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www.constructionnews.net H (210) 308-5800 H Volume 24 H Number 6 H JUNE 2021
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50/50 plan
Lady luck
L-R: E-Z Bel President Stephen Park and E-Z Bel CEO Michael Rodriguez are excited to celebrate E-Z Bel’s 50 years in business.
The RDR Flooring team
nitially offering surveying and construction consulting services, Roy and Lydie Rodriguez founded E-Z Bel Construction LLC in 1971. Roy began taking on construction projects, building them in-house. Fifty years later, E-Z Bel offers a complete line of horizontal construction services. Today, the company is still primarily owned and operated by the second generation, Michael R. Rodriguez. “Fifty years! I would have never thought that we would ever get to 50 years,” says E-Z Bel CEO Michael Rodriguez. “We are right in the transition period of my dad to me and then me to Stephen Park and the rest of the leadership group. What a year to do it in – at the 50-year mark. I am very grateful for the opportunity that my dad
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stablished in 1985, Western States Fire Protection (WSFP) originated with two offices – one in Denver, CO and the other, St. Paul, MN and quickly expanded to Los Angeles, CA. In 1989, Western States became a subsidiary of API Group in Minnesota. Today, the company has 24 branches throughout the United States. In 1990, Western States Fire Protection opened an office in San Antonio. Eighty-five employees strong, the San Antonio office services San Antonio and its surrounding areas. WSFP expanded their markets to Donna and Corpus Christi, TX, to service the South Texas region. “Our specialty is fire protection, fire sprinklers and fire alarms, as well as offsite fire alarm monitoring services,” says Don Salazar. “We bring innovation and design credits for reduced wastewater and improved tenant space flexibility.” Dedicated to building a safer envi-
presented to me and what he and my mom taught me. My mom, especially, taught me how to save money and save for the future. For them to be around to be a part of the celebrations is especially rewarding.” Throughout the company’s 50 years in business, E-Z Bel has enjoyed a steady profitable growth with Michael priding himself on continuing to build the company based on the vision his father created years ago. E-Z Bel continues to focus on building a strong foundation of people based on its core values by providing opportunities for future individual growth. “In 50 years, surely there might have been hundreds of thousands of feet of continued on Page 19
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fter about eight years of working as a laborer in the flooring industry, Rudy Reyna was ready to do more. He wanted his own business. In 2000, Rudy and his wife, Dina Reyna, started RDR Flooring. “We had just moved into our home and we didn’t have any furniture. Naturally, I wanted furniture. Rudy asked me if we should buy furniture or should we start the business,” laughs Dina. “I was like, ‘Hello, I want furniture.’ But he said no, and we started the business. Actually, we got lucky.” The very day Rudy and Dina registered their company, Rudy met with a contractor who gave the opportunity they needed to get started. RDR Flooring has been going strong ever since. In 2003, Roddy Reyna, Rudy and
Dina’s son, joined the company as Chief Operating Officer after returning from the Naval Academy. Around that time, RDR Flooring began expanding to their floor portfolio by adding polished concrete to their services. “RDR is a preferred contractor with Wal-Mart,” adds Jesse Vasquez, Jr., RDR Flooring Director of Preconstruction. “Since Wal-Mart stores pretty much have everything, as the flooring industry pivoted into polished concrete, so did we.” “Some contractors stick with hard tile like ceramic, granite or resilient tile,” says Roddy. “Some do polished concrete and epoxies. Fortunately for us, we have been able to do it all.” “We do it all,” agrees Rudy. “Ceramic, VCT, LVT, polished concrete, hardwood, continued on Page 19
Western-style protection
Western States Fire Protection San Antonio team members at the recent ASA Subfest L-R: Don Salazar, Jessica Tandy, Chris Tandy and Dillon Pecan
ronment, WSFP constantly identifies opportunities within their projects to contribute to a cleaner environment, whether it be through “Green Fire Protection” initiatives or by providing quality fire protection services. As the construction industry is under constant scrutiny to incorporate environmentally friendly practices, WSFP takes great pride in their green fire protection services and are frequently involved in the engineering, design, construction, and installation of projects striving to reach LEED certification. “Our company mission is quite simple,” adds Salazar. “Provide quality solutions for the protection of lives and property, providing an exceptional value to our customers. Everyone at WSFP takes great pride in providing such solutions to include offering free customer training in our fully-designed training room.” In addition to the company’s mission continued on Page 19
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San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021
Golf prevails
lash flooding on the back nine, a fallen tree across the road entering the golf course… NOTHING was going to keep approximately 100 golfers from playing golf in the 27th Annual MCA-SMACNA Golf Tournament. The event was held at SilverHorn Golf Club on Apr. 29 after a record rainfall of 2.55 inches the day before. Proceeds from the annual tournament are donated Habitat for Humanity. -cmw
27th Annual MCA-SMANCA Golf Tournament winners: 2nd Place: Gary Stevenson, Mike Andreason, Robert Uhl andChris Finger 3rd Place: Ted Dunnam, Cuatro Dunnam, Jim Gunn and Mike Grendall Longest Drive: John Durik and John Solis Closest-to-the-Pin: Chad Jebousek, Lance Hagdorn and Brian Keller Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskins Photography.
1st Place Gross: Aaron Caldwell, Chris Vrana, Jack Ballard and Ethan Kale
1st Place Net: Lance Hagdorn, Zach Rother, Tim Butler and Carlos Lopez
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Multi-discipline at work
ounded in 1956 and based out of Fort Worth, TX, Dunaway is a Texas-based multi-discipline design and engineering firm. Now, celebrating its 65th year in business, Dunaway is on its fourth generation of ownership with offices in Fort Worth, Farmersville, Midland, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin. In 2017, Dunaway acquired Bryan Mask’s firm with offices in San Antonio and Midland. At the time of the acquisition, Mask’s firm focused primarily on landscape architecture. Having a desire to become a multi-discipline firm, Mask and Dunaway saw an opportunity to diversify. Mask took note; not many local firms offered diversified solutions in the same way as Dunaway, by having multiple disciplines under the same umbrella of a single company. “It was a great opportunity to bring in a full team to work on some special projects and that was really enticing to me,” says Mask. “Since then we have been able to take on a lot more landscape architecture projects. Those projects have grown not only in size but in their profile within San Antonio by adding our other lines of businesses to those projects.” As we continue building relationships with the City, we have also expanded our business efforts through the addition of Lauren Setterbo to our San Antonio team. A graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio, Lauren is active in various San Antonio professional and civic organizations, including the Urban Land Institute and is currently president of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS). Dunaway is currently working on the Dawson Park at Hays Street Bridge project here in San Antonio while also de-
Bryan Mask and Lauren Setterbo
signing a park next to it. Dunaway is also currently working on the World Heritage Center at Mission Drive-In. This is a center for visitors and will serve as a gateway to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the Alamo in 2015, and will be located at Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave. “We are thrilled to be the prime on this project,” adds Mask. “We are working with local architecture firm Muñoz and Company while Dunaway provides civil and structural engineering, as well as landscape architecture on the project.” As Mask recalls, “In a short time frame, with the added resources and knowledge of a larger firm, we have been able to provide our services on some very unique, high-profile projects.” Dunaway is a multi-disciplined firm specializing in civil and structural engineering, planning and landscape architecture, environmental, survey and GIS services. -cmw
San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021
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Nothing goes to waste
onstruction is hard on trees - really hard on trees. Trees are smacked with backhoes or bobcats, materials and equipment are parked on them, concrete waste is poured on top of the roots and the list goes on. While contractors mean well, they often get busy or their job sites are really tight, especially downtown where job sites are getting tighter and tighter. In 2016, Scott Anderson and his wife, Jennifer Urbanczyk, started Urban Land | Tree | Soil providing services which included land clearing, tree services, soil and mulch, a brush dump and a vegetation recycling center. As the company grew, one sector of the company began spreading its roots at an enormous rate. “Our tree service has been growing wildly,” says Anderson, who is a trained and certified arborist. “About a year and a half ago, we got really serious about our tree service in terms of building a tree crew. Today, 80 percent of our tree service is commercial, 20 percent residential. We focus a lot on trees in construction whether it be new construction, a remodel type situation or property management on commercial properties. We do everything that a normal tree service does – trimming, removal, stump grinding, but we do a lot of nutrient, disease and pest mediation. We deal with a lot of trees stressed from root and branch damage. We are trying to bring all the latest science and tricks of the trade into pretty stressful environments for trees in construction.” In January, Urban Land | Tree | Soil began the rebranding of the tree service limb of the company to Urban Tree Company with a new website and logo. Go-
Arborist and Urban Tree Company Co-Owner Scott Anderson
bring safety and professionalism to trees in construction that OSHA brings to the workers in construction. “All the safety programs, training and certification it takes to step onto a modern construction site, that has been lacking in the tree world for years. Our industry is way behind the curve,” Anderson states. Urban Tree Company services the Greater San Antonio area and its surrounding communities, the Valley, Laredo, Corpus Christi, San Marcos and Austin. Serving their customers, wherever they may be needed, Urban Tree Company is ready to meet their customers’ needs. Urban Tree Company is a full-service tree mediation and mitigation company. -cmw
Samples of Urban Tree Company’s sawmill byproducts
ing full circle, Urban Tree Company continues to provide the services previous offered under Urban Land | Tree | Soil but has taken it a step further. “Urban Soil speaks to the soil side, while Urban Tree Company will highlight all aspects of tree service to include a wood shop and sawmill,” adds Anderson. Through the woodshop and sawmill, the beauty of larger trees can continue to persevere by milling the trees into usable byproducts. “We mill mostly for ourselves. We don’t mill for other people unless it is their tree. Milled trees are made into furniture, tables, benches, mantels, as we trickle everything down. We start with big pieces, pulling out scrap, which is turned into bowls, spoons, cutting boards so there is no waste.” Part of the Urban Tree Company rebranding is the launching of an online shopping cart on the company’s new developed website for the sale of firewood which is pulled from brush dumping. “Firewood, honestly, is one of those things that can be really shady. It is hard to know what a cord of wood looks like. We are trying to standardize this industry. All over San Antonio, people are selling a cord of firewood from $5 to $500. We are trying to bring some professionalism to this.” Urban Tree Company is working to
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San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021
Two brothers, one path
35 years Sharp
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Sharp Glass celebrates 35 years in business with a photo of their team of highly trained professionals.
