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Volume 13
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Number 10
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OCTOBER 2015
Attention to details
The ABC’s of CBS
The Hoar Construction Texas Division team at a OSHA Stand Down Fall Protection training.
The CBS Rental and Supply Houston branch employees
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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. continued on Page 18
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immy Lanphier co-founded CBS Rental and Supply on Jul. 20, 1965 in Corpus Christi. His grandson is Jason Herin, president and CEO. CBS Rental and Supply originally started as a construction supply company, selling construction materials to the Corpus Christi construction market. It wasn’t until Herin’s father, Buddy, purchased CBS Rental and Supply in 1979 that the company formed the equipment rental segment of the business. “My father was very successful running CBS Rental and Supply,” Herin said. Buddy opened the San Antonio location in 1986, Houston in 1999, purchased Dubose Equipment and Rental Company in 2005, which gained access
to the Tyler and Longview markets and opened locations in Deer Park and Conroe. “In 2013, I entered the business due to my father’s battle with renal cell carcinoma, a cancer disease,” Herin said. “My father passed away in Nov. 2013 and I purchased CBS Rental and Supply to become the sole owner in Jan. 2015. “My attitude toward the company is very apparent, be the best every day and never settle for less than legendary.” Progress is definitely a buzz word around the Houston office. The company plans to open two new locations in the Austin and Dallas markets by the first day of 2016. continued on Page 18
An innovative approach
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o Limit Construction Services LLC has multiple ongoing projects in Houston; however, the almost complete Westheimer Oaks project, owned by Beeson Properties, has been its primacy since early last year. President Edgar Olivares says No Limit Construction Services managed the construction of Westheimer Oaks from ground up through demolition of a previous retail center to performing all site work, utilities and concrete work. “This three phase project consisted of the construction of a three-story, 40,000-sf retail center located at 2400 Mid Ln.,” Olivares said. The building is metal framed with stucco and brick exterior. Olivares says a subsequent 36,000-sf parking garage is currently being constructed beside the retail center. According to Olivares, this project was unique in many ways. The building is
intended to be a “New Orleans” style retail center, which is much different than the surrounding newly built retail centers. “The biggest challenge of this project was space and overall its location,” Olivares said. “Space was extremely limited as the building is in the center of surrounding business and residences.” In order to ensure no disruption to surrounding operating businesses and to surrounding residences, he says all parties had to work hand in hand from beginning to end. “Throughout the project, we have been committed to working closely with the owner to accommodate all their needs and with a goal of exceeding expectations,” he said. “We worked safe and timely executed the project through quality, dependability, dedication and integrity.” Westheimer Oaks
continued on Page 18
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Houston Construction News • Oct. 2015
Houston Construction News • Oct. 2015
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Way to go
Always improving
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he Independent Electrical Contractors Texas Gulf Coast Chapter (IEC) 2015 Graduation took place at the Cullen Performance Hall in August. There were 76 graduates in the program. IEC Texas Gulf Coast President Larry Burns opened the ceremony with the invocation and introductions. Ed West, IEC Dallas board of directors, was the guest speaker and instructors Cesar Ramirez, Neo Ramirez and Gilbert Soliz presented the graduates. –ab Larry Burns opens the ceremony.
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The 2015 IEC graduates
Submitted to Construction News
Three buddies
The Phoenix Millwork team in Alvin.
ocusing on sales and service, Alvinbased Phoenix Millwork Inc., has made lots of accomplishments in the past 10 years. Lori Biehle, vice president/controller, says the company has gone from a “start-up” company to a dual production line, CNC automated, full manufacturing facility. In 2010, the company set up a stone fabrication shop and has also made upgrades to its systems in both production and engineering. The manager of daily operations is Mark Hamilton. He also works in business development and estimating. Gail Hamilton works in contract administration, John Savoy III works in project management and estimating, Jim Wenzel handles the estimating and Robert Carpenter also works in project management.
“We always look forward to our annual Christmas party in December,” Biehle said. When employees are not at work they spend time competitive shooting, restoring and showing antique cars and trucks, attending festivals and traveling. In addition, some employees like spending their free time with their grandchildren. Biehle says looking ahead, the company plans to provide the best products possible, in a timely manner, at a price that is not only competitive, but profitable. Phoenix Millwork is a provider of custom commercial cabinetry, utilizing highend wood veneers, plastics, laminates, specialty metal products, standing-and-running wood trim and both manmade and natural stone counters. –ab
Submitted to Construction News
Scouting new talent
L-R: Glenn Boot, Baroid; Henry Norris, H & H OnSite Wastewater and Shon Wolford, Ditch Witch of Houston, check out Ditch Witch equipment in Houston. –ab
Houston
CONSTRUCTION NEWS
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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.
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L-R: Krystal Gutierrez and Ivan Salinas, RPS Klotz Associates, attended the Engineering Career Fair at University of Houston in September. They talked with new graduates ready to start their engineering careers. –ab
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Houston Construction News • Oct. 2015
and softball on intermural teams. Where did you go to college? I attended Tarleton State University for one year and then I transferred to Texas A & M University in College Station. I earned my B.S. degree in Agricultural Engineering.
