San Antonio Construction News April 2019

Covering the Industry’s News

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The Industry’s Newspaper www.constructionnews.net H (210) 308-5800 H Volume 22 H Number 4 H APRIL 2019

Luke, I am your father

Speedway hits 50

Luke’s Asphalt Paving owner, Dallas Luke

L-R: Louis J. Garcia, estimator/project manager; Clyde S. Culver, general manager; Bruce C. Culver, president; Debbie Culver; Jacob Somerville, estimator/project manager; and Annette Zamora, administration

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he Luke family ‘paved’ the way for Dallas Luke to know and love paving. As a passed-down family business, Luke is a fourth-generation owner of Luke’s Asphalt Paving. This asphalt family business all started with great grandfather Luke in 1962 in Burnet, TX. Being born into the business, it is fate for Luke to keep the company up and running for years to come. It is an obligated role Luke plans to take on as a lifetime career.

Luke was born in Chickasha, OK. He moved to Texas as a toddler because his parents were eager to be closer to family.

Growing up, Luke was involved in sports and played in many competitions. After graduation, he ultimately directed his focus into his family business. His father,

Billy Luke, taught him everything he needed to know. Currently, Luke and his father are managing the company together as co-owners.

Luke’s Asphalt Paving is based out of Spring Branch, TX and services surrounding counties. The team consists of nine employees, including co-owners. Luke plans on expanding his crew size in the near future, especially to aid in prep work.

Among those who help run the business are Luke’s wife Holly and his step-mom Andrea. Like many businesses, there is much going on behind the scenes with paperwork. As office manager, Holly takes care of everything between documenting and setting up contracts. continued on Page 21

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ince he was 14 years old, Bruce Culver has worked for Speedway Erection, during the summers.

When he graduated in 1972, he began working there full-time. His father, Clyde Calvin “Cowboy” Culver, owned Speedway Erection. It was only natural – or so he thought – to continue working for his dad, doing what he had been doing throughout high school.

It’s been 50 years since Cowboy started Speedway in 1969 after securing three investors who each fronted him $5,000. After being in business for one month, Cowboy was able to pay back his investors.

Ownership changed hands in 1983, when Bruce bought the company from his dad. With 20 employees, the compa-

ny continued to make strides. In two short years, Speedway employed 125 quality workers. The year 1985, however, was a bad time for the construction industry, especially in Texas.

“I was estimating, manager and owner all by myself for two years when ‘85 came,” Bruce remembers. “I was flying 300,000400,000 miles a year across the country looking for work. There was nothing here. I had to lay off 100 laborers in one day. I took 25 laborers and told them we’re going to California because there was no work here.

We worked in California for two years and all over the country – Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Nevada, but mostly we worked in California. We would not have continued on Page 21

Park, ride, relax

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ounded in 1890 by Mauritz Martinsen Sundt in Las Vegas, NM, Sundt Construction Inc. specializes in transportation, industrial, building and concrete work. Today, the 129-year old company has been become known for their commitment to quality and innovative construction services.

Sundt has 11 offices throughout Texas, Arizona, California and Utah and is 100 percent employee-owned by its approximately 2,000 employees. Sundt currently is ranked the 65th largest construction company in the United States by ENR, the industry’s principal trade magazine. The company is consistently ranked among the Best Places to Work by business publications in multiple cities, and it was named the nation’s safest construction company by the Associated General Contractors of America twice in a decade.

Sundt constructed the Via Stone Oak Park & Ride in just 15 short months,

beginning work in March 2016. The new four-story, 203,032-sf facility cost $19.7 million to construct. It provides 406 parking spaces and has direct access lanes to connect directly from the upper level of the garage to the US 281 managed lanes developed by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The facility provides riders sheltered, air-conditioned waiting areas with elevators to multi-story parking.

The structure was constructed with cast-in-place concrete and precast concrete.

The project required extensive coordination with TxDOT due to the project’s tie into the future US 281 expansion.

Structural components and utility had to be located in exact locations for future integration with the US 281 expansion, which was still two years out.

Unlike most parking garages, this Via Stone Oak Park & Ride, US 281 and Stone Oak Parkway.

continued on Page 21

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San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

30 years strong

H&E Acquires We-Rent-It

The Ehrlich family poses with Jordan Lighting after receiving the 2018 Leadership Award.

L-R: Matt Ehrlich, Bryan Ehrlich, Carl Ehrlich, Jordan Lighting, Dora Ehrlich and Mark Ehrlich.

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rom filling a niche doing commercial contracting for a major supermarket chain to becoming a major player in the commercial construction industry, Carl Ehrlich has come a long way in 30 years.

Ehrlich started Central Builders Inc. after successfully installing décor and fixtures in several Albertson Supermarkets back in 1989. Today, the company has grown into a family business with sons Bryan, Matt and Mark by his side.

Bryan, Carl’s eldest son, is the company’s vice president. He started working for CBI during the summers and came on full-time after graduating from college.

Twin boys Mark and Matt also work at CBI. Mark is a project executive overseeing private work for CBI. Matt is CBI’s office manager.

“We have grown quite a bit since 1989. By the mid-2000s, we probably got up to $30 million. Then the economy took a dive and things kind of went south, dropping between $8 and $10 million back in 2013. For the past three years we have been on one of the fastest growing

companies list and best places to work as ranked by the San Antonio Business Journal. We have grown at a good percentage every year, 73 percent over the past three years,” says Bryan.

CBI prides itself in providing the quality people for their projects. Employing many carpenters and skilled tradesmen and craftsmen as well as traveling with their customers has been the key elements to CBI’s success and longevity.

“We’re a true general contractor,” adds Bryan. He also gives credit to his father for having the business sense to build the company through tough times in the early years. “The biggest thing is consistency and performance. We have always prided ourselves on performance and not worrying about the bottom-line. Our word is our bond.”

For the next 30 years, the CBI family would like to conquer the ground-up grocery store market and more new retail construction.

Central Builders Inc. is a full-service general contractor with offices in New Mexico, Denton and San Antonio. –cmw

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H&E Equipment - Austin, TX.

n Feb. 4, 2019, H&E Equipment Services Inc. (NASDAQ: HEES) announced the completion of its acquisition of We-Rent-It (WRI), a non-residential construction-focused equipment rental company in Texas. The acquired assets include six branches serving the growing central Texas market and approximately $75 million of inventory.

“With the WRI acquisition, we expand our coverage to 22 branches in Texas and improve our ability to better serve the healthy markets in the central portion of the state,” says Brad Barber, H&E Chief Executive Officer and President.

“We are pleased and eager to welcome another strong group of equipment professionals into the H&E family.

The WRI team has tremendous industry experience, with talented leadership and highly trained employees at all levels,” adds Shaun Bergeson, H&E Regional Vice President. “The location of these six new branches is the absolute perfect complement to our existing footprint, allowing us to better serve customers throughout the Austin, San Antonio, and Bryan/College Station areas. With the addition of WRI, we now have three branches in the San Antonio market, four in the Austin area, and one in Bryan.”

Established in 1961, H&E Equipment Services is a full-service equipment company, providing rentals, sales, parts, and service. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

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W hat’s Trending in Interior/Exterior Surfaces

2019 Home Design Trends: 10 That are Hot! s a new year comes around, it’s always fun to speculate on what trends-- from clothes to food and especially home design - will be showing up on Pinterest and high-end magazines.

While good taste never goes out of style, some interior design trends represent changes in how bigger issues such as the environment, technology and family time are perceived. This has never been truer than what can be expected in 2019.

Sustainability Is a Megatrend

According to Domino magazine, “Sustainability is a movement that is becoming more widespread than ever, especially as it pertains to design—and come 2019, it will be an overarching theme that will be all too present. The concept of living a more eco-conscious lifestyle has become ingrained in the methodology of many designers, especially when it relates to how they approach their craft.”Design experts note that the definition of sustainabilty has broadened. “Our approach to the things we surround ourselves with is shifting towards a longevity-focused one,” says Muuto’s design director, Christian Grosen, “prompting us to buy designs that will last for years into the future, both in their quality and aesthetic.”

Nordic Is New...Again

Scandinavian design has been hot for several years and in 2019 it will be the same, only different. Designers suggest that this minimalistic, streamlined design will evolve into bold new details. “We are working a lot with earthier and tertiary pigments in our collection for a nice color mix that can fit into a multitude of environments, and pair with both simpler and more eclectic hues,” noted Grosen. The 2019 IKEA catalog, he said, “emphasizes spaces filled with different shades of the same color or color family.

The result is a lively, eye-popping collection of rooms that, hopefully, inspires you to take some colorful risks in your own space.”

Cooking Up Bold Kitchens What was once a whiter shade of pale is becoming more colorful. The kitchens pinned on Pinterest and seen in publications such as the IKEA catalog are full of darker shades, distinctive accents, and backsplashes that move beyond subway tile.“ HGTV has really popularized the idea of the open concept and, because of this, we have begun seeing large indoor kitchen areas that open into living rooms and dining rooms,” said Jacob Embry, sales representative for Acme Brick in Houston. “Kitchen islands have become larger and more uniquely shaped than they were in the past.

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Fire Features Will Be Hot Indoors or outdoors, fireplaces and fire features are a definite must-have for 2019, according to Housetrends magazine. These features can serve as a

cozy nook or focal point for a large room or outside entertainment area.

Here Comes the Sunroom A trend that began last year will continue, according to Freshome magazine. Sunrooms, featuring large windows and great views, are a very popular feature for any home.

Mix and Match The new rule in the types and combinations of interior building materials is simple: There is no rule. For example, combine rough-hewn wood with brick or stone for walls, along with slate floors and large, wooden beams on the ceiling to make a bold statement.“I have also noticed that builders are adding very tall fireplaces in living rooms,” said Embry. “These fireplaces are dramatic when constructed of brick and reclaimed wood.”

Welcome Home to Your Office “The blurring of live-work boundaries and changing social needs are affecting the kinds of homes buyers want, especially as more and more people work remotely or are selfemployed,” writes the Vancouver Sun.” This creates a need for work spaces in the home, whether it’s a home office space or a live-work unit.”“The loft look continues to be sought after for both inner city and suburban residents,” added Jacob Embry.

Go Organic with Natural Finishes “Brick, stone, reclaimed wood and even bamboo are being incorporated in more and more new homes because these elements give the room a warm and cozy feel,” Embry said. Freshome adds, “Whether it’s finishing the fireplace with smooth river rock or using real wood for a kitchen butcher block, it’s all about bringing the calm and serenity of the outdoors inside.

Living Rooms are Going Unplugged With family time at a premium, technology - in the form of the internet, portable tablets, and interactive gadgets - is being banished from the living room for “time out” in 2019.

Bathroom Mirrors Will Make a Statement The bathrooms of a home continue to evolve, and Housetrends magazine predicts a change in the mirror above the lavatory. The publication notes, “It’s not just a rectangle. It’s the centerpiece of the room.”

Author, Art Young, Independent Content Developer, Dallas, TX Britt Stokes, Director of Marketing Acme Brick, Fort Worth, TX (817) 390-1540 britt@brick.com

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San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

Reigning amp-ion

Peace, love and salsa

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he Volkswagen vans brought a new crop of hippies up to Woodstock yet once again, but this time the main reason wasn’t to listen to Janis Joplin or the Grateful Dead. This year’s Woodstock was all about salsa!

The San Antonio Chapter of Associated General Contractors (AGC) sponsored this year’s Salsa Taste-Off as flower children of all ages and companies brought their best salsa out on a chilly evening to the Facility Solutions Group

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(FSG) parking lot. With the band, The MoDels, rocking on, the spirit of Woodstock filled the air as fantastic salsa was handed out to all those who made their way to Woodstock revisited.

Jimi Hendrix would have loved it.

Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography. –dsz/cmw Salsa taste-off winners: 2nd Place: Crownhill Builders Inc. 3rd Place: Tri-Tech

L-R: The guys of Amp Control Electric: Matt, Hector (owner), Jared and Cliff

n high school, Hector Rincon had a choice: he could take an auto mechanics course or learn about electrical trades. Rincon chose the latter, and it set in motion a 33-year career.

“I was one of the students in the class to always be ready to work, see how things operated and how to make repairs,” Rincon remembers. “I always wanted to get my hands in there. I enjoyed the installation part of it and a lot of the hands-on aspect.”

He showed so much promise that his teacher recommended him to an electrical contractor in 1986, and Rincon started working in the field straight out of high school. He worked for several small contractors in Seguin before running multi-million dollar projects at a large company.

“It was the best thing I ever did, because I would have just jumped around to small contractors,” Rincon reflects. “If I hadn’t done that, I don’t think I would be where I am now. “ Meanwhile, his father-in-law was encouraging him to open his own shop, but it took many years before he founded Amp Control Electric Ltd in 2011.

