Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News June 2015 by Construction News

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Volume 13

Number 6

JUNE 2015

Support system

Change of the century

L-R: The support Angie Ellis has received from industry friends iike Paula Pacanins can’t be contained.

Staff at the Dallas branch are excited for the changes ahead.

aula Pacanins remembers what it’s like to be the new kid on the construction block. In 2013, she sold her half of a staffing agency to join Cole Smith in the relaunch of construction storage container and mobile office sales and leasing company Container King Inc. in Denton. As president, she relied on every resource others in the industry made available to her. So when Pacanins learned one of her customers, Angie Ellis, was establishing Construction Industry Allies, a temporary job site needs supply company in Dallas, she jumped at the chance to offer any help she could give. “When I found out that she was striking out on her own, of course I wanted to

reach out to her. Quite honestly, I wanted to hire her!” Pacanins says. “She had a bigger vision, though, which is so exciting to me because what she is offering clients is such a needed service. When she didn’t want to work for me, I told her that anything she needed, being another woman-owned company in the construction industry, I would happily do.” For nearly a year, Ellis had dreamed of establishing a company offering a one-stop range of project services including generators, light towers, fencing, barricades, and dumpsters, construction offices and containers. When she took the leap, she found herself overcome continued on Page 17

he 100th anniversary is commonly known as the “diamond” anniversary, but for Western Waterproofing Company in Dallas, the milestone will be marked not with a blinding carat, but with a brilliant change. The parent company is honoring the occasion with a rebranding effort for all of its nationwide branch offices and member companies to express its century-long evolution. Now known as Western Specialty Contractors, the name and logo change will help customers better understand the range of services available to them. The company, originally named to reflect its extensive waterproofing experience, has added both services and manpower over the years: Thir-

ty branch offices (three are in Texas) and more than 1,200 employees nationwide make it the largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing and specialty roofing. It’s an impressive feat for the Bishop family, who is now the third generation to run the business since it was founded in St. Louis by Ben Many and his brotherin-law George Bishop Sr. Between 1926 and 2008, Western acquired seven companies and opened more than 30 branches across the country. Western president Jeff Kelley says that the scope of business has grown from basements to commercial, institutional, government and continued on Page 17

Doing what they Lean to do

wo projects. Two Methodist Health System healthcare campuses in Richardson. Two tight deadlines set for April completion – this is what Skiles Group and its director of operations, Keyan Zandy, were up against, and each project brought its own unique challenges. The first project was a renovation on the Campbell campus where an existing space would be remodeled into an adult behavioral health facility. Skiles Group had to create a safe and secure environment for patients while meeting strict Texas Department of State Health Services codes. Despite these sensitivities, the schedule was an aggressive 12 weeks. The second project, on the Renner campus, was a remodel of the emergency department room to accommodate new CAT scan machinery. With ambulances delivering critical care patients on one side of the space, and patients enter-

ing the ER on the other, the remodel would need to be completed in six weeks without disruption of services. Fortunately, Zandy had already implemented a Lean Dashboard System, which kept both projects – and their many variables – on track. Skiles Group’s Lean Dashboard System is a scheduling and tracking system derived from the Lean Construction Institute’s Last Planner System. The difference is that Skiles Group’s Lean Dashboard System utilizes graphical “dashboards” so that trades can plan and visually communicate every part of the process in three-week increments. Many firms are unaware of this secret weapon, but Zandy has been utilizing it for nearly a decade, and even served as program committee chairman for the Lean Construction Institute of Dallas/Fort Worth’s Community of Practice. Skiles Group used an innovative system to complete this emergency room renovation.

continued on Page 17

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Jun 2015

Salsa lesson

Jillian Ward’s “Notorious D.I.P” salsa won best name.

“C

inco de Spicy.” “You Drive Me Mild.” “After Burn.” “Rocket Salsa.” These were just four of the eight creatively-named contenders for Lane Gorman Trubitt PLLC’s salsa contest held on Cinco de Mayo. The competition was a fiery one, but in the end, two proved to be the hottest tickets: Juan Carlos’ “Weapon of M-ASS Destruction” won “spiciest salsa” and Jillian Ward’s “Notorious D.I.P” won for best name. –mjm

Juan Carlos’ “Weapon of M-ASS Destruction” out-spiced the others.

As a salsa judge, Donna Nuernberg had to put her good taste to the test.

Dallas  Fort Worth

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The Dallas  Fort Worth Construction News (ISSN 1547-7657) is published monthly by Construction News Ltd., dba Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News, and distributed by mail to construction related companies in the Dallas/ Fort Worth metropolitan area. 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 Dallas  Fort Worth 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.

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Jun 2015

to get stitches on his head, so I had to go in [the game for him]. After that, in the third game against A&M Commerce, [Southwestern Oklahoma State University] gave me a full ride. It was a cool experience.

Dustin Gadberry President/CEO Gadberry General Contracting and Construction

hat sets a person on their path in life? Is it another person, whose own life serves as inspiration, or is it an internal spark that propels a person forward? In Dustin Gadberry’s case, maybe both played a part. The selfdescribed “lifetime entrepreneur” would probably have been inspired to start any number of businesses, but it was a close family member who provided a strong foundation for a future career in construction. Now, as president and CEO of Gadberry General Contracting and Construction, he hopes that his path will be a long one that will spark something in others. What was your first experience with construction? My grandmother was president of Century 21 in Ennis, where I grew up, and she and my grandfather had rental property. Every summer, I was working with my grandfather fixing up this or that. I didn’t really enjoy it at the time but I didn’t realize how much I was learning. Once, they had a house on a piece of property that they cut in half and moved and put it back together. He worked on the project for about two years, and it kind of became my project too. I was there the day the house was put back together and the day we leveled everything. I was small so he would send me underneath the house to run this or that. I learned how to cut drywall. That house was essentially my place where I learned it all. Looking back on it, it was a really cool deal, but at the time, I didn’t want to work! I wonder what your career would have been had you not been exposed to that experience. Well, early on, I thought I would like to be accountant, because I was good with numbers, but I also wanted to do architecture and interior design as a kid. When I got into my freshman year of high school, the school opened up a drafting class. I did that for three and a half years. The first year we hand drew houses, and the second year we drew on Auto CAD. My senior project for state competition was the cockpit of an F-16, and I still have it! I think that really was a big anchor [for the beginnings of my career]. The knowledge base of reading plans that I got really helped me see things more clearly. That was my blueprint reading start. What direction did you go after high school? My dad had owned a surveying company once, and my first job out of school at age 17 was for another land surveying company doing municipal projects. It was my first exposure to civil construction and I learned a lot and had great mentors and experience. After that summer, I went to play football at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. What position did you play? I was offensive guard. I didn’t have a scholarship; I just walked on. By the third game, my college was paid for. During the second game of the year, the guy that was ahead of me head-butted somebody with his helmet on and, for whatever reason, it split down the middle and he had

Did you graduate from Southwestern Oklahoma State University? No. I went there to play football but wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I was a physics engineering major, even though earlier I had thought about accounting and interior design and architecture. But in the off-season, I tore my knee playing rugby, so I came back and worked for the survey company and also had knee surgery. I decided I didn’t want to go back to Oklahoma because I knew it wasn’t where I was supposed to be. Where did you end up? I went to North Texas on a whim, and was an electrical engineering major there because that was the only engineering program they had. I spent two years there and got a job with an engineering company as an Auto CAD technician. But I didn’t want to be an electrical engineer, so I transferred out to the University of Texas at Arlington so I could be a computer science major. How did you return to the construction industry? I ran into a guy I had been in a frat with at UNT who had a painting company and was doing residential punch work. I worked for him for a year and then got out on my own in 2001. What motivated you to strike out on your own? I was doing everything! When I went out on my own, I originally took on partners, and I am grateful to have had that experience. I’m a workhorse and they weren’t cutting it. They didn’t have the commitment to it. The 50/50 partnership wasn’t for me. There’s a certain level of passion you have to have going into this. It’s not a job, it’s a passion. If you don’t love it, you’re going to fail, hands down. What was it like for you to start your own business? It felt natural, even though I was a 22year old still in college, which was hell. Looking back on it, I think I was naïve! I dropped out of college, and my family was not a big fan of that, but the company was growing at such a rapid rate. I did finally go back and graduated cum laude with a business management degree at the University of Texas at Dallas in 2007, although finishing school was one of those periods that I look back on and think, “How did I do that?” The timing for me has been impeccable on so many levels. Having an opportunity in front of me that I wouldn’t have been ready for earlier and being able to get that next step right when I needed it and being ready, that’s how I’ve been able to grow so fast. It’s uncanny how often that has happened in 15 years.

Dustin Gadberry builds up his community both at work and in his leisure time.

