San Antonio Construction News December 2020 by Construction News

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Excellence in building

Lighting the way

The family-owned team of E I B Contractors L-R: Kim Roberts, Dale Culbertson and Mark Culbertson.

Rural Electric Inc. San Antonio team members L-R: Luis Avila, Alberto Campos, Nathan Patton, Juan Gonzalez, Gerald Nakasone, Nicholas Robledo, Aron Esquivel, Jose Vasquez, Enrique Gutierrez and Jonathan Esquivel. Not Shown: Baldemar Esquivel, Alonzo Esquivel, Manual Lopez, Nathan Olivarez, Juan Mancilla and Brian Revell.

ale Culbertson has been in the construction industry for 52 years. He started out as a carpenter apprentice in the Carpenter’s Union in Iowa in 1968. In 1975, he started his own company building houses. When the economy up north started to crumble in 1985, Dale decided to move to Texas. “I worked for Poppy Construction for a while until it went out of business. Then me and another person started another business called Retail Builders Group in 1988. I owned 49 percent of the company and my partner owned 51 percent. In 2000, my partner bought me out and I started E I B Contractors,” says Dale. Dale started E I B with his sons, Mark and Jason Culbertson, and daughter Kim Roberts. “When my partner bought me out,

ernando Flores with his wife, Terry Flores, started Amstar Inc. General Contractors in 1999. Starting out doing commercial work, the company later moved into different sectors of the construction industry and also completed many multi-family Tax Credit projects. “We worked on multiple city projects, mainly hard-bid, and Housing Authority competitive bid work. Then we saw the need for tax credit multi-family projects in South Texas. GSA has been a client of ours since our first year,” Flores states as he recalls how his company and the bidding process has evolved for them. “We are now transitioning into Job Order Contracts (JOC) which has been very beneficial for us. When we went into JOC, we were thinking this would get us new projects that would build up our experience with certain school districts, municipalities and other clients. What we found is that we were being so successful

I was able to bring some of our superintendents and major clients to help us get started. We were able to hit the ground running,” adds Dale. E I B Contractors, an acronym for “Excellence in Building,” is a family-owned and operated general contracting firm. Mark Culbertson is vice president and project manager and works alongside his father who is president and project manager. To help get the company on its feet, Dale’s wife briefly worked for the company in the beginning. “Things happened so quickly, we worked out of my house in the very beginning,” adds Kim Roberts, Junior Vice President, handling Accounts Receivables/Payables. “We eventually found this place which did continued on Page 18

hen an opportunity arose for Judy and Roger Bieberdorf to own their own business, the coupled jumped at it. In 1964, the Bieberdorf’s bought Rural Electric Inc. in Mesa, AZ as a residential electrical contractor. As the company grew, the Bieberdorf’s children, Ann Fogerty and Brett Bieberdorf joined their parents and came to work at Rural Electric. The two grew up in the company working in the field as laborers and up the ladder, performing everything in between for the company. They went to college, earned their journeymen licenses and later purchased the company from their parents. Rural Electric, a woman-owned company as Fogerty, majority owner, was on

its way to embark in new avenues of the construction industry. By 1979, Rural Electric was awarded a first for the company, an aviation project in Phoenix, AZ for the Air National Guard. With a passion for aviation, one that Brett Bieberdorf obtained from his father, this aviation project was a perfect and exciting new fit for the company. By 1983, Rural Electric had found its niche in the market, aviation lighting. Very intuitive, Fogerty worked very hard to learn and strategize where the growth was. Despite the abundance of growth in Arizona, Fogerty and Bieberdorf knew they had to step outside of Arizona and are currently licensed in eight continued on Page 18

Changing with the times

L-R: Fernando Flores, Mariano Garcia, Atanacio “AC” Carrisal III and Ozzie Garcia

that we were getting repeat business and were being asked to keep on working on multiple projects. We are keeping our clients happy and we are being successful at the same time,” adds Atanacio “AC” Carrisal III (“AC”) estimator and project manager. As some of their GSA contracts, some IDIQs, were about to expire in Austin, San Antonio and McAllen, the Amstar team went to work on rebidding their contracts. “When we rebid them, we were able to capture Louisiana, Oklahoma, Dallas, Fort Worth, West Texas, New Mexico, El Paso, Austin, San Antonio and McAllen. We have expanded our business and are currently working in three other states” adds Carrisal. The company’s past relationship with GSA proved to be very beneficial in acquiring work in those new areas. But they were also able to expand their job order contracting into Texas Tech University which has five campuses throughout continued on Page 18

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San Antonio Construction News • DEC 20

Timeless beauty Merry Xmas Graphic

Teri Shelton, Moderno Porcelain Works Territory Sales Manager

stablished in 2018, Moderno Porcelain Works specializes in turnkey fabrication and install of large format porcelain slabs. “We install high quality engineered porcelain surfaces for the commercial and residential industries. We have 13 colors in our line of porcelain slabs in both matte and polished finishes,” says Territory Sales Manager Teri Shelton. “One might wonder, why porcelain? Porcelain is a material that features several great benefits. It comes in an array of timeless designs which allow architects, designers and homeowners the independence to design for any application and project. Porcelain can be used from floors to walls to stairs to elevators and of course counter surfaces. It can be used to advance the beauty of any indoor or outdoor space. It is stain resistant, scratch resistant, heat resistant, UV resistant, thermal shock resistant and slip resistant. It can be vein matched to achieve the best possible design for any project,” adds Shelton.

Porcelain has been around for thousands of years. It is a raw material, ultracompact and compressed, manufactured out of small aggregates. Just a year and a half in the game, Moderno, who is partnered with DC Partners, is blessed to be part of the Thompson Hotel in downtown San Antonio. “The Thompson Hotel will be a great showcase for us as we are currently installing in the Thompson. Once it is installed, people can go in and see our porcelain. ”We have a total training program for our fabricators and installers with interns. It is just an amazing training process that we offer,” continues Shelton. Roberto Contreras started Moderno Porcelain Works. He has been in the surfacing industry since 1987. On Dec. 4, 2019, Moderno Porcelain Works opened its first design center to public. Moderno Porcelain Works in a fabricator and installer of porcelain slabs. -cmw

A look into 2021

Adolfson & Peterson Construction’s San Antonio team L-R: PE Melissa Montiel, Assistant Project Manager Steven Jackson, Superintendent Jeremiah Chapman, Project Manager Jason Axtell and Project Manager Natasha Kay at the Nortside ISD Marshall Law and Medical Services Magnet High School project

s 2020 comes to a close, what can the construction industry expect for 2021? “As far as COVID is concerned, COVID mandates are likely to remain in effect, perhaps even with the advent of a vaccine,” says Brandon Gaeke, Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP) Regional Manager Central Texas. “Having said that, we at AP think Texas will probably fair better than other regions of the country in regard to construction. It seems that when recessions or slowdowns occur, Texas is the last affected and the first out. Right now, there is good public sector work in both the municipal and K-12 markets all over the state of Texas and will remain strong going into next year. On the private sector, hospitality is going to take a hit. Who is going to build a hotel when they are 10-15 percent occupied, which they currently have? However, once the commercial office markets figure out how to deal with social distancing and decide if they going to get away from cubes to closed door offices, go to having a reduced work force, and have people going to and coming back to the

office on a regular basis, I think we will see those markets start to open up. I also think that we will see companies moving into Texas from other locations for a bit more friendly corporate environment and that will serve to keep those markets a bit stronger than they would be necessarily in other parts of the country. We think that Arizona, Colorado and Texas are three places that will remain strong throughout 2021.” As for Adolfson & Peterson, the company would like to continue their current market pursuits of K-12, higher education, medical and commercial office projects. Adolfson & Peterson Construction was founded in 1946 by George Adolfson and Gordon Peterson. From its humble beginnings, the company has expanded into several regions including their Southwest region which focuses on Arizona; its Mountain states region focusing on Colorado and Wyoming; their Midwest region which operates in the Minnesota and Wyoming areas; and Texas, their Gulf states region. -cmw

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Staying alive

Mary Haskin, owner of Mary C. Haskin Photography

his year has been really, really difficult for so many. For Mary Haskin it has been especially difficult. “My last photography job, my last golf tournament and wedding was Mar. 5 and on Mar. 6, everything shut down. I had about five golf tournaments cancel, one Quinceañera cancel, and two weddings cancel. I maybe did one portrait and then I had to get creative so I started doing porch portraits where I would go with my zoom lens and take pictures of you on your porch,” says Haskin. Haskin, owner of Mary C. Haskin Photography, started to build a new studio this year. She started construction around January and all her jobs from March, April and May were going to pay for it but there were no jobs. That didn’t stop Haskin. She moved on with her plans for her studio. “I have been doing this for about 28 years professionally, dba’d since ’96. My studio ended up being a little bigger and a little bigger. Then I thought to make an office in there and get my office out of my house. And then I thought if we are going

to do this, let me put in a bay window on the front with a bench so I can do window light ‘mom and me’ portraits with newborn babies. It was exciting and stressful at the same time. Not having to market herself in about eight years, Haskin found herself marketing herself again. “In times of crisis and things, people don’t go to the dentist, they don’t have parties and if they have parties, they don’t hire a photographer. This would be my second recession type situation, but my first pandemic that I went through. For my holiday promotions this year, I am really promoting my holiday menus promo utilizing my new studio. It starts Saturday, Nov. 14 through Nov. 21. I have an indoor scene and an outdoor scene on my property. It’s really cool. “I’ve been fortunate, but it has been fun having to not reinvent myself but think outside the box. I did and I’m glad because I’m remembering what I love about what I do. Seeing something conceptually and bringing it to precision.“ -cmw

HVAC and more

The Build-It Construction Heating & Air Conditioning team L-R: Kyle Magulick, company mascot Brooksy and Luis Guadian.

uis Guadian worked for a company in New Jersey for 20 years. During that time, the company he worked for, a property management company, branched off into construction and wanted Guadian to learn HVAC which he was more than eager to learn. They sent him to school to learn the HVACC trade. It wasn’t long and Guadian became highly skilled and respected in heating and air conditioning. After the company closed its doors, Guadian decided he no longer wanted to work for someone else. He now had the experience, the skills, the education and, most importantly, the reputation to fulfill a dream of being his own boss. In 2008, Guadian started Build-It Construction Heating & Air Conditioning Services. In 2017, Guadian moved from New Jersey to San Antonio. After a few months, he got his HVAC license with the state of Texas and registered his company. Build-It Construction isn’t your typical heating and air conditioning company as Guadian is also skilled in remodeling, particularly kitchens and baths. While his primary focus is heating and air

conditioning, Guadian enjoys remodeling especially during the winter months when the air conditioning business tends to slow down. “In New Jersey, Luis did all types of remodeling. Here he has only done our own kitchen and bathroom. He is focusing on heating and air conditioning work here, but if there is a need, he will do remodeling,” says Jennifer Guadian, Luis’ wife. “Last winter, when business was slow, we flipped a house. The air conditioning business really slows down here during the winter. “We are a very small family-owned business with just Giadoam and a helper. He is extremely hard working and very knowledgeable. He is a very clean worker and insists on keeping his work site as clean on departure as it was on arrival. Even during his remodeling projects, he insists everything is cleaned up at the end of the work day. He is very honest and very fair.” Build-It Construction Heating & Air Conditioning specializes in heating, air conditioning, kitchen and bath remodeling in the San Antonio area. -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • DEC 20

Bringing service to SA

Getting in the trenches

L-R: Gary Freeman, Elijah Blanco, Tony Reyes, Johnny Wilkinson, Fernando Roman, Joshua Guajardo, Roger Facer, Michael Marra, Jason Knight, Joe Bertsch, Hal Lien, Oscar Castelon and David Hooge – AiRCO Mechanical Service team.

