San Antonio Construction News September 2017

Covering the Industry’s News

Texas Style

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www.constructionnews.net H (210) 308-5800 H Volume 19 H Number 9 H SEPTEMBER 2017

Drilling for water

Nothing is for free

L-R: Stevens Drilling owners, Kaden and Kody Stevens

L-R: Juan Santiago, Javier Ortiz, Derek Sparling

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n January 2016, co-owners Kody and Kaden Stevens decided it was time to expand on a family legacy by purchasing Stevens Drilling from their father Jimmy Stevens. In 1997, their father purchased the company, then Scheel Water Pump Service, from his uncle, Leroy Scheel who started the company from nothing in 1968.

“When dad took over the company in ‘97, dad kept the company name Scheel Water Pump Service because everyone knew that name. A big bulk of the work was in New Braunfels where Leroy started and he kept the name to keep the business coming in. We didn’t change the name until 2013 and that’s when we started the drilling side,” says Kody.

Until the boys took over the compa-

ny, it continued to run as a “mom and pop” operation with the boys learning while working along side their father. Although the two boys would venture off to college and other avenues for a brief period of time, they never forgot their roots. Kody had attended college for a few years, while Kaden became an experienced hunting guide in remote places such as New Zealand, Iowa, and Mexico.

Kody recalled getting a call from Kaden telling him that while he would love to be a hunting guide forever, he knew he could not and thus, the new legacy of Stevens Drilling began.

The company had always been a water pump service company, but the boys wanted to expand on their dad’s busicontinued on Page 21

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hose are the words of Javier Ortiz who recently earned his U.S. citizenship while working in general construction and carpentry. Ortiz is known as the jack-of-all-trades on project sites for always getting the job done and done right – from floor to ceiling. He also cooks breakfast for everyone on the jobsite, and is called the “jobsite chef.”

Ortiz has worked for Skanska in San Antonio for 10 years and has a reputation for being an encourager who mentors younger workers. He tells them, “Have pride in what you do and be a hard worker, because nothing is for free. Put an effort forward and, in the long run, you will be happier and have a sense of pride of working hard and achieving.”

Ortiz said studying was difficult and

he was a bit nervous about taking the exam. But he did it and passed.

Juan Santiago, senior EHS manager, and Derek Sparling, senior project engineer, assisted Ortiz. Both are U.S. Marine Corps veterans. They and other team members, helped him study and attended his swearing in ceremony.

On July 4th, Ortiz was gifted an American flag flown over Iraq by Sparling while on second tour in Iraq. Sparling told Ortiz, “Our flag represents a promise of a better life and a promise to fight for it should the need arise. This flag is now a fulfillment of both of those promises.”

This was an emotional moment for Ortiz, “I am blessed that Derek (Sparling) took the time and gave me this flag. I will continued on Page 21

A branding building

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ooms To Go (RTG) buildings are a big part of their branding. With that said, finding the right contractor for their newest location was essential. O’Haver Contractors with their vast experience in retail, industrial, education, medical, hospitality, libraries and municipalities, seemed to be the right fit for the new Rooms To Go Round Rock (RTG) project.

The new retail store construction included, but not limited to the construction of an adult showroom, a kids showroom, offices, break-room, utility rooms, a shipping and receiving warehouse, loading dock, recycling center, storage areas, overhead garage doors, HVAC, a mechanical room, plumbing, an electrical room, fire protection/sprinkler system/alarm, signage, site work, landscaping, irrigation, and a parking lot with markings The exterior of the building was

comprised of CMU, steel framing, stone, glass, EIFS, TPO roofing, and glass curtain-wall system.

The store’s interior was made up of metal studs, drywall, ceramic tile, carpet, wood and metal trim with exposed painted ceilings and structural steel.

“The project site was in a highly visible location and the building acts as a sign so its appearance is very important during and after construction. The interior of the building is a showroom designed to be integrated with the furniture and became part of the display. This led to interesting finishes and designs, which are unique to this building. While the building is integral to the RTG brand, no two buildings are identical,” says Project Manager, John Zamoyski.

RTG does their construction management in-house. This led to very little interaction with the architect and engiRooms To Go Round Rock

continued on Page 21

Page 2

San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

Best kept secret

Moving forward

Brenda Romano, Chief Executive Officer, VBX

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wenty years ago, contractors were using fax machines, visiting plan rooms and handling mounds of paper to manage the bid process. The Builders Exchange of Texas (BXTX) was in the thick of it, publishing a printed Bulletin, operating a physical plan room and busily making blueprint copies for its members. Then one day, BXTX received its first CD Rom with plans and specs on it and realized that the world was moving rapidly toward electronic distribution.

The organization immediately began to develop a technological solution and in 1997, the nation’s first online “virtual” plan room was launched in San Antonio.

By 2008, the BXTX Board of Directors recognized that its creation was rapidly consuming the resources of the trade association and the risks and investment strategies were beyond the scope of a traditional non-profit organization. A decision was made to split the organization into two different entities: the non-profit Builders Exchange of Texas Education Foundation, dedicated to training and educating the next generation workforce, and the for-profit Virtual Builders Exchange (VBX), responsible for operating the online plan room service and develop additional technology-based services.

Over the past decade, BXTX has focused on developing award-winning training programs while VBX has focused its efforts on creating better technology and greater awareness of Builders Ex-

changes and the services they provide.

According to Brenda Romano, COO of VBX, over 200 Builders Exchanges operate across the U.S. and Canada and have since the late 1800’s. However, surprisingly few people know about them outside of their core membership.

“Builders’ Exchanges are one of the Industry’s best kept secrets,” says Romano. “We’ve relied on personal relationships for most of our existence, the kind that were forged locally,” noted Romano.

“That’s changing. Technology is shrinking our world. The trick is to make sure that we expand our geographic access while preserving our local relationships.”

She added. “With that in mind, we developed collaborative software that allows local Builders Exchanges to work together so our members can see information in others states without logging out of their Home Exchange,” Romano explained. “It offers the best of both worlds – expanding our members’ reach, but keeping their local connections.”

Currently there are 11 Builders Exchanges sharing our platform from six different states, (including Texas) and other exchanges are waiting to join. “Every Exchange is different and has its own identity, but that doesn’t mean we can’t work together to provide a better service to the industry,” Romano added. ”It’s just another step in our evolution, and considering that our oldest Exchange was founded 150-years ago, we’re getting pretty good at evolving.” -rd

L-R: Justin and Jason Friesenhahn, co-owners of TnF Construction.

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ohnny Friesenhahn and Andrew Tolle established TnF Construction in 1972 when it became apparent that Tolle could no longer afford to pay Friesenhahn what he was worth. Soon after the partnership was developed, the company moved forward in the construction business installing banking equipment.

For a while, they specialized in bank equipment, tellers, vaults, night deposits, and safety deposits. They were flying all over the state doing strictly bank work.

When the FDIC in the ‘80s tanked, they got more into general construction.

Friesenhahn’s sons, Justin and Jason Friesenhahn would eventually join the company after working with their father on weekends watching early morning concrete pours. “Pops would wake us up around 3:00am in the morning on the weekends for a concrete pour. I remember sitting in the truck on Saturdays for a big pour or if they had a big rigging job with a crane. We were just sandbox kids growing up and now, still sandbox kids, we just play with bigger toys,” agrees Jason and Justin. “It’s more of a lifestyle.

That’s what we saw growing up. It was interesting and we just never grew out of it.”

The two young men, now co-owners of TnF Construction, are working to carry on the TnF Construction legacy after the passing of their father, Sept. 2016.

Justin oversees the majority of the estimating, while Jason oversees the project

managing side of the company.

“Business has been pretty steady the last three to four years. There really has not been any major down turn. We try to stay more on the private sector side of things. We work a lot on our reputation where we get our projects from – word of mouth,” says Justin. “We try to stick with our clientele with repeat business and referrals, we stay pretty busy,” adds Jason.

Getting through the first year without the guidance of their father will be a win for TnF Construction, they say, and plan to keep building from that point.

“We would like to keep growing. When Pops was by himself, we were doing $2-3 million a year. As I came on board, we bumped up a little bit and then when Justin came on, we bumped up a little bit more, obviously with more supervision to do more work.”

The company has 10 full-time employees and supplements with temp agencies as needed. “We’re trying to build as TnF, not as Jason or Justin. We’re trying to build the atmosphere that our guys are working with a team and not an individual. Our father had created a family atmosphere for his employees and we are striving to keep that legacy alive. If ever the guys needed anything, he would bend over backwards to give them whatever he could. Some of our guys have been with us 20 plus years,” Jason says.

TnF Construction is a full-service general contractor in New Braunfels, TX. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

Page 3

Gotta have faith

The greatest gift

L-R: Luis Pruneda, Post Surgeon, Johnny Ornalez, Post Commander, Adrian Garcia, FARR Builders, Louie Gomez, Sr. Vice Commander, Robert Rangel, VFW

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F

Tony Castellano, the second generation of Azteca Designs, tries out one of the tractors as a buffalo looks on.

aith and prayer are what get Azteca Designs president Cecilia Castellano through. When asked how she became a construction business owner, she has a ready answer.

“I say, ‘If you would look at my knees …

I pray a lot!’” Cecilia says, laughing. “We are very faith-based; we give all the honor to God here. We don’t put ourselves in the center of all of the attention. Everything that we do and know, every opportunity that has come forward, we believe that that has been through the power of prayer and through having a lot of faith. Our mission is using our God-given talent and expertise to build strong relationships with our customers by providing quality construction services.”

Spirituality and the support of people promising to become customers helped Cecilia and her husband, vice-president Tony Castellano, launch an interior finishout business in Cuero in 2006. Last year, successful but feeling stagnant, Cecilia again relied on prayer.

“That’s when He burst in a dream to start a heavy highway division,” she explained. “I always have had a love for big equipment; I love construction in general.

We looked at what was going to be more feasible, and again we prayed and asked God what He wanted for us.”

Under ADI, a division of Azteca Designs Inc., the Castellanos secured a two-year mowing contract, overseen by their 18-year-old son, project manager Anthony Castellano. It was a wise choice since they already had the equipment, and for Cecilia, it’s an answer to her prayers.

“We were building the company for ourselves, and then as our children have come along – we have two boys now – it has become a vision of branching out, have the boys take ownership one day and possibly open up other offices throughout Texas.”

Subcontractor Azteca Designs offers flooring, painting, drywall, ceilings, asbestos/ lead abatement, mold remediation and demolition. –mjm

he VFW Post 76 is “The Oldest Post in Texas,” in existence 100 years as of June 2017. Their mission is to foster camaraderie among U.S. Veterans of overseas conflicts – to serve our Veterans, the military, our community, and to advocate on behalf of all Veterans. The post is self-funded and has 1800 members, said Post Commander Johnny Ornalez.

It is located near downtown on the San Antonio River Walk in a unique 1900 two-story Victorian house, complete with offices, a museum, a bar and two ghosts, one who likes to move around furniture. Outside are patios for visitors and events. In the front of the house is a patterned brick area with bricks engraved with names of those fallen in foreign wars.

Thousands per year pass through the arch entrance to the premises.

One thing they’ve needed for years and could not afford was a covered patio to be used for passers-by, guests at their events

and to rent as a venue to help raise funds.

For their 100th year celebration, FARR Builders stepped up and volunteered to build their covered patio, called “The Cigar Deck” outside overlooking the San Antonio River Walk.

A proud employee of FARR Builders, Adrian Garcia, is a Veteran and member of Post 76. He couldn’t say enough about how grateful he is. According to Post Commander Johnny Ornalez, “This is the greatest gift the Post has ever received.”

