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CONSTRUCTION NEWS The Industry’s Newspaper
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www.constructionnews.net H (210) 308-5800 H Volume 23 H Number 5 H MAY 2020
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Laying bricks
A 30-year road
Groesbeck Masonry Inc. leadership: Billy, James and Kathy Groesbeck
L-R: Linda Lopez, Kevin Bisang and David McDougal
fter high school and one year of college, a young James Groesbeck went to work as a helper for a local masonry contractor working his way up to a journeyman brick layer. “I learned the craft through Tommy Barber and Guy Creswell who were foremen working for KR Masonry, ” recalls Groesbeck. About 14 years later, Groesbeck ventured out on his own. In March 1985, working out of his house, Groesbeck Masonry Inc. was established as a one-man show. “I was the truck driver, the clean-up guy, the estimator and the laborer. I worked long nights, going to bed at 2am and waking up to begin again at 5am,” says Groesbeck. “The construction industry was just starting to go downhill, and I started asking myself if this was
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the right thing to do?” Luckily Groesbeck’s wife, Kathy, was earning an income from her job, giving Groesbeck the opportunity to make the right move. Businesses were telling him to get his credit established, but how when no one would give him credit? That’s when Clarence Bush with Featherlite Block Company, an Acme Brick Company, helped Groesbeck obtain credit, opening the door for him to get credit from others. Now, celebrating 35 years in business, Groesbeck reminisces how his company has evolved. “My first job was given to me by my ex-boss, Kenny Reus, with KR Masonry. He gave me a job down at hemisphere plaza. I built some benches for them. It was a whopping $650 job. I had continued on Page 18
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true greenhorn to construction, Kevin Bisang started in construction after high school as a laborer for a construction company doing commercial work. “I knew nothing about construction. My first day on the job was spent pushing a push broom, sweeping up a parking lot,” recalls Bisang. For 10 years, Bisang worked his way up to running small projects. During this time, he met his partner who was working at the same company. As the construction industry took a downward turn in the late ‘80s, Bisang and his partner found themselves laid-off and went their separate ways until they reconnected working for another contractor when once again, his partner was laid-off. Bisang recalls at one point in time he
was runner before moving up to running jobs. “They needed someone to make hotshot deliveries at the different jobs – a box of nails, lumber or whatever. They asked me and I said ‘heck yeah! I get to drive around all day, sounds great.’ I did that for about six months and realized I was never going to get anywhere doing that.” He started carrying a nail bag and a hammer. In between rounds, when he wasn’t driving, Bisang would go work with the carpenters to learn how to build different things. He learned well and continued to advance. Bisang’s father who was working for a company that did insurance restoration urged him to go to work as a subcontractor, assuring him they could give them continued on Page 18
A Benchmark business
n the mid ‘70s, Carter Ramzel got his first taste of the construction industry when he was painting for Fox & Jacobs Homes in Dallas. Over a period of about eight years, Ramzel did construction as a side job. In 1998, Ramzel moved his family to San Antonio. His son, Spencer Ramzel, started working for a plumbing contractor right out of high school. Having done construction for many years, Ramzel knew the plumbing business was a good business to be in and started Benchmark Plumbing in 2003 after Spencer earned his Master Plumbers License and suggested starting their own company. “I had been in construction for a lot of years, so I knew the risk I was taking. I love the plumbing business. It’s our life now. It’s what we do,” says Ramzel. “I’m not the plumber. Spencer is the plumber. I’m the estimator, bookkeeper
and fleet manager for all practical purposes. I spend my days working on trucks,” continues Ramzel. The dual jumped in with both feet and haven’t look back. As soon as they decided to start their own plumbing company, got the necessary insurance and paperwork done, they began hiring bodies. “We got a workforce together fairly rapidly taking advantage of the market in 2004 through 2007 before it tanked,” Ramzel recalls. Benchmark has been in business almost 17 years and have guys that have been with them since almost the very beginning, establishing long lasting relationship with their customers. “We still do work for the first house we did. We try to build relationship with folks,” he continues. The Ramzels found their niche primarily in high-end custom houses, midL-R: Benchmark Plumbing’s Melissa Ramzel with Rocco and company scheduler Stella Bush with Tootsie.
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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2020
Climbing success
Land, trees, soil, one stop
The DEA Specialties team.
The crew of Urban Land | Tree | Soil
EA Specialties has a lot to be thankful for. Entering into their 36th year of business, the company has transitioned successfully into a new arena of products. Since Greg Uhlig joined the DEA Specialties team in 2010, he wanted to see the company expand its presence beyond the realms of division 10. In 2014, when a local competitor closed its doors, DEA Specialties got the opportunity Uhlig was waiting for. They acquired several product lines and experienced employees to assist in the transition into these new products. “When I started here, we were doing $8 million a year, six of which were division 10. Today, that has flipflopped,” says Uhlig. In 2019, DEA Specialties ranked quite nicely on the lists of several of these national product lines. DEA Specialties ranked #11 in the country for Modernfold Operable Walls. They had begun distributing and installing this product line in 2013. Kalwall Translucent Daylighting Panels ranked DEA Specialties #8 in the
country on their list. DEA Specialties began representing Kalwall in March 2014. SmokeGuard Smoke and Fire Curtains also ranked DEA Specialties on their top list of distributors and installers by ranking them #6 in the country. DEA also began representing Smokeguard in August 2014. Uhlig contributes their success to the addition of Dean Flann, Kevin Daly and Paul Hougahl. Flann was hired as an architectural specifier with 13 years of experience. Flann is responsible for San Antonio and West Texas, encompassing 71 counties of the state. He works with architects and general contractors promoting six of the manufacturers that have exclusive distributor agreements with DEA. Kevin Daly joined the DEA family two years ago bringing 10 years of experience with him and oversees the DEA’s Kalwall division. Hougahl oversees DEA’s Modernfold, Smokeguard and one of their newest lines, McKeon. He has been with DEA Specialties since 2012. DEA Specialties is a division 10 subcontractor in San Antonio. -cmw
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n just a few short years, Urban Land | Tree | Soil has grown as well as the trees they have serviced. Urban Land | Tree | Soil isn’t just a tree service company. It is not just a land clearing company, nor is it just a soil/mulch supply company. It is all this in one. With two certified arborists on hand, this one-stop company can improve the life of trees. They can assess a tree’s health by analyzing the soil the tree inhabits, and diagnose disease or pest infestation. The company is equipped with the right machinery for land clearing and recycling the by-products from such projects. The use of these by-products, by chipping the trees and brush into mulch, are mixed with animal manures, vegetation, and produce to develop a variety of soils. “We have a Vermeer SC30 TX Stump Grinder, Vermeer BC1000 Chipper, Eco Lawn Top Dressing Machine, 16-ft Dump Bed Trailer for rent. Our goal is to help landscapers get their business to the
next level. If a landscaper has tree work, they need to sub out, we’d like to be the people they reach out to. We have the highest quality soils, animal manure and veggie composts and multiple mulches to choose from, ready to load,” says CoOwner Jenni Urbanczyk. Additionally, the company also serves as a brush dump and vegetation recycling center located in northern Bexar County on Specht Road. “We take brush from landscapers and the general public,” she adds. Urban Land | Tree | Soil offers large scale dirt and tree services. Founded in 2016, they are locally-owned, licensed and insured with a 200-mile service area around San Antonio. They are equipped for commercial and residential projects of any size and have been actively involved in various projects for the City of San Antonio including the City Hall project downtown and the San Pedro Park project. Urban Land | Tree | Soil is a manufacturer, supplier and service provider. -cmw
San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2020
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t all started 40 years ago at a wedding Mike Schweiss was attending. It is there that a friend suggested to Schweiss, who was known for building various things, to develop a door that folds up. The wheels in Schweiss’ head started turning and lo and behold, he did it. Schweiss Doors was then established. What a concept that turned out to be? His first door was a 12ft by 12ft door for the Renville County Highway Dept. and is in operation still today. At the time it was all cable doors for bifold doors and since that time he has patented the liftstrap system. “We started making Schweiss doors in 1980. The first door was built wrong in every which way. As we soon learned, we passed on our improved and better-quality product to the customer, and that has been what has built our dynamic and loyal customer base. We’ve attracted new industries transitioning from a start in farm doors to the additions of airplane hangars, commercial and industrial doors to residential, restaurant and designer doors; all kinds of doors,” says Schweiss. Schweiss builds three different types of doors — the Bifold liftstrap and Bifold cable doors; Hydraulic one-piece doors and Designer Doors that can be made as hydraulic or bifold doors. All doors are custom-made, right down to the eighth of an inch; whatever size is needed. “I learned years ago never to say ‘no’ to a customer’s new idea when they are sharing with us ways to improve our product. Every time you say no, you are shutting a door instead of turning a ‘no’ into a positive. We’ve gained a reputation as a company that takes on tasks that other companies won’t even consider. When we see a better way to do something; we get it done and offer it to all of our future customers. This results in repeat business and Schweiss Door recommendations to others all over the world,”
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Suggestion thru progression
Sacramento Kings Golden1 Center Stadium
adds Schweiss. When Schweiss started 40 years ago, he had three employees manufacturing various farm equipment. Today the company operates between 50 to 65 employees including Schweiss’ wife, Julie, who oversees estimating; Schweiss’ daughter
Brook Schweiss Mead is in shipping; and his brother, Dave, who has been with the company since its beginning, represents the company at tradeshows across the country and oversees trouble-shooting if needed. The family-owned business has be-
come known worldwide. “We’ve got doors in almost every country - France, Germany, Norway, Costa Rica, Austria, China, all over the place,” says Pat Schmidt, Business Development and Marketing. “As we’ve matured in business and our doors have evolved, we’ve learned new techniques that we’ve applied to keep us ahead of the competition. That’s what has stimulated the monumental growth in our company over the years. We still have many more ideas that we want to present to our customers and more markets to expand into to continue our ever-rising growth in the door industry,” continues Schweiss. Schweiss Doors, based in Hector, MN, has the capability to manufacture any size door in mass quantity, if needed. To-date, the widest bifold door the company has manufactured is 140 ft. wide. The largest single project was at a newly privately owned airfield a few years ago where they ordered 145 doors, 12ft X 40ft T-hangar doors at Bolt Field near Chicago. Their largest door, square footage, went into a rocket hangar in Cape Canaveral, 90 ft. wide by 61 ft. tall. They have expanded into stadium doors and most recently delivered five beautiful 29ft by 41ft glass bifold doors for the entrance to Sacramento Kings Stadium in California. While they do install doors for the local and surrounding area customers. A lot of their doors are installed either by building contractors or the individuals who buy them. In the which case, the doors are shipped with installation instructions for easy installation. -cmw
L-R: Sales Manager Jeremy Rieke, Argentia based NURPanel President Gonzalo Urruspuru and Mike Schweiss, visit after Urruspuru took a 12-hr flight to visit the Schweiss Doors factory.