Jerry Ince President Ince Engineering LLC
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erry Ince says he enjoys being an engineer because every day he goes to work, he has the opportunity to help someone solve a problem and make his or her life better. “Being able to create a safer and more modern daily life for individuals and communities allows me to achieve a professional satisfaction that I don’t know I could achieve in another industry,” Ince said. “I have met people all over the country and the world. It is rewarding to get to know clients on a personal level, not just a business level.” Ince formed Ince Engineering on Apr. 1, 2006. Employing five people, the engineering consulting company deals with civil engineering projects. Where did you grow up, Jerry? I grew up in a small town north of Waco called Lake Whitney. As a kid, I went hunting, played basketball and I enjoyed going fishing with my family and friends. What position did you play on the basketball team? I played the center position on the high school basketball team. If I had anything that could have taken me away from engineering it would have been that kid dream of playing professional basketball. It didn’t work out, so I focused on my studies. What sparked your interest to become an engineer? I had an assignment about careers in my sixth grade English class. I remember telling the teacher and the class I wanted to be an engineer when I grew up. I had strong math and verbal skills in middle school and high school. I didn’t change my ideas throughout high school and college and decided to accomplish my goal to become an engineer. I did play basketball for fun on church leagues until I was about 35. Did you play any other sports in school? Yes, I played baseball until I was about 16 and I also played flag football
Why did you decide to open your company in Richmond? Richmond chose me. I worked for Ducks Unlimited back in 2001 and a management position opened up in Richmond. I worked at Ducks Unlimited for about four more years. In 2006, I started the company at my home and a few months later we moved to our current location on Hwy. 90. What is the best part about working and living in Richmond? Richmond is a small town and I don’t feel caught up in the hustle and bustle of the city. Did you have mentors early in your career? Absolutely. I was blessed to have worked with brilliant engineers. I always had various mentors. In the beginning stages of my career, I was placed under an engineer’s technician. He was a Vietnam War veteran and his boss was a Korean War veteran. These gentlemen helped me navigate logically through some of the tasks I had to learn to develop into an engineer. They helped me get there in the most efficient way possible. What advice would you give someone who wants to make a living as an engineer? My advice is to select a good college for your education, then upon seeking employment, attempt to join a firm with a good reputation. Once you have achieved the first two recommendations, spend a lot of time listening to the seasoned employees to learn how they built the firm’s reputation. They know the blueprint to success and will make it a lot easier. The engineering profession is hard enough as it is. A good mentor can help you navigate those waters. Finally, apply these lessons in your career and you will do well. The engineering industry is always progressing forward in all areas. Technology from software to hardware is constantly being improved. Codes and laws will continue to be updated to protect the public welfare. What does it take to be a successful engineer? To be successful in this industry you
Jerry Ince has known he wanted to be an engineer since he was in sixth grade.
have to listen to all parties from the client to the contractors to the regulatory people and make decisions that blend these viewpoints. I try to look at each project like it is my own problem that needs solving and approach the solution as if it was for me. This method allows me to serve my clients on a more personal level, which I have found to be greatly appreciated. Are you married today? Yes, my wife’s name is Lisa. She was an elementary teacher for about 20 years. Fortunately, right now she is managing our household so I can concentrate on growing Ince Engineering. Where did you and Lisa first meet? We met in Temple while I was working at my first engineering job out of college. Lisa taught at Killeen Elementary at the time. We have been married 24 years this December. Do you and your wife have children? Yes, Lisa and I have three daughters named Bailey, Cassidy and Madison. Bailey graduated with a psychology degree from Texas State University. Cassidy is a junior and is studying Ecological Restorations and Forestry at Texas A & M University. Madison is a freshman at Temple College. She wants to pursue a career in criminal justice. What are your favorite sports teams these days? I am a Dallas Mavricks, Cowboys and Texas Rangers fan. I always watched Dallas sports as a kid, so I am still a fan. In addition, my nephew plays baseball on the Cincinnati Reds team. The Cincinnati Reds is my favorite baseball
Submitted to Construction News
Leaders on the course
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Have you attended any of your nephew’s baseball games? Yes, I saw the Kansas City Royals play in Houston. My nephew played on the Kansas City Royals before he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds. I have been to three games this year. What are a few other hobbies you have these days? I am a Texas A & M football season ticket holder and I like hunting and fishing. Lisa and I also enjoy spending time at our lake house near Lake Livingston on the weekend. What kind of fish have you caught at Lake Livingston? I mostly catch white bass when I go fishing. I also fish for crappie, catfish and whatever is biting that season. Where do you like to go hunting? I usually go deer hunting once or twice a year in Central Texas. I mostly like to go dove hunting though. I am glad dove season has started! Have you and Lisa traveled this year? Yes, we travel to visit our daughters. Our oldest daughter Bailey is currently planning a wedding, so my wife has traveled to help her. We go see our daughters as often as possible. We love traveling to new places when we get the chance. In July, Lisa and I went to Oregon, Washington and Northern California. It was so beautiful. We are already planning our next trip. I am thinking we will go to the Dakotas or the Carolinas. What did you and Lisa do in the Pacific Northwest? We tried to go to as many natural sites we could and we had a blast. We saw Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood, Crater Lake, several waterfalls and Redwood Forest. We read the literature and listened to tour guides while we were there. It was fascinating! The weather was perfect. We were traveling during a week in July that was in between two very hot weeks. The highs were about 88 degrees and when were near the mountains it was about 50 degrees. What are your plans for the future? I plan to stay right here in Richmond. This is where my family calls home. I am open to whatever the future brings. I always look forward to trying new things and having new adventures. –ab
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION
www.ecroofsystems.com
team nowadays since he is on the team.
