Houston Construction News June 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 6 H JUNE 2019

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Never flying a desk

Reasons to celebrate

Robert Walker, owner of Metal Arc Empire

L-R: James Anderson and T.J. Rogers

obert Walker was looking into the military when he graduated from high school. One day he got an ad in the mail for an aviation school. Answering the call, Walker became a pilot for the next two years.

During this time, Walker got to know one of the aircraft mechanics that welded on the side. This welder taught Walker the trade and taught him well. “[I got] very skilled,” he said.

“I decided I like this work,” he added.

“There’s money to be made; it’s a very skilled trade. There’s always going to be a need for it.”

While Walker loved flying, he didn’t want this passion to turn into merely an occupation. And, flying for the corporate world would take Walker away from

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home far too much. Therefore, he became a welding apprentice for Henderson Fabrication in Bay City. He did this for a year and a half until moving out to Sugar Land with his new wife and started his first company, Precision Iron Works.

Business took off “like a light,” Walker said. He got flooded with calls for everything made of wrought iron, to include a lot of fencing and gates.

After doing mostly custom residential work for several months, Walker got a call from Titanium Engineers who hired him to build stainless steel pallets, designed to hold very heavy weights. Each pallet costs $16,000 each and they needed 22 of them. This job was instrumental in getting Walker into the industrial/commercial world. continued on Page 14

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artlett Cocke General Contractors is not only celebrating 60 years of business this year, but is also celebrating the promotion of James Anderson to company President and T.J. Rogers to Executive Vice President.

Anderson began his career at Bartlett Cocke as an intern in 1994 and full time after graduating from Texas A&M University with a Construction Science degree in 1996. Anderson went on to serve as Senior Project Manager on the company’s largest and most complex projects and was promoted to Vice President of Operations before his promotion to President this year.

Rogers, a Texas Tech grad who holds a degree in Construction Engineering Technology, worked in other regions of Texas for large GCs prior to starting at

Bartlett Cocke 15 years ago as a Senior Estimator. In 2008, he was promoted to Vice President of Estimating and managed the estimating efforts of the company’s offices. In his new role as Executive Vice President, he currently oversees, among other things, the Estimating Department, the Safety Department and Risk Management.

“The succession planning for us is really a plan that is deeply embedded in the culture and the history of Bartlett Cocke General Contractors,” Anderson explains. “There is a clear vision and longterm plan that we’ve put in place. We’ve focused our efforts on developing talent and that continues to move the company forward and allows for smooth transitions in leadership. Our company is an continued on Page 14

Building more than just medical

poch Construction Services is a family-owned and operated construction firm that focuses primarily on commercial construction services by applying their knowledge and experience to assist clients in achieving the client’s vision.

The company was founded by Epoch’s president, David Esslinger, in 2006, a budget minded and goal-oriented person with previous construction knowledge and a heap of ambition. He found that by simply offering assistance for anything his clients insisted on needing, building on the company’s goal to be part of a team atmosphere, applying the team’s full capabilities to provide value, and do so efficiently.

“We found that by providing a service for every need we could build a company and provide great opportunity for growth. Since that day I have been

blessed to amass a team of bright, competent, capable, and extremely honest personnel. With an average annual year over year growth of over 20 percent, we are very happy with our capacity. Our core competencies grow stronger and stronger as the years go by,” says Esslinger.

Specializing in private medical, light industrial and retail facilities, Epoch Construction provides design-build services, bid build and cost-plus services for ground up and interior projects from $10,000 to over $10 million dollars. This made Epoch the perfect choice for Dr. Ryan Comeaux, owner of Comeaux Dental for the construction of his new dental facility.

Project Managers Robert Shull and Russell Siler, along with Superintendent Chase Dibbern oversaw the construction of the $500,000 dental facility designed by Twenty20 Studio LLC. Comeaux Dental patient examination room

continued on Page 14

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Houston Construction News • JUN 2019

Drive by

Ken Libonati with RoadRunner Restoration on the road for a restoration. -tnp

A broadening existence

L-R: The Catto & Catto leadership team Seth Michaelson, Jaimie Hayne and Greg LeJune.

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or 86 years, Catto & Catto LLP has been providing personalized service to middle market to Fortune 500 clients throughout the state of Texas.

As one of Texas’ largest independentlyowned insurance and risk management firms, the company has taken the leap to expand its operations to Houston.

Triggered by the changing of the broker landscape brought about by numerous acquisitions of locally-owned brokers, Catto & Catto saw an opportunity to offer that intimate personal touch to the Houston market.

“This is a critical point of differentiation as the current insurance brokerage market has seen the consolidation of providers into large-scale agencies. The addition of Catto & Catto into the Houston market provides clients and employees with the opportunity to choose a skilled privately owned and operated firm that specializes in outstanding service,” says CEO Jaimie Hayne.

Seth Michaelson, who has been in the insurance business for 11 years, will be heading up the new Houston office as Managing Director.

“As one of the few remaining private partnership options for insurance professionals and businesses in the Houston market, Catto & Catto’s platform and culture align perfectly with the way I want to assist clients,” says Michaelson.

“There is a difference between how intimate you’re going to get with a client when you are with a firm our size versus one of the large 60,000-plus employee firms. We get to know our clients and that’s why we’ve been successful for 86 years. We are going to take that and transplant that into the Houston market.

We’re going to get to know our clients and get to know their programs,” adds Managing Director for Commercial Lines & Surety Greg LeJune.

The team’s longevity and depth of knowledge allows the firm to provide customized individual and commercial insurance, risk management, surety, ben-

efits and wellness solutions. Each Catto & Catto client is assigned to a dedicated account team that uses a thoughtful and thorough approach to managing complex risk situations. Particularly in the areas of construction, real estate and nonprofit organizations, the firm builds custom insurance solutions that go beyond product delivery, providing strategies to help clients govern and get the most value out of the solutions in place.

“As the construction business gets more and more complicated, owners get more sophisticated in how they work with general contractors and prime contractors,” Client Relationship Officer Manuel Zuniga adds. “Risk transfer issue becomes a bigger issue and they are trying to push as much down the pike as possible. It’s agencies like us, advisors like us that can come in and help manage their way through the whole process. I think the biggest thing that sets us apart in this industry is our experience.”

“As Catto & Catto expands into the Houston market, the focus remains on empowering people to become safer, healthier and more secure,” Hayne continues. “This is important for employee growth as well. The private ownershipstyle platform we have creates a vested dynamic within our team and that permeates into our client service atmosphere. The level of expertise, professionalism and compassion our team has and shares with clients is beyond comparison.

We look forward to establishing new, long-lasting partnerships in Houston and the surrounding area.”

Catto & Catto currently employs over 90 employees in the South and Central Texas markets. They are looking to duplicate this presence over the next decade and attaining the right talent to continue to provide that personal touch to their current and future clients.

Catto & Catto LLP is an independent Texan-owned insurance, risk management, surety, benefits and wellness solutions broker. -cmw

Houston Construction News • JUN 2019

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Boiling pots & crawfish

American/Texan made

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ith the crawfish season in full swing, Big City Access kept to tradition hosting their 17th Annual Crawfish Boil. The event was held Apr. 4 at the company’s corporate headquarters, 6915 Barney Rd.

Big City Access put on a great event showing their appreciation to 1,300 friends, family and customers. Cole Degges & Band, featuring Big City Access owner Barbara Robert’s husband, Steve Roberts on guitar, provided live music as everyone enjoyed crawfish prepared by Captain Mark’s Bastrop Marina. –cmw

The Marmol family (L-R): Jesus, Marcelo and Eusebio, of American Wood Concepts

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Big City Access 17th Annual Crawfish Boil

arcelo Marmol admits he and his father picked a less-than ideal time to move from southern California to Texas to open American Wood Concepts. It was Nov. 2008 during the infamous bust, which was “the whole collapse of the housing market and the economy in this country,” Marmol said, “which is directly related to remodeling.”

Thus, “2009 was a flat-out horrible year.” Marmol’s father, Eusebio, had had a wood and carpentry business back in Orange County, CA, but with family in Texas, and the lure of a more laid-back culture, they made the move.

Marmol says of his father: “My dad is the finest craftsman that I’ve ever met, that I’ve ever seen.” Eusebio is 78 now and has been working with wood since he was 15, back in his native Uruguay.

Marmol worked hard in those early days to get the word out on what they did and making connections to get the business off and running, saying, “One thing that we have no problem selling is what we do is far superior to what you’re going to find in general.”

95 percent of American Wood Concepts’ business is repeat customers and referrals. “Our bread and butter is your middle class, regular family,” Marmol said, with a good dose of high-end work. In fact, one customer has moved four times in nine years and has had American Wood Concepts upgrade his home each move.

“What we do is quality and long-lasting,” Marmol said. “What to me is most important to give to the customer is not something trendy, but classic elegance that’s timeless.”

Eusebio has slowed down a bit, but he and Marmol has personally trained their nine full-time employees to do their custom cabinets their way.

After a rough start, “Now, we are enjoying the fruits of our reputation,” Marmol said. The family loves being out of the rat-race of southern California. “The main reason why we’re here is because we love the life style,” he said.

Not only is their woodwork made in America, it’s made in Texas.

American Wood Concepts is based in The Woodlands. -dsz

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Hoar Construction & Greystar employees.