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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2020
San Antonio Area Associations address Covid-19
South Texas Chapter
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ost of us would be hard pressed to think of a more crucial time to belong to a member organization. Even the general public recognizes the value in #strongertogether. The stories of how the ABC membership is coping though the COVID pandemic are resilient and inspiring. Over the last several weeks I have had the privilege to witness ABC members coming together to support each other. What other industries would label as “competitors,“ our members call collaborators and friends. They realize how blessed we are to have been deemed essential businesses and they take pride in their role to keep the economy alive. The comradery of our membership is not new. It’s solid foundation has been built on the backs of our members for generations, remembering when they started with nothing and grateful to be where they are today. They appreciate the work ethic they see in others and empathize in the bitter taste of disappointment when things go wrong despite bestlaid plans. That comradery is why they begin work before most people get out of bed to do a job most people are not willing to do.
We are facing situations we have never encountered before in our lifetime but instead of letting it isolate us, it has become what unifies us. It drives us to work together, sharing resources, sharing knowledge, and even sharing a meal when the grocery shelves are bare. These companies and the people that work for them are inspiring. During a time that will be remembered for its panic and hoarding, I will look back and remember how our industry donated masks to health care workers and one safety manager who brought a truckload of eggs and flour to share with other members. I will look back fondly and think of our safety committee donating their time to all the other companies, meeting with them to decipher the new ordinances we must follow with little guidance on how to implement them in a confined space. I will remember the innovation of the people tasked with overcoming obstacles like purchasing sanitizer form distilleries, sewing masks for their family and friends, and sharing JSA’s that remember all the new safety concerns we must identify. If you are searching for a miracle during these uncertain times, then stop where you are, and look around your jobsite.
Together, we’ll get through this. Mayor Ron Nirenberg issued a second addendum to the Stay Home Work Safe order April 15 which requires all people 10 years or older to wear a cloth face covering over their nose and mouth when in a public place where it is difficult to keep six feet away from other people, such as visiting a grocery store/pharmacy or working in areas that involve close proximity with other coworkers. Cloth face coverings could include homemade masks, scarfs, bandanas, or a handkerchief. Construction Companies Eager to Comply “We’ve purchased cloth face masks, bandanas, and neck buffs for our employees. I high encourage all in the industry to do the same. All it takes is a few bad projects to spoil our extremely fortunate position as essential businesses/services.” Luis Berumen, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors Chapter President
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CA-SMACNA of San Antonio has distributed over 1,300 bottles of individual 3 oz liquid hand sanitizers to their member companies since April 6th. Sandee Morgan, Executive Director, contacted Rebecca Creek Distillery and was able to purchase 40 gallons of liquid hand sanitizer which was then portioned out and delivered for distribution. We want to do everything possible to help protect our industry employees who have continued to work during the COVID-19 crisis. MCA-SMACNA of San Antonio will also be distributing 1,000 KN95 masks to workers once the shipment arrives late this week.
Metropolitan
Harvey Cleary
Koehler Company
TD Industries
Sandee Morgan filling deliveries
San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2020
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Quaran-TEAMing As the construction industry strives to keep producing during our nation’s battle with COVID-19, many companies continued working but from the comforts of home. -cmw
Ridout Barrett conduct staff meeting remotely
Lisa Espinoza, Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing
Jordon Brown, Quality Fence & Welding
Kayla Choate, Joeris General Contractors
Wade Turner, Texas Disposal Systems
Jon Randolph, Baker Triangle
Molly, Comfort-Air Engineering Inc./Primo Plumbing Inc
Dana Wittlif, Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing
Brad and Brittany Beldon, Beldon Roofing & Remodeling
NECA HOSTS SAFETY STAND DOWN FOR COVID-19 Electrical Contractors Focus on Safety During Pandemic
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ethesda, Md. — The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) today announced plans to host a nationwide Safety Stand Down for COVID-19 on April 29. Electrical contractors across the country will invite employees, subcontractors, owners, architects and engineers to join the event to review company protocols and jobsite conditions, and ask questions, bringing focus to health and safety guidance offered by the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration. “I’m proud to say that our contractors put safety first every day,” said NECA CEO David Long. “A safety stand down is
an inventive way of bringing the jobsite together to renew that focus, particularly in trying times like these.” Participants of the stand down are invited to talk about their own experiences and ask questions about such things as proper use of personal protective equipment and how to effectively follow social distancing recommendations. Companies will review safety programs and policies to ensure all workers are protected. “Electrical contractors continue to work each day on essential construction and infrastructure projects,” said Long. “Without our skilled and dedicated work force, our industry could not survive, let alone thrive.” ABOUT THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION NECA is the voice of the $171 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light, and communication technology to buildings and communities across the United States. NECA’s national office in Bethesda, Md., and 118 local chapters advance the industry through advocacy, education, research, and standards development. Go to www.necanet. org for more information.
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SA San Antonio has been working hard to make sure we keep the membership informed and updated on the ever-changing national and local ordinances, as well as disseminating information to the companies and the employees within. A number of webinars with critical information have been scheduled and hosted to help the members stay up-to-date on how to operate effectively and to educate on the new best practices. Additionally, our local ASA website has a dedicated COVID-19 resource page to provide the members immediate access to forms, documents, and informative links.ASA National’s main priority has been keeping its members informed of the latest legislative and regulatory updates from the federal government including guidance to employers from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A newly constructed COVID-19 webpage contains all the latest information from each of these agencies along with the ASA’s guidance documents on key federal stimulus package provisions including new COVID-19 employee leave rights and small business loan programs. In addition to its webpage, the ASA continues to work in conjunction with its Attorneys Council to offer webinars on critical issues construction subcontractors are facing due to this pandemic. Finally, the ASA has joined a coalition of national construction trade associations in advocating for the construction industry to be deemed as an essential industry while also working with Congress to provide additional funding for SBA loan programs. TCA (Texas Construction Association) the
legislative branch of ASA, acted quickly to work with other industry associations to successfully advocate at the state and local level for construction to be classified as an essential business. This was done through open letters to the Governor and local county and city officials as well as countless one-on-one phone calls and emails. Along with their advocacy efforts, TCA distributed important information about the health and safety measures that should be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on jobsites to their members. TCA has, and continues to follow the actions being taken by federal, state and local governments as well as worksite best practices and safety. Information is provided electronically, such as via the webinar on the federal CARES Act on March 31st, as well as email to members and posts on their “COVID-19 Update” and “Federal Laws in Response to COVID-19” webpages. With our National ASA office & TCA sending overview information to the membership, ASA San Antonio focused on reaching out one by one to our members to find out what specific issues they were facing and working to try to get them detailed information directed at their individual needs. Requests ranged from legal advice, to insurance questions, and even PPE needs. ASA quickly moved into action to provide necessary information & items, including masks, face guards, and hand sanitizer. ASA members have been overwhelmingly thankful to have the construction industry deemed “essential.” To help solidify that status, ASA San Antonio rolled out the #StaySafeStayEssential initiative. This includes custom jobsite posters and ongoing safety tips and reminders to help employees remember the new rules for proper compliance. Subcontractors & suppliers are the heartbeat of construction, and we are so thankful to have such incredible members. They give so much to the industry daily, and we are honored to try to help and give support back to them.