McCarthy Building Companies Inc. won 1st place at the Associated General Contractors Houston Chapter (AGC) CLC Golf Tournament at Hermann Park Golf Course in August. –ab
Houston Construction News • Oct. 2015
Gaining knowledge
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rchitects, engineers, contractors and suppliers and service providers networked at the Houston Build Expo held at the NRG Center Sep. 16-17. During the building and construction show, exhibitors provided product demonstrations and attendees learned new techniques and checked out new developments. Informative seminars and workshops were also held during the event. –ab
Submitted to Construction News
Bowling with friends
Teal Construction employees had a great time at the American Institute of Architects Houston Chapter (AIA) Bowl-a-TAC event held at Palace Bowling Lanes Sep. 11. –ab
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Houston 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
Submitted to Construction News
Submitted to Construction News
Winning hand
Happy birthday
The Cadillac Bar was the place to be for Casino Night: A Cowboy Beach Party Celebration Aug. 6. The Associated Builders & Contractors Houston Chapter (ABC) held the event. –ab
Longtime employee Charlie Paredes, service department manager, Camp Construction Services, (center) celebrated his 50th birthday with employees at the Houston office Aug. 30. –ab
Houston Construction News • Oct. 2015
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The competent person in confined space operations
You’re insured against the bigticket rip and tear damages, right?
Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX
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 “replacement.” 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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nder the new confined space in construction, OSHA defines a competent person to means one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has the authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. The competent person has a number of duties under the new confined space in construction. The competent person must determine what confined spaces exist on the jobsite, which spaces are permit spaces, and evaluate the potential and actual hazards in the spaces that workers will enter. Final §1926.1203(a) requires each employer that has employees who may work in a confined space to ensure that a competent person identifies all confined spaces on the site, and to determine, through initial testing as necessary, which of these spaces are permit spaces, and to consider and evaluate other elements of the confined space. Therefore, under §1926.1203(f) of this final rule, the entry employer must also ensure that a competent person compile the information necessary to determine whether a reevaluation is necessary, and conduct the reevaluation when necessary. The employer must ensure that a competent person performs a full reevaluation of the permit space before reclassifying the space. The competent person is require to be trained on their duties. The employer
must provide training to each employee whose work is regulated by this law, at no cost to the employee, and ensure that the employee possesses the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of the duties assigned under this standard. This training must result in an understanding of the hazards in the permit space and the methods used to isolate, control or in other ways protect employees from these hazards, and for those employees not authorized to perform entry rescues, in the dangers of attempting such rescues. Training required must be provided to each employee in both a language and vocabulary that the employee can understand, before the employee is first assigned duties under this standard, before there is a change in assigned duties, whenever there is a change in permit space entry operations that presents a hazard about which an employee has not previously been trained; and whenever there is any evidence of a deviation from the permit space entry procedures required by §1926.1204(c) or there are inadequacies in the employee’s knowledge or use of these procedures. The training must establish employee proficiency in the duties required by this standard and must introduce new or revised procedures, as necessary, for compliance with this standard. natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232
Talking points
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he Women Contractors Association (WCA) hosted Houston mayoral candidates at a luncheon event at Maggiano’s Little Italy Sep. 3. The panel discussion provided mayoral candidates a forum to discuss public
policy issues affecting women business owners and women contractors in the greater Houston area. –ab
Submitted to Construction News
Views of opportunities L-R: Demetria Smith and guest
L-R: President and CEO Leonard A. Bedell, Mobil Steel International Inc., Texas State Representative Ed Thompson, District 29, and Wayne Webb, Community Bank of Texas, listen to speakers at the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region's Petrochemical & Maritime Outlook Conference held at the Pasadena Convention Center Aug. 27. –ab
WCA members and guests mingle at the event.
L-R: Chris Bell, Stephen Costello, Adrian Garcia and Ben Hall
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Houston Construction News • Oct. 2015
Cordial cookers
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ontractors and suppliers gathered at the Fall Barbecue Cook-Off and Expo at Campbell Hall at the Pasadena Convention Center Sep. 3. The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Houston Chapter hosted the event. Attendees enjoyed a barbecue dinner and networking with fellow ABC members. In addition, company representatives shared information about products and services at expo booths. –ab Preferred Corporate Housing (PCH)
Trillium Construction
Bartlett Cocke General Contractors Holes Inc.
The Dale Co.
Drager
W.T. Byler
Lance Rental Co.
Fountain of roof
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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
West End Roofing Siding & Windows SPEC Building Materials Corp.
ABC Supply Co. inc.
Allied Building Products Corp. A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply
Southern Shingles
Cordeck Building Solutions
MBC
National Roofing Contractors Association
Equipment Depot
Houston Construction News • Oct. 2015
Page 9
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 from the boat. There are also many of my clients that simply will not get out of the boat under any circumstances for any
Michael Rodriguez of San Antonio hooked up on the 28-inch redfish last week on a fishing outing with Steve Schultz Outdoors.
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 apparel. 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.
Submitted to Construction News
Flying high
STEVE SCHULTZ OUTDOORS, LLC BAFFIN BAY –– LAGUNA MADRE –– LAND CUT SPECKLED TROUT –– REDFISH –– FLOUNDER FISHING AND HUNTING TRIPS
(361) 949-7359
www.baffinbaycharters.com steveschultzoutdoors@gmail.com U.S. Coast Guard & Texas Parks and Wildlife Licensed
L-R: Paul Kelly and Heather Taylor Kelly, Dominion Air & Heat LLC, and their friends had a blast at iFLY Indoor Skydiving. –ab
BEST Construction Tool? ADVERTISING in Construction News 210-308-5800
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Houston 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
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!