n 1986, Kyle and Clint Sharp’s father, Alan Sharp, started his own glass company, Sharp Glass, after years in the industry. In June of 2020, Kyle Sharp, Chief Executive Office and Clint Sharp, Chief Operating Officer, officially bought the company from their father. Since then, the company has seen some great changes and tremendous growth, “Since joining Sharp Glass, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand how the investment in our people, relationships, and culture have taken us to the next level.” says Lauren Knuffke, Sharp Glass Business Development Manager. “It’s about hiring the right people and investing in them through training. With the positive changes, we can continue to provide quality workmanship and service to our clients to keep those relationships strong.” With a brand-new approach of being culture- and relationship-focused, they are driven towards building those current
partnerships and establishing new ones. “We’re a quality glazer who provides quality service. We want to work as partners versus just another subcontractor to contractors,” Knuffke continues. “We are really fortunate for our community that we serve. It’s because of San Antonio that we have been able to not only sustain ourselves through a pandemic but grow our name in the community.” “Sharp Glass is honored to have been part of the community for the past 35 years and to have been able to adapt to the ever-changing construction market,” Kyle said. “We have worked hard since day one to establish a reputation as a proactive and honest subcontractor who delivers safe and quality work in a timely manner, and we look forward to continuing those values and that type of service. I am proud to be part of the team who has worked on a number of great projects and built lasting relationships over the years and look forward to where the company will go from here.” -cmw
L-R: Twin brothers Rich Trepanier and Robert Trepanier of Gage Multifamily Services
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t’s rare that twin brothers Robert Trepanier and Rich Trepanier, cofounders and equal owners of Gage Multifamily Services LLC, don’t share a like mindset, both in life and in business. “We’re 44 now, and we’ve been together since Day 1,” Robert says. “More times than not, we know what the other person’s thinking and the reactions. He knows how I want to handle things, and I know how he wants to handle things. It’s very infrequently that we’re not on the same wavelength. The Detroit-raised siblings both earned business degrees and moved to St. Louis, MO, where they worked a stint in the corporate world before buying and renovating multifamily real estate. “It started off as rental properties for income purposes. Then, we quit our daytime jobs and decided to start our own smaller company,” Robert says. “We purchased homes in St. Louis from owners but also the city and did historic tax credit renovations. Renovation is where our experience started.” The 2008 economic decline forced the Trepaniers to take jobs at an Austinbased multifamily general contractor. After
accepting separate jobs at similar companies, they reunited and formed Gage Multifamily Services LLC in 2014. “We are strictly focused on multifamily renovation,” Robert says. “The day we started the company, we knew what we were good at in the past and what we would be good at in the future. We’ve never targeted anything else; it’s always been multifamily.” Each brother brings their own strengths to the company. “Rich is good at getting the projects, and I’m good at getting the next project from that client,” Robert says. With 21 full-time team members (including their social-media-whiz sister, Jeanne Trepanier), the brothers plan to stay the same course, together. “Rich and I are pretty much serial entrepreneurs. We want to grow the company. We’re essentially Texas and Waco-toSan Antonio focused. We want to turn Gage Multifamily Services into a less regional company in the state of Texas, but a statewide company and then further from there. That’s the goal.” Gage Multifamily Services LLC is in Austin and San Antonio. –mjm
San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021
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Celebrating life
n May 2, more than 100 people gathered at the San Antonio Gun Club for the Louis C. Mosel Memorial Shoot. Louis Mosel passed away May 6, 2020. His wife, Jean, and their children put the Louis C. Mosel Memorial Shoot together as a celebration of his life. He was introduced to skeet late in life and was immediately hooked. He competed in tournaments all over the US, win-ning countless medals. At the age of 87, during the 2014 World Skeet Shooting Championships, Louis and his shooting partner broke six world records in the two-man team Senior Veterans event. Louis was a veteran and Senior Veteran Team Captain 12 years for the Texas Skeet Shooters Association. He was a life member of the San Antonio Power Squadron, the NRA, the Texas State Skeet Shooting Association, the National Skeet Shooting Association and the San Antonio Gun Club. The awards for this event were made from belt buckles Louis had won from competitions. -cmw
Louis C. Mosel
Louis C. Mosel Memorial Shoot Winners: 1st Place Members: Shawn Scott 2nd Place Members: Clay Swetman 3rd Place Members: Bill Ethridge High Overall: PD Parker 2nd Place Expert: Doug Reeves 3rd Place Expert: Scott Hutcheson 2nd Place Advanced: Richard McNatt 3rd Place Advanced: Clint Ullman 1st Place Sportsman: Rudy Specia 2nd Place Sportsman: Justin Hurst 3rd Place Sportsman: Paul Ruff Up & Coming: Keith Eismann
1st Place Advanced: Scott Wunsch
L-R: Mary Gase and Jean Mosel
1st Place Expert: Rick Barrera
Awards made from champion belt buckles won by Louis Mosel
Retired Life Members of MCA-SMACNA L-R: Roy Jackson, Bennie Malish and John Scott
The future at hand
Photo Correction in May 2021 issue Sean and Jamie Murray of Future Concrete Structures
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San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021
Counting the rings
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f 84 Lumber were a tree, one might count 65 rings amidst its trunk. Since the company is not a tree, one can just appreciate the company’s 65 years of growing success. Joe Hardy, accompanied by his two brothers, Norman and Bob Hardy, and family friends Ed Ryan and Jack Kunkle, started 84 Lumber in Eighty Four, PA in 1956 after purchasing land and buildings for a new “cash and carry” lumberyard. The Hardy brothers became the sole owners of the company during the ‘60s, entering into a new phase of expansion. Throughout the ‘70s, 84 Lumber continued to expand, opening 229 more stores. The company continued its growth pattern through the ‘80s and began remodeling and renovation stores around the mid-80s. As the company continued to grow, it was named at the top of ProSales’ “Dealer 100” list in 1991. In 1992, Joe Hardy appointed his daughter Maggie Hardy Knox as president and owner of 84 Lumber and she continues to run the company to this day.
84 Lumber, 65 years strong.
Under Knox’s leadership, 84 Lumber continued to expand and reached $1 billion in sales for the first time in 1993. She successfully led the company through the 2008 housing crisis, and in 2020, the company hit $4 billion in sales for the first time. Today, 84 Lumber Company is the nation’s largest privately-held supplier of building materials, manufactured com-
ponents and industry-leading services for single- and multi-family residences and commercial buildings. The company operates more than 250 stores with nearly 6,000 associates, component manufacturing plants, custom door shops, custom millwork shops and engineered wood product centers in more than 30 states. 84 Lumber also
offers turnkey installation services for a variety of products, including framing, insulation, siding, windows, roofing, decking and drywall. The company has two locations in San Antonio and one location in Georgetown. 84 Lumber is continuing to expand into new and existing markets this year. New markets are opening soon in Stockton, CA; Detroit, MI and Boise, ID. In the meantime, 84 Lumber is continuing to focus on providing the best products and service to their current markets. “84 Lumber is committed to the local communities where we live and work,” says Knox. “Whether it’s exceptional customer service, collaboration with various charities, involvement with business or trade groups, or investment in associates, 84 Lumber’s priorities is what has kept the company strong for 65 years and counting.” 84 Lumber is a building material supply company. -cmw
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San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021
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San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021
Where does he live? He just moved here not too long ago. He is a travel agent. His family owned a travel agency in Venezuela, but recently moved here.
Rick Brun,
President & CEO HR Brun & Co. Inc. San Antonio, TX
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s a young man in Venezuela, Rick Brun had visions of working for the FBI or Interpol. While that vision never became a reality, he developed a passion for construction that has led to a path of learning and success. You have a very distinct accent, tell me a little about you. I was born in Barranquilla, Columbia. How long did you live in Columbia? I lived in Columbia until I was about 10 years old. What was living in Columbia like? It was great. Columbia is very nice from what I remember. There were a lot of good families. There are a lot of people. Big families that are all very, very close. Have you been back? I went back about three years ago. I went to Cartagena. It was amazing. The people are so nice. There are so many beautiful buildings and then there is the ocean. Did you move to the United States when you were 10? No. We moved to Caracas, Venezuela. What was Venezuela like? Venezuela turned into a big mess around the time I was 15 years old. At that time, I went to school in Seattle, WA. When I came back, Chavez had won the election and took over all the banks and corporations. My parents ended up losing their jobs.
When did you move to the United States? When I was 21, my father told me it was time for me to move on. I moved to San Antonio with my mother. We lived with my mother’s sister who lived here. Moving here was the best idea because at that time, I was also very sick. There was something wrong with my blood. San Antonio and Houston were very well known for their doctors. It turned out to be nothing, really. I had simply consumed too much bad water in Venezuela that was poisoning my blood. Within six months, I was cured. What did you do after you were back on your feet? I stayed with my aunt for a while. Then I started tinkering with cars. I had a small dealership off of Isom Rd. After a while, I began to hate it. I loved the cars, but I would finance the sale of the cars and the people would disappear on me. It was hard to find my cars. So, I decided to get out of the car business. How old were you when you started your dealership? I was 22 years old. When I was younger, I would work on cars and put them together so when I started my dealership, I made sure the cars were in good repair before they are available to sell. I used to work on cars, motorcycles, remote control planes. I did that until I was about 36 years old. I’m 53 now, so I don’t work on cars, but I still love cars. What did you do then? I had always wanted to learn construction because I wanted to have my own building. So, I started to learn construction and built a small apartment complex in Stone Oak. You went to school in Washington, did you also go to school to get a degree? I have a degree in business administration with a minor in computer science.
Do your parents still live in Venezuela? My father lives in Venezuela on the Margarita Island. My mother lives here in San Antonio.
Was learning the construction business difficult? I entered the construction industry in 2000. I opened HR Brun & Co. just for construction in 2001. It was a huge learning experience. I learned the hard way. I started out good but ended up losing money and went bankrupt. I started out again doing only concrete because it is one of the first phases. Then I got into an 8a program at Lackland. It really helped me. In the meantime, I diversified and started doing drywall and commercial finish-outs. I learned to be very conservative.
Do you have any siblings? I have one brother.
You are celebrating 20 years in business this year. How does that feel?
What did your parents do? My father was a corporate vice president for a company similar to Procter & Gamble. My mother worked for American Express. She was also a vice president of a bank.
It is very exciting. It’s hard to believe 20 years have gone by so quickly. Do you get back to Venezuela to see your dad? Going to Venezuela right now is very difficult. Planes don’t even go there anymore. My dad and I meet in Cartagena, Columbia because he is from Cartagena. Cartagena is not far from the Venezuelan islands. Are you married? No. I am not married Do you have any children? No children. Any plans to get married? Someday. I have to find the right one. I see so many people getting divorced. So, I’m gun shy. I just have to find the right one. What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I have a boat at Canyon Lake. I love boating and have been doing it for many years. I’m also a pilot. I love flying. I recently got into golf. I play a lot of golf with my customers and people I do business with. What do you like best about the work you do? I love dealing with my workers. I don’t like to be in the office. I like to be in the field with my guys. I have anywhere from 50 to 80 employees. It varies. What is the hardest part of your job? Dealing with the larger companies is probably the hardest part of the job. Larger companies are always punishing or taking advantage of the small companies. You have to finance your projects to get the projects. It is hard for the smaller companies because a lot of times, the larger companies are slow to pay the smaller companies which makes it difficult. What were your interests growing up? Growing up, I wanted to be in the FBI or CIA. I wanted to travel the world. Maybe work for Interpol. I also wanted to be in the Air Force. Why didn’t you pursue the FBI/Interpol career route? I guess I thought I couldn’t because I thought I was getting too old. I think I ended up doing better. Once I got into the 8a program, I was able to do work for the Dept. of Defense and was recently awarded two $900,000,000 contracts. I am able to help build buildings and hospitals that are bettering the lives of others. How often do you travel back to Columbia? Since the coronavirus, we have not been able to go. Before the virus, I went to Cartagena. We went to visit my grandmother, who was 98 years old, and we saw that she had not much longer to live.
