San Antonio Construction News August 2021

Covering the Industry’s News

Texas Style

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

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

San Antonio H Austin

San Antonio

CONSTRUCTION NEWS The Industry’s Newspaper ImagesFromTexas.com

www.constructionnews.net H (210) 308-5800 H Volume 24 H Number 8 H AUGUST 2021

75th Anniversary

25 years and counting

To commemorate 75 years in business, RW Jones & Sons Inc. employees pose for a company photo.

L-R: Jeremy Arias and Amber Hawkins with their father and founder of ARIAS & Associates Inc., Robert Arias

R

oy Jones was 13 years old when what was to become RW Jones & Sons was founded. “It was 1946, just after the end of WWII, when Robert Williams Jones, my father, and B. King Garrett who was a professional engineer, started the business with next to nothing,” recalls Roy. Known as Jones & Garrett at the time, the company changed its name to RW Jones Contractor in 1954 after the passing of Mr. Garrett.

After earning a civil engineering degree from the University of Texas, Roy went in the service. After coming out of active duty, Roy decided he need to go to work and joined his dad and brother in the family business, RW Jones & Sons Inc., as it is known today.

“After I got out of school with my en-

A

fter 13 years of working for HB Zachry in their heavy civil division, George Zurita was ready to start out on his own. With 13 years of experience in heavy civil work, he knew all about budgeting, costs, scheduling and the aspects of working with TxDOT.

Zurita and a friend took a leap of faith and started Z&L Concrete Contractors in 2001. The partnership didn’t last, but Zurita didn’t let that deter him. Not wanting to rebrand his company, he kept the company name and continued on as the sole owner of Z&L Concrete Contractors.

“I admit at the beginning it was a little challenging starting my own business,” says Zurita. “It was just a whole new world. We went, like most new companies, through trials and tribulations of having our own business. We started off doing small projects and then as we were getting into TxDOT work, we came across a general contractor who we are doing a

gineering degree and came out of the service, I was at a crossroad. I could go ahead and become a professional engineer or I could go to work in the contracting business which I saw that as an opportunity better than being a structural engineer, so that is the route I took.”

Roy took over the business around 1960. “We are primarily a concrete subcontractor,” says Roy. “We furnish contractors with the expertise, the men and the materials to build whatever concrete structures they may need. We work in four different categories: Single-family, multi-family, commercial and municipal.

Municipal means street work and runway work. All different types of concrete.

The only concrete we don’t do is the continued on Page 18

S

ince 1977, Robert Arias, PE has practiced geotechnical engineering with three companies honing his skills and reputation. After working for 10 years as a regional manager over most of Texas for a national firm, Arias was ready to venture out on his own with the full support of his wife and family.

Working out of his garage and a spare bedroom, Robert founded ARIAS & Associates Inc. 25 years ago in 1996, performing insurance work for distressed foundations. “At the time, when foundations were in distress due to plumbing leaks, insurance companies would pay for soil sampling underneath the foundation,” recalls ARIAS & Associates Vice President Jeremy Arias. “That’s what got us started. Robert had the name. He knew the business and

knew what he was getting into. Insurance was the way in.”

While working out his garage, Robert enlisted the help of his children – Jeremy, Amber and Eric Arias, along with a couple of employees who would work in the field. “They would go into the houses to sample the soils beneath the foundation and bring it back to the laboratory,” adds Jeremy. “I remember we bought used pickup trucks where ever we could find them.”

“We, Jeremy, my little brother Eric and myself, were all home schooling when we started the business, but we were also learning different aspects of the business. I got to dabble in the lab and learned how to run different lab tests continued on Page 18

A leap of faith

L-R: Diana and George Zurita

lot work for. Unfortunately, that company went out of business.”

Going from having so much work to not having any work was difficult for Zurita.

He had to lay off his crew and basically start all over, which he did.

“My wife, Diana, helped me get our certification as a DBE and that opened a lot of doors for us,” adds Zurita. “From there it just took off. We started doing a lot of work for a lot of different general contractors here locally in San Antonio and focused, primarily, on TxDOT work.”

After starting his company 20 years ago and having worked for a general contractor prior to starting his business as a subcontractor, Zurita knew, firsthand, how a subcontractor can impact a project.

“I knew going into business as a subcontractor what it means to the general contractor and making sure that we show up on time, stay on schedule and have the resources needed to get the job done.” continued on Page 18

Page 2

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 2021

Construction banking

Lone Star Capital Bank team members

W

hen the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, Lone Star Capital Bank (LSCB) and Business Bank of Texas had just begun talks on a possible merger. On May 1, the merger was completed, bringing a complete circle of lending to the construction industry, both residential and commercial.

Although Lone Star Capital Bank has origins that go back to 1999 in San Antonio, through the acquisitions of Clear Lake National Bank and Mission National Bank, Lone Star Capital Bank was formed in 2003. LSCB’s niche is in interim construction loans, primarily residential loans, which they secure through referrals from mortgage companies, primarily SWBC Mortgage Corporation. The mortgage companies send pre-qualified mortgage applicants to LSCB, who in return, provides construction lending for the construction of those homes. Based in Austin, TX, Business Bank of Texas found their niche in commercial real estate and non-real estate commercial lending. This makes for optimum lending potential for the construction industry.

“We are very excited about our merger with Business Bank of Texas,” says Lone Star Capital Bank President and CEO Danny Buck. “We think that not only is it a great fit for our bank in terms of the diversification of our portfolio, it also gives us huge opportunities to call on their customers that will hopefully develop some additional lending opportunities that were not there before.

“We are seeing a lot of construction loans extend out beyond on what has been typical in the past. We are having to educate our borrowers, especially on the residential side. It is not uncommon for the construction loan, especially the larger loans in the $1 million plus category, to take 15 to 18 months to get completed.”

Now a branch of Lone Star Capital Bank, Business Bank of Texas will take on the LSCB name and will continue offering the same quality of service and lending.

“With the merger of our banks,” Buck states, “we have the lending capacity to do sizeable loans for the investor or the owners/operator.” -cmw

H

On the leading edge

OLT Truck Centers announced a new product line and partnership with Nikola Corporation, a leading designer and manufacturer of heavyduty commercial battery-electric vehicles (BEV), fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV), and energy infrastructure solutions.

Through this alliance, HOLT Truck Centers has become a dealer for Nikola’s Class 8 commercial vehicles.

“When exploring partnerships, the first thing we consider is whether or not their core business values are in alignment with ours,” says Bert Fulgium, HOLT Truck Centers’ senior vice president.

“Nikola is committed to quality and safety, which is absolutely critical to being a strong business partner and doing the right thing for our customers.”

Robert Fulgium, Sr. VP Product Support HOLT Truck Centers

Robert Fulgium, Sr. VP Product Support HOLT Truck Centers

The partnership comes as part of HOLT’s diversification strategy in an everchanging world. “The Nikola products will provide our customers with leading technologies in on-highway electrification and demonstrates OLT’s environmental responsibility,” adds Fulgium.

Nikola’s portfolio of trucks represents the entire spectrum of commercial freight vehicles designed for metro/regional to long-haul applications and include the Nikola Tre BEV (battery-electric vehicle), Tre FCEV (fuel-cell electric vehicle), and the Nikola Two FCEV. Customers will have the option to purchase these trucks from HOLT Truck Centers. Additionally, locations will service Nikola trucks.

“Among the many benefits of these vehicles are zero emission, lower operational cost, improved safety, more power and less noise, all of which speak to our mission of providing high quality options for HOLT Truck Centers customers,” Fulgium stressed.

Customers who own and operate traditional fuel-operated Class 8 trucks, should not worry. HOLT Truck Centers will

continue to sell, service and supply parts as usual. “These vehicles have been around a long time. We don’t see them going away and we will continue to take care of those customers,” assures Fulgium.

HOLT Truck Centers has seven locations throughout Texas and is just one of five independent dealerships to bring on the Nikola commercial vehicles. “We have been in the truck business for decades,” adds Fulgium. “I think this is a great fit for our customers and for HOLT.” -cmw

Interior views of the Nikola Tre FCEV

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 2021

I

Page 3

Bobcat country

f you are working up and around the Marble Falls area, you will no longer have to travel for Bobcat equipment, parts and service.

Owned by Compact Construction Equipment, one of the largest Bobcat dealers in Texas, Bobcat of Marble Falls was opened with room to grow and is conveniently located in Marble Falls, TX on US Hwy 281 just south of Burnet and north of Johnson City.

“The 281 corridor in this area is growing like crazy,” says Brandon Moore, Bobcat of Marble Falls Operations Manager. “This area was serviced by our Austin store before. That branch had people

coming 100-150 miles away to get service. The only other stores close by were in Abilene and Kerrville. We have a pretty big area to cover. We are going to be able to provide a great option to our customer base in this area, so they don’t have to drive as far for the equipment and support they need for their Bobcat.”

