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CONSTRUCTION NEWS The Industry’s Newspaper
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www.constructionnews.net H (210) 308-5800 H Volume 20 H Number 9 H SEPTEMBER 2020
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Stock exchange
Back to the Grind
Austin Wood Recycling’s Michael Martin (pictured with wife Susan) went from trading piles of stocks to trading piles of mulch.
Luke Schilhab launched his second business, Grind Time Rock Milling, last month to service the Hill Country.
hange doesn’t seem to bother Michael Martin, even when the change seems extreme. In fact, he fully embraces it, like when he traded his stock trading life for one of landscaping. “I was a stock trader in New York City, and worked on the 108th Floor of the World Trade Center,” Martin explains. “I was raised in Sarasota, FL and my wife and I moved up to New York City and worked there for five years. Then it was time to raise a family, and New York City is no place to do that, so we wanted to move back down to the South but to a larger city than Sarasota.” Martin enlisted a broker to introduce him to different businesses and decided to purchase a small company in 1987 that would become Austin Wood Recycling.
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At the time, the company was pulling in about $60,000 a year with a bright future – and then the savings and loan crisis hit. “All of the banks got consolidated,” he says. “The main customer of the company we were buying was the nation’s largest homebuilder that went bankrupt. Our biggest customer went bankrupt right when we were buying it.” Martin steered the company through the unexpected development by staying adaptable through ever-changing circumstances. “We just never said no. When someone wanted us to do anything, if we could make money at it, we just did it,” Martin says. “We first started just doing tractor mowing. Developers would put in continued on Page 14
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uke Schilhab couldn’t wait to own a construction company – literally. While his plan was to start one after college, he launched his first company as a senior majoring in Industrial Distribution with a Business minor at Texas A&M. What started out as an excavation and land clearing venture evolved into Grind Time Mulching. The fast-growing business cleared several million dollars a year, but not without a personal cost for Schilhab. “I grew it almost 500% every year for four years and I never really got to reap the financial benefit for myself because I was always dumping money back in the company to grow, grow, grow,” Schilhab remembers. “That was four years of constant headache, financial stress, and employee stress.”
Last year, Schilhab decided to sell Grind Time Mulching to a larger pipeline company in West Texas. Able to step back a bit, he focused on business development for other companies, but was soon back to the Grind – a new one this time. “Living in the Hill Country, I saw a need for rock crushing and rock milling for terrain leveling, for rock excavation, for home sites, building pads, carving out the side of a hillside to make a flat foundation versus having to build huge retaining walls with concrete or bringing in lots of fill material. A lot of material costs are eliminated by milling this material or the solid rock down to make a more workable area. Also, on open property, the Hill Country looks beautiful continued on Page 14
From skateparks to shotcrete
t may be hard to believe, but Yann Curtis’ and Jamie Curtis’ shotcrete business, Curtis Concrete Pumping (CCP Shotcrete), stemmed from their love of skateboarding, a hobby from their youth. The brothers, who with their parents once owned and operated The Skatepark of Austin, were receiving requests from Texas cities to build public skate parks. Rather than build wooden skate parks like their own, they encouraged the building of concrete skate parks like those in California and the West coast. It wasn’t long before Yann and Jamie realized that they should become designbuild concrete contractors specializing in skatepark construction for cities. In 2007, they formed SPA Skateparks and have since completed 45 public skate parks for the state. Through this work, their awareness of shotcrete’s versatility and
L-R: Brothers and CCP Shotcrete business partners Jamie Curtis and Yann Curtis
ability to accelerate project schedules grew, and a second business was born. “We know concrete and, because we build bowls and skateparks, a lot of that work is shotcrete, which is the spraying of concrete at high velocity onto walls, embankments or transitional surfaces instead of casting them,” Yann explains. The UT grads, who have lived in Austin since 1997, connected with their local friends and set out to do commercial shotcrete work under the name of Curtis Concrete Pumping (CCP Shotcrete) 11 years ago. As a shotcrete contractor, CCP specializes in large scale, time sensitive and technical shotcrete projects for civil, heavy commercial, recreational and architectural markets. Its turnkey shotcrete construction services can begin at any stage of the project. While CCP has tunnel and shoring projects under its belt, most continued on Page 14
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Austin Construction News • SEP 2020
Leak-free lanes
n honor of National Bowling Day, the Texas Traditions Roofing LLC team enjoyed a night at Mel’s Lone Star Lanes. The Georgetown venue happens to be a special one for the company: Texas Traditions Roofing replaced the building’s roof! –mjm
Industry FOLKS Jason Kreuiter SHRM-CP Human Resources Director Cash Construction Company Inc. Austin, TX
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s a third-generation construction Human Resources professional, Jason Kreuiter’s calling was determined from an early age. After graduating from Long Beach State with a degree in Communication Studies, Kreuiter found his way to Baton Rouge to start his career as a construction coordinator with Fluor Corporation. The experience of working side by side with the construction staff he would one day support earned him a level of credibility that would pave the way to future success. In 2005, Kreuiter began his HR career in earnest with Fluor as part of their field HR team. He would also progress through a variety of rotations that included supporting corporate and field groups, both domestically and internationally. His final stop at Fluor was a promotion to manager and oversight of a large multi-state subsidiary. In 2015, Satterfield & Pontikes Construction offered Kreuiter an opportunity to put his varied experience to use as their new Director of Human Resources. During his time at S&P, Kreuiter was responsible for developing and leading the overall HR strategy and human capital management for all companies. It was the efforts of Jason and his team that led to great improvements with recruiting, employee rewards and recognition, and benefits. Then, in 2020, Kreuiter and Cash Construction Company Inc. in Pflugerville found each other. Being a wholly-
owned subsidiary of Fortune 500 company MasTec, Cash Construction sought a professional with a background working within a larger corporation plus experience leading a smaller construction company during a growth period. As Director of Human Resources, Kreuiter will lead the HR & Talent Development efforts. With Cash Construction growing at a high pace, Kreuiter’s focus will center around recruitment, talent development, and rewards and recognition programs. He’s very excited to launch Cash’s firstever online learning management system, as well as integrating programs from previous stops in his career like service awards, peer recognition awards, and learning matrices. It’s not all work for Kreuiter, as he and his wife, Niki, have three young kids that keep them very active. Weekends will find Kreuiter taking the kids to the community pool, maybe fitting in 18 holes on the golf course and definitely finishing his “honey do” list. Kreuiter and his family are so excited to make the Austin area their home. Heck, his wife is a Longhorn … hook ’em! So, the future is bright for Cash Construction Kreuiter, who is ready to help the company “Build with Excellence”. -mjm
Austin Construction News • SEP 2020
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H&E opens new branch
Perfect pandemic fit
efore the pandemic, Reggie Mahadeo and his Farmers Insurance staff enjoyed working from his Austin office at the Domain, with its convenient location and surrounding eateries and shops. However, increasing rent and a need to rethink workplace safety for both clients and his team made Mahadeo consider relocation. Rather than lease another office, he recently bought a building previously occupied by another Farmers Insurance agent. Located at 13740 North Hwy. 183 Building S Reggie Mahadeo is relocating his Farmers Insurance Austin branch, Unit 3 in Austin, the and he’s making the new office a perfect fit for his pandemic needs. new space provided Services such as bonds and evidence Mahadeo the chance to reconfigure the layout and make it a safer place to con- of insurance will not change with the move. Mahadeo and his team hope to be duct business. “Reggie structured the office space in the space by Sept. 15 and are in the to where it is more toward keeping our process of informing clients about the clients safe and his team safe,” office relocation. Mahadeo is also crossing his manager Maria Velez explains. “He made fingers that he can soon invite clients to sure there is a divide between the office celebrate the new location in person. staff and clients; we have an area with “Depending on how circumstances two individual offices that can host are in October, Reggie hopes to do an clients so that they don’t have to be open house and invite all of the clients to roaming around the office. We still have meet him and his staff and put faces to our two departments – our personal names,” Velez says. “Reggie was hoping lines and commercial – so we’ll have to do a bounce house for the kids and them under one room, and we’ll have a other entertainment, and invite the reception area. We also have two doors police and fire department, but again, it that are an exit and an entrance to make will just depend on the situation at that sure that our front person, who has time due to social distancing. We hope presently been working from home, is we get the opportunity to do that.” Reginald Mahadeo Insurance Agency safely protected behind the plexiglass – Inc. - Farmers Insurance is in Austin. – mjm and even from us!”
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H&E Equipment Services Inc, 490 Industrial Blvd., McKinney, TX.
