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Volume 3
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Number 3
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MARCH 2015
Mill skill
Supplies for South Texas
Quality workmanship is still the standard at The Hoffman Company. L-R: Mark Salinas, Mark Mills, Luis Gutierrez, Richard Moran
L-R: Carlos Gutierrez, Kirk Bell, Tim Stephens, Jason Gutierrez and Steve Bradshaw are ready to help customers at Johnstone Supply in Corpus Christi.
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rchitectural woodworking company The Hoffman Company has deep roots in Corpus Christi. Started in 1945 by A.J. Hoffman, the company has been directed by the male Hoffman line, with A.J.’s son Bud Hoffman as president after A.J.’s death in 1969 to Bryan Hoffman, Bud’s son who has been in charge since 1987. And now, Bryan’s son, Chad Hoffman, who lives and works in the Austin area, is also involved in the business. Things have changed in the industry over the years, according to Bryan. “From the 1920s through the 1950s, millwork companies produced everything, including moldings, cabinetry, windows, doors and paneling,” he says.
“From the 1960s forward, many companies began specializing in each individual category. Our company is one of a few who remains as a full production mill.” The Hoffman Company is only one in a handful that still covers that broad spectrum of work. “We think our contractors like to have a one-stop shop,” he says. There’s a full mill on site, but the company is anything but run-of-the-mill. The product is of the highest quality. “Our reputation is built and maintained on our quality of work,” Bryan says. “We are more towards the higher end. That’s our expertise.” continued on Page 14
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hen Tim Stephens made a major career change and took over Johnstone Supply from his father, Ted, it turned out to be an auspicious move for him and the business. His father bought the location in Corpus Christi in 1974. At that time, it was called Airtrol Supply Inc. and had been in business since 1947. In 1984, Ted joined Johnstone Supply, a business that started in Portland, OR in 1953. This provided better buying power and allowed him to compete with the larger regional and national competitors. Meanwhile, Tim, who grew up in Corpus Christi, had graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in engineering and also from Arizona State University with a
degree in civil engineering. When his father decided to retire and offered the business to Tim, he and his wife, Holly, decided to take a chance. Since that time, Tim has opened an additional five locations of Johnston Supply in Corpus Christi, Victoria, Pharr, Brownsville and La Feria. It was challenging at first. “Our long standing customers would say, ‘You don’t do things like your dad,’ but times change,” Tim says. “Now, there is a good mixture of young employees who are tech savvy and older employees who know the parts.” The business supplies AC/refrigeration service companies and works with continued on Page 14
Getting students fired up
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hen the City of Corpus Christi needed to replace Fire Station #5, which had fallen into disrepair and was undersized, there was a hurdle to be jumped. The new station needed to remain in the same geographical location to service the existing community, but the city was not having much luck finding a property that could accommodate the needed access of fire equipment and personnel. Enter the Corpus Christi Independent School District, which owned property adjacent to one of its high schools, where an abandoned two-story building, previously utilized as the old high school, was standing. The property was large enough to house a new fire station and, with a little planning ingenuity, a second building, a joint use facility, could be erected as well, says Dave Alexander, who along with wife, Kacy, owns Safenet
The new fire station fits in with the city’s aesthetics, boasting a mural of fire fighters and a wave of water on one side. To the left is the joint use facility where students from CCISD will be able to learn fire fighting skills.
