Austin Construction News June 2016

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JUNE 2016

New name, same game!

Native talent

COPPERA’s rebranding and grand opening event was a success for employers and customers.

Phil and Sterling Howry have joined forces to make Phil Howry Company and Comanche Holdings LLC a successful venture.

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hen S&D Commercial branched off from S&D Plumbing in 2007, it started to become clear that two companies with the same basic name were causing confusion in the Austin market.

So late last year, Sr. Operations Manager of S&D Commercial Services, Samuel Dowdy Jr., and his team decided it was time to rebrand. The company, now known as COPPERA LLC, rolled out the red carpet on Apr. 22 for a grand opening.

“The event was a success,” says Liz Dowdy, COPPERA marketing and accounting manager. “Everyone had a great time and we have learned that our em-

ployees and customers are excited about the change.”

COPPERA LLC is a commercial subcontractor specializing in the plumbing trade, serving the Austin market.

“There has been a lot of positive change within the company over the past couple of years,” Sam Dowdy Jr. says.

“We look forward to developing new partnerships with general contractors and customers within our market area as we move forward under the re-branding of COPPERA LLC.”

Dowdy says the culture at COPPERA includes education and training for its employees.

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hil Howry, founder of Phil Howry Company in Austin, grew up in Amarillo, and spent some time in the Marine Corps before moving to the Austin area to attend Southwestern University on a baseball scholarship.

He says the construction company started off doing residential development work, then moved into small commercial projects like shopping centers.

When the firm started taking on government work, however, things really started growing.

With jobs for the Department of Defense Corps of Engineers, the Contracting Squadron at Bergstrom AFB, and the Department of Engineering and Housing at

continued on Page 14

Ft. Hood, Phil Howry Company was gaining steam.

“Once we got our bonding capacity together, everything just progressed from there,” Phil says.

The jobs grew to include work at Lackland AFB and Randolph AFB, INS border patrol stations, the Federal Highway Administration and, finally, the last jobs for the government were at Cannon AFB in Clovis, N.M. Howry says it was time to change directions.

“It was a lot of traveling, not to mention the gnashing of the teeth that goes with working with the Corp of Engineers,” he laughed. continued on Page 14

A spicy story

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oelker Welding & Construction Inc. recently finished up a “spicy” project – and it’s the 10th project the company has completed for Southern Style Spices & Seasonings company owners Bill and Bev Kemp, whose three sons, Ian, Trevor and Luke now run the day-today operations.

“We have gained the confidence of the family over the years and were proud to construct a facility that combined all of their operations,” says Stan Voelker, coowner and co-founder of Voelker Welding & Construction Inc.

The $1,700,000 project took one year to complete and is new construction consisting of two 10,000-sf metal buildings with finish out. The two buildings are connected by a ramp and a covered walkway.

One of the buildings houses the administration and packaging and shipping.

Amenities include a large kitchen and lounge area, and individual, glasswalled offices.

“Before, everybody was in one large room trying to talk over each other,” Voelker says.

Another new addition is a reception area. Old concrete floors in the prior buildings have been replaced by stained floors.

Owner Bill Kemp adds that the packaging and shipping department was expanded to about three times its previous size.

“It makes for easier access to all the products,” he says. “Before, everything was just crammed in and we had little pathways. Now we can alphabetize and categorize all the products and the employees have individual work areas.”

Shipping was also modified to allow Two connected buildings now house Southern Style Spices & Seasonings.

continued on Page 14

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Austin Construction News • Jun 2016

Austin Construction News • Jun 2016

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Construction News ON LOCATION

Teamwork makes it work

Meant to rent

L-R: Chris McTeer, Ram Tools; Dan Beers, Dewalt; Jason Puckett; Robin Drake, Local 482 business manager and Scott Kitchen, Local 482 Apprenticeship coordinator

Dylan Branham, Roland Duran, Manny Elizarraraz, John Gregorio, Diane Evans and Tom Frank, are ready to help you find the rental equipment you need at We Rent It in Buda. –cw

Austin

CONSTRUCTION NEWS

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ith a goal to further the education of students and members, Iron Workers Local Union No. 482 celebrated their 7th annual Crawfish Boil and Block Training Apr 16.

The event is organized each year by Jason Puckett, Local Union No. 482 EBoard member and Patriot Erectors safety director, Local Union No. 482, apprentices, vendors and contractors who donate equipment, tools and items.

More than 50 attendees gained skills and safety knowledge through power point presentations, hands-on training

and operating equipment. Folks enjoyed more than 100lbs of crawfish, burgers and hotdogs for lunch.

At the end of the day, there were multiple raffle drawings for participants.

Vendors including Ram Tools, Klein Tools, Praxair, Hilti, Mar-Tek, Airgas, Lincoln Electric, Climb Tech, AGC Austin, Sunstate Equipment Co., Dewalt, Milwaukee, Pyramex, Urrea, Patriot Erectors, Acero Construction Services Inc., Meridian Construction and C Young & Co Inc. donated prizes. –ab

Iron Workers Local Union No. 482 believes education and training is the cornerstone of their local union.

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Austin Construction News • Jun 2016

R&D Credit is back and better than before

Eight ways contractors can improve their surety programs

Jim Streets, CPA PKF Texas Houston, TX

Tom Spencer, Construction Practice Leader INSURICA San Antonio, TX

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ot only did the 2015 PATH Act restore and make permanent the Research and Development (R&D) credit under IRC Sec 41 it added new subsection IRC Sec. 41(h) which allows qualified small businesses to use the credit against payroll taxes. Prior to the PATH Act, the R&D credit could only be used against income tax, which did not make it attractive to most start-up companies that typically incur significant R&D expenses but no income tax.

Starting with tax years beginning in share of the social security portion of calendar year 2016, the new subsection FICA taxes. It cannot be used to lower the allows a qualified small business to elect employer’s portion of the Medicare tax or to use the R&D credit against payroll tax- any FICA taxes the employer withholds es. Under IRC Sec 41(h) a qualified small and remits to the government on behalf business is a person, corporation or part- of employees. nership with gross receipts of less than While the R&D payroll tax credit is $5,000,000 in the taxable year of the limited, the credit against payroll taxes is credit, and such entity did not have gross not taken into account in determining receipts for any taxable year preceding the amount of income tax deduction althe 5-taxable-years, ending with the tax- lowed for payroll taxes. In other words, able year of the credit. There are aggre- the payroll tax deduction is not be regation rules that apply. The election is duced by the amount of the R&D credit made on or before the due date, includ- elected to be used against payroll taxes. ing extensions, of the tax return for the The R&D credit against payroll taxes taxable year and must specify the is allowed for the first calendar quarter amount of the credit to which the elec- after the date the tax return is filed with tion applies. the election. Any credit not used in the The R&D credit elected to be used first calendar quarter will be carried over against payroll tax is limited to the least to the next calendar quarter. Many small of $250,000, the amount of the credit de- businesses have payroll tax expenses but termined without regard to the election, no income tax while they are in start-up or in the case of a qualified small business mode which makes the new election to other than a partnership or S corpora- use R&D credit against payroll taxes an tion, the amount of the business credit opportunity to get immediate benefit carry forward from the tax year deter- from the R&D credit. mined without regard to the election.

