Austin Construction News October 2015

Covering the Industry’s News

P.O. Box 791290 San Antonio, Texas 78279-1290

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Volume 15

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Number 10

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OCTOBER 2015

Attention to details

The next level

The Hoar Construction Texas Division team at a OSHA Stand Down Fall Protection training.

Thermal storage facility

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he Hoar Construction Texas Division is having its best year yet. The company is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2015.

Friend Reed Hoar established Hoar Construction, known originally as F.R. Hoar, in the 1940s. Today, the CEO is Rob Burton.

In the early 1950s, Hoar’s son, Richard, joined him and the company’s name changed to F. R. Hoar and Son.

Burton’s father, Robert, and Virgil C. Handy joined the company just a few years later.

In its early days, Hoar specialized in community church construction, building dozens of churches across Birmingham, AL.

“In 1959, an opportunity arose that propelled the small construction company into an industry leader: Eastwood Mall,” Burton said. “At the time, Eastwood Mall was the fifth largest enclosed, airconditioned mall in the world and the third largest in the country. Eastwood Mall was the first mall built in the southeast.”

Burton says Hoar Construction has continued to diversify over time, creating new divisions and programs, including Hoar Program Management (HPM).

Through its various divisions, the company has continued building noteworthy projects.

In the ‘90s, Hoar Construction began continued on Page 14

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The Rabb House by John King Construction Ltd.

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ynamic Systems, Inc. built its first off-site fabrication facility in Buda, Tx. where sheet metal, plumbing, CAD design and numerous piping operations are assembled, integrated and optimized. This 114,000-sf facility includes 12 acres of staging and secured storage, and employs 100-150 people depending on workload and project requirements.

Detailing Manager Doug Smith, says, “The new fabrication facility was built in the spring of 2011 to provide increased production capabilities and to further the company philosophy of off-site fabrication. This facility has been proven to save time, increase quality, safety and material control. The BIM department is also located in the Buda facility.”

continued on Page 14

Opportunity awaits

ach month we reserve this premium space in our publication to feature a recently completed project by a South Texas general contractor.

Our goal is to vary the project and contractor size to afford everyone the opportunity to participate. We feel a small- or medium-sized project constructed by a smallor medium-sized contractor is just as important as the high profile projects that seem to receive all the attention by other media.

Finding those small to medium projects can be difficult at times. Some contractors might think we would not be interested in their project because it may be a modest one. Some may think because they are not a huge company with a full-time marketing staff they don’t have a chance to make the front page of our paper.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Since we began our first paper, the San Antonio Construction News in October 1998, we have always reached out to everyone big and small. continued on Page 14

The Bartholomew Municipal Pool by Chasco Constructors

Additionally, the customers realize the benefit of fewer man-hours on project sites, resulting in less infrastructure required, less trash, better jobsite safety and just in time delivery of larger assemblies ready to be lifted into place.

The company is a family oriented business and hosts holiday parties for the employees.

They have Christmas parties at the shop for all field personnel where a full meal is catered, annual achievements are recognized and prizes are raffled off.

Prizes range from Caribbean cruises, flat screen televisions, Yeti coolers and many hand and power tools, a construction

The Boardwalk Trail at Lady Bird Lake by Jay-Reese Contractors

Travis County Executive Office Building by Kiewit Building Group Inc.

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Austin Construction News • Oct 2015

Everyone has a story

Construction News JOB SIGHT

The end is in sight

S L-R: Donnie Rodriguez and Adrian Garza, VIP Construction, clean up after completing the roofing work at the Holiday Inn Express in Austin. –ab

15 to 500 Ton Capacities Available for your Toughest Projects

Setting walls on another warehouse in the Austin area.

Keep those new companies coming. from El Paso to Beaumont Amarillo to Brownsville

36 Years of Service to Texas

www.alamocrane.com San Antonio (210) 344-7370 Austin (512) 282-6866 State Wide (800) 880-0134

Austin

San Antonio

Dallas/Fort Worth

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

The concept has been well received in all five markets. These monthly editions showcase the good work the people and companies in our industry perform every day. We are proud to feature them and always appreciate when readers let us know they enjoyed a story, recognize someone they know, tell us what they or their company are doing or recommend someone we should feature.

Our paper highlights the construction industry in so many different ways. Beginning on our front page, Construction News features a local project that has been recently constructed, outlining the process and featuring the final result.

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

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

Our editorial content explores topics

Houston

South Texas

and provides coverage of statewide and national events that you will not learn about anywhere else.

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

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

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

We are reminded every day that people are still keeping the American Dream alive though their work. Everyone has a “history” worth sharing.

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

They do have something to say, and so do you. You have a story, or you know someone in commercial construction who does. I hope you’ll connect with us so we can share it with Construction News readers. All you have to do is call (210) 308-5800 x148, or email cyndi@ constructionnews.net … or take us up on the offer when we meet you at an event!

–rd/cw

Austin Construction News • Oct 2015

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Testing for safety

Industry FOLKS Rodney Wagner Service Manager

Easy Drive Austin, Tx

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odney Wagner joined Easy Drive in Austin in October 1998, 16 years ago. He says that people at Easy Drive are a team and all do many different duties but with a primary focus. His is mainly service, repair and calibration, but he also does a majority of the purchasing and supports inside and outside sales functions.

“I enjoy performing intricate or difficult repairs, especially when they turn out better than I expected,” says Wagner. “I also enjoy talking to customers. I am a ‘talker’ and have made personal friendships with some customers. Most of them I know on a first name basis.”

Prior to working for Easy Drive, he worked for another company as a service and repair manager doing many of the same functions. His background is electronics and mechanics. He has a degree in electronic technology and manufacturing. He says he was always the kid who tore things apart to see how they worked. He also liked building things and hot rod cars when he was younger.

“I am engaged to Connie and we will be getting married in Sept. 2016.

I have a daughter, Lindsey, who will graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and who will be an RN. Connie has two sons with children so we get to babysit frequently which

we love. We all take a week’s vacation together at the Texas Coast each year,” Wagner continues. “Connie and I love Mexican food and enjoy eating with friends every Friday night. Connie has a convertible that she loves and drives with the top down as often as she can.

I bought license plate frames for her car that say, ‘Sometimes I go topless!’”

Wagner enjoys model trains - large scale trains that run either inside on large layouts but more often run outside in and around a garden setting. He says they are sometimes referred to as garden railroads.

“I am also an amateur photographer and have taken photos at numerous friends’ and their children’s’ weddings. We enjoy camping, fishing and kayaking. Connie and I spend a lot of time at the Texas coast, typically for a week every three months or so, even during the winter,” says Wagner.