The Marble Falls location will service about a 100-mile-radius of the Llano, Lampasas, Mason and McCullough areas.

It will provide sales, rental, service and parts of Bobcat and Mantiou Equipment including excavators, compact track loaders, skid steer loaders, mini-track loaders, tractors, mowers, Toolcat work

Bobcat of Marble Falls

Bobcat of Marble Falls team members L-R: Brandon Moore, Corey Norrod, Danny Lopez, Ryan Lambert and Michael Robinson

machines, telehandlers, small articulated loaders and utility vehicles – both new and used – and various attachments.

“Parts are a huge commodity for us.

People no longer have to travel far to get parts,” says Moore. “I bet the first thing eight out 10 customer that have walked through our front door say, ‘I’m so glad y’all are here. I don’t have to drive such a long way to get parts.’”

Customers will be able to purchase or rent equipment as the store continues to grow and additional equipment becomes available. “It is a good thing,” adds Moore.

Bobcat Marble Falls currently has a staff of five. “Our goal is to grow the branch

www.constructionnews.net

publishing the industry’s news

with our customers and give the best customer service that we can,” Moore continues. “We want to cater to our customers and be there for them. Time is money and we know that. If a customer has a machine break down or is in need of a new machine, we want to be there for our customers. As we grow, we’ll continue to add more technicians.”

With the opening of the Marble Falls location, Compact Construction Equipment now has 13 locations throughout Texas – Abilene, Alamo, Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Kerrville, Midland-Odessa, San Antonio, Waco, Victoria and of course, Marble Falls. -cmw

Texas Style

H San Antonio H Austin

Page 4

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 2021

S

Stay safe

afety is always on the mind of Stacy Rose, CSP, and for good reason. One of Texas Mutual Insurance Company’s four Regional Managers overseeing safety services, Austin-based Rose leads a team of seven Field Safety Consultants throughout Central Texas, South Texas, the Rio Grande Valley and the Coastal Bend.

With construction being a high-risk industry, employers and employees ask Rose about workplace safety and how to lower premium costs. Fortunately, Texas Mutual Insurance Company has offerings that clients can access online, in person or via phone.

“We have a great website,” Rose says.

“We get feedback quite often from our policyholders and agent community on our website and how great it is to see the wealth of safety resources available to our customers. At texasmutual.com, our policyholders can create a log in and password to navigate to our safety resource center where they’ll find a catalogue full of thousands of training and educational resources. Some examples would be online training videos, written safety programs – things that are already designed for a specific kind of industry, so our customer could just download that information rather than have to start from scratch. We have safety checklists and toolbox talks which are used quite heavily in the construction industry. We have webinars that we offer, and different types of training and education events that we hold throughout the year, many of them online.

“For safety training courses, we have two avenues,” Rose continues. “We have an e-learning system that includes over 400 self-paced, interactive safety courses.

An employer can assign the training to a person or a group of people. They pick out the topic and they can track the training over time; it’s all electronic, which is a nice feature. At the end of training courses, there are quizzes; as an employer, you can gage if employees are learning what you want them to be learning.

“Also, Texas Mutual has partnered with colleges around Texas to offer free or discounted work safety courses to local businesses and their employees,” Rose adds. “In 2019, Texas Mutual gave $1.1 million in grants to 11 colleges across the state to provide these courses. Classes cover topics such as OSHA standards, general workplace safety topics, and specific topics geared toward the primary industries in each college’s local community.”

For clients who prefer more face-toface interaction, Texas Mutual has offerings for them as well.

“In person, we have our field safety consultants meeting with our policyholders to help them uncover their top safety hazards and suggest best practices to address them,” Rose says. “If it’s a construction-related policyholder, we make it a point to do job site visits. That’s really

Texas Mutual Insurance Company’s Stacy Rose, CSP, Regional Manager, Safety Services for the Austin Region

where the hazards are, where we can see safety controls that may or may not be in place.”

Texas Mutual also has a Safety Services Support Center team in Austin that clients can call.

“They’re safety reps that are standing by to help our policy holders with any safety-related questions they may have,” Rose says. “We’ve created a unique telephone number, 844-WORKSAFE, that rings right to these safety reps. They will take questions such as ‘How do I log in to your website?’ or ‘I’m looking for a resource on ladder safety; can you help me?’ Some of those reps make proactive outreach calls to our small business policyholders; the intent is to educate them on all of the resources we have available to them.”

Texas Mutual offers these tools in the hope that workplace accidents of every size will be avoided.

“In terms of general injuries and people getting hurt at work, sprains, strains and slip-and-falls tend to be the trend setters across the board,” Rose says. “That’s typically what we see, along with people hurting their shoulders or their backs from trying to lift, move or carry something that is heavy or too awkward for them to do alone. The slipand-falls, we tend to see a lot, whether it’s a person accidentally stepping off of a curb or in a hole at a job site, or tripping over hoses, cords, or things like that. At a job site, we may see people jumping off of a flatbed truck or a ladder and they tend to get hurt that way.

“I also tend to look at the more catastrophic losses,” Rose adds. “For some of the most serious ones, and even the fatalities, motor vehicle collisions lead by far. People are out on the road, not just in company vehicles, but people using their personal vehicles for company business; that’s an exposure. In terms of workers’ compensation for fatalities, motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of loss, followed by falls from heights. In construction, we see falls from sky lights often and scaffolding occasionally. It’s amazing the falls we see from ladders that cause life-changing injuries, if not fatalities.”

Rose emphasizes that many workrelated accidents can be avoided by implementing proper safety precautions, adequate training, and avoiding shortcuts when it comes to safety practices.

Also, creating a safety culture within a company is vital, and it starts at the top of the organization.

“When employees see and hear how important safety is from top management, it permeates through the organization,” Rose says. “The attitude that every employee’s safety matters is contagious. We see that when employers get their employees actively involved, this truly creates buy-in. The safe working behaviors start to become second nature to people. You can really tell those companies that have a strong safety culture because the philosophy and the culture shift is: ‘Working safely is just the way we do things here.’”

Creating a safety culture not only results in safer employees, but possibly a lower premium for employers. continued on Page 18

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 2021

K

nown for consistently showing their employees just how much they are valued, every year Alterman hosts a fun-filled summer employee event. As the event theme alternates every year, this year’s event is held for every employee and their plus one, giving focus on fun for the adults.

On Jun. 5, after a year and five months of no employee events due to COVID, Alterman hosted “Alterman’s Casino Night” for their San Antonio employees. This year’s casino night was held at Pedrotti’s Ranch in Helotes and was a huge success.

Around 800 employees and their plus one attended for a catered meal, drinks, gambling, dancing, karaoke and tons of prizes.

“Most of the raffle prizes were donated by our partners,” says Alterman President Greg Padalecki. “We sincerely thank each of them for their support and our hard-working employees.”

S

ince 1976, Midco Sling has been providing wire rope, slings, hoists and rigging equipment to construction contractors throughout Texas. The company was founded by Doug Dry in Dallas, TX.

In 1980, Dry opened Midco’s second store in San Antonio. As the company continued to grow, a third store was opened in Longview, TX. Since then, the company has added numerous new products and services which include products testing, inspections and comprehensive training. Because safety is of the upmost importance on every jobsite, Midco obtains the highest quality materials from leading manufacturers.

General Manager Mike Grendell, who joined the Midco family shortly after the opening of the San Antonio store, states that he has seen a lot of changes since his early days - changes in our city, changes on the way work is conducted and changes in safety.

One of the biggest changes is the tremendous growth in San Antonio. In 2019,

Page 5

Appreciation plus one

L-R: Shelley Padalecki, Greg Padalecki, Jamie Lambrecht and Amanda Stillman

In addition to all the fun, there were door prizes and plenty of top-notch grand prizes. Speaking of top-notch prizes, some of these prizes included 40 hours of PTO, a Las Vegas trip for two, a 70-inch Smart TV, Traeger Pro, and even a deep-sea fishing trip for seven.

“There is a great amount of pride and excitement that comes from these parties,” adds Padalecki. “As a company, we feel very proud to have some of the best employees in the industry, so we are super excited to host an event that shows how much we appreciate them and all the hard work they put forth every day.

Without them, Alterman wouldn’t be the company we are today. Hosting these fun events is just our way of giving back to our valued employees, helping to build comradery and fellowship within the organization.” Next year’s summer event will be even greater, as it will be for Alterman employees and their families! -cmw

Driven by service and honesty

Midco Sling of San Antonio team members L-R: Gabriel Fuentes, Juan Carrillo, Alberto Esquivel, Joseph Gonzales, Brian Barbosa and Mike Grendell

San Antonio was ranked the seventh-most populous city in the US and the secondmost-populous city in Texas. “Despite the tremendous growth of San Antonio, the unity within our construction industry has not changed. The construction industry is still a tight-knit group,” says Grendell.

