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Adventures in concrete
Bill Stokes demonstrates a custom decorative concrete coloring technique.
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wner Bill Stokes, Increte of Houston and S Concrete, was brought up with great discipline. His father was an Air Force Senior Master Sergeant. While his father was deployed in Hawaii, Stokes began working at his first real job. “I drove a three-wheel Cushman to sell ice cream on the beach for an ice cream business,” Stokes said. “We lived on the North Shore of Hawaii for five years. “Selling ice cream on the beach was not a bad gig. I packed the ice cream trucks and ate all the free ice cream I wanted.” After spending his college days at
Sam Houston State University, Stokes met his wife Barbara and they moved to Houston in the early ‘80s. He started S Concrete, a full-service concrete company in 1982. S Concrete provides turnkey concrete solutions to both residential and commercial customers. “In 2005, I expanded the business to include decorative concrete and other construction services,” Stokes said. “Increte of Houston was born out of the demand our customers expressed for us to bring additional options to them.” Increte of Houston specializes in the installation of decorative driveways, pool decks, patios, pergolas, shingled patio continued on Page 13
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Volume 13
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Number 3
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MARCH 2015
A miller’s skill
Montalbano Lumber president Michael Montalbano at the Houston Avenue yard.
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ontalbano Lumber reaches its 115th year in business in 2015. The family-owned and operated company is the oldest lumber retailer in Houston. The company prides itself on keeping the family business, well, in the family. “Being family-owned and operated just makes this company much more personal to us,” said Joseph Montalbano, the company’s director of administration and great-grandson to founder, Francesco Montalbano. “You just tend to take care of folks in the way you would like to be treated. A lot of our customers and employees have been with us for many years and they are like an extended family to us.”
The company’s history begins in the last decade of the 19th century when young Montalbano’s great-grandfather Francesco left his native Italy in search of a better life in America - the land of opportunity. In Italy, Francesco had worked in a flour mill and was hoping to continue his trade in the United States. As he went through the immigration process in New Orleans, Francesco was asked about his previous work experience. “My great-grandfather’s English was very limited, so someone told him to reply “mill” in response to the immigration officer’s question,” Montalbano said. “The officer assumed he meant a lumber mill and directed the young immigrant to continued on Page 12
Bank on it
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orking on the recognized historical site of “Old Harrisburg,” Teal Construction Co. completed the Frost Bank Harrisburg location in 30 months. The owner is Front Bank. Project manager Mark Baumguard says the 1,675sf ground up construction project consisted of a bank building with a lobby, teller work area, office spaces and a three-lane drive area. “The Frost Bank Harrisburg location project was unique for many reasons,” Baumguard said. “It is one of the main resources for the Frost Bank Houston location with all daily transactions being accounted for here.“ The original bank building had to be kept open until an adjacent building could be renovated to accommodate the operations of the bank. Baumguard says logistic and site specific safety plans were required to ensure that the construction area and tasks
were not conflicting with the day-to-day operations of the bank. “Once the operations could be moved into the renovated building we were able to start construction on the new facility, which began with demolishing the existing building,” he said. “Heavy remediation had to be completed in the existing building prior to the demolition. “With due diligence done in the beginning stages of the project and a seasoned superintendent, we were able to overcome any obstacle in our path while keeping all associated parties and stakeholders abreast on the construction tasks.” The exterior primary construction materials included limestone veneer, stucco, aluminum storefront and Alucobond metal panels. The interior of the The Frost Bank Harrisburg location
continued on Page 13
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Houston Construction News • Mar 2015
Concrete is the canvas
Robert Salinas (left) says he enjoys the artistic side of the concrete business.
