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Volume 13
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Number 8
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AUGUST 2015
Supply and demand
Sparking the imagination
L-R: Jay Martinez and James Deshazier
L-R: Richard Amburgey and Kerry Stewart
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ranch manager Jay Martinez says 2015 has been a good year for the Morrison Supply Conroe location. “The new construction jobs haven’t stopped since all the rain in May and June,” Martinez said. “There is no season for new construction so that has been going well.” Morrison Supply employees, vendors and customers attended a crawfish boil at the Conroe location in the springtime. “We served 500 lbs. of crawfish during the afternoon,” he said. “We also had a golf simulator on site. We try to have an event every few months, if we can.” Martinez says he spends most of his time at the store and gets out in the field
every now and then. Working in the industry since 1996, he joined the company as an inside salesman in 2007 and became a branch manager in 2011. “My advice for someone who wants to do what I do is to start in the warehouse and learn all about the products,” Martinez said. “In my opinion, you have to know how to look people in the eyes and have a conversation. Eye contact is big. “Be quiet and listen and take it in. When someone is talking, don’t finish his or her sentence. Be willing to work from 7am until closing time.” Martinez helps the inside salesman at the counter especially during the morning rush. continued on Page 13
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stablished in 1999, Arks and Sparks Inc. moved to its current location in Conroe last August. Richard Amburgey is the owner. Amburgey became interested in welding after high school and has worked in the industry more than 30 years. “I started the company in my garage at home,” Amburgey said. “After spending a few years at a Spring location, we relocated to our current shop because we saw opportunity in Conroe.” Today, Kerry Stewart works in the welding and fabrication shop and Amburgey’s wife Cindy takes care of all the paper work. “Sometimes, I will come to the shop at 7am and go directly to a jobsite in the
field,” he said. “I spend my time both in the field and the shop. “I really enjoy fabricating steel from scratch. I am happy I have the chance to do something different every day.” In 2015, the company has had lots of work in the industrial and commercial industries. “In addition, we have worked on several welding projects for the food and beverage industries, as well as hotels and fitness centers,” he said. If a young person wants to be a welder, Amburgey says you have to enjoy what you are doing because if you don’t you will get bored. continued on Page 13
Learning to fly
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ouston’s first indoor skydiving facility comes with a state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel that moves air up in a column, creating an experience that realistically mimics the real thing. General contracting firm Structura recently completed the FLY Memorial – Houston project at 9540 Katy Freeway. The owner is SkyGroup Investments LLC. Chief operating officer Keven Jones, Structura, says the building’s steel and concrete shape is a reflection of the equipment it encases and was constructed around the wind tunnel equipment. The construction cost for the 10,163sf, ground-up construction project was $5 million, which does not include owner-supplied equipment. According to Jones, the enclosed section of the tunnel is the flight chamber, which has a floor of aircraft quality stainless steel.
“The building interior is an efficient and effective public space that produces a fun and energetic atmosphere,” he said. The facility also has a retail area, classroom for training and private meeting space available for rental. Jones says the shape of the building created much curiosity during construction with as many as 20 people stopping by daily and asking “What is it?” The weather was a major challenge for this project. The high volume of rain that fell during the early phases of construction hindered excavation and completion of the foundation. Another major obstacle was a concrete shortage as a result of the high number of projects under construction in the Houston area. “Securing the concrete needed required creativity and the ability to act quickly to purchase concrete when it was iFLY Memorial – Houston exterior
continued on Page 13
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Houston Construction News • Aug 2015
Seal the deal
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Roderick Sobere Yu manages the Conroe store.
tore manager Roderick Sobere Yu oversees the day-to-day operations at the SealMaster Conroe store. He helped open the store three years ago. Yu interacts and calls on sealcoating and line striping contractors in Montgomery County area on a daily basis. “I work at the office most of the time,” he said. “Sometimes, if I see someone doing parking lot maintenance or an asphalt repair projects I will stop by and visit with the contractor about our products.” Yu decided to run the Conroe store three years ago, because the company was already growing in the Houston area. “I thought it would be a good idea to run the store because Conroe and Montgomery County is growing too,” he said. Yu’s favorite part about his job today is meeting new customers and making
friends. The Houston store owner John Peterson stops by the store every now and then. The company hosts an annual Christmas employee gathering in Houston in December. “After work, I like to spend time as much time as possible my family,” he said. “I have two children in high school and college. “I look forward to attending my son’s varsity basketball games in the upcoming school year,” he said. Yu says his future plan for the Conroe store is to increase sales every year and meet more customers along the way. SealMaster provides pavement products and equipment. –ab
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Marking a milestone
hen Bob Marwill formed The Cadence Group in 1985, the general contracting company was small but focused. Fifteen employees in Dallas, Austin and Houston offices concentrated on providing solutions in the retail, education and commercial construction industry markets. Houston office vice president Colby Rose LEED AP is excited about the anniversary and underscores the importance the company places on its employees. “I feel very fortunate to be a part of the 30-year success story here at Cadence McShane, and I’m extremely excited about building on that success as the new VP of our Houston office,” Rose says. “I was selected to lead our Houston office as vice president after seven years at our Dallas headquarters. My promotion demonstrates a strong commitment to career growth within Cadence McShane. Our people are our most important asset and the source of our success over the past three decades.” In ten years, the growing success of the company Marwill had created was enough to catch Jim McShane’s eye. McShane acquired the company in 1995 to form Cadence McShane Construction and brought in Neal Harper to serve as company president. After Marwill retired in 1999, the company continued to grow and land major projects, including Austin’s $400 million Riata Vista project and Dallas’ 810,000-sf Park Lane project. The com-
Colby Rose LEED AP
pany’s successful trajectory accelerated in 2012 when Will Hodges was named president and the company moved into its new Addison headquarters in 2014. “In 2015 we celebrate a significant milestone of 30 years in business!” Hodges says. “We’re extremely proud of this achievement and thankful to our team members, clients and subcontractors for making this anniversary possible.” Cadence McShane Construction is a provider of general construction, construction management and design/build construction services for the educational, healthcare, industrial, office, government, mixed-use and multi-family markets. –mjm
Submitted to Construction News
Grand tour
Don Riley, president of Houston-based NCI Building Systems group business segments, (right), recently traveled to Austin to celebrate the grand opening of a new facility at Marbridge, a nonprofit residential center that offers transitional and lifetime care to adults with cognitive disabilities. The metal building company was involved early in the project, donating the materials for construction. –ab
Houston Construction News • Aug 2015
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Safety matters
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ouston area contractors gathered at the Junior League of Houston to hear international racing car driver and automotive sports announcer Derek Daly and to recognize commercial contractor and subcontractor companies who won safety awards Jul. 16. The Associated General Contractors Houston Chapter (AGC) held the event. Director of Safety Services Kim Mason reported on safety issues and new safety initiatives being reviewed by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) Mason recognized AGC Houston members Anslow Bryant Construction Ltd.; Brookstone LP; SpawGlass Construction Corp.; Keystone Concrete; TAS Commercial Concrete Construction LLC; and W. S. Bellows Construction Corp. for recently signing an OSHA Strategic Partnership. During the safety program, more than 80 AGC Houston member companies were recognized for participating in the Safety Stand-Down event May 5-15, which broke all previous records. More than 12,500 construction workers took part in safety demonstrations on fall protection over the course of two weeks despite massive rainfall and local flooding issues that affected construction jobsites. Mason also recognized safety committee chair Susan Phillips, Tellepsen, and co-chair David Hales, Peterson Beckner Industries Inc. OSHA representatives Mark Briggs and Joann Figueroa made a brief guest appearance and spoke about national and local safety statistics. –ab
Houston
Men on the move
Congratulations Safety Excellence Award winners!