&E Equipment Services Inc. (H&E) announced the opening of a new branch in McKinney, TX, serving the region northeast of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area on Aug. 17. The new 16,650sf facility, located at 490 Industrial Blvd. in McKinney, TX sits on 4.45 acres with a fully fenced yard area, offices, parts warehouse and a repair shop with four service bays. It is capable of servicing a variety of construction and general industrial equipment and joins other nearby H&E facilities in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Mesquite, TX, in serving the region. The branch specializes in aerial lifts, telescopic forklifts, earthmoving machinery, compaction equipment, generators, compressors, and more and represents the following manufacturers: Atlas Copco, Bomag, Gehl, Genie, Grove, Hamm, JCB, JLG, John Deere, Kubota, LBX, LayMor, MEC, Manitex, Manitowoc, Miller, Multiquip, Okada, Polaris, Skyjack, SkyTrak, Sullair, Takeuchi, Yanmar, Wacker Neuson, and others. “The facility is strategically located in the northeast corner of the Dallas-Fort Worth region, providing greater conve-
nience to all customers within the northern metroplex,” says McKinney Branch Manager Justin Roden. “The highly skilled personnel, large inventory, new shop, and our full investment in the DFW area allow us to meet the equipment needs of McKinney, Frisco, Plano, and other surrounding cities. With this new location, we’ll be even more efficient and effective in providing the trustworthy assistance with rentals, sales, parts, and service that our Texas customers have come to depend on.” In addition to a large equipment rental fleet, the facility provides expanded new and used equipment sales, parts availability within 24 hours for most items, in-shop and mobile service repairs, training, and other value-added services. Founded in 1961, H&E Equipment Services is one of the largest integrated equipment companies in the nation, providing the higher standard in equipment rentals, sales, parts, and service. Including the McKinney branch, there are 21 locations in Texas and additional locations nationwide throughout the Pacific Northwest, West Coast, Intermountain, Southwest, Gulf Coast, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions. -cmw
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Austin Construction News • SEP 2020
Laura Chavez
Chief Lugging Officer The Junkluggers of Austin Austin, TX
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n the back of Laura Chavez’s business cards are the words “Peace, Love & Junk” – fitting for Junkluggers of Austin’s Chief Lugging Officer, who grew up deeply concerned about the environment. While much of her career has been devoted to nutrition, she recently circled back around to her passion and is showing Austin’s construction industry how to haul off job site materials in an environmentally-friendly way. Share about your background and introduction to Junkluggers. I have actually spent my entire career in nutrition. I got my bachelor’s and master’s degree in nutrition from the University of Arizona. I took a position at Texas Women’s University in Dallas, where I became a registered and licensed dietician. I started teaching there and that was the birth of my nutrition practice. I’ve done all different kinds of things in that, I guess because I’m a serial entrepreneur. I’ve loved working in nutrition and have a huge commitment to health, but after doing it for 20 years, I yearned to be more environmentally impactive. I’ve always cared about the environment. I have good memories as a child working with non-profits with my mom; she was a stayat-home mother and on school holidays, she would take us with her to do that. I have always worked with non-profits in my nutrition business, but I wanted to expand and do more. I hired a business broker to help me find a business to buy and this is what ended up coming out! I bought the Austin branch of Junkluggers in 2017 and was the first woman to purchase a junk removal company.
Junkluggers of Austin’s Chief Lugging Officer Laura Chavez
How has it evolved? In owning Junkluggers, my focus is on trying to increase my knowledge in recycling because it’s so much bigger than I thought it was. When I opened Junkluggers, I was just focused on recycling metal and boxes. I’ve since learned there is so much more that can be recycled. The City of Austin has been a blessing; we’ve been able to work with them a lot and they’ve educated us. It’s really special to be living in a city that is so concerned with environmentalism, keeping items out of the landfill, and providing recycling to everyone. Was construction material disposal available through Junkluggers or did you introduce it? That’s something that I introduced to my branch. Other locations have always been more focused on residential junk removal but, coming into the industry when we have so much competition, I had to look for other ways to stay successful. Many organizations have helped me learn how to enter into the commercial construction market. We’ve had to work at it pretty hard. Our niche in commercial construction is different than a lot of other companies that are in it, so I’m still trying to introduce how we can help people in the commercial construction industry. How is your niche different? There are neat things we’re able to do that other companies that take waste maybe can’t. For example, we always keep a truck available for same- and next-day appointments; we are always available to do emergency pickups. Also, our dumpsters are only 15 cubic yards, so we’re able to drop those in tight spots downtown where people can’t get their 40 yd. dumpsters in there. We have the ability do daily pickups downtown or for small residential or commercial projects where neighbors don’t want debris left outside overnight or due to regulations. It helps companies avoid fines. We work after hours and on weekends, too; we’re always willing to come in on the weekends if it’s easier for the project or the building has certain rules. Because of our commitment to recycling, we have been able to work with commercial companies that have been doing construction projects with the City of Austin. When there are recyclable items and they’re doing construction, it’s important to the City that those items get recycled. We can take care of that for them so they can focus on bigger aspects of their projects. If we have items that we are having trouble recycling or donating, we’ll post them and let people get them for free. We also take paint and household chemicals, which are very difficult for the construction industry to get rid of. We work in concert with the city to make sure we always keep those items recycled. We usually try to repurpose paint and chemicals through Austin Resource Recovery (ARR), but because
Junkluggers of Austin’s Chief Lugging Officer Laura Chavez (fourth from right) and her team
ARR is closed right now, we’re trying to give that paint away for free to painters and just about anyone who wants it. Whenever we can repurpose items, we consider that a win. I’m working on my Woman Owned Business certificate so that I can be a strong partner with contractors who are bidding on city, state and government contracts. Often there is a set aside for this type of partnership. Finally, a significant way we are different is that we partner with the Austin Habitat for Humanity and the Austin ReStore. We can help the Austin construction industry to not only recycle but also to donate clean or useable construction material. As part of our service, we deliver materials to Habitat. We then provide the contractor, or their client, a donation receipt to hopefully offset some of the cost of the service while giving back to the community. What is your team’s size and company culture? We have ten and it’s not enough! I could open more routes, but I just can’t get enough people to work here. It’s really hot, so I have to make sure we’re taking care of the employees and not overworking them. I think we have a good work/play balance. We do have to work really hard. It’s hot outside and so the only way to get through hard days like that is you have to make it fun, you have to make a game out of it, even if it’s a financially incentivized game. We all need inspiration to keep moving with the excessive heat. Having a family atmosphere is really important to me. A lot of people come to us from other companies and I want people to feel at home here. I want them to talk to me. I feel like if they know we really care about them, and they trust us, that’s how they will go out and treat the people they’re working with out in the community. We want them to be happy and love their jobs. We care about our employees and their well-being. We also do profit sharing for our guys and we’re about being charitable. We give 10% to charity right off the top. We want to be a for-purpose company. We feel that keeps the employees more
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engaged, knowing that they’re helping other people. It helps give purpose. We also do charity work whenever we can because junk removal does not make the budget for most non-profits. How have you evolved in your role? I have learned how to manage people better. That is something that I didn’t have a lot of experience with, so it was a big learning curve for me. I’ve also learned a lot about truck maintenance and how important it is to keep them running well and the crew safe! It’s been challenging. You have to maintain them and constantly train the guys on safety. It’s a daily routine and it’s imperative that we review it daily. We have also had to add COVID compliance tracking to our daily routine to keep our staff and customers safe. What are your hobbies and goals? I’m an avid hiker; the Hill of Life trail entrance is in my neighborhood. I enjoy going to the gym. I’m also obsessed with cooking, fine dining, and enjoying good wine. I went into nutrition because I wanted to be a chef, but my parents wanted me to go to college. I love to go to Mexico; I usually go at least three or four times a year with my husband. The beach is a happy place for me. My husband does a lot for the company behind the scenes. One of the reasons we bought the business is that my husband travels for a living and we would love for this to get successful enough to where he could stop doing that and come home to work in this business. Also, I have one son and one dog. I enjoy spending time with them. I would like to find a way to reach out to lower income areas and help them with neighborhood cleanups. I think that would be another really good way to expand our business and help the city of Austin keep it nice and clean. I recently joined the board of Keep Austin Beautiful, and that’s what really showed me that there is a gap there. I would also like to have a truck 100% dedicated to helping charities and people because I know the need is out there. Junkluggers of Austin offers environmentally-friendly removal of commercial construction materials. –mjm
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Austin Construction News • SEP 2020
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In the trenches
Texas First Rentals
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exas First Rentals opened its first two locations, one in San Antonio and one in Pflugerville, on the same day in May 2015. By the end of 2015, Texas First Rentals had six locations along the I-35 corridor. Since then, Texas First has been on a growth curve, resulting in 21 locations across HOLT’s territory. Today, Texas First has 325 employees and anticipates additional growth in the future. The decision to start the rental business came when the executive team saw an opportunity in light rental and committed to putting the structure and resources into a new business model. This growth came in direct response to the changes in the rental market as customers have moved from exclusively owning equipment renting more of their fleet. With HOLT’s culture, values, and Cat products, the executive team knew Texas First Rentals would be highly successful. Behind that success is a strong support system from HOLT CAT and a core leadership team of professionals with some 90 years of experience between them. Texas First Rentals is a service driven company with skilled technicians to service its fleet. The demand for rentals is high and Texas First Rentals is committed to meeting customer’s expectations. They provide rentals for everything a contractor might need on a jobsite - from small tools, small pumps and small hammers to generators, large excavators, dozers, aerial platforms, boom lifts, scissor lifts, rough terrain scissor lifts, dual fuel man lifts and everything in between. What differentiates Texas First Rentals from other companies in the rental space is its training. Each employee is armed with product, technical and soft skills training. The detailed training covers the operation, safety, features and benefits of machinery Texas First offers. Today, Texas First Rentals has added a new line of rental options to its inven-
tory - trench safety products. “After careful consideration of our customer’s needs, we made the decision to diversify our rental market through the addition of our trench safety division. In this business we’ll rent steel and aluminum trench boxes, aluminum build a box, vertical shores, road plates and testing equipment,” says Texas First Rentals Vice President of Sales, Matt Hopper. “It made sense for us to move into this space because of the close ties with our customers. Trench safety operations can reduce the risk of worksite hazards.” Trench safety products are available for rental in the San Antonio and Austin areas. While this growth and expansion into the trench and shoring rental options was a response to the market, it can only work with the right mix of ingredients. “From a process standpoint, we’re doing what other rental companies do. Taking the orders and filling them the same as everyone else. But what we bring are HOLT values, a focus on legendary customer service, and an inventory of quality products,” Hopper stated. “At Texas First Rentals, we are about our community, our employees and our customers. We will always look for valueadded ways to serve our customers,” says Hopper. “With our culture, training and product offerings, we can help our customers. We will always do our best to provide our customers with the most cost-efficient solutions for them. That is the heart of who we are as a company. That’s what separates us in this marketplace. We are going to provide legendary customer service to our customers. We will listen, understand, collaborate and always find a way to make things happen. It’s about finding ways to say yes,” adds Hopper. For a full list of Texas First Rentals products, visit www.texasfirstrentals.com Texas First Rental is a construction equipment rental company. -cmw
Filled with caring
In keeping with its company culture of serving its community, The Burt Group Inc. employees provided 30 backpacks filled with school supplies for children in need. –mjm
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Austin Construction News • SEP 2020
Droning on the data gathered can be saved and presented by general contractors should lawsuits arise. Also, drones allow for fewer people on job sites, since the drones can be operated from a distance (a plus in the time of COVID-19). Combining tech and construction is a no-brainer according to Senne, who
says Austin is the perfect city for his type of business. “With Austin being tech-savvy with so many tech companies here, we feel it’s beneficial to integrate construction companies with tech companies.” Construction Drones of Texas offers job site documentation and visual data. –mjm
In memoriam…
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Garret Senne is bringing his construction drones from Florida to Texas.
