Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News March 2015

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Volume 13

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Number 3

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MARCH 2015

Way to go

First response roofers

Joeris’ San Antonio and Fort Worth employees know the way.

Dale Tyler says NRP won’t let severe weather hamper national businesses.

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hen San Antonio-based Joeris General Contractors Ltd. established a Dallas/Fort Worth office in 2012, one goal was to implement the kind of golden rule atmosphere the San Antonio office had always enjoyed. It was important to establish that morale, especially since the six locally-hired employees were opening an office that did not have any local work on the books for the first nine months.

“We pride ourselves very much on the culture of our company,” Stephen Walter, executive vice president, adds.

“It’s always about making it better for the people, whether it’s about our people or the clients’ people.”

However, as director of operations Scott Lee, who helped start the Dallas/

Fort Worth office, explains, “It’s tough, as you’re bringing a new team together working within a new culture to try to develop that [culture].”

Fortunately, the company created a way to get everyone on the same page.

“We have something called the ‘Joeris Way,’ which is actually sort of a code of conduct that we have published a book about,” Walter, who joined the San Antonio office in 1990, explains. “Every employee that works for us gets one and learns about the history of the company, how the Joeris Way came about, and how we expect them to conduct themselves in accordance with that. It’s important to us; it’s based on being good people and continued on Page 18

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hen severe weather hits, major retail, financial and healthcare businesses strive to support others as they try to get back on their feet, but who helps these white-hat hero businesses when they become damaged in those same storms, affecting their ability to assist others?

Repairing those crucial businesses in record time is the mission of National Roofing Partners (NRP) in Coppell and the concept behind its First Responder model. Operated by 42 Tier 1 roofing contractors with more than 120 service locations and 8,000 employees nationwide, NRP boasts the resources to address these types of repairs no matter where in the U.S. they happen. The concept behind NRP’s First Responder Model

is to deploy the crews and resources needed to get weather-damaged businesses restored and back to supporting their local economies as soon as possible.

Despite the severity of the storm, NRP’s First Responder Model process is the same. NRP assesses the situation and determines an appropriate response. It then notifies NRP’s network of commercial contractors that have teams available so they can stay updated on resources.

The NRP Home Office team, thanks to its structure of concentric response team rings, outlines the number of teams and resources available to handle the jobs within the storm area.

Dale Tyler, NRP president, says the continued on Page 18

A work of part

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hen Bob Tomes, owner of Bob Tomes Ford in McKinney, decided to transform his warehouse at 410 Industrial Blvd. into a useful auto parts distribution center, he had two requirements for general contractor Bud Howard of Incept Construction.

“The client had a really good idea of what he wanted to accomplish and he also had a really good idea of how much money he wanted to spend,” Howard says. “We had to marry those two to be able to accommodate all of the things he wanted to do, as well as stay within his budget.”

Howard, who had previously constructed a Subaru dealership for Tomes, knew he could meet the two requirements, but there was a third he needed to carefully consider. The renovation of Tomes Texas Star Parts Building would be a design/build project, something Howard had never before offered a client. For-

tunately, he knew just the experts to help him out: Fort Worth architecture and interior design firm Roe Design Group LLC.

“This was our first design/build project where we actually designed the facility and the architect actually worked for Incept Construction,” Howard says. “We were in charge of design, as well as the actual construction of the project. This brought on some new challenges that I have never been personally involved with before.”

Howard says good coordination, having the right people in the right situation and picking an architect that his firm shared history with helped them avoid pitfalls and overcome any hurdles. Working together, the team designed and constructed an additional 20,000sf of space to be added to the 25,000-sf building.

The construction, which began in July 2014, consisted of adding nearly A second-floor steel mezzanine floor adds valuable space to the renovated building.

continued on Page 18

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Mar 2015

An office-ial welcome Not a contractor In a Photo News entry that appeared in our February issue, we may have inadvertently given the impression that Cowtown Redi Mix Concrete is a contractor.

The company is a supplier only. Additionally, Billy Hawkins was misidentified.

Hawkins is a foreman for Jackson Construction, a Fort Worth general contractor.

Construction News apologizes for any confusion this may have caused. –cw

The folks at ASCO made sure guests felt welcome.

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ager to show off the company’s renovated Euless office, Associated Supply Company Inc. (ASCO) rolled out the welcome wagon – er, loader – Feb. 18 for nearly 70 vendors, clients and members of the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA). The equipment sales, parts, service and rental company entertained the crowd with a happy hour, eats and door prizes, which included miniature versions of the equipment they offer. –mjm L-R: Equify Auctions’ Walt Ponivas and ASCO’s Kyle Saunders and Bill Pepper

L-R: Pacheco Koch’s Scott Berman and Advanced Drainage Systems’ Brooks Madden

L-R: Reyes Groups’ Kory Peterson and North Texas Contractors’ Sean Gilligan

Construction News JOB SIGHT

Happy camper The KOA building on Cooper Street in Arlington is getting a fresh coat thanks to painter Jose Martinez, who works for Fort Worth general contractor High Rise Independent Contractors. –mjm

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Mar 2015

Page 3

Fire starters

Fete of engineering

L-R: Henley-Johnston & Associates Inc.’s John Johnston, Pat Johnston, Marylyn Powell Hargrave, Sue Patton, Bob Patton and James Phipps, Henley-Johnston & Associates and Laura Phipps

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L-R: LGT cook-off contenders Neil Barrow, Elizabeth Dahlgren, Jennifer Wangner, AJ Norman and Heather Stave

ane Gorman Trubitt employees were lookin’ for some hot stuff on Feb. 11, and they found it, bubbling in bowls in the company’s seminar room. The Dallas-based certified public firm hosted its annual chili cook-off, where hot helpings of their co-workers’ cooking were distributed to the hungry masses.

The gloves came off and the mitts went on for the cook-off as contestants peppered their pots with unique ingredients. LGT’s business development officer Neil Barrow won “Best Overall Winner” for his concoction, “The Heat Wagon.” Communication coordinator Elizabeth Dahlgren’s “The Girl With The Dragon Chili” nabbed the “Spiciest Chili Award.” Audit

Jayne Wilson casts her vote.

manager Cas Findlay’s “Jah-Makin-MeCrazy Chili” captured the “Most Creative Name” category. All LGT employees ended up winning at the end though, scoring a delicious lunch and plenty of warmth to fuel their workday. –mjm

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t was a celebration nine decades in the making. On Feb. 7 at Brookhaven Country Club, the Dallas branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) celebrated its 90th anniversary, inviting industry professionals to enjoy dinner, dancing and casino gaming, which raised money for the branch’s G.B. Mann scholarship fund.

In attendance were Marylyn Powell Hargrave, granddaughter of the Dallas Branch’s first and founding president, and past branch president Robert Patton, who provided memorabilia to exhibit at the fete.

The ASCE Dallas branch is one of the nation’s largest branches, boasting more than 1,000 subscribing members and a reach to more than 7,500 North Texas area professionals. –mjm Photo credit: Walquist Photography On the right: Hossein Hosseiny, Brown & Gay Engineers

Construction News ON LOCATION

Rent-up energy

Mr. & Mrs. Dan Hartman with the City of Arlington, Angela Matthews, Hayden Consultants, David Schnurbusch, USA Professional Services Group and Sean Merrell, Brown & Gay Engineers

L-R: Anthony Collins, Rebekah Furstenfeld and Skyler Gambill of BlueLine Rental are eager to help their rental customers at the company’s Arlington location. –mjm

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Mar 2015

my bike, throwing the morning newspapers. I would come back and sleep for a little bit, my mom would wake me up and I would go to school. When I came home from school, the papers were out front, and I would immediately start throwing papers again. I was learning to make money, to make phone calls. I didn’t do much in the way of sports; I was interested in making money.

Tom O’Brien Owner Lone Star Synthetic Turf

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om O’Brien loves to whip out his cell phone, access Google Earth, and show people the aerial view of his home, especially in winter. It’s good to be the owner of Lone Star Synthetic Turf – his yard is an eternal oasis of vibrant green standing out in stark contrast against the brown of lifeless lawns around it. O’Brien has created emerald oases like these throughout the Metroplex for hotels, apartment complexes, playgrounds, dog parks and wedding and sports venues. Most importantly, he’s created green spaces in his own life too – vibrant with seized opportunities and personal and professional fulfillment.

Tom, are you from Texas? Your synthetic turf product is marketed as a surface solution for our Texas summers and water restrictions – I thought maybe you spoke from experience!

I was actually born in Chicago. My parents grew up there, and we’d be there too, but my dad was in insurance and every promotion he got we would move. So we never stayed in the same city for more than three years.

Did anything in your childhood influence you to get into this line of work?

Between 6th and 7th grade, I had a paper route. I remember it like it was yesterday. In my neighborhood in Lake Highlands, where I lived for a while and where I now live, I threw The Dallas Morning News and The Times-Herald. For two years, I threw both papers both morning and afternoon; my dad would help me throw The Times-Herald on Sunday, which was the only day I really had trouble throwing two routes. During the week, I would get up and my contractor would knock on my window at 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning and would put the papers on my sidewalk. I would flip on the light so he would know I was up. I would start out on

That’s a great deal of responsibility and discipline for such a young person. Did you enjoy it, even though it was hard work?

It was a great experience. What happens to a lot of people is that your life is filled with opportunities and things that you never thought would make sense, or jobs that you thought were stupid – my opinion is, God has a way of initiating that, so that later in life, He’ll say, “Hey, that stupid job that I told you about? You need that job [skillset] now.” He’s preparing you for the future, but most people don’t understand that. They think that it’s a part of life, but I think there are too many coincidences.

