San Antonio Construction News July 2016 by Construction News

Covering the Industry’s News

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

Texas Style

PRSRT. STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID DALLAS, TX PERMIT #1451

Change Service Requested

San Antonio H Austin Dallas/Fort Worth H Houston

San Antonio

CONSTRUCTION

™

The Industry’s Newspaper www.constructionnews.net

(210) 308-5800

Volume 18

Number 7

JULY 2016

Homegrown engineering

Building the region

The Barker & Associates team includes L-R: Michael Didion, mechanical EIT; Justin Solis, PE, vice president and senior electrical engineer; Alfredo Losoya, HVAC and plumbing designer; Don Barker, PE, LEED AP, principal/president; Ken Briggs, mechanical EIT; Monica Hodges, CDFA, office manager; and Carlos Benitez, PE, electrical engineer.

Members of the ISEC team in Boerne came from ISEC locations across the country, joining with local hires as the Central and South Texas regional office has grown.

elebrating the 10th anniversary of Barker & Associates, Don Barker, principal/president, credits providing service to the industry and having control over the projects he took on – along with a very supportive wife – with making it all possible. “I couldn’t believe it had already been 10 years,” says Barker. “It seems like we just got started, but then I look at all the stuff that we have designed, all the projects that we’ve been involved with – and I’m very proud of it. I had no idea it would grow to this, and I’m very lucky to have started this company. It’s been a great experience.”

After receiving his associate’s degree in drafting and design from San Antonio College in 1986, Barker worked for TxDOT. In nearly five years, he went from being a bridge inspector to being in the office, designing roadways, grade separated ramps and retaining walls. With his parents’ support and the sale of his Fiero, he went back to school and earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UTSA in 1994. When he set out on his own after working for a few local firms, he and his wife, Elenita Ravicz, prepared for a reduction in salary and him working from home. continued on Page 24

he small branch office ISEC started in the San Antonio area with one person in 2012 has grown into a regional office for Central and South Texas with 13 people in the office and about 20 carpenters in the field. With the Boerne office continuing to grow, the need arose to relocate this year in March to 31007 I-10 West, Suite 112. With a little more than 3,000sf of office space finished out and another 1,500sf ready to be finished as growth continues, Jerry Hirth, general manager, notes that this space should accommodate local growth for the next five to 10 years. With ISEC for 18 years working his way up through the ranks in the

company’s Rocky Mountain region, Hirth relocated from Colorado in 2014 to build Boerne into one of the company’s regional offices. Today, he oversees operations in Central and South Texas, focusing primarily on the San Antonio and Austin markets. Though the focus is work in those two cities and their surrounding areas, ISEC covers all of its projects within the State of Texas from the Boerne office, the sole exception being the Greater Houston area, where ISEC has its only other Texas location. In this regional market, Hirth observes that a lot of the work is continued on Page 24

Framing a new look with more space

hen the HEB in Olmos Park was ready for a change, TBC Commercial handled the 65,000-sf, wall-to-wall remodel and 10,000-sf expansion. Though TBC does quite a few HEBs, working with the locally based grocer for about 15 years now, HEB SA #8 on Olmos Drive utilized a new design with unique elements. The remodel spruced up the whole interior with all new finishes, paint and polished concrete floors. This allowed for a new deli department, a new floral department, and they were able to enlarge the produce area. Adding 10,000sf to the building also expanded the store’s pharmacy, business center, men’s and women’s restrooms, and administrative offices. The estimated project cost was $8 million. The store was in continuous operation during the construction, which began in September 2014 and finished in December 2015. Elements of the exterior

design took more time than originally anticipated due to the unique use of space frame and acid-etched glass, explains Chuck Landry, project executive. Also, the exterior façade was D’Hanis wall tile. The space frame was approximately 25-ft tall and wrapped around the front of the store, and though space frames are mostly installed horizontally as a roof structure, this space frame was installed vertically to hold up the glass panels along the storefront which bear the HEB name at the entrance and above the pharmacy drive-thru. “The space frame was constructed in the parking lot and had to be crane lifted to specific anchor points set in the wall,” recalls Landry. “The margin of error was very minimal, so it took some time to set each frame at night while the store was closed. The lighting behind the frame TBC Commercial worked on the remodel and expansion of this HEB in Olmos Park, implementing a new design for the grocery store.

continued on Page 24

Page 2

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Showing their Allegiance

The San Antonio team of Allegiance Crane & Equipment includes L-R: (front row) James Coker, Jessica Salas, Gary Campbell, (back row) Rodger Olson, Wayne Anderson and Richard McCarter.

aving celebrated the company’s fifth anniversary in December, the Allegiance Crane & Equipment San Antonio office has been looking for ways to get involved in the local community, since giving back is a big part of the company culture. Earlier this year, Allegiance was one

of the construction industry contributors to the Morgan’s Inspiration Island Extreme Build volunteer effort. Now, Gary Campbell, vice president of operations, says that they’re looking to get involved with helping homeless veterans and technical training for young people. With experience working in the crane industry since 1975, Campbell oversees the 20 to 25 people at the San Antonio office, which was established about four years ago and is located in Marion, and all of the company’s Texas branches. With Allegiance being involved with the National Commission for Certification of Crane Operators, Campbell is an examiner for crane operators, riggers and signalpersons. From the local office, Allegiance has done work for Microsoft and the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, but most of their work is in the industrial field, such as refineries and petrochemical plants. Campbell adds that they are also branching more and more into heavy hauling recently. Jim Robertson, CEO and president, says Allegiance was founded on principles meant to make its culture a distinguishing factor. In addition to efforts to support the local communities and the future of the industry, Robertson says they do not use the word “employees” but rather “purpose partners.” Though he has a title, he says there is no hierarchy and the people-first policy gives the company its name. Headquartered in Pompano Beach, FL, Allegiance Crane & Equipment has locations in Florida and Texas, including San Antonio, Houston, Corpus Christi, Carrizo Springs and Midland. –mh

Construction News JOB SIGHT

Working by the river

As the general contractor on the San Antonio River Authority first trash boom project in the city, RCO Construction placed a concrete drive down to a floatable pad on the river where the trash boom system will be installed. Richard Martinez, superintendent, and Juan Rameriz, foreman, led the RCO team in placing concrete. –mh

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Page 3

An electrical jumpstart

L-R: George Green, Kevin Mathis and John Verhelst helped lead VA Electric from its inception to doing large commercial and industrial projects in just three years.

n August 2013, John Verhelst started VA Electric and by October, there was a group of about 60 people on board to help the subcontractor get started. Today, the company has 174 people, almost triple the talent it had in the beginning. Verhelst started in the trade in 1982, working his way up through the field until 1996 when he moved into the office and became a project manager. At 33, he was managing a division of a $40 million a year company in Houston. Soon, he was being hired by different companies to help them establish market presence, and a company in San Antonio hired him to create a presence here. When that company decided to close its doors, Verhelst and the company had built a good team of people in San Antonio and wanted to keep the team together instead of break up to work for other companies. Verhelst says a lot of family came on board too. He also credits their people in the field with helping the

company become what it is today through their quality of service. Among VA’s leadership that helped start from the other company were Kevin Mathis, division manager for the San Antonio area; George Green, vice president of business development; and Rick Perez, general superintendent. Other key members are superintendents Dinh Thach and Huynh Nguyen. Projects include the 250,000-sf Nexolon America Solar manufacturing plant in San Antonio, Lackland Air Force Base’s Dorm 3 and the 1 million-sf Dollar General Distribution Center as well as the Comstock Border Patrol Station and Samsung Semiconductor in Austin. Covering San Antonio and Austin from their main office in New Braunfels, VA Electric is a full-service electrical contractor with an office in Houston. The company’s work includes installation, service, ground up, remodel, retrofit, semiconductor, design build and preconstruction. –mh

An uplifting passion

Armando Villalobos spent a few weeks expanding the ministry side of his shop. When he’s not working, he’s ministering or doing projects through the ministry that he feels he has been called to do.

ecently, at “AW Ready” Plumbing & Backflow Testing, owner and founder Armando Villalobos knocked down a wall for his latest expansion – not for his shop, but for the ministry he runs out of the same location. “There’s no better feeling than to help somebody in need, because you used to be in that position yourself,” says Villalobos. “You want to show them that there’s hope in life and that there’s actually love, and they need to believe that they don’t have to be in the position that they’re at.” After receiving his master’s license, Villalobos started “AW Ready” about 12 years ago so that he could learn to do business for himself and have the time to do things that he loved. Having his own company allowed him to take the time off to go on missionary trips, and soon, friends were encouraging him to become ordained. For about two years now, he has served as pastor of Holy Spirit Ministries,

which he started at his shop on Spencer Lane by preaching on Sunday mornings and Wednesdays. Having doubled the number of people who originally came to the ministry, more people are stopping by to see what the ministry is about, and a lot of them are contractors who know him through work. His wife, Belinda Villalobos, is also a pastor and does the ministry with him, as well as helping with the business after hours. She is a schoolteacher by day. Some days, they walk the streets, ministering, handing out a sack lunch to those in need. This gave Villalobos an idea for a project he is now working on, converting portable restrooms to showers for the homeless. A previous project for Villalobos was building a baptism tank from a Jacuzzi outside of the shop. “There are some people that fall, but they fall hard,” he says. “We’re there to lift them up, to let them know there is hope.” –mh

Page 4

San Antonio Construction News â&#x20AC;¢ July 2016

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Page 5

Joining together for the sport of it

Services across the horizon

he Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) San Antonio Chapter, along with the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA) San Antonio Chapter and the American Society of Plumbing Engineers Central Texas Chapter, hosted the fourth annual PHC Industry Sporting Clay Shoot Jun. 2 at the San Antonio Gun Club. The event drew 100 shooters, plus attendees for dinner, the awards and gun raffles. –mh

L-R: Lisa Cesarez, Emergency Service Restoration, and Sonia Fuentes, Ferguson Enterprises

Fox Service Company’s San Antonio team leaders are L-R: Scott Curtwright, George Stuckey and Eddie Fischer.

The Sporting Clay Shoot Committee included team members from L-R: Heat & Treat, Moore Supply, NIBCO, Leasing Associates, Heat & Treat, Benchmark Plumbing, and PHCC-San Antonio.

L-R: Troy Baird, Bac-Flo Unlimited; Perry Beyer Jr., Beyer Plumbing; Brittany Moreland, PEPCO Sales; Fred Baird, Bac-Flo Unlimited; Terry Beck, You Name It Specialties; Billy Musick, Moore Supply

L-R: Analeise Heuser, Milwaukee Tool; Colten and Greg Bolin, Bolin Plumbing; Juan Torres, Milwaukee Tool

Correction Robert Ober, Robert Ober & Associates, was identified as CEO in last month’s Spotlight. His title changed earlier this year, and he should have been identified as Owner. –mh

San Antonio

CONSTRUCTION NEWS

San Antonio Editor: Mary Hazlett — SAeditor@ConstructionNews.net — 210-308-5800 Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buddy Doebbler Editorial/Production . . . . . . Reesa Doebbler Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cyndi Wright Admin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lacie Cortez Production Manager . . . . . . . . . Sue Johnson Account Manager . . . . . . . . . . . Dana Calonge Construction News Ltd. Home Office P.O. Box 791290 • San Antonio, Tx 78279 210-308-5800 Fax 210-308-5960 www.ConstructionNews.net If you are a construction-related company in Atascosa, Bexar, Bandera, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina or Wilson counties and are not receiving a free copy of the San Antonio Construction News, please call for a Requester Form, or visit our website.

The San Antonio Construction News (ISSN 1547-7630) is published monthly by Construction News LTD., dba San Antonio Construction News, and distributed by mail to construction-related companies of record in Bexar and 7 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 San Antonio 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.

ith what George Stuckey, vice president of Fox Service Company, describes as “great opportunities on the horizon,” the San Antonio office is working to expand its air conditioning and electrical divisions. Though the San Antonio location was opened in 2000, Fox has been working in the San Antonio area for the last 25 years or so, covering the Alamo City from its Austin headquarters before the local office was established. The branch covers the city north through New Braunfels straight down through South Texas. With seven people working out of the San Antonio branch, Stuckey oversees operations with Scott Curtwright running the AC division and Eddie Fischer running the electrical division. Fox’s three locations support each other whenever necessary with 120 service technicians companywide and 135 vehicles/trucks. Since San Antonio

focuses on HVAC and electrical service, Fox supports local plumbing project work from Austin. The company does the air conditioning for Cheesecake Factory restaurants across the country as well as work for Frost Bank and the City of San Antonio. Fox also does refrigeration, including the walk-in freezers for Walgreens, as well as LED retrofits and service for outdoor lighting for parking lots at shopping centers, hospitals and banks. One of the San Antonio team’s recent jobs involved the removal of an 80-ton air conditioning unit from the second floor of an office building, taking a brand new unit apart, putting it in with forklifts, and reassembling it to have the new unit up and running in two days. Based in Austin, Fox Service Company has offices in San Antonio and Temple. The San Antonio location focuses exclusively on commercial work, including service, installation, repair and replacement. –mh

Page 6

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

is in the swimming pool; I want to design the swimming pool. Engineering was not my passion. Trinity did not have any architecture program, and they still don’t. Architecture is very specific. It’s five years of specific architecture studies. So, you have to start from day one in architecture and go all the way through. Then, I went to UTSA, because I knew I wanted to stay in San Antonio. I did the program and then became licensed. I did a five-year internship.

