San Antonio Construction News July 2021

Covering the Industry’s News

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www.constructionnews.net H (210) 308-5800 H Volume 24 H Number 7 H JULY 2021

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Teaming it up

Diamond anniversary

L-R: Cooper Engel, Kevin Lueck and Jose Acevedo represent Team Mechancial at ASA’s recent subfest.

JR Ramon team members L-R: Mario Ochoa, Director of Operations; Beatriz Gonzalez, Administrative Director; Clayton Russell, Special Projects Manager; Victor Rosas, General Superintendent; Joe Ramon III, Chief Project Manager and Timothy Ramon, President

n 2012, Chris Humphreys and Mitch Patterson, two friends in the HVAC industry, got together and decided to start an HVAC and plumbing company, Team Mechanical of Texas.

Team Mechanical is a full-service mechanical and plumbing contractor. “We do sheet metal, HVAC, piping, med gas and plumbing work for commercial and industrial projects,” says Vice President of Operations, Kevin Lueck.

Originally based in Schertz, TX the HVAC and plumbing company has relocated its office and is now based in New Braunfels, TX where it is more centrally located to serve its client base. The company has grown to a team of 85 members strong with over 125 years of combined experience.

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n 1946, Frank Monaco, Sr. started Pyramid Stone Co. alongside his uncle Jimmy Palmeri. Eventually, Frank senior’s son, Frank Monaco, Jr. would join the company and take the reins as the second generation.

In 1980, Frank Jr. hired a 20-year-old, David Garza, as a draftsman. Frank Jr. would teach Garza everything he had learned from his father and uncle from drafting to production. Garza worked alongside Frank Jr.’s mother, Clara, until she retired.

In 2012, Garza, who had always felt like part of the Monaco family, took over the business to carry on the Monaco family legacy. He changed the company name to Pyramid Cast Stone Co.

“I ended up changing the name just a little,” says Garza. “We were Pyramid Stone Co. I changed it to Pyramid Cast Stone Co. because we were getting a lot of calls from people thinking we were a

“We have a proven track record in both the commercial and residential markets,” adds Lueck. “We are a capable contractor. We can do work like the big boys but we try to have a customer service touch of a smaller company. We like to be able to adjust our schedules and adjust to changes in projects. We try to remain fluid.

“Our website says it all. We are only as good as our team. Our team is honest and reliable. Our technicians are understanding of our clients’ times of need and do not work on commission. Saying that, we won’t try to upsell you with unnecessary products or service. We explain the problems we find and show our customers what services are being performed continued on Page 18

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uring the year of the pandemic, JR RAMON Demolition celebrated 75 years in business. However, the pandemic that brought the world to its knees did not stop JR RAMON from taking care of business. The 75-year-old demolition company continued with business having one of its most rewarding years.

Originally the company was founded as a road construction and asphalt paving company in the mid 1940’s. In the 1970’s JR RAMON transitioned into demolition as its primary scope of work and trade.

“For the last 50 years, we have focused on providing demolition services to Central and South Texas” says JR RAMON President Timothy Ramon. “Naturally, the way we conduct business has

evolved with the times. Throughout the decades, we have, and continue to, improve efficiencies with the introduction of new technologies and processes. But at the heart of it, we are still a family business. We still operate with the same principles and core values that we have for the past 75 years. Our core values keep us centered around our family-oriented environment with a strong emphasis on personal growth and development.”

JR RAMON has 92 full-time employees with a focus on the central and south Texas markets. “We do not venture out of state, and we will only venture into other Texas metropolitan markets like Dallas or Houston when we are personally invited by a preferred customer,” adds Ramon. continued on Page 18

75 years by hand

L-R: Derek and David Garza

limestone company. Adding cast to the company name just solidifies, without a doubt, what we truly do.”

This year, Pyramid Cast Stone Co. celebrates 75 years in business and is still done the way Garza was taught. ““I was 20 years old when I started here,” recalls Garza. “I was very fortunate for the Monaco family to allow me to take over their legacy for them. I learned the art of cast stone from the old timers who I worked with when I started. We still do things the old way, the way the company started because it is a proven success. Our stones are still standing. Every stone is created by hand. Every form, every mold, every detail – it is all done by hand.”

Garza’s son, Derek Garza, joined the company in 2012 after his father took ownership of Pyramid Cast Stone. He does AutoCAD drafting while Garza, himself being an “old-timer,” still does all his drawings by hand. Derek, skilled with continued on Page 18

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San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021

Record breaking golf

akerTriangle hosted their 14th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Canyon Spring Golf Club. The event was held on May 28 and raised $36,000, a new record with a 50/50 split between The Wounded Warriors Project and The American Heart Association. “For the first time, we sold out the course,” says BakerTriangle Vice President Jon Randolph. “We had a little drizzle to start but everyone had a great time!” Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography. -cmw Tournament winners: 2nd Place: ISC Supply- Brett Kuykendall, David Wingrove, Kenny Salaiz and Kevin Vera 3rd Place: SpawGlass – Justin Calvin,

Robert Lozano, Keaton Omick and Jeff Young Longest Drive: Tom Smith Closest-to-the-Pin: Heath Ryan

BakerTriangle’s Mike Sireno and Jon Randolph present $18,000 to The Wounded Warrior Project

BakerTriangle’s Mike Sireno (left) and Jon Randolph (right) present $18,000 to the American Heart Association

RESERVE FOR NEW BD ADS OR STORIES 1st Place: Structuretone – Derek Chandler, Daniel Canseco, Matt Rothe and Brian Zigrang

BakerTriangle San Antonio team members

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San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021

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It’s all in the detail

Everything floors

Martin Gonzales, owner of Exquisite Painting

The flooring team of Fazio Floor LLC

ike many young people of yester year, Martin Gonzales, while in high school, went to work in the morning and worked in the evenings. He worked nights, got into music and again, like many others before him, met a girl, got married and started a family. At 18 years of age, in order to provide for his family, Gonzales started working for a painter.

“I’ve been painting for 40 years,” says Gonzales. “When I first started painting as a young man. I learned from the bottom. There are a lot of details in painting, so you have to learn from the bottom.

That is truly the only way to learn the trade the right way.

“There are a lot of painters out there that just want to start up a painting company and don’t really know what it takes to be a great painter. The older people that taught me, taught me to start out sanding. I did nothing but sanding for six months. Then you learn to caulk. After caulking I picked up a paint brush. I like to teach my young people the same way.

“They start out sanding for six months, caulking for a year and then they get a 4-inch brush and start painting out-

side to break-in the wrist. After that, they are ready to move inside with a smaller brush and move a lot faster.”

Gonzales worked for a quality painting company in Michigan before moving to Texas. There he worked on $1 million to $3 million homes for people who worked at the White House. He learned the importance of quality and expert painting.

In 2004, Gonzales started his own painting company, Exquisite Painting, bringing the skills and attention to detail that had been instilled in him since he was a young lad.

Exquisite Painting offers everything from sanding, caulking, wallpaper, drywall, tape and float, textures of all types and painting of all types of paint finishes.

“I’m not the kind of person that gets the money and then goes away,” adds Gonzales. “I’ll come back anytime they want me. I make sure the work is perfect. If it does not look right to me, I make it right before leaving the job. Only exquisite work and nothing less is what you’ll get.”

Exquisite Painting is a commercial and residential painting contractor in San Antonio. -cmw

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rowing up, Josh Fazio’s stepdad owned a tub and tile business.

Throughout his high school career, Fazio worked with his stepdad and continued working with him until he was 23 years old.

In 2005, when Hurricane Katrina hit, Fazio and his business partner, Dustin Mayfield, went to Louisiana and started a general construction business to help in the recovery efforts. They stayed in Louisiana for about a year and a half before returning to San Antonio.

Upon their return, Fazio and Mayfield started doing millwork and cabinetry. Eventually, they decided to concentrate their efforts to a single area of expertise – flooring. They quickly realized the opportunity flooring had to offer.

“Everything needs flooring,” says Fazio.

The turnkey contractor performs flooring services for all types of flooring tile, carpet, wood, ceramic, vinyl, sheet vinyl, stained concrete, polished concrete, epoxy and the list goes on.

In 2008, Fazio and Mayfield incorporated their company as Fazio Floors LLC. Since then, the company has grown dramatically. “When we first started, obvi-

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ously, Dustin and myself were the ones installing the floors,” adds Fazio. “In 2008, we got on a big job in Austin – Legacy on the Lake, which was a 32-story high rise and that is where we learned there is another side to business. It’s not just getting a job done but there is a business side of business. We started to develop that and as time went on, we started hiring. We hired an estimator, project managers and now we have a staff of seven – three estimators, materials manager and two project managers.”

Today, Fazio Floors niche is in multifamily and hospitality. Their biggest project to-date is the AC Element Hotel in which Jordan Foster Construction is the general contractor on the project.

Strictly performing commercial flooring services, Fazio Floors services the I-35 corridor from San Antonio to Dallas, as well as Houston. “We go where ever our contractors want us.”

SBE certified, Fazio Floors LLC takes pride in treating everyone like family.

“Whether you work for us or we do work for you, we treat everybody the way we would like to be treated – like family,” Fazio concludes. -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021

Operation finally home

All (re-) finished

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n May 4, Alterman employees, friends and family participated in a company clay shoot at the National Shooting Complex. The event benefited Operation Finally Home, an amazing charity that provides free housing to our veterans.

Sixty-one teams, 244 shooters, participated in the event. -cmw

Nancy and David Bailey 1st Place Class A: Elliott Electric Supply

1st Place Class B: Hill Country Supply

1st Place Class C: SWMCO

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avid Bailey says, “I learned in the Air Force that it was far better to do one thing exceptionally well than to dabble with many things.”

Bailey, who grew up in Connecticut, lived his teen years in Arizona where he worked with his father who spent his life as a carpenter and restoring antique furniture. After high school, he joined the US Air Force. After his tour in Korea, he was stationed in San Antonio. He then retired here after 28 years of service and wanted to start his own business. By this time, he was married and had three children. He wanted a business of his own to ensure he would have time to spend with his son since he didn’t have time with the older two.

Initially, he did handyman type work and almost every customer asked if he knew how to refinish their front door.