Rick Brun We did it perfectly, because one year after, she died. As soon as the coronavirus is over, we will be going again. What would you like our readers to know about you? There are a lot people out there in small businesses and I see how they fail. I think people need to see how you maintain and balance. You have to be strong in the hard times and not get down and depressed. I try to stay positive and encourage people to be positive because there is always a solution. You said you’re a pilot, do you own your own plane? How often do you fly? I do have a little plane at the airport. Once a week I fly to one of my projects in Colorado Springs. -cmw
San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021
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ACCOUNTING Being deemed essential doesn’t preclude ERTC eligibility By Brandon Jones Tax Partner RSM US LLP San Antonio, TX
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he construction ecosystem has not been immune to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, as world leaders were trying to figure out how to prevent the continued spread of COVID-19, many states and local governments deemed some forms of construction to be an essential service that could continue with appropriate protections in place. However, several states and municipalities took a conservative approach to shut down construction sites altogether until more was known about the spread of the virus, affecting many businesses in those states and municipalities.
Eligibility requirements for the ERTC To meet the eligibility qualifications for the ERTC, an employer must show either: (1) An employer fully or partially closed or was otherwise more than nominally affected as a result of government orders or mandates. (2) An employer suffered a 50% or 20% decline in gross receipts for a quarter(s) in 2020 or 2021, respectively, as compared to the same quarter(s) in 2019. Under the governmental order qualifications, an employer must be able to show that a governmental order at the federal, state or local level affected the operation of the employer’s trade or business by limiting commerce, travel or group meetings. Any construction employer forced to close, reduce or cancel operations by jurisdictional order that is a normal source of business may meet this requirement if they also paid some of the furloughed employees’ health benefits, or if they paid employees for hours in which they could not work because of closures, reductions, etc. Those construction companies that were deemed essential that voluntarily closed, or that were otherwise not forced to close under orders have a higher burden to prove the applicability of governmental orders on their businesses, but may still be able to
Builder Beware: The Ramifications of the Continuous and Progressive Exclusion Douglas Lynch, Senior Vice President Brookstone Insurance Group Addison, TX
Despite receipt of PPP loans, construction firms may be eligible
By mid-May, most states and municipalities had reopened their construction sites, but the impact was felt by the industry with declines in total construction employment of 14% in April 2020 and declines in total construction spend of 5% in May 2020, both of which rebounded throughout the summer. One of the leading factors of the rebound was the provisions within the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act, in particular, the PPP (Paycheck Protection Program). The construction industry was the third-largest sector to utilize the PPP from the initial round of funding, accounting for 12.38% of total PPP loans as of June 30, 2020. Construction companies considered the Employee Retention Credit, also known as the employee retention tax credit or ERTC; however, in accordance with the CARES Act, PPP loan recipients were ineligible for the ERTC, limiting availability of use. This changed in December 2020, as Congress passed the CAA (Consolidated Appropriations Act), expanding ERC benefits to more employers retroactively to 2020 and extending the benefits of these provisions into the first two quarters of 2021. Congress has subsequently extended the credit again through Dec. 31, 2021, in the ARP (American Rescue Plan) passed earlier in March. One of the main provisions was the retroactive ERTC eligibility for employers who had received PPP loans in 2020. Employers with qualified wages paid beyond those required for PPP forgiveness or certain other credits are eligible to apply those wages to the retention credit retroactively for the 2020 tax year, expanding the use cases for the ERTC and the construction industry.
INSURANCE
qualify for the ERTC. It is important to note that a mere reduction in business due to the overall economy is not sufficient to meet the requirement. Each employer’s situation will likely vary as a result of businesses’ location, jurisdictional orders affecting the construction job sites and economic impacts in the relevant periods. As governmental orders varied from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, employers need to consider the eligibility requirements in light of the facts and circumstances in place for each period, location and their organization as a whole. Alternatively, an employer can also qualify for the ERTC by showing a reduction in gross receipts for a quarter in any of the eligible periods as compared to 2019 levels. If an employer can show the aggregated gross receipts for a quarter in 2020 and/or 2021, are 50% or less and 20% or less, respectively, than the same quarter in 2019 (for 2021 gross receipts, an employer can elect to use the previous quarter), they are eligible for the ERTC. Based on the current status of the industry and many construction companies being able to proceed with work, as well as historic backlogs heading into the pandemic, most construction companies have been eligible under the governmental order guidelines identified above, rather than the gross receipts eligibility guidelines. While this may not be the case for all construction companies as those servicing certain industries (like hospitality or retail) may have seen declines in gross receipts, it is likely that most companies in the industry have not seen significant enough declines to be able to qualify under the gross receipts threshold. It should also be noted that in determining the eligible employer for the gross receipts test and total employee number for the determination of qualified wages, an employer must aggregate all related companies. Other considerations
Beyond the ERTC, employers may want to consider a number of additional factors before claiming the credit, such as mechanisms to maximize qualified eligible wages. An employer cannot use the same wages for the ERTC as used for the PPP loan forgiveness or certain other credits, such as the work opportunity credit (WOTC).
An employer should review potential eligible periods and wages for ERTC, PPP and other credits to develop a method that results in the best use of wages for each eligible period. These companies may also consider health care expenses. Ultimately, if the employer finds the above analysis still yields insufficient wages, PPP full dollar forgiveness would often be more attractive than a partial retention credit for the wages in question. One final note for an employer considering retroactive application of the ERTC is that 2020 income tax returns may require an extension for the necessary continued on Page 19 bottom
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he Continuous and Progressive exclusion is a recent exclusion that significantly limits the scope for longtail allegations. It has been upheld by courts in many states over the past for or so years. The most vigorous defense is to ensure that it is not used in the policy. So, what is that exactly and why? MY #3 pick for most harmful exclusion added to the CGL is the Continuous and Progressive IN SHORT, the inclusion of continuous or progressive injuries or loss exclusion could have IMPACTS ON LONGTERM COVERAGE I. IF any of a policyholder’s policies in the series in place when an instance of continuous or progressive property damage occurred had a continuous or progressive injury or damage exclusion, only one policy—the one in effect when the property damage first began—would cover it. In comparison, with standard CGL policies that do not include the exclusion, all the consequences are the same. 2. AND it may exclude the insurance company’s obligation to defend and protect as the exclusion only includes an allegation that the loss occurred prior to the policy’s effective date. This opens the door for insurance providers to refuse defense coverage, even though the obligation to defend is otherwise broad. 3. Because of the increased use of this exclusion in recent years, it is likely that the insurance specification portion of construction contract documents should expressly prohibit its use. Even so, owners and general contractors would only know if their subcontractors followed the ban if they read every policy, since certificates of insurance are unlikely to state the coverage. Own Property exclusions typically omit coverage for “property damage” to: The property you own, rent, or occupy, including any costs or expenses incurred by you or any other person, organization, or entity, for repair, supersession, enhancement, renovation, or maintenance of such property for any reason. This omission engenders unique issues for developers and spec builders. This is because the developer/builder “owns” the property throughout development, potentially precluding coverage for many instances of property damage. Builders should still purchase CGL policies to cover those instances in which coverage applies (and should supplementally purchase Builder’s Risk Indemnification, which provides more expansive property coverage for first party claims arising during construction). How will CGL policies will affect builders and developers? Good question…. BUILDER BEWARE: Builders and developers need to be vigilant of a relatively incipient omission in CGL policies which insurers are now endeavoring to wield to limit the scope of coverage further. This exclusion, which is my #3 PICK for MOST HARMFUL Exclusion in the CGL, found in successive CGL policies, is called the “Continuous or Progressive” damage exclusion. It broadly omits coverage for damage that occurs after the builder/ developer no longer owns the property, if the damage was caused by or alleged to have been caused by conditions (such as work performed) prior to the policy period. Prevalent language in a Continuous or Progressive exclusion omits coverage for property damage:
• If the damage first subsisted, or was alleged to have first subsisted, before the policy period; or • If the damages were, or was alleged to be , taking place before the policy period, even if genuine or alleged damage perpetrated during the policy period; or • Was caused by, or was alleged to have been caused by, conditions that subsisted prior to the policy period, resulting in damage taking place during the policy period. BUILDER BEWARE: Under this exclusion, insurers are taking the position that property damage that occurs after the project domicile has been sold to a buyer will not be covered under a later policy, even though the damage occurred during the policy period, because the condition which allegedly caused the damage subsisted prior to the policy period. Verbalized differently, insurers argue that the Continuous and Progressive exclusion works to omit coverage under a successive CGL policy for property damage that occurs during the policy period but arises from work performed prior to the policy period. Liability of CGL policies Builder Beware: Continuous and progressive may be viewed as a continuation and expansion of the Own Property and Your Work exclusions. Insurersare endea-voring to utilize these two exclusionstogether to exclude the majority of property damage for which a builder or developer may become liable. Of course, proximately all damages for which a builder or developer may become liable will arise either during ownership of the property (excluded by Own Property exclusion ) at a later date due to property damage resulting from defective workmanship or materials antecedently provided (excluded by the Continuous and Progressive damage exclusion). Builders, developers, and Insurance agents, need to be cognizant of how insurers are endeavoring to utilize these two exclusions to narrow the scope of coverage under CGL policies. Otherwise, builders and developers may be left holding the bag for property damage despite the ostensibly broad coverage conferred by their indemnification policies. If you are a builder/developer concerned about the scope of your commercial general liability insurance coverage, or if you have received a letter from an insurer that they are including the Continuous and Progressive contact your agent as there are varying degrees of this harmful exclusion and they need to be made clear. If you do not understand this exclusion or know if you have it, you can contact me for a full review of your current insurance. All that I need from you is the FORMS LIST of your CGL. This is a free service offered for all who ask It is a honest 3rd party analysis of what you were sold, and point out detrimental exclusions that you will want to ask your agent / carrier to remove.