L-R: Ryan Taylor and Kevin Avocato introduce H&E Equipments’ new line of trench safety products.

iRCO Mechanical, on the construction side, has been in San Antonio six years. Last year, AiRCO Mechanical Commercial HVAC and Plumbing Services was established. “We started AiRCO Mechanical Commercial HVAC and Plumbing Services because we had an existing customer base for the projects that we have been doing here and we wanted to start helping our customers on the service side. That was one of the reasons. The other reason, we are mirroring after our other branch in Austin which does commercial construction as well as service in both HVAC and plumbing. We started out with commercial construction for both HVAC and plumbing and now we are working towards growing our service division to support not only construction but the commercial customers as well,” says David Hooge, AiRCO Mechanical Commercial Sales & Product Development. When AiRCO first came to San Antonio about six years ago, they housed out of a garage with two project managers and roughly 10 field people. Today, they have around 150 people in the field on the construction side and on the service side, they have six service technicians and are in their new location off Sentinel St. “We finished up our brand new location just as COVID hit in March. We have a beautiful new facility with a new office and warehouse. Most of us are still working from home, remotely. There is a very small skeleton crew that is here at our

new office receiving material. We have material coming in for various construction jobs and service jobs that we are doing around the city. We have a few people working in the warehouse. For all intense purposes, we haven’t really moved in yet. We’re trying to stay safe and do our part in scaling down this pandemic thing,” adds Hooge. Ideally, the company tries to get preventative maintenance agreements with the customers with a goal of saving them money down the road. “Preventative maintenance agreements enable us to get to know their equipment and to take care of their equipment both with plumbing equipment from water heaters, drinking fountains, water systems, pumps, to backflow preventers and HVAC equipment from the cooling tower, heating boilers, chillers to rooftop units. By doing these PM agreements with these customers, it’s like changing the oil in your car. You can go without changing the oil and your vehicle will run, but eventually it will have an oil related failure if you don’t do something. The fix is a whole lot more expensive than doing the preventive maintenance by changing your oil, and is relatively inexpensive compared to changing your engine,” he adds. The company recently added electrical service and construction to its portfolio and is moving forward to be a full MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) service and new construction contractor in San Antonio. -cmw

n the construction industry, whether you are a laborer, superintendent, project manager or company owner, safety is your top priority. In mid-November, H&E Equipment Services (H&E) announced its entry into the specialty rental business by adding a trench safety product line in an exclusive partnership with GroundWorks Safety Systems (GroundWorks). With exclusive U.S. rights across all 50 states, H&E is providing one of the most innovative and reliable trench safety products on the market today. Stronger, safer, and faster, GroundWorks Trench Boxes are becoming known as an industry disruptor. H&E President and CEO Brad Barber says, “Over the last three years, we’ve expanded our fleet of earthmoving products to all branches across the U.S., positioning us to enter the specialty market. We have a long history in dirt, and GroundWorks offered the right product and reliability to enhance our earthmoving business.” “It is the perfect setup,” adds Kevin Avocato, H&E’s Katy branch manager. “We have invested so much on the dirt side that offering a quality trench safety product goes hand in hand.” The partnership also proved to be a natural fit for GroundWorks, according to its President and CEO Jim Foley. “We knew H&E was a solid company with a focus on earthmoving rental products, so our businesses were a good match,” says Foley. “After hearing Brad Barber share his heart with employees regarding attitude and culture, we were incredibly impressed

with the sincerity of the company, its leadership, and its focus on safety. We see that H&E takes care of both its employees and customers. We knew H&E is the type of company we want to align with.” Ryan Taylor, an H&E Trench Safety sales representative, pointed out that the company is bringing in a lot of innovative inventory. “The strengths of the GroundWorks products combined with H&E’s safety focus allow us to not only make sure everybody goes home safe at the end of the day—which is everyone’s goal in shoring and construction in general—but they also allow the innovation to shine through and the products to be as simple as possible to use,” says Taylor. “With this system, you eliminate pinch points. Workers are never under any kind of overhead load. You don’t have any of the typical hazards associated with standard trench boxes and trench shoring methods. “The design is just one of the outstanding advantages to this system. GroundWorks has taken a lot of the oldstyle shoring out of the equation as far as slide rail beams and plates and things of that nature,” explains Taylor. “Just based on the simplicity and reliability of the system, jobs will be completed much faster and more efficiently.” Trench boxes, one of the most difficult products to handle in the trench safety industry, are now much simpler and safer to use. With a zero-fail rate and less than a 1% repair rate, GroundWorks’ patented pre-engineered, hi-tensile steel products are revolutionizing trenching and shoring on job sites. Boxes can be assembled in under 15 minutes with only one machine, one operator, and one worker, dramatically reducing costs. They lock tight the moment they are lifted, eliminating the inherent danger and difficulty of setup and takedown. “We had been planning our entry into the specialty rental business, and GroundWorks offered the product solution and culture to come alongside us to reach pipeline, oil and gas, chemical, industrial and civil projects. Together we can make trenching jobs safer, more efficient and cost-effective,” says Barber. H&E Equipment Services was founded in 1961 and is one of the largest integrated equipment companies in the nation. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 20

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Dove, skeet and eat

Clays & Q

he American Institute of Architecture (AIA) San Antonio Chapter was excited to hold their 11th Annual Clays on Oct. 1 at the National Shooting Complex. The event was well attended with shooters filling five shooting courses. Participants enjoyed a delicious barbeque spread provided by the participants of the barbecue cook-off that took place during the shooting competition. -cmw

owell Crane & Rigging Inc. treated 230 guests to a dove hunt on Oct. 10. The annual dove hunt was held at the Howell Ranch in Olmos where the guests were treated to a barbeque dinner, dove hunt, raffle and skeet shooting. -cmw

2020 Clays & Q Winners: Blue Course Best Team: Joeris General Contractors Blue Course Best Male: Austin Luchak, FA Nunnelly Team #1 Blue Course Best Female: Sara Flowers, FA Nunnelly Team #1 Men’s Belt Buckle winner: Bobby Wright, Johnson Controls

Red Course Best Male: Jim Welch, Pape-Dawson Engineers Yellow Course Best Team: Guido Lumber Company Yellow Course Best Male: Kevin Ethridge, CDS Muery Yellow Course Best Female: Clair Vaughn, Slay Architecture Black Course Best Male: Stephen Ethridge, Lehmann Engineering Black Course Best Female: Tess Shelton, Professional Flooring Green Course Best Team: Jacobs Engineering Green Course Best Male: Randy Ortiz, Jacobs Engineering Green Course Best Female: Jocelyn Umanzor, Spectrum Lighting Team #1

Women’s Belt Buckle winner: Kelsey Davis, Howell Crane & Rigging

2020 AIA Cook-Off Champion: Lehmann Engineers

Gail and Tommy Beaver, Beaver AC with Tracey and Danny Frias, JSR

Red Course Best Team: CAPCO

Guest take part in skeet shoot opportunity before dove hunt.

Sabrina and GL Slay, IES Commercial with Doris Barber

Black Course Best Team: Lehmann Engineering

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San Antonio Construction News • DEC 20

LEGAL Keeping Your Business Financially Afloat

Contracts Do Not Always Turn Out The Way We Expect

Steven Bankler, Owner Steven Bankler, CPA, Ltd. San Antonio, TX

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

arren Buffett’s famous quote, “You never know who’s swimming naked until the tide goes out,” is eerily ominous this year. More than 100,000 small businesses have permanently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If your business is still in the fight, congratulations! But if you’re feeling a little drafty from lack of adequate “swimwear,” know that you’re not alone. To continue in survival mode, you’ll need to hold on longer. Below are eight tax and business strategy tips that could help you stay afloat—and perhaps even thrive—as we head into 2021. Pay your bills on time Missing or being late on vendor payments and other bills can devastate a company’s financial standings, including credit. IRS penalties can be equally as devastating. Penalties for skipping payroll taxes are some of the most severe – simply failing to file can carry a 15% penalty, and the addition of a trust fund recovery penalty can make the business owner 100% personally responsible for repayment. And if you received a PPP loan this year, take the forgiveness process seriously. You may have heard that loans under a certain threshold will be automatically forgiven, but you must meet critical deadlines for forgiveness. Sign the checks yourself and pay attention Even when the economy is thriving, small businesses are four times as likely as large organizations to be victims of check and payment tampering and twice as likely to be victims of billing and payroll fraud. These crimes are often committed by trusted managers and employees and the losses can be destructive (often surpassing $100,000 over time). We’re often brought in to conduct forensic audits to uncover inside fraud for small businesses. By that time, the fraud has usually been occurring for years. One easy way to prevent employee fraud as a business owner is to insist on signing checks yourself and to pay attention to the reports and invoices that pass your desk. Stay ahead of tax rate changes Changes are coming. It’s too early to speculate, but if President-elect Joe Biden has his way, taxes will rise for many small business owners. The corporate tax rate could return to 28% and tax cuts for individuals making over $400,000 annually may be rolled back. Some classic tax strategies could mitigate the effect on your business, such as accelerating what income you can to 2020 while deferring deductions until next year. And if you own a closely held business, what happens to the business will certainly affect your estate plan and vice versa. With estate tax rates in flux, a revisit of your estate plan is in order. Take advantage of bonus depreciation opportunities Do you own depreciable property such as a company vehicle, machine, or building? Currently taxpayers can take a late election, revoke an election, or withdraw an election for the 2018, 2019, or 2020 tax years for these types of assets. You may elect 100% bonus depreciation, deduct the expenditures under Section 179 (“expensing”), or depreciate them over a 15-year life depending on your situation. The IRS recently released new revenue procedures with detailed rules for applying these changes, so the topic is worth another revisit before

year’s end. Re-evaluate current and past business losses The CARES Act suspended the limits on business loss deductions for the 2018, 2019 and 2020 tax years. That means you may be able to amend past returns to claim full losses and obtain a refund of some or all of the taxes you paid then. You may also be able to carry those losses back up to five years. Additional tax changes for business owners—like those relating to qualified improvement property expenses—can affect previous years, too. Be sure to review tax returns from 2018 and 2019 to claim any additional deductions you may be owed. Adapt to the new norm The volatility in the market, supply chain disruptions, delays and pivots, and the cost of new safety requirements will result in a bookkeeping challenge beyond anything seen before. With lumber prices soaring, energy prices fluctuating, the global supply chain as unpredictable as it is, and now with the presumption that environmental roadblocks will return, it’s not business as usual for the construction industry and won’t be for some time. But there is relief for many of these challenges (tax deductions, for one); you just need to know where to start. Use the correct accounting method If your business holds long-term contracts, be sure to re-evaluate your accounting method so that you can owe taxes when and only when you have the money. Small business contractors with annual gross receipts averaging $25 million or less may now be able to use the completed contract method of accounting to defer taxes on incomplete longterm contracts expected to finish within the next two years. Receive help when it makes sense Federal tax relief and small business loans are still being handed out. Many business owners don’t want the help but going it alone in the next year may not be a workable solution. Most of these relief measures are low interest and worth considering. Some—like the PPP loan—may even be 100% forgiven for those willing to put in the time and effort. As a business owner, you know how to pivot. You know how to find opportunities. You may have never been tested like this before, but you have the skills to make it work. It’s time to consider tax breaks and other financial prospects that can take you that final leg to the other side of this long, strange year. Steven Bankler has more than 43 years of experience in the accounting industry. Steven’s expertise lies in consulting, planning, tax, and asset protection as well as exit strategy services for closely held businesses. He also provides litigation support (both as a testifying expert witness and a consulting expert), business negotiations and estate planning. Visit www.bankler.com for additional tax strategy tips and to learn more about Steven Bankler, CPA, Ltd.

