SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 HISTORY VAULT

Meet the sponsors of the 2021 SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 and Masonry Madness Day event! We will introduce you to some of their newest products and find our what new and exciting things are happening in their world!

This is all a precursor to tomorrow's event, Masonry Madness Day - which kicks off at 8:45 am PDT, 11:45 am ET.

You can watch it all LIVE at www.specmix.com

It's all about speed and perfection. The SPEC MIX Toughest Tender Competition is designed to push mason tenders to the limit as they set up their stalls for the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500.

The event is timed. The mason tender who sets up their stalls the fastest, exactly according the predetermined specifications, wins $2500 and earns the title, SPEC MIX TOUGHEST TENDER.

The 2021 champion was Steve Braswell, from John Smith Masonry in St. Louis, MO. He completed the course set up in 14 minutes and 49 seconds.

To learn more about the competition, visit www.specmix.com

Masonry Madness Day!

Las Vegas, NV – He laid 678 in only one hour! Mason David Chavez and mason tender Guadalupe Hernandez with Ranch Masonry in Houston, TX teamed up to earn the title, “World’s Best Bricklayer.” This is the second time Chavez has earned the World Champion title, winning it all in 2018. The recognition comes after winning the most exciting contest in masonry, the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500®. 20 of the best masons and tenders in the world came together at the World of Concrete expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center to test their skill, speed and stamina by battling to determine who can build the largest and best 26-foot-long brick wall, with the least amount of errors, in one hour. The event headlined the first convention of its size to be held in Las Vegas since efforts to combat the pandemic caused a national shutdown.
It was an action-packed competition featuring some of the most decorated craftsmen in North America. Not even temperatures in the 90’s could slow down Chavez, as he earned the keys to a new Ford F250 4×4 Super Duty Truck, $5,000 in cash, a Multiquip Essick Pro12 Mortar Mixer and other great prizes.

Chavez felt confident coming into the event, saying, “I feel happy and I want to say thank you to Ranch Masonry for supporting me. I’m ready to get to work preparing for next year.“

The SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 World Championship title wasn’t the only prestigious award handed out during the event. For the third year in a row, mason Darian Douthit and mason tender Nigel Delmez won the SPEC MIX TOP CRAFTSMAN, which goes to the team with the “most sellable” wall, as determined by a panel of judges. For his precision, Douthit is taking home a new Kubota RTV-X1140, $5,000 in cash, an Essick Pro12 Mortar Mixer along with additional sponsorship prizes.

Douthit said, “I’m feeling really great. When you are going up against the best, you never know what is going to happen. Winning the SPEC MIX TOP CRAFTSMAN was my goal, and I’m happy for the chance to return again next year to defend the title.’

With over $125,000 in cash and prizes to be earned, masons from across North America were invited to Las Vegas to compete in the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 after winning a regional series qualifying event. 16 regional series competitions were held in 2020, shy of the typical 24, due to local restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic. Along with two returning automatic qualifiers (World Champion and SPEC MIX TOP CRAFTSMAN) and four Wild Card qualifiers, 20 total masons lined the arena in Las Vegas for one of the most exciting and anticipated events in the world of masonry. Before the competition, two mason and tender teams were forced to withdrawal.

With workforce development being the primary battle cry for the skilled trades, the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 is a tool designed to create interest from a new generation of masons in the rewards and opportunity possible in masonry and construction.

Highlighting the very best in the future of masonry, SPEC MIX teamed up with contractors from across North America to have their top apprentices compete in the JR SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 competition at the 2021 World of Concrete in Las Vegas.

North Carolina mason Grant Helms won the abbreviated version of the journeyman competition and took home a cash prize.

The SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® is the masonry industry’s most celebrated event for highlighting the attributes and passion that define the makings of a great mason: SKILL, SPEED, and STAMINA. Recognized as the Super Bowl of masonry, the excitement and energy of the intense competition is motivating masons all over the world to be the best craftsman on the job.

Now with the addition of the JR. BRICKLAYER 500 contests taking place at numerous SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 Regional Series’ across North America, masonry high school students and apprentices can get in on the bricklaying action and shine on masonry’s biggest stage! Judged like the journeymen event, JR. BRICKLAYER 500 competitors are challenged by a 20-minute clock and a 9’-4” starter wall to showcase their skills, compete for prizes and prove they’ll soon be ready to claim the title of “World’s Best Bricklayer.”

The JR. BRICKLAYER 500 builds on SPEC MIX’s commitment to “KEEPING THE TRADE STRONG” by uniting with local masonry contractors, instructors and associations to provide a rewarding experience for the industry’s next generation skilled craftsmen. During the setup of the day’s events the SMBL 500 Regional Series bricklayers spend time with the junior contestants coaching them with words of encouragement and tips on technique to ensure a solid, prideful performance.