Dallas, so once a month, I spend the day in city council chambers and help preserve the historic fabric of my community. It’s been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done, there has been so much knowledge that I’ve gained from that. It does, however, mean that I can’t do any work for the City of Dallas, which includes Love Field and D/FW. Those are huge projects to miss out on! Yeah, it took me 30 days to make a decision to take the position because of that. Plus, when I leave the commission, it will be one year before I can resume bidding contract work for the City of Dallas. I’m so glad I did it though because I’ve learned so much and the other board members are phenomenal people. I’m single without children, but I’m doing so many other different things on a daily basis that give me interaction with interesting and great people. I haven’t had a TV in five years because I’m not missing anything. There is so much to get out there and do in this city! When your Land Commissioner role is expired, is there anything you might want to try? I almost want to go back and get my engineering degree since I had so many years of it. When I was in engineering school, I would never take the basics; I took the harder level courses because I wanted to get those out of the way. It kind of backfired, but the upstart was

that I figured out early on I didn’t want to be in certain fields. In 18 months, I could probably have one, but I don’t know if it’s something I’ll end up doing. I really want to travel more, but I don’t ever go any place where it’s cold! I haven’t really had many vacations, although I did take my mother to New Orleans for her 55th birthday last year, and we will be going again in July. If TV isn’t your guilty pleasure then, what is? What do you seriously indulge in? Sleeping! Sleeping is my guilty pleasure, it really is. I don’t get up before everybody gets up, that’s not me. Do you think you’ll retire at Gadberry, or do you think you’ll pursue something else, maybe politics? I don’t think I will pursue politics. I do think I’ll be a lifetime entrepreneur. I can’t really turn that off. Gadberry is my legacy and I hope it can become an employee-owned company one day. I want this to be something everyone can be proud to be associated with and be a part of. I want it to be integrated into the community and do well. We represent good, and I want it to continue to represent good. I want it to be something that continues to help, forever. Gadberry General Contracting and Construction in Dallas offers pre-construction, construction and consulting services. –mjm

Happy birthday!

What challenges did you face as your company grew? In 2005, I was up to about 15 employees, so I started making the switch to commercial tenant finish out. I didn’t make near as much money as I should have. I made mistakes, but I didn’t know any better. I would take jobs on, even if I didn’t know how to do it, thinking I would figure it out – and I did. The responsibility I’ve always felt is to my client; it’s my motivation. My drive has always been geared towards meeting client expectations, except for now, I have also tuned in to meeting my employees’ expectations. But it’s never about the bottom line for me, it’s about getting it done. When you’re not busy “getting it done,” what do you do for fun? If I was sitting in the office working 12 hours doing the same thing every day, I would be beat down, but work is still fun for me, and so is networking. I’m Landmark Commissioner for District 6 for the City of

LaDell Tullos of the North Texas chapter of the American Subcontractors Association celebrated another year of a life well lived on May 21. But did she save Construction News a corner piece of that birthday cake? –mjm

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Jun 2015

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Section 179 and tangible property regs Milton G. Barrett, CPA - Shareholder Ridout, Barrett & Co., PC San Antonio, TX Section 179 As we all are aware, as of Jan. 1, 2015, the Section 179 limits were reduced back to $25,000. In addition, the 50% bonus depreciation expired on Dec. 31, 2014. But, as in 2014, there is hope that the limits will be restored. The 2014 tax relief was signed by the president in late December which gave very little time for small businesses to plan and make purchases. In Feb. 2015, the House of Representatives voted on a bill that would permanently increase the Section 179 limit to $500,000 with a phase out threshold of $2,000,000 and index for inflation starting in 2016. The 50% bonus depreciation, Section 168(k), is also attached to the bill. The Senate will now consider the bill and make changes or rewrite it completely. By making the higher limits permanent, the House hopes to encourage small business growth in investments by reducing the tax burden. The estimated tax savings over the next 10 years would be approximately $77 billion. The president has threatened to veto the bill as is unless there is an offset to increase tax revenue through some other means by $77 billion. Property that will qualify for Section 179 • Machinery and equipment • Business vehicles with GVWR over 6,000 lbs (with exceptions) • Computers, office equipment, furniture and off the shelf software • Property attached to buildings that are not structural • Single purpose agricultural and horticultural structures • Storage facilities (except buildings) used in distribution and production of petroleum products • Livestock • Qualified leasehold improvements Tangible property regs These new regulations will affect every taxpayer that uses tangible property in their business. For years the Internal Revenue Service has fought with taxpayers on what constitutes repairs and what constitutes capital improvements. The IRS has issued final regs in this regards that will be effective for 2014 and later tax returns. Under the old rules, deductible repairs and maintenance are those that are incurred for the purpose of keeping property in operating condition. Capital

improvements are expenditures that prolong the life of an asset or increase its value. An example would be a taxpayer rebuilds an engine for a piece of equipment. The cost to rebuild the engine would need be capitalized and depreciated. IRS argues that the rebuilt engine increases the value of the equipment as well as prolonging the life. The new rules starts with the assumption that all tangible property must be capitalized and depreciated unless there is an exception. One such exception would be for materials and supplies. Material and supplies of $200 or less and that will be consumed in one year or less can be currently deducted. There are three safe harbor rules that can be used by taxpayers. De Minimis Safe Harbor – a taxpayer that has a written policy and makes an annual election to deduct up to $500 per invoice item. If the taxpayer prepares an audited financial statement, then the limit can increase to $5,000. Routine Maintenance Safe Harbor – a taxpayer can deduct the cost of routine maintenance if it is expected to occur more than once during the life of the asset. Safe Harbor for Small Taxpayers – this safe harbor is primarily used by landlords. Annual expenses that can be deducted must be the lessor of $10,000 or 2% of the building’s basis. To qualify for the safe harbor, the property must have a basis of $1 million or less and the taxpayers annual gross receipts must be $10 million or less. $1 million limit appears low and limits the number of taxpayers eligible for the safe harbor, however, the building must be separated into “units of property”. Plumbing, electrical, elevators, alarm systems, HVAC, etc will be a separate UOP to depreciate. Ridout, Barrett & Co., PC has been serving the San Antonio area since 1986. The firm develops long-term relationships with its clients and becomes an integral part of their team. The firm services the needs of its clients by providing professional services of the highest quality in a proactive and timely manner.

Submitted to Construction News

Four for first

Baker Drywall’s Johnny Barnes, David Ojeda, James Sockwell and Charles Armbrus teamed up to take first place in DFW Drywall & Acoustical Contractors Association’s annual Golf Classic. The Apr. 20 event was hosted at Carrolton’s Indian Creek Golf Course. –mjm

Life insurance provides security Terrell O. Taylor Jr., CLU, Partner Christ Taylor Insurance Houston, TX

inancial security is the comfort of knowing your family’s standard of living is secure even when a lifechanging event occurs. The first step in strengthening your family’s financial future is to face some worst-case scenarios.

Everyone needs ready financial resources to fall back on. If hard times have reduced your ready cash and emergency funds, the insurance component of your safety net becomes all the more important. If you were to die today, life insurance would provide cash to your dependents that can help pay for your funeral and other final expenses, meet everyday living expenses, pay down the mortgage, finance longer term goals like education and retirement, and generally maintain your family’s quality of life. If you are the breadwinner, life insurance will replace some or all of your income if you die. Even if you don’t work outside the home, you still provide services that are expensive to replace, like childcare and household chores. If you are a business owner, a properly structured life insurance program can safeguard the finances of both your business and family. However, life insurance is something that no one likes to think about. The good news is that 86% of Americans believe that life insurance is something that most people need. The bad news is that most Americans don’t have enough and more than a third don’t have any at all. How much life insurance do I need? Since the amount of insurance you need depends on your specific financial goals and circumstances, there is no simple formula to help determine the amount that’s right for you. That said, when you consider all the things that life insurance proceeds need to fund and how long the money will be needed, you begin to realize that your true need for coverage is often 10 or 15 times your gross income, often more. Should I buy term or permanent life insurance? Generally speaking, term offers the greatest coverage for the lowest initial premium and is a great solution for people with temporary needs or a limited budget. Permanent insurance may make more sense if you anticipate a need for lifelong protection and like the option of accumulating tax-deferred cash values. Also, it doesn’t have to be one or the oth-

er. Oftentimes, a combination of term and permanent insurance is the right answer. Life insurance should serve as the foundation of your family’s financial security, helping to ensure that your loved ones will be all right financially even if something were to happen to you. Here are 7 fundamental ways that life insurance creates a strong base for your financial security: • Buys Time – allows loved ones to focus on their grief by helping to pay for the funeral and other final expenses. • Provides a Fresh Start – Lets loved ones start with a clean slate by helping to pay off credit card bills, outstanding loans and even the mortgage. • Generates Income – Helps replace lost income for years to come so that surviving family members can continue to pay for life’s necessities. • Offers Flexibility – Gives a surviving spouse the chance to take time off from work or to switch to a job that offers a more flexible work schedule. • Creates Opportunities – Can provide funding to start a business, or pay for schooling so surviving family members can train for a new career. • Funds the Future – Offers a way to fund longer-range goals like a college education for the kids or a secure retirement for a surviving spouse. • Leaves A Legacy – Gives parents the chance to leave future generations with the legacy of long-term financial security. But this can only happen if you’ve done the proper planning. Don’t wait another minute and schedule time to meet with an insurance professional in your community or your benefits manager at work to make sure you have the right amount and type of life insurance to protect the ones you love. Christ Taylor Insurance is an employee benefits and insurance brokerage firm doing business for over 50 years in southeast Texas, and long-time ABC member. Contact the Christ Taylor team at 713-850-7747 or www.christtaylor.com.