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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 obligation 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
Half or Full Day Fishing Trips All Bait, Tackle & Equipment Furnished
‘40s fishing family
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).
Your catch Filleted and Bagged for You Furnish your TPWD Fishing License & Refreshments, and WE DO THE REST!
Ken Milam Guide Service (325) 379-2051 www.striperfever.com
Submitted to Construction News
Strong bond
Andrew Hoggatt, Hoggatt LP, and his son Luke enjoyed spending time together fishing in Freeport. –ab
Houston Construction News • Oct. 2015
Page 11
Outdoor crew
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fter a busy work week, employees of the waterproofing company Texas Moisture Protection Co. spent time hunting pheasant and quail in Corsicana and they also went fishing for bull redfish at the Galveston jetties. –ab
Submitted to Construction News
Take me out to the ballgame
Milton Escobar
SpawGlass Houston Division staff are all smiles at a Skeeters baseball game at Constellation Park in Sugar Land in August. –ab
Jose Lara
Have an outdoor photo you’d like to share? Hermilo Garza (left) L-R: Tyler Althouse and Doug Desilvio
Doug Desilvio
in
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Houston Construction News • Oct. 2015
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 the
“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.
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
“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
“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.
“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.
Houston Construction News • Oct. 2015
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Safety first
Leading the way
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ocal architects were recently honored at the Design Awards event at the Asia Society Texas Center in Houston. The American Institute of Architects Houston Chapter (AIA) held the event. The Design Awards program recognizes design excellence in architecture, residential architecture, interior architecture, restoration/renovation and urban design. The Design Awards Exhibition will take place at the Architecture Center Houston through Oct. 30. –ab Congrats to the winners!
Attendees network at the Design Awards event.
Urban Design: PGAL, Bethel Church Park Interior Architecture: kinneymorrow Architecture, Kane Street Office Interior Architecture: studioMET, Brooklyn StudioBrooklyn Studio On The Boards: Gensler, Buddhist Cultural and Education Center On The Boards: SMLA, Expo 2020 Cultural Identity On The Boards: Interloop-Architecture, J-Camp Renovation/Restoration: kinneymorrow Architecture, Kane Street Office Renovation/Restoration: studioMET, Brooklyn Studio Renovation/Restoration: Murphy Mears Architects, Mid-Century Remodel Renovation/Restoration: Nonya Grenader, FAIA, Clock Tower Studios Renovation/Restoration: Curry Boudreaux Architects, Bendit House
Architecture Greater Than 50,000sf: Page, University of Houston TDECU Stadium Architecture Greater Than 50,000sf: Kirksey Architecture, Wildwood Corporate Center Residential Architecture: Murphy Mears Architects, Sabine Street Cottages Residential Architecture: CONTENT Architecture, Casa Lobo Architecture Less Than 50,000sf: Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion Architecture Less Than 50,000sf: BRAVE / Architecture, Sicardi Gallery Architecture Less Than 50,000sf: Powers Brown Architecture, Fort Bend Veteran's Memorial Architecture Less Than 50,000sf: Curry Boudreaux Architects, Camp for All Star Place Architecture Less Than 50,000sf: Page, Cougar Woods Dining Hall
The Commitment to Safety award recipients
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ouston area subcontractors attended a Safety Luncheon at the HESS Club Sep. 17. The American Subcontractors Association Houston Chapter (ASA-HC) held the event. Fourteen member companies were recognized for earning their Commitment To Safety (CTS) award for 2015-16 including Briggs Equipment, Camarata Masonry Systems Ltd., Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing, Fast Track Specialties LP, J.M. Maly Inc., Karsten
Interior Services LP, KenMor Electric, Marek, Milestone Metals Inc., Network Cabling Services Inc., Pieper Houston Electric LP, T.A.S. Commercial Concrete Construction LLC, Trio Electric and Slack & Co. Contracting Inc. During the event, panelists Keith Liggett, Phillips 66; David Stanton Sr., D.E. Harvey Builders and Luis Aguilar, Houston Area Safety Council (HASC), spoke about safety in the commercial construction industry. –ab
Construction News JOB SIGHT
Hammer time
Submitted to Construction News
Autumn is here
The Locke Solutions team enjoys a beautiful day in Houston. Founded by Asher Kazmann, PE, the company designs and manufactures precast concrete utility structures. –ab
Submitted to Construction News
A decade and counting
Mike DeGroot (left) and Mike Syzdek (right) congratulate Chris Pena, BakerTriangle, for reaching a 10-year year milestone in August. –ab
Skid steer operater Acento Mahina and the Imperial Construction crew does concrete repair work at the Sugar Cycles parking lot in Missouri City. –ab
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Houston Construction News • Oct. 2015
In tune for six decades
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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. “The Houston chapter was well represented in Nashville, with 13 members in attendance at the national conference. We were extremely proud to receive several awards for our NEF programs, pr/ marketing efforts and WIC Week events,” Becky Richter, NAWIC’s Houston chapter president says. “I am humbled by the continued support of our Houston membership and the great leaps we have taken this year in our community. The women in our chapter work extremely hard to encourage and support women in our industry and being recognized for those efforts in Nashville was a true honor.” –mjm
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
NAWIC Houston won 2nd place in the National Block Kids award. L-R: Debbie Savage and Jody Richwine
on your L-R: Elizabeth LeTourneau, KateWhat’s Grix, Jody Richwine, Tracy Shoemaker bucket list? and Becky Richter In addition to the Block Kids award, NAWIC Houston won 3rd place in the National CAD award and the PR Marketing and WIC Week awards.
