Houston Construction News May 2019

Covering the Industry’s News

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The Industry’s Newspaper www.constructionnews.net H (210) 308-5800 H Volume 17 H Number 5 H MAY 2019

Specialty contractor recognized A team that cooks together

L-R: ABC President & CEO Mike Bellman, Mike Holland and ABC 2019 National Chair Tony Rader

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onstruction companies all over this great nation of ours strive to be the best at what they do by creating quality projects, a safe work environment and a team of outstanding craft professionals. From its early days as a small residential drywaller founded by three brothers to its current stature as one of the largest specialty contractors in the South, MAREK has always relied on the power of its people. The company now has more than 1500 employees in seven regional offices.

Recently, at the Association Builders & Contractors (ABC) National Convention, MAREK was awarded the 2018 Contractor of the Year for embodying the core values and philosophy of ABC through MAREK’s corporate integrity,

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pecializing in complex projects that require a large amount of planning and coordination for proper execution, Tellepsen guides project success first by thorough involvement in the preconstruction process. Developing and maintaining schedule, budget and quality takes place in preconstruction. A well thought-out plan is then implemented during the construction phase and followed up in the warranty period and thereafter.

Established in 1909 by Tom Tellepsen, Tellepsen is in its fourth generation of continuous family ownership, providing construction management services to clients across a wide range of market sectors. Their sole focus is on the greater Houston market, as a “Hire Houston First” company.

Tellepsen constructed the Memorial Hermann Northeast Bed Tower in 17 short months. The 146,000sf project in-

commitment to their employees, dedication to outstanding craftsmanship and their esteem in the industry at large.

As the ABC convention approached, Mike Holland, MAREK COO, was notified they were going to be awarded this distinction. “We were ecstatic from the moment we heard. This is a huge honor and knowing it ahead of time didn’t diminish from the moment,” says Holland. “We did not nominate ourselves. I’m sure there were criteria on ABC’s end, but we did not fill out a narrative or send pictures or programs.”

Across four generations, MAREK leaders have built a business that prides itself on repeat clients. The 81-year-old family business has an impressive project portfolio, a stellar safety record, a revercontinued on Page 14

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Marton Roofing Industries, Ltd. team at 2019 AGC BBQ Cook Off

arton Roofing Industries, Ltd. recently celebrated “40 Years of Excellence” in 2016. The company started in 1976 by Keith Marton. During their 40th anniversary year, the company reflected on their success and recognized customers for their support. It is important for the company to keep Mr. Marton’s vision alive by “maintaining reliability and integrity throughout the years.”

Senior Vice President Patty Glass has always remained close to Houston, TX, which is where the company currently resides. She was born in Alvin and grew up in Pearland. Glass has been part of the Marton Roofing family for many years, actually about half of her life! What started as a curiosity of the company became a life long career.

Glass mailed in a resume to see what would come of it. To her surprise, she was interviewed and was offered a position.

Early on in the job, she knew it was meant to be and could envision herself helping run the company. Glass witnessed growth and countless opportunities.

“The sky is the limit with Marton Roofing Industries,” Glass said. “Here, it is all about growth and training employees for higher positions, which happens often.”

Even with one single location in Houston, Marton Roofing Industries makes a way to cater to all of the U.S. It takes the hard work and dedication of their 90 crewmembers to execute the many jobs in many locations. Depending on the project, they will go outside of the continued on Page 14

A tower of additional space cluded a new bed tower with 90 inpatient beds, new foodservice area, cardiopulmonary department, public circulation space and MEP support space. New central plant facilities and infrastructure were added to supply the new bed tower and support future redundancies. Improvements were made to the existing site exterior and south tower façade.

Interior construction is comprised of metal stud framing, drywall, paint, sheet vinyl flooring, tile in kitchen and bathrooms, acoustical ceilings, millwork with solid surface tops, vinyl wall protection and crash rails in corridors. The Bed Tower’s exterior included precast concrete, glass and plaster to tie in to the hospital’s existing exterior.

The Bed Tower project was built on an active campus. During construction, Tellepsen coordinated with the hospital to maintain and reroute public access in Northeast corner, Memorial Hermann Hospital

continued on Page 14

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Houston Construction News • MAY 2019

Just his stripe of work

Memorial Day, May 27 A day to remember the fallen who died in active military duty

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or many, Memorial Day means a day off of work, barbecue cookouts, family picnics, and community pools opening for the summer. But as we all know, the true meaning of Memorial Day is much more than an “opening day” for summer fun.

It’s a calling to honor those courageous men and women who have served and given their lives for the causes of freedom, liberty, and peace.

Memorial Day is a Federal declaration and is observed on the last Monday in May. At dawn on this day, flags are lowered to half mast on state and government buildings, and American flags are placed on gravesites at national cemeteries. At 3pm, traditional ceremonies include the sound of TAPS and the 21-Gun Salute. In Washington, DC each year, a Memorial Day Parade is held, as well as other parades throughout the country.

Veterans Day, usually observed on Nov. 11, is many times confused with Memorial Day. This day is designated to thank the retired Veterans who have served in the armed services - the difference being they came home. Veterans were also willing to dedicate their lives in service to prepare and defend our nation when necessary.

We remember those who didn’t come home on this Memorial Day and thank those Veterans on Veterans Day who were also willing to dedicate their lives in the protection of our nation and protection of our freedom and way of life. –rd

Asphalt + Concrete

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Ascrete Inc. vice president, Ben Bailey

business started by Glenn Bailey 45 years ago continues to serve Houston, TX today. At the time he said he was “old enough to stand,” Ben Bailey was introduced to the paving field. Dad taught him everything there is to know, and now he serves as vice president of Ascrete Inc. while his father serves as president.

Bailey was born in Huntsville, TX and moved to Conroe, TX where he and his company currently reside. Originally, Ascrete was stationed in Houston but relocated to Conroe because both Baileys reside there, and now they can even walk to work!

Ascrete specializes in installation and repairs of asphalt and concrete. The most requested service is repair for commercial asphalt parking lots. A 100-mile radius is the typical service area but the team will gladly go further depending on the project. The company has completed projects in Louisiana and as far down to Corpus Christi, TX. Recently, the company completed a job for the Black Walnut Café, which is within Conroe’s Regional Airport. Some

well-known clients of Ascrete include Jack in the Box, Whataburger and Bank of America. Overall, the company has evidence of “quality and presentable product” of over 10,000 different job locations. Within Houston alone, the company has over 300 customers.

As an outdoor enthusiast, Bailey is outside as much as possible, and it is one reason he loves his job in paving.

“I enjoy being outdoors installing base and asphalt. I am not stuck in an office; I am out there working where there is always something new.”

Because Bailey is an outdoorsman, he plays golf and goes to Top Golf with his management team to discuss business and at the same time compete for Top Golf champion! At around age 19, Bailey won 3rd place in a Bobcat Rodeo. When Bailey is in Mexico or anywhere in the Caribbean, he goes scuba diving.

Sometimes he scuba dives in Blue Lagoon back in his hometown, Huntsville.

Ascrete Inc. is an asphalt and concrete contractor in Conroe, TX. –tnp

Semper Striping LLC owner, Nick Olivas

ick Olivas will never forget his first striping project, which almost caused him to swear off a striping career forever.

“My first [striping job] was on SH Old Galveston Road,” Olivas remembers. “We were striping the turning lanes with multipoly. At the end of the day, I was covered in multipoly paint from my knees down, sunburned and had probably walked 10 miles.”

Olivas initially said, “No way” to making striping a career, but that eventually turned into “way,” thanks to the late Jerry Hudson, who worked with Olivas at Highway Technologies.

“I remember sitting in his office and he asked me how I was liking the job. I told him I did not like it very much!” Olivas says.

“He told me to hang tight and stick with it.

He said I should make it a goal to learn everything and take on new jobs, no matter if I got compensated or not.”

Olivas took Hudson’s advice and became a sponge, soaking up any experience Highway Technologies could give him. From there, he worked at RoadSafe and then at Stripe Lines. When Olivas felt he had truly learned the striping industry, he followed Hudson’s final piece of advice, which was to open his own striping company.

“The most difficult thing I have had to do so far with me starting Semper Striping was putting in my resignation at Stripe Lines. My loyalty to the company and the owner was getting in the way so much that it made me question the loyalty to my own family,” Olivas says.

“So, on paper, Semper Striping formed in August 2017 but I actually left my job July 4, 2018.”

Olivas didn’t have to think too hard about a name for his company. He had stayed faithful and learned the industry, and now it was serving him well.

“I got the ‘Semper’ from the Marines Corps’ motto, ‘Semper Fidelis’ [which means] ‘always faithful,’” explains Olivas, who served in the Marines Corps from 2002 to 2006.

Semper Striping offers pavement markings, traffic control equipment rentals, small road sign installs to Harris and surrounding counties. Although the company is still in its infancy, Olivas bids work with the confidence and frequency of an industry veteran. Of all of the work Olivas has done, he has a soft spot for interstate traffic switches, which he hopes Semper Striping will soon bid.

“I enjoy the competitive spirit that the industry has,” he says. “It is crazy and when you lose [a bid]; most of us tend to think there is no way they can do it that cheap and vice versa. I enjoy all of that – picking up work, not picking up work. I am a process-driven type person, so it is very awesome to be able to develop my own processes from the field to the office with zero input from any higher management telling me ‘no.’ I do have mentors and people I respect giving me input, but ultimately it is my decision to implement a plan and process or move it to the recycle bin.”

As Olivas builds his company, he will always have the respect of some special people in his life.

“I will never forget the first project I did on my own. I have a close buddy at [at a paving company] that wanted to help get me going or at least start, so he gave me a decent-sized parking lot that he was paving and told me to have at it,” Olivas says. “The memorable part of it was my wife and, at that time, two kids showed up on the job site with balloons that said, ‘Congratulations!’ It was a very sweet gesture that has had a lasting impression.”