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OSHA
LEGAL
Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training
Texas Construction Contracts: Frequently Asked Questions
Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX
J.D. Holzheauser Senior Associate Peckar & Abramson, P.C. Austin, TX
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SHA requires employers to develop and implement a training program based on the general principles of safe truck operation, the types of vehicles being used in the workplace, the hazards of the workplace created by the use of the vehicle, and the general safety requirements of the OSHA law. Trained forklift operators must know how to do the job properly and do it safely as demonstrated by workplace evaluation. Employers must also certify that each operator has received the training and evaluate each operator at least once every three years. Prior to operating the truck in the workplace, the employer must evaluate the operator’s performance and determine the operator to be competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely. Refresher training is needed whenever an operator demonstrates a deficiency in the safe operation of the truck. Training shall consist of a combination of formal instruction (e.g., lecture, discussion, interactive computer learning, video tape, written material), practical training (demonstrations performed by the trainer and practical exercises performed by the trainee), and evaluation of the operator’s performance in the workplace. Truck-related topics including operating instructions, warnings, and precautions for the types of truck the operator will be authorized to operate. Additionally, operators will be trained on the differences between the truck and the automobile, and on the truck controls and instrumentation including where they are located, what they do, and how they work. Other truck related topics to be covered are engine or motor operation,
steering and maneuvering, visibility (including restrictions due to loading), fork and attachment adaptation, operation, and use limitations, vehicle capacity, vehicle stability, and any vehicle inspection and maintenance that the operator will be required to perform. Operators must also be informed of procedures for refueling and/or charging and recharging of batteries and any operating limitations. Workplace-related topics include surface conditions where the vehicle will be operated, composition of loads to be carried and load stability, load manipulation, stacking, and unstacking, and expected pedestrian traffic in areas where the vehicle will be operate. Additional topics include narrow aisles or other restricted places where the vehicle will be operated, hazardous locations where the vehicle will be operated, ramps and other sloped surfaces that could affect vehicle stability, and closed environments where insufficient ventilation or poor vehicle maintenance could cause a buildup of carbon monoxide. Trainees may operate a truck only under the direct supervision of persons who have the knowledge, training, and experience to train operators and evaluate their competence and where such operation does not endanger the trainee or other employees. The employer is required keep written records of the training that include the operator’s name, the training and evaluation dates, and the name of person(s) performing the training or evaluation. natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232
ithout getting philosophical, contracts make the world go around. Whether the contract is as small as using a ride-share service or as large as a multi-billion-dollar business transaction, strings and webs of contracts are at play. Complexity of contracts notwithstanding, there are commonly asked contract questions that are the subject of this article – and contractors, I’ve written this piece with you in mind. Note that answers discussed below are general responses to some most frequently asked contract questions. No answer is an absolute because even the slightest alteration to underlying facts can impact the answer. The intent is to focus on specific issues and helpful information, rather than a comprehensive legal discussion. What’s in the Contract? Contracts may include general conditions, special conditions, plans, and specifications. They should explain what’s included—beware the contract that doesn’t! In a perfect world, all contract documents would have consistent terms. But often they don’t. Be on the lookout for conflicting terms and make sure the contract is clear as to which terms prevail. Pay particular attention to contract documents that describe scope. Are they complete and comprehensive? Are exclusions clear? And look for general contract language that attempts to shift risk or responsibility and may conflict with scope and/or exclusions. The contract may also “incorporate” other documents that aren’t physically attached. Incorporation by reference is honored by courts, so be careful to consider the contents of those other documents. Most subcontracts incorporate the terms of the prime contract. But did the subcontractor read those terms? They should. Just as important is what’s not in your contract. Did you request or offer specific concessions or commitments in negotiations in exchange for a price adjustment? Make sure those terms are written into the final signed contract. Courts view signed contracts as the full agreement between the parties unless there is an obvious gap or omission. Don’t expect to enforce agreements made before signing unless they are written into the document. Are Original Signatures on a Written Contract Required or Will Scanned Versions Received via Email Be Enforceable? Generally, in Texas, original or “wet ink” signatures are no longer required in order for contracts to be enforceable; scanned copies are usually acceptable. But, county clerks may have their own standards. Some counties or clerks may require documents for recording to be “wet ink” originals. Best practices to avoid this problem would be including a section in the contract affirmatively stating that electronic signatures are acceptable. Additionally, Texas’ Uniform Electronic Transaction Act provides for legal enforceability of electronic signatures. While implications of this Act exceed the scope of this FAQ, in general the Act “establishes the legal equivalence of electronic records and signatures with paper writings and manually-signed signatures, removing barriers to electronic commerce.” What are Venue and Choice of Law? These terms attempt to define where disputes will be resolved and under what state’s law. Venue describes the proper place for trial of a lawsuit. In Texas, each county is a different venue. Venue can be either
mandatory or general, depending on the nature of the case and the agreement of parties to the contract. For example, a Texas client recently declined to accept a provision stating arbitration would be in London, England. Choice of law describes which jurisdiction’s law applies to the case at issue. Most construction contracts include provisions where parties agree to choice of law; however, a Texas statute provides that if a construction contract contains a provision making the contract or any conflict arising under the contract, subject to another state’s law, or providing it will be resolved in litigation or arbitration in another state, the party against whom the provision is being imposed may opt out of that provision in favor of Texas law. Tex. Bus. & Com. Code Ann. § 272.001 Is an Unsigned Contract Binding in Texas? Sometimes. It is preferable for contracts to be fully executed; however, contracts are sometimes enforceable even when not fully executed. The ultimate question is one of intent. As long as parties give their consent to the contract terms, and there is no evidence of intent to require both signatures as a condition to the contract becoming effective, signatures are not required to create a valid contract. A good example is acceptance of a contract by performance. Imagine that a party receives a complete contract—in other words it includes all the important terms: price, scope of work, how to get paid, and time of completion, to name a few. Ordinarily we’d expect the receiving party to sign it, signaling agreement to the deal. But if that party begins performance of its duties under that contract, that performance may signify assent. Its signature may not be needed. This is called “acceptance by performance” and performance may manifest consent to the contract, thereby making it enforceable. Once again, this isn’t a best practice. Are both parties sure the performing party agrees to all terms?Might the performing party later seek to negotiate other terms “before signing” the agreement? What Happens if One Party Signs a Contract and the Other Party Returns a Signed Version with Changes to the Contract? There is no valid, enforceable contract. The signed revised version indicates a counteroffer. Contract formation requires two basic events: an offer and acceptance of that offer. The signed contract was an offer to accept the terms of the contract. A returned original with a signature indicates acceptance.(So does beginning performance, as already noted.) If the other party returns a signed but revised contract, acceptance has not occurred. The parties are still negotiating. The party receiving the proposed changes has at least two options. One would be to deem the new terms acceptable and accept the offer by signing and returning the revised document. The other option would be to reject the new terms. This is best done in writing, to ensure the revising party understands its revisions are not accepted. Conclusion Think of contracting as an opportunity—an opportunity to express exactly continued on Page 19 bottom
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UTSA Construction Science update
Time flies!
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ince the first article was published August of 2020, a lot has happened at the University of Texas at San Antonio. For example, UTSA announced a new college name: The College of Engineering and Integrated Design. And two new schools have been unveiled: School of Architecture and Planning and School of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Construction Management. Initially, industry leaders were alarmed by the decision to combine the College of Architecture, Construction and Planning and the College of Engineering into a new, and then, yet-to-be named college. There were concerns about the future of the Department of Construction Science and the pipeline of eager graduDoug McMurry ates it provided the local construction industry. Guido Construction CEO Maryanne So, what are they saying now? “Overall, I can say that while I am not Guido says, “I can get on board with this completely happy with how this new col- for the time being.” She adds, “Competilege name and structure was developed, I tion is good,” and encouraged fellow inremain optimistic that this new college dustry leaders to talk with other local uniwill offer many new opportunities for versities about opportunities to create growth for the construction management new construction programs. AGC has had two productive converprogram,” says Mike Sireno, President of BakerTriangle and incoming president of sations with St. Mary’s University faculty UTSA’s Construction Industry Advisory about how a new construction science Council. “Based on our meetings and con- and management program may fit into versations we have had with faculty, I their School of Science, Engineering and believe that we can make this program Technology. The university has some work and continue to grow and develop funding and is actively looking for a program coordinator. a strong workforce for our industry.” Greg Wiatrek with Alpha Insula- Over the years, industry leaders retion and Waterproofing Inc. adds, “We viewed curricula, provided needed inwere discouraged and dejected, but now ternships, and served as adjunct profesface this with a high level of optimism. sors at UTSA. These contributions have There will be some crossover courses, provided students and faculty with a reand from the sounds of it, we will see al-world perspective and are characterismore engineering students wanting to tic of the university’s outstanding partnerships and community outreach. take construction science courses.” Regardless of which universities AGC While there will not be the Depart- ment of Construction Science in the fu- may direct resources to in the future, one ture, Dr. JoAnn Browning, Dean of Engi- thing will not change. The local industry neering and Interim Dean of Architecture, is committed to accredited programs Construction, and Planning, assures the and the success of students and faculty San Antonio Chapter of Associated Gen- which advance professionalism in comeral Contractors (AGC) that the university mercial construction. Article written by Doug McMurry, Exwill continue to graduate students with degrees in Construction Science and Man- ecutive Vice President Associated General agement. Browning led the months-long Contractors (AGC) -cmw effort to make the changes at UTSA.
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The Schulers – L-R: Jennifer Schuler, John Schuler, Michelle Schuler, Rachel Schuler and Lauren Schuler
ime Insurance Agency was founded in 1961 by John P. Schuler, a retired Navy pilot, with the idea of serving the needs of the aviation industry and governmental institutions in various school systems, The University of Texas and more. He started issuing courthouse bonds out the company’s first office in downtown Austin across from the courthouse. Over time, John’s son, John William Schuler, who had always been interested in construction, surrendered his passion and joined the family business with his wife and right hand, Rachel Schuler by his side, only to find a niche within the construction industry after his father passed away. From there the company has continued to grow. As the company celebrates 60 years in business this year, a third generation of Schulers are in line to continue what John P. Schuler started. In 2018, after spending five years doing sales in New York,
Lauren Schuler moved back to Texas to join the family business. She and her sisters Michelle Schuler and Jennifer Schuler are actively involved in areas that accentuate their personalities. Lauren, obviously with her background in sales, is Vice-President of Sales. The creative nature and keen sense for marketing line up perfectly for Jennifer as Director of Marketing. The business ingenuity, coupled with Michelle’s strong foundation in human resources, bridges perfectly as Vice-President of Insurance which encompasses operations and human resources. Lauren recalls her father telling stories of old and how just something as simple as mail has changed over the company’s 60 years in business. “Dad would tell stories of how mail would come literally in buckets to Time Insurance. Nowit is pretty much an online game.” As the sisters take a more active role continued on Page 19
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San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021
In memoriam
Millard Arthur “Art” Gensler Jr.
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illard Arthur “Art” Gensler Jr., founder of Gensler, the world’s largest architecture firm, passed away at age 85 on May 10. Born in Brooklyn in 1935 and raised in West Hartford, CT, Gensler graduated from Cornell University’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning. He married his wife, Drue, in 2017 and had four sons, including David and Douglas, who both had careers at the firm. Although he already had a parttime job for architect William Wurster, Gensler founded M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates Inc. in San Francisco in 1965. He started out with $200 in the bank and two associates: His wife Drue and a draftsman. His initial goal was to top out at six employees and focus on garage remodels, but he eventually came to focus on corporate interiors, and designed spaces for clients including Facebook, Adobe, Oracle, Airbnb, the New York Times and Washington
Post, Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic. Gensler, as the firm was renamed, also designed the first 100 Apple stores, and Shanghai Tower, Terminal 2 at Seoul’s Incheon Airport. The firm now operates in 50 countries (including Texas offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio), employs more than 6,000 designers and staff and generates an annual revenue of $1.5 billion. Gensler stepped down as CEO of the firm in 2005 and as chairman in 2010 but served as an adviser until his death. Gensler was predeceased by his wife of nearly 60 years, Drucilla (Drue) Cortell Gensler, sons David, Robert, Douglas and Kenneth, ten grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. In lieu of flowers, a request has been made for donations to be directed to diversity scholarships for California College of the Arts students through the Gensler Family Foundation. –mjm
Atta boy!
