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Volume 13
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Number 10
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OCTOBER 2016
Cheers for 10 years
Rock stars
The BELCO team is active in the community.
L-R: Trevor Caka and Teri Mueller attend the Build Expo.
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hree brothers, Marco, Alfredo and Raul Blanco and their sister Dulce formed Blanco Electric Ltd. Co. (BELCO) in 2006. According to President Marco Blanco, in the beginning his sister Dulce answered phones, Alfredo and Raul did all the field work and he handled the estimating and project management. “The early days at the company were scary but also very exciting,” Blanco said. “My brothers and I had been planning for almost two years to open our own shop. “We had no formal business schooling but we had a ton of hustle and drive. We did our best to create a business plan and stick to it.” The Blanco’s quickly grew their busi-
ness and before they knew it their entire family began working at the company. They hired their brother Leo, father Marco Sr., sister Malissa and cousins and uncles. In 2009, they added their brother Joseph as a partner. Today BELCO employs more than 50 people To celebrate 10 years in business, the Blanco family held a Mardi Gras themed crawfish boil party. “One of the memorable moments of the night was right before cutting the special 10-year anniversary cake,” Blanco said. “My brothers and I stood in front of the cake each of us holding a bottle of champagne. We gave a special toast
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fter gaining experience in the masonry business, owner Jason Mueller opened Houston-based Hill Country Rock three and half years ago. His wife Teri helps him at the company today. “I became interested in the stone business after I bid on a hospital project and noticed our bidding was not competitive,” he said. “After digging in and learning about what was going on, we found out we were going up against another company that was cutting their own stone. “Teri and I decided we could do that too. So, we purchased some saws and our production picked up tremendously. We ended up building our own saws. This
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year we added our fourth saw and our sales have gone up.” Mueller says Hill Country Rock buys raw material from 30 different quarries in three states. “We bring in the material on trucks and send it through our sawing facility where we cut the face of the stone off about an inch or an inch and a quarter thick,” he said. “Next we palletize it and send it out to our customers.” Mueller says he and Teri spend time working at the office, tend to business at the rock yard and talk to builders on a daily basis. Trevor Caka, sales representative, is in charge of selling to new customers and continued on Page 18
School bell rings
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randt Constructors & Facility Services has completed the Good Shepherd Episcopal School remodel project in Kingwood. Project manager/superintendent Joseph Gaudiano says the project took three months from start to completion. “The original building was built in the ‘80s where many code requirements have changed that are required today,” Gaudiano said. “The main challenge was not only to renovate a school cosmetically, but to modify the infrastructure to meet current codes coupled with a compressed schedule.“ According to Gaudiano, the primary construction materials used were typical aluminum frames, P-lam doors, acoustical grid and ceiling, custom millwork and flooring. Each classroom was very millwork heavy and was equivalent to building a kitchen in each room requiring extensive
Good Shepherd Episcopal School classroom
plumbing, electrical and mechanical modifications, he said. Gaudiano says the architect, Inven-
ture Design, did a great job on the overall design and meeting the owner’s request, generating plans and competing
the permitting process in a short time frame. A few challenges the construction team met and overcame during the project were procuring construction materials with long lead times avoiding potential delays and finding issues with the building that required them to modify and develop a new approach on how they moved forward with construction. Gaudiano says the Good Shepherd team – Paul Brinsden, Jan Lopez and Heather Dumais were not only a pleasure to work with but worked tirelessly processing ideas and designs which made this project a success aesthetically and functionality. “Working with an owner and architect who understands and communicates the core necessities of an educational transformation like this takes commitment from all involved for the end result continued on Page 18
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Houston Construction News • Oct 2016
Construction News JOB SIGHT
Construction News JOB SIGHT
Glazing the way
Renovation station
L-R: Jorge Lopez, Edgar Lopez, Mitch Gilbert and Polo Medrano, American Glazing Services, work at the Second Baptist Church at Woodway and Voss. –ab
Submitted to Construction News
They’ve got spirit …
Rolando Sepulveda, Marek, works on the metal framing at the George R. Brown Convention Center renovation project. –ab
Construction News ON LOCATION
Finding focus
Yes, they do! At the beginning of September, Brandt celebrated college football with College Colors Day. Employees are encouraged to wear their favorite team’s colors to work. At Brandt’s Houston office, colleges from across the country were represented. –mjm
Tommie Porter, Adobe Equipment, repairs a forklift at KRIS-CON in Houston. –ab
Construction News JOB SIGHT
Know the drill
Juan Loredo, T-Star Sawing & Drilling LLC, breaks up concrete at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Houston. –ab
Submitted to Construction News
Santa’s helpers
Susan Huff, Rigid Global Buildings, says this summer her granddaughters, L-R: Lilabeth, Lainey and Brooklyn helped her put together gift bags to give to children in need around Christmas time. The gift bags will go to elementary schools in Klein ISD. –ab
Houston Construction News • Oct 2016
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Opportunities ahead
Here to stay
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he Texas Wood Solutions Fair took place at the George R. Brown Convention Center Sep. 14. WoodWorks – Wood Products Council hosted the event. Architects, engineers, developers and code officials attended the seminars and a trade exposition. Exhibits featured structural and finishing products. Seminar topics were about the use of wood in non-residential and multi-family buildings. Attendees had the chance to earn six AIA/CES LUs (HSW) or PDH credits. –ab
WoodWorks – Wood Products Council
Dion Bibbs arrives to work early at ValsparPRO Solutions. MiTek Builder Products
Roy O. Martin
D-Blaze
Roseburg
our customers directly at both residential and commercial jobsites,” he said. “In addition, we also help walk-in customers, such as painting contractors, during the day.” When Valspar employees aren’t working they like watching sports and going fishing. Bibbs says he is a New England Patriots and San Antonio Spurs fan. He has enjoyed attending a few games in person over the years. “One of our sales representatives, Jose, is a farmer on the side,” Bibbs said. “He likes to spend his free time working around a ranch.” Gibbs says the company plans to stay in the Stafford area in the future. “We look forward to providing great customer service for years to come,” Gibbs said. ValsparPRO Solutions sells paint to painters, property managers, homebuilders and architects. –ab
Simpson Strong-Tie
Industry FOLKS
Clarification The story on the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Annual Meeting and Education Conference in the September issues of Construction News stated that Dede Hughes will be retiring from her position as NAWIC’s national executive vice president on Dec. 31. The statement should have specified that this will be happening on Dec. 31, 2017. –mh
Frank Gonzales Helper American Marble Mosaic Co. Inc. Morton Building Inc.
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StructureCraft
Houston
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fter operating at W. Airport Blvd. for more than two years, ValsparPRO Solutions moved to its current Stafford location in March. Managers are Dion Bibbs, Martin Johansson, David Stanley and David Rodriguez. The sales representatives include Jose Marvin, Ruben Martinez, Sylvester Ramiro and Ed Rios. “We moved because we needed to cut down on space,” Bibbs said. “We did want to stay in the Stafford area because we have customers in both Houston and Stafford areas.” The company recently held a pro sale event to offer customers discounts prices on paint and other supplies. The event is usually held in the middle of the year. Bibbs says ValsparPRO Solutions has a fully equipped mobile paint truck that goes to local jobsites. “We are able to distribute paint for
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rank Gonzales has worked as a helper at American Marble Mosaic Co. Inc. for 18 years. “When I first joined the company, I worked as a finisher and also did some grouting,” Gonzales said. “I worked wherever I was needed and I still do today. “My job is great because I can go to different projects around Houston. I love doing this type of work. I am proud to have worked at the company for so long.” Gonzales says most of the time he works inside buildings but sometimes he works outside too. “My advice for a high school student looking for a job is to stay in school,” he said. “If you really want to do this type of work, go for it. Somebody has to do it!” Originally from Houston, Gonzales began working in the restaurant industry as a teenager. “I cooked at a restaurant before I decided I wanted to work in the construction industry,” he said. When he isn’t working, Gonzales spends time with his four children, ages 26, 25, 22 and 19. His oldest daughter is in the military and his oldest son works in con-
struction. His youngest daughter works at General Supply and his youngest son also works as a helper at American Marble Mosaic. “I love to cook chicken or beef fajitas at home after work and on the weekends,” he said. “When I get free time, I go fishing in Kemah and Galveston. I have caught lots of redfish over the years. “I think Houston is a great place to live and work. My family and I are Houston Texans football fans.” The last place Gonzales traveled to was San Antonio for work at a hotel project near the River Walk. He enjoyed having lunch near the River Walk while he was there. Gonzales says he always looks forward to the annual company Christmas party. “The company usually has a picnic at the shop around the holidays,” he said. “We also get to have a day off to spend time with our families. It is nice!” Looking ahead, Gonzales says he plans to stay at the company for as long as he can. –ab
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Houston Construction News • Oct 2016
John Abercrombie Owner, Pirtek Service & Supply Center Gulfgate
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ohn Abercrombie and his family came to Houston from Sydney, Australia. Today, Abercrombie and his wife operate Pirtek Service & Supply Center Gulfgate location (Pirtek Gulfgate). Abercrombie says Pirtek Gulfgate has had a great year so far in 2016. The company went from having three service vans to five and also added four more employees. “It is nice to have the opportunity to give people jobs,” he said. “We are currently expanding our customer base. We are doing a lot of work for construction companies and equipment rental facilities.” Meeting new people in the Houston area every day is enjoyable for Abercrombie. “Southern hospitality definitely exists!” he said. Pirtek Gulfgate provides hydraulic and industrial hose replacement sales and services, fittings and accessories. Where were you born, John? I was born in Stoke-On-Trent, England and I moved to Australia with my family when I was 8.