Jim Streets, CPA is a tax director for PKF The payroll tax credit election can Texas. Contact him at 713.860.1400 or at only be used against the employer’s JStreets@PKFTexas.com Submitted to Construction News

Destination Fiesta Texas

New employees from all four regional offices of Bartlett Cocke General Contractors gathered at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio for the annual company picnic May 7.

Attendees from Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston/Baytown and the headquarters in San Antonio enjoyed a fully catered all-you-can-eat lunch and all-day admission to the park. –mh

hen working with contractors, one of the tell-tale signs to determining success is to take a look at their surety program. Best-in-class contractors easily achieve the surety limits they need and have no issues securing bid and performance bonds. They also understand how surety markets work and what bond underwriters are looking for when they receive submissions. While no contractor has control over outside influences such as the economy or market changes, there are specific things that best-in-class contractors do to ensure their surety program is functioning as smoothly and efficiently as possible. These eight tips are things every contractor should be doing to get the most from their surety program.

1. Work with a knowledgeable CPA who specializes in construction.

Working with a CPA who understands contract surety is paramount to the success of any contractor. CPAs must be knowledgeable about percentage of completion or completed contract methods of accounting in order to provide the surety provider with all the necessary information that they require, as well as being able to provide the required financial planning and tax advice to the contractor. A thorough CPA will present a contractor’s financials in a professional and appealing way that makes a contractor more desirable from an underwriting perspective.

2. Work with a bank that is familiar with construction.

Cash flow within the construction industry can present some unique situations and challenges. Working with a bank whose lenders and board of directors understand construction finance can alleviate a lot of headaches and hassles to doing business. It is also a good idea to meet and familiarize yourself with the decision makers because lower level employees can come and go frequently.

3. Pay attention to collections.

After being awarded a job, one of the most difficult aspects of business is collecting payment for it. For this reason and others, contractors must be vigilant in paying very close attention to open receivables. Best-in-class contractors make very clear what the payment schedule will be prior to the start of work and enforce their collection rules and guidelines.

4. Maintain a good understanding of the law.

Laws regarding liens and stop-notices vary from state to state, and they frequently change from year to year. A simple mistake can cost a contractor their rights, and in some cases, this can lead to thousands of dollars in lost revenue. In many situations, payment bonds may be affected, so surety companies must be aware that systems are in place to ensure there are no payment issues.

5. Get to know your surety underwriters.

Maintaining a good relationship and open communication with surety underwriters can make the difference between receiving a “yes” and a “no.” Meeting underwriters is a great way to build a personal relationship and becoming a name instead of a number in a file.

6. Make sure your staff understands finance.

Having a staff that understands finance can be the difference that ensures paperwork is processed efficiently and correctly—ultimately speeding up collections. A knowledgeable CFO can turn an accounting department into an efficient profit center, opposed to an expense.

7. Make sure your professional service providers communicate with each other.

It is a fantastic idea to make sure your lawyer, banker, accountant, and surety broker have professional working relationships with each other. Not only does this allow them to work directly with each other, but with good communication, changes that have been made to a project or surety program can be easily communicated between these people.

The result is an ease of doing business as well as a lower chance for mistakes.

8. Choose the right surety broker.

For the same reasons that a contractor should choose accountants, lawyers, and bankers who understand construction and surety, contractors should also choose an insurance agent who specializes within the industry. A reputable industry-specific agent will have better relationships within the surety marketplace and will be able to make program suggestions that improve your bottom line.

Tom Spencer is the Construction Practice Leader for INSURICA’s Texas offices. His experience as a life-long construction insurance professional gives him a unique understanding of managing the risks facing the construction industry. Tom can be contacted at TSpencer@INSURICA.com or by phone at 210.805.5901.

Construction News ON LOCATION

Stone tone

Aurea Contreras and Lydia Contreras show off some of the beautiful products available at Dela Tile & Stone in Austin. –cw

Austin Construction News • Jun 2016

Page 5

In memory At what point does a surety’s obligation pursuant to a performance bond terminate?

Tracy McCreight, Shareholder Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C. Austin, TX

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n general, the duration of the surety’s obligation under a performance bond can be limited by the express terms of the bond, the bonded contract, or the statutory limitation provision for filing a claim. When these terms conflict, varying jurisdictions apply different rules of construction. The issue has not been extensively analyzed under Texas law (except as to public work projects under the Texas Government Code, which is addressed at the end of this article), so we look to other jurisdictions for examples.

• The AIA A312 performance bond form expressly provides that the performance bond obligation, when triggered by termination of the bonded contract, may be invoked for only two years after the principal’s default of the bonded contract. Consistent with this, in Kiva Const. and Engineering, Inc. v. Int’l Fidelity Ins. Co., 749 F. Supp. 753 (W.D. La. 1990), aff’d, 961 F.2d 213 (5th Cir. 1992), the court held that, under Louisiana law, this two-year suit limitation under the AIA A312 performance bond barred a claim later asserted for breach of a 10-year warranty contained in the bonded contract. Id. at 756.

• In J.B. Mouton & Sons, Inc. v. Alumawall, Inc., 583 So. 2d 157 (La. Ct. App. 3d Cir. 1991), however, a surety was liable for a breach of warranty claim against the principal for a defect occurring six years after project completion because the performance bond (not an AIA A312 performance bond) explicitly incorporated Louisiana’s ten-year implied warranty of fitness for a building construction contract.

• In Milwaukee Board of School Directors v. BITEC, Inc., 321 Wis.2d 616, 622-623 (Wis. Ct. App. 2009), the bond’s one-year general warranty and two-year suit limitation provision were superseded by a specific five-year warranty on the roof in the bonded contract. In that case (which also did not appear to be based on an AIA A312 performance bond form), the court noted that the surety “could have negotiated for the inclusion of an express completion date in the performance bond, a specific provision limiting its financial exposure, or one stating that any warranty language in the contract was excluded by the terms of the bond.” Id. • Similarly, in Sorenson v. Robert N. Ewing, General Contractor, an Arizona case, the court held that surety’s performance bond liability under an AIA 311 performance bond, absent express limitations, is co-extensive with that of the contractor, and includes contractually imposed post-completion warranties.

448 P.2d 110, 112-113 (Ariz. 1968).

Whether the surety assumes performance of the construction contract may be another factor if there are conflicting

terms in the bond and the bonded contract. In Cooper Industries, Inc. v. Tarmac Roofing Systems, Inc., 276 F.3d 704 (5th Cir. 2002), the court held that a two-year suit limitation on an AIA 311 performance bond did not prevent a surety from being sued within six years under the Mississippi six-year statute of limitations applicable to contract breaches. This is because the surety had taken over performance of the contractor’s contract and was subject to the same period of liability as the contractor would have been in completing the bonded contract. Id. at 711. The court specifically stated, “If [the surety] elected to take over the contract, it voluntarily subjected itself to a new set of liabilities apart from the bond.” Id.

With respect to public work projects under the Texas Government Code, the Fifth Circuit specifically held in Hartford Fire Ins. Co. v. City of Mont Belvieu, Texas, 611 F.3d 289 (5th Cir. 2010) that “final completion” under the Texas Government Code means “substantial completion,” and, therefore, the performance bond obligation terminates one year after substantial completion. The court expressly stated that “a surety on a performance bond is entitled to rely on the architect’s Certificate of Completion as the final discharge of its duty on the bond because the architect is the agent and representative of the owner, and his representation is the representation of the owner.” Id. at 295.