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rowing up in the construction industry, Robert Salinas, owner of Stamped Artistry, says he loved art and drawing as a child. Salinas remembers helping his uncles pour concrete after school when he was a teenager. His uncles taught him the value of hard work. “I love that I am able to express myself artistically with decorative concrete today,” Salinas said. “I get up in the mornings and I look forward to going to work. “The most exciting part about what I do is the self satisfaction in what I have created and watching people light up with excitement after seeing a finished product.” Staying up-to-date in his industry is important to Salinas. “If you don’t stay on top of the changes, it will pass you by,” he said. “Things
change every year in this business!” According to Salinas, the company hosts Demo Day events at the Pasadena location a few times a year. Contractors have the chance to learn how to create the appearance of natural materials such as slate, brick and tile with concrete. “The core of my business is my employees,” Salinas said. “The guys on my crew are like family to me. A few of the guys have worked with me for 30 years.” When Salinas gets time off, he enjoys going scuba diving with his family. “One of our favorite times scuba diving was spending 10 days in a little place called Akumal, which is known as the Place of the Turtles,” he said. “We saw dozens and dozens of turtles under water and above water. It was amazing!” Stamped Artistry provides decorative concrete services. –ab
In memoriam
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lbert Watson Link, 81, passed away on Feb. 8. Link was a United States Army retired Lt. Colonel. Link is survived by his wife Ann Bordovsky Link; brothers Theodore Carl Link and wife Isabel, Cabanne Hooker Link and wife Lyndall, William Hooker Link; brothers-in-law Jerome John Bordovsky and wife Janice, Charles Edward Bordovsky; and several nieces and nephews. Link was an active member of the Greater Houston Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) for more than 40 years and touched many lives. He was a past chapter and state president, a National Society Professional Engineers (NSPE) Fellow and a life member of NSPE. He was also a fellow of the Texas Engineering Foundation. Link was awarded the 2014 NSPE Mentor of the Year award. He utilized the opportunities presented through his activities to reach young engineers and offered support and mentoring. –ab
Houston Construction News • Mar 2015
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Marketplace of ideas
Casino fun
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he 9th annual Katy Home and Garden Show took place at the Merrell Center & Robinson Pavilion Jan. 24 and 25. Contractors and subcontractors from the Katy and Southwest Houston areas set up booths at the event. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about latest products and services on the market. –ab Tim’s Fences
N Superior Windows & Doors
Tradition Outdoor Living
Guests have a great time at the Blackjack table.
etworking with peers in the industry, heating, air conditioning and plumbing contractors and suppliers put their poker faces on for a Casino Night fundraiser event Jan. 23. The event took place at the Cadillac Bar & Grill in Houston. Folks enjoyed dinner, raffles, auctions, gaming and karaoke. The Gulf Coast Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) hosted the event. –ab
Sean Giuliani, Wedgeworth Plumbing, sings karaoke. Milton Frank, Milton Frank Plumbing, (center) and his family
Houston
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CONSTRUCTION NEWS
Houston Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abby BeMent HoustonEditor@ConstructionNews.net 832-595-0091 Construction News Ltd. Home Office P.O. Box 791290 • San Antonio, Tx 78279 210-308-5800 Fax 210-308-5960 www.constructionnews.net
Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buddy Doebbler Editorial/Production . . . . . . Reesa Doebbler Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cyndi Wright Production Mgr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sue Johnson Sales Representative . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Reilly Sales Representative . . . . . . . . Kent Gerstner If you are a construction-related company in Harris, Ft. Bend, Galveston or Montgomery counties and are not receiving a free copy of the Houston Construction News, please call for a Requester Form, or visit our website. The Houston Construction News (ISSN 1547-7630) is published monthly by Construction News LTD., dba Houston Construction News, and distributed by mail to construction-related companies in Houston and surrounding counties. All submissions should be mailed to our editorial offices. We reserve the right to edit any materials submitted. No fees for materials, copy or photographs submitted will be due unless agreed upon in advance in writing. Submissions will be published at our discretion on a space available basis. Construction News, Ltd. , dba Houston Construction News, will not be liable for errors in copy or in advertisements beyond the actual cost of space occupied by the error. Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement at any time. © 2015 Construction News, Ltd.
HGTV star Chip Wade gives a presentation on stage.
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Houston 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.
Moving forward
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.
Submitted to Construction News
Better together
The WCA board of directors induction ceremony
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he Women Contractors Association (WCA) held a networking luncheon at the Federal Reserve Bank Feb. 3. Jesse Thompson, Federal Reserve Bank, provided a 2015 forecast for the Houston economy and Sherriff Adrian Garcia inducted the new WCA board of directors at the event. –ab On the right: L-R: Alexis Walls Guillory, Paul Kelly and Dorothy Hernandez Janish
The Air Conditioning Contractors of American Greater Houston Chapter (ACCA-GH) held Team Jacob Day in February. Board members sported orange ribbons to support a little boy who is battling cancer. –ab
Houston Construction News • Mar 2015
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A toast to 2015 Employers use noncompetition & nonsolicitation agreements to limit poaching of key employees 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.
