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Volume 3
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Number 2
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FEBRUARY 2015
25 and counting
Check our new website
L-R: Intern Abbie De Leon gets some hands on mentoring from principals Danny Boultinghouse, Bob Simpson and John Gates.
Plenty of fun features and expanded access await viewers to the new constructionnews.net
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lient satisfaction and community involvement are what drives the people behind the firm Boultinghouse Simpson Gates Architects in McAllen. The firm was formed 25 years ago in 1990 when two independent firms merged into one. “Our architectural goal is to not just amass a long list of buildings or projects, but more importantly a long list of satisfied clients,” says principal Danny Boultinghouse. “We are not in it for glory or awards, although we have been publically recognized for some of our work, we rarely participate in competitions.” And it’s not just the external client the firm aims to please. Many of the nonpartner employees have been there for
more than 15 years. “The combined years of loyal service to this firm of the eight non-partner employees is over a century,” says principal John Gates. The warm and friendly ambience cultivated at the firm appeals to everybody, it seems. “A very unique quality that I see here compared to other firms is this office is extremely inviting and personable to clients and friends,” says repeat intern Abbie De Leon. “There’s always people swinging by the office to say hello and that makes every day interesting, because you never know who you’ll have a conversation with or what new person
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onstruction News is pleased to announce the launch of its new, redesigned website. Welcome to constructionnnews.net, a site where you will find instant access and expanded capabilities to enhance our five printed publications. Our new website has been crafted to reflect what our readers need and want to know. Additionally, the redesigned site builds upon technology capable of addressing future needs. Upon visiting our site, you will immediately notice streamlined menus, simple navigation and access to the information you want. It’s all there for the viewing!
What’s different? New features run the gamut from easy access to all of our stories – or, if you prefer – stories broken out into the city newspaper they originated in. We now offer classified ads and at present, they are free! So, help us kick it off by taking advantage of this section. Do you need a reprint of your story to add to your walls? It is now easy to order one or more online. Did your secretary keep your copy of the latest Construction News? No problem! Use our easy to find rack location maps to find the closest location to pick up a copy in most areas of the state. continued on Page 14
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Sports bar and grill makes splash
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he owners of the new Tuercas Sports Bar in Mercedes spared no expense in getting the ambiance just right. Pedro and Gabi Villareal, and their general contractor, Alejandro Tajonar of Stallion Construction LLC, worked hand-in-hand with architect Marcelino Cantu to create an authentic, warm and welcoming restaurant and bar. From wrought iron tableside purse/ jacket and bucket of beer holders to wood details on both the inside and patio bars, the environment is obviously lovingly planned. High exposed ceilings are painted black, with Edison bulbs illuminating the dining area, to create an industrial feel. And at night, the lights dim for a cool effect. The project cost $200,000 and took about nine weeks to finish. The project consisted of the construction of the sports bar starting from an empty com-
Situated at the outlet mall in Mercedes, TX, Tuercas Sports Bar & Grill is the fourth business there for owners Pedro and Gabi Villareal.
mercial space located in the Rio Grande Premium Outlets in Mercedes. According to Tajonar, one of the major challenges faced during the construction was the installation of a grease trap that was 8’x10’x 6’. “We were not allowed to use the sidewalk, so we used a big crane and we moved the 4,000-lb grease trap approximately 40 feet in the air to install it in a ditch specially made to fit the trap,” Tojanar says. What made the project unique was all of the different decorative elements that makes it special, like the wave type ceiling and walls in each of the bars (inside and outside} and the lighting that was carefully studied to offer perfect illumination for the whole restaurant. Twelve big-screen TV’s, a pool table and an awesome jukebox were some of the initial furnishings installed to kick off continued on Page 14
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South Texas Construction News • Feb 2015
Rocket men
The Rocket Companies are owned by four partners, two of whom are Paul White, left, and JR Hartman Jr., right, standing in front of the new corporate offices currently under construction.
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R Hartman Jr., president of Rocket Oilfield Services, comes from a family line of people well known in the Victoria area for their Christian values, community involvement and entrepreneurship. Hartman is also a partner in Rocket Field Services, but the Rocket moniker goes back to Hartman’s grandfather, E.R. “Nook” Rode, who founded and owned Rocket Workover in South Texas from 1965-1986. Now, Rocket Field Services are owned by JR, Paul White, Jim Hartman (JR’s father) and BA Stryk. Rocket Oilfield Services is mainly involved in boring and trenching, while Rocket Field Services handles production equipment, pipelines, well hookups, lease crews, general maintenance, clean up pits, facility construction and road and location construction. JR’s parents, Jim and Jennifer Hartman, own and founded VCS Companies,
which include Victoria Communications, VCS Security Systems, I.C.T. and Rocket Oilfield Services. Lynda Parma, who has been the marketing and public relations coordinator for the companies for seven years, says the Hartman’s are well known and are also a great company to work for. “God is first,” Parma says of the family’s Christian values. “It’s a Christian-based company that is heavily involved in the community. They believe in giving back and they have taught us to give back.” As a company, there are numerous events to celebrate employees, including honoring veterans, milestone birthday parties, the occasional family day and regular potlucks. Many employees who have multiple years of service, including one who will celebrate 30 years when VCS celebrates its own 30-year milestone this year, mark employee retention in the family-owned businesses. –cw
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South Texas
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Cyndi Wright, South Texas Editor: STeditor@ConstructionNews.net 210-308-5800 Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buddy Doebbler The South Texas Construction News (ISSN Editorial/Production . . . . . . Reesa Doebbler #2327-4670) is published monthly by Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cyndi Wright Construction News Ltd., dba South Texas Production Manager . . . . . . . . . Sue Johnson Construction News, and distributed by mail to Sales Representative . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Reilly construction related companies in the South Texas area. Sales Representative . . . . . . . . Kent Gerstner Construction News Ltd. Home Office P.O. Box 791290 • San Antonio, Tx 78279 210-308-5800 Fax 210-308-5960 www.ConstructionNews.net San Antonio • Austin • Dallas/Fort Worth Houston • South Texas
If you are a construction-related company in Aransas, Atascosa, Bee, Calhoun, Cameron, DeWitt, Dimmit, Frio, Goliad, Hidalgo, Karnes, Kenedy, Kleberg, LaSalle, Live Oak, Maverick, McMullen, Nueces, San Patricio, Starr, Victoria, Webb, Willacy or Zavala county and are not receiving a free copy of the South Texas Construction News, call for a Requester Form or visit our website.
All submissions should be mailed to our editorial offices. We reserve the right to edit any materials submitted. No fees for materials, copy or photographs submitted will be due unless agreed upon in advance in writing. Submissions will be published at our discretion on a space-available basis. Construction News, Ltd., dba South Texas Construction News, will not be liable for errors in copy or in advertisements beyond the actual cost of space occupied by the error. Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement at any time.
©2015 Construction News, Ltd.
South Texas Construction News • Feb 2015
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Stars came out in Corpus
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t was a ‘starry night’ in Corpus Christi at the starthemed 2014 annual Associated General Contractors South Texas Chapter (AGC) awards banquet on Jan. 23 at the Corpus Christi Science & History Museum. From the award winners to the catered meal to the glamorous star theme decorated event site (even an American Idol as the entertainment), everybody in attendance had a great time. Congrats to the winners! –cw Not pictured: Electrical Subcontractor of the Year: T.L. Electric Supplier of the Year: Contractors Building Supply GC of the Year: Fulton/Coastcon
Project Manager of the Year: Tim McCandless, Fulton/Coastcon
Estimator of the Year: Mike Munoz, Beecroft Construction
Superintendent of the Year: Larry Wallace, Fulton/Coastcon
Mechanical Subcontractor of the Year: Malek Inc.
Exterior Improvement Subcontractor of the Year: Ambrose Construction LTD
Interior Improvement Subcontractor of the Year: Allison Flooring America Inc.
