On Wednesday, September 15, the best masons in Wisconsin came together to test their skill, speed and stamina at the annual SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® Wisconsin Regional Series! In its 20th season, the Wisconsin event at Fond du Lac Stone is one of 22 regional qualifiers held across North America. Each team, consisting of one mason and one mason tender, is given an hour to build the highest and finest 26-foot-long brick wall with as few errors as possible.
Left to right: Kurt Bartus, Jesse Steger, Gabe Lesher and Adam Meyer
Contestants had two hours to lay two courses of block and a course of brick for each of their starter courses and one hour to lay as much brick as possible. The winner was determined by a judging panel that subtracted workmanship infractions and mistakes from the total number of bricks laid on the wall.
Two of the ten competing teams of journeymen represented C.D. Smith Construction. Kurt Bartus mason tended for mason Jesse Steger, and Adam Meyer tended for Gabe Lesher by preparing grout, staging bricks and offering encouragement. Both C.D. Smith teams were strong contenders, and Gabe and Adam claimed third place with a brick count of 435. For their efforts, the team took home $300, a 4' Stabila level and a Marshalltown ceremonial trowel and tool bag.
Following completion of the journeymen competition, area masonry apprentices participated in a bricklaying battle of their own. Each apprentice earned a prize for showcasing the future of masonry in an abbreviated version of the journeyman competition.
The excitement surrounding the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® provided the perfect foundation for workforce development. In addition to watching the competitions, nearly 100 area students considering the skilled trades had the opportunity to meet with contractors and vendors. "Masonry Education Day" even offered hands-on training with areas to practice laying masonry structures with brick.
When all was said and done, "Wisconsin's Best Bricklayer" laid more than 500 bricks in an hour and won a trip to the 20th annual SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® World Championship in Las Vegas in January 2022. Great job to all competitors and thank you to everyone who contributed and helped organize a beautiful day of competition, education and admiration for area skilled trades masonry talent.
«•»
Follow C.D. Smith ON SOCIAL
#CDSmith #ThinkSafeWorkSafe
IN THE NEWS
Fond du Lac Bricklayer 500 masons, tenders test their skills | Fox 6 News Milwaukee 09.15.2021
Michael Schlund Wins the 2021 Wisconsin Regional Series - Earns title, "Wisconsin's Best Bricklayer." | SPEC MIX 09.15.2021
Leveling Up: Wausau masonry team wins chance to compete in World Championship | WeAreGreenBay.com 09.15.2021
About C.D. Smith
C.D. Smith Construction is an industry leader in safely providing the highest quality commercial construction services. Utilizing an integrated approach and self-performing trade services combined with technical expertise, our team serves as a solutions provider throughout all phases of a project, from planning through construction. With veteran leadership and a dedication to our employees and clients, we proudly place our name on projects of all sizes across the United States.
Visit www.cdsmith.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
Beneath the Hard Hat®, our company press and blog, offers an intimate look at the people and stories that make C.D. Smith Construction. With the latest industry news and project updates, we share insights on the superior spaces we are safely delivering year-round. Our team of technical experts provides useful tips and topics to help plan your next commercial project.
---
TRADE PARTNERS & BIDS |If you're interested in working with us or would like to request adding your company to our bidder’s database, please complete our Trade Partners & Bids Form: Click Here.