He says he is also one of a dwindling number of native Austinites, born and raised in south Austin. –rd

fter working for a local engineering firm married couple Robin and Michele Nordstrom decided to run their own business. In April 2010, they started Nordstrom Testing in Cedar Creek, Tx., Bastrop County. They currently employ five employees.

The majority of their clients are contractors and other testing labs. They perform visual welding inspection and nondestructive testing to include ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle testing, and liquid dye penetrant testing. They provide ground penetrating radar for concrete cutting and coring contractors and mechanical contractors performing renovations and upgrades to existing structures. They also perform water tank inspections for structural and coating integrity.

“We pride ourselves on our integrity and client relations. We strive to provide the best service possible and are always eager to work ‘outside the box’ and step into new projects and services to broaden our scope of services,” says Robin.

Their most interesting projects have been Dell Children’s Hospital, Long Center, New York Police Academy, Houston Rapid Transit light rail track and Sacramento Regional Transit light rail track.

“We are a devout Christian family with four boys and are deeply rooted in the local community,” he added. “We are looking forward to getting our company involved with softball games as a future event.” –rd

Light pole rehabilitation at Texas A & M

Construction News ON LOCATION

Construction News ON LOCATION

Good to go

The wait is over

L-R: Owner Chris Matlock, Matthew Adams, Chris Frantom and Dustin Herrmann, Servpro of Marble Falls, load the truck before going to a restoration job. –ab

Austin

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L-R: Joe Niemann, David Day, Ryan Jent, and Robin Nordstrom

CONSTRUCTION NEWS

Austin Editor — Abby BeMent — AustinEditor@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 Travis, Hays, Bastrop, Burnet, Blanco, Caldwell or Williamson counties and are not receiving a free copy of the Austin Construction News, please call for a Requester Form, or visit our website.

The Austin Construction News (ISSN 15477649) is published monthly, by Construction News Ltd., dba Austin Construction News, and distributed by mail to selected constructionrelated companies in Austin 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.

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Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement at any time.

©2015 Construction News, Ltd.

L-R: Chris Neal, Brian Binion and Cade Nobles, Mueller Inc., are glad dove season started in September. The company provides metal buildings, roofing and components. –ab

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Austin Construction News • Oct 2015

The HR to-do list just keeps getting longer

Key employee protection: Preserving your business

Cyndi Mergele,, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Padgett Stratemann & Co. San Antonio, TX

Kirk Quaschnick, President Mogul Wealth Strategies, LLC McKinney, TX

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t’s been a busy summer for employment law changes and there are more changes to come. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court issued two significant rulings. The first confirmed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was finally (or at least for now) the law of the land. The second ruling recognized same sex marriages.

ACA Compliance. Employers who issue 250 or more W-2s are required to report the cost of employees’ healthcare insurance on the W-2. “Applicable large employers” (employers with 50 or more FTEs) will be required to complete, provide to employees, and file Forms 1094 and 1095. Information must be reported for 2015 in early 2016.

FLSA. In July, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a proposed change to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The proposed change would require employers to pay overtime to any employee who earns a salary of less than $50,440 per year. This could have significant impact on the construction industry, as it means, regardless of the work performed, an employee who is paid $24.24 per hour or less must be paid overtime.

On July 15, 2015, the DOL issued Administrator’s Interpretation 2015-1 providing further guidance (and strong warning) regarding the challenge of employers continuing to misclassify employees as independent contractors. It is important to note this interpretation specifically cites the construction industry in providing an example: “Example: A highly-skilled carpenter provides carpentry services for a construction firm; however, such skills are not exercised in an independent manner.

For example, the carpenter does not make any independent judgments at the job site beyond the work that he is doing for that job; he does not determine the sequence of work, order additional materials, or think about bidding the next job, but rather is told what work to perform and where to perform it. In this scenario, the carpenter, although highly-skilled technically, is not demonstrating the skill and initiative of an independent contractor (such as managerial and business skills).

He is simply providing his skilled labor.

In contrast, a highly-skilled carpenter who provides a specialized service for a variety of area construction companies, for example, custom, handcrafted cabinets that are made-to-order, may be demonstrating the skill and initiative of an independent contractor if the carpenter markets his services, determines when to order materials and the quantity of mate-

rials to order, and determines which orders to fill.”

The interpretation also states that the DOL has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a number of states (including Texas) to share information obtained in audits to insure compliance with DOL regulations. Companies need to carefully examine their independent contractor relationships to ensure compliance with IRS, DOL, and Texas Workforce Regulations. Misclassifying an employee as an independent contractor can cost an employer back wages for unpaid overtime and unpaid federal and state taxes.

And, on Monday, Sept. 7, 2015, President Obama issued an Executive Order Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors that will require federal contractors and subcontractors to provide seven days of paid sick leave per year to all employees. The Order states that affected employees must be permitted to earn no less than 56 hours of sick leave per year and can carry over any unused balance into the following year. The Secretary of Labor will issue regulations related to this Order no later than September 30, 2016. It will become effective for government contracts in 2017.

As the HR to-do list continues to grow, it is important for construction companies to invest time and resources to ensure proactive compliance. While there is cost to proactive compliance (hiring a human resources professional, a human resources consultant, or an employment attorney), it is far less costly in terms of reputation, legal cost, back wages, taxes, and penalties.

Cyndi Mergele is the Senior Manager of Human Resources Consulting for Padgett Stratemann & Co., one of Texas largest, locally-owned CPA and business advisory firms, with offices in San Antonio, Austin, and Houston. Cyndi assists clients with human resources strategy, staffing and recruiting, policy and program development, merger and acquisition strategy, and solving their most complex work force issues.

For more information, please contact Cyndi at 210-828-6281 or Cyndi.Mergele@ Padgett-CPA.com.

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s a construction company owner, you recognize the importance of insuring your building, inventory, and equipment. These assets are vital to the success of your company. But have you considered what would happen if a key employee died unexpectedly or became disabled?

Key employees are the foundation of a successful business. They are business owners, supervisors, project managers, CFOs, or any other individuals who are sources of leadership and profita­bility, and who would be extremely difficult to replace. Unless the proper steps are taken, the death or disability of a key employee can be devastating to the financial well-being of your company.

option include: • A potential slowdown in business growth due to additional loan repayments.

• A reduction in future profits may occur because of the loan repayment.

• The business owner(s) will pay dollar for dollar plus interest.

• The company’s credit may be adversely affected due to greater debt.

The Solution: Key Employee Protection Funding a plan to protect key employees may give your business the additional funds it needs to: • Hire and train replacements.

