Covering the Industry’s News
Texas Style San Antonio H Austin Dallas/Fort Worth H Houston
P.O. Box 791290 San Antonio, Texas 78279-1290
PRSRT. STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID DALLAS, TX PERMIT #1451
Change Service Requested
Austin
CONSTRUCTION
™
The Industry’s Newspaper Page 15
www.constructionnews.net H (210) 308-5800 H Volume 18 H Number 2 H FEBRUARY 2018
Don’t eat that
Team spirit
NovaTuff Coatings vice president Mike Wilson and president Sue Wilson.
K&J Woodworks owner, Brett Burich (left) alongside Hays community members.
H
er slogan is, “If you can cook, you can chem.” President of NovaTuff Coatings, Sue Wilson is great in the kitchen and turned that into being great at formulations. You can’t stop her from going into the chemistry lab at five in the morning. Sue began to dabble with manufacturing her own materials in the late ‘90s. She started out with agricultural products. Her previous life was spent as a missionary in South Africa, which got her interested in agricultural products. Vice president of NovaTuff Coatings, Mike Wilson (Sue’s son) went to work in South Africa for a couple of years during that period. It was a contact from South Africa that got in touch with them and they
started developing chemical binder for agricultural seed. Sue and Mike sold the previous business in 2006. Before calling Austin home, they called Houston home. At that time back in the kitchen, everything was covered in coating. Mike remembers having to go out to eat constantly. “We grew this from initial formulations in the kitchen to manufacturing small batches in the garage, to leasing, to manufacturing with a paint company in Houston,” says Mike. After leasing space from the company and manufacturing their own materials, they moved to another building in Houston. Turns out they needed more space and Sue needed a secure space, especially continued on Page 14
T
he team members and owners of K&J Woodworks keep their hands busy with outside activities and serving the community of Uhland. The team members want to give back to the community and did when they partnered last year with HEB. Leslie Burich, owner says they joined the project called “Operation Finally Home,” which involved assisting a veteran and his home. “We did all the cabinetry work that was in his home. It was a wonderful activity that we all got behind.” K&J Woodworks is a custom millwork company and the team members used their skills after hurricane Harvey’s devastation. The Austin Disaster Relief Network approached K&J and they built
bunk beds for the First Methodist Church volunteers, who were at the time sleeping on the floors. “They knocked out 45 bunk beds and delivered them,” Burich adds. She expresses her gratitude having several team members that are true craftsman. Burich recalls seeing her team members spend time on creating works of art, whether it be with wood, metal or projects on an old home. They’ve even made her jewelry pieces that she wears. Mrs. Burich and her husband Brett Burich, also owner says their team members are dedicated, talented, and hard working. Last year the company celebrated 30 years in business. Mr. and Mrs. Burich give back to their team members in many continued on Page 14
Welcome to the neighborhood
T
Of course, with any project come challenges. The challenge faced was accessibility and logistics. “The only access we had was in the setback off Burnet Road. The rest of footprint was pushed out all the way to the lot lines. We had to come up with a creative way for construction accessibility and logistics,” says Price. Their creativity was a success and access was granted. Burnet Road has a high volume of commuters due to the Allandale commercial areas. Taking a look from bottom to top you’ll notice the four-story building with wood framed structure with metal panels. Then the brick and stucco as exterior skin. Price told Construction News, “This was our first wood framed multifamily project for our company.” It’s gratifying when a general contractor fulfills a project by successfully performing an action. The interior materials used were luxury
he Allandale neighborhood welcomes Burnet 64 condominiums. This project is a residential multifamily done by Bartlett Cocke General Contractors. With all of Austin’s growth and appreciation for art, the Burnet 64 condos are essential. The owner of the 64 Burnet condos is LD&C. The new construction of a 40-unit condominium and parking garage was supervised by project manager Chris Lewis, superintendent John Dombrowski and Levy Architects. The relationship between each company comes from sharing a construction background. Jason Price, senior project manager, mentions, “It helps when your client comes from a construction background, we were able to brainstorm together to resolve complicated issues in a timely and cost effective matter.” The project was completed in 12 months. Outside view of the Burnet 64 Condos.
continued on Page 14
Page 2
T
Austin Construction News • FEB 2018
Solid roots
Ridout passes the torch
Chance Foreman, vice president of Ames Mirrors and Glass
L-R: Shareholders of RidoutBarrett, Milton Barrett, Melanie Geist, Dustin Michalak, Kathleen Dvorak and Tony Ridout.
he name changed in 2003 and they’ve been growing ever since. Vice President of Ames Mirrors and Glass, Chance Foreman, was hired this past year to scale and grow the company to new heights. The company noticed all the growth of Austin attracted Houston and Dallas companies to take over the glass market. Foreman tells us he was hired to eliminate that and make sure to keep the construction and glasswork here local with an Austin based company. In 2017 Ames biggest project was the Hilton hotel right off of Hwy 35 and 2nd street. “We fabricated and installed sound proofing because it’s right off the freeway so it was really loud. We came up with a system where we kept their existing windows, but we installed more windows on the inside pane to create a sound barrier in all 180 guest rooms. That was one of our larger more exciting jobs that we did,” says Foreman. Ames is family owned and operated. Owner Troy Shugart is a second-genera-
tion glazier. Mr. Shugart’s father owned a glass company out of Houston in the ‘70s. Then he branched out and started his own business in Austin in 1985. Foreman adds, “He’s my uncle so I’m a third generation glazier. We are working together on scaling, growing and cornering our market up here.” In 2018 Ames plans to grow from 10 employees to hopefully 40 to 50 by the end of the year. Foreman and his uncle also have plans for giving back. Foreman’s daughter is a spinal cord injury patient from birth. He’s involved in spinal cord injury awareness and the Christopher Reeve’s Foundation. He sits on the board of directors for them. “We’ve decided that at the start of the year for every job that we do we are going to donate one dollar to the foundation and we’ll cut a check at the end of every month.” These glaziers are ready and looking forward to a clear-cut year. Ames Mirrors and Glass is a premier contract glass company serving central Texas. – lv
F
or 32 years, Tony Ridout has been the managing partner for RidoutBarrett serving San Antonio and now the Austin areas since 1986. On Jan. 1 of this year, Tony passed on the reins to new managing partner, Dustin Michalak. Michalak started with RidoutBarrett as an intern while attending St. Edwards University in Austin, graduating with his BBA in Accounting and Management in 2004. He acquired his CPA certificate in 2009 and became a shareholder in 2014. “It was a unanimous decision with the shareholders,” says Ridout. “I wanted to pass on the torch a few years before retiring to help transition clients.” At 36 years of age, Michalak has plenty of time to continue on the legacy Ridout and Milton Barrett have created. “My goal is just to continue on with the structure and leadership Tony has built over these past 32 years and bring us into the next generation.” says Michalak. In addition he will be developing a formalized succession plan for the firm as one of
his top priorities for 2018. “It’s about people. Finding the right people that fit within a culture is something that we have been deliberate about,” adds Shareholder Melanie Geist. “We have a professional, but family atmosphere and are very deliberate about our growth.” “It’s part of our retention plan. We want to retain our great staff and if they know what are succession plan is and that we are looking for them for leadership roles, they’ll be more inclined to step up and stick around,” adds Shareholder Kathleen Dvorak. “Tony, Kathleen and I have all the confidence in the world in these two young people; Dustin and Melanie and our core group of people. We’re very excited for them,” says Shareholer, Milton Barrett. Specializing on a construction platform, RidoutBarrett is certified public account serving San Antonio and Austin. -cmw
Austin Construction News • FEB 2018
Page 3
Side by side
Industry FOLKS Glenn Roblin Senior Estimator and Purchasing Manager Woolsey Design Build New Braunfels, TX
W
hile attending Texas State University in 2014 he sure didn’t know that his estimating professor would become his boss. You never know what life is going to put in front of you. Glenn Roblin is the senior estimator and purchasing manager for Woolsey Design Build. He’s been with the company for a little over four years now. “Eli Woolsey, the owner of the company was one of my professors when I was getting my undergraduate degree.” Roblin remembers toward the end of the semester Mr. Woolsey asking if anybody would like to do a job site tour, office tour and shadow him for the day, to just shoot him an email. “I was the only one who took him up on that offer. I ended up hanging out with him for a couple of days and shadowed him and saw what the whole operation was about.” Now Roblin is doing all the estimating and material purchasing. Working full time and going to school in the evenings, working on his master’s in business administration at Texas State. He enjoys the financial side of the business. His advice for those who are entering the construction industry is “For them to get out and start working in the field and working for construction companies as soon as they can.”
Roblin was born in Dallas in 1998. This 28-year old sure has an active lifestyle. As a member of the New Braunfels Elks Lodge he volunteers once every couple months to help out. One enjoyable hobby of his is motorcycle riding. It’s actually the sport called observed trials. “It’s a small pretty unknown sport, so it’s a pretty closeknit community with everybody that rides.” Congratulations are in order as well because him and his fiancé got engaged this past summer. They have a yorkie chihuahua mix, named Che. Che? “I don’t know where the name came from. It was my fiancés dog she got maybe three or four months before we started dating.” Oh, Che. On workdays Roblin enjoys putting together the budgets for projects. So, if he’s not volunteering, riding his motorcycle or spending time with his fiancé, he’s with his team. Roblin mentions a non-profit project the team is working on in Seguin for the Seguin Oaks Lodge. There had been a fire a few years ago and Woolsey Design Build helped them get their building going. These projects, along with others, are what Roblin is proud to be a part of.