arret Senne’s construction drones are making a flight path from The Sunshine State to the Lone Star State! After achieving success with Construction Drones of South Florida, which he founded last year with business partner Christian Wurtz, Senne plans to do the same with Construction Drones of Texas, which will be based in Austin. The licensed and insured drone company provides aerial perspectives and accurate visual data for job sites. It also offers 3-D modeling, weekly or monthly progress shots, pre-pour inspections, marketing photos and video and volumetric takeoffs. Senne first saw a need for construction drones as a licensed commercial photographer and concrete project engineer building Miami high rises.
“I saw a need to locate where post tension cables were for other subcontractors,” Senne explains. “There were a few other companies that did it, but they were less detail-oriented. The reason we were so detail oriented is that I was working for a concrete company that needed to know accurate locations of the cables that could cost thousands of dollars to repair. Christian and I had both been in the concrete industry for about 15 years combined and just saw a need for it. It saves contractors money. Drones allow us to get within a quarter inch accuracy of these expensive cables or holes that we need. For a few hundred dollars, I can save general contractors a few thousand dollars.” In addition to accuracy and social media-ready job site photos and videos,
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illiam “Kim” Kimsey Cochran, 63, of Dripping Springs TX passed away Jul.19. At the time of his passing, Cochran served as O’Connell Robertson’s Chief Operating Officer/CoCEO. Throughout his 26-year career at the firm, Cochran held several leadership positions at the firm, including construction administrator, Director of Construction Administration, and project executive. The Marietta, OK-born Cochran was a two-time graduate of St. Edward’s University in Austin with a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administra-
tion with a concentration in Sports Management. He was a Certified Construction Contract Administrator and an active member of Associated Builders and Contractors. Cochran explored over 11 countries with his family, took up motorcycle riding at age 48 and raced at the Circuit of the Americas and the California Superbike School. He enjoyed camping, scuba diving, woodworking, astronomy and learned to build a Ford Model-T. Cochran is survived by Harriet, his wife of 30 years, his daughters Aria and Gwen, and O’Connell Robertson staff. -mjm
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Austin Construction News • SEP 2020
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Three steps to reduce the risk of coronavirus phishing scams
The Differences between Bonding and Insurance
Daimon Geopfer Principal RSM US LLP San Antonio, TX
Eric Schmalz, Principal Schmalz & Associates Surety Bonding Liberty Hill, TX
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ith the coronavirus pandemic consuming attention and companies focusing on implementing safety, readiness and response measures, a surge in potentially harmful phishing scams has emerged. As organizations manage a host of coronavirus-related challenges, they may drop their guard or unknowingly implement policies that increase the risk of suffering an attack. Unfortunately, criminals often attempt to take advantage of disaster scenarios to exploit lapses in protections and controls. These criminals use social engineering tactics to prey on a variety of emotions to manipulate people, attempting to exploit fear in this scenario. Currently, we are seeing two grades of attacks. The first is fairly low-grade, with hackers sending deceptive emails with no target in mind, pretending to be the CDC, Red Cross or other entities tied to coronavirus information to trick users into clicking on links and attachments that infect systems and steal information. However, a new level of attacks targets individual companies, presenting fake coronavirus alerts or guidance that looks like they are authored by specific members of organizational leadership, often from the C-suite. By using a familiar name or face, these attacks have a much higher success rate. Further complicating the issue, many companies have understandably sent employees home to work remotely, but the same level of security controls and protections often doesn’t extend to home networks. To mitigate these risks, companies can take three important steps to safeguard against these emerging phishing scams:
1. Get in front of the issue by communicating the risks Organizations must be front-running when faced with these scams, creating proactive communications about how they will distribute critical alerts and information. Leadership should detail how they will communicate, cover what would and would not be requested from employees, and stress the importance of going to official company communication channels regularly for updates and to validate any suspicious information.
2. Make it personal The risks to company data and information also extend to personal networks. Emphasizing how predators are lurking with threats to companies as well as family communications will likely garner more attention. Employees will get the point in terms of company data, while also appreciating the encouragement to act regarding personal data.
3. Communicate and evaluate remote work security policies Companies must ensure they have communicated the rules and risks of working outside the corporate environment. In many cases, security protections and firewalls that are in place inside the office simply don’t protect devices that access the network remotely. In many cases, companies will need to consider network or security changes to equalize security protections inside and outside of the office. As coronavirus fear and uncertainty increases, hackers will continue to try to exploit companies with phishing attacks. By spreading awareness of the potential threats, communicating how they may extend into personal affairs and making necessary adjustments to security policies to account for increased remote work, companies can go a long way toward better protecting themselves against emerging and persistent phishing risks. For more ideas and insights about how to manage business challenges related to the coronavirus, visit RSM’s Coronavirus Resource Center. Daimon Geopfert is RSM’s national leader of security, privacy and risk services and can be reached at Daimon.Geopfert@ rsmus.com.
s a surety bond agent, I find that many people confuse surety bonds with insurance. I thought it would be good to discuss the important distinctions between the two products. • As a risk product business that responds to “claims”, the surety bond industry needs a pool of capital to operate and pay losses. This model lent itself to sureties becoming divisions of insurance companies. In many ways, that is where the similarities of bonding and insurance end. Surety is better described as a “credit” financial product with underwriting more akin to banking. • The insurance industry compiles actuarial data on the frequency and severity of losses that occur in an insurance product. Armed with this data they set the premium rates on a product to cover those anticipated losses. With surety bonding there is an underwriting goal of zero losses. The premium charged is best described as an underwriting fee. Using the example of a construction project, the surety is pre-qualifying the contractor to ensure the project will be delivered as specified by the contract with no performance issues and all labor and material suppliers getting paid. The surety company is not underwriting or pricing the bond expecting a loss. • An insurance contract is a twoparty agreement between the insured and the insurer, often with the insured as the beneficiary of the policy. Whereas a surety bond is a three-party agreement including the Surety, Principal (contractor), and Obligee (owner). The Obligee is the primary beneficiary of the bond rather than the contractor. • Sticking with the construction industry as our example, a contractor buys insurance primarily to protect themselves against financial loss – the goal is to transfer risk from themselves to an insurance company. With a bond, it is the owner or entity the for which the contractor is performing work who requires and benefits from the bond protecting their project. • As insurers expect losses on their policies and recoup much of that loss through the proper premium pricing, they also ‘subrogate’ or turn to the person or entity found at fault for the loss for financial responsibility. With a
bond, based on the premise of underwriting to a zero loss, the surety and principal sign an “indemnity agreement” or promise from the principal to the surety to make them “whole” financially if they sustain a loss. • Insurance policies, such as general liability, are typically renewed annually and offer coverage across a contractor’s scope of operations. A Performance & Payment bond is also referred to as a “contract bond” as it directly guarantees the obligations of a specific underlying contract. The bond is put in place when the contract is signed and is closed when the obligations under that contract have been met. So, a bond follows the life of the contract and construction project and does not renew annually like an insurance policy. • With insurance, even if you are deemed a high-risk account or in a highrisk class of business, there are usually options in the marketplace to obtain a policy. But you may have to pay more premium for the policy. This is where the phrase “there are no bad risks, just bad pricing” comes from. With surety bonding, we have options in the market to establish bonding for a contractor with higher risk attributes. Such as lack of financial resources, credit problems, or recent track record of losing money. That said, there is a limit to what is available and there is time when you just might not be bondable. In these instances, I would recommend working with your surety bond agent. A professional surety bond agent can help establish a plan and goals around what a surety underwriter wants to see and take those steps to becoming an acceptable risk and bonded. Schmalz & Associates is an agency exclusively supporting contractor’s bonding needs. Eric Schmalz was an underwriter and manager for over 15 years working for Top 10 surety companies and now helps his contractor clients establish and maximize their bonding. Please call 512-6406444, email eric@schmalzsurety.com or visit the website at www.schmalzsurety. com
A good sign!