Services LLC, the general contractor on the $2 million project. The joint use facility contains a classroom available for use by CCISD high school students who want to study fire science. “By determining a curriculum adaptable to CCISD students and the fire fighters, this second building could allow each party to gain valuable student and training space,” Alexander says. “The City could lease the property for minimal costs, the school district gains new student space, and the neighborhood acquires a shining example of modern architecture.” Fire chief Robert Rocha aims to start recruiting students for the program this spring. “The building allows us to complete these lofty goals we have to capture students at a young age,” Rocha says. “They continued on Page 14
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South Texas Construction News • Mar 2015
The Hall way
Passes the safety test and more
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Employees with more than 30 years of service with the Turek family include, front, L-R: Susan Coker (who was celebrating a birthday, hence the crown), Doris Strelczy and Shirley Burriss; and back, L-R: James Novosad and Glen Kuecker. –cw
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odie and Jeanette Turek created a successful family business in 1967 when they purchased Hall Electric Company in Victoria from Bud and Margaret Hall. And in 2014, the next generation, their children, Stephen Turek and Stacey Rather, assumed ownership of the company DBA Hall Lighting and Design Center. Except for the paperwork it’s nothing new for the two – Stephen has been in the business most of his life, and Stacey remembers going to the buyers market in Dallas with her mom as a child. And mom and dad are still very active in the company. “Dad is here every day,” Stacey says. “And we call mom the “Pink Lady” because she is a volunteer. She still runs circles around the warehouse employees.” The company has roughly 38 employees and their work consists of 45 percent commercial, 35 percent residential
and 20 percent service. Besides the ownership change, the company has evolved from a small electric company with two trucks and a small building to the current location – a 40,000-sf facility with a beautiful showroom. Stephen and Stacey credit their father’s business sense and vision for moving the company north. “When we moved to the second location, next door to the current location, it was in the middle of a cornfield,” Stephen laughs. Many of the employees have been around to see the changes taking place. “We like to consider it a family environment,” Stephen says. “Everybody helps each other.” Stacey, who is responsible for growing the showroom since her return in 1998, says customer satisfaction is goal number one. “Our name is on the business,” she says. “We take pride in that.” –cw
i-Tech Testing in Corpus Christi does plenty of work in the oilfields. But that’s not the only reason they have an emphasis on safety for employees. “We pride ourselves on safety, quality, ethics and relationships,” says Jeff Thrasher, operations manager/Level II technician. “Those are our core values.” Thrasher explains that the company goes above the mandated safety training – and that extra training is provided by the company. “We require 16 hours of additional training and even more for drivers,” he says. Such emphasis on safety has contributed to the company only having Gary Burnfield and Jeff Thrasher uphold Hi-Tech’s core values of safety, quality, ethics and relationships. one recordable incident out of 900,000 working man hours in 2014. It also reflects the company’s atti- system. According to Thrasher, it’s an old tude towards getting and retaining good technology that dates back to WW1 and was started on ships. The technology employees. “We groom employees from within,” uses a variety of methods, including radiography, to examine objects such as says Thrasher. Gary Burnfield, an ASNT Level III in pipelines. “It’s a broad inspection field,” ThrashRT, PT and MT, who has been with Hi-Tech Testing 9+ years, says employees have er says. “Basically, anything that holds the opportunity to advance and are en- pressure or holds weight.” Customer service is key, Thrasher couraged to do so. “We want our employees to be driv- says. en and ambitious. We want them to suc- “We want our customers to say, ceed and move up in our company,” he ‘Those techs from Hi-Tech are the best guys we’ve ever had on a job,’” he says. says. Hi-Tech Testing provides non-de- “We meet face to face with employees structive testing to evaluate the proper- and customers in the field to make sure ties of any given material, component or everyone is happy.” –cw
New COO at Marek Companies
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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 long-
term 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 involved 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.” –cw 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.
South Texas Construction News • Mar 2015
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Another new leader rises at HOLT
Roots run deep
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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 ac-
Bert Fulgium has taken on a new role at HOLT CAT as the vice president of product support for the Machine Division.
quired Darr Equipment Co. He started out as a local service manager in Longview. A 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
Construction News ON LOCATION
The Fossati family can trace its roots in Victoria back several generations. Front, L-R: Beth Fossati and Xavier Fossati; back, L-R: Dan Fossati, David Fossati and Tim Fossati.
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he Fossati family can trace their roots in Victoria back to the “Macaroni” Railroad, built between 1882 and 1900, and so called because many of the laborers were Italian. The railroad connected Rosenberg to Victoria. David Fossati, vice president and manager of City Plumbing Supply, says his great-great-grandfather, Frank N. Fossati, a stone mason, came to the United States from Italy and made his way to Texas to work on the state capital. When that job was not ready to begin, he made his way to Victoria where he worked on the railroad. The origins of the family-owned business are a little closer to present day. Frank L. Fossati, David’s grandfather, started Victoria Plumbing Company in 1928. From that beginning, David’s father, Xavier Fossati, and two of his brothers, Frank A. and Gregory L., operated that business. In 1963, Xavier opened City Plumbing Supply on his own. In 2002, Victoria Plumbing Company
was closed. In 1986, the current location was built and five years later, the original store was closed. Today, the business is still very much a family affair with Xavier Fossati, president, and still active; and his children, Beth Fossati, secretary; Tim Fossati, purchasing agent; Dan Fossati, showroom consultant; and David. Many of the 10 employees are longterm. David believes that is because the company is thorough when it comes to hiring. “When we hire, we are careful,” he says. “We like to hire people we know or know of. We are like a family. When somebody needs something, there is help.” The company is successful and longstanding due to service and knowledge, David says. “We strive to give good, friendly and quick service,” he says. “The combined knowledge we can offer sets us apart, as well.” –cw
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Sylvia Hay, inside sales rep, and Heath Breedlove, branch manager, make sure everything is in order for a busy day at United Rentals in Karnes City. –cw
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South Texas 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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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.
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We buy Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Iron, Stainless Steel, Steel, Brass & Radiators 2300 Frio City Rd.