Lorraine M. Dailey President LMD Architects

orraine M. Dailey started her own firm, LMD Architects, in 2000, and 16 years later, she enjoys her work, as well as mentoring high school and college students who want to enter the field. At 52, she manages five people at work and is always looking for ways to help others, including herself, to be better. Currently, she is coordinating the relocation from LMD’s longtime home on 281 North in San Antonio to a 10-acre site farther north on 281, less than a mile south of Highway 46 in Bulverde. Where are you from and where did you grow up? I moved here when I was 7 years old. I’ve lived here the majority of my life. We moved here from Akron, OH, and I was born in Flagstaff, AZ. My mother was a schoolteacher, a reading specialist, and my biological father was a professor at Trinity University. He brought us to Texas. And my stepfather drove a cab. When did you discover your interest in architecture? Even as a young girl, I always wanted to be an architect. I used to draw dollhouses, and my stepdad would build them for me. I used to draw tree houses and do a materials takeoff of everything I would need to build the tree house. It was a passion of mine. I loved creating and creating spaces. When college time came, my biological father was a professor at Trinity University, so I had a faculty scholarship there, and I was strong in math skills so they tried to steer me in the engineering field, but after a year of Trinity, I realized I don’t want to calculate how much water

Where did you go after college? Right out of college, it was the early ‘80s, and so there was a recession. I had three interviews. One of those interviews was an architect who specialized in criminal justice, architecture of facilities. So that’s how I started in criminal justice design. I worked for him, and then I formed a partnership with his son and one of the other firm architects, had that partnership for a number of years, and then I went out on my own in 2000, continuing to specialize in criminal justice and civic governmental projects. What do you find interesting about designing those specific projects? What elements factor into it? Criminal justice architecture is very unique because you’re designing for the public, but also, you’re designing a secure environment for the inmate or the detainee. You are able to be more creative and have more aesthetic options on the public side and the exterior. However, within the facility area, it’s very hardened, and there’s less creative aspects as far as the aesthetics; however, it is very detailed. I love the detail of all the codes – maybe that’s the math in me, but all of the codes, the locking systems, the security electronics, just always trying to make the facility more efficient, more secure and safer for the detainee as well as the staff. It’s always a challenge. Tell me more about yourself. I was married for 27 years, divorced almost five years ago. I have one daughter, Meghan. She’s 30. She’s in the Air Force, first lieutenant. She’s a blessing. We’re very close. We’re going to Ireland. First time going to Europe. It’s been on my bucket list, and we’re going at the end of this week. We’re going to hike and bike. I love doing outdoor activities. Anything outdoors, hiking, biking, kayaking. I love being on the water. I race dirt track cars. I’ve jumped out of planes. I like to be very active and really enjoy being out in nature and doing things that

Hoping to instill values of leadership and integrity in the next generation, Lorraine M. Dailey, president and founder of LMD Architects, mentors high school and college students interested in architecture.

are active. Bicycle riding and motorcycle riding. I ride a Harley motorcycle. Horseback riding. I had two horses. I’ve lost both of them. Right now, work is very challenging, but when things slow down a little bit, I’m going to get another horse, raise him up from young. Tell me more about your daughter. My daughter went into the Air Force on a medical scholarship for pre-med, and she is moving toward the PA program, which is physician assistant. So, she was commissioned in the Air Force before medical school, did two-and-ahalf years of med school, and then went up to Massachusetts to be in their space and radar program while she was working toward getting into the PA program. She’s very close to her promotion to captain. The PA program is here at Fort Sam, so I’m just thrilled. She won’t live with me, because I live a little more than an hour away. I’d love for her to come live at home again and be there for her while she goes through this next phase of her life, but it will be wonderful to have her back in San Antonio. She lives in Cape Cod, MA, and I have been spoiled rotten, getting to go up to the Cape. I’ve made several trips up there, and it’s been awesome. She’s the light of my life. She’s a great, wonderful kid. Do you have any personal or professional goals you would like to share? I am at the phase of my life that I recognize the importance of giving back to my profession and giving back to community, and my focus is less on, “I want to achieve more, more, more” as far as material things, and more on “I want to invest my life into the next generation of architects and just humanity in general.” I’m a Christian, so making my focus more on “How do I lead and manage with love, grace, mercy and compassion?” versus driving the whip. I was raised by a driven whip, and my first experience in the workplace was by a very hard master, and so I really was never taught the skills of how do you manage a workplace with grace and compassion while still, we have to be somewhat perfectionist as architects, because we cannot have errors in our documents. So I’m learning how to do that and trying to instill that in my employees and those that I mentor so that they have an opportunity to grow into a leadership position that values the people more than the product. And brings God’s wisdom and love into the workplace and into their career. Talk to me about the mentoring you’re doing. What I try to do is bring in high school students that are in the workstudy program, so they can spend their part-time here in the office and especially those that are interested in architecture,

because it gives them a hands-on “This is what architects do.” It is very different for them to come in and see what it really is, and then if it is still their passion, to instill in them the values of a workplace of integrity, but also a workplace that values people. And how do we do that? And how do you lead with excellence? How do you manage your time? And those types of things. I have one young lady here that started in high school, Gabi Aguilar, and she’s now in college in the architecture program and she’s been with me for several years. I also like to hire interns out of college that are going to start their career, ideally get them part-time while they’re still in school. Kristin Gabriel has been with me for four years almost all the way through college, and she’s been with me out of college a year-and-a-half now. She’s leaving to do her master’s program. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to train her in all aspects of architecture, take her out into the field. What other ways do you like to give back and get involved? I volunteer at CBC. Community Bible Church is my church. They just started a pilot church out at Borgfeld Road, which is a little closer to me. I’m toward Boerne. So, I volunteer there. I do the guest relations, set up and tear down at our new campus, and then I also volunteer as a care and support facilitator for evening classes, a small group study that shares books such as “Search for Significance” and “Hiding from Love” and those things that help us find out who we are in Christ. To live the abundant life that Christ came for us to have instead of trapped in the things that we are trapped in, like me – perfectionism has always been a huge struggle for me. In what way? Oh my goodness, everything just had to be perfect. All your value is tied up in how you perform, and it’s very hard for me to separate my work product from who I am and just be able to say, “This could have been better.” Because you can always do better. So, finding that place to stop – and I think a lot of architects have that. Where do you stop? What’s good enough? And then finding my value, me as a person. If I have a client disappointed about something or a contractor says, “This isn’t the way it should have been done,” I used to just take that as “There’s something wrong with me” versus “There’s so many ideas out there, and there’s a hundred ways to do anything, and everybody can have good feedback in how something is done, and it’s not a criticism of who you are, but it’s an opportunity to grow and learn more.” –mh

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Page 7

Staying alive (and safe)

Rapid rise to leadership

CPS Energy did an arcing demonstration outside of the Alamo University Center to show attendees of the HCA Safety Fair what happens when objects – and workers – come in contact with live electricity due to unsafe conditions.

he Hispanic Contractors Association (HCA) de San Antonio hosted its annual Safety Fair May 20-21 at the Alamo University Center in Live Oak. This year, CPS Energy came out to the fair to do a safety demonstration concerning electricity, one of the main causes of accidents or safety incidents in the construction industry. With a transformer base set up and one of the energy service provider’s teams, CPS did an arcing demonstration to illustrate what can happen at home or on the job site when someone is not safe while working around electricity. The demonstration showed how live power lines can ignite everything from kite strings to fallen branches. The fair offered free OSHA 10 and CPR/First Aid Safety Training classes to

125 attendees. Both classes were offered in English and in Spanish. The OSHA 10 classes started on Friday and continued on Saturday morning. CPR/First Aid classes were offered again on Saturday morning. CPS works closely with Texas 811, Call Before You Dig, and the Texas 811 Food Truck came out to serve free pulled pork sliders to attendees for lunch on Friday. Dave Sanchez, executive director of HCA, expressed his gratitude for everyone who made the fair possible, including the OSHA-trained volunteers who gave the classes. He says, “A lot of them do this for a living – they work with ESR or Shorm [Consulting] or others – but for us, they’re volunteering their time so that the workers in the San Antonio area can get some free training.” –mh

With 125 people receiving free safety training, offered in English and in Spanish, the workers learned CPR and first aid skills that may help them save a life on the job site one day.

The Texas 811 Food Truck, meant to encourage people to “Call Before You Dig” and increase awareness of underground utilities and the safety hazards they pose, offered free lunch for everyone at this year’s Safety Fair.

fter six years of active involvement with the Society for Design Administration (SDA), Monica Hodges was installed as the national president May 14 at the association’s annual business meeting in Cincinnati, OH. With 25 years of experience and onthe-job training in various roles of administration in the medical field and other businesses, Hodges is the office manager for Barker & Associates, an MEP consulting engineers firm based in San Antonio. She joined the firm nine years ago as its second employee. Four years into her tenure with Barker, she was invited to attend a meeting of the SDA San Antonio Chapter with member Jackie Gonzaba, McChesney/Bianco Architecture. Noting that the timing was perfect, Hodges received support and encouragement from her boss, Don Barker, and immediately became involved. In 2012, just two years after joining, she served as San Antonio Chapter president-elect, and in 2013, chapter president. In 2014, she moved up to national vice president, and last year, she was national president-elect. She also went through the SDA’s program to become a Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA). The program focuses on finance, office administration, marketing, project management, and human resources, and requires 18 hours of continuing education credits per year to keep the certification. Established in 1959, the SDA is directed specifically toward architecture/engineering/construction (AEC) administration. As a community for the admins and business professionals serving the AEC industry, this allowed Hodges to connect with women who are literally in her same position. “We are all alike in the job functions that we do,” explains Hodges. “So, it’s

Monica Hodges, SDA national president

very easy to relate to each other. We all have the same struggles. It’s just a really good sense of community. It doesn’t matter if they’re from San Antonio or if they’re from Seattle. We all are in the same industry, and we all hear and see the same things over and over again. “Being in an organization that is specific to your industry has just been a lifesaver as far as keeping up with all the technologies that are going on in our industry. The communication between all of us and staying current is invaluable.” Hodges met with the executive committee and executive director in San Antonio last month to adjust the SDA’s current strategic plan. Her personal platform for her term is to help members find their paths to leadership. Believing you only get out of an organization what you put into it, she says that while some might be content to be members or the time might not be right for them, she encourages members to consider the benefits and opportunities leadership could afford them in the future. –mh

Page 8

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Construction News ON LOCATION

Construction News JOB SIGHT

Rentals all around

Keeping it cool

At We Rent It in Schertz, Clint Mackerer, branch manager, says they rent everything from handheld power tools to 60,000-lb excavators. Currently, they have pipelining equipment down south, excavation equipment on commercial jobs, and rentals out with a company that builds artificial lakes on properties. L-R: Joel Solis, Ben Besfer, Clint Mackerer, John Norton, Juan Ceron. –mh

Tony Currier and Frantzy Sanon, Comfort-Air Engineering Inc., were working on the VBX, Construction News and PACE building on Naco Perrin Blvd.–cw

What is one place you would like to see? I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii because the beaches look so beautiful. Monica Hodges, Barker & Associates Of places that I would like to see, I would make it a little more geographically open. I’d like to see Asia. I’d like to see Japan and China. I think I’ve always wanted to see Japan, specifically Tokyo, and I’d love to see Hong Kong. Those are places that are truly on my bucket list. Don Barker, Barker & Associates Europe, to travel overseas. And why? History. And specifically, I would absolutely love to go to Israel and just be in the presence of the history of the Bible, to really walk where Jesus walked. The history of my faith as well as the history of Europe as well as the Middle East. And then, I would love to see the architecture. So, it’s two-fold. Lorraine M. Dailey, LMD Architects Being an architecture major, there’s a whole bunch of places that I would like to go see, but I guess the top on the list would be Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water in Bear Run, PA. I’ve always admired Frank Lloyd Wright, and Falling

Water is just a gorgeous place that we all studied in school, and that’s probably the first place that I’d like to go see. Chuck Landry, TBC Commercial Ireland. The sheer beauty of the countryside. George Stuckey, Fox Service Company I guess I would say California, just because I figure it would be cool. I’ve heard the climate is really nice and Orange County and those areas are really nice. My dad used to live in California, and I’ve always wanted to explore California. Michael Brown, System Controls & Instrumentation As much as we’ve traveled here in the United States, I would like to travel to Europe. Being in the architectural design field, I would really like to go somewhere in Europe, either Spain or Italy, and look at that architecture. Bernardo Chapa, SA Partnership Right now, on the domestic side would be New York City. I’ve never been to the Big Apple. And on the international side, it would be the Vatican. The Big Apple for the excitement and the festivities, and the Vatican to get closer to the pearly gates. Chris Martinez, Central Electric Africa. As far as my native heritage goes, I pretty well feel that because I grew up in the United States, but there’s still some African heritage that I have with me that I haven’t fulfilled yet, so I would like to do that. Fredrick Kirksey, BTB Contractors One place that I would love to see is Yellowstone National Park. Mother Nature is unbelievable. Knowing that you can go out there and see just about anything from Mother Nature, you can find it there at that park – different animals, glaciers, waterfalls. There’s unlimited stuff to see there. Rudy Dela Cruz, HJD Capital Electric I would probably like to visit up in the north in the hunting area somewhere – the Iowa-Nebraska range – and see what big game they’re hunting out there. Maybe Canada. There’s big game up there. We’ve hunted our whole lives and never really been on the big animal hunts, and I think that would be fun to see the bigger animals – the elk and things like that. Bryan Ehrlich, Central Builders Inc.