WE DON’T MAKE THE NEWS, WE MAKE IT BETTER J.E. Dunn recently celebrated the topping out of the primary structures on Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s new maintenance facility campus. The 133,150sf site will serve as the headquarters for maintenance, motor pool, warehouse, trades, deicing, recycling, truck wash bay, airport police unit and police K-9 center. –mjm
Call Construction News for Advertising 210-308-5800
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Austin Construction News • SEP 2020
Saving Money in a Construction Dispute
National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction
R. Carson Fisk Shareholder Andrews Myers P.C. Austin, TX
Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX
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onstruction is an industry that is prone to disputes. The process inherently involves multiple parties, with many of them relying on contractually downstream specialists or trades to perform components of a larger scope of work (e.g., contractors and subcontractors, architects and sub-consultants, etc.). And, as the saying goes, you are only as strong as your weakest link. In many instances, conditions arise that were not foreseen or are different than expected, whether those are physical (e.g., abnormal adverse weather, differing site conditions, etc.), financial (e.g., bankruptcy, lending challenges, etc.), or something else (e.g., pandemics, labor market changes, supply chain disruptions, etc.). This combination of factors can lead to delays and increased costs, which are often the subject of a disputes. Disputes, if not addressed, can escalate and potentially lead to even more expensive and time-consuming litigation or arbitration. Thus, most anyone engaged in the construction process—whether a project owner, architect, engineer, contractor, subcontractor, supplier, or otherwise—should understand how to mitigate the financial impact of such matters. Following a few simple tips with help in this effort. Stay (or Get) Organized When a dispute arises, or even looms, access to information that is available in an easily understandable format can help lead to an early resolution. Such information will almost certainly assist in developing important claims or defenses. Internal personnel changes and schedules can make organizing information well after an issue has arisen a difficult task. Rummaging aimlessly through poorly organized computer files or hard-copy project folders searching for relevant information will certainly take an inordinate amount of time. While someone outside the company, such as an attorney or outside document processing vendor, may be willing to take the lead in organizing information, it will come at a significant cost. The best practice is to ensure that project documents are organized in a way that others can easily locate important information, even if the project team is no longer available to assist. Set a Goal While circumstances may dictate a different approach, consider seeking an amicable resolution. While there may be a desire to maximize recovery—using aggressive means if necessary—that may not be the most cost-effective approach in the near-term. Early negotiation or mediation are two available means to seek a resolution on friendly, or less adversarial, terms. Even if a lawsuit or arbitration has been filed, that does not necessarily mean the party pursuing the claim intends to do so hyper-aggressively. But if settlement is simply not an option there may be no need to spend the time, energy, and money to go through the motions with the blind hope that something simply works out. Be strategic about the steps taken, bearing in mind the goal being sought. Participate Lack of involvement is one of the surest ways for a dispute to cost more. If a dispute is not of a nature that it can simply be ignored, ignoring it will merely allow the future challenges to compound. This may also require that someone with less knowledge serve as a point person, interfacing with others in an effort to either stave off the development of the dispute or to press it forward. This person must be educated on the matters he or she is discussing, which often comes at a cost. Particularly once litigation or arbitration is involved, there is a significant time commitment no matter whether a party is pursuing a claim or defending against one. Any attorney will need guidance and input on often detailed factual matters, including understanding the
underlying facts and verifying whether positions are accurate. In the event of litigation or arbitration, take the time to understand the nature of the claims and/or defenses being alleged and the positions of the parties by reviewing court filings, discovery responses, correspondence, and other materials provided to you by your attorney. Understand the Financial Risks Disputes, particularly those that end up in litigation or arbitration, are unpredictable. There is no guarantee that the party with the most favorable facts, or the “better” lawyer, will win. Frustratingly, there is no guarantee of actual recovery even if one wins by obtaining a judgment. Judgment debtors can and often do go bankrupt. Similarly, there is no guarantee of recovery even if one wins by defending against a claim. And courts or arbitrators may refuse to fully reimburse attorneys’ fees or recovered damages may be a fraction of what was sought. On the direct expense side, given the number of different, often changing factors in a lawsuit (e.g., the number and nature of the claims, reasonableness and strategies of the parties and counsel, judicial and arbitral temperament, legal developments, court rulings, etc.), developing a litigation/arbitration estimate can be challenging. But such information can give one a general sense of what to expect related to cost of pursuing or defending against a claim. Be Reasonable Thoughtful reflection and consideration should be the guide, not emotion or knee-jerk reaction. A broader view than a single incident may be warranted. One need not destroy an otherwise valuable business relationship due to a business dispute. Being open to amicable resolution is possibly the greatest path to saving money when faced with a construction dispute. While a good compromise may leave both sides unhappy in the short-term, relationships may be preserved and the likelihood that all parties to the dispute will save a substantial amount of money is a very real possibility. Even despite one’s best efforts, it may not be able to avoid the escalation of a dispute, including the prospect of litigation or arbitration. These suggestions, however, will help save on costs when faced with such a scenario. R. Carson Fisk is board certified in Construction Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and may be reached at cfisk@ andrewsmyers.com.
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ach year, OSHA promotes a national stand down to prevent falls in construction. This year’s stand down week is September 14 – 18, 2020. Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety. Any workplace can hold a stand-down by taking a break to focus on “Fall Hazards” and reinforcing the importance of “Fall Prevention”. Employers of companies not exposed to fall hazards, can also use this opportunity to have a conversation with employees about the other job hazards they face, protective methods, and the company’s safety policies and goals. It can also be an opportunity for employees to talk to management about fall and other job hazards they see. Anyone who wants to prevent hazards in the workplace can participate in the Stand-Down. In past years, participants included commercial construction companies of all sizes, residential construction contractors, sub- and independent contractors, highway construction companies, general industry employers, the U.S. Military, other government participants, unions, employer’s trade associations, institutes, employee interest organizations, and safety equipment manufacturers. Companies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by taking a break to have a toolbox talk or another safety activity such as conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job specific hazards. Managers are encouraged to plan a stand-down that works best for their workplace anytime. OSHA has a number of free ideas to use for a stand down event at https:// www.osha.gov/StopFallsStandDown/
suggestions.html. OSHA also has a training guide in English and Spanish on how to conduct a tool box talk for fall prevention. These resources are located here https://www.osha.gov/Publications/ OSHA3666.pdf and here: https://www. osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3727.pdf. OSHA also has eight free videos on fall protection located at https://www. osha.gov/video/index.html. OSHA hosts an Events page with events that are free and open to the public to help employers and employees find events in your area. If you plan to host a free event that is open to the public, see the OSHA’s Events page at https://www. osha.gov/StopFallsStandDown/calendar. html to submit the event details. Employers will be able to provide feedback about their Stand-Down and download a Certificate of Participation following the Stand-Down. The certificate pages will be active on September 14, 2020, for employers to enter their information and print their certificate. To download a participation certificate, visit https://www.osha.gov/StopFallsStandDown/index.html#cert. If you want to share information with OSHA on your Safety Stand-Down, Fall Prevention Programs or suggestions on how we can improve future initiatives like this, please send your email to oshastanddown@dol.gov. Also share your Stand-Down story on social media, with the hashtag: #StandDown4Safety. natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232
In memoriam…
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alvin T. Ladner P.E., President of LJA Engineering Inc. and a member of LJA’s Board of Directors, passed away Aug. 18 after a courageous battle with coronavirus-related complications. Ladner’s long career at the engi-neering firm began in 1982 when he was hired by Winslow & Associates Inc., which merged with Lichliter/ Jameson & Asso-ciates in 1988. After LJA was acquired by a large multinational engineering firm, Ladner led the spinoff of the company’s Houston land development division in 1997, which was re-formed under new leadership as LJA Engineering Inc. with Ladner as President. He was involved in projects including planning, design and construction of water supply, wastewater collection, drainage and roadways and he supervised the design and construction of more than 500 residential and commercial divisions. Ladner is survived by his wife Sandy, son Stuart, daughter-in-law Dana, grandson Luke, daughter Caroline, and a host of family and friends. – mjm
Austin Construction News • SEP 2020
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tinue into fall. As we roll into September and the start of the fall season, I feel confident that these conditions will hold out through the end of the year. Like I mentioned above, we are having a stellar year for speckled trout fishing. Now we are entering what we consider our best red fishing months. Late August, September and October are prime months for reel stripping redfish action. Reds are all business when it comes to getting them to the boat. Pound for pound, they are one of the strongest fish in our bay complex. They will put your tackle, line and knots to the test, whether they are 6 lbs. or a 48-inch bull that tips the scales at 30-plus lbs. Generally, a couple of times around the boat and a few near misses around the motor and power poles will keep your heart pumping until it makes it into the net. This is what fall fishing is all about. Come get ya some!
Late Season Fishing Action by Capt. Steve Schultz Sponsored by:
Waypoint Marine, Shoalwater Boats, 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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utdoor recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, biking, jogging, walking, hiking, wildlife viewing, and the like are essential activities for Texas citizens. There is only so much I can do indoors before I say, “That’s It,” I’m going outside to get some fresh air. That’s the same things I’m hearing from my customers during this COVID-19 pandemic we are living through these days. They are tired of sitting around not being able to go anywhere, do anything without having to wear a mask or even plan a family vacation. People are ready to get out into the outdoors and there is no better and safer way to enjoy the outdoors than getting out on the water. Fishing has exploded this year and the bays have been busy with guides and
Ruger Cote of Devine had never caught a redfish before his last fishing trip. Not only did he catch one, he caught five total with the biggest being 37 inches. Photo taken by Steve Schultz Outdoors
recreational fisherman more so than ever. With the lack of people being able to travel on long vacations, more and more Texans are taking shorter trips and doing it more often. I’ve noticed more and more folks flocking to the coast every weekend and making the best out of this crappy year we have been going through. Hotels are busy, restaurants and souvenir shops are starting to see they’re business pick up and the economy looks like it’s ready to explode. This is a great thing for my business and I hope it continues. As for the fishing, it’s the best summer I’ve seen in quite some time. Quality and quantities of speckled trout are staying strong through August. This is great news because usually by the end of July
Share YOUR photos and stories . . . fishing, hunting, skiing, biking, or any outdoor activity and sport. Austineditor@ConstructionNews.net
(210) 308-5800
we start to see a decline in the catching due to pressure on our bays and estuaries. In late March and April, we saw a decline in fishing pressure caused by the coronavirus. This allowed a lot of fish to make it to the summer months and con-
My open dates are dwindling down to only a few. September 2,3,21,23 and October 19 and 28 are the last for my season. Hunting begins after that and I have dates available for whitetail deer. To schedule your next bay fishing trip or hunting trip, give Capt. Steve Schultz a call at 361-813-3716 or e-mail him at SteveSchultzOutdoors@gmail.com. Follow me of Facebook and Instagram at Steve Schultz Outdoors. Good Luck and Good Fishing.