As demonstrated here, there is no simple answer to when a surety’s obligation terminates under a performance bond. Therefore, it is critical during the contract negotiation process to understand the express terms of the bond and bonded contract at issue, as well as the jurisdiction’s limitations on bringing claims.

Stanley William Johnson, 90, died Apr. 6, 2016. He was born Apr. 6, 1926 to Dewey and Ella (Molberg) Johnson in Austin.

He left home at 17 to join the Navy and served in WWII. In 2012, he was chosen to go on an Honor Flight to see the national WWII monument in Washington, DC. After the war he came home and eventually started his own business that he ran for 33 years, Stan's Heating and Air Conditioning. Stan's is a well-known and highly honored company in the air conditioning industry. Even after "retirement" he continued to work until he was 80 years old serving his clients in the field that he loved. He was frequently assisted by his favorite helper, his wife Ada. She survives.

Other survivors include son, Stan Johnson Jr. and wife Delaine of Austin; three grandchildren, Eric Johnson of Houston, Byron Johnson and wife Kerri of Dallas, and Tara Adams and husband Jeff of Rockport; and six great-grandchildren. –cw

Submitted to Construction News

Ready to golf!

Associated General Contractors Austin Chapter (AGC) had its spring golf tournament on May 2 at Barton Creek Country Club. The event was a sell out with 144 golfers competing for bragging rights. Pictured, first place winners (not in order) were Bob Gallup (Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors), Jim Hemsworth (Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors), Gabe Bruehl (KBGE) and Michael Harkins (MJ Mech). Second place went to Ronnie Sharp (FSG), Alan Codina (Rogers-O’Brien Construction Company), Sam Smith (FSG) and Bret Darter (Hill Country). –cw

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Austin Construction News • Jun 2016

Chris Strand President/CEO Stan’s Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.

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fter visiting a friend in Venezuela for three months after college, Chris Strand realized he didn’t want to spend his life in the cold climate of Michigan where he was born and raised. So, he took his rusty car and the $1,200 he had in his pocket and set out for a warmer environment.

There were three places Chris thought he would check out and the first one was Austin. He never made it to the other places.

His interest had been in the energy sector – he realized at an early age that energy conservation was going to be important. That interest has led him on the path to where he is today – celebrating five years as owner of one of Austin’s most successful heating and air conditioning businesses.

Where were you born Chris?

I was born in Flint, MI. My dad, Harry Strand, worked for General Motors as an engineer. At about the age of 2, we moved to Farmington, a suburb of Detroit.

Tell me about your childhood.

I was one of nine children. We learned early on that if we wanted extras, we had to pay for them. We were all working by the age of 11.

We were expected to go to college, and we knew we would have to pay for it.

I worked and saved enough money to go to college at Michigan State University for a couple of years. I left and worked for awhile and then went back and graduated with a degree in psychology.

It was the time of the energy crunch.

I started realizing that energy basically rules the world. Being an idealist, I decided it is better to conserve than use energy, so I was looking for a business opportunity in the conservation, rather than the production, side.

And, I knew I didn’t want to live in Michigan all my life!

Tell me a little bit about your parents.

My dad was a hard worker. He was a first generation immigrant from Sweden.

First generation immigrants are always hard workers. He got a scholarship to GM Institute in Flint. That’s where he met my mom, Caroline.

Mom stayed home until the youngest was in grade school and then she

went to work part-time as a phone operator for a car dealership.

They were pretty selfless people. I remember my mom sitting at the kitchen table every month doing the bills. Just covering the basics took every penny.

We knew we had to be self-sufficient if we wanted extras. We learned from both of our parents that we would get out of something what we were willing to put into it.

Mom taught us about unconditional love. She made us each feel special. She still works with me today, as well as one of my brothers.

So your family followed you to Austin?

Yes, except for two sisters. Mom and Dad had come to visit twice, both times in the fall and the weather was beautiful chamber of commerce weather, so they decided to retire here. My dad had taken early retirement and he volunteered for two years with International Executive Service Corps. It’s an organization that sends retired executives to developing countries to help them build and run successful businesses.

When did you start your first business?

I started Conservation Unlimited in 1978. Since I was interested more in energy conservation, I had learned that homes could use about 50 percent less energy if they were weatherized. So basically, it was just me and I was insulating attics and underneath homes and sealing ducts and installing storm windows.

I realized I can insulate attics all day but if there were a lot of big holes in the ductwork, it was basically useless. So, I decided to get into the air conditioning business.

I renamed my business to Strand Brothers in 1981. Mom and Dad moved down then and Mom immediately started working for me. I’m not so much a detail guy. I’m more of a big picture guy, so I was lax in the financial and accounting side. She picked that up for me.

I have four brothers and they’ve all worked for me off and on.

And Strand Brothers was successful, right?

Yes, it was. I’m a real conscientious guy. I believe you should leave a house in better shape than it was when you got there. I like things to be aesthetically pleasing as well as functional.

I was pretty lucky. Austin was a great place to start a life.

If you take care of your external and internal customers, you can’t help but grow. It’s like a snowball. There are a lot of people out there who just aren’t responsible or accountable.

What happened after that?

It was during a time when there was a lot of consolidation going on. We got caught up in that, even though my research had shown me that only about 5 percent of consolidation in an industry that’s as fragmented as this one will succeed.

We took the plunge and sold the company to Service Experts in 1998 and I stayed on as general manager. Sure enough, within a year, Service Experts failed and Lennox International bought them out.

So I ended up working for Lennox In-

Chris Strand and John Williams are keeping things cool at Stan’s Heating & Air Conditioning.

ternational. They kept Strand Brothers as the name of the Austin branch. It was a little weird working for a business owned by a large corporation but still having my name on the it. I enjoyed working for them. It was a good organization. I learned a tremendous amount from them and all the other companies they had purchased. They invested a lot of time in developing a best practices operations manual. It was a good experience.

You eventually left though, didn’t you?

All the guys I knew at Lennox retired and the new people that came in, I just couldn’t work with them. Their policies didn’t make sense. Everybody had to march to the same drummer – there was no freedom or control in my local market.

Customers were becoming increasingly unhappy.

So, I started looking around for a new opportunity and gave them my twoyear notice in 2008.

Was the business affected by the recession?

No, we were doing good. We actually grew the whole time. We never skipped a beat.

So, you left Strand Brothers and what happened?

Well, the timing couldn’t have been better. I’d met Stan Johnson Jr., the son of the founder of Stan’s Heating and Air Conditioning, a couple of years after I moved here. He took over the business from his dad in 1986. We had become friends and we weren’t really in competition since he focused on new construction and I was into service and replacement.

Because of the recession, building had kind of stopped, so he was hit harder than I was. Their sales had decreased and he was ready to retire.

He wanted to sell to somebody who was local and who would take care of his customers the same way he took care of them. He was such an incredibly good guy.

We started talking in 2010. It took almost a year to go through all the hoops, but for both of us, the timing was perfect.

I was ready to get back into the business again and he wanted to retire. We reached a really good agreement for me to purchase the business. It was win-win for both of us. I officially became the owner in May 2011 – five years ago.

One of my key employees at Strand Brothers was John Williams. He’s an extremely talented guy and I said, “let’s do something together.” So, he came in with

me at Stan’s and owns 25 percent. He is the chief operation officer.

How did it go when you started?