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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2020
Help Is On Its Way John Schuler, President Time Insurance Agency Austin/San Antonio, TX
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ave you been stuck at home? Has your car not left the driveway in weeks? With millions under Coronavirus stay-at-home orders and commuters working remotely, American roadways are seeing a lot less congestions and accidents. That means less risk of insurance claims and auto insurers are taking note. Just over 82% of auto insurance companies have announced that they will refund or credit drivers more than $6.5 billion over the next two months. Relief programs offered by auto insurers include refunds, credits, or onetime payments. Most of these forms of relief require no actions from the consumer and will be applied automatically through the policyholder’s recent payment method on file. Drivers can expect to receive relief anywhere between April and June, depending on the insurer. So, what is your car insurance company offering? Most of the big insurance companies (Allstate, Travelers, SafeCo, Geico, Kemper, Liberty Mutual, Hanover, The Hartford) are offering either a 15% credit or refund on April and May premiums but some carriers are offering more. AAA: 20% refund for policyholders with insurance in effect from March 16 to May 15 Chubb: 35% discount on April and May premiums Farmers Insurance: 25% credit on premiums in April Nationwide: $50 one-time-refund per policy as of March 31 Progressive: 20% credit for April Premiums for each car insured State Farm: 25% credit USAA: 20% credit on two month’s premiums Relief programs are not the only ways that drivers can cut their auto insurance costs during these unprecedented times. If you are looking for more ways to save you can shop around for other insurers offering better rates, review your coverage levels, inquire about eligible discounts, and change your driving status. An important thing to remember is do not just let your car insurance lapse with the intention of buying a new policy when the stay-at-home order is lifted. This usually leaves you facing a higher cost when you re-purchase your policy. As a policyholder who is up to date on premium payments you may be able to save hundreds of dollars by shopping around for companies offering better
rates. Although, if you are waiting on a refund you may want to hold off on switching until you receive it. “If you are somebody who’s had a particularly significant drop in mileage, you may want to call your insurance company and ask to be re-rated as a lower mileage driver, says Doug Heller, an insurance expert with CFA.” This would make sense for someone who used to drive 50-miles on their daily commute to work but are now only driving to the grocery store once a week. Typically, the fewer miles you drive annually, the lower your rate. In addition to the car insurance refund programs, most insurance companies are working with businesses on a case-by-case basis to adjust their premiums due to their exposure changes, suspend vehicle coverage, and add temporary coverages to fill insurance gaps. Also, they are offering financial hardship programs that could provide those struggling to pay their bills with a grace period to pay their insurance premiums without incurring late fees or losing coverage. Liberty Mutual was the first to announce a 15% refund on two months of premium for all Businessowners policies (BOP) at the end of April. If you do not see your insurance company listed or have not been notified by your insurance company about relief, you should still reach out to your agent to ask what assistance they can provide. There is certainly something out there for all those that need help. John Schuler is the president of Time Insurance Agency. Time Insurance is a locally owned second generation Insurance Agency serving Central Texas since 1961. John has over 35 years’ experience in both insurance and surety bonds. Finding the right insurance policy does not have to be complicated. Visit our website www.timeinsurance.com for more information or purchase a surety bond online in seconds at www.onlinebond.com
San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2020
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Mitigating Contractual COVID-19 Risk for Contractors Shelly Masters, Principal Cokinos | Young Austin, TX
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onstruction activity in Texas continues at different paces against the backdrop of the COVID-19 spread. Many projects are now suddenly stopped, not starting, or subject to delays. Contractors must not only comply with the usual contract provisions and OSHA requirements but must now understand the new implications posed by COVID-19, shutdown orders and new safety measures required for all jobsites. Now is the time to review your contracts to evaluate how the contract’s delay, time extension, or force majeure clauses allocate this unusual risk between the parties and develop a proactive response plan that prioritizes risk mitigation efforts for your entire project inventory. The coronavirus inherently increases the risk of breach of contract claims. A thorough review of your contracts by project will help you assess the nature and scope of added costs and damages; prioritize your relative risk; identify needed notices and deadlines; outline and implement documentation procedures as needed to support and secure added time and compensation; and, in the absence of key provisions, devise and implement a plan to prove delays were excusable events. Contractors should pay special attention to the following clauses: 1. Force Majeure clauses. A force majeure clause excuses nonperformance when performance is prevented by events out of the parties’ control. Although each clause is different, they typically excuse performance due to extreme weather conditions, acts of terrorism, governmental actions, and “acts of God”. It is important to carefully review its language to identify whether (1) the coronavirus may qualify as a triggering event; (2) how long nonperformance will be excused; and (3) whether there are notification requirements the must be satisfied. If there is no force majeure clause, other provisions may excuse nonperformance. For example, certain AIA provisions allow for extensions to contract time if a contractor is delayed by “unusual delays in deliveries, unavoidable casualties, or other clauses beyond the Contractor’s control” or additional time and compensation when there is “an emergency affecting safety of persons or property.” Note certain notice provisions apply. 2 No damages for delay clauses, consequential damage waivers, and liquidated damage provisions. It is important to know what damages cannot be recovered. These provisions bar certain damage claims based on specific contract language and are generally enforceable. However, there are exceptions to their enforcement and/or may not preclude certain categories of damages. If
there is a liquidated damage clause, contractors need to negotiate an agreed time extension or prioritize and purse aggressive risk mitigation strategies. 3. Escalation clauses. Contractors should review their contracts with subcontractors and suppliers to see if there are any escalation clauses that may prevent them from holding the bag if prices suddenly spike. If there is no escalation clause, contractors are encouraged to begin communicating with project participants about potential price increases and delays to see if participants can work together to minimize the effects. 4. Suspension and Termination Provisions. Considering owners may lose construction funding, contractors should review their contracts to determine under what circumstances an owner has the right to suspend or terminate the contract and what are the contractor’s right to recover costs incurred because of the suspension/termination. Default suspension and termination provisions under the AIA include several notice requirements that contractors must meet. 5. Impossibility and Waiver. These two common law principles may be used to defend contractors against potential breach of contract claims. Carefully crafted communications to owners and upstream project participants in accordance with these principles may be used to strengthen these defenses as excusable events. Note many contracts have a nonwaiver provision. Contractors with the assistance of counsel should start taking steps now to put themselves in the best position possible. Shelly Masters is a Principal in the Austin office of Cokinos Young. She represents clients in the areas of construction, labor and employment, commercial and products liability law. Cokinos Young has been representing the construction industry for over 30 years. She can be reached by e-mail at smasters@cokinoslaw.com or by phone at (512) 615-1139.
WE DON’T MAKE THE NEWS, WE MAKE IT BETTER Call Construction News for Advertising 210-308-5800
Electrical Extension Cords Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX
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f electrical equipment is used in ways for which it is not designed, you can no longer depend on safety features built in by the manufacturer. This may damage your equipment and cause employee injuries. Common Examples of Misused Equipment • Using multi-receptacle boxes designed to be mounted by fitting them with a power cord and placing them on the floor. • Fabricating extension cords with ROMEX® wire. • Using equipment outdoors that is labeled for use only in dry, indoor locations. • Attaching ungrounded, two-prong adapter plugs to three-prong cords and tools. • Using circuit breakers or fuses with the wrong rating for over-current protection, e.g. using a 30-amp breaker in a system with 15- or 20-amp receptacles. Protection is lost because it will not trip when the system’s load has been exceeded. • Using modified cords or tools, e.g., removing ground prongs, face plates, insulation, etc. • Using cords or tools with worn insulation or exposed wires. Due to the dynamic, rugged nature of construction work, normal use of electrical equipment at your site causes wear and tear that results in insulation breaks, short-circuits, and exposed wires. If there is no ground-fault protection, these can cause a ground-fault that sends current through the worker’s body, resulting in electrical burns, explosions, fire, or death. These hazards can be avoided by: • Using ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI)s on all 120-volt, single-phase, 15and 20-ampere receptacles, or have an assured equipment grounding conductor program (AEGCP). • Follow manufacturers’ recommended testing procedure to insure GFCI is working correctly.
• Using double-insulated tools and equipment, distinctively marked. • Using tools and equipment according to the instructions included in their listing, labeling or certification. • Visually inspect all electrical equipment before use. Remove from service any equipment with frayed cords, missing ground prongs, cracked tool casings, etc. Apply a warning tag to any defective tool and do not use it until the problem has been corrected. Improper Use of Extension and Flexible Cords The normal wear and tear on extension and flexible cords at your site can loosen or expose wires, creating hazardous conditions. Cords that are not 3-wire type, not designed for hard-usage, or that have been modified, increase your risk of contacting electrical current. These hazards can be avoided by: • Using factory-assembled cord sets. Using only extension cords that are 3-wire type. • Using only extension cords that are marked with a designation code for hard or extra-hard usage. • Using only cords, connection devices, and fittings that are equipped with strain relief. • Remove cords from receptacles by pulling on the plugs, not the cords. • Continually audit cords on-site. Any cords found not to be marked for hard or extra-hard use, or which have been modified, must be taken out of service immediately. natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232
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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2020
them I metaphorically graduated with a Master’s degree in how to treat people, how to do business, how to treat people in the business world and how to respect people in the business world. On the skills side, I can look at things and tell you what is wrong. Diesel mechanics intrigued me because of the integrated parts when running a diesel engine or any combustible engine. It makes you open your mind to figure things out.
Lee Ramos
Co-owner/Founder Maximum Demolition & Dismantling San Antonio, TX
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ust a down-to-earth guy having fun, Lee Ramos started Maximum Demolition & Dismantling in 2017. Today, he is focusing on his 20/20 plan as 2020 is well underway. From diesel mechanics to recycling, Ramos has found his niche in the construction industry through demolition. Tell me about Lee Ramos. Where were you born? Where did you grow up? I was born and raised here in San Antonio on the southside. I went to Harlandale High School. I played a lot of sports in high school and a lot of golf. Golf taught me a lot of self-discipline and how to get better, because in golf, you have to practice to be better at the game. What was it like growing up on the southside? We didn’t have the luxury life, but we had a good, healthy life. It gave me a sense of appreciation. I learned a lot on the streets of the southside and, of course, a lot from my parents, who were also from the southside. A lot of those values I was taught and raised on are beneficial to me today. It keeps me focused. I don’t need to be better than the other guy. We all put our pants on the same way. It just makes me a better person to treat people the way I want to be treated. Did you go to college? I went to St. Phillips College for two years for diesel mechanics. After two years, I looked at my hands and realized I didn’t want to go home with greasy hands every day. But that background benefited me down the road with my first two jobs. My first two jobs were in sales. The first one was with CarQuest Auto Parts. The second was with Holt Caterpillar. I see both of them as my college. Through
Tell me about your parents. What did your parents do for a living? Both of my parents were independent business owners. They are both retired now. They were the ones that taught me about life itself. They are still around and come by here frequently. I’ve been blessed with this business to support them as they supported me growing up. They are very intertwined with my business, giving me advice when I need it. My dad likes to come around and help out around here.
The Ramos family L-R: Gloria, Lee, Arthur Sr. and Arthur Jr.