What’s on your bucket list that you haven’t done yet? I have always wanted to purchase my own office and warehouse. I plan to do so in the future! Scott Cleveland, Cleveland Painting & Remodeling I’d love to get Houston Texans season tickets! Terry Bynum, Able Paving Sell my pottery! I learned how to make pottery in high school art class and I have kept it up all these years. Anthony Rios, Joe Aguirre Tile
Fly remote control helicopters! Bill Briggs, Johnson Roofing and General Contracting Inc. My wife and would like to travel to North Carolina and South Carolina one day soon. Jerry Ince, Ince Engineering LLC I want to do be able to work on large commercial striping jobs. Whitney Wright, The Wright Striping
I recently went indoor skydiving with my wife so now I want to go skydiving out of a plane! Paul Kelly, Dominion Air & Heat LLC
I still need to attend a Houston Rockets game at the Toyota Center. Sam Rivas, Rivas Air Conditioning & Heating
Well, I just opened my painting company in Houston. That was high up on my bucket list! I have always wanted to do this. Richard Rhodes, Protect Painters
I’d like to spend time on the beautiful beaches in El Salvador. Franklin Alvarez, Wonderful Weather A/C and Heating
I want to spend more time improving my photography skills. Billy McDonald Jr., Atlas Equipment Rentals Inc.
I want to master the guitar. Ryan Schoultz, Johnson Supply Attend more Houston Texans games at the Reliant Stadium. Cory Malak, Climate Services of Texas I’d like to ride my Harley Davidson motorcycle to Sturgis, SD one day. I have always wanted to make the trip. Tom Large, Maverick Enterprises I want to go kayak fishing! Brian Miller, Totaline I would love to travel to more regions within the United States, Europe and Mexico. Leticia Elias, Elias Commercial Roof Systems I’d like to slow down a little bit. I would like to get it to where I would only have to come to work about two days a week. I’d come in, check on things, then go fishing or go play golf.  Glenn Pitman, Pitman Construction I’d want to do more fun run events in the future. Peti Jones Thompson, Mazzetti Travel to Arizona. Eric Bruce, Michael Neil Cabinetry
Houston Construction News • Oct. 2015
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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.
The pre-school year crunch
Mark Eichelbaum, Vice President and COO Cram Roofing San Antonio, TX
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uring the summer, school work keeps the construction industry busy. As soon as kids get out for the summer in early June, contractors move in, and as soon as kids go back in late August, contractors have to finish and clear out. Mark Eichelbaum, Cram Roofing, says that it takes coordination and the efforts of the team to get jobs done before the kids come back for the new academic year. He adds that parents and teachers, and sometimes even owners, might not realize what goes into making the school beautiful for when they get back. If there is still minor work to be done, some only see that the roof isn’t done and the impression can be that the contractors had all summer to do it. “A lot of the time, we’ll be substantially complete – in other words, the roof is on and there may be some details still to be done or punch list items to be done,” explains Eichelbaum. “Those we can still do after the kids are back, but we have to work around the school schedule. So, we may not be able to start until 4 o’clock in the afternoon after kids have
gone home for the day. It requires a lot more coordination.” He also points out that there is a lot of steps and juggling that goes on during the summer reroofing season. The summertime construction period is generally about 10 weeks. On the small side, some projects in that period might be repair projects around $5,000 to $10,000, or they are hired to do the flashing for a new AC unit. Such a project might require a crew of two to three guys for two to three days. On the larger end of the scale, they might be reroofing an entire wing of a school, which might be 300,000sf of roofing. Those projects might require a crew of about eight guys working six days a week for nine weeks. The various projects over the course of just 10 weeks can run everywhere in between those two extremes. On average, Eichelbaum says their reroofing projects have a crew of six to eight guys, depending on the job, and it might be 15,000 to 20,000sf of roofing surface that is being re-covered. Those projects might take about
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
four to five weeks, but they might also begin the project with the idea that it will be done by the end of June and then they will move on to the next one. However, if it rains – which it did to an unusual degree this June – that can push the entire schedule back. Sometimes, the general contractor might not be ready for the roofers to come in and do their work. In that case, they might not be ready on one building and have the roofer work on another building first, but that other building might require a different crew. “It’s a lot of moving pieces, and the general public may not necessarily realize that,” he says. “There are all types of different roofing systems, and we internally have different crews for the different kinds of roofs that specialize in those areas. The general public may just say, ‘I just need a roof.’ But it’s a metal roof, and we want to send you our metal roofer. If it’s a singly-ply roof, we want to send you our single-ply roofer. “If it’s through a general contractor and you throw in all the other specialty trades – well, we can’t flash an AC unit until the AC unit has been put in place by the HVAC contractor, and if the HVAC contractor gets pushed because of weather or one of their other projects or the materials haven’t been approved yet – they go through the same process [with submittals] that we do – that can affect our piece of the puzzle.” Delays can also happen regardless of months of advanced planning. When Cram is working directly for the school district, they bid on those projects in January or February, even though they can’t