As much as he came around to enjoy striping, he now doesn’t get to enjoy striper as much.

“Fishing, fishing and more fishing!”

Olivas declares when asked how he likes to spend his free time. Olivas is partial to salt water fishing for speckled trout and bass fishing, but says, “Since I started my own company, I have been fishing zero times!”

Striping subcontractor Semper Striping LLC is in Channelview. –mjm

Construction News ON LOCATION

Thank you for the laughter

ACME Architectural Hardware welcomed Construction News with open arms and lots of laughs. Front Row L-R: Nick Ramon, Eugene Leal, Marty Galindo and Michael Famolare.

Back Row L-R: Beto Sanchez-Posadas, Aurelio Figueroa, Amanda Hanrath, Madi Zoretic, Price Mayfield, Charlie Leikam, Stephen Stokley and Aaron Valdivia. -cmw

Houston Construction News • MAY 2019

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Honest man starts honest company

Golfing for ACE

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ssociated General Contractors (AGC) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) hosted the 24th Annual AGC/AIA Golf Tournament. The event was held Apr. 8 at Champions Golf Club, legendary professional golfer, Jack Burke, Jr., the oldest living recipient of the Masters and PGA Championship, welcomed AGC Houston and the AIA Houston Chapter members. After a day of golf on the beautiful Jackrabbit and Cypress courses, one hundred and seventy players completed the tournament in the clubhouse with the traditional five-star buffet and the drawing of raffle ticket prizes. The event raised $15,000 for the ACE Mentor Program Houston. -cmw

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Cypress Creek Course winners: Closest to the Pin: Mark Winkler Longest Drive: BJ Kirkpatrick Last Chance Ball: Chamberlin Roofing and Waterproofing 2nd Place Team: The Mathis Group 3rd Place Team: Infinity MEP Consultants Jackrabbit Course winners: Closest to the Pin: John Banks Longest Drive: Hunter Ritsema 2nd Place Team: TAS Commercial Concrete 3rd Place Team: Slack & Co. Contracting, Inc.

Chris Anderson standing tall and showing American pride

ustomers are not just customers to owner Chris Anderson. They become part of the Honest Overhead Door family because “they help build what the company is today.” Most work is received through referrals, so Anderson credits the success of his company to his customers. He recognizes that going above and beyond for customers will have a reciprocal effect; those same customers send their friends and loved ones to Honest Overhead Door for repairs, too.

Anderson volunteers in his community. Mowing the grass or hauling off old trees for those that are physically unable to do so brings him gratification.

Volunteering is also a way for Anderson to “meet new people and make new friends in the community.” He feels that his genuine desire to support others speaks for the company overall.

Houston has always been familiar for Anderson. He was born nearby in The Woodlands and grew up for 12 years in Boling, TX. Working for a garage repair national chain, Anderson mastered repair and installation. Working for that particular national chain company prompted him to start his own family-operated business.

Witnessing first hand the over-charging of customers made Anderson cringe. He also experienced low paying commission for hardworking employees. All of this encouraged Anderson to make a needed change.

Honest Overhead Door opened its overhead doors on April 1, 2017 where they continue to serve all of Houston, including Livingston and Cold Springs. The company currently resides in New Caney, TX, which is north of Houston in Montgomery County. They will travel 75 miles to meet the needs of their clients.

As a garage door company, they handle everything concerning garage doors.

Examples include installing new garage door springs, door rollers and even installing a brand new custom garage door. Anderson states that they are trained and experienced in many different types of

Houston

garage doors varying in size and weight.

There are many pieces that work together in a garage door to make it open and close. It can take just one tiny piece to malfunction for the entire garage to not work. So the most-requested service is general maintenance and repairs; this can range from spring change outs to cable change outs.

Anderson’s favorite types of projects include custom garages. It is a chance for him to showcase what he can do and build on his portfolio. The more creative the request, such as custom garage roofs, lifts and doors, the better for Anderson. A recent custom install includes a 10x12 Intellicore Clopay door with 48 in. of high lift and a 4-12 roof pitch. Every part of this particular project is as custom as it gets.

Kassandra is a huge help to the company, according to Anderson. She does a little bit of everything. Even though she works in the office, she is still very knowledgeable in the field. Kassandra assists in installs, handles customer service and schedules appointments.

It is important for Anderson to stay vigilant and expand in services to meet the needs of his clients. Honest Overhead Door has plans to provide custom fabricated gates with gate openers. By gaining more experience in the use of welding machines and delving more into the world of gates, Anderson will soon provide gate assistance. The company is excited to introduce this new addition to their offered services.

The word “Honest” is intentionally the first word in the company name.

After working for what Anderson called a dishonest company, he wanted to put the emphasis on his company’s trust.

“We provide honest repairs and feel everybody should be provided a grade-A customer service along with reliability and integrity,” Anderson said.

Honest Overhead Door is a garage installation and repair contractor in New Caney, TX. -tnp

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1st Place Team Cypress Course: Century Asphalt Materials

1st Place Team Jackrabbit Course: Marek Sawing & Drilling, LLC – Team 2

Construction News ON LOCATION

Making time

Paul Castellano with Facilities Management speaks with Construction News before heading out to the jobsite. -cmw

Page 4

Houston Construction News • MAY 2019

Benchmarks provide contractors valuable path to improvement

What every construction company needs to know about fleet safety

Ryan Rummel, CPA, Manager RSM US LLP San Antonio, TX

Stan Gregory, Safety & Risk Consultant INSURICA San Antonio, TX

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n today’s highly competitive construction market, it’s not enough for any contracting business to be just good enough. To stay ahead of competitors, a contractor has to work continuously to get better. One of the most effective ways to do this is by means of benchmarks that track how well the contractor is doing compared to others in the industry.

While benchmarking has been used to some degree in the construction industry for many years, interest has surged in recent years because of the availability of national performance data. This information allows companies to more easily measure their performance and set targets.

Today, construction companies can find a great deal of useful benchmarking information from organizations such as the Construction Financial Management Association (cfma.org), Associated General Contractors of America (agc.org) and Construction Industry Institute (construction-institute.org). These organizations conduct annual financial surveys, and most break the information down by region, specialty, company size, etc.

One of the easiest ways to find benchmarking information is to go to www.financialbenchmarker.com. The site is a treasure trove of industry benchmarks.

For contractors who are not actively using benchmarks, a great way to learn the process is by talking to colleagues experienced in the process. Assistance is also available from financial partners and sureties, who are particularly interested in benchmarking data because they are providing loans and bonding.

The basics of successful analysis are fairly simple: Contractors choose important functions and practices that can be tracked over time, then use the data to measure their progress against that of competitors, including best-in-class companies.

Setting up benchmarking documentation, including charts and graphics, is much easier than in past years. On the market today are several software packages that allow contractors to easily establish, update and analyze benchmarking data. Most can be found by means of a simple internet search.

When beginning the benchmarking process, contractors should first prepare a financial analysis of the company. For best results, and to make certain accounting and tax issues are taken into account, contractors should seek assistance from their certified public accountant.

When developed properly, benchmarks can give contractors a revealing new perspective on long-time practices.

In doing this, they offer a valuable guide to weaknesses and opportunities. If, for example, a contracting company learns its debt-to-equity ratio is rising, this tool can alert the company early on so it can bring debt back in line.

So that benchmarking works to optimal benefit, the best construction companies review their data at least monthly.

Trends that show up in the data are addressed quickly, either to improve newly discovered weaknesses or to accelerate strategies that are showing the most success.

When it comes to choosing ratios, there are scores contractors can use.

However, there are a few that are most popular, including: • Working Capital Turnover: This ratio is a product of total revenues divided by working capital (the net of current assets minus liabilities) and indicates the

amount of revenue being generated by the available working capital. A ratio exceeding 30 may indicate a need for additional working capital to support future revenues.

• Current Ratio: This measurement indicates the extent to which current assets are available to satisfy current liabilities.

They usually are stated in terms of absolute values (i.e., 2 to 1 or simply 2.1). Generally a minimum current ratio is 1, which indicates that current assets at least equal current liabilities.

• Debt to Equity: This ratio equals total liabilities divided by total equity. The higher the ratio is, the greater the risk the creditors are assuming. Generally a ratio of 3 or lower is considered acceptable.

• Profitability Ratio: This measurement demonstrates the profit generated by the total assets employed. A higher ratio reflects a more effective employment of company assets. This ratio is generally stated in terms of percentages, such as 10 percent of return on assets.

• Days in Receivables: This indicates the number of days to collect accounts receivable. A lower ratio indicates a faster collection of accounts receivables, therefore more liquidity. In general, a ratio of 60 days or less is desirable.

• Days in Payables: This ratio indicates the number of days it takes to liquidate trade payables. Usually a ratio of 45 days or less is considered adequate.

• Months in Backlog: This measurement tells managers the number of months it will take to complete all side or committed work. A ratio of less than 12 indicates a need to secure new contracts in the next year to maintain a constant level of annual revenue.

• Under-billings to Equity: This indicates a level of contract volume being financed by the stockholders. Usually stated as a percentage, a ratio of 30 percent or less is considered acceptable.

• Backlog to Equity: This ratio indicates the relationship of signed or committee work to total stockholders’ equity. In general, a ratio of 20 or less is considered acceptable.

Whether a contractor uses general or highly technical benchmarks, information derived from the process provides a valuable map for improvement. And it makes decision-making dramatically easier in an industry ruled by tough decisions.

But for any of it to work, the contractor must be willing to change and adapt based on the findings derived from the process.

Ryan Rummel, CPA, is a manager at RSM US LLP in San Antonio. He can be reached at 210-828-6281 or Ryan.Rummel@rsmus. com.

onstruction companies, because of the nature of the work they do, and the variety of vehicles they use in their work, have unique concerns, exposure and liability when it comes to their fleets. Too often, however, fleet safety does not get the attention it deserves until there is an accident. When that happens, matters of fleet safety can suddenly reach crisis mode. A good fleet safety program does the obvious – improving safety – while also minimizing the exposure of company vehicles and the employees who drive them. In my experience, over 90 percent of companies have significant fleet exposure because they do not have an effective fleet safety program in place.