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Austin Construction News • SEP 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
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don’t think anyone can deny the craziness of this year to date, and it’s an election year so we know there will be a lot more to come! Most folks I talk to admit to having that “shot at and missed” mentality where we just wonder what’s next. It is best to just go fishing! Have you noticed though that there are some unusually good things happening in with the tide of challenges we have been caught up in. Have you noticed that the sky is a little bluer and the stars are brighter with the clearing of the air because we are not traveling as much? I think most of us have have had to take a different approach to our daily life. Our family life and work life may never look the same because of the changes we are learning to make. I have to admit I don’t see things the way I used to. Everything and everybody is so much more appreciated now. Here we are at the old hot time of year when the stripers and hybrids just don’t want to bite. We have been struggling for the last several weeks to get the fish to bite for us. We all know its getting too hot to fish...NOT! All of a sudden and for no reason we can figure out the STRIPER BITE IS BACK ON BIG TIME!!! We are catching consistent limits of stripers and hybrids, and they are nice solid fish that are good sized! This kind unusual feeding pattern happens every few years and although we all have our theories about it, nobody has ever figured it out. All we know for sure is we need to get ‘em while they are hot! We usually see a nice increase in our catches once the heat of summer starts
It’s too hot to fish . . . NOT! to let up, because the fish have been going without feeding, waiting out the heat. October is usually the beginning of a strong fall and winter season for stripers and hybrids because they like cooler water. It is not unusual to have good topwater fishing then too. I wonder too about how the upcoming hunting seasons will be affected by our changes in habits. I know the way hunters congregate at the hunting camp will need modification. Somehow sleeping in a little travel trailer with other folks gives even more worries now than who snores the loudest. I bet the sales of tents will go up this hunting season, so we can have some safer distancing. Hunters are pretty clever people so they should be able to adapt because nothing gets in the way of hunting! I can hear it now, “Not you can’t use my blind or hunt with me! Social distancing!”. What better way to protect that big buck you are waiting for? I hope that we can see through all the things that have made 2020 such a tough year. I hope all the good things that are quietly happening around us won’t go unnoticed. It’s funny how we just have to notice the good things because they don’t usually come with news coverage or fanfare. I guess we just have to develop a new kind of 2020 vision. Look for the good stuff!
Top Photo: JD Construction Bottom Photo: Maxwell Electric
Austin Construction News • SEP 2020
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Fish feat
and second mate Ben Scott didn’t just bring in the record-breaking fish, they won the tournament overall with a 1737-point total. Tournament scoring is based on one point for Blue Marlins weighing in, with bonus points for Blue Marlins weighing over 600lbs. The catch beat the previous recordholder, a 545-lb. Blue Marlin caught in
2010. However, it didn’t beat the all-time state record, a 927.7lb Blue Marlin caught in 2014 at the Bastante John Uhr Memorial Billfish Tournament. The world record, a 1,402 lb. Blue Marlin, was caught in Victoria Brazil 28 years ago. After the fish was weighed at around midnight, the fish meat was donated to a Corpus Christi homeless center. –mjm
Learning his bridges
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The Walk West Team and their record-breaking, 737 lb. Blue Marlin.
n Aug. 7, Justin Waight made fishing history. The Wilson Roofing advisor and his competing team reeled in a nearly 14ft., 737-lb Blue Marlin – the largest Blue Marlin ever weighed in Port Aransas – at the Texas Legends Billfish Tournament! Marlins have a reputation for aggressiveness, and it took more than three hours to haul in this fighter. The “Walk West” team, consisting of Waight, boat owner Riley Rhodes, captain Raleigh Morrison, first mate Johnny Ruby
Instacoat Premium Products’ Marketing Director Francisco Serrano enjoys biking throughout Austin to seek new places and swimming spots. Recently, he enjoyed the view at Percy V. Pennybacker Bridge at Lake Austin. –mjm
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Austin Construction News • SEP 2020
Safety in numbers
Industry FOLKS Jen Henderson, P.E. Land Development Division Manager
M&S Engineering Georgetown, TX
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rowing up in Amarillo, Jen Henderson did not realize how flat and square everything was. Born and raised in Amarillo she often goes back to Amarillo as her parents still live in the house, she grew up in. She graduated from Caprock High School and was the distinguished Alumni recipient this year before COVID hit. After high school, she went to Texas Tech University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 2004. As land development division manager, Henderson leads the daily operation of the M&S’s Georgetown office and ensures their product is quality and permittable. “I really enjoy thinking about stormwater runoff and figuring out how to convey it. I enjoy helping a client go from a dream to a reality. I want them to drive up to their building and not worry about ponding water and to be able to flush and wash their hands without a second thought. I enjoy knowing that I had a hand in the bigger picture of their dream. “I have a lot of passion for what we do, and I don’t feel like it’s work. It’s a lot of hours with a lot of fun projects. We specialize in the unique sites, the ones that require a lot of thought and ingenuity. I enjoy getting to know the owners of the land and seeing their visions come to reality.” Many people have influenced Henderson along the way. Working hard his entire life, her dad showed her what it means to be a person of integrity, to be trusted and to slow down and go with the flow when needed. He is her lifelong
friend and the person she always call when she needs to talk, and her mom says they can solve all the world’s problems in a Friday afternoon phone call. Additionally Nancy Rabb is another of Henderson’ mentors. “She is a Round Rock legend and was paired with me when I was in the Ascend program. She taught me how to persevere in a world where few women are respected. She taught me that it’s okay to speak up and put your opinion out there. She also taught me the need to be humble and to ensure that my most precious possessions, my kids, are always first in my thoughts and are well taken care of. She helped me understand where a good financial contribution should be made, both personally and professionally.” She has been happily married for 14 years to Clinton Henderson, a project manager at Dell. They have enjoyed spending every moment of being a couple. Together they have two children, Jack who turns 10 this month and daughter Faith who is 7 years old. “They are so much fun. Both of them are ball players, baseball and softball, respectively. Jack is on the cusp of earning his black belt in Kung Fu and Faith recently earned her first ever medals in a gymnastics competition. My children are my interest and hobbies – I love being with them and seeing them grow.” -cmw
Safe + Sound Week 2020 helps companies like Big State Electric implement and maintain company safety programs.
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ore than 60 percent of worker deaths and reported injuries have decreased nationwide since the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act was passed. Still, every year more than 5,000 workers are killed on the job (14 per day) and more than 3.6 million suffer jobrelated injuries or illnesses. Implementing safety programs can be an overwhelming task for construction companies leaving many unsure where to start. To help, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the United States Department of Labor launched Safe + Sound, a year-round campaign to encourage and assist every workplace in having a safety and healthy program. This year, the initiative’s annual nationwide event, Safe + Sound Week, was held Aug. 10-16. Its purpose is to show that successful safety and health programs are a proactive way companies can identify and manage workplace hazards before injury or illness is caused, improving a company’s sustainability or bottom line. Participating in Safe + Sound Week can help companies launch a pro-
gram, energize an existing one, or offer the opportunity to recognize safety successes. Last year, more than 3,300 businesses participated. Big State Electric branches, including Austin, participated in Safe + Sound Week 2020. The company’s Austin Region Safety Manager Donna Stewart, CSHO SSH PMP OSHT says her team viewed a video about job site awareness made available by Big State Electric’s Safety Director Britt Bulgerin. “This is the third year that the Austin office has participated. We love taking a minute to get everyone together and say ’This is our initiave for this year. We’re going to be more aware,’” Stewart says. “At every JSA during the week, we talk about ways we can be more aware.” Companies that missed Safe + Sound Week 2020 can still learn how to implement safety. The osha.gov wesite offers resources for both leadership and employees including brochures, webinars, a list on how to start a safety program, a safety climate assessment tool and safety and health course offerings. –mjm
Austin Construction News • SEP 2020
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Guaran-teed good time
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he Central Texas chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors’ membership committee were guaran-teed good times on Aug. 3. The group met at Topgolf and practiced their swings in preparation for ABC’s 2020 Annual Golf Tournament on Sept. 21. –mjm
How are you handling the Covid-19 situation? In the office, we’re doing proper social distancing. Probably half of our staff is working from home and half are working in the office. If people don’t want to work in the office because they’re fearful, they can stay at home and work. Although they aren’t required to, the main management can’t work from home because they have to come into the office just to get their job done. We’re outside, so the vast majority work separately; they’re inside the cabs. By the nature of their job, they are naturally distanced from people. Michael Martin Austin Wood Recycling COVID has made us a lot more aware of everything we do on a daily basis. We’ve had to make a lot of changes because our guys really are out there still because we fall under the waste management category and are an essential business. Some of the things we do to make sure our employees are not sick is keep a temperature log. Every morning, we do a check-in with each guy and make sure they’re not feeling sick or have a temperature and ask if they’ve been exposed to anyone. We provide masks and gloves; I just found a different mask that can also be a headband, a neck band, and it’s lighter, easier for them and they don’t lose them. We do a lot of work at retirement communities and senior living facilities so we have to make sure we are extra COVID compliant. It’s probably almost a blessing that we’re at these facilities almost every day because they actually do a mini-physical on our workers before they’re allowed to enter. It’s a double-check of what we’re doing. Laura Chavez Junkluggers of Austin
Snow (cone) day!
