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MUDSLINGERS | BEHIND THE SCENES

Bricklayers help the masonry industry as a tion that funnels donations to the appropriate In addition to a masonry experience like no
whole. Our Wisconsin regional competition schools. “It all raises awareness. Masonry is other, SPEC MIX Bulk Rep John Almond ex-
gets everyone talking locally. I have guys that an aging industry. It is an industry that needs plained to me an example of what comes out
want to know about the national level. It is the more workers. Along with others, SPEC MIX of the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 world
championship contest. “Aderholt Masonry
went to the World of Concrete and the SPEC
“It is the biggest thing going on out there at the MIX event. At the SMBL500 Aderholt saw
World of Concrete. As a spectator, just look- the D2W silo system gas powered continuous
ing at the walls of the bricklayer competition mixer. They told me to have one ready for the
spotlights the quality of masonry.” next job. In the end Aderholt Masonry ended
up with two D2W’s on their Florence Middle
DAN NEUENS School job, one electric and one of our new gas
powered ones which they liked because it was
REGIONAL SALES REP easy to move while staying close to the wall.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN The construction of that school went on for
a year. The competition itself showcases the
skill, bringing attention to this much needed
trade while bringing the masonry community
together. But as you can see many good things
come out of the championship event.”
biggest thing going on out there at the World is doing things to change that. If you show an For Almond masonry has been a part of his
of Concrete. As a spectator, just looking at the interest we are prepared to show an interest in life for 13 years, and he’s proud to be a part of
walls of the bricklayer competition spotlights you.” the whole process. “It all begins with a blank
the quality of masonry.” Neuens involvement does not end there. The piece of land and in the end it turns into a
Planning bricklaying battles is just a part of his Wisconsin Masonry Alliance, the Masonry beautiful building that will go on for years and
position. Just prior to speaking with Neuens, Technology Foundation of Wisconsin and years. Masonry will always be around. It is a
he was working with a high school in an ef- Masonry Contractors Association of America respected trade and every SPEC MIX
fort to reach kids in a masonry class. It is not associations keep him in touch with all those BRICKLAYER 500 contest shows it
uncommon for him to touch base with the in the industry. “Associations are open to ev- in a real good light. When we share
schools about masonry education. He’s been eryone in state, for people from all over the JOHN ALMOND
talking with students for the past 5 years, often industry - brick, block, stone, and ac- SPEC MIX BULK REP
where he lives and in the district his children cessory providers. Together we keep BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
attend school. His goal is to make sure the next the dialog going. How do we convert
generation has a much better understanding of wood frame or steel to block, how our product with others
the trade. do we back up the brick and stone it helps create contractor
programs.” In fact he said SPEC MIX interest and solutions—
SPEC MIX has a very active presence in the lo-
cal high schools, helping to provide textbooks was part of submitting over half of the that’s how everyone wins!”
and tools. “Without all the donations these projects for consideration in excellence When it comes to workforce
programs wouldn’t exist.” With a mother-in- of masonry awards at the WMA. All those development, showcasing,
law on the school board and his wife a teacher, projects are showcased, pointed out and sharing, as well as donating are
Almond knows how tight budgets are, “All the discussed in front of a room full of archi- a continuous part of Almond’s
schools we have approached, when they find tects. I stay out there for the recognition of SPEC MIX routine. He is on
out they can incorporate a masonry program, masonry and to steer even more projects the Masonry Advisory Board
it wont cost anything, and they will get speak- into masonry.” at Wallace State Community
ers, they jump at it.” MUDSLINGERS: College in Selma Alabama.

Along with spending time at schools he is in- It is one of the schools in
volved with the Masonry Technology Foun- SOUTHERN REGION which SPEC MIX donates
dation of Wisconsin – which is an organiza- training mortar. They also

48 48 SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 | 2019 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
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