In August, Daniel Garcia, VP Business Development, FARR Builders, contacted Construction News to see if we would be interested in this heartwarming story. As a Gold Star Mother myself, I am familiar with and have frequented the Post for the events they’ve had for Gold Star Families. I know what they do and what they represent. If you’re ever in the area, stop by this unique setting. Perhaps their two ghosts might join you! -rd

“The Cigar Deck” provided by FARR Builders – the SA River Walk below to the right

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San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

Are you from Texas?

Yes. I was born in San Antonio and raised in Bulverde, TX (suburb of San Antonio). I went to elementary, junior high, and high school there.

I left to attend University of Texas in Austin where I got an engineering degree and a marketing degree.

Today, I own my own home on acreage in Bulverde.

Sam Sitterle President & Founder Metroscapes Landscaping and Green Grow Organics

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hese days, many are concerned about our environment, the air we breathe and the water we drink. Then there are the pesticides and chemical weed killers and fertilizers, possibly in the food we eat and the food livestock and farm animals eat.

We are all familiar with or have heard about these aspects and possibilities. However, most of us are not aware of what else is out there contributing to the health of all living things, that which is right in front of us - Dirt!

Who doesn’t enjoy beautiful landscapes - grass, flowers, trees, shrubs?

According to Sitterle, we should consider all the beautiful landscaping as well. And believe it or not, weeds have a purpose; they are an indicator and identifier of what’s in the soil. Just because we don’t directly eat our landscaping or the weeds doesn’t mean they can’t also be harmful to our health and environment. In nature, everything is connected in various ways.

Any problems associated with all the landscapes and nature around us are relatively simple to understand.

Likewise are the solutions. In summary, people just need to be educated, read about it and make an effort to contribute and, at the very least, create your own healthy environment in your own backyard.

Sitterle has been studying and tracking these processes of nature for over 20 years. What he’s learned and has been able to prove is invaluable.

The fact that we’re losing one percent of our soil per year is something to think about.

He says his mission is to “Save the world, one organic landscape at a time.” And that is exactly what he has been doing, and well as educating people along the way. He explains what the problems are, how those problems affect us all, both short term and long term, and provides simple solutions for everyone to play a part in saving our soil and mother nature.

How did you get started in business?

In 1990, I worked for a landscaper. After six months I was running a crew and making $24,000 per year. At the end of another six months, I was running two crews and making $36,000 per year. After two and a half years I realized I could go out on my own and so I did. Working for someone was an education, mostly in how not to treat employees.

I opened Metroscapes and did very well. I worked mostly in residential at first then began contracting commercial projects, including hard scape.

Fast forward 25 years, I opened Green Grow Organics because I saw how chemical additions to landscapes made them beautiful very quickly. However, I also realized that once the chemicals go away, the landscape crashes because there’s nothing there, no residuals, no fungus, the organisms that actually feed the plant.

What are some interesting facts you can tell us?

A couple of questions I like to ask people, “What is the tallest organism in the world?” That would be the Sequoia trees in Northern California. And, “How do they get that big when no man has ever fed them?” The answer is the second largest organism in the world called the humongous fungus, a fungus that lives in the ground feeds those trees. If you were to spray insecticide, fungicide or other chemicals around those trees, you would be killing the very things that are sustaining them.

At Green Grow, we are trying to recreate the forest floor on a different level to permit an environment for grasses to grow. But it has to be maintained. I consider this business landscape husbandry because I handle everything from what goes down, what is inoculated, what is acidified in the water, when and how

It all starts with the soil.

much.

When I handle all those aspects, we have great success. If I’m not able (hired) to handle or maintain those areas, there is less success overall.

Where do those pesticides, chemicals and weed killers go?

After they have killed the necessary fungus and organisms in the dirt that feed the landscape, the soil is left useless. With the reapplication of more chemicals, they continue to absorb into the earth and end up in other areas, like creek beds. Those creeks and rivers carry the chemicals even further.

I would assume a solution would be to use all organic products and continue to maintain.

Yes, it’s never too late to start using organic materials, including a compost tea maintenance program I have developed a blend of oxygenated compost tea that will feed lawns and plants and replenish the soil. The living, breathing organisms in compost tea are perishable with a life span of two hours. A proprietary blend is placed in an oxygenated truck and kept alive until arrival at the area to be applied. There, it is mixed and used within the two-hour time frame.

What about weeds?

A weed is a plant who’s virtue is yet to be discovered. The first thing Mother Nature does whenever there’s a disturbance or imbalance of the soils, is to send the lowliest of plants that will photosynthesize in that area. The weed is there for a reason. What’s contained in the body of that weed are the minerals necessary for that area. If you pull a weed, leave it where you pull it so it can continue to balance the soil as it decomposes. If you pull a weed and take it away, Mother Nature will put another right there in it’s place.

To control the weeds, you set the table for something else to grow.

So how has Green Grow Organics fared in the marketplace so far and where are you going?

We’ve been able to get the City of San Antonio to adopt our techniques as an option in every city project that includes landscaping. Green Grow Organics is now in the City Design Standards as an alternative to conventional chemical installations of landscapes. We are teamed with Sustainable Growth Texas.

Our Business Developer brought them to town. Together we were able to save the city $1/2 million on the project.

We see ourselves moving into the in-

Sam Sitterle in his element

stitutional and industrial in large Green Grow projects, i.e., the Lackland Corridor Gateway.

Another is to address ranches 250 – 500 acres to help restore the land for sustaining cattle or whatever wildlife is chosen.

In summary?

By teaming with Betsy Ross, of Sustainable Growth Texas, Green Grow Organics is expanding its outreach and knowledge base for the South Central Texas Region. We’re moving into more consulting jobs for the natural soils management methodology that will save municipalities’ budgets for soil erosion, save water and regenerate healthy soils, so important to human health. At Green Grow, we like to stay in a learning/teaching environment every day helping the design and construction community deliver sustainable landscapes for everyday use. -rd

Spending time at the coast fishing when he’s not digging in the dirt. Taken at Port O’Connor, San Antonio Bay (31-incher)

San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

Page 5

Bridging a gap

Industry FOLKS Don Drake Safety Director Moore Erection LP

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orn and raised in Denver, CO, Drake spent the first 15 years of his life in the Mile-High City until he moved to Phoenix, AZ where he would spend the next 15 years before coming to the Lone Star State to work in 1991.

Having worked in construction his entire life, Drake ended up in Texas when the residential construction market plummeted in the early ‘80s and hearing from his sister-in-law that there was a lot of work in Texas. Drake, his wife Leah, and their five children moved to Texas and his career as an ironworker soon unfolded.

Drake, with just basic public school education, credits his construction knowledge and skills from the school of hard knocks. Now, a safety director for the past three years, Drake finds himself continuing his education in a more official capacity completing courses necessary to be a qualified safety professional.

“I had started going to safety meetings and realized what our safety program needed and the changes that needed to be made. That’s when I decided I was going to take on the responsibility. Even though I’ve been in construction all my life, I had a lot to learn on the safety side. Now three years into it, I’m still green, so educating myself is ongoing. I’m constantly getting the training to keep us at a safe and productive level. I’ve completed OSHA 500 & 510 and Train-the-Trainer for forklift, booms and scissor lift certification courses.

San Antonio

“When I decided to take on this role, I didn’t think about the challenges and the responsibilities that were involved. My position is challenging.

There is a lot of weight on my shoulders as safety director. I have 50 to 60 men out there in the field. Their lives are now resting on my shoulders.”

Drake has five grandchildren and a small dog, a Pomeranian named Lit’l Bit, to occupy his time after work. But recently has adopted a new hobby to fill in any gaps.

“A couple of months back, I bought a Triumph, a British motorcycle, that was sitting in a garage for 14 years untouched. A friend of my son’s father had approached me several years back to buy this bike and, well, I just never did anything about it because there was always something more important to buy. But I finally did after one of my boys told me the bike was still there sitting in their friend’s dad’s garage who had since passed away. I jumped on it.

I got it, brought it home, washed it and waxed it; and man, it looks brand new.

It’s beautiful. I have it taken apart at the moment, but should have it up and running in about a month.

“I’ve found something I really enjoy doing, restoring this bike. I still have to get my motorcycle license, but when I do, you won’t see me. I’m going to be gone. You’ll never know where I’ll be.” -cmw

CONSTRUCTION NEWS

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The Quality Power Distribution team L-R: Frank Turner, Nancy Turner and Jonathan Garcia

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ou see a lot of things in 30 years, and after working in an industry for that amount of time, you begin to realize what’s missing. Frank and Nancy Turner along with Jonathan Garcia came to such a realization when they ventured out on their own to start Quality Power Distribution (QPD) in March 2017.

Frank Turner with his 25 years of medium voltage experience and Garcia with his 12 years of experience have seen the high demand for medium voltage installations over the past 10 years, they say.

Data centers have medium voltage requirements into their campuses through primary meters. “Utility contractors basically stop at the customer property line or primary meter. Commercial buildings, data centers, theme parks, etc. have their own primary that extends into their campuses and we are trying to bridge the gap between the utility company and the electrical contractor that does not have the personnel or the knowledge to do

the medium voltage portion of the work,” says Frank.

“Electrical contractors basically deal with voltages from 600 volts down. QPD works with voltages from 600 volts to 35,000 volts. “Our goal is to fill the gap between union and non-union contractors that may not have the personnel and partner with that contractor to fulfill a need that they may not have or lack experience in. If they are contemplating doing a project that has medium voltage involved, but they don’t have medium voltage personnel, then we can come in and partner with that company to give them the enhanced ability to go after this work that they may not otherwise pursue,” say Frank and Garcia.

“We will only take on projects that we know we can complete with high quality service,” adds Nancy.

Quality Power Distribution is a full-service electrical contractor specializing in medium voltages in Adkins, TX. -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

Let the sunshine in

Jeff and Kelli Owens, owners of Budget Blinds Northeast San Antonio

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fter spending 26 years in corporate America, Jeff and Kelli Owens wanted a change. Kelli had been a paralegal with Shell Oil Company and Jeff was on the sales and customer service side for an international business, a French oil company and later Halliburton.

They wanted their own piece of the pie.

They wanted something they could call “theirs” with an opportunity to work together and from home.

The bubbly couple would pick up their roots in Sugarland, TX and move to New Braunfels where they would become the new owners of Budget Blinds Northeast San Antonio, covering the 78130 zip code of New Braunfels, down to Cibolo-Schertz, Converse and into Universal City in April 2017.

“This was a perfect fit for us. We get to work together and work from home,” says Kelli. “We offer high quality window coverings such as blinds, shutters, drap-

eries, shades and even window film.

Most of our clientele is in the residential sector, but we also do commercial construction projects as well.”

Jeff says he enjoys interacting with their clients and establishing those relationships. “Listening to what they may need or may not even realizing what they want, is a lot of fun in helping them reach that point of yes, that’s it,” say Jeff.

With the company relatively new to the Owens, the company itself is not new by any means. Five guys in Anaheim, CA established Budget Blinds 25 years ago.

The company is now nation-wide with franchise opportunities for would-be entrepreneurs like the Owens who purchased their franchise from a couple who was ready to retire after 11 years, Rick and Malinda DeLong.

Budget Blinds Northeast SA, a window treatment supplier, subcontractor covering northeast San Antonio to New Braunfels. –cmw

San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

Page 7

Construction News ON LOCATION

Working together

Extreme pumping

The guys at Extreme Pumping are all smiles at the end of their long day.