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Ready to help
L-R: Bo Castillo and Darren Goynes focus on sales at Lumber Liquidators in Stafford. –ab
The 2015 ABC Board
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elebrating the start of the New Year, contractors networked at the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) Houston Chapter Inaugural Dinner at the Sam Houston Hotel Jan. 22.  The ABC and the Construction & Maintenance Education Foundation (CMEF) boards were introduced at the event and attendees learned about plans for 2015. –ab Lee Aitken and 2015 ABC Chairwoman Darlene East, Holes Inc.
The 2015 CMEF Board
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Houston Construction News • Mar 2015
What high school did you attend? I attended Anahuac High School. My favorite subjects in school were Texas History and American History. I am still interested in both subjects today.
Tony Miller Owner Miller Electrical Construction Inc
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ony Miller remembers clearly when he and his wife and co-founder Karen first opened Miller Electrical Construction Inc. in 1984. “We established the company during the beginning of a tough economic time,” Miller said. “Karen and I had to work hard and watch ourselves by not taking on too much work. We started out with three trucks. We made sure to do a good job and retain the customers.” In the early days, Miller bought property on West 24th Street and eventually sold the property and moved to the current location on Bauman Road in 2007. Over the years, Miller says he has really enjoyed working with people and helping them accomplish improvements for their buildings and property. Nowadays, the company has 16 trucks. Miller Electrical Construction is a commercial electrical contractor, providing design build services, new and remodel construction, service, maintenance, repairs and exterior lighting repairs. Where are you originally from, Tony? I grew up in Anahuac, TX, also known as the Alligator Capital of Texas. It is east of Baytown near the Trinity River. The area has lots of wildlife, waterways and estuaries. It is a farming community. What was it like growing up in Anahuac? I remember there were lots of mosquitos! I enjoyed playing football and I also ran track when I was a teenager. I played the half back position on the football team and I ran the 100-yd. dash, 220-yd. dash and the 440-yd. relay.
What did your mother and father do for a living? My dad was the head football coach and athletic director at Anahuac High School. My mom stayed busy as a housewife and she took care of my three siblings and me. Do any of your siblings work in construction today? Yes, my brother John owns J. Miller Electric in Houston. John worked for me for a number of years and then decided to start his own business. Where did you work in high school? To earn extra spending money in high school, I worked for a local oilman. I did odd jobs to help him with his business. I mostly worked after school and on the weekends. What did you do after you graduated high school? I enrolled at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches. Next, I was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969 and 1970. When I got out in 1970, I went to work for a company called Chenault & Brady Consulting Engineers in the Houston. The firm provided electrical engineering and MEP engineering services for high-rise buildings. I worked at the company from 1970 to 1976. In 1976, I went to work for Wohlt Electric. I eventually worked my way up to become vice president of the company. After working at Wohlt Electric for a number of years, I thought it was time to open my own business. How did your background in electrical engineering prepare you for what you do today? After I did electrical engineering for many years, I got to know a lot of contractors in Houston. Construction was exciting to me. Electrical engineering fits hand in hand with what I do today. I think it was a good experience. What is the best part about your job? I like the accomplishment of construction and seeing the finished product.