Top: Chris Hernandez, president. L-R: Camille Hernandez, Cailey Hernandez, Joshua Hernandez, Julie Hernandez, Crystal Griffin, and Christopher Griffin.
T
here are ten employees and more than half of them are directly related to her. Chief administrative officer of Millwork Services, Crystal Griffin has tried convincing her sister who’d rather go into the medical field to come work with everyone too. “I did try to entertain the option of bringing in a wellness aspect to the company and maybe hiring her part time to come in and do something,” she teases and laughs. Millwork Services started in 1998 by her father, president, and chief project manager Chris Hernandez. “He had been working in the industry since the early ‘80s and there was just a need for a custom millwork company to take on this architectural woodwork.” After putting his daughter through college at Baylor University, in 2008 he gave her the opportunity to come on board. The in house family includes Julie Hernandez as the accountant and Josh
Hernandez as the engineer. When the need and demand for more project managers occurred, the shop doors opened for Griffin’s husband. Except Millwork Services brings in all their employees in as family. “They are treated like family, they act like family, and they are part of our family jokes. It bleeds over to nights and weekends and all kinds of stuff. We run a really tight crew and that’s one of the things I’m most proud of.” Coordination and efficiency have kept Millwork Services in the front row. The company continues to expand on the model of bringing things more in house. “We’ve constantly been adding to our repertoire of things that we like to produce here in house.” This one stop shop continues to run as a lean machine. Millwork Services is based in San Marcos and services the San Antonio and Austin market with commercial woodwork. –lv
Construction News ON LOCATION
It takes two
LEXIE VELASQUEZ, Editor Austin Construction News (210) 308-5800 Lexie@ConstructionNews.net
I
f you are a construction-related company in the Austin area and would like an article about your company and personnel, call Lexie for an interview in person or over the phone. There is absolutely no charge for interviews, articles and photos. All content is free. If you are interested in advertising, contact Buddy Doebbler, Publisher, at our home office, (210) 308-5800.
Austin
CONSTRUCTION NEWS
Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buddy Doebbler Editorial/Production . . . . . . Reesa Doebbler Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol Wiatrek Production Manager . . . . Helen Greenwood Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terri Adams Account Manager . . . . . . . . . . . Dana Calonge Construction News Ltd. Home Office P.O. Box 791290 • San Antonio, Tx 78279 210-308-5800 Fax 210-308-5960 www.ConstructionNews.net If you are a construction-related company in Travis, Hays,Bastrop, Burnet, Blanco, Caldwell or Williamson counties and are not receiving a free copy of the Austin Construction News, please visit our website and select “Subscribe.” ConstructionNews.net
The Austin Construction News (ISSN 15477630) is published monthly by Construction News LTD., dba Austin Construction News, and distributed by mail to constructionrelated companies of record in Austin and surrounding counties. All submissions should be mailed to our editorial offices. We reserve the right to edit any materials submitted. No fees for materials, copy or photographs submitted will be due unless agreed upon in advance in writing. Submissions will be published at our discretion on a space available basis. Construction News, Ltd. , dba Austin 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.
©2018 Construction News, Ltd.
Wes Sweetser and Suzie Ririe, tag team as glassblowers for Wimberley Glassworks. –lv
Page 4
Austin Construction News • FEB 2018
BONDING Tax reform Dustin R. Michalak, CPA, CVA Managing Shareholder Barrett & Co., P.C. San Antonio, TX
T
he passing of The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a historic accomplishment by lawmakers. The act, seemingly, will try to spur our nation’s economic growth and job creation by reducing the tax burden on all job-creating businesses. So what exactly does this mean for contractors? How will the new laws affect the way contractors run their businesses? How much TAX SAVINGS should contractors expect? The most significant and most publi- effective rate of 29.6%. cized change is the decrease in tax rates The calculation of the pass-through for both businesses and individuals. The deduction for taxpayers above the taxfocus for this article will stay within the able income threshold is more complibusiness changes. For C-Corporations, cated. In this case the 20% deduction is tax years beginning after December 31, further limited based on the W-2 wages 2017, a flat tax rate of 21% will be applied and capital of the business. The deducto taxable income. This is a significant tion is limited to the greater of the folchange from 2017’s maximum tax rate of lowing: (a) 50% of the wages paid by the 38%. Though this makes C-Corporation business, or (b) 25% of the wages paid by an attractive entity tax selection, there is the business, plus 2.5% of the unadjuststill the burden of double taxation upon ed basis of all tangible depreciable propdividends to the corporation’s sharehold- erty of the business. What type of entity should my busiers. The typical dividend rate will range from 15% to 23.8% depending on the ness be and how should the earnings be shareholder’s individual earnings. Here is taxed? Unfortunately for contractors, there is not a clear cut answer. It will all a simplified example: A C-Corporation with taxable in- depend on the business as well as the come of $100 would pay $21 in taxes. If owner’s investment objectives, bonding the corporation pays a dividend to a requirements and other considerations. high-income shareholder of the remain- This question will need to be answered ing $79, the shareholder will pay an ad- on a case by case basis. ditional $18.80 in taxes. Effectively pay- Another hot topic item for contracing $39.80 ($21 + $18.80) in taxes at a rate tors is depreciation and more specifically, Section 179 expense and Bonus Depreof $39.8%. For pass-through entities, things get ciation. The depreciation changes in the a bit more complicated, although benefi- new law can add huge tax savings, especial for tax purposes. What type of busi- cially for contractors with extensive nesses are qualified as pass-through enti- equipment and capital expenditure reties? These are Partnerships, S Corpora- quirements. For tax years beginning aftions, LLCs taxed as partnerships, and ter December 31, 2017, taxpayers may sole proprietorships. Under the new law, expense up to $1 million under Section beginning in 2018, pass-through entities 179, and the phase out threshold amount may qualify for a deduction up to 20% of is increased to $2.5 million. These qualified domestic business income sub- amounts will be indexed for inflation in ject to certain limitations based on tax- tax years beginning after 2018. In regards able income. The limitations are phased to Bonus Depreciation, for qualified in for taxpayers with taxable income of property placed in service between Sep$315,000 married filing jointly (“MFJ”) tember 27, 2017, and January 1, 2023, taxand $157,000 for all other filers. Qualified payers are allowed a 100% Bonus Deprebusiness income (“QBI”) is defined in sec- ciation deduction on both new and used tion 199A(c) as ordinary income less ordi- qualified property. The new tax reform bill includes othnary deductions from a qualified trade or business. Qualified business income does er changes that effect contractors such not include capital gains and losses, divi- as, accounting for long-term contracts, dend, or interest income. Any potential reporting under the cash method, nondeduction is taken at the taxpayer level. deductible entertainment, deductibility Here is a simplified example for a taxpay- of interest expenses and many other changes. It’s extremely important that er who is under the phase out: A high-income taxpayer with $100 of contractors contact their tax advisors qualifying business income would get a now to understand the effects this tax deduction of $20. The remaining $80 of reform has on their businesses and evalincome would be taxed at 37% (highest uate the company’s entity selection to individual rate). The taxpayer would owe take advantage of the changes. $29.60. Thus, the taxpayer would have an
Ugly sweater fun
Chaundra Callaway with Equipment Depot shared this photo from their ugly sweater holiday party Dec. 21. L-R: Garrett Hartford, Kade Beck, Mark Bush, Courtney Tucek, Charlene Miller, Geon Garrett, Jeff Pietsch, Michael Demine, Chaundra Callaway, Lance Lloyd and Brandon Scasso. –cmw
How much does a contract bond cost? Eric Lesch, Principal/Bond Producer PCL Contract Bonding Agency Irving, TX
I
frequently get asked to provide estimates for the cost of a bond as if I have a slab of meat and the buyer only needs one pound. Sure thing, I’ll just shave off a little and there you go! Of course, it isn’t nearly that simple and as my dad always says, “It depends.” The most common factors that determine rate are the type of work, time until project completion, length of warranty, where the project is located, whether design is included and the financial condition of the contractor. For this article, we will focus on performance and payment bonds for projects located in Texas. In Texas, like other states, each surety above the base rate. These are most comfiles rates with the Department of Insur- monly used when a company’s financial ance. Multiple rates are filed, but unlike condition is poor or underwriting inforother states, through some invisible mation is incomplete. agreement, the sureties have all settled While you could use an elaborate on using a similar standard set of rates spreadsheet, we supply them to clients that are based on the type of work per- when asked, there are many details that formed. This leads to many large Texas need to be accounted for and mistakes contractors receiving the exact same rate are easily made. It is always safer to ask as their much smaller competitors, an en- your agent for an estimate, but make sure vironment where competition on rate is when you do, you include all the details. not common and very long-term surety Many contractors forego a complicated relationships. spreadsheet and instead use a simple cal Nearly all construction falls within culation that uses only a flat percentage two rate classes. The class A rate, starting or a couple tiers so that missing anything at 1.5%, is used for trades such as roofing, will still result in an overcalculation of preglazing and millwork, while the class B mium and nothing lost. rate, starting at 2.5%, is used for the ma- It is important that all change orders jority of building trades like mechanical, have bond premium added. Instead of electrical, plumbing, underground utili- trying to calculate a new bond premium ties, drywall, painting and concrete. As for the project and then taking the differyou can see from the trades and their ence, many contractors also have a derates, they don’t always match up with fault percentage to use for all change orwhat we consider the highest risk on a ders so that mistakes are avoided, and project. For example, painting and dry- even though deductive change orders wall use a significantly higher rate than result in a premium refund, I advise conglazing and roofing. In cases where mul- tractors to never include that refund since tiple types of work are present, for exam- it is likely to be over-estimated. ple a GC with multiple subcontractors, Included in the cost of a performance the rate used is typically the highest of bond is a payment bond and one year of the trades used. warranty. An extra year of warranty starts If you have design in your contract at only 0.25% which is a bargain if you ask then you can push aside those rates be- me. For some trades, like those concerncause there is one special rate for things ing building envelope, it seems like an obthat are considered hazardous. This rate vious choice to ask for the second year of starts at 2.5%, like class B, but falls off warranty if you already paying for a bond. much more gradually at each tier. You Can bond premium be marked up? It should always try to separate design and depends, but usually. You spend lots of build into their own contracts and only time building a strong and dependable bond the construction portion. This pro- surety relationship and money on CPA fiduces a cost savings to the owner that is nancials and other reports that the surety typically accepted at your benefit with requires. Another reason to markup your surety happier too. bonds is when you want to discourage a As the contract amount grows, the request for bonding. By making the rate decreases in tiers that are applied to bonds appear very expensive, the bondportions of the contract value. As an ex- ing requirement may be waived. ample, the first three tiers are shown here If a contractor bonds subcontractors with rates. then does that reduce the amount or cost As the contract amount grows, it is of their bonds? No. separated into six tiers: $0-100k, 100k- Is the bond cost reduced if it is for a 500k, 500k-2.5m, 2.5m-5m, 5m-7.5m, and percentage of a contract? No, except for over 7.5m, with each tier getting a lesser maintenance bonds which have their rate. For example, for class B the rate ap- own complex rate calculations. plied to each tier is 2.5%, 1.5%, 1.0%, There are many things involved in 0.75%, 0.7% and 0.65%, respectively. these calculations and your agent doesn’t Some surety companies have addi- expect you to be an expert so give them a tional rates allowing them to charge call when you need help.