To understand the importance of a fleet safety program, consider its goal: to prevent the loss of life, injury, and property damage for employees as well as the public. A benefit of having a good program is minimizing the legal exposure that results from accidents. Any safety and risk consultant can share examples of the consequences that companies have faced for failing to have adequate fleet safety programs in place.

What a Good Fleet Safety Program Consists of A comprehensive fleet safety program should include policies and procedures, make provisions for regular employee training, and have accountability mechanisms built in.

• Policies A comprehensive fleet safety policy will detail what rules to follow, what training is required, what hiring practices to follow, what vehicle inspections are mandated, what records must be kept, what road tests must occur, what audits will take place, as well as other things. For example, a policy might dictate minimum acceptable driver qualifications.

• Procedures

A comprehensive set of fleet safety procedures should describe how policies will govern operations by outlining a process and timetable or frequency for each policy. Every policy will therefore have one or more documented procedures.

For example, a procedure might describe

a testing process to ensure drivers meet minimum qualifications.

• Training Training can encompass a broad range of topics including accident reporting, defensive driving, DOT audits, drug testing, hazardous materials, driving hours rules, and legislation surrounding commercial driver’s licenses. For example, training should encompass helping drivers maintain qualifications.

• Accountability Without some accountability mechanisms, a fleet safety program is little more than window-dressing. For most construction companies, creating accountability means setting the expectation that it will rigorously enforce standards, and conduct its own spot checks and audits to ensure compliance.

About Stan Gregory Stan brings more than three decades of experience to his current role as Safety and Risk Consultant on the Risk Management Services team at INSURICA. He provides risk management solutions for customers in all industries, with a special emphasis on behavioral safety solutions.

Stan’s primary focus is working with large employers to improve their risk profiles and implement custom-tailored safety and risk management plans. He is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and has been a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) for 25 years.

If you could own any animal as a pet, what would it be?

I would love to own a teacup pig.

Patty Glass,

Marton Roofing Industries, LTD.

A fainting goat.

I have always known this answer - a Bengal Tiger.

Penny Coleman,

DACO Paving

I like giraffes. There is just something about the way they walk around.

Ray Rodriguez, Brandt

It would be a cow.

A big white tail buck!

I would have an otter. I think they are great the way they just kickback all the time.

Mark Canamar, Big City Access

It would be a ferret.

Greg Wiatrek, Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing

It would be some kind of monkey. I like them and think they are cool. I could train it to do things for me.

Tim Rosenberg, Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing Wow, I have to think about this…I would say a parrot because if I said it once, it probably has to be said again.

Blake Green, SpawGlass

Danny Roth, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors

Stan Rothman, ASCO David Cupit, MAREK

A dolphin. The logistics would have to be something I’d have to work out. I sail as a hobby of mine and I see dolphins all the time. They’re pretty remarkable creatures.

Dean Torres, Kirtley & Sons Contracting If I had any pet in the world, it would be a Blue penguin. They are the smallest penguin breed. They are found in many places around New Zealand and Australia.

Helen Greenwood, HG Design & Production

Houston Construction News • MAY 2019

Page 5

Lien law fundamentals every contractor should know

May is electrical safety month Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

West W. Winter, Attorney The Winter Law Firm, PLLC San Antonio, TX

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rguably one of the most significant remedies in construction law is the Mechanic’s and Materialman’s Lien. Governed by Chapter 53 of the Texas Property Code and the Texas Constitution, mechanic’s and materialman’s liens, if timely and properly perfected, secure a contractor’s right to payment against the project. This article discusses some general fundamental concepts of Texas mechanic’s and materialman’s liens.

Mechanic’s and Materialman’s Lien Basics While the specifics of proper statutory lien perfection are complicated and beyond the scope of this article (in fact, Texas has often been said to have some of the most complicated lien laws in the entire country), perfection of a statutory lien claim generally requires timely and proper written notice of the unpaid debt, timely recording of a proper lien affidavit in the real property records in the county in which the project is located, and timely giving notice of the filed lien to the owner and general contractor. While the mechanic’s lien statutes are to be liberally construed for the purpose of protecting laborers and materialmen, the deadlines and requirements for proper lien perfection should be closely followed to ensure that this powerful remedy is not lost. It is also critical to know that a lawsuit must actually be filed to enforce/ foreclose the lien claim within the limitations period mandated by Chapter 53 (typically one or two years, depending on the type of project) or the lien will be extinguished. Significantly, Section 53.156 of the Texas Property Code mandates an award of costs and attorney’s fees “as are equitable and just” in any proceeding to foreclose a lien or to declare that any lien is invalid, in whole or in part.

Contractors having an agreement directly with the project’s owner may, depending on the type of work involved, further possess constitutional lien rights which exist independently of any notice or recording requirements. Rights may alternatively exist under a payment bond if work is performed on a public or bonded private project. Strict time and notice requirements also exist for the proper perfection of a bond claim and will differ depending on whether the project is state or federal.

A Sham May Save You if You Missed the Notice Deadlines There are some nuances in the law which may apply to salvage mechanic’s lien rights in certain situations where a subcontractor or supplier has missed the required pre-lien notice deadlines. One such situation involves Sham Contracts where the purported owner and general contractor are essentially one in the same. As set forth in Section 53.026 of the Texas Property Code, when a person contracts with another, and that other person controls or otherwise is controlled by the owner “through ownership of voting stock, interlocking directorships, or otherwise”, the person performing the labor or furnishing materials is deemed to be in a direct contractual relationship with the owner and has a lien as an original contractor. The same result occurs when the contract was made by the owner “without the good faith intention of the parties that the other person was to perform the contract.”

When the Sham Contract provision applies, the unpaid subcontractor or supplier should be considered to be in a direct contractual relationship with the owner and gains original contractor status. Along with original contractor status, the unpaid subcontractor or supplier also has lien rights as if it were an original

contractor. Accordingly, the mandatory notice requirements generally applicable to subcontractors and suppliers for perfecting statutory mechanic’s liens should not apply, and the unpaid subcontractors or suppliers may be able to perfect their lien rights as original contractors despite a failure to comply with the Property Code notice requirements. According to recent case law, another benefit which can be derived from the Sham Contract statute is the potential availability of a constitutional lien to a person performing work or supplying materials to a sham contractor if such work or materials are covered by Article XVI, Section 37, of the Texas Constitution (i.e. buildings and articles).

Lien Preferences and Removeables

While Chapter 53 of the Texas Property Code grants a preference to mechanic’s liens, the preference granted is limited to “removeables”. A mechanic’s lien on removeable improvements has priority over a deed of trust lien. “Removeables” are improvements that can be removed from the property without material injury to the land and pre-existing improvements, or to the improvements removed. Some examples of removeables include carpets, appliances, air conditioning and heating components, and light fixtures.

Leasehold Liens

If your company provides labor or materials to tenants, it is essential to understand that your lien rights are generally limited to the leasehold estate. A mechanic’s and materialman’s lien attaches to the interest of the person contracting for construction. As such, if a lessee contracts for construction, a mechanic’s and materialman’s lien arising from that construction attaches only to the leasehold interest and not to the fee interest of the lessor.

Fraudulent Lien Statute Caution should be taken when asserting mechanic’s and materialman’s liens as a law exists which provides a cause of action against someone who records a fraudulent lien with the intent to defraud. Codified in Chapter 12 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, the “Fraudulent Lien Statute” provides for liability for asserting a fraudulent lien with the intent to defraud for the greater of (A) $10,000; or (B) the actual damages caused by the violation, plus court costs, reasonable attorney’s fees, and exemplary damages in an amount determined by the Court.

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.

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any workers are unaware of the potential electrical hazards present in their work environment, which makes them more vulnerable to the danger of electrocution. The following hazards are the most frequent causes of electrical injuries Contact with Power Lines, Lack of Ground-fault Protection, Path to Ground Missing or Discontinuous, Equipment Not Used in Manner Prescribed, and Improper Use of Extension and Flexible Cords.

Overhead and buried power lines at (GFCIs) on all 120-volt, single-phase, 15your site are especially hazardous be- and 20-ampere receptacles, or have an cause they carry extremely high voltage. assured equipment grounding conducFatal electrocution is the main risk, but tor program (AEGCP). burns and falls from elevations are also • Follow manufacturers’ recommended hazards. Using tools and equipment that testing procedure to insure GFCI is workcan contact power lines increases the ing correctly. risk.

• Use double-insulated tools and equip How Do I Avoid Hazards? ment, distinctively marked.

• Look for overhead power lines and • Use tools and equipment according to buried power line indicators. Post warn- the instructions included in their listing, ing signs. labeling or certification.

• Contact utilities for buried power line • Visually inspect all electrical equiplocations. ment before use. Remove from service • Stay at least 10 feet away from over- any equipment with frayed cords, misshead power lines. ing ground prongs, cracked tool casings, • Unless you know otherwise, assume etc. Apply a warning tag to any defective that overhead lines are energized. tool and do not use it until the problem • De-energize and ground lines when has been corrected. working near them. Other protective If the power supply to the electrical measures include guarding or insulating equipment at your site is not grounded the lines. or the path has been broken, fault cur• Use non-conductive wood or fiber- rent may travel through a worker’s body, glass ladders when working near power causing electrical burns or death. Even lines. when the power system is properly Due to the dynamic, rugged nature grounded, electrical equipment can inof construction work, normal use of elec- stantly change from safe to hazardous trical equipment at your site causes wear because of extreme conditions and and tear that results in insulation breaks, rough treatment. Removing the ground short-circuits, and exposed wires. If there pin from a plug to fit an ungrounded outis no ground-fault protection, these can let not only means your work area is uncause a ground-fault that sends current safe, but makes the cord unfit for future through the worker’s body, resulting in work where there is grounding. electrical burns, explosions, fire, or death.