start until June. Knowing the job is coming up, they do all their preparatory work in the springtime. A lot of times, the clients specify what type of roof they want, and Cram finds out what color the principal or district representative wants and other minor details. The submittal package goes to a consultant or the clients’ architect or design professional for approval. Once approved, Cram can order the materials. Sometimes, however, Eichelbaum notes that June comes and they cannot begin, despite being ahead of the game. As examples of reasons why, he says they might not be able to start fabricating the metal because the client hasn’t chosen a color, or they haven’t received their approved submittals so they do not know what to order. With all of these issues factoring into a two-and-a-half month work schedule, Cram might only have two or three projects in a summer, but this summer, Eichelbaum explains it was triple that many projects. With a very wet June to contend with, the trademark South Texas heat, and all of the aforementioned problems that may arise, Eichelbaum says their answer is to put in that much more overtime or manpower to meet the deadlines for completion. Cram Roofing was established in 1986 by Gary Cram, who is still owner and president of the company today. Having recently celebrated his 13th year with the company, Mark Eichelbaum is vice president and COO. The roofing contractor does commercial and governmental work. –mh
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Houston Construction News • Oct. 2015
Specialty Contractors Regular session of the 84th Texas Legislature Mike White Texas Construction Association Austin, TX
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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: Consolidated Insurance Programs (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-
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. 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
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. 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
Wage hikes, start-ups affect business Jared Moala, Partner Pacific Environmental Group LLC
ed to work with each other in sharing the labor pools. I’ve been doing this for 12 years, and actually have gotten to know competitors much better this year than ever before. We had to share the labor pool back and forth and also subcontract with other companies when things got so heavy over the summer. Summer is the time when all of the kids get out of school and all of the school districts do their abatement. You have millions of dollars of abatement over the summer going on in D/FW just for the school districts, and they really don’t do any abatement at all during the school year. It was a tight time because we had that summer rush which happens every year but we had it on top of the population boom that we’re experiencing that’s causing all of the construction in the area.
but there is concern that abatement supervisors are leaving companies and starting their own companies, but the quality of work is just not there. There has been an explosion in abatement companies in D/FW. There were maybe a handful of companies that everyone knew about a few years ago, but now there are so many start-up companies. The most frustrating part is when they are called out to a bid; they really low-ball it in their hunger to get work. The funny thing is, there is still the same core group of companies that are doing all of the reputable work – the school districts, the city work, the general contractors – and then you have 30 new abatement companies that no one has heard of. We have been getting a lot of calls to come in and “clean up” these new companies’ messes; it’s very common now, whereas 10 years ago you just didn’t see that. I’ve been doing this for 12 years, my brother John has been doing it for 16 and our Dad, William Moala, was one of the pioneers in abatement 30 years ago. This has been the biggest change I’ve seen lately.
Are there any major changes in your industry related to what you do? There haven’t been any recent major changes related to my industry in D/FW,
Have you noticed any cost increases related to what you do? Yes, the cost in labor has significantly increased because of simple supply and
Dallas, TX
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as your company experienced an increase in business or a slowdown? We’ve definitely experienced an increase, especially in asbestos abatement. We’ve been getting a lot more calls from general contractors that are working on municipal projects that need abatement. To be honest, we’ve had to hire more office and field personnel to handle the increase in the workload. I don’t know that we’ve done anything different; we’ve just expanded, hiring more people to handle more projects. Many companies in the industry are challenged by a shortage of qualified labor. Has that been true for your company as well? Yes, especially this past summer. The biggest abatement project to ever go on in D/FW is D/FW Airport, which they’ve been doing for the past few years. There were about 300 abatement workers out there. There is a huge shortage of abatement workers, so companies have start-
demand. Because the labor pool is so tight, these guys demand a premium. For the past decade, abatement workers have made about $12 an hour, which was the standard. I’d say the standard now is about $15 an hour, but that just jumped in the last year or two. In the summertime, that goes up to about $20 an hour. It’s significant when you have 20 guys working a job for a month; it’s a huge cost increase not just for us but for the client as well. How have you been meeting this challenge? Profit margins have definitely become smaller across the board, which is common in any industry following an increase in competition. Some of the increased labor cost is absorbed by the contractor because they have to stay as competitive as possible on bids. But ultimately, when everyone has to pay that upcharge in labor costs, it has to be factored into bids and the buyer ends up paying for it as well. Pacific Environmental offers asbestos abatement and testing, mold remediation and testing, lead-based paint (LPB) abatement, flood response and demolition services. –mjm
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Houston Construction News • Oct. 2015
Page 17
Round-Up
Association Calendar
Content submitted by Associations to Construction News