Building Envelope Subcontractor of the Year: Haeber Roofing
Plumbing Subcontractor of the Year: Gentry Company
Construction Service Firm of the Year: Navy Army Community Credit Union
Architect of the Year: Ferrell Brown & Associates
2015 AGC Board of Directors, from left, Jason Zipprian, Mike Cantu, Brad Larza, Don Boyd, Bud O’Bryan, Shannon Reynolds, Ray Jones
Engineer of the Year: Naismith Engineering Inc.
Office Support Staff of the Year: Annette Garcia, Beecroft Construction
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South Texas Construction News • Feb 2015
Saving tax dollars with a reverse audit John Wellington, Director of State and Local Taxes Lane Gorman Trubitt PLLC Dallas, TX
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f you have not paid all of your Texas sales and use taxes, chances are the Comptroller’s Office will let you know about it. However, when you pay too much sales and use tax, no one is going to tell you. To identify overpayments and seek reimbursements, companies should consider conducting a “reverse audit,” whereby it audits its own records looking for overpayments of sales and use taxes. Take Advantage of Tax Exemptions While many companies have sales and use tax compliance systems in place to prevent overpayment, such systems need to be frequently reviewed to ensure that they are working properly. Business expansion or downsizing, employee turnover, or even just human error can compromise the safeguards you have in place, resulting in overpaying sales and use tax. The majority of overpayments come from unclaimed tax exemptions. With a combined sales tax rate in Texas typically exceeding 8%, it can be well worth your time to ensure that you are claiming all of the exemptions that you are entitled to receive. For example, manufacturers are exempt from sales tax imposed on their manufacturing equipment and related replacement parts and utilities. Beginning in 2014, Texas also offers an exemption for certain research and development expenditures. Timing is Everything One of the best times for conducting a reverse sales and use tax audit is at the start of a major capital project. Even if you cannot commit to the time and expense of a full companywide audit, you can still audit the transactions specifically associated with this project. Not only will you uncover overpayments during the project, but you will also be reminded of previous projects with similar transactions. Another excellent time for a reverse audit is when there is a significant change to state tax law. Changes in tax laws are often overlooked, but can result in significant missed opportunities. As the 2015 Texas Legislature ramps up, many sales tax exemptions are being considered. The Anatomy of a Reverse Audit A reverse audit should look at both your tax compliance systems and your purchasing records. It should encompass your entire business and go back as far as the statute of limitations will allow (four years in Texas).
Sample payments that should be reviewed include: • Warehouse equipment • Safety equipment • Maintenance fees • Service transactions • Software licenses • Protective clothing When examining whether you have made overpayments in these or other areas, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of your operations and the applicable tax law. Companies must be able to examine the process as a whole to maximize the benefit from potential sales and use tax exemptions. Worth the Investment Reverse audits can be a lengthy and involved process, but the rewards can make it well worth the effort. When utilized to its full potential, a reverse audit will not only allow you to claim refunds of significant amounts of overpaid taxes, but will also enable you to update your compliance systems to minimize overpayments in the future. The intricacies of sales and use tax law are complicated. Before tackling them on your own, be sure to work with your trusted state and local tax specialists. About Lane Gorman Trubitt, PLLC Founded in 1950, Lane Gorman Trubitt PLLC (LGT) is one of the largest certified public accounting firms headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Dedicated to serving the middle market, the firm represents a broad range of clients, from individuals to public companies, in a variety of industries. LGT offers traditional accounting, audit and tax services, as well as various other specialized services. In an effort to expand the services we provide to our valued clients, LGT has launched three affiliated companies, LGT Financial Advisors, LLC, LGT Insurance Services Inc. and LGT Retirement Plan Solutions.
Invisible exclusions, part II Charles E. Comiskey, Sr. V.P. Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates, inc. Houston, TX
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ast month we began the discussion of “invisible” exclusions – exclusions that may not be brought to the attention of the insurance buyer and that will not be declared on a certificate of insurance. Discussed were three endorsements that gutted the contractual liability coverage required in most construction agreements. This discussion focuses on five other largely invisible endorsements that delete needed (and usually required) coverage. Classification Limitation General liability coverage usually covers all operations of an insured. A classification limitation restricts that coverage only to certain specifically listed classifications on a policy. If an operations falls outside of that description (in the insurance company’s opinion), no coverage is provided. For instance, we recently reviewed the coverage for a large excavation contractor. 100% of their work was performed underground, but their classification as stated on their policy excluded any damage to property underground. Good deal for the insurance company, right? Not so good for the unaware contractor. Habitational or Residential Exclusion When addressing a group of contractors, I like to ask how many of them never do any residential work. The vast majority raise their hand. The follow-up question is whether they would do residential work if requested by their largest customer, or their mother or sister, and the story changes. A residential exclusion is an absolute exclusion. There is no exception for certain customers or family members. What is the definition of “residential”? It varies widely and may be negotiable, but many insurance companies have a very broad definition including anything with a bed – homes, apartments, condos/townhomes, jails/prisons, dorms, barracks, sometimes even hotels or motels. If confronted with a habitational or residential exclusion, don’t assume. Ask. Insured vs. Insured Exclusion A Named Insured vs. Named Insured endorsement excludes cross claims against members of the same economic family and is perfectly acceptable. An Insured vs. Insured exclusion, however, excludes coverage for any claim made by any insured against any other insured. If your firm is an additional insured on another contractor’s coverage, it is an insured. An Insured vs. Insured exclusion eliminates all coverage should your firm bring litigation against that other contractor. Subsidence Exclusion A subsidence exclusion is really a thinly veiled construction defect exclu-
sion. The wording varies from insurance company to insurance company, but usually includes reference to collapse of drains, improper soil compaction and movement of earth in any manner. For any contractor performing underground or concrete work, a subsidence exclusion could be deadly. Punitive, Exemplary or Multiplied Damages Exclusion Punitive/exemplary claims against contractors are rare and difficult to prove, but practically every construction-related claim includes an allegation of violation of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act. This is a much easier allegation to prove, and if proven the damages are multiplied three-fold. As recommended last month, discuss these exclusionary endorsements with your insurance broker, and verify that they are not included in your insurance program. But what if you are the upstream party depending on a certificate of insurance? Two steps can be taken: 1. In your insurance requirements, state that these endorsements are prohibited on the downstream party’s insurance program; and 2. Require a copy of the Schedule of Forms and Endorsements page verifying that they haven’t been included in the underlying insurance program. If any of these endorsements are being used, obtain copies and read them carefully with the assistance of your insurance broker. Attempt to negotiate around any undesirable wording, or consider selecting another contractor whose insurance program more closely complies with your needs. Next month we will discuss frequently misunderstood additional insured issues and the invisible exclusions inherent in them. Charles E. Comiskey, CPCU, CIC, CPIA, CRM, PWCA, CRIS, CCM, is Sr. V.P. of Brady Chapman Holland & Assoc. and is National Chairman of the Construction Insurance Practice Group of RiskProNet International, the 5th largest brokerage organization in the U.S. He can be contacted at 713.979.9706 or charles.comiskey@bchinsurance.com.