“If it wasn’t for my father-in-law, I would probably still be working at the same company,” Rincon admits. “It was a big jump, but it wasn’t that different from me working for the big company other than I had a few more responsibilities. I really didn’t know what to expect. I went through a few people, of course, being small and just starting out. I really didn’t have any customers to rely on so I was relying on advertising and waiting on the phone to ring most of the time. It was hard trying to find good help.”

It’s one reason Rincon values the dependable employees he has had for six years. He also counts on the support of his family who help him in the business’ daily operations.

“My wife, Michelle, handles the books and one of my daughters, Danielle, helps out with the accounting. My son, Jared,

does estimating for me as well as electrical installation, and I enjoy having him around to help the guys and me. My son has a German shorthaired pointer, Brooke, and she’s something else. She comes to work and wants to know everything that’s going on! It’s nice to work with my family. They know what to expect from me most of the time when I ask something of them.”

Rincon says Amp Control Electric Ltd. offers installation and repairs for office buildings, convenience stores, restaurants, industrial work and residential remodels.

Since finding the perfect team to handle this growing business, Rincon has discovered that his duties have changed.

“I spend more time looking for the work and bidding the jobs,” Rincon says.

“I really don’t get to spend much time doing the installation part of it anymore, especially since my son has joined us.”

With more than three decades in the industry, Rincon is looking forward to many more years of expanding and sharing the company.

“I do want to grow and I do want more equipment, even though I know with that comes more responsibility,” he says. “I want to be able to leave something for my son to have and enjoy as well.

“We’ve got to keep work coming in and that’s the hardest part,” he continues.

“Business has been good in this area. We work in San Antonio all the way up into Austin, all along the I-35 corridor. We work within a 65-mile radius; it’s a very wide range. We’ve stretched it every now and then; we’ve done projects in Gonzales and Laredo.”

Company success hasn’t changed Rincon; at heart, he’s still the teen who feels the excitement of getting his hands in there every day and turning in quality work.

“There’s always something new coming out and changes that are being made,” Rincon says. “I really enjoy it.”

Subcontractor Amp Control Electric Ltd. is located in Seguin. – mjm

1st Place: Bartlett Cocke General Contractors

People’s Choice: FSG Electric

Showmanship Award: Alterman Inc.

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L-R: Mark Jones, VP Operations, and Tess Shelton, Product Consultant, Intertech Flooring, pose in the lobby in front of their “square foot” logo. -rd

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San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

“Formal” is not just in the name

Owner Layton Allison attending a convention

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riginally the company was called L&L Flooring Concepts, but Layton Allison was not sold yet on that name. One day Allison was completing a project for a customer’s home where he had to rip out the entire carpet, sanitize the floors due to stains from pets and installed brand new floors. During this big project, Allison became acquainted with the homeowner and found out that she owned a tuxedo t-shirt business. The owner even gave him some free shirts.

Allison thought, “Wouldn’t it be funny if we showed up in tuxedo t-shirts for floor services?” In that exact moment, Allison’s company became and still is Formal Flooring. Another person’s business inspired his business. Currently Allison’s work uniforms have a tuxedo emblem printed on the front of their shirts.

Allison started learning the trade 11 years ago where he worked with an acquaintance in the flooring business. Over time, the partner he was working with became busy with personal obligations. This strain on Allison having to pick up the slack was a blessing in disguise. Allison worked hard to still make the scheduled service calls and complete projects on time.

After Allison felt he gained enough experience, he knew it was time to start his own business, which he started in 2008. Allison resides in New Braunfels, TX, and services San Antonio and surrounding areas. He has even gone as far out as Austin to complete projects. Currently there are three contractors that work with Allison. They have established a close and

efficient working relationship, “I have a great group of guys. They always get compliments from customers. They are good hearted guys that do great work.”

Custom projects, remodels and conversions are what Formal Flooring is known for. They also provide painting and granite services. A favorite of Allison’s and highly requested service are bathroom conversions, such as converting a tub into a walk-in shower. A proud project completed by Formal Flooring is remodeling an old building downtown in New Braunfels where they installed new commercial carpet and paint.

As for upcoming plans for the company, Allison is hoping to expand the current shop. He wants a showroom to showcase a variety of selections he has to offer his clients. Since Allison is a people person, this shop expansion will help in providing client relationships. Allison states, “I enjoy people, creating and maintaining relationships. We have long lasting and repeat customers who continue to use our services throughout the years.”

Allison was born and raised in Seguin, TX. He also grew up in New Braunfels where he resides now. His three little girls (ages 8, 9 and13) keep him occupied with sports and cooking. BBQ is a family favorite in the Allison household. They also enjoy having BBQ competitions. For Allison, running a BBQ food truck service would be a dream, of course besides managing Formal Flooring!

Formal Flooring is a conversion and flooring service company in New Braunfels, TX. –tnp

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Helping to develop future leaders

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L-R: Dr. Tulio Sulbaran, Chair of Department of Construction Science University of Texas at San Antonio; Terracon Project Engineer Scott Lefton, Ford, Powell & Carson Associate Laura Hall and Mike Frisbie, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, San Antonio Water System

eeing the need to attract the next generation into construction, the Terracon Foundation, a corporate philanthropy of Terracon issued a $3,000 grant to support the ACE Mentor Program of Greater San Antonio Inc., which was established in 2006. Terracon’s Scott Lefton, PE, SECB from the San Antonio office recommended the grant.

“The ACE Mentor Program of Greater San Antonio Inc. works with kids in the community to develop their skills and inspire them to continue their education and join the construction industry. We are starting a fellowship program for kids over the summer and give them greater exposure to the real world by introducing them to the projects we work on and the problems we face, and to let them know

they have the skills to help us.”

Lefton was hired straight out of high school to do AutoCAD drafting for some local engineering firms. That was instrumental in getting him to join the industry. “Ideally, we would like to start something similar to show these students that are 16, 17, 18 years old with AutoCAD experience, Revit experience, construction scheduling experience from the school side that these skills they’ve learned transfers over to the real world and that it is needed. It can help them get a good career in the construction industry.”

Terracon is an employee-owned engineering consulting firm, which provides environmental, facilities, geotechnical and materials services. –cmw

ACE mentors and students involved in the program at John Jay High School.

Adults L-R: John Jay High School Engineering Design teacher Luis Rivera; D. Wilson Construction Co. Estimator/BIM Coordinator Hung Ngo; B&A Architects Inc. Production staff Candice Ng and Mack Engineering owner Michael Washington.

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San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

Why the construction industry needs cybersecurity

Workers Compensation Texas Workforce Commission

Denise Bendele, Partner RSM US LLP San Antonio, TX

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t’s no secret that cybercrime is costly. According to a study by McAfee and the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the cost of cybercrime to the global community reached record levels in 2017, totaling between $445 and $608 billion.1 By 2019, the global cost of data breaches is expected to increase to $2.1 trillion. 2 The risk of unauthorized access for middle market companies is growing. According to the RSM US Middle Market Business Index, significantly more middle market companies (13 percent versus 5 percent) contend they experienced data breaches than they did only three years ago.

One significant reason for this increase is the growth of ransomware. In fact, the FBI stated that ransomware victims paid approximately $209 million to recover stolen files just in the first quarter of 2016—a profound increase from the $24 million in ransom payments made in 2015.3 Middle market companies are the most vulnerable Cybercrime isn’t slowing down, and all businesses are at serious risk of data hacking. But perhaps more than any other industry, the construction industry is known for its sluggish adoption of new technologies—including technologies that could help prevent (or at least deter) hackers. That makes contractors extremely vulnerable to cybercrime threats, especially smaller and midsize companies that don’t have the resources of larger companies. According to the NetDilligence 2017 Cyber Claims Study, 88 percent of claims that year were from organizations with under $2 billion in revenue.4 Furthermore, companies with less than $50 million in revenue were the most affected, accounting for 47 percent of claims. In 2018, these middle market companies are seeing an increase in data breaches, with 13 percent reporting incidents in just the first quarter of the year5– that’s compared to just 5 percent in the same period three years ago.

Contractors are at risk High-profile breaches at companies such as Cambridge Analytica, Equifax, Yahoo and Uber demonstrate that just one breach is all it takes to cause serious financial havoc and potentially irreparable reputation damage. That’s why construction companies must take the risk seriously. These companies have what hackers want: bank account information, payroll and accounting systems, financial reports, intellectual property, and customer data.

In addition, construction companies often have points of entry that can be easy to hack. There are a number of significant and common risks for a breach: Phishing is an approach whereby an unsuspecting employee opens an email attachment or clicks on a link that he or she believes is safe and yet actually downloads malware.

Fake websites, where victims share their credentials, allow thieves to access private company information.

Ransomware can evade security software and require a company to pay ransoms to regain access to their own information.

Balancing technology and risk There are ways that construction companies can take advantage of the benefits of technology and still mitigate their cyber risk.

Understand the potential threat:

Before a company can put a plan into place, it must first understand the risk.

Contractors must educate themselves about the potential risks and acknowledge that putting together a comprehensive safety plan is vital to protecting their company.

Conduct a risk assessment:

How can a network be protected if a company does not have a full scope of what that network includes? To put a plan in place, a company must first take inventory of its systems, hardware, software and data, then conduct a full risk assessment to pinpoint any areas of vulnerability. As part of the risk assessment, companies also need to consider any third parties that have access to the company’s network.

Implement layers of security:

While small and midsize contractors often do have budget limitations, there are many cost-effective ways they can defend against cyberattacks. For example, encypting laptops and external storage drives is a relatively inexpensive way to reduce the chance of exposure in the event a laptop or other device is lost or stolen. Another inexpensive safeguard is properly disposing paper records and controlling how they are accessed. Yet another is making sure employees use strong passwords for their devices. Companies should regularly update their firewall and antiviral software. Siloing (or dividing) information can help minimize the access a hacker can get to company data. Investing in cyber liability insurance is also recommended.

Educate employees: The difference between a breach and safety can literally come down to the click of one employee. It’s important for contractors to train employees regarding the threat of cyberattacks and how to safely defend against such threats. Employees with access to company information should be properly trained regarding the rules of device usage and what to do in the event of breach.

The time to prepare is here

The frequency of cyberattacks is increasing, and every business around the globe is vulnerable to this serious threat.

Contractors are no different. They must act now to put the proper cyber security in place to protect against becoming the next big breach.

1

D. Bisson, “Global Cost of Cybercrime Exceeds $600 Billion in 2017, Report Estimates” (Feb. 23, 2018) Security Intelligence.

2 R. Simpson, “How to Improve IT Security in the Construction Industry” (July 5, 2016) Gray.

3 D. Bisson, “Global Cost of Cybercrime Exceeds $600 Billion in 2017, Report Estimates” (Feb. 23, 2018) Security Intelligence.

4 S. Renshaw, “Combatting cyberattacks: 5 steps to managing cyberrisks” (Nov. 10, 2017) RSM US LLP. 5 “Hackers increasingly target upper middle market companies” (March 20, 2018) RSM US LLP. RSM US LLP 19026 Ridgewood Parkway, Suite 400 San Antonio, Tx 78259 210-828-6281

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exas, unlike other states, does not require an employer to have workers’ compensation coverage.

Subscribing to workers’ compensation insurance puts a limit on the amount and type of compensation that an injured employee may receive - the limits are set in the law.

Being a “non-subscriber”, i.e., going “bare” or without coverage, leaves an employer open to personal injury lawsuits from employees who are injured on the job - the damages and attorney’s fees are almost unlimited - in addition, certain defenses available in most personal injury lawsuits, such as assumption of the risk, contributory negligence, “last clear chance”, and co-worker negligence, are not available to a non-subscriber in a job injury case.

At hire, notify each new hire of coverage (Notice 6 (PDF)) or non-coverage (Notice 5 (PDF)) and post the same notice along with other required workplace posters - also, let each new hire know that they have five days to elect to waive their right to workers’ compensation benefits and retain their common-law right to sue the employer for a work-related injury - the notice must let the employee know that if they give up workers’ compensation, they give up the right to receive medical or income benefits under the workers’ compensation law (the Division of Workers’ Compensation at the TDI has a form available for that purpose at http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/forms/dwc/ newemployeenotice.pdf (PDF)).

If an employer discontinues its workers’ compensation coverage, it must inform employees and the Workers’ Compensation Division of the Texas Department of Insurance as soon as possible via a Form DWC005 (PDF).

Under workers’ compensation law, an injury or illness is covered, without regard to fault, if it was sustained in the course and scope of employment, i.e., while furthering or carrying on the employer’s business; this includes injuries sustained during work-related travel.

Injuries are not covered if they were the result of the employee’s horseplay, willful criminal acts or self-injury, intoxication from drugs or alcohol, voluntary participation in an off-duty recreational activity, a third party’s criminal act if directed against the employee for a personal reason unrelated to the work, or acts of God. Injured workers must file injury reports within thirty days of the injury, must appeal the first impairment rating within 90 days of its issuance, and must file the formal paperwork for the workers’ compensation claim within one year of the injury. If the work-related nature of the injury or illness was not immediately apparent, those deadlines run from the date on which the employee should have known the problem was work-related.