AGC Houston Safety Director of the Year/Ray Lambright Safety Excellence Award: Kevin Virag, Gilbane Building Company New ECAT officers L-R: Trooper Irving, secretary; John Frerich, president; Joe Ed Jenschke, vice president, stand in front of a quilt made by Dorothy Willemin, DONCO, Uvalde, that was auctioned off for the ECAT Scholarship Fund.
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AGC Houston Specialty Contractor Award - Small Contractor Category: Allstate Commercial Flooring
AGC Houston Specialty Contractor Award - Large Contractor Category: Fast Track Specialties
CONSTRUCTION NEWS
he Earthmoving Contractors Association of Texas (ECAT) held its 57th annual meeting Jul. 17-18 in Temple. The meeting and conference included the annual skeet shooting contest, a tour of the Sandy Creek Power Station, educational programs and a banquet. The 2015-16 officers elected were John Frerich, Mobile Crushing and Screening Inc., Rowena – president; Joe Ed Jenschke, Edmund Jenschke Inc., Kerrville – vice president; and Trooper Irving, JCN Construction LLC, Canyon Lake – secretary. District directors elected were Dist. 1: Clint Cornell, Claude; Dist. 2: Marty Caston, Robert Lee; Dist. 3: Eddie Leatherwood, Dublin; Dist. 4: Bobby Watts, Decatur; Dist. 5: Ed Smith, Fairfield; Dist. 6: J.D. Godby, Clifton; Dist. 7: Galen Weber, Uvalde; Dist. 8: Tommy Watson, Cuero; Dist. 9: Clint Krause, New Braunfels; Dist. 10: Edwin Eckhardt, Fredericksburg; Dist. 11: John Puckett, Coleman; Dist. 12: Dennis Foerster, Giddings; and Director-at-Large: Chad Ottmers, Fredericksburg. –mh
L-R: Chad Ottmers received the Distinguished Service Award for his time as president 2013 to 2015 from John Frerich, new president.
Houston Editor — Abby BeMent — HoustonEditor@ConstructionNews.net — 832-595-0091 Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buddy Doebbler Editorial/Production . . . . . . Reesa Doebbler Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cyndi Wright Production Manager . . . . . . . . . Sue Johnson Sales Representative . . . . . . . . Kent Gerstner Construction News Ltd. Home Office P.O. Box 791290 • San Antonio, Tx 78279 210-308-5800 Fax 210-308-5960 www.ConstructionNews.net If you are a construction-related company in Harris, Galveston, Fort Bend or Montgomery counties and are not receiving a free copy of the Houston Construction News, please call for a Requester Form, or visit our website.
©2015 Construction News, Ltd. Submitted to Construction News
Teaming up
The Bocci Engineering team set up a booth at the recent Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance 2015 Business Expo at George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. –ab
The Houston Construction News (ISSN 15477630) is published monthly by Construction News LTD., dba Houston Construction News, and distributed by mail to constructionrelated companies in Houston and surrounding counties. All submissions should be mailed to our editorial offices. We reserve the right to edit any materials submitted. No fees for materials, copy or photographs submitted will be due unless agreed upon in advance in writing. Submissions will be published at our discretion on a space available basis. Construction News, Ltd. , dba Houston Construction News, will not be liable for errors in copy or in advertisements beyond the actual cost of space occupied by the error. Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement at any time.
Skeet Shooting Grand Champion: J.D. Godby; Runner Up: Dave Sweenet, Fort Worth
Houston
Steve Barnett, regional manager for BITCO Insurance, accepted the Appreciation Award for BITCO.
Membership Award: Edwin Eckhardt
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Houston Construction News • Aug 2015
A contractor’s guide to construction R&D tax credits Michael Kuchar, CPA Doeren Mayhew Houston, TX
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ontractors that provide design-build services using new and innovative construction techniques and enlist engineers and architects to provide construction services are most likely able to qualify for the research and experimentation tax credit (commonly referred to as the R&D tax credit). Many activities required to design and construct a new building, or expand/ improve an existing structure, may meet the construction R&D tax credit requirements. Specifically, activities performed by the project architects, engineers and other design service consultants (including electrical contractors doing design work, HVAC fabricators, mechanical design, etc.) are mostly likely to qualify. To maximize the benefits of any research performed during the construction of a building, it is critical to understand the design and engineering processes to identify potential qualifying activities. In most instances the delivery of architectural, engineering and certain design consulting services generally follow a standardized process that involves six phases. Phase I – Conceptual Design This first phase of the architectural/ engineering design process typically involves allocation of space (stacking and blocking), space planning, and assessment of available and required square footage. In order to determine if and how the proposed site may accommodate the overall functional and nonfunctional elements required by the client (for example, placement of personnel and equipment), the architects/engineers will most likely need to complete qualifying activities to validate it meets the specific needs. Phase II – Schematic Design This next phase typically involves exploring the general concept of the building. Several schemes will be designed, and the building owner will select one, generally resulting in these qualifying activities: • Consideration of several alternatives for development of the selected space. • Determination of (on an overall basis) how each alternative may be constructed, given architectural and related principles. Phase III – Design Development This portion of the architectural/ engineering process typically involves
expanding the selected design, including assessment of alternative materials and the cost of various options. Qualifying activities take place as the architect is called upon to resolve major design issues related to fitting the selected architectural scheme into a workable overall plan. Phase IV – Construction Documents Phase IV typically involves reducing the design concepts to precise drawings, which will be complete enough to allow permitting and final cost estimates. Since it represents indirect construction labor, this stage will typically only have qualifying credits if the drawing process reveals the need to reassess the design development. Phase V – Construction Assistance with the actual construction process takes place during this phase, which represents direct and indirect construction labor. In most cases you would not have qualifying construction R&D activities unless rework or change orders require the design from the development stage be reassessed. Phase VI – Commissioning/Testing This final phase of the architectural/ engineering process typically involves certification that the structure has been assembled successfully. Due to this phase being related to the quality control process, the only instance in which qualifying activities may occur would be if testing identifies necessary rework, which in turn leads to reassessment of the initial design. Cashing in on Construction R&D While the architects and engineers typically engage in some activities that might qualify as construction R&D, the extent varies. For this reason it is important to have your construction CPA perform a detailed analysis to mitigate any risk during an IRS exam. Michael Kuchar, CPA, is a shareholder and leader of Doeren Mayhew’s dedicated Construction Group in Houston. A top 100 U.S. firm, Doeren Mayhew’s CPAs and business advisors serve more than 500 suppliers and general and specialty contractors doing business domestically and abroad. For more information, visit www.doeren.com.
Construction ergonomics Mark Gaskamp, CSP, CRM, CIC, CPCU, ALCM Managing Director Wortham LLC Austin TX
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hat is the leading cause of lost time accidents in construction? The answer is lifting and material handling.
