San Antonio Construction News February 2021

Covering the Industry’s News

Texas Style

PRSRT. STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID DALLAS, TX PERMIT #1451

P.O. Box 791290 San Antonio, Texas 78279-1290 Change Service Requested

San Antonio H Austin

San Antonio

CONSTRUCTION NEWS The Industry’s Newspaper

ImagesFromTexas.com

www.constructionnews.net H (210) 308-5800 H Volume 24 H Number 2 H FEBRUARY 2021

P

Raba passes the torch

Anchoring their place

Chris Schultz, CEO, Raba Kistner Inc.

L-R: Operations Manager Vance Jupe and President Gabe Aguilar

eople, and more importantly the relationships Chris Schultz has with those people are what make Chris Schultz who he is. He measures his success on the positive impact he has on the lives of others.

Effective Jan. 1, Gary Raba, son of the company’s founder, Carl Raba, officially passed the torch to Schultz as CEO. This is the first time since Raba Kistner Inc. was founded that the top leadership position is held outside the Raba family.

Schultz has been a part of the Raba Kistner team for 30 years. He started working for Raba Kistner under the leadership of Dick Kistner after graduating from the University of Colorado.

“Anybody who knows me would say I was lying if I said I didn’t think I would

A

ustin Bridge & Road is a 103-yearold company and is the oldest operating division of Austin Industries.

Austin Industries is the parent company for Austin Commercial, Austin Industrial, and Austin Bridge & Road and its new division, Austin Recycle & Materials.

For some time, Austin Bridge & Road has been looking for an alternative solution for the disposal of their construction waste material. With no concrete or dirt dumpsites inside Loop 410, a lot of time is wasted hauling materials south of town.

Effective Oct. 1, Austin Recycle & Materials officially opened and is fully operational. Located at Hwy 151 and Pinn Rd, the new dumpsite is currently accepting fill material, asphalt and concrete. The recycled asphalt and concrete material will then be crushed for use on construction projects.

“With this new facility we are able to accept fill material, asphalt and concrete for recycling. The recycled material will be

someday be heading up the company.

But now that it has happened, I am truly humbled. I look back at it and having only two prior CEOs over a 52-year span, and following behind two legends in our industry, Carl and Gary Raba, has to be a humbling experience.

“I started as an engineer in training (EIT). Over time, I evolved into other positions. I took over the management of the geotechnical group in San Antonio, growing it and starting other service lines in forensics and building envelope services. After about 10 years in that role, I took on more corporate responsibility to be the geotechnical service line leader for the entire company. Over the next 15 years my role continued to grow,” says Schultz. continued on Page 18

G

abe Aguilar and Vance Jupe’s paths would have to cross several times before their partnership would lead to success, but together they operate Anchor Insulation of Texas LLC, providing commercial insulation services to South Texas.

After meeting and graduating from Southwest Texas State University, Jupe went on to work in the family business while Aguilar started his career for a large corporation. They would go on to work in the insulation industry in San Antonio for the next 15 years.

After a brief stint in the oil industry, Aguilar found some inspiration to return to the insulation industry. “I noticed a pretty good hole in the market that somebody was going to fill, so I thought,

‘Why not me’?”

Thanksgiving weekend of 2017, Aguilar met Jupe and his father, Rick Jupe, after hearing they had closed the family business. “I wanted to get their opinion on this vacancy in the market.

The more I spoke with them, the more I wanted to move forward. Months later, we opened our doors,” says Aguilar.

Aguilar opened Anchor Insulation of Texas LLC in March 2018 as a specialty contractor for commercial insulation on HVAC pipe, ductwork and plumbing piping.

“There is a small group of insulators in San Antonio; 12 to 15 of various sizes who do this type of work, and approximately 100 to 150 mechanical and plumbing contractors. It is a captive audience. continued on Page 18

Construction disposal depot

Austin Recycle & Materials

available for commercial sales. Austin Bridge will use some of it, but it is a commercial sales material facility. We will operate like a quarry if you will, except we are selling recycled materials,” says Michael Cervantes, project manager for Austin Recycle & Materials.

“By being inside Loop 410, it is a closer haul for our customers to dispose of demolished concrete and asphalt. Before Oct. 2020, you would have to go outside Loop 410 to south of Loop 1604 to legally dispose of concrete and asphalt. We are 12 miles closer to the inner city with this location and that is the reason we were actively looking for this location. Inner city is where the majority of the demo concrete and asphalt come from in any metropolitan area. It is the older part of town. It is the part of town where most cities do their removal, paving demo and all those things that generate this product. Being at Hwy. 151 makes it extremely accessible. There continued on Page 18

Page 2

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

Page 3

New addition to HOLT family

AIW joins the Triple S family

T

I

Brad Bonnecaze and Michael Hatfield in front of HOLT CAT corporate headquarters in San Antonio.

t’s exciting times for HOLT CAT. The heavy equipment icon has just added to its footprint with the purchase of Sullair of Houston on Jan. 1.

Sullair of Houston was originally established in 1968 as a Sullair Company store, owned by Sullair Corporation. It was ran as a company store until 1985. In 1986, Brad Fish purchased the company and operated as an independent distributor for Sullair products in 134 counties in the state of Texas, everything south of Dallas, from 1986 until 2020. Headquarted in Houston, Sullair of Houston has facilities in San Antonio and Odessa, Texas.

“We are a full line distributor and one of the largest in the U.S. for Sullair. We sell, service and rent the full line of Sullair compressors - from air dryers to diesel compressors and tools – anything that Sullair makes, sells, service, parts and rents,” says Sullair of Houston General Manager Brad Bonnecaze. “Sullair’s primary products are industrial air compressors and portable air compressors and all of their components. One of the things that differentiates us from other Sullair distributors is our custom packaging of components and systems into skids for oilfield. We also offer different types of specialized applications and products.

We specialize in designing systems and building custom packages; anything and everything we can do to meet the customers’ needs, because there is not always an off-the-shelf solution. Because we are located in Houston, our products end up going around the world to different energy companies.”

For the immediate future, Sullair of Houston will continue to operate as Sullair of Houston. Through the acquisition, the name of the company and actual entity is Holt Industrial Air Systems d.b.a Sullair of Houston.

From a customer’s perspective, nothing will change when it comes to the

quality service, parts and machines that Sullair customers have become accustomed.

“We are excited to welcome the Sullair of Houston team to HOLT,” stated HOLT CAT CEO Peter J. Holt. “We share the same core values and each bring a relentless focus on providing legendary service to our customers. Acquiring Sullair of Houston allows us to expand our list of products and services within a growing market.”

The HOLT CAT acquisition will also support Sullair’s growth. “We are expecting a lot of growth in the San Antonio, Austin and Waco markets where we didn’t have as big of a presence before.

We are very excited. It is a family company. We knew that we have built the company as far as it could get without someone else with more financial capabilities and more experience in this area to grow the business. It is a perfect fit with the HOLT group,” adds Bonnecaze.

Bonnecaze who has been with Sullair of Houston since 2003 will continue as general manager.

“The legendary customer service that Sullair of Houston has always had coupled with HOLT’s legacy, capabilities, and of course their legendary customer service will propel us even further with a larger footprint, increased availability of products, new products and new capabilities.”

HOLT CAT is a family-owned company, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas.

HOLT sells, rents and services Caterpillar machines, engines and generator sets in a 118-county Texas territory, spanning from the Red River to the Rio Grande.

Other HOLT divisions include HOLT Crane & Equipment, Texas First Rentals, HOLT Manufacturing, SITECH Tejas, HOLT Truck Centers and HOLT Renewables.

Holt Industrial Air Systems d.b.a Sullair of Houston is a supplier of Sullair industrial air compressor products. -cmw

L-R: Gary and Bruce Stein

en years after the end of the civil war, George Holmgreen, a blacksmith who moved into foundry steel and industrial supplies, started Alamo Iron Works (AIW). The company, over the next 145 years, would become an industry name throughout Texas, supplying steel and industrial products to construction job sites and all types of steel users.

While the Holmgreen family held the company for five generations, it has since changed ownership several times. The latest being Triple-S Steel, one of the largest steel suppliers in the nation.

Bruce Stein founded Triple-S Steel in 1960 as a small new and used distribution yard spinoff of his father’s, Johnny Stein, scrap yard business, Dixie Iron and Metal Co. In the early years, Triple-S was mostly a steel retailer. The company’s growth began 36 years ago when the Stein family opened their second facility in San Antonio. Since then, Triple-S has grown to a company of 1300-plus employees with 40 locations across the United States in addition to several in Colombia and one in Canada.

Effective Jan. 18, Triple-S Steel and Alamo Iron Works became one as AIW joined the Triple-S Steel family. “This is a very emotional addition to our family, particularly for my father but also for me.

We grew up seeing these giant orange AIW trucks all over Texas. It was this big ol’ Alamo and little ol’ Triple-S,” says Triple-S Steel President Gary Stein.

For the team members of AIW, they could not be happier. “This is a monumental day for us. It is exciting to know that we are going to be under the ownership of a Texas steel company that knows our market and has proven they have what it takes to prosper in even the toughest of economic times. Our previous owners were very successful at selling MRO supplies but never really understood the steel side of our business. Under Triple-S we are going to be able to offer our customers much more than we could before,” says AIW Marketing & Communications Director Stacy Reynolds.

The decision by Triple-S to purchase

AIW was for the most part a no-brainer.

The distribution icon was ready to be under the leadership of owners who understand steel and who can help the company deepen its footprint in the industry.

“The decision was only natural. We are steel people. Steel is in our blood. Our family has been in the steel business for so long that when it rains, we rust,” Stein states before stressing the uniqueness of the steel distribution business. “Steel is a unique business, and you can’t put it in a box and ship it like you can grinding wheels and a dozen pair of gloves.”

Reynolds agreed. “That is one thing that has differed between the two companies. Triple-S has always been about metal and AIW has always been half metal, half industrial supplies.” Today, Triple-S does sell industrial supplies in a few of their locations, but 90-plus percent of their revenue is in the steel business, according to Stein.

In the foreseeable future, it will be mostly business as usual for the AIW team. Ron Heidelberg, General Manager of AIW’s Steel Division, will be taking over as Operations Manager for the entire organization. The company will be keeping the Alamo Iron Works name and will continue to provide superior service to their customers as a supplier of both steel and industrial supplies. “While we don’t know exactly what the company will look like down the road, everyone has the utmost respect for the historical significance of both brands. We are focused on creating synergies that will make us stronger together,” says Reynolds, who will be taking over the marketing reins at Triple-S. “I think what this acquisition really means is a better and more reliable, more dependable supplier for our customers.

Triple-S Steel and Alamo Iron Works have been here a long time. We are taking the best of both worlds and steering them together. We are happy to increase our commitment to the San Antonio market and the South Texas Region. We believe in it and we are glad to be here,” Stein says in closing.

Alamo Iron Works is a supplier of steel and industrial supplies. -cmw

Page 4

M

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

Not just painting

From grubbing to excavation

AGL Painting team L-R: John Aguilar, Miguel Aguilar, Melissa Perez, Santos Aguilar and Miguel Aguilar, Jr.

L-R: Managing Partner Maegan Flannigan and Owner Emmett Mikolajczyk, Miko Excavation.

iguel Aguilar always had a feel for business. He enjoyed working with people, and as a young man in the ‘80s, he took two years of building trades in high school. He then attended San Antonio College and earned his associates degree in construction. Unfortunately, as he was graduating from college, the market in San Antonio crashed.

“When the market crashed, it forced me to do something else. A lot of people that I knew working in construction also started doing something totally different just to survive,” says Aguilar.

When the economy started to pick up, Aguilar started painting with other contractors. He eventually decided it was time to do his own thing. He and his uncle, Luis Aguilar, started Aguilar Painting as a residential painting contractor. But being a residential painting contractor was not Aguilar’s cup of tea and the company transitioned into commercial painting with establishment of AGL Painting.