new federal appellate court decision is a must read for the construction industry. In D2 Excavating, Inc. v. Thompson Thrift Construction, Inc. and Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland, a recent United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decision, the Court reversed a half-million dollar judgment in favor of an excavation subcontractor in reliance on longstanding precedent. Factual Background According to the appellate court’s decision, Thompson Thrift Construction, Inc. was the general contractor for a new apartment complex in Corpus Christi, and D2 Excavating, Inc. was selected as the site grading and excavation subcontractor. The project subcontract included the following language: Execution of this Agreement by the Subcontractor is a representation that the Subcontractor has visited the Project site, become familiar with local conditions under which the Work is to be performed and correlated personal observations with requirements of the Contract Documents. The Subcontractor shall evaluate and satisfy itself as to the conditions and limitations under which the Work is to be performed, including without limitation: (1) the location, condition, layout, and nature of the Project site and surrounding areas; (2) generally prevailing climactic conditions; (3) anticipated labor supply and costs; (4) availability and cost of materials, tools, and equipment; and (5) other similar issues. Accordingly, Subcontractor shall not be entitled to an adjustment in the Contract Price or an extension of time resulting from Subcontractor’s failure to fully comply with this paragraph…This is a balanced site. It shall be this Subcontractor’s responsibility to balance site. Change orders for import/export will not be accepted…. The trial court found that Thompson did not actually determine whether the site was balanced, and D2 declined to investigate the site, instead relying on a software program and information received form Thompson to determine the site was balanced. About a month after D2 began its excavation work, it became evident that the site was not balanced, and much more dirt than expected was being produced. Not surprisingly, D2 and Thompson disagreed about who was at fault for the excess dirt. However, Thompson verbally agreed it would issue a written change order for the additional work once it was finished, and D2 continued excavating. Eventually it became clear to D2 that Thompson was not going to pay for removal of the additional dirt, and D2 stopped working after 98.6% of the excavation was complete. D2 ultimately sued Thompson for breach of contract, quantum meruit, violations of the prompt pay act, and to foreclose on a statutory and constitutional lien. Thompson countered that D2 beached the subcontract. At a bench trial, the district court held in favor of D2 on all claims, including $257,588.53 for the “excess” excavating work. Notably, the largest award was for $356,080.91 in attorney’s fees. The Appellate Court’s Ruling The Appellate Court began its analysis with the principle that a party is liable for breach of contract when it provides inadequate construction plans and the contract allocates to that party the risk of inaccurate plans. However and as the Court noted, the 100 year old default rule in Texas (the 1907 Texas Supreme Court decision known as Lonergan) is that the party doing the work bears the risk that it will end up being more difficult than anticipated unless the contract shifts that risk to the buyer of the services. The

Court explained that this rule is in line with the basic contract principle that “where one agrees to do, for a fixed sum, a thing possible to be performed, he will not be excused or become entitled to additional compensation, because unforeseen difficulties are encountered.” The Court applied this default rule since the excavation subcontract did not allocate the risk to Thompson that the site would be unbalanced. There simply was no language whereby Thompson assumed any risk that the project would require removing more dirt than the plans had predicted. Also compelling was the fact that the contract placed such risk on D2 as it agreed to the language cited above, including that it was “familiar with local conditions under which the Work is to be performed and correlated personal observations with requirements of the Contract Documents, etc.” The Court further found that Thompson’s verbal change order was void for lack of consideration since change orders are modifications which must satisfy normal contract requirements including “a meeting of the minds supported by consideration.” The Court of Appeals accordingly vacated the $257,588.53 award for excavation of unanticipated excess soil. Lessons Learned In order to avoid the longstanding default rule that the party doing the work bears the risk that the work will end up being more difficult than anticipated, it is essential to allocate this risk appropriately in the contract documents for every project. It must also be understood that many prime contracts and most subcontract agreements will not shift this risk to the upstream party and will also typically include language similar to that quoted above. As such, contractors and subcontractors will often be left in the same position as D2 as it relates to additional unanticipated work if this risk is not properly addressed during the negotiation of the project contract. Also important is the ruling that Thompson’s verbal change order was void, hence the need to get all change orders in writing and signed before acting in reliance. Finally, D2’s substantial attorney’s fees are not uncommon in construction litigation, which is typically document and expert intensive. Accordingly, much consideration should be given to the decision to litigate, and such a decision should typically be made after other avenues to a resolution have failed. For a complementary copy of D2 Excavating, Inc. v. Thompson Thrift Construction, Inc. and Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland please email the author. West W. Winter is the founder of The Winter Law Firm, PLLC, currently serves as President of the Construction Law Section of the San Antonio Bar Association, and has been repeatedly listed as one of the Best Lawyers in San Antonio for Construction Litigation. The Winter Law Firm represents owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in all phases of the construction process, from contract formation through dispute resolution, litigation, and collection. West can be reached via email: west@ thewinterlawfirm.com.

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 20

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Lead in Construction Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

ead is a common hazardous element found at many construction sites. Lead is an ingredient in thousands of products widely used throughout industry, including lead-based paints, lead solder, electrical fittings and conduits, tank linings, plumbing fixtures, and many metal alloys. Although many uses of lead have been banned, lead based paints continue to be used on bridges, railways, ships, and other steel structures because of its rust- and corrosion-inhibiting properties. Also, many homes were painted with leadcontaining paints. Significant lead exposures can also occur when paint is removed from surfaces previously covered with lead-based paint. Lead exposure comes from inhaling Prevent Further Exposure fumes and dust, and lead can be ingested • Ensure adequate ventilation. when hands are contaminated by lead • When outdoors, stand upwind of any dust. Lead can be taken home on work- plume. ers’ clothes, skin, hair, tools and in vehi- • Use dust collecting equipment, when cles. possible. Lead exposure may take place in de- • Use lead-free materials and chemicals. molition, salvage, removal, encapsula- • Use wet methods to decrease dust. tion, renovation and cleanup activities. • Use local exhaust ventilation for enAvoid Exposure closed work areas. • Use proper personal protective equip- OSHA has regulations governing conment (e.g., gloves, clothing and approved struction worker exposure to lead. Emrespirators). ployers of construction workers engaged • Wash hands and face after work and in the repair, renovation, removal, demobefore eating. lition, and salvage of structures are re• Never enter eating areas wearing pro- sponsible for the development and imtective equipment. plementation of a worker protection pro• Never wear clothes and shoes that gram. Construction projects vary in their were worn during lead exposure away scope and potential for exposing workers from work. to lead and other hazards. Many projects • Launder clothing daily; use proper involve only limited exposure, such as the cleaning methods. removal of paint from a few interior resi• Be alert to symptoms of lead exposure dential surfaces, while others may involve (e.g., severe abdominal pain, headaches, substantial exposures. Employers must loss of motor coordination). be in compliance with OSHA’s lead stanUse Respirators dard at all times. • Wear appropriate respirators as directed. OSHA has developed an lead in con• Conduct a user seal check each time a struction advisor to help employers comrespirator is donned. ply with the law which can be found here: • Be aware of your company’s respirato- https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/oshalery protection program; understand the ad.htm limitations and potential hazards of resnatarajan.joann@dol.gov pirators. 512-374-0271 x232

Pros and amateurs

he Greater San Antonio Builders Association (GSABA) hosted their annual ProAM Golf Tournament on Sept. 28 with an outstanding turn out and beautiful weather. The event was held at River Crossing Golf Club. -cmw

ProAM Golf Tournament winners: 2nd Place: Red Rattler Brady Little 3rd Place: StrucSure Home Warranty Men’s Closest-to-the-Pin: Eric Bernal Women’s Closest-to-the-Pin: Keri Backus Longest Drive: Grant Dodson

1st Place: UFPI Construction

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Sherill & Steven Stanush

Co-Partners S&S Plumbing Contractors LLC Converse, TX

rom first glance, Steven and Sherill Stanush knew they were meant to be together and together meant not just a life together, but building a successful business in the plumbing industry. Tell me a little about yourselves. Where were you born? Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school? Sherill: I grew up in LakeSide on the east side of San Antonio. I went to Catholic school until junior high school. I graduated from East Central High School in 1986. I had friends from different school districts - Highlands High School, Sam Houston HS, St. Gerard’s Catholic School and several others. I worked in a couple of different places there on the east side. I was in the vocational program, DECA, at East Central so I went to school half a day and worked half a day. I’ve been working since I was 16 years old. Steven: I was born and raised here in San Antonio. I also grew up on the east side of San Antonio. I went to Catholic school for 12 years, and graduated in 1983 from St. Gerard’s Catholic School. Shortly after graduation, I became involved in the plumbing trade and shortly after that have been involved in the plumbing business ever since, 30- plus years. How did you guys meet? Steven: We met through individual friends at a New Year’s party that I was hosting at my house. She showed up and the rest is history. What sparked your interest to go into plumbing? Steven: I didn’t think college was for me. I’ve always been a hands-on type of person, mechanically inclined so when I started working in the plumbing trade, it just clicked and grew from there. I never looked back or thought of doing anything else. How long were you in the plumbing trade before you decided you wanted to start your own company? Steven: I had been in the trade about 18 years when I decided I was ready. When you made the decision to start

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 20

your own business, was it something you decided to do together? Steven: It was a mutual decision. Sherill: It was something that we had talked about. I had always worked in the corporate world. I took a break from working because we had two small children and had gone back to school. I had a small parttime business on the side selling candles. I encouraged Steven to further his education as well and to test for his Master Plumbing License. I truly believe in him. He is a really hard worker and very mechanically inclined. My nickname for him sometimes is “MacGyver” because he can figure anything out. Having his own business was something he wanted to do, and I totally supported him. I, however, did not know anything about the plumbing industry. I came from more of a customer service background. It was about a year or two in the planning, making sure we were at a point where we could survive with him quitting his job and dive into a business of his own. I was Steven’s helper in the field. Our children who were around 6 and 10 years old at the time were our first plumbing apprentices. They started learning the trade early and would help as much as they could. I would put my boots on, and he’d show me some things. I was there on job sites helping him, it helped me to learn what he did and how he works. Not only was I learning the plumbing trade but learned he has a different way of doing things than I do, but that’s okay because our two styles work together. I know a lot of people think since he is the Responsible Master Plumber, he is the owner, but it is a shared business. We are partners. You mentioned you had two children, are they boys, girls? What are their names? Sherill: We have two boys. Our oldest, Tyler, is married. He and his wife Britni have two children. Tyler works at Bobcat of San Antonio as a Field Service Technician working on Bobcats. He, too, is very mechanically inclined. He did work for the business as a plumbing apprentice and maybe one day he will come back. We decided to let the kids make their own choices. Our youngest, Spencer, is a junior at Texas Tech University. He is also a very hard worker and is the most book-smart than all of us really. He is studying construction management, but we are not sure what his plans are after he graduates. He does like the construction field and he does work here during his school breaks. Most recently, he has been helping in the office learning the business side. What was the most difficult part about taking that leap from working for somebody to being your own boss? Steven: I had some good relationships with general contractors, and when I announced I was starting my own business, I was granted some projects that helped us along. I knew the plumbing background getting the jobs, estimating and buying

Sherill and Steven Stanush with grandkids.