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Praxair Corpus Christi regional manager Robert Reyes, far left, and staffers Marilyn Martinear, Zach Bell and Ramiro Montiel offer gas and welding services across a broad spectrum of industries. –cw
South Texas Construction News • Feb 2015
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Mom, your job is over Don’t spoil your claim Karen Landinger, Principal Cokinos, Bosien & Young Austin, TX
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t is common knowledge that if you plan to sue the driver who ran into you at the intersection, you need to photograph, inspect and adjust your damages to preserve your claim. What seems so obvious in the context of an automobile accident often gets lost on the construction site. Deadlines, schedules and weather can all make the need to correct a problem seem more urgent than the need to document the problem. However, without proper documentation, notification and preservation, you might end up picking up the bill for someone else’s mistake. In simple terms, spoliation is the improper alteration or destruction of evidence that is important to the evaluation of claims in litigation. The spoliation of evidence may give rise to a presumption and instruction to the jury that the evidence would have been harmful to the party who destroyed or failed to preserve it. Last year, the Texas Supreme Court instructed that a duty to preserve evidence exists when “a party knows or reasonably should know that there is a substantial chance that a claim will be filed and that evidence in its possession or control will be material and relevant to that claim.” Brookshire Bros., Ltd. v. Aldridge, 438 S.W.3d 9, 20 (Tex. 2014). A spoliation instruction will be provided where “(1) the spoliating party acted with intent to conceal discoverable evidence, or (2) the spoliating party acted negligently and caused the non-spoliating party to be irreparably deprived of any meaningful ability to present a claim or defense.” Petroleum Solutions, Inc. v. Head, 11-0425, 2014 WL 7204399, at *5 (Tex. Dec. 19, 2014). As a result of job site dynamics, spoliation is a considerable risk in the construction industry. In the Miner Dederick case, the spoliation of evidence resulted in the loss of a $727,000 verdict by Gulf Chemical and Metallurgical Corporation (“Gulf”). Miner Dederick Const., LLP v. Gulf Chem. & Metallurgical Corp., 403 S.W.3d 451, 455 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2013, pet. denied). Gulf contracted with Miner Dederick for the expansion of a hazardous material containment building which included the pouring of a new foundation. Following completion, the foundation began leaking at an expansion joint. Gulf requested that Miner Dederick repair the
expansion joint pursuant to a warranty. Miner Dederick refused to remedy the defect, but sent three separate requests to Gulf asking for the right to inspect the expansion joint. Gulf denied Miner Dederick’s requests, and undertook repair which included covering the expansion joint with a new sealant and pouring several inches of concrete over it. Gulf subsequently sued Miner Dederick for the cost of the repairs. During trial, Miner Dederick sought a spoliation instruction asserting that Gulf destroyed or concealed evidence regarding the alleged defects of the expansion joint. The trial court denied the request and awarded Gulf $727,000 in damages. On appeal, the First Court of Appeals ruled that because Gulf was aware of the chance that it would file a claim against Miner Dederick, Gulf had a duty to preserve the expansion joint, and, by resealing the joint and covering it with concrete, Gulf breached that duty. The court also found that Miner Dederick was injured by Gulf’s action and consequently reversed the judgment of the trial court. Given the harsh effects of a spoliation instruction, contractors would be well advised to err on the side of caution when it comes to preserving evidence. Merely taking photographs and documenting expenses may not be sufficient. See id. at 470 (finding that the value of the spoliating party’s photographic documentation was insufficient because the non-spoliating party did not have opportunity to conduct forensic testing). The Miner Dederick Court suggested that if a party has a legitimate need to destroy evidence, it might discharge its duty by giving the other party notice of the claim and a right to inspect and test the evidence before its destruction. The failure to follow procedures may result in a loss far greater than the delay. Karen Landinger is a principal of Cokinos, Bosien &Young, a full service law firm with offices in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Austin. For more information on our services, please visit www.cbylaw.com
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Service with a smile
Crystal Valdez and Rosa Valdez are manning the office at A&L Industrial Services in Corpus Christi. –cw
Mildred Doebbler at 76
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n the early evening hours of Dec. 29, Mildred Doebbler took her last breath and left this world for a better place. Her three children, me being the oldest, were with her at the end - which was only fitting since she was always there for us. She was small in size and always very prim and proper. She was also ornery, strong-headed, opinionated and tough when she needed to be. Like I said at her funeral, I am my mother’s son all right. But there was a much different side of her. She always supported the three of us in whatever we decided we wanted to do. She never missed a football or baseball game when we were playing and my sister had many great experiences because of Mom. She was always there to help us and encourage us and her love for the grandkids and us was always the strongest.
We would sometimes make fun of her little quirks, like dating photos of people in years, months and days. That really came in handy for the funeral, so I guess mother knew best. The last two years of her life were spent in Colonial Gardens Alzheimer's Assisted Living. I know she drove t h e m all crazy at first, wanting perfection for everything, but they came to love her. She was a handful, but they got attached to her and there were lots of tears from staff the day she passed. It was hard to watch this terrible disease take its toll on a once vibrant lady. We can only hope that someday a cure will be found. Mom, you raised your children and took care of daddy but now you can finally rest. Love you always. Buddy Doebbler, Publisher
Industry FOLKS Frank Trimble WKMC Architects Corpus Christi, Tx
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orn and raised in Missouri, Frank Trimble received a degree in architecture from Kansas State University. “Shortly thereafter, I became a Texan, attending a graduate program in Solar Energy Studies at Trinity University and working for a large architectural firm in San Antonio,” he says. “I worked for two architectural firms in Corpus Christi before finding a home with McCord and Lorenz in 1992. After a merger and two name changes, the same company is now WKMC Architects.” Trimble is now a partner in the firm. And even though he has been enthusiastic about exercising since his teens, when he discovered Crossfit, he truly found what he really enjoys. Crossfit workouts are programmed throughout the year and vary greatly; an identical workout is rarely programmed more than two or three times in one year. “Because the exercise movements vary so often, these workouts keep muscles guessing and ready for any activity,” Trimble says. He gives the credit to a young man who attended the aerobic exercise class Trimble was leading for getting him into Crossfit. “Zeph Littleton, an exceptionally fit young man, attended several of my classes. Zeph introduced me to Crossfit.com where I found workouts that were much more aggressive than anything I had led in my 20 years of exercise classes,” he explains. “After attending classes for a month or two, I found that the physical results were amazing.
What really impressed me was how efficient the workouts were for producing quick and obvious results.” Trimble typically devotes three to four days a week at the Crossfit XLR8 gym, as well as participating in competitions. “Competition may not be what everyone wants, but it is thrilling to me,” he said. “Each year, there is a worldwide open competition from which the best are invited to compete at the World Games in California.” In 2013, Trimble finished first in the U.S. South Central Region and 22nd in the world (in his age group). After being sidelined by an injury while training for the 2014 competition, he plans to make the most of the 2015 competition, which begins in March. He says most anybody can take part in Crossfit and find positive results. “There are very few people that I would steer away from Crossfit,” he says. “I am 60+ years old and think that if I can do it, so can a lot of your readers.” –cw
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South Texas Construction News • Feb 2015
So you served in the army? Yes, I joined the army in 1987. My grandfather had served in the military and I always had this sense that I would follow in his footsteps. My plan was to make that my career, retire young, acquire a civil service job, work my remaining years and retire again. I went to Desert Storm in 1990 and came back in 1991. After returning from the war, I just didn’t have the same enthusiasm.
Vernon Carr Owner Coastal Bend Demolition Corpus Christi
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s a business owner, Vernon Carr puts living life to the high standards he saw modeled in his grandfather, his namesake, above profits and fortune. “He was a very strong man,” Carr recalls. “He had morals and ethics I can only aspire to have.” It’s been one year since Carr started Coastal Bend Demolition – and six months since he said goodbye to the man he was closest to in his life – his pal, buddy and best friend. “I lost him shortly after opening the business,” Carr says. “He was proud to witness the creation of a goal he had always encouraged me to pursue. It felt good to make him proud.” Tell me about your early life. I’m originally from Austin, that’s where I grew up. I graduated from Johnston High School, where I played football. While I was still in high school, I worked in a work-study program at Dell Computers when they first started up. Michael Dell actually hired me himself. I was a mail clerk, stuffing envelopes. I had no idea how big the computer thing would be. I was real smart and decided to leave them for the army. (laughs)
Tell me about the rest of your family. My dad was a computer programmer. He retired from the state of Texas. My mom began volunteering for People Against Violent Crime and was founder of “The Tree of Angels.” She was an advocate and ran the organization for the last 25 years. She is still involved, but is semi-retired. My brother works for Kraft Foods in San Antonio and my sister works for Texas Juvenile Probation Commission.