Are you married? No, I am not. How did you get into the demolition business? In the downturn of ’09, I was working at Holt when they had their lay-offs. They had a buy-out clause and I took it. At the time, my dad had a recycling scrap yard and he influenced me to open one. For five years I had a recycling business and received scrap from demolition jobs. My brother, who was working there with me, began influencing me to get into demolition because of all the recyclable materials you get from demolition jobs like steel, copper, aluminum, brass, etc. During that time, I dealt with other scrap yards as well and they began giving us leads for demolition work. Eventually, I sold my recycling company to another scrap yard and began doing demo work with my brother. Was it hard to learn the demolition business? Demolition work is very hard, but we have had a lot of help. We learn something new every day. Whether it is just sheetrock or an entire facility, you have to know what is there before you get started. It’s fun. You get to go into places where the public can’t. It’s so exciting and intriguing. You never know what you will come across. Was it hard to get started in the demo business? After I sold the recycling business, there was another downturn. As I said, I
had started doing demo work with my brother who had started getting more and more calls for demolition jobs. It wasn’t until this one job when someone approached us to see our insurance that we realized we had something going. We were independents at the time, and I began to realize we could make this a business. I started checking into what it would take to turn this into a business and got started. I have a couple of mentors, especially in the safety arena who have helped us along the way. Safety is of the upmost importance. We now have a safety consultant, Q-Safety. We will not take a dollar if it will jeopardize someone’s life. It just isn’t worth it. It is safety first. If it isn’t safe, we aren’t doing it. How did you come up with the name? The name came from the movie, The Gladiator and lead character, Maximus. I was watching it and his name just kept going off in my head and I realized we will do everything no matter how big or small… maximum. Dismantling, which is also part
of our company name, came from my brother because a lot of people would ask us to take things apart because it would not fit through an opening and they wanted it removed. So we would take them apart, remove it and either put it back together somewhere else or recycle it. What is your brother’s name? Arthur Ramos, Jr. He is the mechanical brain of the business. He serves as operations manager. How has the company grown in these two, almost three, short years? It has grown dramatically in regard to both revenue, employees and now, size. We started with just me and my brother. Then we added one employee and now we have 15 employees, both men and women. In 2018 our revenue really started growing. This year, 2020, my focus is 20/20. I want to see us get 20 employees or more. We moved into a new continued on Page 16
San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2020
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In memoriam
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n Apr. 1 surrounded by the love of his family, Cosmo Frank Guido passed away peacefully in his home of natural causes. He was a 1940 graduate of Jefferson High School, where he played the clarinet in the marching band. Proudly, he was the first generation of his family to attend college. As a member of the Corps of Cadets, he graduated from Texas A&M University in 1944 with a degree in Civil Engineering after being called to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II. In 1946 he married the love of his wife, Toni, and returned to San Antonio to work as a partner, with his father and uncle, at Guido Brothers Construction Company. Cosmo was the second generation to lead Guido Construction, founded by his father in 1927. He began working with his father when he “was knee high to nothing.” From 1947 thru 1955, Cosmo ran Guido Lumber Company. He became a pioneer in this industry, inventing new methods to load and deliver lumber materials without dumping and damaging the material. Ultimately, Cosmo would take the reins, overseeing the Guido Companies, building many iconic projects throughout San Antonio and south Texas. He rarely missed a day of work, always doing whatever it took to ensure the companies remained successful through good times and bad. Even in retirement, Cosmo continued to come to his office every day, always smiling and wanting to catch-up with company affairs and with the lives of everyone around him. A testament to Cosmo’s character, despite a major setback to his career and against his better judgement, was his involvement in San Antonio’s Hemisfair ‘68. Pressured by civic organizers, he reluctantly agreed to complete several projects from which others walked away. He eventually was asked to manage all the remaining construction projects for $1. Becoming the largest creditor of this San Antonio milestone, Guido Companies was severely hampered from this set back which ultimately launched San Antonio on its current explosive trajectory. Lila Cockrell hosted a luncheon “honoring the unsung hero of Hemisfair ‘68 – Cosmo Guido,” on the 25th Anniversary of Hemisfair in 1993. Over 750 colleagues, friends and family attended this event, attesting to this proud and humble man’s lifelong integrity. Eventually, and not without struggle, Cosmo paid every subcontractor and supplier to whom he owed money. Cosmo’s career is evident thru many iconic projects which helped put San Antonio on the map, including HemisFair ‘68, the restoration of San Fernando Cathedral, the conversion of the Lone Star Brewery to the San Antonio Museum of Art, several projects at the Witte Museum, restoration of the Alamo and the Missions, the Sisters of Charity of Incarnate Word (Village & University), Luby’s Cafeteria Corporate Headquarters, Botanical Gardens, Papal Mass Site, and the
San Antonio
moving and restoration of the Fairmont Hotel. Cosmo led a life of service. Marked by faith and family, he was an active member of San Francesco di Paola Catholic Church (built by his father in 1927), the Christopher Columbus Society, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, and later St. Luke Catholic Church. He was a founding member of the Archdiocese Building Board where he served for 50 years. He served as director and president on boards including the San Antonio Associated General Contractors (1959 -1963); San Antonio Builder’s Exchange (1961-1967); Oak Hills Country Club (19781981); National Lumber Dealers Association director and national president (1972-1977); and the Texas A&M Club where he was president in 1958 and was a member of the Texas A&M Century Club, and where he and others donated material and manpower to build the Aggie Park. Cosmo Guido achieved so much in his short 97-year life. He was well known and greatly respected in the San Antonio building community and among his national colleagues, mentoring many young professionals as they learned the Architectural/Engineering/Construction trade he so deeply loved. Cosmo was devoted to his family and his friends. He lovingly cared for his mother and mother-in-law throughout their lives, adored his wife Toni, his beautiful children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had many hobbies, always tinkering in his basement shop, golfing and playing bridge with Toni, gardening, making homemade pasta and perfecting his wine-making skills. The Guido kitchen was always open for his family and friends. A celebration of Cosmo’s life will occur at a future date. During these challenging times, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the following charities: The Witte Museum, San Antonio Zoo, San Antonio Museum of Art, The Village of Incarnate Word, San Antonio Independent School District Foundation, Texas A&M University or a charity of your choice. Rest in peace Cosmo and may your legacy live on. -cmw
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Filling the pantry
he Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) collected and donated over 600 cans of food for the Salvation Army canned food drive. Truly a blessing to those in need during these difficult times of COVID-19. -cmw
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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2020
Fishing caught him
rchitectural Habitat’s owner, Jim Harwell, has a lot to be proud about, especially in his son’s (Corey) fishing ability. The father of five says he is blessed and proud of all his children, but when it comes to fishing, Harwell can’t help but beam with pride over Corey’s fishing ability. “When Corey was very young, his mother and I divorced. There are not very many things you can do with kids when you have limited time. Fishing was one of those things. At the time, we lived in Austin. I would take him to the river or town lake where he could use his little Snoopy fishing pole. Once he caught his first fish, fishing caught him,” says Harwell. Eventually, Corey would move to Shreveport, LA with his mother. In an effort to stay in touch with Corey, Harwell got his son a weekly fishing subscription. He and his son would discuss the different articles they had read. Whatever he read in those
articles must have really stuck with him. “When we saw each other, we would go buy different fishing lures, discuss the different things we had read. Corey, well, he just got better and better,” Harwell adds. He has become exceptionally good at fishing according to Harwell. “He is so good at it, I just really stand back and watch,” continues Harwell. He is well known for his fishing ability and has been asked many times about going pro. People have offered to sponsor him and he has declined for fear that it would turn into work. One of the fish he is known to have caught was a bass around 10-½ lbs and was featured in Louisiana Sportsman Magazine. The Parks & Wildlife Department gave him a replica mount of the big fish so he could release it live as it was a giant female. According to Harwell, Corey is a catch and release fisherman. He rarely keeps the
Corey Harwell with his catch from Lake Fork in Texas.
Fishing around Shreveport, LA
fish he catches and rarely uses live bait unless he is fishing for white bass or perch. When asked if Corey had a favorite lure, Harwell says he didn’t believe so. “He has a monumental tackle box. It has everything you can imagine in it. He knows what to go for to get what he wants,” concludes Harwell. -cmw
San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2020
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distancing. Rest assured that my boat is washed daily after every trip and then wiped down with bleach after every use. Now on to fishing and what’s been happening on the water. March and April were stellar months for speckled trout and reds with many days seeing a few flounder and drum thrown into the box. To be honest, the lack of people traveling has really been a blessing to our fishing and our bay system. On top of the lack of recreational fishermen on the water is the absence of fishing tournaments every single weekend. Usually starting in March and running until late September, you can pretty much bet there will be several tournaments on Saturdays somewhere in the coastal bend. Most people don’t realize the impact this does on the bigger fish that we need to re-populate our bay and estuaries every year. I really think all of this is God’s way of controlling things his way and we are just here for the ride. For the month of May we can expect some of the best trout action of the year. With the arrival of croakers which many of my customers have been waiting for, trout fishing will explode. Long boat rides are not as frequent and sometimes quick limits are common, giving us the opportunity to fish for other species. This is some of the easiest fishing techniques for kids to get involved and not get bored of long periods without a bite. I know many of you are probably going thru tough times also, However, I am confident that we all all get through this before long. What I am hoping is that the companies that are still thriving during this pandemic are able to still fish and entertain their customers and help keep our outdoor economy go strong. Texas cannot do without hunting and fishing.
Hard Times No Doubt!! 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.
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he COVID-19 pandemic has been grabbing the headlines for more than a month now. I feel saddened for what this Virus, and what the media has done, to scare the crap out of the people in this country, putting us in a global recession, if not a near-certainty depression. The stock market has been tanking and people’s lives are being disrupted in fundamental and scary ways. As I’ve said since the beginning of this pandemic, coronavirus will bankrupt more businesses and break more individuals than it will kill. Here on the coast we have been struggling to keep our heads above water. Unlike some of the surrounding cities, Corpus Christi and Padre Island have not closed boat ramps giving people the right to fish and enjoy boating. Governor Abbott passed an Executive Order on March 31 that does not prohibit people from hunting and fishing in the State of Texas. We will continue to fish and go about our daily activities following the guidelines from the President and CDC by practicing good hygiene, environmental cleanliness and by implementing social
Flounder have been making a comeback as proved by William Womack of Victoria. William landed this 4lb. flattie along with 4 others on a recent outing with Steve Schultz Outdoors.
Due to some cancelations and rescheduling I have some days in May and June that I need to book. Here are some dates open in the next few months. May 1,2,3,8,9,10,12,13,23,24,25,29 and June 7,8,21,22,26,28. To schedule your next bay fishing trip or hunting trip give Capt. Steve Schultz a call at 361-813-3716 or email him at SteveSchultzOutdoors@ gmail.com. Follow me of Facebook and Instagram. Good Luck and Good Fishing.
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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2020
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
Thank You!
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irst off I want to thank all you people on the front lines of the Covid 19 fight! This calamity has shown us all who the real heroes of our world are. Thank you for caring for our sick folks and those in distress. Thank you for showing up for work as essential workers each day keeping our food and supply chains moving. Thank you for keeping our world purring along in spite of all the absences and disruptions. May God bless you and protect you! I think by now we are all quite aware of what uncharted territory we find ourselves in these days. Day-by-day we are learning more and more about Covid 19, and knowledge is good, even if it sometimes only serves to remind us just how little we really do know at this point. We kept running fishing trips for a while, being as careful as we could to follow the emerging distancing guidelines. After a few days though, new restrictions were handed down that made it clear we would have to suspend our charter fishing operation for a while. Some people were disappointed when we had to cancel their fishing trips and others were relieved, and that pretty much mirrored our feelings in the matter too. We were disappointed because we were seeing the beginning of such a good spring fishing season, with larger fish coming in than last year. We were relieved though, because we do have some folks that we love and need to protect from the threat of Covid, in spite of the need to work. It
seems like we are all struggling with how to feel about this. Now we are trying to determine if it is safe to reopen our businesses yet and trying to understand how to safely go about it. It reminds that an old river rat like me of trying to cross a new mud flat on foot. You put down one foot at a time and see how it feels. If your footing starts to give way beneath you, then high tail it back to the bank before you sink to your belly button and wait a few days to try again. There is no shame in retreat and it sure beats having to flop over on your belly in the mud to crawl out. We may have to head back to the bank a time or two before the time is right, but we will finally get there. Meanwhile, back in the lake, the fish are just fine. They don’t miss us at all. They are just feeding and spawning and growing bigger with us out of their way. That’s just fine. We will be back, and they will just be that much more fun to fight and catch! Some of our local cat fishermen have been coming in with really nice yellow cats this spring! We are thinking about starting to offer 2-person trips, with mask and temperature check before boarding, at least for now. That could change for better or worse depending on each day’s news. All I know is the fish are ready and we are ready as soon as the time is right! Be careful out there so we can go fishing soon!