Flintco cooled off its crew with 300 shaved ice treats during construction of a 14-story 1801 Congress Avenue project in 100-degree temps. –mjm
Instead of having multiple inspectors on a job site, with our drone services you can now have one person who doesn’t actually have to be on your job site; we can just be in the line of sight on your tower and not add any more potential exposure. If anything, we’re eliminating it by taking away some of the inspectors on a job site or making an inspector’s job easier so they spend less time on a job site and minimizing exposure. Garret Senne Construction Drones of Texas Just like everyone else, we’ve been having to do Zoom meetings, Skypes and Facetimes for policy reviews. It’s somewhat of the same interaction, with the exception that it’s just over the computer. It feels like everything is starting to get back to normal, with the normal now being masks. Phone calls and text messages seem to be the best way to get in touch with anyone. Otherwise there have been very few clients that will stop by the office or who prefer a face-to-face meeting to do a policy review. We’ve been working hard on life insurance; people have either been cancelling their life policies, or they have really been rethinking their insurance. Maria Velez Reginald Mahadeo - Farmers Insurance I don’t let it affect me whatsoever. I understand that it’s a disease, and I try to avoid gatherings, but I’m not going to stop my life or not do my job out of fear. In my line of work, I’m outside anyway, and we do work every day that would potentially kill us if it we’re not being safe! Luke Schilhab Grind Time Rock Milling
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Austin Construction News • SEP 2020
Association Calendar
Content submitted by Associations to Construction News ABC
Associated Builders & Contractors
Sept. 21: 2020 Annual Golf Tournament, Twin Creeks Country Club, 3201 Twin Creeks Club Dr., 8am Registration, 10am Shotgun Start. For more info, call Jodi Bunyard at 512-719-5263 or email jbunyard@abccentraltexas.org ACEA
Greater Austin Contractors & Engineers Assn.
Sept. 23-25: Texas Civil Engineering Conference (CECON). For more info, go to https://www.texasce.org/ourprograms/cecon/TexASCE.org/our-programs/webnars/ ASCE
American Society of Civil Engineers
Sept. 14-21: Infrastructure Week - For more info, go to www.unitedforinfrastructure.org or follow @united4infra. For more info, go to www.texasce.org or contact Bailey Pattison at 512-910-2272 CSI
Construction Specifications Institute
Sept. 9: Chapter Meeting, AIA Center for Architecture, 801 W. 12thh St., 11:30am12:45pm. For more info, visit Austin.csinet.org
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NAWIC
National Assn. of Women in Construction
Sept. 9: Virtual Installation of Officers & Awards, 5:30-6:30pm. Sept. 17: NAWIC Annual Golf Tournament, Teravista Golf Club, 4333 Teravista Club Dr., Round Rock, TX. For more info, contact Morgan Vogt at morgan.vogt@ lennoxind.com SEAot
Structural Engineers Assn. of Texas
Sept. 24: Chapter Meeting, Maggiano’s Little Italy, 10910 Domain Dr., #100. For more info, call 512-301-2744 TACA
Texas Aggregates & Concrete Assn.
Sept. 23-24: TACA Environmental & Sustainability Virtual Seminar. For more info, contact Andrea Tilley at 512-451-5100 or email atilley@tx-taca.org TSPS
Texas Society of Professional Surveyors
Sept. 25-26: 15th Annual Hook, Line & Surveyor Fishing Tournament, Marker 37 Marina, 13317 S. Padre Island Dr., Corpus Christi, TX. For more info, contact Jeremy Wood at 210-349-3271 or email jwood@ vickreyinc.com
Submitted to Construction News
Round-Up
O’Connell Robertson is pleased to announce the promotion of the following to Associates: Ray Moreno, a Texas Tech University graduate, is an experienced project manager and designer with more than 29 years in the industry. He has a strong background in production as well as the coordination of consultants on projects. His personal attention to clients and their needs is what sets him apart. -cmw
Janiece Winston, as Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for all of the company’s financial functions at O’Connell Robertson and leads the firm’s human resources activities. Her career spans more than 20 years of varied experience in accounting, human resources, and business administration. -cmw
Garrett Brown, RA, a University of Texas at Austin graduate, has more than seven years of experience in planning, design, contract documents, construction administration and project management for a variety of education projects. Brown is fully engaged in the planning and design process, supporting the coordination of consultant team members for projects assigned to his leadership. -cmw
Doug Dawson, RA, a University of Kansas graduate, has five years of experience in project planning and design of K-12 and higher education projects. Emphasizing client coordination and communication throughout the design process, he works collaboratively to provide design solutions for flexible learning environments and facilities that meet the unique goals of each individual project and client. -cmw
Erin Van Doren, CDT, a Texas A&M University graduate, Erin has five years of experience in the field of architecture working directly with clients, consultants and construction teams to facilitate an efficient and responsive process through each phase of project development. She has worked on numerous K-12 projects, including new elementary schools. -cmw
Will Pate, a Texas A&M Un i ve r s i t y - Co r p u s Christi graduate, is an MIS graduate with almost 20 years of information technology experience. He has been leading the firm’s IT department for over eight years and has provided customer service and excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills to more than 14,000 users in a multi-system environment. -cmw
continued from Page 1 — Austin Wood Recycling two or three model homes on a hundredlot subdivision and we would maintain the other 98 lots. We didn’t do any of the fine landscaping; we did the rough and tough stuff. Because grass always grows, the City of Austin would send out notices for people to mow or maintain property or our crews would be sent in, which is more expensive. The city would call us to do it. Eventually, the economy turned, and developers needed to clear the land, so we did it.” Martin soon realized that taking the brush into the landfills was expensive, so he bought grinders to grind it up into a landscape mulch. Then he realized giving away mulch wasn’t easy. “As we did a lot more clearing and grinding, the mulch piles grew to be massive mountains. We knew we were going to run into a problem if we didn’t figure out how to get rid of it. We started buying more grinders and perfecting our way of manufacturing mulch.” Martin was soon supplying mulch to central Texas in Home Depot and Lowe’s and is now shipping all over Texas and Colorado, Oklahoma and South Carolina.
“We now have two different sides to the business; we’re construction on one side and manufacturing on the other,” he says. “We do a lot of contract recycling and land clearing. We have two major yards in Austin that receive brush and do recycling and one in the DFW area and we’re looking for three additional properties. We grew from two employees to 200; we’re now the nation’s largest grinding operation.” Change is still in the cards for Martin, who recently purchased Fort Worth competitor Thelin Recycling. Thelin and AWR offer the same services, but AWR performs them on a larger scale. Like AWR, Thelin does roll-off services, and has a recycling yard and a construction division that does clearing and contract work. Both also manufacture mulches, soils, and aggregate and have bagging plants. “We plan to grow the Dallas/FW metroplex to become larger than central Texas because it’s a higher and more dense area of Texas.” Austin Wood Recycling is in Cedar Park. –mjm
continued from Page 1 — Grind Time Rock Milling to the distant eye, but you look on the hillside and it’s worthless land because it’s so rough. There are jagged rocks. Half of these properties, you can’t even run a brush or shredder over the property because the rock is just so rough. But going and doing this, you’re milling down the rock into the topsoil, so your vegetation is going to grow back and now you’ll be able to mow it and maintain it. You’re really left with a prettier piece of property and maintainable piece of property.” Schilhab launched Grind Time Rock Milling last month, and connected with local general contractors, home builders and ranch owners about his services. The response was immediate. “There are much larger rock excavation companies that run some monster machines, but there were no contractors around our area that could service the smaller commercial, residential and ranch markets. Their machines were just too big to get
in there and finesse around the property. Being that there is no real competition in this area, it’s taken off very quickly,” he says. Some might be hesitant to start a new business in this current pandemic, but Schilhab has a different outlook. “Starting this business was a walk in the park!” he says with a laugh. “I had four years of learning experience with the last company, so stepping back and starting a much smaller company was very simple to do with the knowledge that I have.” With that in mind, Schilhab is planning with the end in mind. “I might possibly try to grow the company with it taking off as it has, but keeping it smaller is what I’m going to do for now because I still do some pipeline consulting sales as well on the side,” he says. “As long as I’m making what I want to make, I would enjoy some free time!” Grind Time Rock Milling services the Texas Hill Country. –mum
continued from Page 1 — Curtis Concrete Pumping of its business is perimeter basement walls, replacing one-sided cast walls for belowgrade applications such as parking garages. The Curtis Brothers and their team travel throughout Texas, but downtown urban environments in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio are typically where CCP Shotcrete performs its work. Yann says CCP is currently working on two downtown Austin projects. The brothers have been partners in both ventures from the start. In CCP Shotcrete, Yann oversees business development while Jamie serves as Director of Operations – and that’s the way they like it. “It has taken years to get to this point but the delineation of our scopes and jobs is really what has led to our success,” Yann explains. “In the early years, there were just growing pains; we were just trying to do everything together, and now it’s very clear who does what. Our personalities, and just who we are as people, have led us to our roles. We have found the roles that we enjoy, we’re both good at them and we don’t step on each other’s toes anymore. It makes collaboration a lot easier.” Yann says he and Jamie value their team of 15 employees, some of whom have been a part of the company for up to nine years. “Half of the team are skateboarders as well, and they’re doing the exact same thing we did, expanding on the things that they love,” Yann says. “It just so happens, thankfully, that they are obsessed with shotcrete and all that CCP Shotcrete offers.” The duo hopes in time to find more quality employees to join the team. “We are definitely in a growing mode
