County Materials a Sponsor at SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500®

The SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500^® competitions are a series of events that test the skill, speed, and quality of masons across the country. The regional and national events bring bricklayers together to compete for prizes and the honor of being the “Best Bricklayer in the World.” Every year these events are dependent on sponsors in the industry. This year County Materials Corporation was a Silver Level sponsor for the 13th annual Wisconsin SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500^®, one of the 22 regional championships in the U.S. The event was held on September 22, 2016 at the IMI Training Center in New Berlin, WI.

Since 2003, SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500^® competitions have offered a platform for demonstrating the craftsmanship and stamina of masons across the country. Each bricklayer team includes a mason and his assistant, known as the mason tender. The competition lasts 60 minutes during which the mason has to construct a 26 foot 8 inch long, doublewide brick wall. The competition has four awards; 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place which are based on the highest net brick count meeting the quality standards. The 4th award, the SPEC MIX TOP CRAFTSMAN is judged the most sellable wall. The walls are closely evaluated by carefully selected masonry officials carrying several years of bricklaying experience.

Jake Brock, a mason with Brock Construction in Fort Atkinson, WI, and his mason tender, Eric Wiesman took first place. Brock had a net count of 436 brick qualifying him for the 2017 Spec Mix Top Craftsman award in Las Vegas. Along with the qualification Brock won an $800 cash prize, a Marshalltown tool bag and trowel, and a King Cutter for stone. The Spec Mix top craftsman award and second place went to Mike Schlund of Kowalksi Masonry of Wausau WI.

County Materials continued its tradition of supporting the construction industry and community efforts with their sponsorship of the 2016 Wisconsin Regional Competition. This year, County Materials is also celebrating its 70th anniversary, and is helping to shine a spotlight on the masonry trade and the construction industry.