Three main types of benefits: medical benefits, income benefits, and death benefits - each type is statutorily defined and limited.

The law places a heavy emphasis on return-to-work programs, since all studies show that recovery is faster and more efficient if an employee has some kind of useful work to do.

An employee’s refusal of suitable light-duty work can stop the payment of workers’ compensation benefits.

A job injury can involve other laws as well, such as the FMLA and the ADA in multiple-law situations, whatever law provides the greatest protection should be applied (see “Medical Leave-Related Laws”).

Chapter 451 of the workers’ compensation law prohibits discrimination or retaliatory action against employees who have filed workers’ compensation claims or are somehow in the process of doing so - stray remarks can be harmful to a company’s legal position in a Chapter 451 lawsuit, so never let anyone with your company be heard talking about a claim in terms of it being a problem, since any negative remarks can be twisted and spun to make the employer look as if it intended to retaliate against the claimant.

Design your paid leave policies to avoid “benefits stacking”, i.e., the combining of workers’ compensation and leave-related benefits in such a way that the employee ends up getting more than 100% of his or her regular wage each week - for a sample policy, see “Limits on Leave Benefits” in “The A to Z of Personnel Policies” in this book.

Employees on workers’ compensation do not have to be allowed to continue accruing leave or other benefits, but should be treated at least as favorably as other absent employees in that regard.

Loss of health insurance benefits while on workers’ compensation leave is a COBRA-qualifying event.

If a workers’ compensation claimant files an unemployment claim, he or she will be disqualified from unemployment benefits unless the workers’ compensation benefits are for “permanent, partial disability”, which translates to “impairment income benefits” under the current law - in addition, the claimant’s medical ability to work would be in question and should be raised by the employer as an issue in its response to the unemployment claim.

San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

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Recovery of attorney’s fees in construction disputes: The devil is in the details West W. Winter, Attorney The Winter Law Firm, PLLC San Antonio TX

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he long held general rule of law in Texas regarding the recovery of attorney’s fees is that attorney’s fees paid to prosecute or defend a lawsuit cannot be recovered in that suit absent a statute or contract that allows for their recovery. For more than 100 years, the Courts of our great state have held that they do not have the authority to require a losing party to pay the prevailing party’s fees unless a statute or contract provides for an award of attorney’s fees. This established rule, that a party is ordinarily required to bear its own attorney’s fees, is known as the “American Rule”.

Statutes Allowing for the Recovery of Attorney’s Fees

In the construction law context, some of the Texas statutes utilized by litigants to avoid the impact of the American Rule and recover attorney’s fees include: the Prompt Pay Act in Chapter 28 of the Texas Property Code (providing that the court may award costs and reasonable attorney’s fees as the court determines equitable and just); Section 53.156 of the Texas Property Code (providing that in certain proceedings involving lien and bond claims, the court shall award costs and reasonable attorney’s fees as are equitable and just); and very often, Chapter 38 of the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code (providing for the recovery of attorney’s fees, in addition to the amount of the claim and costs, from an individual or corporation if the claim is for, among other types of claims, rendered services, performed labor, furnished material, or an oral or written contract).

Details, Details Since construction disputes often involve competing breach of contract claims, it would be a simple conclusion to draw that Chapter 38 of the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code allows the prevailing party to recover its attorney’s fees from the losing party. And there is a common misconception that Chapter 38 allows all litigants to recover fees whenever the claims involve breaches of contract. Unfortunately, the courts have strictly construed the specific language within the statute in such a manner so as to strictly limit its applicability to claims against “individuals” and “corporations.”

As such, many Texas courts hold that Chapter 38 does not allow a prevailing party to recover attorney’s fees against other common entity forms such as partnerships and limited liability companies. The illogical result is that in a lawsuit between an LLC and a corporation where both sides allege material breaches of contract and the sole basis for recovery of fees is Chapter 38, the LLC would be legally able to recover its attorney’s fees if it prevailed against the corporation.

However, in this same example, the corporation would not be able to recover its attorney’s fees if it prevailed against the LLC. Pending Legislation May Provide Relief Pending legislation set forth in House Bill 790 seeks to amend and clarify Chapter 38 by making it broadly applicable to claims against state agencies, political subdivisions, and all “organizations” as that term is defined in the Business Organizations Code.

This legislation, if enacted into law, would expand the application of Chapter 38 and allow litigants to also recover attorney’s fees in breach of contract claims against partnerships, limited liability companies, trusts, and other types of business organizations. As of the writing of this article, House Bill 790 remains pending in committee.

Texas Supreme Court Decision Negates Attorney’s Fees for Trust Fund Claims Commonly known as the Texas Construction Trust Fund Act, Chapter 162 of the Texas Property Code mandates that construction payments and loan receipts are trust funds if they are made to or borrowed by a contractor or subcontractor under a construction contract.

Pursuant to the express provisions of the Trust Fund Act, those who furnish labor or material for the construction of the improvement are the beneficiaries of the trust funds and have a civil cause of action against a trustee who misapplies the trust funds. Whether a party to a lawsuit can recover attorney’s fees under the Trust Fund Act has been an open question.

But last year, the Texas Supreme Court in Dudley Construction, Ltd. v. ACT Pipe and Supply, Inc., settled the open question when it held that attorney’s fees are not recoverable under either the Trust Fund Act itself or Chapter 38, when the claim is pursuant to the Trust Fund Act. Significantly, Dudley Construction, Ltd. v. ACT Pipe and Supply, Inc. involved a claim amount of $143,714.19 and an additional attorney’s fees claim of $131,823.99. The Court held that the Trust Fund Act does not provide for the recovery of attorney’s fees, and Chapter 38 does not list the Trust Fund Act as a cause of action to which it applies. The Supreme Court accordingly reversed the $131,823.99 in attorney’s fees awarded for ACT’s Trust Fund Act claim.

Lessons Learned

Since attorney’s fees in construction disputes are typically significant and can equal or even exceed the amount in controversy, litigants and their attorneys should fully analyze the causes of action and the types of entities involved to ensure that they have a right under prevailing law to recover attorney’s fees. Furthermore, it would be very wise to negotiate all contracts on the front end to mandate an award of attorney’s fees and expenses to your business if it is the prevailing party in any dispute.

Ensuring that your business is entitled to an award of attorney’s fees by contract is an exception to the American Rule which should provide protection without regard to applicable statutes or organization type.

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.

Shore it. Slope it. Shield it.

Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

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renching and excavation work exposes workers to extremely dangerous hazards. According to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) data, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 130 fatalities recorded in trenching and excavation operations between 2011 and 2016.

The private construction industry accounted for 80%, or 104, of those fatalities. An alarming 49% of those construction fatalities occurred between 2015 and 2016.

As a result of the danger of unprotected excavations and trenches, OSHA has initiated an emphasis program to address this hazard and is directing OSHA inspectors to initiate inspections whenever they observe an open trench or an open excavation, regardless of whether or not a violation is readily observed.

OSHA generally requires that employers protect workers from cave-ins by: ■■ Sloping and benching the sides of the excavation; ■■ Supporting the sides of the excavation; or ■■ Placing a shield between the side of the excavation and the work area.

One of the requirements for safe digging is periodic inspection of the excavation. Trenches and excavations must be inspected daily by a competent person.

Trench/excavation inspections shall be conducted by the competent person prior to the start of work and as needed throughout the shift. Inspections shall also be made after every rainstorm or other hazard increasing occurrence. A competent person is an individual, designated by the employer, who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to workers, and who is authorized to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. Under the Excavation standards, tasks performed by the

competent person include classifying soil, inspecting protective systems, designing structural ramps, monitoring water removal equipment, and conducting site inspections.

The Excavation standards require a competent person to classify soil and rock deposits as stable rock, Type A, B or C soil. OSHA has a free training video on soil classification located at: https://www.osha.gov/dts/vtools/construction/soil_testing_fnl_eng_web. html

OSHA also has a free video on excavation safety located at: https://www.osha.gov/dts/vtools/construction/soil_testing_fnl_eng_web. html

Before starting work, the Excavation standards require employers to determine the approximate location(s) of utility installations including sewer, telephone, gas, electric, and water lines. One common industry practice is to call 811, the “Call Before You Dig” number, to establish the location of any underground utility installations in the work area. In Texas, the law requires 48 hour notice to utilities prior to digging. To learn more about notification prior to digging, visit: https://www.texas811.org/ natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232

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San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

Chase Anderson President/CEO Shafer Services San Antonio, TX

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hase Anderson had steered his life to go in a certain direction. However, it was someone else’s driving that finally motivated Anderson to put the brakes on, turn around and take a new road into the HVAC industry.

Share about your background.

Growing up, I aspired to be a veterinarian like my dad. I watched him affect people’s lives and animals’ lives in a positive way. That was something I admired and aspired to do, but before entering into high school, I realized that medicine was not my passion.

Instead, I thought I might become a professional golfer; I was competitive in the different golf circuits in Texas and throughout the United States. I wanted to pursue a golf career in college and potentially after, but as life goes, that also changed. The TCU golf team recruited me and, although I decided not to pursue golf, I did love the school. When I went to freshman orientation, I knew I wanted a business degree because of its value; I knew I could do whatever I decided to do with my life. That’s how I earned a business degree with a specialty in supply chain management at TCU in 2013.

What path did you take after graduation?

After that, I really wanted to learn Spanish. At that point in time, I still didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life but I knew I wanted to build my life in San Antonio, and I needed to learn Spanish in order to do that. I found a Spanish immersion program in Santiago, Chile and bought a one-way ticket there. I lived there for five weeks just focusing on improving my Spanish, and then I continued the program in Mendoza, Argentina. I was always interested in the Argentinian culture; I fell in love with it, and worked seven months shipping wine and gas all over Argentina for an over-the

road transportation company that was implementing an ERP system.

I moved back to San Antonio in 2014 and began working as an analyst in JP Morgan’s private bank. I didn’t have much background in finance but I was passionate about finding a good career in San Antonio, and their division there was growing. It was great exposure networking with folks that had pretty good influence and I loved learning about public markets and how finance works.

I loved that job, but after two years I realized I wanted to pursue an entrepreneurial path. I decided to part ways with JP Morgan and I got into an executive MBA program at St. Mary’s business school. Also during that time frame, I was having conversations with peers and mentors about what I could do in the service industry.

What prompted the change?

I had a pretty bad car accident. I was parked in a parking lot and an intoxicated driver lost control of his vehicle, drove off of an elevated roadway and his entire vehicle landed on top of my truck while my black Lab and I were inside. I was sitting in the driver seat, my dog was laying down on the floorboard in the backseat, and the whole cab of my truck was crushed. However, because the driver was coming at an angle, the only thing that was not crushed was the driver’s seat. My dog and I both made it out okay, by the grace of God. That was eye-opening for me, and I was blessed to have the opportunity to do some soul searching. Leaving that job was tough for me; it was a great career and I was working with some great people, but life is short and I felt called to do what I love doing. I figured out that what I wanted to do was put myself in a position to improve as many lives as I possibly could.

I didn’t know what that was going to look like, but I had a pretty good sense that by being in the service industry I could at least get close to accomplishing that.

What happened next?

I had a conversation with a good friend who was an electrical contractor.

He knew everything that was going on in my life and, since I was looking into the service business and I loved working with my hands and fixing things, he encouraged me to consider going into HVAC. I jumped into some market research for the San Antonio market, saw that it was a fairly attractive opportunity and decided that if I wanted to go for it, I wanted to learn the trade from the ground up.

I interviewed with about 15 companies in town before somebody gave me a shot, and in 2016 I took a job as an installation helper for a residential install team. For about 10 months, I was replacing air conditioners during the day

Chase Anderson, co-owner of Shafer Services Plus. and going to business school at night. I then worked as a service technician for another three months before deciding I wanted to get my feet wet with heavier commercial/industrial equipment.

I started interviewing with other companies, and one of those companies was Shafer Services. I met with the HVAC manager, the office manager and Jimmy Shafer and was really struck by the professionalism and the experience that this team had. My dad called me after the interview and said he had heard great things about the company but, ironically, I didn’t take the job with Shafer; at the time they weren’t doing quite as much heavy commercial as I wanted to get exposure to. I told my dad that if I ever got the chance to work with them at a strategic or management level, I was going to jump all over that.

How did you finally have the opportunity to work with Shafer?

I took a position with another company. Less than a month later, my dad was playing golf with a guy who asked how I was doing. Dad told him about my career path and that my end goal was to buy a business. The guy told my dad that one of his best friends, Jimmy Shafer, was thinking about selling his company! Three months later, I left the job I had just taken and Jimmy and I were sitting at the closing table. In May 2017, I purchased the majority of the company’s equity from Jimmy.

How has the experience of owning a business been?

