BUILDING A LEGACY: WISCONSIN MASONS COMPETE IN A BRICKLAYING BATTLE FOR THE FUTURE OF THE TRADES
On Wednesday, September 11, the best masons from across Wisconsin came together at Fond du Lac Stone for the annual SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® Wisconsin Regional Series! The competition, now in its 22nd season, pits teams of one mason and one mason tender against each other to build the highest and finest 26-foot-long brick wall in just one hour—with as few errors as possible.
This event is one of 23 regional qualifying competitions held across North America, and it's a showcase not just of skill but of the strength and future of the masonry trades.
C.D. SMITH'S STRONG REPRESENTATION
Two journeyman teams from C.D. Smith competed, aiming for the coveted title of "World's Best Bricklayer." Kurt Bartus and his son Ajustis tended for bricklayers Jesse Steger and Eric Digman, pushing their speed and stamina as strong contenders.
Known as the "Super Bowl of Masonry," the competition saw Jake Brock and his tender Nick Miller repeat their success, winning the regional series for the second consecutive year and securing a place at the 2025 World Championship in Las Vegas.
THE NEXT GENERATION OF MASONS
Beyond the fierce competition, the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® is also about paving the way for the future of masonry. The JR. BRICKLAYER 500 contest allowed high school students and apprentices to demonstrate their skills.
C.D. Smith's Tom Qualy claimed first place among the apprentices, while Gavin Steger, son of bricklayer Jesse Steger, took second in the high school competition. A local student from Fond du Lac won the abbreviated journeyman competition, showcasing the exciting opportunities available for future masons.
HANDS-ON LEARNING: MASONRY EDUCATION DAY
One of the most exciting aspects of the event was the Masonry Education Day, which ran alongside the competition. Students interested in the skilled trades had the opportunity to meet contractors and vendors, but more importantly, they received hands-on training from experienced masons.
C.D. Smith team members—Jim Burg, Elijah Waitz, and Tom Qualy—were among those mentoring students, sharing valuable tips and tricks while giving them a chance to try their hand at laying masonry structures. They were joined by other C.D. Smith tradespeople who contributed their expertise, ensuring students had a well-rounded learning experience.
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
It was a beautiful day for highlighting the skill of Wisconsin’s top masons and the bright future of the masonry industry. Fathers and sons, like Kurt and Ajustis Bartus, and Jesse and Gavin Steger, exemplified the generational passion and skills passed down through the trades. This event showed the strength of mentorship and the relationships that define masonry and the exciting opportunities ahead for the next generation.
Congratulations to all competitors, and a special thank you to everyone who helped build this event into a success!
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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.
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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.
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