Wollongong. I studied Commerce Management during college. What did your father do for a living? My father worked in the mining industry. He had a hydraulic mining operation outside of Sydney and was also a Pirtek end user. What did you do after you graduated college? I worked at the family business with my dad. I did that until I opened Pirtek Gulfgate. I wanted 100 percent ownership of something and wanted to come to the United States. I flew to the company’s USA headquarters in Rockledge, FL and went through training before Alison and I opened the business. Why do you enjoy living and working near the Texas Gulf Coast? This region is a major economic engine with its port, manufacturing and construction industries. In a port city like Houston, there’s plenty of opportunity. Where there’s industrial equipment, particularly hydraulics, there are hoses. Over time, the stress takes its toll. When hoses blow or require replacement because of age, that’s when they call us. The people here are fantastic. The community has really embraced us and we appreciate it. My family and I enjoy living in the Clear Lake area because we are close to the water and the people are warm, genuine and friendly. Texas and Australia have many similarities. In Texas the summers are hotter and longer and in Australia the winters are milder but longer. The summer heat here in the Houston area has been something to get used to. It helps that my wife and I love the warm weather.
Did you play any sports during that time? I played soccer, which is a big sport in the United Kingdom. I also participated in Boy Scouts when I was a teenager.
How long have you and Alison been married? Alison and I have been married for 23 years. Alison coordinates the office and administrative duties, while I am the general manager and I take on sales responsibilities. It’s a good division of labor. Each of us has our own set of strengths we bring to the business. We work very well together each day as a team. It is a lot of fun!
What was your very first job? I worked at a gas station near my family’s home after school and on the weekends. My job was to fill up cars with gas.
Where did you and Alison meet for the first time? We met at a basketball game in Australia. We have enjoyed watching basketball games together ever since.
Where did you attend school? I attended high school in Australia and graduated from the University of
Do you and Alison have any children? Our oldest son Thomas, 18, is finishing his last year of Australian high school
What was it like living in Stoke-OnTrent as a child? I remember it snowed quite a bit in England and there was lots of cold weather each winter. I especially remember it would get dark at 4pm.
John and Alison Abercrombie have been married for 23 years.
online and he helps out at the company where he can. Our youngest son Riley, 16, plays basketball at Clear Lake High School. He is getting some interest from Division 1 colleges at the moment. It is very exciting for him. What are a few hobbies you have outside of work? I used to play basketball but it has been so busy I haven’t played in a while. Nowadays my wife and I watch our son play basketball. We drive him back and forth to training and that takes up a lot of time. We are more than happy to do it. It is a full time job. Alison and I also like walking as much as possible. Our son trains at Fonde Recreation Center near downtown Houston. When we are there we end up walking along the Buffalo Bayou. It is a beautiful place right in the middle of the city. We also have a great time walking in the Clear Lake area. We have walked alongside the water in Clear Lake quite a few times but we haven’t ventured out into the water yet. We recently had fun going to Big Texas Dance Hall and Saloon in Spring and Buck Wild Country Dance Hall in Clear Lake. We love grilling dinner and spending time in our backyard and relaxing at the pool after work and on the weekends. Do you and your wife like to travel? Alison and I love to travel whenever we get the chance. It is nice we can be in Los Angeles or New York in a couple of hours. We have traveled often this year for Riley’s basketball. We have been to the Carolinas, Las Vegas and Dallas. It is nice to see the country. The United States is so diverse from state to state.
We love to meet new people on our travels. What advice would you give a young person who wants to work in your industry? I think it is all about customer service. Your reputation is everything. If you are always honest in your dealings, people will respect that and you can build long-term successful relationships with your customers. Did you have a mentor in your industry? Back in Australia at the family business we used to work with a local Pirtek. I spoke to the owner several times before I made the decision to move to the United States. He gave me some very good advice. Here in the United States, there have been quite a few people at the Pirtek USA corporate office that have helped and offered advice along the way. They have given me advice on ways to improve the business. Why do you enjoy what you do today? I get to interact with a variety of customers. Construction sites can be shut down if the equipment stops running. It is rewarding to be able to get to the construction site in a hurry and get the equipment up and running again. It is a great feeling that people are dependent upon us to do our job well and quickly. When it all comes together and works well it is a great thing. What are your plans for the future? We would love to open up another Pirtek location in the Houston area in the future. My oldest son plans to work full time at the business when he finishes school. Things are all going in the right direction. We are encouraged! –ab
Construction News ON LOCATION
All about stone
L-R: Thomas, John and Alison Abercrombie
Sales representative Blanca Reyes, City Stone, spends time in the office before she goes to the yard to show a customer a selection of natural stone slabs. –ab
Houston Construction News • Oct 2016
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Houston Construction News • Oct 2016
Buying, leasing and renting … oh my! Strategic thinking for construction equipment acquisitions Michael Kuchar, CPA, CCIFP, Construction Group Shareholder Doeren Mayhew Houston, TX
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ome construction companies buy and maintain large fleets of equipment. Others choose to lease these assets and, in some cases, purchase select pieces at the end of the arrangement. Still others opt to rent what they need, for only as long as they need it. Making the right call among all of these approaches can seem overwhelming. Every contractor would love to have a diverse fleet of equipment ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. But few, if any, want to deal with the potential financial repercussions. Buying: For daily use It usually makes sense to buy equipment that you expect to use daily or almost daily. If you’re using an asset at or near its full capacity, generally buying and maintaining it will pay off. For starters, you’ll have the piece ready to go at a moment’s notice and, assuming proper maintenance, be able to extract maximum life-cycle value from it. Ownership also allows you to, where permissible, claim tax deductions for related depreciation, insurance, interest and repair expenses. On the other hand, coming up with large down payments can be a financial strain. In addition, investing heavily in equipment ties up capital you might better use in other ways. Consider, too: • The space you need to store purchased equipment • How you will transport the asset to and from jobsites • Which resources you need to use in repairing and maintaining the piece As alluded to above, life cycle is everything. Many of today’s construction assets are evolving just as rapidly as the technology used to track and run it. So look carefully into whether you’ll be able to fully use a piece of equipment before it’s outmoded. Renting: The flexible option Renting offers the most flexibility, allowing you to pay for only the equipment you need for a limited period. This option often benefits smaller companies — especially subcontractors — lacking the resources to maintain a fleet of equipment. Of course, that doesn’t mean renting can’t benefit larger construction businesses under the right circumstances. Choosing to rent a piece of equipment means no big down payment, and less money spent on the overall arrangement than with a lease. Plus, rental payments are generally considered
a tax-deductible operating expense, which simplifies accounting. Renting also frees you from responsibility for maintenance and repairs. And because most rental companies regularly update their inventories, you’ll generally have access to new (or newer) assets. Naturally, there are downsides. You’ll be at the mercy of rental inventories and, in some cases, renting could increase your overall expenses (compared with leasing and owning), because rental companies often build higher costs into their payment terms. Leasing: hedging your bets Leasing equipment offers some of the benefits of ownership while mitigating certain downsides. An equipment lease is essentially a loan arrangement in which the lender owns the equipment and leases it to a contractor at a flat monthly rate for a specified term. At the end of that term, the lessee can opt to buy the equipment, return it or lease new assets. Just as some drivers prefer to lease vehicles to stay up-to-date and reduce their maintenance costs, many contractors see the same advantages in leasing equipment. With leased assets, you can avoid making large down payments and reserve capital for other purposes. You’ll typically pay a higher interest rate, though. Leases are usually set up so payments are made with operating funds rather than capital accounts and, therefore, are deductible as an operating expense. But if a lease includes certain options (such as a bargain lease option) it may be defined as a capital lease and, therefore, need to be put on the books. The right mix of construction equipment acquisitions As mentioned, large construction companies may be able to own their own fleets. But, for small- to mid-sized businesses, some combination of owned, leased and rented equipment will likely make the most sense. Keep in mind, recent changes in accounting rules will affect the way leases are handled and defined in your financial statements. A top 100 U.S. firm, Doeren Mayhew’s CPAs and business advisors serve more than 500 suppliers and general and specialty contractors doing business domestically and abroad. For more information, visit www.doeren.com.