In front of the surface

AECOM Hunt

Barney Stump in front of his shop, Surface Materials LLC. –tnp

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Houston Construction News • JUN 2019

Safety in work zones

Determining the value of your construction company

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

Paul Seibrasse, Principal RSM US LLP San Antonio, TX

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he Texas Department of Transportation statistics indicate that there were 184 crashes and 202 fatalities on Texas roads in work zones during 2017. This was an increase of 9% from the previous year and leads all other states. One reason is that Texas has as many more road miles than any other state. Many of the deaths were attributed to occupants were not wearing seat belts.

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he right business valuation can assist in facilitating a variety of business decisions for the construction industry.

Construction company owners may need a business valuation for a variety of reasons, a possible transaction being the most common.

Others include gifting of stock, starting or continuing an employee stock ownership plan, funding phantom stock plans, issuing options to management and transferring other ownership interests. While each of these situations is unique, a proper business valuation is an important part of each.

Determining the appropriate value of a construction business is not an exact science and can be difficult. Often, company owners feel a connection to the business beyond its monetary returns, having grown it from nothing or operating it over a long period. Accordingly, owners commonly benefit from the services of an independent appraiser since their disconnection from the business enhances objectivity and eliminates both actual and perceived conflicts of interest.

Approaches to valuation

There are different standards of value that can be assigned to a company: Liquidation value: the price at which the assets of the business would sell at if an orderly liquidation or fire sale were to occur Fair market value: the price that a business would transact at given a willing buyer and willing seller Fair value: the price at which the business would transact at between hypothetical market participants

Investment value: the value assigned by a particular investor, which is not necessarily what others in the market would pay for the company, but what a single investor perceives the value to be The requirements of the valuation will dictate the standard of value. For example, tax reporting is typically performed under a fair market value standard whereas financial reporting is often performed on a fair value basis.

Traditionally, there are three primary approaches that appraisers consider when valuing a business:

1. Income-based An income-based valuation relies upon a company’s expected cash flows in assessing value. This method is often applicable for contractors with a small fixed asset base, but a strong reputation or history of success. Income-based approaches include the discounted cash flow method and the capitalization of earnings method. The discounted cash flow method uses forecasted income statements, working capital and fixed assets for some discrete future period. The appraiser then refines the forecast so that future cash flows more reasonably represent what a prospective buyer may realize. As the next step, the appraiser reduces the future cash flow amounts to a present value amount using a rate of return commensurate with the perceived riskiness of the company’s future cash flows. The higher the perceived risk, the lower the company’s present value. As an alternate method, the capitalization of earnings relies on a singular normalized annual cash flow estimate, based on the assumption the company grows at a stable rate over time.

Clearly, the capitalization of earnings method is the simpler of the two methods because it only requires one cash flow estimate. However, it may not always be applicable because a company’s expected cash flows may substantially change.

2. Market-based

A market-based valuation infers company value using data from known transactions of either its private or publicly traded peers. For example, price to earning indices are a common metric by which appraisers estimate a company’s value after comparing its performance to that of its peers. The appraiser often makes additional adjustments to the metrics to account for differences between the subject company’s operations and the peer group.

3. Asset-based

An asset-based approach relies on an assessment of the necessary costs to recreate, reassemble, redevelop, and/or redeploy all of the company’s assets using date-specific prices. A company’s estimated equity value is the total assessed asset costs minus its liabilities. Appraisers typically use this method to value holding companies or companies whose assets are worth more separately than combined (i.e., the company consistently struggles to yield positive cash flows).

Additional considerations regarding the construction industry

There is a unique and complex set of considerations required in appraising a construction company. Reasonably reliable company cash flow forecasts are central to any meaningful income-based valuation results. Developing reliable forecasts is difficult, but not impossible, given the wide array of industry factors (such as lending rates, consumer and producer confidence, labor rates, material prices) that can change seemingly overnight.

Further, a construction company’s value beyond its tangible asset value—its machinery, equipment and real estate—is directly dependent on its ability to create persistent and meaningful cash flows.

This ability is often tied directly to a construction company’s reputation for service, finish quality, on-time delivery and worker-friendly policies. This could mean focusing all of the company’s energies on a particular strategy or niche market that may result in above average profit margins. Clearly, there are a variety of ways a construction company can maximize its marketplace reputation, and regardless of the method(s) chosen, sound management is the key to making that happen.

Impact of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), signed into law in December 2017, brought about primary changes that affect valuations: Reduced corporate tax rates, limitations on the deductibility of interest expense, limitations on net operating losses and accelerated depreciation. The implications vary for each of the different valuation approaches.

Due to the short- and medium-term application of the act, there are significant changes to the forecasted cash flows and expected rates of return. The TCJA also affects the metrics used in the market approach, as lower tax rates have bolstered market values of many companies. Ultimately, it is important to look at the guidelines closely before making a conclusive decision regarding what metric to use in the valuation.

The TCJA has several components beyond a lower corporate tax rate, such as net operating losses deduction and repatriation liabilities, that will affect a company’s final value. The impact of the TCJA will vary by industry and company; therefore, business owners’ best response is to have a conversation with their tax advisor to closely assess how the TCJA can help or hurt their company’s valuation.

The construction industry is a competitive and challenging market. While the valuation of a company is ultimately the financial value a buyer and seller can agree upon, there is much within the control of the business owner that can be done to positively—or negatively—affect the company’s value.

All work zones on major Texas roads fall under TxDOT and their MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices). In this manual in defines the planning, speed limits, traffic control devices and location of such for the various types of work to be done depending on the length of project and time of day aimed at reducing the potential cause of accidents.

These Traffic Control Plans are designed and engineered to help both TxDOT and the contractors who are working on their projects to select and implement a well-designed plan to manage and reduce injury to both the workers and the general motoring public. The plans do include human behavior studies on speed, visual perception and amount of time the project will take in general.

What they can’t always anticipate is what the motoring, walking or cycling public will actually do while in this “work zone”.

Our contractors in the Texas must comply with these rules and are generally monitored and reviewed by TxDOT on these projects. However, drivers are still having crashes with most occurring from distracted driving, speeding or just not focused on the job of driving.

To reduce injuries to workers in the Work Zone and indecisions on the part of drivers, “flaggers” must be trained and certified. Accident information gathered from crashes have indicated that flaggers were not clear as to their intent in some cases and these individuals are the first to assist motorist in negotiating a required

lane change. Additionally, many work zones are also not active at night, thus the signage, cones/barrels and barriers and attenuator vehicles that help the public from accessing the areas under construction. To reduce claims against you in the event of a crash, the contractor should take pictures/videos of the sight as they left it in case of a crash while no one was on site, at the end of each work day. This will help the claims process when a claim is filed due to your work on this road. Besides the human behaviors there are good rules for everyone to remember; when you see an orange sign, look out for road work up ahead; slow down and be prepared to stop; observe others around you as not all see what you may see.

National Work Zone Awareness is great way to support and get awareness out to the public and is generally the first week of April each year. Buckle up Texas!

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.

What is your Favorite Snack?

I love cheese. I have not met a cheese that I didn’t like.

Danny Strickland, Strickland Construction & Landscaping

Chex, dump it out on the counter and I will take each ingredient and separate them and put them all in bags.

Robert Walker, Metal Arc Empire

My favorite snack is cowboy cookies. Cowboy cookies are a combination of oatmeal and chocolate chip cookie infused with a snicker doodle. They are awesome!

Scott Tanley, Turner Industries Group LLC

There are so many favorite snacks. I like eating popcorn and Cheetos when watching movies.

Jay Jahantash, Smart Air

Lately, my favorite snack has been kettle corn. I make it every night when I’m watching TV. David McCleskey, Brown & Root Industrial Services LLC Ice cream drumsticks. I have them anytime I can find one.

Chris William, Craig & Heidt Inc. Little Debbies. I love them because they make all different kinds and I love them all.

Robert Fuentes Sr., Pyramid Roofing & Construction M&M’s. Peanut M&M’s to be more precise because I get the sweet and a little nutrition with the peanuts.

Dorothy Janish, Dominion Air & Heat LLC Salt & Vinegar Lays potato chips.

Andy Pineda, Bobcat Beef jerky. I buy a lot of it and I eat a lot of it.

Ruben Mercado, Jr. Ipsum General Contractor LLC Cheetos.

Marcelo Marmol, American Wood Concepts

Chex-Mix. Each one [of my kids] like a different ingredient in the bag. I will take a bag of

Barbeque chips are my favorite snack.

Tony Marguez, Sullivan Landscaping Services My favorite snack? It depends on what day of the week it is. My favorite snack is popcorn because you can get it in different flavors – sweet, salty or cheezy. But, my favorite would have to be movie theater popcorn.

Nara Thorton, Sunshine Personnel Crawfish is my favorite snack.

Brent Parker, Way-Tech Cookies n’ Cream ice cream.

Eric Eddleman, Graybar Electric I like Oreo cookies. Regular, not double stuffed with a glass of milk.

Juan Sanchez, Fair Electric Crawfish. I wait all year round for my favorite snack. I love crawfish. I think they are delicious. I’ll eat as much as I possibly can.

Cel Evans, Oxford Builders All the snacks.