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Jun 2015

When am I really done?

Confined space in construction

Sewell “Spike” Cutler Jr. Cutler-Smith PC Dallas, TX

Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

outinely, a contractor’s work is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a stated period — usually one year from substantial completion. Contractors have the reasonable belief that after the end of the warranty period, their responsibility for the product and the work is effectively ended. But, when does it end, really? As lawyers, we usually have to tell our clients that their exposure really doesn’t end until the statute of limitations, the legal bar against further suits, has taken effect. In Texas, that usually means either a four year statute of limitations (for breach of contract), or a two year statute of limitations (for negligence, such as negligent design and the like). But it is never quite that simple. Discovery rule The “discovery rule” doctrine means a statute of limitations doesn’t start running until the condition could reasonably have been detected. Thus, if you performed deficient work, but deficiencies were concealed, limitations don’t begin to run until the defect could reasonably have been discovered, which could be a very long time, indeed. For this reason, contractors historically found themselves facing claims for work performed in the distant past. The Texas Legislature passed the “Statute of Repose” relating to construction work, providing that suit alleging defective construction work must be brought within ten years after substantial completion, cutting off the “tail” of discovery rule exposure. But every good act has unintended consequences. “Consultants” approach project owners as the project’s tenth anniversary approaches, offering comprehensive review of the project for “failures” which might support legal action against the construction/design team. These inspections may involve tests and standards never envisioned when the project was built. One example: water is force-fed into the cavities between a brick veneer and exterior-grade sheathing, looking for evidence of leakage from the wall into the building. After testing, contractors must respond, possibly dismantle, inspect and “repair” to new standards. Even where nothing is wrong, construction teams must expend resources to selectively disassemble, inspect, possibly correct, and reconstruct the affected areas. It adds up! Document! Contractors can reduce exposure to these claims. First and foremost, effective documentation of work performed yields surprising benefits in these circumstances. Walking the job, preserving progress photographs, and saving this information reduces losses in a couple of ways.

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The process helps identify questionable work to be addressed right away. Of greater consequence, maintaining records of how work was done, before it’s covered, helps defend against years-after-completion claims. The ability to show, with photographs, what’s behind a wall or other structure can allow you to demonstrate proper construction, thus heading-off costly disassembly, inspection and repair. Negotiate! Many contracts require removal and replacement of completed work on demand, often providing that removal and replacement will be at your expense unless you “prove” that the work in place was all performed flawlessly. The expense of removal and replacement should be yours only if the work is proven to have been performed defectively. Retain records Maintain project files for the entire Statute of Repose period. You should have complete records for each project you build to a period of at least ten years past the substantial completion of the entire project - conservatively, until 12 years after completion. Digital storage eases this burden. Failing to maintain such records creates problems; first, if you don’t document what happened, you’re stuck with someone else’s “story” of the project - the general contractor, the project owner, or the project architect - rather than how things actually happened. Photographs, as-built drawings, field directives, RFI’s and e-mails all help when problems arise after project completion. Such records also help establish which insurance carrier must defend against claims lodged down the road. Avoid the trap of multiple carriers denying responsibility for your claim, because you can’t prove what was done, and when. Ironically, the Statute of Repose, intended to reduce claims after completion of projects, has inspired consultants and their often-conjured claims. Attempted reform of the Statute of Repose in this year’s legislative session appears to have stalled. Aggressively negotiating contract terms, and maintaining project records for a long time, are burdensome measures, but their dividends can be significant. Again, the ounce of prevention can deliver a pound of cure.

n May 4, 2015, OSHA issued a final rule on confined space in construction. The new law becomes effective on August 3rd, 2015 Construction workers often perform tasks in confined spaces - work areas that (1) are large enough for an employee to enter, (2) have limited means of entry or exit, and (3) are not designed for continuous occupancy. These spaces can present physical and atmospheric hazards that can be prevented if addressed prior to entering the space to perform work. This page is a starting point for finding information about these spaces, the hazards they may present, and ways to safely work in them. The construction rule requirements include: More detailed provisions requiring coordinated activities when there are multiple employers at the worksite to ensure hazards are not introduced into a confined space by workers performing tasks outside the space. An example would be a generator running near the entrance of a confined space causing a buildup of carbon monoxide within the space. Requiring a competent person to evaluate the work site and identify confined spaces, including permit spaces. Requiring continuous atmospheric monitoring whenever possible. Requiring continuous monitoring of engulfment hazards. For example, when workers are performing work in a storm sewer, a storm upstream from the workers could cause flash flooding. An electronic sensor or observer posted upstream from the work site could alert workers in the space at the first sign of the hazard, giving the workers time to evacuate the space safely. Allowing for the suspension of a permit, instead of cancellation, in the event of changes from the entry conditions list on

the permit or an unexpected event requiring evacuation of the space. The space must be returned to the entry conditions listed on the permit before re-entry. Requiring that employers who direct workers to enter a space without using a complete permit system prevent workers’ exposure to physical hazards through elimination of the hazard or isolation methods such as lockout/tagout. Requiring that employers who are relying on local emergency services for emergency services arrange for responders to give the employer advance notice if they will be unable to respond for a period of time (because they are responding to another emergency, attending department-wide training, etc.). Requiring employers to provide training in a language and vocabulary that the worker understands. Finally, several terms have been added to the definitions for the construction rule, such as “entry employer” to describe the employer who directs workers to enter a space, and “entry rescue”, added to clarify the differences in the types of rescue employers can use. natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232

What a day!

mariachi band festively welcomed several hundred construction workers and their families as they filed into Dallas’ Fair Park’s “El Embarcadero Hall” on May 3. The attendees were there to celebrate the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association’s “Day of the It was a win for these workers. Construction Worker,” an annual event designated to honor the contributions of construction workers. A health and wellness fair, exhibits, construction contests, and community and children’s activities were onsite, and several local leaders, including Dallas mayor Mike Rawlings, County Commissioner Elba Garcia, Dallas City Council’s mayor pro tem Monica Alonzo and Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, attended and supported the event. Individual workers were also honored by RHCA for their contributions. Dallas County Road and Bridge District 4’s Travis Spurgin won RHCA’s “Construction Worker of the Year” award. Reyes Group Ltd.’s Jesus “Chuy” Mosqueda was awarded “Superintendent/Foreman of the Year.” Archer Western Construction’s Luis Diaz won the Excellence in Safety Award and Salvador Loera, also of Archer Western Construction, won the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award. –mjm

RHCA President John H. Martinez–D. addresses the crowd.

Pegasus Link Constructors

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Jun 2015

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It means a great deal

onley Group Foundation and Care & Mercy Foundation hosted a DFW Charity Poker Series on May 2, benefitting North Texas charities, veterans and special needs children. The event, held at Wizards Sports Café in Richardson, featured a Texas hold ’em tournament, prizes valued at over $4,000 – and the occasional backrub by a masseuse to relax those poker playing muscles. –mjm

Bill Conley of Conley Group welcomes the players.

Thomas Williams, husband of KPost CFO Jayne Williams and a retired Naval Commander, plays to support several groups, including veterans.