“Commercial is more challenging. Ev-

ery job is different in the sense that every scope is different. The specifications are different and there is always the challenge of ensuring you meet the specified requirements,” he continues.

As a family-owned business, family is everything. Aguilar and his uncle strive to take care of their partners and their employees. To them, their partners and their employees are family. “We have a lot of family members that work for us. More than anything, we really care about the people we work for and the work we do. Every job is very important to us, so we strive for excellence on every job. At the end of the day, it’s all about making our clients happy because they are number one,” Aguilar states.

AGL Painting has recently moved into industrial work. Their services include interior and exterior painting, tape and float, faux finishes, canopy columns and decks, acoustical drywall and ceilings, sandblasting, pressure washing, color matching, full restoration services, metal steel framing and demo work. -cmw

W

hen Emmett Mikolajczyk was a young man getting ready to make his way in life, farmers were being paid by the government to grub and root farm fields once neglected by ranchers.

Once cleared fields after 10 or 15 years were overrun with thick mesquite growth, making these fields useless. It was during that time that Texas A&M put on a demonstration in McMullen County using a plow they invented for grubbing up regrowth. It would attach to the front of a small dozer so farmers could go back into these fields and grub the thick growth. Mikolajczyk attended that demonstration and began grubbing fields.

After the oil fields failed, everybody had begun grubbing fields and Mikolajczyk made his way to San Antonio where he began clearing lands for the growing areas in and around San Antonio. Thus, the birth of Miko Excavation which was established in 1982.

Interestingly, Mikolajczyk was also a San Antonio Police officer who served San Antonio for 13 years. He retired from the

San Antonio Police Department in 1985 to concentrate on his growing business.

“We worked in residential for a couple of years and then I just got lucky,” recalls Mikolajczyk. After getting in with some bigger contractors in the area, Miko Excavation transitioned into commercial projects and has been doing commercial excavation ever since.

“We are exceptionally experienced in comparison to everybody that is still out there doing what we do. We are fortunate to have customers that have been with us for years and keep us busy. Our reputation and what we are doing at this stage in my life keep us going,” he adds.

Miko Excavation has a 60-acre facility where they have a screening and crushing operation on site as well as their own service shop.

“Our team is trained to work carefully with all of your essential building materials, ensuring timely installation or removal as well as a safe result for all of our projects.”

-cmw

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

Page 5

Partnering to give back

Industry FOLKS Kenneth Trujillo Recruiter

Memco Staffing San Antonio, TX

N

O

Alterman hosts telethon to for K9s for Warriors

n Nov. 11, Alterman Inc. hosted a telethon for the K9s for Warriors organization. The telethon raised funds for the K9s for Warriors project which is to be built on the northwest side of town and will house kennels and offices for the organization.

“We are approaching this as a service project where we provide the labor,” says Alterman Inc. President Greg Padalecki.

Alterman will be partnering with vendors like Reynolds Electric Supply, Fire Alarm Control Systems, 2M Lighting and Eaton who will provide the materials needed. They will also be working with

partners that they have worked with on other projects like Project Control and Turner Construction to ensure the success of the project. “We’re looking forward to using all these relationships to give the electrical and low voltage installation to K9s for Warriors free of charge.

“We are excited to be a part of this project. We’re excited to work on it, and we’re excited to help the organization, K9s for Warriors,” says Padalecki.

Alterman Inc. provides electrical construction and pre-construction management services in San Antonio and Austin, and their surrounding areas. -cmw

Finding a new niche

A

Armando Cruz, owner and president of Concrete Cutouts

fter nine years in the door business, owner and operator of AC Door Co., Armando Cruz, found himself a new niche in concrete cutting.

“I have customers that buy our doors and frames that are always looking for somebody to cutout an opening for their new door. Getting more and more calls for that, I decided why not just open a company, a separate entity doing just that. So, we started doing that,” says Cruz. “I created the company name and I started to slowly buy the necessary equipment.”

In January 2020, Cruz officially opened Concrete Cutouts, a small local company helping contractors with their concrete cutting needs.

Cruz opened Concrete Cutouts after

seeing an obvious need. “After so many requests from my customers, I realized the reason they were calling was because the companies already doing this type of work had a large backlog. Their backlogs are anywhere from three to six weeks,” he adds.

From flat saw cutting for contraction and expansion joints to cutouts for doors and windows, Concrete Cutouts has the capability to do the work. They even perform coring from one inch to 12 inches so electricians, plumbers and fire sprinkler contractors can run their pipe and material. They will even perform selective demolition.

Concrete Cutouts is a concrete cutting contractor in San Antonio. -cmw

estled in the Sangre de Cristo mountains, Trujillo grew up in the small country town of Mora, NM where everyone knows everyone. The Carson National Forest was his backyard and playground. “It has a very unique culture not found anywhere else in the world. The town prides itself on its roots of being invested in community, farming and church. My father had his own construction company so he had me working since I was about 5-yearsold.”

After high school Trujillo enlisted in the United States Air Force where he went on to become a Crew Chief on an F-15 Eagle in North Carolina. “I will always cherish my time served. You form a brotherhood with your fellow airmen and that bond can never be taken away.”

Trujillo is married to his beautiful wife, Grace, whom he met while working at North Star Dodge as a salesman.

Grace and her sister were car shopping and were actually making a U-turn in their lot when, luckily for him, one of his managers waived them down in the parking lot and convinced them to look around. “I was in the right place at the right moment. I was asked to assist them and as the saying goes, the rest is history.” And yes, he did sell her a car.

Trujillo has one daughter, Keianna, who will be 13 in April. “She has been a blessing and life changer. She is very artistic, loves music and is currently playing a violin in a Mariachi band.

Growing up in construction, Trujllo

remembers working weekends and summers doing concrete, framing, drywall and stucco. “I’ve always enjoyed seeing the process of projects coming together and the sense of accomplishment when a project is completed.”

Jokingly, as a recruiter for Memco Staffing, Trujillo says his responsibilities are too numerous to list. What he loves best about his job is, “I love the everyday connections I get to make. It is very rewarding to not only help my clients find quality manpower to complete their projects and build their team, but also to be able to assist individuals who don’t always know where to look for the right opportunity. With hiring practices changing everywhere, especially during this pandemic, it is getting increasingly more difficult for people to get their feet in the door in a lot of places. This is especially true for some of our older tradesman that aren’t too comfortable applying online. I also enjoy introducing the younger generation into the construction industry. I try to inspire them and inform them about the unlimited opportunities that exist in this industry.”

Adventurous by nature, he enjoys anything outdoors and live sporting events. “Sign me up for a bonfire or cruise a dirt road any day. Go Spurs Go!” -cmw

Page 6

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

ACCOUNTING

BONDING

2021 Tax Changes and How They Might Affect You

Utilizing Subcontractor Bonds for Prequalification and Risk Management

Phillip Wooten, CPA, Partner Ridout, Barrett & Co., P.C. Austin, TX

Eric Schmalz, Principal Schmalz & Associates Surety Bonding Liberty Hill, TX

T

he year 2020 is behind us and it feels really good to say that. We are now just beginning the 2020 tax-filing season and with the many changes in 2020 due to the CARES Act, it is easy to overlook the tax changes for 2021. We will take a quick look at some of the changes that may affect your taxes in the coming year.

Tax Rates/Tax Brackets Under current law, the top tax rate remains 37% for 2021. The tax brackets for each of the filing statuses have increased as they are indexed to inflation.

This means that more of your income will be taxed at lower rates when compared to the 2020 tax brackets.

Retirement Contributions/Retirement Deductions

An individual that participates in an employer 401(k) or 403(b) plan is able to defer up to $19,500 during 2021. Individuals over 50 years may make additional catch-up contributions of $6,500. These amounts are unchanged from 2020.

However, for 2021, the limitation on employer contributions has increased $1,000. In 2020 the total contributions from both the employee and the employer was limited to $57,000, during 2021 the total deferment is now limited to $58,000.

Not much has changed when it comes to Traditional IRA and Roth IRA contributions. The contribution limits for Traditional IRAs remain at $6,000 and the catch-up contributions for individual over 50 years in age remain at $1,000. The phase out of the deductible amount did change from 2020. For 2021, the maximum deduction begins to phase out for married filing jointly and single filers for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of $104,000 and $65,000 respectively, which is a $1,000 increase compared to 2020.

While Roth IRAs are not deductible, you are not allowed to contribute to them if your income is too high. For 2021, the income limits for married filing jointly and single filers has been raised $2,000 and $1,000, respectively. The modified adjusted gross income is now $198,000 up from $196,000 in 2020 for married filing jointly and $125,000 up from $124,000 in 2020.

HSA Contributions

Allowable HSA contributions will increase in 2021. Families and individuals with a High Deductible Health Plan will be able to make an additional $50 in contributions compared to the year 2020.

The maximum contributions for 2021 is $7,200 for family coverage and $3,600 for self-coverage.

Standard Deduction If you choose to take the standard deduction in 2021, you will notice an increase in the amount of the deduction.

Taxpayers that file Married Filing Jointly will get an additional $300 increase in the standard deduction and the remaining taxpayers that file Single, Head of Household, and Married Filing Separately will get an additional $150 increase in the standard deduction. The standard deductions for 2021 are as follows:

• •

• •

Single - $12,550 Married Filing Jointly & Surviving Spouses - $25,100 Married Filing Separately - $12,550 Head of Household - $18,800 Charitable Contributions

W

hether you are a paper general contractor subcontracting nearly 100% of work or a prime engineering firm subcontracting work scope you do not selfperform, subcontractors are often extremely important contributors to a project. Because of this, it is critical to perform both prequalification and contractual risk management to avoid problems.

As part of the stimulus relief due to Covid-19, a new above the line deduction was added for charitable contributions for taxpayers that use the standard deduction. In prior years, charitable contributions were only allowed as an itemized deduction. However in 2020 taxpayers will be allowed to take a deduction up to $300 if they do not itemize their deductions. In 2021, taxpayers that file a Married Filing Jointly return will be allowed to make up to $600 in charitable contributions without having to itemize their deductions. In 2021, taxpayers other than filing Married Filing Jointly will be allowed to deduct $300. In order to qualify for the deduction, the charitable contributions must be made in cash to a 501(c) (3) tax exempt organization and not to a donor-advised fund.

Some solid risk management procedures include properly structured subcontracts which include flow-down of contractual responsibilities from the prime contract, indemnity provisions holding the G.C. and owner harmless, minimum insurance requirements for general liability, work comp, and auto as well as safety plans. I would also recommend using subcontractor bonds either as policy above a specified subcontract dollar value or used selectively for new or unfamiliar subs. Requiring bonds from your subcontractors allows you to outsource the prequalification and vetting process on the front end while offering performance and payment security from the bond itself.

Meals and Entertainment

• Third Party Prequalification Services: When underwriting support of a subcontractor’s bond request, a surety will review financial strength and current performance, credit history, management capability, equipment, reputation, as well as project factors like size, scope, and geographic location.

For business, there has been a change in deducting the cost of business meals and entertainment for 2021 and 2022. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) changed the deductibility of business meals and entertainment. Under the TCJA you cannot deduct the cost of client entertainment. For 2021, this continues to hold true. There is no deduction for client related entertainment.

Business meals were limited to a 50% deduction under the TCJA. However, under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021(CAA), the 50% limitation has been removed and for 2021 and 2022 business related meals are fully deductible. The new rule applies to dine-in, curbside and delivery meals. While the deductibility of the meals has increased to 100%, the requirements to deduct the meals has not. The meal must be in relation to a business purpose, cannot be extravagant under the circumstances, an employee must be present when the meal is served, and the meal served must be provided to you or a business associate.

Benefits of Subcontractor Bonds

• Performance Security: The Performance bond will guarantee the contractual clauses and provisions laid out in the subcontract agreement. If the subcontractor is not performing its obligations under the contract, a claim can be made under the performance bond.