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City Plumbing Supply in Victoria has a friendly crew of knowledgeable employees ready to help. L-R: Kenneth Fishbeck, Alex Cavazos and Tim Fossati –cw
South Texas Construction News • Mar 2015
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Architects in Austin Employers use noncompetition & nonsolicitation agreements to limit poaching of key employees
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ore than 130 architecture professionals, associates and students visited Austin on Feb. 10 for Advocacy for Architecture Day at the State Capitol on Feb. 10. The American Institute of Architects South Texas Chapter (AIA) was well represented. –cw
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 ployees. for the employer, the area in which the 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. graphic area, and (iii) the scope of activi- Because Texas has become more faty 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 prostatutory criteria. tect confidential information and trade 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. agreements. Under prior law, employers Shelly Masters is a Principal in the Auswere 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 construcployee. tion, labor and employment, commercial 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.
Construction News ON LOCATION
Getting supplied
Ernie Rodriguez of Bay Ltd. picks up supplies at Contractors Building Supply Company in Corpus Christi. –cw
A IA-CC members Jacqueline Carlson, president; Connie Rivera, TxA director; and Sheldon Schroeder, past director, visited the office of State Representative J.M. Lozano.
Sheldon Schroeder, Philip Ramirez and Chris Minnick wait outside of Senator Juan ’Chuy’ Hinojosa’s office.
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South Texas Construction News • Mar 2015
man boxing in Golden Gloves tournaments. Soon after, Joe joined the United States Marine Corps and was sent to Vietnam. He was adopted by his stepfather, Pete Elizondo, who was a lumber craftsman.
Joe and Jeanne Elizondo, Owners Greenwood Architectural Doors Corpus Christi, TX
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oe and Jeanne Elizondo have opened many doors in their lives … some of them were harder to open than others, but in the end, this couple has opened the doors to opportunity and fulfillment in the coastal bend of Texas. As the owners of Greenwood Architectural Doors in Corpus Christi, hard work and good business decisions have led the couple to a place where they can enjoy their grandchildren, enjoy traveling and enjoy helping their customers find their perfect door to open. The photos lining the walls of Joe’s office tell stories about his life filled with adventure. There are many photos of Joe with celebrities – and especially celebrities in the boxing world, where Joe once was a Golden Gloves champion. Framed shadow boxes tell another story – of Joe’s life as a U.S. Marine, including three Purple Hearts. To say Joe is tough is an understatement, but he’s also the life of the party – never meeting a stranger. Jeanne comes from Dutch stock – her flashing green eyes and red hair tell the story of a Dutch mother who taught her daughters how to be strong and smart.
You have a blended family, right? Jeanne: I have three children. Drew, 47, is a parts specialist for an auto dealership in Hutto; Annette Mayne, my daughter, is a human resources Joe and Jeanne Elizondo have built a good life together. manager, and my son Gary owns two businesses (one is a hotshot service called Holland. A group of soldiers went out The Dutchman, named after my mother) one night and they met up with some loand the other is First Impressions. Joe has cal girls at the market square. They got married in Holland in 1945. two children, Jose, 47, who is a manager for HEB and Kathy Rosso, who is an ad- She moved here before he returned ministrator for a childhood development home. It was hard for her, living in Sinton, TX and not knowing any English or Spancenter. ish. She communicated with hand sigWhat about grandchildren and great- nals. But she learned both within one grandchildren? Jeanne: There are a total of 13 grand- year. She could speak five languages, as children and two great-grandchildren – well as read and write them. and two more great-grandchildren on She sounds like she was smart and the way! tough. Jeanne, tell me about how your father Yes. There were nine children and the girls took after her. met your mother? My father, Tirso Moreno, was a WWII Joe always says you can’t change a vet. He met my mother, Hendrina Ger- Dutch woman – they are known to be trudes Janssen, while he was stationed in stubborn.
How did you two meet? We met on New Year’s Eve in 1971 at a party. They always say when you get to know somebody on New Year’s Eve, you will be together forever. We believe that! We knew the minute we met that we would be together. We got married in 2003 at the Vatican in Rome. It is one of our favorite trips. Tell me about your early lives? Jeanne: I was born in Odem, TX and grew up in the Los Olmos Community and attended school in Skidmore-Tynan. Joe: I was born in Kingsville and lived there until I was four. At that time, I moved to Corpus Christi to live with my mother, Isaura. Joe attended W.B. Ray High School where he was active in boxing. He went on to win many competitions as a young
Joe Elizondo was a Golden Gloves champion. He is fifth from the left.
