Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News December 2017 by Construction News

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Charmed, he’s sure

He’ll never go out of tile

L-R: Casanova Concrete employee Pablo Ibarra, owner Fernando Meza and employee Jose Benavente

Gurmets Tile owner Ben Gurment

he name of Fernando Meza’s company, Casanova Concrete, started off as a joke, but it’s one that Meza finds himself forever explaining. “I’m called ‘Casanova’ but I don’t know why, because I’m not charming at all!” Meza says with a laugh. If Meza isn’t getting by on his charm, then he is definitely getting by on his skill in concrete. He’s spent 17 years perfecting his technique, and began working in his family’s construction company since he was 19 years old. In 1999, Meza came to the United States from Zacatecas, Mexico. After living in Arkansas for six months, he moved to Fort Worth, and eventually secured a job with used turf installer

ProTurf Recyclers. Last year, he started Casanova Concrete while continuing to work at ProTurf, and says the company has been incredibly supportive of the new “love” in his life. In fact, he says the companies compliment each other. He loves doing the turf, grading and dirt work for ProTurf and the “learning, learning, learning” that owning his own company provides. At the moment, Meza’s company has three employees, and while he looks forward to future growth, he doesn’t want to lose that “small business charm.” “I want a big company, but not as big as 100 employees,” he says. “I’d like to have about 15 employees and keep working.” continued on Page 17

fter Benjamin “Ben” Gurment’s service in the Army ended, he didn’t have to march far to find his next career. Ben ran into a buddy who owned a construction company and went to work for him, bringing along his tile-setter dad, Benny Gurment for the ride. After realizing he could make more money owning a tile setting business, Ben decided to strike out on his own. His only problem? Ben didn’t know enough about tile setting to do it alone. Fortunately, Benny had 20 years of tile installation experience and was happy to not only show his son the tricks of the trade, but to also come and work for him. Since Ben established Gurments Tile

in 2015, other family members have shown the same faith in him and have joined the family business. “I have my dad, my uncle, my little brother and my older brother working for me; I have my tile setters and my helper!” Ben says with pride. From his dad, Ben says he has learned “consistency. As far as tile work, it’s time consuming, but you also have to be in a time frame. He’s taught me a lot as far as laying tile. When I started, I didn’t really know anything; I just had the money for the business. He pretty much taught me everything that I know.” Even with the help of his father and the rest of his family, Ben admits there is continued on Page 17

Making a splash

uilt in 1985, North Lake College’s natatorium is a community asset in heavy rotation. Shared between the college, Irving ISD and the City of Irving, the natatorium is Irving’s only Olympic-size pool. The USA Swim Club and other schools utilize it for swim practices and competitions and the community enjoys swim lessons, water aerobics and other events there. Conveniently, the Pirouettes of Texas synchronized swim team calls Irving home. By 2013, however, the facility’s age and constant use was starting to show, and North Lake College could no longer sustain the natatorium’s declining state. That year, the Dallas Morning News ran an article stating that the college was closing the facility in 2020, leaving Irving with only one indoor pool. This news prompted the City of Irving and Irving ISD to meet with the

college and convince them to not only keep the natatorium open but to renovate it. General contractor Cadence McShane was enlisted to remove the pool facility’s fabric pressure-inflated roof structure, replace it with a permanent roof structure, install HVAC systems and update the pool area equipment. Project manager Jennifer Norris and superintendent Justin Milam worked with Stantec to restore the natatorium while being mindful of the community’s financial resources. Problem solving began in the preconstruction phase by producing value-engineering options that reduced the project’s final cost by nearly 8%. “The existing building actually had its original fabric roof. It was inflatable and had this air system inside that kept it inflated; you couldn’t leave doors propped open too long because if you Cadence McShane’s North Lake College Natatorium renovation is keeping Irving swimming.

continued on Page 17

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • December 2017

Built to the hilt

ore than 350 members of the Dallas and Fort Worth architectural, engineering, construction and development communities celebrated outstanding built environments at the 14th Annual Topping Out Networking Event & Awards Program. Held Oct. 26 at The Statler, the event was hosted in partnership by the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Fort Worth chapter, TEXO and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). –mjm Top 10 Winner Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Terminal A Phase II BARC – A Balfour Beatty Construction, Azteca, H.J. Russell and CARCON Joint Venture

Top 10 Winner The Allen Building Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Dallas Merriman Anderson/Architects

Top 10 Winner Fort Worth Nature Center Boardwalk and Pavilion Dennehy Architects

Top 10 Winner and 2017 A/E/C Favorite Award The Statler Merriman Anderson/Architects

Top 10 Winner LTV Tower Merriman Anderson/Architects

Top 10 Winner True Worth Place HKS Inc.

Top 10 Winner Shake Shack The Beck Group

2017 M/WBE Award Ron J. Anderson, M.D. Clinic Building VAI Architects Incorporated/JE Dunn Construction

Top Winner City of Garland Downtown Improvements Hill & Wilkinson

Top 10 Winner 400 Record Gensler/Structure Tone Southwest

Top 10 Winner Dallas Museum of Art Eagle Family Plaza Studio Outside Hocker Design Group

GOOD NEWS!

You always look good in Construction News, Guaranteed! Call us for a Company Profile (210) 308-5800

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • December 2017

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Even better with age

One year in

obcat celebrated the grand opening of its Fort Worth location Oct. 24, which opened its doors last fall. Guests were treated to gourmet burgers, prizes, product demos and even had the chance to drive a remote control Bobcat through an obstacle course. –mjm

Jimmy Toy’s construction career recently reached the big 4-0.

ast year, Jimmy Toy’s construction career turned 40. Rather than spin out in a mid-career crisis at the milestone, Toy took the time to enjoy what he has achieved in those decades and appreciates all that he built upon it. “In 1976, when I finished school, I moved out to San Diego, CA and I started painting out there,” Toy remembers. “It was something that I did as a part-time job and then I picked it up full-time.” Along the way, Toy learned how to do tile and sheetrock work but later wanted to offer a full range of building services to clients. Eight years ago, he took on a partner and established J3 Painting & Drywall in Azle. The company builds, remodels, paints and does decorative work for both commercial and residential projects. “I’ve learned to do a lot and have increased my knowledge,” Toy says with pride. “I’m doing so much now that I never did before.”

Toy says that while J3 isn’t winning the very large projects his company bids on, that doesn’t stop him from “swinging away” – but within reason. “We would like to do bigger projects if we could,” Toy says. “But then again, I have a big family – nine kids! – and a lot of responsibilities. It’s important that I keep things down in size a little bit. We seek balance and try not to get overwhelmed.” Toy says that even without those “projects of magnitude,” there is no shortage of work. There’s no shortage of play either, especially for his team. Toy enjoys the opportunity to bring good people into the business and create a second “work family.” “One fun thing we do as a company is family vacations,” Toy says. “”We all go out together with all of the kids; there were 16 of us in Galveston this year!” J3 Painting & Drywall is a turnkey construction company offering a wide range of building services. –mjm

L-R: Bobcat division operations manager Adam Berry, division manager Cole Young, Fort Worth branch manager Elvin Sewell, Lewisville branch manager Glenn Free and sales manager Mitch Stouffer

Bobcat’s Jon Reeves with children Caleb and Hannah

Trinity Green’s Hector Nunez and Bobcat’s Kristina Johnson

Bobcat’s Todd Stone

Slayton Bros.’ John Dunning and Austin Williams

Don’t forget to send us your company Christmas photos Email to DFWeditor@ConstructionNews.net Send photo and caption

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The Dallas / Fort Worth Construction News (ISSN 1547-7657) is published monthly by Construction News Ltd., dba Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News, and distributed by mail to construction related companies in the Dallas/ Fort Worth metropolitan area. All submissions should be mailed to our editorial offices. We reserve the right to edit any materials submitted. No fees for materials, copy or photographs submitted will be due unless agreed upon in advance in writing. Submissions will be published at our discretion on a space-available basis. Construction News, Ltd., dba Dallas H Fort Worth Construction News, will not be liable for errors in copy or in advertisements beyond the actual cost of space occupied by the error. Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement at any time.