L – R: Tanner Gipson, Nathan Sweet, Mike Espinosa, Mathew Gipson, Michael Coronado, and Troy Gipson. -cmw

Stalking a contractor

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n August, a couple of editors from Construction News were working in the New Braunfels area visiting construction companies, taking photos, etc. After leaving a construction site and interview, then taking a wrong turn to nowhere, we spotted a work truck with a Triple R Electric Logo on the side. We decided to follow the truck in hopes he’d lead us to a world of construction companies, at the least his office or a job site.

So here we go through the downtown circle, left and right, left and right, avoiding traffic, over the train tracks and

across the river trying to stay with this truck. As we started to catch up, it appeared we were going into a residentialtype area and hoped we weren’t following the guy home! On our last turn, he pulled into a job site – whew! We approached the driver, Dusty Johnston and told him we’d been following him for miles. He was very friendly and said he didn’t notice. He also said he’d never been stalked before. We visited a while, and then took the above photo. It was a great day. -rd

Back row L-R: Jack Karam, Jess Fleming, David Baggs, Lorenzo Hernandez, Melissa O’Neal, Bruce O’Neal, John Sturm. Front row L-R: Mark Perez, Jan Puente, Kayla Pollock, and Carol Segura Moreno

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wner Jack Karam who is no stranger to the construction industry established Geofill Construction in 2003.

Prior to the company’s inception, Karam specialized in foundations. With an experience in soil testing and stabilization, a property owner who needed help with an apartment complex approached Karam. The experience soon created a new passion for him.

Geofill construction has extensive experience in multi-family construction with a specialization in catastrophic loss management, rehabilitation and commercial tenant build-out.

In addition to owning and operating a construction company, Karam is very dedicated to his faith and is a deacon at Saint Monica’s Catholic Church in Converse. “Jack has created a family-like atmosphere here. We’ve all gone through each other’s ups and downs. Every Tuesday, we have a production meeting and it doesn’t get started without a prayer

provided by Jack, ” says Janice Puente, manager of Geofill.

The company as a whole is involved in Texas Ramps in which once a month, company volunteers construct ramps for the homes of disabled families in need of wheelchair accessibility. Geofill has also participated in an Extreme Home Makeover project in Floresville, TX. “It was quite an experience for us and extremely rewarding,” reflects Puente.

“There are so many good construction companies out there so you have to try and set yourself apart. Our work and our reputation have to say it all. We work closely with our clients and do a lot of cost control and value engineering.

Bringing small details to their attention that might unnecessarily cost them thousands of dollars makes a huge difference in the way we conduct business and the way our clients perceive us and that’s important to us.”

Geofill Construction is a general contractor in Schertz, TX. -cmw

Page 8

San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

Sales and Use Tax and the Texas contractor: Solve the riddle! (Pt. 3) Stephanie M. Thomas, Principal Thomas, Thomas & Thomas, PC Houston, TX

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s you know, sales tax rules in Texas vary depending on project type, contract type, property type and entity type. Let me refresh your memory on the four simple questions a contactor must ask at the beginning of the project to determine sales tax: • What type of project is it (new construction or repair/remodeling)?

• What type of property (residential or commercial) is it?

• What type of contract is it (lump sum or separated)?

• What type of entity is it (tax exempt or taxable entity)?

The answers to these questions will guide the way you charge and remit sales tax. See my articles from June and July for more details.

Now, let’s focus on the guidelines for construction projects for sales tax exempt entities (also known as governmental agencies and charitable, educational, and religious organizations). Contractor’s sales tax responsibilities are relatively simple when working on a project for a sales tax exempt entity. Separately stated sales tax is never invoiced, regardless of contract type, property type or contract. Also, contractors may purchase certain items tax-free for use in the project.

The following information is general and reflects current Texas sales tax rules only.

Sales Cycle: Invoicing for a sales tax exempt entity.

A contractor does not invoice sales tax exempt entities sales tax.

Purchases Cycle: Sales tax the contractor should pay.

If the project is for a sales tax exempt entity, the contractor may purchase incorporated materials, subcontractor labor and consumable supplies tax-free. The consumable supplies must be necessary and essential to the performance of the contract and completely consumed at the jobsite. An exemption certificate should be issued to subcontractors, incorporated material suppliers and consumable supply suppliers in order to purchase these items tax-free.

The contractor may purchase taxable services tax-free if the following requirements are met: • the contract expressly requires the service to be provided or purchased by the contractor • the service is integral to the performance of the contract • the service is performed at the jobsite

If all of these criteria are applicable, the contractor may issue an exemption certificate to the taxable service provider in order to purchase the service tax-free.

Tools, equipment rentals, silt fencing, scaffolding, etc. are taxable to the contractor

regardless of the entity type (i.e. exempt or taxable). These items are tax exempt only if the exempt entity, not the contractor, purchases them. Note: There is an exemption for silt fencing components purchased by the contractor for use on tax exempt projects only. For additional information regarding this or other exemptions, please contact me or the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

Required Documentation It is important that the contractor obtain the appropriate documentation that their client is exempt from sales tax. A purchase voucher, invoice or contract is sufficient proof of the exempt status of a governmental entity. For all non-governmental tax exempt entities, obtain a properly completed exemption certificate as soon as possible.

We also recommend you confirm their exempt status online via the Exempt Organization Search and Verification link in the Searchable Taxpayer Information database on the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts website.

Understanding your sales and use tax responsibilities will help you avoid any sticky issues with your customers and the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. If you have questions or concerns about your sales tax obligations regarding tax exempt or any other type of construction project, please feel free to contact me.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided above is general in nature and is not legal advice. The provider of the information makes no representation regarding the law and/or its application to any entity’s specific situation. Because state tax laws, policies, and applications are dynamic, please consult with a state tax professional for a complete rendition of the law as it may apply to your specific situation at a particular time.

Brief Bio: Stephanie Thomas, CPA has helped clients with sales and use tax issues exclusively since 1998. Each month, Stephanie teaches Texas Taxes for the Construction Industry. Her new online class series starting in September will help construction companies and contractors understand their sales tax requirements. Her firm, Thomas, Thomas & Thomas, PC is a CPA firm that addresses state tax issues only. They help clients all over the country address sales and use tax audits, minimize sales and use tax deficiencies, and understand how to comply with applicable sales and use tax laws. Stephanie can be reached at (832) 5591564 or Stephanie@thomaspc.com.

OSHA’s Crystalline Silica Rule Stan Gregory, Safety & Risk Consultant INSURICA San Antonio, TX

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n March 25th, 2016, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a final rule regarding respirable crystalline silica. Under this rule, employers are now subject to new standards for protecting workers. As the construction industry approaches the required implementation date of September 23, 2017, it is a good time to review the highlights.

What’s a Little Dust?

Although silica looks like dust, it’s much more harmful to your lungs. Silica dust is a human lung carcinogen, and breathing it in causes the formation of scar tissue on the lungs, reducing the lungs’ ability to take in oxygen. Without proper protection, exposure poses a serious threat to workers. The most severe exposures to silica dust result from abrasive blasting, but those working in cement and brick manufacturing, tool and die, maintenance and the steel and foundry industries are at high risk as well.

About 2 million construction workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica in over 600,000 workplaces. OSHA estimates that more than 840,000 of these workers are exposed to silica levels that exceed the new permissible exposure limit (PEL).

Exposure to respirable crystalline silica can cause kidney disease, silicosis, lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. Here is some common construction equipment that can expose workers to dangerous levels of silica:

Masonry saws Grinders Drills Jackhammers

Handheld powered chipping tools

Vehicle-mounted drilling rigs

Milling equipment

Crushing machines

Heavy demolition equipment

The construction standard does not apply in situations where exposures will remain low under any foreseeable conditions. This includes tasks such as mixing mortar, pouring concrete foundation walls and removing concrete formwork.

What Does the Standard Require?

The standard requires that employers limit worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica and take other steps to protect workers.

The standard provides flexible alternatives, especially useful for small employers. Employers can either use a control method, or they can measure worker exposure to silica and independently decide which dust controls work best to

limit exposures to the PEL in their workplaces.

Regardless of which exposure control method is used, all construction employers covered by the standard are required to do the following: • Establish and implement a written exposure control plan that identifies tasks that involve exposure and methods used to protect workers, including procedures to restrict access to work areas where high exposures may occur • Designate a competent person to implement the written exposure control plan • Restrict housekeeping practices that expose workers to silica where feasible alternatives are available • Offer medical exams—including chest X-rays and lung function tests—every three years for workers who are required by the standard to wear a respirator for 30 or more days per year • Train workers on work operations that result in silica exposure as well as on ways to limit exposure • Keep records of workers’ silica exposure and medical exams Important Things to Remember • OSHA’s final silica rule establishes a new permissible exposure limit for respirable silica.

• Employers must implement specific measures to protect workers.

• The intent of the rule is to reduce the risk of diseases caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

• Employers in the construction industry must comply by Sept. 23, 2017.

For additional information on OSHA’s silica rule, go to www.osha.gov/silica.

Stan Gregory is a Safety and Risk Consultant and a leader on INSURICA’s Risk Management team. He has more than three decades of experience working with loss control, safety planning, and risk management for clients within the construction and energy industries. He can be reached at 210-805-5915 or sgregory@INSURICA. com.

San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

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The Economic Loss Rule and construction defect litigation Part 3: Blurred lines, uncertainty, and recent legal developments Varant Yegparian, Associate Schiffer Odom Hicks and Johnson PLLC Houston, TX

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his is the third article in a three-part series about the economic loss rule. As previously discussed, the rule sorts legal claims by distinguishing whether a party can recover under contract or in tort. Thus, how the rule draws the line between contract and tort claims is vital for those in the construction industry. Indeed, if the rule sets a broad scope for contract claims, parties who rely on the certainty provided by certain contractual provisions (i.e., damages caps or attorney’s fees provisions) will be better off. Correlatively, if the rule sets a broad scope for tort claims, then parties who seek to avoid damages caps, attorney’s fees provisions, etc. will benefit. In either scenario, the rule’s ability to provide clear lines is of the utmost importance.

However, recent Texas court decisions have blurred these lines—creating uncertainty for the construction industry. One of these decisions, Chapman Custom Homes, Inc. v. Dallas Plumbing Co., was decided by the Texas Supreme Court in 2014.1 In Chapman, a homeowner contracted with a builder to construct a home. The builder subcontracted with a plumber to install the home’s plumbing. The plumber’s work was defective and leaks damaged the home. The homeowner and builder both sued the plumber. Applying the economic loss rule, the appellate court determined (1) that homeowner could only sue the plumber in tort because its only contract was with the builder and (2) the builder could only sue the plumber for breach of contract because it did not own the (damaged) home. The court dismissed the builder’s claim because it could not recover on damaged property it did not own. And due to a pleading defect, the homeowner only asserted a contract claim which the appellate court dismissed because the homeowner had no contract with the plumber.

The Texas Supreme Court reversed the appellate court’s ruling. In doing so, the court turned to a 70 year old case for the proposition that “having undertaken to install a plumbing system in the house, the plumber assumed an implied duty not to flood or otherwise damage the [owner’s] house while performing its contract.”

This is where things get murky. The court seemed to use a tort theory—i.e., the obligation to not damage property which is outside the scope of one’s contractual work. However, the homeowner never

brought a tort claim—the only duty it claimed breached was contractual in nature. In discussing this implied duty, the Chapman court blurred the distinctions created by the economic loss rule by allowing a party to, essentially, use a contract (which was only for plumbing work) to recover in tort (damage to the whole home).