Construction News ON LOCATION
How can we help you?
L-R: Employees Justin Davidson, Sean McGinnis, and Johnstone Supply manager, Pat Repa are behind the counter taking care of business. –lv
Austin Construction News • FEB 2018
Page 5
Four common construction law misconceptions
Carbon monoxide poisoning Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX
West W. Winter, Attorney The Winter Law Firm, PLLC San Antonio, TX
T
hroughout two decades of law practice, I have heard a number of recurring legal misconceptions from clients. Four of the more common construction law misconceptions include: Sending a lien notice will harm the working relationship When payment has not been received, subcontractors are sometimes reluctant to send proper pre-lien notices because of a perception that doing so will irreparably damage their relationship with the upstream parties. It is only natural to fear upsetting the apple cart. However, as the mechanic’s and materialman’s lien is one of the most powerful weapons for ensuring payment, failing to properly and timely send statutorily required lien notices will have adverse consequences. Whatever the reason for non-payment, a pre-lien notice serves many valuable purposes. Chief among these is trapping funds in the hands of the project’s owner. This is critical because an owner’s liability to a lien claimant is limited on commercial projects to the statutory retainage and any funds which the owner should have retained upon receipt of a proper pre-lien notice. Furthermore, general contractors and owners are typically sophisticated parties who understand the importance of securing one’s right to payment. I filed my lien, I just have to wait to get paid While it is essential to timely and properly perfect your mechanic’s and materialman’s lien or payment bond claim, there are also strict statutory deadlines within which you must actually file suit to foreclose or enforce your lien or bond claim. Failing to file suit within these prescribed deadlines will likely result in the loss or extinguishment of your lien or payment bond rights. Suit must be brought to foreclose a lien within the limitations periods mandated by Section 53.158 of the Texas Property Code (typically one or two years, depending on the type of project) or the lien will be extinguished. A suit on a payment bond on a state public project may not be brought by a payment bond beneficiary after the first anniversary of the date notice for a claim is mailed under Chapter 2253 of the Texas Government Code. I missed the lien deadlines, I have no rights Even if you miss statutory lien dead-
lines, there are many avenues of potential recovery for nonpayment. In a sham situation described by Section 53.026 of the Texas Property Code, you may still have lien rights, and if you contract directly with the project’s owner, you may have constitutional lien rights which exist independently of any notice or recording requirements. In the absence of lien rights, you likely have available causes of action for nonpayment which, depending on the specific circumstances involved, may include breach of contract, quantum meruit, suit on sworn account, Prompt Pay Act claims pursuant to Chapter 28 of the Texas Property Code, and Texas construction trust fund claims as codified in Chapter 162 of the Texas Property Code. Many of these claims also provide for the recovery of attorney’s fees and expenses. I have Insurance, so I am covered CGL insurance policies are loaded with exclusions and exceptions which often come into play in construction cases. In construction defect cases, policy exclusions such as the “your work” exclusion will often operate to deny you the very defense and/or coverage which you thought you were getting. These exclusions have frequently been the basis for denial of defense and coverage by insurance carriers and as a result, the subject of much litigation in recent years. Work with your attorneys and insurance agents to understand your coverages and the impact of applicable exclusions. If you are denied a defense and/or coverage, don’t give up as there may be viable arguments which can be asserted on your behalf in this evolving area of the law to obtain a defense and/ or coverage. West W. Winter, a LEED Green Associate, serves on the board of the Construction Law Section of the San Antonio Bar Association and has been listed as one of the Best Lawyers in San Antonio for Construction Litigation. The Winter Law Firm represents general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers, in all phases of the construction process, from contract formation through dispute resolution, litigation, and collection. West may be reached via email: west@thewinterlawfirm.com.
Construction News ON LOCATION
Hey you!
C
arbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas which interferes with the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. CO is non-irritating and can overcome persons without warning. Many people die from CO poisoning, usually while using gasoline powered tools and generators in buildings or semi-enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation. Effects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning • Severe carbon monoxide poisoning causes neurological damage, illness, coma and death. • Headaches, dizziness and drowsiness. • Nausea, vomiting, tightness across the chest. Sudden chest pain may occur in people with angina. During prolonged or high exposures, symptoms may worsen and include vomiting, confusion, and collapse in addition to loss of consciousness and muscle weakness. Symptoms vary widely from person to person. CO poisoning may occur sooner in those most susceptible: young children, elderly people, people with lung or heart disease, people at high altitudes, or those who already have elevated CO blood levels, such as smokers. Also, CO poisoning poses a special risk to fetuses. CO poisoning can be reversed if caught in time. But even if you recover, acute poisoning may result in permanent damage to the parts of your body that require a lot of oxygen such as the heart and brain. Significant reproductive risk is also linked to CO. Some Sources of Exposure • Portable generators/generators in buildings. • Concrete cutting saws, compressors. • Power trowels, floor buffers, space heaters. • Welding, gasoline powered pumps. Preventing CO Exposure • Never use a generator indoors or in en-
What can you do if you suspect someone has been poisoned? When you suspect CO poisoning, promptly taking the following actions can save lives: • Move the victim immediately to fresh air in an open area. • Call 911 or another local emergency number for medical attention or assistance. • Administer 100-percent oxygen using a tight-fitting mask if the victim is breathing. • Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation if the victim has stopped breathing. natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232
Things you didn’t know . . . about Valentines Day 220,000 is the average number of wedding proposals on Valentine’s Day each year. 189 million stems of roses are sold in the U.S. on this day. More than 35 million heart-shape boxes of chocolate will be sold.
15 percent of U.S. women send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day. Carlos Castilleja with Maintenance Supply Headquarters says hello to Construction News. –lv
closed or partially enclosed spaces such as garages, crawl spaces, and basements. Opening windows and doors in an enclosed space may prevent CO buildup. • Make sure the generator has 3-4 feet of clear space on all sides and above it to ensure adequate ventilation. • Do not use a generator outdoors if placed near doors, windows or vents which could allow CO to enter and build up in occupied spaces. • When using space heaters and stoves ensure that they are in good working order to reduce CO buildup, and never use in enclosed spaces or indoors. • Consider using tools powered by electricity or compressed air, if available. • If you experience symptoms of CO poisoning get to fresh air right away and seek immediate medical attention.
Teachers will receive the most Valentine’s Day cards, followed by children, mothers, wives, sweethearts and pets. Over $1 billion worth of chocolate is purchased for this day in the U.S. Richard Cadbury produced the first box of chocolates for this holiday in the late 1800s. Women purchase approximately 85 percent of all gifts on this holiday.