Tony Miller (third from left) and the Miller Electrical Construction Inc. team
I have many employees that have been with me more than 20 years. I enjoy working with them and seeing their accomplishments as well. In your opinion, what is the key to success as an electrical contractor? The keys to success are provide quality work, be fair and honest with your customers and collect your money. Work well with your hands and be organized. What advice would you give a young person who wants to do what you do? Electrical work is a very interesting and technical industry providing a great opportunity for a young family. My advice to a new electrician is to get started and learn the mechanics while studying the National Electrical Code. A good place to start would be at the Independent Electrical Contractors Gulf Coast Chapter (IEC). You can put your name on the roster if you want to become a beginner apprentice. All the contractors will see your name, so you can get an interview and get hired. I think it is also important to think things through and learn to work in a safe manner, not only for yourself but also for your co-workers. Over time, you develop your skills and learn from others. Did you have a mentor in the industry? I didn’t really have a mentor. I went to the school of hard knocks. There were a few people I would bounce ideas off of, just like we all do. As member of the IEC, I was able to
meet many other folks in the industry who were more experienced than me. It is a great place to discuss issues with other electrical contractors and figure out how to resolve certain problems. How long have you and Karen been married? Karen and I had celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary in February. Karen still works with me at the company. She does all of our accounting. What did you and Karen do for your anniversary? We went home and chilled out after a long day at work! I think to stay married for more than four decades you have to be open and true. Do you and Karen have any children? Yes, we have daughter named Stephanie and a son named Clayton. They both work with us at the company, too. We also have two grandchildren. We love spending time with our family on the weekend. What are a few of your favorite hobbies when you aren’t leading the company? I enjoy going to amateur and professional motorcycle racing events. My son raced with AMA Roadracing, Flat Track, ArenaCross, Motocross and Supercross teams. He accomplished two AMA National Championships in 1997 and 1998. I have owned Freestone Raceway, a motocross track in Wortham, TX for 15 years. We hold about 12 motocross races at the track a year. My son raced for several years and now he helps me with the racetrack. It is not really a hobby, it is a business. It is also a passion. We go to a lot of races together. I also like to go deer and varmint hunting in the fall season on some ranch property. We shot a few hogs this past fall. Do you enjoy reading when you get a chance? Yes, I mostly like to read technical magazines these days. Do you travel any? I traveled to the professional motocross races in California a while back. That was the last time I traveled outside of Texas. What are your plans for the future? We had a good year in 2014 and it seems to be carrying over in 2015. I’d like to keep working for a while and then at some point I will consider retirement. I used to be the early bird and get to the office at 630am. Lately I have been arriving to work about 8am. Right now I still enjoy working! –ab
Houston Construction News • Mar 2015
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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. 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.
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. 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
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.
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
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
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Houston 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.
Submitted to Construction News
Rule of ‘plumb’
Owner Doug Turner (right) and the Doug Turner Plumbing Co. crew take care of business at the Stafford location. Turner and his wife Nancy founded the company in 1987. –ab
Houston Construction News • Mar 2015
Page 9
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
New COO at Marek Companies
M
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-
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
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Houston Construction News • Mar 2015
Cheers for the cooks
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riends in the Houston construction industry attended the Balfour Beatty Construction 8th annual Trade Partner Barbecue Cookoff at the Houston location Feb. 13. Proceeds from the event will go to the Texas Children’s Hospital. –ab
2nd Place Spirit: Big City Access
1st Place Spirit: Karsten Interiors
1st Place Ribs: Suncoast Post Tension 1st Place Brisket: Iron Access/McCoy
3rd Place Spirit: Way Engineering
1st Place Chicken: Astro Fence
IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN IN CONSTRUCTION NEWS, Give us a call: Houston Editor Abby Bement 832-595-0091 There is no charge for stories and photos.
Houston Construction News • Mar 2015
Page 11
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-
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-
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
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
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
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
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Page 12
Houston Construction News • Mar 2015
Reaching for the stars
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ompanies, individuals and projects were honored at the 18th annual Excellence in Construction Awards Gala at the Houston Junior League Jan. 30. Attendees gathered for the awards presentation following a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception. The masters of ceremonies were Mike Holland, Marek Brothers Systems and Shannon McArthur, MEMCO. The American Subcontractors Association Houston Chapter (ASA) hosted the event. Each year, ASA Houston presents the Excellence in Construction awards in eight categories. The association members nominate individuals and firms in each category. –ab
Architect/Engineer of the Year: Kirksey Architecture
Project Manager of the Year: Chris McAdams, Vaughn Construction
Project Superintendent of the Year: Gerald Moore, Gilbane Building Co.
General Contractor Safety Award: D.E. Harvey Builders Project of the Year Over $15 Million: E.E. Reed Construction LP, The Church Without Walls
Project of the Year Between $5-$15 Million: Tellepsen Builders LP, Grace Bible Church
General Contractor of the Year: D.E. Harvey Builders
Project of the Year Under $5 Million: Linbeck Group LLC, UTMB Custom Homes
continued from Page 1 — A miller’s skill a saw mill in east Texas. Once there, Francesco had no choice but to learn his new trade. He was bewildered at having to go from being a miller of flour to working with logs and lumber. “When he got there, he was virtually penniless so he didn’t have a choice. He had to learn the trade one way or another.” Francesco worked there for a while and, after saving enough to start his own company, he worked his way over to Houston and began to sell firewood. One thing led to another and he started the lumber company. That was 1900. The company has grown since Francesco’s son, Joe F., and wife, Sadie, took over in 1929. They built the business to two Houston locations and more than 100 employees. Montalbano has worked at the lumberyard for the past 37 years. Three other family members actively manage the company’s daily operations, including Michael Montalbano, president; John Montalbano, vice presi- dent; and Yance Montalbano, director of operations. Regardless of the success the family has seen in 115 years, the attitude around the office is modest and humble.