• Payment Protections: Since liens are typically not available on public projects, the Payment bond protects subcontractor and supplier tiers downstream from the bonded subcontractor.

• Requiring a bond from your subcontractor can also add incentive and focus on a particular project as surety companies typically require both corporate and personal indemnities to back the bond.

A prime or general contractor can also benefit from using subcontractor bonds when they are requesting a bond outside of their normal size or scope. The G.C.’s surety company will gain comfort in knowing the subcontractors have been prequalified and offer performance security. Amongst their underwriting considerations, knowing subcontractors are bonded can go a long way towards supporting a large or unique bonded project or spike backlog for their G.C. client.

One misconception I hear often is that using subcontract bonds will reduce the amount of the prime contract bond required, and this is not the case. We should keep in mind these are distinctly separate contractual relationships. The prime contract bond covers the entire contract for the owner’s protection and offers no protections for the G.C. Whereas, subcontract bonds required by the G.C. protect them from performance and payment risks. Another issue that can often be confusing is considering a project “double bonded” when both the prime contract and subcontracts are guaranteed with bonds. For the same reasons as stated above, the protections offered by the bonds are not “doubled”, they are applied to distinctly separate contracts and protect different parties.

If your construction firm often operates as a subcontractor, it is a good idea to have your bonding relationship in place and up to date so you can respond if a G.C. requires bonding. From a marketing standpoint, another benefit of establishing your bonding is being able to tell prospective G.C.’s or owners you are bondable and including a letter of bondability with your proposals. Normally, we write these letters as an ongoing service for our clients free of cost and it can make a big difference in being selected for a project.

Schmalz & Associates is an agency exclusively supporting contractors bonding needs. Eric Schmalz was an underwriter and manager for over 15 years working for Top 10 surety companies and now helps his contractor clients establish and maximize their bonding. Please call 512-640-6444, email eric@schmalzsurety.com or visit the website at www.schmalzsurety.com We would love to help!

Phillip Wooten, CPA has more than 17 years of experience in public accounting servicing individuals and businesses in tax and assurance work with a focus in the construction industry. Phillip joined Ridout, Barrett & Co., P.C. in 2017 and became a partner with the firm in January 2020. Ridout, Barrett & Co., P.C. has been providing professional accounting, tax and business advisory services to the South and Central Texas construction industry for over 34 years. Visit www.ridoutbarrett.com for additional information about Ridout, Barrett &Co., P.C. and the services we offer.

Sunday, February 14

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

Page 7

LEGAL

OSHA

The Duality and Burdens of Substantial Performance

Injury & Illness Electronic Reporting

Stephanie O’Rourke Cokinos | Young PC San Antonio, TX

Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

I

n a typical breach of contract dispute, the plaintiff has the burden to prove it fully performed the contract and the other party did not. In a construction setting, however, a contractor does not have to prove it performed its side of the contract perfectly or completely. Rather, substantial performance is deemed full performance and satisfies the condition precedent to suit. Vance v. My Apartment Steak House of San Antonio, Inc., 677 S.W.2d 480, 481 (Tex. 1984).

Although the doctrine of substantial performance is undeniably beneficial to a contractor, it places a unique burden on contractors to establish the right to payment. To prove substantial performance, a contractor not only must show it substantially performed the contract and is owed payment for work performed, but also must prove the cost of completing any unfinished work and remedying any defects. Id. at 483.

The latter requirement may seem counterintuitive, as it requires a contractor to establish the cost of remediating a defect the contractor might otherwise deny. Indeed, the doctrine of substantial performance can be raised as both a claim and as an affirmative defense. Turner v. Ewing, 14-18-01020-CV, 2020 WL 6878681, at *4 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] Nov. 24, 2020, no pet. h.) In litigation, this duality often causes confusion with respect to the applicable burdens of proof.

The recent case of Turner v. Ewing illustrates the challenges faced by litigants and courts in navigating the burdens of substantial performance. The Turners were homeowners who hired Ewing to frame their home. Id. at *1. When the relationship broke down before the work was complete, the Turners terminated Ewing from the project and refused to pay the last three draw requests. Id. Ewing brought suit against the Turners for payment, and the Turners counterclaimed, asserting they were entitled to recover the amount due to complete the project. Id. at *2. The jury found Ewing breached the contract, but also substantially completed the project and awarded Ewing damages of $35,242.99 less $5,963.00 for the cost to complete the work and remedy defects. Id. Both parties were awarded $30,000 in attorneys’ fees.

Id. After hearing the parties’ competing post-verdict motions, the trial court found Ewing was the prevailing party and signed a final judgment awarding Ewing $29,279.99 in damages, interest, and $30,000 in attorney’s fees. Id. The Turners appealed, arguing that because there was a jury finding that Ewing breached the contract but no jury finding that the Turners breached the contract, the Turners must be the prevailing party. Id. at *4. The Court disagreed, noting the doctrine of substantial performance is not merely a defensive issue but may also be raised by a party seeking to recover on a contract. Id. The court held Ewing met its burden of proof, and therefore was the prevailing party, by showing the jury the amounts due and unpaid by

the Turners, less the costs of completion and remediation.. Id. In making this determination, the Court noted the cost of completion or remediation was an element Ewing had to prove under his substantial performance claim rather than a recovery of damages by the Turners on their counterclaim for breach of contract.

Id.

The Turners also sought to overturn the award of attorney’s fees to Ewing by arguing they were the prevailing party because the jury found Ewing breached and the cost of remedying defects was $5,963.00. Id. at *8. The court, however, found the Turners’ argument disregarded the jury’s finding of substantial completion. Id. Rejecting the Turners’ argument, the court held the jury’s finding of $5,963.00 for remediation costs was an element of Ewing’s substantial performance claim and not an award of Turner’s counterclaims. Id. In other words, the $5,963.00 was merely a reduction of the amount owed to Ewing based on Ewing’s substantial performance claim, not a finding of breach of contract in favor of the Turners. Id. As such, the court upheld the trial court’s award of attorneys’ fees to Ewing as the prevailing party. Id. The Texas Supreme Court has long recognized the oddity of requiring a contractor to establish the costs of remediation for its own work and the arguments for placing that burden on the owner. See Vance, 677 S.W.2d at 483. Indeed, in Vance, Justice Robertson, joined by Justices Wallace and Kilgarlin, wrote: “the prodigiously unfair and awkward position of a contractor attempting to show compliance with a construction contract while simultaneously being required to establish damages from his alleged breach of that same contract is indefensible.” Id. at 487 (Robertson, J., concurring). However, the majority opinion stands; until the Supreme Court revisits the issue, both owners and contractors are advised to seek specialized guidance in understanding the difference between an owner’s proof of damages and a contractor’s proof regarding the remediation of its own work.

Stephanie O’Rourke is a member of Cokinos | Young’s litigation practice group and manages the firm’s San Antonio office.

Stephanie’s expertise in construction litigation has earned her recognition from numerous publications and organizations including Chambers and as Honoree for the Outstanding Lawyers by the San Antonio Business Journal. Stephanie is Board Certified in Construction Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Sign Up for your Free Digital Subscription to Construction News www.ConstructionNews.Net Click on “Digital Subscription and complete form

M

arch 2, 2021, is the deadline for electronically reporting your OSHA Form 300A data for calendar year 2020.

Collection will begin January 2, 2021.

The OSHA 300A is the summary of occupational injuries and illness that lists the column totals from the OSHA 300 log and the total hours worked.

The collection of CY 2019 data and beyond will include the collection of establishments’ Employer Identification Numbers (EIN). If you submit your data using a csv file or API, you can view the new layout by selecting the «How» tab above.

Remember, not all establishments need to submit their OSHA 300A Data.

Only a small fraction of establishments are required to electronically submit their Form 300A data to OSHA. Establishments that meet any of the following criteria DO NOT have to send their information to us. Remember, these criteria apply at the establishment level, not to the firm as a whole.

• The establishment’s peak employment during the previous calendar year was 19 or fewer, regardless of the establishment’s industry.

• The establishment’s industry is listed in 1904 Subpart B App A - Partially Exempt Industries regardless of the size of the establishment.

• The establishment had a peak employment between 20 and 249 employees during the previous calendar year AND the establishment’s industry is not on the list located here: https:// www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/naics-

codes-electronic-submission.

OSHA provides a secure website that offers three options for data submission.

First, users can manually enter data into a web form. Second, users can upload a CSV file to process multiple establishments at the same time. Last, users of automated recordkeeping systems will have the ability to transmit data electronically via an API (application programming interface). The secure website is located here: https://www.osha.gov/ injuryreporting/ita/ Establishments that meet the size and industry reporting criteria must report their Form 300A data even if they experienced no recordable injuries or illnesses during the reference year. Those establishments would report zeroes for their injury and illness counts.

Employers that inadvertently miss the report filing date (March 2), should electronically submit their data as soon as possible. The secure website will continue to accept submissions through December 31, 2021.

The electronic reporting requirements are based on the industry classification of the establishment, not the industry classification of the firm. An establishment is defined as a single physical location where business is conducted or where services or industrial operations are performed. A firm may be comprised of one or more establishments. natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232

Page 8

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

George Salinas

President and Owner Absolute Power Electrical Contractors San Antonio, TX

F

or as long as George Salinas can remember, he wanted to be the owner of his own business. He was not sure where the desire to own his business derived from but contributes it to his grandfather.

“I always knew I wanted to own my own business, but I didn’t know what kind of business. My grandfather was an entrepreneur himself. He bought and collected items and turned them around for a profit.

My Grandfather and his brother also owned a convenient store/meat market in Eagle Pass, TX.” Tell me about George Salinas. Where did you grow up?

I grew up just down the road from the Independent Electrical Contractors’ (IEC) new office on Ingram Road. I went to Sul Ross Middle School and Holmes High School. Growing up, I enjoyed playing outside with my siblings and friends. We would be outside until dinner time when mom would whistle. When we heard the whistle, we knew it was time to come in.

How many siblings do you have?

I have five siblings, four older sisters and one older brother.

What did your parents do?

My mom was a seamstress, and my dad was a mechanic.

Are you married? Tell me about your wife. How did you meet?

Yes. I met my wife, Adrianne, while in high school hanging out with mutual friends. One of my neighbors was a good friend of hers. When she would go over to see her friend, I would be out there trying to talk to her. At first, she blew me off, but eventually we started talking and dating after high school.

enjoys decorating our home for all occasions. She has recently created an Instagram page to share all her decorative creations with others. She is really good at it!

She helped me with business at beginning for a while. Yet, I didn’t want her to be emerged and tied down to the business, so we decided she would stay home and focus on the kids while they were little.

She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology of Organization and Development from Incarnate Word and wanted to pursue becoming a lawyer. She began taking classes at Our Lady of the Lake University after getting her bachelors, but the kids were very young and involved in many activities.

It was hard to miss out on their activities and decide to put her career on hold.

Tell me about your children. What are their names? How old are they?

We have two children, a girl and a boy.

My daughter, Mia, is 21 and is study business management at UTSA. Mia works at Absolute Power part-time. Jeremy, my son, is 19 and is also attending UTSA. He started out studying kinesiology and is now majoring in communication. He is also dabbling in the foreign exchange market and learning the stock market.

Do you think your children will want to be involved in the business?

Maybe, I’m not sure. I’m thinking Mia might want to someday, but I’ve already told her that she will need to work somewhere else for a few years before deciding.

And the same would be true for Jeremy should he want to. I want their decision to get involved to be their own. I don’t want them to feel pressured or obligated.

How did you get interested in the electrical trade?

In high school I originally took drafting thinking I might want to be an architect.

Sitting at the drafting table at school just was not enough but helped me eventually.

I needed some help and decided to ask my counselor about other electives that he might recommend. My counselor recommended getting into electrical trades. I tried it out and loved it. I even ended up recruiting a bunch of my friends.

Did taking the electrical trades classes in high school help you get started in the industry?

My neighbor down the street, who had already graduated and finished the two-year program helped me get a summer job at Specia Electric after I completed my first year in electrical trades. Electrical trades most definitely helped me land a job during and after high school.