Picking up on Chapman, the Corpus Christi appellate court used the implied duty to allow a party to sue a project engineer for damage to an apartment complex it purchased from the complex’s builder in USA Walnut Creek, DST v. Terracon Consultants, Inc.2 The Terracon court allowed the purchaser to sue the engineer for damage caused by improperly designing the complex’s foundation—including damage to the foundation itself—despite the purchaser not having a contract with the engineer.

Seizing on the notion of an implied duty, Terracon presents another example of a court sidestepping the lines set by the economic loss rule by allowing a party to recover what essentially were breach of contract damages (i.e., improper construction and design services) from a party with whom it had no contract.

If the results of these cases seem confusing, it is because they are. The implied duty discussed in Chapman blurs the distinctions set by the economic loss rule by allowing parties to recover contract damages under tort theories and vice versa. Allowing parties to avoid the economic loss rule’s restrictions in this way—and thus avoid limitations like damages caps or attorney’s fees provisions—upsets the contractual allocation of risk. And allowing parties to avoid the careful balancing of risk in their construction contracts represents a danger to those in the construction industry. Attention will have to be paid in the following years to see if the courts continue to blur these lines.

Contact: Varant Yegparian Schiffer Odom Hicks Johnson PLLC 700 Louisiana Ste. 2650 Houston, TX 77002 Tel: 713.255.4109 vyegparian@sohjlaw.com 1 445 S.W.3d 716 (2014).

2 2015 WL 832273 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi Feb. 26, 2015, pet. denied)

Electronic submission of injury and illness records to OSHA launched August 1 Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

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he Occupational Safety and Health Administration launched on Aug. 1, 2017, the Injury Tracking Application (ITA). The Web-based form allows employers to electronically submit required injury and illness data from their completed 2016 OSHA Form 300A. The application will be accessible from the ITA webpage at https://www.osha.gov/ injuryreporting/ita/.

Last month, OSHA published a notice year counts as one employee, including to extend the deadline for submitting 2016 full-time, part-time, seasonal, and tempoForm 300A to Dec. 1, 2017, to allow affected rary workers. entities sufficient time to familiarize them- Establishments that are partially exselves with the electronic reporting system, empt from OSHA’s recordkeeping due to and to provide the new administration an industry are not required to submit data, opportunity to review the new electronic regardless of establishment size. Construcreporting requirements prior to their imple- tion industry employers are required to mentation. Employers have from August 1st maintain the OSHA 300 log if the employer to December 1st 2017 to submit their OSHA has 10 or more workers, though the requirement to submit data electronically 300A data in the online system.

Employers who are required to submit only affects those employers with 20 or data online are those employers that are al- more workers. ready required to maintain the OSHA 300 The data submission process involves occupational injury and illness log, and have four steps: (1) Creating an establishment; at least 20 workers at their establishment. (2) adding 300A summary data; (3) submitThe electronic reporting requirements are ting data to OSHA; and (4) reviewing the based on the size of the establishment, not confirmation email. The secure website ofthe firm. The OSHA injury and illness records fers three options for data submission. One are maintained at the establishment level. option will enable users to manually enter An establishment is defined as a single data into a web form. Another option will physical location where business is con- give users the ability to upload a CSV file to ducted or where services or industrial oper- process single or multiple establishments ations are performed. A firm may be com- at the same time. A third option will allow prised of one or more establishments. To users of automated recordkeeping systems determine if you need to provide OSHA to transmit data electronically via an appliwith the required data for an establishment, cation programming interface. you need to determine the establishment’s For more information, please visit peak employment during the last calendar https://www.osha.gov/injuryreporting/innatarajan.joann@dol.gov year. Each individual employed in the estab- dex.html 512-374-0271 x232 lishment at any time during the calendar

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San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

JOB SIGHTS

Joel Uballe, jokingly known as “Slow Joe” working on a stairway in Phase 2 of Cottonwood Crossing in New Braunfels. General Contractor is Michael Flume Construction Companies. -cmw

JR Sitework Inc. on the job for parking lot renovations at St. John’s Episcopal Church in New Braunfels. L-R: Manuel Ugarte-Vences and Martin Veliz, bobcat operator. -cmw

L-R: Rick Hernandez, Derek Hernandez, and owner, Carlos Hernandez of Branken ConstRuction pose for a photo after finishing a sign arch at the Commerce Business Park located at 10415 Perrin Beitel for Max Developers and Kotel Investments, Inc. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

Page 11

Summer fishing heating up!

by Capt. Steve Schultz Sponsored by: Waypoint Marine, Majek Boats, Evinrude Outboards, Fishing Tackle Unlimited, E-Z Bel Construction, Costa Sunglasses, Diawa Reels, Power Pole Shallow Water Anchor, Aggregate Haulers, ­­­ForEverlast Fishing Products, Interstate Batteries, MirrOlure, and AFTCO Clothing.

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ishing continues to be staying strong during the dog days of summer. While most of the guides are still catching limits of trout, I have started seeing some reds show up at the cleaning table. This is a good sign this early in the month as I only see it getting better as we finish out August and get into September.

When targeting reds in the Laguna Madre, you can start by running the flats early in the morning looking for schools that have not been pressured throughout the night. Usually these schools are in one to two-ft. of water and will push a wake of water when they hear you coming. Having a soft plastic or a spoon tied on your rod and a quick hand will give

Mark Kirshner poses with his 26-in. speck he caught last month fishing with Steve Ehretsman of Athens, GA. Limits of trout and several reds were caught fishing with Steve Schultz Outdoors.

you an advantage when you find a school. If that’s not your game, you can anchor on some of the many sand pockets or grass lines along the King Ranch shoreline where redfish frequently travel.

Live croakers and piggy perch work well with this method as does cut bait, such as skipjack, menhaden or crab. Another method which I see most weekend fishermen doing is drifting the flats. This is a

great way to cover lots of water and locate fish without spending lots of time in

the same location. Shrimp under a popping cork or your favorite lure is the preferred method when drifting. Whichever of these methods is your favorite, you can be sure that when you do hook onto a redfish, it will be one of the toughest fights in our bay’s system. These fish don’t know the meaning of giving up and will test your tackle to the extreme.

Ideal redfish tackle should start with at least a 7’ casting or spinning rod in the medium to medium heavy weight. 7 ½ foot is preferred and used by most of the local guides. A 4000 class spinning reel of medium size bait caster spooled with 30 lb. braid and a 30-40 lb. fluorocarbon leader will make fighting Ol Mr. One Spot a breeze.

Please remember to stay hydrated and protect yourself for the harmful UV rays of the sun. Apply sunscreen, at least SPF 30 or greater, 30 minutes before going out and wear light colored clothing.

Keep plenty of water and Gatorade on the boat and be prepared for the unexpected. September weather is just as brutal as August, and heat indexes can reach well above 100 degrees, so stay cool!

September dates available are 6,11, 12, and 28. October is also a great month to fish. October dates available are 2,3,9,10,11,16,17,23,24. Don’t wait, these dates won’t last long. To schedule your next bay fishing trip give Capt. Steve Schultz a call at 361-813-3716 or 361-334-3105 or e-mail him at SteveSchultzOutdoors@gmail.com. Good luck and Good Fishing.

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San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

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

S

Coffee Shop

ome of my earliest recollections are of going with my dad down to the local café in the pale morning light.

I was only about 4-years-old and I mostly remember the doughnuts, frothy little glasses of “Old Bossy” milk from the tap and all the guys would give me their little glass bottles of cream from their coffee to drink. It was a warm comfortable place to hang out with my dad and his friends while the rest of the world woke up. In those days the conversation was mostly about hunting and fishing and rebuilding old cars.

When I was grown we had changed towns, but the coffee shop was still a constant. Folks gathered at a local café that would tolerate the coffee drinkers’ endless refills and smoking and banter for the occasional breakfast order. All the usual suspects were there; a constable, a doctor, a lawyer, a couple of deputies, some city workers and a handful of ranch hands in their well-worn jeans and sweaty straw hats. Everybody had a job to get to, just not yet. Needless to say, coffee shops were different then. Mostly everyone was at least acquainted with each other. We didn’t have Wi-Fi and we communicated with each other on a face-to-face basis and knew that, God willing, we would see each other at the coffee shop in the morning. There was lots of drowsy, good natured ribbing and joke telling and talk about the weather, gossip and advice.

Somehow I think this all goes back to the campfire thing. It goes back to when we would crawl out of whatever cave or

In the meantime, everyone’s still fishing.

pile of sticks we had slept in and gather around the last precious embers of the night’s fire to rebuild the flame and huddle in its glow as the rest of our clan woke up. The topics of conversation were probably about the same. Did we all make it through the night? Is everyone well? What are we doing today? Did I tell you about the time we cornered a mastodon?

I think that is what I love most about doing my radio shows. People call in to the show or email me later to say they enjoy listening while they are drinking coffee on the back porch, or on the way to work or fishing. I hear from folks from all over the country and sometimes the world about how our shows have become a part of their weekend morning routine. I like to think that my show can help us to rediscover that old coffee shop vibe in a world where the old neighborhood coffee shops are hard to find and people have gotten too busy to enjoy them.

We talk about the weather and give the tidal info for people heading for the coast. We shoot the breeze, pick at each other and even have a bunch of interesting guests who really do know what they are talking about when it comes to hunting and fishing. We talk to people who are working to make the world a better place by supporting our returning veterans and helping to feed folks in need and keeping you up-to-date on outdoor conservation.

If you find yourself awake early on Saturday and Sunday mornings, pour yourself a cup of coffee and join us! It’ll keep you out of trouble until the rest of the tribe wakes up!

On Saturday, 5-7AM Ken Milam’s The Great Outdoors is on WOAI Newstalk 1200 am in San Antonio and on 1300 The Zone in Austin from 5–8 am.

On Sunday, 6 – 8 AM The Sunday Sportsman is on 1300 The Zone in Austin. Both shows are also on your free iHeart radio app so you can listen anywhere! They are even offered as podcasts if you are not up that early. Join us!