The Healthcare billing experience Kristen Harder, Account Executive Catto & Catto LLP San Antonio, TX
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magine you are at HEB shopping for your weekly meals. You begin shopping and all of a sudden other people start placing items in your basket that you did not know you needed, nor did you budget for. Then you get up to the cashier and they gather some money from you and then tell you, “We will bill you for the remaining balance. ” Three months later you get a bill in the mail. You’re not only caught off guard by the charge that is very surprising, but you’ve forgotten what all you bought at HEB on that trip, and you have no idea what else was placed in your basket by others. Wouldn’t that be irritating? Of course it would be. It is not the way we as consumers shop for anything else, as it just is not rational. Next, imagine that you’re going to buy something very important to you, perhaps a flat screen TV. What if you found that the prices were not posted. Or, the best and the worst TV, according to quality statistics, were priced about the same or better yet, the worst TVs were the most expensive. Again, doesn’t sound right or make sense. Well, isn’t it interesting that when we utilize the healthcare system, the shopping and billing experience is much like the above scenarios? Not rational. It should be no surprise that managing our personal health or the health of a close person consistently ranks in the top five for most adults. The longer I am in the insurance business and help my clients manage their health and navigate the healthcare system, the more I realize just how confusing it is. Think about it: if you need to have a knee surgery, how do you find and research top quality orthopedic surgeons? Do you Google ‘top orthopedic surgeons in my area‘? Do you ask a few friends who may have had knee surgery prior? Then you remember that you better check to see if they participate in network with your health insurance company. What about the price? There are so many different reasons we choose a provider and trust them with our personal health, but unfortunately, consumers are not privy to choosing a provider proven to have the highest quality of care with the best of outcomes because transparency is lacking in healthcare today. As consumers, we should be equipped to choose the practitioner who is best in class at what they do. And by “best in class,” I mean a measurable quality metric that makes that practitioner truly among the elite. For example, if I
need back surgery, I want to go to the BEST back surgeon in my area and know what my out of pocket costs will be so that I can determine the best provider to use. Should be easy, right? It is not. In fact, there is usually a long wait to get in to those “best doctors” because they are the best and often times we do not like to wait six weeks or longer for something we need done today. Good news. You’re not the only one who is frustrated. Thankfully we are starting to see solutions emerge. We partner with a company who is now doing quality reviews for proven top physician practices and their outcomes, and so in this network they negotiate the pricing down with the top providers, ensure that their members are seen within three business days. This is real savings for employers, key information for employees who are seeking treatment, and a real breakthrough in the system. Self-insured companies should be aware of this option because it is a great way to see real dollar savings, and to know that their employees are going to top providers by utilizing this service. Kristen specializes in employee health benefits for mid to large employers in Texas. Through her experience, valued client partnerships and heavy involvement in the community, Kristen understands and strives to combat the challenges that employers and executives face in regard to providing an attractive benefits portfolio while protecting the company’s assets and liabilities, as well as balancing these expenses with their budget. Let me know how I can help. Call me at 210-222-2161 x254.
Construction News ON LOCATION
Construction News ON LOCATION
Paint it forward
Ask the pros
Homer Alaniz helps a customer choose the right paint at Paintco, a paint and coating supplier. –ab
ProCraft Cabinetry employees have a good month in September. Tao Zheng is the manager. –ab
Houston Construction News • Oct 2016
Page 7
How does “Ban the Box” affect you?
Zika Virus protection for outdoor workers
Shelly Masters, Principal Attorney Cokinos, Bosien & Young Austin, TX
Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX
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hat is “Ban the Box”? “Ban the box” is a Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance that prevents employers from inquiring about a job applicant’s criminal history until a conditional offer of em-
ployment has been made. History of Ban the Box The movement began in early 2000s by the “All of Us or None” grassroots civil rights organization led by formerly incarcerated and convicted people. Currently, 24 states and over 100 cities and counties have adopted some form of ban the box. Only nine states and several cities apply ban the box to private employers. Texas does not have a ban the box state law. Travis County and Dallas County are the only counties that have ban the box. Austin is the first and only city in Texas to implement ban the box. In 2008, Austin City Council passed an ordinance that prevented only public employers from asking about criminal history during the initial application process. On March 24, 2016, the Council passed a ban the box ordinance that applies to private employers as well. The new ordinance took effect on April 4, 2016. Why ban the box? Supporters of ban the box argue that criminal history on a job application unfairly and arbitrarily limits the pool of qualified job applicants. Local Ban the Box rules In Austin, City Ordinance No.20160324-019, or “ban the box,” includes findings by the city council that denying an employment opportunity based on criminal history is “unjust; is detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the City; prevents the reintegration of the persons into the community; creates a burden on public resources and law enforcement; contributes to crime and recidivism; and contributes to unemployment and harms the local economy.” The ordinance applies to public and private employers. It applies to all private employers with 15 or more employees working in Austin’s city limits. This includes full time, part time, contract work, and temporary workers. It does not apply to jobs that have a legally mandated insurance or bond requirement that dictate disqualifying an individual based on criminal history. The ordinance allows an exception for a staffing agency. A staffing agency may make inquiries into criminal history when it has identified a job to which the applicant will be employed or placed in a staffing pool.
An employer still has authority to withdraw a conditional employment offer for any lawful reason, including the determination that an individual is unsuitable for the job based on an individualized assessment of the individual’s criminal history. What should an employer NOT do? An employer that falls under this law may NOT: • publish any information about a job that automatically disqualifies based on criminal history • inquire about an applicant’s criminal history in an application • solicit criminal history information or consider criminal history, unless the employer has first made a conditional offer of employment • refuse to consider employing an individual because the individual did not provide criminal history before a conditional offer • take adverse action against the individual unless the employer has determined that the individual is unsuitable based on an individualized assessment. What should an employer do? First, review all current application forms and make sure there are no questions regarding criminal background. Second, modify the hiring process. An employer should not inquire regarding criminal history or consider criminal history in any way until a conditional offer is made. If an employer chooses to take an adverse action against an applicant because of criminal history, the employer must inform the applicant in writing about the decision being based on criminal history. Penalties Austin Equal Employment/Fair Housing Office will enforce the ordinance. There is a one-year grace period. If the violation occurs before April 4, 2017, only a warning will be issued. After April 4, 2017, the first violation will likely result in a warning, followed by a civil penalty of up to $500. Shelly Masters is a Principal in the Austin office of Cokinos Bosien & Young. She represents clients in the areas of construction, labor and employment, and commercial law. CB&Y has been representing the construction industry for over 25 years. She can be reached at smasters@cbylaw.com or (512) 615-1139.
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utdoor workers may be at the greatest risk of exposure to Zika virus, which is primarily spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Your employer should inform you about the risk of exposure through mosquito bites and how to protect yourself. Current science-based evidence suggests that approximately one out of five infected people develops symptoms of Zika virus, usually beginning 2-7 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms are usually mild and can last 2–7 days. The most common symptoms of Zika virus infection are fever, rash, joint pain and red or pink eyes. Other symptoms include myalgia (muscle pain) and headache. These symptoms are similar to those of dengue fever or chikungunya. During the first week of infection, Zika virus can be detected in the blood and is capable of being spread from an infected person to a mosquito that feeds on that person. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites. OSHA recommends that your employer: Train you on how to protect yourself and about the importance of eliminating areas where mosquitoes breed at your worksite and provide insect repellents and protective clothing for your exposed skin, and encourage their use. How to Protect Yourself: Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or another EPA-registered active ingredient on skin that is not covered by clothing. Always follow label precautions. • If using permethrin, spray it on clothing and gear only—not directly on skin. • Choose a repellent that provides protection for the amount of time that you will be outdoors.
• After returning indoors and before eating, use soap and water to wash skin that has been treated with insect repellent. Reapply repellent when returning outdoors or after eating. • Wear clothing that covers all of your skin, including socks that cover the ankles and lower legs and hats with mosquito netting to protect the face and neck. • In warm weather, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. This type of clothing protects you from the sun and provides a barrier to mosquitoes. • Get rid of sources of standing water (e.g., tires, buckets, cans, bottles, barrels) whenever possible to reduce or eliminate mosquito breeding areas. • OSHA and NIOSH recommend that you talk to your supervisor(s) about any outdoor work assignment(s) or travel to Zikaaffected areas if you are or may become pregnant, or, for males, if your sexual partner is or may become pregnant. • Consult CDC information on Zika virus and pregnancy: www.cdc.gov/zika. • If you routinely work with insecticides to control mosquitoes, you may require additional personal protective equipment. • If symptoms develop, seek medical attention promptly. Discuss any possible exposure to mosquitoes or infections spread by mosquitoes with a healthcare provider. natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232
Submitted to Construction News
Festive bowlers
Submitted to Construction News
Shine so bright
L-R: Women Contractors Association (WCA) members Heather Kelly, Trisha Barita and Natalie Tobias attended the Women of Excellence Gala at Norris Conference Center – Houston CityCentre in September. –ab
Cre8 Architects employees dressed up as beer kegs and red solo cups at the Bowl-A-TAC – College edition event held at Palace Bowling Lanes Sep. 9. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Houston Chapter hosted the event. –ab
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Houston Construction News • Oct 2016
It was golden
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he Texas Masonry Council hosted its annual convention Aug. 3-5 in Austin. Besides playing golf, betting big on a casino night, holding a workforce development fundraiser and a live auction, the organization handed out its 2016 Golden Trowel Awards to honor its best and brightest. Pictured below, Houston area winners–cw
Texas style networking
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ontractors and suppliers gathered at the Fall Barbecue Cook-Off and Expo at Campbell Hall at the Pasadena Convention Center Sep. 15. Local company representatives shared information about products and services at expo booths. Attendees enjoyed live music and a barbecue dinner. The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Houston Chapter hosted the event. –ab
Buyers Barricades
Restoration: Camarata Masonry Systems Ltd. for Immaculate Conception Church
Residential Single Family: Veazey Enterprises Inc. for the Knollwood residence. Architect was Drew S. Wommack Architect Inc.