With his background, experience and interest in refinishing, he spent six months tackling the challenges of being the best choice for door refinishing. This included finding the best procedures, tools, chemicals, stripping old finish without damage, and finding a finish that was environmentally sound and could stand up to Texas heat.

In 2010, he established D-Squared Door Refinishing. Every one of his technicians are highly trained and refinish doors the exact same way, to include using the same brands of tools. “When they work together, it’s a smooth team

and they each know exactly what to do and when,” says Bailey.

“One of our mantras is that we show up on time. Period. Our arrival time is 8:00 am to 8:30 am on every job site.

Almost every day I get calls or texts from customers who complement how courteous and great the technicians were. They are hand-picked and I train them for six months before they can go to work.”

Bailey’s wife, Nancy, spent 28 years as an Algebra teacher. They met about three years after he started D-Squared Door Refinishing. They worked on doors together during the summer. Bailey says she is as passionate about doors as he is.

His daughter, Naz, is a registered nurse and helped finish doors while in college.

David and Nancy love to fish, especially for Red Fish on Calaveras and Braunig Lakes. They have their own fishing boat and fish whenever possible.

“Since we strip doors for a living, we have a family joke that says We are Strippers.

The side of our boat is emblazoned with the moniker “Strippers N Hookers.” says Bailey. “The boat and the truck are wrapped with a rainbow of colors and fish scales.”

Check out their rig in the Outdoor section of this issue.

D-Squared Door Refinishing is located in San Antonio. They refinish front doors only. -rd

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021

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Mahalo e nā hoa (thank you friends)

n true SpawGlass fashion, SpawGlass hosted its annual business partner appreciation event, Hawaiian-style, with their customary luau. The industry favorite was held on May 20 at Blue Bonnet Palace in Selma, TX. Over 400 SpawGlass friends and family attended the event, ready to party in their favorite Hawaiian apparel.

Some guests participated in the event’s best dressed competition, while others tried their skills swinging their hips in the hula hoop “hoop-off.” As to be expected, everyone had an ‘olu’olu (fantastic) time. -cmw

SpawGlass luau guests

L-R: John Devaney, Melodye Tomsu, Jason Smith, Stephanie Dixon and Jonathan Bradley.

SpawGlass Operations Manager and Luau Emcee John Devaney

L-R: Best Dressed runner-Up Annisa Guzman, San Antonio Masonry & Steel and Best Dressed winner Robert Case, Rock Solid USA

The hoop-off is on!

Stan Curry, Cokinos | Young

Hula hoop participants take their places

Diane Fish, Independent Design, is the last hula hooper standing.

DEA Specialties team members L-R: Kevin Daly, David Allen, Megan Hammock, Renee Uhlig, Greg Uhlig, Beau Foy, Paul Hougdahl and Al Neubauer

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San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021

It’s a perfect combination

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young Kolten Motes enjoyed playing in the dirt like most young boys do.

That didn’t change as he got older. As a teenager, when Kolten was big enough to operate a tractor, it wasn’t unusual to see him on a big heavy piece of equipment, pushing dirt around. One could say he can thank his mother for that as she had a small dirt company and he wasn’t afraid to get out there and play on life-size version of his childhood toys.

“Since I was little, I have liked playing on big yellow tractors and I got good at it. I still think it is a lot of fun so if I can make money in the process, it’s just the perfect combination.

“I always knew I want to start up my own company. That has always been my goal,” says Motes.

“I went to work for the pipeline or oilfield, whatever term you want to use, to earn enough capital to buy my own equipment and start my own company.”

Motes started Rocking M Contractors in September of 2020, specializing in excavation and site development. “We have some pretty cool equipment. We can dig through rock, which is pretty neat, especially in this area,” adds Motes.

When Motes and his partner, John Bocquet, started Rocking M, it was just Motes and his fiancée, Taylor Baliff, before bringing on Jacob Chapa.

While Rocking M is currently busy in the residential sector, they are excited to get into bigger projects doing something different, something outside of the residential realm. Their coverage area is primarily from San Antonio to Austin and their surrounding areas. “Our services include site clearing, excavation, site development, site prep, grading; but we excel in rock excavation,” says Motes. “I’m

INSURANCE Three Insurance Industry Trends That All Contractors Should Be Aware Of Lauren Schuler, Vice President of Sales Time Insurance Austin, TX

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ust as the construction world is ever changing so is the insurance industry. What are three key trends shaping the insurance world for contractors that are a must know? How do these dynamic shifts affect the pricing of your premium, shape the customer experience and present new risks you may not even have thought of?

L-R: Taylor and Kolten

looking forward to getting into commercial work. I just have to be at the right place at the right time with the right people, I think is what it all boils down to. I have every financial resource that I could possibly need to grow the business, as far as equipment is concerned. ”I have some really good people who take care of whatever needs to be done and I have people who have been really good to me. HoltCAT has been pretty helpful throughout this whole deal. They take care of me.”

Since the company’s humble beginnings in late 2020, Rocking M has tripled in size with seven employees and six pieces of heavy equipment. Photo courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography.

Rocking M Contractors is an excavation contractor. -cmw

The first important trend that we are seeing is the rise of insurance premiums for auto and umbrella policies. You may have noticed the jump on the last renewal and asked your agent, “What the heck is going on?!” We are transitioning into what is defined as a “hard market”, meaning insurance premium rates are escalating due to the insurance companies underwriting to a far lower level of risk than what we have previously experienced.

Policies that were once issued, are now not acceptable. More importantly, it has shifted much of the leverage you and your agent once had, nearly eliminating the ability to negotiate more favorable terms. You have now been warned! Most agencies do everything they can do stay ahead of the curve, but before you blame your agent on rising costs for reduced coverages, remember it’s the state of the market and everyone is experiencing the same pains.

You may be wondering, what is causing the market to turn so fast? The cause of the increase in premium is a thee headed monster the insurance companies’ overall losses, which they have experienced an unprecedented amount this year, especially in Texas. Another sector of continued loss is through auto and distracted driving. Furthermore, Social inflation and third-party litigation financing continue to deteriorate the insurance carriers bottom line and exacerbate profitability issues further. Even during COVID-19, commercial vehicles were still on the road driving longer distances and per claim, experiencing more severe losses.

Additionally, the increase in loss per claim is driven by litigation pay outs. Its main culprits are: the desensitization of jury awards, the influence of millennial views on judgments, the lack of tort reform, the rise of litigation funding and increased attorney advertising. As umbrella markets seek to increase their attachment point and excess markets seek placement higher in the excess tower; capacity for umbrella limits, especially in construction, are starting to disappear. A contractor who previously was insured in the standard market for all lines (including the umbrella), may now be forced to seek coverage in the surplus lines market.

Trend number two is cyber insurance. Cyber insurance has been all the buzz in the insurance industry for the past few years. As our world continues to go digital, we open ourselves up to hundreds of cyber related issues each day.

The work-from-home boom and deteriorating political stability between the U.S., Russia and China have resulted in increased cyber attacks from our biggest institutions, down to smaller companies and maybe your family. The continued increase of these cyber-attacks will further disrupt every aspect of life, critical supply chain systems and further lead to the

crippling of our countries infrastructure. So how should we protect our families and our businesses from these insidious cyberattacks? Cyber Insurance. Cyber-liability insurance is a policy that helps protect organizations from the fallout form cyberattacks and hacking threats. It can minimize business disruption during a cyber incident, limit the effects of its dreaded aftermath. as well as, provide some financial support as you recover. A cyber-attack isn’t just about money, the loss of data and intellectual property can be far more damaging in the long-run. Nothing is impenetrable and we now urge all clients to have some level of cyber coverage at renewal, in addition to suggesting ramping up their cyber technology to deter attacks in the first place.

Trend number three is technology in the insurance space. The insurance industry has made leaps and bound the last few years in improving the customer experience for its insureds. Insurers have adopted hi-tech practices by using artificial intelligent software. The software can streamline data collection and risk assessment to get you policies quicker and at more accurate rates based on your particular profile. This same machine learning technology is also used in the claims process. Much of the back and forth with the insurance companies we all hated has been nearly eliminate.

Claims are getting closed faster and more efficiently than ever thanks to technology. Even drones are now starting to be used to survey job sites and access damages in place of people. Most, if not all carriers have 24/7 claims services thanks to chatbots and efficient online systems. The continued investment in AI and other various technologies will drastically increase the efficiencies of a historically inefficient process. The sooner a quote can be issued or a claim is processed, the sooner you can get protected or paid.

Time Insurance Agency with locations in Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas has proudly been serving the Texas construction industry for 60 years. With deep roots in the construction industry, we are able to serve your commercial, health, and surety needs.

I am the proud third generation of Time Insurance, my grandfather started the Austin location in 1961. As Vice President of Sales, I continue to bring in the next generation of customers to Time and evolve the agency into a more tech forward space.

Lauren Schuler Vice President of Sales Time Insurance Agency 1405 E. Riverside Drive Austin, TX 78741 800-365-6065 Fax 512-440-0989

Attention ACCOUNTING, INSURANCE & LEGAL FIRMS If you would like to submit quarterly construction-related columns in these professional industries, please contact Construction News at our home office in San Antonio: 210-308-5800

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021

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OSHA

LEGAL The Evolution of Force Majeure

Reflective Vests

Christian Trevino Associate Cokinos | Young Austin, TX

Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

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anuary 21, 2020 - the United States confirms the first U.S. case of COVID-19. Two weeks later, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a Public Health Emergency that sent America into a frenzy and brought the booming construction industry to a sudden halt. Nationwide, companies scoured their contracts for guidance on what happens when the unthinkable happens. How is this going to affect my business?

Who is responsible for these delays? Is notice required? Is this a force majeure? What does force majeure even mean? While attorneys and businesses alike hunted for answers, job sites shut down, the price of materials began to rise, and projects incurred delays. Governor Abbott issued an executive order exempting the construction industry from shutdown restrictions. With extensive case law on epidemics/pandemics in Texas lacking and abundant uncertainty, the industry was forced to do its best to interpret force majeure and notice provisions, and to adapt on the fly.

