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MUDSLINGERS | BEHIND THE SCENES

every block sold goes back into education and
training. With grant money CCMPA put sen-
sors on masons to see how they move on site.
An old mason moves a lot less than a young
mason. Moves back and forth on the scaffold
and does not twist as much as the young per-
son. Together the industry is always working
toward improvements.” Involved with CCMPA
and the Masonry Advisory Council, Garbutt is
part of the force that keeps masonry out there.
“I get more from them than I put into it.”
People say Garbutt always has a positive out-
look. They also says he is always smiling.
“Look what I get to do for a living. I get to be
a part of beautiful buildings. I feel good every
day coming to work. Masonry is my life. I have
been at it for 40 years.”
MUDSLINGERS:
SOUTHWEST REGION

For Phoeniz, Arizona based sales rep Matt
Montgomery, there is always a frest sense of
excitement when he steps into the SMBL500
arena in Las Vegas. “It is fun to watch peo-
ple’s reaction the first time they witness 700
brick laid in an hour. The national SPEC MIX
BRICKLAYER 500 is a massive event. The set
up takes days. It showcases masonry skills and
the craftsman that are part of the industry.
Also there are a wide range of new products on
display of both SPEC MIX and sponsors such
as Stabilia, Marshalltown and Jag Clamp. You
get to invite guests. There is food and people.
It takes the entire SPEC MIX team as well as
many sponsors to create and pull off this con- trenched within local masonry organizations. the country, plants all over the country. We can
test. It is valuable for the mason industry as “It’s all about being connected. Being connect- work in any state. Within our ranks we have a
a whole and what SPEC MIX does for the in- ed means being a part of the Arizona Masonry ton of knowledge we can pull from. A quick
dustry.” Council the driving force for masonry in the couple calls and we get answers.”
state of Arizona. For one, AMC helps with the There is a repetitive thread throughout the sev-
Montgomery made the change from the lum- skills contests. Being a part of all local events,
ber industry to masonry when he joined SPEC donating material and manpower are moves en Mudslingers voices regarding masonry. It is
MIX a few years ago. He has seven bricklayers that energize and expand the masonry base a because as a whole SPEC MIX is committed to
under his belt is now handing over the reins bit more and get young people involved.” advancing the masonry industry by support-
to a new team member as he transitions into a ing and participating in national and regional
new position. He is making certain his protégé As for architects, the esthetics and showing the initiatives that increase future growth. SPEC
knows what it takes to put on a regional event, advantages of how many things can be done MIX believes technology and innovation are
as well as the world championship. with masonry products, for Montgomery, is al- critical to the growth and strength of the ma-
ways an open dialog. “SPEC MIX is a national sonry industry.
Montgomery prides himself on being en- branded company. We have resources all over

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