LM Chemicals’ and Laticrete’s Mike Brents

Page 4

Max “Sonny” Friedman President Atlas Plumbing Company Dallas, TX

is in-laws convinced him to buy a plumbing business. His childhood friend convinced him to help buy a plane. Fortunately, Sonny Friedman said yes to both, and after 50 years as owner of Atlas Plumbing and 25 years with Challenge Air, Friedman is glad he listened to good advice. How did you become involved in the plumbing industry? I graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in zoology. I had planned to be a dentist; that didn’t work out – no invites to attend from dental schools! I had a sweetheart that went all the way back to high school. We were young and stupid and wanted to get married. I had proposed to her during spring break of my senior year; you couldn’t live together then. I asked my future mother-in-law and father-in-law for her hand, and they were fine with that, but the question of how I was going to support her came up. Did I mention “young and stupid?” As it turns out, my mother-in-law inherited a used-to-be-very-profitable plumbing business, but it was no longer profitable. Her father owed the bank $1 million, but got tired of going to work. The bank called Mom in hopes of not having to foreclose, and she said that she would make an effort to keep it going. She started going to the office and made some headway. I had proposed but I really didn’t know what I was going to do to support a family. I knew I didn’t want to go to Vietnam and considered joining the Navy or Air Force. That’s when the proposal after the proposal came, the proverbial “Silver Lining” story: “Come to work at Consumer’s Plumbing, learn the business from the bottom up and the sky is the limit!” So that’s what I did; I went to the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors’ (PHCC) school at night and later got my plumbing license. Did you end up serving in the military? About a year and a half later, I learned that I was about to be drafted, and I found a Naval Reserve Unity that would take me. It was good. After nine months of active duty training, I returned to Dallas and was a “weekend warrior” at the Grand Prairie Naval Air Station. When I returned from my nine months of training in July of 1967, my inlaws informed me that they had been approached by the owner of Atlas Plumbing to purchase his four-truck company. My brother-in-law was finishing SMU with a Finance degree, so the plan developed for he and I to be partners at Atlas. The other company continued to function, but never became profitable enough to achieve the “Silver Lining.” The opportunity for Atlas with Joe, my brother-in-law, worked out until his father-in-law gave him the “Silver Lining” story, and in 1970, he sold me his interest and moved to Houston. What have you learned in the past 50 years of owning Atlas Plumbing? I’ve learned that from a business

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • December 2017

standpoint, you can charge whatever you need to charge as long as you provide value. If you don’t provide value, you’re not going to be successful, no matter how much or how little you charge. You also have to understand business, and that was my major obstacle, because I had a degree in zoology and not business. The Plumbing-HeatingCooling Contractors Association provided me with the tools I needed to learn the business of business. I went to seminars and conventions, listened to speakers and took courses that the PHCC provided. When it boils down to it, I owe my success in business and what I have been able to gain from being a member of the PHCC. Our strength is our people and how we treat people. Our 12 employees look professional and they act professional and that’s why we’re successful. What challenges have you faced? Right now, we’re busy, but we don’t have enough people! Every time I talk with someone, I bring it up, because you never know whom he or she may know. Right now, our industry has 100,000 job openings – and they’re not limited to males! How do we attract these people to our industry? We are not doing enough at this time. You’ve owned Atlas Plumbing for 50 years. What feelings are you experiencing at this milestone? I enjoy the satisfaction of the accomplishment and that of being a good employer of very special people. We only employ 12 people, but we are a family and we care about each other in that way. Our clients are the most important people in our business. I have been blessed with a wonderful, fulfilling life that was only made possible by having a successful business. How did you become involved in Challenge Air? One of my best friends growing up, Rick Amber, got an appointment to Annapolis. People don’t come out of military academies the way they go in; they come out overachievers. Ricky goes to Annapolis and graduates with a degree in aeronautical engineering and he gets his wish to fly Mach-2 airplanes off of airplane carriers. He’s living his dream on the carrier Hancock off the coast of Vietnam. He was returning from his 109th mission, flying an airplane that was very unforgiving over seas that were very rough, and the stern of the carrier was going up and down 20 ft. On his final approach, the lights on the back carrier, telling him if he was on or off the glide slope, went out, and he had no more fuel to go around; he had to put it down. The ship came up and he hit the back of it. The plane exploded; he ejected through the explosion and into the ship and broke his neck. He lived through it and went through rehab in California for two years, but he couldn’t feel anything from his chest down. That was the end of his navy fighter pilot career. But he was still the same guy, except instead of going Mach2 at 30,000ft, he’s going wheelchair speed at 3 ft. Rick wouldn’t have you feeling sorry for him. He came over for dinner regularly after that, and we got to know what life was like for him. He went back to school and got another degree, this time from SMU and went to work as a caseworker for the Environmental Protection Agency. He was an advocate for people in wheelchairs. He played basketball and later tennis, at which he was ranked No. 2 in the world, also playing in the Olympics. Rick’s many-faceted career finally brought him to teaching science and math at a private high school in North Dallas. He offered an aviation ground school to senior students as an elective course. Rick had gotten back into aviation and was earning pilot certificates while also teaching ground school at a flight academy at Addison Airport. They were

Sonny Friedman (center) welcomes two Challenge Air co-pilots.

trading him flight hours instead of pay. He got all of his licenses back, including his air transport license, which he wanted to use commercially as a charter pilot. He also got his certified flight instructor license. Still active on the tennis circuit, Rick was teaching kids in wheelchairs to play tennis. He asked the parents if he could take the kids up in a Cessna and they said, “Sure.” One child was up there with Rick, and two were in the back seat. At altitude, Rick allowed the “co-pilot” to take the controls. It’s really easier than driving a car. Rick witnessed the impression that flying the plane made on the child, the step up in their self -confidence and the pride in the accomplishment. Challenge Air was formed with that as a mission: “You’ve just done something that you never dreamed you could do; you flew an airplane! So now what else are you able to do?” After that, Rick called me and said that we were going to buy an airplane. Did he talk you into it right away? I said, ”We are not buying an airplane. You are buying an airplane with your check, not mine!” But in any event, we did do that and we started flying kids at no cost to them and their families in 1992. The organization grew and grew and we started to get some notoriety. As of today, we have flown over 35,000 flights. We start in Fort Lauderdale in January, go to San Diego, Seattle, Kansas City, Denver, Conroe, Chattanooga, Atlanta and a fall event in Dallas, and we’ll be in McKinney in the spring. As funds become available, we’ll be able to expand more. Has Challenge Air evolved since you first started it? Oh yes, very much so. We went from flying about 25 kids a day with one pilot, to flying 150 kids a day with 30 volunteer pilots. One day in 1995, we learned that putting three kids in a plane is not the best way to go because the kids in the back don’t get the same experience; so we changed it. Each child gets their own airplane and two people go with them. Mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers sit in the back seat. It’s a shared, family experience that they remember and talk about years later. Ricky passed away of cancer in 1997, but his wish was for Challenge Air to continue. Before he passed away, we put a board of trustees in place and hired office staff to run Challenge Air. We are fulfilling Rick’s legacy. Challenge Air for Kids and Friends is a 501C3 not for profit agency. The kids do not pay anything for the Fly Day experience; the funds are donated by individuals, companies and charitable organizations – no government money. Because I have a connection with the plumbing industry and am also a member of Rotary, I invited these organizations to participate, and they have taken Challenge Air and me to heart. If you’re around me for five seconds, I’ll tell you about Challenge Air. You don’t have a

choice. Challenge Air is my passion. Share an experience you’ve had with Challenge Air. I’ve got so many stories after 25 years, that I could tell you stories forever. Our Challenge Air kids have every condition imaginable – autism, spina bifida, Down Syndrome and on and on. I have found that even children who have blindness or partial blindness are able to fly the planes, which I think is the coolest thing in the world. Last year, one child who was totally blind arrived with a big frown on his face, because he didn’t know what was going on or how this was going to affect him; he had never been able to see. I took him around the plane and, holding his hands, we felt every surface on the outside and inside of the plane. I told him that at 1800 ft. the pilot was going to give him the controls, and he said, “But I’m blind.” I said, “Yes, I know.” I told him that he was going to feel pressures as we went up, down, and banked the plane to turn left and right. Of course, I had a little talk with the volunteer pilot; he was as pumped up as the kid was apprehensive! Off they go to fly, and then they come back and I meet the plane. The kid has this huge grin, and all I could see was teeth from ear to ear. He said that he really flew it! What is this kid going to be like in two years, five years from this experience? This is the mission of Challenge Air. I remember one day at Love Field in 1993, a group of 25 kids we had were all going through chemotherapy. I loaded three of them into the plane with Ricky and I stayed on the ground with the parents; I do ground school, which is an orientation that the kids have to go through before they fly. I tell them what the day is going to be like and how the airplane flies. While talking with these parents about their lives, I realize how lucky and blessed my life is. I can’t believe how they find the strength to do what they do every day. All of the weight that I was carrying around on my shoulders took flight like a bird that day and has never returned. There are all different shades of faith, but theirs is at the top of the heap. I have never been the same after talking with them and listening to them share their lives with me that day. At the end of each Fly Day, my 74-year-old body is exhausted, but the feeling that I have is so warm and fulfilling. I thank Rick at every Fly Day for the amazing life that he lived and what his legacy has meant to so many people, including myself. What is on the horizon for you? I haven’t found anything that I like better than my job. I get to do almost anything I want to. My wife of 52 years and I have been working the “bucket list” for the last 20 years. We will just have to see what opportunities come our way. Atlas Plumbing Company is located in Dallas. –mjm

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • December 2017

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Out of this world talent

he Asian American Contractors Association of Texas (AACATX) hosted its annual awards luncheon Oct. 26 at Richardson’s Kasra Restaurant. Construction superstars were honored at the event for excellence in their field. –mjm Photo credit: Samuel Hsu Photography

Juno Award: Josie Orosco, US Mexico Chamber of Commerce

Sun Award: DFW International Airport

Saturn Award: Kathy Dress, PDI Green Technology

Gemini Teaming Partner Award: Miles Domagalsky, Gadberry Construction

Gemini Teaming Partner Award: Harry Miller, Big Sky Construction

Lifetime Achievement Award: Gal Jumao

Moon Award: City of Dallas

Star Award: Suzanne Cruz-Sewell, DFW International Airport

Mercury Award: Denise D. Prather, TxDOT

Jupiter Award: Clifton Miller, Cemetrics

Neptune Award: Samar Bashir, SMR Construction

Construction News ON LOCATION

Cousins first

L-R: Tony Muniz, owner of H&M Electric in Dallas, and his cousin/co-worker Jonathan Muniz enjoy the perks of working with family. –mjm

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • December 2017

Such great taste!

eat lovers were put in a “smoke hold” Nov. 15 as they went from tent to tent voting on the samples coming out of the smokers. The American Subcontractors Association’s (ASA) North Texas chapter cookout, held Nov. 15 at Grapevine’s Trawick Pavilion, raised funds for Sutherland Springs Baptist Church. –mjm Best Food: 1st place: Bonded Lightning 2nd place: EyeSite Surveillance 3rd place: Walker Engineering

Most Fun Booth: 1st place: MEMCO 2nd place: Marek 3rd Place: City Wide Mechanical

Bonded Lightning cooked up a 1st place prize.