So your career as a businessman started at a young age?

It did. I also collected baseball cards, and a lot of my money would go to the baseball cards. I would sell them through magazines; that was another little business in junior high. After high school, I got a job at Tandy Leather and went to Richland College part-time for a while and started a couple of businesses.

What businesses did you start?

I started a copy shop. Like everything else, I had worked for a company and thought, “Well, I could do this.” I rented some equipment, got a location and went out and sold!

After that, I started a landscape company; it was just me and a truck. I was mowing yards, with Thursday being my best day where I was mowing 12 yards by myself. Eventually, I hired a crew to help.

Where does this drive to create and run businesses come from?

There’s nobody that can teach you this stuff, you just have to try it and see what happens. I’ve always been the one that says, “I can figure that out.” I’ve always landed on my feet and have never had too much heartache, because usually I can see it before it happens and make adjustments.

How did you transition from mowing real grass to supplying and installing synthetic turf?

I was growing the business and started doing putting greens and that’s when I got into synthetic turf. It was the first time we were under water restrictions, and people were asking me if I did any-

Construction News JOB SIGHT

Concrete plans

L-R: Edward Arshouk and superintendent Roy Silva of Mansfield general contracting company MA Design & Construction consult with worker Rogelio Cardenas about the slab that will be poured for Service Pros Auto Center in Mansfield. The 7,000-sf, 12-bay facility is scheduled to open by May. –mjm

For Tom O’Brien (here at turf-clad Klyde Warren Park), the grass is always greener right where he is.

thing besides putting greens. I was one of the very first ones to start doing synthetic grass. Some people were doing putting greens and stuff like that, but I was one of the first that was really using it as [a substitute for] landscape grass.

That’s when I found Forever Lawn of North Texas in 2007, and then I started Lone Star Synthetic Turf.

You hear people say you’ve made the right decision, and I’ve had people tell me I’ve made the right decision in synthetic grass because [Texans] aren’t going to be able to water their grass as they’d like. The restrictions are happening now, and people and businesses are considering paving areas, or putting rock and stone down. I don’t believe synthetic grass should cover the whole world – just the problem areas! It looks more realistic than it ever has, you don’t mow it, you don’t water it and it’s inviting to go outside and see green grass. The economic benefits from a commercial aspect are we can even put it on a rooftop, it costs less, there’s no maintenance, no mud and it doesn’t die. We even have special turf for dog parks and dog runs. At wedding chapels, brides love it because their heels and guests’ chairs don’t sink in the mud!

We’ve installed it at places like Klyde Warren Park, the Omni Hotel, the Museum Tower, and Emerson apartment complex in Frisco. It has so many applications.

Do you use synthetic grass anywhere in your personal life?

I have it in my yard. My neighbors don’t like me because I’m not doing yard work every single week! Whether you use the product for commercial or residential application, by the time you do the calculations of how much it costs to water and maintain your yard for three to four years, you would have already paid for it with synthetic grass. I love it.

What do you do when you aren’t ticking off your neighbors? What do you do for fun?

I enjoy spending time with my family. I have a wife, a son, and a daughter who is going to college next year.

My son plays tennis, so I watch him play, and we go to Rangers games periodically. He and I have made a bucket list; we’re eventually going to go to every ballpark in the United States and watch a major league game. I love baseball and he likes it too, and that’s what we have in common.

Also, my fun is work. It’s kind of sad, but if you don’t have a passion for it, then why are you in business? If I didn’t enjoy it, I wouldn’t be here; I would be doing something else.

When I had my copy business, my dad was staying with me at my apartment. I came home one day and I had a Coke and four or five cookies. My dad said, “You know, that’s one thing I admire about you; you come home and you have a Coke and you have four or five cookies.

I would come home and have three martinis to forget my day.”

I said, “Dad, I love every job that I do, otherwise I wouldn’t be doing it,” and he said, “That’s what I admire about you is that anything you want to do, you just go out and do it.”

What inspires you?

We’re really active in our church; that’s where I met my wife and that’s where my kids have gone ever since they were big enough to be in a cradle. We’re Baptists, and we go on Wednesday nights; my kids and wife are in the choir, we have dinner, and there’s a band of us that meet and chitchat about what is going on in our lives. It’s the fellowship; I really believe you can touch people just talking to them.

Life is short; find the best in everything that you can, the fruit that keeps you going. For me, it’s church and family and friends, and business is a big part of it. If you strip that all away, there’s nothing left.

What are you going to go out and do next?

I want to expand in a couple of different markets, grow the business and see where it takes me. I’m on a journey; it’s really in God’s hands. I did not finish college and I have a very successful business – I didn’t do it alone! My mom hates it when I say this, but I’m not smart enough in a lot of cases! But, with His help, I can do anything.

My kids are young – I’m older – and I don’t see myself retiring for a while. Do I think my kids will take over the business?

I doubt it; you have to have a passion for it. My plans really depend on my family. I see myself spending more time with the kids, they may be married in five years and have kids. I think family will make me happier than anything else.

Dallas-based Lone Star Synthetic Turf installs and supplies synthetic grass. –mjm

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Mar 2015

Page 5

Show enough!

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uyers from every corner of the construction industry brought their purchasing power to the 2015 Dallas Build Expo USA. The building and construction show, held Feb. 4 and 5 at Dallas’ Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, featured several seminars and workshops and more than 100 exhibit booths showcasing a plethora of products and services. –mjm

Gary Halstead, BOXX Modular

Matt Smith and Paula Beebe, Castro Roofing

Michelle Barrett and Ricky Whitfield, Weatherproofing Services

Amy Aubuchon, J Reynolds

L-R: Chris Wittry, Glenn Burns and Lynn Lumsden, Prism Electric

L-R: James Thompson, Luis Zaragoza and Miguel Burlato, Johnstone Supply

L-R: Danny Ali and Chris Mawani, LED King

L-R: Construction News’ Kent Gerstner and Jim Reilly

Ashley Henderson, CORE Safety Group

L-R: Virtual Builders Exchange’s Lorri Chambers and Tawny Williams

L-R: Austen Daniel, Ryan Landon and Zach Davis, ARC Abatement

L-R: Dean Nestrud and Sean Marcotte, Morton designBUILD

Lynne Stevens, H&W Utility Contractors

Ardor Solutions’ Chris Rains

In memoriam

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obert L. “Bob” Marwill, 77, passed away Jan. 25, 2015.

Marwill graduated from the University of Texas in 1959 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. During his career, he served as president for Sam P. Wallace Company and SpawGlass Corporation. In 1987, he co-founded The Cadence Group and served as president of Cadence/Cadence McShane Corporation until 1999. In 1994, Marwill served as president of the Dallas Chapter AGC. During his retirement, he continued to work with PBK Architects and Satterfield and Pontikes.

Services were held Jan. 31 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Dallas.

Marwill is survived by Janine Marwill Torma; Joe Torma and Nathan; Barbara Marwill and Scott Schaefer (Corey, Christina, Alyssa, Valerie and Quentin); Gregory and Lori Marwill (Hannah and Colton).

Memorials may be made to the Robert L. Marwill Leadership Fund National Delta Tau Delta Educational Foundation, 1000 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46037.

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Mar 2015

Use JPM to track productivity during jobs Lane Gorman Trubitt PLLC Dallas, TX

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oor productivity can spell disaster for a construction project. Unfortunately, traditional measures of productivity are applied after the fact, so they do little to help contractors spot issues during a job — while there’s still time to do something about it.

To help contractors monitor productivity during jobs, ASTM International (formerly, the American Society for Testing and Materials) developed its Job Productivity Measurement (JPM) standard.

Adopted in 2010, the standard enables contractors to measure productivity throughout a job and address productivity issues as they arise. It also alerts contractors to changes in productivity rates, serving as an “early warning system” for potential productivity problems down the road.

Output vs. outcomes Rather than focus on output — such as the amount of concrete poured — JPM looks at outcomes. Output measures the amount of effort expended or materials installed, with little regard for the quality of the results. It obscures unproductive activities, such as repairs, rework or outof-sequence work.

JPM, on the other hand, analyzes work performed relative to actual construction put in place — that is, work product that’s acceptable to the customer. By measuring outcomes based on the transfer of value to the customer, JPM offers a more accurate picture of productivity in terms of actual progress toward contract completion.

It also provides a more reliable method of measuring percentage of completion. By tying it to construction put in place, JPM allows a contractor to make progress billings based on value provided, regardless of the amount of cost incurred, which can improve cash flow. This method tracks nicely with upcoming changes to accounting rules,

which tie revenue recognition to the completion of performance obligations.

Putting systems in place To make JPM work, you must have systems in place to measure, in ASTM International’s words, “observed completion of the project as accepted by the customer.” You need to break down the contract into tasks, assign cost codes to each task and create a budget that assigns labor hours to each activity that contributes to the finished product.

In addition, when relying on regular reports from workers in the field, you must track the observed percentage of completion for all activities (typically, weekly). Then, you need to compare those results against the actual hours devoted to each activity.

Errors, repairs, rework and inefficient processes hurt a construction company’s productivity. Rather than discover these issues in a “postmortem,” consider implementing JPM. By providing ongoing feedback on problems that hurt productivity, it gives you an opportunity to correct problems during the course of a job — enhancing your performance, cash flow, and ultimately, your profitability.