materials. I had relationships with suppliers. Everybody knew who I was, so it really wasn’t a painful process. The most difficult thing we went through initially was finding good employees. For almost a year, I worked by myself before we increased to five or six people with three or four trucks. We eventually grew to 20 people at one time and then we downsized. Sherill: In the beginning, we had some challenges. Our office was in our bedroom. I can recall crawling into bed, and he would remember needing me to schedule an inspection for the next day. I’d be like, “Are you kidding? I’m off the clock.” Steven: We are never off the clock. How do you separate your family time from your business time? Sherill: We’ve learned. People just assume we go home and talk about work, but we try not to. There are times when you have to, but for the most part, we really try not to discuss business at home. We’ve been in business 14 years and it was a learning process to balance that. How long did you work out of your home before you moved into your own facility? Sherill: It really wasn’t that long. I would say about six months. We had a little storage facility where Steven kept material and equipment. Then we acquired a small office and warehouse down the street from the storage unit. It was just me in the office at that time. We hired another office employee about three years later. She started out part-time, went full-time and is still with us today. She is now a project assistant. We outgrew that space about ten years ago and moved into our current space. What type of plumbing services do you provide? Steven: We do commercial new construction, alone with commercial and residential repair service work. We do not do new residential. What do you like best about the plumbing industry and what you do? Steven: It is a different environment every day. That is what keeps me here. Even

San Antonio

though plumbing is all the same, you never know what you are getting into. To some people, it may be repetitious, but every day it is a new experience. I am not sitting behind a desk working on a computer every day. I like being out in the field and working. Even though we have been in the business for years, every day is a learning experience. What is S&S Plumbing’s service area? Sherill: We have plenty of work here in our own backyard. Steven: San Antonio and its surrounding areas. As far as service work goes, about a 50-mile radius of San Antonio. Having said that, we have gone as far as Midland upon request to do work for one of our very good clients but doing work outside of the San Antonio area is rare and on a special request basis. If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently? Sherill: I am very proud of what we have done and what we have accomplished. I think if I could change anything, it would be starting earlier in our lives. Steven: I would have to agree with Sherill, should have started earlier in my career. What do you do to unwind and separate home life from work life? Sherill: We started traveling. We purchased an RV and have been going down to the Rockport area to do some fishing. Last year, we took a trip to South Carolina. It was beautiful! This year has been a challenge with COVID. We had two trips planned. One to New Orleans and one to Tennessee but we had to cancel. We are empty nesters, so we sit on our back patio a lot with a cold beverage and hanging out with our dogs. We are very active in our church, St. Ann Catholic Church and in the A.C.T.S. community. We spend a lot time with our granddaughters, 3-year-old Rosalie, and 3-month-old Delilah. They are the best! Steven: Sitting on the back porch, you start thinking about the things you can do so we completed a few backyard projects to create our own backyard paradise. -cmw

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Free Monthly Digital Subscription www.ConstructionNews.net The San Antonio Construction News (ISSN 1547-7630) is published monthly by Construction News LTD., dba San Antonio Construction News, and distributed by mail to construction-related companies of record in Bexar and 7 surrounding counties. All submissions should be mailed to our editorial offices. We reserve the right to edit any materials submitted. No fees for materials, copy or photographs submitted will be due unless agreed upon in advance in writing. Submissions will be published at our discretion on a space available basis. Construction News, Ltd. , dba San Antonio Construction News, will not be liable for errors in copy or in advertisements beyond the actual cost of space occupied by the error. Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement at any time. ©2020 Construction News, Ltd.

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 20

Page 9

Outstanding construction awards

embers of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) San Antonio Chapter gathered together for the AGC’s Construction Industry Awards Luncheon. The awards luncheon was held on Nov. 12 at the Airport Hilton while practicing safe distancing. -cmw

2019 Outstanding Construction Local Award winners: Building 2 $2 - $5 Million: Agape Christian Church, Alpine Contracting Building 3 $5 - $10 Million: The Club at Esperanza, Turner Construction Company Building 4, $10 - $30 Million: ChildSafe Salado Creek Campus, Guido Construction

Healthcare 1 $0 - $10 Million: Baptist Kelly Emergency Hospital, F.A. Nunnelly General Contractor Specialty Construction: The University of Texas Hall of Fame, Turner Construction Company Residential Multi-Family: Medio Springs Ranch Apartments, Galaxy Builders Ltd.

Interior Finish-Out 3 $2 - $5 Million, State & Local winner: USAA Kitchen Renovation, Turner Construction Company

Electrical 1 $0 - $5 Million, State & Local winner: Delta Sky Club Austin, Rosendin Electric Inc.

2020 Safe Specialty Contractor Category 2: Big State Electric

2020 Safe General Contractor Category 2: Cadence McShane Construction Co.

Interior Finish-Out 2 $500,000 - $2 Million: Mazurek, Belden and Burke Law Firm; Alpine Contracting Educational Facilities $0 - $10 Million: NISD Security Lobbies: 21 Elementary Schools and 1 Police Station; Marksmen General Contractors Inc. Educational Facilities 2 $10 - $30 Million:

2020 Safe Specialty Contractor Category 1: Alterman Inc.

2020 Safe General Contractor Category 1: Rogers-O’Brien Construction Ltd.

General Contractor of the Year: Turner Construction Company

Larry Westbrook Safe Superintendent Award: Adrian Flores, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors

Central Catholic High School Convocation Center, Joeris General Contractors Educational Facilities 3 Over $30 Million: The Alamo Colleges District Support Operations Administrative Complex, Skanska USA Electrical 2 $5 – 10 Million: Alamo Colleges District Support Operations Building, Alterman Inc.

2020 Supplier of the Year: Architectural Division 8

2020 Specialty Contractor of the Year: Alterman Inc.

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San Antonio Construction News • DEC 20

Industry FOLKS

embers and guests of The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) came together on Oct. 29 for the CLC Slicers & Slashers Par 3 Scramble & Mixer. The event was held at the San Pedro Driving Range for an evening of laughter and lots of fun and relaxation. -cmw

Jon Randolph, Jr. Superintendent F.A. Nunnelly General Contractor San Antonio, TX

Slicers & Slashers Par 3 winners: 2nd Place: F.A. Nunnelly - Garrett Wheat and Reid Schiffbauer 3rd Place: Joeris General Contractors Ltd., Aaron Sepulveda and Matt Doherty. Closest-to-the-Pin #2: Mark Matthews, Joeris General Contractors Ltd.

here’s no place like Texas according to Jon Randolph, Jr. who was born and raised in San Antonio. Jon attended and graduated from Judson High School in 2008. After graduation Jon started his college education and Texas Tech and finished at Northwest Vista College where he earned an Associate degree in Business Administration. Jon used his degree to advance himself in the construction industry. “Construction is the only I’ve ever done. It was only natural that I would choose a field of study that would help me along the way.” Jon grew up with a father in the construction industry so getting into construction was as simple a story as it can be. “I grew up with a father in construction and always enjoyed doing projects with him as kid. When it was time to pick a career, the construction industry just became the natural choice. “I’ve always enjoyed solving problems along the way, watching the project go from nothing to something and seeing the client enjoy their new building in the end. As superintendent, I have the opportunity to solve problems that may arise. I’m

Slicing and slashing

a part of structures being constructed which allows me the opportunity to see the enjoyment of our clients.” As you suspect, Jon has people in his life that have been inspirations to him. “I actually have two mentors. The first one would have to be my dad, because whether he wants to admit it or not, he’s probably the reason I’m in the construction industry. The second is James Rock, a superintendent with Bartlett Cocke. We worked together for almost seven years and he taught me a lot of what I know today.” A single young man with no children and no pets, Jon has plenty of time to relax and have fun when he is not working. For Jon, that fun is motorcycles. “I like just about all things motorcycle. Whether it’s riding them, watching them race or working on them. That’s what you’ll find me doing when I’m not on the jobsite. I also like camping and hiking. I just got back from a motorcycle trip where I camped and hiked Arches National Park in Moab, Utah. -cmw

Closest-to-the-Pin #7: Tristan Hernandez, Metro Longest Drive 1st Place: Cody Brooks, Mobile Air Longest Drive 2nd Place: Tristan Hernandez, Metro

1st Place: Dudley Bulter, F. A. Nunnelly Company and Kevin Barnd, United Site Services

CLC Steering Council

The Resource Guide Associations and Construction Education

Subcontractors

Service Providers

Truck & Equip Dealers General Contractor Suppliers

For Info on Resource Guide: Buddy@ConstructionNews.net 210-308-5800

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 20

Page 11

2020 In The Rearview Mirror 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

OW! What a wacky year 2020 has been for all of us. After a serious global pandemic was declared in late February, our world changed beyond the beliefs no one could imagine. Thousands of people died, businesses went bankrupt, school’s shutdown and politicians blamed our president for it all. On top of all of that, hurricane season was one of the most active since 2005 with a new record of named storms (29) with the formation of Theta in November. And on top of all of that, we had a presidential election that is now under controversy for fraud. I’m ready to put this year behind us.

Ocean splendor

Ryan Bartula of Clifton TX harvested this 140 class 10 pointer hunting with Steve Schultz Outdoors in Zavala County.

Jess Fitzgerald of Wharton joins Steve Schultz Outdoors for a memorable hunt on the Chaparrosa Ranch. Buck was 8 points and scored 149” in. Check out those brow tines!

Last month, I transitioned from the waters of the Coastal Bend to the brush of South Texas. It’s a time for me to really reset my mind after a long year on the water and do something that is just as enjoyable as fishing and that was a big part in my childhood. Typically, I spend most of November and December guiding South Texas free range whitetail deer, hog, javelins and a few quail hunts on the legendary Chaparrosa ranch near La Pryor, TX. This ranch encompasses nearly 100,000 acres of western Zavala County and is one of the few large ranches that offers free range, low fence, native deer hunting at an affordable price. Granted, fishing remains pretty strong along the Coastal Bend and Laguna Madre through the end of the year, but it’s a great time for me to take a break off the water and spend quality time with my boys. Winter months are also times to repair and replace worn out equipment. Most of you know I replace my boats quite frequently.

This eliminates unforeseen problems down the road during the busy part of the season. It’s easy to replace a rod or reel mid-season when one goes down, but a boat is a different story. Take the time while the weather is not favorable to fish and replace fishing line on your reels or rusty hooks on your favorite surface plugs or corky’s. Take that rod in for repair that may have a broken tip or an insert missing from a guide. If you have a boat, add fuel stabilizer to the fuel and flush motor with garden hose periodically thru the winter to keep seals lubed up and batteries charged. I’m really looking forward to getting back on the water in January 2021. Hopefully fishing will be as good as it was this year and we can pick up where we let off. Next issue, I will be reviewing some new products that are starting to show up in the mail. Until then, Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year! My 2021 fishing calendar is open, and I am starting to book trips for the upcoming year. My whitetail hunts are almost full for this season, I still have a few dates to book if interested. To schedule your next bay fishing trip or hunting trip give Capt. Steve Schultz a call at 361-8133716 or e-mail him at SteveSchultzOutdoors@gmail. com. Follow me of Facebook and Instagram @Steve_ Schultz_Outdoors. Good Luck and Good Fishing.

Mike Helmke, Helmke & Associates has been all smiles since his Aug. 17 fishing trip. Widely considered the fastest fish in the ocean, clocking speeds of 70 mph, Helmke caught his first sailfish on his boat about 70 miles out of Port Aransas, TX. The sailfish weighed in at 92 lbs. Congratulations Mike! -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • DEC 20

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

Indian Summer?

suspect that what we used to call “Indian Summer” has really just become “Texas Winter”! Apart from that little October surprise cold snap we had, we have been enjoying some really nice weather. The long-range forecasts are indicating warmer and dryer weeks ahead, so except for a few short cold fronts, we may not see much change in the weather. The best part of that is that it is just nice to be outside! We get the colorful sunrises and sunsets of winter without the chill. We can stay out and enjoy the meteor showers without bundling up. Best of all, we get more nice days to go fishing and hunting! It took a while for the lake water temp to drop enough to get the fish started into a fall pattern, but that is where they seem to be now. That means that the fish are biting good and slowly beginning to school up into their winter migration patterns. As it cools off the stripers and hybrids and white bass start to move upstream and that means a shorter boat ride for us to get to them! The warm and sunny afternoons and mild nights encourage the catfish and crappie to come into shallow water to feed, so bank fishing is good too. The catfishermen have been having some nice catches on jug lines and trotlines too. I have always loved winter fishing. Except for the disruption of the cold fronts passing through, the stripers and hybrids will feed good to get ready to spawn in the spring and that makes the catching good. If white bass are your thing, they are easily caught too! They best thing is no summer heat!