on both fronts, so we are strategically buying equipment and hiring the right people,” Yann explains. “We want to embrace new employees and teach them a lot. We’re not just looking for laborers; we want somebody who really enjoys what we are doing and gets it. I’m very willing and wanting to give more responsibilities and get them wherever they want to be in the company. We want to see them grow.” After all, Yann and Jamie have grown from kids on skateboards to established shotcrete experts and contractors (both of whom are still sometimes on skateboards!). Yann admits to feeling a deep sense of satisfaction when he reflects on the tangibility of the work they’ve done on things like parking garages, and the joy he sees on kids and families’ faces at the skateparks they’ve built. “My brother and I both love the tangible act of construction. When we’re done with a project, we can see people enjoy and utilize the space that we’ve helped create,” Yann says. “When we were younger, we would see all of these cranes and think that was impressive. Now, we feel very proud and privileged to partner with some of the largest and most established construction companies out there. We aspired to be a part of that world, and here we are. Just to see the city grow, be a part of that growth and grow along with it just means a lot to both of us.” Curtis Concrete Pumping (CCP Shotcrete) is a turnkey shotcrete placement and finishing firm. SPA Skatepark is a turnkey, design build contractor creating world class skate parks. Both companies are based in Austin. –mjm
Austin Construction News • SEP 2020
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Hooked on bonding
Six months in …
ast December, Associated Builders and Contractors’ Chief Economist Anirban Basu forecasted that the construction industry would see continued momentum. However, due to certain sluggish market indicators, he advised a approaching 2020 with caution. The construction industry didn’t have to wait long to see: COVID-19 changed the momentum’s trajectory in the spring. On Aug. 12, Basu offered an analysis of the industry’s state and possible future via a webinar for Associated Builders and Contractors titled “Six Months In, What is the Trajectory of Construction’s Recovery for COVID-19.” Even though the economy is rallying a bit, Basu’s caution continues into the half-year point. The month of May saw a gain of 2.7 million jobs and June added 4.8 million jobs, but a resurgence of COVID cases in the South resulted in an increase of only 1.8 million jobs. Basu says contractors are currently reporting that fewer jobs are being bid, and that the competition is strong for those out there. In July, ABC’s construction backlog indicator fell to 7.8 months; in July 2019, 8.8 months was reported. Meanwhile, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data, construction input prices rose 1.9% in July over the previous month, Nonresidential construc-
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he S. Watts Group enjoyed some fun and fishing on its annual team bonding trip in August. The team fished from five boats with the help of guide Gary Gray, and made memories as well as great catches! -mjm
ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu
tion input prices increased 1.8% for July. Basu says that while construction materials are higher due to the global and national economies growing stronger, materials prices are still 2.4% lower than they were last year. Basu doesn’t anticipate that materials process will increase in the near-term. Next year, construction as well as the overall economy is expected to improve, but Basu predicts non-residential construction, which trails overall economic trends by 12 to18 months, may struggle. Basu says the economy and industry should strengthen by 2022. -mjm
Man's best helper
Wired to win
he Independent Electrical Contractors Association’s Central Texas chapter held its Wire-Off Competition July 30. Zachary Shelton of Randall Electric earned first place and Allied Electric’s Kenneth Smith won the second-place spot. –mjm
Keith Kubosh, President at fabrication and machinist shop Kubosh Kustomz LLC in Elgin, has the best help – and the best friend a man could ask for – in his pup, Piston. –mjm
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Cool(er) catch!
olyglass U.S.A. Inc./Mapei’s Reid Beeding was a first door prize winner at Roofing Contractors Association of Texas’ (RCAT) 17th Annual Fishing Tournament. The June 25-26 event was hosted at Woody’s Sports Center in Port Aransas, TX. –mjm
Zachary Shelton
Kenneth Smith
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Villas on Nueces
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ny project in West Campus is tough: logistics of site accessibility, getting crane time, material delivery scheduling, limited storage, and just the pain of not having a place to park with a completion date that does not move. Now make that a 7-story podium on top of a 3-story garage, 102-unit project in the heart of West Campus and you have a real challenge. The Villas on Nueces project had obstacles that caused delays, just like in any project. Trinity’s team was able to increase manpower, work overtime and finish on a tight schedule. UT students were moving in
that range from residential, multifamily and commercial. Their moto is, “If your project has masonry on it, Trinity can handle it.” Trinity Masonry Company is a full-service masonry contractor in Austin. -cmw Villas on Nueces Trinity Masonry Company Austin, TX
➤ Trinity Masonry performs stone and stucco work on the 102-unit, 7-story apartment complex.
as the Trinity team was moving out tools, equipment and finishing punch work. With a mix of thin veneer in different textures and smooth finish stucco, as well as a great deal of block work, this project was a good mix of what Trinity Masonry Company excels at. Located on the corner of 22nd and Nueces sits the Villas on Nueces that owner Zucker Properties and architects at The Clerkley Watkins Group envisioned with DCA Construction task to execute. Trinity Masonry Company is proud to have been part of the team to work on this project. Established in 2010, Trinity Masonry Company has a long list of successful projects
Villas on Nueces apartments in West Campus.
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George’s at LBJ Student Center
esigned by GSC Architects’ own Texas State University alum, the newly-completed and renovated George’s Restaurant + Lounge is now the rising star of the LBJ Student Center. The exceptionally transformed bar, located at 601 University Drive in San Marcos, opened in 2019. An open 5,500sf space, George’s now features a spectacular curved bar, bistro and bench seating, a central stage and screen area, a field of pool tables, and quieter lounge areas. This vibrant space exudes Bobcat spirit. Students can play a variety of games, attend live events, enjoy a bite with friends or hang out. A little studying happens here, too! GSC Architects interior designers and Texas State Alumni Erica Yanez and Bonnie Uresti Reed, RID NCIDQ, were responsible for a broad range of services, including interior design, programming, construction documents, construction administration, and furniture selection. Behind the scenes, the GSC team made many infrastructure and systems upgrades and brought the entire space up to current code compliance. Working within the existing footprint, GSC Architects created an airy feel by optimizing the limited natural light
A neon sign boasting a George Strait lyric invites students to sit on the maroon and gold seating and stay for a “good time.”
Original rustic brick at George’s is an ode to the original bar.
available to this below-ground space and cleverly pairing it with highly reflective materials and modern metal wainscoting throughout. The color palette speaks profoundly to Texas State University’s signature colors – maroon and gold – which is evident in the accent tiles and whimsical
The open space allows for plenty of bar seating and modern bistro tables.
lounge furniture groupings. String lights hang down from the dark ceilings and provide a warm Texas night vibe. The GSC team freed formerly congested seating areas to create an open plan with an accessible ramp surround – creating better circulation for patrons and a more usable space overall. Modern bistro tables and sleek yellow booths offer various seating options to enjoy fare from the bar and entertainment from the main stage. The neon “Eat ‘Em Up Cats” sign shines brightly and welcomes sports fans to cheer on their favorite team. The existing rustic brick is an ode to the original bar, and the fresh aesthetics have made George’s into a new unique destination. New Texas Star tiles at the face of the bar and custom neon signage of a George Strait lyric tie everything together and invite students to stay “for a good time,” and share in endless Instagram opportunities. An instant hit since opening day, the new George’s continues to be a cheerful beacon of student life and a favorite of TXST students and GSC Architects. –mjm George’s at LBJ Student Center GSC Architects Austin, TX
Lighting over the pool tables and string lights illuminate the below ground space, while dark ceilings suggest a “warm night vibe.”
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South Congress Offices
A 1938 article claiming 1200 S Congress as “South Austin’s First Store Building.”
Demolition of the existing buildout exposed decades-old wallpaper and crumbling plaster at masonry openings.
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hioco Design LLC is an award-winning architecture firm ranging from intimate, private residences to massive industrial adaptive reuse projects – and everything in between. Far from in-between, however, was the firm’s recent renovation and restoration of offices in South Austin’s oldest commercial building. The historic masonry building at 1200 S Congress was one of the client’s many high-end renovated projects along the street. The goal was to incorporate ground floor retail and second-level offices while retaining the area’s historical authenticity, even as new development grew up around it. To assist in this, the client called upon the Chioco Design team, consisting of Principal Jamie Chioco, Project Designer Irela Casanova, Project Manager Christy Taylor, and Contractor 44BLD’s Dustin Minium.
Historical buildings earn reputations for needing additional support after years of use or neglect, and that proved true for this project as well. The building’s second floor was used for decades as apartments, and there was extensive structural fortification that were needed to the existing floor and roof structures. New joists were sistered to the existing ones, and additional steel angle lintels were secured to the masonry walls. The work of several Austin talents was incorporated into the project. Nieri Design provided customfabricated steel and wood storefront at the entrances and inside the office spaces, as well as a custom forged guardrail at the conference room. The interior design was
The newly constructed stairwell up to the new offices shows off old masonry and new drywall, with walnut treads and handrails.
provided by Bunkhouse, and custom neon artwork by Neon Jungle added a modern touch to the historic space. Sometimes, the building’s history can be quite a surprise, as it was in this project. During demolition at the landing of an old stairwell, Minium discovered a box filled with old bones, pieces of rock, and other undiscernible artifacts. He alerted the design team, who looked through the artifacts together. Ultimately, it was decided that the safest (and least curse-prone) action was to return the box to the alcove for the remainder of construction, which was completed in June. Interior design studio and architectural designer Chioco Design LLC is in Austin. –mjm
Bones and artifacts were discovered in – and returned to – an alcove during demolition.