About Lane Gorman Trubitt, PLLC Founded in 1950, Lane Gorman Trubitt, PLLC (LGT) is one of the largest certified public accounting firms headquartered in the Southwest. 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 provided to valued clients, LGT has launched three affiliated companies, LGT Financial Advisors, LLC, LGT Insurance Services Inc. and LGT Retirement Plan Solutions. To learn more, visit http://www.lgtcpa.com.

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Send to:

DFWeditor@ConstructionNews.net or call Melissa at 817.731.4823

Invisible exclusions, part III The new (04 13) additional insured endorsements Charles E. Comiskey, Sr. V.P. Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates, inc.

Houston, TX

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here are three potentially significant issues with the new (effective April 2013) additional insured endorsements. The new endorsements (1) exclude the sole negligence of the additional insured party, (2) potentially limit the amount of recovery, and (3) according to some insurance companies and their agents and brokers, are required to be used in place of the older, broader-inscope additional insured endorsements. #1. The Sole Negligence Problem

The ISO CG 20 10 endorsement provides coverage for on-going exposures only. No coverage is provided for completed operations.

The ISO CG 20 10 04 13 states that coverage is provided to the additional insured “only with respect to liability … caused, in whole or in part, by: 1. [insured’s] acts or omission ; or 2.. he acts or omissions of those acting on [insured’s] behalf in the performance of on-going operations.”

Sole negligence of the additional insured would not be “caused, in whole or in part by” the downstream named insured, hence coverage is no longer provided for the additional insured’s sole negligence.

The ISO CG 20 37 endorsement provides coverage to the additional insured for completed operations exposures. As with the CG 20 10, the CG 20 37 10 01 includes coverage for the sole negligence of the additional insured, and the CG 20 37 04 13 excludes the additional insured’s sole negligence.

If additional insured status including coverage for the sole negligence of the upstream party is needed, use of the following wording is recommended: Additional insured status shall be provided in favor of [Upstream Parties] on a combination of ISO forms CG 20 10 10 01 and CG 20 37 10 01. #2. The Amount of Recovery Problem The April 2013 endorsements include three new provisions: 1. The insurance afforded to such additional insured only applied to the extent permitted by law; and 2. If coverage provided to the additional insured is required by a contract or agreement, the insurance afforded to such additional insured will not be broader than that which [the named insured is] required by the contract or agreement to provide for such additional insured; and 3. If coverage provided to the additional insured is required by a contract or agreement, the most we will pay on behalf of the additional insured is the amount of insurance: Required by the

contract or agreement; or available under the applicable Limits of Insurance shown in the Declarations; whichever is less.

The first change is inserted to permit the additional insured endorsement to apply to the many various state laws affecting the provision of this coverage.

The second change is clearly intended to make the agreement the controlling document with regard to the intended scope of coverage (i.e., for what exposures coverage is granted).

The third change is problematic as it can limit the amount of coverage provided, depending on how the construction agreement was drafted. And keep in mind that these same terms are being incorporated into many excess liability policies as well as the primary general liability policies.

If you are a downstream contractor (i.e., a subcontractor or a sub-sub), the more limiting wording works to your benefit. If you are an owner or upstream contractor, the broader wording works to your benefit. #3. The “Required to Use” Problem

The April 2013 editions of CGL additional insured endorsements are now in common use, and many insurance companies are firmly stating that they must be used and the older endorsements providing broader coverage are no longer permissible. This statement may be true within a particular insurance company, but is absolutely not true within the insurance industry.

The CG 20 10 10 01 and CG 20 37 10 01 additional insured endorsements remain readily available to qualified contractors. New, small or residential contractors, or contractors with insurance agents or brokers that cannot access qualified insurance carriers, will likely not be able to get 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@bch-insurance.com.

Construction News JOB SIGHT

He has drive

Kirby Fence’s Pedro Ortiz gets behind the wheel to help construct a new Panera in Mansfield. Rowlett-based general contractor D4 Construction Services LLC and superintendent Bob Crites are overseeing the project. –mjm

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Mar 2015

Page 7

Employers use noncompetition & nonsolicitation agreements to limit poaching of key employees

Trenching and excavation safety Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

Shelly Masters, Principal Cokinos Bosien & Young Austin, TX

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etween the demands of the surging construction market and the increasing scarcity of construction labor in the Texas workforce, employers face a heightened risk of losing key employees to poaching by competitors. Because key employee retention is critical to the overall success of a company, a growing number of employers are seeking ways in which to keep key employees satisfied, limit lateral movement and prevent others from hiring away talented workers. Thanks to recent Texas Supreme Court rulings, well-drafted noncompetition and nonsolicitation agreements offer a viable form of relief for employers.

Noncompetition and nonsolicitation exclusive forms of employer-generated agreements are not synonymous. Non- consideration necessary to enforce noncompetition agreements aim to prevent competition and non-solicitation agreean employee from working for another ments. These opinions have recently employer in a competing business while been extended to contracts with indenonsolicitation agreements preclude so- pendent contractors as well. licitation of another in some form or fash- The key to enforcement now is that ion (e.g., by preventing a departing em- these types of provisions must be reaployee from calling on the employer’s sonable and not impose a greater recustomers or clients or preventing an- straint than necessary to protect the emother company from soliciting the em- ployer’s interest. The provisions must ployer’s workforce).

Nonsolicitation state a duration of time, geographical agreements may also be used by a com- area to be limited, and scope of activity pany to prevent another company with to be restrained. Courts have generally whom it has entered into a contractual held reasonable geographic restrictions relationship (such as a general contractor include the territory in which the emor subcontractor) from soliciting its em- ployee worked and performed services for the employer, the area in which the ployees.

Covenants not to compete and so- employer does business, the physical lolicit are governed by Section 15.50 – 15.52 cation of the employer’s customer or cliof the Texas Business and Commerce ents, etc. The shorter the time period, Code. By statute, a covenant is enforce- the more likely the covenant will be enable if: (i) it is ancillary to or part of an oth- forced. If the provisions are indefinite or erwise enforceable agreement at the time without appropriate limitations, a Court the agreement is made; (ii) it contains will likely find them unreasonable and reasonable limitations as to time, geo- unenforceable.

Because Texas has become more fagraphic area, and (iii) the scope of activi- ty restrained does not impose a greater vorable to employers than it has been in restraint than necessary to protect the the last two decades, employers should goodwill or other business interest of the audit existing and prospective employemployer. If the primary purpose of the ment agreements, incentive plans, prime agreement to which the covenant is an- contracts and subcontracts to determine cillary is found in an employment con- whether to incorporate covenants not to tract, the employer has the burden of es- compete, solicit or hire employees and/ tablishing that the covenant meets the or customers and other provisions to protect confidential information and trade statutory criteria.

Prior to recent Court opinions, the secrets. Poorly drafted provisions can judiciary frequently found noncompeti- lead to unwanted surprises for employtion agreements to be an unreasonable ers who wrongfully believe they are relyrestraint on trade. Texas courts enforced ing on solid agreements with enforceonly narrowly tailored noncompetition able language.

Shelly Masters is a Principal in the Ausagreements. Under prior law, employers were often unsuccessful in obtaining in- tin office of Cokinos Bosien & Young. She junctive or other relief against the em- represents clients in the areas of construction, labor and employment, commercial ployee.

The Texas Supreme Court has made and products liability law. Cokinos Bosien it easier for employers seeking to restrict & Young has been representing the conkey employees from competing post- struction industry for over 25 years. She employment. Now, trade secret informa- can be reached by e-mail at smasters@cbtion and specialized training are not the ylaw.com or by phone at (512) 615-1139.

Industry FOLKS Melissa Lesch Business Development and Bond Producer

PCL Contract Bonding Agency

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hen Melissa Lesch recently received instructions from her sister Alicia Navejar to look for an email from Neiman Marcus, she wasn’t quite sure what to expect.

What she didn’t know is that Navejar had written the luxury department store nominating Lesch for their annual “Faces of Beauty” campaign. In her letter, Navejar recounted Lesch’s childhood struggle with bullying due to her weight and her determination to resolve it by dedicating herself to fitness,

beginning with at-home workouts because she was too embarrassed to go to the gym. That, and Lesch’s current involvement in volunteer work, touched the judges, who selected her and five other inspiring women from nearly 1,000 entries to represent Neiman Marcus in its

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wo workers are killed every month in trench collapses. The employer must provide a workplace free of recognized hazards that may cause serious injury or death. The employer must comply with the trenching and excavation requirements of 29 CFR 1926.651 and 1926.652.

An excavation is any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in an earth surface formed by earth removal. Trench (Trench excavation) means a narrow excavation (in relation to its length) made below the surface of the ground. In general, the depth is greater than the width, but the width of a trench (measured at the bottom) is not greater than 15 feet (4.6 meters).

General Trenching and Excavation Rules: • Keep heavy equipment away from trench edges.

• Identify other sources that might affect trench stability.

• Keep excavated soil (spoils) and other materials at least 2 feet (0.6 meters) from trench edges.

• Know where underground utilities are located before digging. In Texas, dial 811 to request utility location at least two business days prior to digging.

• Test for atmospheric hazards such as low oxygen, hazardous fumes and toxic gases when greater than 4 feet deep.

• Inspect trenches at the start of each shift.

• Inspect trenches following a rainstorm or other water intrusion.

• Do not work under suspended or raised loads and materials.

• Inspect trenches after any occurrence that could have changed conditions in the trench.