How long have you been married?

We did it all backwards. We got together in ’97 and married in ’07. We had two kids, a house and a business before we finally got married.

When did you decide to start Absolute Power?

After high school I went to work for Certified Electric. I worked there for 11 and a half years. By that time, I was ready to make the move. I got my master license and opened Absolute Power in early 2005.

What does your wife do?

My wife dabbles in different items/organizations; helps at the office when needed, volunteers at different nonprofits, and

In helping you prep for this interview, your daughter asked you if you had enough knowledge in the field before opening Absolute Power, did you?

George Salinas, president and owner, Absolute Power Electrical Contractors

I felt like I had the knowledge as far as being an electrician, but most definitely not as a business owner. That was a huge learning curve. I learned along the way by asking many questions and surrounded myself with good smart people who were willing to guide me.

I tried to take college courses before starting the business, but the kids were little, and it was too much.

Do you provide service work as one of your services?

Yes, we just revitalized our service department. We hired a service manager last year. When COVID hit, our primary service work was in restaurants and that came to a halt. Now our service department is going well again. We moved up one of our service techs to service operations manager, and we just purchased our fifth service van.

What advice would you give someone who wanted to start their own business?

Get the education you need and have a business plan!

If you were to do things differently, what would you do different?

I would have a business degree and a business plan.

What was the first year like?

Brutal. I was working two jobs during the first six months, working with my previous employer and getting Absolute Power off the ground. The first year was lot of late nights estimating, writing up proposals and doing all the necessary paperwork.

Is not having a business degree a regret?

No, it’s not a regret. It made me who I am. It created the business to what it is now.

It just would have simplified things.

Obviously learning the business aspect was a challenge. How did that end up falling into place?

I have always been financially organized, making sure everything was paid properly. I would make sure employees and bills were paid before getting paid. That was something that I just really cared about. I care about my employees. I care for my family and I wanted to make sure they were all taken care of. There were a lot of learning curves, but we have been very fortunate.

When you first started out, were you doing new electrical installs?

At the very beginning we were part of Service Magic which is a platform for leads.

People would call Service Magic and they would send the leads to three or four contractors. Basically, whomever replied first had a better chance on landing the job. We had a lot of service work at that time.

In 2005 when The Bluebook came to Austin and San Antonio, I immediately jumped into advertising in The Bluebook.

That really worked out for us. We eventually got so busy doing commercial work that we dropped Service Magic and stopped doing residential service, focusing on commercial work.

San Antonio

What do you like best about your job and/or the electrical industry?

I’m very thankful to the vocational trade school that I attended and the electrical industry that I am part of. It has been really good to me. It’s a good trade to be in.

It can be very beneficial to young people who are looking for a career. There are so many great electrical company owners and leaders in the San Antonio area that I have had the pleasure of meeting.

What is the hardest part of your job?

Mentally turning it off when I leave for the day is by far the hardest part. That’s something I’ve been working on for a while.

Every business owners understands this. It consumes you and it is hard to just leave and not think about it. But most definitely having the right person(s) in the right seat(s) is helping me get better with this.

What does George Salinas do for fun?

I like to barbeque and have a couple of beers. I like hanging out with my friends.

My wife and I enjoy going to different types of events; vacationing, cocktail conferences and charity events throughout the year. We enjoy a good cocktail.

I also like working on my cars. I have some old mustangs that I’m restoring. Back in high school I didn’t want to get into mecontinued on Page 16

CONSTRUCTION NEWS

Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buddy Doebbler Editorial/Production . . . . . . Reesa Doebbler Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol Wiatrek Editorial & Copy . . . . . . . Melissa Jones-Meyer Production Manager . . . . Helen Greenwood Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buddy Doebbler Editors

AustinEditor@ConstructionNews.net SAeditor@ConstructionNews.net San Antonio Area Counties Atascosa, Bexar, Bandera, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina and Wilson counties Construction News Ltd. Home Office P.O. Box 791290 • San Antonio, TX 78279 210-308-5800 Fax 210-308-5960 www.ConstructionNews.net

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.

SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS GO TO www.ConstructionNews.net Select “Subscribe” and choose city(s).

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

A

Page 9

Christmas at the McNay

In memoriam…

fter a very trying and stressful year for full of uncertainties for everyone across the globe, the Uhrlich family and Central Builders Inc. wanted to show their appreciation to their team members and customers for their continued dedication and support with a Christmas celebration marked with style.

Central Builders Inc. hosted their annual Christmas party at the beautiful McNay Art Museum on Dec. 11. Team members were recognized for their years of service in addition to enjoying a festive time with their families and colleagues. -cmw L-R: Matt Ehrlich, Mark Ehrlich, ➤ Mariah Medina, Clark Broom, Brandon Herrera, Bryan Ehrlich, Abby Ehrlich and Merrona Carrlsson.

J

ohn “Jack” Leslie Lappeus went home to his Lord and Savior Dec 14.

He was born on Jun. 23, 1944 in Union, NY and was adopted by Belford and Dorothy Lappeus. Raised in Engelwood, NJ, Jack began a career in data processing after graduating high school. In 1967, Jack enlisted in the US Army and served for four years. After his military service, Jack returned to his career in data processing at NCR and Carrier Air Conditioning Company in Syracuse, NY. Jack also served as a fireman and paramedic in the Fairmount Volunteer Fire Department for eight years.

In 1975, Jack met his loving wife of 44 years, Janis, and her daughter Laura. They were married in 1976. Their daughters, Karen and Jennifer, were respectively born in 1977 and 1981.

The Lappeus family moved to San Antonio in 1984 where they have lived ever since. Jack became the data processing manager for Kotzebue Distributing Company. He later worked for Comfort Air Engineering and C & J Air Conditioning. In 1990, Jack took on the role as President and CEO of the San Antonio Air Conditioning Contractors Association (SAACCA) which later became known as the Air Conditioning Contractors Association San Antonio (ACCA-SA), TACCA today. Jack served in this role for over 18 years. He will always be remembered for his dedication to ACCA, its members and elevating the professionalism of the HVAC industry.

L-R: Jordan Lightning, Brandon Herrera, Nathanial Hernandez, Mark Ehrlich, Bryan Ehrlich, Lucas Bojic, Matt Ehrlich, Clark Broom, Justin Jones, Gegg Niblock, Austin Lynham and Isaac Ontiveros.

A kind, honest and hardworking man, Jack loved his family with all his heart. He supported and cared for them through all the ups and downs. Jack genuinely loved people and never met a stranger. He was able to talk to anyone and make them feel comfortable. He loved God and firmly believed in doing the right thing. Jack was a patriotic man and loved his country. He would proudly sing the national anthem with a tear in his eye. He had a passion for sports and loved Syracuse basketball. Jack would take his girls to games as often as he could. He loved to laugh and have a good time. He and Janis loved to travel and were able to go on several amazing vacations and cruises. He had a heart of gold and would do anything he could to help anyone in need.

Jack was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2004. Jack slowly declined over the next 12 years with Janis taking care of him. During this time he still had a sense of humor and enjoyed making his family laugh even when times were difficult. In 2016, the disease progressed significantly, and Janis had to move him to a care facility. For the last four years, Janis was with him almost daily trying to care for him, talk with him, play music for him, dance with him and love him.

Jack will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know him. We will forever remember his love, kindness, gentleness and laugh. -cmw

Page 10

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

Resource Guide

Industry FOLKS Ismael Lozada

Associations and Construction Education

Equipment Manager

E-Z Bel Construction San Antonio, TX

A Service Providers

General Contractor

Suppliers

native Puerto Rican, Lozada grew up in Naranjito, Puerto Rico. He came to the United States when he was 27 years old with $20 dollars in his pocket, a back pack with one t -shirt, two pairs of underwear and two pairs of socks. He joined the army who gave him a 4-month contract with a contingency to learn English. Unable to learn English, he was kicked out. He didn’t go back to Puerto Rico. Instead, he stayed in San Antonio and learned English by watching TV with subtitles.

After the six months, he went back to the recruiting office and took his test at Fort Sam Houston. Passing it, he went into basic training and then to Afghanistan. AIT was his unit.

Call it crazy or destiny, with only four months left in serving his country where Lozada was a mechanic, he began looking for a job and filled out an application on Indeed. When his service was over, he moved back to San Antonio with his wife and started working at Pep Boys when he received an e-mail from E-Z Bel’s HR Department. “On Oct. 15, 2012, I put in my two-week notice at Pep Boys. I went to work for E-Z Bel Construction as a mechanic. After a couple of months, I became the lead mechanic. After three years, I became the shop foreman and approximately a year later, I was promoted to equipment manager.

“I take care of the heavy equip-

Subcontractors

ment, small equipment, trucks and the yards. The best part of my job is that I impact others with the daily decisions I make. I like helping my peers, encouraging them to do a better job, keeping the equipment running and contributing to the success of our company.”

Lozada credits two individuals for his success. “I have two mentors. They are different and I love it because I could take the best of each one! The most close to me is Ish Garcia. We have a lot of similarities except that I’m better looking! He has taught me things that you could not learn in school. He taught me numbers and the art of negotiation when buying equipment.

“My second mentor is Stephen Park. He has taught me that is not about who is right or wrong. It is about how we can fix a problem and make sure it doesn’t happen again. He reminds me that there is always another side to the story.

”I want to thank E Z Bel for the opportunity of working for them. My job has allowed me to purchase a house, and now I have more clothes than when arrived in the U.S. I am so very grateful.”

Lozada and his wife, Donna, have been married for 12 years. They have four children together and he has two from a previous relationship. -cmw

Xmas outside the box

C Truck & Equip Dealers

For Information on the Resource Guide Contact Buddy Doebbler buddy@ConstructionNews.net 210-308-5800

Central Electric families gather at Mission Theatre for Central Electric’s holiday celebration and a showing of Elf.

entral Electric, despite all the ob- families. Company awards were presentstacles 2020 had to offer, had much ed to include flat screen TVs, a BBQ pit, to celebrate. The company, to com- multiple drills and tools. Martinez wishes memorate 45 years in business, went the construction industry and all the through with plans to host their compa- readers of Construction News, “Happy ny holiday celebration. Thinking outside New Year everyone.” -cmw the box, Central Electric held their holiday celebration at Mission Drive Theatre at Brooks City Base where everyone could social distance.

“This was a COVID-based decision.

We had a short presentation followed by the showing of ELF,” says Central Electric President, Chris Martinez.

The family-owned company hosted the event to include all Central Electric Santa Claus makes an appearance at the Central Electric holiday celebration at Mission Theatre. employees and their

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

Page 11

style of fishing is not for everyone die tp mostly the long days you have to endure just to wait for the fish to turn on. A speckled trouts metabolism slows down in colder water temperatures so they may possibly only eat once a day or even every couple of days. Waiting them out is the hard part and having faith that they will eat is what keeps me motivated to stay on the water late in the day.

Most of the questions I’m asked when folks call about booking a trophy trout wade fishing are what lures they should bring. My answer is most always bring what you have confidence in catching fish on. I’m a firm believer that if you believe you can catch fish on a certain style lure, sooner or later in the day you will produce a bite. This instance played true on a recent fishing trip in Port Mansfield last week. We were fishing a post front weather pattern with few clouds and a rising barometric pressure. I knew the bite would be tough and I wanted to catch fish on a custom corky I’d had great success using in Baffin Bay. I was persistent the entire day while my clients switched out lures every half hour or so.

Like I figured, when the fish decided to eat, my corky did the trick producing several 5-6 lb. trout. I ended the day using the same lure I started with and made a statement to my clients who thought I was hardheaded. Sometimes you have to study the situation and determine what you think the fish are going to do.

Hardcore Wade Fishing

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 PowerPole, AFW and AFTCO Clothing.