The growth and strength of the masonry industry is dependent on its members inspiring, training and mentoring its workforce. The combination of the JR. BRICKLAYER 500 and Regional Series of events is the perfect venue to promote the masonry craftsmanship and introduce young people to the career opportunities available in the industry.

Learn more: https://www.specmix.com/jr-spec-mix-bricklayer-500/

Coming to you LIVE from Best Block in Dallas, TX!

The SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® is the masonry industry’s most celebrated event for highlighting the attributes and passion that define the makings of a great mason: SKILL, SPEED, and STAMINA. Recognized as the Super Bowl of masonry, the excitement and energy of the intense competition is motivating masons all over the world to be the best craftsman on the job.

Now with the addition of the JR. BRICKLAYER 500 contests taking place at numerous SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 Regional Series’ across North America, masonry high school students and apprentices can get in on the bricklaying action and shine on masonry’s biggest stage! Judged like the journeymen event, JR. BRICKLAYER 500 competitors are challenged by a 20-minute clock and a 9’-4” starter wall to showcase their skills, compete for prizes and prove they’ll soon be ready to claim the title of “World’s Best Bricklayer.”

The JR. BRICKLAYER 500 builds on SPEC MIX’s commitment to “KEEPING THE TRADE STRONG” by uniting with local masonry contractors, instructors and associations to provide a rewarding experience for the industry’s next generation skilled craftsmen. During the setup of the day’s events the SMBL 500 Regional Series bricklayers spend time with the junior contestants coaching them with words of encouragement and tips on technique to ensure a solid, prideful performance.

The growth and strength of the masonry industry is dependent on its members inspiring, training and mentoring its workforce. The combination of the JR. BRICKLAYER 500 and Regional Series of events is the perfect venue to promote the masonry craftsmanship and introduce young people to the career opportunities available in the industry.

This video is private.

Las Vegas, NV – In front of the largest crowd in the 17-year history of the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® World Championship, Mason Mario Alves of A & M Masonry in Hamilton, Ontario won big. Mario claimed the crown “World’s Best Bricklayer.” After 60-minutes of laying bricks against 26 other world-class masons, the 30 year old put up a wall with a brick count of 760 perfect brick that earned him a 2019 Ford F-250 XLT 4×4 truck, an Essick EM120 HYD mortar mixer on top of $10,000 in cash and prizes. It was his third time qualifying for the championship event in Las Vegas. With the help of his brother mason tender Michael Alves, Mario delivered his best performance in an arena packed with thousands of spectators.



Of the 27 bricklayers and mason tender teams that competed for the event’s $125,000 purse, Mason Darian Douthit with Providence Masonry, Fairland, OK claimed the next highest ranking title, the SPEC MIX TOP CRAFTSMAN®. The event veteran claimed a 2019 John Deere Gator™ XUV 835 and another $10,000 in cash and prizes for his efforts. Darian (age 47) laid 537 perfect brick which a 30 judge panel agreed was the “most sellable” wall. A mason for over 30 years he also won the TOP CRAFTSMAN® title back in 2016. Darian’s mason tender was Andy Zepeda.



Standing beside first place and craftsman in the winners’ circle, Second place honors went to Cole Stamper of Mason Structure in Lexington, KY. A mason for 20 years, Cole laid 749 brick with no deductions to win $4,000 and over $1,500 in sponsor prizes. His mason tender was Jeff Becker. Rounding out the pool of winners was third place Juan Cabral of Phoenix Masonry in Denver, CO. Juan (36) laid 732 brick to claim a check for $3,000 plus $1,500 in prizes. Juan’s mason tender was Jose Limon.



Kicking off the bricklaying action was the SPEC MIX TOUGHEST TENDER® competition. Twenty-seven mason tenders raced to stage all the materials used during the bricklaying event. Mason tender Charlie Cheatham with United Masonry in Cleveland, OH was named TOUGHEST TENDER, and collected a check for $2,500 and $1,500 in prizes. Charlie recorded a winning time of 13 minutes 52 seconds (WR – 11 minutes 7 second, set in 2005). Established to show the value a mason tender brings to a mason, it’s a crowd favorite that tests the speed, endurance and accuracy of a skilled laborer.