• Ensure that personnel wear high visibility or other suitable clothing when exposed to vehicular traffic.

Protective Systems: There are different types of protective systems. Benching means a method of protecting workers from cave-ins by excavating the sides of an excavation to form one or a series of horizontal levels or steps, usually with vertical or near vertical surfaces between levels. Benching cannot be done in Type C soil. Sloping involves cutting back the trench wall at an angle inclined away from the excavation. Shoring requires installing aluminum hydraulic or other types of supports to prevent soil movement and cave-ins.

Shielding protects workers by using trench boxes or other types of supports to prevent soil cave-ins. Designing a protective system can be complex because you must consider many factors: soil classification, depth of cut, water content of soil, changes caused by weather or climate, surcharge loads (e.g., spoil, other materials to be used in the trench) and other operations in the vicinity.

For more information: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/trenchingexcavation/index.html http://www.texas811.org natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232

H Location Dallas/Fort. Worth H Location Austin H Location Houston H Location San Antonio South Texas H Location Publishing the Industry’s News . . .

TEXAS Style

2015 Spring campaign.

“I was thrilled,” the business development and bond producer for PCL Contract Bonding Agency says. “It’s a special recognition that she thought about me in that way and was proud of everything that I’ve done with health and fitness, being a mom and balancing everything.”

As a token of congratulations, the store sent Lesch a box filled to the brim with luxury cosmetics (much to the delight of her young daughter!) and a card that said, “Let the celebration begin!”

She was also invited to meet the committee and other winners and enjoy a day of pampering and recognition. Once there, her arrival was heralded in paparazzi-like fashion, and stylists brought out a rack of designer clothes specially selected for her. After an outfit was chosen and her hair and makeup were done, she and the winners participated in interviews and a

Home Office (210) 308-5800 www.constructionnews.net

photo shoot and were served an elegant dinner.

As a representative of the “Faces of Beauty” campaign, Lesch will be featured on Neiman Marcus’ mailers and catalogues and in-store marketing materials and events. The campaign photos have already appeared in Harpers Bazaar and Elle magazines, and her face is featured on the cover of the campaign’s “Beauty Book.”

The mother of two said the experience, meeting the other winners and hearing their stories, reinforced her idea that true beauty starts from the inside. Although she still expresses surprise over the heady experience, her husband Eric, who also works for PCL Contract Bonding Agency, wasn’t surprised at all that his beautiful wife was selected for the honor. –mjm

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Mar 2015

Roof, love and honor

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eb. 14 was a night not just for romance, but also an evening to show the roofing industry a little love. The North Texas Roofing Contractors Association (NTRCA), a regional association for roofing contractors, honored its members at its 15th annual NTRCA Awards Banquet. Hosted at the Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas, the event wooed guests with cocktails, dinner, dancing, award presentations, raffles and casino games. The theme of the evening, “Celebrating Thirty Years,” was a nod to the three decades that the association has been helping its members achieve and maintain the highest industry standards.

–mjm

Outstanding Green Roofing Project: Burleson Boulevard Baptist Church Classic Superoof LLC

Outstanding Commercial Roofing Project: UTD Student Housing, Project 4 Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing

Associate of the Year: Matt Hood, ABC Supply

Photos by Mira Vista Photography

Industry Leader Award: Dan Pitts, Pitts Roofing

Outstanding Community Service Project: Lindo Drive Project Springtree Roofing & Restoration and The Rosedale Group

Outstanding Residential Project: Moreno Residence Tice Enterprises LTD Associate Member: Westend Roofing Supply

Outstanding Commercial Roofing Project: Chateau Plaza Dallas Empire Roofing Inc.

Outstanding Residential Project: Liszewski Residence Buzz Roofing and Construction Associate Members: GAF and Wholesale Roofing Supply

Outstanding Community Service Project: Revealed World Ministries Project Supreme Roofing Systems and SR Roofing Solutions Associate Members: ABC Supply and Empire Disposal

Outgoing NTRCA President: Craig Rainey, Supreme Roofing Systems

Outstanding Residential Project: Vandelia Residence Springtree Roofing & Restoration Associate Members: GAF and Westend Roofing Supply

Outstanding Commercial Roofing Project: GW-50 Roof Replacement Supreme Roofing Systems

The 2015 Board of Directors were installed at the event.

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Mar 2015

Page 9

are several pointers I will give you to help you be a better angler when throwing surface plugs. Not every game fish can be raised with a popping plug, of course, but most can’t resist the temptation to blast what appears to be a helpless meal - even if they have no idea just what it is. That even applies to fish that aren’t hungry. Presentation is key when working surface baits. On calm mornings I tend to use smaller baits than I would if it was windy. Work the bait with a side to side action and a slow retrieve with frequent pauses. On winder days move up to a larger plug such as a Top Dog or She Dog and be a little more aggressive with your retrieve and less frequent stops or perhaps none at all. Try different retrieves of rhythm to find what works best on that given day. Another tip that will be very useful when fishing surface baits, is to not try and set the hook to quickly when you see the fish hit the lure. Lots of times they will miss or short strike on the first pass only to come back and hit it again. Once you find the tempo your target fish wants, it could make for some explosive action.

Also, those who say top water lures only work in early mornings and late evenings, have obviously never given them a solid effort during mid-day wades.

Spring outlook is promising

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, Simms Products, Pure Fishing, Mirr-O-Lure, ForEverlast Hunting and Fishing Products and Columbia Sportswear.

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or the last several months I’ve been fishing with my fingers crossed, not so much for the fishing luck but for what our water conditions have been. So far this year the waters of the Upper Laguna Madre (ULM) and Baffin Bay Complex have been in great shape and free of any algae blooms, even with the extreme low tides we had during February. I hope I’m not speaking too soon, but just maybe the winter rains we had will be enough to keep our bays clear through the spring and summer months.

Cameron Zelnik (5) of Katy, TX caught this sheephead on his cast last month during an outing with Capt. Steve Schultz. As you can tell from the picture, he was one proud angler.

As we enter into March, we start seeing the early stages of our spring weather patterns. Hopefully, cold fronts will just be a change in our wind directions and a slight atmospheric temperature change. Surface bait activity should be more present as our water temperatures should be steadily rising and nearing the 70-degree mark. I guess it’s time to break out the topwater lures and get ready for some explosive surface action. There

Submitted to Construction News

Quite pheasant, indeed

In the product section this month while we are on the subject of top water baits, I would recommend using the line of baits produced by MirrOlure. They offer one of the largest selection of floating and slow sinking bait in the industry. Top Dogs and She Dogs both come in several sizes to meet all fishing conditions along with Catch 2000, Catch 5 and MirrOdine lures. All these lures come in an assortment of colors and patterns which are assured to catch fish. Look them up on the web at www. shopmirrolure.com or your nearest tackle retailer.

To schedule your next bay fishing trip give Capt. Steve Schultz a call at 361-813-3716 or 361-334-3105 or e-mail him at SteveSchultzOutdoors@gmail.com. Still have several days open in March although summer is filling up quick. Good luck and Good Fishing.

STEVE SCHULTZ OUTDOORS, LLC BAFFIN BAY –– LAGUNA MADRE –– LAND CUT SPECKLED TROUT –– REDFISH –– FLOUNDER FISHING AND HUNTING TRIPS

(361) 813-3716 (361) 334-3105 www.baffinbaycharters.com steveschultzoutdoors@gmail.com U.S. Coast Guard & Texas Parks and Wildlife Licensed

David Ashcraft, service manager in ASCO Equipment’s Euless office, recently scored a pheasant near Wagner, South Dakota. –mjm

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Mar 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

Spring fishing

by Max Milam

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pring is almost upon us and the weather is getting nice. The water is getting warmer and the fish are starting to stir. March is my favorite month of the year to fish; you really don’t know what you will catch with each cast.

This is because the warmest water is in the shallows and this is where the baitfish will be along with multiple species starting to spawn.

Largemouth and crappie are finally moving back into the shallows and this is a great time to take the kids fishing. How many of you have memories of going fishing with your dad or granddad sitting on the bank with a cane pole catching perch or crappie? Those memories very likely took place during the spring or early summer, during this pattern. The best part about spring fishing is that you don’t need a boat; all you need is a hook, some bait, and some water. Rather it is a pond in your subdivision or Lake Buchanan there is a good chance that you can catch something and create memories in the process.

Spring is also the time of year when you can catch some trophy sized blue catfish. I can remember one trip I had some years ago when we were fishing shallow with big baits looking for big spawning female stripers and we found one. As I started to turn the boat to chase down the big fish another rod bent over and started screaming out drag, I thought oh boy we have two big stripers and was getting ready for the rodeo. We continued to chase down and land the first fish, an 18 pound striper, and then we turned and started after the second fish. We could see it throwing a wake 100 feet off of the side of the boat, our adrenaline was pumping because we knew it had to be a potential lake record striper, and

then all of a sudden I thought I saw it rolling. Well stripers don’t roll and I knew we had a catfish that we all would remember for the rest of our lives. After about twenty minutes we finally landed a 48 pound blue cat. It just goes to show you even the guys that do it for living can make new memories this time of year.

On your next day off grab your fishing gear, or call your favorite guide. Load up the kiddos, a friend, or a neighbor and go make some memories. I see stories everyday where some lucky fisherman catches a fish of a lifetime, and many times it is caught in a place where the people that “know” what they are doing would never suspect a fish like that to be lurking. If nothing else you will have spent some quality time with good company enjoy a beautiful spring day in the great outdoors.