How Do I Avoid Hazards? natarajan.joann@dol.gov • Use ground-fault circuit interrupters 512-374-0271 x232

Class in session

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onstruction News’ newest member is editor Tracy Peters. But you can call her “Mrs. Peters,” as she is an official teacher as well.

“I am a fully certified teacher in Texas to teach 4-12th grade English and reading, and any level of special education,” she said.

Peters got her degree in English at Texas A & M San Antonio, with a minor in special ed. After graduating in 2015, she went through a teaching agency that took care of the certification.

The San Antonio native has a rich background in writing. “When I was in college,” she said, “that’s what I did - write.” Peters found that in order to accomplish what she wanted, she had to create her own lessons and materials. “I custom made a lot of my own tests Tracy Peters, newest editor at Construction News and worksheets, poems and stories,” she said. more, but I would like to see what comes

As a full-time teacher, Peters taught out of the first two,” she said. one year of 8th grade English and one “For my children’s books, I think it’s year 9th grade English. important to have some sort of moral or Peters met her husband when they lesson to the story.” had the same advisory class in the 10th Peters likes writing for Construction grade at Madison High School. To make News. “I enjoy working here more than I things simpler, they got married on her do teaching,” she said. She likes to meet birthday, in Cocoa Beach, FL, in 2011. and get to know the wide variety of folks

Peters reads to their young son, Bradly that comprise the construction industry. a lot, and has seen a lot of children’s Off the job, Peters likes to play Ninbooks. After reading them, she thought tendo 64 and poker. She enjoys water she could do just as well. “In my down- parks, running, llamas and Pomeranian time, I wrote two children’s books. The dogs. main character is J.J. Jellyfish.” For now, When it comes to writing for Construcit’s just a hobby, but, “I would like to do tion News, Peters gets an “A.” -dsz

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Houston Construction News • MAY 2019

Penny Coleman Co-Owner/Controller Daco Paving Hockley, TX

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enny and Joseph Coleman are the founders and owners of Daco Paving in Hockley, TX. Married at a young age, Penny has always been her husband’s cheerleader and support system, both during the struggles and the celebrations. The success of Daco Paving is truly a dream come true for the Colemans.

Where are you from?

I am from a small town in Conroe, TX. My husband, Joseph, is from The Woodlands, TX. What is your family life like?

Joe, and I have a cute love story and have been happily married for 25 years.

We were actually high school rivals. We

Joseph and Penny Coleman

met working at Kroger in The Woodlands. I was a cashier, and he was a stocker. We started dating young, married young and then had kids young.

Our kids are 13 months apart. Our daughter currently works with us as an executive assistant completing a little bit of everything in the office. I am teaching her the ins and outs of the workplace. She is young and an easy learner – a quick study like her mom.

Our son is in an elite firefighter-training program in the mountains of Colorado living the life. However, I wish I was there to scat all the girls away because he is too handsome!

What were you and your husband’s school and career goals after marriage and kids?

We did things a little backwards. We got married and had kids before we attended college. In the beginning of our marriage, finances were incredibly rough. We had to be selective and use our resources sparingly when it came to meals, clothing and everyday life necessities. Our inspiration and what drove us to be successful were our kids. During a certain time, we had an arrangement where my husband was able to go to school, and I took care of the kids. So Joe went out to learn, and I stayed home taking care of house fires!

I didn’t really have a specific career goal; I just wanted to be happy in whatever I would be doing. I have a gypsy soul and tend to follow wherever life takes me. I knew there was a big need in the medical field, so I did go to nursing school and was an operating room nurse for 12 years.

As a kid, my husband planned on owning a landscaping business because he loved being outside playing in the dirt. It’s funny because even though our company is not exactly landscaping, he still gets to play with dirt working with concrete! What draws him to his job is the opportunity to take a blank canvas and use his hands to create something beautiful. My husband earned a Bachelors degree in engineering with a PE (a Professional Engineering License is similar in ranks to what a doctor earns) and graduated top 3% of his class at the University of Houston in 2003.

Through hard work and dedication from both of us, we worked our way up to the top to where we are now. We literally came from the bottom and made it out.

How did your business start and how is it now?

Joe saw that he could do the same thing on his own and was ready to start

the company. It was scary at first for both of us, but we went for it. I was even willing to go anywhere in the world that we needed to go to make this business happen. Daco paving started in 2014. After 12 years in nursing, I left to help my husband run the business. Our company is currently soaring high. My husband is climbing that ladder. He has charisma and is a big workaholic. We have been receiving more and more jobs. Our business is doing great. We started off with 12 people, and now there are over 100 Daco team members!

What is your service area?

We service all of Houston, TX and surrounding cities like Galveston and Rosenberg.

What types of services does your company provide?

We build roads, bridges, sidewalks and parking lots. We can make something out of nothing by starting from virgin ground.

What are your most requested services?

Daco Paving builds many roads for neighborhoods. We do lots of public bidding.

How would you describe your crew’s working style?

With every single service – doesn’t matter how big or small – every project needs to be just right. My husband is so meticulous and [those whom] he works with are too. So, yes, they are picky. Our crew knows what they are doing.

What is the hardest part about your job?

The hardest part is maintaining and organizing the books. Also, learning all about construction. All I knew was hospital – in the operation room operating on people. Coming out of nursing, I needed more guidance in construction administration. I was looking for a “fast school” alternative as an adult. I sought out a tutor that came in and helped me three times a week. Thank God I am a quick study and able to catch up fast.

This amazing person’s name is Leann Johansson. She taught me everything there is to know. If it wasn’t for her, the company would not be here and be the success that it is today. Leann Johansson has her master’s [degree] and for a living tutors and teaches college courses for bookkeeping management. There were even times where she assisted the FBI! She is highly sought after. I still keep in touch with her; we are good friends.

Daco Paving owners, Joseph and Penny Coleman

What is the best part about your job?

The family environment within our company. Early on there was a period of time where the business was cut-anddry, black-and-white; it lacked warmth.

However, I established company policies and procedures, which every business needs. Every business also needs gatherings and trips. We inspired for our team to feel wanted and appreciated, so we give Christmas presents to every single employee at our Christmas party every year. We also give out raffle ticket prizes. Every single person is appreciated from management to entry level.

Unlike most companies, we include spouses, too. It is not just taking the employees out for a fancy dinner, the wives deserve to be there being catered to as well. Spouses are treated as Daco family.

This is how we have loyal and long-lasting employees. Our team learns, stays and takes that knowledge to grow from within Daco. Our people climb the ranks very easily here. The ultimate goal is a company unity – a family unit.

What are your hobbies? What do you like to do to relax away from work?

Number one to us is traveling together. Our best vacation so far is going to Scotland. We also like to ride horses.

Daco Paving is a concrete contractor in Hockley, TX.

Breaking ground for a new home

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n 1939, D.D. Danner started a security business, Danner’s Inc., at the mouth of the Houston ship channel providing security guards for the waterfront.

Today, the company has taken security a step further.

“We’re not just a security guard company anymore. We provide all aspects of security and surveillance,” says Brad Maxcey, President of Danner’s Inc.

Today Danner’s Inc. provides mobile surveillance for construction companies to help protect jobsites while construction is underway.

“We provide construction jobsite surveillance through our solar powered mobile surveillance cameras, 24-7,” he says.

After 80 years in the same location, the company is moving its headquarters from the east side of Houston to Pasadena where it can expand its ability to watch, transport, store and protect. In 2002, the company employed seven individuals.

Today it employs 25.

“This is a big move for us. We’ve been

L-R: Brad Maxcey, Doug Maxcey, James Maxcey and Jim Maxcey at the Danner’s Inc. ground breaking ceremony.

on the east side for 80 years. We’ve exceeded our current operational footprint,” says Maxcey.

The company broke ground Jan. 31 for a two-story state-of-the-art facility complete with new fiber network, servers and equipment to better protect all aspects of their clients’ businesses and jobsites. It will be equipped with gas generators in the event of a storm to be fully operational 24-7.

The two-story 14,000sf building will be located with easy access to major roadways such as I-45, Hwy. 225, I-10 and the Beltway, at 3551 Pasadena Blvd. Only the first floor of the new facility will be finished out in addition to a 16,000sf warehouse space, leaving the second floor for future growth.

Danner’s builds and fabricates all of their surveillance units on site, fully optimizing the needs of the site.

Danner’s Inc. is a full-service surveillance and security company. -cmw

Houston Construction News • MAY 2019

Page 7

fin stalker wading boot is my favorite product with all day comfort. They also have a huge selection of wading belts, pliers and landing nets for all your needs.

Protecting myself from the sun is always on my mind while on the water. Being in the sun 8-10 hours a day can take it’s toll on your body. My Aftco line of clothing has SPF ratings that keep harmful sun rays off my skin while keeping me cool on the water. They also make great gloves to protect your hands. Costa sunglasses are the only sunglasses you will see on my head. The 580 lenses enhance colors and allow me to see objects in the water when most other glasses fall short.

Don’t settle for anything else. See what’s out there!!

My summer months are almost full, so don’t hesitate in booking your fishing trips. Here are some open dates available in July (4,8,12,22,25,28,29).

Top notch equipment is a must

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.

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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here are some things you can be frugal on, but when it comes to fishing, the harsh conditions of the coastal bend, you better have some quality equipment that will hold up. I’ve learned over the past 21 years of guiding in saltwater water that you get what you pay for from the boats that you run to the sunglasses around you neck. I’ll review several of the brands of tools and equipment I use and the reasons why I use them.