Wednesday February 14
Page 6
Austin Construction News • FEB 2018
What did you enjoy playing as a child? My dad was a big hunter and fisherman. We didn’t have any money, so we spent a whole lot of our childhood simply hunting and fishing for food. We also had a big vegetable garden that supplied the entire neighborhood and ourselves. There was a lot of hunting, fishing and gardening done in my youth. Since my parents were into theater I was often back stage and I would help build props for plays.
Girard Kinney Owner Kinney & Associates Austin, TX
B
ehind the curtains he would build props for plays. A knack for building and drawing brought him to where he is today. He is a true Austinite and what he loves most about Austin is the change. Where were you born? I was born at the Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington D.C, because my mother and father had been transferred there during the war. I was 3 years old when we came back to Austin. My family is a fifth or sixth generation Austin family.
What part of Austin were you from? I was from south Austin. In south Austin there is a street called Kinney Avenue which was named after my grandfather. I have this sort of heritage with south Austin. How did your parents meet? My mother ended up getting a master’s in English at the University of Texas where she met my father. She’s actually from West Virginia. He was an undergraduate and she was a graduate student. My dad was an amateur actor and my mother directed plays; my mother having directed him in a play is how they got together.
Do you have any siblings? One of my brothers, my sister, and I became known as the Kinney Kids. We had an act that we did on stage at the Old Skyline Club. My mom was so into theater she just had to get us out there. That got me interested in theater and designing for theaters early on in my life. Where did you attend college? I attended college at the University of Texas. I do have a graphics degree from the University of Guadalajara, Mexico. My primary degree is in architecture from UT. Are you married? I am. I’m married to Leyla Cohlmia. Is your wife in the same industry as you? No. Leyla retired three years ago from Austin High School. She was the chairman of the science department. Today, Austin High School has the chemistry wing named after her. She was a loved and respected teacher for 35 years at the school. What do you and your wife do during your free time? We enjoy gardening, household projects, reading, TV, movies and cooking. I like to build things, fix things, go fishing and whitewater canoeing. Do you have any children? We have no children together. I do have one daughter from my first marriage. Her name is Genevieve. She has two kids, both of whom are in show business.
Girard Kinney, owner of Kinney & Associates. How old are your grandchildren? Ellar is 23 and Evelyn is 12 now. My grandson Ellar was the star of the movie Boyhood. It’s the Richard Linklater film about a boy. It was filmed once a year every year for 12 years. I got to see my grandson grow up both in real life and also on screen from the time he was six to the time he was 18. What’s the history of your profession? I went to UT in the ‘60s, but didn’t get out until 1978. We didn’t have any money, so I had to work my way through school. I had three jobs while I was going to the university. It also took a long time to get my degree because, in 1969, I dropped out of school. It was because of a protest against the school. At that time Alan Taniguchi, the dean of the school of architecture, was a partner in a firm in Austin. He asked me to join that firm, so I went from school without a degree to work for an architectural firm where I became a partner. From there I went to another firm and in 1978 I started my own firm with another fellow. He and I had actually planned that firm from the time we were in our first design class at UT together in 1961. That really became the predecessor to the firm that I have now. We will be 40 years old this year. What set off your passion for architecture? In junior high they had a career day event and we were all suppose to write an essay on what we wanted to be. I told my parents I didn’t know what I wanted to be; they said start with what you are good at. Well I could draw and I was also very good at math. Drawing wasn’t likely going to allow me to make a living, but I realized with architecture both math and drawing were useful skills. I like to build stuff, so it was at that point in the 9th grade that I decided I wanted to be an architect.
Girard Kinney (right side) and his colleagues.
Do you have any mentors? There are several in my life. Several teachers, including both my physics and geometry teachers at Travis High School and Alan Taniguchi both at UT and as a principal at his architectural firm. In your 40-year career what are some things that have changed since starting in this business? The things that have changed that have affected the business have had a lot to do with the changes in Austin, with the sort of densification of Austin and the growth. Are there any challenges you’ve encountered in the construction industry? So many that I cannot possibly list them. How did you overcome them? Short answer: hard work. What K&A commercial projects are most memorable to you? South Park Cinema; it was the first commercial theater in the world to incorporate THX sound. It also marked the be-
ginning of a relationship with theaters in the US and abroad and was the first of many movie theaters we designed in Texas, Florida and other states. Another being Zachary Scott Theatre; my father was a fellow actor with Zach Scott, so designing what is now named the Whisenhunt Theatre at Zach was an important return to my roots in live theater. I conceived of the gargoyles at Zach, which raised $75K toward the cost of the building. There is also Drake Bridge pedestrian walkways and Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge. I have always striven to build connections north to south across Town Lake (now Ladybird Lake) and east to west across IH35. How long have you been a part of the American Institute of Architects (AIA)? To be a member you have to be a registered architect. I got my degree and I became registered in late 1978 or 79. I had always been kind of anti-establishment, so it took some convincing for me to join the AIA, but once I got involved in it I came to really respect and believe in it. Are you a part of any other organizations or committees? My current memberships are with the Austin Chapter AIA Urban Design Committee, Scenic Austin and Scenic Texas, Austin Pedestrian Advisory Council and its technical committee, Cherrywood Land Use and Transportation Committee, Mueller Transpiration Group, Berkman Working Group, Congress for New Urbanism, Friends of Austin Neighborhoods, Reconnect Austin, Alliance for Public Transportation and Environmental Democrats. What do you do during your free time? The problem with that question is I have never been able to draw any lines between my private and public life. In general my friends and family are my clients. If I go visit with family I am always the one fixing the door or designing or building something for somebody. I spend a lot of my holiday and vacation times doing stuff like that. It’s what I enjoy. I think about everything through the lens of an architect and hopefully the betterment of the physical environment. What is the future plan for K&A? I am ardently trying to figure out a successful way to transit ownership of the firm, so that my colleague Doug Powell becomes a co-owner of the new corporation and carries the kind of heritage of the firm forward. Over the years the goal has always been to have a balance of work among residential, commercial and institutional work. In the future my colleague’s hope is to develop models where we would actually have plans and people would be able to adapt them to different sizes. We can do a much higher volume of those kinds of works, probably in partnership with one or two builders. That’s part of the future that Doug sees and I am supportive of that. Also, I hope we can keep our place in the urban design area. I hope that through design, urban planning, retrofitting buildings and community involvement, the firm can remain a positive force in the community. –lv
Austin Construction News • FEB 2018
Page 7
There are certain signs you need to look for when fishing during winter months. First, and by far the most important in my opinion, is the presence of bait in the water. Everyone knows that where there is food, there will be something that will feed. Pods of mullet are the most likely to be present along shorelines and other structures. Large trout and reds may only feed once a day in cold weather and these mullet make for a great meal. Water clarity is also a factor in my observation when checking an area out. Offcolor or murky waters are preferred although I have caught good fish in clear water and is certainly a deal breaker. Third factor to a successful outing is a combination of solunar table and water temperatures. Keeping track of major and minor feed times and making sure you are fishing during these times may increase your odds also. I like keeping track of water temperatures, especially when they dip lower than 55 degrees or so. This information may come in handy on future outings.
Tricking winter trout by Capt. Steve Schultz Sponsored by: Waypoint Marine, Evinrude Outboards, Fishing Tackle Unlimited, E-Z Bel Construction, Costa Sunglasses, Diawa Reels, Simms Fishing, ForEverlast Fishing Products, Interstate Batteries, MirrOlure, and AFTCO Clothing.
M
any of you know that winter fishing in the Laguna Madre/Baffin Bay complex can produce some gator sized trout on artificial lures. What most people don’t know is what it takes to catch these fish on a consistent basis. Typically, our coldest weather is in February. This is primetime for wade fishing for these big sow trout and one must be prepared to handle some pretty harsh conditions out on the water. My hunting season has come to an end until next fall and it’s now time to transition back to the bays where the majority of my year is spent. Leaving the South Texas brush country was difficult but seeing returning clients and gaining new ones will fill that void. I’ve been staying in contact with fellow guides and communicating with other friends that have stayed on the water and the consensus is that fishing is above average since the new year. Although we received some strange weather patterns this winter with the snow in December and some freezing conditions in January, I feel we should be in store for a stellar season this year. Water conditions are in great shape and the salinity levels should stay in check with the timely rains we have had.
Send us your Outdoor Photos Hobbies/Crafts Vacation Ventures Hunting/Fishing Sports Activities Camping Backyard Fun Email (with info) to: Lexie@ ConstructionNews.net
Starting out with a lure that has been proven and one you have plenty of confidence in is what I like to suggest. That may be something totally different than what your buddy has tied on. However, it’s what gives him the most confidence. After you realize there is fish feeding in the area is when I try new lures and prototypes sent from sponsors. Don’t get caught up in fancy packaging and bright colors. Those old standby lures your dad told you about still produce good fish! Port Mansfield dates are filling up for February and March. Call me for details if you are interested in wading the Lower Laguna Madre.