San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2020
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Studs of the season
rad Maze, Advanced Door Control, and his boys had a successful deer season this past season. While hunting in Maverick County, he and his sons harvested these nice trophies. -cmw
Weston Maze with his stud of deer.
Brad didn’t do too shabby himself with his prized trophy.
Cannon Maze poses with his monster buck.
www.constructionnews.net publishing the industry’s news
Korbyn Maze shows off his majestic beast.
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Warehouse & distribution niche
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mental issues, etc. “Assisting clients with site selection and layout is a key part of our services and one of the things we do best. “We are hopeful that the absorption rate will continue and are thankful for the many relationships we’ve built over the past years. We are truly blessed with a great staff, clients and subcontractors who have made our success possible,” adds Crawford. R.C. Page Construction is a San Antonio-based, general contractor serving the central and southern regions of Texas. -cmw
he distribution and warehousing market sector has been a niche product type for RC Page Construction since its inception. With the exponential rise in e-commerce, next day deliveries and the influx of people into Texas and the greater San Antonio area, the demand for warehouse space has drastically increased over the past several years. In 2019, RC Page completed 1,559,689sf of speculative warehouse space and currently has 1,465,455sf under construc-
Foster Ridge, 327,112sf. Client: Koontz Corporation. Photo courtesy Bibb Gault Photography.
Pam Am Buildings 1-4 totaling 431,525sf. Client: Stonelake. Photo courtesy Bibb Gault Photography.
Warehouse & distribution niche R.C. Page Construction San Antonio, TX
tion. These spaces aren’t just being built and sitting empty, oftentimes leases are signed just as groundbreaking is commenced. “We have been fortunate to find ourselves working for great clients and with great design teams who recognize the value we bring as a contractor,” says Greg Crawford, RC Page, Construction Vice President. With these large site footprints, a continual challenge for developers is finding land that is suitable for this product type. Many of the better sites have been developed or are currently under construction. Generally, the sites remaining are less desirable from a cost standpoint due to challenges with topography, utilities, environRidgeview Buildings 1 & 2 totaling 225,992sf. Client: EastGroup Properties
Cornerstone Buildings 1 & 2 totaling 270,000sf. Client: Cornerstone Distribution Holdings.
Hobby Middle School
William P. Hobby Middle School
Tomlin Roofing Professionals install new gutter system.
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n May 2019, Tomlin Roofing Professionals was chosen by Central Builders Inc. to improve Hobby Middle School in San Antonio. The project would be the largest to-date for the company and an exciting opportunity for company growth. Hobby Middle School had suffered damage during the 2016 hail storm. The district wanted to improve the structure so that the students still had a safe and dry school environment. The project included restoring the roof to a new condition, installing new gutters and soffit panels. Working under Central Builders Inc., the acting general contractor on the project, demolition was done to remove the asbestos in the old wooden canopy sections of the school. This allowed Tomlin Roofing Professionals to go in after the removal and replace all of the soffit in the roof canopy area. In turn, creating a healthier environment for the children, while providing much need-
ed updates to the finish of the school. Tomlin’s scope of work included 24-gauge R panel roofing, fabricated box gutters and downspouts, 900lf of newly installed sheet metal fascia, new soffits and access panels and new roofing over added elevations to the front of the school. Tomlin Roofing completed the scope of work in 10 short months. The finished product is a fresh look with quality that will last decades. “We’d like to thank Northside ISD and Central Builders Inc. for entrusting us with the responsibilities of getting this job done right,” says Audry and Robert Yuras, owners of Tomlin Roofing Professionals. Tomlin Roofing Professionals is residential and commercial roofing subcontractor in San Antonio. -cmw
Newly installed soffit in the roof canopy.
Hobby Middle School Tomlin Roofing Professionals San Antonio, TX
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1803 Broadway Young Bros. Fire Protection handled this project entirely in house including and performing all the fabrication themselves utilizing the latest automated welding equipment available to the market to capitalize on both efficiency and quality. Young Bros.’ new fabrication facility has the capability to fabricate the piping for over 1,000 sprinkler heads per day, which helps on large projects such as this one to keep up with the fast-paced installation schedules. Young Bros. used the latest in material and procedures on this project to expedite the installation time, as well as providing the customer with a system they can count on in the time of need. Young Bros Fire Protection Inc. offers certified design, professional installations, remodeling and maintenance, system inspections, backflow testing and 24-hour service for automatic fire sprinkler systems. -cmw
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1803 Broadway
oung Bros. Fire Protection, a San Antonio based company serving all of Texas, was contracted by Joeris General Contractors to design, fabricate, and install the fire sprinkler system for the 1803 Broadway project. This also involved a full BIM modeling design to coordinate the installation with the architectural elements and other mechanical trades throughout the project. This project includes multiple levels of parking structure with a shell office building above it in two separate towers. Young Bros. was also contracted to perform the finish-out for two large banks in both towers of the project. The project included the installation of over 4,500 sprinkler heads, multiple automatic standpipe systems, a fire pump system, as well as a nitrogen generator protecting the dry system piping in the garages.
1803 Broadway Young Bros Fire Protection Inc. San Antonio, TX
Southwest High School
VCT Flooring at the newly renovated Southwest High School.
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Super Cap flooring, Southwest High School.
s Intertech Flooring enters its 32nd year of business, it maintains the reputation for being one of the top companies in its field. Intertech is largely known for working on high end corporate finish outs, like the Frost Bank portion in the new downtown Frost Tower, and USAA projects all over the city. Another sector of work that Intertech succeeds in is large scale healthcare projects, like the Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital and the recent addition to the Methodist Stone Oak Hospital. Intertech Flooring also does small to large scale government work as well. They do day in and day out work all over the city’s military bases and were recently awarded the new Federal Courthouse in downtown San Antonio. While Intertech is mainly known for corporate, healthcare, government, and higher education, they also do amazing work in the K-12 sector. Intertech Flooring recently completed a challenging renovation of Southwest High School under Joeris General Contractors. Their team installed multiple complex patterned floor finishes and used the Laticrete Super Cap truck to cap an unfit slab. Intertech’s Gilbert Garza was the project manager for
Super Cap truck.
the resilient flooring portion of the project, organizing beautiful installations of Forbo Linoleum, and Armstrong VCT. The Forbo product is known for being a challenging product to install. The product must be installed by a certified Forbo installer, and the sub floor must be made to be in perfect condition for the product installation to be successful. Intertech’s Scott Richter handled the Super Cap portion of the project. Scott brought in the Laticrete Super Cap truck to pump in over 13,000sf of self-leveler into the school. With just ¼ inch nominal thickness, they were able to turn a previously unlevel slab, into a beautifully capped subfloor. The Laticrete Super Cap truck is used for larger scale capping projects where the floor needs to be completely revived and self-leveled for a new floor finish to be installed in the space. Garza and Richter made an incredible team on this project, completing another great project to add to Intertech’s impressive portfolio. Intertech Flooring is a full-service commercial flooring company. -cmw Southwest High School Intertech Flooring San Antonio, TX
Forbo Linoleum, Southwest High School.
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continued from Page 8 facility this year as part of my 20/20 focus and I want to see us grow. How big was your old facility? It was 540sf and this facility has 1,500sf of office space and 1,100sf of warehouse space, which we didn’t have before. Plus we have an acre of land, which is also something we did not have before. We tripled in size. Why did you choose this location? I always wanted to come back to my roots and support the southside and hire from the southside. I want to be a contribution to the southside as we grow and
give back. What do you like most about demolition? You get to see things that no one else gets to see. You get to go places that you may not have ever thought you would. And it is a great feeling to see that what you demolished made room for something new to be. The feeling you get inside, knowing you had a role in that new creation is indescribable. And I love the people that I get to interact with and help out. What do you do to relax? Golf. I don’t play as often as I like because this business is taking up a lot of
my time, but once we get everything settled here, because we are still moving things in, I’m going to get back out there. Golfing is very relaxing and keeps me on my path and allows me to clear my mind. Who would you say is your biggest mentor? My parents most definitely are my biggest mentors. My mom and dad are always there supporting me. Having owned their own businesses themselves, they keep me focused and offer advice whenever I need it and sometimes when I don’t think I need it. I have others that are in the same type of business that help guide me. To
them, and they know who they are, there is no silly question and they are willing to help me, even if it is just answering a question. They don’t see it as a crazy question or a dumb question, it’s all about people’s lives. I am very grateful to them. Is there anything else you would me to tell our readers about you? This is all God’s work. I give thanks every day. This is all about Him. All this has happened on His time and through His will. I’m His servant, doing the best I can. Maximum Demolition & Dismantling is a full-service demolition company in San Antonio. -cmw
Rooted in faith
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L-R: Hill Electric President Billy Ross Hill and CEO/Founder Billy Hill
elebrating 15 years in business, Hill Electric has found success through Billy Hills’ passion for serving others, with an emphasis on family, rooted in faith. Extending outward from the church, Hill and son Billy Ross, and their wives, serve to every member of the team they built together. Hill Electric has become an extension of their ministry, an avenue in which to help not just the electrical industry they work in, but also the members of their team, community, charitable foundations and church. They continue to offer design-build, standard commercial lease space finish-out, office and apartment buildings and residential services by focusing on customer service in all areas of the electrical arena, whether
the customer is a developer, architect, general contractor or individual homeowner. With his father’s guidance, second-generation Billy Ross Hill, who started out as a marketing intern, seamlessly transitioned into the role of president five years ago, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company. “I was going to be anything but an electrical contractor. After starting here, I realized quickly that it is about the people. I realized that was my dad’s connection, and that is why he and my mom opened Hill Electric – the people, the customers and the relationships that it brings. That’s what was so exciting about it. Yes, we are an electrical contractor, but every day is about building relationships either with customers or with employees, and that I
love. That is who I am,” says Billy Ross. As the company has grown at a steady pace, Billy Ross holds true to his father’s vision of growing the company relative to its employees’ wants and needs, and their customers. As Hill once stated, “Monetary benefits are not the driving force of what we do; they’re the results.” With that, Billy Ross has put his focus on perfecting the things they are doing right as a company and developing programs from their success to benefit Hill Electric employees. As Hill Electric continues to grow, through the years of experience of its tenured employees, developing its teams through accountability and engagement has been a key to its ongoing success. “Four of the five original employees are still here, the fifth having retired. Seventeen of our employees have been with us over ten years. “Trudy Zaruba and Gary Kuentz who started here with my dad and his right-hand woman and man, continue to be instrumental in our operations today, as my right-hand woman and man. Their experience and expertise is invaluable to the younger generation who want to be accountable and engaged. We have about 60 employees making up our community. We have churches and families that we support, and this is my way to be a minister. That’s what I love most about what I do. It is the opportunity to teach, lead, mentor and help others. As far as the industry goes, it is the people. It’s the blue collar and the salt of the earth employees and customers, the general contractors and subcontractors. They’re just real people and I love that about our industry. It makes it fun,” adds Billy Ross. Billy Ross attributes Hill Electric’s 15 years of success to knowing its sandbox. “Ninety eight percent of our business is in San Antonio. That doesn’t mean we don’t go out and look for other opportunities, but right now, our sandbox is San Antonio. Having that on paper keeps you disciplined and allows us to grow at our desired pace,” Billy Ross states. The company holds quarterly planning sessions that include important components specific to the company’s succession plan in place. And while that plan has evolved over the years in order to stay relevant in an ever changing market, it remains rooted in the faith that led Hill to open Hill Electric. As the second generation is poised to carry on that mission, Hill plans for a different exit, this one into retirement. Hill Electric is a full-service electrical contractor. -cmw
Stay Safe and follow Guidelines so we can all get back to business.