What happened after you got back and left the service? I went to work with a friend for a utility construction company laying water and sewer lines. I started at the bottom in a ditch as a general laborer and worked my way up to superintendent. After that, I worked as a branch manager for a utility supply company, selling underground pipe and supplies to contractors. You also married during that time right? Yes. Jennifer and I married in 1993. We’ve known each other since sixth grade, dated in junior high, but lost contact with each other in high school. A friend of mine was getting married and it turned out that we were both in the wedding. That’s where the story begins. What did you do after the utility supply company? I went to work for a bridge demolition contractor. I traveled around the U.S. as a bridge demolition superintendent. Being homesick and missing my family, I decided to take a job closer to home. I went to work for a demolition contractor in Austin. We had some pretty high profile projects: the implosion of Texas Stadium; a 15-story building in Midland; and demolishing the Dallas Mavericks basketball arena. How did you end up in Corpus Christi? I was traveling for them a lot, overseeing the high profile jobs and they sent me to Corpus Christi to tear down Memorial Coliseum. It was very high profile and very sensitive for South Texas. A lot of citizens didn’t want it to be torn down since it was a memorial for WWII veterans. I was the senior project manager and was usually the one they turned to for sensitive projects out of town, meeting with city council members, city engineers, etc. We had always vacationed here. We had always said it is a fun place to visit, but couldn’t imagine living there, with all the wind and sand. I decided I liked the area after being in the area for some time for work – enjoying the slower pace of life. Fishing had something to do with it.
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Jennifer and Vernon Carr have known each other since junior high school. They rediscovered each other by chance when both were participants in a friend’s wedding.
I decided I would to seek out employment in Corpus and set our roots. We live on the island and instead of a backyard, we have a boat dock. What did your family think about that? Jennifer wasn’t real big on it, but the importance of our family being together outweighed the move. Our boys, on the other hand, had a different opinion. They were at an age where they had formed close friendships in school and they didn’t want to leave. Tell me about your family. Jennifer works for Precision Masonry as office manager and works here parttime. She oversees my office manager, Katheran Crawford, who has been with me since this summer and is a real blessing. My oldest son is 20 and recently moved back to Austin. He is exploring and trying out different opportunities. My youngest son is 15. He is a sophomore in high school and big in football. What were you doing when you first moved to Corpus? I was working for a small demolition company. I helped them take it to the next level. After five years, I decided it was time to go out on my own. I decided to do that in September 2013 and pulled the trigger in January 2014. So, celebrating one year! How is it going? It’s been great! The support from the general contractors has been more than what I expected. You still do a lot of business in this town with a handshake and word of mouth is very important. I built that relationship working down here for other people. Breaking out on my own and telling people I could provide the same work with the same quality was untested. I had to hire new employees and train them. There was a learning curve. Overall, we’ve done great. I have had about 50 percent more business than I anticipated. Along with that, of course, comes growing pains. Nothing that hurt us, but sometimes you have to pace yourself. You don’t want to grow too big too quick. What is your business philosophy? Above all, putting the customers’ needs first, providing quality service and honesty with contractors and employees – values we take seriously. Staying true to your word. I’m not afraid to tell someone that I can’t accept their job if I feel the company
is involved in enough work. I’d rather do that than overextend and not come through with the integrity and quality I have worked hard to establish. When I give a contractor a price, I hate to ask for a change order. I try to do a good job on my takeoffs. I’ve really worked hard at creating that since Corpus Christi is such a small town. Your pricing on a project plays about 75 percent into whether you get it - 25 percent is going off what you’ve done for them in the past, your reputation. Tell me more about your grandfather. Growing up he was always my mentor. It’s something you really can’t explain. We just buried him this last year. We were always doing something together: camping, fishing, gardening. We were always attached at the hip. He was a Blue Collar man (butcher). One of those people everybody respected. When he had something to say, everybody listened. He could always make people laugh with a joke. He was very personable. In the 87 years he was alive and 46 years I knew him, I never heard anything negative come out of his mouth. What do you do to relax? The thing that makes me relax is yard work: building flowerbeds, planting, mowing the grass - that’s my time, my alone time not thinking about work. I also love to fish and hunt. Does your family take vacations? We didn’t do a lot of family vacations with our kids growing up – mainly coming down here to the beach. Now we mainly go back to Austin to visit with family. When Jennifer and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary, we went to Cozumel. It was the first time for her to go to Mexico. Have I forgotten to ask anything? Since we opened, we’ve gotten our asbestos abatement license and mold remediation license – so we are doing a lot of environmental projects. Anytime you go to tear down a building, older buildings have asbestos that needs to be contained. We have a crew now that does nothing but asbestos and mold. Our company is very involved in Associated General Contractors South Texas Chapter and we also work with Habitat for Humanity. I try to salvage lumber, doors and other pieces they can use when we demo a project. –cw
South Texas Construction News • Feb 2015
Page 7
Fishing pressure is beginning to be a big issue this time of the year. With most of the anglers wading and pre-fishing for upcoming tournaments, you can bet there will be someone in a spot where your want to fish, especially if it’s one of the more popular spots in Baffin. Cathead, East Kleberg and some of the other well-known areas that have been known for big fish will be congested always. If you’re in one of the more popular spots and fish don’t seem to be biting, don’t throw in the towel too early. When you decide on an area to fish, give it time. I sometimes see a fisherman pull into an area to fish and get out of his boat. If he is not catching anything in a short while, he will get back into his boat and leave to try another area. It’s important to fish an area thoroughly. This time of the year your cast-to-catch ratio is probably going to be 300 to 1.
Mother Nature cranks up winter by Capt. Steve Schultz Sponsored by: Premier Yamaha Boating Center, Majek Boats, E-Z Bel Construction, Power Pole Shallow Water Anchor, Aggregate Haulers, Interstate Batteries, Pure Fishing, Mirr-O-Lure, ForEverlast Hunting and Fishing Products and Columbia Sportswear.
A
s we roll into February, which I consider our coldest part of the winter, we are faced with constant weather changes. Cold fronts every four to five days followed by warming trends in between. This makes it hard to plan for any type of outing on the water, mainly because you never know how severe the weather is going to be, and depending on an accurate weather forecast is practi-
Mark Afram of Corpus Christi caught this 4-lb. Speck on an Original Corky Devil on a cold morning last month in Baffin Bay, while fishing with Capt. Steve Schultz. Water temp. was 46 deggrees at the start of the day.
cally impossible. For this reason, you must be ready to roll on the spur of the moment. February can be a tough time to locate fish, but with a little knowledge of fish habits, you can eliminate a lot of water and narrow down the areas in which you want to fish. Learn to read the water. By that I mean look for signs of baitfish and game fish that may be present. Some examples would be, starting with the most obvious, is feeding sea gulls. Find the feeding gulls and specks are sure to be present. Feeding pelicans are another dead
Submitted to Construction News
Young racer
give-away. Schools of hungry specks are feeding on the shrimp or baitfish, sending them fleeing to the surface to escape. Another sign of feeding specks are so called “SLICKS.” The active feeding of game fish and regurgitation of baitfish they are eating cause these oil slicks floating on the surface. You will usually detect a sweet smell near the slicks. Fishing under and around these slicks is very productive for specks, as most fish will be caught on the bottom as they wait for injured baitfish and/or the remains of baitfish falling from the surface. The best way to fish the birds or the slicks is to quietly drift or wade into the area being extra careful not to disturb the feeding fish. If you’re in a boat equipped with a trolling motor, use it instead of running your outboard!
In the product section this month is something that every angler must have if they are wading in fridge water of the Laguna Madre. My Simms waders are by far the most important item on the boat during the winter months. They are the toughest, driest, and most comfortable pair of waders I have ever owned. Layering up with Simms clothing and finishing out with your Simms waders, you will be assured that you can with stand Mother Nature’s hashish conditions. To schedule your next bay fishing trip give Capt. Steve Schultz a call at 361813-3716 or 361-334-3105 or e-mail him at SteveSchultzOutdoors@gmail.com. Already booking for the 2015-fishing season. Good luck and Good Fishing.