Rogers-O’Brien Construction Texas Specialty Products
Government/Institution: Camarata Masonry Systems Inc. for University Health Systems – Hospital Tower. Architect was Perkins & Will
Rimkus Consulting Group Inc.
Boxx Modular
National Trench Safety
Camarata Masonry Systems Ltd. for Prairie View A&M Agriculture and Business. Architect was Overland Partners
Lock Solutions Precast Division
Du-West Services
Houston Construction News • Oct 2016
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When fishing from a boat with live bait, key on grass lines and drop-offs early in the morning. Use your trolling motor or push pole to position your boat around these areas so you don’t spook any fish in the general area. Cast live croakers or grunting piggy perch to the grass line and wait patiently. Keep an eye out in the distance for sudden wakes and frenzy bait in the water. Occasionally a school of redfish will appear and you better be ready to give chase. When ever possible use your trolling motor to pursue these schools of reds, for they can be very skittish and evasive. Just last week, as we were anchored on the King Ranch shoreline, a herd of redfish appeared swimming towards the boat. As I was preparing my clients for the excitement, my 7-foot FTU Green Rod doubled over in the rod holder. I instructed them to cast to the school as I reached for my rod and reel that by now had a screaming drag. POW! It was gone. In all of the excitement we had three hook-ups and landed two redfish. As the gold flash disappeared into the deeper water, all we could do was watch. The school of reds must have been several hundred large and all seemed to be oversize. We retied and the chase was on again. Fall fishing dates are still available. Don’t wait till 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.
Fall fishing forecast by Capt. Steve Schultz Sponsored by: Waypoint Marine, Majek Boats, Evinrude Outboards, E-Z Bel Construction, Power Pole Shallow Water Anchor, Aggregate Haulers, ForEverlast Hunting and Fishing Products, MirrOlure, and Columbia Sportswear.
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abor Day typically ends the summer for vacationers and out-of-town anglers and kicks off the start of hunting season. This relieves a lot of the fishing and boat pressure in our Coastal Bend waters. Busy guides start seeing a definite decrease in weekday charters as most anglers concentrate on weekend bay fishing. But don’t let all of those signs keep you off the water and away from some of the best fishing of the season. I’m talking REDS! BULL REDS! September and October are some of the best fishing months of the year here on the Laguna Madre. The first fronts of fall start blowing in triggering a migration that is about to begin. Scattered redfish will school-up and most will begin a journey to the gulf. They will be feeding vigorously along the flats and shorelines, fatting up and preparing for a winter. We will be ready for some of the best line-stripping, rod bending action of the year. Catching redfish can sometimes be very challenging due to their very picky eating habits. I’ve seen reds follow a gold spoon for yards only to turn and swim away at the last minute. There are several different strategies when fishing for reds. Wading the shallow flats around shell reefs and grass beds is one of the most enjoying techniques and also my favorite. These areas can also be worked with a shallow draft boat rigged with a good trolling motor or a push pole. When wading for reds I like using a 1/8 oz. Johnson Gold Weedless Spoon attached with a 20# shock leader and a
Fall fishing brings more variety to the ice chest. This flounder came in at 4-1/2 pounds and 22 inches long caught with Steve Schultz Outdoors.
swivel. This spoon is small enough to work slow in shallow water and won’t spook the fish like some of the bigger baits will. If the wind is up and stalking quietly isn’t a factor try using a topwater plug like a Top Dog Jr. or a Super Spook. These baits will more than likely trigger some larger redfish as they imitate a mullet in distress. When working topwater lures for reds, remember to work them slow and don’t jerk to soon when you get a blow-up. Redfish mouths are on the bottom of their heads and they must turn sideways or attack from the top to inhale the surface bait. Live bait is another effective technique for producing big boxes of redfish. Local marinas have gone to great lengths to catch and keep bait alive for guides and sport fishermen. Croakers and Piggy Perch are the main live baits during this time of the year. Shrimp will be making their way back into the bay system as the waters get cooler.
Submitted to Construction News
Labor Day best
Travis Montgomery, All-Tech Fuel Systems, caught a 25-inch trout from West Bay Galveston in September. –ab
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Houston Construction News • Oct 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 the radio as follows: The Great Outdoors: 5-8 am Saturday on 1300, The Zone, Austin and The Great Outdoors: 5-7 am Saturday on 1200 WOAI San Antonio The Sunday Sportsman: 6-8 am Sunday on 1300, The Zone, Austin All on iHeart Radio
Eyes in the Sky
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ave you spent any time playing with the amazing satellite images you have at your fingertips these days? I don’t just mean checking out how many swimming pools are behind the privacy fences in your neighborhood either. This technology is a sportsman’s dream. The best part is that you can zoom in to get quite a bit of detail. In one of the images of my place I can even make out how many of our black barn cats were lounging in the parking lot! Got a new deer lease this season? Load up the satellite images for those pastures. Zoom in close and you can see the features of the land and the locations of water that your game will be coming to. Look closer and you can see the way the contours of the land form natural funnels that the game travel through and even the very trails they use. Now you know where you want your feeders and your deer stands to be located. Couple this with some good game cameras and you get a head start on really making the most of your lease. It used to take years of hunting to get this kind of familiarity with a place, and now you can do it with an evening at your computer. Satellite imagery is even more of an advantage for fishermen. You know how I was encouraging everybody to get out and visit the lakes that were being dried up by the drought? While that was an excellent opportunity to get a look at some of our favorite fishing spots, satellite images can take you a step further. Plink around on the images of your favorite lake, or the one you plan to visit next, until you find the link that lets you also see the historic images for that area. I know that on Lake Buchanan they have several sets of images that go back for years. Some of the images show the lake full,
a lake for the first time. There are two other very important sources of free information that every sportsman should have preferably on his phone, (no, don’t leave it at home…mute it, but have it in case you need it). Now days there is no reason for you to ever go out on the water without a last minute check of weather forecast and a look at current radar. You just don’t have any excuse for putting yourself in harm’s way anymore, yet we see people do it all the time because they just don’t bother to check the weather first. The last important tool to have and learn to use are the maps and gps on your phone. Even if you are lost your phone probably can show you exactly where you are and how to get back to the boat ramp or deer camp. Check it out and get on out there now and make the most of our great Texas outdoors this fall!
Full moon fishing
Half or Full Day Fishing Trips All Bait, Tackle & Equipment Furnished Your catch Filleted and Bagged for You Furnish your TPWD Fishing License & Refreshments, and WE DO THE REST!
Missed the boat!