Chris Huey, field Staff with ForEverlast Hunting and Fishing products, caught this nice 26-inch – 6-lb. trout fishing with Steve Schultz Outdoors ion the Upper Laguna Madre. Fish was released after photo.
My 2018 calendar is now open for bookings throughout the year. Don’t hesitate in booking your fishing trips because my dates usually go pretty quick, especially during the more popular months. To schedule your next bay fishing trip or hunting adventure give Capt. Steve Schultz a call at 361-813-3716 or 361-3343105 or e-mail him at SteveSchultzOutdoors@gmail.com. Good Luck and Good Fishing.
Page 8
Austin Construction News • FEB 2018
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
Are you ready for spring break?
I
s anyone? It won’t be long now until you have a bunch of kids with time off looking to you for something to do. If you plan to get in a fishing trip with the family during spring break, you need to start planning now. Some folks prefer to just load up their boat and family and head off to the lakes and bays on their own. This works out fine if you have your routine down and are familiar with your rig and equipment and your fishing locale. If you are going to need a place to stay during the month of March you need to go ahead and make your reservations now. Many people prefer to hire a reputable guide, at least for their first fishing trip of the year. Maybe you are not quite ready to break your boat out of storage yet, or you may be trying out a new lake. It is pretty nice to be able to just arrive at your destination, hop on a boat, catch fish, go home and eat your fish. That way you don’t have to deal with the possible hassles of trailering your rig, (how about those wheel bearings and tires?), negotiating a crowded launching ramp, wondering if your motor will run and if you can find the fish, and then going through
the whole process in reverse to get back home. If you have a day off to go fishing on your own or with a buddy you might enjoy the whole “half the joy of the trip is in the journey” idea, but with a couple of restless kids…you can see my point. There are times when a good guide is a wise investment. If your time with your family is tough to come by because of your busy schedules and is too precious to waste or if you don’t want to risk damaging your own equipment in unfamiliar waters, go ahead and make you some reservations and then just enjoy your trip. If you like fishing on your own, there are some other plans you can make too. You probably could benefit from a trip to your local outdoor store to stroll down the fishing tackle aisle. Aw, go ahead! You know you need new line on your reels so you won’t lose any fish this year. Linger there a while, you know you want to. Just don’t forget to check out the electronics too. The fish-finders and GPS units just keep getting better, smaller and more affordable. Do a little research. Visit with the folks at the tackle store to get the scoop on places you want to fish. They get to meet all kinds of anglers that fish various locations. They can give you tips on places to fish, launch a boat or stay a couple of days. Go on the internet and take advantage of all the information that is at your fingertips. Besides the commercial websites there are plenty of websites devoted to all kinds of fishing that have busy forums where fishermen share tips and tall tales. You’ll be amazed to find out how many other people share your enthusiasm for just your kind of fishing and how much you can learn from their experiences. Let’s get those kids on the water and have some fun!
Hogs, hogs, and more hogs A group of employees from Equipment Depot Austin in Pflugerville went on a recent hunting trip at Independence Ranch and took care of a big problem. -cmw
Chaundra Callaway poses with the monster hog shot at Independence Ranch.
Ben Garner shows off the two hogs he was happy to get.
Lance Lloyd shows off the sow he shot.
Courtney Tucek poses with her kill.
Christopher Smith and his prized kill.
Austin Construction News • FEB 2018
Page 9
Page 10
Austin Construction News • FEB 2018
Business as youth-ual
David Esslinger and the Epoch team members.
Y
outh is not always wasted on the young. Only four short years after David Esslinger earned his Business Administration degree at A&M in 2002, he started his own general contracting business. “After college, I took a position in New Orleans and was offered an opportunity to come back home to Texas in Houston and I jumped at the opportunity,” Esslinger says. “In 2006, through a multitude of learning experiences, I decided to go out on my own and started Epoch Construction. It was something I had long wanted to do without any partnership or hinges to hold me back. Obviously, as everybody knows, when you’re young it’s easier to take those leaps of faith and persevere through the struggles the first several years of doing everything as you grow.” Esslinger says he started the business as a “one-man show” out of his onebedroom apartment and grew the business steadily at about 20 percent annual growth. Twelve years later, Esslinger oversees 23 employees at Epoch’s Houston home office as well as a new Austin office, which opened early 2017. While he has no immediate plans to expand, he’s not ruling out future offices in Dallas and Corpus Christi. “Right now, we build in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin; those are our four major markets,” he says. “We do everything from high-end restaurants to private multi-story hospitals.” Esslinger says his years in the business have taught him the importance of patience and honest client communication. “This is not a sales job; this is a reallife growing business,” he says. “A lot of
our clients are repeat clients, so obviously it is critical to treat them well and be honest with them, to give them a reality and in doing so, telling them the truth, good or bad. Communicating with them well and keeping them in the loop can really assist in overcoming obstacles. Every project is going to have small problems. If you let everybody know those issues through open and up-todate communication, you can provide them solutions and options to cure, which may allow you to overcome those problems, [and then] you really don’t have an issue.” Esslinger has also learned the importance of developing a strong relationship with his employees. “Hunting, fishing, the rodeo, our annual Christmas party – we do a lot together,” Esslinger says of his employees. “My business is still a very small business and I treat employees like family. I get to enjoy a lot of time with my team members. You’ve got to work hard to be successful and give yourself the opportunity to play hard too, or you’re just going to burn yourself out. This is a tough business.” With two offices offering a wide range of services, Esslinger says his days are busy but he leans on the support of his wife and two children as well as his own strong office team. “It can be a lot, but we are blessed to have a wonderful supporting team that looks forward to any challenge,” Esslinger says. “I enjoy the challenge of being a business owner, the growth opportunities and the family atmosphere that we have here.” Epoch Construction is a general contractor located in Houston and Austin. –mjm
GOOD NEWS!
Call us for a Company Profile (210) 308-5800 All content is free!
Austin Construction News • FEB 2018
Page 11
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
The safe word Renee Ramthun, CSP, CHST, Environmental Health & Safety Director Jordan Foster Construction Austin, TX
T
he construction industry knows the word “safety,” but keeping up with the new advances, courses and employees are key to any company.
What do you consider are the major safety risks in construction? As cliché as it might sound, our biggest risks in construction are: one – the actual work conditions and two – the workforce. It’s an ever-changing entity. There is no single day that will be like the last one. The worksite will be different. The employees will likely be different (whether it is because of decreased staff, increased staff or simply new subs on the job.) After that, it’s the “fatal four” that are documented every year: fall hazards, electrical hazards, struck-by hazards and caught-in-between hazards. What are ways to identify and reduce safety risks? You have to go beyond “compliancebased safety.” You have to begin to look at the things that are causing the issues on your site and address those in ways that are meaningful to that specific project. How important is a good safety record in the construction industry? A good safety record is critical in the construction industry. Every single new project proposal, without exception, includes a section that reviews your safety record. Owners look at the GC’s safety record, GC’s look at the subcontractor’s safety record. The safety record is one indication of how a company will perform and what their overall culture is.
How does construction safety impact Jordan Foster Construction? Safety has a great impact on our company in a number of ways. Our ability to perform our job safely impacts our ability to get new work. Additionally, for us, because we self-perform much of our work safety has a direct impact on our immediate workforce, our greatest assets. Without our employees, we would be unable to perform the work that we do, so it is obviously critical for us to keep our employees safe. Does an increase in the volume of construction affect safety? An increase in the volume of construction can certainly impact safety. When there is a sudden increase in volume there is generally an increase in new employees, new employees that may not have the training or experience that our current employees have; new employees that haven’t yet bought into our culture and way of thinking; and new employees that may have heard it a million times before. What can be done to increase safety awareness and create a safe working environment? We start every day with a Task Hazard Analysis. On some days, a crew may do more than one, depending on what their tasks are for that day. We have our
The marriage of safety & production Oliver Guzman, Houston Supervisor ESC Safety Consultants Houston, TX
E
SC Consultants understand the importance of identifying and correcting hazards and are equipped with the means to keep jobsites safe, assisting subcontractors and contractors alike in meeting their unified goal and a safe work environment.
What do you consider are the major safety risks in construction? The major hazardous safety risk in construction is that many contractors have a horizontal safety plan that is not specific to each jobsite. Each jobsite is different. Each site will have different hazards, so many safety hazards do not get evaluated properly. In addition, subcontractors and contractors are hiring undertrained, unskilled employees due to high demand turnover for construction and are not completing any type of required training. Training that includes new hire orientation, fall protection, PPE, ladders, scaffolds, etc. Many contractors do not understand the importance of teaching their employees how to recognize, control, isolate and eliminate hazards, and have a believe that if they hire or sub out their work, the hiring contractor is not liable or in charge of the safety of that hired contractor. What are ways to identify and reduce safety risks? Ways to identify and reduce safety risk should first start when a job gets bid out. Upper management should evaluate the safety risks that the jobsite will present. Then, contractor should develop, imple-
ment and enforce a safety program and safety policies and procedures specific to that site, factoring in PPE requirements for the specific hazards that the site will present. Third, educate and train all employees on the safety program’s requirements. How important is a good safety record? A company’s safety record whether good or bad, most definitely will affect their ability to gain work. For example, a company with a good safety record will be more competitive at bid day since their insurance costs will be less than a company with a poor safety record. Does an increase in the volume of construction affect safety? As the demand for construction increases, the demand for employees increases, schedules get tighter and the importance of safety is overlooked with a greater focus on production, which in turn develops a “get it done however you need to get it done” mentality. The greater the demand, the greater the push for completion of a project rises, causing stress, causing an employee’s mind to drift from safety. More concern goes to an employee worrying about potentially losing their job for not producing, instead of doing the job safely.