“Over the course of our history, our niche has been the custom homebuilders, most of whom don’t pick up the majority of their supplies from us; we ship to them,” Montalbano said. “It really isn’t paramount to us to have a lot of locations. We can store and ship our products from the current locations in a timely manner with our own fleet of delivery trucks. “By far, the majority of our business lies in Harris and the surrounding counties. But we do ship to other locations as well.” Montalbano says the company prides itself on customer service and having very little employee turnover. “Because of that, our dedicated employees know our loyal customers, and vice versa,” he said. “Our goal for the future is to continue providing quality building materials, competitively priced, with personalized service, as we have since 1900.” Montalbano Lumber provides building materials to contractors and homeowners. The company has locations on Houston Avenue and Shepherd Drive. –ab
Houston Construction News • Mar 2015
Page 13
Round-Up
Submitted to Construction News
Meet and greet
Micheal Wang, PE, has been promoted to senior project manager in the LJA Engineering Inc. Houston land division. Wang has more than 17 years of experience and will play a role in managing projects and providing oversight and mentoring the group’s engineers-in-training, while continuing to expand upon marketing and business development activities. He has a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
covers, outdoor fireplaces and outdoor kitchens. According to Stokes, both companies have stayed busy with projects in 2015 and recently added more employees. The couple’s nephew Blake Stokes is a sales consultant and estimator at Increte of Houston. “Construction is all I have ever known,” he said. “It is in my blood. I absolutely love working in this field. Nothing makes me happier than putting a smile on my customer’s face. It is really fulfilling.” Mitch Gallaugher, sales consultant and estimator, is married to his college sweetheart. Together they have three children. He has called Houston home for the last 27 years.
Operations manager Hill Magnuson is a native Houstonian. He has more than 20 years experience in designing and implementing custom products and solutions. He has worked with Stokes since 2013. For fun, Stokes says he, his wife and two sons enjoy watching U.S. Navy and Texas A & M University football games in the fall season. The Stokes family also loves to travel to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico or any Caribbean island when the opportunity arises. “My wife is very adventurous,” Stokes said. “The rule in the family is any thing in the air, Mom does with you. I, on the other hand, will do anything under the ocean.” –ab
continued from Page 1 — Bank on it building was finished with carpet tile, ceramic tile, wood veneer ceilings with exposed trusses and limestone and painted walls. Baumguard says with the construction of the new facility and the operations that were being done at the existing building, the construction team had to relocate the commercial vault during the construction. “Any construction project can be a feat, but transferring an entire commercial vault was one in itself,” he said. Having the chance to be a part of a project in the East Side of Houston and on the historical site of “Old Harrisburg” was exciting to the construction team. “The restoring of the East Side and renovation of historic buildings in this area is amazing, especially how the cultural and historic integrity are being kept,” Baumgaurd said. “Teal Construction was happy to be a part of the movement.” With the successful completion of this project, Teal and Frost Bank have a
total of 12 buildings completed, one building in construction and another in the design phase. “We have a continued relationship with Frost Bank and have helped perfect the construction of their facilities,” Baumgaurd said. “On all but one of these projects we have worked with Architect McClearly German. We are proud to be a preferred Frost Bank general contractor and can’t wait for the new buildings to be completed.” Employing 54 people, Teal Construction. has a corporate office in Houston and a Corpus Christi office. Teal Construction is a general contracting and construction management firm specializing in the construction of commercial facilities such as auto dealerships, banks, healthcare, community/cultural, institutional, industrial, municipal, office and retail facilities. John Murray Sr. founded Teal Construction in 1947 and John Murray Jr. operates the company today. –ab
Submissions
continued from Page 1 — Adventures in concrete
Round-Up
Construction trade contractor members of the Associated Subcontractors Association Houston Chapter (ASA) traveled to Austin for the 2015 Walk on the Capitol Jan. 28. –ab
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 EnterpriseWide 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.