In fact, over 1/3 of all lost time injuries in construction are associated with strains/overexertion. Yet there is nothing within OSHA 1926 that addresses strain or ergonomic injuries. Because there is no specific OSHA requirement, many organizations fail to address this critical worker safety/ injury risk in the workplace. Back and shoulder injuries are also the driving force behind most workers compensation experience modifiers. One or two bad backs can ruin an experience modifier for the next four years, costing thousands of dollars in increased workers compensation premiums. Construction is hard work and requires physical effort to get the job done, so should we just throw up our hands and say, that is just part of the business? No, there are specific things that can be done to reduce the risk of strains and material handling injuries. So what can you do to control these types of injuries? A good start is to follow the guidelines outlined in the ANSI A10.40Reduction of Musculoskeletal Problems in Construction. This consensus standard offers a process for addressing “musculoskeletal problems” from identification to injury management. For more information on the ANSI standard you may obtain a copy at http:// webstore.ansi.org. Below are industry best practices that have helped reduce the risk for ergonomic injuries. Identify High Risk Tasks: Many organizations have had great success implementing JSA’s (Job Safety Analysis) to identify and address safety issues for specific job tasks. The question is have these been looked at from an ergonomic perspective? A job analysis should be completed for jobs that inherently create the potential for strain injury. Taking a little bit of time to look at the jobs and step back and analyze them can pay big dividends. If you have a safety committee in place, this can be a great project to add value to the company’s bottom line. Identify Safe & Unsafe Work Practices: A recent study showed that over 60% of the worker injuries do not have a specific OSHA standard which applies to the source of the accident. Does your job site inspection checklist only include OSHA standards? If so, you
are missing over half your accidents. For ergonomics it is imperative to add “unsafe material handling behaviors” to your job site inspection checklists. Individual accountability: Just like any other safety initiative, workers must be held accountable for poor behaviors. If workers fail to use proper lifting techniques or specific material handling requirements it is imperative that supervisors counsel them just like any other safety violation. Employee involvement & capabilities: Making sure employees are fit for work can help avoid muscle strain. Many organizations have found success in implementing simple stretches prior to the work shift (at the tool box meeting is a great idea). Some of you may be visualizing your job site foreman instructing calisthenics on the job site at 6am, although that might not be a bad idea. Providing simple stretches, for upper extremities, back, and hamstrings can provide good blood circulation and prepare the muscles for their shift. One other benefit from a claim perspective, especially the “Monday morning claims,” is supervised stretching. This can identify off the job injuries before the shift starts. Accident review: In my experience, the worst accident investigations are those for material handling injuries. Why? Because it’s hard, and it takes time to determine what exactly caused the injury. Many times there is not a specific event as is the case for a fall, burn, cut or many other incidents. But I can assure you, without investigating the exact cause and evaluating what steps that can be taken to prevent reoccurrence, it will happen again. Injury management: Lastly, if you are not already part of the claim and injury management process, become engaged. It is imperative that opportunities to return to work are identified to reduce lost time claims and indemnity payments for injured workers. The recent experience modifier calculation changes make this even more important from a financial standpoint. Mark Gaskamp is a managing director for Wortham Insurance & Risk Management in Austin. For more information contact Mark at (512) 532-1536 or mark.gaskamp@ worthaminsurance.com or visit www. worthaminsurance.com
Submitted to Construction News
Hats off to her!
Submitted to Construction News
All you need is love
Congrats to Maria and Joe Ochoa Sr., Joe Ochoa Roofing Inc., for celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this spring. They have three children who are married, five grandchildren and one more on the way. –ab Steele & Freeman Inc.’s Dena Rowland (center with thumbs up) was elected director for the National Association of Women in Construction’s newly-formed South Central Region. Rowland will be installed at NAWIC’s 60th annual Meeting and Education Conference in Nashville in September. She currently serves as NAWIC’s Fort Worth chapter president and will oversee 16 chapters in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana as director on the national board. –mjm
Houston Construction News • Aug 2015
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Full steam ahead Sine Die: The 84th Texas Legislative session West W. Winter, Partner McNelis + Winter, PLLC San Antonio, TX “This building fires the heart and excites the reflections in the minds of all…the architecture of a civilization is its most enduring feature, and by this structure shall Texas transmit herself to posterity…” Temple Houston at the dedication of the Texas State Capitol.
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had the honor and privilege, in connection with my service as a member of the governmental affairs committee of the South Texas chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, to participate in the ABC–Texas Legislative Day at the State Capitol in Austin. This was a fantastic experience for me and a personal way to participate in our legislative process on behalf of Texas contractors. I can say without a doubt that we in the construction industry are extremely well represented by the people and efforts of the ABC and other pro-construction organizations. The following legislative issues were identified as beneficial to Texas builders and contractors and worthy of support going into the 84th legislative session which ended on June 1, 2015: Neutrality in State Government Contracting: Legislation to require neutrality in bidding and awarding construction contracts by preventing governmental entities from requiring the use of project labor agreements for projects that use state resources. Retainage/Trust Fund: Legislation assuring that statutory retainage requirements be enforced and that statutory retainage become construction trust funds to secure payment to contractors and subcontractors. Lender Notice: Legislation requiring lenders to notify those performing work on a project that the funding for the project has ceased. Criteria for ADS Scoring: Legislation requiring consistency and transparency when alternative delivery systems are used. Taxes - Franchise and School Finance: Legislation which reduces, phases-out or repeals the Franchise tax and prevents or minimizes additional taxes on the construction industry. State Breach of Contract: Legislation providing for consistent waiver of sovereign immunity for construction contracts with all governmental entities in Texas. Worker Misclassification: Legislation which increases penalties for knowingly and flagrantly misclassifying employees, but protecting contractors from being penalized for the hiring decisions of others, good faith mistakes and arbitrary agency decisions. In a win for all business, House Bill 32 reduced the franchise tax rate by 25 percent. While no other legislation was ultimately passed which specifically addressed the above priorities for a myriad of reasons, the ball was moved forward for the construction industry, and we are not presently aware of any
Did you know? Past editions can be downloaded at www. ConstructionNews.net
legislation that adversely impacted our industry in a significant way. This is a positive given that more than 6,000 bills were filed in the Texas House and Senate combined. Also, most of these priorities will be teed up for the 85th legislative session in 2017. At that time, it is likely that lien law reform will also be a top priority for many groups. Some Other Bills of Interest Construction Funding: Significantly, the Legislature approved approximately $4.5 billion in construction funding, including $1.5 billion in general appropriations (HB 1) and $3 billion in higher education construction to be funded through tuition revenue bonds (HB 100). Condo Defect Claims: House Bill 1455 adds provisions to the Texas Property Code relating to prerequisites for filing suit or initiating arbitration proceedings for defect or design claims by owners of condominiums with eight or more units. Open Carry: Although open carry is not a construction issue, it is an issue which received a great deal of media attention. House Bill 910 allows, subject to the many requirements, regulations, and restrictions contained within the legislation, those licensed to carry a concealed handgun to carry handguns openly in holsters worn either on a belt or over the shoulder. With the passage of this legislation, Texas reportedly joins 44 other states that also allow some form of open carry. The open carry legislation will become effective Jan. 1, 2016, and it is important that all employers become aware of the implications of the new law. West W. Winter is a partner at McNelis + Winter, PLLC. A LEED Green Associate, West serves on the board of the Construction Law Section of the San Antonio Bar Association and has been listed as one of the Best Lawyers in San Antonio for Construction Litigation. West can be reached via email: west@ mcneliswinter.com.