Max Milam (son of Ken Milam) has been running fishing trips for several years at Lake Buchanan. Max is a graudate of Texas A & M, with a degree recreation, parks and tourism.

Half or Full Day Fishing Trips All Bait, Tackle & Equipment Furnished Your catch Filleted and Bagged for You Furnish your TPWD Fishing License & Refreshments, and WE DO THE REST!

Ken Milam Guide Service (325) 379-2051 www.striperfever.com

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Mar 2015

Page 11

Growth cycle

Submitted to Construction News

The good hook

Good Fulton & Farrell’s David Farrell (second from left) has witnessed a growth in his firm’s like for bikes.

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Hook ‘em, Hamilton! Action Gypsum’s Jerry Hamilton caught this 18-lb. striper on a Feb. 8 fishing trip to Lake Texoma. –mjm

Hunting in the ’handle

L-R: Clem, Gerald, and Eric Lesch, Fred Keen and Marv and Jerome Lesch

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he hunt was on for PCL Contract Bonding Agency’s Clem Lesch, his son Eric Lesch, his brothers Marv, Gerald and Jerome Lesch and TEPCO Glazing founder Fred Keen. The six men enjoyed a bit of bird hunting Jan. 20-21 in the panhandle near Littlefield, TX. Unfortunately, the trip was cut short due to a snowstorm headed for the area, but the shooting six went home with plenty of

sandhill cranes to show for their trouble and enough exercise to keep the dogs happy.

“Each hunter maxed out at three sandhill cranes each day,” Clem says. “Six hunters equals the 18 birds on the ground for each day. They are quite noisy when coming into the decoys. It kept the dogs busy bringing them back to the blind!” – mjm

L-R: Clem and Fred Keen hoist a crane.

ycling has always been a common bond for Good Fulton & Farrell employees. Since the architectural planning and design firm was founded in 1982, the group has regularly organized weekend rides to wheel around Dallas.

Cycling took on a deeper meaning, however, when the firm and its tight-knit cycling group lost employee and cycling enthusiast Jeff Green, who was killed during a cross-country trek for charity in July 1989.

“That was our first and probably our most significant firm tragedy,” GFF design principal David Farrell, AIA, remembers. “After that, there were several of us that stayed committed to bike riding, and we would always remember Jeff. We did rides from Austin to Dallas, taking three days and touring through old towns.”

Twenty-five years later, GFF continues to bond over bikes, even as the firm added a Fort Worth office in 2014. GFF’s younger employees who live close to work often commute via bike, and the ever-expanding trail systems offer more excursion options. One third of the 120-person staff placed an order for GFF’s yellow bike jersey last year, and racks were even installed in the offices to accommodate the growing number of employee bicycles. GFF’s love of cycling

has aided them in their design work as well: The Dallas and Fort Worth offices are currently collaborating on Fort Worth’s Trailhead Bike Shop at Clearfork.

“We have a pretty good bicycling commuter contingent in the office,” Farrell acknowledges. “On weekends we have organized rides. We’ll meet in White Rock and we’ll either go on the trail systems of north Dallas or a couple of laps around White Rock. We’ll go south of White Rock on the Santa Fe Trail down to Bishop Arts and have breakfast or tour the Trinity bottoms area and then come back up through the Katy Trail. Sometimes we’ll hop a train and get back to White Rock and other times we just ride; those can be 25 to 35 mile inner urban routes that we do. Fort Worth has always had a great trail system along the Trinity River; I think this year we are going to ride in Dallas, go to Union Station, take [the Trinity Railway Express] to Fort Worth and ride there for a while.”

Even as more employees join GFF’s cycling culture, one can’t help but think of how Green would have enjoyed sharing his passion with the firm’s next generation of cyclists.

“Whenever I go cycling,” Farrell says, “there’s not a time when I don’t think about Jeff.” –mjm

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Mar 2015

What class would you like to take?

Construction management. With a lot of the jobs that I do, like the large hospital we just finished, managing those jobs versus managing the smaller jobs is very different. I would love to know the organizational tools, prioritization tools and tips and tricks that would make jobs like that easier.

Teresa Mastin, Spectra Contract Flooring I always regret that I didn’t go into archaeology or museum studies. I did major in history, and I was a history teacher. But when I went to school, women didn’t go into a lot of these other occupations. I regret that I didn’t.

Liz Moucka, Bridgefarmer & Associates I would say more of a safety certification/ safety class. With the focus over the last 12 years since I’ve been in the rental business, everybody’s always talking about the revenue, but your biggest loss is an accident. One of the things I preach to the guys in the shop is safety – safety’s an attitude, not a department. Working safe is going to save you money.

Ben Odell, SRT Equipment I would like to take a Spanish class. So many of the people I interact with in this business don’t understand me, or I don’t understand them. I never took [Spanish] in college, so for me, a Spanish class would be great.

Gary Halstead, BOXX Modular A cooking class. I’ve been watching the little kids on “Master Chef.” They have 7-12 year olds that are like gourmet chefs!

They can cook anything, and I don’t cook!

Brad Pilkington, Suntec Custom Signs & Awnings I would like to study graphic design to be able to take my thoughts and create it, to not have to try to translate it to somebody else and have them put their own spin on it and be able to create my own image.

Amy Aubuchon, J Reynolds I would like to learn Photoshop. It’s a different world. To be able to do color, learn how to do graphics, learn how to make stuff pop out when I send my emails.

James Thompson, Johnstone Supply I would like to take a class on doing presentations, sort of like Toastmasters. It trains you to think thoroughly and articulate your point succinctly. No matter what your job is, no matter what you are doing in life, if you can succinctly articulate your point, you’re much more likely to get it across than if you ramble or if you’re unclear.

Marc Punjak, Lone Star Synthetic Turf A cooking class for sure. I’m a horrible cook. I like to eat. I do pour a bowl of cereal really, really well.

Bryan Kidd, Sunbelt Rentals I never actually finished college; I was going to school for chemistry and I guess I would like to finish that degree, as well as get a minor degree in physics or mathematics. I always was interested in green energy, so I think I would like to learn more about wind power or even more specifically, solar power.

Chris Rains, Ardor Solutions Something related to time management, both personally and professionally.

Sean Marcotte, Morton designBUILD Music lessons. I have an interest in music, and have played guitar since I was a kid. I haven’t gotten any better in the last 40 years. I try to sing sometimes too, and need a little direction there.

Paul Black, Crossroads Decorative Pavement

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Mar 2015

Page 13

Making their mark

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he Fort Worth chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) honored the creators of 2014’s most notable local architecture at its annual awards ceremony on Jan. 24. Hosted at Kimbell Art Museum’s Piano Pavilion, the association presented honor awards, as well as the past year’s design awards. –mjm Photos by CHAD DAVIS AIA

Quality in Construction Award Mario Camilleri, Camilleri Custom Cabinetry

Event committee chair Brandon Burns of Bennett Benner Partners addresses the crowd.

Certificate of Appreciation Silvia Malavasi, International Associate AIA

Citation Award: Overton Ridge Interior Improvements Norman D. Ward, Architect

Citation Award G Model Bart Shaw, Architect

25-Year Award J.M. Moudy Visual Arts and Communication Building

Community Award Jerre Tracy, Honorary AIA Historic Fort Worth Inc.

Citation Award: Paintball Bart Shaw AIA, Architect

Merit Award: Silo Ibañez Architecture

Excellence in Sustainable Development: Redenta’s

Young Professional Award Brandon Burns AIA Bennett Benner Partners

Merit Award: Erma Lowe Hall – Texas Christian University, School of Classic & Contemporary Dance Bennett Benner Partners

President’s Award Sandra Dennehy AIA Dennehy Architects

Studio Award SEWN: Triangle Fire Memorial Design Bart Shaw AIA, Architect

Certificate of Appreciation Chris Ortiz, Associate AIA

Studio Award: Memory: Fairmount Park Bart Shaw AIA, Architect

Page 14

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Mar 2015

Engineers that could

NU-CAsino

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hether the shuffling came from the cards at the casino tables or the stilettos and boots on the dance floor, the guests were all in for the action at The Westin ballroom on Jan. 30.

The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) rolled out a casino night, complete with a DJ, photo booth and a raffle for its members and guests. –mjm

T

he Fort Worth chapters of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) kicked off their annual Engineers Week festivities a week early. The associations honored their members for contributions to the industry at their joint Engineering Week Ban-

quet held Feb. 17 at Fort Worth’s Ridglea Country Club. Fort Worth mayor and keynote speaker Betsy Price congratulated the engineers on their contributions to the city and encouraged them to continue their work as the city continues to reach record growth. –mjm

On the right: Kris Phillips, Kirby-Smith Machinery, is a winner!

Ken Randall PE of Baird, Hampton & Brown received the TSPE Richard Van Trump Award.

The ASCE Edmund Friedman Young Engineer of the Year Award is presented to Andrew Wilson EIT, CFM (right) of Peloton Land Solutions.

Caleb Milligan PE (left) of Dunaway Associates receives the TSPE Young Engineer of the Year Award.

TSPE Engineer of the Year King Cook (right) of Fugro Consultants Inc. is presented with the Golden T-square.

L-R: Angie Fusilier, Marie Rhom, Buyers Barricades, Erica Ward and Linzey Tweed, North Texas Contracting and Kelli Meyer, Vermeer Texas-Louisiana

Share your history

Guests lined up for the dancing at the event.