Fishing foremen

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

www.constructionnews.net publishing the industry’s news

Austin ★ Dallas/Fort Worth ★ Houston ★ San Antonio

Mike Sireno, Baker Triangle, shared this photo taken at Bay Flat’s Lodge from their foreman’s fishing trip held on July 2 in Seadrift. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

Page 13

Shooting for success

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or 28 years, Niznik Concrete Contractors has been doing their share to help SAYouth in developing the character, strengths, talents and skills of San Antonio’s high-risk urban youth. On Aug. 12, along with E-Z Bel Construction LLc, Lynwood Building Materials, and Johnston Industries hosted another highly successful SAYouth Charity Fun Shoot at the National Shooting Complex. This year’s event rose in excess of $90,000. -cmw

3rd: Jody Johnston, Marty Adam’s (96) Open Division – Class B: 1st: Paul Murry, Mesa Equipment (83) 2nd: Jim Giepther (83) 3rd: Mike Maule, Mesa Equipment (83) Open Division – Class C: 1st: Anthony Ramos, United Road Services (70) 2nd: Nathan Star, Silver Eagle Dist. (70) 3rd: Riley Tatum, Niznik Concrete (70)

Ladies’ Division – Class C: 1st: Daphne Sobieski, T & D Moravits (50) 2nd: Yvette Reyes, T & D Moravits (37) 3rd: Jennifer McGarity, Keystone Concrete (33) Youth Division – Class A: 1st: Logon Lusk, Frank Moravits (95) 2nd: Austin Shurley, E-Z Bel Construction LLc (92) 3rd: Ty Hehman, Frank Moravits (91)

Ladies’ Division – Class A: 1st: Tricia Kocurek, Ancira (93) 2nd: Taylor Nicosia, Frank Moravits (90) 3rd: Kym Patton-Miller, EDP Concrete (75)

Youth Division – Class B: 1st: Chris Jones, Frank Moravits (76) 2nd: Brendan Garcia, JR Sitework Inc. (75) 3rd: Carson Schultz, Bear Readymix Concrete (74)

Ladies’ Division – Class B: 1st: Leslie Bettice, Alamo Concrete (63) 2nd: Kattie Hehman, Frank Moravits (62) 3rd: Monica Garcia, Niznik Concrete (57)

Youth Division – Class C: 1st: Kattie Hehman, Frank Moravits (62) 2nd: Joe Solis Jr., Solis (62) 3rd: Walker Dury, Frank Moravits (62)

1st Place Open Division – Class C

1st Place Youth Division – Class A

2nd Place Youth Division – Class B

2nd Place Youth Division – Class C

1st Place Open Division – Class B

3rd Place Ladies’ Division – Class C

3rd Place Pro Division

1st Place Ladies’ Division – Class A

Winners of the shoot included: Pro Division: 1st: Tony Rivera, Texas South Painting (98) 2nd: Roy Baring III, Ancira Fleet (98) 3rd: Steve Horton, Zoli (98) Open Division – Class A: 1st: Rudy Bazan (98) 2nd: Mike Oliver, E-Z Bel Construction LLc (96)

1st Place Ladies’ Division – Class B

1st Place Open Division – Class A

L-R: Doug Niznik pays tribute to Cynthia LeMands. Since 1999, LeMands has been President and CEO of CAYouth and stepped down earlier this year. She had worked with Niznik for years on the shoot.

Page 14

San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

Friends of Parker

Girls day out fishing

L–R: Curtis Stavinoha, Metropolitan Contracting Company LLC; Lawson Jessee, Troy Jessee Construction; Tyler Brady and Reese Specht, both from A1 Rocket Services pose with their winning 1st place catch of 18.46 lbs. at the Friends of Parker annual tournament held in Rockport, TX. -cmw

Have an Outdoor Story or Photo?

Send to: Carol Waitrek @ConstructionNews.net or call at 210-308-5800

L-R: Jacqui John, Tracy Davis and Marty Foster, Crawford Electric Supply, limited out on Redfish in the north end of the land cut of Baffin Bay. -rd

San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

Page 15

THIS TH MON Jan: Construction Forecast Mar: Construction Education May: Concrete Industry July: Electrical Industry Feb: Construction Safety Apr: Women in Construction Jun: HVAC & Plumbing Aug: Service Providers

Views of green San Antonio, TX

David White, Building Envelope Services Mgr. Raba Kistner Jeff L. Haberstroh, V.P., Senior Project Manager Project Control

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ow would you describe the state of the construction industry in general terms?

Jeff: Booming! We continue to see positive movement in K-12, Higher Ed, and Municipal work. The private sector is recovering strong and will continue to gage the activities and positive decision with the current administration in Washington. There is great optimism that a revised tax plan and final outcomes with health care will boost the market even further.

David: The construction industry in our region is real steady. It seems to be in a better state than other regions. It appears that there is still plenty of building going on.

Have you experienced an increase in business? Slowdown?

Jeff: Definitely an increase! We have experienced gains in many of our market sectors and see that trend holding through Q3 of 2018.

David: We have experienced a consistent 10-15% annual growth over the past few years. The past two years have definitely been busy for us. On the roofing side, the April 2016 Hail Storm has really kept us busy.

What factors are driving this increase/ slowdown?

Jeff: It would be my thoughts that, federal reserve sending strong indicators that interest rates will continue to stay low and that financial institutions have begun to put a larger amount of available capital into the market. I see the public sector bond market being a significant contributor to the increase as well. Most major cities are planning large bond referendums for this November and May next year. The focus being on infrastructure to support large growth swings.

David: For our roof consulting services, the April 2016 Hail Storm has been keeping us real busy. Then the big hailstorm occurred out in Midland/Odessa a few months ago and we are getting calls to go out there and look at roofs. In addition, with all of the downtown revitalization work happening, our waterproofing and building envelope forensic work have been real steady. The building envelope design and design peer review on the older buildings downtown has been a lot of steady work and we’ve had really interesting projects.

How has this increase/slowdown affected your company and how you conduct business?

Jeff: We try to manage our labor need to be “just-in-time” as a project is awarded. It is almost impossible to keep a bench waiting on the next project. This also causes stress to hire from competitors or compete with a compensation package that will attract the best-seasoned people.

David: The increase has affected us.

Right now it is hard to find qualified staff.

We have experienced much growth in Austin and Houston and have to assist those markets with San Antonio based consultants on top of being extremely busy in San Antonio also. As a consequence, we’ve been spending a lot of time on the road trying to cover all of our projects.

What are the “hot button” issues in the green building industry of construction?

Jeff: I believe it has boiled down to a point’s game. LEED was great 10 years ago when we needed a template to achieve a successful project with respects to saving energy cost and delivering a building that

provided for better indoor quality of life.

Today designers try to manipulate the scoring numbers to achieve a particular certification and check the box.

David: Solar is still a “hot button”.

LEED seems to have subsided a little, or so it may seem, but we are seeing a lot more designs with solar in mind.

What are the major changes in the industry in recent years relating to green building?

Jeff: The 2015 Energy Code! The adoption of this standard for energy has moved the needle in a positive direction for the end user so that everyone is constructing towards a more efficient consumption of energy. This has a ripple effect as its trajectory will improve the built environment when existing buildings are renovated and it will force new construction to follow the path laid by USGBC. David: The major changes recently have been the change to the Energy Codes.

They have actually changed quite a bit and the way we look at insulating buildings has changed pretty dramatically.

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

Cost increases? Training?

Jeff: Labor and Training. Labor has fallen to an all-time low in the construction industry. The Texas market and, the country as a whole, remain strong and there is no slowdown on the horizon, which will continue to challenge the skilled labor force. The oil sector has dropped off in recent years and is now again making resurgence in the various plays across the state. The result of the oil

GREEN BUILDING Sep: Green Building Nov: Architecture & Engineering Oct: Specialty Contractors Dec: Construction Equipment

slowdown did not replenish the labor losses that were experienced in 2012. We need to change the direction at the high school level by providing a positive view towards the trades. There should be emphasis towards certified trades and skilled craftsman in the development of CTE curriculum to capture more students that have the aptitude and desire to have skills and get rewarded in the process.

David: I think labor is still a significant challenge. Getting qualified and trained individuals to perform Building Envelope (Roofing and Waterproofing) related work is always going to be a challenge. Unlike Electrical, Plumbing, etc., we really don’t have an apprenticeship or training program. A lot of times we lack adequate/thorough training for entry-level individuals.

What are the cost increases relating to green building in your industry?

Jeff: Initial cost have caught up with sustainable initiatives in recent years. The 2015 energy code has taken this to the next level adding as much as 10-15% to new construction. Owners need to be educated on the awareness of the cause and effect of buildings brick and mortar material increases not just the cost for the plaque on the wall.

David: As the codes change and new “testing” requirements are being added during the construction phase, we are seeing General Contractors have to budget for this. With commissioning and testing and balancing of equipment in new buildings, you are seeing the cost increase with those requirements and also with ensuring that the building is being constructed properly as to meet these requirements.

How are you dealing with these challenges?

Jeff: Educate, educate, educate! We must provide our owners all of the information, layout the options, describe the causes and effects, present multiple solutions and choices so that carefully informed decisions can be made. Provide for the best opportunity for their project to achieve the desired outcome within the available funds or i) increase the budget or ii) cut back the scope to get the desired outcome.

David: As the roofing design consultant, we are making sure that the Architects

that are leading the design, the owner and contractor are all aware of the project requirements. With the new code changes in affect, it seems like everybody is still getting used to the new requirements and actually what the new codes are.

What is on the horizon for the green building industry? Changes in technology; changes in codes; ordinances or laws; other?

Jeff: All of the above! Technology will change the industry as computerized equipment advances in coming years.

The codes need to keep up with the rapid advances in technology as Smart Building draws from advances in building automation systems. Our legislators need to relax the efforts to effect laws and ordinances that will increase unfunded mandates to cities and allow the market to drive the positive changes towards conservation.

The AEC community want to (and in many cases adopt policy) design towards a more resource conscious conclusion for their clients.

David: The major changes recently and going forward will be the changes to the Energy Codes. They have actually changed quite a bit and the way we look at insulating buildings has changed pretty dramatically .

What are the rewards of the green building industry?

Jeff: There are many rewards, although we must choose the one that best fits for our clients and our projects. Today you can’t achieve everything on every project. Extended consequences are in the form of having to pay for building new power generation, or delivery of additional water, or keeping operating cost low for profitability. Extending equipment life cycles for maintenance and operations rewards. Again, educate the owner to provide the best chances for reward that is right.

David: Well, the rewards are supposed to be a building that is built efficiently and environmentally responsible.

Or, one that is efficient from the beginning through the end of its life cycle.

What is the key to being successful in the green building industry?

Jeff: Best management practices (BMP’s) will set you up for success every continued on Page 18

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San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

THIS TH MON Jan: Construction Forecast Mar: Construction Education May: Concrete Industry July: Electrical Industry Feb: Construction Safety Apr: Women in Construction Jun: HVAC & Plumbing Aug: Service Providers

Synthetic grass is green, and not just in color Marco Gortana, ,Vice President of Sales Synthetic Grass Pros Dallas, TX

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ow would you describe the current state of the green building industry as it pertains to your business?

Meeting with architects, construction specifiers, building product representatives and designers, the discussion of synthetic turf in the green building industry does come up with some of the complex and wide-ranging issues around the use of sustainable building materials, like synthetic turf, for healthier buildings.

What are major changes in the industry in recent years relating to the type of work you do?

Being in the industry of synthetic turf for over 12 years now, we have seen a huge movement toward the use in many different installation applications for synthetic turf. Nearly every new apartment being built has some sort of synthetic turf aspect to its design – amenities ranging from dog parks, putting greens, amenity decks poolside as well as courtyards, bocce courts and mini soccer fields. Another field where we see the increase of our business is schools; many of the ISD’s in the metroplex are converting their rubber mulch or wood mulch playgrounds into synthetic turf playgrounds with 1” or 2” pads to sustain the fall heights required

by IPEMA. One other area we see the use

of synthetic turf is upgrades to existing office buildings, apartments, doggie day cares, new hotels, hospital upgrades and private businesses.

What makes synthetic turf a more environmentally friendly choice for builders?

The Environmental Protection Agency conducted studies and found that an hour of using a gas-powered lawn mower is the same as driving a car for over a hundred miles. Installing artificial grass cuts down on pollution and reduces your carbon footprint and not to mention the obvious reason, water consumption.

As the water situation gets worse with water resources being low, it comes as no surprise as to why artificial grass would make the best choice.

Not to mention that investing in

Creating a greener state Jonathan Kraus, Executive Director USGBC North Texas Dallas, TX

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ow would you describe the state of the construction industry and have you experienced an increase or slowdown in business?

For the most part I have seen a strong carry over from 2016 across the state. Parts of Texas are experiencing slowdowns in some sectors. The office market in Houston as an example, but overall it looks to be strong. Our Chapter members cross many disciplines – design, engineering, construction, real estate, and building operation – and each peaks at a different part of the project cycle with many in the design and engineering areas continuing to bring on staff to handle increasing workloads.