others half empty and one even shows that lake during a flood. Older images might not have quite as good resolution as newer ones, but studying them can give you great information on how the river channel travels through a body of water, what places keep water and where islands will come up. This and just the general picture of how a body of water is laid out should give you some good places to start fishing, even if you are visiting
Ken Milam Guide Service (325) 379-2051 www.striperfever.com Submitted to Construction News
Later gator
Submitted to Construction News
Taking action
Tony Annan, Warwick Construction, (left) and his buddies reel in a blue marlin in Port O’Conner. –ab
Justin Thompson, Meyerland Glass and Mirror, (right) and his son Adler caught their first alligator in September. The alligator was 8 ft. and was caught in Bloomington, TX. –ab
Houston Construction News • Oct 2016
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Submitted to Construction News
Submitted to Construction News
Fisherman’s delight
Right on target
Jose Fonseca, Fonseca Plumbing, shows his catch of the day after he went fishing at the Texas Gulf Coast in August. –ab
Natasha Blonski, JE Dunn Construction, made it to the Women’s Shoot-Out round at the Urban Land Institute (ULI) 6th annual Sporting Clay Classic held at the Houston Gun Club Sept. 8. –ab
Submitted to Construction News
Glory days
Kirksey Architecture hosted a College Colors Day lunch in September complete with pizza and chicken wings. The firm also had slideshow of employees’ college photos. –ab
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Houston Construction News • Oct 2016
The fish are bitin’
raves Winlectric held its 4th annual Fishing Tournament at Stow-A-Way Marina on Lake Conroe in September. More than 100 contractors and their families and Graves Winlectric employees and sales representatives attended the event. –ab Photos by: Will Madrid, Graves Winlectric
L-R: Tomas Flores, Luke Reeves, Rickey Putman, TJ Griffin and Edinson Velasco
Evan Reed
L-R: Andrew Adams and Scott Hudson
L-R: JD Ryan and Zach Patterson
L-R: Tomas Flores and Rickey Putman
L-R: Andrew Adams and Leroy Rodriguez
Houston Construction News • Oct 2016
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One starry night
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ouston’s commercial construction industry celebrated outstanding projects at the Awards for Project Excellence (APEX) Sept. 10. The Associated General Contractors (AGC) Houston Chapter held the event. More than 500 guests attended the biennial event at The Astorian, which featured KPRC TV’s Khambrel Marshall as master of ceremonies. Twenty five Houston companies took home 52 Gold, Silver and Bronze APEX awards for outstanding building projects in 18 categories. The event also honored Paul Bell Jr., P. G. Bell Co., with the 2016 AGC Houston Master Builder Award. Bell served the AGC in several capacities at the local, state and national levels throughout his career, including the Texas Medical Center for more than 50 years. Susan Bell Boykin and Paul Bell III, accepted the award on their father’s behalf. More than 55 judges representing the architectural, engineering and construction industry spent time touring the projects and meeting with project teams. Each winning entry’s selection was based on contribution to the community and/or environment, quality of the management process in serving the client, safety records, difficulty in construction and timely completion within budget. –ab Congrats to the Gold Level winners! GC-4 Interior: The Treehouse Memorial City, Anslow Bryant Construction Ltd. GC-17 Office Building: Air Liquide Center, Anslow Bryant Construction Ltd. GC-18 Liturgical/Church: The Personal Ordinariate Of The Chair/St. Peter Chancery, Brookstone LP SC-6 Exterior Finishes: Prairie View A&M Agriculture And Business Multipurpose Classroom Building, Camarata Masonry Systems Ltd. SC-8 Renovation/Restoration: 811 Louisiana Renovation, Camarata Masonry Systems Ltd.
KPRC-TV Kambrel Marshall served as Master of Ceremonies
SC-4 Thermal/Moisture Protection: Kirby Towers Renovation, Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing SC-8 Renovation/Restoration: Burke Baker Planetarium, Hudson Building Systems Ltd. GC-6 Hospitality: The Westin at The Woodlands, JE Dunn Construction Co. GC-19 Municipal: City of Houston Fire Station Number 84, JE Dunn Construction Co. SC-7 MEP Engineering: BP Westlake 1 Central Utility Plant, Letsos Co. GC-5 Renovation/Remodel: KIPP CONNECT Houston, Linbeck Group LLC GC-12 K-12 Education - Small: KIPP Unity Primary School, Linbeck Group LLC GC-15 Health Care - Large: The University Of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center The Pavilion, McCarthy Building Companies Inc. GC-5 Renovation/Remodel: Texas A&M University Francis Hall Renovation, Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Inc. SC-5 Interior Finishes: Sigma Marble Granite and Tile, Kyle Field Stadium Renovation - Phase I & II SC-1 Sitework/Landscaping: McGovern Centennial Gardens, Hermann Park, Slack & Co. Contracting Inc.
Tops by design
More than 500 guests attended the APEX Awards Gala
L-R: Jerry Nevlud, Paull Bell III, Susan Bell Boyken and Bill Scott III
SC-8 Renovation/Restoration: J Labs @ Texas Medical Center, TDIndustries Inc. GC-1 Plant/Industrial: Marathon Petroleum Central Control Building, Tellepsen GC-8 Higher-Education: San Jacinto Maritime Technology And Technical Training Center, Tellepsen GC-13 K-12 Education - Large: Klein High School Reconstruction, Tellepsen
GC-20 Green Space: McGovern Centennial Gardens, Hermann Park, Tellepsen GC-7 Laboratory: Zayed Building For Personalized Cancer Care, Vaughn Construction GC-14 Health Care – Small: MD Anderson Clark Clinic 11th Floor Redev., Vaughn Construction
Construction News JOB SIGHT
Millwork man
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everal Texas-based firms earned a ranking in Architectural Record’s “2016 Top 300 Architecture Firms” list. The annual list ranks companies according to revenue (in millions of dollars) for architectural services in 2015. –mjm #109 Kendall/Heaton Associates Inc., #7 HKS Inc., Dallas Houston #22 Corgan, Dallas #167 PhiloWilke Partnership, Houston #43 PBK, Houston #173 STG Design, Austin #45 Huckabee, Fort Worth #55 Humphreys & Partners Architect, Dallas #184 OMNIPLAN Architects, Dallas #199 Nelsen Partners Inc., Austin #58 PGAL, Houston #206 Marmon Mok Architecture, San An#69 The Beck Group, Dallas tonio #71 Huitt-Zollars Inc., Dallas #243 Meeks + Partners, Houston #72 Kirksey Architecture, Houston #248 GSR Andrade Architects Inc., Dallas #84 GFF, Dallas #97 S&B Engineers and Constructors Ltd. & Affiliates, Houston Submitted to Construction News
Taking the tour
Santo Narvias, MGC Inc., works on a millwork project on the second floor of the George R. Brown Convention Center. –ab
Submitted to Construction News
Fine dining
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Houston Branch members recently toured the Bayport Terminal Administration Building in Pasadena to observe the current construction activity. –ab
Contractors and civil engineers met at a luncheon event held at the Junior League Ballroom in late August. The Houston Contractors Association (HCA) hosted the luncheon with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Congressman Kevin Brady was the guest speaker. –ab
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Houston Construction News • Oct 2016
Putting their best to the test
Industry FOLKS Javier Vega Welder and Pipefitter HCL Mechanical Services
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The Plumbing Apprentice Contest brought students to San Antonio to compete for the opportunity to represent PHCC Texas on a national level.
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he Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Texas Apprentice Contest Aug. 12 brought students from chapters across the state to St. Philip’s College. They competed for the chance to represent PHCC Texas at the PHCC National Apprenticeship Contest Oct. 20 at the Marriott Rivercenter in San Antonio. Valentin Bedolla, R.E.C. Industries, San Antonio, won first place, while Abram Hoffman, Raven Mechanical, Houston, took second. Their competition included Jacob Alborn, Bolin Plumbing; John Crawson, Central Texas Plumbing Solutions; Alejandro Soto, Beyer Plumbing; and Frankie Valdez, Coppera. Apprentices third year and higher had to prove themselves in several competencies, specifically plumbing code, tools and equipment, and systems rough-in for drainage systems and water
Abram Hoffman, Raven Mechanical
elding has interested Javier Vega for 20 years. Today, he spends his time welding at different projects around Houston. “I have mostly welded at small commercial and hospital projects lately,” Vega said. Remembering when he first became a welder, Vega says the biggest change he has seen over the years is the improved equipment. “I have learned so much about welding in the past 20 years,” he said. “If a recent graduate wants to make a living as a welder, my best advice is to go to school and get in the field as soon as possible.” According to Vega, it was an investment for him to go to school for welding but he feels like it was worth the money. “I have worked at HCL Mechanical Services for three years,” he said. “There is always work here in Houston. I am glad to have the opportunity to work here.” One of Vega’s favorite spots to be on the weekend is on a fishing boat in Galveston. “I love going fishing with my
friends and family,” he said. “I mostly catch redfish and flounder.” On Labor Day Vega spent the holiday with his family at a park in Houston. They grilled barbecue and chicken for lunch. “I enjoy watching Houston Texans football games on television with my three sons on the weekend,” he said. “Sometimes I do welding projects at my home such as small fans or barbecue pits. I like barbecuing brisket and ribs for dinner for my family when we are all home, too.” The Vega family traveled to Florida and had a good time at Disney World earlier this year. “If I could travel anywhere with my family, I would take them to Colorado in the winter season to see the snow-capped mountains,” he said. “I have always wanted to go to Colorado. I’d love to spend about a week in the mountains.” –ab
systems. Students took a written test and enjoyed dinner the day before, as well as lunch and an awards presentation on the day of the contest. –mh Submitted to Construction News
What do you want to do when you retire? I plan to stay right here in Richmond. This is where my family calls home. I am open to whatever the future brings. I always look forward to trying new things and having new adventures. Jerry Ince, Ince Engineering LLC I’d want to stay in League City! It still feels like a small town. Daryl Graff, Daryl’s Air Conditioning & Heating I’d love to travel back to Germany. I had the opportunity to see the country after college and I would like to go back in the future. Justin Jackson, Apex Stone Spend more time in the Hill Country, especially the Dripping Springs area. Paulette Woody, 1488 Mulch Yard Ride my motorcycle more! Dan Munson, Old Southern Workshop I think it would be neat if I could pick oranges off my own orange tree. It would be great to grow fruit trees in retirement. Norb Orgrodowicz, Wholesale Plumbing Supplies Play more golf! Kenneth Robinson Jr., A Professional Corp. Travel to the beaches in El Salvador. Franklin Alvarez, Wonderful Weather A/C and Heating Sit around a campfire with my family on nice, cool evenings. Daniel Frank, Cryer Plastering Co. Inc. Stay right here in Houston. This is where my roots are! Terry Bynum, Able Paving
Dig right in
Go hunting with my friends more often. My wife, Bonnie, wants to do more fishing. Timothy Webb, One Stop Hardware I want to continue to help raise awareness for childhood cancer. Cherylin Messer, Wallboard Stockers Inc. I would like to have a vegetable garden at home. It would be convenient to grown my own vegetables to have for lunch or dinner. George Alvazian, PartsCo Air Conditioning Supply Co. Live out in the country! Dave Kagan, Texas Central Air Go back to Montana to spend time at Glacier National Park. Matt Dunn, City Electric Supply Spend quality time with all my grandchildren! Patricia Fuentes, Prime Roofing I want to continue to lift weights, ride my Harley Davidson with my wife Linda and travel! Robert Garrett, R.M.G. Electrical Inc. Go fishing with my brother and friends. Doug Long, Power Vac America Inc. Spend time at my small weekend house on Galveston Bay. Spending five minutes on the water can erase a weeks worth of stress. Chris Walters, Extreme Air Conditioning Services Inc.