Most standard contract language yields a considerable amount of discretion in determining what qualifies as a force majeure event. This “discretion” left companies in the precarious position of trying to perform as an “essential business,” but facing severe limitations with crews, supplies, and job site access. Now, while the country has slowly rebounded from COVID-19, there are lingering effects on the industry—especially with regard to contract law and “force majeure” in Texas.

What is Force Majeure?

Force majeure is a French term that literally means “greater force,” but has come to describe acts of God generally accepted as outside contracting parties’ control. Most force majeure clauses include events such as war, terrorism, strikes, civil unrest, acts of God, epidemics, pandemics, and other unforeseeable events beyond the parties’ control.

The American Institute of Architects, makers of industry standard construction forms, does not specifically reference “force majeure” in its General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, but the emergency provision reads as follows: “In an emergency affecting safety of persons or property, the Contractor shall act, at the Contractor’s discretion, to prevent threatened damage, injury or loss. Additional compensation or extension of time claimed by the Contractor on account of an emergency shall be determined as provided in Article 15 and Article 7.”

Contracts without a force majeure provision Parties without force majeure provisions are forced to rely on the common law and legal theories of commercial impossibility/impracticability/frustration of purpose when seeking relief from contractual obligations. Where a party’s performance is made impracticable by the occurrence of an event, an event that the contract assumed would not occur, that party’s duty to render performance may be discharged under the “doctrine of impossibility.” Centex Corp. v. Dalton, 840 S.W.2d 952, 954 (Tex. 1992). The impossibility defense has been referred to by Texas courts as impossibility of performance, commercial impracticability, and frustration of purpose. Texas courts have not drawn distinctions between these theories. Key Energy Services, Inc. v. Eustace, 290 S.W.3d 332, 339–40 (Tex. App.—Eastland 2009, no pet.).

Determining whether the nonoccurrence of a particular event was or was not a basic assumption of the parties, for purposes of a defense to a claim of breach of contract alleging impracticability of performance of the contract, involves a judgment as to which party assumed the risk of the event’s occurrence. Tractebel Energy Mktg., Inc. v. E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co., 118 S.W.3d 60, 64 n. 6 (Tex. App.— Houston [14th Dist.] 2003, pet. denied).

The Cost of Doing Business Force majeure has evolved from acts

of God and unthinkables to essentially an allocation of risk. Which party contractually accepted the risk for such an occurrence? Was this occurrence unforeseeable? What remedies are available? While in the early months of the pandemic delays associated with COVID-19 were unforeseeable, parties soon began incorporating provisions allocating said risk in their contracts or specifically excluding COVID-19 as a force majeure event. The novelty of the disease wore off with time, at least in the construction industry, and companies have been forced to accept certain risks associated with COVID-19 from community spread to jobsite restrictions as a cost of doing business. The unthinkable became the thought-upon and the negotiated.

Moving forward, construction contracts will focus, not on the unthinkable, but on the assumption of risk and attempting to predict the unforeseeable.

Catch-all language will be negotiated and risks allocated accordingly. Expect companies with stronger bargaining power to generally have lower risk tolerances, and vice versa. Companies have used COVID-19 as an opportunity to revisit their risk profiles in construction contracts, especially when it comes to labor shortages and the rising cost of materials. Notice provisions will also be heavily scrutinized and negotiated. Today, more and more contracts are considering emails as sufficient notice in lieu of the more formal certified mail. While the change makes notice less burdensome, it also adds importance to ensuring management’s inboxes receive the proper attention.

Practice Tips • What does all this mean in practice? Be prepared. Know your contracts. Think about the following: • Does this event qualify as a force majeure/excusable delay under the contract?

• What does the notice provision require?

• What remedies are available for delays?

Time? Time and Compensation?

• Are there liquidated damages? Consequential damages?

• Does your contract include waivers of claims?

• Who bears the risk/burden?

The questions above are a starting point for a proper evaluation of delay claims. Remember to document your claims and keep a paper trail. As work begins to return to normal, take time to reexamine your contracts and do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Christian Trevino’s practice focuses on commercial litigation and construction law.

Christian was born and raised in San Antonio and grew up around his family’s construction company. Christian is a graduate of Texas A&M Univ. and The Univ. of Texas School of Law. Christian can be reached via email at ctrevino@cokinoslaw.com or by phone at 512-615-1147.

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uestion: Construction employees working on highway/ road construction work zones often risk being struck by traffic. Do the OSHA standards require high-visibility apparel for these construction workers?

Answer: Road and construction traffic poses an obvious and well-recognized hazard to highway/road construction work zone employees. OSHA standards require such employees to wear high visibility garments in two specific circumstances: when they work as flaggers1 and when they are exposed to public vehicular traffic in the vicinity of excavations.

However, other construction workers in highway/road construction work zones are also exposed to the danger of being struck by the vehicles operating near them. For such workers, section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, 29 U.S.C. §654(a)(1), also known as the General Duty Clause, requires similar protection.

FHWA stated: High visibility is one of the most prominent needs for workers who must perform tasks near moving vehicles or equipment. The need to be seen by those who drive or operate vehicles or equipment is recognized as a critical issue for worker safety. The sooner a worker in or near the path of travel is seen, the more time the operator has to avoid an accident. The FHWA recognized this fact and included language in the 2000 Edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) to address this issue.

All workers within the right-of-way of a Federal-aid highway who are exposed either to traffic (vehicles using the highway for purposes of travel) or to construction equipment within the work area shall wear high-visibility safety apparel.

OSHA construction standard Subpart G, 29 CFR 1926.201, titled Signaling, states: Flagmen shall be provided with and shall wear a red or orange warning garment while flagging. Warning garments worn at night shall be of reflectorized material.

For daytime work, the flagger’s vest, shirt, or jacket shall be orange, yellow, strong yellow green or fluorescent versions of these colors. For nighttime work, similar outside garments shall be retro reflective.

The retro reflective material shall be orange, yellow, white, silver, strong yellowgreen, or a fluorescent version of one of these colors and shall be visible at a minimum distance of 1,000 feet.

The purpose of this requirement, as stated in section 634.1, is “to decrease the likelihood of worker fatalities or injuries caused by motor vehicles and construction vehicles and equipment....” In the preamble to the Worker Visibility rule, the

The OSHA standard does not specify that the garment must be a vest, the type of reflective strip or fasteners that should be used. natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232

The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) issuance of a final rule (Worker Visibility, 23 CFR Part 634) demonstrates the need for all workers who are exposed either to public traffic or to construction vehicles and equipment to wear highvisibility apparel5. Section 634.3 of the Worker Visibility Rule states:

Technology construction niche

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EquipmentShare, team San Antonio

rowing up in a technology driven world, two brothers who had been working in construction realized that the construction industry was not an exception to technology.

William and Jabbok Schlacks who have always had a foot in construction and have experienced the frustrations of managing assets, utilization and rental started EquipmentShare in 2014. The company has grown expeditiously in its seven short years. Originally established in Columbia, MO, EquipmentShare has over 80 branches in 29 states and two countries with 14 of those locations in Texas.

“They realized really quick in the equipment industry that technology, like everything, was growing in the

world,” says Territory Account Manager Zac Patrick. “Housewares, appliances, everything else was Wi-Fi or cellularbased except equipment rental so they had the idea that there needed to be an upgrade to the equipment industry and construction as a whole, to make it better. They started EquipmentShare and started renting equipment, or really originated sharing equipment.

“We rent equipment, yes, but our main offering is the technology piece. It allows you to pretty much be live with each machine you have on rent or own.”

EquipmentShare is an equipment rental company with offices in San Antonio and Austin. -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021

Mariano Molina

President Clearfield Construction San Antonio, TX

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fter completing his first year of pre-med at the age of 20 in Philadelphia, it appeared Mariano Molina was on his way to becoming a fourth-generation doctor. However, fate engineered a different course for him in construction.

Mariano, where were you born?

I was born in Cali, Colombia. My father was doing his medical residency there. He finished his residency in Jackson, MS so we moved to Jackson, MS when I was a little kid. We lived there until I was about 5 years old, then we moved back to Bolivia where my family is from.

I came to San Antonio for school. I went to St. Mary’s Hall for middle school.

Back then, it was co-ed only through middle school. I went to TMI, which was St. Mary’s sister school. I was at TMI my freshman year and my senior year.

Where did you go to school your sophomore and junior years?

My sophomore year, I went back to Bolivia. My junior year, I attended school in Argentina.

Where did you go to college?

I went to St. Mary’s University here in San Antonio and got my first degree. Then I went to UTSA and got my engineering degree in civil engineering and also my master’s degree in civil engineering.

You mentioned earning your first degree. What was it in?

I earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree

in Biology from St. Mary’s University.

What did you do after you earned your degrees in civil engineering?

I worked here for a couple of years with TTI (Texas Transportation Institute) as part of the TransGuide team. I also workied on the I-10/410 interchange, Wurzbach Parkway project and did some design work in the Valley as well. I then went back to Bolivia for about 16 years to work. Then in 2011, I went to Haiti for one year to work with the reconstruction efforts after the earthquake. After that, I returned to San Antonio and purchased my first company, Alamo Decks and Fence.

I started Clearfield Construction a year later in 2013. I’ve been working construction here ever since.

Mariano Molina with his two young boys, Patricio (left) and Rodrigo (right).

You said your father was a physician.

Was he disappointed that you did not follow his footsteps into the medical field?

I would have been a fourth-generation physician. My father is a physician, my grandpa was a physician and my great grandpa was a physician. When I went to St. Mary’s University, I was pre-med. Then I went to medical school in Philadelphia.

During my first year of medical school, I realized it was not what I wanted to do. After completing my first year, I decided to go into civil engineering and transferred to UTSA. But to answer your question, he was very supportive.

I am divorced. I have two sons, Rodrigo and Patricio. They are 11 and 13 years old now. My 11 year old, is going to be in the 5th grade and my 13 year old will be going into the 8th grade. My older son has been living with me this past year and a half. My younger son lives with his mom in Bolivia, South America. He stays with me during the summer and Christmas.

How do you go from pre-med to engineering?

When I realized pre-med was not for me, I was debating between going into art because I always enjoyed art or engineering because I liked math, so I decided I liked building things more and chose engineering. I’ve been very, very happy with my chosen path.