MEMCO’s booth was number one for fun.

Thank space

L-R: PCL’s Melissa and Eric Lesch and American Subcontractors Association’s Beverly Reynal

CL Contract Bonding Agency took it all the way to the thank with its annual Thank You Party on Nov. 16. This year, the company broke with its traditional fare and stationed a gourmet burger truck at its Irving office, much to the delight of their industry professional guests. Some traditions (thankfully) never die though; PCL’s Clem Lesch wore one of his famous turkey neckties especially for the occasion. –mjm

PCL’s Clem and Pauline Lesch

Nixon Jach Hubbard’s Curtis Hubbard and Tony Jach, Lane Gorman Trubitt’s Brad Gross and Frost Bank’s Ty Mayo

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • December 2017

Finders keepers! Benefit options to attract and keep good employees Leann Ussery, CPA, Tax Manager Armstrong, Vaughan & Associates, P.C. Universal City, TX

any companies in the construction industry are experiencing increased difficulty in attracting and keeping good skilled laborers. One way to edge out the competition is to offer better employee benefits. One employee benefit becoming more popular with construction companies is offering retirement benefits to employees. For the purposes of this column, we’ll explore four basic retirement plan options, but there are other options available. • Any size company may set up a tradiSimple IRA tional 401(k) plan although the higher • A Simple IRA is arguably the least comcost tends to prohibit this option for small plicated and least expensive plan to set companies. up. • Eligible employees can contribute up to • Plans are available only to companies $18,500/year (for 2018), on a tax-deferred with 100 or fewer employees and no othbasis through payroll deductions. er retirement plan. • Eligible employees over 50 can contrib•Eligible employees can contribute up to ute an additional $6,000/year. $12,500/year, on a tax-deferred basis • Matching the employees’ elective deferthrough payroll deductions. rals (up to 25% of compensation) is an • Eligible employees over 50 can contriboption, but not a requirement. ute an additional $3,000/year if the plan • Traditional 401(k) plans may also allow allows. for employer discretionary profit-sharing • Employers can either elect to match up contributions which might be a better fit to 3% of the employee contributions or if net income varies year-to-year. can make non-elective contributions of • Unlike Simple IRA’s or SEP plans, vesting 2% of the employees’ annual salary. of the employer contributions is not nec• Eligible employees are established by essarily immediate, but may specify a the plan documentation, largely at the vesting schedule after a certain period of discretion of the employer. You may time or years of service. choose to include all employees without • Plans must meet nondiscrimination rerestriction or you may limit to those who quirements and require annual testing. have earned at least $5,000 in compen• Matching contributions are not taxable sation in any two calendar years precedincome to the employee until distributed ing the current year or who are reasonbut are a tax deduction for the company ably expected to receive $5,000 in comsubject to certain limits. pensation during the current year. Safe-Harbor 401(k) • Matching contributions are not taxable • Safe-harbor 401(k) plans function just income to the employee until distributlike traditional 401(k) plans except that ed but are a tax deduction for the comemployer contributions are required, pany. generally at no less than 3% of compenSimplified Employee Pension (SEP) sation, and are immediately vested. • SEP plans are easy to establish, have low • For many employers, this option is well administrative fees, and are available to worth the additional contribution reany size company. quirement because there is no annual • There are no employee contributions/ discrimination testing. For this reason, deferrals. All contributions are at the disit’s one of the fastest growing plans for cretion of the employer, made by the small businesses. employer for all eligible employees. Regardless of type of plan chosen, ear• Employer elects to contribute an equal ly distributions (before age 59½) are percentage 0% to 25% of each eligible typically subject to penalties. employees’ annual salary (maximum Every employer has a different contribution of $55,000 for 2018). threshold for costs of employee benefits • Eligible employees must include all and plan costs vary greatly depending on over the age of 21 with three years of your employee base and desired contriemployment in the company. Plans may butions. Contact your tax professional allow for additional employees at emfor an individual in-depth analysis of variployer discretion. ous retirement plans, their costs, and po• Like Simple IRA’s, contributions are not tential tax savings. taxable income to the employee until Leann Ussery, CPA is tax manager of distributed but are a tax deduction for corporate/partnership returns and focuses on the company. the tax needs of small-to-mid sized entities, Traditional 401(k) including entities with multi-state tax issues. Leann joined Armstrong, Vaughan & Associates, • More complex to establish with higher PC in 2008 after graduating from Angelo State administrative fees, but allows for more University with an MBA in Accounting. She can customization. be reached at 210-658-6229.

Swingleader

Fort Worth Civil Constructors fought for first at National Utility Contractors Association’s (NUCA) 6th Annual Golf Tournament, held Oct. 30 at Euless’ Texas Star. –mjm

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Driven to distraction Lauren Allen, Vice President-Sales BrookStone Insurance Group Dallas, TX

istracted drivers are everywhere and are the single largest contributing factor to traffic accidents today. Consider this: during the 5 seconds it takes to read a text, a vehicle traveling 55mph will move approximately 250 feet down the road, or nearly the length of a football field. Because drivers are often preoccupied when driving, employers must evaluate the potential risks involved in the operation of both company-owned and non-company-owned vehicles (non-owned vehicles are those owned by others, including vehicles owned by employees). This is especially true when considering the U.S. legal doctrine of respondeat superior (Latin for “Let the master answer”) as the employer is liable for the injuries caused by an employee who is working within the scope of his employment. Employees who use their own personal vehicle to travel between worksites, drop off paperwork at other offices, or run a quick errand to the bank, can put their company at risk. Additionally, the utilization of independent contractors could impose liability on the employer for these individuals’ actions should an auto accident occur while they are conducting business for the company. To effectively assess your company’s risk, it is imperative to evaluate current non-owned vehicle use. In collaboration with FCCI insurance, consider the following: • Determine the number of employees utilizing their personal vehicles for business use; • Identify the frequency of this type of driving; • Recognize the area(s) where this driving will occur; and • Be informed on the minimum auto liability limits in the state. (In Texas, these limits are $30,000 for each injured person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident).

• Develop a workplace driving policy. Tip: require that all drivers are included in the company’s defensive driver training sessions, and establish rules regarding cell phone use and the number of passengers an employee can drive at one time. • Set vehicle standards. Tip: utilize the same vehicle maintenance standards for both company-owned and non-company-owned autos, including periodic inspections and records of maintenance reports at designated times. • Obtain valid certificate of insurance from independent contractors. Tip: recheck coverage at various intervals – 45 days (as many cancellations for nonpayment occur after 30 days), and at various intervals before the contract anniversary. • Establish minimum required limits of liability insurance. Tip: consider minimum limits of at least $100,000 if dealing with a handful of non-owned drivers (for more employees consider increasing the limits to $300,000). Also request that non-owned drivers’ auto policies not have a business exclusion clause. • Understand rental car agreements. Tip: develop a business relationship with a rental car company and set parameters for car types and accessible features. Also ensure employees understand which insurance coverage to accept and which to waive.

If these limits are exhausted due to an employee’s negligent act then liability could shift to the employer, and if the company does not possess non-owned auto coverage then the employer could be on the hook.

Do not slip into a false sense of security when an employee drives a personal vehicle for company business. If an employer allows an employee to use his/her personal vehicle for business purposes, this is considered a non-owned auto exposure risk, and the consequences could be devastating should an accident occur.

Once the company has assessed its risk regarding non-owned vehicle use, the next step is learning how to mitigate and implement proper safety controls: • Establish an approved driver list. Tip: those included on this list must possess valid driver licenses, and the employer should review each driver’s Motor Vehicle Records (both at the time of hire and annually thereafter).