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esign firm Stantec has acquired Houston-based VI Engineering, a 30-person power and electrical engineering firm. “The utility transmission and distribution marketplace is in the midst of major growth,” said president and chief executive officer, Bob Gomes. “VI Engineering’s strong background in the design of high-voltage electrical substations, transmission and distribution lines and electric power systems adds to our platform to better serve our clients in these areas across the country.” VI Engineering focuses on engineering and design, project management, and system analysis, primarily for electric utilities and cooperatives, industrial, chemical and petrochemical plants and midstream oil and gas companies. Recent projects in Texas include six 345 kV substations related to the CREZ Initiative in western Texas and a host of 138 kV substations in the greater Houston area. “We have been searching for a mechanism to grow our presence in other markets and joining Stantec allows us to achieve this,” said Principal Matt McBurnett, VI Engineering. “Stantec’s entrepre-
Bob Gomes
neurial spirit mirrors ours and its diverse portfolio provides us an opportunity to offer our clients a wider array of services with an expanded geographic reach.” VI Engineering is joining Stantec’s group of nearly 900 power engineers and specialists across the company. Stantec provides professional consulting in planning, engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences and project management services. –ab
Construction News ON LOCATION
Calm and cool
L-R: Technicians Pacer Jackson and Mark Sheffield work on a blower motor at Long Air Conditioning in Conroe. –ab
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Houston Construction News • Aug 2015
Houston Construction News • Aug 2015
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Preparing for Summer Heat 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.
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he heart of the summer has arrived and heat will become a factor on the water for both fish and anglers. You can expect 95- to 100-degree days for the next month, so staying cool and hydrated will be your main concerns. Drink plenty of fluids and steer clear of beer and alcoholic beverages while in the heat. Let’s move on to what you can expect the fishing to be like for the month of August. We will continue to work the areas in the Upper Lagoon south of the JFK Causeway to Baffin Bay. This stretch of the bay is still producing good boxes of trout and reds along grass edges and sand pockets with croakers and piggys. The key to catching these fish is to stay on the move. With the water clarity being so clear, you’re not going to
Debbie Morris of San Antonio caught this 27” redfish last month south of Baffin Bay on live croaker fishing with Capt. Steve Schultz.
catch as many fish in one spot as you would if it was a bit more off-color. Fish seem to be a little more comfortable in dingy water because they can’t see you and your boat. Another benefit to a successful fishing trip is to get an early start. Low light conditions have proven to be key factors in getting a good start to your day, not to mention fishing some of the more popular spots before
Submitted to Construction News
Play ball
boat traffic scatters the fish in the area. Use cloudy days to your advantage when planning your next move. I’m always thinking ahead for my next move. Study the area while the sun is bright and make sure you’re going to be set up correctly. If you try to move while a cloud is blocking the sun, you’re probably not going to be in the right spot, therefore having to move again and fouling up the area. Moving on further south, the Baffin Bay complex is still producing some good fish. The deeper rocks seem to be the most popular spots with water temperatures nearing 87-88 degrees by mid-day. Wade fishing can be very effective early mornings and late evenings in the shallower areas of east Kleberg and Starvation point. Another area not to be overlooked is the Badlands at the mouth of the bay. Shallow grass beds and scattered rocks have been producing both reds and trout on live croakers. Over the past several weeks I have drifted this area late in the day and it has paid off for me. Most of the boats have cleared out by noon and that seems to be the key to catching fish in this area. For those not willing to brave the rocks in Baffin Bay, there are other areas closer to the JFK which can be very productive. North of the bridge before entering Corpus Christi Bay is the Boat Hole. This area holds large numbers of schooling fish coming in from the Gulf through Packery Channel. Specks are sure to be found in the deeper waters near the Naval Air Station and redfish can be chased over the flats under the power lines. Just a few miles into Corpus Christi Bay is another prime habitat for the above species. Shamrock Cove is another popular fishing area offering protection against high winds and heavy boat traffic. It’s a great area to fish out of a kayak if you don’t own a boat. This pristine fishery can be accessed off Hwy. 361 across from the Twin Tower Condo’s. Trophy trout and redfish have been caught in this bay system throughout the summer. 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.
Have an outdoor photo you’d like to share? Send to: HoustonEditor@Constructionnews.net or call Abby at 832-595-0091
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
Gus Blanco, WHR Architects, threw the first pitch at the Houston Astros vs. Toronto Blue Jays game at Minute Mate Park.–ab Photo by Ken Murray, ICON Sportswire
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Houston Construction News • Aug 2015
Submitted to Construction News
Submitted to Construction News
Casting a line
Catch of the day
L-R: ABC Supply Co. Stafford location’s Shannon Galloway, David Hernandez, Robert Garza and friend had a great day fishing at Port Aransas. –ab
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L-R: SpawGlass Houston’s Justin Nowak, Marvin Sefcik, Amado Moses and Kris Mickshaw went fishing in Galveston in June. –ab
Houston Construction News • Aug 2015
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Cool in Conroe
Going the extra mile
L-R: Edwin Rendon and Henry work together at a painting project in The Woodlands.
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onroe-based The Perfect Painting has reached its 10th anniversary. Owner Edwin Rendon established the company. “I did maintenance work at Strike Construction before I went out on my own,” Rendon said. “After doing all types of repair work over the years, I wanted to focus on painting.” Rendon says he is grateful to own his own painting company today because it has given him more freedom to enjoy his family. “In the beginning, I did most of the painting work myself,” he said. “Business has picked up this year, so I hired a painter named Henry to help me.” If a young person wants to own his or her own painting company, Rendon says start out the field, work hard and exceed expectations. “I always keep myself busy painting,”
he said. “It is important to me to please each customer. I always like to see the final results.” Commercial painting jobs the company has completed in Montgomery County include office buildings and dentist offices. When he is not at work, Rendon enjoys raising his two boys ages 3 and 5 in Conroe. They like to barbecue on the weekends and spend time near Lake Conroe. “My family and I had a great time visiting San Antonio this summer,” he said. “My kids loved seeing Shamu the whale at Sea World.” In the future, Rendon says he wants to keep working hard and see what happens. The Perfect Painting provides painting services, drywall repair and epoxy floor coatings. –ab
Laurie Williamson handles paperwork in the office.
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iamond Heating & Air Conditioning has installed and maintained heating and air conditioning systems in the Gulf Coast area for 28 years. Paul Umphries is the owner and Laurie Williamson is the office manager. “We have seen an increase in our business in 2015,” Williamson said. “Our certified and trained technicians Brian and Cody stay busy working in the field during the week. Paul oversees the company and he also checks on jobs.” Williamson says she has learned something new every day about the business since she joined the company four years ago. Today, she handles the billing and payroll. “Paul is very good to all his employees, and I think that makes a difference,” she said. “He treats us right. We are all like family. I am grateful I work with a boss like Paul.”