“Whether it is good news or bad news, it travels. It travels within a circle. We do our part to help develop a safe environment culture for all. At the end of the day, we all want the same objective. We all want a safe workplace.”

As Midco continues to grow substantially, the culture of Midco Sling remains committed to quality and value. “We do our best to exceed people’s expectations,” adds Grendell. “We believe in providing great customer service and we believe in honesty.”

Midco Sling specializes in custom lifting and rigging products, and a full-line of fall protection products to serve all construction needs with stores in Dallas-Fort Worth, Longview and San Antonio. -cmw

INSURANCE

ACCOUNTING

Health Care Options for the Construction Industry Explained

Tax Breaks for Pivoting Your Business Steven Bankler, Owner Steven Bankler, CPA, Ltd. San Antonio, TX

Lauren Schuler, Vice President of Sales Time Insurance Austin, TX

T

he construction industry has been through a rollercoaster of highs and lows the past couple of years.

The pandemic has caused volatility in project timelines, staffing, regulations, and the supply chain in ways that may have forced you to reinvent how you do business. Each of these activities, however, can hold tax advantages if you know where to look.

Finding and Training New Workers Even before the pandemic, there was a shortage of workers and a growing skills gap in the construction industry.

The current job market is helping to fill that gap with a shift of workers from more distressed sectors and a new surge of young adults opting out of expensive four-year professional degrees. But even with the promise of potential new workers comes the expense of attracting and training them.

Tax deductions associated with advertising job openings (including through a job agency), the cost of training workers on the job and in areas like health and safety, and more can help reduce that price tag, though. You may even be able to offset the cost of learning new construction processes, software, and technology—which will not only streamline the business, but can help you attract digitally savvy, innovative workers.

Keeping Workers Safe

As work sites ramp back up, the added costs to protect workers from COVID-19 is ever-present. Extra personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning products, sanitizing equipment, signage, COVID-19 testing, OSHA training, and more are expenses that can add up.

Check with your CPA for the best ways to offset the cost of these essential supplies and protocols. Many can be deducted under traditional tax breaks but also through special COVID-19 relief credits or Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds.

Offsetting Hidden Losses

High lumber, steel, and other supply costs along with fluctuating energy prices and global supply chain hiccups have led to unpredictable construction costs.

These changes can dramatically affect the accuracy of your bids. It’s more important than ever to pay attention to these market fluctuations and to ensure that your bids are as accurate as possible in every other aspect. Getting your sales and use taxes estimated correctly when bidding can help.

The Texas storms may have damaged sites and equipment in ways you never imagined could happen, too. It can seem trivial to add up these little losses here and there, especially in years your business income has grown, but it’s important to do so. You may be surprised at how much taxes you can save by getting “credit” to offset your gains.

Innovating How You Do Things

A highlight of the past year has been watching savvy business owners reinvent their businesses. In the construction industry, that innovation has taken several forms—most of them surprisingly tax deductible. Perhaps you’ve: • Experimented with the materials or the processes you use to overcome project challenges, which may qualify for research and development (R&D) tax credits.

• Purchased or rented new or used equipment outside your normal scope, which can usually be tax deductible using a depreciation method or as an ordi-

nary expense (depending on the circumstance).

• Tried out new revenue channels with varying tax obligations by working with non-profits, qualifying for government contracts, getting serious about green building techniques, or crossing state lines for work.

Don’t forget to mention each of these changes to your tax advisor. You may be surprised how they affect your tax bill.

Weathering Stops and Delays Many new construction jobs were delayed or cancelled in 2020 and some remain on hold while the original plans for areas like office space are re-evaluated. If this has happened to your business—and projects you thought would be complete by now aren’t—you may have some tax-saving options.

First, if you’re a small business contractor with annual gross receipts averaging $25 million or less, you may be able to use the completed contract method of accounting to defer taxes on incomplete long-term contracts that you expect to finish within the next two years. Second, if you’re self-employed, consider reasons to either defer or accelerate end-of-year income. With fluctuating project loads and factors like PPP possibly at play, you may decide to push some income to 2022 or, conversely, invoice as much as you can before the end of the year.

Following New Rules Remember the payroll tax holiday in 2020? You still owed those taxes and should have paid up by now. Penalties for skipping payroll taxes are some of the most severe – simply failing to file can carry a 15% penalty, and the addition of a trust fund recovery penalty can make the business owner 100% personally responsible for repayment. So if you’re still celebrating that time “off,” you need to catch back up.

If you received a PPP loan, take the forgiveness process seriously. You may have heard that loans under a certain threshold will be automatically forgiven, but that doesn’t mean you can bend the rules on the money spent or miss critical deadlines. Borrowers receiving more than $2 million in PPP funds will automatically be audited for compliance when they ask for loan forgiveness. Employee retention credit and other opportunities are also still out there for the taking in 2021, but they represent new territory for taxpayers.

Steven Bankler has more than 44 years of experience in the accounting industry.

Steven’s expertise lies in consulting, planning, tax, and asset protection as well as exit strategy services for closely held businesses. He also provides litigation support (both as a testifying expert witness and a consultingexpert), business negotiations and estate planning. Visit www.bankler. com for additional tax strategy tipsand to learn more about Steven Bankler, CPA, Ltd.

W

ith so many healthcare options available in today’s market it is overwhelming to navigate and find a quote “one size fits all plan” for your company. The healthcare industry has its own language using vocabulary works like coinsurance, copay, PPO, and HMO. Breaking down which plan is best can be a challenge for HR or your CEO. Group major medical insurance while the most comprehensive coverage can also be the most expensive. In the construction industry there is such a range in salary depending on the position it is hard to find a plan that all employees can afford even if the employers are contributing the standard 50%. The reason healthcare plans are often referred to as benefits is because they are a benefit to the employees and an excellent retention tool but if the benefits are too costly it is as a quick way to deter potentially great recruits for your company. Benefits cost to employers is usually in the top 5 expensive after payroll, office expenses, supplies, and equipment. So what is the solution to offering healthcare that is enticing for your employees and potential recruits but also doesn’t cause you to break the bank?

While no perfect solution I have broken down the key points of group major medical, cafeteria plans, and MEC plans.

Group major medical is going to be your most complete coverage. Major medical insurance is a long-term, comprehensive health insurance plan designed to cover a majority percentage of the medical costs an average American will pay each year. The plan is designed to minimize out of pocket cost throughout the year. Typically plans cover hospitalization, outpatient procedures, preventive care like check ups and immunizations, prescription medication, emergency service, and maternity and newborn care. Especially if a employee or family member has a chronic disease major medical because of complete coverage is such a draw. The more employees that choose to join the group and increase the size of the pool the less costly monthly premium becomes. Carriers like participation to be around 70% of the total company which can be challenging in the construction industry to get that enrollment level.

A second medical plan option is called a cafeteria plan. A cafeteria plan, also known as a section 125 plan, is a written plan that offers employees a choice between receiving their compensation in cash or as part of an employee benefit. If taken as a benefit, the employee generally receives two tax advantages: 1. Employee contributions toward cafeteria-plan benefits are made pre-tax.

2. Employer contributions toward an employee’s cafeteria-plan benefits are not taxed. It is referred to as a cafeteria plan because just as individuals make food selections in a cafeteria, employees can choose the benefits of their choice before payroll taxes are calculated from a pool of options offered by their employers. These options can include medical, dental, vision, term life, and disability.

Employees can choose the ones that are important to them and decline the ones that aren’t. This also can help suit multiple salaries since employees are able to

choose how much they would like to participate. An advantage of the plan is that it give the employees more options to choose from and can select benefits that are important to them to have. A major disadvantage of the plan is that it increases complexity for administration usually because the benefits differ from employee to employee. The medical plans are usually more limited as well compared to the major medical previously mentioned.

The third option is called the MEC which stands for Minimum Essential Coverage plans. MEC plans are ACA complaint and a low-cost solution that are substantially cheaper than traditional major medical insurance. A significant advantage for employers with 50 plus employees is offering an MEC avoids having to pay the $2,000 fine per employee mandated for the AHA for not offering benefits. For employees with lower salaries and less funds to contribute to a plan this is a great option. The devil is in the details though as MEC plans are MUCH more affordable they also cover a lot less.

A traditional MEC covers preventive care, annual physicals, and wellness-related tests and treatments. It will not cover emergency treatments, ambulance expenses, or many outpatient surgeries. It can also choose to exclude members if they have a pre-existing condition. I often see my clients choose to offer both a major medical plan and a MEC plan to the employees to give them two options depending on their needs and budgets.

As options and plans continue to expand navigating the group health terrain can be a tricky journey. Consulting with your agent and finding the right fit for your company is more important than ever.

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.