We had to start from scratch. There wasn’t a lot of building going on, so we didn’t even know if we were going to keep the new construction end.

But it was the knowledge I had learned while working for Lennox/Service Experts that really helped us out.

To me, integrity is everything. So when I left Strand, I didn’t take anything with me. The knowledge we had about best practices helped us to put those procedures and forms in place.

Tell me a little about your family.

My son, Karl is 32 and he is a product manager for a software company. He lives in Chicago, but is moving here in the fall to join the company.

My daughter Monika is 29. She is a physician’s assistant at Austin Brain and Spine.

It’s going to be great to have Karl come in. We’ve grown almost 300 percent in five years. It will be nice to have somebody coming in from the outside to take a look at all our processes and how to fine-tune them.

What do you do in your spare time?

Golf! I’ve played every Wednesday for the last 30 years. It’s a great way to relieve stress. I’m planning two golf outings this year, one to Lake Tahoe and one to Portugal.

I also have a place in Northern Michigan where I love to go about three times a year.

Other than that, I like to work around my house and garden.

What makes a successful businessperson?

It’s a good idea to pick an industry that you think has a future and that you are curious about.

You have to treat your customers better than you would treat yourself -both internal and external customers.

Make your employee’s jobs as easy as possible.

It encompasses calling people back in the same day, take care of people who have issues, don’t shy away from people who are mad. Take responsibility, take care of it, be accountable and have a lot of integrity.

Who would you buy a beer for?

I guess I’d go with Louis C.K. His humor is right up my alley and if I could have a beer with anyone I’d prefer to have lots of laughs. –cw

Past issues of Construction News can be downloaded at www.ConstructionNews.net

Austin Construction News • Jun 2016

Page 7

Fishing thru the summer months

by Capt. Steve Schultz Sponsored by: Waypoint Marine, Majek Boats, Evinrude Outboards, E-Z Bel Construction, Power Pole Shallow Water Anchor, Aggregate Haulers, ForEverlast Hunting and Fishing Products, MirrOlure, and Columbia Sportswear.

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ell as most everyone knows by now, fishing continues to be fantastic in the Laguna Madre and Baffin Bay complex. I have also seen the influx of more guides on the water in the last several weeks, so hopefully the depressed economy is picking up a bit.

Most of the high water has receded now and hopefully tides will get back to normal conditions for the upcoming summer months. I am looking forward to a very busy summer on the water creating great fishing memories for my clients and friends.

As we approach the start of the sum-

Shane Klar of San Antonio was pleasantly surprised when this 48-inch redfish surfaced near the boat on a recent fishing trip with VK Knowlton and Steve Schultz Outdoors.

They measured for a replica mount then released.

mer months, I will start fishing some of the deeper structures in the Baffin Bay area and Yarbrough pass spoil islands.

These structures are surrounded by deep water that give fish options to get out of mid-day warmer surface temperatures and escape early morning fishing pressure. As the day comes to an end, these

Outdoor girls

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he Kanetzky girls of ELK ELECTRIC, went to Eagle Creek with DJ Anderson of New Stone Concepts. Haley Kanetzky caught her first ever trout and Erika Lauren Kanetzky (ELK) with DJ

Anderson took out the three little pigs.

They were able to mix in some 4-wheeling with their Blaze Softball friends, Leti Paiz and Ribeye (Taylor Anderson). –cw

fish will gradually move back on top to the structure to feed during the night and early morning hours. Another area that is always a good option in the Emmrod’s Hole. This body of water has a natural gut similar to the one that runs from Pita Island into Beacroft’s Hole just north of the Pure Oil Channel. Generally

four to five feet deep with tons of grass and sand pockets, this area is great for drifting for trout, reds and drum during summer months. Along the shoreline of the King Ranch is also some of the best wading spots in the Laguna Madre for trophy specks and reds. Don’t be surprised if you snag a flounder or two when slow bumping your favorite soft plastic along the shoreline either.

Another overlooked area to fish that is relatively close to the JFK Causeway is Corpus Christi bay. This large body of water is one of the main thoroughfares for fish coming from the Port Aransas ship channel. Lots of these fish make their summer home in the CC bay area along the shorelines and deeper gas wells in the center of the bay. Not more than a 15-20 minute boat ride you can explore lots of deep-water fishing and wade the backside of Mustang Island for specks and red’s all while taking in the majestic downtown views. Also located on the backside of the island between Corpus and Port “A” is Shamrock Island. This popular area is known more for red fishing than trout because of the shallower flats that lay inside the cove. Shell reefs can also be found in this area. This area is also accessible from State Hwy. 361 and is easy access for Kayak fisherman. Don’t be surprised if you catch a nice speck in this area either.

Summer schedule is filling quickly but fall dates are still available. Don’t wait untill the last minute to book your dates. To schedule your next bay fishing trip give Capt. Steve Schultz a call or text at 361-813-3716 or 361-334-3105 or e-mail him at SteveSchultzOutdoors@gmail. com. Good luck and Good Fishing.

Send us your photos and stories.

Outdoor activities and sports Fishing • Hunting • Biking • Racing Hobbies • Crafts • Entertainment

All content and photos are placed free of charge.

Email to: Austineditor@ConstructionNews.net or call Cyndi at 210-308-5800

Page 8

Austin Construction News • Jun 2016

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

One thing that really caught on during the drought is kayaking for fishing and sightseeing. The willow trees standing in the lake make exploration a lot of fun, not to mention there lots of little quiet secluded openings to call your own for fishing and birding.

Wherever you are, if you have a favorite lake that has been through this same drought and flood cycle, you need to go wet a hook and check it out. It is a pretty good bet that any freshened up lake will produce similar results.

People are coming back to Lake Buchanan to run up to see Fall Creek falls again and catch the Vanishing Texas River Cruise to the upper part of Lake Buchanan. That’s where you see the pretty, wild country and wildlife abounds. All you have to do is add great fishing to that and you have a great summer outing.

It’s a good thing that school just let out!

Lake Buchanan on track to kick bass!

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his just in! On Saturday, May 21st the Texas Tournament Zone Tournament was held on Lake Buchanan.

One hundred fifty teams fished the tournament and the results were astounding.

First place stringer weighed in at 23.77 lbs. brought in by Adrian and Daniel Barnes. The Big Bass winner was 9.25 pounds, caught by the Koslan and Crumley team. For more info be sure to check out http://ttz1.com/, the Texas Tournament Zone website!

Now here is the best part. Both the winning stringer and the big fish outweighed the winners of the Bass Champs tournament held on Lake Amistad! Now that’s not bad for a lake where the bass were having to try to learn to walk to get around the lake bottom just a year ago.

If you have watched the Toyota ShareLunker program over the years you may have spotted a pattern. Very often the lakes that produce the best bass are lakes that have recently refilled after being very low. Yep, that fits Lake Buchanan to a tee.

We had a clue about this soon after we moved our charter fishing operation back up to home base at Tow. Max Milam was just plinking around the newly reclaimed shoreline with new spinner bait and ended up in a nice tussle with a six pounder.

We are seeing this happen with all the fish up here too. We have lots of cover and plenty of bait fish thriving in it and they are keeping the other fish well fed and well fed fish spawn well and grow fast.

We are catching good numbers of stripers and hybrids and seeing an improvement in the size of those fish too.