Denise Hall, JE Dunn

Little Debbies.

Moquita Quinan, University of Houston Brownies with the little sprinkles on them.

They always make a pretty good snack.

Jesus Dominguez, MJMD Construction

Houston Construction News • JUN 2019

Page 5

Material breaches of contract: What they are and why they matter West W. Winter, Attorney The Winter Law Firm, PLLC San Antonio, TX

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he area of construction law is complex, wide ranging and encompasses many different areas of the law (such as torts, contract law, property law, and common law). One construction law concept about which every contractor should have some awareness is the concept of material breach of contract and how material breaches may impact respective duties, obligations, and remedies in a contractual relationship.

What is a Material Breach A material breach of contract is the non-performance of a contractual duty that is so significant that it discharges the non-breaching party from its duties under the contract. Whether a breach is material is a question of fact. The Restatement of Contracts lists five circumstances significant in determining whether a failure to perform is material: (1) the extent to which the injured party will be deprived of the benefit which he reasonably expected; (2) the extent to which the injured party can be adequately compensated for the part of that benefit of which he will be deprived;

(3) the extent to which the party failing to perform or to offer to perform will suffer forfeiture;

(4) the likelihood that the party failing to perform or to offer to perform will cure his failure, taking account of the circumstances including any reasonable assurances;

(5) the extent to which the behavior of the party failing to perform or to offer to perform comports with standards of good faith and fair dealing.

Although dependent upon the facts involved, some common examples of material breaches of contract include significant delays, failure to pay for work properly performed, and wrongful termination.

Material Breach By a Contracting Party Excuses Further Performance by Other Party

It is well established that when one party to a contract commits a material breach of that contract, the other party is discharged or excused from further performance. In many construction contract disputes, one party will terminate the contract or refuse to pay due to alleged breaches by the other party. In these situations involving competing breach of contract claims, juries can and do commonly find that both sides failed to comply with the contract. In the face of competing material breach of contract claims, it should be determined which party committed the first material breach, which such first material breach acts to discharge the other party from further performance under the contract.

In the Texas Supreme Court opinion Mustang Pipeline Company, Inc. v. Driver Pipeline Company, Inc., Mustang, a pipeline owner, sued Driver, the pipeline builder, for breach of the construction contract due to delays in construction, and the builder asserted counterclaims for wrongful termination. Both parties asserted that the other’s material breach as an affirmative defense. The Texas Supreme Court reversed the lower court rulings and held that, since time was “of the essence” and a material element of the contract under the facts involved, the builder’s delays constituted a material breach of the contract. The Court stated: “At the point at which Mustang terminated the contract, there was virtually no chance that Driver would be able

to cure its breach and complete the construction on time.” Because of Driver’s material breach, Mustang was thereafter discharged from its duties under the contract, and the findings on Driver’s wrongful termination counterclaim should have been disregarded.

Election to Continue After A Material Breach

However, when one party materially breaches a contract, generally the nonbreaching party must elect to either terminate the contract and cease performance (as Mustang did in the above referenced court case) or treat it as continuing and thereafter continue its own performance. If the non-breaching party treats the contract as continuing and demands performance from the other party, then the non-breaching party must fully perform as well, because the contract continues in force for the benefit of both parties. Stated differently, a party who elects to treat a contract as continuing, after a material breach, deprives itself of any excuse for ceasing performance on its own part.

By way of example and as set out in the recent holding in C&C Road Construction, Inc. v. Saab Site Contractors, L.P., C&C was confronted with an alleged material breach by Saab, and it had to decide whether to continue with Saab or terminate and replace Saab. C&C contended that the contract had a “time is of the essence” clause and that any delay by Saab was a material breach as a matter of law.

But in this case, when C&C was aware of Saab’s alleged delay, C&C elected to require Saab to complete the contract rather than terminate. The evidence showed that Saab tried to walk off the job for nonpayment, but C&C prevailed on it to return to the job. The court stated that C&C might have used any nonperformance issues by Saab as a basis to offset what it owed, but it could not declare its obligations to Saab extinguished because of a pre-existing material breach.

Get Help

You are encouraged to consult with your construction attorney in the event any breach of contract arises or is alleged. Legal counsel is also strongly encouraged when making business decisions which are impacted by these concepts.

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.

Safe tree care Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

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efore beginning any tree care operation, employers need to:

Assess the work site for fall and falling object hazards. Assess the sloped ground where ladders or equipment will be used to prevent falls from equipment overturns and ladder slippage; nearby overhead objects or structures; and weather-related hazards.

Have a qualified arborist survey the worksite and identify the types of trees involved and possible hazards related to tree structure. The qualified arborist would identify fall hazards and falling object hazards due to tree condition.

Determine if rigging is necessary and, if so, that workers can use it safely.

Determine if workers will need to climb or use aerial lifts Identify and provide without cost properly fitting personal protective equipment to protect workers from fall and overhead falling object hazards, and ensure that the workers use the equipment and are trained in its proper use.

Only use climbing equipment approved by the manufacturer for tree care work, including climbing lines, safety lines, personal fall protection equipment, and inspect all equipment for safe operation before starting work; remove damaged, defective, or worn equipment from service.

Ensure that all workers at a tree care operation are trained in hazard recognition for falls from elevation and falling object hazards, and the use of personal protective equipment, such as hard hats, to protect against injury from overhead falling objects.

If workers cannot remain at least 10 feet from electric lines to perform tree care operations, contact the utility com-

pany to de-energize and ground the lines.

Take the following steps to protect workers from falling object hazards: (1) Establish and mark drop zones with equipment, such as cones, where there is a hazard of objects falling; (2) ensure that all workers receive training on procedures for entering the drop zone; (3) ensure that ground workers maintain a distance away from the tree-felling operations that is at least two times the height of the tree; and (4) when using a rope to fell a tree, workers must be at a distance of at least one-and-a-half times the height of the tree being felled.

Establish a visual or audible communication system between overhead workers and workers on the ground before starting rigging operations for piecing out the tree.

Provide traffic and pedestrian traffic control around the jobsite prior to the start of the tree care operation.

Have emergency procedures in place prior to the start of the tree care operation. Determine if the worksite location has cellular telephone coverage and verify that every worker knows the address of the worksite in case they need to summon emergency services to the site. Establish a retreat path for ground workers so they can escape from falling trees. natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232

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Houston Construction News • JUN 2019

Do you have any kids?

We have seven kids, three boys and four girls. The three that are at home with us are the four-year-old, seven-year-old and seventeen-year-old. Our seventeenyear-old son helps out in the business. He is already thinking about his future here with Kingdom Roof and Fence. We discuss it often. However, he is also thinking about becoming a firefighter. We would like for him to attend college. There are many possibilities, so we will see.

Laura and Ron Robey Co-Owners Kingdom Roof and Fence Richmond, TX

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aura and Ron Robey are the proud founders and owners of two businesses, Kingdom Roof and Fence, and Kingdom Christmas Lights. They credit their success to the Lord who has blessed them tremendously. The Robeys’ have a passion for helping young men get back on their feet. Their ministry supports these men to grow up to be successful.

Have you always lived in the Houston area?

I moved down here when I was 10. I lived in Houston most of my life. It is where I met my husband, Ron. I graduated high school in Sugarland and have stayed in this area ever since I was a kid. I was born in New York and Ron is from Virginia.

Do you and Ron share similar interests?

We both love sports and music. We both grew up going to church. Ron played football. I played softball, volleyball and soccer.

What types of jobs did you have growing up?

Back in the day I worked for an orthodontist as an ortho assistant. I also worked at a coffee house before Starbucks took over. My dad was in the oil and gas field. I worked with him for a while; he taught me a lot. Then lastly, I have been doing administration.

Ron was in the military, and he has fulfilled his term. In Virginia, he worked for a milk company. He moved to Texas to start the business. Looking back, I never envisioned myself being a co-owner. My initial career goal was to be a doctor.

What do you guys do at Kingdom Roof and Fence?

Ron has over 10 years’ of experience.

Kingdom Roof and Fence owner, Ron Robey, boarding a fence.

We do repair and installation of fences, gates and roofs, as well as insulation replacement. We love to do custom decorative fencing and gates. It is fun to be able to make different designs and create Pinterest style fences! Fencing is a craft, which it may not seem like it, but it is. It is not as simple as sticking a plank in the ground. It is an art.

We have power sliding gates, but those are more popular outside of Houston. Our customers are so excited about their beautiful gates and fences. It is a rewarding experience seeing the smiles on people’s faces when we are finished. Our services go above and beyond our customers’ expectations.

Fences are for sure our most requested service. Many people here go with standard fencing, but we are pushing for opportunities to customize. We push for metal posts just like in the Dallas market.

We don’t do z-fencing. We do what is called a diamond brace system, which will last longer. We service all of Houston Spring and Conroe. We have been as far south as Galveston and Wharton.

What is your business atmosphere like?

Even though I am the admin, I do get out of the office and help out at job sites.

When times become super busy, I do help build. Ron is always out in the field.

We have six team members who also work for the company. They all come from different backgrounds and bring experience. Our newest addition just graduated from A&M, and he does a little bit of everything. Our general laborers do our general repairs.

What do you guys do at Kingdom Christmas Lights?

Right now, we are so busy with fences and roofs! Normally we slow down a little bit with roofs and fences in the fall.