Are you into tennis and golf?

Yes I am. I played tennis during college for St. Mary’s and I actually taught tennis for a few years. Now I only play tennis recreationally. I play a lot more golf now.

Do you have any siblings?

I have an older sister. Her name is Claudia. When I started Clearfield, I actually started it with Claudia. She’s a finance major and has a master’s degree in finance. It was a very good fit as she came from the banking world. She was with Clearfield until 2017 when I bought out her share because construction really wasn’t her calling.

Are you married? Do you have children?

What are their interests?

They both play tennis and golf. Patricio, my older son, is on the golf team in Alamo Heights. Rodrigo plays a lot of golf and tennis too.

How often do you see your youngest son?

He stays with me during the summers and we get together during Christmas. He is currently in Miami with his mother until he comes here for the rest of the summer.

Do you ever get back to Colombia?

I don’t go back to Colombia too often. I did go back to Colombia a couple of years ago, but before that, it had been a while. I get back to Bolivia more frequently because I have more family there.

What is it about civil engineering that drew you to it?

I’ve always liked numbers and math.

I’ve always liked building things and problem solving. In construction, I like seeing projects constructed from start to finish.

Are you the engineer on projects or do you do all the civil work?

When I first started working as a Civil Engineer, I was doing the design/engineering portion. Now, I do the construction/execution portion.

It kind of gives you a leg up on projects to some degree in the respect that you can help solve issues that may arise?

I am a licensed engineer in the state of Texas, so this gives me more latitude in implementing feasible solutions to complex projects.

th 4 y

! y e l a t u a D r e J b e nc l C e n de e p e d In

San Antonio

What does Mariano do to relax?

I like playing sports. I like playing golf and tennis. I love barbecuing on the weekends. During the summer I like going to Port A. Every chance I get, I escape to the beach. There is something about the ocean air that just relaxes you.

Do you have any pets?

I have a puppy. Well, he’s not exactly a puppy, he is 3 years old. He is a Havanese so he is a very small dog. I got him for my son, but he has become my companion and is an awesome dog.

Do you think your sons will follow your footsteps and go into construction or follow grandpa’s footsteps and go into medicine?

Right now, they are saying they want to follow my footsteps but they are young.

Hopefully, this will be a generational thing and they will follow me, but if they follow grandpa, that will a great thing too.

Are you seeing anyone?

Yes. I have a girlfriend, Julie. We have been dating for several years now.

How often do you see your parents?

I see them on a daily basis. I had lunch with my dad today. I see them almost every day.

What did your mother do?

My mom was a housewife. She raised me and my sister while my dad provided for us.

Were you a mischievous child?

I wouldn’t say mischievous. I don’t think I was very problematic. I mean, every child is mischievous to some degree, but I was pretty well behaved. I think my sons are probably more problematic than I was, but they are great!

What is the one thing you would like our readers to know about you?

I pride myself in showing my love and passion in everything I do, whether it is work, my relationship, my children, sports, etc. I try to do everything with care and try to do it very well. That is why our Clearfield motto is: “Built right with old school values.” -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021

Page 9

Industry FOLKS Jeremy Diller Assistant Vice President Harding Conley Drawert Tinch Insurance Agency San Antonio, TX

H

e may have been born in California, but Jeremy Diller grew up in Indiana where he recalls it was cold and the sun rarely came out.

“Other than that,” he says “it was great!”

Jeremy graduated from Eastbrook High School (Go Panthers!) in Marion, IN before attending enrolling in Wheaton College in Illinois’ Chicago Area. “College life was great. We had a lot of fun. I played football. We had a great community.”

Having always had an interest in history and politics, Jeremy earned a Bachelor of Political Science degree. He later went on to earn his MBA. Jeremy met his wife, Lorie, at church. They’ve been married for 20 years and have five children - four boys and one girl. Nineteen-yearold Judah will start going to Oral Roberts University in the Fall. Asher, 17, is a senior at Boerne High School.

He likes powerlifting, playing the cello and chess. Their 14-year-old son, Tristan, plays tennis and built his own computer. Johnny, age 12, loves football and is the best left offensive tackle in the game (look for him to play on Saturdays and Sundays). The artist of the family is 6-year-old Lucy who loves animals.

Additionally, the Dillers have dogs and cats. They also have seven

nubian milk goats. Lorie has her own business, Eden’s Promise, where she makes handcrafted goat’s milk lotions, face cream, bath bombs, and more. She uses the vitamin-rich milk from their Nubian goats.

As an insurance agent, he is passionate about helping people navigate through the complexities of the insurance and bonding business. “I enjoy helping people and making sure they understand what they are buying and that they are protected.

“Paul Poettgen, one of the top surety bond guys in the State of Texas has been a major influence in my life. I couldn’t ask for a more knowledgeable person in the industry.

Moreover, Maryanna Christensen understands the ins and outs of the business and a great resource. She has an extensive understanding of coverages and gaps in coverages.”

Jeremy, in his down time, enjoys playing basketball and watching his kids play sports. Moreover, he serves on the board of directors for Bandera Electrical Cooperative (BEC).

BEC is doing some exciting new developments especially in the area of solar installation and broadband for its members. -cmw

T

Happy anniversary

hirty-five years ago, Tom Wilborn, Jr. and his son, Ernest Wilborn, founded Wilborn Steel Co. Ltd. Starting with two employees and a shop space of 1,600sf, the company has continued to grow throughout the years. Their goal from the beginning was to produce a quality product and keep every job on schedule.

The company has a very loyal group

of employees, many of whom have been there for years. The Wilborn’s have always acknowledge the importance of their employees.

These days Tom is retired and happy at his 1,100-acre Wilborn Exotic and Whitetail Ranch in Ozona, TX. As for Ernest, he just keeps building the business and takes a few motorcycle adventures from time to time. -cmw

Page 10

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021

The Resource Guide Associations and Construction Education

Service Providers

Suppliers

Subcontractors

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

General Contractor

M

embers of the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Association had a great time at their 13th Annual Sporting Clay Fun Shoot. The event was held on May 21 at the San Antonio Gun Club. Over 180 shooters participated in the fun-filled event. Billie Saucedo was the lucky winner of the event’s shotgun raffle while Jerry Martin won the 50/50 pot raffle. Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskins Photography. -cmw

Shooting fun

Men’s Flight 1 winners: 1st Place: Stephen Ethridge (45) 2nd Place: Scot Sparks (45) 3rd Place: Mark Bakeman (43) Men’s Flight 2 winners: 1st Place: Bobby Bauer (25) 2nd Place: Jaime Rodriguez (25) 3rd Place: Albert Trevino (25) Men’s Flight 3 winners: 1st Place: Gilbert Cardenas (16) 2nd Place: Pete Cervantes (16) 3rd Place: Juan Saucedo (16)

Bobby Bauer

Tricia Kocurek

Women’s Flight winners: 1st Place: Tricia Kocurek (50) 2nd Place: Julie Tucker (10) 3rd Place: Debra Gonzales (10) Team winners: 1st Place: Ancira Winton Chevrolet (165) Larry Jones, Tricia Kocurek, Clyde Culver and Stephen Ethridge 2nd Place: Suberg Electric (150) Tracy Suberg, Mike Radino, Bryan Agena, and Ike Standley 3rd Place: Dealers Electric Supply (136) Scott Smith, Roger Pfeil, Scot Sparks and Brandon Shaw

Stephen Ethridge

Ancira Winton Chevrolet

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021

Page 11

Summer Fishing Outlook Better Than Expected

by Capt. Steve Schultz 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

Bubba Montalvo hosted a two-boat trip with some Capital Aggregate customers or a couple of day with Steve Schultz Outdoors. The bite was on, and they were able to box multiple species on their outing.

I

can’t believe how different and difficult this year is on the water. It has literally been a challenge each and every day to put clients on fish. What fish were there yesterday may not necessarily be there the following day. Each day, when I push-off the dock, I have to wonder if it will be a good day or am I going to fall flat on my face. All I know for the most part is I have an awesome clientele that has been with me for over 20 years and have seen lots of good days and some not so good. They are fully aware that mother nature has control of every living specimen on this earth and will take care of the balance her way.

As I mentioned in my last column, my plan was to start fishing north of the JKF causeway in search for a more consistent bite on speckled trout. That plan came together the last several weeks of June when the winds laid and I was able to access the deeper waters of Corpus Christi Bay. My gut feeling was right and I was able to get on a fairly decent trout bite for

Greg Wilbanks and Johnny Byres teamed up on a double redfish fight last month fishing Steve Schultz Outdoors.

a good stretch of time. Seems like the deeper waters of the CC Bay area helped keep the mortality rates lower than the bays south of the JFK bridge. That, in conjunction with the inlets (Packery Channel and the Port Aransas jetties) that feed this bay, help keep the numbers strong. I was also able to get out into the surf a few times during these low wind and calm seas days where the speckled trout bite was phenomenal. The beaches along the Texas coastline were basically spared from the freeze and hold a variety of species of fish. Redfish, speckled trout, are the most common species sought after along the beachfront. However, don’t be surprised if you see a few sharks and tarpon along the way. Although we have been fishing north of the JFK Causeway, we are sticking to the limits imposed by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) on the south side of the bridge by only harvesting three trout per person between the 17–23-inch mark. I still believe we have a long road of recovery to get our trout populations back to where they were, and I am hopeful that the folks at TPWD will keep the temporary limits in place till we see a definite change.

By now, the shock is over from our February fish kill and I can clearly see we are going to get through this. It’s really amazing to see the support from my clients and fellow guides that are so passionate about this amazing sport to be able to make the necessary changes to get our bays back healthy again. It just takes a little educating to the folks that don’t know what went on, and they are eager to help out.

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: July 12,14,15,16 August 2,3,12,13,16, 19,23,24,25,27,30,31. To schedule your next bay fishing trip or hunting trip give Capt. Steve Schultz a call at 361-813-3716 or email me at SteveSchultzOutdoors@ gmail.com. Follow me on Facebook and Ins tagram@Steve _ Schult z _O utdoors. Good Luck and Good Fishing.

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San Antonio Construction News • JULY 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

E

ven if it has been a crazy weather year so far, some of this chaos seems to have made fishing better.