Submitted to Construction News

Walking the talk

Thirty members of the American Subcontractors Association’s North Texas (ASA) chapter participated in the Texas Construction Association (TCA) and ASA of Texas’ 2015 PAC Roundup and Walk on the Capitol. The event, held Jan. 27-28 in Austin, gave construction peers a chance to speak with legislators and make their voices heard on issues that impact the industry. –mjm

S

o many of you have been a part of Construction News since it was first founded in 1998, and then expanded into markets throughout Texas, including Dallas/Fort Worth in 2003. Perhaps you have participated as an advertiser, as a subject of one of our articles or have been a faithful reader (or all three!), and we sincerely thank you for supporting our paper all of these years.

But, do you know the history of Construction News?

Buddy and Reesa Doebbler, who were involved in the construction industry, founded this paper at their kitchen table in their hometown of San Antonio. The couple wanted to recognize the myriad accomplishments of the men, women and companies in a publication that would be circulated to all segments of the construction industry. Remembering their beginnings in the industry and the many people who helped them, they also wanted to be able to give back by promoting companies that were just getting their start.

Their concept was so well received, they soon produced Construction News for other markets: Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and, most recently, South Texas. These five monthly editions showcase the good work (and good works) the people and companies in our industry perform every day. We are proud to feature them, and always appreciate when readers let us know they enjoyed a story, recognize someone they know, tell us what they or their company are doing or recommend someone we should feature.

Our paper highlights the construction industry in so many different ways.

Beginning on our front page, Construction News features a local project that has been constructed in the past six months, outlining the process and featuring the final result.

Our “Spotlight” takes a deeper look into the lives of construction business owners – how they started in the industry, what motivates and inspires them,

their hobbies, interests and families.

The “Great Outdoors” section, one of the most popular in our paper, is a great place to show off your latest hunting, fishing, vacation, marathon, vehicle or pet photos.

Our editorial content explores topics and provides coverage of statewide and national events that you will not learn about anywhere else.

In “Industry Folks,” we help you to get to know the industry employees behind the desks, the drills and the phone lines that you might have the good fortune to do business with.

The editors also take “Job Site” photos of projects underway and “On Location” photos of office staff as they go about their workday.

Finally, there are our “Industry Profiles,” which focus on local companies, the fascinating reasons behind their establishment, their employees and their company culture.

On a personal note, I began writing for Construction News in 2008 and love writing about the construction industry because I’m reminded every day that people are still keeping the American Dream alive through their work. It doesn’t matter if I interview the person who owns a handful of tools and a pickup truck or a multi-million dollar construction business, everyone has a “history” worth sharing.

I meet people who say, “I read your paper every month!” When I ask if they’ve ever been featured, however, many say no, insisting that they’re not very interesting and that they have nothing to say.

They do have something to say, and so do you. You have a story, or you know someone in commercial construction who does. I hope you’ll connect with me so we can share it with Construction News readers. All you have to do is call me at (817) 731-4823, email me at dfweditor@constructionnews.net, or take me up on the offer when I meet you at an event! –mjm

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Mar 2015

Page 15

Construction Education Education and experience equally important Dr. Orlando R. Bagcal, Associate Professor and Coordinator, Construction Management Technology Program Tarrant County College South Fort Worth, TX

H

ow have construction education and training changed over the years?

Construction education has always been dynamic and evolving. The demand of stringent industry standards and quality, as well as the growing emphasis on making buildings more energy efficient, require a high level of knowledge and education. Keeping abreast of current technological changes, emerging techniques and methods and computer knowledge and skills will help future construction project managers perform their professional responsibilities.

In addition, the delivery of education and training has changed in the past decade. Aside from the traditional classroom face-to-face instruction, there are various options that students can choose that will suit their demanding schedules, such as online classes and hybrid (combination of face-to-face and online) classes.

These options allow individuals who want to further their education more flexibility and enable them to learn subject content at their own pace.

What areas of education need to be improved to better serve the industry?

The construction industry is a com-

plex and challenging environment, thus requiring an individual that has the ability to quickly adapt and respond to current situations and problems. Students who are pursuing a career in construction must be trained and learn critical thinking (logical and analytical), team working (collaboration) and advanced knowledge and skills in computer-driven technology.

Further, as many government agencies and private companies require and standardize the use of BIM (Building Information Modeling) in construction projects, it is important that students must learn the capability as well as ability to operate this software. The use of BIM in construction projects is known to improve collaboration and more efficient processes in the construction industry.

How important is “hands-on” training?

As I always tell my students, education is as important as obtaining experience (hands-on). Knowledge + experience = wisdom, a trait project managers must possess in order to make good decisions in every situation that arises at the field site. Practical experience or handson training is very important in becoming a construction manager, whether you

Look for a good education foundation Mike Holland, CPC, AIC, President American Council for Construction Education San Antonio, TX

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hen most people think about construction education, the first thing that comes to mind is training for the skilled trades – plumbing, electrical, equipment operator, steel erector, etc.

These are important elements of the industry. Just as important are the senior managers, executives and business owners who create the opportunities to work in the industry and invest their money and manage the risks to their investment (the company’s equity). This element of the construction industry needs more than the training of the skilled tradesman – they need education, that element provided by colleges and universities that provides the foundation upon which to build and lead a successful business.

Through American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), the industry has developed the ability to create the foundation (there’s that word again – a construction-appropriate term for this article) for new graduates to begin their

career in the management of the construction process, to grow their experience and ability to combine the many parts and teams of skilled folks and businesses to deliver that safe, on-schedule, on-budget project, protecting the equity of the company from the many risks that threaten every construction project.

There are many colleges and universities across the country that offer 2-year, 4-year and master degrees in the building sciences, construction management, construction science and management that prepare the graduates to manage the process. Other degrees that are tangent would include construction engineering, architectural engineering and construction technology and other descriptors. Engineering is more focused on the design of the project, whether a building, highway, residential developments, a bridge or a utility. The building sciences are focused more on managing the constructing of the project; this re-

obtained it through classroom laboratories, an internship or a job as a construction trade.

What are ways to attract young people to the industry?

The mindset of young people has to be changed. The idea that the construction industry is all about dust and mud, hammers and saws or materials and heavy equipment must go away. Prospective young people need to know that getting an education in construction will lead them to vast and various opportunities in the industry. To attract young people, we need to teach them to look at things in a different way, a varied way in doing things. Teaching strategies and ways that will streamline processes and improve workplace safety by integrating computer and automation in the workplace could stimulate their desire to be in the construction industry.

Likewise, construction companies should invest in training their young construction workers so that they feel secure that their viability as a hirable employee will continue to grow. Thriving construction companies must establish skills progression programs with rewards as young workers move up the management ladder. Doing so will help restructure the industry to continue to be appealing to young people.

What are some areas of study?

The responsibilities of the construction manager are becoming complex and demanding. Construction managers plan, direct, coordinate and budget diverse construction projects in various sectors such as residential, commercial, heavy infrastructure and industrial facilities.

quires a broad basis of the technology of building as well as the business side of the process; engineering does not give the graduate that element.

A degree in the building sciences includes education in these competencies: estimating; scheduling; safety; project management; construction law; communications, both written and oral; construction accounting; basic construction methods and materials; surveying; ethics in the construction industry; and the fundamentals of business: accounting; economics; business law; and principles of management and more. Regardless of the level of college degree (2-year, 4-year, or master degree), the foundation that a college degree provides the graduate the starting point for advancing their career.

With the downturn in 2007-2011, the media caused many parents and high school students to steer clear of the construction industry – a sad situation.

Though the industry did slow down, it is not one that can be exported, like computer programming, architectural and engineering efforts, to lower wage countries – construction and the management of it has to be on-the-ground, at the site.

The industry is now suffering from a worker shortage on many levels, including the construction management graduates. This “hole in the pipeline” of new graduates is now impacting many companies that need the continuum of management talent in their organizations to

Students who consider a career in this industry must learn the functions of project managers: estimating, scheduling, planning, coordinating and supervising. There is also this growing need toward certification in special areas as construction managers. This certification is becoming valuable as it provides validation and evidence of their expertise, proficiencies and competencies to be construction management professionals.

Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), American Institute of Constructors (AIC), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) all have established a voluntary certification exam or training for construction managers.

At Tarrant County College, we offer four different certificates of completion and an AAS degree in Construction Management Technology.

Are scholarships available for construction education?

There are several scholarships offered for construction management students at Tarrant County College through the TCC Foundation such as the “Westwood Contractor Scholarship” and “For the Ones Who Get It Done Scholarship.”

In addition, the Texas Builders Foundation and the National Housing Endowment of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) offer scholarships for students who pursue a career in the residential sectors. The Associated General Contractors (AGC) is also offering scholarships for those wanting to be in the commercial sectors. –mjm

continue that flow of quality management and leadership development for the successful succession in the years ahead. Today, the shortage of new graduates in the construction management arena is causing companies to struggle in filling their teams with the talent they need.

A career in the building sciences, construction management, construction science and management professions provides the opportunity for young graduates to begin a very rewarding career – more than money – the chance to be part of creating in every community, state and country and supporting the local economy, health and education, and environment for that community. During one’s career, one can look at what they created – not alone - with a team of other professionals, skilled tradesmen and other local leaders and be proud of where their career has taken them.

Education will provide the opportunity – the foundation; a person’s capabilities will take them toward their calling and the success provided by this special industry – construction.

Get that foundation built and see where you take your career.