During holiday months, we switch over and become busy with our professional Christmas lights business. We do install and take down. They are not just store Christmas lights; they are custom made lights to fit your home.

We go out with spools of wire. We measure to fit perfectly according to the parameters of your home. Owners can customize their color sequence. People purchase the lights and keep them. They are often re-used every year since they are all custom made. We will gladly come back to re-install and add more to their decorations.

Christmas lights would have to be my favorite type of project. It is fun to be creative and make everything light up and come together so beautifully. It is so fulfilling when we are done and watch the kids come outside and see their house all lit up.

You are busy with two businesses and seven kids. How do you manage time?

It is hard to find time. I am usually up at five in the morning and in bed by midnight. We have our office in the garage, so working at home happens alI the time.

I wish there was more time in a day. We also lead a ministry for helping young men. It is all about finding a balance.

As we are growing in services, we are slowly growing in company size and skill set. We have team building and company trainings. It keeps us in good morale and at a good beat.

What is your ministry about?

We are a Christian business. God has blessed us, and it has been an amazing experience. We like to attend different churches. We go to River Pointe and Anchor Bend often. Some people think it is strange how we attend different churches, but we love it. We enjoy experiencing the variety of congregations and like to hear a variety of pastors, too.

In our ministry, Ron and I help boys grow up to be successful young men, especially those that need to step up and provide for their families. We minister to them and guide them through learning how to work, make a daily wage and take care of their families.

We seed into other businesses. For example, we helped with marketing for a homecare business in Dallas. We do marketing and assist with logo design for another gentleman who owns a roofing company. Here in town, we are helping someone who sells sporting accessories, like hats.

What types of activities do you all enjoy together?

We actually have a podcast. We go on many vacations. We attend church wherever we end up visiting, too. My favorite trip so far was at the Cayman Islands. Later this week we will be going to the Bahamas. It will be our first time there. I have a feeling this will be my new favorite trip!

Kingdom Roof and Fence is a roof, fence and handyman contractor in Richmond, TX. -tnp

Houston Construction News • JUN 2019

Page 7

don’t hesitate in booking your fishing trips. Here are some open dates available in July: (4,8,12,22,28,29) 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.

Texas best fishing

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

B

y the time all of you are reading this article, we will be in our summer patterns. It’s been a slower than usual start this season with some rocky weather and stubborn cool fronts that seemed to keep coming in later than I can remember. These conditions have really made patterning fish pretty difficult and kept most guides puzzled catching fish one day and not the next. I’m looking forward to some warmer and more consistent weather for the next few months.

I’m sure by August I’ll change my tune and be wishing for cooler days.

Summertime offers a variety of fishing possibilities around the coastal bend.

For the most part and perhaps the most common is the inshore or bay fishing in our local bays and estuaries. The entire coast from the Rio Grande river to the Louisiana state line is protected by a barrier island which protects our bay from the Gulf of Mexico. We have one of the best fisheries in the world in our backyard loaded with plenty of opportunities to catch a wide diversity of fish. Most common are speckled trout, redfish, flounder and black drum. These fish can be caught year-round in our bays using live or natural bait or artificial lures. Hiring a guide is probably the most logical means of catching fish if you are new to

Jess Gates had no problem catching her limit of speckled trout last week with Steve Schultz Outdoors.

the area or don’t on a boat. Even if you are a boat owner, using a guide will help you navigate a specific area you are not familiar with, and you will learn techniques to help you when on your own.

Many anglers use kayaks or wade off of shorelines accessible by vehicle. There are also guides that use kayaks if that’s your preference. Another area and one that is almost exclusively just allowed in Texas is surf fishing. Texas, to my knowledge, is one of the only states left that allows driving on the beach. There are hundreds of miles of pristine beaches that offer fishing for the same species mentioned above and a wide variety of larger class fish.

If blue water is your preference, you’re in the right area also. Port Aransas and the surrounding areas offer some of the best offshore fishing in the Gulf. Billfish, tarpon, snapper and tuna are just a few of the many species you can catch not far off the coast. Depending on

weather and sea conditions you can access these waters in your bay boat if an offshore boat is not in your budget. I’ve been 40 plus miles offshore in my bay rig on a nice summer day. Possibilities are endless fishing in Texas!

My summer months are filling fast so

Nicole Plata holds her flounder she caught with Steve Schultz Outdoors. Flounder have been showing up lately! Nicole was fishing on a team building outing with Crazy Horse Construction

Page 8

Houston Construction News • JUN 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

Mmmm, Catfish!

By Max Milam

I have started to see a trend over the last decade. More and more of my clients do not want to eat the catfish they catch while targeting stripers. This is just mind blowing to me because, as I was growing up in Texas, catfish was a staple food for family get-togethers, fundraisers, and especially catfish Friday, but now more people are looking down upon catfish and seeing it as a second-class fillet.

Catfish is a very versatile fish in the kitchen. Most people think that it can only be fried, but it is excellent smoked, grilled, baked, blackened, and even made as ceviche. The trick to making it top of the line table fare is how it is cleaned. Just like striper and redfish, if you do not trim the bloodline, you’re not getting the best-tasting fillet. The bloodline is not as bright as in the above mentioned fish, nor is it as strongly flavored, but take it out and you will be amazed just how tasty catfish can be.

What many people do not realize is that most catfish are not bottom feeders.

Blue catfish and especially flathead cat-

fish are predatory catfish and will mostly eat others fish. Even when they are younger, they have similar diets to crappie and bluegill, and we know how tasty those are. Channel catfish are one of the more prevalent and easy to catch types of catfish in our state, and they are an omnivorous fish that feeds on mussels, crustaceans, plants, and other fish.

Now that we settled some of the misconceptions about catfish, let’s talk about why they are worth catching. Catfish are one of the most reliable types of fish to target. This is because catfish are eating machines with a sense of smell that could put a bloodhound to shame.

The “whiskers” they are known for are called barbels, and they are covered in taste buds and special olfactory sensors that allow them to find food in dark and muddy waters. This means they can easily be chummed into the area that you want to fish with fresh-cut chum, soured grains, or even range cubes. Then follow up with a bait that can easily be found.

My preference is fresh-cut gizzard shad or a good punch bait because they release a lot of scent into the water to entice the bite.

The bottom line is that catfish are healthy, delicious fish that can be caught

in almost any waterbody in the state. They have gotten a bad reputation because of the variety of foul-smelling baits made to catch fishermen and not necessarily fish.

Yes, they look different than their scaly counterparts, but they are some of the best table fare in our waters and can easily be caught by the cooler-full with a good guide or just a little leg work to chum out a honey hole. So go ahead and give catfishing a try this weekend, and maybe even take a kid fishing with you.

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

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

The smart way

Raising the roof

L-R: Travis Kirtley, sheet metal production manager; Justin Kirtley, executive vice president; Richard Kirtley, president; Dean Torres, vice president- new development

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Smart Air Cooling and Heating owner, Jay Jahantash

ay Jahantash went to school to study information technology. However, it was not quite right for him.

There was still that interest in electronics, so Jahantash tried a different route. HVAC trade school turned out to be the best fit in every way. He flourished and graduated the top of his class.

Jahantash came to the U.S. at 19 years of age from Rome. He was eager to experience the opportunities that this country had to offer. During the time he was going to school to earn his HVAC license, Jahantash was working for HVAC companies. Once he earned years of experience and his license, Jahantash knew it was time to open his own HVAC company.

Smart Air Cooling and Heating began chilling and warming the people of Houston, TX in 2011. Jahantash recognizes the great need for his services in the city.

The company has consistently stayed busy by focusing on the west side of Houston.

Jahantash started the company on his own and gradually hired experienced,

certified staff as the workload expanded.

The Smart Air crew is experienced in all brands, makes and models of HVAC equipment and is up to date with the latest technology. Having intact ductwork produces a better performing HVAC system, which means the company is prepared to take on any type of duct condition. Furnace services, as well as cooling and heating maintenance, repair and installation, are available.

Indoor climate is important to everyone of all ages and all places. Jahantash wants to help people feel their best, “It is important to keep people comfortable everyday throughout the year.” Types of projects that stand out to Jahantash are the ones where he fixes what other companies are not able to do. According to Jahantash, those other companies quoted an overpriced rate, incorrect installation or denied the service completely. Being able to provide a solution for a great price is what the job is all about for Jahantash.

Smart Air Cooling and Heating is an HVAC contractor in Houston. –tnp

D

ean Torres is Kirtley & Sons Contracting’s roofing estimator. He also works on contract negotiations and all the details that go into a new roof. In this case, it’s primarily new commercial construction.

Therefore, he is qualified to say that “the easiest part of any contract is [actually] putting the roof on,” with tongue slightly in cheek.

Torres has been involved with the roofing industry for the past 18 years, moving to Kirtley from Dallas four years ago. (He’s also noticed how much Houstonians just don’t like Dallas. But that’s for another article…)

He attends as many trade shows as he can in order to catch up on the latest and greatest, such as new-fangled tools of the roofing trade.

A big change that Torres has seen in his time is the technology with which to accurately measure roofs in order to get an estimate on it. Drone technology has pretty much replaced satellite imagery, which includes having the capability to measure the roof’s size and various nu-

ances of pitch and angle.