STEVE SCHULTZ OUTDOORS, LLC BAFFIN BAY –– LAGUNA MADRE –– LAND CUT SPECKLED TROUT –– REDFISH –– FLOUNDER FISHING AND HUNTING TRIPS
(361) 949-7359
www.baffinbaycharters.com steveschultzoutdoors@gmail.com U.S. Coast Guard & Texas Parks and Wildlife Licensed
Brandon Anderson, son of Dealers Electrical Supply Corpus Christi branch manager Chris Anderson, is a super star on the outlaw go-kart racing circuit. Sponsors are always appreciated! –cw
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS . . . fishing, hunting, skiing, biking, racing, or any outdoor activity or sport. There is no charge to you. Email to: STeditor@constructionnews.net or call 210-308-5800(home office) Ask for Cyndi)
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South Texas Construction News • Feb 2015
Ken Milam’s Fishing Line Since 1981, Ken Milam has been guiding fishing trips for striped bass on Lake Buchanan in the Texas Hill Country,. You can hear Ken on radio on Saturday and Sunday mornings, 6-8 AM on AM 1300, The Zone – Austin, or http://www.am1300the zone.com
How to get the most from your guide I have been a fishing guide since 1981. I have fished thousands of trips and met jillions of fine people. For the most part things go well, but not every time. Sometimes people can mess up their own trip without even trying. Here are some tips to help you always get the most out of your guided hunting or fishing trips. 1. Give your guide some lead-time. This is especially important if you need a trip during a high demand time like spring break or summer vacation. Remember, if you know about a good guide, there are probably a couple of thousand other people that have his phone number too. The further you can plan ahead, the better chance you get the day you want. 2. It is never a good idea to change the game plan without advising your guide. It is understandable that the number of people in your party might change between the time you book a trip and finally get to go. Tell your
guide so he can have what is needed for your trip at hand or help you make other arrangements. If you find you are running late, let your guide know. 3. Don’t show up to your fishing or hunting trip stinking drunk. Nothing spoils a good time like having to wag a semi-conscious hunting buddy all over the pasture with you. Find out what your guide’s policy is regarding alcohol. If it is permitted, be sure you have a designated driver so you don’t have to sleep it off in the guide’s back yard. 4. Try not to bring too much stuff. When you are on a guided trip you need to be able to move around well and not be hindered by gadgets, excess baggage and monster ice chests. Ask your guide what you need to have with you. 5. Keep an eye on the weather, not the weather where you live, but the weather in the locale where you will be fishing or hunting. Every year we see a lot of people bail out of the truck looking like they came to the wrong party. Weather is not just what happens to you on the way to the car. When in doubt, call your guide. You can be sure he will know what to expect because his very livelihood depends on him knowing what direction the
Half or Full Day Fishing Trips All Bait, Tackle & Equipment Furnished Your catch Filleted and Bagged for You
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wind is coming from. 6. If you are an experienced hunter or fisherman it’s okay to share your stories with the rest of your party. Just don’t be a know-it-all. When you hire a guide, you are getting a chance to learn from his experience. Everyone does things in their own way and you are sure to pick up something useful if you just keep your eyes and ears and your mind open. 7. Don’t expect the guide to discipline your children. If your kids are disruptive and disobedient, they may not be ready for a guided hunting or fishing trip. Most guides enjoy getting to work with kids because it’s fun to see them have a good time and learn something new, but your trip is still serious business. Just remember you hired a guide, not a babysitter. 8. Last but not least…tipping. If your guide has done a good job for you, reach in your pocket and tip the man. Your tip will be much appreciated and will let him know he did you a good job. Try not to ask your guide to give you back $2.50 in change. C’mon! In short guides are people too. We want to do the best job for you that we possibly can if you will let us.
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS . . . any outdoor activity or sport. Email to: STeditor@constructionnews.net or call 210-308-5800(home office) Submitted to Construction News
Family affair
Lupe Leal, Terracon project manager, went hunting recently with his three daughters in Los Ebanos, TX. –cw
South Texas Construction News • Feb 2015
Page 9
A Mark-ed difference
Submitted to Construction News
The buck stops here
A team in business and in the field – literally – Mark Marlow, president and CEO, and Todd Thomas, vice president, have had many triumphant hunts together.
L-R: Carson and Connor Schultz both harvested their first buck this season. (Capt. Steve Schultz’s sons (Steve Schultz Outdoors) Carson’s deer was a straight up six-pointer weighing 165 lbs. and Connor’s deer was an eight-pointer weighing 175 lbs. Both deer were harvested in McMullen Co. Way to go boys! Made Dad Proud!! –rd
I
n the past three decades, MK Marlow Company has transitioned from general contracting to drywall and from Victoria to San Antonio. As an assistant in woodworking classes at Texas A&M University in College Station, Mark Marlow and a fellow teaching assistant leapt at the opportunity to build a new television set a local station. Just like that, in 1985, Design Construct was born. In 1987, the company relocated to Victoria. At the time he left school, Marlow had his bachelor’s in construction science and was six credits away from a double master’s in land development and construction management. As a general contractor, Design Construct did so much ceiling and drywall work subbing for other local general contractors in Victoria that Marlow added a second company, Acoustics Unlimited. That proved to be the beginning of the
drywall company as it grew and kept growing. In 1995, Marlow bought out his partner and everything reincorporated under MK Marlow. In 2008, Marlow opened a San Antonio office, and in 2010, the company consolidated its operations to San Antonio. Marlow still commutes from Victoria, dividing his time between traveling for work and being at home with his wife, Jackie, who is a retired medical technician, and his 17-year-old daughter, Alex. After Alex graduates from high school, Marlow and his wife will move to a ranch they own in Bandera. Marlow credits his vice president, Todd Thomas, with running the company, seeing to the day-to-day operations. He emphasizes that he has no complaints – except, he notes, laughing, he used to the youngest person in the company at 22, and now he’s the oldest at 53. –mh
SEND IN YOUR OUTDOOR PHOTOS AND STORIES - SPORTS, VACATION TRIPS, OUTDOOR HOBBIES, HUNTING, FISHING
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Step right up for a friendly welcome and experienced help at Contractors Building Supply Company in Corpus Christi. Ready to help are, L-R: Luis Sepulveda, Kim Lunsford, Ryan Wallace, Wayne Gill and Zach Gatti. –cw
Milo Rivas, Kimberly Cardenas and Jeff Thrasher keep the testing non-destructive at Hi-Tech Testing in Corpus Christi. Hi-Tech provides conventional and advanced NDE services, as well as API inspection. –cw
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South Texas Construction News • Feb 2015
Cupid takes aim at construction industry
C
upid has discarded his wings and arrows and replaced them with a hard hat and a hammer in this month’s Valentine’s feature, Couples in Construction. It takes a certain strength to make a relationship work that encompasses not only family life, but spills over into the work life that feeds the family. These couples have not only found that balance, they’ve excelled at it. Side-by-side, these couples are tackling life together in every way. –cw
GP7 Construction: Steve and Mary Parra Garza, pictured at Charro Day in Brownsville, have just celebrated five years of marriage on Dec. 19, 2014. GP7 Construction has just completed four years in business. The couple’s blended family includes five children. AG/CM: Married for 33 years, Gail and Derwood Anderson own AG/CM, a professional construction management and estimating firm in Corpus Christi. AG/CM was established in 1996 and as a couple, they have jointly managed the firm for nine years. Derwood and Gail celebrate their free time with their two sons, Byron and Austin.
Largin Construction: Billy and Jerry Jo Largin will celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary in October. The couple started Largin Construction Services in Corpus Christi in 2009. Between them, they have five children and five grandchildren.