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

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 2021

Page 7

LEGAL

OSHA

Design Defects: a New Law and an Old Rule

Heat Illness

Karen Landinger, Attorney Kyle Zunker, Attorney Cokinos | Young San Antonio, Austin DFW, Houston

C

ontractors will receive an overdue measure of protection on September 1, 2021, when SB 219 will become Chapter 59 of the Texas Business & Commerce Code. The new law states contractors in design-bid-build projects are not responsible for design defects. While SB 219 is a defensive victory for contractors, the question remains: what offensive rights do contractors have when they suffer damages caused by design defects? The answer is not clear, as shown by cases interpreting LAN/STV v. Martin K. Eby Constr.

Co. over the past seven years.

In 2014, the Texas Supreme Court decided LAN/STV, in which Eby, the contractor, suffered increased costs due to errors in the plans prepared by LAN/STV, the designer. Eby sued LAN/STV for the majority of its damages. The Court held the economic loss rule (the “ELR”) barred Eby’s claims. This appeared to preclude a contractor’s ability to sue a designer for bad plans. Yet, two months later, the Court allowed a project owner to sue a subcontractor for negligence and cautioned the ELR “does not bar all tort claims arising out of a contractual setting.” Chapman Custom Homes, Inc. v. Dallas Plumbing Co., 445 S.W.3d 716, 718 (Tex. 2014).

The seeming conflict in the Court’s holdings illustrates the ELR is a constellation of limited rules and guiding principles rather than a single, bright-line rule.

A determination of the ELR’s applicability requires a fact-intensive inquiry into (1) whether the duty breached arose from contract or by law and (2) whether the nature of the injury was merely the economic loss of a contract expectancy.

The duty inquiry presents its own layer of uncertainty as courts have differed in their approach to determining whether a plaintiff’s claim is barred by the ELR. Some courts have interpreted LAN/STV as barring tort-based claims by contractual strangers as a method to avoid “rippling liability.” See, e.g., Dunn v.

Marine, CV H-12-03643, 2015 WL 12778390, at *14 (S.D. Tex. Oct. 13, 2015); A & H Properties P’ship v. GPM Eng’g, 03-1300850-CV, 2015 WL 9435974, at *2 (Tex. App.—Austin Dec. 23, 2015, no pet.). This interpretation would generally preclude claims by contractors against designers, as well as claims by owners against subcontractors. But Chapman Custom Homes tells us owners can have tort-based claims against subcontractors, even though they are contractual strangers.

See Chapman Custom Homes, 445 S.W.3d at 718. Furthermore, other courts have stated a party owes a general duty of care to others, including contractual strangers, when conducting its business.

See, e.g., Correct RX Pharmacy Services, Inc. v. Cornerstone Automation Sys., L.L.C., 945 F.3d 423, 430 (5th Cir. 2019). In Correct RX Pharmacy, the 5th Circuit noted, “a party has a legal duty to use reasonable care when supplying information in the course of its business for the guidance of others in their business, and this duty exists independent of any contractual obligation.” Id. Designers on construction

projects supply information in the course of their business for the guidance of contractors. Therefore, Correct RX Pharmacy provides an argument for contractors to avoid the application of the ELR.

Perhaps it is the lack of a bright-line rule to distinguish between contractbased and tort-based duties that leads many courts to focus on the second inquiry (the nature of the injury) rather than the first inquiry (the nature of the duty). In fact, some courts have noted “the nature of the injury most often determines which duty or duties are breached.” See, e.g., Curtis v. Cerner Corp., 621 B.R. 141, 171 (S.D. Tex. 2020). In other words, while courts recognize the two-step inquiry, the categorization of the injury often dictates whether the ELR applies.

When the injury is the contractor’s increased cost to perform work (delays, lost productivity, decreased efficiency, etc.), the ELR likely bars a claim against the designer because the injury is to the contractor’s contract expectancy. However, if the injury is damage to property, the ELR may not apply. Consider the following scenario for context. A contractor builds a retaining wall on a design-bidbuild project in accordance with the designer’s plans. The retaining wall collapses due to insufficient design, damaging the contractor’s equipment onsite. The owner demands the contractor rebuild the wall and threatens to sue the contractor for damages. Assume for this hypothetical it is undisputed the collapse of the retaining wall was due to insufficient design. What happens?

SB 219 will likely protect the contractor from being held responsible for the collapse of the wall. If the contractor elects to continue the project, the ELR will likely bar a claim by the contractor against the designer for increased costs in performing its scope of work. However, the contractor may be able to sue the designer for injury to the contractor’s equipment, as this is property damage rather than the economic loss of a contract expectancy.

When design defects cause issues on construction projects, contractors usually sustain multiple injuries far more complicated than the example above. When that happens, it is critical for contractors to understand different injuries may allow for different remedies and proper documentation is necessary to maximize recovery. Navigating the ELR is complex and often difficult. We are here to help contractors develop the best approach to a full recovery.

Karen Landinger (klandinger@cokinoslaw.com) and Kyle Zunker (kzunker@ cokinoslaw.com) are attorneys of Coki-

nos | Young, a full-service construction law firm with offices in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas, as well as California and New Jersey. For more information about our services, please visit www.cokinoslaw.com.

Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

O

SHA’s Heat Illness Prevention campaign, launched in 2011, educates employers and workers on the dangers of working in the heat. Our safety message comes down to three key words: Water. Rest. Shade.

Dangers of Working in the Heat Every year, dozens of workers die and thousands more become ill while working in extreme heat or humid conditions. There are a range of heat illnesses and they can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition.

• Allow new or returning workers to gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks as they acclimatize, or build a tolerance for working in the heat.

• Plan for emergencies and train workers on prevention.

• Monitor workers for signs of illness.

Employer Responsibility to Protect Workers Under OSHA law, employers are responsible for providing workplaces free of known safety hazards. This includes protecting workers from extreme heat.

An employer with workers exposed to high temperatures should establish a complete heat illness prevention program. Most outdoor fatalities, 50% to 70%, occur in the first few days of working in warm or hot environments because the body needs to build a tolerance to the heat gradually over time. The process of building tolerance is called heat acclimatization. Lack of acclimatization represents a major risk factor for fatal outcomes.

Occupational heat exposure is a combination of many factors. Body heat results from the equilibrium of heat gain, from internal work and outside addition, and heat loss, primarily from evaporative cooling, i.e., sweat evaporation. Contributors include: • Physical activity • Air temperature • Humidity • Sunlight • Heat sources (e.g., ovens or furnaces, heat-absorbing roofs, and road surfaces) • Air movement • Clothing that hampers the body’s ability to lose excess heat, such as protective gear • Individual/personal risk factors, (e.g., pre-existing health conditions and lifestyle)

Occupational risk factors for heat illness include heavy physical activity, warm or hot environmental conditions, lack of acclimatization, and wearing clothing that holds in body heat. Hazardous heat exposure can occur indoors or outdoors, and can occur during any season if the conditions are right, not only during heat waves.

To control the hazard of heat illness, employers need to: • Provide workers with water, rest and shade.

Management should commit to considering all factors that contribute to body temperature increase when determining if a heat hazard is present in a workplace.

Download the NIOSH/OSHA Heat App at https://www.osha.gov/heat to access a simple heat calculator on your device. The Heat App provides the heat index and workload guidance. natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232

Page 8

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 2021

Brandy Baker, Owner/President Four B Paving Spring Branch, TX

A

t first glance, Brandy Baker is the image of a Texas cowgirl. She even speaks with a Texas drawl. This fun-loving, good-natured girl from east Texas, learned early on that she could be successful and her southern charm didn’t hurt. Stumbling into the construction industry as a receptionist for Crafco Texas, Baker worked and learned enough to start her own company in the asphalt paving industry.

Where were you born?

I was actually born in Crockett, TX where my mama was from. My dad was from Orange, TX so we moved to Orange.

We moved to Louisiana for a while and then we moved backed to Texas.

Did you live in Louisiana long?

I lived mostly in Texas, Orange, TX just across the Louisiana border. I moved here when I was 19 or 20 years old.

Did you go to college?

I attempted it. I enrolled at Sam Houston State University. The bars around Sam Houston caused me a lot of problems My good friend Tina, she’s from Alpine in West Texas. We met at Sam Houston State University. I took her to Orange and we would go into Louisiana because in Louisiana, we could go to the bars and then we would go to the river. We would leave our truck running to shine the light on the bayou. I would point out to her, “ That’s a log. That’s a log. That’s a log. That might be a log, if it goes down, get out of the water.”

What did you do before getting into the paving business?

I was a vet tech.

Did you study veterinary medicine at Sam Houston?

I tried. I studied the basics and of course I learned some from the veterinarians I worked for. College just wasn’t for me. I’m just an animal fool. I have lots of animals – dogs, cats, horses and deer.