San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2020
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Resource Guide
Associations and Construction Education General Contractors
Service Providers
Subcontractors
Associations and Construction Education
Suppliers Truck & Equip Dealers Suppliers
Subcontractors
Service Providers
Truck & Equip Dealers
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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2020
continued from Page 1 — Groesbeck Masonry Inc.
Industry FOLKS Anthony Tijerina
Senior Estimator and Sales
Modern Day Concrete San Antonio, TX
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ijerina loved growing up in San Antonio where he was born and raised. “It is a very family oriented, friendly and unique place. I loved my upbringing. My parents did everything good parents should do in raising my brother and I. Academics was made an important priority early on in my family. Dedicated to playing multiple sports, I was able to maintain the A/B honor roll throughout my K-12 experience. I attribute this to my parents.” Tijerina spent the majority of his time in the city limits but was fortunate to also experience living and enjoying country and ranch life. “The great thing about San Antonio is the variety of culture, people and the space to move around.” He graduated from John Marshall High School, and later attended UTSA to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. “College life was a blast. I was able to juggle my classes while working part-time at a local health club and gymnasium. Having friends close by from my home town was a blessing. Many of them also attended UTSA. All in all college life was great experience.” Tijerina has been dating Catalina Almeida for three years. He met Almeida when he gave her an estimate on a project she needed for her house. He has a 12-year-old son, Connor Anthony, from a previous relationship who lives in Dallas with his mom, stepfather and brother. “He is a great kid and very bright. The sky is the limit for his future.” Through family and friends, Tijerina became interested in the construction industry, and with the push from some
close friends, he found his opportunity. “Felipe Carstens was kind enough to give me an opportunity with Modern Day Concrete in 2015 and I have been here ever since.” As senior estimator and sales, he is responsible for finding the types of concrete flooring needed for specific projects and predicting the costs associated with installing the final product. “I like having the opportunity to talk and deal with people on a daily basis, and the ability to visit different job sites, offices, conventions, events and other interesting construction related activities. The construction community is huge and meeting different types of people from all over the world has always been a desire of mine which this job and industry has been able to fulfill.” Tijerina’s mother is his biggest mentor as she is someone he has always looked up to. “I can find honesty in her answers. Her knowledge and experience in finance has helped me in both my personal life and in my professional career.” As far as the concrete industry goes, especially with his time at Modern Day Concrete, Felipe Carstens has had the longest lasting influence on him in both knowledge, and the ins and outs of the concrete finishing game. -cmw
an old mixer that they had given me, and a saw that I had bought when I was doing side jobs. That’s all I had to get started. We maybe did $80,000 our first year in business. I leased a yard here in Kirby for $75 a month. Around 1990 I bought this property and we have been growing steadily ever since,” says Groesbeck. Groesbeck’s concentration is mainly commercial. “We do very little residential unless it is a big custom house. I started out taking anything and everything, and I probably still do. You never know. My idea is you never know what job can lead into the next job. If you do good work, you normally get recalls.” The industry has changed somewhat over the past 35 years. “I don’t know if it is for the better or for the worse, but it has changed. You just have to change with it,” says Groesbeck. “In the ‘80s, everybody stopped training in the schools. We really haven’t had any training since then. As part of the union, I have sent 25-30 apprentices up to Maryland for training. When they come back, they go to work for me. “My estimator is one that I sent to Maryland back in the late ‘80s, early ‘90s. I have a lot of long tenured employees. I have good foremen. All of my foremen are good.” From a one-man show to now a
healthy company of 38 that includes a truck driver, a mechanic, a yard guy, an estimator and a materials guy, the company has grown through the years. Groesbeck’s wife, Kathy, and son, Billy, are part of the Groesbeck team as well. Kathy was with Traveler’s Insurance Company prior to coming on board full-time. When Traveler’s shut down the commercial division she was in, she came onboard as the company secretary. Billy is grooming to take over the family-owned business if and when Groesbeck decides he’s had enough fun. Groesbeck is very proud of his company and employees, and the industry he works in. “We do quality work. We strive to make our business the best.” Groesbeck Masonry Inc. is a member of the San Antonio Masonry Contractors Association (SAMCA), which Groesbeck is now president of for the second year in a row. “It’s a good association. We just hired Danny Bryant who retired from Acme Brick. We are trying to get into the schools to promote masonry and to get them to get a VOE program or something like that into the system. Currently we are in contact with NSISD and NEISD,” says Groesbeck. Groesbeck Masonry Inc. is a full-service commercial masonry contractor in Kirby, TX. -cmw
continued from Page 1 — B&E Contractors Inc. tons of work. In January 1990, Bisang and his partner, Rick Ehninger, started B&E Contractors Inc. working out of their homes. “Neither one of us had any formal education on what it took to run a business. We just kind of learned along the way,” says Bisang. “That company fed us some jobs, but the way it worked out, we were basically just making wages. We weren’t really making any money. I decided that one of us needed to go out and find us some more work while the other one was doing the work. We hired a helper and I went out and tried to get us new work. Little by little, it started to grow,” he adds. With the requirements of liability insurance, the young company quickly realized they need someone to do their payroll as well. They hired a payroll company to take care of the payroll and taxes. Then the company set out to find a location to office from. Things were starting to come together even though the office they found was shared with a roofing contractor for a short spell and then later, they shared a larger office space with an air conditioning contractor. A few years later, B&E was in their own space and have been there
for 27 years. In 2018, Ehninger retired and Bisang bought out his share of the company. “It’s nice owning your own business. I never thought I would someday own my own business. I always thought I would work for somebody else and here we are, celebrating 30 years in business. “It’s funny how life turns out. When I first graduated, I actually went to a trade school in Waco, TX. I was going to be a diesel mechanic. When I got out and graduated, I couldn’t find a job as a mechanic. That’s when my dad got me a job in construction,” says Bisang. “We went through times, several times, wondering how we are going to make payroll that week and something would always come through. God had us covered. He took us right to the edge and then He provided,” adds Bisang. Specializing in commercial and residential remodeling, office finish-outs and pretty much anything that comes their way, Bisang is excited about reaching their 30th year in business but says there are no celebration plans. B&E Contractors Inc. is a full-service general contracting and restoration company located in San Antonio. -cmw
continued from Page 1 — Benchmark Plumbing dle of the road down to production houses. They cover the whole spectrum of the new construction residential market with some light commercial work. Currently, Benchmark Plumbing has 30 employees and is still growing. “We have hired several new people in the last couple of weeks. We’re not downsizing at all. I hired four people in just the last two weeks. We’re trying to update our truck fleet and take care of our builders, which seem to be going pretty strong,” says Ramzel. When the company started in 2003, they housed out of a small metal building at Old West Avenue and Blanco Rd. One year later, the company purchased their current facility with room to grow. Truly a family business, Ramzel’s other son, Newman Ramzel, is also a Master Plumber and works in the field. Newman also acts as the company computer and service tech. Spencer’s wife, Melissa, works in the office and has begun overseeing the office portion of the business. “We took a down turn in 2008 like everyone else, but we survived it. We hung in there. We didn’t make a lot of money
for a lot of years, but we’ve managed to survive. Last year was a good year,” claims Ramzel and is grateful his family business is going strong. Through the years, Carter and Spencer have become involved in the Plumbing Heating Cooling Association (PHCC). Carter has been both state and local president of PHCC and is currently servicing as treasurer at the local level. Spencer is serving on PHCC’s state board. “Serving as president at both the state and local level was absolutely fascinating to do,” Ramzel adds. Outside of the day-to-day grind of business, the family finds time to support one another in their extracurricular activities. Carter enjoys spending time at his ranch on the weekends shooting pigs. Spencer has a recording studio and has worked in sound for over 20 years writing, performing music, producing artists, recording music and working in live sound. Newman plays guitar for a local country band, the Jeff Jacobs Band. Benchmark Plumbing is a full-service residential plumbing contractor in San Antonio. -cmw
San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2020
Page 19
Association Calendar
If you could spend an entire YEAR doing anything, what would you do? I would finish building my 31ft offshore fishing boat the first three months and then fish the next nine months with my girlfriend. Greg Uhlig, DEA Specialties I would probably do what I’m doing now. I’m happy where I’m at. I’ve always enjoyed working and if I wasn’t working, I would not know what I would do. James Groesbeck, Groesbeck Masonry Inc. If I could spend an entire year doing anything, I would follow the PGA Tour golf circuit. They go to a lot resorts and it is so relaxing. I’ve been to a couple of PGA tournaments, so I would follow it, enjoy it and relax. Lee Ramos, Maximum Demolition & Dismantling Doing what I am doing now. When it gets old, I’ll do something else. Carter Ramzel, Benchmark Plumbing An entire year? I would visit and explore the Amazon Rainforest and study the different plants of the jungle. Jenni Urbancyzk, Urban Land | Tree | Soil I would like to go to different fly-ins and fly my paramotor. That is my passion. That is what I love to do. Kevin Bisang, B & E Contractors I think that once this Cororna thing is over, and presuming somebody would pay for it, I’d take a year off to go hunting and fishing with friends and family, traveling around the world. Are you looking to find someone to share your millions with? Trouble is, now that I’m 70 and have had a heart attack a year ago, I don’t know how much of that I could do before kicking the bucket. Pat Schmidt, Schweiss Hydraulic & Bifold Doors A worldwide year-long cruise with some select friends and my husband would be ideal. As far as visiting other countries