Let’s start off with the platform I fish from day to day. Shoalwater boats and Evinrude outboards have been my choice of boats/motors for the past several years. They may not be the most expensive rigs on the water, but it’s what Waypoint Marine sells and they are my preferred dealer and the best in the area, period!! Keeping my boat positioned at my favorite honey hole or anchored

David Wyatt of Portland landed this 27-inch redfish last month fishing with Steve Schultz Outdoors. David’s red came on a live shrimp and popping cork combo.

while I’m out wading are dual 10 ft. power pole blades.

Fishing rods and reels may be the most important tool on the boat. Let’s face it, we are out on the water to fish and what good is it if you can’t depend on your rod and reel to get your fish to the boat.? This captain’s choice on rods is the Fishing Tackle Unlimited Green Rod and

Submitted to Construction News

Beat that drum

Bubba Tisdale of Impact Fire Services proudly displays the very large drum fish he caught recently. -dsz

Grey rod series. Both rods are built on the same blank using high modulus graphite and titanium or stainless guide with top grade cork handles. Shimano reels, both bait casting and spinning, have recently joined my arsenal of tools and everyone knows they have the smoothest and most dependable reels built for saltwater. Each and every reel on my boat is spooled with Power Pro Super Slick V2 braided fishing line. It out casts any other braded fishing line on the water.

When it comes to wading, there is only one brand of wader that 95 percent of the anglers use SIMMS. Their waders cost more than any other brand because they last. In fact, everything they make is top quality from their jackets to flip flops.

Another choice for Steve Schultz Outdoors is the ForEverlast product. The Baf-

Page 8

Houston Construction News • MAY 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

Fish or catch?

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ishing is not an exact science, but then maybe that’s what makes it fun.

No two fishing trips are the same, even if you really want them to be. We are so used to doing a set of actions and getting a consistent result now days because everything is programmed and measured and prescribed, that we sometimes forget that the natural world doesn’t care what we expect. Nature has the ultimate and infinite programming that we will never fully understand and can only barely begin to affect. There are so many variables in water and weather and fish and people and things we are not even aware of that you never get the same result twice.

You can’t look at going fishing as just going to get some fish. I sometimes tell people that if they want a sure thing when it comes to fish, they need to go to the supermarket. Even that can be uncertain though from day to day. What day were they caught? Are they supposed to look like that?

You see, there is a difference between fishing trips and catching trips. A fishing trip is a learning trip. You or your guide may have to really work at figuring out how find the fish and get them to take your bait. This is where all the time spent on the water pays off. This is where

Get your Free DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION GO TO www.ConstructionNews.net Click SUBSCRIBE. Complete FORM. SEND.

remembering past trips with all their successes and failures become valuable.

Knowing how to read the conditions and provide the right compensation for them to get that fish’s attention is what patterning is all about and it’s more important than anything in the tackle box. On the other hand, a catching trip is the stuff dreams are made of. You are there, the fish are there and they want your bait.

They hit you like a slimy tornado, empty out your bait or tackle box and leave you breathless with broken lines and a big smile on your face. Just be sure to double count your limit so you don’t have to explain too much of a good thing to a game warden! Most trips are a little bit of both fishing and catching where you get to work for a nice reward.

Worst of all are the NO trips. Sometimes even if you have the time to go fishing and get to go with the right companions and have made the trip to the lake, weather will just not cooperate with you.

This is where you have to listen to good sound reasoning and overcome your desire to make the trip happen. If you are booked with a guide and he tells you the wind is too high to go out, etc. please listen! He wants to take you fishing and earn his pay, and if he cancels you, it is money out of his pocket that he can’t get back, but he knows all too well the cost of going out when he should have stayed home. He doesn’t want to see anyone get hurt in rough water and he doesn’t want to spend time and money getting his boat repaired from rough water damage. The same thing holds true if you are fishing on your own. If you get to the ramp and nobody else is parked there, or launching, you better check radar and forecast on your phone and reconsider.

The very best outcome of all fishing trips is getting safely back home!

Houston Construction News • MAY 2019

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Page 9

he Houston construction industry came together to show off their cooking skills at the Associated General Contractors (AGC) Annual Barbecue Cook-off and Fair. The event was Mar. 22-23 at the parking lot of Northwest Mall drawing approximately 8,000 people.

Thirty-four cooking teams completed in categories that included best theme and best hospitality, crawfish, margarita, salsa, bloody Mary, dessert, ribs, brisket, and chicken.

Families filled the Kid’s Zone on Saturday partaking in carnival rides, face painting, a kiddie train and other children’s activities. This year’s event raised $7,000 for Henry’s Home, Horse and Human Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization that rescues horses and farm animals and offers free therapeutic care sessions for

Barbecuing contractors veterans, first responders and physically challenged children. –cmw Reserve Grand Champion: Pieper Houston Electric Grand Champion: Firetron Team 2 Best Theme winners: 1st Place: JE Dunn Construction 2nd Place: Axis Builders 3rd Place: Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Best Hospitality winners: 1st Place: Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing/Holes Inc. 2nd Place: Pieper Houston Electric

1st Place Chicken: Berger Iron Works

1st Place Salsa: Linbeck Team 1

1st Place Ribs: CA Walker Construction

1st Place Margarita: United Rental/Empire Steel

1st Place Brisket: Firetron Team 2

Millwork 3rd Place: Pieper Houston Electric

3rd Place: Tellepsen

Brisket winners: 2nd Place: Fireproof Contractors Team 3 3rd Place: Pieper Houston Electric

Dessert winners: 2nd Place: Linbeck Team 2 3rd Place: Linbeck Team 1 Chicken winners: 2nd Place: Firetron Team 2 3rd Place: EyeSite Surveillance, Inc. Bloody Mary winners: 2nd Place: MLN Company 3rd Place: JE Dunn Construction Rib winners: 2nd Place: Environment Architectural

1st Place Crawfish: Axis Builders

Margarita winners: 2nd Place: Chamberlin/Holes Inc. Team 3rd Place: Berger Iron Works Salsa winners: 2nd Place: Fireproof Contractors 3rd Place: Hervey Barlow Crawfish winners: 2nd Place: Tellepsen - Team 1 3rd Place: Marton Roofing

Ralph Morton Spirit Award: Walter Rigler, National Construction Rentals

1st Place Bloody Mary: AVAdek

Dessert winners 1st Place: Tellepsen Team 1

Page 10

Houston Construction News • MAY 2019

Comanche what may

W hat’s Trending in Tile and Stone

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Michael Mortensen, RECON Stone

igger is better in 2019. While 12” x 24” tiles are still popular, there is a desire for larger sizes. Sizes in stone are available as large as 18” x 36” and even 24” x 48” but not all stones are able to come that large. The material will dictate what sizes are available from a manufacturing standpoint.

Grey has been one of the most popular color trends and continues to be popular, not just flooring, but homes in general. Cabinets, doors, trim – every shade of grey is hot. The neutrality of grey makes it a complement and easy to accessorize with.

Mediterranean Pearl

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are getting longer and wider with a push for realistic wood and concrete looking surfaces. Darks, lights and high variations top this year’s color trends according to some experts.

There is also a push for new patterns to mix things up and give a new twist to common materials. Geometric, Chevron, and modular patterns are being used in leiu of the standard square, especially on floor choices. The herringbone is classic alternative to the chevron and many use it because it is much more accessible and available in more options and colors. The chevron requires “A” and “B” pieces to make the pattern. Experts feel the chevron trend will likely fizzle out in the next few years, with kitchen installations being the longest hold-out.

Thin tile panels and slabs are becoming popular. Porcelain options can come as large as 5’ x 10’ and as thin as 1/8” to 3/4”. The new technology gives a very realistic look of marble, travertine, limestone and concrete. Some larger formats are more difficult to install and will require qualified/certified installers.

Rectangular subway tile is still very popular, though the trend is also larger formats. 4” x 8” has replaced the popular 3” x 6” and there is a strong desire for longer, more modern sizes, such as 4” x 12”.

The wood look is in and here to stay for a while. Modern techniques have given porcelain manufacturers the ability to produce realistic wire brushed, hand scraped and distressed looks. The advantage to the porcelain alternative to wood is the maintenance. There is virtually no maintenance involved with porcelain, other than normal cleaning. The material also won’t scratch like natural wood. According to experts, the wood looking trend will likely be around for years, maybe even decades to come.

While some manufacturers have done a really good job with their porcelains to look like marble, marble itself, is a timeless material. Specifically, Carrara and Calacatta Gold. There can be sticker shock when pricing the natural stones in comparison to the porcelain alternatives, but there is an elegance to natural marble. Some experts suggest the investment is worth every penny when considering it for your home.

Concrete has been associated with contemporary/industrial design for many years, and the trend is getting a lot of traction; however, some experts feel this trend will not last more than a few more years as the trend shifts to warmer color pallets.

The encaustic concrete tile with bold colors and patterns are becoming more popular and experts suggest that this will continue. It is being used on floors to add a fun dimension to bathrooms, utility rooms, mud rooms, as well as accents for fireplace surrounds, backsplashes, and outdoor living spaces. You will also see it used in many of the new hip bars and restaurants.

Mediterranean Shellstone

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The Comanche Contractors team.

omanche Contractors is celebrating 40 years of success in the construction industry, and has a rich history to show for the four decades it has been in operation.

Comanche Contractors was originally founded in 1979 by David Faust, who sold it to Greg Walla in 1993. With his son Zach Walla’s help, Greg ran the company until 2017. Greg then sold the company to Zach and Steve Crawford.

Today, Comanche Contractors provides general construction management services facilitating building construction between owners, architects and subcontractors.

“We have about 25 employees in our Houston office. The majority of our work is concentrated in the greater Houston area, but we have been licensed in 13 states,” Steve, who serves as company president, says. “We focus primarily on big box retail.

We do tilt-up buildings, car dealerships, small office buildings and hospitality. Anything commercial is in our wheelhouse.”