We seem to lose a lot of our winter fishermen because it just gets too cold for them. Not this year it seems! This is going to be a fun winter! Now I know the hunters do have a harder time of it when it is a warmer winter. Most hunting clothes tend to be made to keep a body warm and nobody wants to sweat while they hunt. Cold weather seems to be instrumental in getting the deer into their rutting pattern, when the hunting really gets good. Hang in there! There will be cold snaps when you can’t fish. That’s when you hunt! Even if there isn’t a lot of cold weather coming, nature will take its course and the deer will get moving. Just take advantage of the dried-out pastures and be sure your deer have plenty of feed and water to be attracted to, because those things will be in short supply this year and rutting takes a lot of energy. You need to also be careful when you bag a deer. Get it field dressed and on ice as quickly as possible because the milder temperatures can spoil your meat quickly. A deer processor can give you advice on the best way to get your deer to them in good condition. I hope you can get out and find you some great hunting and fishing this winter. Be safe and be careful and if you get a chance to donate some deer to Hunters for the Hungry or some other food bank organization, please do so. We do have a lot of hungry folks you can help out. Happy Holidays!

San Antonio Construction News â&#x20AC;˘ DEC 20

Page 13

A hunting they will go

hris Wiatrek, HercRentals branch manager, and son, Nathan, had a near perfect night. Three for four on stands with four coyotes down. Unfortunately, one was lost in the thick brush. Bugs Bunny and Pup Detention proved to be a superior night. -cmw

Nathan Wiatrek poses with one of the coyotes he shot.

Chris Wiatrek poses with a coyote he shot.

Young Nathan is a sure shot and gets another coyote.

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San Antonio Construction News • DEC 20

•

Relocation of Southeast Asia Airpark

Crews transport the B-52 fuselage across Truemper St. overnight.

CO Construction LLC was tasked with relocating the historic Southeast Asia Airpark located at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland AFB. Originally located at the entrance of Valley Hi and Truemper St., this 30plus year-old airpark would find its new home at both the IAAFA and the Parade Field locations. The relocation was done to accommodate the construction of two new Airman Training Complexes (ATC5, ATC6) as well as a drainage area for rainwater runoff. The general scope of work consisted of a design-build contract focusing on the soil investigation, foundation design, construction of foundations, disassembly, transportation, reassembly, and the repair of three prioritized groups of Static Display Air Vehicles (SDAV). In total there were nine aircraft that needed to be dissembled, relocated and reassembled. The aircraft that were relocated consisted of the B52, F100, UH1, F4, F105, RB57, B66, A37, and F5. R.J. Delagarza, VP of Operations states, said “This was a multi-faceted project that included constant communica-

tion and meetings between our engineering team, 502D CONS, base Civil Engineering, TXDOT, CPS, our aviation consultant and JBSA special forces. It was a team approach to get this done especially with the task of moving nine aircraft overnight on base while closing roads down. “ RCO’s team included VP of Construction Richard Martinez, Project Manager Cruz Cortez, engineering firm Bain Medina Bain, and aircraft consultant M7 Aerospace. Many of the aircraft located in the park would have been at military bases in Laos and Cambodia, where former service members may have been sta-

tioned, or may have been flown in international conflicts in locations like Vietnam or Korea. “Our Vietnam veterans are getting up in age, and they want to come back and see the aircraft, but it was really inconvenient,” said Bill Manchester, Airman Heritage Training Complex Director. “Now, if you want to visit the B-17 bomber from World War II and the B-52 bomber from Vietnam, and so on, you can just park in one place and walk one way or the other. It’s really more convenient.” The Airman Heritage Training Complex staff members provided details for load-bearing structures and technical orders for each aircraft, which allowed RCO to determine the best possible way to move them. “It is

very rare that we get to witness the movement of this many large, historic aircraft,” Delagarza said. “Their new location will allow more visitors to enjoy these great planes.” RCO Construction LLC is a general contractor in San Antonio. -cmw RCO Construction LLC San Antonio, TX

Crane crew removing the UH-1 from its existing pedestal.

Crane and trucking crew load the RB-57 on a trailer.

University Hospital Robert B. Green

University Hospital Robert B Green restrooms

University Hospital Robert B Green before renovation

e are told that we are the backbone of America. We are told we are the HOPE for our family. We are told we must work harder as woman in construction. As a small minority woman-owned firm and one of many companies that is known as the backbone of America, we employ over seven employees and have multiple team members. AZTECA Designs and Construction is owned by Cecilia Castellano and operated by Cecilia and Tony Castellano. During these unprecedented times, AZTECA Designs & Construction was awarded a project at the University Hospital Texas Diabetes facility and was able to put several other companies to work just when they were about to give up. ADI was awarded another project at University Hospital Robert B. Green. This project was submitted by one of AZTECA’s past employees who had failed to add up

the line items properly. After being awarded the project, the accounting team started there process in booking this project when they noticed this project was short roughly $10,000. Cecilia informed UHS about the error and was given the choice to either take the project at the price submitted, or have it awarded to another company. With God, all things are possible. Cecilia prayed about this decision and talked with all key team members and suppliers. She knew her reputation and that of her company was heavily at stake. “Once God gave me peace and provided the right suppliers and team members, we informed University Hospital that we would

University Hospital Robert B Green restrooms

After renovation

take this project on and honor our price,” says Cecilia. This project was on a very lien budget and timeline. Tony and Cecilia’s oldest son and superintendent, Anthony Castellano, learned to strategically work through this project and figure out how to save the company time and continue to work hard to protect the AZTECA team from the threat of COVID-19. “My prayer is that we small business owners work harder together and continue to pray together. God has ordained each of us as leaders, as HIS disciples let’s work hard to be the light to all during these times,” concludes Cecilia. AZTECA Designs Inc. is an interior finish-out contractor with a division providing mowing services in Somerset, TX. -cmw AZTECA Designs Inc. San Antonio, TX

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 20

•

Page 15

•

GSA E. Travis St. Parking Garage

n 2012, Chris Treviño, owner of Better Bilt Sheet Metal LLC, accepted an offer to construct the stainless-steel panels for the GSA E. Travis St. Parking Garage in downtown San Antonio. The objective was to complement the Hipolito Garcia Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse. When asked how taking on such a big project made him feel, Treviño stated, “I was not only grateful but also humbled that the general contractor who awarded us this project remembered the decorative detail we produced on other projects. Some developments dated back to the mid ‘90s.” Chris went on to say, “I was excited for the opportunity. It is not every day that our company is asked to perform such a unique project. I could not wait to see it completed.

I thank God for the continuous support of my wife, Dalia, who helped me start Better Bilt. With my faith and the skilled crew I had in place, I felt confident we could do the job.” Treviño was inspired to take on this task after seeing the blueprints for the first time. He envisioned that Better Bilt could enhance the beauty of the parking garage to shine during the day and sparkle at night. The six-story ornate edifice contains perforated and open mesh stainless-steel panels, polished to a number 4 satin finish. It took three months and a crew of eight to complete the project. Treviño said, “This is one project I will always cherish.” -cmw

Better Bilt employee polishes stainless steel.

Better Bilt Sheet Metal LLC San Antonio, TX

Cavender Buick/GMC North at night, and needed to finish each section within two nights. The project took two months to complete due to time restraints. “The Cavender team loves their polished floors. The floor made the shop much brighter and maintains a cleaner environment overall. We provided the training, products and equipment to help them maintain the shop moving forward. “Another satisfied customer – that’s what all of us at K-Stone strive for,” says K-Stone President, Rick Stone. K-Stone is a polished concrete contractor and janitorial supply distributor, HUB, WBE certified and have been locally owned and operated since 1997. -cmw

he Cavender Buick/GMC North project started 10 years ago when K-Stone met up with Dan Houghton, who at the time was in charge of the service center at the Cavender Buick/GMC North location. Houghton was looking for a floor that would look better and last longer than the epoxy floor they installed. Their epoxy floor was stained and peeling. K-Stone came in and did a small sample of our diamond polished concrete floor system at the entrance to the shop. After 10 years of driving cars over the sample, cleaning and weather, Houghton and his team finally decided that this was the floor they needed. The shop is over 35,000sf that includes over 30 bays along with the main aisle to go in and out. K-Stone could only polish two bays at a time,

K-Stone San Antonio, TX Cavender Buick/GMC North after refinishing.

Cavender Buick/GMC North shop floor during refinishing

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San Antonio Construction News • DEC 20

In memoriam…

Perry was also a longerry Beyer, Jr., of New time supporter of the Braunfels, TX went to Comal County Junior be with our Lord on Nov. 5 Livestock Association. If at the age of 59. He passed Perry was not working peacefully at his home or serving at the church, surrounded by his family. he could be found fish Perry was born in ing and hunting. San Antonio, TX to Patri Perry is preceded in cia and Perry Beyer, Sr. He death by his father Perry attended MacArthur High Beyer, Sr. He is survived School and graduated in by: wife of 41 years, Cindy 1979. He married Cindy Beyer (Sievers), children Beyer (Sievers) on Jan. 12, Jennifer, Liz, James and 1979 at the Methodist wife Kayla; granddaughHospital in San Antonio, Perry Beyer, Jr ters Eastley and Ellington; TX. Perry was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He his brothers Patrick (Dedra), Jeff (Melodie), loved nothing more than spending time his sister Cindy Dawson (Brad); and his with his family and friends. Perry dedi- mother Patricia Beyer (Maher). Perry will cated his life to the plumbing industry. also forever be remembered by his numerHe began as an apprentice at 19, then ous nieces, nephews, extended family, and started his own business, Beyer Plumb- dear friends. ing Co., out of his garage in 1989 at the A celebration of Perry’s life will be age of 28. Perry was the president and held at Oakwood Baptist Church, 2154 chief operator for over 30 years. In 1990, TX-337 Loop New Braunfels, TX on Monalongside his two brothers, Beyer Boys day, Nov. 16 at 10am. Facial masks are was created. During his illustrious career required. Live streaming will be available in the plumbing industry, Perry found at https://www.oakwoodnb.com. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be every opportunity to give back to the community through his participation in made to the Beyer Cares Foundation, the state and local chapters of the which focuses on giving back to the orPlumbing, Heating, and Cooling Con- ganizations that Perry held near and dear to his heart. Please visit beyercarestractors Organization (PHCC). Perry loved the Lord and serving foundation.com for more information. The family of Perry Beyer wishes to others through ministry. He was an active member and Deacon at Oakwood extend their sincere “thank you” to the Baptist Church in New Braunfels. Perry countless doctors and nurses at MD Anwas an active member of the Central derson Houston, TX Oncology, Christus Texas Chapter of C12, a Christian based Santa Rosa Hospital, Home Instead and advisory board of local business leaders. Hope Hospice. -cmw