I adopted my mama’s dog, Missy,

when my mama went into the nursing home. She has changed a lot. My mother kept her in the house because she was either too small to be outside when it was cold and too dark to be outside in the heat. She has never known what a “man” is. She is my guard dog. If anybody drives up, that’s it. Then there’s Ruger. He demands attention from Missy. Arie is my daughter’s boyfriend’s dog. He’s just a big rollie pollie. My daughter has a Catahoula and then Barry has a miniature Australian Shepherd. Then there are my cats and I have 30 to 40 deer that come in every morning and evening.

How many horses do you have?

I, myself, have three. My son has one that I had trained as a head horse, roping horse. My daughter has four and then I have their two retired horses. The horses in the arena and pin are my daughter’s boyfriend’s horses. You never know what you are going to find around here.

How long have you been in business?

I started my company in February of 1998.

What made you get into the paving business?

I worked for Bill Ferichs. I owe him a lot. He hired me as a receptionist. I couldn’t even type. I started setting orders for material, mostly crack sealing material and then I sold materials all over Texas. Then Bill got into construction and he taught me how to measure by square feet and measure a square foot patch. I worked for him for almost 12 years before I went to work for another company. I thought it would be better, but it wasn’t.

I called Bill and I told him I didn’t want to come back, I want to start my own company selling the jobs because I have all the clientele. He helped me get started. I eventually gradually grew into buying equipment.

Things have changed so much since the early days. I used to spend so much time out on the jobs. Now, it seems I spend so much time doing paperwork.

I like it in the morning. I get here about four o’clock in the morning. I watch all the deer, check the weather and do my paperwork. What I do hate is, I can’t call who I need to at five o’clock in the morning.

Have you always been an early riser?

Oh, yes. In the construction world, you just do. For me, for asphalt, you’ve got to look at the radar and predict what the weather is doing. If there is sunshine, you think, “Great, we can work today.”

Then you call the plants just to be told the rock is too wet from the previous rain so you can’t work. You just never know.

But the mornings are peaceful.

Have you always been at this location?

When I originated, I was in Bergheim working from my house. I have been here since 2000. At that time, I didn’t have my house. The kids and I lived in the bunk-

Brandy Baker, Owner/President, Four B Paving, Spring Branch, TX

house at the office barn. They had bunkbeds and I slept on a daybed. We had a TV and a little cookstove. We lived there for three years in a 12 X 8 room. It had a bathroom and a shower. I would go to the tack room and get clothes every night when it was cold and bring them in so the clothes could be warm for the next day. I didn’t build my house until I had everything organized – every piece of furniture, every faucet, every item. We finished my house in 2002.

How many children do you have?

I have two, a girl and a boy. My kids are all grown up and have gone to college. My daughter, Braelyn, is 26. Baker, my son, is 25.

When Braelyn was going to college, I bought a house in Stephenville and remodeled it for Braelyn to live in while she was going to school. It had a barn and sat on nine acres. My son now lives there.

Braelyn came home to learn the business after getting an Ag business degree. I have my dad’s trailer on the front of my property that I had already purchased. Braelyn lives in there. Tina, my good friend from college who works in the office, lives in my mom’s house now.

I’m not ready to bring my son back.

Baker has made a heck of a welding business for himself in Stephenville. He has built my new entrance with the pipe fence and cedar.

How did you come up with the name, Four B Paving?

Brandy Baker, Braelyn and Baker. I was married to Barry Moltz at the time and so we stayed with the Bs. Baker’s name is really JT Baker-Moltz. He carries my mother’s dad’s name, JT, my maiden name Baker, and his dad’s last name, Moltz. He has three generations that he has to carry. He goes by Baker and that’s what we call him. Braelyn I made up.

There are a lot of roping awards and photos on the walls. Are you involved

San Antonio

in roping?

No. Those are my children’s. Braelyn started out barrel racing. Now they both rope. They have done a lot. They pursued it and just love it. I tried but I just don’t do it right so I worked to provide for all this for them.

How has it been these past 23 years of business? Any regrets?

No and yes. In this business, you always wake up to headaches and Mother Nature. That is the only problem I have with the type of work, asphalt, we do. I do hope Braelyn can help take over. Baker is even helping too. We do a lot of crack sealing all over Texas. Baker will go and work on jobs. Our biggest problem, really now, is hiring people. There needs to be some type of unemployment reform.

There are multiple companies looking for workers. People need to stop riding the governor’s back. I’m so tired of it. It used to be you could put an ad on Craigslist and you would get 30 calls in two days.

Now, you might get two calls. All they are doing is reporting that they called and weren’t hired.

We’ve grown over the years but I like staying manageable. I like knowing my clients and being able to call them and being personable with them. I like the crew that I have. They are good, hardworking employees.

I am still me. The same me as I was 25 years ago. I don’t want to grow into a big company and don’t need to. I like staying where I’m at. My good friend, Betty Couvillon, has been with me from the beginning.

What do you do for fun?

Around here, every day is a new day.

I love antique shopping, going to trade days and going down to the river. I like visiting friends and going to the bars in Bandera. I really enjoy just taking a drive and looking around - that’s just my gig now beside, believe it not, going to help clean stalls and mess with the horses.

-cmw

CONSTRUCTION NEWS

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

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

Free Monthly Digital Subscription www.ConstructionNews.net The San Antonio Construction News (ISSN 1547-7630) is published monthly by Construction News LTD., dba San Antonio Construction News, and distributed by mail to construction-related companies of record in Bexar and 7 surrounding counties.

All submissions should be mailed to our editorial offices. We reserve the right to edit any materials submitted. No fees for materials, copy or photographs submitted will be due unless agreed upon in advance in writing.

Submissions will be published at our discretion on a space available basis.

Construction News, Ltd. , dba San Antonio Construction News, will not be liable for errors in copy or in advertisements beyond the actual cost of space occupied by the error. Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement at any time. ©2020 Construction News, Ltd.

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

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 2021

Page 9

A roll of the dice

A

Rhode retirement

t the June Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) membership meeting, PHCC San Antonio members celebrated 27-and-a-half-years of service to the plumbing industry and the retirement of David Rhode, City of San Antonio DSD. Chris Gonzales, City of San Antonio Project Manager for Special Projects/ Complex Projects will be acting as the In-

terim Chief Plumbing Supervisior until the position is filled. L-R: PHCC board members Troy Baird, BacFlo Unlimited; Sherill Stanush, S&S Plumbing Contractors; Keith Brunner, Primo Plumbing; Patricia Ramirez, A-Ram Plumbing; Colton Bolin, Bolin Plumbing; Jake Allen, PEPCO Sales and David Rhode, City of San Antonio DSD Plumbing Supervisor. -cmw

Don Rainey, owner of D & R Contracting LLC (front) and dozer operator, Chance Hartsfield

W

hile in high school, Don Rainey, joined his brother working for Olmos Construction. He worked there for 13 years before deciding it was time to move on. He worked for another contractor for a short stint and realized what he really wanted to do is start his own company.

“When word got out that I was starting my own company,” says Rainey, “several contractors that I had worked with through my previous employers wanted me to do the sitework for their project. So getting started was not as difficult as I had first imagined. Additionally, some equipment companies I had dealings with in the past helped me as well. They helped me out with some lease purchase options. That really helped me get started because I started with my life savings.

I had like $26,000 in the bank and I said, ‘Let’s roll the dice. It’s now or never.’ I didn’t want to look back in 40 years and say I should have. I invested everything I had, got started, and it just worked out.”

With over 25 years of experience in sitework construction, Rainey started his own company, D & R Contracting LLC, in July of 2001 and the rest, as they say, is history.

Rainey started out with a couple of good jobs and within two weeks he had three employees, and within a month, he had five employees. Today, he has 22 employees. “I’m proud to have several employees that are still with me since the beginning,” says Rainey.

Early on, D & R Contracting performed asphalt paving and underground utilities. The company performs all sitework prep work. “We do the excavation, the site clearing, demolition, get the pad prepped and ready for the slab to go in,”

Rainey adds. ”We’ll get the entire parking lot ready for the contractor to put the underground utilities in and then we will complete the parking lot.”

Celebrating 20 years in business is exciting for Rainey and says he never really gave it any thought about making it to 20 years or not. “I had it set in my mind that I can do this and I’m going to do it.

Whatever it takes and for however long, I want to do it. My goal is to do this several more years and turn it over as an employee-owned company. I have a great office manager, Hope Rodriguez. She’s been with me 10 years and she really is a big asset to this company. Her, my general superintendent and some of the guys that have been with me for all these years, I would like to see if there is a way that they could just take this over so I could go fishing.”

D & R Contracting LLC is currently running four crews that operate motor graders, excavators, front end loaders, skid loaders, dozer, compaction equipment, water trucks and haul trucks to move the equipment.

“I’d like to give a big thank you to all my employees for their hard work. You are only as good as the people around you.”