The mission of ACCE is to be a leading global advocate of quality construction education; and to promote, support, and accredit quality construction education programs. –cw

Page 16

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Mar 2015

Construction Education Hands on experience is key Glen O’Mary, Director of Education Construction & Maintenance Education Foundation (CMEF) La Porte, TX

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hat type of training is available at your organization?

CMEF provides formal craft training, skills upgrade training, soft skills training, customizable corporate training, and fast-track training. The Foundation consistently seeks new training avenues to assist members and contractors with their changing needs in today’s construction environment.

A new program we have developed – the Commercial Jump Start Training Program - is a great example of how we are able to fill a need that is the direct result of contractors requests for fast tracked, module based learning. By keeping our training model flexible, we are able to meet a wide range of contractors’ needs quickly and efficiently.

How has construction education and training changed over the years?

Previously, the training model of formal semester-based craft education fit the bill for most contractors. While this training model is still applicable, today we have a ‘perfect storm’ brewing in the industry.

We are blessed to have a healthy industry with new projects that have either broken ground or are coming down the pipeline in short order.

However, we have a shortage of men and women in the field to build these projects. A shortage of skilled labor has a domino effect for everyone – delayed projects and higher costs are most apparent. CMEF is working on many levels to help alleviate this problem, from high school programs that educate young people about the opportunities in construction, to reaching out to veterans and the un- or under-employed to demonstrate the rewards of a career in construction. Because of the industry’s critical worker shortage, CMEF is focusing on specialized, industry-based, fast-track training options that benefit the employee as well as the employer.

How important is “hands on” training?

The “hands on” component is crucial, and should be a part of every program.

You can sit with a student in a classroom and teach him or her the funda-

Promoting professional development Dana Marsh, Education Director Associated General Contractors (AGC) San Antonio, TX

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hile there are programs to rally the next generation of the workforce and college programs to bring construction science into the realm of higher education, what options are available for a professional in the field who wants to continue to improve along an existing career path?

The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America has programs that are offered nationwide that anyone can attend, regardless of membership. Dana Marsh, education director for the San Antonio Chapter, notes that these programs offer professional development on every level.

For people who are out in the field, AGC has the Supervisory Training Program (STP), a construction-specific training curriculum developed, updated, and field-tested by and for contractors.

“Supervisory skill – or the lack of it – directly affects every company's bottom line,” explains Marsh. “Each day, decisions made by every foreman and superintendent are crucial to the success or failure of

every construction project. You make your money in the field, and STP can help you improve your organization's bottom line.”

Participants in the STP program, which is comprised of six courses or modules, come from a range of backgrounds, and Marsh notes that they could be “anyone on a construction jobsite in a supervisory role – from the new supervisor and foreman to the experienced superintendent – who is looking to become a more effective manager of people, time, equipment and materials.”

For project managers, there is the AGC Project Manager Development Program (PMDP), another training curriculum developed and field-tested by and for contractors, which also offers a certificate of completion. This five-course program helps assistant project managers, project managers, project engineers and project administrators, among others, develop long-term skills. These courses teach estimating and job costing, contract administration, project administration, risk management and leadership.

NEXT MONTH:

mentals of welding for hours, but it is not until that student actually stands at a welding booth and is able to physically experience the welding process that he or she gains a true understanding.

Hands on experience is the key to success. It is this reason that we offer Performance Verifications at the CMEF campus. We assist craft professionals by observing their skills in a trade to verify that they do in fact have the correct skills to complete a task – not only correctly, but also safely.

What are ways to attract young people?

The first step is to improve the construction industry’s image and properly convey the many opportunities available.

We, not only as an industry but as an entire community, need to let young people know they have more options available to them after high school. Unfortunately, many young people are led to believe that a four-year college degree is the only option if they want to be successful. Not all high school students want to go on to college and they need to know about careers in construction.

We feature success stories on our website at www.cmefhouston.org of men and women who went through our training program, built their career in construction, and today are highly successful individuals.

We have also been very successful in expanding our outreach to high school campuses. Just a few years ago, we partnered with a handful of high school campuses.

Thanks to our state legislators who

This program is comprised of five modules, and it is two days for each module.

Marsh emphasizes that they try to spread out the scheduling for the classes, especially if they are two-day classes, which ensure that the attendees will not be out of the office for an entire week.

“What’s good about these programs is each module is stand alone,” she adds.

“So, if you don’t feel like you need all five modules, you can attend just one module. If you’re a project administrator and you want to just take the one on contract documents and project administration, you can.

“These really hit everybody that works in construction, you don’t have to be just a project manager or just a superintendent to get something out of one of these modules.”

In 2009, AGC started its Building Information Modeling (BIM) Education Program, and upon completion, participants receive the Certificate of Management – Building Information Modeling (CMBIM). Marsh points out that this is the industry’s first and only BIM certificate program that teaches the practical application of the Building Information Modeling process for commercial construction firms.

The San Antonio Chapter has also joined with Bexar County to offer the “Basics” of Construction Training Program, and this month, the program is in its 10th year.

“The program is a 10-session educational program designed to assist small, minority and women-owned construc-

supported and passed House Bill 5, as well as the efforts of our Schools Program Director, Dr. Steven Horton, today I am proud to say that we are partnered with 30 high school campuses and continue to grow that number.

One of the goals of the Schools Program is to provide students with the opportunity to explore the many facets of the construction industry and the career opportunities available.

A second goal is to give CTE teachers resources and new connections to current happenings in the industry, providing them with opportunities to meet industry leaders, and become aware of the numerous job opportunities for their students.

A third goal of the program is to encourage industry participation from the very companies who will seek to fill construction positions.

How important is recruitment at high school and college level?

As mentioned before, it is very important to create awareness about industry opportunities and recruit students into the industry at the high school and college levels.

These recruitment efforts help develop a long-term pipeline of future industry professionals and exposure of our industry.

It is never too early to educate young people about the industry and built environment around them.

Many of our contractor members participate at the middle school level of education – working to foster lines of communication with young people early on. –ab

tion businesses,” she says.

These sessions include topics such as running a successful construction business, project scheduling, financial management, understanding contracts, liens, estimating, project management, safety, business development, insurance and bonds. Graduates of the program are eligible to participate in AGC’s two-year Mentor-Protégé Program.

These programs each offer a certificate of completion and help to fill an education gap once an employee or manager is in his or her job. Not only are these things that are not taught in college, Marsh comments, but a lot of field personnel might not have gone to college, having worked their way up to their current position. Addressing practical issues that these team members will be dealing with daily, these programs can help them learn how to motivate the people working for them and communicate to them.

Also, Marsh believes that this can benefit those applying for these positions, stating, “if you’re applying for a job, it’s going to show the employer that you’re really interested in bettering yourself and progressing in your career.”

Dana Marsh started at AGC San Antonio as the plan room manager 15 years ago. As the chapter developed a more robust education program, she transitioned to education director. She serves on the Advisory Council for Construction Careers Academy and the St Philip’s Construction Advisory Committee, as well as chapter administrator for the AGC Student Chapter at UTSA. –mh

Women in Construction

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Mar 2015

New COO at Marek Companies

Skanska USA announces that Amie Kromis O’Riley has been named as the diversity and inclusion coordinator for the company’s Texas region. O’Riley, who is positioned in the Dallas office, will be responsible for internal coordination of diversity and inclusion initiatives, community outreach and relationship development with diverse business enterprises. O’Riley received her Bachelor of Arts degree in corporate communications and public affairs from Southern Methodist University. volved in the community as a board member of the Greater Houston YMCA, the Foster Family YMCA and Covenant House Association.

He says the company’s long- and short-term goals remain focused on strength and growth.

“In the long-term, it’s really about the quality of people we find to grow from top to bottom,” Holland says. “In the short-term, it’s about sharpening the saw. Making sure everything we do is aimed in the right direction. The market is constantly changing and we want to make sure we are in the right place doing the right things.”

Marek is a 77-year-old private, familyowned specialty interior subcontractor that provides both commercial and residential construction services to major office, retail, healthcare and institutional clients. –cw

Association Calendar

Content submitted by Associations to Construction News ASA North Texas

NAWIC - Fort Worth

American Subcontractors Association

Nat’l Assn. of Women in Construction

Mar. 26-29: ASA SubExcel Convention – Seattle

Mar.1: Walk into WIC Week, Montgomery Plaza, 2600 W 7th Street, Fort Worth, 11am Mar. 4: Blood Drive, Barnsco – Carter Blood Bus, 5000 Blue Mound Rd. Fort Worth Mar. 5: Building Hope – Art Bra and Boxer Fundraising Event, Diamond Oaks Country Club, 5821 Diamond Oaks Dr. North, Fort Worth, 6:30pm. Contact Terri Witcher at nawicbuildinghope@gmail. com

CFMA Construction Financial Mgmt Assn.

Mar. 19: Construction Financial Professional of the Year Award Dinner, Las Colinas Country Club, 4400 N O’Connor Rd., Irving, 6:30pm

ICRI - NT Int’l Concrete Repair Institute

Mar. 19: Sporting clay event, Dallas Gun Club, 3601 S Stemmons Fry at Hwy 121, Lewisville, Noon registration

IEC - Dallas Independent Electrical Contractors

Mar. 11: Membership meeting, IEC Dallas office, 1931 Hereford Drive, Irving, 11:30 am

IEC - Fort Worth Independent Electrical Contractors

Mar. 26: Annual meeting at Joe T Garcia’s

NARI Nat’l Assn. of the Remodeling Industry

Mar. 10: Meeting, The Jarrell Company, 2651 Fondren Drive, Dallas, 6pm.