She taught us to be good in life, to respect and love each other. She taught us how to cook. She was a classy lady and very beautiful. Tell me about Joe’s service to his country. Joe was an E5 sergeant. In Vietnam, he was a tunnel rat. (During the Vietnam War, “tunnel rats” infiltrated the Viet Cong’s extensive underground system of complexes. Tunnel rats were sent in to kill any hiding enemy soldiers and to plant explosives to destroy the tunnels. The tunnels were very dangerous, with numerous booby traps and enemies lying in wait.) He went into one of the tunnels and saved two or three Marines that were trapped in the tunnel. Joe was shot three times. The last one brought him home, he was shot in the neck (jaw area). He did his own tracheotomy in the field. He knew that if he wanted to live, he had to do this. He is highly decorated, and received the Bronze Star. What happened after Joe came home? He was working fulltime selling cars and had started a part-time business making hand-carved furniture. There is a piece he made for the Tex-
as governor at the time. He learned a lot from his father, Pete. He also learned a lot from his grandmother – she was very feisty and a good businesswoman. The original shop was on Greenwood Street, that’s where the name comes from. It was just a little shop, about 1,000sf. He sold lumber and doors and was also still working at the car dealership. Because of his near-death experience, Joe came back with a different definition of what living life meant. What happened after you joined in life and in the business? Jeanne: When we joined, Joe and I started working to
Jeanne Elizondo gives her full attention to a customer on the phone.
make things better. Within a year, sales were tripled and in 1993, we moved to a larger building. We moved to our current location in 2010 – we wanted to downsize a little and the economy was down. We are getting older. We might like to retire in a few years. What has made your business successful? Jeanne: I like my customers to be pleased. You have to listen to your customers, that’s the most important thing. I’m very hands-on and I remember their names. I always try to make them feel at home. I want them to be happy. The door is the first impression people get of your home, so when people see our doors on homes and businesses, they ask about it. We get a lot of word-ofmouth business. Customers are the ones who really own your business. Without them you can’t survive. What do you like to do when you are not working? We like to travel. We’ve been all over Europe and the states. Of course, Joe traveled all over when he was in the military. We like to attend our grandchildren’s sporting events. They are all playing some sport all the time so you have to take turns. We stay active in their lives. One of our grandchildren has expressed an interest in learning the business. He is majoring in business and college. He helped me set up our website and accounting systems. –cw
Photos of celebrities with the Elizondo’s decorate the walls of Joe’s office.
South Texas Construction News • Mar 2015
Page 7
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 looks 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
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.
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STEVE SCHULTZ OUTDOORS, LLC BAFFIN BAY LAGUNA MADRE LAND CUT SPECKLED TROUT REDFISH FLOUNDER FISHING AND HUNTING TRIPS
(361) 949-7359
www.baffinbaycharters.com steveschultzoutdoors@ gmail.com U.S. Coast Guard & Texas Parks and Wildlife Licensed
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South Texas 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
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS . . . Email to: STeditor@ constructionnews.net or call Cyndi 210-308-5800 (home office)
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
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 roll-
You know it’s rodeo time…
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hey started the long 150-mile trip on Feb. 5 in Edroy and slowly wound their way to their destination, the San Antonio Livestock Show & Rodeo, arriving on Friday, Feb. 13. The Corpus Christi-based South Texas Trail Riders Inc. has been in the business of trail riding to San Antonio since 1959. This year marks the 56th anniversary. Raffles and the ride itself help raise funds the non-profit organization uses for scholarships and other charitable donations. Photos taken from the side of Hwy. 181 south of San Antonio. –cw
ing. 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.
South Texas Construction News 窶｢ Mar 2015
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Submitted to Construction News
Mascot extraordinaire
Pugsly, the pug, came to the office every day while he was the special mascot for EGV Architects in Hidalgo. 窶田w
Submitted to Construction News
Fore the win
Alamo Crane is equipped to handle any petroleum related work in the Eagle Ford Shale.
At a recent Durolast golf tournament in Galveston, team McAllen Valley Roofing came in first place with a score of 59 against 23 teams from all over the United States and Canada. Congrats! L-R: Daniel Lakstins, Brian McSteen, Roel Cantu, Pat Roth 窶田w
Installing walkway on sand silo in Eagle Ford area with our new 120-ton Liebherr
Submitted to Construction News
Up on a roof
From El Paso to Beaumont, Amarillo to Brownsville
There were a lot of volunteers that joined in to help the Harlingen Rotarians build the first Habitat for Humanity home in Cameron County. Puente Roofing donated the materials and labor for the roof. 窶田w
35 Years of Service to Texas
www.alamocrane.com
San Antonio (210) 344-7370 Austin (512) 282-6866 Toll Free (800) 880-0134
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South Texas Construction News • Mar 2015
By the blocks
Construction News JOB SIGHT
Winner Paul Klaus with his project
Ramon Tamayo, of Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, stands in front of a job site in Karnes City. The finished project will be an 8,924-sf transportation, maintenance and technology facility; tennis courts; and a 448-sf restroom/concession building. –cw
he Corpus Christi National Women in Construction Association (NAWIC) held their local Block Kids Building Program on Jan. 31 at Jones Elementary. The Block Kid program introduces children to the construction industry and is open to all children in grades one through six. NAWIC members participating included, front, L-R: Cathy Thirty-nine stuBeaudin, Vickie Thompson and Lisa Huerta; back, L-R: Patricia dents from Jones EleLivas, Teresa Salman-Smith and Darlene Lee Omana mentary and Holy Fam2nd place: Desirae Sanchez, Jones Eleily Catholic School participated. –cw mentary 3rd place: Christian Arriaga, Holy Family Winners 4th place: Tiana Ramos, Holy Family 1st place: Paul Klaus, Jones Elementary
Tennis anyone?