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Page 9

Texas Apprentice Michael Brown System Controls & Instrumentation IEC Apprenticeship

fter taking second place in the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) San Antonio Chapter Apprentice Wire-Off earlier this year, Michael Brown completed the fourth year of his apprenticeship, took his last test and graduated from the program Jun. 16. Though he entered the wire-off with a healthy competitive nature, he notes that it felt good to place and was happy for his buddy, Terry McDaniel, who won first place to go on to the national competition. Now that his journey toward becoming a journeyman is complete, he says the IEC will always have a place in his heart. “I feel like the school helps you get more familiar with the code,” he says. “They teach you controls. They teach you a lot of things that it’s probably better to learn in a classroom setting as opposed to just learning in the field – learning in a more controlled environment.” Intending to continue his education and go for his master’s license, he is proud of the progress he has made, having possessed no knowledge of or background in construction prior to beginning his apprenticeship. After getting his GED, Brown worked at a restaurant for about five years and studied culinary arts for a time at St. Philip’s College. One of his friends is an electrician and encouraged Brown to consider pursuing a career in the trade. Though he was skeptical about his ability to do it, he got into the field while maintaining his job at the

restaurant on weekends. But his path toward a career in the electrical trade became clear, and Mother’s Day 2012 was his last day in the restaurant industry. Though he enjoys cooking, Brown says he can do that at home, and since he was about to become a father at the time, he needed a better way to make a living for his family. His job in the electrical industry has allowed his wife, Francesca, to stay home and raise their two daughters, Genevieve, 4, and Isabella, 2. Mentioning the personal benefit that has come with his new career, he adds that through his work, “You really feel like you’ve accomplished something at the end of the day as well.” At 35, Brown has been with System Controls & Instrumentation for about three-and-a-half years now. He began his apprenticeship with another company, but when they wanted him to relocate to Dallas, he ended up making the move to System Controls. Outside of work, he enjoys quality time with his family, listening to music and tinkering with his car. –mh

The new face of the forum

he National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) held its first ever South Central Region Forum May 2021 at Astor Crowne Plaza in New Orleans’ French Quarter. With more than 130 members attending from Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee, Kari Wirth believes that the new South Central Region, created when Regions 5 and 7 merged in October of last year, may be the largest. “It was great to hear how many of the chapters came together to pull off a great forum,” says Wirth. Among those joining in the New Orleans masquerade for “[Dena Rowland, regional NAWIC’s South Central Region Forum were L-R: Rebecca director] was challenged Pratt, Becky Rodriguez, Esther Wong, Kari Wirth, Gretel Lott, Michelle Urbanczyk, Dawn Holmes, Martha Simpson and with the combined first anPatty Wylie. nual forum, and everyone pitched in to make it a success.” The conference included a Mardi Gras-themed ball with dinner, a live band, and awards. While in New Orleans, some members took lessons in making gumbo, etouffee and bananas foster in a Crescent City Cooking Class and took in the local sights. The San Antonio Chapter received several awards, including the Hard Hat Safety Winners, Kari Wirth and Jennifer Patty Wylie (second left) and Esther Wong McElroy; the WIC Week PR & Marketing (right) ran into the Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf in the Crescent City. Award; the Bull’s Eye Award for PR and marketing for the year; and the Quiver as its members, and each member deAward for timely membership submis- serves a huge round of applause for the sions. hard work, continual support and team Michelle Urbanczyk, chapter presi- work of one another to keep the SA Chapdent, says, “The chapter is only as good ter strong.” –mh

Page 10

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Internal fraud and controls

Heat-related illness

Cari Takao, shareholder Fisher Herbst & Kemble PC San Antonio, TX

Wes Pitts USI Southwest Austin, TX

“O

h what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive. But once we’ve practiced for a while, oh my, how we have improved our style.” – Unknown perpetrator Occupational fraud is a deception deliberately practiced in order to secure unfair or unlawful gain by employees, managers and/or executives/owners. The main ingredients for fraud is best illustrated as a triangle with three sides known as opportunity, pressure and rationalization. Some common mistakes an owner or manager make in relation to fraud: • Trusting an employee implicitly with no oversight of their activities; • Not requiring approval on significant transactions; • Having an over reliance on outside auditors or tax accountants to catch fraud; and/or • Giving complete control with no segregation of duties or review processes put in place. Most fraudsters are long time employees that are well trusted, well liked and have had no prior criminal history. Anyone can commit fraud! No business is immune to fraud! Some common types of fraud to be on the lookout for: • Skimming (taking money and never recording) • Check-tampering (forgery) • Billing schemes (creating and paying fictitious vendors) • Payroll schemes (paying fictitious employees or giving unauthorized pay rates) • Inappropriate expense reimbursements • Non-cash and other schemes (stealing tangible equipment or inventory) • Collusion or management override So you know why, how and who, now what can you do? Opportunity is the only thing a business owner or management can control in the fraud triangle. However, they should try to be alert for pressures and perceived rationalizations an employee might be experiencing. Opportunity is mainly controlled through internal and compensating controls. Owners should understand the perception of deterrence

and prevention. Controls are developed to deter fraud and to keep honest people honest! Remember power perceived is power achieved. Controls should be implemented at any size organization. Internal Controls are defined as the process by which management structures an organization to provide assurance that an entity operates effectively and efficiently, has a reliable financial reporting system and complies with applicable laws and regulations. A successful system of internal control is not built overnight, but is an ongoing process of fine tuning the inner workings of an organization. Many organizations summarize internal control systems in operational handbooks and manuals so it can be an easy referral point. A system of internal control is necessary to help employees and other partners understand the attitude and objectives of the organization as a whole. Internal controls provide reasonable assurance to customers and other parties that transactions are recorded properly in a timely manner. Internal controls help provide a “trust but verify” environment. Some basic controls that should be considered are as follows: • Establish communications on the importance of controls starting at the top; • Conduct monthly reviews of bank statements (with images) by owner or governance group ensuring timely bank reconciliations are completed; • Establish employee educational programs and incentives to proactively reduce fraud by: Establishing a “fraud hotline” using a professional service firm; and having a Code of Conduct policy with all employees required to adhere to the requirements therein. • Ensure computer access controls are implemented on the accounting system and bank cash management system at a minimum. Administrative rights should be limited to just a few. • Conduct background checks prior to starting work for all employees in sensitive positions (controller, CFO, high level managers, etc.); • Conduct analytical reviews of financial reports by owner/governance group within 30 days of the month end selected searching for anomalies or unexpected budget variances; • Conduct monthly reviews of manual adjustments to financial records by an independent person; • Ensure segregation between preparer and signer of checks/payments. Additionally, upon check signing, the signer should review invoices for reasonableness in relation to the business; and • Ensure segregation between deposit money into the bank and recording the receipts in the accounting system. Hopefully, this gives you some simple and efficient ways to manage the opportunity that is present in your company. Cari Takao, CPA is an assurance shareholder for FHK. Contact her at 210-477-2712 or at ctakao@fhkcpa.com

ummer heat can be more than uncomfortable; it can be DEADLY. Every year thousands of workers become sick or worse from heat exposure. Heat illness is preventable, and many corporate safety policies and/or employee manuals do not address heat related illness.

Symptoms vary in intensity but can include: • Dizziness, weakness, nausea, headache, and possibly vomiting • Blurry vision • Body temperature rising to 100 to 104.9°F • Sweaty skin • Feeling hot and thirsty • Difficulty speaking A person suffering from heat exhaustion must move to a cool place and drink plenty of water. Heat Stroke Heat stroke is the result of untreated heat exhaustion. Symptoms include: • Ceasing of sweating • Body temperature rising rapidly to above 104.9°F • Confusion or delirium • Loss of consciousness, seizure Call 911 or seek medical professionals. Keep the person cool until help arrives. Place cold compresses on the neck, armpits and groin (where blood vessels run close to the skin). If the person is awake and able to swallow, administer fluids. Normally, the main source of heat is generated internally by your body. The body exchanges heat with its surroundings mainly through radiation, convection, and evaporation of sweat. Radiation is the process by which the body gains heat from surrounding hot objects, such as hot metal, furnaces, or steam pipes, and loses heat to cold objects, such as chilled metallic surfaces, without contact with them. Convection is the process by which the body exchanges heat with the surrounding air. The body gains heat from hot air and loses heat to cold air, which comes in contact with the skin. Evaporation of sweat from the skin cools the body. Evaporation occurs more quickly, and the cooling effect is more noticeable with high wind speeds and low relative humidity. In hot and humid workplaces, the cooling of the body, due to sweat evaporation, is limited because the air cannot accept more moisture. In hot and dry workplaces, the cooling, due to sweat evaporation, is limited by the amount of sweat produced by the body. Heat related illnesses occur when atrisk workers build up metabolic heat faster than their bodies can release it and

cool down. In a limited study of 20 cases investigated by OSHA, in which 13 deaths occurred, it was found that four of the deaths occurred on the first day of work in a new job, or after returning from time away from the job. Three deaths occurred on the second day, and two on the third day (9 deaths within the first three days). Long-term workers made up the other 4 deaths. In cases that involved heat illness but not death, the number of days on the job did not appear to have an effect. Studies have found that the failure to support acclimatization appears to be the most common deficiency for employers that have employees at-risk, and the factor most clearly associated with death. Employers need to provide time for workers to acclimate when they have been absent from work more than a few days (for new workers or workers returning to a job, where exposure to heat related illness may occur). Important elements for employers to consider when addressing heat related illness include assigning a responsible person for developing and executing a heat related illness prevention program within the company. Goals for the program should include plans for: 1. Gradual acclimatizing of workers; 2. Monitoring the temperature (e.g., heat index and wet bulb globe temperature) of their worksite; 3. Worker hydration (water) before, during, and after work; 4. Providing shaded and cool areas for rest breaks; 5. Modifying work schedules to reduce workers’ exposure to heat; 6. Training workers on the signs and symptoms of heat illness; 7. Monitoring workers for signs of heat stress; 8. Planning for emergencies and response; and 9. Documenting the above with Safety Training Sign-In Log Discuss ideas with your agent about creating a customizable Heat Illness Prevention Program that can be easily incorporated into your safety and employee manual. Wes Pitts is a Sr. vice president and Southwest Regional Construction Practice Leader for USI Southwest - Austin, TX, USA. Wes can be contacted at 512-651-4107 or Wesley.pitts@usi.com

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Page 11

Are attorneys’ fees still recoverable in successful contract actions? Bethany F. Thompson, shareholder Gardner Law San Antonio, TX

onstruction lawyers in Texas have been relying on certain statutes to recover attorney fees and expenses for their clients in contract claims for decades. However, within the last couple of years two courts have issued decisions that substantially narrow the application of one of the most frequently used attorney fee recovery statutes regarding contract claims. The first of the two cases is Fleming & Assocs. LLP v. Barton, 425 S.W.3d 560 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2014) and the second case is Hoffman v. L&M Arts LLC, 3:10-CV-0953-D, 2015 WL 1000838, (N.D. Tex. Mar. 6, 2015). This shift is significant, as an important part of the decision by subcontractors and suppliers on whether to pursue legal action is whether or not they can recoup their attorneys’ fees. In Texas, a party cannot recover their attorneys’ fees unless a statute or contract expressly gives them that right. Many times, parties rely on Section 38.001 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code which states that if there is a recovery of a claim based on an oral or written contract, “a person may recover reasonable attorneys’ fees from an individual or corporation.” Previously, the statute referred to “any person or corporation” where “person” is defined to include “partnerships, among others.” See section 1.002 of the TCPRC providing the Code Construction Act applies to the TCPRC. However, the word “person” was changed to “individual” in 1985 when the statute was recodified. Both of these recent cases turn on the use of the word “individual” as opposed to “person.” In the Fleming case, the court considered whether 38.001 allowed for recovery of fees against a limited partnership. Unlike the previous term, “person,” the court noted the term “individual” is not defined in the Code Construction Act and determined the ordinary meaning did not include a limited partnership. Based on this, the appellate court concluded the trial court erred in awarding attorneys’ fees. In the Hoffman case, the court considered whether 38.001 allowed for recovery of fees against an LLC. Defendants challenged the application of this

statute based on their status as an LLC, as opposed to a corporation. The terms “individual” and “corporation” are undefined within the statute. After considering the legislative history of the statute and various applicable arguments, the Court concluded an LLC is an “other legal entity” not within the scope of Section 38.001 and denied the request for fees.