Lauren Allen is a licensed attorney in the State of Texas and the Vice President of Sales at BrookStone Insurance Group. She focuses on collaborating, innovating and delivering risk management plans tailored to her clients’ specific needs. She can be reached at 214-301-3333 or lallen@brookstone-group.com

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • December 2017

Texas Supreme Court clarifies standard for suits against design professionals

Texas Top Construction Hazards in 2017

Tracy Galimore, Senior Counsel Peckar & Abramson Austin, TX

Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

he Texas Supreme Court recently considered two cases seeking to clarify the meaning of and standards in Tex. Civ. Prac. Rem. Code Ch. 150, which requires suits against design professionals to be supported by a sworn affidavit known as a Certificate of Merit (“COM”). When the plaintiff’s claims arise from the defendant’s provision of professional services, a COM must be furnished by a similarly licensed third-party expert who shall attest the design professional’s negligent acts, errors or omissions. The purpose of the law is to deter and quickly dismiss non-meritorious claims. The statute requires the third-party lenged the COM submitted by East Rio expert hold the same license as the de- Hondo’s expert on the grounds that it did fendant design professional, and also be not contain sufficient factual support for knowledgeable in the defendant’s prac- each of the plaintiff’s claims. The Court tice area. If the plaintiff fails to file a COM rejected Melden’s interpretation of the in compliance with the statute, the court statute which would require the COM to shall dismiss the claim and the plaintiff substantiate the plaintiff’s legal theories may be prevented from filing suit again. for suing the engineer. According to the In Levinson Alcoser Assoc. LP v. El Pisto- Court, the statute only obligates the lon II, Ltd., the Court considered whether plaintiff to furnish a COM attesting to the the COM filed by El Pistolon, the devel- defendant’s professional errors or omisoper of a shopping center, sufficiently sions and their factual basis. The Court complied with the statute when the also determined the third-party expert third-party expert listed only his license could reserve his/her right to modify the as his relevant experience. The Texas Su- opinion if additional information is made preme Court held the requirement that available, noting the COM statute does the third-party expert be knowledgeable not require the plaintiff to disclose all its in the practice area cannot be satisfied evidence at the start of the case. simply because the expert holds the These opinions offer clarification for same professional license as the defen- those seeking to file suit against licensed dant. The COM must include the specific architects, engineers, surveyors and illustrations of the expert’s familiarity or landscape architects and the interpretaexperience with the practice area at issue tions provided should be closely heeded in the litigation. In this case, the plaintiff’s to avoid a complete dismissal of claims expert should have detailed his experi- against these professionals. ence designing shopping centers in the Tracy Galimore is Senior Counsel in COM. The faulty COM resulted in the de- Peckar & Abramson’s Houston office. A veloper’s claims against the architect be- Board Certified Construction lawyer, she ing dismissed. represents contractors, sureties, owners, In Melden & Hunt v. East Rio Hondo and developers in construction related Water Supply, East Rio Hondo sued transactions and disputes. She can be Melden, the designer of its water-treat- reached at 281.953.7706 or tgalimore@ ment plant, for defective engineering pecklaw.com. and project supervision. Melden chal-

he list of most frequently cited OSHA laws in construction over the last year:

1. 1926.501(b)(13) – Fall protection was not provided in residential construction where workers could fall more than 6 feet. This hazard was cited more than 486 times for a total fine of 1.9 million dollars. 2. 1926.102(a)(1) – OSHA cited employers for not providing or not requiring workers to wear eye and face protection when necessary to protect them. For example, safety glasses would be required when workers are using hand and power tools. 3. 1926.1053(b)(1) – Extension ladders did not extend at least 3 feet above the upper level so that workers would have the support when stepping off the ladder to the upper level. 4. 1926.501(b)(1) – No fall protection was provided when workers were exposed to a fall distance of 6 feet or more to a lower level. 5. 1926.100(a) – No head protection was provided where there were overhead hazards. OSHA requires workers to wear hard hats if there are hazards that could strike the workers head, such as other workers who could drop materials or tools from an overhead scaffold. 6. 1926.503(a)(1) –Training on the recognition and avoidance of fall hazards was not provided to workers. Workers that are exposed to fall hazards have to be trained on how to recognize potential fall hazards, and fall protection measures such as guardrails and personal fall arrest systems.

A safer Texas

In memoriam ynda Dodson, 66, passed away Nov. 2, 2017 Lcontracting after a battle with cancer. Dodson’s electrical career began more than 40 years ago

as a helper; she eventually worked as a facility service rep for JMEG Inc. and held master electrician licenses in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. She was a member of the Independent Electrical Contractors Association and the National Association of Women in Construction. A celebration of her life was held Nov. 16. Donations can be made to the Scholarship Fund at National Association of Women in Construction, Dallas Chapter #2. –mjm

Thanks and re-memberance

Regional Hispanic Contractors Association president John Martinez welcomed new and renewing members at RHCA’s Thanksgiving luncheon, held Nov. 17 at Dallas’ Public Library. –mjm

7. 1926.453(b)(2)(v) – Workers in an aerial lift were not wearing a body harness and lanyard and were not attached to the lift anchor point. OSHA requires workers in aerial lifts be tied off to prevent them from being ejected or falling out of the lift. 8. 1926.451(e)(1) – OSHA requires that workers be provided a safe method to access working levels of scaffolds. Climbing the end frame is allowed if the scaffold is designed for this purpose, but climbing the cross braces is not allowed. 9. 1904.39(a)(2) – The employer did not report a workplace incident that resulted in an amputation, loss or eye, or inpatient hospitalization of one or more workers within 24 hours. The requirement to report these injuries became effective January 1, 2015. 10. 1926.501(b)(10) – Fall protection was not provided on low slope roofs. Options for low slope roofs include guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, or a combination of warning line system and guardrail system, warning line system and safety net system, or warning line system and personal fall arrest system, or warning line system and safety monitoring system. Or, on roofs 50-feet (15.25 m) or less in width the use of a safety monitoring system alone [i.e. without the warning line system] is permitted. natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232

n 1991, the Texas Legislature took a stance on the skyrocketing workers’ compensation rates that affected Texas companies in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. This company originally known as the Texas Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fund, would later become known as Texas Mutual Insurance. On June 5, 2001, Governor Rick Perry changed the company’s name by signing into law HB 3458 and authorizing the company to operate as a domestic mutual insurance company. The bill would maintain constitutional mandates that the company remain a competitive force in the marketplace, guarantee the availability of workers’ compensation insurance in Texas, and act as an insurer of last resort for those companies unable to find coverage elsewhere. In 2007, Texas Mutual began to utilize a program created within its safety department called the Work Safe Texas Award Program to recognize policyholders whose commitment to employee safety sets them apart.

“We wanted to recognize our customers who were providing outstanding safety services for their employees. We recognize these companies on an annual basis. Currently, we insure about 68,000 policyholders across the state and we recognize the top 200, so these are the best of the best,” says Regional Manager of Safety Services for the Austin region, Stacy Rose. “Safety is a core value in our organization and we are very pleased that we are able to have this recognition reward program each year to highlight and bring the best of the best up to forefront and recognize them. It’s about keeping the workers safe so they are able to come to work and go home every day safely.” Texas Mutual Insurance is workers’ compensation provider across the state of Texas. -cmw

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • December 2017

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Your perfect fishing destination 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.

ost of us avid anglers take what we have in our own backyard for granted. I’m talking about the entire Texas Gulf Coast bays and estuaries that line our state from the Gulf of Mexico to Louisiana. Believe it or not, Texas has a world class fishery that many of us don’t realize. With over 360 miles of coastline and more than 3,360 miles of tidal shoreline, Texas has been a premier destination for many years. One of the most popular fishing destinations in the state is the Laguna Madre and, in particular, the Baffin Bay area. Anglers from all over the state and gulf regions of the U.S. visit these waters during winter months in search of one trophy – Trophy Speckled Trout! Wintertime remains one of the best times to target large specks. Speckled

Josh Aljoe of San Antonio caught this fat 24.5-in. speck that weighed nearly 5 lbs. fishing the boat hole last week with Steve Schultz Outdoors.

trout feed less during winter months, but eat larger portions to conserve energy. Most of the bays along the Texas Gulf Coast have access guts and channels into the Gulf of Mexico which allow these fish to migrate to open water. Baffin Bay is virtually a closed bay system which traps a large portion of the fish throughout the

Submitted to Construction News

Beginner’s buck

Ben Carruthers (front), 11-year-old son of Certainteed Ceilings’ Eddy Carruthers and grandson of Accurate Masonry’s Charles Carruthers, shot his first whitetail buck on opening day. The 8-pt. buck was shot with the same .243 rifle Ben’s father shot his own first buck with, and was harvested at the family’s hunting lease in Young County. Ben’s father and two sisters also came along on the hunt, which was his youngest sister’s first. –mjm

year. These resident fish learn to adapt to harsh conditions such as rapid temperature changes, hyper salinity conditions and lack of food source. Needless to say, these fish become warriors and learn to survive or be devoured. Big trout are scarce but, fortunately, they are more common than monster bucks and you don’t have to pay to get behind a high fence to have a chance at one. Learning

where these fish live and their habits determines your success in catching these big girls. Fishing for these big girls is an easy task; however, knowing where to catch them is the question most anglers ask. Many factors play a part in knowing where to fish on any given day. Being on the water daily takes a lot of guess work out of the equation. Another challenge to your day on the water is choosing the right bait to throw. There are thousands of baits to choose from, some that are new and popular, and then there are those that have been around for many years and have a proven record. It all boils down to preference and having confidence in what’s tied on the end of your rod. I will be splitting my time this season between Baffin Bay and Port Mainsfield this winter. Baffin trips will depart from Marker 37 marina. Port Mansfield trip will include accommodations in a luxurious 5-bedroom house that will sleep up to 10 fishermen. The Laguna house has all comforts of home with a large outdoor deck and cooking area to entertain clients and guests. A two-day minimum is required for the Lower Laguna Madre trips. If you are interested in either of the winter wade fishing packages don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss rates and packages. My calendar is starting to fill for these winter trout fishing trips, so don’t hesitate to call and get yours booked before these dates are full. I still have several open dates for the 2017 season and my 2018 calendar is also open for bookings. Don’t hesitate in booking your fishing trips because my dates usually go pretty quick, especially during the more popular months. I’m also offering some trophy and management deer hunts in South Texas if you are interested. Please call me for specifics and pricing. To schedule your next bay fishing trip or hunting 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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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • December 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