We were noticing that our stripers and hybrids seemed to be coming in larger this year. There were a lot of fishing trips that didn’t happen last year due to the pandemic. It seems to make sense that would translate to a bunch of fish that got to stay in the lake one more year to grow.

This year we have had to cancel many trips due to freezes, high winds and thunderstorms. The fish got to stay in the water a little longer, the summer heat was a little slow to get cranked up, and the rains brought us in some fresh, cool water to keep the stripers on the biting side.

We are seeing good catches come into the dock. Nice size and frequent limits. This is due in no small part to the diligence of our guides. While the catching is good, the fishing from the guide’s point of view can be challenging. Some days the shad we use for live bait are readily caught. Other days you would think there were no shad in this lake. It takes a really gifted fishing guide to be able to take whatever he has to work with and deliver a memorable fishing trip.

Our secret weapon on no-shad days is to use umbrella rigs to simulate our own school of shad. If we are having a hard time finding shad, it often seems like the stripers must be having the same problem. When we show up trolling the umbrella rigs by, they really get the striper’s attention. Sometimes and angler can reel in a rig with three hungry fish on at once! We had one trip the other day that had two of those rigs loaded up at the same time. Now that was a tussle!

So Many Fish!

As we get farther into summer, we will just have to see what kind of weather we get. If we can keep getting a little heat relief from some breezes, cloudy days and occasional showers, we can expect the stripers and hybrids to remain nice and active. If we settle in to those old 100 degree plus days with no wind and no end in sight, the fishing will usually slow down until the water starts to cool down again for fall. This time of year, it is all about the see-saw of that dreaded dome of high pressure that can lock in on us in late summer, and what kind of activity we see in the tropics as hurricane season progresses. The only thing that can temper late summer heat is the power of the gulf. Who knows which will be more in control in the coming weeks?

Whatever we get, isn’t it great to get back out and load up the gang and get back on the water? We are very thankful for our fishing friends that have made it through this last year. Thank you for making a fishing trip one of the first things you wanted to do when things got better!

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021

Page 13

La tierra de huevos y miel

S

“Strippers and Hookers”

ince David and Nancy Bailey, D-Squared Door Refinishing “strip” doors for a living and love to fish, the side of their boat is emblazoned with the moniker “Strippers and Hookers.” Both boat and truck are wrapped with a rainbow of colors and fish sacles. -rd

L

Cindy Niznik works her honeybees.

ast March, Cindy Niznik, co-owner of Niznik Concrete/Niznik Enterprises, was given eight chickens which have become a fun hobby for her. For Cindy who is well-known for her wild mustang grape jelly, the chickens have added an extra twist to Cindy’s downhome country-living pastimes. So when Cindy and husband, Doug Niznik, went to look at an 11-acre piece of property for the future sight of their new home, Cindy was pleasantly surprised to discover a very well-built chicken coop with 20 boxes on the property.

“I’d love to have the chicken coop,” says Cindy to the former owner of the property. “Of course she said the chickens go

Cindy’s bees

Cindy’s chickens

with it. Naturally, my next thought was ‘Oh my gosh, 31 chickens.’”

Cindy took the chickens and the chicken coop. Now with 31 laying hens and two roosters, Cindy has eggs galore. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Honeybees were also raised on the property by its former owner.

It wasn’t long before Cindy learned you need nine boxes of honeybees on an 11-acre piece of land to earn an ag exemption. Cindy, being Cindy, went to work on growing her honeybee population. First

things first, you can’t work honeybees without the proper equipment, so Cindy purchased a bee suit and replaced the existing honeybee box with three new boxes.

“I have the bees in three boxes now and I think I have the queen in one of them,” Cindy says. “I still have a lot to learn about them, but it is a lot of fun.”

Between the eggs and the prospect of honey, Cindy says Doug wants to call their little piece of paradise, “la tierra de huevos y miel.” In English, it translates to “the land of eggs and honey.” -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021

Tiny homes

he NISD Construction Careers Academy (CCA) at Warren High School has become somewhat known for their tiny homes on wheels. “We like to think of the homes as more of a cool byproduct of what our students learn in their four years here,” says Krista Ackles, Construction Careers Academy Program Coordinator and Project Manager. “It is critically important to us that we stick to the curriculum. We teach and demonstrate the skill in the classroom or the lab, have the student practice the skill, then demonstrate mastery. It is after that point that we will go out to the ‘build site’ in our backyard where the students are able to build a home - mostly independently, with some instructor oversight.”

Throughout this challenging school year of mostly virtual learning, the school

Tiny home construction by Warren High School CCA students

has done all they can to keep their students engaged with hands-on projectbased learning, including sending toolkits home with material for the students to practice. Some students who have been able to attend in-person have finished up some of 2020’s projects. They are currently working on finishing their 128-sf Micro Cabin, a Man Cave, a She Shed and other sheds and deer blinds, including a few deer blinds on wheels.

They are now setting their sights on the 2021-2022 school year when they expect to have their students return full time.

The last 6-12 months have given way to the most unprecedented lumber and building materials increase in recent years.

CCA will be working around this trend by taking one of their district’s retired school busses and turn it into a Skoolie, another form of a tiny home on wheels. The kids are very excited about this project. You can follow their Skoolie progress on Instagram @cca_skoolie. -cmw Construction Careers Academy (CCA) San Antonio, TX

Tiny homes under construction by Warren High School CCA students

W

hen Power Source Electric (PSE), based out of San Antonio, was awarded the Caliber Collision project in Corpus Christi, the fisherman of the group immediately volunteered to go.

Power Source Electric is very proud and grateful to have completed more than a handful of Caliber projects within the past few years.

This project started out very smoothly for PSE, as soon as the site and building pad were available, the PSE team jumped right in and completed the underground electrical work with no issues working late in the 100 degree Texas weather to stay ahead of the game. It wasn’t until the day of the slab pour, like always, that the rain came. It rained off and on for almost three

Caliber Collision straight weeks, turning this smooth-going project into a four-week-behind-schedule, no-day-at-the-beach mess, delaying the other trades we rely on to continue.

The PSE team, as always, did their best to help the general contractor make up time after a drastic delay. As soon as it was dry enough and the building was erected.

PSE manned up and hit it hard for weeks, often working 12-plus hour days to meet the fast approaching deadline.

“It got down to the wire at the end,” says PSE Vice President/Project Manager David Gonzales, “but I’m glad to say, we made it happen and we couldn’t have done it without our hardworking PSE family that made the sacrifice of being away from their loved ones for weeks at a

time to get our general contractor back on track, and on to the next project. Of course, this was not done without the little bit of unwinding that they were able to do after work - fishing, of course.

“Thankfully, the PSE team is beginning another Caliber Collision in Portland, TX across the bridge from Corpus Christi with the same general contractor who can expect the same dedication and workmanship that PSE provides over and over again to all of our contractors.”

Power Source Electric (PSE) is a full-service electrical contractor in San Antonio, TX. -cmw Power Source Electric San Antonio, TX

PSE team members enjoy a little fishing after a 12-hour work day on the Caliber Collision project.

Interior view of a tiny home builtby Warren High School CCA students

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021

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Renovation of the old Frost Bank building

reviously serving as the headquarters for Frost Bank from 1975 to 2019, the 22-story building underwent renovations and retrofitting to serve as the main office building for the city of San Antonio’s municipal government. Once the tallest building in San Antonio, at a height of 300ft or 99 meters, it is now the 11th tallest building in the Alamo city.

Locally owned and operated, Anchor Insulation of Texas, LLC was awarded the insulation and firestopping contracts for this 22-story historic renovation project from HVAC and plumbing contractor Dynamic Systems Inc. The general contractor for the former Frost Bank renovation project is a joint venture between FA Nunnelly/Skanska.

The city of San Antonio bought the building in 2016 during negotiations for the construction of the new Frost Tower.

After all renovations have been completed, the old building is expected to hold

Fiberglass Insulation with Victaulic PVC Fittings on Domestic Water Pipe serving Soft Water System

I

Page 15

Rigid Board Insulation with ASJ installed on Supply Duct Work in Mechanical Room.

Fiberglass Pipe Insulation on Chill Water and Heating Hot Water Pipe Serving AHUs

Anchor Insulation of Texas Frost Bank building renovation team.

23 city departments and about 1,500 city employees. Renovations will involve all 22 floors across the tower’s 501,673 grosssf and expected to cost $75.8 million.

City staff is expected to begin moving in this month and be completed in February 2022. Seven floors of the 22-story tower will be leased to third party tenants. The plan also includes retail components on the first floor and a restaurant on the top floor.

Anchor Insulation of Texas provides commercial insulation on HVAC pipe, ductwork and plumbing piping, as well as heat tracing and firestopping services for new and existing commercial buildings. Anchor Insulation’s service areas include San Marcos, TX to the Rio Grande Valley. They are a Certified MinorityOwned HUB contractor.

Anchor Insulation of Texas is located in San Antonio, TX. -cmw Anchor Insulation of Texas San Antonio, TX

Fiberglass Duct Wrap Insulation installed on Concealed Supply Air Ductwork.

San Antonio College improvement project

n the past decade, the Alamo Colleges District has experienced a dramatic influx of students taking advantage of its affordable learning opportunities. In 2017, Bexar County voters approved a $450 million bond proposal for district-wide capital improvements across all Alamo College campuses. Four projects at the San Antonio College campus are among the first to receive funding from the bond.

San Antonio College’s third parking garage and major infrastructure upgrades to the physical plant were two of the first completed projects in the 2017 bond program. The five-story, 322,152sf parking garage stands as the first of three new buildings on the previously undeveloped southwest area of campus. The $15 million garage adds 805 additional parking spaces for students, faculty and staff.

Three projects are under construction: a new science building, a new early childhood center, and the renovation and expansion of the Fletcher Administration Center. The new educational daycare center, supporting the children of the faculty, staff, and students, will feature an entire STEM environment for pre-K through elementary school students. Children can enjoy a landscape filled with canopies, nature-based playgrounds, a paved tricycle path, vegetable and butterfly gardens, along with outdoor learning areas.