It has been a lot of fun. It has been extremely eye-opening as to the demands and pressures entrepreneurs and business owners carry on their shoulders. I’m not going to lie; I underestimated that. I’m

making decisions every day that can truly impact 39 other people. That’s a lot of weight but it’s also something that really kind of energizes me. In a way I think I thrive off of that pressure. At the end of the day, it’s given me the opportunity to pursue my reason for making that jump back in the end of 2015. This really has given me the opportunity to improve lives. When I originally thought about the service business, I thought I would be interacting with customers, taking care of people and improving their lives – and that is 100% the case. I love that, but it’s almost more fulfilling to be able to work to improve the lives of the people here that are part of our team.

What mark have you made on the company so far?

I have focused on really setting goals for us. Jimmy and the whole Shafer family have built and incredible organization and foundation. This business has been around for 130 years and has done some amazing things. What I was energized about and what I have worked to bring to the table is setting our sights on the future. Since we have so much great history, let’s leverage that to take the company to the next level and create something bigger and better for the community. A big part of that is painting that picture of what the future looks like, setting both short-term and long-term goals and working to build that team atmosphere and that congruency that is necessary to achieve those goals.

In the last year-and-a-half, we’ve also made a more significant push into the commercial space on preventative maintenance, service, and replacement.

That’s been really successful for us and we’ve grown significantly because of those efforts.

What do you hope the future holds for the company?

Our “WAG” – which is what I call our “Wild Ass Goal” – is to grow our 19 trucks to 100 trucks and our 39 employees to 150 employees by 2030. It’s definitely aspirational but totally doable. It’s not about striving to be the biggest or baddest, but really about setting ourselves up to be able to pursue that core purpose of improving lives. We really feel, at that level, we will be able to start having a significant footprint in the community, be able to give back and offer real career opportunities and multiple layers of growth for people that wanted to start a career in our industry.

What does your personal future hold?

The biggest news for me is that I’m getting married on May 4. I have a beautiful, young fiancée, Elizabeth Hutchison. She’s not a Horned Frog; she’s a Sooner and a Dallas girl but she’s fitting into San Antonio pretty well. Her family has a ranch close to Stephenville, so we’re just going to do a small wedding out there, which has always been a dream of hers. I bought a house in San Antonio about three years ago, and we’ll be able to start our lives in San Antonio together, which will be awesome.

HVAC subcontractor Shafer Services is in San Antonio. –mjm

San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

Page 9

Chili’s the word

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fter a couple of days of temperatures in the 30s, the time for some great chili couldn’t have been better.

The Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) South Texas Chapter hosted their annual chili cook-off and gun raffle on Mar. 7. Twenty-nine teams gathered in the parking lot of Rolling Oaks Mall with hopes of preparing the winning chili. A

difficult task for sure, but Joeris General Contractors, Intertech Flooring and Central Electric would be victorious. –cmw 2019 Chili Cook-off winners: 1st Place: Central Electric 2nd Place: Intertech Flooring 3rd Place: Joeris General Contractors Showmanship: Alamo Concrete Products

A week of WIC

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omen in the construction industry across the nation celebrated their presence in the construction industry.

Mar. 3 kicked of WIC (Women in Construction) Week and continued through Mar. 9. The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Antonio Chapter was no different with events scheduled throughout the week. –cmw NAWIC Golf Tournament winners:

1st Place Mens: UFP SA - Ted Cerwin, Matt Isley, Jorge Flores, Juan Rubalcava 1st Place Womens: Cram Roofing – Laurie Montgomery, Christy Rhone, Eva Ramirez and Anita Kegley 1st Place Mixed: G.W. Mitchell Construction – Anglea Hines, Dennis Darr, Chris Moore and Mary Conway Men’s Longest Drive: Daniel Canseco Women’s Longest Drive: Eva Ramirez Men’s Closest-to-the-Pin: Mike Coy

San Antonio Chapter NAWIC members doing a farmhouse sign painting at MEMCO – Mar. 4.

Central Electric

1st Place Womens: Cram Roofing – L-R: Laurie Montgomery, Christy Rhone, Eva Ramirez and Anita Kegley

1st Place Mens: UFP SA - Ted Cerwin, Matt Isley, Jorge Flores, Juan Rubalcava

1st Place Mixed: G.W. Mitchell Construction – Anglea Hines, Dennis Darr, Chris Moore and Mary Conway

NAWIC members and guests speak to female students at CCA event at Warren High School L-R: C’Leste Villarreal, Darci Brennan, Rebecca Young and Pollyanne Johnson.

Allied Fire Protection

Equipment Depot

Staff Zone

Clearfield Construction

NAWIC members at Wine Down event – Mar. 9

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San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

Industry FOLKS

Ashley Fousek, Project Manager

Dalrymple Gravel & Construction Co.

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Sequin, TX

rowing up, Ashley Fousek always vacationed with her family at Garner State Park. In 2003, they moved to Utopia, TX. And yes, according to her it was paradise.

“It truly is the best part of the Texas Hill Country. It was the BEST place to grow up. I truly believed it shaped me into the person I am today. It’s where my love and appreciation for nature really bloomed.

Being an hour away from the nearest store, mall or anything, we learned to entertain ourselves by hiking, exploring on 4-wheelers, kayaking the Frio, swimming in the Sabinal River at the Utopia Park or rope swinging into the spring-fed Evans Creek on our property.”

She attended Utopia Junior and High School where there were about 186 students from Pre-K to 12th grade.

She graduated valedictorian from Utopia High School in 2009.

Fousek then graduated from Baylor University, and says, “I loved the beautiful campus and that Christianity was openly discussed in classes.” It is there that she learned and fell in love with college football, as Utopia didn’t have football or an avid Baylor football fan (“Sic ‘em Bears!”).

Fousek was living and working in Kerrville full-time as a summer camp finance manager when she began looking for a change. Two years ago, she started working as an administrative assistant for Dalrymple Gravel & Contracting Co., a heavy highway contractor from the northeast that had moved into Texas. In her two years with the company, she has enjoyed watching its growth in Texas and likes learning all the facets of the industry. After six months, she was promoted to project manager.

“I see jobs through, from the bidding of the project to the final walk through and everything in between.

In addition to my project management duties, I do our construction photography as well as oversee our traffic control. I also handle any HUB/ SMBR requirements during the bidding and throughout the course of the projects. I work closely with our subs and suppliers.”

Fousek’s parents are her mentors.

She looks up to them in every aspect of life, from their careers to their relationship to their faith.

“My mom has a drive like I’ve never seen to continuously grow and never stop learning. She is my best friend and unofficial therapist (but really, she is actually a therapist!). My dad is the most determined individual I know, regardless of any obstacles he may face. He doesn’t let anything get him down. He gives me confidence to go after my goals and is my biggest supporter.

They are just two really great people!”

She loves all things Texas-, Selenaand outdoors-related. She enjoys being in and near water, kayaking the Frio River, fishing in Port A, hunting at the ranch, attending Texas country concerts, being crafty, redoing furniture and sewing.

She also loves food – it makes her happy and cooking is her favorite thing to do!

Actually, her favorite thing is to do all of the above with family and friends. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

Page 11

try to catch the specks that make their way through the Lower Laguna Madre via the Mansfield jetties. This area confines these trout to the edges of the channel making easy pickings when you can find where they are hanging out. Staying on the move is key to this fishing technique.

For those of you that like to wade, this is your calling. Everyone knows that spring times means topwater fishing. When water temperatures reach the upper 60s and near the 70-degree mark, anglers tie on their favorite top water plug and wade the shorelines and reef of Baffin Bay in search for trophy sized specks. Some of the best lures to use are the Top Dog series from MirrOlure.

They make an assortment of lures in different sizes and sounds for any water situation. My favorite is the She Dog lure because of the high pitch sounds that it creates. Another favorite plug I’m growing attached to is the Coltsniper series made by Shimano. These surface lures come in an assortment of styles and colors. They also make an assortment of sinking, jerk and sub-surface lures that you should take a look at. As you know, Shimano is the leader in reels in the industry and their lures have amazing color patterns and realistic eyes making them a must have in your tackle box. Check out all the Shimano products at shimano.com.

Spring into action with Steve Schultz Outdoors

by Capt. Steve Schultz Sponsored by: Waypoint Marine, Shoalwater Boats, Evinrude Outboards, Fishing Tackle Unlimited, Shimano Reels, E-Z Bel Construction, Costa Sunglasses, Simms Fishing, ForEverlast Fishing Products, PowerPro, Interstate Batteries, MirrOlure, JL Marines Power-Pole, AFW and AFTCO Clothing.

My 2019 fishing calendar is starting to fill up now, so don’t hesitate in booking your fishing trips. I still have a handful of dates for the month of April. To schedule your next bay fishing trip or hunting trip give Capt. Steve Schultz a call at 361-813-3716 or e-mail him at SteveSchultzOutdoors@gmail.com. Good luck and Good Fishing.

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ell, I can honestly say that I am ready for some warmer weather. Had some decent weather days on the water fishing in February down in Port Mansfield, but most of March has been interrupted by windy, cold weather or foggy days on the water.

Needless to say, these conditions have hampered our attempts to fish lately. Typically we get cooler weather in March. However, this year it seems to be a bit more extreme.

As we enter into our spring months, our weather should start warming day to day. Winds will increase from the southeast, and with that direction, we should see some water temperatures increase and that will definitely help us pattern these fish more consistently. Our spring tides should arrive this month bringing in a migration of brown shrimp with other baitfish that will supply our estuary. Typically, following this migration and also coming inshore with our spring tides is a run of speckled trout most anglers refer to as tide runners.

These specks are usually easy to identify due to their stout body and yellow mouth. They will make their way through the passes along the coast and seek refuge in our bays for the summer. During this time I keep a keen

Topwater action should be heating up in the month of April. This fish was caught on a Shimano Coltsniper surface plug in knee deep water by Capt. Steve Schultz.

Fish was released after photo.

eye out for bird activity on the water. Speckled trout following this migration will push this bait towards the surface and waiting seagulls, terns and brown pelicans will seize the opportunity to feast for themselves. This is a great way to fill the box and it doesn’t take rocket science to figure it out.

Later this month, we will be making the long run to the land cut as we

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San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

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

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Chaos: Texas fifth season

think in addition to the usual seasons most folks have, Texas has Chaos. It doesn’t have a set time on the calendar, it just pops up at random times throughout the year and teaches us there is really no such thing as “normal” weather in Texas.

Texas weather can be a mean joke this time of year. It can look so nice out, until the wind almost knocks you over.

One day you get a sweaty crash course in summer in the high 80s, but hold on – we’re up for a killing frost in the teens tomorrow! This time of year you don’t dare set foot out of the house without checking out the day’s forecast!

Every horizontal surface in my house is covered with a constantly shifting pile of jackets, sweaters, overalls, hoodies and windbreakers. We don’t dare put any of it away just because the calendar says that winter is over – ‘cause this is Texas!

I had one group of fishermen arrive from Austin’s 75-degree morning and find the temperature 42 degrees and falling here at the dock. Shorts and flip-flops didn’t cut it that day!

If this weather confusion is so hard for us to cope with in spite of our big old brains and weather men, just imagine how all the wild things feel. Just as the longer days and a few warm afternoons start to get the fish and fowl in the notion of feeding, nesting and spawning, then wham comes a cold spell that tells them to go back to bed or crawl back under a rock because winter’s not done yet.

Usually striper fishing is good during cold weather. So far this year they’ve been getting a late start. I believe it’s just because there hasn’t been much of a real

trend either cold or warm, just chaos. We have a few nice days and the lake temperature starts rising and the fish start to school up and we get all excited because they are fixing to turn on, then it gets COLD again and the fish just seem to say “Never mind!”

The good thing is that this will have to end sooner or later. The days are getting longer and we are moving closer to the sun. Soon the spring days will outnumber the mean old days of winter.

Even if we do have one of those notorious “Easter Spells” that usually mark winters last gasp, we’ll turn the corner into spring. When we do, you better just be ready. Everything out there with a ticking biological clock will be all about procreation and the urgent need to feed to support their reproductive process. Fish will be hungry, turkeys will be foraging and deer will need nutritional support from your feeders for their growing fawns.

Pay attention to the weatherman for whatever insight he can give you and try not to cuss the wonky weather too much.

Just remember what July and August are like, when the weatherman could go on extended vacation and not be missed because the weather never changes – just hot and dry, over and over again!

Half or Full Day Fishing Trips All Bait, Tackle & Equipment Furnished Your catch Filleted and Bagged for You Furnish your TPWD Fishing License & Refreshments, and WE DO THE REST!

Sunrise departure

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

San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

Page 13

Chapter of the year

Big red caught

Roman Perez, M&M Metals Inc. shared this photo of the 27-inch redfish his daughter caught during their spring break vacation. She caught the fish in St. Charles Bay. -cmw

A modern and rustic touch

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MK Contractor Services owner, Michael Kuehne

t is not the usual case for someone to wake up one morning and decide to start their own business. However, this is exactly what Michael Kuehne did in 2008. Previously, he was working in the executive world for several years. Kuehne soon realized that construction was his true passion, which was introduced to him as a kid. A family trade traced back from relatives in Germany. He knew it was time to go back to his carpentry roots.