Associated Builders & Contractors
Independent Electrical Contractors
Oct. 1: EIC Awards, 6pm Oct. 7: Membership Drive, 8am Oct. 12: Fall Golf Tournament, 9am For more information call 713-523-6222
AGC Associated General Contractors
Oct. 21: Topgolf Advocacy Tournament, 3pm Oct. 22: Member Orientation, 11:30am For more information call 713-843-3700
AIA
Oct. 21: Monthly meeting For more information call 713-869-1976
NAWIC Nat’l Assn. of Women in Construction
Oct. 13: Monthly meeting, 5:30-6pm Networking, 6-8pm Dinner and Business meeting, Pub Fiction, 2303 Smith St., $35 Dinner and Program with reservation, $40 Dinner and Program without reservation, $8 Program only For more info: www.nawic-houston.org
American Institute of Architects
PHCC
Oct. 6: Fall Tour Kick-Off, Market Square Park Oct. 10: 3rd Ward Bicycle Tour Oct. 17: Houston Heights Bicycle Tour Oct. 21: Montrose Walking Tour Oct. 31: Rice University Walking Tour For more information: www.aiahouston. org
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors
ASA American Subcontractors Association
Oct. 2: Fishing Tournament, 6:30am, San Leon Oct. 15: General Lunch meeting, “You Cannot Not Communicate”, 11:30am For more information call 281- 679-1877
Oct. 14: Member Lunch, Saltgrass Steakhouse For more info: www.gulfcoastphcc.org
TACCA TX Air Conditioning Contractors Assn.t
Oct. 7: Annual Golf Tournament Oct. 20: Monthly meeting, featuring Todd McAlister and Shannon Noble, Political Update and Donald Cole, The Cole Group, “Is your employees background, affecting your bottom line?” For more information call 713-781-4822
TSPE
ASCE
Texas Society of Professional Engineers
American Society of Civil Engineers
Oct. 13: Joint Society meeting “Mayoral Forum”, 6pm, HESS Club For more information visit www.tspe.org
Oct. 1-2: Texas Civil Engineering Conference (CECON). For more information: www.texascecon.org
USGBC
FEDOT
U.S. Green Building Council
Fire Equipment Distributors of TX
Oct. 20: 5th Annual Energy Summit For more information visit www.usgbctexasgulfcoast.org
Oct. 9: 1st Benefit Golf Tournament for Children-Burn Care at Shriners Hospitals, Plum Creek Golf Course, 750 Kohler’s Crossing, Kyle, TX, 11:30am registration, 1pm shotgun start, raffles & contests, dinner/awards to follow, for more info: www. fedot.org
FPA Foundation Performance Assoc.
Oct. 14: Monthly meeting, 5pm, “Design and Detailing of Concrete Pavement: Some Do’s and Don’ts” Speaker: Brian Killingsworth, National Ready Mix Concrete Association For more information: www.foundationperformance.org
Submitted to Construction News
Mix and mingle
Mary Covell, owner of Cornerstone Hardware, talks with Robert Ramirez, Benchmark Custom Cabinetry, at a TopGolf event held in mid-September. –ab
WCA Women Contractors Association
Oct. 1: October Monthly Luncheon, 11:30am, Maggiano’s Little Italy, 2019 Post Oak Blvd Oct. 15: Elected Official Reception, 6pm, Crowne Plaza Downtown, 1700 Smith St. For more information: www.womencontractors.org
Rebekah Matamoros has joined the Buyers Barricades Houston office outside sales team. She previously worked at Go Safety/CTI. In her new position, Matamoros will be an integral part of expanding the company’s safety products and line offerings to the Houston market. She has more than nine years of sales experience in the oil and gas industry. Richard Leyendecker has joined Johnston LLC as associate partner, director of healthcare, and Paula Gaviria has joined the firm as leader – healthcare project delivery. Leyendecker brings 42 years of architectural experience to Johnston in healthcare, commercial, and educational projects, both domestically and abroad. He received a Bachelor’s in Architecture from Texas A&M University, Gaviria brings 17 years of architectural design and production experience. She has both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Architecture.
Submissions
IEC
Round-Up
ABC
LJA Engineering has hired David Harris, PMP, as director of client services in the firm’s Houston rail division. Harris has more than 25 years of management experience. His expertise includes strategic planning, business development, project and program management, engineering design, construction and maintenance.
Gensler recently hired hospitality design specialist Gail McCleese to its Houston team. Prior to joining Gensler, McCleese served as the principal of studioDW, a design firm. She has more than 20 years of experience in creating design concepts for restaurants, hotels and resorts, casinos and senior living environments. She graduated with honors from the Art Institute of Houston.
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
editions can be Did you Pastdownloaded at know? www.ConstructionNews.net
Page 18
Houston Construction News • Oct. 2015
Submitted to Construction News
Construction discussion
continued from Page 1 — Attention to details In the ‘90s, Hoar Construction began 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
L-R: Moderator Scott Hubert, CFI Mechanical, and panelists Mike White, Texas Construction Association (TCA); Representative Sarah Davis; and Representative Dan Huberty spoke about the 2015 Texas legislative session at the American Subcontractors Association Houston Chapter (ASA) lunch event at the HESS Club Aug. 20. –ab
Gone fishin’
H
ouston area air conditioning contractors and suppliers cast their lines at the recent annual Bay Bash event held at April Fool Point Marina in San Leon. Folks gathered at the Top Water Grill after the fishing tournament. The Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association Greater Houston Chapter (TACCA) held the event. –ab
The F.R. Hoar staff in the ‘40s
continued from Page 1 — An innovative approach Olivares and his brother Marco, vice president, established No Limit Construction Services in 2003. The building compa-
ny performs general contracting services to mostly private clients and has also gained clients in the industrial field. –ab
Biggest Redfish: Conner Child (Team Ferguson)
The parking garage is under construction.
continued from Page 1 — The ABC’s of CBS
Team Goodman: L-R: Craig Caffey, Mike Thiele and Robert Ortiz with Guide Charles Butler
H Location Dallas/Fort. Worth H Location Austin H Location Houston H Location San Antonio South Texas H Location Publishing the Industry’s News . . .