CONSTRUCTION SAFETY
Sept: Green Building Nov: Architecture & Engineering Oct: Specialty Contractors Dec: Construction Equipment
safety mantras – don’t just go through the motions. Learn from you issues. Be brutally honest about things. It is through honest communication that you can find the areas that need to be improved before an issue arises. What safety training programs are available? There are a number of training resources out there. In Texas, both UTA and TEEX have extensive safety courses. OSHA provides a number of free courses offered in all of the major Texas markets that range from one-hour courses to full 10 and 30hour courses in both English and Spanish. There are online courses available through several vendors. AGC, ABC and ASSE (ASSP) also host many training courses through their various chapters. The route that we take is to provide most of our training inhouse, so that we can gear the topics specifically to the needs of our employees and can meet their schedule requirements. Have there been recent advances in PPE? There have been a couple of new recent advances in PPE that have peaked some interest, though Jordan Foster hasn’t adopted them yet. We are still looking to see if they are actually effective. New types of safety helmets have recently become popular in Europe and Australia. Kask is the name brand that I have seen most often, though there are others out there. In spite of their appearance they seem to be lighter than your standard hardhat, but provide more impact protection. They can be equipped with much of your other standard issue items, such as safety glasses and hearing protection. Some of the larger contractors are beginning to make the switch, but these new types of safety helmets are by no means commonplace yet. Safety vests with intrinsic safety devices are being introduced now. Some have coolWhat can be done to increase safety awareness and create a safe working environment? Contractors usually focus on production and many of the leaders of these companies are not safety professionals, although they are professional construction managers. A way to increase safety awareness and create a safe working environment is to outsource safety, either by contracting a safety consulting firm or directly hire a safety professional. Also, upper management must be onboard with safety. Many have no concern for safety, which leads to the employees having no concern for safety. What safety training programs are available? In-house programs? Outsourcing? Associations? There are many safety training programs available. The best way for a contractor to obtain required safety training is to outsource to a safety consulting firm or join an area contractors’ association such as ABC, AGC, ASA, IEC etc. Many of these area contractor associations can guide contractors in the right direction. They have monthly safety council meetings where various contractors gather to discuss safety hazards, ideas for safety mitigations and are available to assist all members develop safety programs and offer advice. How does construction safety impact your company? Safety is our business. We understand the importance of identifying and correcting hazards. We assist general contractors in implementing effective subcontractor safety management programs and assist subcontractors in implementing safety programs within their own companies and on the jobsite.
ing devices and flashing lights, so you are more visible. There are some that can sound an alarm if there is some oncoming traffic hazard. What is on the horizon for the safety industry? I think the safety industry is heading more and more in the direction of risk management and looking at enhanced metrics to determine the “safety record,” rather than sticking to the tried-and-true compliance-based safety with an occasional glance at the incident rates and EMRS. What is the most significant challenge Jordan Foster faces regarding safety language barrier? Our most significant challenge is establishing one unified “culture” across our company, because we have entities that self-perform and others that act purely as GC’s, so the dynamics are obviously different. We communicate, tackle one issue at a time, suggest a solution, test that solution, revise as necessary and then we communicate. The continuous flow of information, in particular with the workforce, helps guide our activities to what is most effective. It is easy to look out over a site and make a determination about what needs to be addressed, but unless you have open communication with the employees you won’t know whether that is really the issue. The employees know where the problems are and they generally have the solutions, if you take the time to ask them and then listen to their answers. The construction industry instills safety all around. Listen, learn and be safe out there. Jordan Foster Construction is a general contractor headquartered in El Paso with offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. –lv
Have there been recent advances in PPE? PPE is constantly improving in all arenas. Fall protection is a great example. Recent advances in fall protection gear, such as body harnesses, are more comfortable to wear. Many types of portable anchor points are also available now. Safety glasses are more comfortable. What is on the horizon for the safety industry? As OSHA introduces a new standard or modifications to an existing standard come about, the safety industry will come up with new types of tools that will allow construction companies to follow new guidelines. What is the most significant challenge your company faces regarding safety language barrier? Increased construction volume? No matter the language it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that all employees understand the training presented to them in a language that they understand. Increased construction volume is great for the economy. More work means more jobs. But that being said, these employers must keep up with the training that is necessary for the trades involved. How are you dealing with these challenges? As a safety company, the challenges presented from construction companies do not vary that much. On rainy days all companies want training. When companies are busy they must work and produce as much as they can in order to be profitable. But safety cannot be compromised for production! In today’s construction market a company will not survive unless they find the marriage between safety and production – a successful union. -cmw
Page 12
Austin Construction News • FEB 2018
NEXT TH MON Kidd Roofing
CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION
If you would like to represent your company in an upcoming FOCUS, contact your Austin Editor for an Interview Lexie Velasquez (210) 308-5800 AustinEditor@ConstructionNews.net
Safety is good business Baldemar Martinez, Branch Manager National Trench Safety San Antonio, TX
S
afety in the workplace has received an increasing amount of attention over the past several years. The rising cost of insurance as well as litigation cost has caught everyone’s attention. In recent years management has considered safety as a hot topic, and resources are going toward compliance, accident prevention programs, and safety training. Yet for most, the safety record has much room for improvement. If management has demonstrated a commitment to safety, if the safety department is busy with compliance, if safety training is up-to-date, what are we missing? OSHA has a focus four which looks at construction hazards related to falls, electrical, struck by, and caught-in-between. These types of accidents continue to plague the construction industry. The question of “why” these accidents take place remains, and finding the answer to preventing accidents has been elusive for many construction companies. Perhaps part of the problem is that employees just don’t “get it.” If so, just
exactly what is the “it” that employees are not getting? A superintendent was overheard once saying “nobody wants anybody to get hurt, but when you have deadlines to meet, projects that need to be finished, and work that has to get done, sometimes you have to take chances.” Maybe that is the “it” that this superintendent is not getting. Do employees get the fact that safety is good business? Do employees really understand that skipping safety steps and taking chances do not move the proverbial ball down the field? Do employees understand that behavioral safety programs are
Stop, think, act Darren Alexander, EHS Manager Air Conditioning Innovative Solutions (ACIS) McKinney, TX
W
hat do you consider are the major safety risks in construction? Falls are a top priority, working from ladders, slips, trips and falls. Never forget about housekeeping. What are ways to identify and reduce safety risks? Stop, Think, Act – Stop and evaluate the task; think how it will be accomplished, then act in a safe manner. Training related to the type of work is essential in order to evaluate risk and recognize hazards associated with the task. How important is a good safety record in the construction industry? A good safety record is very important. It is a major part, if not the most important part, of a business’ reputation. The safety record and reputation can be very impactful on insurance cost, EMR, securing job contracts, etc. In addition, how employees conduct themselves, safely and professionally, is the difference between repeat business and maybe no business in the future. Companies do not need a liability on their jobsite. They need the peace of mind that all employees are trained and not only know how to work safely, but will work safely and not take shortcuts. How does construction safety impact your company? Construction safety is a big part of our company. We are many times the subcontractor to a general contractor and this requires us to demonstrate a safe professional attitude at all times. We have to work every day to rise above the competition and
always do what is right. I learned years ago from a mentor to always do what is right and let the cards fall where they fall. So when I came to work at ACIS, their guarantee was, “We Do it Right or We Make it Right,” I knew I was at the right place. Does an increase in the volume of construction affect safety? Realistically, I would say no. It is the mindset of each employee. With increased workload and tight schedules, safety can get squeezed and appear to be less important, sure. But with proper training and company culture it is easy to remind everyone what is important – Safety & Risk Reduction. Each employee must keep their safety and the safety of everyone around them in the forefront of their mind. What can be done to increase safety awareness and create a safe working environment? Safety is personal, we have all heard this slogan and many others, but to me safety is about people, I am in the people business, building trust, effective relationships, energizing the team, providing training that allows the employee to be informed, and educated. People want to do the right thing and if given the right tools to make the right decisions they will succeed every time.
not just silly rules and a passing fad? For example, many times we talk about the hidden costs related to an accident. We teach that the hidden costs of an accident are typically about five times that of the “visible” cost. We can use the example of an iceberg, which is mostly hidden, and how the massive chunk of ice below the water line is much larger than the visible part. We can even preach about the personal pain of an accident by showing graphic pictures of missing or mangled limbs or pictures of eyes with protruding objects. Yet, even when confronted with the knowledge that a spouse and kids can be left without a husband and father, employees can still make a wrong decision and put themselves in harm’s way. Perhaps it is the belief that the reality of a tragedy could happen to them or their crew. In spite of all of the training, maybe it is an employee’s unfounded confidence that. “I am too smart, too quick, too lucky, or too cool for the unthinkable to happen to me.” One way to know if someone suffers from this mistaken ideology is to find out if they work safely when no one is watching. Do they take risks when they are alone or believe that no one can see them?