Born in Los Angeles, CA, Kuehne moved to Texas as a baby. Since then he has stayed and formed his own business in San Antonio, TX. Working in his grandfather and father’s shop has taught Kuehne the fundamentals of craftsmanship.

He was surrounded by it daily and spent his time helping with various projects. It was a skill that he learned to love and would benefit him in the long run even if he did not realize it at that time.

When starting the business, Kuehne was working with a friend and shared the title as co-owner. Over time, Kuehne knew he was more than capable of running the business on his own. Becoming a solo owner of MK Contractor Services turned out to be the best fit for Kuehne.

The company is based in San Antonio where Kuehne has lived the majority of his life. Services are provided to surrounding cities and even as far out as Corpus Christi, TX. If the project has merit, driving to a city a couple of hours away is not an issue. With a team of 20, the company finds a way to provide to clients near and semi-far.

Throughout Kuehne’s life in San Antonio, he lived in the area of Monte Vista area. Monte Vista, an old neighborhood north of downtown known for its interesting and historical architecture. Kuehne acquired a taste for this older Craftsman style by being raised in the area and witnessing the same admiration of it from his own father. Restoration on older projects is what Kuehne has learned to do because it was also his father’s niche.

MK Contractor Services focuses on restoration, repair and renovation of historical homes and buildings. Simple jobs include redecorating a wall and more extensive jobs include entire building restorations where he says they renovate everything from “top to bottom.” Kuehne emphasizes that his company takes the time to incorporate their skill in keeping the historic aura. “We use existing craftsmanship but with modern conveniences, keeping the same look and feel of the original craftsmanship,” he said.

The company is able to execute the historical feel by recognizing the importance of wood dimensions, patterns and color, the “little details make a difference in being able to keep the same historical value.” Because downtown San Antonio is consumed with historical architecture, it is no surprise that Kuehne receives many requests from this side of town.

Currently, the company is working on a project where they will be repainting Sunset Station. In the early 1900s, it was utilized as a train station downtown.

The aspect of surprising people on how their older home can look new again never gets old for Kuehne. He enjoys challenges and being able to amaze clients with his craftsmanship. So much so that he gladly accepts out of the box projects.

“Many clients are turned down from other companies because of their difficult project request,” he said. “I am the one who takes on those jobs.”

In Kuehne’s downtime, he continues to work and perfect his craft by building furniture, even for his own home. Kuehne’s passion in crafting is his career and his hobby. He also enjoys fishing. Living in Rockport, TX for a short time provided many opportunities to fish. Another skill and passion of Kuehne’s is photography, which is useful for featuring his craft through his website.

MK Contractor Services is a carpentry and renovation contractor in San Antonio, TX. –tnp

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ASA members toast their chapter after being awarded ASA National Chapter of the Year.

t’s an exciting time for the American Subcontractors Association (ASA) San Antonio Chapter. The San Antonio Chapter was awarded ASA National Chapter of the Year.

Mike McGinnis, Allen & Allen Company, shared his experience from the SubEXCEL. “Attending my first SubEXCEL, I was not sure what to expect. My expectations were far exceeded! It was great to see a collective group from all areas of the country working together to make the construction industry better and stronger for everyone. It didn’t hurt being there to witness winning not only ASA San Antonio’s first “Chapter of the Year award,” but growing from being a 50 to 100-member chapter to an over 100-member chapter and winning the “Chapter of the Year, Over 100 Members award.” Well done Jennifer Swinney and the American Subcontractor AssociationSan Antonio Chapter!” “ S u b E X C E L brings together the best subcontractors in the industry to learn and network. This year’s SubEXCEL had record attendance.

We were introduced to the new Advocacy team who are working hard on construction friendly legislation at the national and state levels. We are in good hands,” says Paul Brennan, NAPCO Precast and ASA Chapter and National board member.

“I totally did not see this coming. I knew we were nominated, but…I was just so excited for all of our fabulous members. They truly make this chapter great! SubEXCEL is a great opportunity to meet and network with fellow ASA members from around the country, sharing ideas and common struggles, and working toward solutions for the industry. This year will forever be etched on my heart as nothing will take away the excitement and joy of hearing San Antonio announced as Large Chapter of the Year!

This chapter has worked so hard to build membership, increase involvement, and bring greater value to the industry. It was wonderful to see our hard work recognized and celebrated! Way to go ASA SAN ANTONIO! YOU DID IT!!! -cmw

War story glory

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The Beldon family L-R: Marshall Beldon, Mackenzie Beldon, Brittany Beldon, Susan Beldon, Dylan Beldon and Brad Beldon.

rad Beldon has a good “war story” about how his grandfather Morry Beldon founded Beldon Roofing Company.

“Morry was on General Patton’s staff in the war and he came through Fort Sam twice,” Brad explains. “Morry and his wife Ann decided that they liked the warm weather in Texas better than they did in Boston. They moved here with three little kids under age 10 and started a roofing business here in January 1946.”

One of those children, Michael, began helping out at age 12, followed by Michael’s son Brad at the same age.

“We grew up in the business and learned it from the bottom up,” Brad says.

“Both of us only had one job outside of the company; my dad sold shoes and I worked for another roofing contractor in Washington, D.C. area.”

After earning a business management degree from the University of Texas at Austin, Brad moved back to San Antonio with his wife Susan to work full-time in the family business. Currently serving as Chief Cultural Officer and CEO, Brad has made

his mark in the 30 years since.

“I’ve added the technology aspect and the ability to travel,” he says. “We were a residential contractor; in the ‘80s, we blossomed into doing commercial and started traveling outside of Texas.

We’re licensed in 42 states. We work in up to 10 states a year.”

Brad and Michael also started a gutter company in the ‘90s and last year sold the 11 branches outside of Texas to concentrate on the local market. The Beldon family is also establishing a foundation to benefit charities.

Several family members are enlisted to help in Beldon Roofing Company.

Susan helps with collections, and Brad’s first cousin’s son-in-law, Brandon Mazzocco, is director of operations. Brad says three of his four children have also shown interest in the company.

“My brother and I had a responsibility to hold the torch for 30 years,” Brad says.

“Now we can pass it on to the next generation.”

Roofing subcontractor Beldon Roofing Company is in San Antonio. –mjm

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San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

Page 15

And the winner is…

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his year, the American Subcontractors Association (ASA) changed things up.

At ASA’s annual Excellence in Construction Awards banquet, one would think they were at the academy awards with each award being presented by separate presenters. Jokes and comments were shared between the presenters and the audience. And then those infamous words are heard, “and the winner is,” followed by the opening of the envelope to reveal this year’s winners. –cmw

2018 President’s Award: Kenneth Moore, KCM Cabinets Inc.

2018 Outstanding Project Superintendent: Jimmy Worswick, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors (accepting on Worswick’s behalf - Russell Harder)

2018 Project of the Year $2.5 - $5 Million: San Antonio Produce Terminal Market – Keller-Martin Construction

2018 Project of the Year Under $2.5 Million: Global Luxury Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Class A Office – G.W. Mitchell

2018 Outstanding Project of the Year $10 - $20 Million: Bexar County Public Works Headquarters – Joeris General Contractors

2018 Outstanding Project Manager: Reid Loehman, Malitz Construction

2018 Pioneer Award: Tony Ridout, Ridout Barrett & Co.

2018 Project of the Year $5 - $10 Million: North East ISD Sports Park Improvements | Baseball Facilities – Marksmen General Contractors

2018 General Contractor of the Year: Joeris General Contractors

2018 Outstanding Project of the Year Over $20 Million: Texas A&M University, San Antonio & Technology Building – SpawGlass

Page 16

San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

What is your dream/fantasy job?

A job that is outdoors, a park ranger. It would need to be in the hill country where it is not too hot or too cold.

Willie Treviño, Treviño Tile

My dream job is to be a mermaid. Swim all day, look great and never gain weight.

You’re okay until somebody hooks you.

Dana Hickman, TDIndustries

We love BBQ so much that I would own a BBQ food truck.

Layton Allison, Formal Flooring

My dream/fantasy job is to be a marine biologist. The ocean life has been my thing since I was a kid.

Jessica Estrada, M K Marlow Company LLC

My dream job is to be an RV driver for Nascar.

Jon Randolph, Baker Triangle Retirement.

Kevin Medford, Equipment Depot Doing ministry work is my dream job. I already do that on the side as much as I can on weekends and after hours.

Odette Castillo, Allied Fire Protectio To be a project manager for Baker Drywall.

Why would I want to be anything else?

Paul Montanez, Baker Drywall Confetti salesman. Everybody wants confetti and party supplies.

Leland Rocchio, Jordan Foster Construction My dream job is to be a cook.

Shelia Bonilla-Ferdin, PeopleReady Skilled Trades Being a safety manager at TDIndustries. I love what I do. I think anybody who works with me will tell you that.

Rodney Lyons, TDIndustries My dream job is to be a dentist some day.

Benjamin Joseph, Trade Management Outside sales at RAM Tool.

Tom Pettyjohn, RAM Tool Construction Supply Co To play.

Paul Peltier, Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing Inc.

My dream job is to travel and go to place I have never seen before.

Joe Hurta, Alamo Concrete Products I’m doing my dream job. I’m doing safety for my company and I love watching over my guys and keeping them safe. I’m also shop foreman. I get to do a little bit of everything.

Juan Artiaga, T&D Moravits Concrete Contractors My dream job would be to not work and live on the beach.

Albert Gomez, Galaxy Builders Ltd Camp cook. Barbecuing is my specialty.

David Mechler, HD Supply Full-time millionaire.

Lori Navarro, The Beck Companies Building concrete structures.

Mariano Molina, Clearfield Construction I’m working my dream job.

Robbin Bostick, San Antonio Masonry and Tool Supply I grew up around water and love fishing.

I would be a sunken treasure hunter.

Michael Kuehne, MK Contractor Services Number one would be a pitcher for the Houston Astros. Now, it would be the manager.

Joel Frederick, Quarter Moon Plumbing

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Submitted to Construction News

Round-Up

Sundt Construction Inc. is pleased to announce the following: Hayden Boster has joined the San Antonio team as Project Manager on the Canopy by Hilton Downtown San Antonio. Boster has served as field engineer for Sundt’s Building Group’s Southwest and California Districts. He holds a bachelor’s degree in architectural studies from the Univ. of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in construction technology from Texas State University. –cmw Brian Cox has joined the Sundt family as Project Executive. Cox brings over 20 years experience and will oversee numerous projects and develop business relationships.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Construction Science from Texas A&M University. –cmw Ridout Barrett is pleased to announce the addition of Sarita Akin, CPA as Tax Director of the firm’s S.A. office. Akin brings more than 25 years’ experience in public accounting, advising clients in the oil and gas industry, construction, family-owned businesses, multi-state corporations, and the non-profit sector. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. –cmw

Brent Jordan has joined the Structure Tone family as account executive. Jordan will oversee client development efforts and help lead the firm’s construction operations. He has 14 years experience in the engineering and construction industries, both as a field engineer and project manager. He is well versed in the benefits and executive of “lean” construction and value engineering techniques. –cmw Adrian Stasiuk has been named Friedrich Air Conditioning Co.’s new Vice President of Sales and a key member of Friedrich’s executive management team. Stasiuk will lead all aspects of the company’s international sales organization and drive strategies to continue Friedrich’s sales growth.

Stasiuk brings more than 20 years of experience in the HVAC, design and construction industry. –cmw Central Electric has promoted Kyle Reding to Service Manager. Reding has been part of the Central family since 2012 as a project lead foreman.

He brings 10-plus years experience in residential, commercial and industrial service with knowledge and electrical experience in customer service and project management.

–cmw

San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

Page 17

Treviño’s tile tradition

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Treviño Tile owners father, Mario and sons, Willie and Jimmy

he flooring and tile industry has been imprinted in Willie Treviño since the day he was born. His grandfather built homes in Mexico, and Treviño’s father worked for his father. It is a passed down family trade.

In 1998, the Treviño family decided to go all in and start their own tile company, Treviño Tile. Because Treviño and many family members were born and raised in San Antonio, TX, they knew it was the right location for the business.

Currently there are a total of six crewmembers, three groups with two members each. The Trevińo family helps each other run the business. They make it work with the assistance and joint ownership with his father, Mario and brother, Jimmy.

Servicing San Antonio and surrounding cities, the team stays busy with a variety of residential and commercial jobs.

For instance, the company completed a project for IPAC Nissan. Trevińo Tile focuses mainly on floors but also bath and shower remodel. Change outs and up-

grades are high in demand for Trevińo, especially in bathrooms.

Trevińo has and will always enjoy completing floor projects, “There is nothing better than a greatly finished floor.”