Sundt Construction’s Port San Antonio Innovation Center project held a team BBQ to celebrate reaching project milestones including meeting safety and quality expectations and recognizing their hardworking subcontractors of the project. -cmw
San Antonio
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San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021
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Outlook – Summertime Trout Action by Capt. Steve Schultz
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y now, most of my clients that fish with me multiple times throughout the year have experienced the effects of the devastating freeze this past February. I know you are probably getting tired of reading my column with me constantly mentioning the disturbing effects of what happened to the trout populations in the Laguna Madre during the freeze. Believe me, I’m tired of living it. Trout fishing has been non-existent for the most part up until now. We have had several days where the conditions have been right to target our specks; however,
the catch rate remains down from the years past. All we can do now is try and conserve what is left in our bay system and let them replenish themselves. Looking forward into June and the summer months, I would really like to start testing the open waters of Corpus Christi Bay, Nueces Bay and the beachfront surf of St. Joe Island and Padre Island for some trout action. These areas have much deeper water and didn’t suffer the mortality on trout that we’ve seen south of the JFK Causeway. As of midMay, we have not been able to access some of these deeper bay systems because of the high winds we’ve been experiencing. Sooner or later these, winds will diminish, and the search will be on for summertime speckled trout. If my instincts are correct, we should see at the
least a few trout that might make me think we have a better outlook sooner than expected for our future. Another conservation solution to our trout situation is the elimination of tournaments that target these species. Soon after the freeze, I was approached by a couple of friends who put on large tournaments and we all agreed they should be cancelled at least for this year or until we had a good perspective on what we had to work with. Two of the biggest tournaments have made major changes to conserve what remaining trout we have. Both CCA (S.T.A.R. Tournament) and Babes of the Bay will not have a trout division in their format. This is a huge step because both of the venues draw such a large group. We still have organizations that will go forward with
their format and most of these are kill tournaments and have trout and redfish stringers in all divisions. These folks have no regard to conservation efforts and only want to make money on these tournaments. It’s up to us not to participate in these events and maybe they will realize that the conservation minded folks are more interested in getting our bay system back to healthy again. We all have to do our part, so let’s get together and make a commitment. My fishing calendar is getting full fairly quickly, so don’t hesitate in booking your next fishing outing. Here are some dates in the next couple of months I’d like to fill. June 22nd and July 12,16,19. 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. Sponsored by: Waypoint Marine/Waypoint Customs, Shoalwater Boats, Mercury Marine, Fishing Tackle Unlimited, Shimano Reels, E-Z Bel Construction, Costa Sunglasses, Simms Fishing, ForEverlast Fishing Products, PowerPro, Interstate Batteries, MirrOlure, JL Marines Power-Pole, AFW and AFTCO Clothing
Yaneiza and Lisa both fought redfish most of the morning and never gave up. Here are a couple of the reds they caught on a recent outing with Steve Schultz Outdoors.
Denise Bendele of the San Antonio area have been longtime clients with Steve Schultz Outdoors. Denise made it look pretty easy fighting this 27-inch red to the boat.
See AD and info, Page 26
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San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 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
Spring Fishing!
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ow we love this time of year! The temperature is just right, not too cold or too hot. The wind is finally slowing down a bit and we are seeing some rain replenishing our creeks and rivers and refreshing our lakes before the hot and dry part of summer gets here. Things are real good right now and the fish know it! We have had to surrender some trips to bad weather this spring, but the trips that we are running are seeing good steady catches of stripers and hybrids. The thing we are really happy to see is that our fish seem to be running larger this year! It could be because all the fish that we didn’t get to catch last year because of the pandemic worries got to get in some more growing time. It also indicates that our bait to fish population ratio is good. Our fish are getting plenty to eat so they can grow. This is not always the case. Except for Lake Texoma, all the stripers and hybrids in Texas have to be stocked. They do not reproduce naturally in most places so our population numbers can vary from year to year. If you add in the droughts and floods that impact their habitat and that of the bait fish they eat, some years are better than others. It is just a balancing act that is affected by weather more than anything else. Temperature is especially important in all this. The water temperature tells the fish when to get schooling and feed and spawn. This year we have had lots of wind and clouds and cooler weather, so the
water temperature is trending cooler too. Most species on the lake seem to be running about a month behind where they are in these cycles usually. If you caught lots of fish in May last year, but this year
they acted more like March fish, just notice the parallels in the weather. Fish don’t operate on a schedule. They don’t have calendars. Stripers and hybrids follow their
temperature cues to spawn in the spring. They feed like crazy and try to spawn because nobody told them they can’t reproduce here. The hottest part of summer (which we hope will be slow in coming this year), will slow them down as they try to seek out cooler deeper water to survive in. Then fall comes and the water cools. The stripers and hybrids have not fed well in weeks so they go right back to eating everything they can so they can get fat and sassy to spawn in spring. It is kind of funny, but as a charter fisherman, we often run by the fish’s calendar as much as the one on our wall. When in the lake, you do as the fish do! Busy, busy, busy while fishing is good and get some rest while they wait for the worst of the summer heat to pass. Right now we are loving the bite we are on!
San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021
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t was a familiar site for the members of the American Subcontractors Association (ASA), but one they hadn’t seen since 2019. On May 7, a record 400-plus guests attended the ASA Subfest. The event was held at the Helotes Fairgrounds. Thirty-four cooking teams participated in the event’s cook-off. “We kind of stepped up our game to make it easier on everybody by bringing in a caterer this year,” says ASA Subfest Committee Chair, Mike McGinnis, Allen & Allen Co. “It might be a record crowd. “We are feeling good about it. We have beautiful weather and the excitement is over the moon. We all work together, play together and enjoy life together” -cmw Rib cook-off winners: 2nd Place: J.W. Dielmann Inc. Team 1 3rd Place: Intertech Flooring 4th Place: Alterman 5th Place: Baker Triangle 6th Place: Central Electric 7th Place: Joeris General Contractors Ltd. 8th Place: Fazio Floors LLC 9th Place: T&D Moravits Concrete Contractors 10th Place: Team Mechanical of Texas Chicken cook-off winners: 2nd Place: Alterman 3rd Place: Joeris General Contractors Ltd. 4th Place: Intertech Flooring 5th Place: Adolfson & Peterson Construction 6th Place: Young Bros. Fire Protection Inc. 7th Place: Western State Fire Protection 8th Place: Masters Electrical Services Ltd. 9th Place: Central Builders Inc. 10 Place: Fazio Floors LLC
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Cook-off festival
1st Place Bloody Mary: Young Bros. Fire Protection Inc.
Best Camp: Southern American Insurance
1st Place Chicken: JR Ramon Demolition
1st Place Ribs: J.W. Dielmann Inc. Team 2
Reserve Grand Champion: Intertech Flooring
1st Place Mystery Meat: Comfort-Air Primo Plumbing – Sliced Ribeye Slider
Brisket cook-off winners: 2nd Place: Ridout Barrett 3rd Place: Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing 4th Place: Adolfson & Peterson Construction 5th Place: Baker Triangle 6th Place: Central Electric 7th Place: KCM Cabinets, Inc. 8th Place: Team Mechanical of Texas 9th Place: JR Ramon Demolition 10th Place: Masters Electric Mystery Meat cook-off winners: 2nd Place: Quality Fence – Sirloin Pinwheel 3rd Place: Masters Electrical Services Ltd. – Stuffed Quail
Grand Champion: Alterman
y p p a H s ’ r e h t Fa Day
June 20
1st Place Brisket: Alterman
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Pieper High School, Comal ISD
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artlett Cocke General Contractors is excited to bring Pieper High School to completion this summer for the Comal Independent School District. This project consists of a new 350,000sf high school designed and built to provide tomorrow’s dreamers the space and resources to pursue their academic and athletic passions. The new home of the Pieper Warriors incorporates large student collaboration and project areas to promote student interaction and a group learning environment. Study areas and flex rooms, all equipped with today’s technology, will assist in promoting academic excellence. Students will have the ability to participate in a variety of educational programs including CTE Education, JROTC, Health Sciences, Drama and Dance. A full complement of athletic amenities are on campus including a new football stadium, basketball courts, competition swimming, baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, soccer and practice fields. Pieper High School is located on a
Student Commons area of the Pieper High School
Pieper High School campus – aerial view
hillside overlooking Pieper Ranch Middle School and presented challenging site conditions related to rock excavation. Bartlett Cocke General Contractors teamed up with our local subcontracting community and were able to utilize much of the crushed rock generated into parking areas and site grading in lieu of hauling off and importing new fill material, thus saving the district time and money. Pieper High School will provide an engaging and safe environment for many generations to come. Bartlett Cocke General Contractors is proud to be a community partner with Comal ISD and looks forward to finishing this project out timely. We are grateful for the opportunity to pursue our core value of “Building Better Lives” for our communities. Bartlett Cocke General Contractors is a full-service general contractor headquartered in San Antonio. -cmw
Bartlett Cocke General Contractors San Antonio, TX
Pieper High School auditorium
Pieper High School Warriors gymnasium
Culver house historic bathroom remodel
New shower
Culver house bathroom remodeled – modern with a vintage touch
New shower fixtures with a vintage look compliments the history of the home
n 2007, a young man made the decision to follow his dreams of opening his own plumbing company. A&A Plumbing, created by Joey Suarez, began in 2007 and has grown since then. While the company can do a multitude of different jobs including, but not limited to, drains, water heaters, and water softeners, the project in this article was a bathroom remodel completed by David Smith. Smith has been with A&A Plumbing since 2016 and has become one of our top selling technicians in the 5 years since he began here. He sold the bathroom remodel after previously completing a sewer project for the customer.