Catfish are spawning in the fresh muddy water and the fishermen love it. Crappie have all the structure to hide in they could ever want and the white bass are erupting on top water all over the lake like little thunderstorms chasing shad.

ModernCrete

Tobolka

Tobolka’s big fish

Half or Full Day Fishing Trips All Bait, Tackle & Equipment Furnished Your catch Filleted and Bagged for You Furnish your TPWD Fishing License & Refreshments, and WE DO THE REST!

Ken Milam Guide Service (325) 379-2051 www.striperfever.com

Austin Construction News • Jun 2016

Page 9

Taking stock

Submitted to Construction News

An omen?

Bianca Weaver definitely makes “dirt look good” as it proclaims in the rear of her stock car.

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t 53, Bianca Weaver is living life in the fast lane – literally. She is the only female to have placed in the top five of Texas stock car racers for the last three years.

“I’ve been racing since 2013,” Weaver says. “My kids think I’ve lost my mind!”

But Weaver has already spent most of her life breaking through traditional barriers. She currently works at Vermeer in Round Rock as a service writer, but she’s been in the trucking and construction industry for around 30 years.

“I drove a semi for 16 years,” says Weaver, who grew up in Happy, TX near Amarillo. “I never had a wreck in all that time. I gained a lot of respect for trying as hard as I did.”

Weaver moved to Austin in 2003, where she started working in the construction industry. When her son graduated from college in August, she went out and bought a stock car.

“I just decided one day – I am going to race,” she said. “I didn’t know much about it. If I had known what I know now, I might not have done it! There is a lot to learn.”

But she persisted and has become a little bit of a celebrity in the sport.

“There’s a tremendous amount of respect,” she says. “Girls aren’t supposed to drive race cars. One little kid comes up to me at races and tells me, ‘Miss B, we come and watch you race every weekend and we don’t even care if you win!’”

Construction News managing editor Cyndi Wright spotted this morning vision at the end of her driveway recently. Is it an omen? No, just a friendly buzzard letting all the other buzzards know that the dead snake on the road was his! –cw

Bianca Weaver and her granddaughter, Kenzie Sisco, 5, who Weaver says is her crew chief.

She is asked for her autograph from both young and old.

“I really feel like it’s an accomplishment for me as a woman,” she says.

She says she grew up around stock car racing and there is even a man from Happy that did it.

“It’s one of the more growing sports,” she says. “We race in spots around Texas almost every Saturday.”

It doesn’t end there. Weaver says she and some of her “racing family” share a shop where they all work together on their cars and help each other. That’s almost an everyday thing.

Now, in her fourth season, Weaver accumulated enough points throughout the season to come in fourth place last year. Way to go! –cw

Brain games for students

The University of Austin took first place in canoe and advanced to nationals. The canoe was named Al Capone, weighed 285 lbs. and was 20 ft. long.

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merican Society of Civil Engineers Texas Section (ASCE) hosted the annual ASCE Student Symposium Steel Bridge and Concrete Canoe Competition at Texas Tech in Lubbock Apr. 7-9. Student teams that garnered the top spots moved onto the national competition.

Students had the opportunity to compete in five different competitions, including steel bridge, concrete canoe, concrete bowling, concrete Frisbee and a mystery design competition where teams had to make a structure out of notecards, paperclips and tape that had to hold an eight-pound steel textbook. –cw

On the water!

Page 10

Austin Construction News • Jun 2016

Austin Construction News • Jun 2016

Page 11

HVAC & PLUMBING Labor, regulations challenges to industry William Biggs, Owner Biggs Plumbing Co. Inc. Austin, TX

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ow would you describe the state of the construction industry in general terms? Have you heard of an increase or slowdown in business?

Trying to predict the construction cycle is tough. The best you can do is prepare your contingencies. In Austin, we’ve had a very good construction economy for a long time now, so I hear concern about the future, but it’s mostly caution and not fear.

What factors are driving this?

Austin is a hot market still, but that can’t go on forever. It’s important to know who you are working with and have confidence in a project before you invest your own resources as well.

Do you see an increase in the number of outside contractors coming to the area?

Absolutely. Even if there are just as many projects, there is now increased competition, and it could actually hurt good companies as they face competi-

tion from desperate or even reckless contractors.

What are the “hot button” issues in your industry?

Of course adequate labor is huge.

Government regulation is another hot topic. No matter which administrative authority, people just want clarity and simplicity.

What is on the horizon for your industry? Changes in technology; equipment; materials?

The use of technology has been developing in our industry with mixed results. If used correctly and with intelligent input, it can speed up the work and provide great reference. If used poorly or in the wrong situation, it delays work and drives up cost. As energy and water conservation concerns grow, I think the need for innovation in plumbing is going to grow as well.

Have there been any significant code

What about the stigma of choosing a trade vs. a college degree?

Alicia Dover, CAE, Executive Director Associated Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Texas (PHCC Texas) Austin, TX

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his question was asked of a panel at a recent state agency summit on workforce needs in Texas. It got me to thinking deeply about this aspect of trade vs. college choice. I remember my days in high school when it was the “not so smart” or “not so driven” kids who chose the trades. Money available for education, or lack thereof, was probably another factor in their choices.

In my role as executive director for a state trade association representing the plumbing and HVAC industry, I promote the trades as a viable option. Texas is facing a shortage of skilled tradespeople, especially in the construction related industry.

The average age of a master plumber is now 56. There are not enough people in the “pipeline” to meet the void these plumbers will create when they retire. A 2012-13 study performed by the Texas Workforce Commission found that by 2020 there will be a 25% greater demand for plumbers and HVAC installers than in 2012.

The next question that begs asking

is, “How much money can a trade person make?” It varies throughout the state, but recent Department of Labor Statistics show that in Texas, the average wage for experienced, licensed plumbers is $45,000 to $57,000 annually. In many areas of the state, the average is even higher. Master plumbers command an even higher wage. Responsible master plumbers are usually the business owner, and they are showing earnings of $100,000 and up. Further, employers are now willing to invest in the training of their new hires. It is not a rarity anymore to see four-year apprenticeship programs completely funded by the student’s employer. The company provides the on-the-job training, the school provides the necessary classroom time, and voila, within four year’s time, another licensed journeyman comes into the marketplace.

With salaries such as these, education available, and the demand as it is, why do we still face a critical shortage of qualified workers? Many in the world of academia have stated it is because we have spent much of the recent past pro-

changes in the last year?

There are a lot of important but subtle changes in codes that apply to plumbing, particularly regarding efficiency and conservation, but you always have to check which administrative authority you’re working under to even be sure what the current “code” is.

With the recent emphasis on green building, what is the most environmentally friendly change relating to your industry?

I would have to say it’s in the area of water conservation. It’s such an important resource and sensible plumbing design has to be at the forefront if we’re going to protect our future supplies.

Do any new water restricting fixtures impact plumbing installation?

As long as the design and installation match the needs of the new fixtures, I don’t see any reason there should be any impact. But you might need to pay more attention during a remodel.

What is the most significant challenge your industry faces? Labor shortages?

Other?

Labor is a big challenge, but trying to keep costs competitive while complying with administrative authorities, regulating bodies, and complex construction documents are other challenges as well.

Is HVAC/Plumbing education available for those wishing to enter the industry?

There are a number of formal avemoting college degrees as the only path as a student leaves high school. Further, these same educators state that Texas’ focus on standardized testing is preventing the high schools and often middle schools from investing in the lives of their students they serve.