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MORGANTI FOR THEIR PASSIONATE SUPPORT OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT THANK YOU!!! Leticia Elias, cc-rrc L-R: Charles Johnson, Kevin Genarie, Arielle Stoness, and Krista Thomas, VLK Architects
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LK Architects hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony, in coordination with the Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce, celebrating their new office located at 20445 State Hwy 249, Suite 350 Jun. 11. The firm has experienced rapid growth in its staff which prompted the move to the new location in the Chasewood Technology Park. “Our successful growth is attributed to building a talented team of architects who have a passion for putting client’s needs first,” said Todd Lien, VLK Architects principal. According to Lien, the new 6425-sf office has an open concept space that allows for improved collaboration among the project team members, as well as space for the continued future expansion. VLK Architects currently works with Houston area school districts such as Katy ISD, College Station ISD, Waller ISD, Lamar Consolidated ISD, Houston ISD, CyFair ISD, Tomball ISD, and Clear Creek ISD. In addition, VLK has had long relation-
ships with higher education clients such as Texas A&M University System, Texas State University System and the Lone Star College System. VLK Architects provides architecture, interior design and planning services. –ab
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When employees have time off, they like to go fishing golfing, hunting and they spend time in the great outdoors. “I enjoy spending time with my 17-year-old daughter after work and on the weekend,” she said. “She is a senior this year. “My daughter definitely keeps me busy these days. I used to do a lot of arts and crafts projects but nowadays I spend most of my free time outside. “The heat isn’t so bad if you have a shade tree and a cool beverage. You just have to find a way to stay cool.” Diamond Heating & Air Conditioning is a residential and commercial air conditioning and heating company serving the Houston area, The Woodlands, Conroe and Spring. –ab
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Houston Construction News • Aug 2015
Cause for celebrations
Submitted to Construction News
The next generation
SpawGlass held a summer intern orientation at the Houston office in June. It was a great day for everyone to get to know each other. –ab
Submitted to Construction News
Making progress
Gilbane Building Co. Houston employees recently attended the SpongeBob Subpants Adventure opening at the MoodyGardens in Galveston. Gilbane was the GC for the project. –ab
Construction News ON LOCATION
Equipped with the right stuff
The Halff Associates Houston team
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ixty-five years ago in a Snider Plaza office, Southern Methodist University and John Hopkins University grad Dr. Albert H. Halff opened his consulting firm, Albert H. Halff, Consulting Sanitary Engineer, which would later be renamed Halff Associates Inc. At the time, he planned to offer what today would be considered environmental engineering. But the next decade would be a learning curve for Halff. He realized that to make a living, his firm would need to start doing general civil work, and with the loss of a short-term business partner, he was going to need a few more helping hands. The firm had to shift direction again during the 1980s recession, adopting more public sector projects and diversifying both geographically and in its disciplines. Because of what company president Patrick Kunz calls Halff’s “very creative, out-of-the-box thinking,” Halff Associates Inc. grew into one of the Southwest’s largest engineering companies, opening 14 branch offices and employing 530 people. On Aug. 20th – what would have been Dr. Halff’s 100th birthday – the company will celebrate the visionary’s legacy and the 65th anniversary of his vision. “He was very involved in the design of civil projects as Dallas grew, and as Dal-
las grew, he was able to grow the firm,” Kunz says. The company expanded with Texas branches in Austin, Conroe, Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Frisco, Georgetown, Grand Prairie Houston, McAllen, Midland, San Antonio and, most recently, Oklahoma City and Shreveport. Halff Associates Inc. has worked on many notable Houston projects, including SH 249 Tomball Program Manager and Hardy Toll Road Widening. “Those marks of Halff Associates are all over [the state], and we’re continuing to try to grow that into other parts of Texas and beyond,” Kunz says. A celebration is being planned to honor those marks that Dr. Halff and his company have made over the years. “It’s a significant year for us because it would be his 100th year birthday and it’s also his 65th year anniversary,” Kunz says. “So our plan, when we get to his birthday on Aug. 20, is to do a little something special internally within the company. We’ll have a lunch for our employees, celebrate the history of the firm, remember Dr. Halff and talk about his entrepreneurial spirit that made us who we are.” Halff Associates Inc. is a regional consulting firm providing full-service engineering, architecture and related services. – mjm
One step at a time
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L-R:Ramiro Rodriguez, Jenny Bishop, Bob Bishop and Martin Ramirez start their day at CLM Equipment Co. The company provides construction equipment as well as demolition and material handling products. –ab
amie Held, chief executive officer; Shane Leonard, chief operating officer; and Jonathan Hansen, chief financial officer, purchased Newport Metal Recycling more than a year ago. “We have grown organically about 25 percent in 2015,” Held said. “We have concentrated on accounts we know we can handle, especially accounts in the construction industry. We want to do things one step at a time, in a smart way.” Held says the keys to success in his industry are to always be honest with customers and do what you say you are going to do. “I have been in the business for more than 30 years,” he said. “I learn something new every day. It has been a humbling experience. In addition, I have had the opportunity to meet really great people along the way.” The company has monthly raffles and held an Earth Day event in the spring. “We enjoy cooking hot dogs and barbecue for our customers at the yard throughout the year, too,” he said. “We want to treat them right.” When Held has free time, he likes to play golf and tennis and he rides his mountain bike on the weekend.
Jamie Held has met many folks in construction industry over the years.
“In the future, we want to continue to become important to our customers in Houston,” he said. “Our goal is to grow with our customers.” Newport Metal Recycling provides processing and recycling services including roll-off container services and demolition scrap recycling for commercial and industrial operations. –ab
Houston Construction News • Aug 2015
Page 11
Service Providers Language barriers to safety training Rafael C. Llera, OHST Shorm Consulting San Antonio, TX
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n the construction industry, receiving the proper safety training to take the proper safety precautions often can be the difference between life and death. As an OSHA-authorized outreach instructor, Rafael C. Llera, Shorm Consulting, emphasizes the importance of training your employees in a language they can understand. In 14 years of safety consulting and training, Llera has witnessed many ways language barriers impede safety training. In Texas, workers mainly speak English or Spanish, or some degree of both. With a large population of native Spanishspeaking workers, Llera says that OSHA instructs employers to train employees in a language they can understand. Many times, Llera has been called to do training in English because the foremen and superintendents know English. But when he arrives, he discovers that out of perhaps 30 students, more than half don’t understand or have difficulty following what he is saying. When Llera informs the employer that they need to divide the class into two
classes, one in English and one in Spanish, he gets a lot of pushback. He is sometimes told that the employees understand the basics or that the foremen can help expand their understanding in the field. “That’s horrible, because when you’re teaching an employee how to use technical equipment like fall protection or when you’re talking about trench safety where there’s a lot of specific language, then the employee really does not understand what you’re trying to communicate,” explains Llera, noting that a lot of the training is very technical. Technical training loaded with industry terms might not fall under a basic or even a fluent understanding of English. Llera adds that some of the workers have an understanding of English that is less than basic, and some don’t even understand any of the English language. And verbal lessons aren’t the only times when language barriers become a hindrance to training. “Now, most times, the instructor will pull up a PowerPoint presentation,” he
Equipment rental continues to rise Tom Hubbell, Vice President of Marketing and Communications American Rental Association Moline, IL
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quipment rental industry revenues in the United States have been growing at a high rate of speed over the last several years and that trend is expected to continue through 2019 and beyond. The American Rental Association (ARA) latest quarterly forecast from its ARA Rental Market Monitor™ subscription service indicates total revenue growth of 7.9 percent in 2015, reaching $38.5 billion in the U.S., which includes all three industry segments – construction/industrial, general tool and party and event. ARA’s current five-year forecast for the U.S. calls for steady growth of 7.2 percent in 2016, 8 percent in 2017, 7.9 percent in 2018 and 6.8 percent in 2019 to reach $51.3 billion.