The home was built in 1905 by Sam Houston’s daughter and all the plumbing in the home was the original cast iron used when the home was built. The customer showed Smith a picture of her dream bathroom and asked if we could bring this to life to which he responded, “We can make anything happen as long as it is within the plumbing category”. The plumbing portion of the bathroom remodel went through four phases which were demolition, rough in, top out, and trim. A&A Plumbing is a residential plumbing service contractor located in Schertz, TX. -cmw
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A&A Plumbing Schertz, TX
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North East Institute of Cybersecurity and Innovation
Security of Operations Lab rendering
Institute of Cybersecurity and Innovation (I-CSI) lobby rendering
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he Institute of Cybersecurity and Innovation (I-CSI), within North East Independent School District’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) Program, is a world-class facility in the making with a mission to prepare students for careers in the growing cybersecurity industry. San Antonio is home to the country’s second-largest concentration of cybersecurity experts and nearly 40 cybersecurity companies have headquarters in San Antonio. “The Institute will provide students a professional environment to learn, while responding to an immediate need in the workplace,” says Josue Burguete, RA NEISD District Architect. The I-CSI project consists of the renovation of a former supermarket facility into the first CTE campus of its kind. CGC General Contractors is currently working on the initial phases to be complete this July and ready for student instruction in August. Work includes two
Cybersecurity network space.
security operations center classrooms, two network laboratories, two instructional classrooms, faculty offices to include a conference room and adminis-
trative support area, lobby and restroom facilities. The Security Operations Center (SOC) classrooms and Network Labs feature integrated interior assemblies, a
system of technology integrated prefab demountable walls and raised access flooring supporting visual screens and audio devices, writeable surfaces, and custom graphics enhancing the cybersecurity learning environment. The Institute of Cybersecurity and Innovation will host an advanced curriculum that will offer limitless opportunities for the students of North East ISD. Close coordination and trust between NEISD, the design team and CGC has mitigated problems related to pandemic-related lead times and phasing challenges to meet a tight schedule. “Since stepping foot in the building, it’s been an honor for CGC to be a part of the team to deliver this pivotal project to NEISD and the City of San Antonio,” said Bill Cleary, CGC Vice President. CGC is a full-service general contractor in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. -cmw CGC San Antonio, TX
Building Green: Safeguard Self Storage
Before construction – demolition site
Safeguard Storage entrance
Safeguard Storage 11,000-sf green roof
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rom little more than conceptual renderings, SBS Construction (SBS) began working with Safeguard Self Storage to construct a 3-story building, complete with an office, parking and a loading area. Built in New Orleans, Louisiana, this Safeguard Self Storage has a green roof design feature that makes it unique among storage facilities in the U.S. Our team was
Safeguard Storage
tasked to erect this 67,425sf building onto a 0.847-acre urban site with an 18-foot ceiling on the first floor, while meeting all environmental requirements. The first challenge met by Tommy Serpas, Project Manager, and his team was to demolish and haul away an existing armored car warehouse and three money vaults. During the foundation construction, a 60-year-old fuel storage tank was discovered underground. Work paused and an environmental company was brought in for remediation. Although the site did not flood during hurricane Katrina in 2005, the City of New Orleans still required the building to be raised to a new base floor height, plus one foot. This meant that the first-floor slab would need to be about 3 feet above the current road. These constraints did not work for Safeguard’s plans to get custom-
ers into the building to park and load/unload. So, the team designed the building to be flood proof at the first 4 feet of the building height. SBS installed a waterproof membrane barrier under the slab and up the walls 4 feet high. Flood planks were used to flood-proof the doors, store front and the two 20-foot-wide high-speed loading and parking doors. The City of New Orleans also tasked new projects to reduce and contain rainwater runoff by use of underground storage tanks and catch containers. However, after reviewing a number of green construction options, the team decided to opt for an 11,000-sf “green roof.” This allowed our client to get priority review status in the permitting process. “It’s a rare concept for projects in the south,” says Business Development Director, Crystal Gomez. “No one is really doing this down here.”
Safeguard Storage interior view
“We felt that, given the design of our building, a green roof made the most sense,” says Tommy Serpas. “We would be able to incorporate a unique design feature that not only benefited New Orleans, but also be of long-term economic benefit to our client.” Despite the civil, environmental, and design challenges, our team delivered a successful project with quality and efficiency to our respected client. Customers want a secure, clean, safe place to store their belongings, and green-related investments such as this are a bonus. SBS Construction in a general contractor headquartered in Boerne, TX. -cmw SBS Construction Boerne, TX
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lint Swindall, President and CEO of Verbalocity Inc. and author of Tell Me Somethin’ Good!, was the guest speaker at the National Association of Women in Construction’s (NAWIC) Annual Industry Appreciation Night. The event was held on May 5 at Alamo Café with a Cinco de Mayo party theme. Each year, this event celebrates the chapter’s successes, local corporate sponsors and leaders along with supporters who have stood behind the association for the past 12 months. –cwm Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography.
San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021
Industry appreciation night
Celeste Estep is honored for 25 years of dedication to the San Antonio NAWIC Chapter. L-R Heather Osborn, NAWIC President: Celeste Estep Keller-Martin Construction and NAWIC Past President; and NAWIC Past President Robbie Nelson
Guest Speaker Clint Swindall and NAWIC President Heather Osborn, Memco Staffing
Dare Award: Jessica Quintanar, Q-Safety Consultants
Believe Award: Becky Rodriguez, Turner Construction Co.
Friends of NAWIC Platinum Award: Q-Safety Consultants
Perseverance Award: Celeste Estep, Keller-Martin Construction
Friends of NAWIC Bronze Award: Dumas Hardware
Rising Star Award: Liz Caraway, Middleman Construction
Friends of NAWIC Copper Awards: Thrivent
Step Up Award: Kathy Bower, The Blue Book Building & Construction Network
Above & Beyond Award: Shenel Rimando, Berridge Manufacturing Company
San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021
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continued from Page 1 — E-Z Bel Construction LLC curb laid and tons of asphalt or concrete poured, but the more impactable statistic is how many individuals have had their livelihood created by E-Z Bel,” adds E-Z Bel President Stephen Park. “Either as an employee of E-Z Bel, as a family member of an employee of E-Z Bel, subcontractor of E-Z Bel, supplier of E-Z Bel – it’s that ripple effect. If E-Z Bel is the rock you throw in the pond, you know how big those ripples grow and to hit 50 years, that’s a big spread.” “I would imagine that a lot of your readers are going to be a part of that ripple,” Michaels adds. “It’s just a huge amount of gratitude to everybody who has been a part of E-Z Bel, making it to 50 years. And those that are going to be a part of the next 50 years is going to [get] a big thank you! And, to everybody who works here. They are what make it happen.” As the company’s 50th year in business is well underway, the company has several events planned in celebration of this golden milestone. The company is planning an appreciation event for their subcontractors and supplier partners as well as a couple events of gratitude for their valued employees. Reminiscing over the company’s 50year legacy, Michael recalls the project that helped E-Z Bel forge ahead. “Our involve-
ment that really got us moving with the City of San Antonio was our big contract with Eby Construction doing capital improvement projects for the City of San Antonio. We picked up 90,000ft of curb, all the sidewalks and driveways and retaining walls. That pushed us to the forefront of understanding how the city worked. We got to know the contractors. It was a three-year project. From then on, it kicked us off to doing city work.” As the company celebrates its 50 years in business, Michael, Park and the rest of the leadership team plan for the next 50 years. “It really is more of the same,” says Park. “A lot of what got us to the 50 was being financially savvy, planning for the downturns. We are trying to hone in on things that got us to the 50-year mark and how are we going to position ourselves for the next 50 years. Internally, we talk about it as the 50/50 Plan. Paying homage and celebrating the past 50 years while also planning and preparing for the next. I don’t know what the statistics are for companies, especially in the construction industry, to make it to the 50-year mark; it’s a big deal and it is certainly worth celebrating. E-Z Bel Construction LLC provides civil and horizontal constructions services in San Antonio. -cmw
continued from Page 1 — RDR Flooring carpet and concrete coating.” Family-owned and operated, Joseph Reyna, Rudy and Dina’s younger son, joined the family business this past year overseeing inventory and learning the ropes of project management. The company has grown in size from just Rudy and Dina to a family of almost 200. “We just love taking care of our customers. We are passionate about customer service and quality control,” says Rudy.
“We take pride in our work and our employees,” adds Dina. “We treat all of our employees like family,” Rudy continues. “I tell all of our employees – family comes first. That’s just the way it is. I’m a family man and my family comes first, and their families should come first to them.” RDR Flooring is a full-service flooring contractor in San Antonio located near Helotes. -cmw
continued from Page 1 — Western States Fire Protection statement, Salazar says the company’s core values – integrity, quality, safety, professionalism and commitment – are on the forefront of each and every member of the WSFP family. “Integrity – we will do the right thing no matter what. Quality – we hire quality people, provide quality drawings, solutions and ideas to hand over a job well done. A straightforward approach, employees work in a safe and drug-free environment where they can return home the same way they came to work. Professionalism - we treat
our customers and colleagues with skilled experience and nothing less. Commitment – we are committed 100-plus percent to our company, fellow co-workers, customers and projects.” Western States Fire Protection takes pride in supporting the communities they service. They recently participated in the American Subcontractors Association (ASA) Subfest. Western States Fire Protection provides full-service fire protection throughout Texas. -cmw
continued from Page 9 —RSM US LLP - Accounting Column due diligence to document eligible wages for ERC. The retroactive 2020 ERTC requires filing an amended Form 941-X. An employer should exclude any ERTC amount filed on the Forms 941 or 941-X from its wage deduction on the
2020 income tax return. Employers’ likely need to extend the 2020 tax return to reflect a proper income tax filing either by waiting until calculating the final number or by filing a superseded return with the final number.
continued from Page 10 —Peckar & Abramson - Legal Column that opportunity you can avoid unpleasant surprises later. Or if they do occur, you’ll be the party who can point to the contract in support of your position. Construction Attorney Justin ‘JD’ Holzheauser is a senior associate in the
Austin office of Peckar & Abramson, P.C. He represents contractors, subcontractors, owners, developers, and suppliers on a diverse range of construction matters, including dispute resolution. He may be reached at: jdholzheauser@pecklaw.com.
continued from Page 11 — Time Insurance Agency in the day-to-day operations, Lauren says everything is all about relationships. “No matter how much technology we have, we still love to have those relationships with our clients and see them face to face.” Being among the third generation, Lauren is amazed at the company’s three generations of clients as well. “It’s not just three generations of Schuler making up Time Insurance. It’s three generations of clients. We love servicing all of them and hearing their stories.” In 2010, Time Insurance opened a second location in San Antonio. The company kicked off their 60th year in business by opening a third office in Dallas. Time Insurance specializes in a vast variety of services from personal to commercial, from life insurance to surety bonds. Individual options include um-
brella coverage auto, home, flood, motorcycle, boat, RV and pet. Commercially, Time Insurance offers property, general liability, auto, worker’s compensation and professional liability. “We do a lot of surety bonding for subcontracting, utilities and GCs,” says Lauren. “Construction in general, wedo a lot of surety.” Time Insurance will be introducing a new logo to incorporate the company’s 60 years in addition to a new pay system. “We are really proud to integrate, for our clients, the ability for paying online and some text-forward ideas to make us stand out in the industry,” says Lauren. Plans for a celebratory party are underway for the fall. Time Insurance Agency is a familyowned surety and bonding company in Dallas, San Antonio and Austin.-cmw
Association Calendar
Content Contentsubmitted submittedby byAssociations Associationsto toConstruction ConstructionNews News ABC
Associated Builders & Contractors Inc.