Construction News JOB SIGHT
Transportation hub
In the club Fulton-Coastcon is working on this project in Corpus Christi that will become the new home for the Regional Transportation Authority there. –cw
McAllen Valley Roofing was inducted into the 2014 Durolast Century Club for outstanding achievement in quality workmanship, customer satisfaction and goals achieved. Congrats! –cw
Construction News ON LOCATION
Chilly day
Aaron Martinez stays warm by keeping busy for Malek Inc. in Corpus Christi. –cw
South Texas 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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South Texas Construction News • Mar 2015
Stars were out in the Valley
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ho needs to go to Las Vegas when you can go to the Associated General Contractors – Rio Grande Valley (AGC-RGV) 2015 Installation of Officers and Construction Awards banquet and be magically transported there? For the guests at the annual event at Casa Grande Convention Center in Rancho Viejo on Friday, Jan. 30, the music was great, the food was wonderful and after all the awards, the gaming was on! Emcees Perry Vaughn, AGC-RGV president, and Tré Peacock, president of the board, kept things moving along for the crowd.
The chapter presented two special awards. One was the SIR Award (Skill-Integrity-Responsibility), presented to Terry Ray, Terry Ray Construction. It is only the second time in the chapter’s 65-year history that the award has been given. The other was to Carmen Perez Garcia, who has announced her upcoming retirement from the Lower Rio Grande Valley Chapter American Institute of Architects (LRGV-AIA). Congrats to the winners! –cw Photos courtesy of Frontera Media
2015 incoming board, L-R: Perry Vaughn, Chris Hamby, Bill Peacock, Tré Peacock, Jorge Gonzalez, Steve Garza, Roy Garrison, Chris Lowery (not pictured, Robert Bennett)
General contractor of the Year: GP7 Construction Inc.
General Contractor Safety Superintendent of the Year: Rocky Poovey, SpawGlass Contractors Inc.
Safety Pays Award: SpawGlass Contractors Inc.
Superintendent of the Year: Phillip Cortez, Peacock General Contractors
Associate Subcontractor Member of the Year: D&F Industries Inc.
Associate Supplier/Service Member of the Year: GC Steel & Accessories LLC.
Architectural Firm of the Year: Eddie Vela/EGV Architects
Special architectural award to Carmen Perez Garcia, honorary AIA and executive director of LRGV-AIA
SIR Award: Terry Ray
Structural Steel Products Pipe, Tubing, Plate & Sheets Metal Building Materials Ornamental Iron & Accessories Cast Iron Spears Fittings Decorative Castings & Designs Toll Free Welders Welding Supplies & Accessories Fax Power Tools Abrasives Shop & Safety Supplies 2042 W. Thompson @ Port San Antonio Paint & Machinery San Antonio, TX 78226 Trailer Products Access Control Products Gate & Door Hardware Pipe Bollards Gate Operators–Farm/Ranch Precut – Painted Residential/Commercial 6-5/8” OD X .188 wall X 7 Ft
210.431.0088 800.725.4776 210.431.0701 www.sss-steel.com
Getting their game on!
South Texas Construction News • Mar 2015
Page 13
Round-Up
It’s in the blood
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orking sheet metal is in the blood of the current owners of Carey Sheet Metal in Harlingen. It’s been a family-owned business since John B. Carey Sr. founded the shop in 1948. Now his son, John B. Carey Jr. is president and his grandson, John B. Carey III, is vice president. Originating in South Dakota where they worked sheet metal, Carey Sr. traveled to Texas with his father when they heard there was work in Hondo. Arriving and finding the job already completed, they kept going until they reached Harlingen, where there was a friend who had opened a sheet metal shop. There are currently seven full-time employees and the company does 25 percent residential and 75 percent commercial work. “If it’s made of metal, we can make it” is the company’s slogan. The family business has held on through good times and slow times, Car-
ey III said, because of several things. “Even during times of heavy construction growth, I worked with my smaller customers consistently,” he says. “They will be around during the slow times.” The employees at the company tend to stay, as well. “When we find somebody good, we hang onto them,” he says. “One employee’s father worked here until he retired. Now the son works here and has his whole life.” Another plus for the company is their know-how. “We’ll do the stuff people can’t or don’t know how to – and we get it done quickly,” he says. “Contractors know they can depend on Carey for quality and quickness.” Carey III and wife Pam have three children and one granddaughter. The couple has been sweethearts since high school. –cw
Submissions
L-R: J.B. Carey, Pam Carey, Ree Lyons, J.B.’s aunt who also works in the business, and her husband, Jim, enjoy the recent AGC-RGV annual banquet.