The construction/industrial segment, combined with the general tool segment, lead the way in growth potential through 2019. Construction/industrial rental revenue in the U.S. is now forecast to increase 8.2 percent in 2015 to $25.9 billion, with general tool projected to grow 7.9 percent to $9.8 billion this year. By 2019, construction/industrial rental revenues will generate $34.9 billion with general tool generating $13.5 billion. “The strong economic growth trend we’ve seen over the past few years will continue. We track the equipment rental market in the U.S. and Canada on a quarterly basis via information from IHS Economics data. We continue to enhance
says. “Imagine yourself, sitting there as a Spanish speaker, and you’re having a very hard time understanding what this individual is saying. Now, he pulls up a visual with a lot of words that you cannot even read. Now, you’ve confused the employee even more. “Another thing that I see consistently throughout my training is that we have [native Spanish speakers] that sit in an English class and are able to understand what is being said, but they are not able to read in English. “That’s a big problem we face in our training, because employers will tell us that all 20 of them can understand English. I get to classroom and I start speaking to them in English and everybody’s good. But then, when I pull up the presentation or when I give them a handout in English or when I give them a test in English, they cannot comprehend that, because they understand it but they cannot read it.” He continues to point out that this also means these workers cannot read labels or signs on the jobsite. If they cannot read the materials or if they are struggling to follow the instructor’s lesson, it also makes it hard for them to ask questions, express concerns or clarify any points on which they are confused. All of this makes it harder for Llera to do his job, which is training them to be safe. “You, as an instructor, have to be able to understand your audience and be able to recognize when you have a student that has a difficulty,” he says. “Now imagine, as a student, you don’t want to ask a question, because you really don’t understand what you’re
actually going to ask, or you don’t understand what is being said. So, you have that student sitting there for two, three, four hours, and when he leaves the classroom, he leaves with questions in his mind that no one answered for him.” As a bilingual instructor, Llera also finds that people think he can train workers by switching back and forth between English and Spanish. While that might suffice for short periods of time such as “tailgate” safety meetings on the jobsite, Llera observes that this is impractical when workers are in a classroom for hours at a time. He explains that every time the instructor switches to the language that is not your native language, the brain automatically disconnects you from the training, and you are sitting there waiting until your instructor starts speaking your language again. To help clients understand how we take such language barriers for granted, Llera asks them to imagine a scenario: perhaps they go to see a movie, and when it starts, the movie is in Japanese or Chinese with no subtitles. He asks people to imagine how this would make them feel, and he points out that this is the case when they do not understand the language in which training is given. Rafael Llera does risk management and occupational health and safety for Shorm Consulting. He is also serving his second year on the Hispanic Contractors Association (HCA) de San Antonio Board of Directors. Llera also served on an emergency response group during 9/11, deployed to New York for hazardous materials recognition and removal. –mh
this service for our members to help them forecast rental revenue, make personnel decisions and obtain financing from their banks,” says Christine Wehrman, ARA executive vice president and CEO. There has also been significant growth in rental penetration for construction equipment and industrial rental customers. ARA’s Rental Penetration Index measures the proportion of the total fleet of construction machines that are owned by equipment rental companies. The index is value-based and uses original equipment cost as the primary weightlifting factor to calculate the ratio of rental. The increase in equipment rental can be attributed to the many benefits that equipment rental has to offer and has created a shift in the way business is done. It has become understood that renting is a way to manage and operate a business, while helping them get their projects done in an efficient and economical manner. Some of the most basic benefits of equipment rental for construction companies are: • Free up capital for other demands and a stronger balance sheet • Supplement your fleet with specific
equipment, allowing you to compete for more jobs • Reduced workload on equipment, maintenance and upkeep • Equipment that meets regulatory specifications for all types of construction jobs Eliminate warehouse or storage demands To help contractors and construction companies determine whether renting is the right decision, ARA suggests the following: Examine the cost of renting versus buying and consider the time value of money. Renting may be the better choice. Estimate the time utilization of a piece of equipment. If you are not going to utilize the equipment, why pay to own it? Renting is a good solution. If your jobs are varied and require special equipment, consider renting. Finding equipment rental stores is easy by using the ARA’s online rental locator, RentalHQ.com. Visitors can enter the zip code where they need equipment and the type of equipment they are looking to rent to get a listing of area rental businesses that can meet their needs. Equipment rental should be a part of your business decisions today and for the future.
NEXT MONTH September 2015
Green Building 2015 Schedule
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Oct: Specialty Contractors Nov: Architecture & Engineering Dec: Construction Equipment
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Houston Construction News • Aug 2015
Meeting the future leaders
Topping the charts
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omen in the construction industry attended an annual Top Golf Networking and Fundraising event at Top Golf in Katy in June. Folks enjoyed good food, drinks, prizes, silent auctions and had plenty of opportunity to show off their golf swing! The National Association of Women in Construction Houston Chapter (NAWIC) held the event. –ab
L-R: Tracy Shoemaker and Becky
L-R: Kate Grix and Sheryl Thomas
Rachel Young
Wine and dine
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ressed for a night in wine country, local air conditioning contractors and suppliers took part in the 32nd annual Summer Gala at the SPJST Hall Jun. 30. Don Garnier, Polar Air Corp., purchased the donated Axis Buck Hunt for $5,100, which was donated directly to the Rod Ryan Cares Back Pack Fund. Two hundred and fifty-five children will receive backpacks for the fall school year. The Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association of Greater Houston Chapter (TACCA-GH) held the event. –ab
he Texas Aggregates and Concrete Association (TACA) held its 61st annual meeting and summer conference Jun. 24-26 at La Cantera Hill Country Resort in San Antonio. The meeting included a TACPAC fundraiser, a past chairman’s banquet and an awards luncheon. This year’s event broke the attendance record for the flagship summer conference with more than 475 attendees from across the state. Forty percent of TACA’s member companies are based in or have a presence in the Alamo City. During the conference, TACA launched its inaugural Young Leadership Development program for industry members under 35 years old. Aimed at developing the next generation of industry leadership, the program included a local community involvement effort. Forty young leader program participants volunteered more than 120 hours to move more than 1,500 pounds of dirt to repair a hiking trail in Eisenhower Park that had been damaged during the recent floods. –mh Awards: Best Plant: Ready Mix A: Argos USA, Holmes Road Plant Aggregate A: Vulcan Materials Company, Mico Quarry High Strength Concrete Competition Plant Mix 1st: Vulcan Materials Company (17,910 psi) 2nd: Ingram Concrete (16,060 psi) 3rd: Redi-Mix Concrete (15,997 psi) Laboratory Mix 1st: Vulcan Materials Company (17,903 psi) 2nd: Redi-Mix Concrete (16,387 psi) 3rd: Argos USA-Dallas (15,143 psi) Production Employee of the Year: Pat Gavis, Batch Supervisor, Argos USA Truck Driver of the Year: Lawrence Bible, Argos USA
One of TACA’s highest honors is the Bob R. Beard Good Neighbor Award, which was presented to Sherry Moore, who has worked for TACA for 25 years, at the 61st annual meeting.