Steve says Comanche is entering 2019 with the biggest backlog it has ever had, with current projects including a project for the Houston Police Department and a hotel. Both Zach and Steve are excited to look ahead to the next 40 years, and plan to continue this company for the next generation.

“A lot of people have been here since my dad bought the company in 1993,” Zach, Comanche’s vice president and principal, says. “Those people have been a wealth of knowledge to the younger generation, myself and members of our team that join us. I like working with a team that is extremely loyal and who love coming to work every day. That makes it all worth it.

Obviously our goal is following the tradition of this company, continuing my father’s legacy under my name and Steve’s name and hopefully, my son’s name one day.”

Comanche Contractors offers designbuild, project management, pre-construction, construction management and general contracting services. –mjm

Construction News ON LOCATION

A stacked showroom

Allen Dabdoub showing floor samples at EZ Floors. -tnp

Sterling breaks ground

Tundra-Grey Pavers Recon Stone is a natural stone supplier.

16027 University Oak • San Antonio 78249 • 210-580-1501

Sterling Structures Inc. with VLK Architects broke ground on the new state-of-the-art O.M. Roberts Elementary School for Brazosport ISD Feb. 8 in Lake Jackson, TX. –cmw

Houston Construction News • MAY 2019

Page 11

THIS MONTH 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

Concrete repair industry programs Stephen Grelle, P.E., Senior Associate, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc. President North Texas Chapter of the International Concrete Repair Institute, Irving, TX

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ecent advancements in the concrete repair industry have changed the way repair and maintenance of concrete structures is approached. New technologies developed, refined, and widely implemented over the past few decades include cathodic protection systems for reinforcement corrosion mitigation, fiber reinforced polymers for strengthening and repair of structural concrete, and high-performance concrete mixes, such as self-consolidating concrete repair materials. These all expand the limits of what is possible for a durable and constructible repair.

As tends to happen with the introduction of any new technology into an established market, usage of the latest and greatest products and techniques comes with its fair share of challenges, which can be difficult to anticipate. Many building owners and property managers have little, if any, exposure to best practices for concrete repair. How can they be sure that a qualified contractor is performing the work, especially when the repair technologies are relatively new?

From a public safety perspective, how can specifying engineers and building officials be confident that structural repairs, which often require project-specific re-

pair techniques and careful attention to detail and workmanship, are being performed in a safe, effective manner?

When it comes to new construction, structural inspection requirements have been codified for decades. For example, welding inspection requirements for structural steel connections are very clearly described in the International Building Code and its adapted reference documents. Additionally, a Certified Welding Inspector program is in place to ensure that the persons performing those inspections are qualified and knowledgeable. Historically, the same hasn’t necessarily been true for the con-

Sustainable coatings for concrete Felipe Carstens, President Modern Day Concrete Inc. San Antonio, TX

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arstens has been working in the concrete coatings industry for over 16 years. He was born in St. Louis, MO and lived his childhood in Santiago, Chile. His family moved back to the states in ’94. He has been in business for over 10 years and is very excited about what’s to come.

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

The hot button issues right now in our industry are the lack of general standards for companies to get into our trade.

I would also say it is the general contractor and the terms they set for the subcontractor on draws and payments. At the end of the day, the subcontractor takes the financial burden of the project and has to wait anywhere from 30 to 90 days to get paid. This causes a burden on the subcontractor. The products we are us-

ing as installers need to be more userfriendly with zero voc, and sustainable, for the long-term installer and our overall health.

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

The state of construction in San Antonio is booming. We have been experiencing great amounts of growth on a yearly basis.

Construction News ON LOCATION

Busy office day

WJE (Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, LLC) construction engineering team L-R: Brandon Boaz, Joshua White, Kurt Tyler, Jonah Wolff, Steven Spencer. -tnp

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

crete repair industry. However, recent developments of concrete repair certifications developed by the International Concrete Repair Institute are becoming more widely accepted as the industry standard.

The first of these certification programs was the Concrete Slab Moisture Testing (CSMT) certification, which was developed in response to a rising number of moisture-related flooring and coating problems. The program has gained widespread acceptance in the industry as a means for evaluating the moisture in concrete slabs prior to flooring or coating installation. In fact, many project and manufacturer specifications now require that an ICRI-certified moisture-testing technician perform testing.

The other certification program introduced by ICRI within the past few years is the Concrete Surface Repair Technician (CSRT) program. This exciting new program provides valuable training for those interested in gaining knowledge on best practices for concrete repair, as well as a means of certifying qualified individuals to perform those inspections. An example of this is the development of ACI 562: Code Requirements for Assessment, Repair, and Rehabilitation of Existing Concrete Structures. It indicates that those certified by the CSRT program can be considered “qualified inspectors.” The program is well on its way to becoming an industry standard by which concrete repair inspectors

are qualified and selected.

In addition to the certification aspect of the CSRT program, it provides a great training resource for the industry’s contractors and specifiers. The program involves two tiers of certification. Tier 1 requires certification applicants to view an interactive online course reviewing types of concrete deterioration and the requirements for quality repairs, and to pass a course overview test. Tier 2 requires a performance examination, where the applicant must perform various field tests relevant to concrete repair, such as slump flow of self-consolidating repair materials and tensile bond strength testing of repair materials.

The CSMT and CRST programs are helping to provide an established protocol for concrete repair-related inspections as well as a pool of qualified inspectors. More information on these programs, including certification applications, can be found under the “Certification” tab at www.icri.org.

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is an interdisciplinary engineering, architecture, and materials science firm specializing in delivering practical, innovative, and technically sound solutions across all areas of new and existing construction.

The International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) is a non-profit organization with a mission to improve the quality of concrete restoration, repair, and protection. -cmw

What factors are driving this increase/ slowdown?

The factors driving growth are the economy and the population spike in Texas. This is all good for business.

contractors and educating customers on the different concrete flooring systems.

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

We are capitalizing on our growth and branching out as much as possible.

We have opened up an office in Dallas and will be opening up offices in Houston and Austin by the end of the year.

What are the major changes in the concrete industry in recent years?

Major changes in the industry for us are that our customers have been educated on our products and can make better decisions. We lead them every step of the way to choose the correct flooring system for their needs.

Have there been any recent changes in legislation affecting the concrete industry relating to transportation or the environment?

No major changes, but we are talking about legislation for better terms for subcontractors.

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

Other?

The most significant challenges are skilled labor, payment terms from general

How are you dealing with these challenges?

Dealing with one issue at a time such as proper training for employees, certifications, and the management of accounts to better serve our customers.

What are the cost increases (if any) relating to your industry?

Everything is going up from materials to skilled labor to operating costs.

What is on the horizon for your industry? (Changes in technology; equipment; other)

I think the industry is evolving into more sustainable and zero voc products.

Long term we need products that will not harm installers.

What are the rewards of the industry?

The rewards are we get to make a difference in our communities. We’re creating jobs and creating long-term relationships. There’s no better reward than that.

What are keys to being successful?

Good management of your resources, keeping a high quality standard and creating lasting business relationships make a successful business.

Modern Day Concrete is a concrete coatings subcontractor in San Antonio, TX. –cmw

Page 12

Houston Construction News • MAY 2019

NEXT MONTH

HVAC & PLUMBING

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

Sharing the knowledge Michael L. Tholen, Managing Director of Engineering & Professional Development, American Concrete Institute (ACI), Farmington Hills, MI

T

he American Concrete Institute (ACI) is a global concrete knowledge center. Its members gather to discuss and produce the most up-to-date resources for the concrete industry, including contractors, engineers, educators and students. ACI has recently produced two invaluable resources that address repair and quality concrete construction.

The first article in an ACI technical journal on the repair of concrete structures appeared in the 1920s. Since that time, ACI’s expert members have been developing technical guidance on concrete repair and rehabilitation.

Continuing to build on the nearly 100 years of ACI’s concrete repair knowledge, ACI has launched a new Concrete Repair Subscription. The online subscription includes digital access to the American Concrete Institute’s technical and education content on concrete assessment, repair, rehabilitation, and more.

Subscribers receive 12 months of access to ACI’s existing concrete repair-specific code requirements/commentary, specifications, guides, reports, symposium volumes and on-demand courses, plus new materials as they are available.

Specific contents include 65- plus codes, specifications, guides, and reports, including “ACI 562-16: Code Requirements

for Assessment, Repair, and Rehabilitation of Existing Concrete Structures and Commentary,” “ACI 563-18: Specifications for Repair of Concrete in Buildings,” “ACI 364.1R-07: Guide for Evaluation of Concrete Structures Before Rehabilitation,” and more. It also features 16-plus educational publications and documents, including “Guide to the Code for Assessment, Repair, and Rehabilitation of Existing Concrete Structures” and the Repair Application Procedures series; 33plus on-demand courses through ACI University, including all courses required to earn the “ACI Repair Application Procedures” certificate. It also includes recorded webinars and self-paced courses featuring ACI 562 design examples, guidance for incorporating ACI 563 into concrete repair projects, materials selection for concrete repair, and more; and 25plus symposium volumes containing 500 total papers on a diverse range of con-

crete repair topics.

Additionally, new concrete repair content developed by the Institute will be made available to subscribers through the life of the subscription.

ACI also recently released the first edition of a new concrete repair specification: “ACI 563-18: Specifications for Repair of Concrete in Buildings.” ACI 563-18 joins ACI’s growing family of concrete repair industry documents aimed at demystifying concrete repair and facilitating the delivery of high quality, well-executed, cost-effective concrete repair solutions. Together with ACI 562-16 Code Requirements for Assessment, Repair, and Rehabilitation of Existing Concrete Structures and Commentary, and many other concrete repair resources, the Concrete Repair Subscription has the essential documents that the concrete repair professional needs.

Recently, ACI has also published jointly with the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) a new edition of The Contractor’s Guide to Quality Concrete Construction. The new guide provides up-to-date knowledge of quality concrete construction practices. It also contains extensive coverage of construction topics making this an invaluable document for concrete contractors, ready mix producers, testing technicians, specifies, engineers, and other concrete industry professionals.