Craig Glenn has joined RogersO’Brien as Houston director of field operations. Glenn is responsible for overseeing staffing, quality and safety for the company’s project sites throughout Southeast Texas. With 28 years of experience, Glenn has overseen the construction of commercial, healthcare, government and renovation projects throughout the Houston area. He has played an integral role in developing disaster preparedness procedures to protect project sites and assist clients. He has also been active on company risk management, strategic planning, operations and quality assurance/quality control committees. 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.
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
Submitted to Construction News
Out and about
The Associated General Contractors Houston Chapter (AGC) Construction Leadership Council (CLC) held a happy hour event at Warehouse Bar & Chill Jan. 29. –ab
The historical marker near the bank
Page 14
Houston Construction News • Mar 2015
Association Calendar
What’s your favorite local gem?
Content submitted by Associations to Construction News ABC Associated Builders & Contractors
Mar. 3: Leveraging Your Marketing Efforts Mar. 3-6: Workforce Conference Mar. 3-7: ABC Project Management Institute Mar. 6: Leadership Forum Mar. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 31: OSHA 30 Mar. 17: SH 930 Project Management of EHS Professionals Mar. 18: Contracting Liability Mar. 27: Leadership Forum Mar. 30: Spring Golf Tournament; OSHA 3015-Excavation, Trenching and Soil Mechanics Mar. 31: OSHA #501 Trainer Course in OSHA Standards for General Industry For more information call 713-523-6222
Mar. 21: Third Ward Bicycle Tour Mar. 27: Gulf Coast Green Mar. 28: Houston Heights Walking Tour For more information call 713-520-0155
Galveston. I love to go fishing and boating there when I get the chance. Leonard Bedell, Mobil Steel International Inc.
There are so many things to do in the Spring area. It is a great place to work and live. Cory Malak, Climate Services of Texas
ASA
I love attending shows at the Miller Outdoor Theater. Sandra Bauder, Bailey Architects
I like to golf often at Memorial Park Golf Course. Victor Valdez, Victor’s Exteriors and Remodeling
American Subcontractors Association
Mar. 4: Membership Committee meeting Mar. 5: S.A.C.K. Lunch Series Mar. 11: Government Advocacy Committee meeting and Golf Committee meeting Mar. 12: Associate Member Happy Hour Mar. 18: Risk Manager/Contract Admin Peer Group Mar. 19: BPI Session and General Lunch meeting Mar. 24: Safety Committee meeting Mar. 26: SUBExcel 2015 For more information call 281- 679-1877
ACCA Air Conditioning Contractors of Amer.
FPA Foundation Performance Assoc.
Mar. 6 & 7: Annual Cookoff Mar. 16-19: ACCA National Conference in Grapevine – (No March meeting) For more information call 713-781-4822
Mar. 11: Presentation, 5pm For more information visit www.foundationperformance.org
AGC
IEC
Associated General Contractors
Mar. 3-6: OSHA For General Industry Mar. 3: CEFPI & AGC Houston Joint Meeting Mar. 4: Qualified Rigger & Signal Person Training Mar. 5-6: OSHA 10-Hour Safety Course for Entry Level Construction Workers Mar. 9-13: HAZWOPER General Site Worker 40-Hour Mar. 11: Raising Safety Awareness in Construction Mar. 12: Raising Safety Awareness in Construction (Spanish) Mar. 16-20: OSHA 30-Hour Course in Spanish Mar. 17-20: OSHA For General Industry and Introduction to Environmental Compliance Mar. 24-25: Project Manager Development Program Module 2: Contract Administration Mar. 25: BIM Unit 2: Technology 2nd Edition; First Aid/CPR/AED Training Mar. 27-28: AGC Houston Fair & Barbecue Cook-Off Mar. 31: BIM Unit 3: Contract Negotiation and Risk Allocation For more information call 713-843-3700
AIA
Independent Electrical Contractors
Mar. 5: Motor Controls Class – Level 1, 6pm-9pm, Thursdays, Contractors $400/ Non- Members $475 Mar. 18: Monthly meeting Mar. 18: Electrical License Renewal Class, Conroe Facility, 6pm-10pm For more information call 713-869-1976