What are driving factors for these increases and slowdowns?

This too seems to be regional, and there is direct correlation to other economic factors. Parts of the state are experiencing a slowdown in the office market, which is directly tied to oil and gas prices. Other areas are booming in the same building sector due to corporate relocations and expansions in the tech sectors.

you conduct business?

As a Mission-based nonprofit, we maintain our primary objective to transform the way buildings are designed, built, and operated across the state. The last down turn did show a need for the USGBC Chapters in Texas to reorganize, and in 2015-16 we consolidated from four collaborating entities to a single more effective organization.

Have these increases and slowdowns affected your association and how

What are the “hot button” issues in the green building industry?

Some of our primary concerns are in-

GREEN BUILDING Sep: Green Building Nov: Architecture & Engineering Oct: Specialty Contractors Dec: Construction Equipment

manures and fertilizers are not only expensive, but it is also considered to be harmful to the environment. With a real lawn, there’s the need to use fertilizers and other chemicals regularly. When it rains, that leads to runoff that carries those chemicals into lakes and other bodies of water. It also allows those chemicals to seep deeper into the water table. Since there is no need to use fertilizers on an artificial lawn, it’s easier to protect the water supply for the future.

One of the acknowledged disadvantages of green building has been the additional cost. Is this statement still true?

Obviously, the cost for synthetic turf is substantially higher than regular turf installation. The upfront cost is a tough pill to swallow but over the years the return on investment is much quicker than most people think. Also, the use of these areas dramatically increases as the synthetic turf can be utilized very soon after a rain with no side effects like standing water or mud. A prime example of this is when the Dallas Arboretum converted their wedding area lawn to synthetic turf for this reason. Since 2017, they can schedule many more wedding venues at a more consistent schedule hence capitalizing on an increase in revenue, and the same goes for dog parks and school parks.

Return on investment for the synthetic turf in new development is approximately three years for an area of 2,000sf. No added expense for an irrigation system or other costly maintenance materials are needed, ultimately saving the customer and the environment.

Is the green market becoming more competitive?

The synthetic turf industry has become more competitive over the last five years, especially in the Texas commercial market. I hear the same thing every day from architects, general contractors and commercial landscapers about the need for synthetic turf in their projects.

What is on the horizon for your industry?

The horizon looks very bright for the synthetic turf industry, with the scarcity of water being the main concern as well as maintenance concerns. I truly believe the industry will grow leaps and bounds.

As far as the technology, we have seen a huge leap in the improvement of our products over the past three to five years with the introduction of “Cool Turfs” and, considering the future, we will see more improvements and positive changes in the technology of the turf.

Synthetic Grass Pros of Dallas is a synthetic turf installation company. –mjm

How are additional costs balanced against energy, water or material cost?

dustry education, perception of extreme cost increases, and “Green Fatigue”. We are also placing more emphasis on improving existing buildings, and adding evaluation for a buildings true performance.

What are the major changes in the green building industry in recent years?

One of the biggest changes is the implementation of the 2015 EICC, which codifies many of the energy efficiency best practices that have been recommended for years.

What is the most significant challenge the green building industry faces?

Educating all sectors of the building industry on the options, costs, and benefits of green building practices and certification. Perception of excessive cost is also common -- studies have documented 3-5% increases, as opposed to 10-15% claimed by some.

What are the cost increases relating to the green building industry?

Costs associated with sustainable building vary as much as they do with any building type: you can build a very expensive non-green building, you can build a cost effective sustainable build-

ing. Following a fully integrated building process should provide a more cohesive project team and agreed-upon goals from the beginning of the project – reducing/eliminating costly change orders.

How is your association dealing with these challenges?

We have done a good job of educating design professionals around sustainable principles, and only a fair job for construction and the related trades. We are developing ways to address these gaps in knowledge. Additionally, we are working with owners and developers to demonstrate the short-term and longterm advantages of sustainable building.

What is on the horizon for the green building industry?

I see more performance-based certification methodologies and evaluation of a building’s full life cycle. We are beginning to see an increase of information from product manufacturers and more robust reporting of operational data from buildings.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is a private 501(c)3, membership-based nonprofit organization that promotes sustainability in building design, construction, and operation. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

Page 17

THIS TH MON Jan: Construction Forecast Mar: Construction Education May: Concrete Industry July: Electrical Industry Feb: Construction Safety Apr: Women in Construction Jun: HVAC & Plumbing Aug: Service Providers

A green horizon Glen Screws, President Glen Screws Construction LLc

GREEN BUILDING Sep: Green Building Nov: Architecture & Engineering Oct: Specialty Contractors Dec: Construction Equipment

process before they [products and equipment] can say, “Green” or “Sustainable”.

ow would you describe the state of the construction industry in general terms?

The construction industry as whole is doing fine. There are new projects and new products coming on board every day. Each city faces its obstacles. Our challenges are still the same, lead times for permits are still lagging and the shortage of labor has always been a factor.

What are the major changes in the industry in recent years relating to green building?

Some of the major changes we are seeing is a lot more companies asking upfront for more environmentally safe products, less carbon footprints. Years ago, no one knew what we know now. There are some great products that have been proven to really impact the industry.

How has this increase/slowdown affected your company and how you conduct business?

The increase has caused a shortage of trained and skilled workers. Projects are being pushed back months just due to the lack of qualified trades.

I want to see the government step up and help push “Trade Schools” for the ones that want to learn a great trade in the construction field.

What is the most significant challenges your industry faces? Labor shortages? Cost increases? Training?

Labor is a major challenge, and that all ties into training. There is a large gap in the trade sector. We need more qualified labor on about every level of trade in the construction industry or we are going to be in big trouble.

Cost increases are just part of growth.

When things slow down so do costs.

What are the “hot button” issues in the green building industry of construction?

For me, it’s the “Green” products that are being introduced but not proven yet to drive down cost and energy bills.

Some of the equipment and products out there have not been tried and true yet to make energy savings statements. I think there should be a better regulatory

What are the cost increases relating to green building in your industry?

The cost increases we have experienced have dramatically come down the past few years. We are currently seeing about a 3 to 7 percent increase in projects that want “green”. Depending on what clients want, the savings over time can be significant. It can be as simple as products such as Control 4 or as complex as a HVAC system, lighting design, or smart design.

Austin, TX

H

The Green sector is almost a norm and is catching on with almost every project, both commercial and residential.

Austin is and will remain one of the top LEED promoters in the nation.

Have you experienced an increase in business? Slowdown?

I can’t speak for other cities but Austin and its surroundings areas are faring quite well. Just look downtown. Almost, if not every, building is LEED certified by Austin codes. From site work to debris removal to the paints, the “Green” affect has caught on.

What factors are driving this increase/ slowdown?

Everyone wants to live in and around Austin. Our city and infrastructure is business friendly. As I stated earlier, Austin loves a “Green Envelope” and what it represents to the people here.

Encouraging sustainable design Amanda Tullos, owner and founder GreeNexus Consulting Houston, TX

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ow would you describe the state of the construction industry in general terms? Have you experienced an increase in business? Slowdown?

We have started to work with a lot more general contractors than we were in the beginning, and we really like working with them. We really like getting on site and seeing what they’re doing and helping them troubleshoot any issues associated with materials and indoor quality. Some things that seem to have changed over the 6 years of our business is we’re starting to get asked about office buildings again, but we originally had a lot of office buildings, and it was an interesting time because even though the economy was supposedly low, it seemed like it was still booming in Houston. Now we’re seeing some office buildings creep back in, but we’re seeing a lot of state and county buildings, and schools that are being requested. While things are still moving, a lot of things may be a little slower to start on the design side.

What factors are driving this increase/ slowdown?

It seems like when one slows down, the other one advances, so while it’s been a little slower on the commercial side, it seems like it’s gaining on the state and local government side.

Are you finding that more GCs want to be greener?

Yes. Usually by the time we get called in to assist with it, it’s because they’re re-

quired for documentation for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification, but I think most of the firms want to do the right thing. I think the thing that’s really interesting about the LEED Certification process is that if you’re doing one LEED project, then on the design side, a lot of that information may already be included in specifications like, “Why not use the low VOC paints and coatings?” whether it’s a third party certified project or not. I think is much better for the installers because they do not have to breathe in all that stuff.

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

Right now there’s a lot of changes happening because LEED version 4 was released last November so the industry is getting their heads wrapped around what those changes and impacts look like and, I think, in the larger scheme of things, it’s going to have a really good, positive impact overall. There’s still some getting used to the changes in the requirements for the materials in this new version 4, and while the market has come up on some things, like environmental product declarations which are made by the manufacturer or the industry, there are some other newer testing require-

ments that the market is still catching up on. Overall, I think the shift is good because it’s focused a little bit more holistically rather than one claim.

What is the most significant challenge your industry faces?

There’s a lot of information going back and forth, so I think the challenges that we see are staying on top of getting all the data compiled and submitted because the primary focus of any team is to get the job done on time, on budget, and all of this stuff is just like icing on the cake; so for us it’s a matter of making sure we’re in regular communication with the teams and following up on information.

What are the cost increases relating to your industry?

It depends on the context. There’s the cost side and then there’s the value side. Let’s say we have a developer coming in from California and they already have a really high expectation of environmental performance of their building, well the cost increase is going to be negligible because they’re already having those expectations. But if you have a developer who’s building a retail center and they’re just going to flip it, then the cost to go green is a different context. It depends on which strategies are targeted.”

What is on the horizon for your industry?

I think that city code requirements are going to start following-up from behind. We have voluntary programs like LEED, WELL, and Sustainable Sites Initiative, but now it’s kind of being pushed forward by city code requirements. Energy conservation requirements like the City of Dallas, which has a green permitting requirement for new buildings, and first-time tenant fit outs, and you have

How are you dealing with these challenges?

We try and stay informed of what is on the horizon and make sure they are proven. We listen to our architects and designers, as they are a great resource for new and innovative products.

What is on the horizon for the green building industry? Changes in technology; changes in codes; ordinances or laws; other?

From my perspective, we are seeing the “Green Movement” becoming a normal practice soon. With the technology out there we are going to see new LEED categories. Cities are adopting new codes and practices. Austin is pushing the envelope in every category.

What are the rewards of the green building industry?

The rewards are simple. We are saving our environment.

What is the key to being successful in the green building industry?

Staying educated on the industry is the key. Educating the client and public of what being “Green” can be is another key to being successful.

GSCAustin and Glen Screws Construction LLc are an Austin based high end residential and commercial construction company that has been in business over 30 years. -cmw

some different paths you can take. LEED is one of those paths, it’s voluntary yet required in a way, but they also have another path, which is the International Green Construction Code, so they’ve adopted certain measures in that program so we’re also a third party reviewer for that. I think it’s interesting how all of these interplay because in the older version of LEED, at first the energy requirements seemed like they would be too hard to reach, but it’s really not that much more than what you’re required to do by code.

What are the rewards of the industry?

I love to see when I read these national articles about how the U.S. is really doing a good job on getting our emissions down overall. Teamwork for all of these factors combined makes me feel like what we’re doing is having an impact. At the end of each project, we have a score and we know which points were earned, but I think in the larger picture, it’s really exciting when I have a client comeback to me and say “We know that the energy model said we were going to save this amount, but compared to other buildings in our county, this building is saving 50% energy compared to the other ones.”

What are some keys to being successful in the industry?

Keeping in communication with the clients and following through with getting everything submitted. We always want all our clients to be happy with what was delivered on what we proposed.