Perhaps the ultimate test for all of us is this: Do we work safely at home? Does the concept of “we are more productive when we work safely” follow us home? Do we understand the concept that “safety means productivity gains?” If employees do not understand that, how can we expect the employee to get it right on the job? The simplest way to explain how the phenomena of “safety is good business” works is to approach it from the perspective of the efficiency expert who analyzes every step of the work flow process, looking for ways to eliminate waste. The safe approach to any job is to first analyze it, organize it, assess the hazards, and proceed only after eliminating or controlling the hazards. Behind the concept of “safety is good business” is the realization that if I do not deal with hazards, they will deal with me! By taking safety seriously enough to take it home, employees will learn and practice good safety habits that will lead to a better job and a better life. National Trench Safety is a fully integrated provider of trench and traffic safety products. -cmw
What safety training programs are available? In-house programs? Outsourcing? Associations? We have been creating a library of online safety training that employees can take and are required to take depending on job title, positions, etc. In addition we outsource some specific training such as Powered Industrial Trucks or Confined Space Training. I personally belong to American Society of Safety Engineers and attend multiple trainings to stay up to date on new standards and state of the art safety methodologies.
What is the most significant challenge your company faces regarding safety Language barrier? The language barrier is and will continue for some time. You can run into many different languages from the many Hispanic workers, to just as many owners and other nationalities in America today, in boardrooms to the construction site. Getting people to understand the safety language, acronyms, and best practices can be difficult.
What are some of the safety training program types? Equipment? Jobsite? Other? Online training, instructor led training, job specific training, hazard recognition, rescue equipment, proper ladder usage, equipment inspection, etc. Have there been recent advances in PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)? PPE is always advancing, from improved rescue equipment to basic safety glasses. The key seems to always be around style and comfort. If it is comfortable and makes the employee look good, they want to wear it. I think that is important, but for me it must also perform to protect the employee. PPE advancements range from improved hearing protection, fall harnesses, SRL’s and gloves and are always improving and very important. Most all will agree injuries to our hands are way too frequent. What is on the horizon for the safety industry? Changes in technology; Equipment; Other? I think one of the biggest challenges the safety industry faces today is continuing to transition the cost effectiveness of a good safety process. Great strides have been made on this endeavor over the last decade but there is still work to be completed on this front.
www.constructionnews.net publishing the industry’s news
Does increased construction volume, costs or other factors significantly challenge how your company approaches safety concerns? Cost is always a challenge. Keeping costs down all while spending more money on PPE, safety equipment, supplies, etc. will always be a challenge in finding low cost-effective providers of quality safety equipment. How are you dealing with these challenges? Networking and building effective relationships with vendors and suppliers and taking advantage of deals and specials when available are vital. This all ties together to knowing the best time to buy and have the equipment and supplies when needed. Again, I am in the people business, from the supplier, vendor, management, employee, etc., and it is a great revolving circle of building trust, effective relationships, energizing the team, and providing training. Darren is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and a member of American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), where he has served as the Fort Worth vice president, and president. He has also served as the ASSE Region III student leadership conference chair, and senior advisor for the past 6 years. In addition, has served as the ASSE Society on several joint task force initiatives over the last 14 years. -cmw
Texas Style
★ ★ ★ ★
San Antonio Austin Dallas/Fort Worth Houston
Austin Construction News • FEB 2018
Page 13
Association Calendar
JOB SIGHTS
Content submitted by Associations to Construction News ABC Associated Builders & Contractors
Feb. 20: 2018 ABC Economic Forecast at the UT Club from 7:30am – 9:00am AGC Associated General Contractors
Feb. 2: Annual Construction Awards Banquet at AT&T Conference Center ASCE
American Society of Civil Engineers
Feb. 18-24: Engineer’s Week. For more info, go to www.discovere.org/our-programs/engineers-week CTSA
Central Texas Subcontractors Assn.
IEC CENTEX
Independent Electrical Contractors Central Texas
Feb. 15: Guns and Roses, Valentine’s Day Shootout at The Range at Austin from 5 – 9pm. NAWIC
National Assn. of Women in Construction
Feb. 7: Monthly membership dinner meeting with guest speaker Marissa Williams, financial advisor at Bid Daddy’s Burger Bar at 6:00pm TACCA
Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Assn.
Feb. 6: TACCA Greater Austin February Chapter Meeting – Jackson System Training
Feb. 13: Monthly meeting from 11:30am – 1:00pm. For more info, Wendy Lambert at 512-255-6373
L-R: Merval Construction’s Felipe Garcia and Jose Martinez set up forms for concrete sidewalks at the Buda City Hall, Municipal Library and Police Dept. J.E. Dunn Construction is the general contractor for the project. -cmw
Down from the quarry they come
L-R: Dario Maya and Jose Guilberto are enjoying the sun while working on Rylander Plaza in Buda. Capital Constructors is the general contractor. –lv Jesse Espinoza, L-R: Arturo Trejo, Felipe Gonzalez, Matt Hausenfluke, Usman Azam, Michael Diosdado and Eduardo Vasquez, Bottom: Otilio Diaz Jr.
F
ind your seat and place your bets, you’re going to a horse race. For the last seven or eight years employees from Espinoza Stone Inc. have shut down to travel to a quarter horse race. Not your typical workday, but you have to support your boss. Jesse Espinoza, owner of Espinoza Stone Inc., likes quarter horse racing; the kind of racing set at great speeds for short distances. “Everyone in the stands cheers and there are a lot of bets being made,” joyfully says Matt Hausenfluke, the Georgetown office manager. There is never a dull moment in the workplace. All the employees are very close. “It’s a family.” They joke and share funny stories on each other. Hausenfluke brings up the “clumsy” one in the office. Eduardo Vasquez, salesman for the company, started off as a truck driver. Well, he made another name for himself one day. “We all witnessed him fall off his truck onto the ground and recently he just fell again. He’s pretty clumsy around the office.” Don’t worry Eduardo, your team cherishes you and the workday probably wouldn’t be the same without you.
Hausenfluke shares a joke they have with Mr. Espinoza. Surely, you’re familiar with the phrase “Make America great again.” Hausenfluke says, “We tell Mr. Espinoza we are going to make Espinoza great again.” Hausenfluke laughs. The company is on a steady path this year with brand new Italian machinery the company implemented within the last few months. “We are moving into high end work with the new machinery. We are doing the US Embassy in Mexico with special cut stone.” The dedication and pride in their work is essential. When the post office is closed, they are still working. No matter what, they are out there separating every piece of stone by hand. There are 150 employees in the Georgetown location, which is the main manufacturing facility. Espinoza Stone has eight locations along the IH-35 corridor. Who knows the next time you’re at a big quarter horse race, you may see Mr. Espinoza and his team. Do you want to bet on it? Espinoza Stone Inc. specialize in dimensional stone for residential and commercial projects. –lv
L-R: Richard Baeza and Mark Franklin say the Holiday Inn Express will be taking in guests by spring break. Wurzel Builders is the general contractor. –lv
Check out superintendent Andy Carrillo with Amerivet Enterprises, who are helping build, the Edwards Aquifer Refugia with the US Fish & Wildlife Service. –lv
Page 14
Austin Construction News • FEB 2018
continued from Page 1 — Don’t eat that
Industry FOLKS Steven Whiting Safety Director Tecta America Austin Pflugerville, TX
H
e doesn’t carry handcuffs or a baton, although, some may have thought he did. “It was a good feeling when they finally realized I was there to help them, instead of being a police officer. I was a safety police officer, says safety director Steven Whiting for Tecta America Austin. He joined the company in May 2017. Born in Flagstaff, AZ, he served 20 years in the army as a human resources manager. He retired out of Fort Hood in 2014. Whiting received a degree in business management from the University of Phoenix. While living in Arizona he worked as a roofer because it was flexible with his college hours. “I’ve always enjoyed building things and creating things, so I got into roofing.” Shortly after graduation, he was offered the position in Texas as safety director. Living in Pflugerville, Whiting has an 18-year-old daughter. He spends his free time hiking or running. “If I get the chance I’ll go down to Lady Bird Lake. I haven’t really found a place to hike here like I did in Arizona.” No doubt he’ll find good hiking grounds in Texas.