Winter fishing is here

inter is almost here, or at least what passes for winter in Texas. The weather forecasters are saying that we are in for a generally warmer and drier winter this year, with a few little cold hiccups here and there. That means we are in for a lot of nice fishing weather the next few months. If you read up on stripers or have fished for them very much, you know how important water temperature is to their behavior. The “perfect” water temperature for them is 55 – 68 degrees. This explains why things go bad for the stripers when we get to the end of summer and sometimes see water temps in the high 80s or low 90s. That’s over for now and we are back in cool water again. Cool water gets the stripers back to feeding well again and schooling up. They are all about getting fat and sassy ready to spawn next spring. We also get into some really nice bluecats in cool winter water. We have been doing striper fishing charters for many years and have noticed that while the winter fishing is still just as good as ever, we aren’t seeing as many people taking advantage of it. I really

Gene Tramp catfish

think that this is still just a holdover from all the bad press and bad experiences with our lakes from the drought. It always takes a while for people to rediscover the lakes after a drought. Winter fishing is a little iffy because of the frequent “cold” fronts that pump through, but we also have some of our best fishing weather of the year. We encourage fishermen to get their trip on the books and cross their fingers that the weather will cooperate. If all goes well they are in for a treat. Sometimes the weather can fool even the most experienced fishing guide. I remember one afternoon when the weather turned off really bad. We had 31 degrees and 25 mph winds and pelting sleet. We also had a fishing trip scheduled, but never could reach the folks to cancel the fishing trip. Long story short, the fishermen showed up at the dock and piled out of their pickup looking like the little brother from the Christmas Story movie. They were so bundled up with a mix of camo hunting coveralls and snow skiing gear they could hardly bend their arms and legs. We loaded up and pointed the bow of the boat into that icy wind and went fishing. In 45 minutes we were back at the dock…LIMITED OUT! The moral of this story is that winter fishing can be awesome! It may not be a shorts and flip flops and sunscreen kind of trip, but I promise the fish won’t laugh at you fishing in your camo hunting clothes. In fact, you’ll be the one laughing and having a good time. If you are in the Hill Country to go hunting, or have out of town guests to entertain for the holidays, give us a call and we can get you on the water. A nice fish fry and a good time might fit just fine into your plans this winter!

Digging the new digs!

rogress Lighting’s Pamela Tresp moved from the big city (Dallas) with her husband, Hubbell Lighting’s Mark Tresp, and menagerie of dogs to Pleasure Acres Lake in Tyler, TX. Having a lake in her backyard means that every day is a new chance to get in touch with nature. Needless to say, Tresp loves the change of scenery and her dogs are blissed out with their very own dog park! –mjm

Tresp’s puppies patrol the lake for creatures of the deep.

Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets come with the property.

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • December 2017

Trinity’s in-fin-ity of fish

rinity Drywall’s project managers, superintendents and foremen enjoyed some team building at Holiday Marina of Lake Tawakoni, Nov. 7 and Nov. 16. The field leadership members were hosted by NTX Guide Services’ Matt Cartwright and Roy Songy. –mjm

Submitted to Construction News

Wait was bearable

It took almost the entire two weeks of Dave Riddle’s hunting trip, but on the last day the president of Dave Riddle Electric Company got his bear. He took down the 8ft. 4 in. grizzly at Sand Point, Alaska in November. –mjm

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • December 2017

Partners by design

Construction News ON LOCATION

He dust started!

L-R: Greg Ibañez and Bart Shaw at their new firm’s Nov. 16 open house.

or years on his work commute, Bart Shaw AIA would pass the Oberklasse Auto Works repair shop in downtown Fort Worth and consider its possibilities as an office. During that time, he also considered the possibilities of establishing an architecture firm with Greg Ibañez FAIA. Even though their design focus was different – Shaw concentrated on small to mid-size creative commercial projects, and Ibanez designed high-end residential and airline lounges – they shared similarities. Both were respected, award-winning Fort Worth architects who had served as American Institute of Architecture chapter presidents. Most importantly, they admired each others’ talent and enjoyed collaborating on projects. “We’ve known each other for a long time, and I’ve always had a high level of respect for Greg’s work,” Shaw says. “We started talking about it two years ago and thought we could do this to support each other. We wanted to find a way to be involved in each others’ projects and

make it better by the combination.” “It just seemed to make a lot of sense,” Ibañez agrees. “Our work is complimentary; we do different things, but at this level of design we’re on the same page and it’s just progressed. It’s nice to have a sounding board and partner.” The two established Ibañez Shaw Architecture Sep. 1 and moved into the renovated auto repair shop-turned-studio at 801 W. 10th Street a few weeks later. The firm currently employs seven and plans to hire more – but not too many. “The reason we like being a small firm is that we get to do everything,” Ibañez explains. “We try to be selective about the work we take; the way we work takes a lot of time and effort. We’re not just cranking out product; everything we do is a oneoff. We are the embodiment of reinventing the wheel; that’s what we do for every project.” Ibanez Shaw Architecture designs for commercial, community, interior, product, public art, retail and residential projects. – mjm

Sheetrocker J.D. Everett is rocking his new job at Aledo Drywall, and in fact, is new to the construction industry. Welcome, J.D.! –mjm

Around their world in 40 deeds

Nearly 80 employees participated in the walk and donated more than five boxes of toys.

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

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

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

o celebrate 40 years in business, Dallas-based Structure Tone Southwest wanted to give back while looking back. The company’s “40 Good Deeds” initiative, created for the milestone anniversary, encouraged employees to perform good works for the community throughout the year. From cleaning horse stalls for Wings of Hope, giving blood to Carter BloodCare, sorting food for the North Texas Food Bank to climbing

Reunion Tower for Wounded Warriors, employees logged over 600 volunteer hours and ran or walked more than 80 miles for various charities. The company’s year of giving back was capped off Nov. 17 when 80 employees walked a cumulative 40 miles to support Toys for Tots. Representatives from the US Marines Corps also joined the employees to collect toy donations. Structure Tone Southwest president Joe Cribbin says community support made their 40-year success possible. “We wanted to ensure that as we celebrated our hard work and success, we also gave back to those who aren’t as fortunate,” Cribbin says. General contractor Structure Tone Southwest has offices in Dallas, Austin, Houston and San Antonio. –mjm

Structure Tone Southwest president Joe Cribbin kicked off the 40-mile walk.

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • December 2017

Page 13

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

Cautiously Optimistic Brian P. McGuire, President and CEO Associated Equipment Distributors Schaumburg, IL

usiness is good on the construction equipment side of things according to AED members and most are optimistic about the future. However, we still face challenges. Many report business is up or at least consistent with last year, though margins remain slim. Hot button issues include what’s included in the tax reform bill (H.R.1) working its way through congress. While H.R. 1 has provisions beneficial to AED members, there are also some troubling portions. We are particularly concerned with Sec. 3303, which prevents the use of like-kind exchanges (LKE) for personal property starting in 2018. While the provision doesn’t apply to an exchange if (A) the property disposed of by the taxpayer in the exchange is disposed of on or before Dec. 31 2017, or (B) the property received by the taxpayer in the exchange is received on or before Dec. 31,

2017, eliminating personal property LKE from the tax code will create uncertainty and could detrimentally impact capital investments. One challenge facing the industry includes lack of action on a federal infrastructure bill. Everyone in Washington says they want a long-term bill, but so far we’ve seen nothing. We are anxious for Congress to take responsibility for maintaining and improving infrastructure, which are the backbone of our nation and a prime driver of jobs and the economy. This is one place Congress needs to be bold.

ore power. More productivity. More value. Introducing the C Series, CASE’s expanded line of mini excavators that now includes six models from 1.7 to 6.0 metric tons. These compact excavators are ideal for use in tight spaces and applications such as general and residential construction, landscaping and utility work. C Series mini excavators provide parallel, unobstructed operation near obstacles, tree lines and foundations thanks to their zero, short-tail or conventional swing design and independent center swing boom that can be offset left or right within an operating range. Offered in zero tail swing, short-radius or conventional configurations, C Se-

ries mini excavators feature an adjustable boom with the ability to offset left or right to work closer to buildings and obstacles. The CX17C features a variablewidth undercarriage and adjustable blade capable of passing through most common gates and for working on confined jobsites, close to buildings and in developed areas. C Series mini excavators provide parallel, unobstructed operation near obstacles, tree lines and foundations thanks to their zero, short-tail or conventional swing design and independent center swing boom that can be offset left or right within an operating range. Contact ASCO for more information at 800-687-0008 or ascoeq.com.