After a good amount of these meetings, it has occurred to me that there still exists a stigma, if you will, about not choosing college and choosing a trade.

So how do we promote the trades as a viable and rewarding career option?

That is the million dollar question my industry faces. Visits to trade schools that hold plumbing and mechanical programs show that they are not full. They can’t seem to attract a large pipeline of future plumbers and HVAC technicians. For many of the programs, the word is, people don’t really know what we do. They hear “plumber” and they think stopped up toilets. An HVAC technician’s job is perceived as too hot and too sweaty.

Our first attempts at attracting more high school students into our industry were to reach out to the school counselors. What we found was professionals too busy with paperwork, testing, and no time to learn, let alone share information about other career options outside of a two- or four-year college.

Next, we began a push to have industry professionals participate in job and career fairs at the school district level. This has proven to show some success. A bona fide company with real jobs is a draw. Further, it has allowed the participating employers an opportunity to prescreen a group of students who could actually come to work for them in the very near

nues like PHCC, ABC, trade programs, and the unions. Our company makes it a point to help those who possess the right attitude with an opportunity to learn regardless of prior experience. I’m sure other companies feel the same. We can teach the skills if someone is dedicated and willing to learn.

What are the cost increases relating to your industry?

Aside from labor increases, we’re also seeing an increasing demand for legal counsel and insurance as contracts become more complicated, risk is becoming harder to manage, and more layers are added to the construction process. The more complex building becomes, the more things can go wrong.

What are the rewards of the industry?

Being able to work with your hands and mind while providing for your family is not unique to plumbing, but it’s hugely rewarding.

What are keys to being successful?

I would say diligence and focus with a strong moral compass about your business practices is a start. Hard work is a must, but sweat equity alone doesn’t always work. You’ve got to have a good plan and stick to it.

Biggs Plumbing began in Austin in 1972 with a goal to provide the highest level of plumbing services to the construction industry with a belief in our employees and our profession. –cw

future. For many employers, they can hire an apprentice at age 16 for part time work.

I have been told that the starting wage for these individuals is well above the current minimum wage rates for Texas.

Third, we are now reaching out the Texas State Legislature for more assistance in promoting the trades. Both the House and the Senate are holding meetings during this interim period to discuss the implications and implementation of House Bill 5 from 2013. This bill affords all students a variety of postsecondary education and workforce opportunities. Students are given the opportunity to earn an endorsement in an area of interest. For the trades, this was critical to bringing vocational education back into the schools!

So where does this leave us going forward? We must show students and their parents that choosing a trade is not a second rate choice, but one that carries with it pride, accomplishment and success. I return to the question posed at the beginning. Does a stigma exist? Yes, it does. Can we do something about it?

Most certainly. It starts with taking pride in our work. And then, sharing that pride and encouraging others to come along side of us in our pursuit of excellence in what we do.

How do we accomplish this? We begin the conversations. Talk to anyone who will listen to us. Reach out to the schools, the administrators, the legislators, and then the community. We also need to give back. The professionals in our industry need to enter the classroom and lab. Teaching their trade to the next generation is paramount to producing a “pipeline” of qualified individuals. –cw

NEXT MONTH Electrical Industry

Support Your Industry’s Feature Issue

Page 12

What’s the greatest compliment you’ve received?

“Firecracker.” My husband’s boss in 2000 gave me this nickname when he met me.

He said I light up the room with my smile and that I have so much energy. So I have gone on to be called “Firecracker” for 16 years! He never asked how is Catherine, he asked how is “Firecracker”? At the time, I started a gourmet cheese business and named the hot cheese ”Firecracker Hot”!

Catherine Case Larson, DCA Construction The greatest compliment I ever received came at different times from my parents and mother-in-law who, at the end of their lives, both told me I had been a good father.

Phil Howry, PHIL HOWRY CO. One of the greatest compliments was directly from a student who is part of the Crockett High School Construction Technology Program. This is why I enjoy work-

Austin Construction News • Jun 2016

ing so much with the kids. They are our future and they are the future of the industry. That through Rogers-O’Brien Construction and my NAWIC connections gives me this opportunity is worth more to me than anyone will every know. The note reads in part: Dear Ms. Underhill, From your words of advice to the hard work you put into helping us growing young adults, you’re an extremely supportive being. You set up multiple events in which I was able to see real projects in the making and meet plenty of people whom have the potential of being my future employer. On top of that, you gave me a big head start, the tool bag, the tools, the gift cards, the decision between college and a trade school. I honestly can’t thank you enough, but I’ma keep thinking of you anyways. Signed: Just another student you helped.

Terri Fleming, Rogers-O’Brien Construction When people send letters to us and they just go on and on about how the process was just so amazing from start to finish.

That makes it really worthwhile. People write two or three pages. We get phone calls almost every day.

Chris Strand, Stan’s Heating & Air Conditioning

And the winners are…

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ustin National Association of Remodeling Industry Austin Chapter (NARI) brought home a record best four awards from the National CotY Awards held Apr. 8 in Austin. There were a total of 186 regional entries with 11 coming from the Austin area, another record best. Congrats! –cw

Residential Addition, $100-250K, CG&S Design-Build Left: Residential Kitchen, $40k-60K, Adams Company with team member Bartush Design

Residential Bath, $50-75k, Realty Restoration LLC with team member Twelve Stone Designs

Residential Bath, under $25k, Realty Restoration LLC with team member Twelve Stone Designs

Austin Construction News • Jun 2016

Page 13

Round-Up

Driven to succeed

Closner Equipment Co. Inc. has named Clint Blackmon as director of service.

In his new role, he will have statewide responsibility for all field technicians, shop personnel and fleet maintenance. Blackmon has held various positions in the construction and materials industries for 20 years. Prior to moving to Texas, he held leadership positions at Vulcan Materials and Tractor & Equipment Co. in the Southeastern U.S. HNTB’s Carlos Lopez

Association Calendar

Content submitted by Associations to Construction News ABC Central Texas

AIA

Associated Builders & Contractors

American Institute of Architects

Jun. 10: 11am, 40th Birthday Bash and Volleyball Tournament at Aussie’s Grill & Beach Bar, 306 Barton Springs Rd. Call Amy at (512) 719-5263 ext. 2203 for more information.

Jun. 21: Luncheon meeting with speaker John Henneberger on Inequality, Fair Housing and Architecture. 11:30am-1pm at The Highball, 1120 S. Lamar Blvd. Members, $30; non-members, $40. Call 512452-4332 for more information.

ACEA Austin Contractors & Engineers Assn.

ASCE

Jun. 14: Summer Golf Tournament at Falconhead Golf Club. Tee time at 1pm. First place trophy for winning team. Go to EventBrite to register, visit the ACEA website www.aceatx.com, email michele. yule@aceatx.com or call 512-836-3140.

American Society of Civil Engineers

AGC

Jun. 9-11: National Concrete Canoe Competition, University of Texas at Tyler Jun. 14: Noon. Online Webinar: Soil Swell PVR Determinations. Check TexASCE.org for more information or call Annemarie Gasser at 512-472-8905.

Associated General Contractors

NARI

Jun. 10: Critical Path Method (CPM) Scheduling Basics Brown Bag Lunch Seminar Jun. 12-15: AGC Texas Building Branch (TBB) Convention in Marble Falls For more information about these events, call Toni Osberry at (512) 442-7887.