Even though the company specializes in a variety of home renovations, the focus is in tile. Trevińo credits his website and online service request for the impact of his growing business. According to Trevińo, word of mouth of satisfied customers also has a great impact on the business, and customer satisfaction is of upmost importance, “All of us here make sure that the customer is happy.”

As an alumni of Alamo Heights High School, Trevińo’s son will be one also.

There is also a possibility of his son working in the industry as well. In the mean time, Trevińo cherishes his time with his son by taking him to different sporting events and assisting in his sporting leagues.

Trevińo Tile is a ceramic tile installation service company in San Antonio, TX. –tnp

Talking in wood

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Nick Chapko, owner of Nick’s Custom Woodworking

ick Chapko admits he’s not much of a conversationalist; he prefers to let his wood pieces do the talking.

But the namesake of Nick’s Custom Woodworking is worth listening to. He’s the third generation of his family in the carpentry trade.

“My dad and grandfather were carpenters and I learned from them,” he said. “When I was a kid, I was always building things and just continued as I got older.”

Chapko was in the 8th grade in 1956 when he left his formal education behind to get into construction full time.

Prior to opening up his custom woodworking business in 1980, Chapko did trim work and built houses. His current company started because “I was always building things,” he said. “I’d see a picture in a magazine and if I liked it, I built it, and it just turned into a business.”

Chapko does mainly residential commissioned pieces now, but used to do a lot of, and prefers, commercial projects.

In commercial work, “you run into a lot of

different things,” he said. Chapko has done many banks and restaurants. Unfortunately, the amount of insurance a contractor is required to have is a detriment to Chapko doing more commercial work.

Since he’s been at it so long, Chapko has observed how styles and tastes have evolved. “It changes a lot through the years,” he said. “Right now everybody’s going with the Shaker design and they’re painting their cabinets. Ten years ago, it was all raised panel doors and stain. It’s weird how it’s changed.”

Chapko personally “likes red oak myself because it has a beautiful grain.”

Chapko is an old school veteran of wood. He is an expert at reading plans. It “just came natural. I’d just look at the plans and I knew exactly what it would look like.”

Chapko turns 78 this month and “still at it,” he said. “I’ll build anything for anybody, really.” His custom pieces have plenty to talk about.

Nick’s Custom Woodworking is in San Antonio. -dsz

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Don’t even think about it

eing number one in something can be nice.

Then again, not so much. Take Texas, for instance.

The Lone Star State is numero uno in the nation by far when it comes to equipment theft.

Ouch.

The National Equipment Register and National Insurance Crime Bureau’s 2016 Equipment Theft Report shows that Texas had 2,375 thefts that year, three times the amount of the second placed state (North Carolina).

Enter Ryan Birdsell, chief operating officer of SATX GPS Technologies. Birdsell is an ex-Army IT specialist, and with another tech wizard (Kyle Fitzgerald) and retired police officer and former private investigator (Henry Mota), he Ryan Birdsell, COO of SATX GPS Technologies formed SATX GPS in 2014.

The driver in starting SATX GPS was compressors, etc. When SATX GPS is conMota was using a GPS service in his PI tacted, Birdsell will install GPS devices work, but they were charging him too that work worldwide. Authorities can be much. He approached Birdsell if he find a notified when these items are stolen and way to do the same thing for less. Birdsell where they can be found.

Many times, the company’s insurgot with Fitzgerald and figured it all out.

GPS technology has many applica- ance is not only reduced but dropped tions; much of it has to do with theft pro- because they no longer have to insure tection or loss. Theft of farming equip- their gear for theft, knowing it will be rement is rampant in California. In the con- covered.

When a construction company has a struction industry, specifically, equip- ment theft is huge. Case in point is a re- fleet of vehicles, GPS will be installed so cent event in San Antonio, where an em- management can notify customers that a ployee of a paving company was stealing vehicle is on its way and so many minutes very expensive tires off loaders, stashing out. Or, in case the driver has the notion them in a storage facility to await the that he can make a few bucks if he can truck to take them away for resell. SATX get the truck to the border.

GPS allowed the police to catch the Don’t even think about stealing something equipped by SATX GPS. crook(s) within 48 hours.

“Hey, Siri - where’s my tractor?”

It’s common for trailers full of tools to SATX GPS Technologies is a tracking go missing, not to mention items like backhoes, tractors, forklifts, bulldozers, solutions provider in San Antonio. - dsz

Construction News ON LOCATION

Taking a break

Ashley Penix and Terry Harp take a break from reviewing plans at Capital Hardwoods and Millwork. cmw

Construction News ON LOCATION

A Morrison visit

Morrison Supply Company employees L-R: Rick Porter, Jerry Fischer and Dean Tollefson visit with Construction News. -cmw

Page 18

San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

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

Believe in yourself Becky Rodriguez, Senior Project Manager, Turner Construction Co. President, National Association of Women in Construction, San Antonio, TX

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or Becky Rodriguez, being a mentor to future female construction leaders is her inspiration and driving force. She is an active member and current president of the San Antonio Chapter of National Association of Women (NAWIC). Getting involved in associations and networking helped her meet other women in the industry and provided her with personal and career growth. “If it doesn’t scare you a little, you’re not challenging yourself.”

What is your background in the construction industry?

I began my entire career with Clark Construction and worked with them for 18 years in Texas, California, and Louisiana. I relocated back to San Antonio and worked for Zachry Construction for five years in their building division. Currently I am a senior project manager at Turner Construction in San Antonio.

Why did you choose a career in construction?

Construction chose me. I was attending school for accounting, while working full-time as a temp for a general contractor.

I appreciated that each day brought

on new challenges. Three months later, I was hired full-time and quickly decided this is where I wanted to be. I changed my major to construction while working as a field office manager. I later moved into project management as I continued college on a part-time basis. I have never regretted changing my major and I look forward to what each day brings.

What specific challenges have you faced?

Through my construction career, being in a non-traditional industry for women, there were challenges that as a female I faced that males in this industry do not have to face.

Put your hard hat on & go for it Ashlyn Holt, Project Manager’s Assistant Alterman Austin, TX

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rom architectural firm to electrical field, Holt enjoys watching projects blossom while setting small, obtainable goals, mastering them and setting new ones.

What is your background in the construction industry?

I have been in the industry since 2013. I worked for an architectural firm in San Antonio where I was able to build the foundation of my knowledge in the construction industry. From there I switched gears and moved into the electrical contracting world where I’ve been able to

apply the “whole picture,” knowledge and hone in on a single trade “whole picture” process.

Why did you choose a career in construction/construction-related industry?

I grew up in the industry. My dad is a project manager now and was in the field when I was little. Getting to go to his job-

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

How did you overcome those challenges?

Overcoming some of these challenges was not easy. I reached a point in my career where I realized I did not have to be like the guys to be successful and that being a female in this industry has its strengths.

Instead of focusing on the challenges, I shifted my focus to my own strengths and on improving my leadership skills and knowledge on the technical side.

In your experience, are more opportunities opening up for women in the construction industry?

There has been an increase in the number of women in construction from when I started in the industry. There has been an increase in middle management; unfortunately there is not many women in upper management positions. I would love to see those percentages increase.

What areas in construction do you see the most increase in jobs for women?

Women work in all facets of the construction industry. However, this is only comprised of approximately 9.3 percent of women according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The most increase has been on the project management side, but there needs to be a push to see more growth in field management and in the trades.

sites always fascinated me, so when an opportunity arose for me to get started in the construction world, I took it!

Do you have (or have you had) a mentor? Please explain I have never had a mentor; I have, however, had people along my path that have heavily influenced my work ethic and beliefs along the way. I had the pleasure of working with an architect named Kent Niemann for four years. Kent’s reputation comes from his meticulous attention to detail and focus on delivering quality work. Kent has since retired and I have moved onto Alterman but I still ask myself every day, “What would Kent do?”

His expectations for quality were second to none and I still find myself striving to reach that level of excellence.

What are the benefits of women pursuing a construction career?

In your opinion, which is more important for a construction career - education or experience?

In my personal opinion, experience is more important, with education closely following. Having one without the other can potentially stunt your career growth.

As a female working in a male dominated industry, experience is a must!

What are the rewards of the construction industry?

Completing projects on time, within budget, turning over a project the owner loves, and knowing that you were an integral part of building that project.

What advice can you offer women who want to pursue a construction career?

Believe in yourself and believe that you know what you are talking about.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t stand in the background and always take your seat at the table. Always remember you worked hard to be in the position you are in and that your voice matters.

Turner Construction Company is a fullservice general contractor.

National Association of Women in Construction is a professional networking association for women in the field of construction. -cmw

As a female, pursuing a career in construction can be a daunting decision. Often I am the only female in meetings, and I am most certainly the only person wearing a pink hardhat onsite, but it’s worth it.

The construction industry is booming.

There is unlimited growth, potential and endless learning opportunities.

What do you enjoy most about your career?

I always say that my job is like building the biggest LEGO structure ever. I love watching a project go from an idea composed of a few words on paper, through schematics, design and finally construction. When I walk a project for the final time, it’s the same feeling as putting that final LEGO brick on your structure. It’s a very accomplished feeling.

What specific challenges have you faced?

Oh, where to begin? For starters, working for an electrical contractor without any formal electrical training is a challenge every day! There is not one day that I do not learn something new. There are so many components and terms to learn about the electrical trade. It can seem overwhelming at times, but I love tackling new challenges.

How did you overcome those challenges?

I am very fortunate to work with an incredible group of people. I share an office with three project engineers who are always willing to teach me and guide me through obstacles I face. We also have an awesome group of project managers who go out of their way on a daily basis to make sure I succeed in everything I do as a part of their project team.

What are your goals for the future in the construction industry?

I decide and tackle my goals a little differently. I set small attainable goals for myself. Once I reach or master those, I set my next goals. I feel that this keeps my future constantly evolving into something bigger and greater. I never want to reach the point where I must ask myself, “What now?” My goal is to always be asking, “What’s next?” continued on Page 20

San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

Page 19

CONCRETE INDUSTRY

NEXT TH MON

To represent your company in an upcoming FOCUS, contact SAeditor@ConstructionNews.net 210-308-5800

Just do it!

Brianna Wright, Executive Director, American Subcontractors Association – Houston Chapter Houston, TX

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rianna Wright, LEED AP, Executive Director, American Subcontractors Association-Houston Chapter (ASAHC), has been with the organization since 1997.

As the only staff person at ASA-HC, she is responsible for all aspects of running the organization, including working directly for the board of directors, financial administration, membership fulfillment, committee management, education programming, event coordination, all communications inside and outside of the organization, serving as liaison to industry organizations, and managing public relations. With more than 25 years of association management experience, Wright provides ASA-HC with the leadership, experience and knowledge needed for it to continue its path of success.

What is your background in the construction industry?

While I haven’t worked directly for a

company that does construction, I’ve served construction companies and the construction industry for more than 22 years as the executive director of the American Subcontractors Association – Houston Chapter.

Why did you choose a career in the construction industry?

I didn’t choose it. It chose me.

Through a string of fortunate events, I found myself working for ASA-HC in the summer of 1997 and I haven’t looked back since.

What are the benefits of women pursuing a construction career?

For the industry, the benefit is the overwhelming number of women looking

Changing the industry Krystal Atcheson, STS-Construction® Assistant Superintendent, Skanska USA Building Inc., Dallas, TX

for a place they can thrive. For women, construction is an industry that offers opportunities in a tremendous number of areas and at every skill level. So whatever it is she is looking for, it most likely can be found in the construction industry.

field is starting to no longer be a “novelty” and companies have begun to realize it’s an untapped market of highly competent individuals who are willing to learn and are looking for the opportunity to show what they can do.

Are more opportunities opening up for women in the construction industry?

Absolutely! The industry is finally realizing there is an untapped, highly-motivated, hard-working, reliable group of individuals looking for a place to make a good living, feel accomplished and share their knowledge – and that group is women.

From a woman’s perspective, has the construction industry changed over the years and how?

Without a doubt. When I first started 22 years ago, I was typically the only woman in the room at our association meetings, and when I wasn’t, there were only one or two others. Now, it’s very rare that I’m in a meeting with all men and occasionally I’ve looked around the table at a business meeting and the women out numbered the men by a lot.

Is this due to the overall shortage of construction professionals and workers?

I do believe that is/was part of it. I think in the beginning, it was more like companies were willing to “take a chance” on hiring a woman. Now though, I think the cat is out of the bag that women are extremely successful in the construction industry.

What areas do you see the most increase in jobs for women?

Jobs in the office and in management are where I’ve seen the most increase. However, hiring women for the

Brandi McDowell, Field Administrator/ Assistant Project Engineer,

Skanska USA Building Inc., Dallas, TX

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tcheson grew up in the construction industry and went to her father’s jobsites. She has worked on numerous projects through the years as well as advanced in her career to be an assistant superintendent at Skanska.