• Replace an employee’s contribu­tion to profits.

• Maintain the confidence of clients and creditors.

• Meet possible loan obligations if the key employee was also a guarantor on business loans.

There are three basic options for funding the costs associated with the sudden loss of a key employee: cash accumulation or a sinking fund, borrowing from a bank, or life insurance.

Option 3 – Insurance Purchasing life and/or disability insurance on your key employees can be a cost-effective way to safe­ guard your business and minimize the impact of a key employee’s death or disability. Life insurance and/or disability insurance can provide your business with the following advantages: • Funding with insurance is easy to administer.

• Funds are available even if death or disability occurs the day after coverage begins.

• Although the premiums are not deductible, the life insurance proceeds at death are generally received income tax-free to the business.

Option 1 - Cash or Sinking Fund

In this option, a business establishes a savings plan, much like a bank account, to protect itself from the death or disability of its key employ­ees. At death, the cash in the savings plan is used as a source of funding. Unfortunately, this method has several drawbacks: • A savings plan accumulates funds over time. What if funds are needed tomorrow?

• Accumulated cash could cause an accumulated earnings problem.

• Any growth on the accumulated funds may be income taxable.

• A savings plan may be depleted to pay for other expenses.

• The business owner(s) will pay dollar for dollar, thus depleting the amount of cash that could be used elsewhere.

Funding the Future Plan The business applies for a life insurance policy on the life of a key employee.

The business is the owner and beneficiary of the policy. As policyholder, the business pays premiums to an insurance company for the policy as long as the key employee is alive and an employee.

Should an insured key employee die, the death benefit proceeds from the insurance policy would pass generally income tax-free to the business, providing an immediate cash source for debt repayment, liquidity, or other related concerns.

Kirk G. Quaschnick, CLU, ChFC, ARPC, is the president and co-founder of Mogul Wealth Strategies, LLC in McKinney, TX. Since 1992, Kirk has helped his clients in financial, business, and estate planning, as well as financial advising, investment advisory and wealth management services to business owner executives and individuals.

For additional information on the information or topic discussed, please contact Kirk at 214-420-7152, or email him at kirk@mogulwealth.com.

Option 2- Borrowing Funds In this option, funds are borrowed, usually through a bank loan, to replace the financial loss caused by a key employee’s death or disability. Drawbacks of this

Construction News PHOTO NEWS

Construction News ON LOCATION

Corridor growth

Moore friends

Bautex Systems LLC was one company that took advantage of the Austin Business Journal and San Antonio Business Journal summit in early September to focus on economic growth between the Austin-San Antonio corridor. Business leaders and government officials outlined opportunities and obstacles of the key areas. –cw

L-R: Lana, Shay, Dustin, Jeremy, Joseph and Billy assist customers at Moore Supply Co. in Marble Falls. –ab

Austin Construction News • Oct 2015

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Power to the employees You’re insured against the bigticket rip and tear damages, right?

Stephanie O’Rourke, Principal Cokinos, Bosien & Young San Antonio, TX

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here is no question that the installation and subsequent removal of defective work or product will leave a mark. Such damage might be reasonably thought of as “physical injury” or “impaired.” However, if you are considering whether such damage might by covered by your insurance policy, the meaning of phrases such as “physical injury” and “impaired property” may not be so clear. In fact, the Fifth Circuit has recently determined those phrases to be so ambiguous in the context of GCL policies as to require interpretation by the Supreme Court of Texas.

In U.S. Metals v. Liberty Mutual Group, 589 Fed. Appx. 659 (5th Cir. 2014), U.S. Metals supplied flanges to be used in non-road diesel facilities in Exxon refineries. After the flanges were irreversibly welded into place, testing revealed the flanges were defective and did not meet the applicable industry standards. Exxon removed all 350 flanges and eventually settled with U.S. Metals for approximately $6 million. Metals submitted the claim to Liberty Mutual Group, but Liberty denied the claim, arguing that the rip and tear damages were excluded by the policy by the following standard exclusions: m. Damage to Impaired Property or Property Not Physically Injured; “Property damage” to “impaired property” or property that has not been physically injured, arising out of: A defect, deficiency, inadequacy, or dangerous condition in “your product” or “your work”; or

A delay or failure by your or anyone acting on your behalf to perform a contract or agreement in accordance with its terms.

This exclusion does not apply to the loss of use of other property arising out of sudden and accidental physical injury to “your product” or “your work” after it has been put to its intended use.

The policy defined the term “impaired property” as:

8. “Impaired property” means tangible property, other than “your product” or “your work”, that cannot be used or is less useful because: It incorporates “your product” or “your work” that is known or thought to be defective, deficient, inadequate or dangerous; or

You have failed to fulfill the terms of a contract or agreement; if such property can be restored to use by the repair, replacement, adjustment or removal of “your product” or “your work” or your fulfilling the terms of the contract or agreement.

However, the policy did not define the terms "physical injury" or “replace-

We’re here for the Boos!

ment.” Noting the lack of controlling authority on the interpretation of these terms, the Fifth Circuit asked the Supreme Court of Texas whether “physical injury” and “replacement” in the context of the “your product” and “impaired property” exclusions are ambiguous.

Among other things, the Fifth Circuit asked “[D]oes ‘replacement’ of the insured’s defective product irreversibly attached to a third party’s product include the removal or destruction of the third party’s product?”

In the past, injured insureds have attempted to avoid the exclusion by arguing that contrary to the requirements of the definition of “impaired property,” the property could not be restored to use by repair or replacement of the named insured’s product or work if it required considerable destruction of other property.

Under the certified questions, the “rip and tear” associated with repair and replacement of an integrated part will simply be regarded as part of the excluded property damage to impaired property, rather than third party property, and may be excluded.

Oral argument was heard by the Court on Sept. 9, 2015. Not surprisingly, numerous Amicus briefs have been filed to assist the court with its interpretation of these common exclusion terms. As recognized by the Fifth Circuit, “The Texas Supreme Court’s interpretation of these terms will have far-reaching implications due to the commonality of these exclusions within CGL policies.”

Stephanie O’Rourke is a principal of Cokinos, Bosien &Young, a full service law firm with offices in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Austin. For more information on our services, please visit www.cbylaw.com

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s Alterman Inc. celebrates the 30th anniversary of its employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), the company’s employees are reaping the benefits, literally, of being part of the employee-owned company.

Employees can breathe even easier knowing that Alterman was recently named one of the Principal 10 Best Companies for Employee Financial Security, a national award given by the Principal Financial Group.