“People aren’t pulling out the tape measure anymore,” he said.

Kirtley has been around since 1961, being started by Jack Kirtley. On the residential side of their business, Kirtley has a faithful base that have had more than one roof done by them on their house.

Drainage is the key factor with roofs in Houston. It’s all carefully calculated and figured into the plans. The infamous Tax Day Flood of 2016 produced over 50 percent of the rain in one day that Hurricane Harvey did over its multi-day span in 2017. Yes, drainage is important in Houston. “It’s all calculated based on possibilities,” Torres said.

Torres very much likes working at Kirtley, who “treat their customers with integrity,” he said.

Kirtley’s present family members who run the show are heavily involved in their churches. This healthy vibe runs throughout the company. “I like what I do and who I work for,” Torres said.

Kirtley & Sons Contracting is a roofing company in Tomball. -dsz

Houston Construction News • JUN 2019

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Houston Construction News • JUN 2019

W hat’s Trending in Decorative Concrete

T

Boiling fun

he National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) kept with a Houston tradition hosting their 3rd Annual Crawfish Boil. The event was held on Apr. 24 at the VFW Post 581. –cmw

New Trend in Flooring Metallic Epoxy Coatings

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etallic Coatings may look exotic, but they are installed similarly to a typical epoxy coating or overlay system.

Their eye-catching appeal comes from the chemical makeup of 100% solids epoxy and metallic pigments. The application method can be quite different depending on the artistic nature of the contractor applying the coating. The marbleized look that a metallic coating achieves is a complement to any residential room or commercial building.

What is a metallic epoxy coating?

Metallic Epoxy Coatings are 100% solids, two-component epoxy specially formulated with a metallic pigment. A typical coating will consist of a primer coat, metallic 100% solids basecoat with pigment that can be applied in a vast array of methods, and a clear coat that is either glossy or satin. The finished look is a smooth glass-like metallic finish that has a unique and subtle sparkle. No two floors will ever look the same. The threedimensional appearance provides illusions of craters, ripples and swirling rivers of metallic-looking lava. Depending on the level of artistic creativity and capability of your contractor, metallic floors can have glitter added to them or even glowin-the-dark pigment for that extra flare.

The benefits?

What are the benefits of having this metallic coating applied to your floor?

They have lasting strength from several layers of epoxy coatings and typically a urethane topcoat. They have beautiful color movement that is almost impossible to duplicate. If a high-gloss topcoat is chosen, the floors are highly reflective and will enhance the lighting of your home or business. Some clients want the subtle beauty and select a simple mattefinish. These floors are typically seamless and offer effortless maintenance for easy cleaning.

How are these coatings applied?

First, begin by preparing your surface substrate for application of a primer coat: As when applying any coating, you should make sure the concrete is clean, dry, and free of grease, paint, oil, dust, curing agents, or any foreign material that will prevent proper adhesion. To aid in bonding, the concrete should also be roughened, or profiled, until it feels like 50- to 80-grit sandpaper, using methods such as grinding, shot blasting, scarifying, or water blasting. Also make sure that concrete is level, since any high or low spots will distort the final look.

Step 1: Select your vapor barrier base coat color. A primer base should always be used not only to improve coating adhesion but also to provide a solid background color for the iridescent metallic pigments.

Step 2: Select one or more of the metallic color options to be mixed with a 100% solid epoxy coating system. Most metallic coatings are two-part 100%-solids epoxies, and simply require mixing Part A, Part B, and the metallic pigment.

Often the pigments are sold separately so you can experiment with different color effects. Because epoxy coatings are flowable and somewhat self-leveling, you can spread them on the floor surface easily with a trowel, roller, or squeegee in a random back and forth motion. Every contractor will develop his or her own unique application method.

Step 3: Select your topcoat (sealer) 2 options; polyurethane or polyaspartic topcoat, for a one-of-a-kind, long lasting

Dominion Air & Heat get crazy with the crawfish at the NAMC Crawfish Boil.

solution. Then once you pick out what top coat you want to apply to the floor roll out each section and after each section make sure you back roll it so it won’t contain any roller lines.

What’s it perfect for?

Metallic coatings are generally not recommended for outdoor surfaces because they may discolor when exposed to direct sunlight. However, these types of coatings are certainly used inside residential and commercial buildings that want to achieve a high-end unique contemporary floor. Since metallic coatings have a dazzling glossy look finish or subtle matte finish these coatings are often used as focal points in high-end retail stores, lobby areas, hair salons, hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and offices.

An electrical excursion

Joe Gonzalez with McCune Electrical Services out and about conducting business. -tnp

Fueling up

Submitted by Brian Bradford, Owner Tanner Felsing, Lead Artisan Metallic Epoxy Coatings Artistic Impressions 591 Meridan Drive New Braunfels, Tx 78132 830-609-7217 nbconcrete.com

Construction News met up with Kyle Urban with 1-800-PLUMBER while getting gas. –tnp

Houston Construction News • JUN 2019

Page 11

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

Meeting customer’s needs Heather Kelly, President Dominion Air & Heat LLC Houston, TX

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a Texas Real Estate License.

or over 15 years, Kelly has been a management professional and is a majority owner of Dominion Air & Heat LLC. She is actively involved in the Woman Contractors Association (WCA), National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC). She also holds

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

Overall, the state of the construction industry in Houston is great. There was more new construction in 2018 than we have seen in past years.

Have you experienced an increase/ slowdown?

Although we had seen an increase in new construction, in 2019 we experienced a slowdown for the first few months. Our project log is beginning to increase which will make this a good year.

What factors are driving this slowdown?

One factor for the slowdown is the rain that Houston has experienced this year which has slowed or stopped projects in some cases by months.

How has this slowdown affected your

company and how you conduct business?

We have utilized the slowdown to increase our customer relation efforts and marketing campaigns.

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

The main hot button issue in our industry is primarily the issue of non-payment or delayed payment by general contractors.

What is the most significant challenge your industry faces?

The most significant challenge our industry faces Is the shortage of skilled labor. We are seeing more trade schools now. However, our experience has been that the younger generation wants an office job where they can soak up the A/C instead of installing it. In my opinion, our country is in trouble due to the lack of interest in blue-collar work.

The way to no college debt Garrett Hart, President/Master Plumber Hart Plumbing Southwest Inc. Sugarland, TX

H

art spent his summers working in the field of his family’s company. He earned his bachelor’s and then his master’s degree, to take a leading role in the company.

Armed with a tremendous degree of education and his experience in plumbing, Garrett has been leading the company for over 10 years.

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

I can’t speak for the entire construction industry but multi-family is booming right now, in major metroplexes like Houston, especially.

Have you experienced an increase/slowdown?

There has been a large increase in multi-family construction.

What factors are driving this increase/ slowdown?

I believe the increase is due to more jobs that have become available in Houston, creating more demand for apartments and new living spaces. More people are also trending towards apartment living over home ownership lately.

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

We have increased our office staff and field staff, almost by double over the past few years. It’s very difficult finding good skilled plumbers that are capable of building 400 units of apartments in a year’s time.

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

There is so much work going on that general contractors are just throwing bodies at the jobs to man them and a lot of the time they don’t know what they are doing.

Very inexperienced superintendents and project managers create headaches for all

the subs working for them and so on down the chain.

What is the most significant challenge your industry faces? (i.e. labor shortage, other) The biggest challenge would be the lack of skilled trade workers. There aren’t as many people going into trades as there are going into colleges and it shows. Spending four years to become a journeyman plumber while getting paid and accumulating no college debt can get you a huge head start on a career.

How are you dealing with these challenges?

We are dealing with the labor shortage challenge by offering as many incentives as we can – bonus packages, 401ks, health/ dental/vision insurance, gym memberships, company parties and trips.

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

How are you dealing with these challenges?

Our company struggles with this. In recent years, we have hired a few young men right out of high school and trained them on the job. This has been challenging and rewarding at the same time. The added benefit is that we have been able to teach them from the beginning to have integrity and do quality work. These two attributes are what I contribute our 30 years of success. Dominion is known and recommended for our honesty, integrity and quality workmanship.

Do you see an increase in the number of outside contractors coming to the area?

Yes, I see can the increase in outside contractors coming to our area. Especially right after Hurricane Harvey when Houston had such devastation from the flood waters.

What are the cost increases relating to your industry?

The cost increases in our industry have been freon, piping, steel and sheet metal.

What is on the horizon for your industry?

The most obvious change is the rise in the use of VRF systems which entails higher construction cost and the use of significant amounts of refrigerant that is a concern to some.

smart phones and tablets is a must these days. We’ve also recently upgraded our office phones to Avaya IP and our estimating software as well.

Have there been any significant code changes in the past year? Or regulations?

New energy codes popping up have affected our costs quite a bit. Lower flow fixtures, increased insulation requirements, and changes in more efficient water heaters have all effected the bottom line.

What are the rewards of the industry?

As stressful as it can be, it’s a unique industry and fun to be in most of the time. Fishing/hunting trips from vendors and for customers are quite common. We

How has the R-22 refrigerant phase out affected the industry?

The R-22 refrigerant phase out has caused the Freon 22 to skyrocket in cost. To change freon now, you must retrofit the system in order to revert to 410A which is now the new refrigerant typically utilized.