L-R: Conley Group’s Sally Graff and C-CAP/ Firestone’s Tom Rainey

The event featured backrubs to make these betters feel better

Jumping from roof to rod

1st Heavy Trout: Mingo Lee

he Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) held its 12th annual Fishing Tournament May 2 at Woody’s Sports Center in Port Aransas. Hosting a record number of entrants, this was RCAT’s largest tournament to date with 44 guided boats and seven individual boats. –mh Winners: Guided Division Heaviest Total Stringer 1st: Restoration Services (Houston) – Don Wisnoski, Gary Hayes, John Randall (34.54 lbs.) 2nd: Armored Roofing and RK Hydro-Vac (Wichita Falls) – Richard Koetter, Albert Martinez, Skyler Martinez (30.94 lbs.) 3rd: ABC Supply (Stafford) and Joe Ochoa Roofs & Even More – Shannon Galloway, David Hernandez, Robert Garza, Larry Showalter (30.62 lbs.) Heaviest Trout 1st: Mingo Lee, Mule-Hide (Houston) (7.86 lbs.) 2nd: Richard Koetter, Armored Roofing (4.02 lbs.) 3rd: Marshall Powell, Mule-Hide (3.54 lbs.) Heaviest Redfish 1st: Don Wisnoski, Restoration Services

1st Heavy Stringer: Don Wisnoski and Chris Crutcher, RCAT president

(7.66 lbs.) 2nd: Ted Durrett, Final Touch Roofing (Rosenberg) (7.22 lbs.) 3rd: Richard Koetter, Armored Roofing (6.86 lbs.) Spot Pot: Shannon Galloway, ABC Stafford (8 spots) Individual Division Heaviest Total Stringer 1st: Rain King (Victoria) – Alan Cain, Clint Cain, Jerrod Cain, Brian Boyd (14.88 lbs.) Heaviest Trout 1st: Donald Belcher, Roofing Supply Group (San Antonio) (4.66 lbs.) Heaviest Redfish 1st: Alan Cain, Rain King (3.48 lbs.)

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Jun 2015

Relax and repair

he International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) South Central Texas, North Texas and Houston chapters gathered May 15-16 at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Bastrop for the second annual ICRI Texas State Conference. On Friday, guests waited out an afternoon thunderstorm that briefly interrupted play at the golf outing to Pine Forest Golf Club and enjoyed a barbecue feast. On Saturday, three educational sessions were held in the morning, followed

by a buffet lunch and a board meeting for all chapter leaders. –mh Golf Winners 1st Team: Western Specialty Contractors’ Dan Wicht, Ed Carter, Mark Rawlings and Mackey Welch Closest to the Pin #7: Chris McDaniel Closest to the Pin #10: Mark Rawlings Most Honest Team: Bill Light, Scott DiStefano and Mark LeMay

L-R: Western Specialty Contractors’ Dan Wicht, Ed Carter, Mark Rawlings and Mackey Welch

North TX ICRI member James Robbs of Euclid Chemical shows the proper follow through for lefties.

A Texas barbecue feast, including ribs, brisket and sausage, followed the golf tournament.

Submitted to Construction News

Top of their game

L-R: Cochran & Company’s Carter Cochran, Kurt Cochran, John Cochran and Tim Crisp beat out 104 golfers to place first in McCarthy Building Companies Inc.’s 15th annual McCarthy Golf Charity Classic. Hosted May 8 at the Colony’s Tribute Golf Club, the event raised $22,000 to be split between charities Mi Escuelita and The First Tee of Dallas. –mjm

Submitted to Construction News

Resuscitating their skills

Because the life they save may be their co-worker’s, the team at Richardson architecture firm Alliance Architects had the opportunity to practice their CPR/AED skills on May 6. The class, led at the office by Cindy Lewis, R.N. of Heartbeat CPR, refreshed their knowledge of how to resuscitate adults, babies and even pets! –mjm

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Jun 2015

Page 9

the Laguna Madre and converted to a saltwater venue. I started fishing the tournament in 1998 with a handful of friends (eight-10 boats) and by 2004 there were approximately 35 teams fishing. During that time the tournament implemented a live weigh-in procedure in efforts to start conserving fish following the format of Tom Nix’s Baffin Bay Bash.

Tournaments for the future by Capt. Steve Schultz Sponsored by: Premier Yamaha Boating Center, Majek Boats, E-Z Bel Construction, Power Pole Shallow Water Anchor, Aggregate Haulers, ForEverlast Hunting and Fishing Products and Columbia Sportswear

Ken Major, San Antonio, caught this 30-inch trout fishing live croaker near the mouth of Baffin Bay. Fishing was weighed, measured then released by Capt. Steve Schultz.

ishing tournaments are becoming more popular than ever. Whether it’s freshwater or saltwater it seems like there is a tournament to fit every angler’s level of competitiveness. While some tournaments are for fun, most benefit a charity organization or perhaps some of our soldiers returning from war, or maybe a family in need. Redfish, trout, bass, offshore or inshore – there is a tournament for you. With all the conservation concerns and limits on trophy fish being implemented, tournaments are taking a different approach. Weighins consisting of limits of trout, reds, and flounder are part of the past and being replaced with three to four trout, a redfish or two and maybe a flounder. There are a few tournaments going even farther than that incorporating a live fish weigh-in to their venue. All the professional redfish tourneys are live weigh-in, and the trout tournaments in late winter and spring also have gone to this format. One tournament that has grown in popularity and conservation efforts and has proven that everyone can benefit from our bays and estuaries is the Mr. & Mrs. Big Trout Tournament run by Doug and Cindy Niznik of San Antonio. The tournament started in 1996 as a bass tournament but after two years it was moved to

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

By 2005, the tournament outgrew the cabin near Bird Island and Doug moved the tournament inland. This was a great move making the tournament even more popular and easier to accommodate more anglers. By 2007, the tournament took bigger conservation efforts and only allowed three fish per team to be brought to the dock. The stringer would consist of one red, one trout and one flounder, all to be weighed-in alive to receive a halfpound bonus per fish if accomplished. The tournament grew larger every year and by 2008 the tournament began to give back even more. A $6000.00 scholarship fund to be rewarded to a Texas A&M (Corpus Christi) student majoring in Marine Biology was announced. People were starting to take notice of this little fishing tournament making BIG efforts in conservation and generosity back to the community. By 2014 the women anglers were starting to make noises that they wanted a part of the action so a woman’s tournament was started that year the day before the men’s tournament. That year the tournament awarded two $6000.00 scholarships to a male and female at Texas A&M. This year was no surprise as the Mr. & Mrs. Big Tournament has grown in popularity. The ladies tournament had 12 (four-person) teams participating while the men’s tournament had 51 (four-person) teams. In all, they only killed 16 fish, 13 being trout, and one red, and two flounder. Seventy four fish were released, 32 trout, 26 reds, and 16 flounders. These are pretty good numbers in my opinion considering most of the other tournaments that still have fish kill weigh-ins. Again, two $6000.00 scholarships to a male and female at Texas A&M. This brings a total of $60,000 in scholarship money donated to kids for the future. My hats of to Doug and Cindy and all the many sponsors and anglers who participate in this awesome tournament. I only wish that some of the other tournaments would take the effort to join the conservation efforts so we can enjoy our precious resources for a long time.

Keith Tull, Athens, TX, caught a redfish of a lifetime. Fish measured 47 inches and was an estimated at 35lbs. Keith was fishing in Baffin Bay with Capt. Steve Schultz. Fish was released after measurements for a replica mount.

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. Good luck and Good Fishing.

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Jun 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

RAIN!

water, enjoy the rush of the new water while you can. After a few days you might see a lull in the fishing as the water gets a little sour while newly flooded vegetation decays. Don’t worry though, once that’s done there will be lots of good nutrients in the water that will cause an algae bloom which begins the process of recharging your lake from the bait fish on up to the game fish. Great fishing ahead! If your lake is a little slow on the uptake, keep praying your turn for rain will come and enjoy the fresh, cool water you do get, because I promise you, the fish will enjoy it, especially with summer starting to heat up.

ell it didn’t forget how to rain after all! Over the last several weeks we have been blessed with the first good rains in an awfully long time. For those of you who are getting too much rain, I hope you come through it all right. For the rest of us though, I think it has been a long sigh of relief. I know of several Texas lakes and rivers that have really benefitted from the recent rains and began to recover from the damage of the drought. Others like Lakes Buchanan and Travis still have a long way to go. Buchanan is still awaiting its turn at a good storm over the watershed to get the Colorado River rolling again, but at least the upper Hill Country is getting wetter by degrees so we can start to see significant runoff from future storms. For now we wait…and FISH! You ever notice how you see lots of earthworms and bugs on the top of the ground after a good rain? A fisherman sees that

Daviscourt, from Horizon Construction, Inc., Roofing Specialists in Austin

and knows it’s a good day to call in sick and go fishing! When the fish bait is trying to crawl in the truck with you, how can you resist? You just know all those worms and grubs and bugs are being

washed into the creeks, rivers and lakes and the fish are waiting for them with open mouths! If your favorite lake has caught a lot of

By the way hunters, can you imagine how much this rain is helping the game population? The timing is perfect to benefit the new fawns and bucks growing antlers. We all share in the bounty of the rain. Try not to curse the rain, even if it ruins your day. Take a moment to feel the rain on your face and just say “Thanks”. It’s just been so long coming.