“Being employee-owned, the money stays within the company,” explains John Wright, president and CEO. “And there’s two things that you do with it: you reinvest it in the company to continue to grow, which we do, and you provide benefits to the employees.

“By having such a robust benefits plan, our employees also take home more money in their check to have a better lifestyle now. We don’t take out for matching contributions to healthcare. It’s 100-percent employer paid. That gives them more money in their checks. So, their quality of life today is better along with their quality of life down the road, because of our robust retirement plan.”

With approximately 900 employees now, Alterman continues to grow and carries a 98-percent employee retention rate. Also, the electrical contractor did not layoff a single person during the economic downturn.

John Wright accepted an award from Principal Financial Group recognizing Alterman Inc. for providing an outstanding level of financial security to its employees.

“Over the last five years, we’ve had seven people retire early,” says Wright.

“When you look at the U.S. overall and the news, people are working longer because they can’t afford to retire, and yet, we’re still having as many retire early as we are on time, and nobody is staying because they don’t have the financial ability to leave. The people who are sticking around love to work and they want to stay here and work.”

Celebrating more than 90 years in the industry, Alterman is an employee-owned electrical contractor based in San Antonio with an office in Austin. –mh

A national award received by Alterman Inc. included a $2,500 donation to charity, and Alterman chose Respite Care of San Antonio as the recipient. L-R: Charlie Gonzalez, board member of Respite Care of San Antonio; John Wright, Alterman; Bert Pfiester, president and CEO of Respite Care of San Antonio

Page 6

Austin Construction News • Oct 2015

My wife and I just got back from celebrating our 30th anniversary there. It was the first time I had been back in 40 years.

After the army, what did you do?

I moved to Texas in 1981 to go to school. I spent one semester at Texas Tech, but I didn’t care for Lubbock so I moved to Austin. I was hoping to continue school at the University of Texas, but I got married and started having kids.

Kim Casper Owner Caspro Builders Bastrop, TX

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ot everyone who is born in a northern climate enjoys the cold – and such is the case with Kim Casper, owner of Caspro Builders in Bastrop.

Born in Wisconsin to a mechanic father and stay-at-home mom, Kim, one of seven siblings, took the first opportunity that presented itself to leave the wind and snow behind.

In a funny coincidence, one of the pleasures of his youth was playing in the river that ran through his hometown of Cedarburg, called Cedar Creek. Now, he makes his home in Cedar Creek, TX., right outside of Bastrop.

Tell me about growing up in Wisconsin.

We used to fish, swim and play in Cedar Creek. I don’t remember my father ever missing a day of work. He was a steady provider and that’s something I learned from him.

He was a mechanic and I thought I was going to follow in his footsteps. As a kid, I liked to tear things up and put them back together.

Growing up in Wisconsin, one of my favorite memories is of the limestone quarry that was basically in our backyard.

In the summer we swam and played there. In the winter, we could ice skate there.

How did you come to leave?

I joined the army as a mechanic and was in the army from 1975-78. I wanted to see the world and get as far away from the cold as I could get! I was stationed in Hawaii for three years.

“I wanted to get as far away from the cold as I could get!”

How did you meet your wife?

I was working for UT in a physical plant and Cindy was a student. She received her degree in microbiology.

Her father was retired military who was doing remodeling and he hired me.

We lived in Austin. I worked for him for one year.

Where did you go from there?

Right after they built the Travis County Expo Hall, I worked there in maintenance and construction. After that, I worked as a supervisor for a production line at Motorola, but I couldn’t stand being cooped up, so I went to work for a company called Living Architecture where I was in construction management.

I worked for them for two years. We were working on a project at the Oak Hill Y when 9-11 happened.

I started Caspro Builders that same year, 2001. Caspro does everything you can think of from new home construction to remodeling. We do residential and commercial projects. We have a new project starting next month – a 4,000-sf warehouse and office building.

Did 9-11 influence your decision to go out on your own?

I’m not sure. Maybe a little. I had always wanted to have my own business and I was doing things to build my skills toward that end.

Fun fact: Kim Casper grew up playing in a river called Cedar Creek in Wisconsin and has now made Cedar Creek, TX. his home You decided to open Caspro Builders in Bastrop instead of Austin. Why?

I wanted to get out of Austin. I could see the opportunities in Bastrop and I

Kim Casper, center, with two of his sons, William, left and Jonathan, right.

had friends there.

Now, I try to work exclusively in Bastrop County.

advanced classes for college credit. Olivia is a stay-at-home mom with a one-yearold, Bennett. Philip and his wife just had a baby girl, Nora Lynn.

“I couldn’t stand being cooped up.”

How do you teach your sons who are working with you to handle your customers?

I always wish them to go back to scripture: And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.

(Colossians 3:23) If this was Jesus’ house, would you cut corners and skimp?

They have always been polite and on most of our projects, I have customers who compliment me on them.

They’ve always been expected to have manners and treat customers with respect.

Tell me about your family.

We have five children: Olivia, 29; Philip, 25; Alec, 22; Jonathan, 19; and William, 18.

My wife and I have home schooled them all. Cindy also teaches science and other associated classes at One Day Academy in Bastrop.

All five of them have been exposed to what I do since they were little. I started taking them to work to show them how hard the work is. I don’t want them to have to do it. We want them to find something they enjoy doing.

My oldest, Philip, took to it early. I’m hoping he will take over the business.

What plans do the rest of them have?

Jonathan likes this work, but he’s into video games. He and his brother want to develop their own game. He was offered a job at a local restaurant, but turned it down for the construction job. He said he really likes working with his brothers.

I’m most proud of how my kids love each other. We get together once a week for family game night.

Alec is on his way to some sort of ministry. William works with me and is kind of in a gap between high school and what he wants to do. He is taking some

Religion plays an important role in your family’s life. Tell me about that.

Part of the reason we home schooled them was so that we could relate the things they were learning biblically.

About 18 years ago, we were part of a group that founded Bible Baptist Church. About 13 years ago, we were part of a group that formed another church, Grace Bible Fellowship.

You are involved in the Children’s Advocacy Center, right?

Yes. I am the longest continuallyserving member of the board.

The CAC works closely with other organizations and law enforcement to stop child abuse. –cw

Submitted to Construction News

Sprucing up Spicewood

A team of Stantec’s Austin employees spent Sep. 15 in Round Rock ISD sprucing up Spicewood Elementary’s exterior by planting vegetation, painting and providing general clean up and organizational assistance. The volunteer effort was part of the design firm’s third annual community day. –mh

Austin Construction News • Oct 2015

Page 7

In search of winter sows

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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uman nature seems to require most fishermen to try and make something happen before it’s really the ideal time. Getting a jump on post-fall and pre-winter sow trout seems to be a popular topic around the marinas and on the boat lately. Speckled trout, especially the larger trophy sized ones that populate the waters of the Laguna Madre and Baffin Bay, become one of the most sought after fish for lure chunking gurus in the area during the cooler months of the year.