S

itting here at my computer writing this article makes me realize how fast time flies. Seems like just a few days ago I wrote my column for January and here I am now writing February. This year makes 20 years that I have been writing for the Construction News. I can honestly say that it has been a great journey for me along the way. I have met so many great clients in the construction industry and most of them are now friends and family. You folks that read this publication along with everyone else affiliated in the construction industry are the greatest, most generous and giving people on the planet. Thanks for reading my column in the outdoors section for two decades and thanks for letting Steve Schultz Outdoors make memories that will last a lifetime.

February brings out the hardcore anglers searching for trophy trout wading the shallow parts of our bay systems.

Chris Jones and crew of San Antonio had an awesome day wade fishing the lower Laguna Madre out of Port Mansfield. Mixed bag of trout and reds with some trout in the 6-lb. range. Book your next outing with Steve Schultz Outdoors.

These guys and sometime gals are not your typical fishermen looking to stock the freezer with a mess of fillets — they are searching for that one fish that they can mount or perhaps photograph and

post on their personal social media site.

They weather the harsh conditions mother nature can throw against us this time of the year for a handful of bites and maybe one or two good size fish. This

My 2021 fishing calendar is open, and I have already started to book trips for the upcoming year. Several Days in February are still available for wading for trophy trout. To schedule your next bay fishing trip or hunting trip give Capt. Steve Schultz a call at 361-813-3716 or e-mail me at SteveSchultzOutdoors@gmail.com. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @ Steve_Schultz_Outdoors.

Good Luck and Good Fishing.

Page 12

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

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

Anglers, it is time to step up your game!

I

t is that time of year again. The football games and hunting seasons and are done for now, and we can start to look forward to the beginning of fishing season!

Any day now, the white bass will be trying to run up the rivers and toward the upper end of the lakes to spawn. They offer us a lot of fast catching action that’s not only fun, but they taste good too.

This is the best kind of fishing to start your kids out on.

The more frequent sunny, warm afternoons will start to bring the crappie into the shallows to begin to nest around structure along the shorelines. They are also fun and easy to catch, and most people consider them the best tasting freshwater fish we have.

Now we come to the part where you will have to put your noggin to work. If you like to fish for catfish and bass, who love to find structure and hang out on points, drop-offs and rock piles or even open water feeders like stripers who favor different currents and such, you may have to learn some new tricks.

I’m hoping some spring rains will help equalize the lake and river levels. If not and your favorite fishing hole is still a little low, you might not be able to fish your favorite spots that your old fishing buddy taught you several years ago. I know that some of our brush piles for bass and crappie are getting high and dry now here on Lake Buchanan. You might have to find some new spots but be sure to remember

where all those formerly hidden brush piles are for when the water and the fish come back.

drop a hook and check it out and learn some new skills. It will make you a better fisherman in the end.

Look at the water depth that you were fishing in and find similar depths for your new spots. What was the bottom shaped like? Was it a little hilltop, or a depression, or maybe off the side of a ridge? Notice the temperatures of the water and any possible currents from rivers and creeks. If you find a spot that looks good,

Keep an eye on the Texas Parks and Wildlife ShareLunker Program this time of year too.

If you love bass fishing, you’ll love seeing the big ones that are coming in and learning where they came from.

And of course, you can always call your

favorite fishing guide and book a trip to get a head start on the fishing season.

There is a lot to be said for fishing with someone who already knows where to go and how to catch fish in the changing conditions. Just keep in mind they get busy in the spring, so call early to get the date you want!

I don’t know about you, but I’m about ready to hit the water! I hope to see you out there!

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

Page 13

Granddad’s ranch

One down, 100,000 to go

I

t’s a wonderful thing when children love spending time with their grandparents during school breaks. Colton and Klaire Williams, son and daughter of Clint Williams, A-1 Fire & Safety never miss an opportunity to spend their free time with their granddad, Jerry Williams, at his ranch in Uvalde, TX. – cmw

Colton Williams and his best friend, Reba, take in some end of season deer hunting while visiting at granddad’s ranch to harvest this nice 8-point buck.

Claire Williams takes part in the end of season hunt with Reba tagging along as she also harvests a nice buck.

A Christmas buck

G

arrett Knight works with his father, Lonnie Knight, at Guido Construction during the summers. This Christmas, the father and son duo took time to go hunting and what a hunt it turned out to be for young Garrett. He harvested this beauty of a buck Christmas evening at the family ranch in Atascosa County.

This buck is a main 8-point with five kickers, scoring 139 5/8 inches and 23 inches wide. Congratulations Garrett! -cmw

As the wild hog population continues to run rampant causing billions of dollars of damage each year, avid hunters like Stan Rothman, Texas First Rentals, does his part to help control the wild hog population. -cmw

A day to remember

T

hirteen-year-old Savanna Osborn, daughter of Heather Osborn, Memco Staffing had the adventure few young ladies ever get. Savanna, accompanied by her dad, Heath Osborn, had the opportunity to participate in all girls exotic hunt in south Texas.

On Jan. 17, young Savanna harvested a 550 lb. Nilgai bull. Harvesting the beast proved to be a bit of a challenge. Savanna’s first shot dropped the bull, but he got back up.

After her final shot, dad said Savanna was shaking so much she nearly shook the rife out of the tripod. Truly a day she will never forget. Congratulations Savanna!

Garrett Knight made a 115-yard shot with his grandfather’s 300 win mag to harvest this beauty.

➤

This 550 lb. Nilgai bull was no match for little Savanna.

Close up of ➤ Garrett’s Christmas buck

Heath Osborn proudly joins his youngest daughter for a pose with her harvested Nilgai.

Page 14

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

P

•

R

•

O

•

J

•

E

•

C

•

T

North Central Baptist Hospital – 8th floor renovation

North Central Baptist Hospital, 8th floor for intensive and critical care patients.

I

n 2018, North Central Baptist Hospital began the process of creating more bed space for the greater San Antonio community. As the fifth largest hospital in the city, North Central Baptist Hospital was determined to build out their shelled eighth floor to provide an additional 18,127sf to treat intensive care and critical care patients.

In an almost prophetic chain of events, the 14 inten-

sive care unit (ICU) and critical care unit (CCU) beds finished mere months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the city.

Once complete, the buildout included nurses stations, support rooms, a waiting area, a family lounge, offices, two isolation rooms, an electrical room and an IT room.

As construction firm Robins & Morton began the buildout, one of the most significant challenges was its location on top of the bustling, active hospital. Through the use of a buck hoist with cheerful seasonal images for patient privacy, the project progressed quickly until it encountered its next hurdle. Midway through construction, the design of the space required an update to include a 1,600-sf family lounge with overnight accommodations and 250sf of additional office space.

Through coordination and communication, Robins & Morton completed the scope changes while maintaining the schedule and keeping it within budget. Finally, the floor’s tie-ins for medical gas, fire sprinkler and electrical connections called for detailed shutdown planning, requiring constant engagement with the onsite hospital staff to ensure there were no interruptions to operations.

The successful completion of this project was the result of a collaborative effort, ultimately supplying more critical care services to the greater San Antonio area. As a result, the project was recognized in 2020 by

the Associated Builders and Contractors South Texas Chapter with an Excellence in Construction Eagle Award.

Robins & Morton is a privately-held construction firm with offices in Birmingham, AL; Huntsville, AL; Charlotte, NC; Nashville, TN; Miami, FL; Orlando, FL; Spartanburg, SC; Dallas, TX and San Antonio, TX. -cmw Robins & Morton San Antonio, TX

Vista Ridge Water Supply Project

Completed installation of two Aaon air conditioning units at the Wellfield site.

Ductwork at the High Service Pump Station progressing through the rains and muddy site conditions.

S

an Antonio and Bexar County’s dependence on the Edwards Aquifer for their fresh water requirements proved to be in jeopardy due to the recent droughts and the rapid growth of the metropolitan area. Thus, the Vista Ridge Water Supply project, a 142-mile pipeline from Caldwell County to San Antonio, was developed and construction began.

A/C Technical Services’ crews under the direction of Project Manager, Eric Jones, began work in November 2018 at the High Service Pump Station in Caldwell County. Over the next 17 months, following the 142-mile pipeline project, A/C Technical Services installed 655 tons air conditioning in the 13 buildings housing the well pumps and line pumps electric motor variable frequency drives and controls. This included 30 large capacity packaged air conditioning units, 15 dx split air conditioning systems, four exhaust fans, three unit heaters and the required sheet metal ductwork to complete the installations.

The 13 project sites were located along the

142-mile pipeline project. Challenges encountered included some remote sites, often without a street address, and sites rendered inundated and muddy by the heavy rains received during the project necessitating tracked equipment to move and install the large air conditioning units.

With the buildings complete and air conditioning fully operational, the final milestone was reached with the first delivery of water on Apr. 15, 2020 at the San Antonio Water System’s Agua Vista Station in northern San Antonio. The Vista Ridge Water Supply Project can only serve to protect the Edwards Aquifer, prepare for future drought conditions and ensure future prosperity of the San Antonio/ Bexar County metropolitan area.

A/C Technical Services LLC is a commercial and residential HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) company located in Castroville, TX. -cmw

Track excavator placing Trane units at the High Service Pump Station site.

A/C Technical Services LLC Castroville, TX

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

S

•

Page 15

H

•

O

•

W

•

C

•

A

•

S

•

E

Bethesda Christian Institute

Aerial views of the Bethesda Christian Institute project due to be completed in June 2021.

F

ounded in 2006, founders Rusty Morgan and Kevin Jones built Structura on four core principles: true collaboration, flexibility, mindful innovation, and commitment. These principles influence both how the company does business and how they select the team members they hire to execute their work. Structura has three offices throughout Texas: Austin, San Antonio, and Houston. Over the past 14 years, Structura has created a foundation that provides a full scope of services and covers a wide range of construction sectors including corporate office, industrial, healthcare, education, retail & entertainment, religious institutions, technology and restaurants, to name a few.

The Bethesda Christian Institute Proj-

the owner, with careful selections made in every case to create a uniform look throughout. The Bethesda site spans a total of eight acres, with two large detention ponds in addition to the structure, parking areas, and main entry. The project team is comprised of Tricia Daniel, project executive, and Derek Medina, superintendent. This dynamic duo has focused on delivering a successful project, thanks in large part to their terrific communication and creative problem solving, allowing them to offer solutions in addition to notifying the ownership team of potential concerns.

“Structura is known to excel at technically challenging, time sensitive projects. As a team, we openly collaborate with both owners and design professionals to flush out the best value possible for our clients. Because of this, 85 percent of our projects come from repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals. Structura is pleased to have been brought into consideration for this project via word-of-mouth from a previously satisfied customer,” says Daniel. -cmw Structura San Antonio, TX

ect consists of a brand-new ground up 19,500sf church located near the intersection of Loop 1604 and Green Mountain Road in San Antonio. This structure is a unique combination of a pre-engineered metal building and conventional steel.

The exterior includes EIFS and CMU accent bands. The new facility is anticipated to be completed in June 2021, thanks in large part to a focused and determined schedule. The sanctuary will include ceiling clouds constructed of a combination of drywall and Armstong Tegular Tile that will house the church’s lighting and A/V system. This new facility will be complete with a kid’s worship area, classrooms, nursery, offices, fellowship area, kitchen, and open air back porch. Every finish selection for the facility has been made by

Davenport High School

C

omal Independent School District is one of Texas’ “largest area” school districts. In 2019, Comal ISD built Davenport High School which was designed by Huckabee Architects and awarded to Bartlett Cocke General Contractors. DEA Specialties successfully earned the Modernfold Operable Walls and Kalwall Translucent Daylighting Panels in the project.

DEA installed a total of eight Modernfold operable walls which included Acousti-Seal; the traditional acoustic flat wall panels; GWS which is a traditional non-acoustic glass wall system, as well as AcoustiClear, the highest acoustic glass system available. The campus has the unique ability to utilize these flexible learning environments to meet their class size needs, while allowing visibility and lighting into the space while maintaining acoustic performance.