Daryl and Lydia Johnston have been married 10 years this past September. They met on the job 14 years ago when Lydia worked for Daryl for four years. She was an NCCER Boilermaker and eventually became a Timekeeper. They have one son together, Daryl Jr. AKA Bubba. Daryl is currently area manager for Ohmstede, and Lydia was the office manager for TEAM Inc. in Beaumont.
Victoria newlyweds Kristi and Neal Stevenson were married in October. Kristi is President and CEO of ABC Mid Coast, while Neal is a Vice President at NewFirst National Bank, where he is heavily involved in the construction industry. Between them, they have four children.
Ken and Melissa Lester were married July 27, 2001 and own Lester Contracting Inc. in Port Lavaca. Ken took the company full-time in 1996 when his father retired and Melissa has worked there since 2002. Between them, they have three children and one granddaughter.
On the left: Buffalo Construction: Alfredo (Freddie) Jr. and Esmeralda Guerra have built Buffalo Construction into a Weslaco company that has over 100 contracts. The Guerras have been married for 22 years and have four children.
Newlyweds Genell and Steve Seekamp were married in June. Genell is the executive officer of the Builders Association of Victoria and Steve is a manager at Sherwin-Williams. Between them, they have five children.
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South Texas Construction News • Feb 2015
Page 11
Construction Safety Stop the job for safety risks Eliazar Flores and Abel Moya, Owners American Safety Consulting Harlingen, TX
W
hat are the major risks in construction? The major risks in construction are the focus four: falls, electrical, struck-by, and caught-in-between.
What are ways to identify and reduce risk? Identify and reduce risks by conducting job hazard analysis, proper education/training of employees and have every employee have the authorization of stopping the job if they see a risk.
How important is a good safety record in the construction industry? Companies with great safety records hold everyone in the company accountable for safety: from the owner to management to the employees. Allowing everyone to be a competent person, having proper training and taking OSHA 10 & 30hour classes. This makes all employees happy and eager to perform on the job, thus fewer accidents, no OSHA citations, and lower insurance rates. In the end, it increases the ability to secure job contracts.
Cultural transformation: Establishing safety as everyone’s core value Chris Williams, Safety Director Associated Builders & Contractors Inc. Arlington, VA
C
onsider these two safety vision statements: - “On every project, at all times, safety is our top priority.” - “We make NO compromise with respect to morality, ethics, or safety. If a design or work practice is perceived to be unsafe, we do not proceed until the issue is resolved.”
Both sound great on the surface - “at all times, safety is our top priority” and “we make NO compromise”. Yet, they reflect two distinctly different safety cultures, which show in their overall safety performance. Consider that, for the company where safety is a priority, their Total Recordable Incidence Rate (TRIR) is a full two times the national average for a construction company of their size and work type. The TRIR for the company that doesn’t compromise on safety, and won’t proceed until safety issues are resolved? 0.20. That’s 95% below the industry average. The simple reason behind why company A and company B have such vastly different safety numbers lies in how leadership and, as an extension, their employees, perceive safety. When safety is perceived as a priority, it means that
other priorities - schedules, cost overruns, etc. - can move ahead of safety. When safety is a priority, the emphasis on performing work safely, every single time, without exception, lags or is shunned completely. A safety climate is established - one that changes constantly and one where safety is important only when things are going well. A true world-class safety culture one where a near-miss, let alone an incident, is considered as a failure to be remedied immediately and learned from to prevent it from occurring again - places safety as its core value, upon which every decision, big or small, is based. The foundation of that culture is leadership’s uncompromising commitment to achieving a zero-incident jobsite and unwillingness to waver from safety as their core value. The structure of a world-class safety culture comes from the total belief, by ev-
What can be done to increase safety awareness and create a safe working environment? Taking care of each other by communicating. Many employees see a hazard, but don’t communicate it to other employees or other trades. This is when an accident happens. It only takes a second for an accident to happen. It also only takes a second to communicate and prevent the accident.
What kind of training is available? We provide the OSHA 10 & 30-Hour classes in Construction and General Industry, American Heart Association First Aid/CPR/AED certifications, equipment training (forklift, aerial lifts, heavy equipment, etc.) and specialized meeting and training in the office, warehouse or on the jobsite.
What safety programs are available? There are several types of training programs. We recommend doing research on what is best for your company. There is the OSHA.gov website to find free information on training and free classes as well.
American Safety Consulting has over 30 years combined experience in construction, oilfield, and general industry. Eliazar Flores and Abel Moya (both OSHA Outreach trainers) have gained the respect and recognition of being true professionals in the health and safety field. They provide the highest quality of service through job-site inspections & safety training. –cw
ery employee, that not only is every incident preventable, but that each employee is responsible to their safety and the safety of those around them. Sounds great in theory, but what about when you have 150 employees on five different jobsites and superintendents with three distinctly different leadership styles? Or, how about, as with Company B (where they don’t compromise on safety and won’t perform the task until it’s completely safe), with 4,000 employees worldwide? Transforming your culture isn’t as difficult as you may think. Again, it all starts with the CEO and senior leadership’s commitment to sending every employee home in the same, or better, condition than which they arrived, and exhibiting that commitment to all employees. That causes a trickle-down effect regional managers and superintendents see this commitment to safety as the core value and, regardless of leadership style, begin to use it with their crews. Focus rewards not on the number of hours worked without a lost-time incident, but individuals who stopped work when they recognized a hazard or who helped a fellow employee safely tie off. In short, everyone is responsible for - and accountable to - each other. Take the Alcoa example; when Paul O’Neill (who would later become Treasury Secretary under President George W. Bush) took over as CEO in 1987, he stated unequivocally that his core value was a zero-injury workplace. He needed to change the culture.
Because of O’Neill, the automatic routine at Alcoa became that, for any injury, the unit president had to report it to the CEO directly within 24 hours and present a plan to ensure that the type of injury never occurred again. If you embraced the system, you were promoted. Floor employees became supervisors; supervisors became directors; directors became vice presidents - if they committed to zero injuries and embraced the routine of making sure you learned everything possible from them to prevent them in the future. What happened next was astonishing - not only did Alcoa’s safety program change from reactive to proactive, but its entire culture shifted - the keystone safety habits O’Neill instituted built new corporate habits that streamlined the company’s manufacturing process and increased profits (and employee salaries). Transforming a safety culture from one where safety is a priority to one where safety is THE core value doesn’t have to be difficult; it just takes commitment and instilling the importance that each team member not only performs their duties safely, but also watches out for their coworkers. It’s about creating a sense of family, building relationships among our employees so that everyone understands that safety isn’t about the individual, but the people and our families that we work and live with. It’s an interdependent effort, and one that, as we’ve seen in the examples above, can be achieved no matter the company’s size. –cw
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South Texas Construction News 窶｢ Feb 2015
Victorious in Victoria
T
hursday, Jan. 22 was the big night for the members of Associated Builders and Contractors Mid-Coast Chapter (ABC). A great turnout for the 32nd annual Installation of Officers and Awards Banquet was seen at Victoria Country Club, where guests dined on medallions of beef, shrimp and had fun socializing. Master of Ceremony was Craig Lauger, Lauger Companies Inc., Stephen Turek, Hall Electric Company Inc. and Jared Tomanek, K&T Construction Co. Inc., took the guests on a trip through the past year and an overview of the year to come. Incoming 2015 board members are Jared Tomanek, chair; John Burgman; Jim Johnson; Bill Johnston; Ken Lester; Scott Lewis; Randall Ruiz; Steve Seekamp; Tom Stocker; Stephen Turek; John Wallace, Mike Weaver and J.R. Hartman Jr. Congrats to the winners! 窶田w
Chapter Champion: John Wallace, DeTar Health System
Chapter Ambassador: Bill Johnston, Lauger
C.E.O. Challenge: Lauger Companies Inc.