Teen workers Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

outh who are under 18 years old can be an asset to your workforce. They are enthusiastic and eager to learn. However, like other new and inexperienced workers, these young workers can be injured on the job when they don’t receive adequate safety training and supervision. Some injuries have a lifelong impact, and some are even fatal. Furthermore, on-the-job injuries to young workers can be costly. Young workers get hurt when: • They take on jobs for which they’re not trained — sometimes without being asked • They don’t have appropriate supervision • They work with dangerous tools or equipment • They perform tasks that violate youth employment laws

In the 2015 legislative session HB 230 was introduced and passed by the Texas House of Representatives which would have modified the statute to include the terms “or other legal entity” however the bill did not make it through the Senate. As a practice point, construction industry parties need to remember that attorneys’ fees in Texas can also be recovered if a contract provision allows for them. Parties who typically furnish labor or materials pursuant to contracts, should be especially vigilant to always include terms allowing for the prevailing party to recover their fees.

Work on a construction site is especially hazardous. In fact, the construction industry, which employs less than 3% of all young workers, ranks 3rd in the number of work-related fatalities to youth — at 14% of all occupational deaths to youth under 18.

Bethany F. Thompson is a Shareholder with Gardner Law in San Antonio, Texas, and her practice focuses on construction litigation. In a time when many cases settle before trial, she has first chair state court jury trial experience, arbitration experience, and bench trial experience in federal court. Ms. Thompson represents general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers on a variety of issues including contract drafting and negotiation, lien and bond payment claims, delay and defect claims, and contract default and terminations. She has presented seminars for a variety of organizations throughout the state, guest lectured on construction contracts at Texas A&M, and is active in both her local chapter of the American Subcontractors Association and the Attorney Council for the national level of ASA. Contact: bthompson@gardnertx. com.

Age and Hour Restrictions under FLSA Youth under 16 years of age may only perform office or sales work in the construction industry. The federal rules also limit the number of hours and times of day that such youth may be employed. Youth age 16 and 17 may work in the construction industry and on construction sites, but there are several tasks or jobs that are too hazardous for them to per-

Submitted to Construction News

Remembering the Alamo Colleges

The Hispanic Contractors Association (HCA) de San Antonio presented a check for $7,000 to the Alamo Colleges Foundation to fund scholarships. The money is raised every year at the HCA golf tournament in October. Over the years, the HCA has donated more than $50,000 to Alamo Colleges. L-R: Dave Sanchez, executive director, HCA; Jim Eskin, executive director, Alamo Colleges Foundation; Josh Hill, owner of Hill Bros. Construction and HCA board president –mh

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) The federal FLSA establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, record keeping, and child labor standards affecting certain full-time and part-time workers in the private sector and in federal, state, and local governments.

form. There are no federal laws that restrict the number of work hours per day or per week. However, several states do restrict the number of hours and times of day that this age group may be employed. Be sure to check with your State Department of Labor. FLSA Exemptions If certain conditions are met, 16- and 17-year-old apprentices and student learners may be allowed to perform some of the above prohibited jobs. Youth enrolled in such programs are trained in occupational safety and health. You may wish to consider recruiting these young workers — you’ll be providing them with work experience and may be rewarded with a safety-conscious employee. Some other young workers are not fully covered by FLSA. For example, youth of any age are generally allowed to work for businesses entirely owned by their parents, except no one under 18 may be employed in the prohibited jobs that are partially listed above. Even if FLSA doesn’t apply, if you employ workers under 18 years old, be sure that: • Tasks are appropriate for a worker’s age • Young workers are properly trained • Young workers are supervised •You know what tasks are prohibited for youth natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232

Page 12

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Reaching far and wide

Greater fish to catch

1st Place, Guided Division The Gibson Plumbing team has grown to be about 200 strong, including its subcontractor base. L-R: Juan Posada, RMP; Bret Bartley, GM; Barry Bankler, owner; and Ray Casanova, director of Residential Plumbing

ontinuing to grow, Gibson Plumbing recently expanded to serving the Dallas area. This extends the company’s reach up the I-35 corridor as it has jobs going in both Austin and Dallas from its home in San Antonio. William C. Gibson started the company in 1954, doing plans at night and the work during the day, and then he started to build crews. In the 1980s, the business transitioned to his son, William A. “Billy” Gibson. In 2003, the Gibsons were preparing for retirement and sold the company to Barry Bankler, who has been the owner and president for the last 13 years. About six years ago, Gibson Plumbing expanded into multi-family construction. Noting that they currently have 23 multi-family apartment projects going, Bret Bartley, general manager, observes, “Multi-family will be the biggest portion of our business this year, revenue-wise, and that’s certainly high. It would be over 50 percent this year, and it

used to only be a third.” As business increases, Bartley emphasizes that finding skilled labor as the workload grows is, by far, the biggest issue the company faces. For this reason, he was a founding member and now serves as a director of the Texas Construction Careers Initiative (TCCI), a nonprofit organization that hosts the annual Construction Career Day for high school students at Freeman Expo Hall. A CPA by trade, Bartley worked for Sysco Foods for a little over 13 years, and during his tenure, he transitioned out of the accounting aspect and more into operations, becoming director of transportation. In 2004, he took an opportunity with Gibson as controller, eventually becoming CFO and then general manager. Gibson Plumbing is a full-service residential and commercial plumbing company, specializing mainly in the singlefamily residential and multi-family markets. –mh

he Greater San Antonio Builders Association (GSABA) hosted its 2016 Saltwater Fishing Tournament Jun. 10-11 from the Port Aransas Civic Center. Along with the anglers, comprising a total of 40 teams, the event drew 200 people to the Friday night dinner at the civic center. –mh

Winners: Guided 1st: Greenhaven Landscape and Irrigation 2nd: JP Hart Lumber 3rd: Builders First Source Unguided 1st: Urban Concrete Contractors 2nd: GVTC 3rd: Bella Vista Homes

1st Place, Unguided Division

A new twist on the old game

Meet the new board

he Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Texas annual meeting was held Jun. 10 at St. Philip’s College in San Antonio, and the new PHCC Texas board was elected and installed. –mh

The 2016 PHCC Texas Board of Directors L-R: Tony Dixon, Ferguson; Craig Lewis, R.E.C. Industries; Greg Bolin, Bolin Plumbing; Sam Dowdy, S&D Plumbing; Randy Hunter, R.E.C. Industries; Rick Shelton, Shelton Plumbing; Patrick Freund, Primo Plumbing; Dickie McCurdy, MMM Plumbing, Heating, A/C; Chris Sproles, Central Texas Plumbing Solutions; Jessica Burden, Milton Frank Plumbing; Stephen Cox, Cox Plumbing; Carter Ramzel, Benchmark Plumbing; Milton Frank, Milton Frank Plumbing Carter Ramzel, Benchmark Plumbing, received the PHCC Texas Contractor of the Year Award.

1st Place Team

he Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association (TACCA) Greater San Antonio Chapter hosted its 27th annual Golf Tournament Jun. 6 at the Club at Sonterra. This year, there was a twist on the tourney with awards given for 1st, 5th and 8th places. –mh Winners 1st: Beyer Mechanical – Barry Stevens, Jesse Delgado, Jamie Amoretti, Tim Megason

5th: Johnstone Supply – Mike Wallace, Alan Deering, Eric Rossnagel, Shannon Tippie 8th: Texas Air Products/Mitsubishi – Todd Buck, Clint Doege, Josh Bailey, William Witson Closest to the Pin: Nick Skeen, Goodman Longest Drive: John Valenzuela, Beyer Mechanical Longest Drive: Keith Bumpass, Robert Madden

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Page 13

Doing it all in house

Their new life is covered

In addition to his office and warehouse, Javier Alonso, pictured with his wife and daughter, has a mobile flooring showroom with more than 3,600 samples of products he offers as owner of San Antonio’s first Floor Coverings International.

n order to make a better life for his wife and newborn child, Javier Alonso left behind the flooring business he had run in Venezuela for 10 years and opened the first Floor Coverings International in San Antonio Mar. 22. Though his background was in IT, Alonso and two friends saw a market opportunity to start a flooring supply business in their home country of Venezuela. They imported products and did projects, specialized in healthcare, food manufacturing plants and industrial kitchens. However, 10 years later, when his wife, Isabel, was pregnant with their daughter, Ana Paula, the couple assessed the quality of life they would be able to give their baby under the social, economic and political turmoil in Venezuela. Alonso observes that basic necessities, such as diapers and formula, were difficult to obtain. He also says that when his wife was about six months pregnant, someone tried to rob her. They decided to leave. They sold

everything they owned, and after examining several franchises, Alonso found Floor Coverings International, and the family moved to San Antonio to open the first location in the city. He notes, “Everything that we envisioned back home for a flooring business, this franchise has.” Though they’ve encountered many setbacks, Alonso emphasizes how different it is from having to struggle to get food and fearing for his family. “We’ve been handling, obviously, a new kid, new business and new country all at once,” he says. “And many people say that we’re kind of crazy, because we’re always happy,” adding that all the challenges are worth it for his family’s happiness. With more than 100 locations across the U.S. and Canada, Floor Coverings International supplies products including carpet, hardwood, ceramic, tile and vinyl as well as specialty products such as bamboo and slate. –mh

Raising some green

1st Place Team

rom hanging drywall to hitting golf balls, the Baker Triangle San Antonio team hosted its annual Charity Golf Tournament at Silverhorn Golf Club May 27. With funds once again benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project, Baker raised $25,000 for the cause this year. – mh Winners 1st: Hill Country Materials – Mike Stafford,

Lee Ainsworth, David Barnett, John Clifton 2nd: Bartlett Cocke – Chris Villarreal, Brent Dawson, Craig Jendrusch 3rd: Kip Craddick, MarinoWare; Peyton McBurnett, Oscar Alamillo, Action Gypsum Closest to Pin # 7: Fred Galvan, Turner Longest Drive: Patrick Mucci Photos by Mary C. Haskin Photography

Baker Triangle presented the Wounded Warrior Project with a check for the proceeds from the company’s San Antonio charity golf tournament. L-R: Ian Lennon, Mike Sireno, Devon Schei, Jon Randolph

L-R: Benjamin H. Tijerina, electrical superintendent; Rudy Dela Cruz, electrical project manager; Dave Wineman, vice president; Henry Davila, president/owner; Edward Davila, administrator; Gip Simmons Sr., construction project manager

orking at HJD Capital Electric as an electrical project manager, Rudy Dela Cruz finds a lot of advantage in the company having a general construction division that works in conjunction with the electrical and other divisions to accomplish as much in house as possible. Though Capital was originally established as an electrical contractor, the company grew into doing general construction while doing government work, which in turn helped the company grow even more. Today, Capital has electrical, construction, communications, plumbing, fire alarm, and 24-hour electrical service divisions. The general construction division works with all of the other divisions, and this eliminates the need to sub out work related to those divisions. For example, as a subcontractor on the Hyperbaric Facility project at Fort Sam Houston, the electricians only needed to rough in the

electrical portion and then call an inhouse construction crew to perform any additional work such as concrete. Having the general construction crews available to its other divisions, allows the company to work in a cost effective and time efficient manner. The electrical division, as well as the company’s other divisions, does not have to stop work and wait for a third tier subcontractor to come in and perform work in order to continue on the job or complete it. Also, if something needs maintenance or work under warranty, Capital does not need to contact any subcontractors used on the job to do the work. “It is beneficial to any small business in the commercial electrical and construction industry that you include a true measure of self-performance, even if only a small percentage at a time over a period of years,” says Henry Davila, president. “This business model adds a big advantage to not only the company, but its employees and their future.” –mh

Page 14

San Antonio Construction News â&#x20AC;¢ July 2016

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Page 15

wade fishing with some clients. I woke up on a Saturday morning with a burning sensation on a spot near my ankle after a day of wading the King Ranch shoreline a few days prior. Thinking it was a spider bite or some other insect bite, I dismissed the irritated foot and went on my day’s charter with my clients. Shortly into the morning I started to feel chilled and aching all over my body. I knew something was not right but was determined to finish my day with my clients. As the day progressed, so did the pain in my leg until I had had enough. By the time I got back to the dock, my leg was swollen and the redness had spread from my ankle to my calf. That afternoon I went to the Physicians Premier ER to get checked out. After explaining to the doctor that I had been wading in the Laguna Madre, he didn’t take any chances and started me on an IV antibiotic. He then informed me that I was being transferred to the hospital. Later that evening I went to Bay Area Hospital where they continued with the antibiotics intravenously. Doctors were not sure where the infection started because I had no open wounds on my leg and I was sure that I had not been poked by a fish or anything else.

Cautions while wading 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.

ummertime has arrived folks, and you will start to see larger crowds on the water through Labor Day weekend. Fishing has remained consistent throughout the month of May even with all the rains and inconsistent wind directions throughout the month. June finds us continuing with the same weather patterns we had last month, even with a little more bizarre weather patterns. I always welcome Texas summer rains, but it seems this season we’ve had more than

Flounder have been showing up in good numbers. Randy Wyatt of San Antonio caught this 5-lb. flounder last month while fishing with Steve Schultz Outdoors.

our share, especially central and northern parts of the state. I would like to share an incident that happen to me the last week of May while

rank Wisdom, Wisdom Estimating Services, and his wife Linda, Capital Pumps, are avid hunters and anglers. Fishing at Falcon Lake near Zapata, TX since February, they’ve already caught some greatlooking largemouth bass to show off this fishing season. –mh

Frank caught this 6-lb beauty at the lake.