The Acousti-Seal with full height writeable surfaces and a 90-degree turn configuration was utilized in one opening, creating two smaller classrooms in a large classroom. There are two GWS which divide the dining area from the library. Multiple Acousti-Clear walls were designed into the project. One separates a classroom

GWS panels separate the dining area from the library.

Davenport High School

that opens into the auditorium while two other walls create two smaller learning labs within one large lab.

The Kalwall product is a system for enclosing all or any part of the building envelope. The main element of Kalwall is the 2.75-inch structural composite sandwich panel with fiberglass face sheets that meet the architectural requirements for the building. Kalwall panels, unlike glass, diffuse glare-free light evenly into the building

Kalwall panels above the three garage door entrances leading into the food service area.

space without contrast or shadows and also reduces heat gain or transfer into the spaces.

The Kalwall installation included three wall rough openings of 13 ft. by 6 ft. in the student gathering area in the main corridor linking the campus together. The panels are located approximately 14 feet above the three garage door entrances leading into the food service area which allows abundant natural daylighting in a very large space.

DEA offers several proprietary products including Modernfold Operable Partitions, Skyfold Vertical Operable Walls, Kalwall Translucent Daylighting Panels, Smoke Guard Smoke and Fire Fabric Curtains, McKeon Metal Fire Doors as well as McDougall Aluminum Composite Material Panels for exterior applications and division 10 products. DEA was the 16th fastest growing privately held company in San Antonio in 2016 and the 27th in 2017. DEA, which started on Apr. 1, 1984 is a Woman Owned Business, HUB Certified, SCTRCA: SBE, DBE, and DBE. -cmw DEA Specialties San Antonio, TX

Davenport High School auditorium

Acousti-Seal with full height writeable surfaces and a 90 degree turn configuration.

Page 16

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

Bringing in 2021

M

Craig and Teresa Noto, Quality Fence & Welding – Las Vegas, NV

ost people would probably agree that 2020 was an unforgettable year. They probably would also agree with saying they are glad 2020 is behind us. While the threat of COVID-19 still lingers, large parties and big gatherings were cancelled. Even the city’s annual New Year’s Eve fireworks show, and festivities followed the trends of 2020 by going virtual.

Most folks stayed at home, maybe watched a little bit of television, while others waited for the magic hour to light up the sky with their own version of a fireworks display. With the promise of a fresh start to a new year, everyone is hoping for a brighter 2021. How did you bring in 2021? -cmw

Yvonne and Kurt Robinson, Robinson General Contractors spent New Year’s Eve with oldest sons Jaylen; Jason who is in the U. S. Marine Corps and on leave; and friends Edith and Rick.

CB Christians, Lynwood Building Materials, and wife, Ashley, at a ranch outside Blanco, TX.

Jose “Pepe” Del Bosque, COTOVI Architectural Interiors and Trichia Stoddard, JC Stoddard Construction – Port Aransas, TX.

continued from Page 8 Absolute Power Electrical Electrical Contractors chanics or body shop like my dad, but now I enjoy it on my own cars. I restored one when the kids were small, but I didn’t do it to the standard that I would have wanted to now. I will redo it soon.

Are you working on any now?

My wife gave me a ’65 Ford Fastback for my birthday and I am restoring it, but it is just a matter of finding the time.

Do have any new goals for yourself?

I recently took up golf. I would like to get better at it so when I invite or I’m invited to play golf, I can actually contribute to the game and not just hit the ball around. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

Page 17

A true trailblazer

Industry FOLKS Shawn Porto

Telecommunications Technician

Alterman Inc. San Antonio, TX

L

M

Molly McShane is trailblazing her way in the construction industry.

olly McShane recently achieved two important career milestones.

She was recently named as the second CEO in The McShane Companies’ 35-year history. She is also the first woman to rise to the c-suite leadership level at the firm.

McShane, who earned an undergraduate degree in marketing from Boston College and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, started off at the company in 2002 as a project engineer. Since then, she has been on an upward trajectory, holding a variety of positions within the construction and development businesses and spearheading major initiatives across the company’s portfolio of services. She has particularly focused on expanding into new geographic markets and creating a more diverse workplace; during her role of Chief Operating Officer, the firm posted record growth. Before serving as COO at Cadence McShane, she was a Chief Investment Officer at Conor Commercial Real Estate for nearly 13 years.

As Chief Executive Officer, McShane manages McShane Companies’ overall operations and resources, focusing on creating, planning, implementing and integrating its strategic direction. She brings to her role extensive knowledge of the industrial, multi-family, office, healthcare and commercial market sectors, as well as a unique perspective of the entire commercial real estate development and construction process.

Jim McShane PE, who founded The McShane Companies in 1984, is retiring as Chief Executive Officer but will stay on as chairman. The announcement was made during the 2020 IREJ Real Estate Awards, during which he was receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The McShane Companies is comprised of McShane Construction Co., Cadence McShane Construction Co. and Conor Commercial Real Estate. It has regional offices in Auburn, Alabama, Irvine, CA, Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Madison, WI. –mjm

ike so many of us, Shawn Porto was born and raised in San Antonio. Growing up on the south side of town, Porto always found adventures and fun activities that made his childhood fun and exciting. “There were lots of things to do no matter what you liked to do.”

Porto attended South San High School where he graduated from in 2012.

Knowing that attending a major college or university was not for him, Porto decided not to go to college after graduation. Eventually, Porto would go back to school to continue his education.

Porto’s brother was working in the telecommunications field and got him work in telecommunications. It is there his interest was piqued and his future was in sight.“ I like the hands on work and seeing the results of your work.”

Porto began attending classes through the South Texas Electrical Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC) while working for Alterman Inc. “The South Texas JATC is funded by both the IBEW and the NECA Contractors in San Antonio. Anyone can apply and complete their apprenticeship without getting a sponsorship. That is one of the great things about this apprenticeship program. It is fully funded. The apprentice is only responsible for their books. An apprentice can literally go through a structured apprenticeship program including on-the-job-training and classroom training and graduate as a telecommunications technician or a journeyman electrician. In the end, they have no debt from tuition and have a great paying career.” Upon completing

the 3-year program, Porto was recognized as JATC’s 2020 Top Graduate in telecommunications.

“The apprenticeship school was a really fun learning experience for me.

When I learned I was to be recognized as the top graduate, I was excited and glad that all the work I was putting in didn’t go unrecognized. It really paid off.”

Wired for excellence, Porto works for Alterman Inc. in the telecommunication’s side of the company. Using the skills and knowledge he gained both on the job and through the JATC apprenticeship program, Porto is involved in the installation of numerous applications like data, security, audio video work and much more.

“Each day offers new challenges and I like that. Everyday I learn something new to improve upon. As a telecommunications technician, it is very rewarding to me and my company.”

Porto gives credit to his brothers for being his mentors. “Each one of them have taught me a thing or two whether it be about work or personal situations.”

Although Porto is not married, he does have a companion – his pet Yorkie named Max. According to Porto, Max is very, very playful and energetic to the max. One might wonder if that is how Max got his name.

Porto, like most young men, is a big sports guy. Whether he’s watching sports or participating, that is what Porto does to relax and have fun. -cmw

Page 18

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

Association Calendar

Content Contentsubmitted submittedby byAssociations Associationsto toConstruction ConstructionNews News ABC

Associated Builders & Contractors Inc.

Feb. 3: ABC Texas Legislative Day, Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave. Feb. 4: Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament, Greater SA Builders Association, 3625 Paesanos Pkwy. #100, 4:30-10pm – POSTPONED. For more info, contact Leah Villarreal at leah@abcsouthtexas.org or 210-342-1994 AGC Associated General Contractors

MCA-SMACNA of San Antonio Mechanical and Sheet Metal Contractors Assn.

Feb. 10: Regular & Associates Meeting, The Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels, 7th Flr. - CANCELLED Feb. 24: Joint Industry Fund Meeting, MCA-SMACNA Office, 206 E. Nakoma, 11:30am. For more info, call Sandee Morgan at 210-822-3763 or email sandee@ mca-smacna.org

Feb. 16-18: Unit 1 Leadership & Motivation Feb. 23-25: Unit 2 Communication, AGC Chapter Offices, 10806 Gulfdale, 1-5pm, $325 Member/Unit; $435 Non-member/ Unit.

Feb. 25: AGC TBB 2020 OCA Entry Deadline. For more info, call Kelly Wilson at 210-349-4921

Feb. 3: General Membership Meeting, Alamo Café, 14250 San Pedro Ave. 6pm, 25ppl limit, Over 25 Zoom. For more info, contact Heather Osborn at 210-216-9676 or email heather@memcostaffing.com

AIA

Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors

American Institute of Architects

Feb. 2: COTE Zoom Meeting Feb. 10: Latinos in Architecture Zoom Webinar, 6:30-8pm. For more info, contact Belinda Sanchez at 210-226-4979 or email belinda@aiasa.org ASA

American Subcontractors Assn.

Feb. 23: General Membership Meeting, Alamo Café, 14250 San Pedro Ave. 5:45pm.

For more info, call Jennifer Swinney at 210349-2105 ASSP

American Society of Safety Professionals

Feb. 15: Chapter Meeting, 11:30am-1pm.

For more info, go to www.southtexasasse.org HCA de SA

Hispanic Contractors Assn. de San Antonio

Feb. 17: Monthly Meeting & Mixer, Location TBD, 5:30-8pm. For more info, call Victoria Rodriguez at 210-444-1100 or email vrodriguez@hcadesa.org IEC

Independent Electrical Contractors

Feb. 26-27: IEC BBQ Cook-off & Wire-Off, Helotes Fairgrounds. For more info, contact Julie Tucker at 210-431-9861 or email jtucker@iecsanantonio.com

W

NAWIC

National Assn. of Women in Construction

PHCC

Feb. 11: PHCC Monthly Membership Meeting, Location TBD. Feb. 12: Early Bird deadline Sporting Clay Tournament Mar. 4 - National Shooting Complex, 5931 Roft Rd., 10am. For more info, call Heidi Trimble at 210-824-7422 or go to www.phcc-sanantonio.org For more info, call Heidi Trimble at 210824-7422 or go to www.phcc-sanantonio. org RCAT

Roofing Contractors Assn. of Texas

Feb. 16-17: RCAT Roofing Day at the Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave. For more info, call 512-251-7690.

SAMCA

San Antonio Masonry Contractors Assn.

Feb. 24: SAMCA General Meeting, Old San Francisco Steakhouse, 10223 Sahara Dr., 12pm. For more info, email Debi Solis at thesamca@gmail.com.

TACCA

Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Assn.

Greater San Antonio

Feb. 18: Virtual Member Meeting, 11:30am1pm. For more info, call Dawn Thompson at 210-901-4222 or visit taccagreatersanantonio.org

Texas roots blessing

hile working for a local rental company, Shane Schirmer received a call from his good friend and co-owner of C&K Lawn Services who was down a crew leader and needed help. He asked Schirmer to help him out for a couple of days until he could find a replacement.

“I didn’t know much about landscape, but I knew a little about irrigation having done irrigation work before. Being my dad’s, Sonny Schirmer, son and growing up in the commercial construction industry, I started doing some commercial projects for them. I went from helping him out to running commercial jobs and evenShane Schirmer, Texas Roots Landscape and Irrigation tually starting their commercial division,” says Schirmer.

After 10 years, Schirmer decided he tenance, outdoor lighting and backflow was ready to do his own thing with his testing. Shane Schirmer, Owner/Licensed buddy’s blessing. On Jun. 1, 2018, Schirm- Irrigator of Texas Roots proudly holding er opened his own landscaping and irriga- LI#20389 and BP#16387. tion business. Texas Roots Landscape With over 18 years of experience, and Irrigation.

Schirmer says “It’s been crazy. I am very

Texas Roots Landscape and Irrigation blessed. Our goal is to provide our clients is family-owned and operated specializing with the knowledge to choose the perfect in residential and commercial landscap- landscaping and lighting options while ofing; hardscape, irrigation from design to fering products that are specialized to our install, repairs to modifications and main- client’s wants and needs.” -cmw

continued from Page 1 — Raba-Kistner Inc.