With a background in psychology and theater, McDowell uses these skills to accomplish her day-to-day tasks on the jobsite.

Cook grew up around the Wylie community and is now back as an adult constructing a building that will leave a lasting and positive impact on her childhood home.

Why did you choose a career in construction?

Krystal: My dad encouraged me to work in construction. He knew there was a great opportunity there for me to not only find a job, but make a career out of construction because of the abundance of construction projects, my early exposure to jobsites and interest in the industry.

Brandi: For me, joining and working in the construction industry was an unexpected surprise. I was motivated to find full-time employment, instead of continuing to freelance write and direct, so I could adopt my son. I submitted my resume to Skanska and haven’t turned back.

Lucy: I went into college planning for a career in engineering until I realized what engineers do, and I decided that was not the path for me. I was offered an opportunity to go into construction management, which has nearly equal pay for women and endless opportunities for advancement, so I decided to pursue a career in the construction industry instead.

What specific challenges have you faced?

Krystal: My challenges are similar to my young, male counterparts – trying to prove myself and be taken seriously while making a name for myself.

Brandi: My biggest challenge has been overcoming the fact that I have a different educational background than most of my coworkers. My degrees are in psychology and theater, so I’ve had to learn on the job versus what my colleagues have learned in the classroom and through internships.

Lucy: The biggest challenge I’ve faced is communicating with upper level management and stepping into leadership positions.

How did you overcome those challenges?

Krystal: Through perseverance and the hope that I am being a maverick in this industry. My work is helping to pave the way so future generations of women can enter this industry.

Brandi: Good, old-fashioned hard work and an eagerness to learn and succeed.

Lucy: By being my own advocate and developing relationships with coworkers who advocate for me as well.

In your opinion, which is more important for a construction career - education or experience?

Krystal: Experience, 1,000 percent.

While education gets your foot in the door, experience is what will help you succeed long term. Arming yourself with technical knowledge is the best thing, in my opinion, to further anyone’s construction career.

Brandi: While education will help,

What advice can you offer women who want to pursue a construction career?

Do it! It’s an exciting industry with opportunities in every aspect of the business of construction. Whether you want to be in an office, work with your hands in the field, or run a crew, there is a place for you in construction.

The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) is a national membership trade association of construction specialty trade contractors, suppliers and service providers. -cmw

Lucy Cook, Project Engineer, ➤ Skanska USA Building Inc., Dallas, TX

nothing will ever top daily experience on the jobsite, learning from seasoned professionals in the field and just gaining allaround exposure to the construction industry. I have become a field administrator, and I aspire to become a project engineer through hard work and experience.

Lucy: Experience. While education makes it easier for you to get your foot in the door and makes you hirable, con-

struction is learning on the job. A bachelor’s degree in construction science is important, but the on-the-job training and knowledge is what sets you apart from everyone else.

What advice can you offer women who want to pursue a construction career?

Krystal: Go do it! I would research continued on Page 20

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San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

continued for page 18 In your opinion, which is more important for a construction career - education or experience?

Experience is the golden egg in our industry. Experience is what is going to give you the education you need to succeed in this industry. I don’t think this should be a deterrent for young professionals in our industry, but an avenue to learn from experienced colleagues. The advice and direction I have received from my colleagues who have been in the industry has been a defining factor in my career path thus far.

What advice can you offer women who want to pursue a construction career?

Put your hard hat on and go for it!

Construction is a different world than most. It’s collaborative and engaging, but fast-paced and stressful. Your job will be different every day and the solutions you come up with today can sometimes be your hurdles for tomorrow. Don’t let the fact that it’s a male-dominated field keep you from pursuing a career in the industry. The opportunities are in abundance and the business is booming!

Alterman is a full-service electrical contractor. -cmw

continued for page 19 and find either a technical college or university and learn a skill or trade. Whether that’s joining a union or taking construction management classes, the opportunities to make a better life for you are out there. You just have to go look for them and then pursue them.

Brandi: Do it and do it your way.

There are so many opportunities beyond the construction jobsite.

Lucy: Pursue your career relentlessly.

There are more than enough jobs in this industry and a high demand for women to fill these roles.

From a woman’s perspective, has the construction industry changed over the years?

Krystal: The construction industry is changing because of the presence of women. It’s no longer just a “boys” club.”

Leaders are slowly realizing that they have to change the way the industry operates if they want to continue to see women join and work in construction.

Brandi: Construction is actually seeking women to join the different ranks, especially here at Skanska. From field work to leadership roles, more and more females are contributing to the construction industry.

Lucy: There are more women coming into the construction industry. It’s gone from maybe one other woman in

the entire office to having three women within Skanska working on just our project site. I definitely foresee more working in this industry in the coming years.

What are your goals for the future in the construction industry?

Krystal: Overall, I would love to see the construction industry look more like 50/50.

Brandi: I aspire to grow and reach the project manager level.

Lucy: I would like to see an increase of women in leadership roles across the industry and to continue promoting equal opportunity and growth. Skanska is very excited to be hosting a “Day of Discovery” at the Collin College Wylie Campus in partnership with Wylie Independent School District. This event will bring high school girls in vocational programs to the site for a tour, lunch and Q&A panel with female leaders in different positions to help expose the students to the various options in the construction industry.

For myself, I eventually want to be either a project manager or pursue opportunities to work on the business development side, which is essentially winning new work and working with potential new or repeat clients.

Skanska USA Building Inc. is a full-service general contractor. -cmw

Industry FOLKS Kyle Reding Foreman

Central Electric San Antonio, TX

K

yle Reding was born in Topeka, KS, but grew up in the San Antonio area, more specifically Helotes, and says San Antonio’s winters are much better than those of Kansas. Can’t argue there. Our winters are pretty nice, relatively speaking.

He attended and graduated from Sandra Day O’Connor High School and later attended classes at Northwest Vista before starting the IEC apprenticeship program.

You often hear that college isn’t for everyone. He realized that and began cleaning job sites for a family friend who built custom homes. While working for his friend, he told Reding that he should find a trade. He applied at Turney Lighting & Electric in 2008 where he worked for three years. After three years, Reding needed something more challenging and found work at Central Electric. Starting as an apprentice, he moved his way up, finished the IEC program, got his license and became a foreman.

“I’ve been a foreman at Central Electric for the past four years. Some of the jobs I’ve worked on have been 14 well sites for SAWS Brackish Water Treatment Plant, Applewhite Warehouse, Tobin Center Garage and most recently the beginning of Phase II at Botanical Gardens. I have also done layout with our Trimble robot on several of our job sites. I enjoy the trouble-

shooting part of my job the most, either on site with circuits or in the office.

I like the challenge of getting it figured out. It is worth all the stress once everything comes together in the end.”

Reding says his mother is the greatest mentor in his life. “I know raising my older brother and I as a single mother wasn’t easy. We were taught to always appreciate what we had, work hard, and not to give up if there’s a goal we want to achieve. She has always supported us in the sports we played to raising pigs in Ag. He married his wife Faith in May 2016. They met at Saint Mary’s Oyster Bake through mutual friends while working the event. “The three years we’ve been married have just flown by so far. We are expecting our first baby, a boy, in June of this year.”

They have three pets, a German Shepard, a Beagle and a cat. “They’re a handful at times and good training for kids.”

In Reding’s spare time, he enjoys messing around with woodworking, building furniture and just making things. He and his wife enjoy being outdoors camping and kayaking. They also enjoy traveling and going on cruises. -cmw

JOB SIGHTS

MGC Contractors’ Josh Vasquez oversees a pipe shipment at the San Antonio Water System’s Central Water Integration Pipeline Bitters Pump Station & Segment 5-3 project. -cmw

Antelmo Herrera, HK Builders LP bolting up connections at the new Azteca Designs Inc. warehouse in Somerset, TX. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

Page 21

Association Calendar

continued from Page 1 — Luke’s Asphalt Paving The company stays busy with asphalt installation and maintenance. This includes a variety of patching methods and seal coating. The focus is on outdoor terrain such as parking lots, driveways and walkways. From fixing a crack to ripping out and installing new asphalt, Luke’s Asphalt Paving takes on projects of all kind. Many requests are from brand new residential properties including neighborhood roads.

Luke’s Asphalt Paving has long-lasting business relations with residents and commercial companies. There are ongoing service contracts with mom and pop businesses and restaurants like Dairy Queen. Recently the company completed a large commercial project for a KOA campground by tearing out old asphalt and topsoil to replace with new asphalt.

Even though jobs like these are time-consuming and challenging, Luke favors these projects.

“I enjoy starting from scratch and installing new asphalt. Overlays are fun too,” he said.

One of the largest projects accomplished by the company was for a resident in Pearsall, TX. Luke installed 250,000 sq. ft. of road for the longtime customer.

As an owner, Luke enjoys the sales and marketing aspect of running his business. Clients come in through refer-

rals and through their website. What is distinctive about the company’s website is their web journal feature. The work journal contains archives of past projects with detailed descriptions and pictures.

The log goes as far back as 2012.

Another perk of being an owner is Luke’s freedom to be able to attend his paintball competitions. He has played competitively for close to 15 years. He helps manage and plays for a San Antonio-based team. Taylor, a crewmember from Luke’s business, also plays on the same team. Playing competitive paintball means having to attend out-of-town tournaments in states such as Nevada, Florida and Illinois. There is even an annual summer tournament in Dallas, TX, so the freedom of being self-employed is helpful.

When Luke needs to be at a tournament, he brings his work with him and attends to the needs of his clients and work crew.

As for upcoming plans for the business, Luke hopes to expand his company.

He has dedicated his life to this family business and plans to continue doing so for as long as possible. This year, Luke and his wife welcomed a baby girl named Whitley in January. It would be Luke’s privilege to be able to pass down Luke’s Asphalt Paving to a fifth generation.

Luke’s Asphalt Paving is an asphalt contractor in Spring Branch, TX. –tp

continued from Page 1 — Speedway Erection made it if I hadn’t done that.”

The ‘90s breathed new life into the construction industry, as projects seemed to slowly return. Culver and Speedway Erection were back in Texas building 100,000sf warehouses in Laredo, building 10 a year. After a couple of years, things started taking off everywhere. For Speedway, they were finally operating well enough to pay everybody back.

“I had some good suppliers,” Bruce says. “They knew we were good for it; we just didn’t have any money at the time. It was tough. They would give us six months out. It’s not like that anymore. Things have changed.”

Reminiscing, Culver recalls, “I was driving 75,000 miles a year and had 16 different jobs running every day. Back then people would call you up and say, ‘I have a job on Monday. Do you have anybody?’ When you have 125 guys you can do that, so we did a lot.

“It’s a little harder to sell nowadays even with all the work,” he adds. “Computers messed it up. You can’t talk to someone and try to sell it to them. It’s all about the bottom dollar. Sometimes you need the quality. Some contractors require quality and we’re lucky to have them because there are a lot out there that don’t.”

His most memorable project was the Formosa Plastics project, an 11-acre plant.

They had built one acre and one end of

the building when the owners wanted them to move to the other end. Just as they were ready to start the roof, a tornado came through and leveled the 3540ft walls in less then three seconds.

Looking back over the past 50 years, Culver praises the people who have worked for him.

“I’ve had so many really good people, some that have worked for me for years,” he says. “They’ve either gotten old or passed away. I have one employee, Larry Garcia, who started working here the day after I started in 1972 and he is still hanging iron. Just the other day he asked me when I was going to quit. I told him I wasn’t. He told me, ‘When you quit, I quit.’

“Losing the employees and watching them go away has been the worst part,” Bruce continues. “They were good people.

When I started, we had two families that made up about half of our company, the Vidales and Contreras families. They all came out of the Southwest High School area. Some of them even worked with my dad before he started Speedway.”

For the next 50 years, Culver hopes to keep doing what they’re doing.

“I would like to see this company go on,” Bruce says. “We have some people here that could very well do that.”

Speedway Erection is steel erection contractor in San Antonio. -cmw

continued from Page 1 — Sundt Construction Inc. parking garage required extensive traffic studies because the park and ride facility would have a speed ramp onto the future US 281.

Bus turning radii, ramp slopes and bus speed had to be considered to make sure the garage and ramps worked with the requirements of both VIA’s bus operations as well as highway traffic safety rules.

Since the project was a Entry into the parking garage and passenger drop off area. design-build effort, Sundt, VIA and RVK all had to work closely to make sure all parties’ interests were met, as well as the needs of neighboring property owners, TxDOT requirements and City of San Antonio traffic needs. Project Manager Ben Martin and Project Superintendent Derrick Minor maintained open lines of communication to ensure the parties’ interests were secured.

Sundt Construction Inc. is a full-service general contractor with offices in Arizona, Crews laying rebar for concrete on the California, Utah and Texas. -cmw first floor of the park & ride facility.

Content submitted by Associations to Construction News ABC

Associated Builders & Contractors Inc.

Apr. 3: Breakfast Club, Alamo Café, 14250 San Pedro Ave., 7:30am.