Located in San Antonio, D & R Contracting LLC specializes in sitework, excavation, grading, land clearing and demolition work. -cmw

For one in need

NAPCO Precast LLC spent the weekend of Jun. 12 giving back to their community. The NAPCO team helped put the finishing touches on a home through Habitat for Humanity. -cmw

Page 10

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 2021

The Resource Guide Associations & Education H General Contractors H Subcontractors H Service Providers H Suppliers H Truck & Equip Dealers Associations and Service Providers Suppliers Construction Education

Subcontractors

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

General Contractor

T

Class of 2021

he Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) held its 2021 Apprentice Graduation on Jun. 11. The event was held at Norris Conference Center where 32 graduate classroom only certificates, seven Dept. of Labor (DOL) and classroom certificates were presented.

Posthumously, Allen Junco received his classroom only certificate. Photo courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photo-graphy. -cmw

www.constructionnews.net publishing the industry’s news

Texas Style

H San Antonio H Austin

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 2021

Page 11

Fishing Summer’s Dog Days

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.

A

s we enter the dog days of summer, we can definitely expect warmer days and fewer bites later in the day. As I write the column for the Construction Newspaper, I can tell you the weather in July has been pleasantly milder than unusual. Rains blessed us the week after July 4th weekend as we received over 14 inches at my house. This made my fishing a little tough for a few days after but has been good for the bays and estuaries overall. However, as I mentioned above, the summer heat is coming and we need to prepare.

August may be my least favorite month to fish, just because of the heat factor. Starting early in the morning is key to getting acclimated to the heat and humidity this time of the year. Many times during the hotter summer months fish will bite early morning before the sun starts penetrating the water. If you lose your bite, turn to your lunar tables for the major and minor feed times on the day you’re fishing. These times are pretty accurate and are a good indication when the fish should be feeding. As I’ve said be-

Longtime customers Pat and Denise Bendele of San Antonio have been fishing with Steve Schultz Outdoors for over 20 years. Here they both display nice redfish caught last month in the Laguna Madre.

fore, you really want to be fishing during these times instead of making a long run looking for another spot to fish. Surprisingly, speckled trout fishing has improved since my last column. By no means is it back to what it was before the freeze. However, we have seen an increase of keeper sized fish lately. I have been pretty selective on keeping limits of trout especially if we are keeping fish of other species. One aspect that really concerns me is that I am not seeing many juvenile specks as we should.

Usually while catching keeper fish, we also catch about the same amount of non-keepers. This is not happening, and I hope the biologist from TPWD are looking at this also. August 31st marks the start of the new 2021-2022 regulations and I bet we see some permanent changes to the temporary limits that are in place now.

Outlook for catching fish the remainder of July and into August will improve if the weather allows us to fish the outside beaches of the barrier islands along the Gulf of Mexico. Surf trout and redfish are thriving in the surf and are a blast to catch when the weather allows. These are some of the hardest fighting fish for their size and can be a blast if you have never tried it. Come fish with us and experience the trills of fishing for specks and reds in the surf.

As I’m looking over my calendar for the upcoming months, here are some dates I’d like to fill: August 12,19,23,24,25,30,31.

To schedule your next bay fishing trip or hunting trip, give Capt.

Steve Schultz a call at 361-813-3716 or e-mail me at SteveSchultzOutdoors@gmail.com. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram: @Steve_Schultz_Outdoors.

Good Luck and Good Fishing.

Steven Tipps of Corpus Christi holding one of those super specks caught in the surf on a calm day with Steve Schultz Outdoors.

Page 12

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 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

So Far So Good!

H

ere comes August and the stripers and hybrids continue to bite!

When we have those really hot summers, the water temperature can get too warm for the stripers and hybrids to bite. They will head for deeper, cooler water and wait until October or so to become active again. Some years it can even get hot enough that those durable old catfish can’t get enough oxygen to stay alive.

This year, we have been lucky so far!

Except for a little weather hiccup here and there, the temperature has been much kinder to man and fish. Stripers and hybrids are still biting well, and the catfish are still tearing it up too. We have also seen some nice white bass on top, and they are a blast to catch.

I always love to see a mild end of summer. This is about the time of year when people are trying to get the family together for one more fishing trip before summer ends and the kids must go back to school. We always want kids to enjoy the best trip possible and some of the real hot summers make that harder to do.

If it stays on the milder side of the thermometer, we can wring the last out of summer after all!

Of all the trips we do, the fishing trips we share with kids are the most rewarding. I know I nag about getting our kids outdoors, but that is because it is so important! It is really something to see a child begin to understand for the first time, just what a big and amazing world we have to explore. It is important to show a kid a deep dark night sky in all it’s velvet splendor, so they can understand that there is something bigger than the internet. How great is it to see them begin to transfer their passion for the long extinct dinosaurs over to the discovery of the world full of animals that are still here to be studied and protected from present day extinction? Being outside just helps a person see how all the pieces come together to make the world work and that we all have an important part in it. Sometimes I am shocked to see how sadly lacking our younger people are in matters that seem like common sense. I know they can understand and do things I can’t even grasp, and I respect that, but I worry that they are getting cheated out of the rest of the story. Let’s be honest, most common-sense stuff isn’t glitzy or exciting like say social media, but it can sure save your life and help you learn to deal with unexpected situations! Remember that freeze?

I have learned that there are two things in life that are never wasted. The first is time spent with your kids. (Even if they don’t show it!) The second thing is time spent outside.

I hope the weather stays nice so we can all enjoy the rest of summer to its fullest! Hope to see you out there!

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 2021

D

Page 13

Fish line up for ladies

uring the last week of April, several ladies from the SERVPRO team headed out to Port O’Conner, TX, for the company’s annual “Girls’ Fishing Trip.” Owners Darby and Tammy Wright offer employees that have been with SERVPRO of San Marcos/New Braunfels for at least a year an opportunity to participate in this time-honored tradition. There are two separate trips: One with only women and another one just for the men. There is a friendly competition between the two groups to see which group catches the most fish – just to keep things a little more interesting.

For the second year in a row, the women reign victorious as the champions!

The ladies had quite an impressive haul of fish and a wonderful time on their expedition. –mjm

Ines Picazo reels it in.

O

Tammy Dorsett and the charter boat guide show off a catch.

Fish tales to tell

n Jun. 13, Chris Lindsay, QM Drain, had a wonderful time fishing in The Meadows near Baffin Bay. He and good friend, Gilbert Sanchez, Homewerks-Really Cool Stuff, for the Home spent the day fishing and telling tales. -cmw

Chris Lindsay caught this 37-inch, 19 lb. redfish with live shrimp.

“He was one tough fish,” says Lindsay.

L-R: Gilbert Sanchez and Chris Lindsay pose for a photo with their catches of the day - one trout, three redfish and nine black drum. All caught on live and/or dead shrimp in or near Baffin Bay.

Page 14

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 2021

North East ISD’s Camelot Elementary School

Gate entrance of NEISD’s Camelot Elementary School

F

or most of us in construction, there is no greater feeling than knowing you have the right tool for the job.

That satisfying feeling is what Hayden Paving experienced when they were called upon by Waterman Construction, a general contractor and design-build firm providing commercial construction ground-up and renovation services within San Antonio and surrounding markets, to team up on a project at North East ISD’s Camelot Elementary School.

The Project was a 6-ft-wide ADA compliant asphalt walkway that meanders from a public sidewalk along Merlin Drive to a children’s playground on campus. ADA compliant walkways are re-

stricted to no more than a five percent incline or decline, while at the same time having a maximum cross slope of two percent. Standard asphalt pavers are too large to pave a 6-ft-wide walkway.

When approached by Waterman, Hayden Paving explained that one of their pavers, the Leeboy 5000T asphalt paver, would be the right tool for the job.

Standard commercial asphalt pavers have a minimum paving width of eight feet, but a Leeboy 5000T asphalt paver was made for projects requiring paving widths starting at 4ft. 10in. up to widths of nine feet wide. The path paver, as referenced in the industry, allowed Hayden Paving to install a smooth machine laid

NEISD’s Camelot Elementary School’s new 6-ft-wide asphalt ADA compliant asphalt walkway.

asphalt walkway within ADA specifications and avoid the challenges that might have been experienced by installing the asphalt by hand.

The Hayden Paving team worked five days to complete and meet the ADA specifications. After installing safety fence around the perimeter of the project, they installed erosion control measures before beginning the real work.

The team excavated and removed the existing turf, scarify and lime stabilized the existing dirt subgrade. Six inches of limestone base was installed before applying one and half inches of paved asphalt on the 6-ft-wide trail, 305ft in length. The only obstacle encountered

in the project was maintaining ADA compliance and working around the existing irrigation system.

Hayden Paving is appreciative of the opportunity to team up with Waterman Construction to complete another impactful community project for North East ISD.

Hayden Paving provides asphalt pavement related services including maintenance and new construction to the San Antonio and surrounding markets. -cmw

Hayden Paving San Antonio, TX

Trinity University Phased Chapman-Halsell Complex Renovation

P

hase 1 - Trinity University’s Halsell Center is ready for occupancy!