• 38’ - 142’ (11.6 - 43.3 m) FIVE SECTION FULL-POWER BOOM • BOOM LENGTH AND CAPACITY OUTREACHES/OUTLIFTS ALL COMPETITION • SIMPLE OPERATION – 2 BOOM EXTEND MODES • LINK-BELT PULSE 2.0 – a 10 IN FULL COLOR TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAY WITH TOTAL CRANE OPERATING SYSTEM • V-CALC (VARIABLE-CONFINED AREA LIFTING CAPACITIES) AND TELEMATICS • FULL LED LIGHTING PACKAGE WITH 3 ON-BOARD CAMERAS • TRANSPORTS AT UNDER 99,000 LBS | 44 905 KG For more information contact HOLT Crane and Equipment 877-275-1520 or visit HoltCrane.com

ment rentals. This is partially due to the lack of a federal infrastructure bill. Our equipment is too valuable and construction firms don’t want to make large investment and have the equipment sit idle, so they rent it when they need it. Unfortunately, the risk is that when things really start to boom, they may not have the equipment they need. All in all, our industry remains a very rewarding place to work. Our members provide good paying jobs, in demand careers, and the opportunity for advancement. Plus the satisfaction that comes with building and rebuilding America and strengthening our economy. In closing, how do we remain successful? By educating our workforce, staying ahead of the technology curve, and investing in people and the communities we live and work in. As an association, AED is committed to providing the tools necessary for our members to thrive. Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) is an international trade association representing companies involved in the distribution, rental and support of equipment used in construction, mining, forestry, power generation, agriculture and industrial applications. -cmw

Caterpillar

Cat 259D Compact Track Loader Unmatched Performance & Comfort

o matter the size or model, every Cat® Compact Track Loader features a suspended undercarriage for superior traction, extra comfort, exceptional stability, longer track life, & lower ground pressure. Easy-to-use pilot-operated controls keep you more productive throughout the work day. Our high performance powertrain, and advanced hydraulic system, can handle the toughest working conditions. The Cat® 259D CTL with the reliable

Cat® C3.3B turbocharged engine delivers solid performance & requires no diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). When coupled with this powerhouse & the suspended undercarriage your operators will sit in the finest work station available to make long days seem shorter. HOLT CAT® has a large inventory of new and used Cat machines, Cat certified technicians and 24/7 Parts availability. Call today for special financing 877-7054619 or visit HoltCat.com.

New Holland

Link Belt

ough Terrain Crane 75-ton | 70 mt Remarkable control, reliability and capacity performance

Sept: Green Building Nov: Architecture & Engineering Oct: Specialty Contractors Dec: Construction Equipment

Another constant challenge is workforce education and training. Finding technicians and employees in general in the construction industry is difficult. That’s why AED and the AED Foundation invest heavily in promoting our 32 Accredited Programs at colleges and universities across North America. Not all technicians are created equal. The AED Foundations Certified Technician Program allows technicians to earn a professional industry certification by successfully passing an online technical assessment. An AED Certification is widely considered to be the “Gold Standard” in the industry. Finally, as we all know, financial challenges continue to squeeze margins including the cost of equipment and labor and the cost of acquiring capital. AED members are dealing with this by getting leaner and making better use of technology. Speaking of technology, the emergence of telematics is a key shift in our industry. Telematics allow our members to stay ahead of the game in maintenance, which reduces down time. It also affords them the ability to properly utilize resources, thereby reducing idle time. Another major shift in our industry is the move from equipment sales to equip-

Case

Construction Equipment

ew Holland Construction Equipment is keen to expand their offering in the very active compact track loader market. In April they announced the new C234 to their line-up. The C234 is a 90hp, redial lift track loader with 17.7” tracks to provide low ground pressure, and one of the widest cabs in the industry. As a sister to the C238’s vertical lift, the C234’s radial lift is its only visual difference. The C234 is about 100lbs less operating weight, yet has 8,700lbs (1,500 more) of breakout force in each category, as well as a very capable of 3,400lbs of operating load. A level buck-

et fully raised will reach 119.6”, comparatively, about 4” shy of the C238. continued on Page 13

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • December 2017

NEXT TH MON Kidd Roofing

Construction Forecast

If you would like to represent your company in an upcoming FOCUS, contact your DFW Editor for an Interview Melissa Jones-Meyer (817) 731-4823 DFWeditor@ConstructionNews.net continued from Page 13 – Landmark – New Holland All in all, the C234 excels at digging and as a mobile power plant for a wide variety of implements. “This machine is your ‘go-to’ basement, or ‘in-ground’ pool digging machine, a rental yard ‘must-have,’ and the ultimate machine for brush cutters, stump grinders, rock saws, and cold planers,” said Bradley Wenger, of New Holland Construction Equipment. “The new C234 is ready for your toughest job sites; it comes packed with a ton of power and is built heavyduty all around.” It has a heavy-duty steel rear door and hood, along with steel front work lights with side lamps for

extra visibility during night-time operations. Landmark Equipment has seen a resurgence in New Holland Construction Equipment sales over the past year+. We are optimistic about opportunities for the coming year and encouraged by the aggressive programs offered by New Holland. The C234 should begin arriving in the first quarter of 2018. For more information visit Landmark Equipment on the web at www.landmarkeq.com, call 972-579-9999, or visit one of our locations in Irving, McKinney, Fort Worth, or Waxahachie.

Takeuchi

ew for 2018, Takeuchi has introduced the TL6 compact track loader, an agile, compact machine that is easy to transport, and features outstanding stability and performance. The TL6 is ideal for customers in the agricultural, general contracting, landscaping and rental industries. Powered by a Kubota 2.4 liter, 65.2 horsepower engine, the TL6 features a radial lift loader design with a maximum lift height of 9 feet 6.4 inches, and a rated operating capacity of 1,841 pounds. Additionally, the TL6 has a width of 5 feet, a height of 6 feet 5.8 inches and weighs 7,480 lbs with a canopy and 7,780 lbs when equipped with a cab. The compact dimensions of the TL6 enable it to access and work efficiently in areas with limited space. The TL6 features a newly designed cabin with an overhead 5.7” color multiinformation display and backlit rocker switches that control a variety of machine functions. A cab with swing-out door, heat, and air conditioner are available for greater operator comfort. When talking with Todd Vollmering, Landmark Equipment’s General Manager who handles all wholesale construction product ordering, he noted, “Some of our customers have asked for a track loader that is easy to transport, has compact dimensions, and delivers the excellent

power that Takeuchi is known for.” Takeuchi has delivered. The outstanding features of the TL6 will work in a wide range of applications and deliver outstanding features, unmatched performance, and excellent serviceability. “That is a great overall value.” Takeuchi Fleet Management (TFM) system comes standard on the TL6. The TFM telematics system is available during the machines warranty period of two years at no additional cost, and it is able to provide a variety of data points including machine health and condition, run time and machine location. The TL6 will be arriving in January. For more information visit Landmark Equipment on the web at www.landmarkeq.com, call 972-579-9999, or visit one of our locations in Irving, McKinney, Fort Worth, or Waxahachie.

MEC

EC Aerial Work Platforms, a name synonymous with robust, unique, innovative, stateof-the-art lift designs for over 40 years introduced its new Micro Scissors line recently which included a 13 foot platform height, lightweight, low cost, feature rich scissors lift that literally took what was long considered a commodity product line and generated new excitement and enthusiasm! ‘Rock Star’ has been the term used by tradesman to describe this versatile little Red machine. The smooth, quiet, precise, infinite proportional controls combined with a very short wheelbase, super tight turning radius, extension deck, and two person capacity has made it a requirement on big jobs where protecting the vertical surfaces and door mechanics is mission critical, like hospitals and laboratories. The fact that the machines utilize Direct Electric Drive, dramatically increases operating cycle efficiencies while reducing hydraulic oil, fittings, and the risk of environmental hazards – including sealed, maintenance free AGM batteries. With the 1900 lbs. weight and super compact dimensions it can fit into elevators and, together with options of an on-board inverter, take productivity to the next level – literally. MEC has responded to customer demand to take this concept to the next higher class and as a result the Micro 19

has been introduced! The Micro 19 has kept the original concept of lightweight, extremely low floor load pressure, high efficiency, and super compact dimensions. It has the same works-in-a-drawer chassis component layout and, in keeping with the 13 foot machine, uses a construction duty, scissor linkage that puts the rigidity in a whole different league to a mast machine. Couple this to a platform that has enough space for two workers in real life not just on paper and you have a machine that can do the work of a conventional 19 footer yet fit into so many more tight places. For more information contact H&E Equipment Services at 877-700-RENT.

Kubota

Sany

arthworking equipment from SANY America is no longer just their line of nine Hydraulic Excavators from 15400hp. This past year brought the introduction into North America of their new SW405K Wheel Loader and their SMG200 Motor Grader. These new entries went right for the sweet spot with extensive features and economical price. The SW405K is a 261hp, 41,785lb Wheel Loader with a 4.2 yd3 bucket. It was developed specifically for the US market and has undergone extensive durability testing. A fuel efficient Deutz T4F engine provides the power. Newest of the ground engaging equipment from SANY is the SMG200 Motor Grader. Powered a 205hp Cummins QSC 8.3 Tier 3 engine and with an Operating Weight of 37,292lbs there is ample power to push it’s 14’ Blade, an optional front scarifier, or a rear ripper. Notable features include direct-drive powershift transmission for smooth responsive shifting and a hydraulic differential lock that allows engagement or disengagement during a turn. As with all SANY products, operator comfort and efficiency is designed into access, controls, and visibility. To maximize up-time SANY utilizes CAN-BUS technology for convenient function extension and system diagnostics.

We spoke with Tim Patterson at Landmark Equipment to find out how customers are responding to SANY’s expanded line-up. Said Tim, “You know, the SANY product line is not like selling a mower or a compact tractor, these are big ticket items, uptime and durability are key. A buyer has to feel comfortable that SANY and Landmark are going to be there for them throughout their lifespan.” Without that comfort level customers are reluctant to acquire new-to-market equipment. “Fortunately, we have several purchase options available from outright purchase, to leasing, to renting-to-own, or long term rental. We can craft a purchase option that fits the customer’s financial situation and allows him to experience the quality and performance.” SANY has an encouraging future in this market. For more information visit Landmark Equipment on the web at www.landmarkeq.com, call 972-579-9999, or visit one of our locations in Irving, McKinney, Fort Worth, or Waxahachie.