Round-Up
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.
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
Construction News ON LOCATION
That was good!
Association Calendar
Content submitted by Associations to Construction News AGC- South Texas
AIA - LRGV
Associated General Contractors
American Institute of Architects
Mar. 18-20: AGC National Convention, San Juan, Puerto Rico Mar. 26: AGC/AIA Spring Mixer at Hoegemeyer’s BBQ from 5:30-7:30pm
AIA - Corpus Christi American Institute of Architects
Mar. 10: Luncheon/CEU Presentation, location TBD. Program: Upward Acting Commercial Sectional Door Systems. Mar. 26: Chapter mixer at Hoegemeyer’s BBQ from 5:30-7:30pm.
Mar. 26: Member meeting
CSC Contractors Safety Council
Mar. 17-20: OSHA #3095 Electrical Standards, held in Port Lavaca. Four sessions.
NAWIC - Corpus Christi Nat’l Assn. of Women in Construction
Mar. 17: Monthly meeting at the Bar BQ Man Restaurant, 4139 S. IH 37, Corpus. Networking starts at 5:30pm, program is Construction News JOB SIGHT at 6pm and dinner at 6:30pm. Construction News JOB SIGHT
Safe surface
Daniel Garcia, of Texas No Slip, is working on a Karnes City improvement project. The Bulverde-based company just finished work on city hall and are seen here working on the front of the police department. –cw
David Rios and Richard Shaw head back to work at Affirm Oilfield Services after a satisfying lunch at Partners BBQ in Karnes City. –cw
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South Texas Construction News • Mar 2015
What class would you like to take? Aviation. I’ve always been interested in flying. Jeff Thrasher, Hi-Tech Testing
is one of the best gifts you can give people. Lynda Parma, VCS Companies
Spanish. I’d like to be fluent in it. I’ve always wanted to learn a second language and I think it would be beneficial. Gary Burnfield, Hi-Tech Testing
I’ve always wanted to take a photography class so I could capture special moments with my family as well as at work events. Kristi Stevenson, ABC Texas Mid-Coast Chapter
Scuba diving. It looks so beautiful. Valerie Frenco, Navy Army Community Credit Union I’ve always wanted to learn Chinese. People used to think I was oriental when I was young. Brooke Cruz, Navy Army Community Credit Union I’d take a culinary class. I watch Food Network all the time. Megan Hampton, Navy Army Community Credit Union Golf lessons. Because I suck at it and I want to be good. Ruben Jimenez, Coastal Bend Fire Protection Influencing people. It would help me with relationships. Danny Adkins, Ferguson Enterprises Flying lessons. I don’t like being a passenger, I like to drive. Second, piano lessons. Charles Schibi, APEX Engineers Stand-up comedy class because laughter
Architectural history, because it is basically the history of civilization through art. Jacqueline M. Carlson, Del Mar College I am currently taking classes online with A&M Corpus Christi and I am five classes away from obtaining my bachelors in business management. This decision important for me because I wanted to first finish what I started when I was young, second to bring value to the company I am loyal to and third, but most important, to be an example to my kids. The class that I am currently taking is Compensation and Appraisal Systems. Believe me, it has taught me things I can really utilize here at my job with my employees. Elizabeth Cantu, Briggs Equipment
continued from Page 1 — Mill skill That high-end workmanship is part of why the company has endured through good times and bad. “We have been here so long we have general contractors who we have worked with over and over,” Bryan says. That goes for employees, as well. “We have several third generation employees,” he explains. “We try to keep it a family atmosphere.” Some of the current employees have been there more than 30 years and worked for Bryan’s father, Bud. At one point, four brothers worked there at the same time. There are a couple of families that still have more than one family member working there. “Old family companies can do that,” Bryan says. The Hoffman Company sits on three acres in downtown Corpus – and that
foresight has been a blessing. As business has grown, the large lot has enabled the company to expand into seven buildings on site, rather than moving to a different location. The lion’s share of the company’s work traditionally was in Houston, according to Bryan, but recently that has changed. “This year, it has shifted to Corpus Christi,” he says. “It just so happens that a lot of commercial work is happening here.” That includes an expansion to Texas A&M Corpus Christi, new hospitals and new refineries. “We are proud of what goes out of here,” Bryan says. “My granddaddy taught me if it is worth doing, do it right.” –cw
continued from Page 1 — Getting students fired up
I would have to say getting certified for skydiving solo has always been a dream of mine. I think that falls under the “class” category. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a real estate development class would be interesting as well. Brandon Rees, CMC
continued from Page 1 — Supplies for South Texas contractors and subcontractors in commercial, residential and industrial construction. “We try to make it a one-stop shop,” Tim explains. “We try to keep enough inventory that they don’t have to go someplace else.” He understands that retaining employees is key to good business.