Is copper theft still an issue? How has the theft of copper affected pricing?

Copper theft is an ongoing problem.

The price of copper has been steadily increasing.

Have there been any significant code changes in the past year? Or regulations?

Yes, energy regulations to improve the efficiency of HVAC equipment.

What are the rewards of the industry?

Personally, the most rewarding part is meeting our customers’ needs and exceeding their expectations. In this industry, customer service is key; everyone needs air-conditioning and heat.

What are keys to being successful?

Always maintaining good key people in the workforce. It is important to educate and train a good workforce to provide excellent customer service. Also, communication and relationships with your clients and customers is very important to success.

Dominion Air & Heat LLC is a full-service HVAC/mechanical contractor in Houston, TX. -cmw

participate in charity events like the calf scramble at the Houston Rodeo and quite a few charitable golf events like the one we do for Norah’s home which is a place for people waiting for organ transplants in the medical center.

What are keys to being successful?

Hard work and constant communication with both customers and employees. I think what tops the list is having a good relationship with your team and vendors, though. If you can take care of them then the customers will reap the rewards.

Hart Plumbing is a multi-family plumbing construction company that has been laying foundations for apartments for more than 62 years. -cmw

Golfing at Hearthstone

T

he National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) hosted the NECA Affiliate Member Golf Tournament on Apr. 15. The event was held at the beautiful Hearthstone Country Club. -cmw Tournament winners: 3rd Place: Square D - Chad Blanton, Josh 1st Place: ACE Services Inc. - Robert Gar- Warton, Kyle Taylor and Vasilos Anagnosner, Nathan Wade, Caleb Jones and Chris tou Tullos Longest Drive: Joel DeYoung, Melton 2nd Place: Mid-West Electric - Don Ra- Electric bel, Buford Steward, Lance Croft and Closest-to-the-Pin: Mark Trapp, Fisk Shannon Carnes, LESCO Electric

Do you see an increase in the number of outside contractors coming to the area?

Absolutely. We just bid a job for a general contractor from Fargo, North Dakota.

What are the cost increases relating to your industry?

Skilled workers are demanding more money – and rightfully so – if they are good at their jobs. Uncertainty with the issues in China and tariffs doesn’t help either because a lot of our fixtures come from there.

What is on the horizon for your industry?

Getting all foreman equipped with

3rd Place winners – Square D

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Houston Construction News • JUN 2019

THIS TH MON

HVAC & PLUMBING

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

NEXT MONTH (JULY 2019) ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY

Longest economic expansion Shawn Murray, President Murray Plumbing San Antonio, TX

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urray Plumbing was established in 2005. Murray’s family service in the plumbing industry spans over 100 years. Understanding the requirements of the trade and their customers are sewn into the fabric of who they are.

“My late grandfather James M. Murray and father James R. Murray worked their whole life in this industry. Their persistence and strong work ethic grew this company and provided a sustainable foundation to build on.”

Murray moved up in the business/industry and recently took over the company in 2017 while acquiring his BBA. With the dedication and hard work of Murray and the employees of Murray Plumbing, they now do about 1,000 homes a year.

People make for success Brent Bertrand, Senior Vice President Dynamic Systems Inc. Austin, TX

D

ynamic Systems, Inc. (DSI) is a world-class leader in the fabrication and installation of sophisticated process and high purity piping systems, process exhaust, HVAC piping and sheet metal, and plumbing systems. Their projects include the higher education, healthcare, hospitality, commercial laboratory, life sciences, microelectronics, and mission critical construction markets. DSI has branch locations across Texas and in various other areas of the country, employing approximately 1750.

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

The market is extremely strong in the Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth and San Antonio metro areas in both private and public sectors.

Have you experienced an increase/ slowdown? What factors are driving this increase/slowdown?

We have seen increases in the abovementioned markets with slowdowns in the Houston and Bryan College Station areas.

The Texas economy and friendly state laws and taxes are driving the increases as they have for years. The slowdown in Houston revolves around the oil industry and the lack of capital investment into that market. Too, the regions of the state go through business cycles and Houston and the surrounding counties are coming off an extremely strong period of construction. As we and other contractors have worked through our backlog of work in Houston, we and the industry are preparing for an increase in

construction demand over the next twelve months.

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

Getting paid in a timely fashion is paramount. From our perspective, we have seen 60-day pay be deemed acceptable, and it is absolutely NOT. Self-performing Specialty Contractors (SC) have very large payrolls that must be paid “every week”.

The withholding of retention is another critical cash flow item for self-performing contractors. If an SC has a consistently good reputation in the industry, they should not have a retention higher than 5%. And a significant portion of the retention should be released for payment at 75% complete, if the SC is performing appropriately. We have experienced many jobs where the balance of retentions is not paid/stalled until the first-year warranty period has expired. Another “hot button” if securing enough “qualified” skilled craftsman. It is been a struggle in the hotter markets for the last few years.

What are the major changes in the in-

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

San Antonio’s construction industry is flourishing in both commercial and residential. Murray Plumbing specializes in new residential track and custom homes.

Have you experienced an increase/ slowdown?

The company has experienced strong/ healthy growth over the past year. This is credited to growth with existing builders and acquiring additional customers.

What factors are driving this increase/ slowdown?

According to census data, Texas is experiencing a population boom. San Anto-

dustry in recent years relating to the type of work you do?

The rapid advances in technology, tools, equipment and most everything related to the construction industry. It can overtake your company if a proper vetting of the advancement is not performed. And we have been cautious once we start a new initiative to NOT change to the next new shiny software or tool to hit the market. Continuous change can be frustrating on your personnel. We have stepped back at times to say to ourselves, “Let’s remember we are builders, so let’s go build things and not analyze them to the minute detail”.

What is the most significant challenge your industry faces? How are you dealing with these challenges?

Securing enough “qualified” skilled craftsman. There has definitely been a shortage of those that are “truly skilled.”

We are using non-traditional methods of recruiting for the construction industry. An example would be social media and the targets range from experienced skilled workers to new apprentices with perceived abilities.

What are the cost increases relating to your industry?

Material costs have increased somewhat controllably, but the tariff situation could change that. Labor costs have increased because of the need to draw qualified labor to the more demanding and sophisticated projects.

Have there been any significant code changes in the past year? Or regulations?

The industry is working with the Texas Legislature at present on the future of the State Board of Plumbing Examiners.

nio is also one of the fastest growing cities in the country. San Antonio’s home market is still affordable in comparison to other large cities in Texas. I believe this contributes to high demand for entry level homes.

Residential land development is strong and busy. The residential industry as a whole is working hard to keep up with the demand.

Commercial Observation: You can see an increased number of construction cranes in downtown just in the last few months. It seems like a new building is popping up every few weeks.

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

The increase has pushed us to becontinued on Page 13 The Board regulates the application of codes and the licensing of plumbers.

There is a move to dissolve the Board and merge the responsibilities into the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

We are concerned about this, for the impact that the move could have on the Board’s mission to protect the public water supply. Too, the plumbing industry in Texas today accepts the use of either the International Plumbing Code or the Uniform Plumbing Code. Our industry universally embraces the Uniform Plumbing Code as the preferred Code. There is a piece of legislation that we are opposed to that would prohibit the use of the Uniform Plumbing Code in Texas.

What are the rewards of the industry?

Being able to actually see the fruits of your labor. It is rewarding to drive by significant projects like a large Children’s Hospital knowing that is a project you were a part of that is saving lives or making them better. Another example would be a higher education laboratory that we have built where scientists are finding cures for cancers and diseases. An additional reward is having a very successful safety program.

We truly want ALL of our employees to go home at the end of the day in the same physical condition as they arrived at work that morning. It is a culture of safety, not just a bunch of rules that must be followed.

What are keys to being successful?

One word - “PEOPLE”. It is a must to have talented personnel in EVERY part of your business – and not just the guys hanging ductwork or installing medical gas piping. Draftsmen, shop fab teams, estimating and pre-construction, accounting, safety, quality control, etc. etc.

All of these departments must have talented and dedicated PEOPLE. -cmw

50 and going strong

N

ineteen years after Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) National Association was founded, the Greater Houston Chapter was established on May 27, 1969. It would be the first chapter west of the Mississippi to fight for Free Enterprise and the Merit Shop. On Apr. 25, ABC of Greater Houston held a 50th anniversary gala at the beautiful Crystal Ballroom at The Rice. Dignitaries from local and state levels were in attendance to present Chapter President Russell Hamley with proclamations honoring the Chapter and its 400 plus members for their contribution to Houston and its surrounding communities. Former chapter leaders from the past five decades shared stories with current members and guests of the struggles the chapter overcame while fighting the unions and the construction community’s right to work. –cmw

Booker T. Washington High School Drumline performs for guests prior to opening remarks.

2019 ABC National Chairman Tony Rader addresses and congratulations the membership of the ABC of Greater Houston chapter.

L-R: Past Presidents (Chairman) Bob Turner, Paisan Construction 1974-1975 and Jay Tribble, Tribble & Stephens 1979 address the membership.

Houston Construction News • JUN 2019

Page 13

THIS TH MON

HVAC & PLUMBING continued from Page 12 — Longest economic expansion come more efficient and produce the desired output. My team works diligently day in and day out to provide the best service possible to all our builders. We are always striving to improve in all areas of the business. We do this by creating new procedures, utilizing technology and investing more in our labor. Through continuous improvement, we are able to effectively accommodate our builders’ needs.