“Around 2013/2014, I moved into the role of COO of Raba Kistner Consultants which is one of the firm’s four divisions.

Each division has its own COO. I had a CoCOO, Paul Lampe. He was my business partner for 30 years. He retired Dec. 31, 2020. If something feels different this week from last week, it is that Paul, after 30 years of working together, is no longer here.”

Schultz’s overall plan is to continue to grow RKI in a very strategic and calculated fashion. “Not just for the sake of growth, because growth energizes an organization and more importantly it provides opportunities for employees. My plans are to build on the success of the company that occurred under Gary Raba’s leadership. I’m inheriting a company that is coming off the best year in 52 years. I’m a firm believer if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. It’s like taking over Nick Saban’s job. I’ve got the right team on the field and it’s pretty awesome.

“We are the same company with the same great employees providing the same great services with passion and integrity that we have had for 52 years.

That includes giving back to the community. Giving back to the community is something the Rabas and Dick Kistner always instilled in us. We have a tremen-

dous responsibility to give back to the communities that we serve, and we are going to keep doing that.“

As for Gary Raba, Gary is not leaving the company entirely. He is stepping into the role of Strategic Growth Officer, drawing from his industry relationships, exploring possible acquisitions of outside firms offering related services.

“CEO is just another title, but one I will not take lightly. I was just one member of a strong leadership team prior to the promotion, and I am just part of that leadership team today. I would like to state my appreciation for the prior leadership of the company. When you look at all the Rabas – Carl, William, Gary, Bunny, and Dick Kistner, they created something that is pretty special. Their mentorship and friendship during those years have provided a lot of opportunity for me, but more importantly for all of our employees. I just think back to how many lives the company has touched both internal and external, to our whole organization. I look forward to continuing that legacy.”

Raba-Kistner Inc. is a premier engineering consulting and program management firm with offices in Austin, Brownsville, Conroe, Corpus Christi, New Braunfels, Houston, Dallas, McAllen, Arizona, Utah and Mexico. -cmw

continued from Page 1 — Anchor Insulation of Texas LLC Nobody sets out to do insulation, but Vance and I have done it for so long, it’s kind of where we belong,” said Aguilar.

Anchor Insulation has expanded its services to include firestopping and heat trace installation in just three short years.

Although, according to Aguilar, he and Jupe did not set out to conquer the market but work hard to compete. “We have a place in this market, or we feel like we do. Our goal is to be a dependable, reputable contractor that performs quality work efficiently and safely. Our focus is to develop long term relationships with customers that value our capabilities.

“Since Vance and I came up in very different environments, we bring different perspectives to the table. I came from a pretty rigid corporate environment with a lot of policy and red tape. He came from a mom-and-pop shop environment where Excel was the main software used.

So, we aim to operate somewhere in the middle, trying to have a practical approach to everything,” said Aguilar.

Their practical approach is applied throughout the operation. While Aguilar is currently the sole owner, there have always been plans to share ownership. “We knew going into business with some-

body is different than working with them, so we agreed to work together for a trial period. I’m happy to say that we complement each other well. Both of us are from South Texas and are cut from the same cloth. Due to HUB compliance, I will continue to be the majority owner, however, since inception my goal was to share ownership with like-minded partners working together towards a common goal. I certainly want him to have skin in the game,” Aguilar explains.

“Even though my card may say Operations Manager and his says President, we both have the capability and knowledge to create an estimate, operate the program, and run projects,” Jupe continues. “It’s been nice because we are both very versatile.”

Anchor Insulation of Texas LLC is a Certified Minority-Owned HUB contractor, providing insulation installation for maintenance and repair needs as well as remodel and new construction projects.

Anchor Insulation is also certified by the American Subcontractor Association, as well as TAAC.

Anchor Insulation of Texas LLC is located in Selma, TX. -cmw

continued from Page 1 — Austin Recycle & Materials are no issues with driving through neighborhoods or bad roads. A major thoroughfare is right at our gate,” adds Austin Bridge & Road Regional Manager Matthew Hanna.

The dump site is open to the public.

Wanting to be environmentally conscious and a good neighbor, Austin Recycle & Waste asks that all customers open an account prior to dumping in order to source verify where the material is coming from. “By opening an account, we can, first, trace who is bringing in material and secondly, we source verify where all the material is coming from. We are taking this very environmentally conscious stance because we are located in the inner city.

We are right beside a waterway and have neighborhoods close by. Therefore, as a company we do not and will not take environmental risks,” adds Cervantes.

Prior to opening Austin Recycle & Materials, Austin Bridge & Road reached out to the neighboring community, met with the district’s councilwoman, the HOA board and explained what they were going to be doing at the site to get their sign of approval. The property has been revitalized from its previous state which

was filled with graffiti and new fencing is now in place among other improvements.

Austin Recycle & Materials will continue to be actively involved in community meetings and help the community as much as possible to ensure they are a caring neighbor in good standing.

“A big part of our process is vetting the material that is being brought in, so we do not get any contamination. That is just part of being a good neighbor and a good corporate steward. Our crushing equipment is 100 percent electric so there will not be the loud noise from diesel engines to disturb the nearby neighborhood,” adds Cervantes.

Over the next couple of years, this facility will take on several other recycling related roles. Centrally located, the facility will operate M-F, 7am to 5pm.

Clean concrete with minimal dirt, with or without rebar; milled clean asphalt with minimal dirt and demoed asphalt is accepted and free to dump. Other fees and restrictions may apply for materials such as dirt and rock.

Austin Recycle & Materials is a construction dump site for construction soils. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

Page 19

What is your favority pastime activity and why?

My pastime activity is fishing, hunting and being with my family. I love being with my family and sharing these activities with them makes it so much more enjoyable.

Armando Cruz, Concrete Cutouts Wade fishing at our coast with lures for trout and reds is my favorite pastime activity. It’s my favorite activity because it is just me and plastic, and I catch lots of fish. BIG fish and have for decades and hope to keep it up for years to come.

Emmet Mikolajczyk, Miko Excavation & Paving Co. I would have to say my favorite pastime is bike riding (bicycling). It is a great way to exercise, decompress and see the beautiful hill country.

Todd Barrett, Barret and Sons Inc. My favorite pastime activity is spending time with my family and friends, and entertaining. I also have some amazing dogs, three Maltese and two Labs so I love playing with them!

Maegan Flannigan, Miko Excavation & Paving Co. Spending time with my family is everything to me. Watching my grandchildren laugh, learn, play and grow gives my husband and I so much joy. We enjoy family trips to the river and the beach. I like to read. Flipping the pages of a book is like taking a journey for me. It challenges my thoughts, helps me to be mentally flexible and gives me different perspectives of life at times. My husband, Ronnie, likes to visit the casinos in Oklahoma and Louisiana… those are our fun weekend getaways!

Janice Skinner, Acme Brick My favorite pastime activity is definitely playing golf and visiting different golf courses. Visiting the different golf courses grants me the opportunity to appreciate the landscape and the great outdoors.

Mark Lopez, Concepts Construction LLC Anything outdoors! We have a lake house and spend a lot time out on the water. If s

I’m on the water be it fishing or just cruising on a boat, that’s pure relaxation for me. I do like to golf and love to ski.

Chris Schultz, Raba-Kistner Inc. I am an avid RVer. I have a motor home and I love to travel. I try to get out five or six times a year. I’ve been up and down the east coast.

I’ve been up to Wyoming, the Grand Canyon, Arizona, New Mexico. This year, I’ll be going to Glacier National Park in Montana.

Michael Hanna, Austin Bridge & Road My favorite pastime is music. I do it every day to unwind. I play the guitar, not professionally, but just enough to play rhythm, hear the music and start singing to it.

Michael Cervantes, Austin Recycle & Materials I love golf, traveling, and being with family, specially the grandchildren.

Steven Bankler, Steven Bankler CPA Ltd. Fishing. I just like being out in the outdoors having fun while having time to myself.

Brad Bonnecaze, HOLT Industrial Air d.b.a. Sullair of Houston My favorite pastime is hunting hands down.

It is something I can do with my wife. It’s something I can do with my kids and it was something I did with my dad. I had been hunting with my dad since I was 5 years old.

When my dad passed, I told my kids, if you want to hear, get in the deer blind and be really quiet and you will be able to hear me very, very loud. Whenever I miss my dad and I need some advice, I can go sit in any deer stand and just get really quiet and I can hear him loud and clear.

Shane Schirmer, Texas Roots Landscape and Irrigation My favorite pastimes were the trips I took with the Boyscouts with my son. It allowed me to get away from everything. I’m not as involved in the Boyscouts as I used to be, but I help out when I can.

George Salinas, Absolute Power Electrical Contractors

Submitted to Construction News

Round-Up

CORE Electrical Group is pleased to announce the addition of following to the CORE family.

Johnie McDow joins the CORE family as a Purchasing Agent. He brings over 40 years of experience in electrical distribution and the construction industry. In his role, McDow will manage purchasing, vendor relationships, tool inventory and equipment rentals for the company. -cmw

Chris Hauschild joins the CORE team as a superintendent. Hauschild brings 30 years of experience in the electrical industry and will be responsible for leading and directing foremen on all projects. He will oversee quality assurance/ quality control as well as man-power utilization. Hauschild will also work as safety liaison, ensuring and enforcing over-all jobsite safety. -cmw

Marmon Mok Architecture is pleased to announce the promotion of Health and Wellness Design Practice Leader, Tiffany Long, AIA, ACHA, EDAC, LEED AP to Partner and Owner. She is a 14-year veteran of the Marmon Mok family. Long earned her Master of Architecture degree with a specialization in Healthcare Design and Systems from Texas A&M University and focuses on sustainability and Evidence-Base Design practices that use research to help increase patient wellness and satisfaction, staff productivity and energy performance. -cmw

Sundt Construction Inc. is please to announce that Kelton Matthews has been promoted to Cost Engineer. Matthews started at Sundt during this past year.

During that time, he showed fast growth in his work on Sundt’s Port San Antonio Innovation Center and Tarrant County College projects. Matthews earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture and applied economics from Texas Tech University. -cmw

★

★

Industry FOLKS Janice Skinner

Regional Administrative Assistant

Acme Brick Tile & Stone San Antonio, TX

B

orn in Wiesbaden, Germany, Janice Skinner grew up on several different air force bases around the world. Frankfurt, Germany; Misawa & Itazuke Air Bases in Japan; Ewa Beach in O’ahu, HI when her dad worked at Hickam AFB, and near Lackland and Kelly AFBs in San Antonio.

“I’m a military brat. Because we traveled so much, it wasn’t always easy starting a new school. What made it easier was going through the experience with other kids going through life in a similar way. It was like having a new extended family all the time. Our dad would get deployed to parts unknown. We were all were learning to cope with the struggles of carrying on without them and praying they would return to us. My best memories are the experiences of the many cultures my sister and I were a part of. From the warm beaches of Hawaii and the luaus to the shrines, temples and festivals in Japan. I gained an extremely high appreciation for the ultimate sacrifices made by our military.”

Janice and husband, Ronnie, have been married for 37 years. They met through a mutual friend at Mesquite Dance Hall back in the day. Ronnie is now retired from CPS Energy after 37 years of service and a true San Antonio native.

They live in Spring Branch, TX on five acres. “At one time, we were pretty much away from the city, but the city has come to us.

“Ronnie and I have two children, Jason and Kaylen. After several years of ranch and deer management, Jason is now working out of California for Siemens/Dresser-Rand. He spends a lot of time traveling for work but gets home

often to spend time with his daughter.

Kaylen is married, has three children and is currently having a home built near Blanco, TX. She is a pre-school teacher at Bulverde United Methodist Church School and stays extremely busy with afterschool activities with her children.”