SVL Series Compact Track Loaders

ubota SVL 75-2 & 95-2S Series are agile, versatile, compact tracked machines that are convenient to use in multiple applications. The SVL Series offers impressive bucket breakout force and lifting capacity for groundbreaking new levels of performance and productivity. If you want to extend your work season, working worry free in surfaces where a wheeled machine just won’t do, then the compact track loader is your answer. Compact track loaders are also versatile enough to work in tighter areas, maneuvering easily around residential and commercial areas. With a large assortment of attachments available, your compact track loader is a versatile base for grapples, hammers, rotary cutters, graders, til-

lers, tree pullers and much, much more. Need to add or supplement your fleet here in the DFW Metroplex? Six & Mango Equipment in Grand Prairie, Frisco, or Sherman has an extensive inventory of new & rental machines ready to go. Whether you need an extra machine for a large job or have a machine unexpectedly go down, we have the equipment you need. Visit one of Six & Mango Equipment’s ( 3 ) locations in Grand Prairie, Frisco, or Sherman. Or go to www.sixandmango. com for special pricing & details. Sales – Rentals – Parts - Service Grand Prairie: 972-314-2500 Frisco: 972-335-2731 Sherman: 903-893-5564

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • December 2017

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A NARI good night

orth Texas contractors were honored for their outstanding work on Nov. 14 at the Doubletree by Hilton Dallas-Campbell Centre. The 2018 NARI CotY Awards, hosted by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s (NARI) Greater Dallas chapter, recognized companies in 21 categories during the association’s “Evening of Excellence.” –mjm Photo credit: Ken Vaughan/Vaughan Creative Media Bath $50,001-$75,000 Marvelous Home Makeovers & Performance Drywall Services

Interior Over $150,000 Capital Renovations Group with Active Granite

Kitchen $100,001-$150,000 and Exterior under $100,000 Traver Construction

Kitchen $60,001-$100,000 BRY-JO Roofing & Remodeling

$75,001-$100,000 BRY-JO Roofing & Remodeling

Bath $25,000-$50,000 Traver Construction

Kitchen Under $30,000 Bella Vista

Kitchen $30,000-$60,000 RH Residential Renovations

Bath Over $100,000 Hatfield Builders & Remodelers

Historical Renovation/Restoration $250,000 and over Kitchen Design Concepts

Interior $75,000 to $150,000 BRY-JO Roofing & Remodeling with Davis-Hawn Lumber

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Exterior $100,000-$200,000 Bella Vista Company

Interior Element under $30,000 Hatfield Builders & Remodelers

Trade and true careers

Aggressive drivers. Why is everyone going so fast? I actually had a guy run me off of the road the other day. What if I had had my baby in the car? What if we had crashed? And for what? To get 30 yards down and stop at the stoplight? To gain one car length? Will Hartung, Hawk Security Services Tailgating. I am the speed-limit-slowdriver. When people tailgate me, it gets me, especially at night when their lights are really bright, and especially if I have my kids in the car. Jimmy Toy, J3 Painting & Drywall

The biggest is someone not being on time. If someone says they will be there, and I have rearranged my day and they are not there – I hate that. Trey Sheets, S&B Electrical and Construction Services A lazy work ethic that affects me. Be lazy, but when it affects me, it drives me insane. J.D. Everett, Aledo Drywall My big pet peeve is time management. That is a big one for me. Ben Gurment, Gurments Tile

Construction News ON LOCATION

Thumbs up! Number 1!

Local companies, including DynaTen Corp. (pictured), explained the benefits of working in the industry at Construction Education Foundation’s (CEF) 2017 Construction Career Day. More than 1500 students attended the annual event, hosted Oct. 25 at CEF’s Irving office. –mjm

Miguel Huitron and Nefthaly Puga of Crest Electrical Solutions let their fingers do the talking about their work. –mjm

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • December 2017

JOB SIGHTS

L-R: Phillips Lawn Sprinkler Co.’s Juan Aguilar, David Castillo and Jose Contras admire their installation at Mansfield’s new Pond Branch Linear Trail. Klutz Construction LLC coordinated the project, which will be complete this winter. –mjm

Lining up for fun

APOC’s James Larry (left) accepted his team’s first place award.

ocal roofers tested the waters of their fishing skills Oct. 12-13 at Lake Texoma’s Grand Pappy’s Point Marina. The North Texas Roofing Contractors Association’s (NTRCA) Fishing Tournament was two days of competition, cooking out and plenty of catches. –mjm 1st Place: APOC’s Larry Brown, James Saunders, Blake Babcock and George Buckhold

L-R: Performance Heat and Air Inc. HVAC installers Omar Mancha and Justin Thompson insulate duct boot for Mansfield’s new 10,500sf Wesley Mission Thrift Store. Grossman Design Build oversees the construction, which will be complete next summer. –mjm

L-R: Varitile’s Jeff Garlick, Clayton Spies and Blake Asel’s team caught the most fish.

3rd Place: CertainTeed’s Darren Kennedy and David Swayne Boat with Most Fish Caught: Varitile’s Jeff Garlick, Clayton Spies and Blake Asel Biggest Fish: Keith Neeley

Keith Neeley won for biggest fish.

Submitted to Construction News

Industry FOLKS

Round-Up

Will Hartung Security Consultant Hawk Security Services Fort Worth, TX

Hoefer Wysocki announces the following additions to the firm’s Dallas office: John Ruggieri LEED AP joins the firm as vice president of urban design. Contributing more than 30 years of experience to the firm’s urban design and planning studio, Ruggieri previously served as AECOM’s director of design, planning and economics, and as RTKL’s vice president of planning and urban design. He earned his Bachelor of Science in landscape architecture from Pennsylvania State University in 1978. –mjm

Sundt Construction Inc. recently added senior estimator Rick Howard to its transportation group’s Irving office. Howard has 12 years of experience in the transportation sector and previously spent 26 years in the telecommunications market as part of a design team. He will play an integral role as the company expands its footprint in North Texas. –mjm

Perkins + Will’s Dallas office hired Vandana Nayak to lead the K-12 and Higher Education practice in Texas and the Southwest U.S. Nayak brings more than 20 years of experience delivering next-generation educational environments and will lead regional strategy and client engagement in education across Texas. Nayak is a graduate of Bangalore University in Karnataka, India. – mjm

Submissions

chef, but his culinary skills are equally matched by his sales skills. “Someone recommended I get into sales because of my personality; I enjoy helping people,” he says. “I started at the largest security company in the United States, left and worked for Comcast for seven years. When I moved here, I took a job with Hawk.” Now settled in his new job, Hartung, is on the hunt for the perfect plot of land for his farm, his animals and his family – wife Alison, 3-year-old Anastasia and 2-year Georgette. “We’re currently on six acres, but we’re looking outside of Weatherford,” he says. “We’re looking for our dream property.” When he finds it, it will be hard to tear himself away everyday, but at least he will be leaving it to go to a job he enjoys. “Hawk is a good company,” he says. “They take good care of us.” –mjm

Travis Leissner AIA joins the firm as vice president. Bringing 25 years of experience to his new role, Leissner previously served as Gensler’s regional practice area leader for education and health and wellness markets, vice president at CannonDesign and was a founding partner of a healthcare-focused design firm. He earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental design from Texas A&M University in 1989. –mjm

Round-Up

ill Hartung just moved to Willow Park from Utah last June, but moving is nothing new for the Hawk Security Services consultant. “I was born and raised in California, moved to Utah when I was 11 – I consider Utah home – and then moved to Alaska after high school,” Hartung says. “I then moved to Greece for 13 years, then Colorado, back to Utah, and then moved here to raise my children. Parker County is a great place.” The area’s wide, open spaces appeal to Hartung, who needs the acreage for gardening and raising his farm animals. “I have a couple of horses and some chickens,” Hartung says. “We had some pigs, but we had to sell them to move here.” Among the animals that made the cut were his Nubian milking goats, which were crucial to the ricotta and mozzarella making process Hartung recently undertook. “[My family and I] like to make everything,” Hartung explains. “We even grow pumpkins and make pumpkin beer! My specialty is Greek food.” Unsurprisingly, Hartung is a former

2nd Place: ABC Supply’s Curtis VanLiew, Sam Marzelli, Holly Green, Keith Neeley and Bryan Stamper

This is a monthly section for brief company announcements of new or recently promoted personnel, free of charge, as space allows. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Email (w/digital photo, if available) by the 15th of any month, for the next month’s issue (published 1st of each month). Email info to appropriate city issue, with “Round-Up” in the subject line: –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– San Antonio: saeditor@constructionnews.net Austin: austineditor@constructionnews.net Dallas/Ft. Worth: dfweditor@constructionnews.net Houston: houstoneditor@constructionnews.net

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • December 2017

Page 17

Association Calendar

Content submitted by Associations to Construction News AIA – Dallas

NUCA

American Institute of Architects

Nat’l Utility Contractors Assn.

