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Release Date: February 2010
Press Inquiries:
Anita Gambill
(757) 486-9151 office
STIHL, the manufacturer of the number one selling brand of chain saws and cut-off machines worldwide and gold level sponsor of the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® (SMBL500) Competition, is proud to announce this year’s winner, Garrett Hood, who took first place after laying 911 bricks in one hour in the SPEC MIX Bricklayer 500 competition. Hood works with McGee Brothers Co. in Monroe, NC.
The competition is judged on a combination of quality craftsmanship and the amount of brick laid. This year’s competition was arguably considered the “Best of the Best,” made up of winners and qualifiers from 13 regional SMBL500 events that were held in the U.S. and Canada.
Twenty teams of two men made up of a mason and mason tender competed to lay the most bricks while meeting strictly defined quality standards. The competition has the largest winner's purse of any masonry competition – along with the title "World's Best Bricklayer," Hood won a new Ford pickup truck, $5,000, and thousands more in sponsor prizes, including a STIHL Cutquik® cut-off machine. Hood took second place at last year's event, laying 875 bricks, and won first place in 2008.
Second place and $4,000 cash, along with a STIHL Cutquik® cut-off machine, went to Ken Rutley of Mayzes Masonry, Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, for laying 818 bricks. Adam Vaske, of Seedork Masonry, Strawberry Point, Iowa, placed 691 bricks to win third and a $3,000 prize.
Joseph Vanek, of Vanek Masonry, Oak Forest, Ill., won the SPEC MIX Top Craftsman award for his "most sellable" wall. He won $5,000 along with a STIHL Cutquik® cut-off machine. Justin Jakubisin of Giambrone Masonry Inc. in Hudson, Ohio, won the SPEC MIX Toughest Tender competition. For setting up his work area the fastest, including brick and tools, he won $2,500 and sponsor prizes.
“This event draws a very enthusiastic audience and creates such positive industry exposure through the skill and dedication of the competitors,” said Anita Gambill of STIHL Inc. “We congratulate the winners for their outstanding performance.”
To view a free Web broadcast of the event, visit www.specmixbricklayer500.com.
About SPEC MIX®
SPEC MIX® is a national source for high-quality, factory-produced cementitious products for the construction industry. With more than 57 licensed manufacturers located in major markets across the U.S., and Canada, the SPEC MIX team utilizes computerized batching equipment and the finest materials to ensure total quality control throughout any masonry project. They also offer various patented silo systems to maximize a contractor’s proficiency and safety rating. It is SPEC MIX’s purpose is to keep a masonry crew going, moving and working.
About STIHL
STIHL manufactures the world’s largest selling brand of chain saws and cut-off machines and produces a full line of powerful, lightweight, and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast— not mass merchants. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the U.S. only. For more information or for the name of the closest STIHL retailer call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the STIHL Web site at www.stihlusa.com.
For information on job opportunities with STIHL Inc., please go to www.stihlcareers.com. STIHL is an EEO and drug-free work environment.
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