New and returning students can make their way to the reimagined Fletcher Administration Center, which houses the student services department, orientation classrooms, administrative and executive office spaces, and a multipurpose room containing a stage and stadium seating.

The new science building will offer San Antonio College students larger learning environments for biology, microbiology, anato-

Fletcher Administrative Center, San Antonio College, aerial view

my, and physiology courses that will support the biology and nursing programs.

Seven state-of-the-art laboratory spaces are outfitted with fume hoods, a shared preparation corridor, and multipurpose student spaces.

With more than 98,000 students, 19,500 of whom attend the San Antonio College campus, Alamo Colleges truly represent the City of San Antonio. The college’s improvements will benefit the entire community as its programs enable students to obtain higher paying jobs and elevate themselves and their families.

Vaughn Construction is serving as the Construction Manager At Risk for the San Antonio College Bond projects. O’Connell Robertson serves as the design team and AECOM/MOCA are serving as the Program Manager for Alamo Colleges.

Vaughn Construction is a full-service general contractor in San Antonio. -cmw Vaughn Construction San Antonio, TX

Fletcher Administrative Center interior renovation under construction

San Antonio College Early Childhood Center under construction

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stablished by Craig Leeder and his father, Richard Leeder, I-10 Building Materials has been providing masonry materials to masonry contractors since 1985.

In 2017, El Prado Stone, an investment parent company, purchased I-10 Building Materials, creating multiple divisions for the traditional mason supply company.

Catering mostly to masons and builders, I-10 Building Materials is making its mark in the homeowners market through its introduction of their new line of products, tools and equipment for the installation of stucco walls, patio stones and other masonry projects, all showcased in I-10 new showroom. “We’ve brought in the stucco line, MasterWall,” says Chief Operating Officer Pat Wilson. “We can process the buckets and do all the tints right here and deliver.”

I-10 Building Materials has added Farrow & Ball to their line of products, which is a high-end interior paint from the United Kingdom. I-10 is one of only two vendors in the San Antonio area for Farrow & Ball.

Another new addition, is I-10’s rebar department. “We have a full rebar fabrication department so can cater to concrete contractors as well,” says I-10 Purchasing Manager Casey Woods. “We can

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San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021

Good comes with changes

I-10 Building Materials team members in their newly re-designed showroom.

fabricate rebar from No. 3 all the way up to No. 12 or bigger for residential and commercial projects.”

Along with the new product lines, I-10 Building Materials has made a few im-

provements to the property’s footprint.

All new concrete has been poured to promote a safe and clean work environment for the customer and employees alike.

New buildings have been added for dry/

storage of cement and rebar fabrication.

“We’ve increased the number of trucks for delivery including trucks specific for rebar delivery,” Wilson adds.

A manufacturing facility has been added to the company’s division. This manufacturing division is located in outside of Boerne and manufactures dimensional stone for wall panels, door surrounds, hand carved stone entry ways and highend fireplaces with stones from the Sisterdale & Lueders quarries.

I-10 also adds to their divisions, north of Abilene, Champion Stone, with a dozen different flavors of Lueders limestone mill blocks. “We are trucking two to three loads a day from Champion down to our facility in which we are doing the production and processing all the mill blocks,” adds Wilson.

“We feel extremely blessed to be here.

We have been given a tremendous responsibility & opportunity. Most importantly, we appreciate our client base and everything that they have given us. Without a great top-notch client base and a professional staff to fulfill it, this would be a pretty tough job.”

I-10 Building Materials is a supplier of masonry products and rebar in San Antonio. -cmw

Busting clays

he Associated General Contractors (AGC) held their annual Fun Shoot & Mixer at the National Shooting Complex. The event was held on May 14. Since the pandemic prevented the association from hosting the event in 2020, 160 shooters were anxious to take part in the event to bust some clays and reacquaint themselves with industry compadres. Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskins Photography. -cmw Red Course A winners: 2nd Place: Jacob Sireno, BakerTriangle (87) 3rd Place: Jason Hennesy, Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing (82) Red Course B winners: 2nd Place: John Solis, Turner Construction Company (Brandt team) (63) 3rd Place: Sam Behrenfeld, Big State Electric Ltd. (63)

1st Place: Erik Stone, Big State Electric Ltd. (89)

1st Place: Robert Herrera, F.A. Nunnelly General Contractor (63)

Yellow Couse A winners: 2nd Place: Drew Addison, IBTX (92) 3rd Place: Steve Thode, Howell Crane & Rigging Inc. (92) Yellow Course B winners: 2nd Place: Casey Pierce, Guido Construction Company (69) 3rd Place: Chris Guido, Guido Construction Company (69)

1st Place: Bryan Boehme, Joeris General Contractors (92)

1st Place: Jason Garner, Alterman Inc. (69)

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021

Page 17

New leadership, home & brand

T

FPC Historic Lobby after renovation

here are some exciting changes happening for architectural and planning firm, Ford, Powell & Carson (FPC).

After 82 years of providing services for FPC clients across Texas, FPC announced FPC’s new leadership, office location and branding, matching the firm’s energized approach to modern regional architecture.

Under the new leadership of Rachel Wright, FPC is HUB-certified and womanowned, and recently completed major renovations to the former San Antonio Light Building for FPC’s new office location on the rejuvenated Lower Broadway Corridor in downtown San Antonio.

“We are pleased to join the ranks of other woman-owned business,” says Wright. “And to continue creating iconic architecture, as we have throughout our firm’s history.”

Wright leads FPC after a legacy of talented women designers and leaders. Now, with a majority ownership of 11 female employees, FPC holds a woman-owner certification with the SCTRCA, and are HUB Certified with the State of Texas.

Helping to build the firm’s new home for the future, FPC put its skills in historic renovation to work on the long vacant San Antonio Light building, modernizing the abandoned newspaper facility with developer and building owner, GrayStreet Partners.

Led by principals John Gutzler and Adam Reed, the design of the renovated building blends the firm’s history and contemporary splendor, creating a modern office that retains may architectural aspects

of the building’s original space while incorporating and exhibiting artisanal features such as Lynn Ford-carved doors, Martha Mood light fixtures, sketches from O’Neil Ford, countless artifacts from over 80 years of projects, and retained openness from the old print press area.

With a new logo and website, FPC unveiled its new brand with a look that represents the strong history and design aesthetic of the firm while also pointing forward to the strong future of design, committed by FPC. The new logo is composed of vintage-inspired fonts with a connectedness of the figures that represents the connectivity and collaboration of the firm’s designers and generations of projects, incorporated with a palette of colors drawn from the vast portfolio of the firm’s projects and landscaped in which those project were designed. -cmw

FPC Studio Space

FPC branding elements

PhotoNews Headline Work hard, play hard

The San Antonio BryComm team recently took a well-deserved opportunity to do some team building at Top Golf, putting their “work hard, play hard” motto to good use. -cmw

Page 18

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021

What did you do good for somebody today?

I took my mama to dinner. We went to Pesto Ristorante. Oh my gosh, it was delicious. I grew up working in an Italian restaurant so I’m kind of critical of Italian restaurants. It was wonderful.

Jon Randolph, BakerTriangle I took my dogs out timely. I washed all the dishes and cleaned the toilets for my wife.

Stan Curry, Cokinos | Young I left everyone alone. Today was billing day, so I kept to myself.

Scott Persyn, JMEG You really got me on the spot. I’ve been very social today and very engaging.

Al Neubauer, DEA Specialties I actually held the door open for a lady today who was in a wheelchair.

Rick Corso, United Rentals I brought a donation to the SpawGlass luau.

Tom Henning, EquipmentShare I brought an underwear donation for the SpawGlass charity drive for Connections Individual and Family Services.

Blake Dicke, Hohmann Development Services I actually took a co-worker to lunch and then took him to his house to get another vehicle because his car broke down.

Joe Stewart, ERW Site Solutions I gave my wife a break today and took care of my son who was sick today.

Luis Berumen, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors I got an entire restaurant cooling.

David Palacio, Comfort Air Engineering When I was at H-E-B at the checkout, there was a lady in line behind be with two small children. She had bulk groceries but she looked very sad. She just looked beat down. Her kids were very well behaved but like any child would

do, asked if they could get a candy. The woman politely told them not today.

When the cashier asked me if there was anything else I needed, I told her to give me a $50 gift card and I turned and gave the lady the gift card. Carol, her eyes opened up and she asked if it was for her with a big smile on her face and I could tell a weight had been lifted.

Mike Grendell, Midco Sling of San Antonio I let someone merge into traffic.

Jordan Brown, Quality Fence & Welding I picked up lunch today for co-workers. I wasn’t asked to do that. I just did it because I wanted to.

Tracy Hungate, Baird Foundation I wrote an offer letter and had a great lunch meeting with a board member from the Boys & Girls Club to see how construction can help them out.

Debbie Hannasch, Fire Alarm Control Systems Inc. San Antonio When you do goodness for people, its natural so what I do is good to its core.

So everything you do should be good to its core.

Fernando Herrera, EquipmentShare That is a very good question. I bought my son a new charger for his iPhone, I gave my employees a bonus and I’m cooking dinner for my girlfriend and her daughter tonight.

Mariano Molina, Clearfield Construction I picked up trash from my 85-year-old neighbor’s yard this morning.

Tim Blazi, Structura

continued from Page 1 — Team Mechanical of Texas and what parts are being replaced. Our team has extensive and routine training.

We pride ourselves in presenting a neat and professional appearance.”

Co-owner Mitch Patterson graduated from Kansas State University with degrees in Construction Science and Spanish. He began his mechanical career after moving to San Antonio in 1998. He worked for one of Texas’ largest mechanical contractors for 15 years earning a wide range of experience in design, budgeting, selling and managing diversified project types like hospitals, churches, universities, office buildings, schools and hotels. When the opportunity arose to start and co-own his own company with co-owner Chris Humphreys, he was excited and ready to serve new clients and old friends within the construction industry. Patterson holds the current Class A Mechanical License with endorsements in environmental air conditioning and commercial refrigeration.

Humphreys graduated from Southwest Texas State University in 1996 with a

Bachelor of Science degree in Resource and Environmental Management. He entered the construction industry shortly after graduating, working for a large general contractor. Three short years later, Humphreys decided to specialize in HVAC and went to work for a large mechanical contractor in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. It is during this time he began focusing on “special projects” and the industrial HVAC market. He is experienced in design/build, business development, estimating and project management.