For the past six years, Janice has been the Regional Administrative Assistant for John Brewer, who heads up Acme Brick’s Central Texas Region. Eighteen years prior, she was the district administrator for Acme’s San Antonio Sales office which involved learning and being a part of sales, credit, payables, receivables, customer service, purchasing, and overall office knowledge.

“I like the fact that no two days are ever the same. The responsibility of supporting our regional manager is not one I take lightly. Being behind the scenes doing the work that I know benefits him and his district managers means that every day there is something different and will require me to push myself to the next level. The fact that what I do helps others to be effective, means a lot to me.”

Janice feels her life has been guided by many great people, but her current boss has proven to be her most recent influential mentor. John Brewer, my current boss. His achievements and industry experience has helped me understand the importance of my job. He has encouraged and given me options to find answers myself and has an ability to teach and coach without judgement.” -cmw

Page 20

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

Niche accounting

L-R: Steven Bankler CPA, PFS, Cr.FA, CFF, CGMA; Ingrid Valdez, CPA; Corinna Garcia, CPA; and Gina Valorz CPA, PFS, CGMA – Partner in a staff meeting discussing new PPP2 (Paycheck Protection Program) provisions.

A

fter 43 years, Steven Bankler CPA Ltd. has become an overnight success. In recent years their client volume has grown substantially, and their staff has more than doubled. “We are a boutique CPA firm. We utilize only CPAs for client work. Other firms hand off important work to bookkeepers, CPAs-intraining, interns, or college students. “We don’t,” says Steven Bankler. In addition, they are very selective in the clients they serve. “We only serve business clients and their owners, and we limit the services we provide to exclusively serve this niche,” he adds.

Due to the company’s explosive growth over the last several years, they have started referring clients who no longer fit the firm profile to another small CPA firm that can better serve their needs. “We have a great network of colleagues that we’re happy to tap into when needed. It helps us truly focus on our sweet spot.”

Steven Bankler CPA Ltd. strives to be proactive with their clients. “We want to assist our clients not only in making money but keeping more of it. That means we discuss asset protection and exit planning as well as tax-saving strategies with them,” Bankler continues.

During the Spring pandemic shutdown, the company leased the larger space next door and are in the process of remodeling. “We love the area of town we’re in, and the extra space is terrific.”

Steven Bankler CPA Ltd. is a specialty, boutique CPA firm. Their business clients have revenues in excess of $1 million and

are family owned or closely held businesses. “We keep that definition narrow because these types of businesses and business owners have unique needs.

Their business and personal tax strategies are often intertwined. What affects one, affects the other. So while we pride ourselves on not being ‘jacks of all trades,’ our work includes services like exit planning and asset protection to help our clients succeed in both areas,” Bankler adds.

The Bankler team loves their San Antonio and Central Texas clients. And with modern technology (internet, portals, etc.) and FedEx, they have clients throughout the nation, from coast to coast. Additionally, they have clients who do business in foreign countries.

Bankler encourages and supports their employees in community endeavors. This past Christmas the Bankler staff participated in the Blue Santa Program through the San Antonio Chapter of CPAs. The company matched all employee contributions 100% and the toys were donated to this program.

When asked if there were any interesting stories to share about Steven Bankler CPA Ltd. since it opened in 1977, Bankler shared, “I have been lucky and worked on some very interesting projects. I was the sole investigative accountant for the US Senate Whitewater Investigation. In addition, I consulted for the US Senate Banking Committee regarding the audit of Swiss Banks’ search for Holocaust victims’ assets.”

Steven Bankler CPA Ltd. is a niche accounting firm located in San Antonio. -cmw

A dream come true

T

Mark Lopéz and Efrain Peréz, Jr. joined by family and friends cut the ribbon at the grand opening of Concepts Construction’s new facility on Greyrock Dr.

he folks at Concepts Construction have been waiting a long time to have a facility to call their own. On Dec. 18, they finally got their wish, just in time for Christmas.

Mark Lopéz, CEO and partner, Concepts Construction CFO Efrain Peréz, Jr., have been in business together since 2009 when they started Concepts Construction as a family-owned business.

The dynamic duo met while working at SETCO Grading on the RIM project.

In celebration of their new facility, Concepts Construction held a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening. Built under the supervision and direction of Richard Gomez, Excalibur Construction, the 2,700-sf facility offers plenty of room for growth, four offices, conference room, reception area and a small gym complete with workout equipment, a TV, dry sauna and shower.

“I am very excited. Although it took us time to put up a building with our name on it, it was well worth the wait. It’s definitely a dream come true to see this beautiful new facility. Over the past few years, I have enjoyed watching my workers, partner and myself grow. We are excited for what is yet to come,” say Peréz.

Operating out of a trailer since the company was established, Lopéz and Peréz bought their new property in 2015 with hopes and inspirations of building and moving into their new facility. Unfortunately, or fortunately for them, the influx into San Antonio kept them too busy doing work for the City of San Antonio, Bexar County and TxDOT. The COVID pandemic finally gave them a small window of opportunity to get started on their new facility.

State Representative Armando Lucio Walle offered his congratulations by saying, “I congratulate Efrain Peréz and

Mark López on the ribbon cutting of their new construction headquarters. Starting a company first as an idea, to operating out of a trailer, to now having a base of operation to better serve their clients is a testament to their hard work and dedication to doing things the right way. I wish them great success and growth in Bexar County, in the construction industry and throughout the state of Texas.”

“Concepts is extremely pleased and blessed with the 2020 building under the direction of Excalibur Construction. I’d like to extend my appreciation to Justin Rodriguez County Commissioner, along with State Representative Armando Lucio Walle, for making our grand opening an eventful one,” says Lopéz. -cmw

Efrain Peréz, Jr.; State Representative Armando Lucio Walle and Mark Lopéz at Concept Constructions grand opening

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

JOB SIGHTS

Beldon Roofing Company’s Chris Ojeda applies spray asphalt based emulsion, a rubberized roofing coating, on the roof of Wells Fargo. -cmw

Chito Aguilera, Economy Signs, installs new parking lot light fixtures at the new Concepts Construction offices on Greyrock in San Antonio. -cmw

L-R: Justin Tucker and Hector Ramirez, Flo-Aire Service Inc., review plans at the Alamo Heights High School Athletics Facility project. -cmw

Paolo Salvatore, CFS Forming and owner of Torre Crane inspects work before a concrete pour. -cmw

Page 21

Page 22

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

Forty years and growing

Industry FOLKS Mario Perez Roll-off Driver

Redbox+

San Antonio, TX

M

L-R: Travis Budlong and Wyatt Moore

L

ong before Travis Budlong and Wyatt Moore began working together, they knew each other from running into each other at the supply houses they visited. They even played softball together. Budlong went to trade school and then went to work for a company for a few years. He then went into the Air Force. After serving his time in the Air Force, he started All Service Air Conditioning & Heating in 1980 doing strictly service and repair work.

Moore worked for several air conditioning companies and went to trade school at St. Phillip’s College. He later started a small business in 1988. “We both had two small companies and had met through mutual friends and supply houses. One thing led to the other and this is where we are today,” says Moore.

“We incorporated and became partners in 1993. We really just grew from there,” adds Budlong.

Now 40 years later, All Service Air Conditioning & Heating has 40 service trucks on the road. They are no longer just a service and repair service shop, they are a full-service air conditioning and heating company that has been doing new installs for commercial and residential projects since the Budlong and Moore joined forces in 1993.

They insist that the most difficult part about of any business is earning people’s trust, especially in service oriented businesses. But the team at All Service has done exactly that. “That’s what we have done. We’ve earned the trust of our customers, and we stress that to our service techs - ’don’t sell somebody something they don’t need.’ Be honest and stand behind your word and your work. Most of our success has been from word of mouth, being honest with our customers, saying what we are going to do,” Budlong adds. -cmw

ario Perez has lived in San Antonio his entire life. He and his younger sister were raised by his mother. Now, 48 years old, Perez says “I could never see myself ever leaving San Antonio. Being raised by a single working mother and having a little sister, I felt it better for me to help where I could.

“My mother was the oldest of five.

She had three younger brothers who were my role models and my mentors.

They each had a trade. Every summer they taught me the meaning of a good work ethic. I started working construction with my uncles when I was 13 years old. I worked every summer with them until I was old enough to find my own job.” Perez attended John Marshall High School. After graduating from high school, Perez went straight to work.

For the past 12 years, Perez has been in the transportation industry. He started off as a mover. He later moved into the oilfields for fuel transport. When the oilfield collapsed in 2012-2013, Perez went into flatbed work for the water well industry. After six years of flatbed hauling, Perez got an opportunity as a roll-off driver. “I have been driving rolloffs for around two years. I am currently working as a roll-off driver for redbox+ Northeast here in San Antonio. I have been with the redbox+ team for five months now. Redbox+ is an innovative supplier of roll-off dumpsters and portable toilets all in one. Our primary goal is to save our customers time and headaches by helping them maintain a clean and efficient job site.

Some of Mario’s responsibilities include ensuring the trucks meet DOT

safety standards by keeping up with daily checks and maintenance. He delivers and drops dumpsters off for customers into the specific requested area. Additionally, if the attached port-a-potty is needed, Mario sets the toilets up. He later returns to pick up the dumpster, pumps and cleans the port-a-potty. He then takes the dumpster to the landfill to be emptied. He develops daily routes and schedules that works best for customers, traffic and efficiency.

“I feel like this is a great fit and great place for me to grow. I love the fact that every day is different. I love that I can help as well as building rapport with our customers. It is very rewarding.”

“Mario is a great driver and an outstanding worker. He works closely with our customers developing personal working relationships. He professionally resolves any challenges of blocked or overfilled dumpsters or inappropriate product in the dumpster on a regular basis. He has great integrity and goes above and beyond to help build our business,” says Donna Erickson, Partner of redbox+.

Perez is married to his beautiful wife, Dawn. They have two children.

Their son is 19 years old and is currently enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. His daughter, Danae, is 13 years old. Perez’s 65-year-old mother, Diana, lives with he, his wife and daughter. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021

Defeating the effects of COVID

H

ollywood-Crawford Door Company has been providing garage door products, exceeding their customers’ expectations since 1947, offering a complete line of quality residential and commercial overhead garage doors and openers.

This year hasn’t been easy on anyone

T

Page 23

and Hollywood-Crawford Door Co. is trying to make sure that those hit hardest by COVID-19 have a little extra help this year.

The company donated $45,000 to four San Antonio area non-profit organizations that serve those in need in the community.

“This has been a difficult year for so many people, and many people are feel-

Blue Santa’s north pole

’was beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Ridout Barrett office as evident in the photo. The office of Ridout Barrett was the “North Pole” for the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) Blue Santa “Stuff the Van” annual toy drive.

The toy drive is sponsored by the San Antonio CPA Society. Karen Ridout,

Special Project Coordinator said, “We were proud to be Blue Santa’s ‘Stuff the Van’ north pole.” Clearly, the folks at Ridout Barrett didn’t mind filling their office lobby with toys and bicycles for children of all ages. Their faces had to be shining as brightly as the kids will be on Christmas morning, seeing the generosity of so many. -cmw

L-R: Jordan Johnston with Lowrey, Powell, Stevens & Mangum PC; SAPD officers and Santa, Ridout Barrett’s Will Holisky, Melanie Geist, Rhonda Chadwick, Kathleen Dvorak and Lisa Good

Ridout Barrett lobby

ing not only the health effects of COVID-19, but the economic effects as well,” said Randy Oliver, president of Hollywood-Crawford Door Company. “We want to do what we can to help.”

Hollywood-Crawford donated $12,500 to Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries, $12,500 to Daily Bread Ministries, $10,000 to Any Woman Can and $10,000 to 1Hope for Kids.

The donations will help these organizations the extra little something needed to help spread the gospel message of Christ, counseling, provide food and meals, diapers, cloth-

ing, non-perishable items to thousands and maybe bring the joy of the Christmas spirit back to them. -cmw

Page 24

San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2021