The guide includes full-color photos and illustrations, a new, easier-to-read layout, and substantial content updates.

Also included in the fourth edition are 43

Position Statements from ASCC, details on ACI Certification programs, and an appendix introducing several legal issues of interest to concrete contractors. A summary, review questions, and additional recommended reading list accompany each of the 12 chapters.

Written by and for contractors, and referenced by many licensing authorities, this guide details proven practices to produce quality concrete construction. Contents include planning for quality, concrete mixtures, specifications, foundations, formwork, reinforcement and embodiments in structures, joints and reinforcement for slabs-on-ground, preparing for concreting, concrete placing and finishing, common field problems, safety, and legal issues.

The American Concrete Institute, founded in 1904 with a world headquarters in Farmington Hills, MI, USA, and a regional office in Dubai, UAE, is a leading authority and worldwide resource worldwide. It concentrates on the development, dissemination, and adoption of its consensus-based standards, technical resources, educational & training programs, certification programs, and proven expertise for individuals and organizations involved in concrete design, construction, and materials. It serves those who share a commitment to pursuing the best use of concrete.

Learn more about the Concrete Repair Subscription, The Contractor’s Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, and more concrete resources at concrete.org, or call 248-848-3800. -cmw

Fore!!!

M

embers of the Houston Area Glass Association (HAGA) took to the greens for a beautiful day of golf at the Houston National Golf Course. The sold out event was held on Apr. 11. –cmw

L-R: Longest Drive: Seth Rhoades and Closest-to-the-Pin: Peter Koukos

1st Place Gross

Mechanical shooters

T

he Mechanical Contractors Association of Houston Inc. (MCA) hosted its 11th Annual Shotgun Invitational at the Greater Houston Gun Apr.12. The event drew more than 200 members of the association and their guests.

Winner of the 2019 Shotgun Invitational Flurry and Flush team competition, with a score of 173 out of a possible 200 was G/E Harvey - Billy Gregory, Richard Carrillo, Doug Gregory and Matt Weber.

–cmw

Winners of the Annie Oakley ➤ Individual competition

L-R: Dustin Wilson, SpawGlass (2nd Place), Nick Hardin, Sunbelt Rentals (1st Place) and James Taylor, Pipe Fitters (3rd place) with event Chairman Doug Gregory.

1st Place Net

Houston Construction News • MAY 2019

Page 13

Association Calendar

Content submitted by Associations to Construction News ABC

Associated Builders & Contractors

May 8: General Contractor Expo & Crawfish Boil, Bayou City Event Center, 9401 Knight Rd., 4-8pm.

May 16: CMEF Graduation, Sylvan Beach Pavilion, 1 Sylvan Beach Dr., La Porte, TX, 6:30-9pm. For more info, call 713-523-6222 AGC

Associated General Contractors

May 9: Construction Leadership Council Texas Hold “EM Poker Tournament, AGC Houston, 5-10pm.

May 15: Membership Orientation, AGC Houston, 11:30am-1pm May 30: 2Military May Shootout, Boyert Shooting Center, 1200 S. Mason Rd., All vets in construction welcomed! 11:30am4pm. For more info, call 713-843-3750 ASCE

American Society of Civil Engineers

May 5: Southeast Texas Branch Crawfish Boil, 445 Belvedere Dr., Beaumont, TX, 3-7pm.

May 21: Branch Meeting, HESS Club, 5430 Westheimer Rd., 11am-1pm. For more info, call 512-472-8905 or visit www. texasasce.org ASPE

American Society of Professional Estimators

May 13: Spaghetti Westernã, 1608 Shepherd Dr., 6pm. For more info, visit www. aspehouston.org CFMA

Construction Financial Management Assn.

May 15: Membership Meeting, Sheraton Brookhollow, 3000 N. Loop West Frwy., 10:45am-1:30pm. For more info, visit www.houston.cfma.org CSI

Construction Specifications Institute

Chapter Meeting, United Way of Greater Houston, 50 Waugh Dr., 5:30pm. For more info, call Alex Bernard at 713-4077866 or go to www.csihouston.org FPA

Foundation Performance Assn.

May 8: Meeting, Capt. Benjamin Saenz, Hess Club, 5430 Westheimer, 4pm. For more info, call Vicky Bonds at 713-6994000 May 8: Meeting, Dr. James Namekar, Hess Club, 5430 Westheimer, 5pm. For more info, call Vicky Bonds at 713-699-4000 HARCA

Houston Area Roofing Contractors Assn.

May 17: TGA Glass Conference II, The Baylor Club, McLane Stadium, Waco, TX. For more info, email Sarah Burns at sarah. burns@rooftex.com or visit www.texasglass.org HASC

Houston Area Safety Council

May 17: 32nd Houston Safety Excellence Awards, Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center, 7 Hope Blvd., Galves-

Ingram new NAWIC exec admin

ton, TX, 6-10pm. For more info, visit www.houstonsafetyawards.com HCA

Houston Contractors Assn.

May 21: Spring Golf Tournament, Blackhorse Golf Club, 12205 Fry Rd., Cypress, TX. For more info, contact Emelie Englehart at 713-349-9434 or emelie@houstoncontractors.org IEC

Independent Electrical Contractors

May 10: Annual Fishing Tournament, Topwater Grill, 815 Avenue, San Leon, TX, 11am-4pm, Weigh-in 1-2pm.

May 15: General Membership Meeting, 11:30am-1pm.

May 22-23: Legislative Fly-in.

May 29: Wire-off Competition, Bayou City Event Center, 9401 Knight Rd., 5-9pm. For more info, contact Tori Barrett at 713-8691976 or email mbrdir@iectxgc.org MCA

Mechanical Contractors Assn.

May 8: Membership Lunch Meeting; HESS Club, 5430 Westheimer, 11:45am.

For more info, call 281-440-4380 NARI

National Assn. of the Remodeling Industry

May 25: NARI Houston BBQ Cook-off. For more info, call 713-955-6210 NAWIC

National Assn. of Women in Construction

May 14: Membership Member, Maggiano’s, 2019 Post Oak Dr., 5:30pm. For more info, contact Kathleen Cernosek at 281890-1880.

PHCC

Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Gulf Coast Chapter

May 8: Monthly Meeting, Churrasco’s Memorial City, 947 Gessner Rd., #B-290, 2nd Flr., Free parking Gateway Garage 2nd & 3rd Flrs., $30 Advance RSVP; $35 at the Door. RSVP at gulfcoastphcc@gmail.com SFPE

Society of Fire Protection Engineers

May 22: SFPE Houston Meeting, Draeger Inc., 7256 S. Sam Houston Pkwy. #100. For more info, contact Jared at president@sfpehouston.org TSPS

Texas Society of Professional Surveyors

May 17: Chapter 3 Social, Ronald Carroll Surveyors Inc., 5302 S. 31st St., Temple, TX, 11am-2pm. For more info, contact Ronald Carroll at 254-773-1447 or email ron@rcsurveyors.com WCA

Women Contractors Assn.

May 2: WCA 1st Annual Fashionshow & Casino Night, Kim Son Downtown, 2001 Jefferson St., 6-10pm. For more info, contact Dana Parker at 713-807-9977 or email director@womencontractors.org or dana.parker@inservio3.com

L

ast October, the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) in Fort Worth named Crissy Ingram as its new executive administrator. Not only can Ingram feel pride wearing the glittery hard hat she accepted along with the role, but also the honor of guiding her fellow women in construction.

Born and raised in Alvarado TX, Ingram moved to Fort Worth in 2009 and previously worked at Bank One, where she oversaw conversions and consolidations. The birth of her daughter in January 2011 inspired Ingram to reevaluate her career path.

“I took the whole year off to just be a mom to this new little amazing thing in my life,” Ingram says. “I just happened upon NAWIC by accident when I started looking for a job when I was ready to go back to work. I fell in love with their mission and what they do. I love meeting the ladies that I meet; they are so inspiring.”

Ingram began working at NAWIC in January 2012 as an administrative assistant. She then moved into a bookkeeper role in 2015, managing human resource matters.

“Then, I was fortunate enough to get to move into this spot as an executive administrator last October,” Ingram explains. “What a great ride!”

Through her years of experience at NAWIC, Ingram has identified areas that she hopes to create a lasting impact.

“A huge thing that I am working on is awareness,” Ingram explains. “One of our major points in our strategic plan is creating awareness of NAWIC. We are here and we don’t want to be a best-kept secret anymore. We also want to be working with younger groups in middle school and high school to help girls understand that construction is not one thing or another. There is a wide range of opportunities in the field that are greatpaying, lifetime opportunities. Raising

s

Elementary introduction

Crissy Ingram poses next to photo of one of NAWIC’s founding lady members, Ida May Bagby.

that awareness, growing us and growing the industry are my main outlooks right now.”

Ingram also hopes to implement more women-centric career day events such as Project Accelerate, an annual, nocost, hands-on training in different construction areas. She also plans to update and translate NAWIC’s marketing materials, which are printed in English, into Spanish. Another major area of focus is securing partnerships.

Ingram says she has had the good fortune to observe others in the executive administrator role and learn from their excellent example.

“I’ve learned [from them] to never let them see you sweat!” Ingram says with a laugh. “I just learned to be [present] and be honest. If someone asks you a question and it’s something that they don’t want to hear, you just have to tell it like it is. They respect that. You are helping them rather than pushing rainbows and butterflies. You’re helping them with real answers.”

Ingram is excited to serve NAWIC in this new role.

“I love NAWIC’s sisterhood, the closeness, the caring, taking care of each other and literally living what we say we are going to do by building each other up and being there for each other. I love that culture. It’s really something to see,” Ingram says. “My quest is just getting that word out and getting that awareness out there. I want to let people know that we are not just a club, we’re not just a group of girls, we are a group of professional women who want to raise up more professional women.”