Nat’l Assn. of the Remodeling Industry

Jun. 16: John Oberg speaker at Norris conference center, 11am-1pm. General membership meeting

Submitted to Construction News

Chartered territory

L-R: National Utility Contractors Association’s (NUCA) national treasurer Dan Buckley presents Kiewit-Southgate’s Alex Kocher, National Trench Safety’s Fred Burlbaw, NUCA’s Deana Butorac, McLaughlin’s Kevin Wise and Driver Pipeline’s Ed “Whiz” Whisenant with acknowledgement of NUCA Texas’ charter at NUCA’s 51st National Convention in March. –mjm

Sean Stevens, LEED Green Associate for Bartlett Cocke General Contractors has been promoted to regional manager for the company’s Central Texas region. Stevens began his career with BCGC 17 years ago as an assistant superintendent. Since then, he’s been promoted to various supervisory roles within the company. Stevens will manage the daily operations and ensure that teams have the necessary resources for a successful project. Stevens received his Bachelor of Science, Architecture from Texas Tech University.

Submissions

authorities. This includes working with the Texas Department of Transportation to rework Interstate 35 – one of the most congested roadways in the country – through the Mobility 35 project, working with the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority on adding new express tolling lanes and the Mopac Improvement Project, and working with Capital Metro to increase the organization’s visibility as a transit agency. HNTB also recently opened a new office in Williamson County to manage the Williamson County Road Bond Project, the largest road bond project in the country.

“The Austin area is rapidly growing, and that population and job growth is putting an incredible strain on our region’s infrastructure,” Lopez says. “All modes of transit are needed to improve mobility and ensure future infrastructure sustainability. Partnerships have become essential to advancing these transportation solutions.” –cw

Round-Up

H

NTB’s legacy in Austin can be traced back to 1910, when a founding partner of the firm worked as part of the design team on the historic Congress Avenue Bridge. More than a century later, the firm bridges the gap in their clients’ needs with architecture, engineering, planning and construction services offered through offices in 27 states.

One of those states is Texas, where HNTB has seven offices - two of them dedicated solely to the firm’s Central Texas clients. HNTB’s Austin office, which opened in 1994, offers the services of 120 professionals, while the Round Rock location, which expanded to a larger location in 2016, employs 14. Heading the two teams, as well as 51 additional Texasbased professionals, is Central and South Texas Office leader and vice president Carlos Lopez PE.

HNTB is involved in many of Austin’s major infrastructure projects and serves as a partner to the region’s transportation

O’Connell Robertson recently named two new associates: Jennifer Hoskins, IIDA, LEED AP, and Jayna Duke, RID, LEED AP ID+C. Both are in the firm’s interior design department and serve clients in both the Austin and San Antonio offices.

A registered interior designer, Hoskins leads the firm’s interiors team.

She has more than 10 years of experience, all with O’Connell Robertson. Hoskins has worked on a variety of projects, but concentrates primarily on interior design for higher education and healthcare facilities. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in interior design from Texas State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from The University of Texas at Austin. She is a member of the International Interior Design Association.

Duke is also a registered interior designer and LEED Accredited Professional. She has eight years of experience and has been with O’Connell Robertson for eight years.

Duke’s experience includes a variety of healthcare and educational projects, with emphasis on K-12 facilities. Duke earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Family & Consumer Science with a concentration in interior design from Texas State University.

This is a monthly section for brief company announcements of new or recently promoted personnel, free of charge, as space allows.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Email (w/digital photo, if available) by the 15th of any month, for the next month’s issue (published 1st of each month).

Email info to appropriate city issue, with “Round-Up” in the subject line: ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

San Antonio: saeditor@constructionnews.net Austin: austineditor@constructionnews.net

Dallas/Ft. Worth: dfweditor@constructionnews.net Houston: houstoneditor@constructionnews.net South Texas: STeditor@constructionnews.net

Page 14

Austin Construction News • Jun 2016

Statewide growth

Concrete feat

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lthough Heldenfels Enterprises Inc. in its present form was founded in 1995 by Fred Heldenfels IV, the company is carrying on a tradition established back in 1909 by Fred’s great-grandfather F.W. “Fritz” Heldenfels Sr. According to Fred Heldenfels, the company practices good stewardOnce a year, Heldefels Enterprises takes part in an important charity, ship by empathizthe Pull for POMPE. ing its core values of integrity, dependability and innova- “During the Houston Astros opening tion with its customers, team members, season, we took our entire workforce to a ballgame at Minute Maid Park so they families and communities.

“We try to instill a sense of pride and could see the results of their hard work and ownership by getting our employees in- have made similar trips ever since to major volved in the big picture of what they are milestone projects,” Heldenfels says. helping to build – not just saying, ‘Here, Heldenfels Enterprises also takes manufacture these pieces,’” Heldenfels community support to heart. The comexplains. “For example, during recent sta- pany and its employees take part in many dium projects, our supervisors, foremen, charitable events, such as golf tournaand crew leaders made field trips to see ments, skeet shoots, Season for Caring, the stadiums under construction. This AHA Heart Walks and Pull for POMPE. Heldenfels Enterprises Inc. specializes team spirit is passed from one team member to the next through employee in the manufacture and installation of preget-togethers, quarterly awards barbe- cast/prestressed concrete structures for the cues, daily safety meetings and monthly highway & bridge, marine/industrial, commercial and sports facility construction supervisors luncheons.”

Employees are also treated to events markets. HEI operates PCI Certified manuin locations where they can see their hard facturing plants in Corpus Christi, El Paso and its headquarters in San Marcos. –cw work in action.

Jones|Carter’s Austin team has grown significantly since it was first established in 2000, and the team stays busy with a diverse range of work.

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exas engineering firm Jones|Carter is celebrating its 40th anniversary while the company, from its headquarters in Houston to its eight branch offices, continues to grow. In the last five years, it has grown by more than 100 percent.

Founded in Houston in 1976 by JR “Bob” Jones, PE, and Larry Carter, the firm’s practice areas include planning, site development, community development, hydrology & hydraulics (H&H), municipal and district services, water, construction services, surveying and transportation.

The celebration for the firm’s 40th year began with its second annual meeting Apr. 1, which was open to all 550 employees. The new headquarters will host an open house this year, and each location will be doing its own celebration for the anniversary.

With the Houston headquarters’ recent relocation, the Austin office, estab-

lished in 2000, is rapidly outgrowing its space as well. Gemsong Ryan, department manager of the Site Development group and corporate liaison for the Austin office, notes that they are contemplating making their move by the end of the year.

With about 30 people in the office currently, Ryan has been with the firm full-time since she graduated college in 2002, and before that time, she interned with Jones|Carter.

The Austin office has done work on the Greenwater water treatment plant redevelopment, including site work for two of the buildings that are finishing construction and one that is still in the planning phase. They are also doing a hotel/ condo that is being designed right now.

Based in Houston, Jones|Carter is a fullservice engineering firm that specializes in civil engineering and surveying with offices in Austin, Brenham, Bryan/College Station, Dallas, Katy, Rosenberg, San Antonio and the Woodlands. –mh

continued from Page 1 — New name, same game! continued from Page 1 — Native talent

By this time, his son, Sterling Howry, had graduated from the University of Mississippi and the two decided to team up and are now full partners.