Submitted to Construction News

Golfing for good

L-R: Baker Drywall Fort Worth’s Bryan Baker, MEDCO Construction’s James Meyer and David Hudson, Baker Drywall Fort Worth’s Peter Dean and event chairman Brad Baker of BakerTriangle Corporate placed second of 22 teams who played at the first OurCalling Golf Classic, sponsored by BakerTriangle. The May 11 event raised $15,000 for the Dallas County homeless community. –mjm

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Jun 2015

Page 11

Pedal to the medal

o one really knows how the race tradition started, or how adultsized trikes became the center of it all, but 12 years later, The Beck Group’s Trike Race is still the stuff of legend. Every year, two weeks before race day, employees assemble in teams of four and elaborate plans are hatched to psych out and beat out their opponents. This year, eight teams competed and the silliness reached new heights. The second place team had their name printed on the seat of their workout pants, while the legal team had custom shirts made and wore hard hats, while threatening to sue anyone if they got hit. Race day always starts in “Beck Park,” a pocket park next to the office building,

where everyone is treated to burgers grilled and served by Beck leadership (this year, because the event fell on Cinco de Mayo, a guacamole and salsa contest added a little extra fuel to the competition). Once the safety director checks the racers’ tires to make sure they are fully inflated, the teams are off! “There’s something very therapeutic and bonding about spending time together being goofy, enjoying each other’s company and observing your leadership exhibiting servant leadership,” Shannah Hayley, The Beck Group’s director of marketing and communications, says. “For all of those reasons, I suspect that the Beck Trike Races will be around for a very long time.” –mjm

Ever mindful of safety, Beck’s General Counsel Tonya Johannsen (left), who is riding with “Team Assault and Battery,” dons a hard hat for the race.

Crossing the finish line!

Sticking the tongue out helps with steering.

Clean team The race was fast and furious.

LAN Dallas employees came out for a trash cleanup around White Rock Lake, held by the Love of the Lake.

he Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) Dallas office celebrated Earth Day by volunteering in April. Employees assisted local community organizations in painting wooden fences, picking up trash and recyclables, planting trees and flowers, removing weeds near

fence lines and mulching trees. Everyone wore an Earth Day T-shirt designed in-house as part of a companywide design contest. Following a morning of cleanup activities, volunteers were treated to a picnic lunch. –ab

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Jun 2015

Run and done

undreds of bikers and car enthusiasts gave the American Subcontractors Association (ASA)’s North Texas chapter a run for the money May 16. ASA’s 12th annual Poker Run, hosted at Johnston Products in Cedar Hill, welcomed hundreds of wheelers for cards, a cookout, a live auction, rodeo games and music. Proceeds benefitted Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and Happy Hill Farm Academy. –mjm

L-R: Texas Scottish Rite Hospital’s Robert Reeve, ASA’s Beverly Reynal and NADC Architects’ Ken Hil

Johnston Products’ Steven Rush, Judah Harris and Deen Doore

Motorcycles arrived throughout the event.

Johnston Products’ Edward Taylor, Quinton Hall, Paul Young, Darrell White and James Jones

Skillforce’s Beau Jones

ASA’s Beverly Reynal and Happy Hill Farm’s C. Edward Shipman

A par-fect day

emorial Day is a federal holiday for remembering those who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. This day is observed every year on the last Monday in May. Veterans Day, on November 11 each year, is a federal holiday to honor the military veterans who had previously served in the U.S. Armed Forces Armed Forces Day is recognized on the third Saturday in May each year, and is to honor military personnel currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

oth of Trophy Club Country Club’s courses were rain-free but filled to the brim with construction’s finest golfers at AUI Contractors’ 11th annual Spring Fling Golf Tournament. Proceeds from the May 18th tournament benefitted Make-A-Wish Foundation, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) and FEAT of North Texas. –mjm 1st place Whitworth Course: Danny Watson, Fugro Montie Broom, Lhoist Scott Scherer, Harris Kocher Smith King Cook, Fugro Hogan course winners

1st Place Hogan Course: Jamie Simmons, Sunbelt Rentals Jonathan Teague, Sunbelt Rentals Jason Chambers, Sunbelt Rentals Scott Elmore, Sunbelt Rentals

Whitworth course winners

BEST Construction Tool? ADVERTISING in Construction News 210-308-5800

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Jun 2015

Right through the mentor

Fatherís Day Sunday June 21

L-R: ACE mentor Holly Baird of Thornton Thomasetti, students Melissa Castaneda and Marizabel Garza, ACE Board President Ed Prendergast from McCarthy Building Companies, student Leann Parks, ACE mentor Eric Sorgen of McCarthy Building Companies, student Nicholas Frisby and ACE mentor John Risi from Corgan

ith a labor shortage already in effect, scores of construction professionals set to retire in the next decade and young people unaware of the construction careers available to them, several local construction companies are stepping up as mentors to save their industry. Companies such as McCarthy Building Companies, Thornton Thomasetti and Corgan partner with the North Texas Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program, a national organization that introduces high school students to architecture, construction and engineering career opportunities and industry professionals. The companies participate as a way to give back to the community and teach youth about careers that would allay the shortage. Sixty Dallas high school students recently finished the 22-week program in which they worked on group projects, toured companies, took field trips and met mentors from local construction firms. The projects included design, engi-

neering, estimating, scheduling and construction and were the focus of ACE’s annual scholarship ceremony held at the Latino Cultural Center in Dallas on April 29. Five groups of students presented a business proposal to judges and competed for $38,000 in scholarships. McCarthy Vice President of Preconstruction Services and ACE Board President Ed Prendergast, one of the judges and scholarship presenters, understands the far-reaching effects of mentoring for his industry. “Through working with the ACE Mentor Program, I have been granted the opportunity to see young students develop new skills, build confidence and become young professionals. Introducing architecture, construction and engineering as possible career options at an early age not only helps our industry combat the current workforce shortage, but also introduces new opportunities that may not be available in schools.” – mjm

Keepin’ it bassy

Thanks to their members placing twice in the event, Humphrey & Associates took home both ASA and TEXO’s traveling trophies.

ore than 120 teams used their best lines to charm the bass out of the waters at Alba’s Lake Fork Apr. 24-25. The event that reeled the fishermen and women in was the American Subcontractors Association (North Texas chapter)/TEXO Bass Classic. Despite the threat of rain, everyone was eager to hook the first points for the 2015 TEXO Challenge Cup. In the total weight competition, Ridgemont Commercial Construction’s Brady Betts and

Harold Rounds bested their competitors with 15.26 lbs. Humphrey & Associates nabbed 2nd place at 9.3 lbs. and also placed 3rd in the Big Bass competition. Jonsco Inc. placed 3rd at 8.28 lbs. Venus Construction’s Walter and Andrew Shore won the Big Bass competition with their 2.58-lb catch. Combo Pot winners, which are determined from random cross team parings’ total weight, were Prime Control’s Jay Northcutt and Austin Commercial’s Jay Schenkewitz. –mjm

L-R: Ridgemont Commercial Construction’s Harold Rounds and Brady Betts won first in total weight.

Venus Construction’s Andrew and Walter Shore were the day’s Big Bass winners.

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Jun 2015

Page 15

HVAC and Plumbing Market and opportunities booming Don McCallum, COO SkiHi Enterprises, Ltd. Fort Worth, TX

ow would you describe the state of the construction industry in general terms? Have you heard of an increase or slowdown in business? With the strong economic upturn in North Texas, many out-of-state businesses have packed up and moved their operations to the DFW area to take advantage of the favorable fiscal climate. As a result, we have seen a booming construction market in the Metroplex for the past two or three years. While this boom has been great for local contractors, the wealth of opportunity has also enticed out-of-state contractors to enter the market for a piece of the pie. The entrance of these additional players has resulted in an increasingly competitive bidding environment that is in constant flux. Although we are still seeing very favorable conditions in the construction industry, the dip in oil prices over the last year has introduced a degree of uncertainty to the market. While we see plenty of upcoming work in the foreseeable horizon, this trend is something to keep an eye on in the coming months and years. With that said, we remain very optimistic about the future as Texas continues to present itself as an optimal venue for

business development inside and outside of the construction industry. What factors are driving this? Oil and gas are still the kings here. When it stops to take a breath, so does our economy. That said, even with the recent downturn, the Texas market still remains one of the strongest in the country. What are the “hot buttons” in your industry? As the years go by, the influx of younger tradesmen has slowed and the aggregate age of our existing skilled workforce has gone up. With this in mind, steps need to be taken to encourage the younger generation to enter trade schools or to dive head first into the industry as a helper and learn the skills necessary for success. While it is not always glamorous, the construction industry provides a good living wage for competent, hardworking people that choose to follow this path. What is on the horizon for your industry? Most of us that have been in this

business for a while have witnessed tremendous changes with improvements in technology. However, over the past five or six years, we have seen the technology being driven out of the office and into the field. One example of this is the 3-D laser scanning system we purchased last year. It has completely changed the way we analyze and deal with existing structures. It has virtually eliminated the need for field measurements in complex mechanical equipment rooms and provides us with a working 3-D model of a space in a matter of minutes. In conjunction with this, Building Information Modeling (BIM) has advanced to a point where our field personnel can use devices like tablets to locate specific cleanouts, drains, sleeves, etc. on site without having to take manual measurements from column lines. As you would expect, these tools can greatly accelerate the construction timeline, and in many cases, improve the final product as well.