Jun. 2: Breakfast Club, Alamo Café, 14250 San Pedro Ave., 7am, $20 Member, $25 Non-Member Jun. 13-17: 2021 Legislative Conference, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. For more info, contact Leah Villarreal at leah@abcsouthtexas.org or 210-342-1994 AGC
Associated General Contractors
Jun. 10: AGC/ASA Fiesta Mixer, Dos Sirenos Brewing, 231 E. Cevallos, 4:30pm Jun. 12: CLC Night at the Missions Baseball, Wolff Stadium, 5757 US Hwy. 90, SA Missions vs. Midland, 7pm. For more info, call Kelly Wilson at 210-349-4921 ASA
American Subcontractors Assn.
Jun. 8: ASA Baseball Night, Nelson Wolff Stadium, 5757 US Hwy. 90, SA Missions vs Frisco Rough Riders, 7pm. Jun. 10: AGC/ASA Fiesta Mixer, Dos Sirenos Brewing, 231 E. Cevallos, 4:30pm Jun. 25-26: ASA Annual Fishing Tournament, Paws & Taws, 402 N. Fulton Beach Rd., Rockport, TX Jun. 29: Association Celebration, The Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels Ave., 5:45pm. For more info, contact Jennifer Swinney at 210-349-2105 or email jennifer@asasanantonio.org ASSP
American Society of Safety Professionals
Jun. 21: Regular Chapter Virtual Meeting – Building Employee Trust/Loyalty, 11:30am-1:30pm. For more info, go to www.southtexas.assp.org HCA de SA
Hispanic Contractors Assn. de San Antonio
Hispanic Contractors Association de San Antonio Jun. 8: Capacity Development Series, Module 10 - Project Management, Scheduling and Lean Construction on Zoom, 122pm Jun. 16: Monthly Member Meeting/Mixer Quarry Golf Course, 444 E. Basse, 5:307:00pm Jun. 22: Capacity Development Series, Module 11 – Financial Management on Zoom,12-2 pm Jun. 23-24: OSHA 10-Hour Construction English, HCAdeSA Offices, 2391 NE Loop 410 #206, 12-6:00 pm Jun. 29: Capacity Development Series, Module 12 - How to respond to RFPs (Request for Proposal) on Zoom, 12-2 pm. For more information, contact Victoria Rodriguez at 210-444-1100 or email vrodriguez@hcadesa.org IEC
Independent Electrical Contractors
Jun. 11: IEC Apprentice Graduation Ceremony, Norris Conference Center, 618 NW Loop 410, #207, 6:30pm. For more info, contact Julie Tucker at 210-431-9861 or email jtucker@iecsanantonio.com I-LinCP Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects
Jun. 8: Envisioning the Future: The San Antonio Airport Strategic Dev. Plan, Via Zoom, Members Free, Non-Members $25. Jun. 15: Expert Webinar Series: Reimagine the Possibilities of Mass Timber in the
Built Environment, Viz Zoom, 12pm. Members Free, Non-Members $25. Jun. 29: Expert Webinar Series: Industry it Texan by Nature, Via Zoom, 12pm, Members Free, Non-Member $25. For info, contact Carla Bingaman at 512-2635521 or email Carla bingaman@i-lincp.org MCA-SMACNA of San Antonio Mechanical and Sheet Metal Contractors Assn.
Jun. 9: Regular & Associates Meeting, The Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels 7th Flr., 11:30am. Jun. 23: Joint Industry Fund Meeting, MCA-SMACNA Office, 206 E. Nakoma, 11:30am. For more info, contact Sandee Morgan at 210-822-3763 or email sandee@mca-smacna.org NAWIC
National Assn. of Women in Construction
Jun. 2: NAWIC General Membership Meeting, Alamo Café, 14250 San Pedro Ave., 6pm Jun. 3: Burger Bash, O.P. Schnabel Park Pavilion, 9606 Bandera Rd., 4:30-7:30pm, FREE Admission. For more info, contact Heather Osborn at 210-216-9676 or email heather@memcostaffing.com PHCC
Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors
Jun. 8-10: Propane Distribution systems for Plumbing & HVAC 8-Hr. Training Jun. 10: Membership Meeting, Alamo Café, 14250 San Pedro Ave., 11am. Jun. 22: Protect the Health of the Nation Sporting Clay Shoot, National Shooting Complex, 5931 Roft Rd., 10am. Nonshooters $5, Single Shooter $150, Team of Four $600. For more info, call Heidi Trimble at 210-824-7422 or go to www.phccsanantonio.org RCAT
Roofing Contractors Assn. of Texas
Roofing Contractors Association of Texas Jun. 16-18: Texas Roofing Conference, JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa, 23808 Resort Pkwy. For more info, call 512-251-7690 or visit www.roofingcontractors-Texas.com SAMCA
San Antonio Masonry Contractors Assn.
San Antonio Masonry Contractors Assn. Jun. 18-19: 17th Annual Fishing Tournament, Redfish Bay Boathouse, 322 Huff St., Aransas Pass, TX, $300 Per Boat (Max 4 Anglers), $25 Per Non-Angler (Dinner Saturday night), $100 Calcutta Per Boat (Optional). For info, contact Debi Solis at 210347-2423 or email thesamca@gmail.com TACCA
Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Assn. Greater San Antonio
Jun. 24: TACCA June Member Mixer, Chicken & Pickle, 5215 UTSA Blvd., 4:30pm. For info, call Dawn Thompson at 210-901-4222
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San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021
What is your favorite ice cream flavor and why? My favorite flavor of ice cream is Cookies n’ Cream. I like the taste of it, and I like Oreo cookies. Gary Gentry, Coppera LLC
has coconut, almonds and chocolate chips. I like them because I like marshmallows and almonds. Rick Brun, HR Brun & Co. Inc.
Blue Bell Rocky Road. It just has a great flavor. We’ve tried other Rocky Road from different brands, but they just don’t compare to Blue Bell. Dina, Rudy and Roddy Reyna, RDR Flooring
Cookies n’ Cream. I like the competition between my wife, three daughters and I on who can find the biggest piece of Oreo. Craig Jendrusch, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors
Hands down, Blue Bell Cookies n’ Cream. I don’t know why. It just love it. It tastes the best! John Christie, Turner Construction Co. My favorite is Rocky Road. I just love the combination of almonds, chocolate and marshmallows, plus it reminds me of my childhood. Mike Sireno, BakerTriangle It would be Birthday Cake. My wife likes it too and it is something we can eat together. Ish Gonzalez, Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing Inc.
ennis Lee Mollgaard, Once he retired, he beSr. passed away Apr. gan spending more time 22. He was born on Jan. 4, with his beloved grand1942 in Milwaukee, WI. children. As an adoring When he was 7 years old, grandpa, he found much his mother, sister and joy in watching the kids brother moved to San grow, compete and Antonio to start a new develop into responsibeginning after his father’s ble and family-loving untimely death. individuals. The grand After graduating Dennis Lee Mollgaard, Sr. children could always from Edison High School, he worked count on grandpa for free advice. at Southwestern Bell Telephone Com- Traveling in the RV with Joyce pany where he met his future wife, would offer many years of splendid Joyce Schmidt of Hondo, TX. They adventures. Dennis liked to tinker and were married for 54 years and raised their RVs were always decked out with two children in San Antonio. all that Camping World had to offer. Dennis had a zest for life and an Unfortunately, that time was cut too ever-present kindness toward others. short after the passing of Joyce from He made friends everywhere he went. cancer. His unlimited energy would take his Dennis was blessed to find anothfamily on many camping trips that cre- er adventurer and fellow traveler in ated a lifetime of amazing memories Yolanda Silva, who became a devoted for his family and friends. and loving friend. They enjoyed a few Another of Dennis’ favorite past years of traveling and playing cards times was fishing with his buddies. with other friends. When Dennis was These trips would often result in more diagnosed with cancer, Yolanda’s comtall tales than actual fish. panionship was a true gift. In 1978, Dennis and Joyce started Even though his final days in the an air conditioning business out of hospital were challenging, Dennis their home on Tioga Dr. With his wouldn’t want us to dwell on that. He strong work ethic and a talent for would want us to remember the joydesigning HVAC systems for homes ous journey he had and for us to rewithout central air conditioning, they member to cherish our family and created a company that would thrive friends. We should go forward and and provide a rewarding career. Tiger love unconditionally, just as Dennis Services Air Conditioning continues did. to operate today under the direction Memorials can be directed toof their son, Dennis Jr. Dennis would ward the Feral Cat Coalition of San treasure the friendships he made in Antonio www.sanantonioferalcats.org. the industry from near and far. He en- -cmw joyed attending industry conventions.
I love Pistachio because it is sweet but refreshing. Blue Bell Pistachio with Almond is really good. It’s in our freezer all the time. Lauren Schuler, Time Insurance Cherries Jubilee from Baskin-Robinns. I just like it. It has always been one of my favorites. Tim Ramon, JR Ramon Demolition Chocolate. It just puts a smile on face. I don’t eat very often, but when I do it makes me feel good. Martin Gonzalez, Exquisite Painting
Häagen-Dazs® Chocolate Almond or Rocky Road. I like chocolate and I like almonds. Mary Haskins, Mary C. Haskins Photography
Mint Chocolate Chip. It’s that refreshing minty flavor with a little bit of chocolate chips. Kevin Lueck, Team Mechanical
Mint Chocolate Chip. I like mint. I like chocolate chips. It’s a great combination and it’s refreshing. Scott Anderson, Urban Tree Company
Old Fashioned Vanilla. All good things start with vanilla ice cream. Zac Patrick, EquipmentShare
I actually have two favorites. I like Rocky Road. The other one is H-E-B’s Creamy Creations Coconut Almond Chocolate Chip. It
D
My favorite is Rocky Road. Any opportunity to put more sugar in something, like marshmallows which is pretty much sugar, I’m all about it. Bryan Mask, Dunaway
Vanilla Bean. It goes with anything. Don Salazar, Western States Fire Protection
My favorite is Banana Nut. I just like the flavor combinations of it all. Kolten Motes, Rocking M Contractors
In memoriam
My favorite ice cream flavor is H-E-B’s Poteet Strawberry, Special Edition. It is just darn good. It really is unbelievable. It’s so good my daughter was looking for it in the case because we saw Poteet strawberries in the produce section. Brandon Gaeke, Adolfson & Peterson Construction s
Submitted to Construction News
Round-Up
The Sundt Foundation, is the philanthropic arm of Sundt Construction, is pleased to announce the naming of its new leadership: Stefanie Teller has been named the organization’s new Executive Director. Teller served several terms as president and vice president of its board of directors. She is also an employee of Sundt Construction, where she serves as the company’s Vice President and Director of Corporate Communications as well as a member of its eight-person executive team. -cmw Chad Yount joins the foundation as a member of its board of directors. Yount replaces Terri Pasley and serves as area manager for Sundt’s Transportation Group in San Antonio. He has been an active member of the Foundation since joining Sundt in 2008. -cmw Madison Jones has been named President. Jones has been an active member of the Foundation since joining Sundt in 2018. Jones has assisted in planning and executing the annual Mike Gaines Golf Tournaments that raises funds for the ALS Association in honor of Mike Gaines, a previous Sundt employee-owner who lost his battle with ALS in 2002. -cmw
Turner South Texas announces that Marques Mitchell is San Antonio’s newest Director of Strategic Growth & Development. He previously served as Director of Planning & Development for a San Antonio mixed-use community, overseeing more than $350 million in its campus’ development projects, and six years as a Business Development Executive for a national design, build, engineering and 360 CS firm. –mjm Pape-Dawson Engineers is pleased to announce Taylor Dawson has been promoted to Senior Vice President. Taylor has more than 10 years of corporate management and civil engineering experience. He is responsible for strategic growth and operations planning as well as overseeing multiple design teams in charge of some of the largest development projects in San Antonio. -cmw Rosendin welcomes Shaun Mahan as a Division Manager in the company’s Pflugerville office. Mahan will oversee operations for San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Austin. With nearly 20 years of experience, Mahan has worked on multiple large aviation and mission-critical jobs and spent five years as Walker Engineering’s Division Manager. Mahan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from New Mexico State University. –mjm
San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021
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My hero
son’s first hero is his dad. For a daughter, he is her first love. He is the strength and protector of his family, the guiding light of what is right and wrong. The construction industry is full of strong, mentoring fathers who provide guidance beyond the doors of home. Their influence and inspiration is seen in the success of every project. So much so, sons and daughters follow alongside their dads in the field in hopes that they too can be a pillar of strength. Happy Father’s Day! -cmw
L-R: Industry icon, the late Leo Joeris and Joeris General Contractors Ltd. CEO Gary Joeris at a Joeris company picnic in the late ‘80s.