“Happy employees equal happy customers,” he says. To that end, the company offers a bonus package tied to how well the company does. And it seems to have worked: many of the employees have been there for many years. –cw
Corpus Christi fire fighters are thrilled with their new digs. L-R: Battalion Chief Kenneth Erben, Fire Fighter Jose Torres, Captain Theodore Vicha, Assistant Chief Joe Gonzales, Fire Fighter Rey Rabagos and Fire Chief Robert Rocha
can graduate from high school as certified fire fighters and EMT’s.” Rocha added that by steering students into this kind of program, which is a partnership between the fire department, Del Mar College and CCISD, the kids have a chance to be mentored by established fire fighters, as well as grow into a good career. “I find that when you hire local, you have a more stable workforce,” Rocha says. “These are people who grew up in this community. They are already invested in the community.” The project, which lasted 270 days and was finished in November 2014, entailed the demolition of an approximately 25,000-sf, two-story brick facility located on Leopard Street. The demolition and removal of the initial structure was easy enough, but the location of several of the concrete piers proved difficult, at best, according to Alexander. SafeNet worked with the City and the ISD to locate old utility maps and building drawings. It appeared that there were several utilities that were shared with the old building, and the adjacent high school. Adjacent businesses were also affected by some of the utilities located within the building site. “Add that to a major thoroughfare to the north, the high school parking lot on the east, school bus parking on the south, and trying to get equipment and materials into and out of our construction site during Texas football season, provided some anxious times for all parties,” Alexander says. “Coordination was the name of the game.” Upon completing demolition, a new 75 ft. x 92 ft. fire station and a 32 ft. x 33 ft. training facility were erected The new buildings are a tilt wall construction with slab on piers and carton forms, bar joists and metal pan decking,
finished with metal studs and sheetrock. The main structure includes an apparatus bay, sleeping quarters, kitchen, common gathering area, workout room, showers, office and operation center. The joint use facility is comprised of a main training room, training materials storage area, and men’s and women’s restrooms. Both facilities are furnished by a backup generator. “This project could not have happened without the efforts of several members of the fire department and the school board realizing the benefit to both entities of being able to raze a condemned structure, outfit a fire department company with a new modern facility, and construct a joint use facility where both entities are able to learn and enhance their skills and share information and experiences with today’s youth,” Alexander says. The construction manager was Ken Williams, the superintendent was Robert Cline, the architect was Jay Porterfield of Solka, Nava, Turno LLC. and the engineer was Shane Turno of Freese and Nichols. SafeNet Services LLC is located in Corpus Christi and Corrales, NM and averages seven to eight employees. The company is a commercial and industrial general contractor in the public sector. Its primary clients are public, state and federal entities. “SafeNet Services has a long and celebrated relationship with both the owner, the City of Corpus Christi, the architect and the engineer,” Alexander says. “After several projects with these individuals and firms, we all feel comfortable in expressing both ideas and concerns. The addition of the Corpus Christi ISD added one more entity to the mix, but this entity was an old friend to all involved.” –cw
South Texas Construction News • Mar 2015
Page 15
Growing the next generation of leaders
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ssociated General Contractors South Texas Chapter (AGC) director Debbie Schibi says her inspiration for forming a Young Contractors Council (YCC) was two-fold. “I kind of got excited about it at the AGC National Convention last year,” she says. “I sat next to three young men and I was watching them just soak it in. They were so excited to be part of everything. They told me they were part of their chapter’s Construction Leadership Council (CLC, another name for YCC).” The other part is the importance of grooming today’s young industry professionals into tomorrow’s leaders. “At a board meeting, I looked around the table and thought, “Who is going to be sitting here in the next 10 to 20 years – it’s not going to be us”,” she remembers. The ongoing issue of not enough skilled labor coming into the construction workforce trickles over into the professional realm as well, Schibi believes. “I got a look at this younger generation coming up and embracing new ideas,” she says. “The industry is changing so much.” The National AGC established the CLC to cultivate the next generation of leaders (age 39 and under) in the industry, as well as the association on both the local and national levels. Fired up, Schibi came back to Corpus Christi and ran the idea past the board, which supported starting a South Texas chapter. With the help of Shannon Reynolds, Beecroft Construction, and Derrick Seidenberg, Ferguson Enterprises, who sat on the advisory committee, the new AGC YCC chapter was launched last year. “Some of these guys may know AGC, but not at the level of a board member,” Schibi says. “The key is to provide this younger generation with more than just mixers.” Taking charge Stepping into the newly-formed chair of AGC-YCC was Mike Munoz, estimator and project manager at Beecroft Construction.