South Congress Offices Chioco Design LLC Austin, TX
LAN Engineering Austin
LAN Engineering’s Austin office remodel was influenced by the city’s musical culture, with guitar-pick-shaped ceilings.
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W3Associates had remodeled LAN Engineering’s Austin office twice before, but their third time was truly the “charm” as far as workplace redos go. MW3A, which offers interior finish out renovations, general contracting, construction management, common area improvements, and building repair maintenance, helped create a whimsical workspace that inspires employee creativity and makes a memorable first impression on clients. MW3A Owner and Construction Manager Geoffrey Whittaker, Project Manager Denise Mellow, Superintendent Alejandro Servin, and Project Assistant Jonathan Jahant led the unique project. As a team, they ensured that the interior painting,
Cabinetry inspired by Dutch painter Piet Mondrian inject color into the workspace.
framing, carpentry, ceiling and millwork performed made this anything but a basic project for the client. “LAN and its parent company LAD made the conscious decision and commitment to rebrand itself to be more in tune with current world and industry trends and be at the forefront of innovation,” LAN’s Lead Architect Ted Armstrong says. “This addresses changes in workflow process and employee quality-of-life needs within a mobile society. The design’s overall theme was to develop a contemporary look utilizing an open office concept integrating diffused light and transparency throughout with a non-concentric, freeflowing arrangement of workspaces, enhancing the freedom of mobility within
the office. Multiple different-sized collaboration spaces, meeting rooms, and hotel spaces were intermingled throughout the design to address how workflow occurs in our modern society. As part of the concept, it was important to address the vernacular or regionalism of the offices’ specific location and its community.” The design was an Austin-themed nod to the city’s musical culture and incorporated regional materials. Guitar pick-shaped ceiling clouds float throughout the office’s main spaces, and the cabinetry was inspired by Dutch painter Piet Mondrian. While this project didn’t face specific challenges, the MW3Associates team still took care to make sure the project
The kitchen ties in the common areas’ rustic elements with the pops of color found elsewhere in the office.
went smoothly for the client. “Construction is just a challenge in general because you never know what you will uncover and/or find when you start opening walls and ceilings,” Mellow says. “It depends if you can keep your head level and the cost increases low so that your customer still loves you at the end of it all.” In the end, LAN Engineering Austin still loved MW3A, and discovered a new love for its space. MW3Associates is located in Austin. –mjm LAN Engineering Austin MW3Associates Austin, TX
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Austin Construction News • SEP 2020
Gaveling by heir
Industry FOLKS Taylor Ross CPA Tax Manager
Ridout Barrett & Co. Austin, TX
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ome people who grow up in a college town vow they’ll go to college somewhere (anywhere!) else. The heart of Taylor Ross CPA, however, always belonged to the University of Mississippi. Born and mostly raised in Oxford MS, Ross would witness his college town double in population when school was in session, and deflate back to its “great, small southern town” size during the summers he attended Oxford High School and Madison Central High School. When the time came for Ross to select a college, the choice was an easy one. “While I considered leaving town for college, I could not bring myself to attend anywhere but Ole Miss,” he says. “It was great attending school with many of my childhood friends while meeting many more friends from around the country.” It was also a great opportunity for Ross to forge his own course of study and career path. Ross earned a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Accountancy while at the college. “I initially planned to attend law school as the majority of my family members are attorneys,” he explains. “I was in college during the 2008 economic collapse and watched law students struggle to find employment. Ole Miss has a top 10-ranked accounting school that sustained 100% job placement throughout the recession. This, combined with my like of math, made the perfect match.” After graduation, Ross began an upward descent in his field, including work in the Cayman Islands in 2014 and 2015. “I worked for a Big 4 firm in the field
of U.S. tax for foreign captive insurance companies and private equity funds,” Ross says. “It was an amazing experience and taught me a lot of skillsets I would not have otherwise obtained.” Two years later, Ross, who counts his father as his biggest mentor, was introduced to the construction industry upon joining professional accounting and business consulting service Ridout, Barrett & Co. PC. “I previously worked for a Big 4 firm in Austin and wanted to join a firm that worked more closely with small- to midsize business owners and Ridout Barrett was the perfect fit!” he says. “I am a Tax Manager at Ridout Barrett; however, I also work extensively on reviewed and audited financial statements for our construction clients. I started my career as an auditor and then transitioned to tax. Ridout Barrett gave me the opportunity to work in both areas and I enjoy that flexibility. My favorite aspect of working at Ridout Barrett is working with business owners to achieve optimal tax results and help improve their job accounting to ensure maximum profitability.” Ross, his wife of eight years Camille, 3-year-old daughter Elsie and 8-year-old black lab mix rescue Louie now call Austin home. In his free time, he works on cars, specifically Jeeps, as he has enjoyed off roading from a young age. Ross also enjoys playing golf, is an SEC football fan, and of, course, cheers on his beloved Ole Miss. –mjm
Texas Aggregates & Concrete Association (TACA) recently conducted its traditional Passing of the Gavel in the association’s office. (L-R) As TACA CEO/President Josh Leftwich looked on, Paul Rouse, 2019-2020 Chair of the Board, passed on the honor to 2020-2021 Chair of the Board Jim Greer. –mjm
Celebrate good times!
3G Drywall LLC Leadman Odin Vargas (left) celebrated three years with the Austin company. To show appreciation for Odin’s hard work, Field Superintendent Roswell Vargas (right) presented Odin with a custom 3G Fossil watch, a gift card, and a certificate of appreciation. –mjm
Austin Construction News • SEP 2020
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A shining a light
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Clint Swindall
e are surrounded by negativity. From 24-hour cable news to everyday encounters at work and home, we get a steady flow of it. Mix in some social media with friends, and you’ll see we experience all kinds of negativity on a daily basis. For the past two decades, Clint Swindall has been working to help overcome the onslaught of negativity by getting people to focus on the good stuff. “Negativity isn’t going away,” Swindall stated. “Even without a global pandemic, we’ll always have those who constantly complain about their situation. We’ll always have those who are excessively pessimistic about their future. We’ll always have those who simply cannot see past the challenges in their life.” The personal development industry is where Swindall has spent most of his adult life. As the president & CEO of Verbalocity, a personal development company with a focus on leadership enhancement, he has worked to spread his message of positivity to audiences around the world. He has delivered his programs throughout the United States, Canada, South America, the United Kingdom, Central America, Mexico, Bermuda, and The Bahamas. “Being positive is a choice,” Swindall added. “While we can’t eliminate negativity in our life, we can learn to overcome it. Since much of our negativity comes from old habits of dealing with the bad stuff in our lives, we need to establish new habits of dealing with the crud. When we do, we’ll create a more positive life for ourselves and those around us.” Although he travels often as a professional speaker, trainer, and consultant, his roots run deep in San Antonio. “My passion to help develop better leaders started right here in San Antonio,” Swindall said with a smile. “I grew up here and built my business here. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to work with local businesses, including many in the construction industry.” The Verbalocity client list includes Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, Zachry, RVK Architects, Pape-Dawson, Al-
pha Insulation & Waterproofing, and the ASA San Antonio Chapter. “We’ve been honored to have Clint Swindall present to the ASA San Antonio membership in-person the past four years,” said Jennifer Swinney, Executive Director of the ASA San Antonio Chapter. “His energy, positivity, and relatability are what keeps our members coming back for more.” While he enjoys enhancing leadership in others, Swindall has dedicated a great deal of time and talent to serving in the community. He has been a volunteer at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo for 22 years, and has served on the Board of Directors of GVTC, a premier telecommunications company based in the Texas Hill Country, for the past 12 years. Perhaps most importantly, he and his wife Heather founded the First Chance Foundation, a 501(c)3 dedicated to assisting abandoned, abused, and neglected children. After a brief time in corporate America, Swindall pursued a career helping leaders build a culture to overcome employee disengagement. “Studies show that two-thirds of employees are at some level of disengagement,” he said. “When you consider most people spend more waking hours at work than they do at home, it just makes sense for leaders to focus on building a culture where people want to be instead of where they feel they have to be.” The foundation of his message has been two books he has written on employee engagement. He just finished his third book, set to launch in September. With his focus on helping others overcome negativity, the book is appropriately titled, Tell Me Somethin’ Good! “The global pandemic has had such a negative impact on a lot of people,” Swindall observed, “and I was determined to have something positive to look back on during this period. As we prepare to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of Verbalocity this month, we wanted the release of the book to coincide with the celebration, as well as the launch of a Tell Me Somethin’ Good! podcast. And God willing, we’ll have an even bigger celebration 20 years from now.” -cmw
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Virtual reality
reater Austin Contractors & Engineers Association (ACEA) had planned to host its 17th Annual Central Texas Infrastructure Design & Construction Symposium. Instead, the association played it safe for the sake of its members and guests and hosted its first-ever Virtual Symposium 2020! At the Aug. 7 event, which was streamed from Norris Convention Center, attendees logged onto the Whova app to network, listen to informative speakers such as Compliance Resources Inc.’s Patrick Hodgkiss and U.S. Army Futures Command’s Susan Goodyear, and learn about design and construction industry resources. –mjm
Sylvia Pendleton, Alli Blotter ➤ and Dana Rasmussen are excited about the virtual symposium.
The Diverging Diamond Panel hosted the day’s first live stream.
Speaker Susan Goodyear spoke about the U.S. Army Futures Command.
Compliance Resources Inc.’s Patrick Hodgkiss gave a TPDES Permitting Structure presentation.
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Austin Construction News • SEP 2020