Typically, wade fishing is the norm when searching for trophy specks along the shallow shorelines of our bay system.

However there are areas that are not feasible for wading and must be accessed

Michael Rodriguez of San Antonio hooked up on the 28-inch redfish last week on a fishing outing with Steve Schultz Outdoors.

from the boat. There are also many of my clients that simply will not get out of the boat under any circumstances for any fish, and I’m fine with that. I like fishing out of a boat as much as anybody, but if you really want to have a good chance at catching the fish of a lifetime, wading is one of the best ways to do it. Even though one of the biggest trout I’ve ever caught came out of the boat this year in the Landcut.

Preparation is key when wade fishing. I will start with what I think is one of

the most important aspects of your trip.

Wading apparel is very important when fishing out of the boat and I don’t cut corners when selecting it. A good set of waders and wading jacket is a must when bailing over the side of your boat. After all, how can you concentrate on your fishing if you’re cold, wet and not confortable. I prefer Simms wading gear simply because they are the best. Staying dry is key to staying warm so avoid the bargain bins for these items. A good working rod and reel is just as important as your ap-

www.constructionnews.net publishing the industry’s news

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

parel. Having problem with your reel early in the morning can sure be frustrating when your buddies are hooked up beside you. I recommend spooling your reels with 30# braid and using a 30# fluorocarbon leader for fishing the rocks in Baffin Bay. A good pair of polarized sunglasses is a must for seeing on the water.

Most anglers have these already, but if you don’t, invest in a quality pair instead of the Bill Dance economy ones. And finally, don’t forget about your feet. There is a wide selection of wading boots available on the market. Make sure you size them accordingly to fit over waders or neoprene socks.

As I prepare my wade box for the day, I make sure I have all the bases covered. Winter fishing requires a slower presentation and a smaller offering. Top Pups and Spook Jr’s are at the top of the list. Your favorite soft plastic should be readily available with either a 1/16 oz or 1/8 oz jig head. Another bait that I always carry and is the one that gets the most press is the original Corky and Corky Fat Boy. These hard to come by baits are top producers of trophy trout during winter months. Other lures I add to the arsenal are the Mirr-O-lure ProMirrOdine. These are proven favorites of mine and I seldom leave the boat with out them.

Fall marks the start of a new fishing season with fewer boats on the water and less pressure in your favorite fish spots. Come down and enjoy the cooler weather and some of the best fishing Texas has to offer.

To schedule your next bay fishing trip give Capt. Steve Schultz a call at 361813-3716 or 361-334-3105 or e-mail him at SteveSchultzOutdoors@gmail.com.

Good luck and Good Fishing.

Texas Style

    

San Antonio Austin Dallas/Fort Worth Houston South Texas

Page 8

Austin Construction News • Oct 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

Protect our right to hunt and fish in Texas! Vote “yes” for Proposition 6 on November 3

I

know you are awfully busy with work and family and now it’s getting to be hunting season, but you need to pay attention to this proposed amendment to the Texas Constitution.

We need to protect our right to hunt and fish in Texas from outside pressure from the Federal government or anyone else to restrict or remove our current privileges.

Don’t just take my word for it. Check it out for yourself. A good place to start for just the facts is: http://ballotpedia. org/Texas_Right_to_Hunt,_Fish_and_ Harvest_Amendment,_Proposition_6_ (2015) I always encourage people to get outside and bring their kids out to hunt or fish or camp and hike. We have an ob‘40s fishing family

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ligation to pass our love for the outdoors down to our young people. Already we have seen a decrease in people enjoying our state and national park resources.

Fewer and fewer hunting and fishing licenses are being sold to people under the age of 40. Without the revenue generated by our participation, access to the great outdoors will dwindle. Outdoor equipment retailers are concerned with this trend too. The worst part of this is the decline in the number of people who understand the importance of outdoor

life to our own health, happiness and well-being. That is why this state constitutional amendment is so important. We have finally come to a time when the people who are coming to power in our society and our government may not have enough of a connection to the outdoors to understand the impact of the changes they want to implement.

Our existence and the very heritage of our county have been built upon our ability to procure food for our families and pass the knowledge of hunting and fishing down to the next generation. In more recent times it has been the effort and money spent by sportsmen that have paved the way for research and conservation of the fish, animals and habitat we so cherish. We understand important role we must play to preserve the bounty we have been given, and harvesting game is an important and necessary tool to prevent overpopulation and disease in animals as well as providing our families with a safe, healthy alternative to processed meats, (and it tastes better too).

When you get right down to it, I hate to think what would happen to our people if the lights go out a couple of generations down the line from losing our right and opportunity to hunt and fish. If for no other reason, the knowledge of how to sustain ourselves and the right to do it should be protected.

Please make the effort to go and vote on this very important issue! So often we tend to overlook things like amendments in the grand scheme of things. Then further down the line we find where something has become law that we don’t approve of – simply because we didn’t take the time to vote and a bunch of busy bodies did vote it in.

Vote for Proposition 6 in the Nov. 3, 2015 election and let your voice be heard!

Submitted to Construction News

Nice catch

Gerald Lara, project manager and estimator at D&W Painting in Leander, and his family, Julien, Lawrence and Laurie threw lines in the water at Aransas Pass and came up with this haul, including a 31” and a 29” redfish. –cw

Austin Construction News • Oct 2015

Page 9

What is it?

OK, all you anglers out there! Can you identify this rather handsome fish that was caught outside of Rockport off Goose Island? We’ll post it on our Facebook page after Oct. 1 and we’d love to have everybody “weigh” in. –cw

Submitted to Construction News

At the river

South Texas Construction News editor Cyndi Wright and husband Jay Hutchison took their annual September vacation to the Texas Hill Country on the Frio River.

The day’s tranquility was not affected by friendly kayakers passing by. –cw

Page 10

Austin Construction News • Oct 2015

Austin Construction News • Oct 2015

Page 11

Specialty Contractors Safety first priority at Lasco

Juan Mendoza, Safety Director Lasco Acoustics & Drywall Inc. Austin, TX

What do you do on a daily basis at Lasco Acoustics & Drywall?

I am the safety director at the Austin office but I also travel to work in Dallas and San Antonio.