“We decided to start building projects for ourselves,” Phil said. “We build income producing properties such as small neighborhood office/retail centers and industrial offices/warehouses. We buy the land, build the project. It’s start to finish all in house.”

The general contracting work is done under the Phil Howry Company branch, while the umbrella company, Comanche Holdings LLC, takes care of the real estate and subsequent property management aspects.

“When the project is finished, it goes

into one of the Comanche Holdings entities,” Phil says.

Phil and his children, Sterling and Ginny Liverman, are all members of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma. His company name, Comanche Holdings, pays tribute to his Native American heritage.

He has contributed to and been active in the Comanche Nation for many years, including being the current chairman of Comanche Nation Enterprises, which owns Comanche Nation Construction Co.

Phil Howry Company is a Native American-owned minority business providing expertise in a broad range of construction services. –cw

“Our mindset is to invest in our employees,” he says. “We have in-house training as well as training that we provide scholarships for.”

In fact, the company has a journeyman scholarship program that invests $25,000 and four years of school for select apprentices.

“They work here while they are in school and they learn the industry,” he says. “It makes them better at their job.”

COPPERA has also made use of the Plumbing Pipeline Program, which offers a format for companies and trade organizations to use to develop a workforce.

COPPERA is a commercial plumbing company that works throughout Central Texas in healthcare, university/school, retail, restaurants, design build projects, and more. –cw

continued from Page 1 — A spicy story trucks that pick up the products for delivery to be able to back right up to a loading dock.

The air conditioning units and insulation have all been upgraded to protect the products and provide a better environment for the employees.

The other 10,000-sf building is the mixing and blending plant.

“It gave them an opportunity to get larger blenders and mixers,” Voelker says.

“It allows them to streamline their operations, as well as giving them more space.”

Voelker also spoke about the different layout of the various company functions.

“One nice thing is that now everything is consolidated, whereas before there were multiple buildings and operations scattered between the buildings,” Voelker said.

Project challenges included accommodating various jurisdictions between the Austin ETJ, Travis County and the Manor Fire Marshal. The business is located between Austin and Manor.

“We had to very careful when we finished out the insides that we abided by all the city and state controls for handling food products,” Kemp said. “We found out a lot of things on the construction of this that we had no idea of, for example, we thought our electrical was just going to need an upgrade but we ended up having to bring in a much larger transformer and building a slab behind the building for it.”

Project manager was Ralph Reinhardt and superintendent was Steven Voelker. Architect was Brian Bishop, Bishop Architects, Austin.

Ian and Trevor Kemp, two of the owners of Southern Style Spices & Seasonings

“Brian Bishop was very accommodating, understanding and met all of the owner’s needs in a timely manner,” Stan Voelker says. “He was also instrumental in bridging the gap between all parties.”

For his part, Kemp said he has worked with Voelker on multiple projects and trusts him as a contractor.

“Stan built the first building for me in 1980 in Manor – and it’s still there,” Kemp said. “He’s the type of builder who always answers his phone. He will take the time to explain what the situation is and resolve it in a way that satisfies the owner and the subcontractors.

“He’s the guy you can call back a year or two later if there is an issue and he’ll send someone out to fix it. He’s a contractor that’s been around forever and that speaks a lot.”

Owners Stan Voelker and Ralph Reinhardt founded Voelker Construction in Manor in 1973. The company handles both private and public customers and both generalize and specialize in projects. –cw

Austin Construction News • Jun 2016

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ities and towns around the world continue to struggle with the complex issues surrounding homelessness. Many well-meaning plans directed at getting people off the streets and into permanent housing have failed again and again.

But on a 27-acre tract of land in eastern Travis County, a faith-based program with a history of successfully housing homeless people has joined hands with the Austin building community to create something magical – Community First Village.

Mobile Loaves & Fishes (MLF), which owns Community First Village, began with five parishioners of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Austin. Now MLF, with plenty of volunteers, has opened a new concept in housing – most likely the first of its kind in the nation.

“This project is the product of the most diverse group of contractors on the planet,” laughs Alan Graham, president and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes.

Meagan McCoy Jones, COO for McCoy’s Building Supply, has been on the board of MLF for five years, serving one year as chairman.

“Part of our job [as human beings] is to care for our neighbors,” she says. “As we got to know the people without homes in our neighborhood, we came to know Alan and the work of Mobile Loaves & Fishes.”

When McCoy got involved with the organization it was already searching for a site for Community First Village. Around that same time, American Institute of Architects Austin Chapter (AIA) launched a competition called Tiny Victories, where architects and builders built tiny homes suitable for housing the homeless. Many of the homes at Community First are replicas of the winning designs from that competition.

“McCoy’s has a relationship with many of the independent contractors, remodelers and home builders,” McCoy says. “A year ago MLF had an event that hosted 40-50 builders at the village

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Building a community

David Weekley Homes employees were hard at work buiding a tiny home at the Village.

Mobile Loaves & Fishes Thomas Aitchison, communications director, and Alan Graham, CEO, sit in front of an outdoor movie screen and several bed and breakfast tee-pees at Community First Village.

Alan Graham sits in a ready-to-rent tiny home.

larger than the tiny homes.

Also on the site are 20 canvas-sided cottages. At the front are a selection of small RV’s and tee-pees that serve as a bed and breakfast for groups who want to come in and volunteer or attend symposiums on how the concept works. Recently, representatives from five U.S. cities were there for a multi-day symposium.

There’s a blacksmith shop, a beautiful and just finished art center for microenterprise opportunities, an organic four-acre garden, and chickens, goats and beehives.

Every Saturday there is a farmers market for residents to find fresh vegetables and eggs for free.

The Austin building community has stepped up and embraced the Village, a $14.5 million project. Many of the involved builders usually build high-end homes in the area, but Graham and McCoy believe the builders are just as committed to building superlative tiny

homes at the Village.

“You have to expand your knowledge of what home is,” Graham says.

McCoy’s Building Supply furnishes all building supplies at cost. The company delivers all the needed supplies for each home to the site and area homebuilders who have raised the money and committed to building send in crews to build the homes.

Meagan, her husband and her parents are also building a large operations center and maintenance shop for the community.

“It’s a cool model,” she says. “It’s both about lifting people off the streets and equally important, it’s a collaboration between all these people in the building community.”

For more on Community First Village, as well as a list of builders and architects involved in the project, please see our website at constructionnews.net. You can also find out more at mlf.org. –cw

where they met with the architects of the winning homes. We asked each of them to commit to raising $18,000 and to building two homes.”

Community First Village is well on its way to being a finished project, although there is still plenty of construction going on and more planned.

The whole vibe of the Village is a spot-on reflection of what makes the nearby city of Austin such an eclectic and unique collection of people and places.

“A profound catastrophic loss of family is the single largest issue of homeless,” says Graham. “We are creating a community within geographical boundaries, but also within the community at large.”

The tiny houses are on one side (there are currently 120) and are colorful and odd - in a fun and good way. The creative and whimsical minds of Austin’s architectural community are clearly on display.

On the other side are the RV’s. In all, there will be 100. The RV’s are slightly

Craw – daddy!

ravis Roofing Supply in Austin celebrated its second year with the second annual crawfish boil. More than 300 people attended the delicious event on Apr. 29 and 400 plates with 1,400-lbs of crawfish were served. –cw

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Austin Construction News • Jun 2016