Industry FOLKS Lisa Jaster

Director of Civil Engineering

M&S Engineering New Braunfels, TX

orn in Indiana, Lisa Jaster and her family moved to Plymouth, WI before she was old enough to make any memories in Indiana. “Plymouth was a small midwestern town where it was safe to leave your doors unlocked and play kick-the-can in the streets. We played outside with the neighbor kids until the streetlights went on and then we played some more. Going to the grocery store was like a minireunion and getting a Walmart outside of the city limits was a really big, but controversial, deal,” says Jaster. Jaster graduated from Plymouth Comprehensive High School. She completed her undergraduate degree at the United States Military Academy, West Point and her master’s at the University of Missouri – Rolla which is now Missouri University of Science and Technology. “Undergrad was a whirlwind as each student had to follow a strict and very full curriculum of credits while simultaneously training to be a commissioned officer in the United States Army.” Jaster earned a BS and MS in civil engineering as it is a field of creation where one day there is nothing. Then for decades to come, there is something that you designed and constructed. Commissioned as an engineer in the US Army, Jaster was blessed with immediately getting real world experience. “I was platoon leader in the 92nd Engineer Battalion (Heavy) out of Fort Stewart, GA where we, as a unit, did construction projects at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield. Later we moved our mission to Af-

ghanistan and ultimately Iraq. Within months of earning my bachelor’s degree, I was already creating schedules, BOM lists, budgets, and work product plans. After four years with the Black Diamonds (92nd Engineer Battalion), I was ready for bigger and better projects. The Army sent me to my military advanced training where I simultaneously earned my master’s in civil engineering. I did little to no technical engineering over the past 20 years since graduating from West Point, but I have spent a lot of time managing the construction and execution portion of thoroughly engineering, and some not-so thoroughly, engineered projects.” Jaster is Director of Civil Engineering for M&S Engineering says, “I have worked for the US Army and Royal Dutch Shell. Although they were both fantastic jobs, I feel this career is the best fit for me because I get to be closer to the end user of our projects. We design and build for people creating or repairing their visions. M&S is part of the solution for our local community and the work we do is tangible. I can drive down the streets in local municipalities and see what we helped create.” Jaster is married to Allan Jaster, who is principal in a financial advising firm and is a Marine Colonel. Together they have two children. Zachary is 12-years- old and Victoria is 8. Both are extremely athletic. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 20

A good career

ack in the ‘80s, Rick Braun worked for a fire department alongside a fellow firefighter, Mike, who was running a small air conditioning outfit of his own. Coincidentally, Braun himself had a chimney sweep business on the side. Braun got started in the fire department at a very young age. He was a volunteer while in high school until somebody told him he could get paid doing that. He joined a small fire department in College Station. He spent a short stint of time there until coming back to San Antonio where he spent 27 years as a fire fighter for the City of Olmos Park. He then retired from the City of Selma after 13 years. “Having 20 days off a month, you can only fish and hunt so much. One day I saw an ad that said, “Be your own boss. Set your own hours. Make a ton of money. Become a chimney sweep. So I thought that’s right up my alley. As a kid, I carried brushes for an old English chimney sweep when my parents were stationed over in England. I bought the equipment. The first year, I did all my neighbors in my neighborhood for free so I could learn the trade. Once I felt I had a pretty good handle on it, I went out and started making money. For a little place like Texas, where there isn’t much cold temperatures, it wasn’t a bad money maker,” says Braun. One day in the middle of winter, while working on his chimney sweep books, his fellow firefighter, Mike, told him, “Wow, that chimney sweep business is making some money.” He agreed and noted that the business was only good for the winter. Mike then replied, “Funny, my air conditioning business is the same way. It only does good in the summer.” The two joined forces to form one company, A C Masters. It didn’t take long

Page 17

and Braun gave up chimney sweeping, and the company began focusing on air

conditioning and heating ever since. “We started out with four of us. We started with another guy who worked with us at the fire department and who was a plumber. We also brought on a fourth guy that Mike had known for years doing air conditioning,” adds Braun. Unfortunately, a year later, his partner Mike, his fellow firefighter, unexpectantly passed away at a very young age. It was shock, to say the least, especially since he was the one that had the license for the air conditioning company. “After his passing, I went down and took the test to get my master license and have carried the company on since then. Two guys kind of dropped off the wayside after Mike’s passing. Unfortunately, I worked alone for a while until I got a new partner, Joe Clark. We have been going strong for 20 plus years,” recalls Braun. A C Masters services mainly the San Antonio area but have been all over the state from San Antonio to Corpus Christi to points north. Braun put in his 40 years as a firefighter and has spent 32 years in air conditioning. “I was 22 when I started sweeping chimneys. Now, I’m a young 64 and still going strong. Back then climbing up 50-60 feet and hanging off the side of a brick structure didn’t bother me. I’m not that hungry anymore. I like to make my money on the ground,” Braun says. Braun has had quite the career from firefighter to chimney sweep to licensed air conditioning contractor. “I would do it all over again if I were 20. It was a wonderful career and it still is. Every day in this trade, with equipment ever evolving and technology always getting better, it’s constant experience, but it’s a good one.” A C Masters is an air conditioning and heating contractor in Selma, TX. -cmw

In memoriam…

effrey Allen Saroz went into eternal rest Oct. 7 in Poteet, TX. He was born in San Antonio on Sept. 26, 1961. He was the most kind-hearted, funny, hardworking, and honest man. Jeff, who worked for Seither and Cherry Quad Cities Inc., was a member of Millwrights Local 2232 for 39 years and was an ordained minister. Jeff enjoyed cooking, watching Nascar, westerns, listening to his old-time records, and most of all being the best Pappy to his grandgirls. His laugh was so contagious, and he loved making people smile.

Jeff was a proud family man and a wonderful friend to have. - cmw

Team Ridout

Ridout Barrett employees along with friends and family participated in this year’s Buddy Walk for the Down Syndrome Association. The event was held on Oct. 17 with an outstanding show of support. -cmw

Tailgating at the Mays

he American Subcontractors Association (ASA) took tailgating to a new level. On Oct. 29, ASA hosted their annual pour-off mixer with a new flare. This year’s event, Tailgate Taste-off Mixer, was held at the Mays Family Scout Ranch with great success. The event raised over $2,000 for the association’s scholarship fund, which will directly go to helping our community and industry. Raising money for the

association’s scholarship fund was not the association’s only goal. Additionally, ASA conducted a can-ned food drive to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank. -cmw 2020 Tailgate Taste-off Mixer winners: 2nd Place Booth Decor: MEMCO 2nd Place Best Cocktail: Allen & Allen Co. 2nd Best Tailgate Food: Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing

1st Place Booth Decor: EquipmentShare

People’s Choice: Most money raised for scholarship fund, Bolero Ventures

ASA Tailgate Committee Chair, Mike McGinnis presents Courtney Bukowski, Boys Scouts of America Alamo Area Council with an appreciation plaque.

1st Place Best Cocktail: Bolero Ventures

1st Best Tailgate Food: MEMCO

Page 18

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 20

Smokin’ fun

njoying the fall weather, Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) South Texas Chapter hosted their annual Clay Shoot & Barbeque Cook-off. The event was held at the National Shooting Complex with a tremendous success. -cmw

Barbeque Cook-off winners: 2nd Place Chicken: Mission City Electric Co. Inc. 3rd Place Chicken: Beck Companies 2nd Place Ribs: Intertech Flooring 3rd Place Ribs: T & D Moravits Concrete Contractors 2nd Place Brisket: Bartlett Cocke General Contractors LLC 3rd Place Brisket: TDIndustries, Inc. Yellow Course Clay Shoot winners: 2nd Place Team: IBTX Risk Services #1 3rd Place Team: MAREK 1st Place Women’s Individual Shooter: Lauren Smith, MAREK 1st Place Men’s Individual Shooter: Lucas Hines, Jack Laurence Corp. Red Course Clay Shoot winners: 2nd Place Team: TDIndustries Inc. 3rd Place Team: Robles1 LLC 1st Place Women’s Individual Shooter: Carrissa Flores, Robles1 LLC 1st Place Men’s Individual Shooter: Stephen Etheridge, Pro Star Roll-Off Dumpsters

1st Place Chicken and 1st Place Brisket: Joeris General Contractors Ltd.

1st Place Ribs: Mission City Electric Co. Inc.

continued from Page 1 — E I B Contractors not look like this when we found it. It was pretty shabby when we first moved in. We did a lot of remodeling. Since then, we have taken over two more spaces.” As mentioned by Roberts, the company has grown substantially. Today, the company has 13 employees. Many of those employees have been with the company since Dale’s previous company. Specializing in commercial retail, E I B performs a lot of work for Army Airforce Exchange Service throughout the entire United States. “We are qualified to work in all regions for the military,” he adds. “We probably have renovated over 1520 Burger Kings all over the United States on military bases along with Starbuck’s and other restaurants,” Mark adds. Dale recalls that over the company’s 20 years in business, “Most of our clients that we do business with like James Avery, which I’ve been doing business with for 30 years. When I first started, I worked with Paul Avery. A lot of times we just did the job on a handshake, just on our word. A lot of jobs were never done on a contract. Just a few years ago, I was doing an Egg & I Restaurant and he would just tell me to go ahead and do them. Things have changed, you can’t do that today.” The company, like many companies, have had some memorable jobs. For the EIB team, nothing could have been better than to be a part of the Dallas Cowboys franchise with respect to building 20 to 30

Dallas Cowboy Pro Shops over the years. “We are big Dallas Cowboy fans,” Mark recalls. “And for us, that was so cool. We were able to go to some of the Dallas Cowboys games, attend training camp once and even received an autograph Dallas Cowboy jersey. We even built the new shop in the Star in Frisco, TX where they moved to.” Although the construction industry is considered to be an essential business and was allowed to continue working during the COVID shutdown, the company experience; some not welcomed effects of the shutdown. “The Army Airforce Exchange Service that we do work for on the military bases pretty much halted all their projects. They usually do a lot of work over the year that keep us pretty busy,” says Mark. “They just shut down. They weren’t doing any more jobs and we are a pre-qualified contractor for them so that really hurt us. Fortunately, the guys were able to bid some other projects and pick up the work,” adds Dale. E I B Contractors have completed small, interior finish-out and large, groundup construction projects for many nationally recognized brands from New York to California. They are fully licensed, insured and bonded which allows them to work in shopping malls, strip centers, hospitals and office buildings across the United States. E I B Contractors is a nationwide commercial general contractor in San Antonio. -cmw

continued from Page 1 — Rural Electric Inc.