After a few days in the hospital with continuous antibotics being run through my body, they determined that it was a bad case of “Cellulitis”. Cellulitis is a common but potentially serious bacterial (streptococcus or staphylococcus) infection of the skin and underlying skin tissue. Cellulitis develops when bacteria invade the skin, often when skin is broken or open.

When bacteria spread under the skin and into the soft tissues, the body reacts by creating inflammation. I was released after four nights in the hospital and put on oral ABX. After several days I went to see my family physician and he immediately took one look and admitted me back to the hospital. Long story short, I spend a total of 12 days in the hospital continuously receiving ABX through an IV. What started as a small irritation on my leg turned into a major infection in my leg that I wouldn’t wish on my worse enemy. I am sharing this info with you so that everyone that fishes or is exposed to the water in ours or any bay system need to be aware of the dangers that can occur. This infection probably started with a wading boot that rubbed my skin raw and infection set in after that. Things can progress so quickly, you really have to keep an eye on any open cut or wound you have. If there is the slightest sign of irritation, don’t hesitate getting it checked out by your physician. Summer schedule is filling quickly but fall dates are still available. Don’t wait until 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.

Kickin’ bass

So far, Linda takes the prize with her 8-lb, 5 oz. caught on one of their first fishing trips this year.

The same day Frank caught his 6-pounder, Linda caught this one weighing in at 7 lbs., 10 oz.

Page 16

San Antonio Construction News • July 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

Technology and the fisherman

ere I sit in my lawn chair with my toes in the water at the edge of the lake trying to type this in. Fishing is all done for the day. I have a cold beverage at hand, the beginning of a nice sunset before me and a cool breeze on my face. My little laptop computer is waiting on my thoughts and all I can think about is I hope some mad little nesting perch doesn’t take a swipe at my toes and make me jump, upsetting the whole apple cart. Such is the relationship of a sportsman and his electronics. Our whole way of looking at the outdoors we love so much can be greatly enhanced by our new technology…as long as we can keep it working. Don’t drop it, wet it, run over it or forget where you left it (Heaven help you if it was camo colored!). Most importantly though, don’t become overly dependent on whatever the gizmo is. When I started striper guiding on Lake Buchanan in 1981, my first piece of electronic fishing equipment was a Lowrance X-15 chart recorder. For the first time in my whole fishing life I could finally see beneath the waves, look at the contours of the lake bottom and even see fish! (Even if they didn’t really look like fish!) Next were the electronic downriggers and learning the process of combining the downriggers ability to deliver the baits to the fish I could see down there without getting all tangled in the treetops the fish love to lurk in. I still

D & W Painting

Ferguson

Submitted to Construction News

Taking it to the limit

think there was no better way to learn the bottom of the lake you fish because every time you make a mistake and get hung up, it costs you money in lost tackle and lost time. I still remember the first time I watched a big fish make a run at my bait! I really resisted giving up my X-15s with all their rolls of paper and stylus replacements. I finally changed over to the new fish-finders with display screens and gps. I never looked back because now I could see things in color and with more detail. No more on the water maintenance of the graph and no more having to remember my fishing spots by visually triangulating with landmarks. I love that I can dependably find my favorite places, but that is balanced by knowing that if it fails for any reason, all I have to do is look around me and get home the low tech way like my grandpa did. I never used to take my cell phone fishing because I didn’t want the distraction. Now I always have my phone on me. I like to be able to pull up real time weather radar when I need it, but it doesn’t replace the good weather sense passed down to me by my Dad from his father. Now days my son Max runs the charter trips. He has added a big trolling motor with gps that can keep up with where you are, put you where you want to be and hold your spot without having to throw an anchor. That sure beats hauling in anchor lines, but you couldn’t appreciate how nice it is unless you’d done it the hard way! I love how far we’ve come, but it’s nice to always know the way back!

Submitted to Construction News

Family fish-a-thon

L-R: Billy Mayes, Mark Moseley, Scott Basse and Craig Noto, president of Quality Fence & Welding, limited out by noon on their recent fishing trip to Baffin Bay. –mh

Half or Full Day Fishing Trips All Bait, Tackle & Equipment Furnished Your catch Filleted and Bagged for You

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

Furnish your TPWD Fishing License & Refreshments, and WE DO THE REST!

Construction News production manager Sue Johnson and her husband Scott vacationed to Boy Lake in northern Minnesota for some fishing time with family. Shown are only a few of the more than 150 fish they caught, including northern, rock and largemouth bass, blue gill, perch and crappie! L-R: Sue’s brothers, Stan Lorenz, Steve Lorenz, Sue and husband, Scott Johnson –sj

Have an Outdoor Story or Photo? Send to: SAEditor@ ConstructionNews.net or call Mary at 210-308-5800

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

iznik Concrete Contractors hosted the 3rd annual Mr. & Mrs. Big Trout Scholarship Tournament May 19-21 to raise scholarship funds for students studying marine biology at Corpus Christi A&M University. Sponsors included House of Boats (a $5,000 sponsor), E-Z Bel Construction, Suncoast Post-Tension, Performance Equipment, Johnston Industries, Alamo Concrete Products Company, Cokinos Bosein & Young, C.L. Concrete, GNW Concrete, CMC Rebar, Martin Marietta Materials, EDP Concrete, and Cootey’s Tavern. –mh Winners

Pro Women Stringer 1st: E-Z Bel #7 – Cheryl Rodriguez, Denise Bendele, Jodi Schultz (17 lbs., 13 oz.) 2nd: Bob’s Babes #13 – Kristi Caron, Kacie Weber, Sheila Amason (17 lbs., 5 oz.) 3rd: Reel Sportsware #8 – Chris Schidledecker, Desiree Warnack, Evelyn Schroeder (15 lbs., 5 oz.) Trout 1st: Bob’s Babes #13 (7 lbs., 14 oz.) 2nd: Reel Sportsware #8 (7 lbs., 11 oz.) 3rd: E-Z Bel #7 (6 lbs., 2 oz.) Redfish 1st: EDP Concrete #1 – Yvonne Patton, Diane Mahan, Melissa Mahan (7 lbs., 11 oz.) 2nd: Reel Sportsware #8 (7 lbs., 10 oz.) 3rd: Fishing Winas #11 – Adrian Woschnagg, Judy Arnold, Tina Gomez, Sandra Calderon (7 lbs., 5 oz.) Flounder 1st: E-Z Bel #7 (8 lbs. 6 oz.) 2nd: Hookem Hard Oilfield #4 – Allen Sifford, Tawnya Woods, Pam Lonsbury, Debra Villescas (4 lbs., 4 oz.) 3rd: EDP Concrete #1 (2 lbs., 10 oz.) Amateur Women Stringer 1st: Baiters & Waiters #10 – Steven Catalane, Gracie Rodriguez, Julie Dahl, Bailie Crawford (8lbs., 10 oz.) 2nd: Steel Divas 11 #6 – Rich Hanz, Stephanie Hanz, Leanne Arnold, Jennifer Peters (6 lbs., 4 oz.) 3rd: Team Chata #9 – Daniel Chata, Monica Garcia, Annette Tynan (4 lbs., 3 oz.) Trout 1st: Baiters & Waiters #10 (4 lbs., 2 oz.) 2nd: House of Boats #3 – Cindy Taulbert, Lindsy Taulbert, Frances Taulbert (3 lbs., 13 oz.) 3rd: Steel Divas 1 #12 – Jon Peters, Sansa Johnson, Regina Mix, Gloria Cavazos (1 lb., 5 oz.) Redfish 1st: Steel Divas 11 #6 (4 lbs., 12 oz.) 2nd: Baiters & Waiters #10 (4 lbs., 8 oz.) 3rd: Team Chata #9 (4 lbs., 3 oz.) Pro Men Stringer 1st: Ice Up #52 – Brad Urbanczyk, Darryl Schneider, Travis Land (14 lbs., 13 oz.) 2nd: CL Concrete #46 – Capt. Morgan, Bobby Pacheco, Matt Wearsherby, Lex Heffington (14 lbs., 9 oz.) 3rd: South Texas Anglers #9 – Phillip Mangan, Garret Menephe, Travis Orsak, Cody Stripling (13 lbs., 11 oz.) Trout 1st: Ice Up #52 (8 lbs., 1 oz.) 2nd: Polish Pluggers #36 – Blaise Moy, Tres Moy, Tanner

Page 17

Go fish, go big

Amateur Women – 1st Place Stringer Danielle DeVacque, Scholarship Recipient, with E-Z Bel

Pro Men – 1st Place Stringer Eric White, Scholarship Recipient, with Performance Equipment

Amateur Men – 1st Place Stringer Pro Women – 1st Place Stringer

Moy, Brad Lyssy (7 lbs., 1 oz.) 3rd: Team Merlo #6 – Roland Gonzales, Stan Willow, Pete Jimenez, Jerry Hewtty (5 lbs., 14 oz.) Redfish 1st: CL Concrete #32 – Keith Mock, Cole Leinneweber, Kennyn Carley, Robert Hoffman (8 lbs., 10 oz.) 2nd: Release the Grease #7 - Duane Clark, Frank Moravits, Dale Smith (7 lbs., 14 oz.) 3rd: Nine Mile Hole #15 – Sandy Garcia, Mike Niznik, Chet Bunch, Brian Stanish (6 lbs., 13 oz.) Flounder 1st: CL Concrere #11 – Matt Walston, Justin Leinneweber, Danny Brown, Aaron Falyde (6 lbs., 5 oz.) 2nd: Polish Pluggers #36 (4 lbs., 1 oz.) 3rd: CL Concrete 111 #30 – Capt. Ram, Ernie Anderson, Chase Hoffman (3 lbs. 7 oz.) Amateur Men Stringer 1st: SAECO #5 – Michael Chapman, Luke Harns, Donald Castro, Justin Castro (14 lbs., 2 oz.) 2nd: Los Pescadores #20 – Marcos Alaniz, Omar Sahadi,

Daniel Alvarez (13 lbs., 9 oz.) 3rd: Team 4 Reel #25 – Art Soto, Jonathan Soto, Daniel Soto, Bobby Joe Garcia (13 lbs., 6 oz.) Trout 1st: Los Pescadores #20 – Marcos Alaniz, Omar Sahadi, Daniel Alvarez (4 lbs., 2 oz.) 2nd: Just Bite Me #40 – John Ruiz, Rudy Ruiz, Rudy Trey Ruiz, Jacob Arguello (3 lbs., 15 oz.) 3rd: CMC Rebar S.A #10 – Brock Pittman, Shane Plummer, Matt Koehler, Robert Tucker (3 lbs., 8 oz.) Redfish 1st: Reel Naughtey #45 – Brian Bishop Clint Distefano, Micheal Laskowski Jr., Tony Guinn Jr. (7 lbs., 9 oz.) 2nd: Suncoast Team #2 – Orlando Gamez, Donnie Melon, Mercy Valejo, Jacob Hayes (7 lbs., 8 oz.) 3rd: SAECO #5 (7 lbs., 1 oz.) Flounder 1st: Trout Drillers #14 – Dustin Wiatrek, Kyle Fountain (6 lbs., 10 oz.) 2nd: Team 4 Reel #25 (4 lbs., 9 oz.) 3rd: SAECO #5 (4 lbs., 2 oz.

Page 18

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Electrical Industry Facing the eye of the storm Chris Martinez, President Central Electric San Antonio, TX

hile the oil boom in the Eagle Ford Shale and the bonds for local municipalities and independent school districts have taken the construction industry by storm over the last few years, Chris Martinez, president of Central Electric, believes we’re in the eye of that storm now, waiting for the whirlwind to pick up again. Two or three years ago, Martinez recalls that San Antonio, Northeast and Northside ISDs had projects out for bid every month, spinning out about 15 to 20 projects. Now, in the last quarter, he observes that the only schools that went out for bid were in New Braunfels. Municipalities are concluding their bonds from a few years ago, also. Citing the projects that are under construction, such as hospital work in San Antonio that is currently on the road to completion, Methodist Stone Oak for example, Martinez says that while everyone sees work going on, those projects are wrapping up or already under contract. It’s the new opportunities, he points out, that are few and far between as contractors look to the horizon in search of work for the future. “We are approaching a lull, and we’re

waiting for that next wave to come through,” says Martinez. “I’ve heard that from designers to manufacturers that study the market to general contractors and to our trade contractors. “For the current industry trends, needless to say, I think the oil money has impacted various industries through a ripple effect. We’re in a unique situation where multiple things are affecting the market, and so it’s not just oil. I think oil is one piece, and investors now are going to get tighter with their money.” Along with the funds that drive public, private and government projects drying up, construction companies that focused on doing work south of San Antonio in Pleasanton and other outlying areas are coming back because work in their niche in the Eagle Ford Shale is drying up, too. With competition returning,

there are more fishing poles in the local waters and fewer fish. “You’ve got all these constructionrelated markets,” he says. “You’ve got the private sector, which is, some people say, driven by oil and gas money, but also the banks determine when they release funding for projects to go through. Then, you’ve got all these buckets, and they’re not drying up, but the opportunities in them have decreased, and that impacts every trade in the construction industry.” Injecting some hope for the future, Martinez notes that some local school districts are looking at launching upcoming bond initiatives, and everyone is waiting for the next wave to come along. Meanwhile, what can a contractor do to keep up the pace until the lull passes? At Central, Martinez says the solution has been shifting focus to other niches and markets. “Three years ago probably, my competitors and I could see the opportunities on the horizon,” he says. “Where we stand today, the opportunities on the horizon are few and far between. So then, you need to strategize your approach on what you pursue and don’t pursue, and you evaluate – how far outside your niche do you go? Because you’re stepping into somebody else’s niche. You’ve got to evaluate that and make the best decision for your team.”

