Tim Cushey of Local 9 Pennsylvania, who took top honors in Stone, says there was one point in the contest that “I almost quit, mentally. I felt everybody was pulling ahead of me, and I wasn’t going to make it. Then I kicked myself …and kept going.”

Stonemason Tim Cushey of Local 9 PA says, “I didn’t want to be in the Contest, and didn’t think I’d get as far.” But he knew it was important to try, rather than wonder what might have been.

While Cushey admits to being thrilled when he won First Place, he says his girlfriend was even more excited. His parents were also delighted, but “they never had any doubt” in his abilities.

Cushey also got a kick out of meeting the IU Executive Board – the Union’s “top guys” – at the Contest Finals. Before the Contest, Cushey says he didn’t pay that much attention to member benefits and services. “I didn’t bother looking into everything I could get out of being a member. Now, I’m more interested. And I do talk about BAC to people.” And that includes the IU Executive Board.