NAWIC Nat’l Assn. of Women in Construction
Mar. 10: General Dinner meeting - Financial Review: Estimating, AIA Accounting & Funding, Membership is not a requirement for attendance – guests are always welcome For more information visit www.nawichouston.org
Galveston is the place to be for the Lone Star Rally. Tom Large, Maverick Enterprises Houston has so much to offer including concerts, shows and, of course, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! Bryon Bills, Afton Inc. I like to take my family camping at Lake Livingston. My wife Stacy and our three children love it! Danny Argo, A-Plus Glass Service The NRG Stadium where the Houston Texans play football! I try to make it to a few games a year if I get the opportunity. Jason Rodriguez, Cool Parts The running trails in Katy are great. I like to run there for exercise and a chance to think. Matt Zetlmeisl, ICF Constructors I like the Cypress area. Matt Diffendal, Diffco My favorite place to ride my Harley Davidson motorcycle is FM 2920 and FM 1774 near Tomball. Giles Smallwood, Binswanger Glass
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands. I love going to concerts there on the weekend. Ryan Schoultz, Johnson Supply The Toyota Center, where the Houston Rockets play basketball. Sam Rivas, Rivas Air Conditioning & Heating The historical sites in Sugar Land. Eric Bruce, Michael Neil Cabinetry Guitar Center! Cesar Cervantes, Comfort Cooling & Heating Village Hardware, because I can find all the tools I need for weekend projects around the house! Toby Thoresen, Village Hardware I enjoy spending time in Galveston. Hank Taylor, Epoxy Design Systems Inc. I can think of several gems in Houston the Ship Channel, NASA, the Medical Center, the Metro Light Rail and the Discovery Green downtown. Perry Seeberger, Seeberger Architecture I love to take my dogs to Galveston beach on the weekend. Christine Medlin, Envirotest Ltd.
NECA National Electrical Contractor Assn.
Mar. 3: Electrical Medical Trust meeting Mar. 4: Galveston Pension meeting Mar. 5: Coastal Sabine Division and CSLMCC meeting Mar. 10: Houston JATC Meeting Mar. 12: TXGC Division and TXGCLMP Meeting Mar. 24: Houston Division meeting with Affiliates For more information call 713-977-2522
American Institute of Architects
Mar. 5: YAF Firm meeting Mar. 7: Construction Documents & Services Seminar Mar. 10: Construction Documents & Services Vignette Workshop Mar. 14: Texas Medical Walking Tour Mar. 19: Small Firm Roundtable
I enjoy playing golf at several golf courses in the Houston area. Kenneth Robinson Jr., A Professional Corp.
WCA Women Contractors Association
Mar. 25: Networking Luncheon – Construction Forecast with Kiley Advisors For more information visit www.womencontractors.org
Leading the way The Houston Contractors Association (HCA) has named its 2015 board of directors and new board members. –ab President: Sherry Barker, C.E. Barker Ltd. Vice President/Treasurer: Brandon Schweitzer, Lone Star Road Construction Ltd Secretary: Ken Rickett, Mustang Cat Contractor Board Members: Tim Creson, Webber and Dennis Wolford, Jimerson Underground Associate Board Members: Alan McVicker, Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers and Keith Steffek, S & V Surveying Director Emeritus: Steve Pate, Strike LLC
Submitted to Construction News
Focused on careers Construction News ON LOCATION
Taking inventory
Inside salesman Carlos Gonzales works on the computer after helping customers at the Morrison Supply Stafford location. –ab
The Independent Electrical Contractors Texas Gulf Coast (IEC) set up a booth at the Houston Hispanic Forum (HHF) Career and Education Day held at George R. Brown Convention Center in mid February. –ab
Houston Construction News • Mar 2015
Page 15
Never stop learning
Football fans
L-R: Jamie Ochoa and Joe Ochoa Jr. have a great time at the NFL ProBowl game.
J Jake Freund, 87, former HCC Sheet Metal instructor, sits at his desk at the Houston Area Sheet Metal Training Center.