Turner Construction Company and Lake Flato Architects recently completed the Halsell Center Historical Renovation on the San Antonio campus.

Staff will move in during August to get ready for students for the Fall Semester.

The team is currently working on Phase 2 - the new Dicke Hall, slated for final completion the summer of 2022.

Slab-on-grade concrete pours and foundations were recently completed to allow the erection of mass timber (Glulam and CLT) to begin; erection is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2021. In addition to mass timber, the project will include sustainable features such as photovoltaic panels and a condensate collection/re-use system. Turner has completed over 3,000,000 sq. ft. of mass timber projects to date and is excited to be part of this local innovative

construction.

Dicke Hall will be the third building in the Chapman-Halsell Complex and will be a front door for the humanities on campus offering modern, functional spaces for students and faculty. It will include classrooms, departments, conference rooms and collaborative spaces. A connecting bridge from the Halsell Center to Dicke Hall will be erected in the summer of 2022. Commencing turnover of Dicke Hall in the summer of 2021, the team will begin Phase 3 - a historical renovation of the Chapman Center.

Turner Construction Company is a local builder with a national reach. They have been building in San Antonio for the last 40 years. -cmw

Mass timber erection (Glulam Laminated) columns and beams commenced the first week of July 2021

A rendering of Trinity University’s new Dicke Hall

Turner Construction Company San Antonio, TX

Slab-on-grade concrete pours and foundations completed early July 2021

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 2021

Page 15

Page 16

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 2021

Industry FOLKS Rachael Mae Zimmerman-Cluff Manager, Member Services Virtual Builders Exchange LLC (VBX) San Antonio, TX

R

achael can honestly say she was raised in the construction industry.

Her mother started working for Construction Association of Michigan (CAM) before she was born and Rachael went to the office with her mother throughout her childhood. “Mom had me sending faxes for her by the time I was 5 years old. I thought standing on a stool and punching in phone numbers was very important and her boss made a big deal about ‘my work.’ This industry sort of raised me.”

Needless to say, Rachael’s mother, Brenda Romano, has been her biggest influence and mentor. “Not only has she taught me everything I know about the construction industry, but she has also taught me everything I know about managing people. She leads by example in all aspects of her life and has taught me that respect must be earned.” As manager of member services, Rachael oversees VBX’s human resources and member billing. Her main responsibility is overseeing the member services team who helps with everything from renewing their services, training the VBX staff on the use of VBX’s services, building search filters to help find new projects and touching base with each of her team members on a regular basis to make sure they are getting everything they need. She works constantly with the programming team to design new features that will improve the VBX site and its services.

“I love building relationships with our members. I laugh at least once a day about something a member has

said to me. The construction industry is filled with great people.”

Rachael was born in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI. She spent her entire childhood in Royal Oak, MI and moved to Texas in her mid-20s. She graduated from Kimball High School in Royal Oak, MI, started college at Oakland Community College in Michigan and graduated from the University of Texas San Antonio with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology with a focus on Cultural Anthropology in her early 30s.

Rachael and her husband, Jeff Cluff, grew up in the same neighborhood in Michigan, knew all the same people and even went to the same high school. They didn’t meet until their senior year of high school and became fast friends. “We spent a lot of time flirting. After graduation, we went our separate ways until after the summer into our first year of college, our paths crossed again when a mutual friend mentioned to Jeff that he had a class with me. This prompted Jeff to call me out of the blue to say hello and see if I wanted to get together and hang out. That was Nov. 1999. Thirteen years later he proposed and after 17 years together, we finally got married. In November of this year, we will celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary and 22 years together.” -cmw

T

Clay shooting plumbers

he Protect the Health of the Nation Sporting Clay Shoot was held on Jun. 22. The fun-filled event was hosted by the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Association to an eager group of members and their guests at the National Shooting Complex. “PHCC-San Antonio wishes to thank all of our sponsors for making this tournament possible,” says PHCC Executive Director Heidi Trimble. “A special thank you to our event sponsor, Ancira.” -cmw

Sporting clay winners: Individual Runner Up: Bruce Culver, Ancira 2nd Place Lewis: Monty Melcher, SWBC Insurance 3rd Place Lewis: Marc Gonzales, Will’s Plumbing & Testing 2nd Place Team: Ancira - James Schoelman, Darius Dunn, Bruce Culver and Clyde Culver 3rd Place Team: Gunn - Willie Nelson, Rick Moreland, Kreg King and Mike Baird

1st Place Team: Frost: Stephen Ethridge, Leanne Ethridge, Bill Ethridge and Brandon Stellges

Highest Overall Shooter & 1st Place Lewis: Stephen Ethridge, Frost Bank

Sporting clay trophies made by PHCC apprentices

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 2021

I

Hey batter, batter!

t was baseball night at the Missions for members of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), Jun. 12.

CLC members watched on as the Missions’ pitching staff allowed just two hits for a 2-0 win, making the Missions’ second shutout win of the year.

Prior to the game’s start, participating members mixed and mingled, while they and their guests enjoyed hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos and cold beverages. A great night of baseball for sure, everyone seemed to have a great time. -cmw

Page 17

Viva fiesta

F

iesta has returned to the Alamo city after an unprecedented absence due to the COVID pandemic of 2020. Members of the American Subcontractors Association (ASA) and Associated General Contractors (AGC) were more than ready to kick-off Fiesta with a bash of their own. On Jun. 10, members of both associations made their way downtown to Dos Sirenos Brewing where they enjoyed the variety of beers while enjoying the camaraderie of familiar faces. -cmw Mary C. Haskin Photography ➤

L-R: Andrew Campbell, Reggie Asare, Monica Martinez and Steven Urtiago

Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing Inc.

Quality Fence and Welding

Baird Foundation

Page 18

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 2021

Association Calendar

Content Contentsubmitted submittedby byAssociations Associationsto toConstruction ConstructionNews News ABC

Associated Builders & Contractors

Aug. 5: 2021 Excellence in Construction Awards Banquet, Security Service Event Center, 15000 I-10, 5:30pm Aug. 11: Breakfast Club, Alamo Café, 14250 San Pedro Ave., 7am. For more info, contact Leah Villarreal at 210-342-1994 or email leah@abcsouthtexas.org AGC

Associated General Contractors

Aug. 23: AGC/AIA Joint Luncheon, Oblate School of Theology, 285 Oblate Rd., 11am-1:30pm. For more info, call Kelly Wilson at 210-349-4921 AIA

American Institute of Architects

Aug. 23: AGC/AIA Joint Luncheon, Oblate School of Theology, 285 Oblate Rd., 11am-1:30pm. For info, call 210-226-4979 ASA

American Subcontractors Assn.

Aug. 19: Sporting Clay Shoot, National Shooting Complex, 5931 Roft Rd., 12pm.

Aug. 24: 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

Aug. 16: Regular Chapter Meeting, Southwest Research Institute (SWRI), 6220 Culebra Rd., 11:30am-1:30pm. For info, go to www.southtexas.assp.org GSABA

Greater San Antonio Builders Assn.

Aug. 26: Sporting Clay Tournament, National Shooting Complex, 5931 Roft Rd., 8am-2pm, $600 Per Team of 4, 50 Team Limit. For more info, email info@SABuilders.com HCA de SA Hispanic Contractors Assn. de San Antonio

Aug. 27: 6th Annual Paloma Primer Fun Shoot, San Antonio Gun Club, 928 E. Contour Dr., 1-8pm, $150 Individual Shooter, $500 Four-Person Squad. For more information, contact Victoria Rodriguez at 210-444-1100 or email vrodriguez@ hcadesa.org

IEC

Independent Electrical Contractors

Aug. 19: IEC San Antonio Happy Hour, 4-7pm. For more info, contact Julie Tucker at 210-431-9861 or email jtucker@iecsanantonio.com I-LinCP

Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects

Aug. 5-6: 2021 Texas Public Owners Conference, Embassy Suites Landmark, 5615 Landmark Pkwy. For more info, go to www.i-lincp.wildapricot.org NAWIC

National Assn. of Women in Construction

Aug. 4: General Membership Meeting & Past Presidents’ Fundraising Event, The Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels 7th Flr., 5:30pm, $40 Per Person; $10 Per Person Program Only. For more info, contact Heather Osborn at 210-216-9676 or email heather@memcostaffing.com MCA-SMACNA of San Antonio Mechanical and Sheet Metal Contractors Assn.

Aug. 11: Regular & Associates Meeting, The Petroleum Club, 8620 New Braunfels 7th Flr., 11:30am.

Aug. 25: 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

Aug. 12: Monthly Membership Meeting, Location TBD, 11am-1pm. For more info, call Heidi Trimble at 210-824-7422 or go to www.phcc-sanantonio.org SAMCA

San Antonio Masonry Contractors Assn.