Photos by Tim Mummey HOLCIM (US) Inc.
Sean Tyler, a student at Texas A&M University in College Station, was awarded the TACA Scholarship for $2,500 at the summer conference.
Milwaukee
Dinners and a show
L-R: John and San Juana Tezel, Tezel & Cotter, San Antonio, and Jim Reynolds, MCA Texas, Austin, attended the MCA Texas 2015 annual conference. L-R: Jean Voitle, Rod Ryan and Kathy Reagan
TACCA-GH members at the buffet line.
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he Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) of Texas held its 2015 annual Conference & Products Show Jul. 8-12 at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa in Bastrop. The event hosted 332 attendees from across the state. Speakers at the event included Tom Stone, MCA of America president-elect, and Dr. Linda Talley on nonverbal communications and behaviors. The conference offered educational programs such as a construction technology forecast, minority participations in Texas construction, and an economic outlook for Texas and the U.S. In addition to the annual products and services show, attendees enjoyed a golf tournament, dinner and dessert parties, a casino night, an awards luncheon, and a closing dinner reception complete with entertainment by magician Billy Riggs. –mh Caddy was one of many vendors exhibiting at the product show.
Houston Construction News • Aug 2015
Page 13
Submitted to Construction News
Supporting small businesses
L-R: Women Contractors Association (WCA) members Heather Taylor Kelley, Sandra, and Lianne Lami attended the 2015 Alumni Summit Unleashing Houston's Small Business Growth at Houston Community College-Southwest in June. –ab
continued from Page 1 — Supply and demand “It is my job to make sure customers are happy and they get in and get out of the store quickly instead of waiting on service,” he said. “Quality customer service is so important in this business since there are four or five supply houses just around the corner.” For fun, employees look forward to attending a fishing tournament together at Lake Sam Rayburn.
“We also enjoy taking customers fishing out in the bay near Venice, LA and going to NASCAR events in Dallas. We always have a blast,” Martinez says. Morrison Supply is a wholesale distributor specializing in plumbing, HVAC, pipe, valves, fittings, utilities, oil & gas supplies. –ab
continued from Page 1 — Sparking the imagination “You really have use your imagination and want to create,” he said. “Provide the best services available at a competitive price. Dependibility is paramount in this business.” When Amburgey has free time, he likes to go saltwater fishing in Galveston, hunting in Montgomery County and he and his wife like to ride their motorcycles on the weekend. “We usually go to the Lone Star Rally in Galveston every year,” he said. “We also like to ride to Fredericksburg and
Amarillo. Our longest ride to date was to South Padre.” Amburgey says his future plan for the company is to stay in Conroe as long as the economy holds up and things keep moving forward. “We are grateful to be busy right now,” he said. “We want to finish the year out strong.” Arks & Sparks provides specializes in stainless steel, aluminum, carbon steel, brass and copper welding and custom fabrication services. –ab
continued from Page 1 — Learning to fly
iFLY flight chamber
available,” he said. “Coordination with specialized subcontractors, installing highly-technical machines as the building was being constructed, required detailed and precise communication of all subcontractors.” Overcoming schedule and weather delays, Structura completed their second tunnel on the fastest schedule to date. iFLY VP of Projects, Tyler Andrews, had this to say, “Structura has been our go to team in Texas since they built iFLY Austin for us. We’ve been impressed by how they aggressively tackle the schedule and collaborate so closely with us. We look forward to working with them whenever we get the chance.” Jones says the credit really goes to the team of project managers, superintendents and engineers for getting the job completed ahead of schedule. “We knew what it would take to get
Photo Credit: Jim Innes
the job done in this fashion based on our previous experience building the initial Austin wind tunnel in 2012,” he said. Structura recently completed a second Houston area facility in The Woodlands and has started constructing their fourth iFLY in San Antonio, each with improved design and construction techniques. Founded in 2006, Structura is a Texasbased general contractor with offices in Austin, Houston and Dallas. –ab Professional Team: Architect: Scott Finnell, Hodges Architecture Civil and Landscape: John Ainsworth, Kimley-Horn Structural: Farhad Ahmadi, Walter P Moore MEP: Brandon Long, EEA Consulting Engineers
Round-Up Wayne Davis has joined the Skanska USA Houston office as project executive. He has more than 30 years of experience in delivering new construction and renovation projects. In his new role, Davis is responsible for providing management oversight on projects in the Houston area. Davis attended the University of Central Texas and received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing.
Builders Equipment & Tool Company, dba BETCO Scaffolds, has hired Donald Brooks as a sales representative. Brooks will have the day-to-day responsibility of servicing existing and new customers in the Houston area market. In addition, he will be responsible for extending BETCO’s customer base and continuing its growth. Brooks has more than 19 years of experience within the construction and scaffolding industry. –ab
Jan Madey has joined FKP as senior project manager and laboratory planner. With more than 30 years of experience, Madey has specialized in project and team leadership for research and healthcare design. Madey earned his Master’s degree in Architecture with a town planning specialization from Gdansk University of Technology in Poland. –ab
Grundfos Pumps Corp. has hired Jonathan Hamp-Adams to the newly created position of managing director for the company’s Commercial Building Systems (CBS) unit. Hamp-Adam’s responsibilities will include leading the sales and production activities of Grundfos’ PACO brand, based in Brookshire. Hamp-Adams joined the company in 2008. –ab
The Stantec Houston office has hired five new team members including Ryan Bass, project manager; Jay Kim, project architect; Greg Louviere, senior design architect; Iskander Meer, project architect and Luisa Molina, architect. Bass brings eight years of experience to the firm, including the design of educational, commercial, healthcare and specialized industrial buildings. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, both in Architecture, from Texas Tech University. Kim has experience working on projects in the office, multi-family, K-12 and higher education sectors. He holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.S. Degree in Architecture from Ohio State University. Louviere brings more than two decades of architecture and interior design experience in both education and healthcare markets to his new role. He earned his Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech University and his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture from the University of Louisiana.
Meer has 19 years of experience in architectural design, contract document development and building construction. Meer graduated with his Bachelor in Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin. Molina has eight years of experience as a designer, project manager and campus planner. She received her Bachelor of Architecture from Florida Atlantic University. She also holds a Bachelor of Design in Architectural Studies and a Master of Science in Construction Management from Florida International University. –ab
Submissions Email with “Round-Up” in the subject line (w/digital photo, if available) by the 15th of any month, for the next month’s issue to: Houstoneditor@constructionnews.net
Page 14
Houston Construction News • Aug 2015
Association Calendar
Leagues of fun
Content submitted by Associations to Construction News ABC Associated Builders & Contractors
Aug. 6: Casino Night Aug. 11: SH 801: Enhancing Safety Performance with Behavior Safety Aug. 17: OSHA 510 Course Aug. 19: Legal Seminar Aug. 20: Clay Shoot Aug. 27: Petrochemical & Maritime Outlook For more information call 713-523-6222
ing, 9am and Schmooze & Mingle, 4pm Aug. 6: Associate Member Peer Group, 2pm Aug. 19: New Consolidated Insurance Law Aug. 20: BPI Session, 11am and General Lunch meeting, 11:30am Aug. 25: Safety Committee meeting, 10am and TCA PAC Clay Shoot, 1pm For more information call 281- 679-1877
FPA Foundation Performance Assoc.
