GREEN BAY, WIS. — Matt Millard of 5-Star Plumbing in Brentwood, Calif., captured the title during the finals of the "Fastest Plumber Contest" in early November at Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, here. Contest sponsors Kohler Co. and plumbing wholesaler Ferguson Enterprises had kicked off the competition earlier this year by hosting 65 qualifying events across the country.
During the finals held before a Packers game, Millard recorded a winning time of 1 minute, 18 seconds and took home the grand prize of $3,000.
The second-place winner, David Robinson of Enviro-Vac of Michiana in Eau Claire, Mich., received $1,500.
In third place, Anthony Crawford of Affordable Drain in Virginia Beach, Va., won $1,000, and, in fourth place, Carlos Rodriguez of RCJ in Lubbock, Texas, won $500. In fifth, William Roudebush of Sturm in Spokane, Wash.; sixth, John Koster of JRC Plumbing & Heating in Egg Harbor City, N.J.; seventh, Gavril Muresan of Portland Enterprise in Portland, Ore.; and eighth, Kurtis Gamache of Vilandre in Grand Forks, N.D., each won $200.
The eight regional finalists, along with their Ferguson representatives, won trips to the finals. The trip included a two-night stay at Kohler's American Club in Kohler, Wis., and a ticket to attend the Packers game.
The plumbers competed for the fastest time to install a Kohler Cimarron Comfort Height two-piece toilet featuring its DryLock installation system, a Kohler Fortè center-set lavatory faucet and a multi-piece Sterling Ensemble tile shower made of Vikrell material.
Master Plumber Ed Del Grande, host of the "Ed the Plumber" show on the DIY Network and a Kohler spokesman, served as master of ceremonies.