goes, I have only been to Canada and Mexico. I love seeing just how, even in the United States, cultures and traditions differ state to state. Imagine seeing 51 countries in one year? Processing each place while the other is still fresh on your mind to compare and awe at. Plus site seeing is a given. Additionally, when you are in international waters, there is no internet, emails or phone calls. It is just you and the open sea. The peace it brings is like nothing I have ever experienced. To have this experience for a year-long would be out of this world, and hopefully accomplishable in my retirement. Shana Egolinsky, ISEC Inc. That’s easy! If I could, I would write nonstop. Mitzi Kelly, The Fetzer Companies Inc. Entire year? I would spend an entire year traveling the world, seeing different continents and countries. It would be a blessing to travel for a year straight! Anthony Tijerina, Modern Day Concrete I would spend it riding my horse, doing horseback archery, spending time with my family, and drinking good beer and wine! I guess I sort of do all of that anyway though. Tess Shelton, Intertech Flooring I would be sitting on a boat in the Caribbean with my family. I’d do as much fishing on that boat until I got tired of it. Zac Cook, Hill Country Plumbing I would take my family and move to another city for a year and start up a new church. Billy Ross Hill, Hill Electric That’s easy! Live in Quepos Costa Rica or San Pedro Belize in a hut on the beach and fish! Brad Maze, Advanced Door Control LLC
In memoriam
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ete G. Lozano, Jr., owner of Lozano Construction and Trucking Co. Inc., passed away peacefully Mar. 24 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Lozano lived life to the fullest. He is survived by his loving wife, Rosana, who bailed him out of some of his many adventures. Pete enjoyed his twin boys, Adam and Peter, going on out-of-state hunting and fishing trips. He enjoyed fishing in Corpus Christi, gambling in Las Vegas, ranching, cattle raising, and would spend as much time as possible at his 3L Ranch located in LaSalle County where he loved to hunt. Pete founded and operated Pete G. Lozano Trucking Co. with his father, the late Pete G. Lozano, and was proud to be a part of moving the historic Fairmount Hotel, downtown San Antonio, in 1985. He had numerous businesses. In 1982 he formed Lozano Construction and Trucking Co. where he spent his final years working with his son Eric. Pete reached every one of his personal goals as his time neared. He made it to Eric’s high school and college graduations, attended Eric’s wedding. He attended his only daughter, Esperanza’s Quinceañera, high school
graduation, and was so proud of her on her first day of college. Due to the current situation with COVID-19; there will not be an official service. Pete’s ashes will reside at his beloved 3L Ranch. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either the cancer society or St. Jude. It has been said that if you know Lozano Trucking, you knew Pete Jr. Rest in Peace Pete. -cmw
Content Contentsubmitted submittedby byAssociations Associationsto toConstruction ConstructionNews News ABC
Associated Builders & Contractors Inc.
May 6: Breakfast Club – POSTPONED May 13: Wine Festival – POSTPONED For more info, contact Leah Villarreal at leah@abcsouthtexas.org or 210-342-1994 AGC
Associated General Contractors
May 13-14: OSHA 10 Hour, AGC Offices, 10806 Gulfdale, 8:30am-4:30pm. May 15: Fun Shoot & Mixer – CANCELED. For info, contact Kelly Wilson at 210-3494921 AIA
American Institute of Architects
May 11: LiA Network Meeting – POSTPONED May 26: SAYA: Are Trivia Night – POSTPONED May 27: AIA Chapter Meeting – Town Hall, Location TBD, 11:30am-1pm. For more info, contact Belinda Sanchez at 210-226-4979 or email belinda@aiasa.org ASA
American Subcontractors Assn.
May 8-9: Subfest BBQ Cook-off – RESCHEDULED to Sept. 18, Helotes Fairgrounds, 12210 Leslie Rd. For more info, call Jennifer Swinney at 210-349-2105 May 13: Baseball Night – POSTPONED pending COVID-19. For more info, call Jennifer Swinney at 210-349-2105 HCA de SA
Hispanic Contractors Assn. de San Antonio
May 20: Monthly Meeting/Mixer – TBD pending COVID-19 update, The Quarry Golf Club, 444 E. Basse Rd., 5:30-8pm. TBD - pending COVID-19 May 29-30: Fishing Tournament – TBD pending COVID-19 update, Saltwater Pavilion at Rockport Beach, 911 Navigation Circle, Rockport, TX. TBD – pending COV-
ID-19. For more info, call Victoria Rodriguez at 210-444-1100 email vrodriguez@ hcadesa.org IEC
Independent Electrical Contractors
May 15-16: 20th Annual IEC San Antonio BBQ Cook-off, Helotes Fair Grounds, 12210 Leslie Rd. May 29: Sporting Clay Fun Shoot. For info, contact Julie Tucker at 210-431-9861 or email jtucker@iecsanantonio.org MCA-SMACNA INC
Mechanical Contractors Assn. Sheet Metal & A/C Nat’l Assn.
May 13: Regular & Associates Meeting – CANCELED May 27: Joint Industry Fund Meeting – CANCELED. For more info, call Sandee Morgan at 210-822-3763 PHCC
Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors
May 14: Golf Tournament – RESCHEDULED to Nov. 4, Hyatt Hill Country Resort, 9800 Hyatt Resort Dr., 12pm Shotgun Start. For info, call Heidi Trimble at 210-8247422 or go to www.phcc-sanantonio.org TACCA
Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Assn. Greater San Antonio
May 21: Member Meeting, Old San Francisco Steakhouse, 10223 Sahara St., 11:30am – Pending COVID-19 Jun. 1: 31st Annual Golf Tournament, The Club at Sonterra, 901 Sonterra Blvd., 11am – Pending COVID-19. For more info, call Dawn Thompson at 210-901-4222 TXFPA
Texas Fire Protection Assn.
May 27: Chapter Meeting & Program, Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra, 11am-2:45pm. For more info, go to wwwtxfpa.org
Industry FOLKS Shana Egolinsky Operations Coordinator
ISEC Inc.
Boerne, TX
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hana Egolinsky was born and raised in Houston, TX. She grew up on the northwest side, and even though Houston is a large city, “we were like a small community within. I got to watch that part of Houston grow, from empty fields between Beltway 8 and 99 on to Hwy 290 to becoming a city within a city,” says Egolinsky. She went to G.C. Scarborough High School and attended Texas A&M in Galveston after high school until starting a family sooner than later put a bump in her college plans. She acquired an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration with an HR Management concentration from DeVry University. Ten years ago, Egolinsky met her current husband, Colt Smith, at Dave & Buster’s in Houston. The first day they met, they had an unexplained connection. She has three children: 16-year-old Natalie, 15-year-old August and Lailah, who is 13, from her first marriage. After outgrowing her position at Carenet, she knew it was time to look elsewhere when she came across a posting for ISEC. “My interview with the three gentlemen running the Boerne office was one of the best interviews I had ever been in. That’s saying a lot because I was recruiting at my past three jobs. I was tired of being at “jobs” and wanted a home. I’m very happy to say I have found it,” exclaimed Egolinsky. Egolinsky is the recruiter for administrative positions for the Texas Re-
gion and the HR Liaison with ISEC’s corporate office in Colorado. Additionally, she assists in operations and marketing administrative duties for ISEC’s Texas Region. “I enjoy getting to work for such an amazing company that appreciates their employees, customers and clients. I don’t feel expendable. I WANT to come to work every day! I have the ability to contribute to complex projects from start to finish and assist in business development, operations and installation within the company. Lastly, what we install looks amazing, it’s fun and admirable to market. “My mentor was my Grammy. She was more than a typical grandma, and my guardian during my childhood. She instilled a down to earth, real world mentality in me at an early age. She taught me to question everything until I knew what I was talking about. She’s been gone since Nov. 2010 and I still use her teachings to guide me daily. My favorite Grammyism: You either do or you don’t… try to sit down!” Egolinsky is a bit of a rollercoaster junkie and enjoys camping, hiking, visiting new State and National Parks. Relaxing at the lake, on the boat is a favorite past time for hers and her family, but during the winter season, the drive-in theatre is their go-to place. -cmw
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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2020
Evolving over 25 years
In memoriam
fter a long battle with Parkinson’s and Dementia, Daniel E. McCarty, passed away on Apr. 1. Dan was a 1954 graduate of Brackenridge High School where he played football and ran track. He went on to play football for Trinity University where he graduated with a degree in Home Building in 1958. After a brief stint in the United States Army, Dan went to work for Quincy Lee. In 1961, he started K.D. Construction Company. He later purchased a concrete company in 1968 and changed the name to Beck Ready Mix. He started what is now known as Multisource Sand and Gravel in the La Grange area in 1979. Dan’s final business ventures were Beck Landfill, and Beck Dispose-All located in Schertz. He was extremely proud to have his three sons and grandson help him build these businesses. Dan was instrumental in bringing the Spurs to San Antonio from Dallas in 1973 as one of the original group of investors. Immensely proud of this association, Dan was a lifelong Spurs fan and ticket holder. He was an avid and accomplished hunter and fisherman. In 1972 he went on his first African safari hunt, followed by several more safari hunts to include South Africa, Zimbabwe, Southwest Africa and Botswana. He hunted wild sheep in North America, Mongolia, Russia, Mexico and all over the world, but his proudest accomplishment was his North Amer-ican Big Horn Sheep Grand Slam. In preparation of his hunts, he would run up and down the bleachers of the Alamo Heights football stadium. For Dan, the hunt was not about the taking of the trophy, it was about the rigors of tracking and stalking, the experience, and the journey. Some of his best loved hunts passed without a kill. He loved fishing as much as hunting. Alaska, British Columbia, the Yukon and Northwest Territory were among his fishing spots, but his favorite was along the salter water flats of the Lower Laguna Madre. Because of his love for the great outdoors, he worked with and contributed to Game Conservation Interna-
The team of Pro-Line Paving LLC
tional, Ducks Unlimited, The North America Wild Sheep Foundation, the American Rifle Association and the Safari Club International. He helped restore the Big Horn Sheep to its former range through the Texas Big Horn Society. Moreover, he wanted to encourage youngsters to think about the future of Texas lands and waters by exposing youths to hunting, fishing, hiking and arrowhead collecting. Dan received the Outdoorsman of the Year award by the Anglers Club for his hunting and fishing abilities, his contributions to wildlife conservation and youth activities. Additionally, he donated materials, equipment and labor for the completion of the Ronald McDonald House and concrete for the Girls Home at Boysville, multiple Wounded Warrior homes and the Alamo Heights Little League batting cage. Dan made an ineradicable mark on the lives of his family, friends, and the construction industry. He was deeply loved by his family and all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed. Due to the declaration regarding the size of gatherings during the COVID-19 health crisis, a private internment took place at the Bandera Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research @Michaeljfox.org or to The Alzheimer’s Association @Alz.org. Gone, but not forgotten. Rest in peace Dan. -cmw