“My experience with AGC is that there is a lot of the older generation established,” he says. “You would see the younger people at the events kind of hanging back Mike Munoz in the shadows. What I appreciate about YCC is it gives us the opportunity to build strong relationships with our peers.” Munoz, who was born and raised in Corpus Christi, received his degree in construction science from Texas A&M in 2008. He got enthusiastic about a career in construction after helping his church build a satellite campus. He spent summers and holidays as an intern at Beecroft, coming on fulltime after graduation. This YCC chapter “is a way to start engaging the younger generation in AGC and what they do,” he says. So far, the chapter is on the ground level. “I want the members of the YCC to say that it is beneficial to be a member of this group,” Munoz says. “We are trying to focus on professional development. We will figure out as a group what will be most beneficial.” Munoz has reached out to other YCC chapters across the country to find out what they are doing and what’s working best. Co-chair is Taylor Hunt, FultonCoastcon Construction. So far, in 2015, the group plans to have three networking events, two professional and workforce development events and one community service project. Interested in checking out the newly-formed chapter? Email Munoz at mam@beecroftconstruction.com for more details. –cw
Construction News ON LOCATION
Slick group
Caleb Tichavsky, Eric Weaver, Ethan Garcia, Charles White and Chris Green take a quick break from work at PMI Oil Tools in Karnes City for a group photo. –cw
Construction News ON LOCATION
High quality
Cheryl Stone, an owner in the family-owned Falls City Milling Co. Inc., and employee Tanya Carstens, keep things moving in the office of the Falls City business that supplies feed, animal, vet and farm and ranch needs. –cw
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Land stand
The YCC at a mixer last year included, back, L-R: Robert Morris, South Texas Building Partners; Taylor Hunt, vice chair, Fulton-Coastcon; Sean Walker, Fulton-Coastcon; Kristin Fletcher, Thyssen-Krupp Elevators; and Charlie Rutherford, CMC Construction; front, L-R: Vanessa Garcia, Skid-O-Kan; Debbie Schibi, AGC-South Texas executive director; and Mike Munoz, chair, Beecroft Construction.
Billi Rue, partner owner of Cut Antz Land Improvement LLC, holds down the fort while partners Brad Rue and Bart Homeyer are in the field with the crew. –cw
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The group toured the construction site at Veterans Memorial High School in Corpus Christi.
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South Texas Construction News • Mar 2015
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Dykema principal Joshua Seahorn and his wife Ashley take in the sights at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History. Retail, hardware, farm & ranch, home & garden, electrical, plumbing and metal work can all be located at Falls City Supply in Falls City. Owners Diana and Gerald Jendrusch invite you to come in and take a look around. –cw
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an family members work together and still come out friends? It’s an age-old question, but according to Bibiana “Biby” Dykema, the answer is yes. The present-day Dykema Architects Inc. was founded by James Bright, and his daughter and son-in-law, Bibiana and John Dykema Jr. joined him. The three worked together from 1979 to 2002. “Many people questioned whether three family members could work together and still like each other,” Biby says. “It seemed to work!” The full-service firm has more than 30 years of experience in Corpus Christi. Started in 1958, the firm was known as Christian, Bright and Pennington. In 1979, it became Bright/Associates and in 1983, became Bright and Dykemas Architects Inc. Other principals today include Joshua Seahorn, AIA. Community service is important to
the members of this team. “Giving back to the community that has given to us is paramount,” Biby says. “We love our community and want to be a part of helping it grow.” Biby Dykema has served in numerous capacities with the Texas Society of Architects, including state director 200708. She’s also involved with the Corpus Christi chapter of American Institute of Architects (AIA) where she served as the first female chapter president in 1995. Other boards she has served on include KEDT-TV and United Way. John Dykema has given his time and energy to the City of Corpus Christi, serving on the zoning board. Civic organizations include the Rotary Club, and the Art Museum of South Texas. “Each of our clients is unique and we consider every project a collaboration with the owner,” Biby says. “Our team approach, with the owners’ involvement, is the key to a successful project.” –cw