Chapter Commemorative Award: Jodie Turek, Hall Electric
Star Recruiter of the Year: Greg Domstead and Lynda Parma, representing JR Hartman, VCS Companies
Brock Services, Diamond STEP Award
Lauger Companies, Diamond STEP
Regional Steel, Silver STEP Award
Mirage Industrial Services, Platinum STEP Award
Don Krueger Construction; Silver STEP Award
Turner Industries, Gold STEP Award
Incoming 2015 board members including, L-R: Stephen Turek, Bill Johnston, Randall Ruiz, Jared Tomanek, John Wallace, Jim Johnson, Ken Lester
2014 STEP Awards Diamond Level ISC Constructors LLC Lauger Companies Inc. Miken/Brock Services LLC Repcon Inc. Platinum Level Mirage Industrial Group LLC MMR Constructors Inc. Weaver & Jacobs Constructors Inc. Gold Level MK Marlow Company LLC Turner Industries Group LLC Silver Level Don Krueger Construction Co Regional Steel Products
Front left: Jon Fisher, president of Associated Contractors and Builders Texas, joined the fun in Victoria from headquarters in Austin.
The ABC staff brought off the evening without a hitch. L-R: Heather Zamykal - chapter bookkeeper; Kristi Stevenson president/CEO; Jennifer Sneed - Plans Room coordinator
South Texas Construction News • Feb 2015
Page 13
Association Calendar
Content submitted by Associations to Construction News AGC- South Texas
CSC
Associated General Contractors
Contractors Safety Council
Feb. 5-6: AGC/TBB Safety Meeting
AIA - Corpus Christi American Institute of Architects
Feb. 17: Lunch N Learn, Water Street Seafood Company, 309 N. Water St., 5:30pm social, 6pm meeting.
ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers
Feb. 10: Corpus Christi branch webinar, 12-1pm. Low impact development by Klotz Associates, Maverick Engineering office
Feb. 3-5: OSHA #2264 Permit Required Confined Space. For more information, contact Betty Birdwell at 3610552-7823 x1207
NAWIC - Corpus Christi Nat’l Assn. of Women in Construction
Feb. 17: Dinner/business meeting, public welcome, The BBQ Man Restaurant, 5:30pm networking, 6pm meeting. $20. Contact Vickie Thompson 361-299-6278 or 361-438-0593or check nawic.org or nawiccorpuschristi.org
TSSI Texas Structural Steel Institute
Feb. 13: Quarterly meeting, 8:30am-1pm at CMC Steel Texas in Seguin. Outlook for construction and steel
Did you know?
Over 153,000 people could be seeing your ad . . . Advertising in Construction News works!
What is your most annoying habit? I have a habit of going into a dreamy state in meetings ... I try and try and try to keep alert and not drift off, but … Brent Jones, Brent Jones & Associates
Chewing gum. I love to chew gum but I forget sometimes and chew really loudly. My son is always getting on my case. Sari Johnson, Headwaters Enterprises
My most annoying habit is this 'look' I give people if I don’t understand them or a question they're asking. I kinda screw my face up and frown at them! I know that I'm doing it, it's just a reaction and as soon as I've done it, I think to myself, "oh no, I bet they think I'm really rude now". Cathy Little, Jamar Glass
I don’t keep my desk at work as neat and clean as I would like. I don’t know why. Periodically, I will go through and clean it all up, but it just builds back up again. It makes me feel really untidy. Rachel Jacoby, Hahn Construction
I chew at the inside of my mouth when I'm driving, and don't notice until it's really sore. Maggie Smith, Akers Custom Comfort My bad habits - being extremely untidy! My house looks like a bombs hit it! Mike Johanssen, Carolina Hardwoods I'm obsessively clean and tidy at home and people can't put things down without me getting rid of them and putting them away. I just want a clean and tidy home, but my friends think that it's bordering on OCD lol. Samantha Tolman, Carolina Hardwoods I like to do my work at last minute and lastly, cannot do the job better. Although I hate this habit, it’s difficult to change it. Don Krishneck, MCW Custom Doors My worst habit is the length of time it takes for me to get ready in the morning. I’m talking two hours! Alicia Weddle, Lyndon Steel I can't sit still. And, I am a really touchy person, meaning that I hug people after knowing them for maybe a day. I crack my knuckles a lot. I tend not to listen and or pay attention. I drum my fingers to piano music that I have memorized. Why hasn't anyone killed me yet? TJ Garcia, Jamar Glass I am always moving my feet - my wife calls it "bouncing" and apparently it annoys almost everybody. Michael Luna, Hahn Construction
I’m a shameless rubbernecker. I’m always the one who slows everybody else down around a wreck. Jeffery Jones, Brent Jones & Associates
Round-Up Raba Kistner Infrastructure (RKI) has announced the following: Dale B. Martin, PE, has been hired to serve as Materials Engineer III for the Energy Sector Roadway Repair Project. His responsibilities on the project include research and analysis of construction materials test results and approval of test reports for compliance with contract service requirements. In addition, Martin performs materials statistical validation and non-validation investigations of materials and testing performed on the project. Martin graduated from Texas A&M in 1983 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and is a Registered Professional Engineer in Texas.
Fitzgeraldo “Fitz” Sanchez, PE, has been hired to serve as project manager II with responsibilities for managing the owner verification services on up to one-half of the TxDOT Energy Sector Road repair project. Sanchez earned a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&I University – Kingsville (now Texas A&M University – Kingsville), as well as a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León in Monterrey, Nuevo León.
Submissions This is a section for brief company announcements of new or recently promoted personnel, free of charge –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Email with “Round-Up” in the subject line (w/digital photo, if available) by the 15th of any month, for the next month’s issue to: STeditor@constructionnews.net
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South Texas Construction News • Feb 2015
Going strong
Industry FOLKS Brandon Rees, Sales CMC Construction Corpus Christi, Tx
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ome people toil through life having never found their niche. That cannot be said for Brandon Rees, outside sales for CMC Construction in Corpus Christi. Rees says he always had a knack for building things, and both his father and brother are mechanical engineers. His first forays into careers in the construction industry gave him a good foundation for when he found his true calling - sales. He grew up in Corpus Christi and studied finance at Texas A&M. Afterwards, he walked into the offices of Bay Ltd. and applied for a job, which he got. While there, he worked as a project coordinator for two years. Following that, he was a project manager for six months for a small contracting company. But something wasn’t right. “I’ve always been a people person,” he says. He had met Mike Cantu, sales manager for CMC Construction, during his time in the industry and pitched the idea of trying his hand at sales to Cantu one day. “I told Mike I’d like to try sales out and he took a chance on me,” Rees says, with an infectious laugh. Fast forward to January 2015, one year after Rees signed on with CMC, and he couldn’t be happier – and can’t say enough good about his company. “They have given me a lot of opportunity to grow and prove myself,” he says. “It’s a great feeling. They allow me to solve problems for customers and come through for them. It’s what makes getting up every morning worth it.”
Anderson Machinery employees know they are valued at the local company.