JE Dunn Construction, Shepley Bulfinch Architects and the Awty International School kicked-off the Early Learning Center project with a groundbreaking celebration along with key donors, staff, parents and students Sep. 10. –ab
Houston Construction News • Oct 2016
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Specialty Contractors Building relationships is key Jonathan Strellow, Project Estimator for Roofing and Sheet Metal Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing Houston, TX
In your opinion, what is the current state of the local construction industry? I think the market in Houston is really good due to the severe change in weather. The weather has driven business in an upward manner since we have extreme temperatures and humidity as well as wind and severe storms. There are has been weird weather this year. I think this will probably happen for seasons to come because the state of the core of the earth and the atmosphere. I think our weather systems and storms are going to keep getting more severe. We have seen this over the last couple of years. There is more frequency in tropical storms too.
What is the most significant challenge your industry faces? The challenge right now is trying work around the rain and wind. This has put a lot of jobs off schedule. There is a higher demand for the subcontracting roofer out there right now. It is getting harder to pinch the penny these days. What is your advice for a high school graduate who wants to do what you do today? I would say it helps if you have a knack for logic and numbers and have some type of general construction background. It would be a good idea to spend a year in the field and then come in and do the work on the desk using software programs.
Low voltage, high demands Thomas Schluter, President Beckwith Electronic Engineering Co. San Antonio, TX
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hen it comes to commercial life safety, security and communication systems, Thomas Schluter, president of Beckwith Electronic Engineering for the last 25 years, has to keep apprised of the changes sweeping through his industry as well as the latest shifts in the local market affecting his business.
What are the latest trends in your industry? 1) Increase in the construction of standalone emergency centers, clinics and office buildings. Beckwith has been able to provide customers with a packaged low-voltage solution, which includes: nurse call, fire alarm, access control, CCTV, security and public address systems. 2) Increase in the amount of business we do with out-of-town contractors coming into San Antonio and Austin due to their markets/areas being slow or be-
cause the companies they do business with are opening or moving to our area. Beckwith has been able to grow its customer base by doing business with these new clients. 3) Local healthcare facilities are being acquired by national healthcare organizations and the decision-making is being transferred to their headquarters not located in San Antonio or Austin. 4) Employee healthcare costs are increasing at a higher rate than before. Beckwith pays for 90 percent of its employees’ healthcare premiums; this has increased our cost of doing business. What are some of the recent increases or decreases in business and the driving factors behind them? [As previously noted] Increase in the construction of standalone emergency centers, clinics and office buildings. New corporations are moving to our city due
That way you have knowledge about what to look for when you go out and assess a roof. How has your industry advanced over the years? There is a high demand for TPO roofing systems. People are using this system for reflective purposes and energy savings. What are the keys to success in your industry? I think the first thing is to realize your job is in the field and at the desk but it really starts and ends with the customer. You have to build a line of communication to let the customer know you are here to help him or her. They need to know you can get the answer to them or have someone else help them out. Building relationships and friendships is so important in the construction industry. Why is your job rewarding? I really enjoy helping people solve problems. At the end of the day, that makes me feel good about what I am doing. I do this every day, whether it is helping someone with his or her roof or help-
to a booming economy, lower cost of living expenses and available workforce. What are the current “hot button” issues affecting the industry relating to your specialty? 1) Job safety is becoming a hot button in our industry. Beckwith’s project managers and lead technicians are all OSHA certified. 2) Cross training across multiple disciplines. Beckwith cross-trains their technicians to install and program different systems, allowing us to be more cost effective. 3) Design built projects. Beckwith has professional engineers, designers and industry experts on staff who can perform the design, sales, installation, commissioning and certification of lowvoltage and life safety systems saving the end user and general contractor money. What are some of the major changes in the industry in recent years relating to your specialty? Local healthcare facilities being acquired by national healthcare organizations and the decision making being transferred to their headquarters not located in San Antonio or Austin. What are the most significant challenges in recent years in the type of work you do, and how you are handling them? 1) New manufacturers have entered
ing him or her figure out how they are going to put a long lasting, safe roof on a building. What is on the horizon for your industry? I think Houston is still growing, which is unreal because it is the fourth largest city in the United States. It is amazing how many apartments, gas stations and grocery stores are in Houston. I have never seen so many restaurants in a city in my life. There are still areas in the city limits that are being pushed out more and more every year. When you look at what Houston encompasses as far as square miles, it is amazing to find there is still room to grow. I think in the next five years Houston is going to continue to grow. More businesses are going to move here. Even though there have been severe climate changes lately, overall Houston is great place to build a warehouse or corporate office. Houston has so much to offer. Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing provides commercial roofing, waterproofing, commercial building restoration, parking garage renovation and roof leak repair services. –ab
our industry increasing competition. We have been able to weather the storm by providing great customer service with dedicated customer service representatives that follow up with our end users on a regular basis. 2) Having the right information at the right time allows us to make decisions in a timely manner. This required us to change out our old accounting, estimating and time management system. What are the keys to being successful in your specialty? 1) Our people are the most important and valued part of our company. They are the main reason why Beckwith has been and will continue to be successful. 2) Our manufacturers are also a big part of our success. Their products keep up with our customers’ needs and requirements. Established by Jack Beckwith and George Ridder in 1962, Beckwith Electronic Engineering is a distributor, contractor and consultant that designs, sells, installs and services commercial communication systems. Thomas Schluter bought the company from its founders in 1991, having earned his professional engineer license while working under Beckwith. –mh
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Houston Construction News • Oct 2016
Specialty Contractors ASA focuses priorities on issues that directly impact construction subcontractors Marc Ramsey, Director of Communications American Subcontractors Association Alexandria, Va.
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undreds of associations represent companies and individuals in the construction industry. The American Subcontractors Association carefully focuses its priorities in order not to waste its members’ resources and to avoid redundancies. Thus, ASA’s highest priorities are issues that have a direct impact on construction subcontractors and that are unlikely to be addressed by other major construction associations to the benefit of subcontractors—including, for example, payment timing, retainage, contingent payment, mechanic’s lien and payment bond rights, risk allocation, and safety and health regulations with a direct impact on specialty trade contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. ASA’s secondary issues are those that impact the construction industry gener-
ally, that is, issues on which other construction industries are working but on which ASA’s involvement may make a difference. These secondary issues may include broader safety and health issues, employment issues, and tax issues. ASA’s tertiary issues are those that impact businesses, such as ASA members, generally. These issues may include, for example, broader tax and employment issues that may have a unique impact on construction subcontractors. “I firmly believe that there would have been little, if any, action on subcontractor issues, particularly payment issues, during the last 50 years if not for ASA’s leadership through education and advocacy,” said ASA Chief Advocacy Officer E. Colette Nelson. “Indeed, even on those few occasions when ASA has not
been directly involved in a state’s legislative or regulatory action on subcontractor payment, the individuals who led those advocacy efforts leaned heavily on ASA’s model legislation and supporting materials.” During the last few years, and for the immediate future, ASA’s principal subcontractor-focused issues include: • Assuring that subcontractors have payment assurances on projects financed through public-private partnerships at both the federal and state levels. In most cases, without separate statutory authority, construction subcontractors on projects financed through P3s do not have the payment protections provided by mechanic’s liens or payment bonds on P3s. ASA supports extending the tenets of the federal Miller Act and state Little Miller Acts (i.e., requiring the prime construction contractor to provide a payment bond) to P3s. During the last six years, most states that have enacted legislation authorizing the use of P3s have included such a bonding requirement. • Requiring federal and state government contracting entities to process and pay change orders in a timely manner. ASA members report that con-
struction owners, in both the public and private sectors, increasingly delay processing change orders until the end of a project. This not only requires both prime contractors and subcontractors to finance this part of the project, but effectively shifts all negotiating leverage to the owner—since the prime contractor and subcontractors already have completed the work for which they have not been paid. • Encourage federal and state governments to improve the transparency of their payment practices. This includes making the prime contractor’s payment bond more readily available to subcontractors and suppliers (e.g., by posting it on a Web site), making available information on payment to prime contractors (e.g. the City of San Antonio posts a list of payments to its prime contractors on its Web site), and by providing a report on the status of each change order on a project. ASA continues to work on its traditional issues, including payment (e.g., payment timing, retainage, mechanic’s lien and payment bond rights, contingent payment, etc.) and risk allocation (e.g., indemnity, additional insured, etc.). –cw
staff. This makes an immediate impact with scheduling and lead times. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and the continued growth as this fiscal year comes to an end.