Since high school Steven has been playing sand volleyball. He says he participates in social tournaments, never anything professional. Oh, and he can race too. The hot wheels he races are RC cars. He started racing RC cars seven years ago. “I enjoyed playing with the cars growing up and found a hobby.” Whiting continues to grow in his role at work. He enjoys what he does and has met great people along the way. His job has him in three places the majority of the time. “I like that it’s diverse and the fact that I’m not in the office and not on the field all the time. I spend 30 percent on the field, 30 percent in the office, and 30 percent in the truck is what I tell everybody.” Since becoming a safety officer he loves it and looks forward to learning more in this great profession. On a personal and professional note he would like to pursue the Spanish language. He knows it is a huge benefit in the construction industry. Sí, se puede! -lv
Paving his own way
B
Bill Holmes, president of Integrity Paving and Coatings, conducting a review of the employee safety manual with Jessica Holly and Allison Haimes.
ill Holmes honestly wasn’t trying to “keep up with the neighbors” when he decided to get into the paving business. “I was looking for something to invest in passively after unwinding my residential construction business in 2009,” Holmes explains. “One of my neighbors owned a paving company and when he sold it, my radar went up. I had never thought about the paving industry, but I realized there was a significant opportunity there.” Holmes began to research his options and one company in particular piqued his interest. “Truth of the matter is I was just looking at other companies and Integrity Paving and Coatings just kind of popped up out of the blue,” he remembers. “They were looking for a director of sales and when I went to talk to them about that, it transitioned into me investing in the company in 2011, becoming the managing partner in 2012 and buying the other three partners out in 2013.” As the company’s new president, Holmes relied on his business degree from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, his experience working for two heating and air conditioning manufacturers and the lessons he learned as a residential construction company owner. “I started researching the industry and the companies in the industry, and where there may be a niche that was underserved,” Holmes says. “My background is in logistics, and it led me to focus on areas where I thought a small company could stand out. So our primary focus is concrete and
asphalt, paving, repairs and coatings for multifamily, commercial, industrial, medical and retail projects. We do some street work, but very little. Our focus is on property management companies.” “I also think how important it is to be a generalist,” he continues. “Building your own company, you really have to be a generalist in every facet of business. The key is finding good mentors and getting involved in educational opportunities and learning from your subcontractors and your employees.” Holmes prizes his relationship with his 14 employees. He often invites them to step away from their work to sit and eat barbecue or tacos with him or he hosts an off-site activity for them to enjoy. He’s also proud of their big hearts and expertise when they perform work for free for communities that have been impacted by unfortunate events. As he approaches his fifth year of helming the company, he sees how his approach and the hard work of his team have paid off. “We’ve consistently grown 20-25% annually,” he says. “I’m fortunate that I’ve got some real good people working for me and that they’re young. The opportunity is to give them a career path that will give them both security and quality of work life. We’re a debt-free company, which helps! The other part is to build a solid foundation where not only do we serve our customers and our community but also our employees and their families.” Integrity Paving and Coatings is a subcontractor located in Austin. –mjm
going to work at 5am. Hello, Austin. Now with their coating materials they have primarily roof coatings, but also a variety of construction and equipment coatings. “We are doing a lot of work in the U.S., but we are selling in Trinidad, the Caribbean, Panama and have a distribution set up in South Africa,” says Mike. They are changing the standard to what people believe a product is. “We’ve taken that same chemistry, but we’ve then created something that’s flexible, reflective and will provide energy benefits on a roof. Also, providing a long term coating that is recoatable.” In November they received the cool roof rating council approval, meaning they have a product that is rated by CRRC. As the team starts to put their credentials together Sue is already wearing her goggles in the chemistry lab. She is working on a different formulation that will be solvent free. The team consists of nine employees who are all hands on deck when needed. They employ people from the refugee community. Three of their men who work in production are from the Krenni Hill Tribe of Burma (Myanmar). All three grew up in a refugee camp in Thailand. Sue
shares that they are great employees and happy to be American citizens. Sue adds they try to make every day fun. “We are all friends and we all jump in if it’s super busy. It truly is a team effort.” Sue and Mike are also extensively involved in helping new Karenni refugees in the Austin area. Oh, and the mother and son love singing. It may not be at work, but they do enjoy barbershop harmony. Mike sings with Acappella Texas Chorus and with Highlights Quartet in Austin. On days when they are not in the office the team attends church together. South Africa is where the company roots are. In fact, Mike met his wife there. Today they have friends and business associates there. When asked about expanding those roots in the U.S., Mike says there is a certain threshold that they are trying to achieve first. “If we open a second facility it’s going to be a question of do we do it here or do we do it over seas.” Remember, if you can cook, you can chem. NovaTuff Coatings is an Austin based manufacturer of seamless, fluid-applied and waterproof epoxy roof coatings for commercial roof repair and restoration. –lv
continued from Page 1 — Team spirit ways. For one they host a quarterly and annual barbeque. “Annually we host a big barbeque and a fireworks bash for our team members, their families, friends, our customers and the community of Uhland.” This past year K&J hosted around 350 people. Of course, the quarterly barbeque isn’t as large. Instead, it’s just the team, who cook for each other. “We have a cooking team as we call ourselves.” Leslie shares they all spilt up the duties in order to close early on a Friday afternoon and enjoy each other’s company. Remember, the team keeps their hands busy. This also includes playing sports. If you ever stop by the facility you’ll see their very own soccer field with professional goalie nets. K&J sponsors different activities, including a soccer team this past season. The team placed third in the league. Burich says they’ve even added a basketball court in the warehouse. “We participate in a Humana program through our health insurance. We are sponsoring things so that people can earn their points and decrease their
monthly insurance cost.” As a company, the Burich’s want to have their team members be able to benefit from their hard work, have good lives and lifestyles. Mr. Burich is now the driving force of the company. His admiration for the line of work began 25 years ago, when he started working at a young age. He managed to learn the traits and move his way up in the company. Mr. Burich was a general manager at the time and had been in the conversation of transitioning into ownership as the owner wanted to start transitioning to retirement. In 2013 the owner of the company suddenly passed away. That event pulled everyone closer together, which has brought success. Today, the Burich’s have been owners for 3-1/2 years. “We just recently recognized many employees who have been with the company anywhere from 10 to 25 years,” she says. K&J Woodworks are not just craftsman or team members; they are the reason for the company’s success. K&J Woodworks is a custom millwork company in Uhland, TX. –lv
continued from Page 1 — Welcome to the neighborhood
Inside the Burnet 64. vinyl tile in the bedrooms and living quarters. The bathrooms contain porcelain tile. As for the condo’s countertops, they are quartz and the interior is finished with Whirlpool appliances. The exterior of the project is also highlighted with the artist Drib’s birds and beaks. The photo of the brick sidewall mural consists of several birds with beaks. Some colored and the rest black and white. The masterpiece has even found its way inside the building. Some hallways have the famous birds hanging on the walls. Bartlett Cocke in Austin has completed many commercial projects, but this one counts as a memorable one. They not only managed to install wood fram-
ing that has this building looking stateof-the-art, but also maintain a positive relationship with each other. Bartlett Cocke is a general contractor serving Texas since 1959. –lv
Drib’s bird and beak mural.
Austin Construction News • FEB 2018
Foundation success
Construction News ON LOCATION
Foundation Building Materials Austin team.
L-R: Senior service coordinator Cecelia Gutierrez and office manager Crystal Torres stay on top of things in the San Marcos Air Conditioning office. –lv
F
oundation Building Materials (FBM) was started in 2011 by three business partners who saw a void in the growing specialty building materials market and sought to fill it. Ruben Mendoza, John Gorey and Tom Fischbeck, all with previous building materials industry experience, started FBM to provide professional contractors with a new and highly customer-focused option for sourcing materials and delivery. The company started seven years ago, with a single branch location in Orange, CA. Today FBM has grown to over 220 locations across North America. In the state of Texas, FBM has nine specialty building products locations, all of which feature a range of contractor grade building materials and products. “I got the name ‘Foundation’ from the Bible. It’s referenced there many times about a man building a house on a firm foundation. The house will withstand anything because of how it’s built and what it stands on,” says Mendoza. “My vision for this company is the same – to build a solid company that can with-
s
Page 15
stand and flourish, no matter what the circumstances.” FBM continues to build strong relationships with leading industry brands to supply the construction trades with a range of building materials including drywall, steel studs, acoustical ceilings, insulation, plaster, stucco, EIFS, FRP, tools, fasteners and a range of other specialty products. The company also maintains an extensive fleet of specialized delivery vehicles. Each FBM branch is tuned in to the individual building material needs of its geographical market based on climate, building codes and other local variations. In late 2014, FBM acquired a Texas Building Materials Group called BAV, which gave FBM a strong presence in all of Texas including the Pflugerville and Austin markets. Regional Vice President Allen Fisher, in Texas, manages the business with support from a team of well-qualified, local building materials professionals. Foundation Building Materials is a supplier of building materials with locations across North America. -cmw
Submitted to Construction News
Round-Up
Cardno Inc. is pleased to announce that Jim Herbert, PE has joined the firm as senior project manager in the company’s Austin office. Herbert has over 15 years engineering experience with extensive background in public and private land development, specifically vertical mixed-use projects. –cmw
Round-Up Submissions
Brief company announcements of new or recently promoted personnel, free of charge, as space allows. Submit Info & Photo: AustinEditor@ConstructionNews.net (210) 308-5800
Construction News ON LOCATION
Charming fellows
L-R: Roland Duran, Tyler Moran, Scott Weir, and Dustin Short with We-Rent-It gather round and say hi to Construction News. –lv
Ladies in the office
Page 16
Austin Construction News • FEB 2018