Team Mechanical specializes in commercial HVAC and plumbing services as well as residential air conditioning repair and plumber services primarily in New Braunfels and San Antonio but will work to serve their clients wherever they are needed. “We do work from Austin to south of San Antonio. Depending on the type of project, we will do work throughout Texas,” adds Lueck.

Team Mechanical of Texas is a fullservice HVAC and plumbing contractor in New Braunfels, TX. -cmw

continued from Page 1 — JR RAMON Demolition

Ramon was fortunate to have worked alongside his grandfather, the founder of the company, and distinctly remembers his grandfather telling him, “Don’t try to hug more than you can squeeze.” Sage advice that has always resonated within him, a reminder to remain focused and only pursue the things that the company can do well. Those words have guided JR RAMON to keep their geographical focus here in Central/South Texas – primarily the San Antonio and Austin markets.

JR RAMON is proud to have a strong customer base of repeat business in both the public and the private sectors. Focusing on the public sector market, JR RAMON performs a significant amount of business for cities, municipalities, state and federal agencies. “We do a substantial amount of private work as well,” adds Ramon. “The majority of our work comes from entities that we have an established relationship with.

“At 75 years old and three generations deep, we have been able to reach a milestone that very few companies

achieve. It has only been possible because of the thousands of men and women in our community that have put their hearts and souls, and hard work, into the company for the past 75 years. For all those unnamed, you are heroes in my book.”

Since the 2020 social restrictions hampered the company’s efforts to celebrate its 75th anniversary. Ramon decided instead to give back to the San Antonio construction community by offering free Construction Safety Training classes. This is an open invitation to all construction industry personnel. The classes are offered on-site at the company’s training facility and led by Tina Weeks, our Safety Training Officer, who brings more than 25 years of experience in the construction safety industry to JR RAMON. Visit their website at RAMONDEMOLITION.COM for training information and schedules.

JR RAMON Demolition is a full-service demolition company in San Antonio. -cmw

continued from Page 1 — Pyramid Cast Stone Co. Auto CAD drafting, has been helping his Stone and just think how beautiful it father with take-offs, but his skills don’t turned out.” stop there. He also helps with the new Pyramid Cast Stone produces architechnologies of today such as the com- tectural cast stone, pre-cast stone and pany’s computers, emails and security some terrazzo, all manufactured everysystems. “I know dad knows best,” says thing by hand. Garza says it takes about Derek. “He’s been doing this his entire 30 days for the stone to cure completely adult life. I just try to offer as much help at its full strength of 6000psi so with evas I can, when I can, without altering the ery project, everything is planned out acquality of work Pyramid Cast Stone has cordingly to keep the contractors on schedule. -cmw been known for.

Pyramid Cast Stone Co. is a supplier of Looking around the Pyramid offices, hand-made cast stone in San Antonio. there are years and years of plaques of accomplishments from the many projects -cmw Pyramid Cast Stone Co. has provided handcrafted stones for – projects from new groundup construction to renovation and restoration work like that of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in downtown San Antonio. But the project Garza reflects the most on is Cornerstone Church. “I think one of the most impressive jobs that I’ve done is the Cornerstone Christian Schools projects,” says Garza. “Every Sunday morning when I’m watching TV, and I see Pyramid Cast Stone’s J. Gonzalez compacts and forms the front of Cornercast stones for an upcoming project.

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021

s

Page 19

Submitted to Construction News

Round-Up

Allen & Allen Company is pleased to announce: Taylor Franks has been Gary Warren joins the promoted to Vice PresiAllen & Allen leadership dent of Sales. In addition team after leading an to managing the comin-house supply chain pany’s business develstudy as a consultant and opment and counter will oversee the compasales teams, he will also ny’s purchasing and oversee the Line of Busioperations teams as Vice ness teams – lumber/millwork, windows/ President of Operations and Procurement. doors and decorative hardware. Taylor’s ap- He brings extensive knowledge from the proach is collaborative and consultative and paper market which shares some of the it is a natural progression for him to lead all same supply chain as the lumber market. of these teams who rely so heavily on each -cmw other to be unified and cohesive. -cmw Pape-Dawson Engineers is pleased to announce Taylor Dawson has been promoted to Senior Vice President. He has more than 10 years of corporate management and civil engineering experience. As an Officer of Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc., 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

Sundt Construction Inc. is pleased to announce the promotion of Taylor Pinnell to field superintendent. Since joining the Sundt family, he served as a project engineer on the Comal County Jail project and is currently working on the Port San Antonio Innovation Center. He holds a bachelor’s degree in construction science and management, graduating cum laude from Texas State University. -cmw

Structure Tone Southwest is pleased to announce the addition of Ben Martin. Martin joins the Structure Tone Southwest family as the new Director of Operations for the company’s San Antonio office. He will be responsible for the overall operations in the San Antonio office. Martin holds a bachelor’s degree in construction science from Texas A&M University. -cmw

H&E Equipment Services is pleased to announce the return of David Hobbs as Executive Vice President.

Hobbs returns after 15 years of holding top management and executive roles with the nation’s largest rental equipment company. He will report directly to the company’s president and COO, driving forward the execution of H&E’s strategic plan and grow the company’s rental business. -cmw

Association Calendar

Content Contentsubmitted submittedby byAssociations Associationsto toConstruction ConstructionNews News AGC

Associated General Contractors

Jul. 27: Legislative Update Event and Summer Gathering, JW San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa, 23808 Resort Pkwy., For more info, call Kelly Wilson at 210-349-4921 ASA

American Subcontractors Assn.

Jul. 27: General Membership Meeting, 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

Jul. 19: Regular Chapter Meeting, Southwest Research Institute (SWRI), 6220 Culebra Rd., 11:30am-1:30pm. For more info, go to www.southtexas.assp.org CLC

Construction Leadership Council

Jul. 22: Social Mixer & School Supply Drive, Little Woodrow’s, 606 W. Afton Oaks Blvd., 4-6pm. Donations can be dropped at AGC Offices, 10806 Gulfdale before Jul. 22 For more info, call Kelly Wilson at 210-349-4921 GSABA

Greater San Antonio Builders Assn.

Jul. 29: 2021 Summit Awards, JW Marriott, 23808 Resort Pkwy., 6-11pm. For more info, contact For more info, email info@ SABuilders.com HCA de SA

Hispanic Contractors Assn. de San Antonio

Jul. 8: Heat Stress – Safety & Compliance Training Series, HCAdeSA Offices, 2391 NE Loop 410 #206, 9am-12pm.

Jul. 23: Diversity Awards Gala, Pedrotti’s

Ranch, 13715 FM 1560 N, Helotes, TX, 6-11pm. For more information, contact Victoria Rodriguez at 210-444-1100 or email vrodriguez@hcadesa.org IEC

Independent Electrical Contractors

Jul. 15-18: IEC of Texas Conference, Palm Springs, FL. For more info, contact Julie Tucker at 210-431-9861 or email jtucker@ iecsanantonio.com MCA-SMACNA of San Antonio Mechanical and Sheet Metal Contractors Assn.

Jul. 21: 25th MCA of Texas Conference, Kalahari Resort, 3001 Kalahari Blvd., Round Rock, TX. Jul. 28: 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 PHCC

Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors

Jul. 8: PHCC Apprentice Graduation Ceremony, Greater San Antonio Builders Association Offices, 3625 Paesanos Pkwy. #100.

Jul. 9: Fall 2021-2022 Plumbing Apprentice School Applications deadline.

Jul. 15-16: Texas PHCC Plumbing Apprentice Competition, Texas PHCC Offices, 145 Trademark Dr., Buda, TX. For more info, call Heidi Trimble at 210-824-7422 or go to www.phcc-sanantonio.org SAMCA

San Antonio Masonry Contractors Assn.

Jul. 28: SAMCA General Membership Meeting, Old San Francisco Steakhouse, 10223 Sahara Dr., 11:30am. For more info, contact Debi Solis at 210-347-2423 or email thesamca@gmail.com

Page 20

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021

Industry FOLKS

A

t the historic Brackenridge Park Golf Course, 150 members and guests of the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) association gathered together for a fun-filled day of golf. The beautiful weather on May 13 ensured PHCC’s golf tournament would be a true success. -cmw

Adam Barsalou

Sales Representative

Gajeske Inc.

San Antonio, TX

B

orn and raised in San Antonio, Adam still lives within 10 minutes of where he grew up. He had a great group of friends who are still very much a big part of his life today. He graduated from Churchill High School.

After graduation, Adam attended Texas Tech University and graduated from the Restaurant Hotel Institutional Management (RHIM) program in the school of Human Sciences. “At the time I was working for the JW Marriott and really wanted to pursue a degree in Hospitality Management. I was truly passionate about golf course and resort management, although not so much the restaurant side of the program. I now know more about the restaurant industry than I ever hoped to.”

So how does one go from pursuing a degree in hospitality management and end up in the construction industry? As it turned out, Adam took a year off from school while at Texas Tech and worked in the oilfield, Eagle Ford Shale, and fell in love with it. After working a full year doing flowback, Adam went back to TTU, finished his studies and earned his degree in RHIM. “It was out of necessity that I finished this degree. I only had 21 hours left in my program and already had a job lined up back in San Antonio to work for Hydraulic Supply Service Co. That was my first real hands-on construction/aggregate field experience after graduating.

“Currently, I’m in sales at Gajeske.

My technical title is a Business Devel-

Golf anyone?

opment Member (BDM). I cover San Antonio/Austin and College Station for sales and construction projects. I really enjoy the people I work with and the territory I have.

“When I was first hired, the Austin market never had an outside sales rep, so it was really all up to me to get creative to build it up from almost nothing.

I have really enjoyed it since day one and haven’t looked back one. I would also say I really enjoy that it was up to myself to push the water utility side of business since we had such a huge footprint already in the gas market.”

Engaged to be married, he and fiancée of two years, Taylor Divin, have been together for eight years. Although not high school sweethearts, they did meet while in high school.