Yellow Course 1st Place Team: IBTX Risk Services #2

Red Course 1st Place Team: Pro Star Roll-Off Dumpsters

In memoriam…

frain Leal, a longtime SpawGlass team member and a loving husband, father and life-long resident of Pearsall, TX, passed away unexpectedly Oct. 22 at the age of 53. Efrain was born on Sept. 23, 1967 to Marcelino and Elsa Leal. He grew up in a large loving family with two sisters and one brother. Efrain was a driven professional with an unmatched work ethic. He started his career in the grocery store industry working for Super S Foods for 15 years. He then went to work for SpawGlass. While at SpawGlass, he attended and graduated from ABC South Texas’ apprenticeship program as a certified Journeyman Carpenter. Efrain continued into the construction industry as a carpenter where he worked for SpawGlass for nearly 20 years and has enjoyed the trade ever since. Efrain married his high school sweetheart, Sandy Bonilla, Jul. 5, 1986 and later welcomed his three beautiful children, who were the most important part of his life. Efrain served the community as a volunteer fire fighter for 14 years. He was a spiritual man and a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church where he participated in church organizations to include Men’s Acts and Teen Acts. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus as

states. They knew there was growth in Texas, and they knew they had to move to Texas, and that is what they did. In 1996, Rural Electric opened its second office in San Antonio, TX specializing in aviation lighting, low to medium voltage installation, high mast lighting, fiber optic OSP, military aircraft support systems, instrumentation and controls. Since then, Rural Electric San Antonio has grown substantially according to Texas Division Manager Brian Revell, who has been with Rural Electric since 2018. “We had an IDIQ contract at Randolph AFB for eight years and of course we branched out and started doing air field work all over the state of Texas. We have been doing that ever since as well as industrial work and controls, water controls and wastewater treatment plants,” says Revell. “We service Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, Utah, California and Nevada and we hold contracting licenses in those states. We also do some military work in Florida.” The San Antonio office of Rural Electric is 16 employees strong and is leveraging some of their current talent to branch out in Texas to take on different types of work outside of aviation. “Presently, up

until now, our Texas office focused primarily on aviation. They have become the real experts on the aviation lighting in Texas and in San Antonio. I think we have a really great name as far as the aviation sector goes but we want to expand that into the different transportation infrastructures, water/wastewater capabilities and expand the market in Texas because we have the talent down there to do so,” adds Rural Electric Business Development Manager, Jacey Sutton. In addition, Rural Electric performs service work at the airports. “We repair airport lighting when needed as well as the components. We cover the whole gambit, not only install it, but we maintain a lot of it as well,” Revell adds. “We have a manufacturing division and we manufacture process control panels. These process control panels are used in the airfield lighting, so we actually manufacture and provide these control panels. Our construction team in SA will install these panels at the airport which controls the airport’s lighting,” Sutton says. Rural Electric Inc. is a General and Electrical Contracting company with operations based in Arizona and Texas. -cmw

continued from Page 1 — Amstar Inc. General Contractors

well as Adoradores Laicos of the sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Efrain was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and has been described as the strongest, most caring man who gave selfishly to others. He was a hardworking man who strived to provide the very best for his children into adulthood. He was always taking care of others before himself. He enjoyed time with his family but most of all he cherished his time with his two grandchildren, Eralyn and Mason. His infection smile, selfless personality and loving heart will be missed by all who had the opportunity to have known him. -cmw

Texas. “We were awarded the JOC with Texas Tech which is an eight-year contract. As of last year, we also got on with the City of San Antonio JOC and have been awardrf 39 projects through the City of San Antonio. This JOC ranges from renovations of fire stations to parks and the library system,” continues Carrisal. “We have a lot of clientele. GSA is our largest because we have so many zones going into New Mexico, Oklahoma and Louisiana, and all the way down to the Valley,” Flores adds. Amstar started out with five employees back in 1999. Today, the company is 21 employees strong, having doubled in size within the past two years. “Our reputation is everything. We deliver on a timely fashion, with quality work and we are reasonable. We have the trust of our clients and we don’t take that lightly. We have built a quality and experienced team over the years. Project Manager/Estimators Rick Ledesma oversees over our GSA projects, Mickey Aliff oversees our Texas Tech University projects and “AC” oversees our City of San Anto-

nio and other cooperative contracts. These three PMs, along with our other staff have been essential to our growth. AC has been a really good addition to Amstar because he is the one that really brought in a lot of the JOC work other than GSA.” Flores says. “We have been very successful due to our very knowledgeable team. We feel very humble for the opportunities we get every day to produce quality work for each one of our clients. Being selected as a repeat contractor on our GSA contracts is a testament to this,” Flores proudly states. As Amstar expands, they look for new clients they can help through the JOC process. Whether they need information on JOC or how to get on a JOC, Amstar is always ready to help. “We have a lot of history with JOC cooperatives, so we have a lot of avenues to help clients with procuring contracts through JOC,” Flores adds. Amstar Inc. General Contractors is based in San Antonio, and proudly serves multiple states as an experienced construction contractor. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 20

Page 19

Association Calendar

If you could have anything for Christmas this year, what would it be and why?

Content Contentsubmitted submittedby byAssociations Associationsto toConstruction ConstructionNews News ABC

Associated Builders & Contractors Inc.

Dec. 3: Construct A Kids Christmas Virtual Gala. Dec. 4: Construct A Kid’s Toy Drive, Construction News Offices, 4047 NacoPerrin Blvd., 8am-2pm. For more info, contact Leah Villarreal at leah@abcsouthtexas.org or call 210-342-1994 AGC Associated General Contractors

Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Virtual Gala. Dec. 4: Construct A Kid’s Toy Drive, Construction News Offices, 4047 NacoPerrin Blvd., 8am-2pm. Dec. 8: Holiday Open House, AGC Offices, 10806 Gulfdale, 4:30-6:30pm. For more info, call 210-349-4921 AIA

American Institute of Architects

Dec. 1: COTE Monthly Meeting via Zoom, 12-1pm. Dec. 1: WiA Monthly Meeting via Zoom, 5:30-6:30pm. Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Virtual Gala. Dec. 4: Construct A Kid’s Toy Drive, Construction News Offices, 4047 NacoPerrin Blvd., 8am-2pm. For more info, call 210-226-4979 ASA American Subcontractors Assn.

Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Virtual Gala. Dec. 4: Construct A Kid’s Toy Drive, Construction News Offices, 4047 NacoPerrin Blvd., 8am-2pm. Dec. 16: Launch & Learn – Facebook Etiquette & Security for Business, 11:30am. For more info, call Jennifer Swinney at 210349-2105 ASSP

American Society of Safety Professionals

Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Virtual Gala. Dec. 4: Construct A Kid’s Toy Drive, Construction News Offices, 4047 NacoPerrin Blvd., 8am-2pm. Dec. 21: Chapter Meeting, Southwest Research Institute (SWRI), 6220 Culebra Rd., 11am-1-pm. For info, go to www. southtexas.asse.org BCA Black Contractors Assn.

Dec. 3: Construct A Kids Christmas Virtual Gala. Dec. 4: Construct A Kid’s Toy Drive, Construction News Offices, 4047 NacoPerrin Blvd., 8am-2pm. For more info, call 210-349-4921 CFMA

Construction Financial Management Assn.

Dec.3: Construct A Kids Christmas Virtual Gala. Dec. 4: Construct A Kid’s Toy Drive, Construction News Offices, 4047 NacoPerrin Blvd., 8am-2pm. For info, email cfmasatx@gmail.com HCA de SA

Hispanic Contractors Assn. de San Antonio

Dec. 3: Construct A Kids Christmas Virtual Gala. Dec. 4: Construct A Kid’s Toy Drive, Construction News Offices, 4047 NacoPerrin Blvd., 8am-2pm. Dec. 16: HCA Holiday Open House, HCA de SA Office, 2391 NE Loop 410 #206, 6-8pm. For info, call Victoria Rodriguez at 210-444-1100 or email vrodriguez@ hcadesa.org Dec. 10: HCA Holiday Open House, HCA de SA Office, 2391 NE Loop 410 #206, 3-7pm. For more info, call Victoria Rodriguez at 210-444-1100 or email vrodriguez@hcadesa.org IEC

Independent Electrical Contractors

Dec. 3: Construct A Kids Christmas Virtual Gala.

Dec. 4: Construct A Kid’s Toy Drive, Construction News Offices, 4047 NacoPerrin Blvd., 8am-2m. Dec. 4: 12th Annual Member Appreciation Casino Night, IEC Training Center, 5511 Ingram Rd., 6-11pm. For more info, contact Julie Tucker at 210-431-9861

I would love a week alone with my family in a digital black hole where we can do whatever we want without any disruptions. I feel that the stresses of trying to have a balanced life result it being pulled in too many directions all at once. Lisa Jaster, M&S Engineering

MCA-SMACNA INC

If I could magically have absolutely ANYTHING? I would just ask for a safe and affective COVID vaccine. This year has been so unsteady and so full of bad news, that I feel, a little good news like a vaccine would be worth all the physical gifts in the world. JP Oates, Young Bros. Fire Protection

Mechanical Contractors Association Sheet Metal & A/C Nat’l Association

Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Virtual Gala. Dec. 4: Construct A Kid’s Toy Drive, Construction News Offices, 4047 NacoPerrin Blvd., 8am-2pm. Dec. 16: MCA-SMACNA, Christmas Party - CANCELLED. Dec. 18: Joint Industry Fund Meeting, MCA-SMACNA office, 12500 Network Blvd., #410, 11:30am. For more info, call Sandee Morgan at 210-822-3763

If I could have anything for Christmas it would be at least one COVID free day so that I could go see a movie, go out to dinner or hang out with friends and not have to keep walking back to the truck to get my mask. Wade Turner, Texas Solar

National Electrical Contractors Assn.

Hmm…I’ll have to give you a list (in no particular order): To let my dogs out in the back yard without them digging under the fence escaping to the park behind my house; To go back to pre-COVID normalcy, but keep the April-October traffic; For the election to be over; To watch any show without a seeing prescription drug commercial; For a movie theater to run James Bond (Sean Connery) films; To not see Christmas decoration displays in stores in October; and For 2021 to be better than 2020. Jerry Graeber, Leonard Contracting

PHCC

Philosophically, if I could have anything it would be to win the lottery so I could pay for everything and help other people that need help. I have a lot of friends who haven’t had jobs since COVID hit. I would like to have peace, true peace where everybody gets along in a mature, respect-

NAWIC National Assn. of Women in Construction

Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Virtual Gala. Dec. 4: Construct A Kid’s Toy Drive, Construction News Offices, 4047 NacoPerrin Blvd., 8am-2pm. Dec. 9: Virtual Chapter Holiday Party, For info, contact Heather Osborn at 210-2169676 or email heather@memcostaffing.com NECA

Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Virtual Gala. Dec. 4: Construct A Kid’s Toy Drive, Construction News Offices, 4047 NacoPerrin Blvd., 8am-2pm. For more info, go to www.necanet.org

ful way. Stop all this bickering and fighting and allow people to be wrong and have their own opinions. Mary Haskin, Mary C. Haskin Photography Everybody, myself included, wants their health and family, that goes without saying. As far a business and Moderno goes, I would also love to have our product in an amazing project here in San Antonio for all to see. Teri Shelton, Moderno Porcelain Works Another trip to Moab. The last time I was there I barely got to scratch the surface of all the awesome stuff to do there. Jon Randolph, Jr., F.A. Nunnelly General Contractor If I could have anything, it would be a week back in New Jersey to see my friends. I miss them dearly. Jennifer Guadian, Build-It Construction Heating & Cooling Services There are so many avenues I could go with this question. Obviously, I would like our new trench/shoring system to be huge success. On a personal level, I just had a new born so more sleep would be amazing. Kevin Avocato, H&E Equipment If I could have anything if would be for COVID to go away. I want normal, whatever that is going to be without masks. Michael Traugott, Jr.; SouthTexas Drywall I want a Ferrari. Rick Brun, HR Brun Company Inc. I would like for our nation to be healed from this horrible pandemic. Brian Revell, Rural Electric

Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors

Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Virtual Gala. Dec. 4: Construct A Kid’s Toy Drive, Construction News Offices, 4047 Naco-Perrin Blvd., 8am-2pm. Dec. 12: PHCC Christmas Party, SA Zoo Lights, 6pm. Dec. 16-Jan. 3: Christmas Break PHCC Plumbing Apprenticeship School. For info, call Heidi Trimble at 210-824-7422 Dec. 17: PHCC Christmas Party, Alamo Café, 14250 San Pedro Ave., 5:30-8:30pm. For info, call Heidi Trimble at 210-824-7422 SAMCA

San Antonio Masonry Contractors Assn.