I train our guys on how to work safe on a daily basis and I provide bilingual training because I can speak both English and Spanish.

I oversee projects and I make sure the crew have what they need to complete the job.

What is your perspective about the local construction industry?

I think things are still booming.

There are lots of construction projects going up in Austin and around the state.

The economy is still doing well this year.

What are a few challenges you have seen in your industry lately?

The biggest challenge I have seen is finding qualified workers to get the job done.

The wages for construction workers have increased because there is not a lot of man power.

We have very competitive wages. It is not just us, other companies in the area do, too.

Laborers have various backgrounds and have experience working in landscaping, cleaning companies and other construction related businesses.

We have programs where we teach our employees how to install drywall correctly. Training is essential.

Most of the training we do is inhouse; however, sometimes when we are required to have a specific training on specific equipment, we call the providers and have them do the training for us.

workers are going home the same way they left in the morning, it is rewarding to know that they are going to go back to their families and see their children. That is my biggest joy.

In your opinion, what are ways to attract new laborers into the construction industry?

We have placed ads in newspapers and we announce job openings within our company.

We also have employees refer us to their friends and family members who may want to work at the company.

What is rewarding about your job?

I have worked in this industry for almost 20 years. This is what I know. I started out working in the field with my tools.

I worked my way up over the past 15 years I have worked at Lasco Acoustics & Drywall.

My favorite part of the job is training new employees and keeping our employees safe.

At the end of the day, when I see the

What do you think is on the horizon for your industry?

I think things will keep booming for a few more years.

The construction industry is cyclical, so eventually in about three or four years we won’t have as much work as we do right now.

I think things may be steady for a while and things might go down a little bit.

We might be building enough homes and buildings right now but eventually the rise in the population will demand us to build more.

Lasco Acoustics & Drywall Inc. provides drywall, acoustics and plastering in the commercial construction industry. The company has a corporate office in Dallas and also has offices in Austin and San Antonio. –ab

ums that have eight or more units from filing lawsuits or initiating arbitration proceedings to resolve a claim relating to the construction or design of a unit on behalf of all of the owners unless they first obtain an inspection and written independent, third-party report that identifies and describes the condition of the specific units or common elements that are subject to the claim and obtain approval from unit owners holding more than 50 percent of the total votes in the association at a regular, annual or special meeting. This law became effective Sept. 1, 2015.

partnership projects and to assist governmental entities in the receipt of proposals, negotiation of interim and comprehensive agreements, and management of qualifying public-private partnership projects.

The creation of the center is intended to increase the use of public-private partnerships by Texas governmental entities. This law became effective Sept. 1, 2015.

Regular session of the 84th Texas Legislature Mike White Texas Construction Association Austin, TX

T

he 84th Texas Legislature completed its Regular Session on June 1, 2015.

The Texas construction industry will benefit from the passage of the following bills: ConsolidatedInsurancePrograms(CIPs) – SB 1081

Effective Jan. 1, 2016, principals of a CIP will be required to provide certain information about the CIP to a contractor who is to be enrolled in the CIP not later than 10 days before the date the contractor enters into a construction contract.

This information will allow the contractor to compare the coverage provided by the CIP to the contractor’s own insurance and will allow the contractor to make an informed decision on whether to enter into the construction contract. In addition, a contractor may request in writing from the principal a complete copy of the insurance policy that provides coverage under the CIP.

State Budget - HB 1 The state budget for the biennium beginning Sept. 1, 2015 appropriated just under $1 billion for construction of new state buildings. In addition, approximately $630 million was appropriated for deferred maintenance projects at state facilities. This became effective Sept. 1, 2015.

Higher Education Revenue Bonds - HB 100 This bill authorizes certain higher education institutions across the state to issue $3.1 billion in revenue bonds to fund 64 construction projects over the next two years. This became effective Sept. 1, 2015.

Pre-Litigation Requirements for Condo Owners’ Associations in Defect Cases- HB 1455

This new law restricts condominium unit owners’ associations in condomini-

Public-Private Partnerships - HB 2475 In 2011, legislation was passed that established a process for governmental entities to contract with private entities to construct, finance, and operate a variety of facilities, including ports, pipelines, parking garages, hospitals, schools, and other public works projects. State highways were not included. Performance and payment bonds are required to be in place before the start of any public-private partnership project.

The new law establishes a center for alternative finance and procurement within the Texas Facilities Commission to consult with governmental entities regarding best practices for procurement and financing of qualifying public-private

Construction Manager-At-Risk Used by a Governmental Entity - HB 2634 This measure amends the Government Code to remove the exception to a prohibition against a governmental entity’s project architect or engineer serving, alone or in combination with another person, as the construction manager-atrisk. The new law is intended to eliminate conflicts of interest in certain governmental construction contracting. This law became effective Sept. 1, 2015.

Mike White, vice president of governmental affairs, is a graduate of Texas A&M University and received a law degree from the University of Houston. White came to TCA in 2010 with thirty years of diversified responsibilities in governmental and public affairs arenas for two major multi-national corporations, a public agency, and a business organization. –cw

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Page 12

Austin Construction News • Oct 2015

In tune for six decades

M

usic City was the setting for women in construction to hit all of the right networking notes Sept. 2-5. The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) hosted its 60th annual Meeting and Education Conference in Nashville, TN, bringing together South Central Region chapters to celebrate the harmony of their unique sisterhood.

Highlights of the “Sounds of Success” event, held at the Omni Hotels and Resorts, included a mini trade show, an installation luncheon, meetings, seminars

and workshops and an awards gala.

Some members also took part in some sightseeing in Tennessee’s capital, including catching a Dwight Yoakam concert at Ryman Auditorium and visiting Nashville’s famed eateries.

“It was great to get together and network with other women in construction across the country,” NAWIC Austin chapter’s Cindy Richter says. “The conference had great speakers and built in plenty of time to network plus getting to enjoy downtown Nashville was an extra bonus.” –mjm

L-R: Austin chapter representatives, Taryn Ritchie of Ryan Companies, Cindy Richter of Vanguard Fire & Security, Janie Mendiola of TD Industries and Kelli Mitchell of Hensel Phelps, at the gala.

Austin and Houston NAWIC members go to see Dwight Yoakam at Ryman Auditorium: (first row, l-r) Pieper-Houston’s Debbie Savage, Way Engineering’s Jennifer Black (back row, l-r) Hensel Phelps’ Kelli Mitchell, Ryan Companies’ Taryn Ritchie, Vanguard Fire & Security’s Cindy Richter and TDIndustries’ Janie Mendiola Installation luncheon

What is your biggest pet peeve?