Taylor’s dad, Larry Earle, is Adam’s number one mentor who was much like Adam himself. He spent the first half of his career in sales, learning the ins and outs of what makes a successful sales team for a company. “I really looked up to him, although more on the lines of an entrepreneur aspect. He owned several very successful companies. I enjoyed watching and learning from him over the years.”

Adam enjoys golfing, barbecuing (smoking meats) and now gardening/ lawncare. “Since buying a house, I have caught myself really enjoying yard work with a nice cigar on the weekends.” -cmw

1st Place: Tietze Plumbing – James Bump, Jay Healer, Jeremy Ingram and Rick Bostain 2nd Place: Ferguson - Drew Freiley,

Justis McNeill, Tom Gould and Martin Thomas 3rd Place: COPPERA - Gary Gentry, Sam Dowdy, Josh Chambers and Shane Witherow Golden Throne – Ryan Hurst, Hugh Cunningham Closest to the Pin – Willie Nelson, GUNN Commercial Fleet Putting Contest – Gary Gentry, Coppera Plumbing

Tietze Plumbing

PHCC golf registration team

Construction News ON LOCATION

Getting started

Before the start of every day, Rosenberg Indoor Comfort employees, L-R: Jason Gonzalez and Jaime Rosas, load their truck before heading out. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021

T

he San Antonio Masonry Contractors Association (SAMCA) was filled with excitement on May 27 as SAMCA members filled Magnolia Halle for the 2021 Golden Trowel Awards. The masonry industry presented awards for a few distinctive and outstanding masonry

General Contractor Patron of Masonry - General Contractor of the Year: Joeris General Contractors

Residential: Castroville Residence, Masonry Contractor: Tarrillion Masonry, Foreman: Juan Santos, Architect: A Design

by Gustavo Arredondo, General Contractor: Open Country Homes, Suppliers: I-10 Building Materials/Stone Source and Lehigh White Cement Company

Hardscape/Landscape: UTEP Interdisciplinary Research Building, Masonry Contractor: Shadrock & Williams Masonry, Foreman: Antonio Martinez, Architect: Perkins & Will, General Contractor: Hensel Phelps, Suppliers: Acme Brick/ Featherlite and Christopher Stuart Cast Stone

Page 21

The successful trowel

projects completed in San Antonio and its surrounding areas during the past three years.

These projects incorporate brick, CMU, custom CMU and stone as their main components. The versatility of these products allows architects to design indus-

Government/Institution: Fort Bliss Hospital Replacement Masonry Contractor: Shadrock & Williams Masonry Foreman: Greg Stewart, Architect: HDR Architecture General Contractor: Clark McCarthy Healthcare Partners II

Architectural Patron of Masonry - Architect of the Year: Don B. McDonald Architect AIA Ltd.

Block: Clemens High School Additions & Renovations, Masonry Contractor: Ericstad Inc., Foreman: Marco Leija, Architect: Marmon Mok Architecture, General Contractor: Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, Suppliers: Best Block; Christopher Stuart Cast Stone and I-10 Building Materials Ltd; Stone Source

Educational Facility K-12: Kirby Middle School, Masonry Contractor: Rick Stone Masonry Inc., Foreman: Ryan Stone, Architect: PBK Architects Inc., General Contractor: Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, Suppliers: Acme Brick/Featherlite; Spec Rents; Best Block; Christopher Stuart Cast Stone; I-10 Building Materials/Stone Source; San Antonio Masonry and Steel

Industrial/Commercial: Broadway Office Development, Masonry Contractor: Shadrock & Williams Masonry, Foreman: Alfred Gonzales Architect: Don B. McDonald Architect AIA Ltd., General Contractor: Joeris General Contractors Suppliers: Acme Brick/Featherlite; Best Block; Christopher Stuart Cast Stone; Hilti Inc; I-10 Building Materials/Stone Source; Kennison Forest Products; Spec Mix/Quickrete; Spec Rents

trial, commercial and residential buildings using their innovative designs, all of which, come to life through the outstanding craftsmanship of masonry contractors. -cmw

Patron of Masonry – Outstanding Member: I-10 Building Materials

Restoration: Renovation to Bldg. 521 – San Antonio State Hospital, Masonry Contractor: Shadrock & Williams Masonry, Foreman: Gabriel Hernandez, Architect: Chesney Morales, Partners Inc., General Contractor: Vaughn Construction, Suppliers: Acme Brick/Featherlite; I-10 Building Materials/ Stone Source and Pyramid Cast Stone Co. Inc.

Everyday Excellence: VIA Brooks Transit Center Art Installation, Masonry Contractor: Shadrock & Williams, Masonry Foreman: Alfredo Garcia, Architect: Kersey Ceramics LLC, General Contractor: Vertex Corporation, Supplier: San Antonio Masonry and Stone

Educational Facility College/University: UTSA Science & Engineering Building, Masonry Contractor: Shadrock & Williams Masonry, Foreman: Juan Solis, Architect: Alamo Architects, General Contractor: Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, Suppliers: Acme Brick/Featherlite; Christopher Stuart Cast Stone; I-10 Building Materials/Stone Source; Kennison Forest Products; Prosoco Inc; Spec Mix/Quickrete and Spec Rents

Page 22

O

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021

A taste of Texas

n May 12, over 60 members and guests of the South Texas Chapter of Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) attended ABC’s Whiskey Festival. The fun-filled, palatepleasing event was held at Rebecca Creek Distillery. Guests enjoyed beautiful weather, appetizers and, of course, sampled various Rebecca Creek and Ranger Whiskeys, and Enchanted Rock Vodkas in the distillery’s tasting room. Additionally, guests were educated on Rebecca Creek Distillery and their processes for making whiskeys and vodkas. -cmw

T

Cool clay shooting

he Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association (TACCA) Greater San Antonio Texas Chapter held their 2021 Sporting Clay Shoot at the National Shooting Complex. The event was held on May 26 with a record-breaking turnout for the association. Over 160 shooters participated making it the biggest clay shoot hosted by the Greater San Antonio Chapter. -cmw

3rd Place: Tyler Simmons, Texas Air Products Class C winners: 2nd Place: Lonnie Pearce, Port San Antonio 3rd Place: Glenn Johnson, Heat and Treat

Class AA winners: 2nd Place: Clyde Culver, IBTX 3rd Place : Edgar Gonzales, County Wide Service Class A winners: 2nd Place: Drew Scroggins, Comfort-Air Engineering Inc. 3rd Place: Jeff Miller, Texas Air Products Class B winners: 2nd Place: Brian Ohlenbusch. Alamo Crane Service

Top Lady: Tricia Kocurek - 93

Guests learn about Rebecca Creek Distillery and their whiskey and vodka making process.

Top Team: IBTX – Clyde Culver, Drew Addison, Tom Quintero, not pictured Edward Pape and Bruce Culver - 440 ABC members at Rebecca Creek Distillery

1st Place Class A: Jim Belne, DMC 1st Place Class C: Matt Gafke, A/C Technical Services

1st Place Class B: Ramsey Lawson, TNT Crane & Rigging

1st Place Class AA: Austin Luchak, F.A. Nunnelly - 97

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021

Page 23

JOB SIGHT

Industry FOLKS Anthony Mutz,

Plumbing Apprentice,

Opiela Mechanical Inc. - 4th Year Plumbing Apprentice, Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors,

San Antonio, TX

B

Crew members from Urban Tree Company L-R: Chino, Russell and Mickeon begin another project to make some oak trees look beautiful and healthy again. -cmw

H

When in need

elping out friends in need, the San Antonio Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) traveled south to Corpus Christi to lend a hand for the Padre Island National Seashore NAWIC painting service project. The event was coordinated by NAWIC Corpus Christi incoming president, Kari Wirth. NAWIC members painted and cleaned up three buildings battered from past storms.

-cmw

San Antonio Chapter Patty Wylie offered a helping hand.

NAWIC members begin the task of taping off the trim of one of the buildings before the painting begins.

Incoming NAWIC Corpus Christi president, Kari Wirth, takes on the task of caulking for painting.

orn in Corpus Christi, TX, Anthony grew up in Yorktown, TX until he was 16 years old. At that time, he moved to San Antonio.

Anthony finished his last two years of high school in Poth, TX and graduated from Poth High School. After graduating, Anthony decided not to go the traditional college route. Instead, he opted to attend a tech school at Horn Drafting in Houston, TX where he earned a degree/certificate in AutoCAD drafting programs and completed the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors’ (PHCC) four-year apprentice program at St. Philip’s College.

“I was one of those kids straight out of high school that really did not have a good heading towards an occupation. A family member had mentioned that her company was working with pipelines, pipeline drawings and engineering blueprints for gas plants, oil plants, and the oil fields in general. I thought it was a start of something I could one day enjoy doing as an occupation. Like a lot of the oil field-based jobs, there is a rise and fall of pricing for this resource, and after two years I was laid off due to the fall in prices. I then realized that I needed something more concrete. So, I invested four years of school in learning the plumbing trade with the help of Opiela Mechanical Inc., the company I work for. After five years total in this field, I’m working my way up to becoming a Journeyman Plumber and fast tracking myself to be-

coming a Master Plumber one day.

“At this point, I waiting for my test date to become a Journeyman Plumber.

As an Apprentice I am required to perform tasks that are assigned to me by a Journeyman/Master Plumber on commercial or residential projects. The best thing about my job is the different experiences I get to see every day. Not any one job is the same. Problem solving, troubleshooting and understanding the basics of plumbing in general is, in its own way, one of the best parts of the job.”

As for mentors, the president of Opiela Mechanical Inc. is a huge inspiration to Anthony. “This man puts in countless hours towards bettering this company every day, seven days a week. He has given me the opportunity to better myself in this field by pushing not only me, but the other plumbing apprentices employed here to be knowledgeable and to understand what it means to be a plumber. Our supervisor team, as well as our journeymen plumbers, have a vast amount of knowledge and wisdom to offer anyone willing to learn. All in all, everyone at Opiela Mechanical Inc. is a mentor in one way or another.”

Playing golf is one of Anthony’s favorite hobbies and says it is always relaxing to be around family and friends. But for fun, he enjoys live concerts, barbeques, camping, fishing and so on.

-cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2021