Kurt Robinson, Robinson General Contractors with his and wife Yvette’s youngest son, Jason. The Mitchell boys of G.W. Mitchell Construction enjoy working side by side their dad George and following in their grandfather’s footsteps. L-R: Third generation Lane Mitchell, Bill Mitchell, second generation George Mitchell, third generation Andy Mitchell and fourth generation Matt Mitchell, Andy’s son.
L-R: Third generation Todd Barrett, president of Barrett & Sons Inc., with his father and second generation Arnold Barrett.
L-R: Carl Ehrlich, Central Builders Inc. with his sons who work alongside him, Bryan Ehrlich, Matt Ehrlich and Mark Ehrlich at Central Builders Inc.’s 2019 awards presentation.
L-R: Brad Moore and Kenneth Moore, KCM Cabinets Inc.
The father and son duo of A-1 Fire & Safety L-R: Clint & Jerry Williams
Central Electric’s first and second generations L-R: Ernie Martinez, Fred Martinez and Chris Martinez
L-R: Juan Barboza Jr. with his father Juan Barboza Sr., Barboza & Sons Contracting LLC
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B13, I24, N40, G52, O64 – BINGO!
San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021
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Plucking time
ed Dunnam, Engineering Safety Consultants (ESC) and Mike Grendell, Midco Sling love a good hunt. So much so, it was no surprise that the dynamic duo would jump at an opportunity to partake in a good pheasant hunt, even if it meant flying up to South Dakota. The brisk South Dakota temperatures made for a successful hunt, leaving plenty of plucking time for the two. -cmw
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Liz Beyer calls out bingo numbers for the 150 bingo players.
pproximately 150 people showed up for the very first fundraiser for the newly born Beyer Cares Foundation on Apr. 17. The Beyer Cares Foundation was created in honor of the late Perry Beyer, Jr., founder and president of Beyer Plumbing and his wife and Vice President, Cindy Beyer. Cindy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. She underwent chemo and radiation treatment and has been cancer-free since November 2007. Perry received the diagnosis of Renal cell cancer in July 2019. After surgery to have his kidney removed in August 2019, cancer then spread to his brain, lungs and other organs. Sadly, he passed away from cancer Nov. 5, 2020. “We had a great turn out and so much support,” says Liz Beyer. “Everyone was smiling and had a great time. Players were able to win lots of good prizes from gift cards to TVs to a signed jersey by Tony Parker. None of it could have been done without the generosity of the
sponsors. Everything was donated.” The event, Beyer Cares Bingo, was held at Beyer Plumbing’s new offices in Selma, TX. Players played 12 rounds of bingo and raised over 5K for the foundation and the American Cancer Society. -cmw
L-R: Dunnam, long-time friend Dr. Bruce Begia, MD, Well Med Executive, and Grendell harvested 24 pheasants in one day between the three of them.
L-R: Grendell and Dunnam hunted at Thunderstik Lodge in South Dakota.
San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021
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ou have heard it mumbled under the breath, “Kids these days…” Well, I am here to tell you, that kids these days are amazing! Construction Careers Academy, or CCA, began in 2009 and is one of seven Northside ISD magnet high schools. All the magnet schools accept students from anyone of the 21 NISD middle schools in the district. CCA shares a campus with Earl Warren High School and is a comprehensive high school focusing on the construction trades and college readiness. Over their four years in the CCA program, students learn invaluable life skills, earn industry certifications, and as one of only a few full US Department of Labor Student-to-Apprenticeship programs in the nation, earn hours toward their Journeyman’s license in electrical, plumbing and carpentry.
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Youth in construction The San Antonio Masonry Association (SAMCA), eager to get the masonry trade added back into high school trades curriculum, reached out to CCA asking for an opportunity to introduce the trade to its students. While Krista Ackles, Construction Careers Academy Program Coordinator and Project Manager, was a bit gun shy at first she says, “I can’t lie. I was a little skeptical. We don’t really do masonry and we’ve never seen that much interest in it.” On Apr. 30, SAMCA and the Texas Masonry Council hosted a masonry career academy at Warren High School’s Construction Career Academy. “As we were getting closer to the day,” adds Ackles, “suddenly more and more kids were wanting sign up. We had to start turning kids away. What has been so great about today is the excitement of the kids. They are having a blast. I
Students participating in the masonry academy on Apr. 30
had no idea they would think it was this fun. We have not had that energy in over a year.” To ensure the masonry academy was a success, SAMCA members volunteered time and materials. James Groesbeck, Groesbeck Masonry; Jeff Spalding, FJ Enterprises; Chantz Butler, Custom Masonry; Weston Shadrock, Shadrock and Williams Masonry; Liz Graves, Spec Rents; and Tony Topping, Texas Masonry Council were on hand to help oversee and guide the kids. Kevin Ruiz, Texas Masonry Council taught the youngsters with the assistance of Weston Shadrock and several of his staff members. All the brick for the academy was donated by Acme Brick and the mortar was donated by Spec Mix. Prizes were donated by Alamo Cement. -cmw
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San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021
San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021
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Let’s par-tee
Spring plus golf
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o help promote the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors’ (PHCC) upcoming golf tournament, PHCC hosted a par 3 golf mixer on Apr. 22. The “Par-Tee” Mixer was held at the San Pedro Golf & Driving Range with 48 golfers in attendance. “We were very well received,” says PHCC Executive Director Heidi Trimble. “This was a fun activity to gear up for our upcoming golf tournament on May 13 at the Brackenridge Park Golf Course.” -cmw
pr. 21 was an exciting day for the members of the Hispanic Contractors Association de San Antonio (HCA de SA). One hundred forty-eight golfers convened for the association’s Inaugural Spring Golf Classic at SilverHorn Golf Club. The golfers and a full slate of sponsors accompanied by gorgeous weather made for a highly successful event for HCA de SA and its membership. -cmw
Hughes Pepco L-R: Brad Silver, ➤ Hughes Supply and Jake Allen, PEPCO Sales & Marketing
1st Place Gross: Gunn Fleet - Willie Nelson, Luke LeGrand, Cody Murphy and Bryan Catalani
Team Milwaukee and Best Ball winners L-R: Zach Rother, Marco Baez and Trey Davila
Dillard Associates team L-R: Raz Valadez, Julian Hernandez, Mike Culpepper and Michael Fincke
In memoriam Charlie Lee Koehler, founder of The Koehler Company, passed away at his home in Seguin, TX on May 23. He was 91 years old. In 1954, Charles Koehler founded his highly successful cabinet-making business in a former filling station. His purpose was to make quality products for his customers throughout Seguin and San Antonio. Joined by his two sons, Steve and Gregg, The Koehler Company has built and become more than they ever imagined. The Koehler Company was everything to him and he was so proud of what they have become. Koehler was a legend in South Texas and was very active in the community. He will be missed by so many people. A memorial service will be held Jun. 1 at 2:30 p.m., Texas Lutheran University’s Jackson Auditorium (Fleming Drive, Seguin). His celebration of life will be at 4pm, The Big Red Barn, 390 Cordova Rd., Seguin. Memorial contributions may be made to Texas Lutheran University,
Charlie Lee Koehler
Koehler Company Scholarship, Development Office, 1000 W. Court St., Guadalupe Regional Medical Center Hospice Services, 1215 E. Court St.; the Seguin Library Foundation, 313 W. Nolte St.; the Christian Cupboard, 516 N. Camp St. or the Faith Lutheran Church Building Fund, 1326 E. Cedar St., respectively all Seguin, TX 78155 -cmw
1st Place Net: Farmers Insurance, Samantha Martinez Agency: Torrie Perry, Michael Glasco, Durwin Kurr and Jose Manzano
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San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021
D
Best of the best
oing their part to keep the coronavirus at bay, The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) held their annual Excellence in Construction awards virtually on Apr. 22. Members of the ASA board of directors took to the ”big screen,” if you will, to present this year’s winners while portraying some of Hollywood’s most iconic movies from ”Top Gun” to the “Blues Brothers” from “Casa Blanca” to “Toy Story”. And, the winner is… -cmw
Project Manager of the Year: Russell Harder, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors LLC
Project of the Year Under $2.5 Million: Middleman Construction Company LLC Southerleigh Haute South
Project of the Year Between $10 - $20 Million: Joeris General Contractors Ltd. - Red Berry Event Center
Project of the Year Between $2.5 - $5 Million: Keller-Martin Construction Inc. Polish Heritage Center at Panna Maria
Project of the Year Over $20 Million and General Contractor of the Year: SpawGlass - Texas A&M University- S.A. Classroom Hall
Project Superintendent of the Year: Bobby Miller, SpawGlass
President’s Award Recipient: Jennifer Swinney, ASA SAN ANTONIO
Project of the Year Between $5 - $10 Million: Marksmen General Contractors - Cross Mountain Church New Student Center
San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021
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JOB SIGHTS
Servpro Northwest team members, L-R: Art Cano and Raul Garcia, doing remediation monitoring due to the big freeze of 2021 at the Cordi-Marian Missionary Sisters project. Keller-Martin Construction is the project’s general contractor. -cmw
David Beyer, Beyer Air Conditioning & Heating, takes measurements of copper tubing on a Saint Hedwig resident’s A/C unit. -cmw
L-R: Jason Gonzalez and Juan Gonzalez at a residential install where Rosenberg Indoor Comfort is installing a ductless split system.
Martin Gonzalez with Exquisite Painting applies Monterrey texture to a residential ceiling repair project. -cmw
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San Antonio Construction News • JUNE 2021