career in the mechanical trades. CEF [Construction Education Foundation], which is located just north of DFW Airport, provides ongoing education that benefits not only the students, but their respective companies as well. As long as the employee shows initiative and sets aside the time to take on courses, SkiHi and many other businesses have reserves set aside to cover the expense of schooling. In addition to the main CEF campus, there are many opportunities to learn specialized skills in classes that are hosted at the businesses of various contractors around the Metroplex. Founded in 1981, SkiHi offers a full range of construction services, which include mechanical and plumbing construction, industrial construction, specialty fabrication and a commercial service department capable of complete systems repairs as well as routine maintenance for all types of facilities. –mjm

Is HVAC/Plumbing education available for those wishing to enter the industry? There is adequate training for those interested in beginning and advancing a

Replacement issues heat up Jerry Mulder, President Mr. Rooter of San Antonio San Antonio, TX

he Department of Energy’s new regulations concerning water heater efficiency might catch some residential customers off guard when facing the already stressful circumstances of replacing their water heaters. Jerry Mulder, president of Mr. Rooter of San Antonio, believes that education is the key. Currently, water heater service accounts for approximately 30 to 40 percent of calls received at Mr. Rooter. The Mr. Rooter team is taking these calls as opportunities to inform customers about the changes that went into effect Apr. 16. The changes are aimed to insulate these water heaters more efficiently, which means new water heaters are going to be taller and wider. When homeowners need to replace their water heaters, they may find that the new water heaters manufactured to meet these new guidelines do not fit in the space that was built for their old ones. Most residential homes have a water heater that is 50 gallons or smaller, and these are the ones where space will become an issue. “Let’s say you’ve got a water heater that’s in the attic, and you have pulldown stairs to get into your attic space,” explains Mulder. “Let’s say it’s a 40-gallon

gas or electric water heater. Most of the time, homebuilders have built these houses to where these pull-down stairs are pretty much the same size as these water heaters. These new water heaters, being two inches wider and two inches taller, don’t fit in the space where their existing water heater is. “San Antonio has a lot of homes that were built with what we call a lowboy water heater. It’s a small compact electric water heater that is installed underneath a furnace most of the time. Well, these new ones will not fit [there]. So, we have a little bit of a problem.” As a limited solution to that problem, Mulder says that Mr. Rooter has stockpiled some of the older water heaters, which he’s sure other plumbing companies have also done, since that size is not being manufactured anymore. The water heaters are legal to install, he assures, but once the supply houses run out, the ones that will still fit in those tight spaces will

no longer be available. “According to the government, they all have to be now manufactured to this new size,” he says. “And really, it’s affecting the residential customer on a scale that they’re not understanding yet. And that’s understandable. Your water heater tends to be out of sight, out of mind.” Since replacing the water heater may be problematic due to the new size, Mulder emphasizes maintenance and taking good care of the one you have, because once it’s gone, customers will have the additional problem of deciding how to fit the new one. He recommends having a water heater drained twice a year or, at the very least, once a year, adding that it’s not just the hard water, it’s the sediment – sand and dirt particles in our water system accumulate in the bottom of the water heaters. When a homeowner does eventually need to replace their water heater, lots of questions arise, and Mulder encourages people to call and ask questions, saying, “That’s free,” and noting that he and his team will talk to anyone about what their options are. “There are all kinds of ways to get this done,” he says. “The customer needs to know that just because somebody comes out and says, ‘This new water heater is not going to fit in there, you’re out of luck,’ or ‘It’s going to cost thousands and thousands of dollars more,’ that’s not the case.

Some customers may prefer having a carpenter make adjustments so that the new water heater can fit in the same space as the old one. In that case, Mr. Rooter partners with other licensed and bonded contractors that will come out and help on a job if, for instance, it calls for a little bit of carpentry. Mulder says that one option that comes up is tankless technology. Tankless water heaters take up less space and can be mounted up on a platform. He points out that this option is more expensive but saves space and requires less maintenance. Also, tankless water heaters are supplied by gas, so they also need to be vented. “They will have to ask themselves, ‘Am I going to need to think about relocating my water heater? What’s the cost associated with that? What’s the cost difference between replacing this water heater, having to enlarge the opening to get this [new] water heater in there, versus putting in a tankless?’” he explains. “Then they weigh out the maintenance issues between that conventional water heater and the tankless. “It’s an interesting situation that we have right now, because we’re going to be teachers to the public over the next few years, getting the public up to speed on this, because when people become aware, most of the time, it’s going to be when the water heater has a problem.” –mh

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Jun 2015

HVAC and Plumbing Technology, regulations, hot topics in HVACR Industry Paul Stalknecht, , President Air Conditioning Contractors of America Arlington, VA

he technology in the HVACR industry is constantly evolving and becoming more efficient. This is driven by standards from the federal government, along with homeowners and building owners/operators looking to shrink their carbon footprint and save money on utilities. The systems are also becoming more customer centric. Customers want to be able to have instant access to their systems and to be able to control them remotely. So, more and more manufacturers are developing apps for smartphones that integrate into the heating and cooling systems to meet this want from the customers. ACCA is spearheading an initiative to create universal diagnostic protocols for troubleshooting HVACR systems. The idea is to have a system similar to what the automotive industry has. That way, technicians have a device/tool that they can plug into any air conditioning or furnace, regardless of the brand, and it will return error codes that will easily allow them to diagnose the problem. This will lead to the technicians diagnosing the problem quicker, which should lead to quicker resolution of the problem, creating happier customers, less system down time, and the ability for contractors to serve more customers. This initiative began earlier this year and there is a lot of interest in it from not only contractors, but also the leading manufacturers in the industry. How has the R-22 refrigerant phase out affected the industry? The last few years of the HCFC phase out are progressing without much drama. It’s the next steps for refrigerants in general that should be watched closely. The EPA is reviewing proposals to alter the Section 608 technician certification program. This may bring some important and necessary reforms to the program, like technician recertification and updated exam questions. The other big question is what will become the next effective and cheap refrigerant as the government begins to phase out HFC refrigerants.

Have there been any significant code changes in the last year? There are three code bodies that govern our industry: International Code Council (ICC), the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). All three of them put out documents detailing the major changes from cycle to cycle. ACCA has a Codes Committee that stays on top of each of these changes to ensure that contractors in the industry have their voices heard during the creation and implementation of them. What is the most significant challenge your industry faces? Labor shortages? Other? Our industry faces two major challenges. The first is regulatory challenges from the federal government. The HVACR industry faces a lot of “known unknowns” from the federal government in the short term. The Department Of Energy is poised to finalize 17 new regulations on manufactures, distributors, and contractors over the next two years. The EPA will be looking at expanding the list of approved refrigerants and may finally update the outdated Section 608 technician certification program. OSHA just announced a new Confined Space in Construction rule that goes into effect later this year. The second is an aging workforce and the need to recruit more young workers into the industry. This challenge has been around for decades, so it’s nothing new to our industry. However, if we do not do something about it, it won’t get better. ACCA has renewed its efforts to help bring in two very important groups of people into our industry: high school stu-

dents and military veterans. Earlier this year, we produced two short recruitment videos that are geared towards each of these groups. We are encouraging contractors to use these videos in their recruitment efforts. They are on the front lines recruiting new employees at job fairs and in vocational schools; so these resources can help show potential employees that the HVACR and indoor environment industry has great opportunities for a long, rewarding career. And, this summer we will be launching a new website to help with this as well, www.ie3jobs.com. What are keys to being successful? It’s said a lot in our industry, but it’s true. The best thing contractors can do to ensure their business is successful is to focus on the things they can control. That means focusing on strong business practices, providing education and training opportunities to their teams, and getting involved. ACCA is here to help contractors achieve those goals on all of those levels. We have increased the number of training opportunities available to contractors. This fall, we are heading to Indianapolis, IA., in October for two events that are aimed at contracting business managers. First, we are introducing a brand new event: the Office and Operations Managers Forum. This event will focus on helping your office team - the ones who keep things running smoothly in the office improve their skills and increase productivity for your entire team. And, of course, we are bringing back the Service Managers Forum. It is one of our most popular events and has seen double digit attendance increases over the past three years. It will again be two days of learning and networking with top service managers from across the country and some industry experts that will help move your service operations to the next level of success. Mark your calendars now for Oct. 20-21 for the Office and Operations Managers Forum and Oct. 22–23 for the Service Managers Forum. And for those who just can’t leave their businesses for a few days, we offer plenty of online training resources. In 2012, we launched our Residential Design For Quality Installation online certificate program. This online program mirrors the inperson class we hold at ACCA headquar-