Continuing to beat the path and overturn the rocks in search of opportunities, Martinez notes that Central is still in the same markets that have made up its portfolio over the last five years, but the share of the pie its niches account for is shifting. As one slice shrinks, another grows to fill in the gap. As the industry has transitioned into the eye of the storm, Central Electric has shifted its workload from being approximately 50-percent government to around 50-percent private. “Our design-assist, design-build portfolio, which was the majority government, has given us the opportunity to open doors on the private side doing design-assist, design-build,” he explains. “That has probably helped the ship continue to move forward. Having those capabilities that we’ve really done well in the government world, we now do very well in the private world.” Being able to translate the skills Central honed working in its government niche to the private market has now allowed them to do design-build for hotels and design-assist for high-rise living complexes. Fred Martinez founded Central Electric in 1975. Today, his sons, Chris Martinez and Ernie Martinez run the company as president and vice president, respectively. –mh

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Page 19

Electrical Industry Learning all the time Daniel Baez, Master Electrician and Owner Baez Electrical Services Houston, TX

hat is the current state of the Houston construction industry? We have had so much work here in Houston in the past six months. Things have been crazy for us! We have stayed very busy with government work, especially in the past few months. We have also had several commercial jobs as well. I don’t think things will slow down in the Houston market any time soon. Why did you decide to become a Master Electrician? I saw an opportunity to become an

electrician after I spent time at Gary Job Corps, a career technical training program in San Marcos. After taking the training program, I decided I wanted to do electrical work for a living. I am glad I made the decision! I felt it was important to become a Master Electrician. I wanted to excel in my career so made sure to achieve this as soon as possible. What are a few major changes in your industry in the last few years? I haven’t really seen many changes in the industry in the past few years.

High tech, customer savings in electrical industry Tyler Cannon, Branch Manager City Electric Supply Kyle, TX

second annual survey by Klein Tools that found higher percentages of electricians who prefer to work on high-tech installations, and home technology remains the most widely viewed residential trend by electricians. The survey included results from 400 union and non-union electricians. Tyler Cannon, branch manager of a local Klein dealer, City Electric Supply, says the trend is reflected in sales. “We’ve seen an increase of 30 percent in sales over the last 12 months,” Cannon says. He attributes that to the economy and the current construction climate in the Austin area, with hotels and gear and lighting packages. “The construction environment has had an impact on sales,” he said. “But our product line has pretty much stayed the same.” The Klein Tools’ State of the Industry survey found preferences towards working on industrial projects, office buildings and commercial properties have stayed relatively the same since last year. There was a noticeable increase, however, in the number of union electricians, and electricians with 10 to 19 years’ experience, indicating they prefer to work on high-tech installations. · This year, 42 percent of union electricians say they prefer working on hightech installations, up from 31 percent in 2015. · The survey also found 51 percent of electricians with 10 to 19 years of industry experience said they prefer working on

high-tech installations, a significant increase from 24 percent in 2015. In comparison, 29 percent of electricians with less than 10 years’ experience said they prefer working on high-tech installations, and only 24 percent of electricians with more than 20 years’ experience said they prefer working on high-tech installations. “We’re seeing increased interest from younger electricians and apprentices in high-tech systems. They see opportunities to work on the latest technology as a way to gain experience in an area of future growth and like the challenge associated with learning a complicated skill,” said Mark Klein, president of Klein Tools. “It’s great to also learn many experienced electricians are taking a fondness to more advanced systems and want to keep up-to-date on their craft. This allows electricians with varying levels of expertise to learn from each other on the jobsite and advance the entire industry as technology continues changing the way we operate.” The Klein Tools’ State of the Industry survey also found electricians are seeing more smart or “connected” homes in residential areas. Technology in homes is the most popular trend viewed amongst electricians - over open living spaces,

It seems there are always improvements in both the equipment and technology in the industry. What advice would you give a young person who wants to do what you do today? My advice is to go to a trade school and finish all your classes at once and not spread it out over the years. Then gain experience at a good company. Learn from the best electricians you can find. It also helps to develop long-standing relationships along the way. In your opinion, what does it take to be successful in the construction industry? I think on-the-job experience is key in the construction industry. You have to be dedicated to execute each project with precision and timeliness. I also think it is important to take ownership of the project from start to finish, including obtaining all necessary electrical permits and coordinating inspections with local inspectors.

home additions and multi-family homes. However, multi-family homes have significantly increased since 2015. · Nearly one-half of electricians, 48 percent, are seeing more smart or connected homes in the residential area— just slightly down from 56 percent in 2015. One-third of electricians, or 31 percent, are seeing more multi-family homes in the residential area, up significantly from 25 percent in 2015. “This tech-focused residential data aligns with what we’re seeing in the industry,” Klein says. “Contractors are calling for more technicians who are skilled in newer, more digital-tech focused systems, and technicians are doing their best to keep up with this developing trend. Klein Tools is working with its partners to ensure younger electricians are

What is the best part about what you do today? I really enjoy owning my own company. No two days are ever the same and no two projects are ever the same. I enjoy being challenged daily. One of the best decisions I ever made was to earn my Master Electrician license. I really enjoy learning new things all the time and problem solving. What is on the horizon for your industry? I think there will be plenty of electrical work in the Houston area for years to come. As for me, I want to continue doing lots of electrical work for government and school projects. I love it here in Houston and this is where I plan to stay. Baez Electrical Services provides electrical repairs and installations for commercial, residential and industrial projects. The company is a certified MBE/ SBE and HUB Contractor by the City of Houston. –ab

trained in the old and new news models so they are prepared for all types of scenarios on the job site.” Cannon, who has been with City Electric Service for four years, says one change is in LED lighting. “LED has been around for 15 years, but it really started taking off in the last three to four years,” he says. He says the benefits of working in the electrical supply business include seeing the end result of the electrical materials supplied and seeing people save money on LED lighting and other hightech installations. City Electric Supply is a family-owned electrical wholesale business dedicated to providing service and support for customers in the residential, commercial, and industrial markets since 1983. –cw

Page 20

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Electrical Industry Dealing with challenges in electrical industry John M. Grau, CEO National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Milwaukee, WI

s the voice of the $130 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light, and communication technology to buildings and communities across the U.S., the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is tasked with finding solutions to the problems facing the industry. There are always challenges to address, but we’ve managed to make tremendous progress on several fronts in the past year. I’m optimistic NECA will continue to be a leader moving forward. Two of the biggest issues impacting the industry today are dealing with the shortage of workers at both the craftsperson and management levels and keeping up with technology. NECA has made inroads in both areas. First, we’re addressing the shortage of workers in several ways. Through the jointly sponsored National Labor Management Cooperation Committee (NLMCC), NECA and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, there has been more than $1.75 million committed in the past 16 months to the manpower development effort through job fairs and recruiting events. The Electrical Training ALLIANCE, a joint training program sponsored by NECA and the IBEW, has been ramping up its efforts at the local level in both growing and diversifying its student population. This year alone, NECA employers have brought in more than 8,000 new employees (more than a 30% increase) from outside the construction industry into apprentice and other entry-level programs. NECA and the IBEW contribute almost $180 million annually to deliver training through their local joint apprentice programs. The NECA/IBEW partner-

ship is currently training more than 30,000 apprentices nationwide. NECA is reaching out to two groups in particular: young people and women. By 2019, it is estimated that the projected shortage of skilled workers in the U.S. will number 1.5 million, and part of that gap can be made up by bringing more qualified women and young people into the fold. Women In NECA, also known as WIN, was established in 2009 to provide a collaborative forum for women affiliated with NECA-member companies, chapters and LMCCs. WIN works to make NECA – and the industry as a whole – stronger by advancing women’s goals for professional growth. NECA also supports student chapters at universities that that promote working in electrical contracting, and we regularly host Industry Nights for job seekers as well. Our apprentices – and apprentices across the board – have embraced the technological advances occurring in recent years. We see members starting to adopt many new technologies, such as drones, and experimenting with augmented reality devices, tracking devices and 3D printing. The construction industry is being greatly impacted by augmented reality with real-time visualization of projects, better collaboration and communication, increased safety, greater implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM), and projects being delivered on time and within budget. Augmented reality technology and research is providing exciting solutions to improve overall construction quality and efficiency. Cloud-based document management for improved real-time communication and mobile solutions for punch lists and subcontractor management are being enhanced by augmented reality overlays. Technology in this area is enhancing the world of construction in many ways. As integrating technology into business operations is one our members’ major concerns, we have launched NECA Technology, the Project for Applied and Disruptive Technology, as a new initiative. It explores the world of technology and keeps members informed of what is happening today and what will be launched in the not-too-distant future. It is spearheaded by Joey Shorter, NECA director of research, who has an extensive background in education and experience in translating the work of academics into understandable, practical ideas. NECA remains focused on finding the nation’s top talent for the electrical contracting industry and equipping them with the skills they need to succeed. Technology will always be a part of the equation, and I look forward to opportunities that allow us to expand our reach and continue to grow. Mr. Grau became NECA’s chief staff officer in April 1986. Previously, he was executive vice president of the Milwaukee Chapter, NECA, and served as a field representative associate with the NECA Western Region. –cw

NEXT MONTH Service Providers

Support Your Industry’s Feature Issue

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Page 21

Shooting’s a breeze

he Associated General Contractors (AGC) San Antonio Chapter held its 2016 Fun Shoot and Mixer May 20 at the National Shooting Complex. With 155 shooters participating, Architectural Division 8’s barbecue team cooked grilled sausage wraps for everyone. –mh Winners Best Overall Score: Tricia Kocurek, Gunn Chevrolet, Ltd. (95) Red Course, Class A 1st: Mark Billings, Baker Triangle (94) 2nd: Chip Goode, Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing (93) 3rd: Steve Thode, QMC Service (92)

Best Overall Score

Red Course, Class B 1st: Leonard DeBraska, Alterman (67) 2nd: Andy Brumgard, Robles1 (67) 3rd: Billy McCoy, Capital (67) Yellow Course, Class A 1st: Doug Mercer, Zurich Surety (90) 2nd: Tom Quintero, IBTX Risk Services (88) 3rd: Jody Johnson, Speedway Erection (87)

1st Place – Red Course, Class B

s ear with tors!” Y “20 ealing ntrac o of d ral C ne Ge

Yellow Course, Class B 1st: Michael McCollum, Austin Commercial LP (63) 2nd: Neil Glaser, Patriot Erectors (63) 3rd: Mike Baird, Gunn Chevrolet (63)

Metal Studs Drywall Acoustical Insulation

Photos by Mary C. Haskin Photography

1st Place – Red Course, Class A

1st Place – Yellow Course, Class A

WA L L S ACROSS

9018 Tesoro Suite 101 San Antonio, Texas 78217 (210) 826-4123 Fax (210) 826-5801

Page 22

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Mixing and mingling for the first time

he Black Contractors Association (BCA) hosted its inaugural membership mixer May 19 at the Spire at Sunset Station. With members of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) San Antonio Chapter and representatives from Bexar County and the City of San Antonio attending, Mayor Ivy Taylor was the keynote speaker, also showing her support for the new association. Henry Boone, a superintendent for Turner Construction and chairman of the BCA, says, “I’ve always seen minority contractors trying to grow and improve, and then they stumble and they never have support, but I feel like BCA is going to be that support that these black contractors need to find the direction that they’re looking for and be able to grow their companies and be successful.” –mh

Get Reel

he Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) held its 13th annual Fishing Tournament at Woody’s Sports Center in Port Aransas in May. Roofing contractors and suppliers from across the state attended the event. A captain’s party took place at The Back Porch Bar. Trout Trucking provided fajitas and sausage wraps to participants. –ab

L-R: Mike Kaiman, Turner Construction; Sherrika Arch, Straight Line Management; and Mayor Ivy Taylor

Industry friends catch up at The Back Porch Bar.

L-R: Earl Greenwood and Gloria Penn, Greenwood Construction; and Doug Nunnelly, F.A. Nunnelly Co.

Anisa Ybarra, and her father, Larry Ybarra, Service Shade Shop

L-R: Terrence Cokkow and Anthony Johnson, B&T Dependable Services

Kirk Kistner and Bunmi Collins, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors

First Place Heaviest Stringer: Team Atlas - Al Casteneda, Brad Jones, David Culbreth and Dan Whitford.