Dec. 3: Holiday Mixer/Auction, Old San Francisco Steakhouse, 10223 Sahara Dr., 6-9pm. Dec. 4: Construct A Kid’s Toy Drive, Construction News Offices, 4047 Naco-Perrin Blvd., 8am-2pm. For more info, contact Debi Solis at 210-347-2423 SAST

Surety Association of South Texas

Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Virtual Gala. Dec. 4: Construct A Kid’s Toy Drive, Construction News Offices, 4047 NacoPerrin Blvd., 8am-2pm. TACCA

Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Assn. Greater San Antonio

Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Virtual Gala. Dec. 4: Construct A Kid’s Toy Drive, Construction News Offices, 4047 NacoPerrin Blvd., 8am-2pm. For more info, call Dawn Thompson at 210-901-4222

Submitted to Construction News

Round-Up

CORE Electrical Group is proud to announce the promotion of Jonathan Campos from Foreman to Estimator. Campos has been with the company for five years and in that time completed the IEC journeyman electrician program. He exceled in his positions as both journeyman electrician and foreman. In his new role, he will be responsible for pricing/estimating, value engineering, and procuring commercial electrical work in New Braunfels, San Antonio and the surrounding areas. -cmw

Round-Up Submissions

Brief company announcements of new or recently promoted personnel, free of charge, as space allows. Submit Info & Photo: SAeditor@ConstructionNews.net (210) 308-5800

EquipmentShare is pleased to announce the addition of Trevor Schauenberg as the company’s Executive Operating Partner. In his new role, he will support the executive team with financial strategy and leadership. As former president and CEO of Industrial Finance at GE Capital, he brings 28 years of progressive leadership experience. -cmw RX Technology of Texas is pleased to announce the addition of Nick Metcalf to their team. Nick brings over 13 years of sales experience with a concentration in the construction industry. Nick serves on the board of directors for ASA and is the member committee chair as well. He was named ABC volunteer of the year in 2018 and serves on numerous ABC committees as well. -cmw

Page 20

San Antonio Construction News â&#x20AC;˘ DEC 20

JOB SIGHTS

Alpine Contracting Superintendent Brandon Brysch, oversees workers on the 40,000sf Agape Church project. Horseshoe Erectors is the steel erector for the project and Accessible Building Co. is the PEMB supplier. -cmw

Toby Martinez, president of Bexar Excavating & Hauling LLC preparing pavement subgrade for the Water Works Auto Spa project. Marc General Construction LLC is the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general contractor. -cmw

Colby Lewis, Roofing Rx partner and superintendent, looks over the new roof system going on at 8418 Broadway. -cmw

Superintendent Mike Pate, Cambridge Contracting LLC, at the Cibolo Nature School of Boerne in Boerne, TX. -cwm

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 20

Page 21

People + place

he American Institute of Architects presented AIA San Antonio’s 2020 People + Place awards. And the winners are:

People Award – Rising Star: Helena Zambrano, AIA (photo unavailable) Corey Squire, AIA (photo unavailable) Legacy Award: Mark Oppelt LPA, Inc. (photo unavailable) Community Partner Award: Ron Bauml, Assoc. AIA (photo unavailable) 25 Year Award: Fairmount Hotel, Alamo Architects Place Honor Award: Aegean Pool House, Lake|Flato Architects

Place Honor Award: Laity Lodge, Overland Partners

Place Merit Award: Hill Country Wine Cave, Clayton Korte Architects

Place Merit Award: New Mexico School of Arts, Lake|Flato Architects

Place Citation Award: Boston Commons, Cotton Estes, Architect

Place Citation Award: Museum of Fine Arts Houston - Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation, Lake|Flato Architects

Place COTE AWARD: 1811 S. Alamo Office Renovations, LPA Inc.

Mayor’s Choice and Community Impact Awards: Childsafe, Overland Partners

Page 22

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 20

Industry FOLKS

t was pumpkin carving time for the folks at Alpha Building Corp. on Oct. 30. The creativity of Alpha’s team showed their Halloween spirit as they picked up their carving tools for the company’s annual pumpkin carving tools. -cmw

JP Oates Project Designer Young Bros. Fire Protection Helotes, TX

P was born in Syracuse, NY which is actually closer to Canada than it is to New York City. Since his father was in the U.S. Air Force, he lived in England from the age of four until the summer before he started the 7th grade, at which time he moved to Texas. “I loved living in England. My dad met my stepmom there, so I grew up with all my British aunts, uncles and cousins. My Grandmother had a little cottage in the town of Hadleigh, in Ipswich that I always thought was the coolest place because there was a Fish and Chip shop about 10 feet away from her back gate.” After returning to the states, JP’s dad was stationed in San Antonio and he attended Lackland Jr/Sr High School which is now known as Stacey Jr/Sr High. In the 12th grade, he transferred to and graduated from John Jay High School. “I did not attend college. The Gulf War was ramping up about the time I was graduating high school, so I chose to join the U.S. Navy.” JP served in the U.S. Navy from 1991-1997. He was stationed at N.A.S. Miramar in San Diego, CA. His first Western Pacific (West-Pac) deployment was made onboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron VAW-114 from Nov. 3 1992 to May 3, 1993 in support of ‘Operation Restore Hope’ in Somalia and ‘Operation Southern Watch’ over Iraq which resulted in the Command being awarded The Kuwait Liberation Medal, which is a medal issued by the government of

The great pumpkin

Kuwait for military personnel who served in the Persian Gulf War’s ‘Liberation of Kuwait’ Campaign. He was then deployed to Howard Air Force Base in Panama in June of ‘93 for Joint Task Force drug interdiction duty. JP’s second West-Pac deployment was also onboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV63), returning to the familiar waters of the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf from Jun. 24, 1994 to Dec. 22, 1994, once again in support of ‘Operation Southern Watch’ over Iraq. His third and final WestPac deployment Nov. 27, 1995 through May 20, 1996 was onboard the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron VAW-112, on station in the Persian Gulf until the deployment was re-routed off the coast of Taiwan during the ‘Third Taiwan Strait Crisis’. After his Honorable Discharge from the Navy, he worked a couple of years as a Correctional Officer at the John B. Connelly, Maximum Security Prison in Kenedy, TX. His brother, Reggie, later got him a job at the pipes fittings and valves company he was working at. “I worked my way through every facet of that job from warehouse helper to delivery driver to working in the office doing the daily reports and billing to CAD Stocklister. “Now, I am a Project Designer at Young Bros. Fire Protection, an amazing company! We plan, design and hydraulically calculate commercial, residential and industrial fire protection systems.” -cmw

Karen MacEntee’s Scariest pumpkin.

Rich Booher’s Cutest pumpkin.

Alpha Building Corp. San Antonio office project – Best Overall Project Office pumpkin carving. L-R: Apolonio Mendez, Amy Bricker, Cathy Frost, Ray Gibson, Kathleen Acock and Andy Vyverman.

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 20

Page 23

Fishing at Paws & Taws

ssociated Builders & Contractors (ABC) South Texas Chapter held their 2020 Fishing Tournament Oct. 9 and 10 in Rockport, TX. Thirty-two boats participated in the association’s annual tournament. Participants were treated to dinner and Calcutta the evening of the 9th at Paws & Taws. Fishing began at daylight Oct. 10 with perfect, sunny warm weather at Paws & Taws.

Heaviest redfish winners: 2nd Place: What’s Sewing On LLP 3rd Place: Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing Inc. 4th Place: Cokinos |Young 5th Place: Arrowhead Asset Services

Heaviest trout winners: 1st Place: Aerohead Mechanical 2nd Place: Robles 1 LLC Team #1 3rd Place: Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing Inc. 4th Place: Joeris General Contractors Ltd. 5th Place: MAREK Team #2

Golf anyone?

embers of the Hispanic Contractors Association de San Antonio (HCAdeSA) headed for the greens at SilverHorn Golf Club on Oct. 9 for the association’s golf tournament. With beautiful weather, and months and months of social distancing, everyone had a great time. -cmw Golf tournament winners: 2nd Place Net: Service Shade Shop 3rd Place Net: Equipment Share Closest to the Pin winners: Mellissa Guenther, Sasha Kiger, Hugo Alvarado

and Robert O’Donoghue Longest Drive Winners: Mauricio Cano, Josh Holcomb, Caroline Villa and Sasha Kiger

1st Place Gross: Sundt Team 1st Place Heaviest Red: TDIndustries, Inc. Team #1

1st Place Net: Ewing

TDIndustries weigh in.

Golfing masons

he San Antonio Masonry Contractors Association (SAMCA) held their first event since the onset of COVID. Members of the association and guests grabbed their clubs and irons for a fun-filled day of golf for SAMCA’s Annual Golf Tournament. The tournament was held on Oct. 7 at SilverHorn Golf Club. -cmw SAMCA Golf Tournament winners: 2nd Place: Team #16, San Antonio Masonry and Steel – Troy Fabre, Spencer Campbell,

Manuel Maldonado and James Welborn 3rd Place: Team #20 – Jacob Emery, AHI Supply; Jose Herrera, Meridian Brick; Jacob Star, Victoria Police Dept. and Scott Rower, R.S.C.M. Contractors Straightest Drive: Matt Doherty, Joeris General Contractors Closest-to-the-Pin: Manuel Maldonado, San Antonio Masonry and Steel Longest Drive: Jacob Star, Victoria Police Dept.

1st Place: Team #8 – Joe Gambrel, H&E Equipment; Ricky Campa, H&E Equipment; Taber Diaz, Lasco and Chris Martinez, Lasco

Industry FOLKS Brent Norton Branch Manager

ABC Supply

San Antonio, TX

arrollton, TX is a standard north Dallas suburb in the middle of an enormous metroplex according to Norton, who was born in Dallas and grew up in Carrollton, TX. “It’s an area that’s not any bigger than Stone Oak. Except for the fact that we had four high schools instead of one. “I went to Newman Smith High School. After graduation, I went to Texas A&M University. It was the best experience imaginable. I started in the dorms and made a bunch of friends. I spent my later years traveling with the basketball team in the band. They gave us a meal stipend in cash and let us explore the towns we traveled to, and I particularly had fun in Trenton, NJ of all places.” Brent obtained his bachelor degree Industrial Distribution as it was the closest degree to Business/Sales that was part of the Engineering College. He’s been married for over five years to Bianca. They met while he was working a hail storm for ABC in Wichita, KS. “We met in the summer of 2012. She was a waitress at a restaurant I would go to watch Texas Rangers Baseball games. We have two daughters. Karrington is 2 and a half years old, and Anastasia is 9 months old. We also have a husky,

Mya, and a mutt that I rescued from our warehouse named Molly. “Bradco/ABC was the best company that offered me a job out of college, so I took it. As Branch #461 Branch Manager, I feel the best part about my job is paving the way for others to have good careers. ABC is a great company to work for the long-haul. I intend on continuously training up those that come after me to be the best they can be.” Monty Hooper, who just retired from ABC Supply was the best mentor Brent could have hoped for. “He had a long career in our industry and had a ton of experience in everything we do. We had a relationship that was very unique, and I have no doubt that no one else could have prepared me for a career in leadership.” Brent loves to golf and travel and luckily, he gets to do both for work. “I really don’t feel the need to relax much. It’s kind of weird, but I just love what I do, and I don’t feel the need to relax very often. Of course, I spend the weekends chasing my two little girls around. They keep me pretty occupied as you can imagine.” -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News â&#x20AC;˘ DEC 20

Trick or treat

hosts, goblins, zombies and more filled workspaces around town as Halloween descended upon the construction industry looking for a fun. Would it be a trick or a treat? -cmw

Alterman

G.D. Interior Construction

Marek

Robinson General Contractors Inc.

Baker Triangle

A-1 Fire & Safety

Alterman - HR Department

Allied Fire Protection

Benchmark Plumbing

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Haver Contractors

DEA Specialties Co.

A-1 Fire & Safety

Quality Fence & Welding