Apprenticeship and Training
Committee Chairman, and a partner in Huntley Brother's Company, the firm
with the 2017 NCMCA Annual Samuel A. McGee Apprentice Contest winner.

Luke Dutton, McGee Brothers - Luke will represent the United States at the
biannual 2017 WorldSkills Competition this October in Abu Dhabi, UAE. He is
a former National NCMCA SkillsUSA Winner.

Bob Gates, NCMCA President

Jeff Buczkiewicz, Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) President

Kelby Thornton, Central Cabarrus High School - 2017 NC SkillsUSA Masonry
Champion, 2017 National SkillsUSA Masonry Champion (Kelby has won both
competitions for two years in a row.)

Luis Marquez, Huntley Brothers Company - First Place MCAA Second Year
Apprentice Contest, World of Concrete 2017

Brandon Hartsell, NCMCA Regional Vice President and Metrolina Chapter
President

Chet Huntley, Huntley Brothers - 2017 "Toughest Tender" SPEC MIX Bricklayer
500

Bottom row, left to right

Cory Huneycutt, Gates Construction Company - Fourth Place in the 2017 Samuel
A. McGee Apprentice Masonry Skills Contest

Eric Kee, McGee Brothers - Fifth Place, in the 2017 Samuel A. McGee
Apprentice Masonry Skills Contest

Zackary McGee, McGee Brothers - Winner of the 2016 State Fair Apprentice
Contest

Matt Cash, Huntley Brothers - 2017 Champion SPEC MIX Bricklayer 500 "The
World's Best Bricklayer"

Jamison "JK" Huntley, Huntley Brothers - David R. Sigmon Award for First
Place in the 2017 Samuel A. McGee Apprentice Masonry Skills Contest

Ellis Baucom, McGee Brothers - Second Place in the 2017 Samuel A. McGee
Apprentice Masonry Skills Contest

Kaleb McGee, McGee Brothers - Third Place in the 2017 Samuel A. McGee
Apprentice Masonry Skills Contest
Why Belden Brick Has Lasted 140 Years
August 2025

‘Why We’ve Lasted 140 Years’ How The Belden Brick Company’s approach to manufacturing excellence continues to solve modern brick masonry challenges Ask masonry contractor Jason Hauer what separates good brick from great brick, and he’ll tell you about h

Achieving Consistent Mortar Mixes: Key to Successful Masonry Projects
August 2025

Consistency is the cornerstone of quality masonry. A uniform mortar mix is critical for the structural integrity and durability of any project, from a simple brick wall to an intricate stone design. When mortar lacks consistency, it can lead to weak joint

What’s In Your Data Backup Strategy?
August 2025

Your business handles plenty of critical data, and losing it could result in operational downtime, financial losses, and a damaged reputation. For businesses owners, a robust data backup strategy can help you stay resilient and competitive in the fuel mar

Facial Recognition for Masonry Companies
August 2025

Masonry companies face a unique set of challenges. Managing a mobile workforce across multiple job sites requires precision and accountability. CrewTracks recognizes this need and has introduced an innovative facial recognition feature designed to streaml