Commonly referred to as the “Super Bowl of Masonry,” the bricklaying battle took place on Wednesday, January 23th in the heart of the Masonry Madness® Day arena at the World of Concrete trade show in Las Vegas. Before a bricklayer is eligible to compete in the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® World Championship, each competitor must qualify by winning their Regional Series competition. This earns them a shot at taking down the returning Champion or SPEC MIX TOP CRAFTSMAN® title holders. The SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® initiative was created in 2003 to promote masonry construction while accentuating the craftsmanship, pride and passion that masons dedicate to their work. It’s also a means for SPEC MIX®, its sponsors and supporters, to give back to the masonry trade and strengthen its future. Over the years the event has evolved into an industry movement that is used as a tool for recruiting skilled labor and workforce development programs. The fierce competition, quality of craftsmanship, and the growing annual crowds, is evidence that the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® is uniting the industry and infusing energy into a craft that commands respect and admiration.

Catch all of the action and highlights at www.specmixbricklayer500.com

The announcement of the 2019 SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® World Champion.

Mason Mario Alves and his mason tender Michael Alves of A&M Masonry in Hamilton, Ontario took home the title, "World's Best Bricklayer," with a perfect brick count of 760. They are the first international competitors to win the competition in it's 17 year history.

The bricklaying competition is designed to test the skill, speed, and stamina of masons by challenging them to build a 26-foot-long brick wall, with a strict set of guidelines, in one hour.

To learn more about the competition, visit www.specmixbricklayer500.com

It’s time - to add one more name to the list of champions.

The SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 is back – and better than ever.

27 masons battle it out on Wednesday January 23rd at the World of Concrete - only one will claim the title, “World’s Best Bricklayer.”

Watch live to see which masons take their share of over $125,000 in cash and prizes. First place wins the keys to a brand new Ford f250 4x4 truck.
That’s not all – one mason will be named SPEC MIX TOP CRAFTSMAN – and gets to take home a John Deere Gator Crossover Utility Vehicle.

Get ready - It’s the Super Bowl of Masonry – one day could change their lives forever. Find out who has what it takes to etch their name in masonry history.

Catch the action live starting at 8:45 a.m. pacific on Wednesday Jan 23rd at www.specmixbricklayer500.com
Brought to you by SPEC MIX

If masonry is in your blood, then pack your bags and head to Vegas for the 2019 SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 World Championship and MASONRY MADNESS Day at the World of Concrete!

On Wednesday, January 23rd in the Bronze Lot you’ll see world-class masons battling all day for champion title belts and amazing prizes.

The action takes place in the Masonry Madness Arena. Get there early! The Masonry Skills Challenge kicks of the day at 9AM. Then at 10:45 it’s the SPEC MIX TOUGHEST TENDER, followed by the MCAA FASTEST TROWEL ON THE BLOCK at 11:30, where competitors will put up over 100 concrete block in just 20 minutes for an $8,000 payday!

And then, at 12:15 it’s the MAIN EVENT…THE SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500!

Twenty-seven bricklayers from around the globe will go head to head to claim their cut of the $125,000 purse. Top honors go to the WORLD CHAMPION, who will drive home a 2019 FORD F-250 XLT 4x4 truck, an Essick PRO 12 , $5000 in cash and a pile of prizes.

The next big title goes to the SPEC MIX TOP CRAFTSMAN! The panel of judges will pick the mason that wins the keys to a 2019 JOHN DEERE GATOR XUV835 CROSSOVER UTV...Mixer, and $5000!

In the heart of the arena is the Innovations and Workforce Development Zone where non-stop demos take place showing newest masonry products and equipment!

Get to Vegas and the World of Concrete to experience MASONRY MADNESS Day! It’s 4 competitions spread over 2 square acres and it goes all day! Set your schedule for Wednesday, January 23rd …IT’S THE SUPER BOWL OF MASONRY!

Brought to you by SPEC MIX! For more event info and to see a live webcast go to SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500.com

It's coming! Catch the fire of the 2018 SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® Regional Series!

This summer, masons from all over North America will battle it out in over 20 regional competitions to prove they're the best in the business.

The winners of each regional earn a trip to Las Vegas to compete in the 2019 World Championship, and claim the title, World's Best Bricklayer.

With over $100,000 in cash and prizes on the line, including a brand new Ford F250 4x4 truck, it's the Super Bowl of masonry.

Get ready bricklayers, the regional series tour kicks off this summer. Watch for the official schedule! A bricklaying battle is coming to a city near you!

It's time to raise the bar! It takes skill, speed and stamina to win a free ride to Vegas and become the new World Champion!

To find out how to register for a competition call your SPEC MIX Representative and visit www.SpecMixBricklayer500.com

Catch the fire of the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 movement. It's heating up!

Brought to you by SPEC MIX®

Learn more about SPEC MIX: www.Specmix.com

Catch the fire of the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® movement!

The 2018 SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 Regional Series tour is back and hotter than ever – and it’s coming to a city near you!