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I understand everyone is busy, but replying back in a timely manner is always nice.

Lance Magana American Tile & Stone

them. It’s almost as bad as somebody not waving when you let them over in front of you while driving. It’s just rude!

Ben Garner Equipment Depot

“Buckers,” people who immediately pass the “buck” on anything instead of figuring things out for themselves, which would be educational and therefore make the individual “Bucker” a more valuable member of any company and society as a by-product.

Rodney Wagner Easy Drive

My biggest pet peeve is RFIs. I believe a personal phone call is a far better method of communication in today’s world. The RFI process is a way to formally document a directive or clarify a response but the answers should be available in minutes through a phone call with the design team.

Doug Smith Dynamic Systems Inc.

It drives me crazy when people don’t say thanks when you hold the door open for

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My pet peeve is inconsiderate motorists.

Texas is God’s country and we don’t need to be driving through it like it’s hell.

Joann Natarajan OSHA Austin My pet peeve is when my wife won’t lift up the toilet seat! All of our life we are told to put down the toilet seat. This should work for the girls as much as it does for the boys, now really. Right guys?

Buddy Doebbler Construction News Companies or individuals who make mistakes and wait to see if you catch it.

At our company, we instruct our employees to be up front with mistakes and make it right no matter the cost. I would like to say we don’t make mistakes, but it does happen from time to time.

Robin Wurzel Southern Demolition 1st Plumbing Services 1st AC and Heating

Austin Construction News • Oct 2015

Page 13

Association Calendar

Content submitted by Associations to Construction News ABC Central Texas

CTSA

Associated Builders & Contractors

Central Texas Subcontractors Assn.

Oct. 30: Fall golf tournament at Onion Creek Golf Course. Contact Amber Gauthier at 512-719-5263 for more details.

Oct. 13: 5:30-8pm. Monthly meeting with speaker Bob Cartwright: Connecting Veterans and Subcontractors for Jobs.

Embassy Suites, 5901 N IH35. Check ctsaonline.org for more details.

AGC Associated General Contractors

Oct. 8: 5:30-9pm. Annual Fish Fry at Texas Disposal Systems Exotic Game Ranch. Contact Toni Osberry at 512-4427887 for more details.

AIA American Institute of Architects

Oct. 17: All day. Walk the Talk: Tour and panel discussion on Missing Middle Housing in Austin.

Oct. 20: 11:30am at Green Pastures Restaurant. Annual meeting for election of board of directors for 2016.

Oct. 24-25: AIA Austin Homes Tour. Selfguided tour includes 10 homes.

Check aiaaustin.org for more details.

NAWIC Nat’l Assn. of Women in Construction

Oct. 7: 5:30-7:30pm. Monthly chapter meeting at Big Daddy’s Burgers, 9070 Research Blvd, Suite 101.

Oct. 28: Lady Power Happy Hour Membership Drive, 4-7pm at the Associated General Contractors office, 609 S. Lamar. Wine and networking.

Check austinnawic.org for more details.

TACCA Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Assn.

Oct. 17: 8-5pm. HVAC – Designing Systems CEU at Wingate by Wyndham.

Check tacca.org for more details.

Round-Up Halff Associates has hired Tim Bargainer, PLA, ASLA, CLARB, as vice president and director of landscape architecture and Brian Binkowski, ASLA, PLA, as senior project manager.

Bargainer will manage large multidisciplined planning and design teams on complex projects. He earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from Texas Tech University.

Binkowski brings 21 years of experience as a landscape architect. As senior project manager, he will focus on parks, trails, and open space projects. He earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from Texas Tech University.

Round-Up Submissions

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

ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers

Oct. 11-14: National convention in New York, New York. Check asceconvention. org for more details.

Construction News ON LOCATION

Lunch time!

Submitted to Construction News

Stepping up to serve

Nedza and Ollie were spotted taking a lunch break in Bastrop. The two work for DeMoss Plumbing Co. in Austin. –cw

National Association of Women in Construction Austin Chapter (NAWIC) recently elected their officers for the 2015-16 year. They are Chaundra Callaway, Equipment Depot, president; Toni Osberry, Austin Chapter of the Associated General Contractors, vice president; Aimee Busby, Waste Management, treasurer; Jamie Garrett, San Marco Air Conditioning, Inc., secretary; and board members Pilar Avalos, Hensel Phelps; Gala Burns, efg&m Benefits; Sandra Johnson, Edge Electric Inc.; and Amy Maresca, Edge Electric Inc. Pictured, L-R: Amy Maresca, Gala Burns, Pilar Avalos, Sandra Johnson, Chaundra Callaway, Aimee Busby, Toni Osberry, Jamie Garrett, and Cindy Richter. –cw

Construction News ON LOCATION

Fisher picture

Sandra Mott and Krista Fisher have a great day at Fisher’s Iron & Metal Inc. The company sells structural steel and welding supplies. –ab

Page 14

Austin Construction News • Oct 2015

continued from Page 1 — Attention to details work for the Walt Disney Co. What started with a retail project, the World of Disney, led to the company building indoor rollercoasters (the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, which was the largest concrete pour in Disney’s history) and other themed rides.

“We’ve operated almost continuously in Texas for more than 30 years and opened our Houston office in 1994 with Austin following in 2011,” Burton said.

“We have more than doubled our staff in the last year and are working on projects from Abilene to Jacksboro, along with several in the heart of Houston.”

Burton attributes much of the company’s success to repeat clients.

“While part of our success is because of longevity, the other part of that is we

have so many repeat clients and people who trust us,” he said. “At the end of the day, without those clients there is nothing for us to build.”

To celebrate the 75th anniversary the company has a social media campaign focused on Time Capsule Tuesdays, will host local receptions in all offices (Austin, Birmingham, Houston, Nashville, Orlando and Washington D.C.), and have a direct mail campaign. The culmination will be the bi-annual corporate event called Summit in Feb 2016.

“Our ultimate goal for the company is to be a respected and admired company in our industry and in our community,” Burton said. –ab

The F.R. Hoar staff in the ‘40s

Fountain of roof

T

he networking flowed for Texas’ roofing industry Sep. 16-18. The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) hosted its 40th annual conference and trade show, a three-day getto-know-you extravaganza featuring fun-for-all events.

It all kicked off Wednesday morning with a foreman-only class and an RCAT board of directors meeting at the Omni Hotel. However, business quickly turned to pleasure at RCAT’s golf tournament at Fort Worth’s Waterchase Golf Club Pavilion. The North Texas Roofing Contractors Association (NTRCA) then made everyone feel at home with a “Welcome to North Texas!” reception and awards dinner.