Headquartered in Fort Worth, NAWIC is an international non-profit association that promotes and supports the advancement and employment of women in the construction industry. NAWIC boasts 81 members in Fort Worth and a total membership of 4,400. –­ mjm

Submitted to Construction News

Round-Up

McCarthy Building Companies Inc. has promoted Al Gomez and Mike Schulte.

Building designer and president of Newell’s Designs, O. Newell Cheatheam, FAIBD, CPBD volunteers at Cimarron Elementary Career Day in Katy, TX. -cmw

Al Gomez has been promoted to V.P. of McCarthy’s Houston division. He will be responsible for integrating McCarthy’s various departments while leading management and operations on all projects.

He holds B.S. in Architectural Engineering with an emphasis on Structural Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Milwaukee School of Engineering. –cmw

Mike Schulte has been promoted to V.P. of Operations for the Marine/Industrial Business Unit. He will manage all marine, port client and industrial relationships as well as projects in Texas and across the Gulf Coast.

Schulte holds a Master of Business Administration in Management degree from the Univ. of Miami and a double Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics from the University of Southern Indiana. –cmw

Page 14

Houston Construction News • MAY 2019

JOB SIGHT

CEMEX supplies nearly 14,000cy of ready mix in under 20 hours for a mat pour for the new state-of-the art office building, Texas Tower. The pour took more than 220 trucks. -cmw

continued from Page 1 — MAREK end workforce development program and a dedication to the communities in which they work.

Commenting on the presentation of this award, Phil Restivo, Vice President, Turner Construction had this to say about MAREK, “We have become accustomed to having motivated, trained and highly skilled MAREK professionals, executing safe, high quality work on our projects. As a partner, MAREK helps reduce our risks and enhances our value proposition for the client. Each morning at jobsites, MAREK employees lead their fellow workers in an important safety practice – stretch and flex. This is just one of several innovative safety, productivity and development measures implemented by MAREK.” MAREK lays the foundation for the future of the industry by supporting topnotch industry educational programs such as NCERR, The Construction Education Foundation (CEF) in Georgia, the Construction Education and Maintenance (CEM) in Houston and school districts across MAREK’s markets. MAREK is also an ABC Accredited Quality Contractor (AQC) and has achieved ABC’s S.T.E.P. Diamond status.

Holland speculates it’s their engagement of ABC and active involvement in all

ABC chapters where MAREK operates.

“There’s a lot of alignment between ABC’s principals, around free enterprise and the merit shop, workforce development and safety. If I had to guess, we’re big on all those things and that is what ABC stands for.

“I don’t want to portray us as we’re better than everybody else, it’s our people. We focus on our people because that is what we are proud of and if we’re safe, it’s because of our people. If we do good work, it’s because of our people. I suppose, it acknowledges that people also value that whether it be our customers or ABC chapters.

“Its obvious that the folks at MAREK care a lot about what they do. We want to acknowledge and thank our MAREK team, our employees everywhere and also our partners, our ABC chapters, all of our workforce partners, everybody that supplies material to us and certainly our customers. If they didn’t give us the platform, the work and value what we do, there wouldn’t be a story. Again, we are just filled with gratitude for the people that helped us get there. No company, no person does it themselves. Again, it’s our people, our partners and our clients.

That’s our story,” adds Holland. -cmw

continued from Page 1 — Marton Roofing Industries, Ltd.

Randall Yost conducting fiberoptic maintenance with American Communications Construction. -tnp

1st kick-off mixer of 2019

A

ssociated General Contractors (AGC) members mixed and mingled at their first member mixer of the year. The event was held on Mar. 7 at Crisp in The Heights. The fun filled event drew close to 100 construction industry professionals to network and a chance to win a waterproof Bluetooth speaker and tickets to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo courtesy of Peckar & Abramson PC. –cmw

L-R: Cullen Cochran, Waste Transfer Systems; Minora Mosivais and Isaias Rodriguez, MEMCO

L-R: Guillaume Champagnat, Hays Construction & Property wins waterproof Bluetooth speaker and AGC Houston President/CEO Jerry Nevlud

U.S. as well. When the company was zoning in on a particular area, they had locations in Louisiana, Puerto Rico and Curacao. Really, they will “go anywhere to anyone who needs a roof!”

Services include installation and repair of roofing, decking and sheet metal.

The most requested service is between re-roofs and maintenance. The company has serviced a variety of major corporations for churches, hospitals, hotels and casinos. Marton Roofing Industries’ “biggest volume in revenue to date” is a recent project completed for Golden Nugget in Lake Charles, LA. The focus has been on commercial, however, the company wants to accommodate to all.

They excitedly added on residential and recently started advertising for it.

What really sets the tone for accommodation is that they make themselves available any day, any hour. The company has an emergency response feature on their website. The customer fills out a quick form and it is sent to the roofing manager and the repair manager. There will be someone on call to respond to emergencies.

Marton Roofing Industries is involved in a variety of events and likes to take part

in their community. The company participates every year in golfing events, Houston Livestock & Rodeo and The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) BBQ Cook Off. Recently at the AGC, the company placed third in crawfish and sixth in ribs, chicken and overall. They took home first place in 2017.

Glass loves her job because her coworkers became family.

“A lot of us have been here like me for 20-plus years. We are a family here,” she said. She means this literally, too: It is where she met her husband, Melvin, who currently serves as a vice president/roofing manager. Their 9-year-old son is also in the works to become a future Marton Roofing Industries team member.

Recently, the team lost someone who they cherished very much. Vice President/Roof Deck Manager Chris Black passed away this past February. He has been a part of Marton Roofing industries since August 1998. The company will forever remember his service and the lasting memories that he has left behind.

Marton Roofing Industries, Ltd. is a roofing, decking and sheet metal contractor in Houston, TX. –tnp

continued from Page 1 — Tellepsen

L-R: Alexandra Mouton, Peckar & Abramson PC congratulates Michelle Allison, One Digital for winning four tickets to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

Memorial Hermann NE Bed Tower patient room.

Bartlett Cocke team members.

and around the main entry of the hospital. Additionally, Tellepsen strategically implemented various MEP shut downs and tie-ins to the existing hospital.

The project architect, CannonDesign incorporated the iconic Memorial Hermann backlit beacon as part of the new tower. It was constructed at the northeast corner of the new tower.

The entire owner, architect, engineer

and contractor team was collaborative throughout the project. Project Manager Grant Kubecka and Project Superintendent John Brock ensured all parties were hands-on when working through project challenges, with a unified goal of providing the best facility for the patients and staff.

Tellepsen is a full-service, 110-year-old family owned general contractor in Houston, TX. –cmw

Houston Construction News • MAY 2019

Page 15

A Navy man in The Woodlands

A winning season

C

hris Degen was born in St. Petersburg, FL but raised in Texas. He grew up in Spring and Montgomery, which are small towns not too far from where he and his business are now in The Woodlands, TX. A U.S. Navy man, Degen served as an operations specialist. Then he entered the construction world and hasn’t looked back since.

Degen’s time in the Navy and decade in construction inspired him to start his own remodeling company because he acquired a belief in dedication and excellence. With his experience and reliance, The Woodlands Home Repairs started in 2009. As the name implies, the company serves The Woodlands, a town north of Houston, TX, and surrounding communities. The company currently holds a team of 10 along with a few long-time, trusted subs.

Serving both commercial and residential, the list goes on and on of different types of home remodeling services The Woodlands Home Repairs owner, Chris Degen, that the company has to offer. displaying a completed project of an outdoor fireplace Some handyman service examples include hanging art and ceiling ment from owners and their friends.” fans. Some remodeling service examples The Woodlands Home Repairs plans to include building fences and room addi- keep on going for a long time to come. tions. Highly requested services include Also, having more company crawfish boils kitchen and bathroom remodels. are also in the plans; the company had one

The best part of the job for Degen is last year. Degen is a lover of motorcycles, seeing the finished product; customers jet skiing and boating. Taking in the Texas would say the same too! After all, the plan- outdoors and spending time with his wife ning and hard work is an accomplishment. and daughter is what Degen loves most.

“I love to see the end result of a remodel- The Woodlands Home Repairs is a reing transformation. It is rewarding to de- modeling and handyman contractor in The liver a quality product and see the amaze- Woodlands, TX. –tnp

The Wildcat Electric Supply family kick up their heels at their 50th anniversary celebration.

L

ast year, two important events took place: The Astros won the World Series, and Wildcat Electric Supply celebrated its 50th anniversary.

To honor both occasions, Wildcat Electric Supply (who count themselves as huge Astros fans) hosted their anniversary celebration last December at Minute Maid Stadium’s Union Station Lobby, complete with a live band, dancing and catered food.

Wildcat’s Marketing Coordinator Kristen Hessemer Sherman said more than 200 people came to fete the company. They also honored the accomplishments of Kristen’s grandfather, Clark Hessemer, who established it in 1968 and her father, Keith Hessemer, who began working there in 2001.

Kristen and her brother, Steven Sherman, who works in projects and quotations, are proud of the company’s long-term success.

“It is hard to believe it has been so many years,” Kristen says. “When I was little, I never really thought about working

here. Once I did come on, I realized I should have been here a long time ago.”

The employees are counted as extended family and tend to stick around.

Kristen says she believes the reason is the example her dad sets.

“My dad shows up every day because he expects the same of his employees; he’s very much involved,” Keith says. “He has an open door policy and communicates with our employees.”

In the company’s half-century of operation, Wildcat has grown to 77 employees in its Houston and San Marcos locations. The company also has a W.E. manufacturing shop and recently expanded to Wildcat Traffic. And even though the anniversary party fun is over, the fun isn’t.

“This year, we’re really trying to do quarterly happy hours in different locations, so our customers and employees can really come together,” Kristen says.

Wildcat Electric Supply is an electrical supplier and distributor. –mjm

Page 16

Houston Construction News • MAY 2019