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Page 23

Party at the palace

BrassCraft Scholarship Winner Joseph A. Gonzalez

n estimated 375 people joined in the fun at the second annual Summer Shindig Jun. 16 at Bluebonnet Palace in Selma. The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) South Texas Chapter, American Subcontractors Association (ASA) San Antonio Chapter, Mechanical and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (MCA-SMACNA), Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) San Antonio Chapter, Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association (TACCA) Greater San Antonio Chapter, AmeriCRANE and Anderson Machinery Company co-hosted the event. At the event, the first recipient of the Sonny Shirmer Excellence in Construction Memorial Scholarship was announced. The award, given to Juan Palafox, Joeris, is in memory of Shirmer, who worked in the industry for nearly 50 years and was director of field operations for Metropolitan Contracting Company at the time of his passing. ABC also presented three of its apprentices with $500 scholarships from BrassCraft. –mh

BrassCraft Scholarship Winner Louis Menard

L-R: James Coker, Gary Campbell, Richard McCarter, Craig Blanford, Allegiance Crane & Equipment

L-R: Matt Elledge, H&E Equipment Services; Chris Jacobs, Equipment Depot; Alex Heye, Choate USA Sonny Shirmer’s wife, Starr Schirmer, and son, Shane Shirmer, with the plaque commemorating the establishment of a construction scholarship in his memory

L-R: Justin Calvin, SpawGlass; Brittany O’Brien, Cokinos Bosien & Young; Chuck Calvin, SpawGlass

L-R: Sunny Bailey, Vision Construction; Dallas Cloud, Moore Erection; Helen Nelson, Satellite Shelters; Melissa Haefy, Midco Sling

L-R: Gilbert Alvarez, Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing; Tony Pieprzyca, Hart Acoustical & Drywall; Don Quisenberry, Hart Acoustical & Drywall

BrassCraft Scholarship Winner Mike Iturralde

Jon Randolph, Baker Triangle, and Jordon Brown, Quality Fence

Page 24

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Submitted to Construction News

Setting the PACE for the future

continued from Page 1 —Homegrown engineering “I converted one of our bedrooms at the house into an office, and when I was going to hang my shingle out, I didn’t really know what was going to happen,” he recalls. “I just assumed that I’d get enough projects for us to get by, but I’d be driving those projects. When I announced that I was starting my own company, that day I received a project, and the next day I had another. Within four or five weeks, suddenly, I was thinking, ‘I need to hire somebody.’” Having started in March, Barker remembers a day near the end of the year when he was at the breakfast nook talking to an architect with two contractors drinking coffee in the kitchen, his accountant behind him doing the books, an employee in the

office working on a design and two CAD staff working in the dining room. Before 2006 was over, he had to go out and find a space to lease for the business. After three years of renting, Barker and his wife bought a building for the firm on Broadway, which they still own today. With a team of seven, Barker is very comfortable with the size of the firm, allowing him to stay close to the projects and to help train engineers coming into the firm. Barker & Associates is an MEP consulting engineering firm. The firm does a lot of design build work, including Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico as well as the Academic Support Building and Student Activities Center at Fort Sam Houston. –mh

continued from Page 1 — Building the region The graduation ceremony for the 12th graduating class of the Pre-Employment Architectural & Construction Exploration (PACE) Program was held May 12 at the UTSA Downtown Campus in the Sam Riklin Auditorium. With the Builders Exchange of Texas hosting the graduation, along with Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing, 17 students completed the spring PACE program this year. –mh Photo by Mary C. Haskin Photography

architectural woodwork, architectural casework and architectural metals. This includes standing and running trim, cabinets, and metal work in airports, such as stainless steel. Some of ISEC’s projects within the region are Austin-Bergstrom Airport, San Antonio’s Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, and the University of Texas in Austin as well as UTSA’s Health Science Center. Though Hirth had traveled to Texas on jobs for ISEC for years, Texas was new to his family when they came down to the Lone Star State with him two years ago. They live in Fair Oaks Ranch, and his daughter attends Boerne’s Champion

High School. At work, Hirth feels very fortunate for ISEC’s open office culture. He notes that as an employee-owned company, most of the people in the office, including himself, are owners in the company and are invested in seeing the company grow and succeed. He adds that all employees are full-time, including the carpenters in the field, and have the benefits of health insurance and 401K plans. Established in 1967 and headquartered in Denver, ISEC is a specialty subcontractor, providing a wide variety of products and services, including architectural woodwork, ornamental metals and laboratory casework. –mh

continued from Page 1 — Framing a new look with more space

The floral department was just one of the areas of the Olmos Park HEB to benefit from the remodel and expansion.

was a challenge to make sure each pane of glass had a consistent look throughout. Numerous lighting tests had to be done before the fixtures were finally installed.” The glass element presented a great challenge also. The glass consisted of three layers: clear glass, plastic, and acidetched glass on the interior to give it a frosted look. Landry notes that multiple vendors had to back out at the last minute because no one in the U.S. acid etches glass due to EPA regulations. Finally, TBC found a vendor in Italy that acid etched the glass there and shipped it to Tri-Glass in Oklahoma. TriGlass then laminated, fabricated and put it together, and then shipped it to San Antonio. Landry estimates the process took about five months from putting in the order to the glass reaching its final destination. That includes eight to 10 weeks, about half of which was the overseas shipping time, before Tri-Glass received the shipment of acid-etched glass to begin working with it. “HEB construction was closely involved on this project due to the new design and abnormal building materials for an HEB store,” says Landry. He adds that the TBC team worked with Sam

Briggs, one of HEB’s in-house design architects, on the implementation of this new design. “HEB, in my opinion, does a great job of adapting the exterior of each store to the individual neighborhood,” Landry comments. He observes that this design is a little different and stands out. Shane Lawson was the project manager, and Arnold Cavazos was the superintendent. The architect on the project was PB2, and the engineering team included Tatum-Smith Engineering for structural, Energy Squared Engineers for MEP and GPM Engineers for refrigeration. The subcontractors on the job included A-Best Drywall for the drywall and acoustical ceilings, Austin Glass for glass and glazing, DSI Space Frames, Enterprise Fire Protection for the fire sprinklers, JW Brick for masonry, Pinnacle Construction for concrete, A/C Technical for mechanical, Eldridge Electric, Gulf State for plumbing, Arnold Refrigeration and American Roofing. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Portland, TX, outside of Corpus Christi, TBC Commercial established its San Antonio office about five years ago. The branch handles a lot of retail and school projects. –mh

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Page 25

Titans of masonry

he San Antonio Masonry Contractors Association (SAMCA) hosted the Golden Trowel Awards Banquet Jun. 9 at Sunset Station with guest Councilman Alan Warrick, Dist. 2, announcing the winners. –mh

Educational Facility – K-12: Camelot Elementary School Masonry Contractor: Rick Stone Masonry Foreman: Luke Southard Architect: O’Connell Robertson General Contractor: Bartlett Cocke General Contractors Suppliers: Acme Brick/Featherlite, Blackson Brick Southwest, Headwaters Construction Materials, I-10 Building Materials/Stone Source, Pyramid Cast Stone Co.

Patron of Masonry Associate: Alamo Cement

Block: HEB SA#04 Store Masonry Contractor: Ericstad Foreman: Giancarlo P. Manzaba Architect: Selser Schaefer Architects General Contractor: Joeris General Contractors Suppliers: Acme Brick/Featherlite, Headwaters Construction Materials, Tailored Foam

Industrial/Commercial: Hotel Emma Masonry Contractor: Curtis Hunt Restorations Foreman: Dionicio Neaves Architect: Three Living Architecture General Contractor: Harvey Cleary Builders Suppliers: Acme Brick/Featherlite, I-10 Building Materials/Stone Source

Patron of Masonry General Contractor: Joeris

Patron of Masonry Architect: Garza/Bomberger & Associates

Restoration: Bexar County Courthouse Restoration/ Renovation Masonry Contractor: Ericstad Foreman: Thomas A. Saldutto Architect: Alamo Architects General Contractor: Joeris General Contractors Supplier: I-10 Building Materials/Stone Source

Government/Institution: Airmen Training Complex #4 Dormitory Masonry Contractor: DJM Masonry Enterprises Foreman: Richard Broom Architect: Corps of Engineers General Contractor: SpawGlass Contractors Suppliers: Acme Brick/Featherlite, San Antonio Masonry & Tool Supply, Spec Mix/Quikrete

Residential (Single-Family): Loflin Residence Masonry Contractor: Tarrillion Masonry Foreman: Nick Lambrecht Architect: ADesign by Gustavo Arredondo General Contractor: Burdick and Frank Suppliers: Brooks Stone Ranch, I-10 Building Materials/Stone Source

Submitted to Construction News

Welcoming interns

More than 30 summer interns, who work in the industry and came from schools around the country, gathered at the Associated General Contractors (AGC) San Antonio Chapter office for the Summer Intern Mixer where they had the chance to network and learn about long-term careers in San Antonio. The Construction Leadership Forum (CLF) was to coordinate follow up events, including a softball tournament and community service day at the San Antonio Food Bank. –mh

Hardscape/Landscape: Hemisfair Yanaguana Gardens Masonry Contractor: Ericstad Foreman: Thomas A. Saldutto Architect: MIG General Contractor: Joeris General Contractors Suppliers: I-10 Building Materials/Stone Source, Headwaters Construction Materials

Page 26

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

The poles are in!

Making waves

ire protection contractors from across the state played golf and went fishing at the Skins & Fins Tournament held at South Shore Harbour Resort in League City in Jun. 9-12. Folks also attended continued education classes, a table top vendor show, a buffet-style dinner and a pool party. The Fire Sprinklers Contractors Association of Texas (FSCATX) hosted the event. –ab

Impact Fire Services

The table top vendor show

he American Subcontractors Association (ASA) San Antonio Chapter rocked Rockport with its annual Fishing Tournament Jun. 3-4. With dinner the night before and immediately following the bay fishing tournament, the event drew 34 teams to compete in amateur and pro divisions. –mh Winners Guided Heavy Stringer 1st: Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing (17.71 lbs.) 2nd: Ridout Barrett (16.71 lbs.) 3rd: Coats Rose (12.64 lbs.) Heavy Trout 1st: Structure Tone Team 2 (27 1/4”) 2nd: Robles1 Demolition (25 1/2”) 3rd: Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing (24 7/8”) Heavy Redfish 1st: Ridout Barrett (25 3/4”) 2nd: Cokinos Bosien & Young Team 1 (24 3/8”) 3rd: Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing (23 1/8”) Heavy Flounder 1st: Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing (15”) Money Pot 20” Flounder: Ridout Barrett 24” Redfish: Langley & Banack 20” Trout: Robles1 Demolition Non-Guided Heavy Stringer 1st: Team “Wright Meow” (14.91 lbs.) 2nd: Howell Crane Team 2 (12.12 lbs.) 3rd: Freund Enterprises (11.78 lbs.)

Heavy Trout 1st: Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers (20 1/8”) 2nd: Team “Wright Meow” (20”) 3rd: Quality Fence & Welding (18 1/4”) Heavy Redfish 1st: ESC Safety Consultants & Midco Sling (28”) 2nd: Team “Wright Meow” 3rd: M&M Metals (24”) Heavy Flounder 1st: Michelle Davis (17 1/8”) Redfish with the Most Spots: ESC Safety Consultants & Midco Sling Money Pot 20” Flounder: Freund Enterprises 24” Redfish: M&M Metals 20” Trout: Team “Wright Meow”

1st Place Flounder and 1st Place Stringer (Guided)

Carol McCain won the Champion of the Industry Achievement Award

1st Place Stringer and Money Pot 20” Trout (Non-Guided)

1st Place Trout (Guided)

1st Place Flounder (Non-Guided)

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Page 27

Going by the book

he Blue Book hosted its Who’s Who Central Texas Showcase & Seminar Jun. 2 at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos. With 91 exhibitors at the expo and 863 event attendees, construction industry members and companies were represented from the San Antonio and Austin areas. –mh

Hispanic Contractors Association (HCA)

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)

Superior Contracting Services

Central Builders Inc.

Modern Day Concrete

Capco General Contracting

LumberLink

Harrison Walker & Harper

Robinson General Contractors

Drash Contracting Company

National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)

JAG Public Safety

Byrne Construction Services

Wurzel Builders

Grapevine Concrete Contractors

Retail Builders Group

Journeyman Construction

Structura

Structure Tone Southwest

Page 28

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Round-Up Cude Engineers announced the following: Coy D. Armstrong, PE, has joined the firm announced as vice president. With more than 21 years of experience in civil engineering, he will further develop the firm’s portfolio of commercial, residential, municipal, ind-ustrial, and education development. He earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University. Dena L. LeBlanc has joined the firm as a marketing manager. With 20 years of marketing experience, She will be responsible for conceiving and executing marketing strategies and tactics that drive growth. Before joining the firm, she worked for a variety of advertising agencies. Thirteen years ago, she switched to the corporate side and oversaw the marketing for Insperity. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from UTSA. Casey O’Neil has joined the firm as vice president of business development. With more than 16 years of experience in real estate and sales, Casey will be responsible for developing new clients and sourcing new projects for our multiple markets. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration in real estate from Baylor University. Brandon Eastep has joined Sundt Construction as a field superintendent II. With 12 years of construction experience, one of his first duties will be the project management plan for VIA Metropolitan Transit’s 400-space Stone Oak Park & Ride. He has worked with specialty and selfperforming general contractors handling commercial, healthcare, multi-family and industrial projects across Texas and Louisiana.