AGC Associated General Contractors
Aug. 4: Lean Unit 5: Lean Supply Chain and Assembly Aug. 4-5: Project Manager Development Program Module 1: Estimating and Job Costing Aug. 4-7: OSHA 521 OSHA Guide to Industrial Hygiene Aug. 6: AGC Houston Member Mixer Aug. 10-14: OSHA 30-Hour Course in Spanish Aug. 11: AIR 204: Asbestos Awareness - General Industry Aug. 12-14: AIR 201: Fundamentals of the Clean Air Act Aug. 18-21: OSHA 511: Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry Aug. 20: Employment Practices Committee meeting Aug. 25: How Your Business Can Benefit From The Cloud Aug. 26: Lean Unit 6: Lean Design and Pre-Construction Aug. 31: WST 403: Introduction to Remediation: Leaking Petroleum Storage Tanks For more information call 713-843-3700
AIA American Institute of Architects
Aug. 5: Major Changes in the International Building Code from 2006 Edition to 2012 Edition, Presented by Warren D. Bonisch, PE, Aon Fire Protection Engineering Aug. 7: AIA +2030 Session II, Getting to 60: The Power of Targets + Load Reduction Aug. 19: Texas Accessibility Standards with Jeromy Murphy Aug. 20: TAC Dinner Aug. 21: AIA+2030 Session III, Accentuate the Positive: Climate Responsive Design For more info: www.aiahouston.org
Aug. 12: Presentation, 5pm, Tunneling 101 For more info: www.foundationperformance.org
IEC Independent Electrical Contractors
Aug. 1: State Masters Exam Prep Class (403), Saturdays 8am-noon Aug. 5: State Residential Appliance Installer & State Maintenance Exam (203), Weds. 6pm-9pm Aug. 6: State Journeyman Exam Prep Class (303), Thurs. 6pm-9pm Aug. 19: Monthly meeting For more information call 713-869-1976
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ire protection contractors from across the state played golf and went fishing at the Skins & Fins Tournament held at South Shore Harbour Resort in League City in June. Folks also attended continued edu-
cation classes, a table top vendor show, a buffet style dinner and a pool party. The Fire Sprinklers Contractors Association of Texas (TXFCA) hosted the event. –ab
NECA National Electrical Contractor Assn.
Aug. 6: Coastal Sabine Division meeting Aug. 10-12: Council on Industrial Relations Aug. 18: Houston Division meeting Aug. 25-27: Southern Region Managers Conference For more information call 713-977-2522
NAWIC Nat’l Assn. of Women in Construction
Aug. 11: General Dinner meeting: Take Part in Building NAWIC Houston, 5:30pm6pm: Networking, 6pm-8pm: Dinner and Business meeting, HESS Club, 5430 Westheimer Rd., Cost: $35 Dinner & Program with reservation, $40 Dinner & Program without reservation, $8 Program only, Membership is not a requirement for attendance – guests are always welcome For more info: www.nawic-houston.org.
Attendees stay up to date in their industry at a continuing education class.
Take me out to the ball park
PHCC Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors
Aug. 12: Member Lunch, Saltgrass Steakhouse For more info: www.gulfcoastphcc.org
WCA
ASA
Women Contractors Association
American Subcontractors Association
Aug. 6: Monthly Luncheon For more info: www.womencontractors. org
Aug. 4: Small Business Peer Group, 10am Aug. 5: Membership Committee meet-
TXFSCA members have fun at the golf tournament .
Submitted to Construction News
Green team
The United States Green Building Council Texas Gulf Coast Chapter (USGBC) recently welcomed Dr. Steven Chu (center) to the Gulf Coast Energy Summit Series with his presentation: The Energy, Climate Change and How to Transition to a Sustainable World. The event took place at the Junior League of Houston. –ab
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L-R: Ada Lam, Bill Scott III, Jim Stevenson, Steve Mechler, Chuck Greco, Jerry Nevlud and Steve Sandherr
ouston area contractors recently headed to Minute Maid Park to watch an Astros game and celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Southwest Associated General Contractors AGC Chapters 401(k) Plan. AGC Houston and AGC Louisiana hosted held the event. Jerry Nevlud and Ken Naquin, AGC Houston and Louisiana AGC presidents, celebrated the event with special guests, AGC of America President Chuck Greco, Linbeck Group LLC and AGC of America Chief Executive Officer Steve Sandherr. –ab
John Kaufmann and Jane Fayland
L-R: Bill Scott III, Bob Bacon and Steve Ellsworth
Houston Construction News • Aug 2015
Page 15
Fine day for golf
Construction News ON LOCATION
Extra, extra
Cokinos, Bosien & Young
H
undreds of construction professionals and golf enthusiasts practiced their swing and caught up with friends at a Summer Golf event held
at a TopGolf Houston Jul. 16. The Associated Builders and Contractors Houston Chapter (ABC) hosted the event. –ab L-R: Thomas Brookshire and Elias (Eli) Rios read the latest issue of Houston Construction News at the Southern Fastening Systems Conroe location. –ab
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Stepping into action
Skillforce
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L-R: Lenin Juarez II, Brittney Deshotels, Lauren Goodwin and Tony Espinosa have a productive day at Action Gypsum Supply. –ab
Page 16
Houston Construction News • Aug 2015
Rolling up sleeves
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Construction News ON LOCATION
Electrical smiles
PDR employees paint cinder blocks.
he PDR Houston office recently closed their office doors for its largest volunteering effort to date. Employees shared their time and skills by dedicating a full day to home improvement projects for Vita-Living Inc., a non-profit organization that provides homes and lifelong support programs for people with chronic conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism and other intellectual disabilities. “The opportunity for PDR to support the work of Vita-Living provided a dual benefit for us,” said Lauri Goodman Lampson, PDR principal and president. “The day was also an occasion for teams from different practices throughout the firm to work together and get to know
each other better.” PDR connected with Vita-Living months before the service day to assess and evaluate the potential repair needs of each home. Volunteers were then divided into 16 collaborative teams to develop a framework for each of the home’s various projects. “On day of the event, we rolled up our sleeves to paint, clean, upcycle and assist with small repairs and landscape projects for 16 of the organization’s 30to 40-year-old homes,” she said. Based in Houston, PDR is a design firm, specializing in the delivery of workplace design and solutions. –ab
PDR volunteers paint a gate.
L-R: Shelby Holly, Sara Holtgrewe and Natasha Berard handle office work at Crawford Electric Supply in Houston. –ab
Construction News ON LOCATION
Equipped for the job
L-R: David Behrens, Karla Avila and Fredrick Naranjo say hello to Construction News readers from Vermeer Texas-Louisiana (Cypress) branch. –ab