GreeNexus Consulting is a sustainability consulting services company –te

Page 18

San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

NEXT TH MON

SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS

If you would like to represent your company in an upcoming FOCUS, contact your Austin Editor for an Interview Carol Wiatrek (210) 308-5800 AustinEditor@ConstructionNews.net

Staying on top of green Scott Lee, Director of Operations, North Texas Joeris General Contractors Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX

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he construction industry is generally healthy, especially in Texas. We continue to see a large volume of work and expect that to continue for the near term. This has helped to bring fees up from their unsustainable lows of a few years back, although they have not rebounded to pre-recession numbers. Challenges continue to be seen with labor shortages. This contributes to rising costs. But most of the vertical markets continue to build. The industry continues to see change in light of new technologies. This will continue, but the speed of change will increase.

Joeris is fortunate to have experienced an increase in business. 2017 will be a record year for our firm. Vertical markets we build in – K12, Higher Ed, Healthcare, Retail and local Government have all seen steady backlogs.

This reflects the robust Texas market, the business-friendly atmosphere and increasing state population. It also reflects Joeris’ ability to weather downturns through our diverse portfolio and strategic practices, including always hiring when the right person comes along.

We sense a shift in focus in the green building industry. There is a move away from building certification to focus on design and construction using sustainable materials that truly make sense for the local environment. In the infancy of green building, it became a trend to de-

sign and build green. We have all moved beyond being trendsetters. It is about doing the right thing. Designing and building for efficiency and sustainability should be the standard. By not focusing on certification and paperwork, architects, engineers and constructors can focus on implementing sustainability that makes sense.

Labor shortages and knowledge drain are significant issues facing our industry. As boomers retire, there are not enough people entering the industry to replace them. That is just the numbers side of the equation. The knowledge that boomers take with them is critical.

There was a period when schools shifted from skills training to singular focus on college readiness. This hurt industries that rely on skilled trades. We have a

gap because the younger workforce didn’t make their way up through the ‘hands on learning’ of years past. We are seeing a renewed focus on skills training through CTE and programs that focus on workforce training. We must fill the gap until these younger people enter the workforce. Industry training becomes critical, through associations or in-house programs.

With green building, cost increases were seen in certification – hard costs of the process and soft costs of producing documentation. Without certification, cost increases are related to materials specified or additional time needed for implementation of sustainable elements.

New codes being adopted by municipalities are beginning to require green building elements, so added costs are less visible. However, these are typically offset by lowered building operations costs and result in a better building environment.

Additional costs directly related to contractors are minimal. These might include additional dumpsters for separation of materials and training of personnel.

We find most clients for certified buildings understand costs associated and plan for it in project budgets. For clients building under new codes that require elements of green building, we are spending more time with the design team educating clients on codes and how they impact costs. Many of the green building elements result in a better building for their users.

Adoption of green building practices as standard procedure is on the horizon, along with advances that make sustainable technology more affordable (i.e. changes in energy production, cheaper solar, hydro, wind); and tightening of codes related to energy/water usage as well as emissions – specifically at the local levels. This is a result of focus on quality of life as developers build new communities and we see more urban infill projects focused on live work play and the adoption of additional green elements in new building codes.

The rewards of sustainable building are intrinsic. It’s a sense of doing the right thing and providing for a better environment – leaving something equal to or better than you found it. Doing no harm as you build.

From a business perspective, it provides an opportunity to market your firm as one that cares about the community.

This is important to clients and to potential employees!

The key to being successful in green building is staying informed on current standards and building codes to help clients make informed decisions that make sense for their project.

Joeris is celebrating 50 years of building Texas, in markets ranging from K-12, Higher Education, Retail, Municipal, Religious, Medical and more from our offices in San Antonio, DFW, Austin and Houston. -cmw

actually cannot obtain and then have a price tag that is way over budget.

managing a wide range of construction projects.

Raba Kistner Inc., founded in 1968, is an Engineering News-Record “Top 500 Firm,” operating in fourteen different markets in Texas, Utah, New York, Oklahoma, Florida and Mexico. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. -cmw

continued from Page 15 — Views of green time. Knowing what is right, practical, and achievable on each project will most certainly provide you success. Not every project is the same and what worked in Dallas will not work in Seattle.

David: I think just understanding it.

Sometimes we get too caught up in “effi-

cient” or “sustainable” and end up with a building that doesn’t perform well or is way out of budget to even construct. We might have checked all the boxes as far as building “green” or having a “sustainable” building, but have parts and pieces that are not compatible, or materials that we

Proven Project Management Experience Project Control (a Raba Kistner Company) is a Texas based construction Project Management firm with over 38 years of experience

Hammering away

A

lvaro Martinez would have no idea he would be the CEO of his own company when he married his wife.

As it would turn out, Martinez’s father-inlaw is the owner of Taeshin Corporation in Korea, the manufacturer of hydraulic hammers. This gave him the opportunity to start selling breakers.

In 2009, Martinez established T-MAXX Breaker, a supplier and service provider for hydraulic hammers. The company began in Mexico, servicing all of Mexico from Mexico City to Guadalajara, from Cancun to Monterrey. With everything going so well, the company branched out to the United States making San Antonio the service center for the construction market in 2016.

Getting started was no piece of cake.

Coming to a new country, learning the lan-

guage, learning the business system, and creating a new business was a big challenge.

There were permits to acquire – cash permits, building permits, accountants to help you get started, banking relationships to build, and insurance to acquire. It takes a lot of effort. Sometimes you need help. That is where David Martinez, Sales Manager, came in. With 30 years experience in the construction industry, he jokingly says he was the MIH director, “Director of Make It Happen.” He assisted Alvaro in obtaining all the necessary permits to get started.

The first year in operation was a little slow says Alvaro. “Moving a different brand is hard, especially with all the competition out there, but we are meeting our goals that we set for the first year.“ David added that little by little, they are making progress.

L-R: CEO, Alvaro Martinez and Sales Manager, David Martinez pose with a couple of their hydraulic hammers.

The company has an outside sales effort making contacts with companies, going to jobsites to see what they’re using and how many of them can use their hammers.

“This particular hammer is very popular in San Antonio and Austin because of all the rock. You can’t do any type of construction until you deal with the rock. And the only way to do that is to eliminate the rock and you can’t do that without hydraulic breakers.” says David. “We don’t just sell breakers, we service them as well, all brands of hammers. We are 100% dedicated to hammers.”

“We want people to know we are here

because we come across people that tell us, ‘If I had known you were here…’ We have all the service needed to provide the hammer industry. We have a complete repair shop and the right tools,” says Alvaro.

“We are the factory depot for North America. Based out of San Antonio, and we have a direct link to the manufacturer.”

Alvaro Martinez is a big golfer and loves to play golf when he is not working.

David Martinez spends time at his ranch outside of La Vernia.

T-MAXX Breaker is a supplier of hydraulic hammers in San Antonio and Austin. – cmw

San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

Page 19

Construction Industry Events

Another year of excellence

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t was a spectacular evening for the contractors in San Antonio as they came together to see who would win the coveted Excellence In Construction Award at the Associated Builders and Contractors 25th Annual Excellence in Construction Awards banquet held Aug. 3 at the Omni Hotel.

Also recognized were the winners of the 2017 Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP) and the chapter’s 2017 Safety Excellence Awards winners. –cmw Diamond Level STEP Winners: Bartlett Cocke General Contractors Cadence McShane Construction Co LLc Keystone Concrete Placement Metropolitan Contracting Co. LLc Saulsbury Industries TIC-The Industrial Company Platinum Level STEP Winners: Alpha Building Corporation Central Builders Inc. Central Electric Ent. & Co. Garney Construction

Marek Brothers Systems Inc. Middleman Construction Company LLc Smithers Merchant Builders LP Southwest Electrical Contracting Services Ltd. SpawGlass Contractors Inc. Gold Level STEP Winners: A/C Technical Services, Ltd. Aerohead Mechanical, A Division of Aerohead Group Baker Triangle BETCO Scaffolds

G.D. Interior Construction Inc. Harvey Cleary Builders Huser Construction Co. Inc. International Mechanical Services Inc. Marksmen General Contractors MK Marlow Company LLC Moore Erection LP TDIndustries Inc. The Koehler Co. Victoria Air Conditioning WG Yates & Sons Construction Company Silver Level STEP Winners: Emerson Const. Co. Inc. Joeris General Contractors Ltd. Jordan Foster Construction Keller-Martin Construction Inc

Safety Excellence Award Winners: Under 100,000 category Gold - Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, LLC Silver - Metropolitan Contracting Co., LLC Bronze - International Mechanical Services, Inc. 100,000 to 500,000 category Gold - Alpha Building Corporation Silver - Cadence McShane Construction Co. LLC Bronze - Southwest Electrical Contracting Services, Ltd. 500,000 over category Gold - Saulsbury Industries Silver - TIC-The Industrial Company Bronze - W.G. Yates & Sons Construction Co.

Institutional- $25 to $100 Million Joeris General Contractors, Highlands High School Additions and Renovations

Mechanical: Industrial- Less than $2 Million A/C Technical Services, LTD. James Avery Kerrville Craftman Center

Mega Projects - Over $100 Million. TIC – The Industrial Company, Grand River Energy Center

Sitework/Landscape/Hardscape - All Contract Amounts, Choate USA, CyrusOne San Antonio Data Center II

Electrical: Commercial- Less than $10 Million Central Electric Ent. & Co., Maverick Building Apartments Electrical Renovation

Mechanical: Commercial- $2 to $10 Million A/C Technical Services, LTD. Cellar Tower at the Pearl

Electrical: Industrial- Less than $2 Million Central Electric Ent. & Co. Applewhite Warehouse

Renovation- Less than $4 Million, Central Builders, HEB Spring #610

Commercial- $25 to $100 Milliion Rogers-O’Brien Construction CyrusOne San Antonio Data Center II

Renovation - $4 to $10 Million The Koehler Company Guadalupe County Courthouse

Institutional - $10 to $25 Million SpawGlass Contractors Oak Hills Church Crownridge Campus New Worship Center and Remodeling

Commercial- $5 to $10 Million Metropolitan Contracting Co. Bank of San Antonio Corporate Headquarters

Federal Government/Military- $10 to $100 Million, Skanska USA Building, Inc., Wilford Hall Ambulatory Care Center Phase 2 and 3

Other Construction- $2 to $10 Million Joeris General Contractors Ferrari of San Antonio Volunteer of the Year, Ernie Mora Central Electric Ent. & Co.

Industrial- Less than $5 Million Bartlett Cocke General Contractors TMMTX Stamping Building Repair

Institutional- Less than $5 Million The Koehler Company St. Scholastica Monastery

General Contractor of the Year Melissa Salas Joeris General Contractors

Industry Professional of the Year Jerry Nelson, Terracon Consultants

Chairman’s Award Joshua Scott St. Philips College

Healthcare- $10 to $25 Million, Rogers-O’Brien Construction Texas Oncology – San Antonio Cancer Center

Subcontractor of the Year Rodney Lines TDIndustries, Inc.