Submissions This is a section for brief company announcements of new or recently promoted personnel, free of charge as space allows. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Email with “Round-Up” in the subject line (w/digital photo, if available) by the 15th of any month, for the next month’s issue to: SAeditor@constructionnews.net

Jason Reed has been promoted to construction administration director at O’Connell Robertson. With more than 18 years experience, including six years with the firm, he has worked on the expansion of Bobcat Stadium for Texas State University and comprehensive renovations to San Antonio College’s Moody Learning Center. He earned his bachelor’s degree in construction management from the University of Oklahoma.

Project Control announced the following: Anthony Calabrese has been promoted to senior project manager. Since joining the firm in 2007, he has worked private projects including the Tesoro Headquarters and Frost Bank Westover Hills campuses. Prior to joining the firm, he was enlisted for six years as a U.S. Navy Seabee, serving three tours in Iraq and providing emergency relief services to the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina. He holds an MBA and MPA, and is a certified Project Management Professional and LEED AP. Jim Michel has been promoted to senior project manager. With more than 30 years of experience before joining the firm, he is currently working on the Witte Museum project. His previous work includes projects with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Jim also established and operated a construction company for 10 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Building Construction from Texas A&M University and an MBA from UTSA.

Rebecca “Beki” Webster has joined HOLT CAT as its new vice president of human resources. With more than 20 years of experience in human resource management and leadership, Webster will have executive oversight of all human resource operations and will assume responsibility of the company’s security and safety departments. A native of San Antonio, she recently relocated to South Texas after 20 years working at Northrup Grumman, a leading global aerospace and defense technology firm.

Association Calendar

Content submitted by Associations to Construction News ABC Associated Builders & Contractors

Events are held at the ABC office unless otherwise stated. Jul. 4: Office closed Jul. 6-8: Safety Standards for Scaffolding Course Jul. 18-21: Cranes in Construction Course For more info on these courses, email Chris Preetorius at chris@abcsouthtexas. org

AGC Associated General Contractors

Events are held at the AGC office unless otherwise stated. Jul. 5: STP Unit 1: Leadership and Motivation, Class 2; 1-5:30pm Jul. 6-7: OSHA 10-Hour, 8:30am Jul. 12: STP Unit 1: Leadership and Motivation, Class 3; 1-5:30pm Jul. 13: Brown Bag Lunch: Cyber Liability Insurance; noon Jul. 16: CLF Night at the Missions, Wolff Stadium, 7pm Jul. 19: STP Unit 1: Leadership and Motivation, Class 4; 1-5:30pm Jul. 26: STP Unit 1: Leadership and Motivation, Class 5; 1-5:30pm

AIA American Institute of Architects

Jul. 22: Healthcare Knowledge Community meeting; Center for Architecture, 1344 S. Flores St.; topic is The Use of Virtual Reality in Healthcare; 9-10:30am, for more info, email Carlosmoreno@thw.com Jul. 25: Chapter meeting; Luby’s Fiesta Room, 911 N. Main Ave.; noon-1pm; topic is Housing in San Antonio: The Missing Middle with speaker Chris Lazaro, San Antonio Department of Planning & Community; no RSVP required; $20/members, $25/guests, $15/interns and associates For more info on these events, visit www. aiasa.org

CMAA Construction Mgmt. Assn. of America

Jul. 21: Monthly meeting; Ferguson’s Showroom, 303 North Park Drive; 7:309am; Lt. Gen. (retired) N. Tom Jones, interim aviation director, updates on San Antonio International Airport Capital Improvements Program; members $25, $30 after 7pm on Jul. 19, guests $30, $35 after 7pm on Jul. 19; to register, visit sctxcmaa. org/meetinginfo.php?id=14t&s=1457053495

ECAT

Earthmoving Contractors of Tx.

Jul. 15-16: 58th Annual Membership meeting; The Hilton Garden, Duncanville; event will include annual skeet and trap shoot contest, Cummins Diesel Engine Plant tour, summary of past and next state legislative session coming in January, the ECAT-BITCO Safety Insurance Program, and the annual meeting awards and banquet; 2nd quarter board meeting will be on Jul. 16 in the Cedar Hill meeting room, open to all members, and anyone having business with the board should contact the office to get on the agenda; for more info, visit www.earthmovingcontractors.com; late registration can be submitted by phone to the ECAT office by Jul. 8; to register, call 830-629-1620

For more info on these events, visit hcadesa.org, email admin@hcadesa.org, or call 210-444-1100

IEC Independent Electrical Contractors

Events are held at the IEC office unless otherwise stated. Jul. 4: Independence Day, IEC office closed Jul. 12-15: Executive Director Conference, Memphis, TN Jul. 18: Continuing Education Class, 5-9pm Jul. 23: Electrical Maintenance Technician Class, 8am-5pm Jul. 26: Journeyman/Master Prep Class, 5:30-9:30pm, class 1 of 6 Aug. 2: Journeyman/Master Prep Class, 5:30-9:30pm, class 2 of 6 For more info on these events, call 210431-9861 or visit www.iecsanantonio.com

MCA–SMACNA Mechanical Contractors Association Sheet Metal & A/C Nat’l Assn.

Jul. 6: Regular & Associates meeting, Oak Hills Country Club, 11:30am Jul. 13: Joint Labor/Management meeting, MCA-SMACNA office, 11am Jul. 20: Joint Industry Fund meeting, Oak Hills Country Club, 11:30am Jul. 20-24: MCA Texas Annual Conference & Products Show, La Torretta Resort & Spa

NAWIC Nat’l Assn. of Women in Construction

Jul. 6: General meeting; Petroleum Club; 6pm; motivational speaker is Melissa Buck, MA, PHR, “Fuel Your Humans: How to Drive Performance through Recognition”

PHCC Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors

Jul. 14: Employer Initiatives & Business Engagements; The Petroleum Club; 11am; speaker is TWC Jul. 15: 2016/2017 Plumbing Apprentice DOL program applications due Jul. 23, 30: Plumber’s Continuing Education For more info on these events or to RSVP, call 210-824-7422 or visit www.phcc-sanantonio.org

RCAT Roofing Contractors Assn. of Tx.

Jul. 20-22: Quarterly Membership meeting/Licensing Boot Camp, Exams; Hotel Indigo, 325 N. Kansas St., El Paso; licensing boot camp, Border Chapter networking event, educational seminars and RCAT licensing exams; to reserve, call 915-532-5200; for more info, visit www. rooftex.com

SAMCA San Antonio Masonry Contractors Assn.

Jul. 8-9: Annual Fishing Tournament; Redfish Bay Boathouse, Aransas Pass; $300 per boat with 4 anglers Jul. 27: Membership meeting; Pappadeaux Restaurant, 76 NE Loop 410; noon; $30 per person For more info on these events, contact Debbie at 830-606-5556

GSABA

SDA

Greater San Antonio Builders Assn.

Society for Design Administration

Jul. 16: A Night at the Summit Awards, The Omni at the Colonnade, 9821 Colonnade Blvd.; 6pm

Jul. 16: Annual Saturday Brunch; 10amnoon; Candlelight Coffee House, 3011 N. St Mary’s St.; for more info, email angelica@tejaspremierbc.com

HCA de San Antonio Hispanic Contractors Association

TSPS

Jul. 22: Annual Gala, “Excellence & Diversity Awards: A Night in Old Havana,” San Fernando Hall, 6pm Jul. 31: Application deadline for education scholarships available to members and/or their families

Texas Society of Professional Surveyors

Jul. 16: “Hook, Line & Surveyor” Scholarship Fishing Tournament, Redfish Boat House, Aransas Pass

San Antonio Construction News â&#x20AC;˘ July 2016

Page 29

Sun shines on NE 410

L-R: Daryl Real, Big State Electric; Scott Snyder and Chris Moore, Sunstate; John Miller, Big State Electric

ollowing its recent move, the new location for Sunstate Equipment Co., 6035 NE Loop 410, hosted an Open House & BBQ Jun. 16 at the new facility. The rental equipment company, which has been in San Antonio since 1998, welcomed more than 300 customers and contractors to the new 1.6-acre location. Door prizL-R: John Rankin, Sunstate; Richard Gonzales, Rick Diaz es and giveaways included Deleon, Mike Southard and Josef Heinz, FSG Electric; Jeff Van custom Sunstate Yeti coolMarter and Mark Laplante, Sunstate ers, shirts and caps. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;mh

John Keverline, Multiquip, and Ashley Bratton, Genie Industries

L-R: Eric Gomez, Plant Interscapes; Cesar Guajardo, Seasonal Scapes; Yolanda Barrera, Betty Weisson, Paul Bradley and Caroline Puller, Plant Interscapes

Page 30

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Construction News JOB SIGHT

Painting the day away

Doing work under MEMCO, Vincent Acosta, Acosta Drywall & Paint, cuts in and preps another wall in the offices of Builders Exchange Education Council on Naco-Perrin. –sj

Construction News ON LOCATION

Cold business, warm smiles

L-R: Javier Aguilera has been at the San Antonio branch of Barsco for two years, and Alex Ibarra has been at the location for six years, doing air conditioning and refrigeration supply, focusing mainly on refrigeration. –mh

Construction News ON LOCATION

RDO ready to go

The team at RDO Equipment was ready for the summer rush to hit. The Schertz location has an inventory heavy on John Deere equipment and is headed up by general manager, Shane Brownlow (left). –mh

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

ith state, county and local dignitaries in attendance, HOLT CAT hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Jun. 14 for a new state-of-the-art headquarters building at its San Antonio campus. The expansion represents more than a $20 million property investment. Dave Harris, HOLT president and COO; Peter J. Holt, HOLT executive vice president and general manager; and San Antonio’s Mayor Ivy Taylor were among the speakers who addressed more than 200 attendees at the groundbreaking. The three-story, 84,000-sf building will include integrated technology, traditional offices and multi-functional conference facilities. RVK Architects designed the new headquarters, and Joeris General Contractors is the GC for the project. The new building will also feature a large lunchroom with a fresh food vending area and a connected outdoor patio, and an employee fitness center with full locker rooms and shower facilities. Ex-

Page 31

Investing in the future pected to open in the third quarter of 2017, once completed, the new headquarters building will consolidate administrative and corporate functions. With 39 locations across North, Northeast, Central and South Texas and more than 2,300 employees, the San Antonio campus is home to more than 700 of the company’s employees. While the heavy equipment and Caterpillar dealer has a presence statewide, HOLT is based in San Antonio. “The HOLT organization has been part of San Antonio since 1933, and this groundbreaking ceremony was in celebration of the last 83 years,” says Joe Carreon, corporate marketing manager for HOLT CAT. “Our investment in this new facility marks the company’s commitment to the community and to the southeast side of San Antonio. We are very excited about this new facility, as it will include state-of-the-art amenities to accommodate the needs of our employees and our customers.”–mh

Photo by Steve Huedepohl Among HOLT’s leadership and members of the local government present for a significant moment in HOLT CAT history were L-R: Dave Harris, president and COO, HOLT CAT; Tommy Calvert, Bexar County Commissioner; San Antonio Councilwoman Rebecca Villagran, Dist. 3; Hazel Holt, Peter’s older daughter; Peter J. Holt, executive vice president and general manager, HOLT CAT; Penny Holt, Peter’s younger daughter; Lauren Kate Holt; San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor; Judge Nelson Wolff; Holt Richter, Corinna’s son; Corinna Holt Richter, executive vice president and chief administrative officer; J.B. Richter

Peter J. Holt, executive vice president and general manager

Photo by Steve Huedepohl Mayor Ivy Taylor addresses the crowd before the groundbreaking at HOLT CAT headquarters on South W.W. White Road.

Dave Harris, president and COO

One of HOLT CAT’s own pieces of equipment performed the ceremonial groundbreaking for the new headquarters building.

Page 32

San Antonio Construction News • July 2016

Lights are bright on casino night

ach year, Alterman Inc. hosts a summer party to celebrate and show appreciation for its employees, and this year’s big event was Casino Night Jun. 4 at Alzafar Shrine. A vast majority of the electrical contractor’s employees attended with an estimated 425 employees out of the company’s approximate total of 520 turning out for a Saturday evening of fun, dinner, entertainment, and of course, gaming. There were also photo booths, slot ma-

chines, and a chocolate fountain. The tables weren’t the only way to win big that night. Every half hour, Alterman raffled off door prizes, such as Yeti coolers, fishing gear, plenty of tools, gift cards, and even a couple of TVs, to about six employees each time. Four lucky winners received one of the grand prizes – or they could pick a cash envelope as a fun option. –mh Photos by Mary C. Haskin Photography

Denis St. Pierre presented four lucky employees with grand prizes. L-R: (top) Charles Jones won one week of paid time off, Isidoro Riojas won a family fun 4-pack season pass to the local amusement park of his choice (Schlitterbahn, Seaworld, Fiesta Texas or Morgan’s Wonderland), (bottom) this winner got a Casino Night-themed trip for two to Las Vegas, and this winner took home a Samsung Curved UHD TV.

Alterman’s Casino Night was a huge hit with its employees and guests, and prize giveaways were an added bonus.

Members of Alterman’s IT and Wastewater departments tried their luck at the craps table. L-R: Jeff Chunn, Nelson Froboese, Kennon Thomas, Wade and Shannon Hofstetter, and Jake Blount

L-R: Luis Leon, Paul Ford and Carlos Sanchez put their chips on the table, trying to beat the odds at roulette.

L-R: Pamela Hollen and Wendy Collins greeted partygoers as they arrived.