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“This will give us nine branch locations all around the state of Texas,” Herin said. Herin says the keys to the company’s success are its will to win, hiring outstanding employees and working hard to provide the best customer service. All of the branches are currently working on a volunteer initiative in their local communities for the holiday season. “We want to make sure that we give back to the communities we serve and believe that the holiday season will be a great time to make an impact,” Herin said.
Outside of work, employees enjoy their free time with their families, photography, golf and other various leisure activities. “Since we are a Texas based company, it is safe to say that most of us enjoy watching football and now that the season has started it has certainly been a topic of conversation,” he said. “We even had an employee kick-off lunch party where we all wore our favorite team’s shirt or jersey and enjoyed a nice potluck.” CBS Rental and Supply primarily works in equipment rentals and construction supply sales. –ab
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Houston Construction News • Oct. 2015
Page 19
Thoughtful design
True artisans
L-R: Kypher Lamar; Julia Salas, Taylor McNeill, Ben Niefield, Sam McNeill and Jason Buckley, Clark Condon Photo Credit: Sarah Smith
A
rchitects joined together to temporarily transform parking spaces at Capitol and Travis into a public park as a part of the national PARK(ing) Day event Sept. 18. The event challenges people to rethink the way parking spaces are used and re-imagine the possibilities of the urban landscape. Local companies and organizations
involved in the PARK(ing) Day event included Clark Condon; Architecture for Humanity, Houston; Kinder Institute for Urban Research Living Paradigm Mohle Design, RVi, SWA Group, TBG Partners, Texas ASLA, Tiny House Group, Rice Design Alliance, rdAGENTS, UH College of Architecture and Ziegler Cooper + HBL Architects. –ab
P
The Berger Iron Works employees gather at the Houston location.
resident Joe Rigano says Berger Iron Works Inc. has had another successful year in 2015. The company has a long history in Houston and continues to stay committed to quality work. “A.A. Berger began fabricating ornamental iron work for residences and office buildings in 1893,” Rigano said. “As Houston grew, the company diversified and in the ‘40s Berger Iron Works helped to supply the U.S. war effort with fabricated iron and wire products. “Berger Iron Works also manufactured special Marsh Buggies which were used in oil exploration.“ Over the years, the company has had many high profile projects in Houston, all across Texas and also across the country and outside of the USA. According to Rigano, the company
has been a member of the Associated General Contractors Houston Chapter (AGC) since 1939. Berger Iron Works recently won the American Institute of Architects Houston Chapter’s (AIA) Artisan of the Year award. “Winning the Artisan of the Year award does not happen without the valued relationships we have with our clients, owners and architects,” he said. “This was quite an honor for us.” Rigano says the company is in the middle of building a brand new office and plant near Northwest Houston. Berger Iron Works manufactures architectural metals, miscellaneous metals and light structural steel, predominantly for the commercial construction industry while maintaining it's ability to work on industrial projects and high-end residential projects. –ab
Submitted to Construction News
Making calls The public stops to look at the architects at work at the PARK(ing) Day event. Photo Credit: Sam McNeill
Submitted to Construction News
Taking action
Salesman Ben Sadeghi, The Insulation Guru, starts his day at the office calling new clients. The company provides residential and commercial insulation services for Houston and the surrounding counties. –ab
A team of Stantec Houston employees headed to Houston Food Bank’s Keegan Kitchen café to help out during the design firm’s 3rd annual Day of Volunteerism Sep. 15. The 30-person crew was on hand for several hours cutting and peeling carrots that will help serve meals to hungry children in Houston area school districts. –ab
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Page 20
Houston Construction News • Oct. 2015
On the rise
Submitted to Construction News
Bright imaginations
T
he DPR Construction Houston office representatives and crew attended the Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital New Bed Tower Expansion topping out ceremony in August. DPR Construction is a general contractor with offices in Houston, Austin and Dallas as well as across the country. –ab
Lockwood, Andrews & Newman Inc. (LAN) employees attended the Bright Futures Fair for the Harris County Street Olympics in August. The kids put together puzzles that featured civil engineering projects. –ab
Submitted to Construction News
School days The DPR Construction crew signs the beam.
The beam rises
Skanska hosted its 5th annual school supply drive to support Communities In Schools (CIS) and Spring Oaks Middle School in September. –ab
The sky is the limit
A
s soon as owner Scott Cleveland, Cleveland Painting & Remodeling, graduated high school, he began working in the construction industry. “I did painting and drywall work 30 years ago,” he said. “I needed to make a living and my older brothers were also doing the same type of work. I got good at it along the way.” Cleveland says there was so much competition, he eventually had to di-
versify and do more construction and remodeling work. “I had to learn more skills,” he said. “I think it was a good thing to broaden my horizons.” Cleveland says his company is still small today. He has two steady employees who help him do the work. Their most recent commercial job was painting the interior of a tire shop in LaPorte.
“I love what I do today,” he said. “It is exciting to see my clients happy when they see the final results.” When Cleveland isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his daughter Madison, 16. He also likes to go saltwater fishing and hunting in his free time. “At the moment, I am focused on growing my company,” he said. “I look forward to handling more residential and commercial jobs in the future. “My goal is to have a warehouse one day. I also want to give back to the community. “I think it is important to reach out in the community as a business owner. I would like to be able to help the elderly and needy.” Cleveland Painting & Remodeling provides residential and light commercial painting, drywall and remodeling services in Houston and the surrounding areas. –ab
Scott Cleveland is focused on growing his company.