J
ake Freund says he has been retired for 18 years, but his colleagues at the Houston Area Sheet Metal Training Center might argue that. The former Houston Community College Sheet Metal instructor says the training center is his “second home” where he still occasionally pokes his head into a classroom, tinkers in the workshop and enjoys talking with others in the business. “My father wanted me to be an electrician, but I always liked working with my hands and building things,” Freund said. At 87, Freund is the only living member of the original charter that formed the Apprenticeship Training Association of Texas (ATAT) in 1969. The ATAT, created with the support of J.B. Whiteley, the first HCC chancellor, has had a four-decade partnership with the community college. “Jake’s background is the stuff legends are made of,” said Douglas Posey, HCC director of apprenticeship programs. “He was the catalyst that made things happen in so many areas. “The amazing thing about Jake is not that he has been around a long time, but it's all the things he has done to make HCC graduates successful on the local and national level.” Over the years, the ATAT Apprenticeship programs have grown and have been recognized by the Department of Labor and World Trade Organizations as producing the best quality workers. The HCC Apprenticeship Program today is a 3- to 5-year program that mixes on-the-job training for skilled trade and craft workers with classroom instruction. The program trains sheet metal workers, carpenters, electricians, millwrights, pipefitters, welders, masons, sta-
tionary engineers and glaziers. Eddie Gonzalez, marketing representative at the Sheet Metal Workers Union, was an apprentice under Freund from 1999-2003. “Jake ran a tight ship and never expected anything but the best,” Gonzalez said. “His dedication is unbelievable.” Freund admits, even after all the years of teaching, he never stops learning from the apprentices who come through the program. “It was rewarding to me to work with students and motivate them into being good people at their trades and remind them that they can still go to college,” Freund said. “They can make enough money at work to pay for college. “I have had three or four students who have gone on to become sheet metal shop owners. Many are project engineers right now.” Freund says he would encourage a young trade worker to learn math in school. “You need a lot of math,” he said. “In addition, a young trade worker should not be afraid of getting dirty because it's part of the trade. “My advice is to work hard at a job and if you like it, then to be the best at it.” These days Freund enjoys spending quality time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and he likes to go fishing when he gets the chance. “I've been building a place at Holiday Lake (near Lake Livingston Dam) for 40 years,” he said. On the weekend, Freund loves to get on his tractor or lawnmower, hang out with his border collie and just relax. “I keep busy but I run out of energy real quick,” he said. “I don't have any plans to retire until the good Lord calls me home!” –ab
Construction News ON LOCATION
Need a lift?
L-R: Choco Castaneda and Jose Martinez load materials for roofing contractor customers at ABC Supply Co. Inc. in Stafford. –ab
aime Ochoa and Joe Ochoa Jr., Joe Ochoa Roofing Inc., had fun tailgating at a Houston Texans game this past football season. “We enjoyed cooking our famous annual street tacos during the tailgating event,” Jamie Ochoa said. The brothers also had a chance to go to the 2015 NFL ProBowl game held at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ Jan. 25. –ab
L-R: Jamie Ochoa and Joe Ochoa Jr. serve street tacos at a Houston Texans tailgating event.
Mudbugs in March?
Will your company have a crawfish boil event in the springtime? Let us know or send photos to Abby at Houstoneditor@ constructionnews.net.
Page 16
Houston Construction News • Mar 2015
Making an impression
Submitted to Construction News
Camo day
The folks at Central Building Materials LLC wore camoflauge at the Tomball location in January. The company is a building materials distributor. –ab
Submitted to Construction News Jaime Ochoa (right) donates a J.J. Watt football and jersey.
P
resident Joe Ochoa Sr. established Stafford-based Joe Ochoa Roofing Inc. in 1971. His sons Joe and Jaime help him lead the business today. Ochoa thinks the keys to staying in business since 1971 is old-fashioned hard work, attention to detail, integrity, exceptional craftsmanship and customer service. “You also have to stay on the cutting edge in the construction industry,” Ochoa said. When it is time for Ochoa to hire, the qualities he looks for in new employees are leadership, great communication and organizational skills, and a friendly personality.
“We had a great year in 2014,” Ochoa said. “We are thankful for the continuous support of our customers. We look forward to the rest of 2015!” According to Ochoa, last fall the company donated an autographed J.J. Watt football and jersey to West Houston Leadership institute (WHLI) to help raise money for the 7th annual Zest in the West Fest. A commercial job the company recently completed was the C4 Crossfit Greatwood project. Joe Ochoa Roofing is a full-service residential & commercial roofing & siding contractor. The company is a GAF Factory Certified Master Elite Roofing Contractor. –ab
Fighting hearts
The Kirksey Architecture staff wore red to the office Feb. 6 to join the fight against heart disease and show support for the American Heart Association. –ab