provides would be more in software updates, upgrades, etc. We try to stay current with newer versions of AutoCAD, Revit, Wind Load analysis, GoTo Meeting, Blue Beam, etc. We also look at our hardware (computers, printers, etc.) about every six to 12 months that may need to be upgraded as well. We have found that keeping up with the newer products has made us a more productive and competitive company. We want to be prepared and offer seamless communication and transfer of documents for both incoming and outgoing information.
Outlook “conservative but positive” Lisa B. Brown, Co-Owner/CFO Michael E. Brown & Associates LLC (MEB&A) Dallas, Tx.
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ow would you describe the state of the construction industry in general terms? Overall, everyone we speak with, from glazing contractors, consultants and architects, etc., the feeling is a conservative, but positive, outlook going forward. More monies are being released for government projects, as well as hospitals and schools, which is always a good sign of continued growth. We’ve also seen a significant increase in multiuse buildings, not only in the local DFW area but throughout the country. These buildings are also being built with LEED in mind, which is good for everyone. Have you experienced an increase in business? MEB&A has seen a steady increase in all of our divisions over the past 12 months. We offer shop drawings, take off, consulting, design, application engineering and technical services for the glazed wall industry. We’ve also incorpo-
rated “project assistance” as a tool to help our customers with phone calls to architects and general contractors, to reviewing specifications and product recommendations. What factors are driving this increase? We like to think that our growth is due to our quality of work, good customer service, communication and overall experience with more than 35 years. We also recognize that there has been an uptick in the construction industry over the past two or more years in all areas. How has this increase affected your company and how you conduct business? The increase in business has affected lead times slightly for shop drawings, application engineering, etc. We also have found it a bit challenging to find/hire experienced personnel, but in the last few months we’ve been able to fill our needs with qualified drafters and additional
What is the most significant challenge your industry faces? As with most industries, it’s finding good personnel to fill positions. The construction industry seems to have been hit hard in this area over the past few years. The need for more vocational and technical schools, as well as internships, needs to be addressed. We need to get people involved in what can be a very satisfying career, with many different areas of interests. The construction industry offers working in the field (concrete, framing, installation of product/glass) to creating shop drawings, estimating, take off and engineering careers. It really does have a lot to offer, we just need to do a better job of getting the word out. We also believe that apprenticeships should be considered in all areas of business. Offering a high school student the opportunity to see what interests him or her might help everyone out in the long run. What are the cost increases relating to your industry? Cost increases for services MEB&A
www.constructionnews.net publishing the industry’s news
How are you dealing with these challenges? Well, we try to anticipate costs on an annual basis. We plan ahead with a budget allowance for renewals and upgrades for any software. The hardware really can depend on when we hear or see something that would help improve our daily workflow, communication with our personnel and, of course, with our customers. Michael E. Brown & Associates LLC provides consulting, shop drawings, design, fab drawings and application engineering. The company has experience in designing glazed wall systems and curtain wall consulting. –mjm
Texas Style
San Antonio Austin South Texas Houston
Houston Construction News • Oct 2016
Page 17
Round-Up Jonathan Strellow has joined Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing in Houston as a project estimator for roofing and sheet metal. He will review plans and specifications to compose bids and estimates for projects and assist in the review, negotiation and execution of contracts.
Joseph Scarborough, PE, has joined Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) as a project manager. In this role, he will be responsible for planning, design and construction management of marine and waterfront structures in the municipal and coastal port markets. Scarborough received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Houston.
Think safety
LJA Engineering has promoted Mehdi Nezami, PE, to senior project manager in the firm’s land division. Nezami has more than 15 years of experience. Mehdi is a graduate of the University of Houston with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering.
Submissions This is a section for brief company announcements of new or recently promoted personnel, free of charge as space allows. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Email (w/digital photo, if available) by the 15th of any month, for the next month’s issue Email info to appropriate city issue, with “Round-Up” in the subject line: ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
San Antonio
SAeditor@constructionnews.net Austin austineditor@constructionnews.net Dallas/Ft. Worth dfweditor@constructionnews.net Houston houstoneditor@constructionnews.net
Association Calendar
Content submitted by Associations to Construction News ABC
NECA
Associated Builders & Contractors
National Electrical Contractor Assn.
Oct. 3: Fall Golf Tournament Oct. 10: Excellence in Construction Oct. 25: ABC/CMEF Planning Conference Oct. 27: Construction Careers Expo For more information call 713-523-6222
Oct. 5: Coastal Sabine Division meeting Oct. 7-10: NECA National Convention & Trade Show Oct. 11: Houston JATC meeting Oct. 19-20: SWHBF meeting Oct. 25: Houston Division meeting with affiliates Oct. 27: Texas Gulf Coast Division meeting and Texas Gulf Coast LMP meeting For more information call 713-977-2522
AGC Associated General Contractors
Oct. 20: Member Orientation, 11:30am For more information call 713-843-3700
AIA
PHCC
American Institute of Architects
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors
Oct. 1: ArCH Tour Docent Training Oct. 6: Buffalo Bayou Walking Tour Oct. 8: University of Houston Art & Architecture Tour Oct. 15: Rice University Walking Tour Oct. 20-21: Living on the Edge Conference Oct. 22: Urban Art Tour Downtown For more info: www.aiahouston.org
Oct. 18-21: PHCC National Convention in San Antonio For more info: www. gulfcoastphcc.org
ASA American Subcontractors Association
Oct. 5: Schmooze & Mingle 4pm Oct. 13: Building Leaders Development Group Happy Hour, 5:30pm, Karbach Brewing Co. Oct. 20: General Lunch meeting, 11am, “A Subcontractor’s Rights When Its General Contractor or Supplier Files Bankruptcy” For more information call 281-679-1877
FPA Foundation Performance Assoc.
Oct. 12: Monthly meeting, 5pm, HESS Club. Speaker: Rosalie Hamilton Expert Communications For more information: www.foundationperformance.org
IEC Independent Electrical Contractors
Oct. 21: Monthly meeting For more information call 713-869-1976
NAMC National Assn of Minority Contractors
Oct. 27: Member meeting, 6pm, Brady’s Landing, 8505 Cypress St. For more information call 713-843-3791
RCAT Roofing Contractors Association of Texas
Oct. 12-14: 41st annual Conference & Trade Show, Gaylord Texan Resort & Conference Center in Grapevine Fore more info: roofingcontractors-texas. com
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2016-17 Commitment To Safety recipients
ocal subcontractors were honored for their commitment to safety at a lunch event at the HESS Club Sept. 15 The 2016-17 Gold Level winners included Camarata Masonry Systems Ltd., Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing, Fast Track Specialties LP, J.M Maly Inc., Karsten Interior Services LP, KenMor Electric, Marek, Milestone Metals Inc., Network Cabling Services Inc. and Slack & Co. Contracting Inc. Briggs Equipment was the 2016-17 Silver Level recipient. Grace Fox, T.A.S. Commercial Concrete Construction Inc., received the 2016 ASA-HC Safety Professional of the Year award. The American Subcontractors Association Houston Chapter (ASA-HC) held the event. –ab
Grace Fox, T.A.S. Commercial Concrete Construction Inc.