ters four times a year, but you can do it from your office or home, at your pace. And in 2015, we will be launching our Commercial Design For Quality Installation online certificate program. Just like the residential program, it will give you the opportunity to get a full grounding of proper commercial design in compliance with the HVAC Quality Installation Specification. March 10–13, 2016, we will be heading to Charlotte, NC, for our Annual Conference and Expo: ACCA 2016 – the business solutions conference for indoor environment contractors will be a diverse learning lab program that covers almost every area of a contractors business. From commercial, residential, building performance, and hydronics topics to marketing, quality assurance, leadership, and business operations; there will be information that will help any contractor improve their operations and bottom line. Mixed in with our learning labs are our MainStages, which will blow away anyone attending. Our MainStages feature some of the best big picture thinkers in the country. In 2015, we featured Economist and Futurist Lowell Catlett and Business Guru Michael Gerber. We are working on setting the lineup for 2016, and as always, it will feature some of the most in-demand speakers in the country. The MainsStages also include the CEO/Contractor Forum, where contractors will get to directly ask the CEOs of major manufacturing companies the tough questions. And “What’s Your Problem?” which will give contractors in the audience a chance to ask a panel of their contracting peers for advice on their biggest obstacles at their business. The IE3: Indoor Environment & Energy Expo is also taking place during this time. The expo will feature 200 manufacturers, suppliers, and industry partners that are ready and willing to help contractors solve their biggest problems. Outside of training, ACCA has many ways that contractors can get involved. We have committees, taskforces, councils, the ACCA-PAC, and more. Volunteer leaders help make the industry stronger and when we work together for the common good, we all win. So, I would encourage everyone to get involved in 2015, because things aren’t going to slow down and we are going to see even more regulations come from government agencies. cw.

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Constructing a celebration

JULY 2015

Electrical Industry Call for Ad Space Reservations • • • •

Samentha Tiller, president of DMI Technologies, is wearing her party hard-y hat for two reasons: Her Fort Worth-based company is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month and the office is getting a complete makeover, just in time for its open house in fall. –mjm

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continued from Page 1 —Doing what they Lean to do

Association Calendar

Content submitted by Associations to Construction News ASA North Texas

NARI

American Subcontractors Association

Nat’l Assn. of the Remodeling Industry

Jun. 11: ASA Awards, Omni Park West Hotel Jun. 15: CEF Graduation and Awards Ceremony, Westin Hotel Jun. 16: Schmooze and Mingle at John R. Neal & Associates Jun. 26: Membership luncheon at Las Colinas Country Club

Jun. 9: Monthly meeting, APEX Supply, 600 East Arapahoe Rd., Richardson, 6pm.

ASCE Dallas American Society of Civil Engineers

Jun. 8: Branch meeting, 11am Superintendent Buddy Brumley (left) points to the Skiles Group Lean Dashboard.

“Skiles Group specializes in healthcare facilities, and these projects can be complex. We wanted to incorporate tools that would increase our efficiency as we took on larger projects,” Zandy explains. “The premise of Lean Construction is to eliminate waste and deliver value in both schedule and budget, so projects are delivered faster and more cost effectively, which benefits everyone. “We put dashboards on all of our projects,” he continues. “We track the milestones and then have our subcontractors show where they’re working and how many men they have each week to help us try to meet those deadlines. If they get off track we identify the associated constraints and try to help trades resolve them. “We also have a percent plan complete board. On this board, we actually track our specific commitments, our success at meeting those goals and the root causes for what wasn’t done. If we understand why we’re not completing our work, we can do something about it.” Zandy says that many general contractors meet with subcontractors once a week for at least an hour. The meetings, mostly verbal, can lead to boredom and confusion. “Instead, we have a 15-minute huddle with all of the superintendents and foremen every morning,” he says. “They use dry erase markers to draw on a laminated floor plan to show what work is planned for that day. Our industry is all about communication, but to me, visual communication is so much more effective than verbal.“ Zandy also implemented a delivery board that tracks the anticipated arrival of materials and equipment, their stag-

ing areas and crew to unload them. This helps to avoid lost time and broken or missing materials. “We track all of these details so that the guys are more informed for planning their work, and to ensure ‘just-in-time’ deliveries. It was a challenge, because the lead times on some of the light fixtures and equipment was six to eight weeks, so we really had to expedite everything. And, of course, we had the ice storms, so deliveries were pushed back. It was close,” Zandy admits. With the pressure of weather delays, health codes and two crews to manage, did Skiles Group meet both deadlines? “Absolutely,” Zandy says. “I think because of the short timespan on the job, and because of the number of workers that had to be in the space at one time to get it done, we really had to carefully plan out every step. Otherwise, it would have been difficult on that schedule.” Zandy said that the client was not only pleased with the finished spaces designed by architecture firm Perkins + Will, they were very happy with the use of the Lean process. “The feedback I got from the client was that the simplicity in the flow of the job was noticeable,” he says. “They really liked the transparency these tools offer. They were able to see exactly what the constraints were, where the teams were working, which subs would be on-site and so on. It really offers a cohesive, visual clarity to the project’s progress. They told me they wished they had this on all of their projects.” Dallas-based Skiles Group has provided general contracting and construction management for 43 years, with a focus on serving healthcare clients. –mjm

ASCE Fort Worth American Society of Civil Engineers

Jun. 15: Branch meeting

ASSE

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

Jun. 15: Dinner meeting, MCM Elegante Hotel, 2330 Northwest Hwy., Dallas, 5pm.

NTRCA N. Tx Roofing Contractors Assn.

Jun 2: Cowboys Golf Course, 1600 Fairway Dr., Grapevine, 7:30am and 1:30pm shotgun starts. Jun 10: Lunch & Learn, International Bowling Museum, Arlington, 11:30am.

NUCA National Utility Contractors Assn.

American Society of Safety Engineers

Jun. 1: Chapter meeting and officer installations, Top Golf Dallas, 3pm.

Jun. 24: Rangers Game

PMI Project Management Institute - Dallas

CEF Construction Specifications Institute

Jun. 15: CEF Graduation and Awards Ceremony, Westin Hotel

Jun. 11: Dallas Chapter Annual Business Meeting, Crowne Plaza North Dallas/Addison, 14315 Midway Rd., Addison, 6:30pm.

CSI Fort Worth

SCWCPA

Construction Education Foundation

Southwest Wall, Ceiling & Plaster Assn.

Jun. 9: Awards banquet. Visit www.fwcsi. org for more information.

Jun. 17-19: Annual Convention and Trade Show, La Cantera Hill Country Resort, San Antonio. Jun. 18: Golf Tournament, La Cantera Hill Country Resort, San Antonio.

CFMA Construction Financial Mgmt Assn.

Jun. 8: 2015 Annual Golf Tournament, Timarron Country Club, 1400 Byron Nelson Pkwy, Southlake, 7:30am registration, 9:30am shotgun start. Contact Kelly Dando at cfmadfw@gmail.com for info. Jun. 18: Membership meeting, Las Colinas Country Club, 4400 N O’Connor Rd., Irving, 11:30am.

ICRI - NT

TEXO The Construction Association

Jun. 6: 2015 TEXO Softball Tournament, Hurst Athletic Complex, 2104 Precinct Line Road, Hurst, 8am. Jun. 22: TEXO Open Golf Tournament, Trophy Club Country Club, 500 Trophy Club Dr., Trophy Club.

Int’l Concrete Repair Institute

UMCA

Jun. 11: Membership meeting, Dave & Buster’s, 9450 N. Central Expwy. (US 75) Dallas.

United Masonry Contractors Assn.

Jun. 2: Golden Trowel Awards Banquet

USGBC

IEC - Dallas

U.S. Green Building Council

Independent Electrical Contractors

Jun. 2-3: Building Operating Management’s NFMT High-Performance Buildings Conference and Expo, Fort Worth Convention Center.

Jun. 9: Graduation, Irving Convention Center Jun. 12: Frisco Rough Riders Game

continued from Page 1 — Support system with the extent of support she received. “I wasn’t expecting all of the support that I got,” Ellis says. “I knew that I would have some, yes, but I was really just very overwhelmed and humbled at the response that I got from people. I really appreciated everyone that reached out. I felt like I never hit the ground, I was caught right away. Anything that I need is just a phone call away. It’s very comforting to know that I have women who are very supportive because I am in the industry, even though both men and women have been very supportive of me. It’s not common for ladies to be in the construction industry, especially head of the company.” For Pacanins, it’s gratifying to help another woman succeed in the industry, but notes that it’s a satisfying feeling to help anyone succeed and is excited to be one of Ellis’ vendors.