Supplier of the Year Grant Norman Beck Ready Mix and Landfill

Page 20

San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

Construction Industry Events

Recognizing diversity

D

iversity contractors across the city were recognized for their accomplishments in the San Antonio market Jul. 21 at the Norris Conference Center. The Hispanic Contractors Association of San Antonio (HCAdeSA) hosted the event. -cmw

Alamo Surety Bonds Professional Services Provider of the Year

Capitol Electric SMWVBE Subcontractor of the Year

Turner Construction Safety Program of the Year

Central Builders Inc. SMWVBE Prime/GC of the Year

H-E-B Corporate Sponsor of the Year

Alamo Colleges Project Owner Under $10 Million

Bartlett Cocke General Contractor Over $10 Million

Skanska General Contractor Under $10 Million

SAWS Project Owner Over $10 Million

All in the family

Rene Dominguez, City of San Antonio Diversity Champion of the Year

Mark Price, Alamo Colleges Volunteer Member of the Year

Toyota Diversity Advocate of the Year

Marmon Mok Architect/Designer of the Year

F.A. Nunnelly General Contractor Under $10 Million

Emergency Services Restoration SMWVBE Supplier/Vendor of the Year

L-R: Celeste Estep, Keller Martin Construction, Sandee Morgan, MCA-SMACNA San Antonio, Esther Wong, retired, Martha Simpson, Mauze Construction, Dana Calonge, Construction News, Jennifer Swinney, ASA San Antonio, Michele Urbanczyk, Urban Concrete Contractors

B

rad Phipps, the San Antonio Firefighter who was badly injured in the Ingram Square fire in May recently returned to his home to continue his recovery. There are tremendous expenses being incurred by his family to include extensive renovations to their home and a multitude of other expenses as a result of his injuries.

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), San Antonio Chapter, held a fundraiser for the Phipps Family on Aug. 2 at the Petroleum Club.

Past Presidents of NAWIC held the event at their annual birthday celebration of 59 years. Long time member and past president, Celeste Estep, is the mother of Firefighter Brad Phipps. –rd

Phipps-Strong photo board thanking Brad for his service to our community

San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

Page 21

Round-Up

continued from Page 1 — Drilling for water ness. Kody, with the guidance of Blue Jarzombek, began learning the ins and outs of drilling. “Blue was an old driller from around here and he actually apprenticed me. I learned a lot from him before he passed away. He probably was one of the best drillers I’d ever seen.”

Business slows down a bit during the winter months when it rains a lot, but when it gets hot, and everyone starts running their pumps more, that’s when Stevens Drilling gets hit hard.

Kaden is the service superintendent and takes his pump truck out to service pumps when folks don’t have water. He also goes in behind Kody and installs new equipment and sizes the pump needs for the wells after Kody is done drilling. “My

main job is to keep the drilling going, keep my guys moving and keep punching holes. It’s been working really well this way. Kaden works really quick and it looks clean when he’s done.”

“We are a Christian-based company first and foremost. We say a prayer before we go to work and we say a prayer when we go home. We try to take care of everybody the best we can and do it the Lord’s way. We have four full-time employees and one part-time. We’ve been blessed. We have found good people, people that want to work. It’s been really good.”

Stevens Drilling is a water well drilling and service company in La Vernia, TX. -cmw

continued from Page 1 — Nothing is for free cherish this the rest of my life.”

Sparling commented that he is happy to be able to tell this story and glad Ortiz is being recognized for his hard work and ambition to achieve the American dream.

“Sometimes we take for granted what we learned in school growing up.

Most are unaware of how hard the process really is to become a citizen, what all has to be learned and recited.”

We at Construction News would like to congratulate Javier Ortiz on obtaining his U.S. citizenship and being a role model to others. We are grateful for having the opportunity to tell his story. -rd

Metropolitan Contracting Company LLC is happy to announce a new addition to their family.

Nathan Davidson is a new Project Manager for MCC. Nathan will be working in the tenant improvement department and has over twenty years experience in construction complimented by a bachelor’s degree in construction management.

Stephanie Rendon, MBA has been named as a senior associate with Terracon. Rendon joined the firm in 2001 as a part-time administrative assistant while preparing for graduate school at the University of Texas San Antonio. -rd

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Brief company announcements of new or recently promoted personnel, free of charge, as space allows.

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Javier Ortiz and his wife with Certificate of Citizenship

continued from Page 1 — A branding building

ABC

HCAdeSA

Associated Builders & Contractors

Hispanic Contractors Assn. de San Antonio

Sept. 6: Breakfast Club, Alamo Café. For more info, contact Ruby Trejo at ruby@ abcsouthtexas.org Sept. 18: Fall Golf Tournament, Hyatt Hill Country Golf Course. For more info, call 210-342-1994 Sept. 27: Happy Hour, Blue Box. For more info, contact Taylor Divin at taylor@ abcsouthtexas.org

AGC Associated General Contractors

Sept. 8 - 9: CLC Construction Cup (Slowpitch softball tournament), The University of Incarnate Word, 4301 Broadway. For more info, call 210-349-4921

AIA American Institute of Architects

An interior view of RTG Round Rock’s adult living section.

neers. Nearly all communication and decision making was through the RTG construction manager. Casco Corp was the architect for the project.

O’Haver Contractors’ Project Manager, John Zamoyski, Superintendent John Salmon, and General Superintendent Wayne Wright oversaw the construction of the 55,000-sf, $8 million project that took 11 months to complete, start to finish.

Bartlett Cocke General Contractors is please to announce the advancement of Glenn McGovern to chief estimator for their San Antonio office and the south Texas region. McGovern has been with the company for more than 25 years and has more than 38 years of experience in the construction industry in the construction and expansion of universities, hospitals, and K-12 education facilities.

The success of the Round Rock project led to O’Haver Contractors breaking ground on the Denton, TX location in April.

A closely held limited partnership established in 1996 by company founder and President, Donald R. O’Haver II, calls San Antonio home and pursues work throughout Texas in both the private and public sectors. -cmw

Sept. 6: Earthen Structures, AIA San Antonio Center for Architecture, 1344 S. Flores St., Ste. 102. For more info, call 210226-4979 Sept. 11: CANopener Saks wing of North Star Mall. For more info, call 210-2264979 Sept. 20: NEXO Exhibit, AIA San Antonio Center for Architecture, 1344 S. Flores, Ste. 102. For more info, call 210-226-4979

ASA American Subcontractors Association

Sept. 20: Pour Off & Texas Hold ‘Em, Aggie Park, 6205 West Ave. For more info, call 210-349-2105

CFMA Construction News ON LOCATION

Fajitas of thanks

Celebrating their sixth year in the San Antonio market, WinSupply San Antonio hosted a customer appreciation lunch Aug. 18 at their location on 2510 MacArthur View complete beef and chicken fajitas and all the trimmings and raffle prizes. Front L-R: Clark Lipscomb, Kaylee Edwards, Weldon Jackson, Rene Rodriguez, T.J. DeLao. Back L-R: Aubrey Robinson, Ben Evans, Sonny Trevino, Rhonda Padilla, Jason Patty, Tony Pearsol, Billy Pierce and Corban Galbraith. - cmw

Construction Financial Mgmt Assn.

Sept. 28 - 29: Lonestar Conference, Sheraton Downtown Ft. Worth, 1701 Commerce St., Ft. Worth. For more info, call 210-653-7772

Sept. 21: Hispanic Heritage Celebration, HCA Office, 101 E. Euclid Ave. For more info, call 210-444-1100

IEC Independent Electrical Contractors

Sept. 16: 17th Annual Golf Tournament, Olympia Hills Golf Course. For more info, call 210-431-9861 Sept. 20: Ideal Contest, IEC Training Center, 5511 Ingram Rd. For more info, call 210-431-9861

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

Sept. 20: Joint Industry Fund Meeting, MCA-SMACNA Office. For more info, call 210822-3763 Sept. 27: 40th Annual Hunters Symposium, Bexar Community Shooting Range, 15391 Bexar Bowling, Marion, TX. For more info, call 210-822-3763

NAWIC Nat’l Assn. of Women in Construction

Sept. 6: General Meeting & New Board Installation, Petroleum Club of SA, 8620 N. New Braunfels. For more info, call 210490-0090 or contact Michelle Urbanczyk at michelleu@urbanconcrete.com

SAMCA San Antonio Masonry Contractors Assn.

Sept. 27: Membership Meeting, Pappadeaux Restaurant, 76 NE Loop 410. For more info, contact Debbie at 830-606-5556

TACCA Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Assn.

Sept. 8 – 9: 28th Annual Fishing Tournament, Corpus Christi, TX. For more info, call 210-901-4222

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San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

Construction News ON LOCATION

All about the metal

A-Lert Building Systems, New Braunfels, offers full service to include manufacturing, design, components and a multitude of contracting services. Neil Berry, division manager, visited with us in the reception area. -cmw

Construction News ON LOCATION

Construction News ON LOCATION

Always smiling!

A proud dealer

Meet Letisha Sayles and Delilah Coker, front desk at Virtual Builders Exchange (VBX).

They are the first ones to greet you upon entering (and the last ones you see when you leave). They are also bids and awards reporters.

Texas Tractor Country, New Braunfels, sells and services farm, ranch and commercial construction-related equipment, along with utility trailers and power equipment.

They also have locations in Bastrop and Bandera. L-R: Ron Hawkins, sales, Jerry Romines, parts manager, and Hunter Cole, staff. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • September 2017

Page 23

Comfortable pillow

D

Construction News ON LOCATION

Made in America

David Bucchi wife Annette and their son, David Justice.

avid Bucchi has been in the air conditioning industry since he was 19.

He got started in 1977 while living in Houston. Born in Trenton, NJ, Bucchi’s family moved to Houston, TX in 1968. He attended Southwest Texas State in San Marcos.

In 1992, Bucchi received his air conditioning license. He found himself working for different companies and always happy working for whomever he was working for and never saw any reason to venture out on his own until the industry started changing.

“I started noticing that there was a lot more training available to teach you how to make money in the air conditioning business rather than to actually fix air conditioners. ‘Service companies’ that I worked for were not really service companies; they were more about how much money they make than actual service, and that didn’t sit well with me.”

Bucchi, his wife Annette and their son, David Justice, started David & Son Heating & Air in 2014.

“I wanted to have a service company. I wanted to not over promise the customers or employees and have a place that people can trust and pay a fair price. When we hire people, we will treat them well and don’t work them to death. This industry, especially

David Bucchi and son.

the residential side, can be brutal on its people. One company I worked for had guys installing systems in people’s homes at 11:0012:00pm. I just thought that was wrong, and I still don’t agree with that.

“I do my best. I don’t ask anybody who works with me or for me to do anything that I’m not willing to do. And I still don’t. I’m 60-years-old and I’m still installing air conditioners and fixing them. All the money in the world doesn’t make any difference if you don’t have any time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. It’s just a way of doing business that is prevalent in this industry - to work guys to death and I don’t want to do that.”

Bucchi doesn’t promise weekends and he doesn’t promise 24-hour service, but if he is out and he is able to, and a customer really needs help, he’ll do it. He believes that whomever he hires should have a family life too.

“My family has been totally supportive.

They have sacrificed my working late hours and not spending quite enough time at home, but that’s getting better. When it all comes down to it, your most valuable assets are your family, your customers and your employees, and we will never forget that.”

The company has seen steady growth since it started with no slow downs in business. Bucchi has plans to expand, adding trucks and fulltime employees when the time is right. Until then, David & Son will continue servicing their customers with honesty and integrity.

When not working, the Bucchis spend time in Port Aransas fishing or just spending time with their families.

“A man once told me, a clear conscience is a comfortable pillow. And I couldn’t agree with that more. We don’t focus on dollars; we focus on service. Our philosophy, I might be right, I might be wrong, but if you do good work, the money will just happen.“

David & Son Heating & Air is a HVAC contractor specializing in residential and light commercial construction in LaVernia, TX. -cmw

Philip Barber at Tri-County Paint and Spray in New Braunfels offers paint and architectural coatings as well as stains, finishes and most painting supplies. They are committed to primarily selling quality products made in the USA and to the small business backbone of America. -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • September 2017