Submitted to Construction News
Making connections
The Houston Contractors Association (HCA) members networked, enjoyed food and beverages and toured Spindle Tap Brewery Jul. 28. –ab
Submitted to Construction News
Saying hello
TACCA TX Air Conditioning Contractors Assn
Oct. 18: Golf Tournament and Membership meeting, 11am, Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club For more information call 713-781-4822
TSPE Texas Society of Professional Engineers
Oct. 19: Golf Tournament, 4:30-7:30pm, Top Golf Katy, 1030 Memorial Brook Blvd. For more info: www.tspehouston.org
TSPS Texas Society of Professional Surveyors
Oct. 12-15: 65th annual Convention and Tech Expo, San Marcos. For more information, contact DJ Kyle at 512-327-7871
Stuart Robles, Brown & Gay Engineers and Katy Driver, ABC National, welcomed guests at a Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) Houston Chapter Mixer at Revolver Houston in August. –ab
WCA Women Contractors Association
Oct. 6: Luncheon, 11:30am, Maggiano’s Little Italy, 2019 Post Oak Blvd. Oct. 19: Elected Officials Reception, 5:30pm, Grappino’s, 2817 Dallas St. For more information visit www.womencontractors.org
Past issues of Construction News can be downloaded at www.ConstructionNews.net
Page 18
Houston Construction News • Oct 2016
Grand architecture
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continued from Page 1 — Cheers for 10 years thanking everyone for being a part of the team.” Hobbies employees enjoy when they are not at work include participating in charity kick ball tournaments, going on fishing trips, spending time at local lakes and rivers, barbecuing with friends and family, going to the movies, paint balling and doing charity work. “Today we have annual revenues of more than $7 million and we have aggressive growth plans,” Blanco said. “This year BELCO went from having three estimators to eight and our sights are set on $20 million in sales in 2017.” BELCO specializes in electrical installations in Houston and the surrounding areas. The company provides build design, commercial and light industrial electrical installations. –ab
President Marco Blanco is happy to work with his family.
The Design Awards presentation
ouston area architects were honored at the Design Awards event held at the University of Houston TDECU Stadium Aug. 25. The American Institute of Architects Houston Chapter (AIA) held the event. –ab  Congrats to the winners! Architecture Greater Than 50,000sf: HOK, BP High Performance Computing Center Architecture Greater Than 50,000sf: Gensler, Shanghai Tower. Architecture Less Than 50,000sf: Curry Boudreaux Architects, Tellepsen Scout Camp. Architecture Less Than 50,000sf: Page, The Architecture of an Urban Park. Architecture Less Than 50,000sf: Jackson & Ryan Architects, The Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter Chancery Conceptual: WW Architecture, IntraCenter Conceptual: University of Houston, New BIG Living in the Fifth Ward Urban Design: SWA Group, Buffalo Bayou Park Interior Architecture: MC2 Architects, Adara Medical Spa Interior Architecture: Morris Architects, Office Through Public Realm Interior Architecture: Abel Design Group, Private Family Management Co.
Interior Architecture: PDR, Vitol On the Boards: University of Houston, Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design, Coog's House for Habitat for Humanity On the Boards: Prairie View A&M University, Double Barrel On the Boards: Morris, Hull On the Boards: University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design - Interior Architecture Program, Inside/Out: Adapting a Shotgun Storehouse for the Greater Fifth Ward On the Boards: MC2 Architects, Mahatma Gandhi Museum Residential Architecture: Natalye Appel + Associates Architects, Oberlin House Residential Architecture: StudioMET, Pavillion Haus Residential Architecture: m + a architecture studio, Sandill Residence Renovation/Restoration: Miller Dahlstrand DeJean Architects, 67 Tiel Way Renovation/Restoration: CONTENT Architecture, Delz Warehouse Residence Renovation/Restoration: Carlin-White Architects, Historic Fire Station 6 Renovation/Restoration: Page, The Cistern Renovation/Restoration: EYP, University Center Transformation
continued from Page 1 — Rock stars taking care of existing customers. He also makes sure the orders are completed on time. Hill Country Rock attended the Build Expo in July and will also take part in the Greater Houston Builders Association tradeshow this month. The Mueller’s have been together for 12 years. They met at Southwest Airlines. The couple has four cats named Johnny Cash, June Carter, Ricky Ricardo and Smoky Robinson. In their free time, they like to travel, go enjoy hunting in the Hill Country and go fishing. The last place they traveled to was Belize.
“Around the holidays, we try to make donations to needy families,” Mueller said. “We have sponsored a family in Central America to help them finish their home they have worked on for years.” In the future, the couple plans to stay at their current location because their rock yard is right next door and it is convenient for their customers. “When our customers come to our location, we can also help them with their paint, border and stucco colors,” he said. “It is a one stop shop.” Hill Country Rock Texas is a family owned and operated business providing thin natural stone veneer. –ab
The Hill Country Rock stone studio.
continued from Page 1 — School bell rings to be a success,” he says. Founded in 2013 by Jason Sparks, Billy Parker and Sean Turner, Houstonbased Brandt Constructors & Facility Services is a full service firm that started out
doing small to medium commercial renovation projects. The firm has since ventured into more challenging projects. To date, the company has completed many turn-key projects, both private and public. –ab
L-R: Paul Brinsden, Joseph Gaudiano, Jan Lopez and Heather Dumais
Houston Construction News • Oct 2016
Page 19
Never stop learning
Industry FOLKS Jennifer Corrales Manager The Yard Depot
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Houston area contractors learn about concrete staining.
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nviting local contractors, GranQuartz hosted a concrete staining demonstration day at the Hempstead Highway location Sep. 21. Branch manager Paul Hernandez says the company has the event six times a year. “Concrete staining is popular with our customers, so we wanted to help them
learn new techniques,” Hernandez said. Inside sales representatives Fred Soliz, Hilda Rubalcava and Julio Enriquez talked with attendees at the event. Founded in 1971, GranQuartz is a distributor of stone fabrication and concrete tools, equipment and supplies. The Houston store opened 13 years ago. –ab
L-R: Julio Enriquez, Paul Hernandez, Hilda Rubalcava and Fred Soliz
ennifer Corrales speaks both English and Spanish at her job every day. “Many of our customers are Hispanic,” she said. “They understand English and they feel more comfortable if someone can speak Spanish, too.” Corrales orders materials, takes care of customers, makes sure employees are doing their job and occasionally operates equipment. She has worked at the company since 2007. “When I first joined the company, I wasn’t sure if this job was going to work out for me or not,” she said. “I decided to give it a try and stayed at it. “I started at the bottom and continued to learn about the landscape supply business every day.” Corrales says she learned how to drive forklifts and tractors within five months on the job. “I am happy to work here at The Yard Depot,” she said. “My days are never the same. Sometimes I get to spend lots of time outdoors and other days I work in the office. I really like interacting with the customers.” Born in Mexico, Corrales has spent most of her life in the Houston area. She graduated from Cypress Creek High School. “I worked as a cashier at McDonald’s while I was a student,” Corrales said. “Once I graduated from high
school, I became the manager. “I really learned how to take care of customers while I worked at McDonald’s. This experience still helps me in my job today.” Corrales spends her free time on Sundays with her children ages 3 and 7. “My hands are full these days because I only have one day off,” she said. “My children and I try to do fun activities on Sundays such as go to Chuck E. Cheese, play soccer or go swimming at a local pool.” Corrales says she and her children took a day trip to the Kemah Boardwalk in early September. “We had a blast in Kemah,” she said. “There were so many good restaurants to choose from too.” Looking towards the future, Corrales says she wants to keep working as the manager at The Yard Depot. “Great customer service is key,” she said. “We might have lots of competition in the area but if we provide great customer service, our customers will keep coming back.” –ab
Halloween fun
Construction News JOB SIGHT
Two thumbs up
L-R: Fernando Loredo and Ismeal Ortega, Empire Roofing, do roof repair work at ProCraft Cabinetry. –ab
Construction News ON LOCATION
Testing, testing
L-R: Joseph Culley, Travis Barrette, Sean Bowman (back row) and Victor Barron and Lee Mitchell do their best work at Alpha Testing. The company provides geotechnical, construction materials and environmental testing. –ab
Keep Construction News in mind this year when your office undergoes a spooky transformation like Marek did last year! Send your photos from Halloween to HOeditori@constructionnews.net
Page 20
Houston Construction News • Oct 2016
Making the rounds
Construction News ON LOCATION
Life saver
35 people volunteered at Houston Food Bank.
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Fire alarm technician James Fish, Impact Fire Services, heads out to a commercial job in Houston. –ab
Submitted to Construction News
Fore a cause
he Stantec Houston office held “Stantec in the Community Day” at Houston Food Bank, Brookdale Nursing Home, Hermann Park Conservancy and the Boys and Girls Club at Fort Bend Sep. 21. Stantec provides professional consulting in planning, engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences and project management services. –ab
Stantec Houston office staff visited Brookdale Nursing Home to spend some time with residents.
20 volunteers went to McGovern Centennial Gardens in Hermann Park
BakerTriangle employees presented a donation check from the proceeds from the 2nd annual Charity Golf Classic to The Periwinkle Foundation Sep. 19. –ab
Submitted to Construction News
Pure endurance 35 volunteers helped students with homework at the Boys and Girls Club of Houston – Fort Bend Location
Construction News JOB SIGHT
The big chill
The Endurance Builders employees gather at the Houston office. Founded in Mar. 2014, the company provides general contracting and construction management services. –ab
L-R: Javier Sanchez, Jorge Tigeir and Tito Garcia, Raven Air Conditioning & Heat, install the ductwork at the OMNOVA Solutions project in Stafford. –ab