Dec. 7: AIA Dallas Holiday Party & Chapter Awards, Howell and Dragon, 1130 Dragon St., Ste. 120, Dallas, 7pm

Dec. 6: Holiday Happening, Frost Bank, 1240 Keller Pkwy., Keller, 6pm

AIA – Fort Worth

Painting & Decorating Contractors of America

continued from Page 1 — Charmed, he’s sure One wingman he might bring on to help him in the family business is his 13-year-old son – that is, if he can sweettalk him into it. “I have taught him how to drive the

skid steer,” Meza says with a chuckle. Fort Worth based subcontractor Casanova Concrete offers services for stamped concrete, retaining wall and parking lot projects. –mjm

continued from Page 1 — He’ll never go out of tile

PDCA

American Institute of Architects

Dec. 6: Women in Architecture Happy Hour, Times Ten Cellars, 1100 Foch St., Fort Worth, 6pm Dec. 12: 2017 Holiday Party, Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co., 4250 Mitchell Blvd., 5:30pm APWA – N. Central Tx.

American Public Works Assn.

Dec. 5: TPWA NCTB Annual Holiday Luncheon and General Membership Meeting, Cedar Hill Recreation Center, Cedar Hill, 11:45am CSI – Dallas

Construction Specifications Institute

Dec. 14: Big D Casino Gala, Addison Conference Center, 15650 Addison Rd., Addison, 7pm CSI – Fort Worth Construction Specifications Institute Dec. 12: Christmas Party, The Gardens Restaurant, 3220 Rock Springs Rd., Fort Worth, 5:30pm

Dec. 13: Annual Business Meeting and Christmas Event PMI – Dallas

Project Mgmt. Institute

Dec. 1: Lunch (Dallas), Jason’s Deli, Addison Walk, 5000 Belt Line Rd., Dallas, 11:30am Dec. 1: Lunch (Plano), Café Express, Shops at Legacy, 5800 Legacy Drive, Plano, 11:30am Dec. 14: Dinner Meeting: Speed Mentoring and Chapter Awards, Brookhaven Country Club, 3333 Golfing Green Dr., Farmers Branch, 6:30pm RBCA

Regional Black Contractors Assn.

Dec. 7: RBCA Christmas Party, RBCA office, 2627 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas, 6pm Dec. 9: RBCA Community Involvement Day (clean the streets initiative), Lancaster/Kiest shopping area, 7:30am RHCA

IEC – Dallas

Regional Hispanic Contractors Assn.

Dec. 14: Annual Christmas Dinner and Las Vegas Night, Wyndham Dallas Suites – Park Central, 7800 Alpha Rd., Dallas, 6:30pm

Dec. 14: RHCA Annual Holiday Celebration “Toy and Food Drive;” Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden, “A Tasteful Place,” 8525 Garland Rd., Dallas, 6pm

IEC – Fort Worth

SFPE – DFW

Dec. 7: IEC Annual Christmas Party & Casino Night, Stockyards Station – Stockman’s Club, 140 E. Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth, 6:30pm

Dec. 4: Meeting, Spring Creek Barbeque, 14941 Midway Rd., Addison, 11:30am

Independent Electrical Contractors Assn.

Society of Fire Protection Engineers

TEXO

The Construction Assn.

NAWIC – Dallas

Nat’l Assn. of Women in Construction

Dec. 12: NAWIC Dallas Chapter #2 Christmas Party & Gift Exchange, Uncle Buck’s Brewery & Steakhouse, 2501 Bass Pro Drive, Grapevine, 6pm NAWIC – Fort Worth

Nat’l Assn. of Women in Construction

Dec. 1: Camp NAWIC Meeting with Fort Worth Girls Inc., BJ’s Brewhouse, Alliance, 1:30pm Dec. 13: Block Kids, D. McRae Elementary School Dec. 21: Business Meeting/Christmas Party, Diamond Oaks Country Club, 5821 Diamond Oaks Dr. N, Fort Worth, 5:30pm

Dec. 7: TEXO Holiday & Awards Gala, Gaylord Texan, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, 6pm TGA- NTD

Texas Glass Assn. – NGA Chapter

Dec. 8: Christmas Party & Casino Night, 6pm UMCA

United Masonry Contractors Assn.

Dec. 2: UMCA Christmas Party, Stockyards Station – Stampede Room, 140 East Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth, 6:30pm USGBC

U.S. Green Building Council

NTRCA

N. Tx. Roofing Contractors Assn.

Dec. 13: NTRCA Holiday Party, Legal Draft Beer, 500 E. Division St., Arlington, 7:30pm

Dec. 14: North: USGBC Texas Holiday Party, National Office Furniture Company, 1617 Hi Line Dr., Ste. 440, Dallas, 6pm

On the ball

Burleson Electric beat out 22 teams to win the trophy at the 11th Annual TEXO Softball Tournament. The final event of the Challenge Cup Competition was hosted Nov. 4 at Hurst Athletic Complex. –mjm

L-R: Dad Benny Gurment taught his son Ben everything he knows about tile installation.

still a learning curve. “I still am surprised!” Ben admits. “It can be stressful. As far as paperwork, I just came out of the service and paperwork was pretty much half of it. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, though; I like to try and make sure that everything is perfect. I enjoy the quality of the work and the customers liking it.” When he’s not on a job site, the husband and father is at home with his

family, going to school full-time or in the boxing ring. “I’ve been boxing more than five years and am still an amateur boxer. Hopefully sometime next year, by the end of 2018, I’ll go pro,” he says. “I stay busy.” Gurments Tile in Fort Worth offers tile installation for commercial and residential projects. –mjm

continued from Page 1 — Making a splash did, it would let all of the air out and the roof would sort of start to collapse,” Norris says. “We took that fabric roof off to install a new roof structure from Novum Structures,” Norris continues. That, of course, is when the rain decided to fall. “We had a couple of rain days throughout the project, and it obviously happened when we had that fabric roof off,” Norris says. “It was okay, though, because that fabric roof structure was meant to be taken off. I think they had [removed it] over the years to have an open environment swimming pool. The rain affected us at some points, but it wasn’t too bad.” “Once we took that fabric off, there was still a lot to do with those saddles in preparation for that structure,” Norris continues. “We had to put steel saddles on the concrete collar beam all of the way around the entire building. We had to set those to where there was only a 1/16th of an inch tolerance for all of that space roof structure to sit on it. We had to drill through that system which had rebar in it, so we had to place those and X-ray the whole structure to make sure we were missing that rebar; we didn’t want to hit the rebar, damage it or jeopardize the structural integrity. The north and south walls have glass, so that basically covered

those two ends of it and gave us that dryin of the building.” Inside the facility, the team built two new locker rooms with showers. They also refinished the paint-peeled concrete pool deck with an epoxy floor. A new sprinkler system was installed as well as a new dectron unit to help minimize humidity and chemical odor from the pool. The project was completed in October, and on Nov. 6, North Lake College hosted a ribbon cutting of its renovated natatorium. The Pirouettes of Texas swimmers proudly performed for guests, showing off the facility to its full advantage. “Cadence McShane crafted a strategic construction plan and delivered a quality project under budget and on time for Irving ISD,” says Cadence McShane president Will Hodges. “Knowing how many people in the community count on using the natatorium, we knew the project needed to be completed with no complications.” “The renovation refreshed the entire facility,” says Norris. “It’s just a huge transformation.” Cadence McShane Construction Company is a general contractor with offices in Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. – mjm

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News â&#x20AC;˘ December 2017

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • December 2017

Page 19

HALLOWEEN PHOTOS

BakerTriangle’s Dallas office. –mjm

C1S Group in Dallas’ Halloween party –mjm

CalHar Construction Inc.’s Laura Salazar is a living doll as Chuckie.

BakerTriangle’s Fort Worth office –mjm

TDIndustries’ senior leaders dressed as a “restaurant chain.”

L-R: Commercial Metals Company – CMC Rebar NTX’s Elizabeth Trevino, Shane Hilliard, Matt Schewe, Stephen Reber, Elva Martinez

Rogers–O’Brien

Hey, bruh

L-R: Vargas Services’ Jose Vargas and Francisco Vargas

ose Vargas, owner of HVAC installation company Vargas Services, and his brother Francisco Vargas didn’t just go through childhood together. The two have worked alongside each other, first in healthcare and now in construction. Radiology was Jose’s initial calling, while Francisco was an anesthesia tech. Both found themselves turned off by the ego-driven world of medicine, however, and began seeking a new direction. Jose took over their dad’s appliance service shop four years ago, earned his HVAC contractor license, built up his clientele and turned Vargas Services into a five employee HVAC installation business. “I knew I was capable of building and running a company; I had the motivation to do it,” Jose says. “I just needed the help and support of my family.” Francisco, fresh out of college, soon became that help, and he says the two have been “hitting it off” ever since.

With so much work in Texas, Jose’s work base is in Stephenville, while Francisco stays in Fort Worth to ensure the company covers as many projects – and miles – as possible. The distance makes the heart grow fonder for the siblings … and then sometimes it doesn’t. “We bump heads,” says Francisco good naturedly, “but it’s business.” “I wouldn’t say we bump heads too much,” Jose interjects with a teasing smile toward Francisco. “I leave him to do his responsibilities and I have mine. I know I can be the one who starts the head collision, but he’s always the one that takes things down. He’s very good at handling any situation.” “It works great,” Jose says, “because it’s hard to find somebody you can trust more than a brother.” Vargas Services is an HVAC subcontractor servicing North and Central Texas. –mjm

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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News â&#x20AC;˘ December 2017