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

I believe the hot button issues right now are labor and quality control. The combination of this being the longest expansion period our economy has seen and the large age gap between apprentices and licensed plumbers. It is imperative to continuously stay on top of the workforce and keeping quality standards high. We strive to control growth off quality. You cannot cut corners just to satisfy high demand. Reputation is everything.

Do you see an increase in the number of outside contractors coming to the area?

Yes, I do see more out of town builders coming to the San Antonio market.

What are the cost increases relating to your industry?

Tariffs are affecting the cost of raw material. I have experienced multiple increases over the past year. Labor shortages are also driving cost up.

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

Technology’s role in every industry is growing at an exponential rate. I’m excited to see how it can continue to be beneficial as the years go on. It is very important to stay up to date.

What are the rewards of the industry?

Being able to form meaningful relationships with people with common views and working together to provide a quality product to the public is one of the most rewarding aspects of this industry.

What are keys to being successful?

Be honest! Consistently deliver a quality product and take pride in your craft. Say what you are going to do, follow through and deliver. Most of all, treat people how you would like to be treated.

Murray Plumbing is plumbing subcontractor in San Antonio, TX. -cmw

Association Calendar

Content submitted by Associations to Construction News ABC

Associated Builders & Contractors

Jun. 12: Captain’s Party, Saint Arnold’s Brewery Beer Hall, 2000 Lyons Ave., 5-7pm.

Jun. 14: Fishing Tournament, TopWater Grill, 815 Ave. O, San Leon, TX, 6am-2pm.

For more info, call Lauren Harrell at 713523-6222 AGC

Associated General Contractors

Jun. 6: Membership Mixer, Crisp in the Heights, 2220 Bevis St., 3:30-5:30pm.

Jun. 13: Women in Construction Panel Discussion, AGC Houston Office, 3825 Dacoma St., 5-7pm.

Jun. 14: Mid-Year Safety Meeting, Junior League of Houston, 1811 Briar Oaks Ln., 7:30-9am. For more info, call Catherine Bezman at 713-843-3700 AIA

American Institute of Architects

Jun. 25: Design Awards 2019, Emancipation Park,3018 Emancipation Ave.,6-8pm.

For more info, call 713-520-0155 or email Rhonda@aiahouston.org ASCE

American Society of Civil Engineers

Jun. 18: ASCE Branch Meeting, Hess Club, 5430 Westheimer Rd., 11am-1pm. For more info, call 713-261-5156 ASPE

American Society of Professional Engineers

Jun. 10: Chapter Meeting, Spaghetti Westerna’s, 1608 Shepherd Dr., 6pm. For more info, email Dennis Maale at dennis. maale@jacobs.com ASSP

Brother knows best

American Society of Safety Professionals

Jun. 5: U.S. Dept. of Labor 2019 Educational & Outreach Forum, Houston Community College West Loop Campus, 5601 W. Loop S., 12:45-4:45pm.

Jun. 9-12: Safety 2019 Professional Development Conference & Exposition, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, LA. For more info, contact Blain Krage at 847-768-3416 or email bkrage@assp.org Jun. 13: Mark Your Calendars, Energy Corridor Section Meeting, 11am-1pm. For more info, visit www.gulfcoast.assp.org CSI

Construction Specifications Institute

Jun. 25: Chapter Meeting/Awards Banquet, Harold’s Restaurant & Tap Room, 350 W. 19th St., 5:30pm. For more info, call Bill Fairbanks at 281-227-3577 or email csihoustonhg@gmail.com FPA

Larry Kemp, owner of First Choice Striping

L

arry Kemp and his brother Tim Kemp had spent almost their entire careers as teachers, coaches and athletic directors. When Tim wanted to supplement his school-based income, he started a parking lot striping business in 2003 and then spent two years trying mightily to convince Larry to do the same. It wasn’t something Larry initially wanted to bond over with his brother, however.

“Finally Tim said, ‘You know, we stripe football fields all of the time to get ready for games, so instead of striping a football field, we’d be striping a parking lot.’ I thought, ‘You know, you’re probably right.’ My daughter, was graduating in 2005 and going to college and I thought, ‘Well, I need something to help me put her through college, also.’ Tim convinced me to get into it and that’s how we got started.”

Tim established First Choice Striping LLC in Conroe in 2005 while his brother maintained his own striping business in the Dallas area. They each complete smaller jobs in their respective cities, but

★★★★

consolidate their crews for larger work, such as the more than $1 million worth of contract services with Union Pacific Railroad they have collaborated on for the past decade.

In 14 years, Larry’s business has grown into a busy one.

I started out with one machine and now I have six,” Larry says. “Being in the education and coaching fields, any money that we made pretty much went back into the business. Today, we are debt-free and we are now also in the steel-coating business. It’s just one step at a time. My plans are just to keep moving forward one job at a time.”

The once-reluctant Larry now loves to drive out to run-down lots, put on his headphones, listen to ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s hits and start striping.

“We enjoy what we do,” Larry says.

“It’s really good therapy to get out on to a parking lot, put paint down and make it brighter and a lot better. A little paint goes a long way.”

Parking lot services subcontractor First Choice Striping LLC is in Conroe. –mjm

★★★★

Foundation Performance Assn.

Jun. 12: Meeting, Hess Club, Alena Mikhaylova, 5430 Westheimer, 4pm. For more info, call Vicky Bonds at 713-699-4000 Jun. 12: Meeting, Mike Perez, Hess Club, 5430 Westheimer, 5pm. For more info,

call Vicky Bonds at 713-699-4000 HARCA

Houston Area Roofing Contractors Assn.

Jun. 12: Monthly Meeting, Regulation & Enforcement is Stepping Up, Greater Houston Builders Association, 9511 West Sam Houston Pkwy., 11am-1:30pm. For more info, visit www.harca.net/events HCA

Houston Contractors Assn.

Jun. 27: Monthly Luncheon, Junior League of Houston, 1811 Briar Oaks Ln., 11am.

For more info, contact Emelie Englehart at 713-349-9434 MCA

Mechanical Contractors Assn.

Jun. 12: Membership Lunch Meeting; HESS Club, 5430 Westheimer, 11:45am.

For more info, call 281-440-4380 Jun. 26: Summer Joint Meeting with Associate Members, Location TBD. For more info, call 281-440-4380 NAMC

National Assn. of Minority Contractors Greater Houston

Jun. 12: Lunch & Learn, HCC Southeast, Eastside Campus, Workforce Bldg., Rm. 316, 6815 Rustic St.,11:30am-1pm. For more info, go www.namcnational.org NAWIC

National Assn. of Women in Construction

Jun. 11: Membership Meeting, Maggiano’s, 2018 Post Oak Blvd. For more info, contact Kathleen Cernosek at 281-890-1880 ext. 11 NECA

National Electrical Contractors Assn.

Southeast Texas Chapter

Jun. 20-22: SETX NECA Summer Meeting, Pier House Resort & Spa, Key West, FL. For more info, call SETX NECA at 713-977-2522 SWICA Southwest Insulation Contractors Assn.

Jun. 8-11: SWICA 61st Anniversary Conference, Waldorf Astoria, Boca Raton, FL. For more info, call 713-977-0909 TACCA

Greater Houston Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Assn.

Jun. 18: Saint Arnold Brewery Casino Night and Tech Fair, Saint Arnold Brewery, 2000 Lyons Ave., 6-9pm. For more info, call 713-781-4822 TSPE Texas Society of Professional Engineers

Jun. 5: Annual BBQ Fundraiser, Michael Talbott Pavilion, 7522 Prairie Oak Dr., 11am1pm. For more info, visit www.tspe.org WCA

Women Contractors Assn.

Jun. 6: June Luncheon, Chama Gaucha Brazilian, 5865 Westheimer Rd., 11:30am1pm. $40 Member; $55 Non-Member. For more info, 713-807-9977

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Houston Construction News • JUN 2019

Submitted to Construction News

Round-Up

VLK | Architects proudly announces the appointment of Brad Ewing and Rudy Starks as new Associates and promotion of Monika Castillo and Susan Wisa.

Ewing has been part of the VLK family since 2008. He has become one of the firm’s valued Senior Designers with notable projects such as Houston ISD’s Energy Institute and award winning prototype elementary schools within Katy and Brazosport ISDs. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oklahoma. –cmw

Castillo has been promoted to Principal. She joined the VLK family in 2007. Her promotion comes as a result of her outstanding leadership and service exemplified within the firm and VLK’s clients.

Castillo holds Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Structural Engineering degrees from the University of Houston. –cmw

Starks holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and a Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University. A trusted mentor and leader within the firm, Starks’ leadership and professionalism from beginning to end of a project ensures client satisfaction and project success. –cmw

Wisa designated as a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Professional (CPD). Wisa has been a part of the VLK family for three years and has proven to be an expert in her field and has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the mission and values of VLK. -cmw

David Munn, PE has joined the Freese and Nichols Inc. family as Group Manager for the Southeast Texas Treatment Group.