Mar. 28: Annual Chili Cook-Off, Ivey Lumber Sales, 10230 Plano Rd., Dallas. Cook-off begins at 8:30am, open to public at 11am

NAWIC - Dallas Nat’l Assn. of Women in Construction

Mar. 1-7: WIC week, Contact Sandy Liebau for info, sliebau@manhattanconstruction.com Mar. 5: Building Hope – Art Bra and Boxer fundraising event, Diamond Oaks Country Club Mar. 16: Monthly dinner meeting, MCM Elegante Hotel, 2330 W. Northwest Hwy., Dallas, 5pm

Eric Bunner has been promoted to vice-president-account manager for Skanska USA’s North Texas operations. Bunner, who joined Skanska in 2004 and has been working in Texas since 2005, is responsible for North Texas operations and managing key accounts in the higher education and mission critical markets in Texas. He is a graduate of University of Wisconsin –Platteville with a Bachelor of Science in industrial technology management.

Submissions

ike Holland, new chief operating officer at The Marek Companies, has been with the company for 31 years and says the company’s culture towards employees encourages long-time retention. Holland will be headquartered in Houston.

“Some of this started with the three original Marek brothers and their desire to share the company and its success with the employees,” Holland says. “We don’t look at people as a short-term investment. We look at them as a longterm investment. I’m an example of that.”

Holland will oversee the operations for the award-winning specialty subcontractor’s offices in Houston, Dallas-Ft Worth, San Antonio, Austin and Atlanta.

“We selected Mike to provide the leadership and sustainability for our overall operations as we position the company for continued growth throughout our markets over the next decade,” said Stan Marek, president and CEO of the Marek Family of Companies. “Holland, a proven leader with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry, has served the Marek Companies as the Houston Division president for the last 31 years.”

In addition to his role with the company, Holland, who is married and has three children, currently serves on the boards of several industry organizations, including the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Houston Chapter, American Subcontractors Association (ASA) Houston Chapter and the Construction Career Collaborative (C3). He is a member of the Texas A&M Construction Industry Advisory Council and is in-

Round-Up

Round-Up

M

Page 17

Brian Platfoot has joined Raba Kistner, Inc. as corporate health and safety manager for the firm and its subsidiaries, including 14 locations across the state of Texas, Utah, Mexico and New York. He will manage the Enterprise-Wide Health and Safety program. With more than 14 years of experience, he has been a regional health and safety manager in the construction and oil and gas industries for multiple companies in Alaska. He earned his bachelor’s degree in health and safety and his master’s in occupational safety and health from Columbia Southern University.

Certified public accounting firm Lane Gorman Trubitt recently named Patrick Reilly as principal of the assurance services department. Reilly joined LGT in 2003 with more than seven years of SEC experience and 10 years of experience serving the automotive industry. His responsibilities include project management for audit, reviews and consulting accounting engagements and compliance auditing.

This is a monthly section for brief company announcements of new or recently promoted personnel, free of charge, as space allows.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Email (w/digital photo, if available) by the 15th of any month, for the next month’s issue (published 1st of each month).

Email info to appropriate city issue, with “Round-Up” in the subject line: ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

San Antonio: saeditor@constructionnews.net Austin: austineditor@constructionnews.net

Dallas/Ft. Worth: dfweditor@constructionnews.net Houston: houstoneditor@constructionnews.net South Texas: STeditor@constructionnews.net

Mar. 6: Membership mixer, Risky’s BBQ, 300 Main Street, Fort Worth, 5:30pm Mar. 19: Business meeting, Colonial Country Club, 6pm

NTRCA

RHCA Regional Hispanic Contractors Assn.

Mar. 3: Hard Hat 2015 Construction Expo, 944 South Lamar, Dallas, 5:30pm

TEXO

N. Tx Roofing Contractors Assn.

The Construction Association

Mar. 18: Lunch & Learn, International Bowling Museum, 621 Six Flags Dr., Arlington, 11:30am

Mar. 2: ASC Region V Student Competition, Crowne Plaza Dallas, 14315 Midway Rd., Addison, 8am

Page 18

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Mar 2015

Another new leader rises at HOLT

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he New Year brought some big changes to the leadership at HOLT CAT, and in early February, the equipment and engine dealer announced that Bert Fulgium has been appointed vice president of product support for the company’s Machine Division.

Fulgium is taking over for a veteran at HOLT, Ron Craft, whom Fulgium calls a “legend builder,” who recently announced his retirement from the company. Before moving into his new role, Fulgium served as vice president of product support for HOLT CAT’s Power Systems Division.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to serve our customers in this new capacity,” says Fulgium, noting that he has been on the engine side of the company for 13 years.

In his previous position, Fulgium estimates that 80 percent of their business came from the oil and gas industry. On the machine side, instead of dealing with just engines, he is leading a group that deals with a diverse group, including customers in road construction and the mining industry.

Having grown up in Beckville, TX, Fulgium originally started out as an instrument and electrical (I&E) technician.

He then moved into supervision and management in the oil and gas industry.

From there, he took on a business development role for a couple of years.

Around that time, having attended junior college for a short time after high school, Fulgium decided to return to school in pursuit of his bachelor’s degree in business administration, which he earned from LeTourneau University in Longview. He later earned his master’s degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

He began his career at HOLT CAT in 2002 around the time the company acquired Darr Equipment Co. He started out as a local service manager in Longview. A

Bert Fulgium has taken on a new role at HOLT CAT as the vice president of product support for the Machine Division.

year-and-a-half later, he was promoted to regional service manager. Five years ago, he was promoted to product support manager, and then he became vice president of product support on the engine side. Along with his team, he has worked on building new engine rebuild facilities, which, he adds, have been wildly successful, and they started national generator maintenance contracts. He states that a lot of good people have contributed to his success at HOLT CAT.

In his new role, which he describes as being part of the sustainability and growth efforts, leadership and the culture of the company will be keys to success. He maintains that a lot of great things are already at work, and he just has to continue to provide leadership for a great team.

At 47, Fulgium’s passions outside of work include his family and bow hunting.

–mh

continued from Page 1 —Way to go treating everyone the way you want to be treated.

“The book has helped us a lot here because, except for Stephen, we didn’t really have anyone here when we started to help transplant that culture,” Lee says.

“The book really gave us a guideline to make sure we’re doing things the right way for the company.”

The firm’s focus on treating their employees well has benefitted the business.

As the Dallas/Fort Worth office approaches its third anniversary, the staff has grown from six to 27 people working in operations, marketing, human resources, estimating and business development. This year, they anticipate completion of $78 million in projects. They also plan to expand their service reach into more retail, government and, possibly, healthcare projects.

In addition to quarterly birthday celebrations, bowling tournaments and highly-competitive ping-pong games, the company is serious about helping

their employees expand their professional horizons. Human resources and training representative Ashley Stephens in the firm’s San Antonio office explains that Joeris conducted a 2014 employee survey and learned about their desire for more training programs. With Stephens’ help, the company is in the process of implementing “Joeris University,” which will allow all employees access to a centralized training program, taking any opportunity happening within the company and making it available online and easy to access.

Lee says management also takes care to recruit and then thoroughly train new employees in the Joeris Way. “We think that’s the future of this company, to bring in these good people, keep them and continue growing,” Walter says.

Joeris is a general contractor focusing on K-12 private and higher education and retail projects within the state of Texas.– mjm

continued from Page 1 —First response roofers organization, which originally started as a best business practices group, morphed into a business model that has been operating for nearly eight years, helping businesses after storms such as Hurricane Katrina.

“It allows us to have a footprint of contractors to take care of large national clients,” he says. “With thousands of offices each, when the numbers get that big, there’s no way they maintain a database of qualified contractors to help them.”

KPost’s Steve Little, who was a founding architect of NRP, says that regardless of the size of the business, using the National Roofing Partners Model is beneficial because it’s a single source of contact and NRP can offer consistent project management services.

“We created National Roofing Partners with the idea to be able to have na-

KPost’s Steve Little was a founding architect of NRP.

tional coverage but local serviceand pricing,” Little says. –mjm

continued from Page 1 — A work of part

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5,000sf of new office space, renovating six restrooms with the addition of a seventh, constructing a 15,000sf-second floor mezzanine and installing an elevator. A secured room and an area to archive company files were also added to the facility. The outside of the building was spruced up as well; the tilt wall structure sheet metal panels were cleaned and painted, outdoor landscaping was planted and new storage areas were added to the site.

“The main feature was the 15,000-sf steel mezzanine floor that our design group subsequently engineered and installed in the existing building,” Howard says. “We basically turned a single-story building into a two-story building. It’s the most noticeable thing when you walk in, and it accomplished the required floor space that the client needed. We couldn’t put a normal amount of weight on the

existing floor, so instead of concrete we used an expanded metal product which resulted in less weight overall.”

Howard credits the use of excellent contractors, including CNC Steel Erectors, Intex Electric, Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating, Southwest Commercial Interiors and Crosstex Mechanical, to help achieve the client’s vision and finish the project by February.

“We feel Mr. Tomes was very satisfied,” Howard says of the client’s reaction.

“We received a very nice referral letter from the owner. I’m personally very happy with the result; our people did a good job, and we met the square footage and budget challenges. We’re really proud of it.”

Carrollton-based Incept Construction offers general contracting, preconstruction, construction management and design/ build services. –mjm

Nearly 5,000sf of added office space enhances the usage of the distribution center.

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Mar 2015

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Mar 2015