He believes his time as a project coordinator and manager helps him be an effective ally for his customers. His advice to a young person embarking on life is to keep their eyes on the goal and to remember something his dad always told him – “it’s not how much money you make, it’s about doing something you love.” And loving what he does for a living isn’t all it is about these days for Rees. In January, he married Danielle, the love of his life, whom he has known since they were teenagers. In his spare time, Rees plays the drums at church, works out at the gym, builds computers and likes taking Danielle on dates. He’s also into sports and plays soccer. “CMC is a great company to work for,” he says. “They are not just managers, they are coaches and leaders.” – cw
“We have weekly safety meetings, we have to get certified with the local safety council and to go into the refineries,” Chris says. “There are multiple levels of redundancy when it comes to safety training in our industry.” Employees are a valued asset. “We value our hard working employees and customers, and each store hosts several events throughout the year to thank them,” Anderson says. That includes annual parties, hunting trips and fishing excursions. Customers and relationships are also high priority. “Considering that we are down here in South Texas, it’s local people you are dealing with,” Chris says. “If you don’t have good relationship with your customers, then you don’t survive. We pride ourselves on enduring relationships.” This past October, the company hosted its first Customer Appreciation Open House in October. –cw
continued from Page 1 — Sports bar and grill makes splash
continued from Page 1 —25 and counting you’ll meet.” As a staff, the employees enjoy time away from work together in a variety of ways, including happy hours, bowling, hikes and other outings. “No other firm Ive worked with has placed such a high importance on office moral,” De Leon says. “You really do enjoy
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nderson Machinery Company is a family owned and operated heavy construction equipment dealership that was started in 1957 by Hudson L. Anderson in Corpus Christi. The company has since expanded to Pharr, San Antonio, Austin, Victoria and Odessa. Although Hudson died six years ago, many family members are still involved, including Jim Anderson, president; Kirk Anderson and Tom Anderson, in the San Antonio and Austin branches; Chris Anderson, territory manager in Corpus; Katie Anderson, Corpus Christi; and Ross Anderson, San Antonio. The company has roughly 100 employees between all the branches. According to Chris, employees have the opportunity to move up through the ranks based on experience. “We do hire from within,” he says. Employees are also given extensive training and continuing education, as well as mandated safety training.
coming into work every day.” The firm doesn’t like to be pigeonholed into one type of work. They have completed over 600 projects, won numerous awards and been featured in several magazines for finished projects, including the notable McAllen Library. –cw
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Valentine’s Day Saturday, February 14
Industrial black ceilings, Edison lights and the signature “wave” wall behind the bar give Tuercas Sports Bar & Grill its unique look.
this new hot spot in the growing town of Mercedes. “Probably the most important element that I have to consider for the success in this project was the relationship that existed among the people involved in it,” Tajonar said. “The owner, Pedro Luis Villareal, was always supportive and very involved during the construction. Also I have to mention the active involvement of Marcelino Cantu, the architect, who was always making the best suggestions for the better outcome of the project.” Both Pedro and Gabi are from Mexico – Gabi is from Puebla, an old, historic town – and Pedro is from Monterrey. The couple moved here with their three children in 2010. They own four businesses in the outlet mall, including the new bar and grill. They also have two snack shops and a convenience store. The name Tuercas, which means “nut” or “screw” in Spanish, comes from a
nickname Pedro was given in high school by his football coaches. “I was already completely grown by high school and I wasn’t tall, but I was really fast,” Pedro says. “I have a long name, so the coach gave me the nickname ‘Tuercas’.” Although he says he doesn’t care for naming a business after yourself, in this case, Gabi convinced him that people visiting from Mexico would recognize the nickname he had been given as a youth and so far, he says, she has been proven right. Stallion Construction is located in Mission, TX, and performs all kinds of jobs related to construction. The company was founded in January 2005 and the primary customers of this company are private. The company was founded when the growth in the construction business in the area was growing. Since then, the company has been involved in the construction of several projects in the Rio Grande Valley. –cw
South Texas Construction News • Feb 2015
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Better at Briggs
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Construction News ON LOCATION
Warm up
With welcoming smiles, the crew at Briggs Equipment is ready to serve. L-R: Juan Gomez, Leo Flores, Liz Cantu and Joe Garza
riggs Equipment began operations in Mexico City. Its roots can be found in 1896 when two men, J.C. Weaver and C.H. Briggs had a single vision to create a successful industrial service company. In 1952, Charles Sammons acquired the company and in 1996, Briggs Equipment became a separate working operation of Sammons Enterprises Inc. According to Corpus Christi branch manager Liz Cantu, it quickly became one of the largest and most successful members of the Sammons family. In 1999, the South Texas operations opened its doors for business. The company is committed to giving back to the communities where employees live and work, from helping wounded warriors to making a child’s wish come true. “As a group, our Corpus Christi branch sets aside time for company picnics and activities to create and increase culture and camaraderie within the
branch,” Cantu says. “Briggs makes a substantial donation to our local food bank on a yearly basis. In the past, we have participated in family bowling nights, Beach to Bay Armed Forces Run, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, barbecue cook-offs and customer appreciation barbecues. In 2015, Cantu says the local branch will increase its cultural events to include a company appreciation day at Whataburger Field, as well as more customer appreciation events. “We are currently planning an open house for our customers and future customers to have the opportunity to come look at and evaluate our rental yard and shop,” she said. Besides Cantu, Keith Iraggi and Robert DeLa Garza are outside sales reps. Briggs also offers training and leadership schools to all employees who wish to continue their education and grow their opportunities. –cw
Aric Stocks greets customers with a warm smile on a chilly morning at Baker-Hughes Wireless in Victoria. –cw
Construction News ON LOCATION
Pipe up!
In memoriam
Vickie Thompson and Ana Shaffer are making sure things run smoothly at Dixie Pipe Sales in Corpus Christi. Thompson is well known for her involvement in National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). –cw Harold Vexler celebrated his 100th birthday last year.
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arold Vexler, Monterrey Iron & Metal, passed away in late January in the presence of loved ones. He was 100 years old. Affectionately known as "Mr. Harold" on the Westside, where he worked from the age of 12, he was the son of Abraham Vexler, founder of Monterrey, and Rose Rosner, both immigrants from Eastern Europe. Every day, he walked to Stephen F. Austin Elementary School with Henry B. and Luz Gonzales. Keen until the end, he remembered the time when we had a town crier. He knew the story of every street and every old building. He was married to childhood friend, Esther Scharlack, for 73 years. They were longtime members of Temple Beth-El and Congregation Agudas Achim. Despite many challenges, he successfully operated Monterrey since his father's death in 1944. The family business included his employees and coworkers, as well as the next two generations of Vexlers. He was proud that not one person has ever been laid off for lack of work. He worked steadily until just a few weeks before his passing. Survivors include Esther; sons, Jack and Stuart; daughter, Jill; grandsons, Jeff and David; granddaughters, Jordan and Ruthie, and Tibarek; great-grandchildren, Rosie and Henry B; and many nieces and nephews. –mh
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South Texas Construction News • Feb 2015
Construction News JOB SIGHT
Construction News JOB SIGHT
Cementing the job
Keeping warm
Gary Buckner and Joe Wooten of Carr Construction in Victoria are hard at work remodeling offices at Texas Concrete. –cw
Marcos Salinas and David Lopez of Omega Mechanical in Corpus Christi are staying warm by keeping busy on this apartment complex build. The GC is Realtex Construction from Austin. –cw
Honest dealing
Ready to help customers at Dealers Electrical Supply in Corpus Christi are, L-R: Matthew Norman, Dane Roe, Richard Garcia and branch manager Chris Anderson.
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hris Anderson, branch manager for Dealers Electrical Supply in Corpus Christi, is a true Texas man. He was born and raised in Central Texas, with deep roots stretching back for years. When he left for college at Texas
State University in San Marcos, he found a job working for Dealers while obtaining his Bachelor of Business in Finance. He liked the company enough that when he graduated, he stayed. After stints in Georgetown and San Antonio, in 2006 Dealers offered him the opportunity in Corpus. It’s not unusual to see employees at Dealers stick around - at the Corpus branch alone there are three who have been there since the branch opened in 1995: Chris Gomez, inside sales; Mark Roach, outside sales; and Tommy Moore, operations manager. “Dealers takes care of its employees,” Anderson says. “There are very good benefits, opportunities to advance. Your people are your primary asset and that’s their philosophy.” Anderson and his crew also have a healthy attitude about their customers. “We take care of our customers,” he says. “I treat all customers the same – big or small. Every dollar counts.” The branch in Corpus has been so busy that employees are putting in long weeks, so Anderson says they haven’t been able to do employee-centered activities when off the clock. “Most of the employees want to spend that time with their families, although the guys do get together now and then to shoot some pool,” he says. Dealers Electrical Supply is a privately held, employee-owned company founded in Waco, Texas in 1946. Presently, Dealers operates through 62 branches in 56 different cities. Anderson is married to Karen, who he met in college and they have two boys, Brandon, 8, and Michael, 6. –cw