Grab a front row seat and help us promote masonry as the top craftsmen across North America battle to win their Regional competition and earn their spot on the roster for the 2019 World Championship in Las Vegas.

24 regions are ready to crown their champion –– watch to see who wins a free trip to Vegas for the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 World Championship on January 16th at the World of Concrete.

With over $125,000 dollars in cash and prizes on the line – including a 2019 Ford F250 4x4 truck – the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 tests the skill, speed and stamina of those who think they have what it takes to be named “World’s Best Bricklayer!”

The competition is heating up – rivalry’s will get renewed - new champions will emerge – as masonry takes center stage at the ultimate battle for superior pride and craftsmanship.

Catch the fire of the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 as it continues to ignite our industry and showcase the best masons and tenders around the world.

Learn more and find your regional schedule and location at www.SPECMIXBRICKLAYER500.com

We would like to extend a very special THANK YOU to the sponsors of the Spec Mix Bricklayer 500®. Their commitment to this event and the masonry industry is the driving force in KEEPING THE TRADE STRONG.

EAGAN, MN — The energy was palpable at the 2018 World of Concrete trade show in Las Vegas. Nearly 60,000 (58,222) registered professionals from around the world packed the Convention Center, ready to promote concrete production and placement. With their largest event in 9 years, the World of Concrete was poised to show off all the best the industry has to offer, benefitting suppliers, products, services and education.

The greatest commotion was outside in the Bronze Lot on Wednesday, January 24th for Masonry Madness Day®. Recognized as one of the most exciting and entertaining attractions at the WOC, thousands of spectators had a front row seat to masonry history. Over 90 elite tradesmen battled in four consecutive competitions designed to push their endurance and skills to new heights.

The action started at 9:00 AM with the MCAA Masonry Skill’s Challenge, an event designed to test the ability of the industries newest masons. Secondly, the SPEC MIX TOUGHEST TENDER® competition, a race to set up the arena for the main event. Thirdly, the MCAA Fastest Trowel on the Block, where masons raced to build a concrete wall in only twenty minutes. At noon, the 16th annual SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® took center stage, as 28 skilled professionals, pushed their physical abilities in hopes of taking home the Grand Prize, a 2018 Ford F-250 4x4 XLT truck.
As part of the event, attendees were able to participate in sponsor demonstrations and games to win cash and prizes as they discovered the latest product innovations impacting the construction industry.

MASONRY MADNESS Day® was jump-started prior to the competitions on Tuesday, with the 3rd Annual “Masonry Innovations & Workforce Development Zone” sponsored by SPEC MIX® and the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA). This special section of the arena was a major hit with spectators, as it showcased the latest industry advancements making a positive impact on masonry construction. There were 17 stations that educated attendees through various displays and live demonstrations on the new technology, products and systems making the masonry labor force and jobsites more efficient, productive and safe. The ultimate goal of the event was to show that the masonry industry has significantly evolved over the past 6 years allowing it to be more attractive when recruiting and expanding a much needed workforce.

For more info visit: www.specmixbricklayer500.com

The 2018 Spec Mix Bricklayer 500® World Championship in Las Vegas raised the bar for the 16-year-old "Super Bowl of Masonry."

This year's winner is David Chavez of Ranch Masonry in Houston, Texas. This was his third attempt at the competition and the first time he and his Tender, Miguel Contrares, went home with the grand prize, a 2018 Ford F250 4x4 Super Duty truck. Chavez also collected and addition $10,000 in cash and prizes.

Next in line, the Top Craftsman award, given to the mason with the most sellable wall. Leif Reints of Reints Masonry in Wyandotte, Oklahoma took home the honor, which included a John Deere XUV835 Gator Crossover Utility Vehicle and over $10,000 in cash and prizes.

Congratulations to the 2018 Spec Mix Bricklayer 500 and Masonry Madness winners.

Champions competed in four different categories to take home more that $120,000 in cash and prizes.

The top prize was a 2018 Ford F250 4x4 Super Duty Truck, which went to first place of the Spec Mix Bricklayer 500. David Chavez of Ranch Masonry in Houston, Texas took home the prize with over $10,000 in additional cash and prizes.

Top Craftsman went to Leif Reints of Reints Masonry in Wyandotte, Oklahoma. John Deere donated an XUV835 Gator Crossover Utility Vehicle for this champion, who won for building the best wall in sixty minutes.

Toughest Tender went to Nicholas Miller of Brock Construction in Ft. Atkinson, WI.

Jose Soto of Saragon Masonry in Glendale, AZ took home 1st place in the Fastest Trowel on the Block.

Special thanks to our sponsors and the MCAA for their support in making this event possible.