“It’s awesome helping another woman, but really, it’s about the person, and any person who is as excited and passionate about their company [as she is], I just feed off of that,“ Pacanins says. With a strong start fostered by support like Pacanins’, Ellis is focused on building her business. “It’s exciting!” Ellis says. “Right now, I’m focusing on the Dallas/Fort Worth and Oklahoma City area where I already have a large base of amazing customers, and I plan to continue to take care of them and to make sure that we streamline the process for them.” Ellis also looks forward to paying the support forward to anyone who might need a little boost. “I’ll be working with the mom-and pop shops, and women too,” she says. “I am definitely making that a goal.” –mjm

Submitted to Construction News

The first place club

continued from Page 1 — Change of the century industrial buildings, as well as sports stadiums and multi-level parking structures. Staff at the Dallas office, led by branch manager Ben Granbois, are excited about the changes coming to their office and what it will mean for their clients. “Being part of the Western family for a small portion of their decorated 100 year history has been a true blessing,” Grandbois says. “The Bishop family’s ded-

ication to their people can be directly correlated to our dedication to our customers, creating long-lasting relationships with all regions of the country. A lot of change takes place over 100 years, and Western has always been at the forefront for our specialty contractors. With our broadened horizons within the specialty contracting world, we hope to open our doors to more long-lasting relationships with new customers.” –mjm

L-R: PPG’s Marc McGuire, Rumsfield’s Drywall’s Dusty Rumsfield, McSweeney Commerical Painting’s Charlie Durham and PPG’s John Powell placed first at the 2015 Dallas Chapter Painting and Decorating Contractors of America Golf Tournament. Proceeds from the event, held Apr. 17 at Bear Creek Golf Club, benefit PDCA’s college scholarship fund. –mjm

Page 18

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Jun 2015

Round-Up

Industry FOLKS

etroleum has pumped through Michael Ward’s blood since he was a boy. Growing up, the Indiana native observed his dad’s work in the petroleum equipment industry, and even followed him into the industry as an adult. Since then, Ward has worked his way up from warehouse to sales to various management positions, relocating several times before finally landing in North Texas 11 years ago. Now accustomed to driving from one side of Dallas/Fort Worth to the other, in the same amount of time it would have taken him to cross Indiana, Ward recently settled into a new role as territory sales representative at D&H/United Pump Supply in Arlington. His years of experience haven’t dampened his enthusiasm for his work, and he looks forward to bringing both to the table. “The most enjoyable part is helping people who have a dream to grow their company and utilizing my experience to help them figure out the best way to move forward,” he says. Ward himself is figuring out how to best move forward now that his 18-year-old son is graduating high school in the fall and his 17-year-old daughter, a junior, will be leaving the nest soon. The countless hours he and wife Melanie have spent carting kids

to band and soccer practice will now someday be used for other things, ideally travel. “That may have to wait until the kids get out of college,” he says. “[Melanie] wants to go to Paris; I want to go to London, Rome and Athens. As a kid, I was able to travel much of the United States; I’ve been to 41 of the 50 states, including Hawaii. Although I haven’t been to Alaska yet, I have high hopes! “I would love to have the time to go to London and watch several British Premier League football matches,” he says. “Seeing Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United playing in their home stadiums would be a wonderful experience.” In the meantime, Ward is anticipating a wonderful experience at D&H/United Pump Supply. “I have worked for several companies in this industry,” Ward says. “I believe this organization has the diversity, culture, and commitment to customer service to remain a strong player in the industry and a dominant presence in our service area.”–mjm

General contracting company McCarthy Building Companies Inc. recently appointed Adam Knoebel as senior vice president of operations for the Texas region. Knoebel, who brings 25 years of experience to the position, moved to Dallas from McCarthy’s St. Louis headquarters where he served as vice president of operations for the commercial and education group since 2010. Knoebel holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management and Engineering from Kansas State University. Construction insurance and surety bond writer Mullis Newby Hurst L.P., recently hired Doug Reed as an account executive in the firm’s Addison office. Reed previously served as director of business development for Chem Can Services LLC and a financial representative for Northwestern Mutual. Dick McNary, president of Project Control of Texas (PCT), has been named chief operating officer of Raba Kistner Program Management (RKPM) in Dallas. In his new role, he will direct efforts of RKPM and its subsidiaries, Project Control and PC Sports. IBTX Risk Services announces the hiring of Bobby Shuey for the role of risk advisor in the company’s Irving office. Shuey specialty is risk consulting for the healthcare industry and assisting companies that focus on manufacturing and construction. Shuey graduated with a Risk Management and Insurance degree from the University of Mississippi.

Submissions

Round-Up

Michael Ward Territory Sales Representative D&H/United Pump Supply Arlington

DeWayne Krawl was promoted to vice president of business development at the MLAW Engineers Austin office. He joined the firm in 2005 in its warranty department. Bringing years of real estate and business experience to the table, he created and managed the additions and remodeling department from 2006 to 2010. From 2011 to 2015 he served as district manager and continued to expand MLAW’s presence statewide. Based in Austin, he will travel and work in all MLAW markets in Dallas, San Antonio, Houston and the Texas Coast.

Engineering firm JQ announces the following additions to its Dallas office: Lucas Morales, CPA, joins the firm as controller and will be responsible for the company’s accounting and financial activities. Morales, who previously served as CFO and controller for an accessories manufacturing company, brings 16 years of construction and manufacturing accounting experience to his role. LeAnna Harding, PHR, has been hired as JQ’s human resources manager. Harding will oversee all aspects of human resources management, including employee recruitment and retention and benefits administration. She was previously human resource manager for a Dallas-based manufacturing and distribution company. Fort Worth commercial construction management services firm SEDALCO Construction Services announces the following leadership succession promotions: Tom Kader is transitioning from his role as president to assume the role as chairman. Russ Garrison, formerly executive vice president, will assume the role of president. A 13-year veteran of SEDALCO with more than 33 years in the industry, Garrison has been active in all management aspects within the firm, most recently acting as the primary executive overseeing the company’s Pre-Construction Services Department. Jared Hicks, former director of field operations, has been promoted to executive vice president. In his new role, Hicks will continue to be responsible for the management of SEDALCO’s operations department and will take on a more global executive role with client and design professional interaction. Tyler McCarty, former director of business development, has been promoted to vice president. McCarty will continue an emphasis on customer growth though implementing SEDALCO’s key services and will take on a broader leadership role in managing pre-project consulting services.

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

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Jun 2015

Page 19

Safety in numbers

ach year, more than 80,000 construction workers suffer injuries on job sites across the country. To raise awareness of this issue and ways the industry can bring this number down to zero, construction firms are hosting safety stand-downs and safety events during U.S. Industry Safety Week, held May 3-9. Several North Texas firms, including Cadence McShane, Chamberlin Roofing and Waterproofing, Rogers -O’Brien, Skiles Group and TDIndustries

participated to reaffirm their commitment to protecting and educating workers about safety practices. Also, TEXO, The Construction Association, partnered with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the National Occupational Research Agenda for its annual Safety Stand-Down; its members temporarily stopped work on job sites to stress the importance of safety awareness and education. –mjm

TDIndustries hosted a fall protection class for its field personnel.

Skiles Group’s assistant superintendent Seth Harrison addresses the workers about safety.

Chamberlin Roofing and Waterproofing workers participate in a safety stand-down.

Cadence McShane visited and hosted a lunch for workers at the Frisco ISD CTE Center job site.

Rogers O’Brien

Page 20

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Jun 2015

Champing at the bait

etroplex roofers took their fishing skills all the way to the bank of Lake Texoma Grand Pappy’s Point Marina in Denison May 6-7. There, they found the reel deal: A fishing tournament hosted by the North Texas Roofing Contractors Association (NTRCA).

Prime Source Construction’s Blake Bolin, JT Roofing Solutions’ Trenton Young and ER System’s Mike Swartzer and Nick Febo hooked the fishing champ title and Tim Haney & Associates snagged the largest fish award. –mjm

L-R: Prime Source Construction’s Blake Bolin, JT Roofing Solutions’ Trenton Young and ER Systems’ Nick Febo and Mike Swartzer won first place

Tim Haney & Associates caught the largest fish.

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DFWeditor@ConstructionNews.net (817) 731-4823 In memoriam

ob Nichols, 88, passed away May 8 in Arlington. Nichols was a longtime executive at Freese & Nichols, a Texas-based consulting firm offering engineering, architecture, environmental science, construction and planning services. During his 67-year career at Freese & Nichols, he served in several roles, most recently as President Emeritus, a position he held through this year. He primarily focused on environmental engineering, coordinating large-scale, multi-discipline and multi-consultant projects. He also served as Fort Worth chapter president, Texas society president and national president for the National Society of Professional Engineers. Nichols was an alumnus of Texas A&M University, where he earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering. Nichols is survived by his wife of 67 years, Frances, three children, six grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and his brother Jim (Billie). In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Bobby Nichols Jr. Scholarship fund, P.O. Box 1, Webb City, MO 64870.