Munn brings over 17 years experience in the design and construction of water and wastewater treatment facilities for municipal and industrial customers. He holds a B.S. degree from Troy State University and a Master of Engineering degree from Texas A&M University. –cmw

William R. Abbott, PE has joined the Lockwood, Andrew & Newman Inc. (LAN) family as director of operations. Abbott’s focus will be on leading improvements in project delivery, risk management, quality of design and technical processes. He holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from Texas A&M University. -cmw

Golf at Kingwood

A

ssociated Builders & Contractors (ABC) Greater Houston Chapter held their 2019 Spring Golf Tournament Mar. 25 at the Kingwood Country Club. The event included pre-tournament putting and driving contests, food stations, drinks followed by an awards dinner. –cmw

continued from Page 1 — Metal Arc Empire

However, Walker found that people were confused as to all the different work he could do with the word “Iron” in his company’s name; i.e., he could weld aluminum. Thus, in July 2016, he changed the name from Precision Iron Works to Metal Arc Empire.

Walker said he really likes “the commercial/industrial side because I like the tediousness of it. I like to get deeply involved in my work.” For the most part, Walker said that business has been steady and good.

Walker doesn’t fly anymore, but he has had offers from as far away as Montana and Oregon to be a very mobile welder. He’s been told that he could make a fortune doing this. One minor hindrance, however, to being a flying welder is the weight of the equipment.

And, he’d have to get all his supplies locally each time.

So, while this prospect doesn’t look feasible, it’s hard to get the sound of a plane and the aroma of the flight line out of his system. “I love welding,” Walker said, “but jet fuel is my favorite smell by far.”

Walker’s retired father is his shop

manager and his father’s neighbor is his only helper. Walker’s wife helps run the business by managing all the finances.

He has advertised for helpers in the past but often found they couldn’t do what they said they could or what he needed.

Metal Arc Empire’s average radius from home base is about 160 miles out.

At any given time, Walker has two projects going on simultaneously. The future plans are to grow to about six employees in eight years, with a full crew on each project. One thing Walker is big on is “quality over quantity. I don’t want to do a slack job,” he said.

Walker vows that no matter how big and bad Metal Arc Empire gets, he won’t be one of those business owners who flies a desk instead of being actively involved in their trade. “I will always be in the shop,” he promised. “I will never retire to a cubicle.”

Walker loves working on the old terra firma. Should he ever want to, however, he can always switch back to the wild blue yonder. Don’t ask him to fly a desk, however, because he won’t.

Metal Arc Empire has its flight line in Sugar Land. - dsz

continued from Page 1 — Bartlett Cocke General Contractors employee-owned organization with leadership that encourages growth and stability.”

“Changes similar to this have occurred in the past – changing leadership roles and responsibilities are planned so that our company’s values and culture remain consistent,” Rogers adds. “We are always planning for future leaders of the company and these changes are strategically aligned with them. As leaders begin to plan for their retirement, our succession planning allows us to continue bringing the service that our clients demand.”

Anderson and Rogers say their promotions will not create change within the company, as they intend to maintain their focus on delivering quality work and continuing the company philosophies that previous leaders set in motion before them.

“I think a project that starts on time with a well-communicated plan will finish on time with a higher level of quality. We’re going to continue to focus on the objectives of a sprint start and a strong finish on each project. This is something that has always been important to our organization.

As our industry changes and we adapt, we will remain focused on the fundamentals of project planning, quality control and customer service,” Anderson says.

“I continue leading the company to be the most recognized general contrac-

tor throughout the state. We are focusing our efforts on bringing regional consistency throughout all of our offices, winning great projects that bring lasting value to the communities that we build in, and building strong relationships with the clients, design teams and specialty contractors that we work with across the state,” Rogers says.

As Anderson and Rogers gain more traction into their new roles, they express gratitude to the company’s 600 employees and their part in making the company successful for the past 60 years.

“It’s still fundamentally building upon what our previous leadership has built over many years and that is to stay focused on our clients and to understand that one of our business strengths is being employee-owned,” Anderson says.

“As such, this company is not about people sitting in a corner office, who is related to whom, family relations or tenure. It’s about each employee having a personal stake in the success of the organization and staying focused on our job, and that’s to serve the customers’ needs, making fair and just decisions and to construct quality facilities that bring lasting value to our communities.”

Bartlett Cocke General Contractors is located in Austin, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Baytown. –mjm

continued from Page 1 — Epoch Construction Services

Kingwood Course 1st Place Team

Comeaux Dental waiting area

Deerwood Course 1st Place Team

This first-generation owner occupant dental facility was a design build.

The owner wanted to encompass a vision of modern feel with clean lines, while also providing an effective patient flow with a feeling of open nature; all within a very cost and time efficient package.

Commercial products like polished concrete floors, custom designed floating concrete countertops, Quartz counter tops, natural wood trims, brick veneer with schmeer, drywall, floor to ceiling curtain wall, concealed trim lights, shiplap accents, custom medical laminated millwork, sterilization centers, laboratory equipment, medical gases, medical vacuum systems, custom storage footlockers, open vaulted ceilings and custom onsite fabricated plumbing fixtures were used.

To effectively obtain the clients vision and maintain the budget, Epoch was required to invest countless hours of finish selections during the project development stages, which would properly fit within the parameters of the facility.

This project was unique to the Epoch team because they were required to put so many design essentials in such a confined space. Doing so rapidly left only a miniscule margin for error. As a result, the project has allowed Epoch also to build a friendship with the doctor. Thus when Dr. Ryan Comeaux decided to do an addition remodel to his firsts practice, the choice was easy.

Epoch Construction Services is a full-service general contractor in Houston, TX. -cmw

Houston Construction News • JUN 2019

Bringing home the golden trowel

W

Page 15

ishing to recognize and encourage the excellence in all phases of masonry design and construction, the Associated Masonry Contractors of Houston (AMCH)hosted the 2019 Golden Trowel Awards. The star-studded event was held at the Junior League of Houston on May 16. – cmw

Residential (Single-Family): Braun Residence Masonry Contractor: Veazey Enterprises Inc.; Architect: Braun Design Initiatives; General Contractor: Brendan Custom Homes

Government/Institutional: Harris County Joint Processing Center Masonry Contractor: Camarata Masonry Systems Ltd.; Architect: PGAL; General Contractor: Clark/Horizon, A Joint Venture

Residential (Multi-Family): The Ivy Masonry Contractor: Camarata Masonry Systems Ltd.; Architect: LRK Inc.; General Contractor: SLR Azalea Construction II LLC

Educational Facility (College/University): Rice-Moody Center for the Arts Masonry Contractor: Dee Brown Inc.; Architect: Michael Maltzan Architecture; General Contractor: Lindbeck

Educational (K-12): James Madison High School Masonry Contractor: D & H Masonry Inc.; Architect: Morris Architects; General Contractor: Satterfield & Pontikes Construction

Industrial/Commercial: TAMU Hotel & Conference Center Masonry Contractor: Camarata Masonry Systems Ltd.; Architect: Huitt-Zollars; General Contractor: Gilbane Development Company

Restoration: River Oaks English Tudor Masonry Contractor: Veazey Enterprises Inc.; Architect: Newberry Architecture, General Contractor: R.B. Ratcliffe

Best in Show: Rice-Moody Center for the Arts Masonry Contractor: Dee Brown Inc.; Architect: Michael Maltzan Architecture; General Contractor: Lindbeck

Hardscape/Landscape: Museum of Fine Arts Houston – Glassell School of Art Masonry Contractor: Camarata Masonry Systems Ltd. Architect: Kendall/Heaton Associates Inc. General Contractor: McCarthy Building Corporation

T

Pull!

he Houston Contractors Association (HCA) had the largest crowd in the association’s history on Apr. 5 at their annual clay shoot tournament. Over 90 four-person teams participated in the event held at the Westside Sporting Grounds in Katy, TX. Green Course: Lewis 1 winner: Lonestar Prestress, shot 333 points.

Lewis 2 winner: Ferguson Waterworks, 243 points.

Lewis 3 winner: Lonestar Prestress #2, 203 points.

Top Male Gun Shooter: Blake Kridel, EHRA Engineering Top Female Gun Shooter: Debbie Boyer, Lonestar Prestress.

White Course: Lewis 1 winner: Aggregate Technologies, 359 points.

Lewis 2 winner: AAA Asphalt, 255 points.

Lewis 3 winner: Core & Main, 205 points.

Top Male Gun Shooter: Richard Jatzlau, Aggregate Technologies Top Female Gun Shooter: Wendy Niemczak, Core & Main.

HCA participants take aim.

Yellow Course: Lewis 1 winner: Peltier Brothers, 333 points.

Lewis 2 winner: Oldcastle Infrastructure, 242 points.

Lewis 3 winner: Individual shooters shot a total of 190 points.

Top Male Gun Shooter: Cody McCutheon, Star Pipe Products Top Female Gun Shooter: Jessica Stohr, SIGMA Corporation.

EDC Tactical AR15 donated by Brittco / Diamond Plastics.

Block: St. Helen Catholic Church Educational Building Masonry Contractor: Paul Yeatts Enterprises Inc.; Architect: Studio RED Architects General Contractor: Brookstone

Construction News ON LOCATION

Variety of samples

Victoria Sanchez and Kiara Kemp displaying samples at Keystone Tile. -tnp

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Houston Construction News • JUN 2019