While exhibitors prepared their booths Thursday morning at the Fort Worth Convention Center, seminars and educational programs were held for attendees. A ribbon cutting started off the RCAT trade show, which featured more than 80 roofing industry exhibitors. That evening, attendees walked the red carpet at the “BIG 4-0 Celebration” and awards ceremony and kicked their heels up to the tunes of the Preston Scott Band.

Some attendees may have retired early from the festivities due to Friday morning’s RCAT license exam, but for those not testing, more seminars, educational programs and the trade show awaited. Finally, it was back to business for the RCAT board, which held a final meeting before saying “Happy Trails” to their good time in Cowtown. –mjm

ABC Supply Co. inc.

West End Roofing, Siding & Windows

continued from Page 1 — The next level worker’s favorite.

“Being in Texas, barbecue is our hobby and we have several barbecue teams working out of the shop. We offer our services, including our custom made barbecue trailer to local charities to support

their fund raising efforts,” says Smith.

Dynamic Systems, Inc. is headquarted in Austin and has branch locations in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Phoenix and SanAntonio. –rd

SPEC Building Materials

continued from Page 1 — Opportunity awaits

In this tough economy we want to highlight our Texas-based general contractors who are in the game and competing with the out-of-state contractors who have come to our great state.

Do you have a recently completed project you would be proud to see on our cover? Give me a call or send me an email and let’s get you covered.

Cyndi Wright, Editor cyndi@constructionnews.net 210-308-5800

Southern Shingles

Equipment Depot

National Roofing Contractors Association

CertainTeed

Atlas Roofing Allied Building Products

Austin Construction News • Oct 2015

A

Page 15

Recreating Mother Nature

s the first employee with Mermaid Waterscapes, Taylor Miller began designing and building water features and pond in 2002. Soon after, he became instrumental in completing each of the company’s projects, including a project recognized as the Number 2 pond by Koi USA magazine.

In 2008, Taylor founded Taylormade Waterscapes, where he continues to focus on creating beautiful, low maintenance water features and ponds. Across his career Taylor has worked on more than 400 water features for both residential and commercial clients across Central Texas, including projects for Zilker Park Botanical Gardens, St. Edward’s University and the LCRA.

“In all projects, I balance the design creativity with a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and quality service. I extend this commitment well beyond the completion of a project by providing ongoing maintenance and care tips and services,” says Miller. “I enjoy

“A Fish Lover’s Dream” A state-of-the-art pond operated by two fish hatchery style drum filters and nine custom made bakki showers.

This makes the pond the ultimate wastewater treatment facility for a large number of Koi.

“Sun room Sensation” The above ground waterscape adds luxury to the owner’s sun room and includes an eight-ft. water wall adorned with custom ferns and fancy-tailed goldfish.

the great outdoors. I often camp and visit natural waterfalls and springs. I love the raw beauty not made by man. Mother Nature is a beautiful thing.”

When asked which project was his favorite, he said he enjoys building new construction projects and that he really enjoys the creativity he can express to help people make visions come to light. He likes providing people with the right equipment and education to accomplish a low maintenance water feature.

When asked which project was his biggest challenge, he said, “Each project comes with its own set of challenges. Some are harder than others but it is the end result that makes it all worth it.

“There is no project too big,” he added. “My company specializes in advanced filtration and mechanics.

This will ensure that one will get a low maintenance pond with superior water quality.” –rd

“Welcoming Waterfall” A landscaped stone entry path and impressive waterfall welcomes guests to this restaurant. The water then streams through the interior and onto the outdoor decks with mini-waterfalls bringing interesting movement to this modern design.

“Flower and Koi Garden” This pond offers the ultimate home for large fish and planter boxes.

“Majestic Sculpture Garden” Lush foliage surrounds this gorgeous water feature which is accentuated by majestic sculptures and colorful art pieces. The two ponds are connected by a babbling stream and provide the owners with a lovely setting for enjoying their beautiful plants.

“Fountains Galore” This design reflects a variety of Taylormade fountain projects, including disappearing waterfalls, pots, streams and grand entryway pieces

“Modern Zen Garden” This modern Koi pond was designed using the golden ratio, an ancient mathematical equation. It’s 60-ft. inset stream resolves into a spiral, highlighted with hundreds of golden fiber optic lights simulating the stars in the constellation.

Working the landscape

C

asey Vickrey started landscaping at 5 years old, working with his father. Growing up with that experience eventually led him to start Benchmark Landscapes in 2002.

When farming took a downturn in the early ‘80s, Vickrey’s dad moved the family from their farm in Dickens to Midland, where he worked a schedule of seven days on and seven days off in the oil field. To help fill those days off with something he and his son could do together, Vickrey’s father started a small landscaping company on the side.

Today, at 38, Vickrey’s company averages 400 employees total between its four locations with the headquarters in Austin where it all started, operating under branch managers Bill Davis, Jennifer Rhea, and Laura Armendariz. The company has a large commercial maintenance division, an arbor division with a certified arborist on staff, and a design division with two licensed landscape architects and five designers.

Their biggest market, multi-family, has been strong regardless of economic highs and lows, and there is a lot of multifamily growth in Austin. Vickrey observes that office work is starting to recover in the Capitol as well, but retail hasn’t been big since the mid-2000s. Though they don’t do many homeowners associations (HOAs), they have also been very strong recently.

“We do a lot of enhancements as investors are buying multi-family in Austin,” explains Vickrey. “When they purchase a property, they might have $200,000 or $300,000 of capital improvements to do with landscaping, and that’s when our designers and architects take it. We’re in the middle of three or four large [projects] like that right now.”

Members of the team at Benchmark Landscapes’ corporate headquarters in Austin

Benchmark Landscapes does exclusively commercial work, including hardscape and irrigation. The company is based in Austin with offices in New Braunfels, San Antonio and Corpus Christi. –mh

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Page 16

Austin Construction News • Oct 2015

Construction News ON LOCATION

Halloween fun

Keep Construction News in mind this year when your office undergoes a spooky transformation and the ghosts and goblins come out to play! Send your photos from Halloween to cyndi@constructionnews.net

Busy in Bastrop

David Moncaba, owner Gene Rampy and Doug Benson take a break from their busy day at Centex Mechanical Inc. in Bastrop. –cw

Submitted to Construction News

Construction News ON LOCATION

Up on a roof

Good choice

Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing employees working hard on the roof at the new Austin Central Library. Hensel Phelps is the GC on the project. –cw

Employee Araceli Martinez picked out her favorite block of granite at Celia’s Tile and Granite in Bastrop. –cw

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