Apr. 4: 9-Hole Golf Scramble & Casino Mixer, SilverHorn Golf Club, 1100 W. Bitters Rd., 2-7pm. For more info, contact Alissa Miller at alissa@abcsouthtexas.org or 210-342-1994 AGC

Associated General Contractors

Apr. 3: CLC Hard Hat Tour, ChidSafe, 4038 E. Houston St., RSVP Required, 3:304:30pm.

Apr. 16: Brown Bag Lunch, AGC Chapter Office, 10806 Gulfdale, 11:30-1:30pm.

Apr. 18: AGC/ASA Joint Fiesta Mixer, The Beethoven Maennerchor, 422 Pereida St., 4:30-6:30pm. For more info, call Kelly Wilson at 210-349-4921 AIA

American Institute of Architects

Apr. 4: SA Young Architects and Construction Leadership Council Join Mixer, Roadmap Brewery, 723 N. Alamo, 6pm.

Apr. 9: NCARB & You: AXP, ARE & Certification, AIA Center for Architecture, 1344 S. Flores #102, 6pm.

Apr. 17: AIA/SMPS Joint Chapter Meeting, Tobin Center for Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, 11:30am-1pm. For more info, contact Torrey Carleton, Belinda Sanchez or Laura Smith at 210-3494921 or email belinda@aiasa.org ASA

American Subcontractors Association

Apr. 11: Leading Edge Awareness, Joeris General Contractors Offices, 7:45am.

Apr. 18: ASA/AGC Joint Fiesta Mixer, The Beethoven Maennerchor, 422 Pereida St., 8620 N. New Braunfels, 7th Flr., 11:30am.

Apr. 23: General Meeting, The Petroleum Club of SA, 8620 N. New Braunfels 7th Flr. For more info, call Jennifer Swinney at 210-349-2105

IEC

Independent Electrical Contractors

Apr. 10: Quarterly Luncheon, IEC Training Center, 5511 Ingram Rd., 11:30am-1pm.

Apr. 18: Career Day, Warren High School, 9411Military Dr., 11:30am-2:30pm.

Apr. 23: NEISD Career Night, Blossom Athletic Center, 12002 Jones Maltsberger Rd., 6-8pm. For more info, contact Julie Tucker at 210-431-9861 or email jtucker@ iecsanantonio.org MCA-SMACNA of San Antonio Mechanical and Sheet Metal Contractors Assn.

Apr. 10: Regular & Associates Meeting, The Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels, 7th Flr. For more info, call Sandee Morgan at 210-822-3763 Apr. 24: Joint Industry Fund Meeting, MCA-SMACNA office, 12500 Network Blvd., #410, 11:30am.

May 2: MCA-SMACNA Golf Tournament, SilverHorn Golf Club, 1100 W. Bitters Rd., 11:30am Registration. For more info, call Sandee Morgan at 210-822-3763 NAWIC

National Assn. of Women in Construction

Apr. 5-6: NAWIC Forum, Menger Hotel, 204 Alamo Plaza.

Apr. 10: General Membership Meeting, The Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels, 5:45pm. For more info, call Becky Rodriguez at 210-639-2489 or email rjrodriguez@tcco.com PHCC

Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors

Apr. 24: HS Career Fair.

Apr. 25-26: Texas Round Up/Convention.

For more info, call Heidi Trimble at 210-8247422 or go to www.phcc-sanantonio.org TACCA

HCAdeSA

Hispanic Contractors Assn. de San Antonio

Apr. 17: Monthly Meeting, Holt CAT, 5665 SE Loop 410, 6-8pm Apr. 25: PMP Education Series, HCAdeSA Offices, 2391 NE Loop 410 #206, 1-5pm.

Apr. 30: Financial Mgmt., HCAdeSA Of-

M

fices, 2391 NE Loop 410 #206, 8:30am. For more info, call Dave Sanchez at 210-4441111 or email dave@hcadesa.org

Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Assn.

Greater San Antonio

Apr. 18: Membership Meeting, The Barn Door, 8400 N. New Braunfels. No Charge 1st member attendee, $20 additional member attendee. For more info, call Dawn Thompson at 210-901-4222

ABC hold’ em

embers of the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) South Texas Chapter gathered at the Greater San Antonio Builders Association for ABC’s first annual Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament. The event held on Feb. 13 was a great success.

Would-be gamblers filled nine tables until only nine players remained. –cmw Texas Hold ‘Em winners: 2nd Place: Terry Hartman 3rd Place: Nick Martinez 4th Place: Jacob Robles

Clayton Hendricks, ABC’s 2019 Texas Hold ‘Em 1st Place winner.

Page 22

San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

Keeping safe

Now that’s a party!

Dana Calonge, Construction News, was in for a surprise when she came to work on her birthday and saw her office. Her co-workers plastered her office with red solo cups.

To make matters worse, all the solo cups were filled with water!

None of these co-workers claim to know anything about it!

From rubber to metal

K

The Koetter Fire Protection team in San Antonio

oetter Fire Protection is a full service commercial and industrial fire suppression systems contractor.

Headquartered in Dallas, Koetter has offices in seven major Texas cities.

Rudy Oliva is the general manager of the San Antonio office. Prior to joining Koetter, he served in the U.S. Navy for 21 years. “The military was a great experience. I got to travel to places I would have never been or even thought about going.”

Oliva says every year, the company has an employee recognition and luncheon event. He seems proud of working there. He said he enjoys putting out product with the Koetter name on it.

“Koetter is growing fast. We are taking on any and all projects. Nothing is too big or too small for us to handle,” said Oliva. “Fire alarm, fire sprinkler, kitchen suppression and fire extinguishers are our specialties. With the help our other branches, we can tackle any fire protection need.”

Oliva has been with Koetter since 2014. He is father to three children: a

24-year-old daughter and two sons, ages 13 and 14. His family enjoys movies, outdoor activities and sports, and Oliva’s special interest is traveling.

Koetter has a full line of commercial and industrial fire protection systems and products. These include portable fire extinguishers, fire suppression (non-portable, specialty applications), and fire detection systems for smoke, heat and fire.

The Koetter team has degreed engineers, fire protection consultants, and NICET certified designers. The field technicians and superintendents have an average of 10-plus years with Koetter Fire Protection.

Koetter Fire Protection was founded in 1961. They have offices in Dallas, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Longview, Corpus Christi, Lubbock and Abilene. In addition to Texas clients, others include Europe, Asia and across North America.

Their tagline is, “All you need to know about fire protection.”

Koetter Fire Protection is a full service fire systems contractor. -rd

Industry FOLKS Shawn Worel Employee

Big City Electric San Antonio, TX

C

M

Mike Hernandez’s mobile welding truck

ike Hernandez used to do some welding with his father when he was growing up. But when he got out of high school, Hernandez worked for NTB tires as a salesman and making decent money.

“I didn’t want anything to do with welding,” he said.

Famous last words. His father was slowing down and offered Hernandez his company, and Hernandez bought it in 1996. “I jumped into it and it took off from there,” he said. The new name was Mike G. Hernandez Welding.

The work and the contracts came. He went from just himself to three guys, then five guys. Now, Hernandez has five welders and four helpers. Two of his welders do the jobs that require certification.

Hernandez did a lot of residential work his first year or so, but has since converted to strictly commercial. That’s where the money is, he said.

Hernandez doesn’t weld much himself anymore. “I like being the owner,” he said. “I got tired of being burnt” from

sparks and embers getting down his shirt. He spends 80 percent of his time running around to the normally three jobs he has going on at any given time, putting lots and lots of miles on his truck.

Good thing he has experience with tires.

Since he has to travel so much, Hernandez prefers to not spread himself out too thin in terms of geography.

A big thing Hernandez has seen is the much stronger emphasis on safety, which, while it’s a good and necessary thing, can cause work to take longer. He jokes about the saying in his trade: “When the safety guys leave, that’s when the job starts.”

Hernandez is going to pass on the welding legacy to his up-and-coming nephew and transition to the barbecue restaurant business. This will keep him busy while giving his body a break from the rigors of welding.

We could have called this, “From rubber to metal to brisket.”

Mike G. Hernandez Welding is a welding contractor in San Antonio. -dsz

urrently a 5th-year apprentice, Worel grew up in a small neighborhood on the northeast side of San Antonio, where he and his best friend from down the street rode their bikes around the neighborhood.

After graduating from Judson High School in 2006, he attended St. Philips College for three years and one year at UTSA, working part-time jobs, hanging out with his buddies or practicing his guitar throughout his college days. He earned an Associate of Arts degree in Music.

He worked at a scuba diving shop during college repairing scuba regulators and blending gas mixtures. Discovering that he liked the mix of working with my hands and using math on the job, he wanted to expand on those elements. He did some research and spoke to his dad, who has been involved with the construction industry all his life. His dad gave him the business card of the training director at IBEW’s apprenticeship school.

With an interest in electricity, Worel began the IBEW electrical apprenticeship program. ”It was a great opportunity that allowed me to apply my class studies to immediate on-thejob experience. I got assigned to work on many interesting projects including Toyota Manufacturing and even a roller coaster at Sea World. I was always interested in learning about electricity as it is something everyone uses every day, but not many understand how it is harnessed and delivered to them.”

Worel has maintained the top average every year of his apprenticeship

and was awarded the 2019 South Texas JATC Apprentice of the Year award.

Currently, working on the new UTSA Science and Engineering building, Worel is taking Foreman Development classes provided by Big State Electric in hopes of one day running work.

“I like that I am able to learn something new on every job and then take those experiences to the next to help find solutions to whatever issues may arise. I also like being able to teach other apprentices about the trade, passing on knowledge and techniques I have acquired from others. My favorite aspect is working on industrial projects and process controls, getting to see the in and outs of how electrical systems are integrated into assembly lines and manufacturing.”

While going on a coffee run at Starbucks for work, Worel accidentally bumped into the table of a young lady studying. The young lady invited Worel to join her while he waited for his coffee. Sparks soon began flying from that moment on. They’ve been happily together ever since. Last October, the two went on vacation with some friends to Seattle where he proposed to Jamie, the young lady from Starbucks. “I proposed to her there on the beach of Whidbey Island. We hope to get married this year or during the next year’s fall season. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019

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Page 23

Capitol walks continue

Bi-folding success

s the 86th legislative session continues, business owners and associations representing business owners continue to flock to our state capitol to meet with state lawmakers. –cmw

AGC had a larger-than-usual group and presented position papers and emphasized their support for the construction defects legislative package, especially HB 1999 by Chairman Leach.

AGC members meet with State Representative Lyle Larson

Senator José Menéndez sits down with AGC members.

F

Schweiss hydraulic door, Cape Canaveral hangar

rom farrowing crates for sows, snow blowers, farm trailers, tile plow and something called the Schweiss Chicken Plucker, Schweiss Doors has come a very long way.

Almost 40 years after developing his first bi-fold door that measured 12 x 12 ft., Mike Schweiss and Schweiss Doors continue to make strides.Through the years, they have manufactured doors of all shapes and sizes. They literally listened to their customers, and presto, they made it happen.

Schweiss employees look forward to taking on the challenge of satisfying their customers and fulfilling their requests.

There are no cookie-cutter doors at Schweiss Doors. The office personnel have stepped up to handle the designer door requests. They enjoy working on these one-of-a-kind customer doors, spending many hours designing and engineering each door.

The Hydraulic lifting porch hangar door drew national attention by television networks. It gave new meaning to

the term “hangar home.”

“Your door is only as good as its hinges,” says Promotions Director Patrick Schmidt.

More recently, when the Schweiss team was asked about greasable hinges, the team quickly went to work. They didn’t just wrap their heads around heavy-duty bi-fold hinges; they went a step further and engineered a robust, user-friendly hinge with a removable hinge pin. “We didn’t have any greasable hinges on our doors and customers kept asking about it so we put greasable bearings on our bi-fold doors. It went over so well that we put them on our hydraulic doors. Now they can just stand under their doorframe and take a grease gun hit the various spots. It doesn’t take any time nor do you have to be up on a ladder. You no longer have to remove the top rubber seal,” adds Schmidt.

The 65-employee company, with its one location, just keeps growing and selling doors, which are what they like doing best.

Schweiss Doors is an over-header door manufacturer. -cmw

Inaugural run

Dunn-Wright Remodeling Inc. Manager Sandra Stief shared this photo from the inaugural King William Sauerkraut Bend 5k run held on Feb. 23. The run took runners through part of the official King William parade route through the historic King William district and the beautiful San Antonio Riverwalk. L-R: Tracy Midcap, NISD teacher and Sandra Stief. -cmw

Construction News ON LOCATION

The Four Rs

AGC members meet with State Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins.

Always smiling faces at Keller-Martin Construction. Here the four “Rs” L-R: Rick Smith, Reb Brem, Randy Riley and Robert Hoyland didn’t disappoint with their big smiles. -cmw

Page 24

San Antonio Construction News • APR 2019