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quarter of a century has passed since Mike Crawford started his own company with a loan from a friend that has since been paid in full. Today, majority owner Mike and co-owner Mark Crawford continue to make strides as their company continues to flourish. The two brothers had worked together for a former striping company back in the late ‘80s, early ‘90s when the company’s owner passed away and the company sold. Having had an instrumental hand in the growth of their former employer’s company, the two brothers realized the new company’s leadership dynamics weren’t for them. After leaving and going down different paths, Mike Crawford started ProLine Paving LLC, Jan. 1, 1995. In those days, the company was known as ProLine Pavement Maintenance. “We did only striping back then. Then we got into asphalt repair, seal coating and then asphalt paving. Now we have two paving crews, a striping crew, a signage crew, a seal coating crew,” says Mike. Joining his brother in 2001 with a 10 percent share in the company, Mark became co-owner. “When I came on board, we had many roles. As a small company, we had to do everything. We collected money, estimated, sold it, built it, collected it and ran the crews. Now we have three people estimating. One estimator focuses on city and municipality projects. The other two estimators take care of commercial work,” says Mark. The company moved into their current location in 1997, expanding it in 2019 as a result of the company’s continued
growth. In 2014, the company added yet again, a new service to the company’s vast array of services with the purchase of their first milling machine. The purchase of that machine opened the door to their new milling service giving them the capability to mill a 4-ft width and a depth up to 12 inches of asphalt, controlling their schedule for milling with asphalt as they pave whatever they mill. By 2019, the company invested in its second milling machine, this one with a 7.6-ft width. The company also changed its name to give consumers a better realization of the company’s capabilities. “As we continue to expand, we have done bigger commercial projects. Our Facebook page features videos from our drone flying over some of these projects to give people an overview, so they know that we are not just doing patch work anymore. We are doing big paving, commercial and milling projects. We are a totally different operation than we were 25 years ago,” adds Mark. From a two-man operation, Pro-Line Paving has grown to an operation over 50 strong and is considering a 25th anniversary celebration for employees and customers alike, but most likely will wait until the fall when the heat and the rush of summer work is done. As for the next 25 years, the brothers agree, “We look forward to moving forward and growing.” Pro-Line Paving LLC provides commercial, residential and highway pavement services, including asphalt paving, line striping, seal coating and asphalt milling. -cmw
San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2020
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Industry FOLKS Matthew Castilleja Inventory Manager
Cram Roofing San Antonio, TX
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orn in New Braunfels, Castilleja is a true New Braunfels, Tx native. He grew up in the oasis of the Hill Country, near FM 306 in New Braunfels what is now known as Creekside Crossing. He has lived in New Braunfels his entire life. “It was a small town until now becoming the second fastest growing city in the US. Located just north of San Antonio, New Braunfels still has the small town feel. I loved growing up in a small town, especially during the summers. I spent most of my time at Schlitterbahn and tubing the Guadalupe River, the longest river in Texas, and the Comal River, the shortest river in Texas. My family and I love all the local events such as Wurstfest, Wassailfest, the Dia De Los Muertos and many more throughout the year.” Castilleja graduated from Canyon High School in 2003. Shortly after graduating high school, his mother was diagnosed with cancer. Castilleja went to work full-time to help support his mother. Castilleja married his high school sweetheart, Crystal. They have been together since 2000 and have been married for two years. Together, they have four children. “Our oldest child is our daughter Alexa; our oldest boy, Zerik, is 7 years old; and Maverik is 4 years old. He’s the middle boy, and our youngest is Dominik. He is 10 months old. Castilleja worked retail logistics for 10 years and then spent five years working as a logistics manager in the
oil and gas industry. He started working in the roofing industry in 2017 and joined the Cram Roofing team in 2018 overseeing logistics, inventory and asset management. “I like that from day-to-day, each day is always different and unique. I pretty much learn something new every day from different parts of the organization. I work very close with our sheet metal shop and I like seeing the raw materials transform into finished goods.” Castilleja has had many mentors throughout his personal and work life. He enjoys listening to audio books and podcasts on his commute to work. “I tend to listen to motivational and leadership content. The last audiobook I listened to was Swim by Walter Bond. I am always striving to learn something new and finding a new problem to solve. Since I am still fairly new to the roofing industry, I lean on our senior superintendents and co-workers, listening and asking questions. I learn from their expertise and experience.” Castilleja is a Christian man who believes in God, family and giving back to the community. In his free time, he likes to fish, workout, go hiking, volunteering at community events and having friend and family game nights, which he says gets pretty competitive. -cwm
Industry FOLKS Liz Caraway
Director of Operations
Middleman Construction Company LLC San Antonio, TX
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iz Caraway considers herself a Texan, despite being born in Rapid City, SD, the gateway to Mt. Rushmore where her father was stationed in the Air Force. Her father would later transfer to Dyess AFB in Abilene, TX where she lived until she was 16 years old. “At the time, I did not know how isolated we were. We had everything we ever needed. Sometimes, we’d vacation in San Antonio. It was extremely safe growing up on a military base, had a wonderful group of friends, and was the rare kid that didn’t move 20 times, never lived in another country, and stayed in the same house until my dad retired. I had a great and diverse childhood. I met people from all over the world with different languages, cultures, heritages, and ideals. I feel that is in part what makes me who I am today.” Liz started high school in Abilene and after moving to San Antonio, she graduated from Samuel Clemens High School. She started college at UTSA right out of high school and found that it was not for her. It took about seven years off from school and switching jobs, before finding her true calling. Quitting a job as a florist, she landed an interview as a receptionist for Middleman Construction, enrolled in UIW’s ADCAP program at night. “Mark Middleman was extremely supportive of my work, life and school juggling act while I not only changed my original path (Marketing at UTSA), but es-
sentially restarting at UIW. Going to work and school without a break, for three years to finish.” In 2013, Liz received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Resources with a minor in management. Currently the director of operations, Caraway likes that each day is not like the last, and she knows that tomorrow will not be like today. “I never get bored, and there is never a dull moment. What I ‘do’ does not always fit the job title, from networking to attending seminars to bonding and insurance to IT. “Mark Middleman and Mike Bunger have both served as wonderful role models and mentors for me in this industry. They are similar, yet different, and I pull valuable insight from each of them. Both have taken countless hours to mold me into who I am today, and I cannot thank either of them enough. “I never saw myself having a career in construction. Although it is difficult being a woman in construction at times, there are so many strong, passionate and amazing women in this industry that lift each other up and support each other. Being involved in the local National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC) chapter has allowed me to tap into alternate resources of mentorship as well.” -cmw
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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2020
JOB SIGHTS
The JR Ramon Demolition at a jobsite on Blanco Rd. -cmw
Frank Shula and Steve Becker, Leonard Contracting Inc., construct metal framing at the Lone Star Jeep project. -cmw
Joeris General Contractors’ MEP Coordinator Matt Dunn at the Broadway Office Development project reviews construction documents in the field. -cmw
TexDoor LTD technician, Joe U., repairs the electric operator and installs a new receiver and remote at a City of San Antonio Fire Station. -cmw
San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2020
Standing down against COVID-19
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n Apr. 9, hundreds of construction firms from across the country stopped work and held coronavirus-focused safety stand downs as part of a nationwide safety campaign organized by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). During the stand downs, crews stopped work, broke into small, socially-distanced groups, and reinforce the new safety procedures and practices that all construction workers must follow to protect themselves and the public from the spread of the coronavirus. -cmw Stallion Safety Solutions during ➤ the COVID-19 safety stand down.
Cadence McShane team during COVID-19 safety stand down at the East Meadows project.
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Industry FOLKS Cesar Ramirez Estimator
Marksmen General Contractors San Antonio, TX
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s the lead estimator, Cesar is responsible for all project estimates, going over plans, specs and communicating with subcontractors, as well as training fellow employees in the process. He was born in Monterrey, Mexico. He lived there until he moved to San Antonio when he was in the fourth grade. In Mexico, he spent a lot of time with his large family. After moving to the States, he worked hard to learn the language and the culture. After school, he and his sister would go to work with his dad. Cesar’s interest in construction was ignited when a class trip in Mexico took him to a small town. Seeing how they were living, Cesar decided then he would pick a career where he could help people. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 2010. He then attended and graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio in 2015 where he studied architecture before earning a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, as he realized he’d rather build buildings than design them. During his last year of undergrad, Cesar met his wife, Melissa, who is a designer at a local architecture firm, Don B. McDonald. Introduced through mutual friends, she had a bad first impression of Cesar. “I tried to steal her chips off her studio desk, and the rest is history.” They have been happily married for two and a half years. He enjoys building relationships
with his co-workers and helping them when needed. He relishes the challenge of bidding two to three jobs in a week and says it can be quite exciting. He believes everyone he meets is a mentor. “There is always something new you can learn from them. Hung Ngo was the one who got me into estimating and saw the potential in me. We still keep in touch. He is a good family friend.” Mark Baublit, owner of Marksmen General Contactors, is another mentor to Cesar. “Working closely with him on a daily basis, especially these last few months since bidding went up, has given me much confidence in myself. He taught me how to become a leader and a mentor to others who are training under me. “Chris Morris was hired at Marksmen as Director of Preconstruction Services. I report directly to him. Right away we got along. He is a big reason for my growth and the estimating foundation that I have now. He has challenged me and taught me so much and I am extremely grateful for him. “I’d like to thank my parents for always pushing him to be better and learn more. All the sacrifices they have made for my sister and I, leaving Mexico and our family so we could have a better future.” -cmw
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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2020