Aug. 26: SAMCA Sporting Clay Shoot, San Antonio Gun Club, 928 E. Contour Dr., Sign-in 2pm, Shoot 3pm, Awards & Raffle 6pm, $120 Per Shooter, $30 Non-Shooter.

Registration Deadline Aug. 20. For more info, contact Danny Bryant at 210-4228554 or email dcbymhb@swbell.net Aug. 26: Barbeque Cook-off, San Antonio Gun Club, 928 E. Contour, 8am-8:30pm, $50 Cooking Team of 4; $35 Per NonTeam Member. Registration Deadline Aug. 19. For more info, contact Manuel Delgado at 210-998-0230.

continued from Page 4 — Texas Mutual Insurance Company “When a policy holder has a great safety record, and has few incidents, this will be reflected in their experience rating modification (EMOD),” Rose explains. “In insurance, EMOD is an important number in that it provides an adjustment to an employer’s premium. Injury losses are a part of that experience modification; the better the safety record, the more likely a business will see a cost savings in their premium.”

Rose also says the pandemic and the extreme winter weather earlier this year should prompt everyone to focus on disaster preparedness and response.

“Having a business continuity plan [is important],” Rose says. “We recently had a safety summit that discussed this very topic. Sometimes people get so

busy doing the work they need to do that they forget to plan in case something goes awry.”

The past year’s events, however, have created a positive reaction in the construction industry.

“During the pandemic, construction kept going, but one of the things that we noticed are improvements in the overall health and sanitation practices at jobsites and we continue to see that today,” Rose says. “One thing that we noticed is safety seems to have moved to the forefront of top management’s view and it has brought to light the importance of their employees’ safety and health. That’s a great thing to see.”

Texas Mutual Insurance Company focuses on workers’ compensation. –mjm

continued from Page 1 — RW Jones & Sons Inc. high-rise structures.”

On Jul. 2, RW Jones & Sons Inc. celebrated their company’s 75th year in business. “Seventy-five years sounds like a long time, but our business would not be where it is today without the help of people,” Roy adds. People have confidence in you and they steer you in the right direction. It just kind of grows from there. I’ve had a lot of good help in the field as well.

It takes a team to do the work we do.

Make no mistake about it, it’s not just concrete, it’s production. You have to be able to produce.”

When Roy started out, the company performed house foundations and street reconstruction – curb work and underground drainage work as well as airfield work. “In 1974-75, we had the opportunity to rebuild the main runway for the international airport. The main runway had to be shut down for eight months. It was exciting because everybody was watching and anxious to get their runway back.

We got through that and came out of that with a very good reputation with the airport people in San Antonio and the FFA,” Roy reflects.

Roy states that RW Jones focuses around the four categories of concrete all work is cyclical as selling is going on all at the same time. Sometimes there is not much municipal work available and they

would move onto house slabs. And if that wasn’t available, then they would work on apartment projects. “Nowadays, while we still do apartment projects, we are mostly commercial and about 15 percent municipal,” adds Roy. “We have to keep our hands in all these areas so our men are crossed-trained to work in all these categories so they can work all year round. We are not in the habit of laying off people. I’ve got a couple of guys out in the field that have been with me since they were kids themselves and are now past retirement age, but they are still working. Joe Martinez came to work for me when he was 16.

“Our philosophy is to make a deal with our working force and that is if they will be loyal to us and we will be loyal to them. As a result of all this, we have kind of developed into a profit-sharing company – which we do, when there’s profit.”

RW Jones & Associates has left its footprint all over San Antonio and its surrounding counties. “We have built a lot of buildings around this city,” adds Roy’s daughter, Catherine Moreno. “Just drive down any street and we could probably point out a building we’ve built, a sidewalk we’ve done or a curb job we’ve laid.”

RW Jones & Sons Inc. is a concrete subcontractor in San Antonio, TX. -cmw

continued from Page 1 — ARIAS & Associates from Jimmy Schlomach, one of our first employees,” Amber Hawkins, Vice President of Human Resources recalls. “But, the best part was lunch. We loved making lunch and desserts for everybody. We would make cupcakes that had fake dirt made from crumbled Oreos and would top them with gummy worms. That was the best part of our day – making meals and then everybody coming in and having lunch together.”

After six months working from home, ARIAS & Associates moved into a 3000 sf facility. The firm continued in insurance until the early 2000s when insurance companies lobbied to no longer cover foundation distress caused by water leaks as part of their standard coverage. Knowing that the insurance portion of the business would eventually go away, Robert and his team changed gears into construction materials testing and geotechnical engineering for the commercial and industrial development market. The company grew from there taking on an additional 2000 square feet just two short years later. By 2004, the company had expanded again when they had a 22,000 square foot building designed and built at their current location.

As ARIAS & Associates expanded locally, the firm expanded regionally with the help of its customers. In 1998, ARIAS opened its first branch in Eagle Pass, TX, just two short years after the firm was started. In 2008, the firm branched out and opened its third location in Corpus Christi. By 2011, ARIAS magnified its presence by opening it fourth branch in Dal-

las-Fort Worth and then again in 2013 with the opening of its fifth branch in Austin, TX.

The downward turn of the economy in and around ’08 changed the firm’s outlook and the company began transitioning once again. By 2010, ARIAS worked its way into the public sector where it is presently thriving. “We still do commercial, but we are not near as heavily invested in it as we were before. We have developed a very technical team, a very capable geotechnical and testing team, with regard to building foundations, pavement design, retaining walls, soft soils, utilities, water and underground pipelines,” adds Jeremy.

Jeremy, Amber and Eric are still part of Robert’s team and are instrumental to the firm’s continued growth. Jeremy oversees the firm’s accounting department, day to day operations and IT. Amber is human resources, fleet manager and radiation safety officer. And Eric, his specialty is in contracts.

ARIAS & Associates had originally planned to start celebrating their 25th year in business at the start of Fiesta last year for a year-long celebration into the firm’s 25thh year. Unfortunately, COVID-19 arrived on the scene forcing ARIAS to change directions. “We are planning something. We don’t have a date yet,” says Chris Martinez, Marketing & Business Development Manager. “We just want to make sure all of our clients and customers feel safe enough to come out and celebrate with us, but we will definitely make it happen.” -cmw

continued from Page 1 — Z & L Concrete Contractors

He immediately purchased the company’s first curb machine. Doing slim form curbs, Zurita kept it busy during the last housing market boom. When it started tapering off, he knew he had to diversify and added colored stamped concrete to his portfolio. Zurita recently purchased a rail machine and is now doing slim-forming rail.

No project is too big. No project is too far. Z&L Concrete Contractors performs work throughout Texas, going where they are asked to go. “I like being a subcontractor. I like being a part of a team. We have found a good niche and it has been working for us so far,” Zurita states. “We work hard and approach every project as if it were our own project.

We work hand-in-hand with the general contractor to make sure the project stays

on schedule. We do whatever it takes to keep the general contractor on schedule and we have the resources to get the job done.

Z&L Concrete Contractors celebrated 20 years in business this past February.

Due to the ongoing threat of the COVID pandemic, George and his wife, Diana, hosted a small barbeque for their employees but hope to incorporate a 20th anniversary celebration with their company Christmas party.

Z&L Concrete Contractors, located in San Antonio, is a concrete subcontractor specializing in machine laid curb, concrete paving, headwalls, wingwalls, riprap, sidewalks, driveways and color stamped concrete. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 2021

Page 19

What is your favorite vacation destination?

My favorite vacation destination is St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. That is where I spent my honeymoon and I just love it there.

Josh Fazio, Fazio Floors LLC

on the water in the Caribbean or it could be in New York City or in Hawaii. It’s more of a grouping rather than a destination.

Roy Jones, RW Jones & Sons Inc.

New York. My first time to go to New York was in October of 2019. My wife and I were blessed to have been given, literally, a first-class trip to stay in a hotel on Fifth Avenue in the heart where it all happens with a tour guide who knew who worked in every building, who lived in every building. I could go back for a week, once a month. I had such a good time and saw so much – Broadway shows, dinner, saw all the sites.

Pat Wilson, I-10 Building Materials

Give me a beach. Any beach. My wife and I have a place by Port Aransas. We go down there quite often. We just love going to the beach.

Don Rainey, D & R Contracting LLC

Playa Del Carmen and St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. It is a place we have gone quite often in life. We charter a boat and cruise around the island.

Catherine Moreno, Joneco Inc. I’m simple. My favorite vacation destination is at the coast, fishing.

Art Tanguma, Fry Roofing Inc. My wife would say anywhere there is water. I love to fish. We just recently purchased some property near Rockport, TX. We are currently working on that lot to build a home on it for a place to retire.

We have an RV and go on the weekends with the kids.

George Zurita, Z&L Concrete Contractors Inc. My favorite vacation was going on a cruise to the Bahamas. The sun, sand and hospitality was what I needed to help me unwind from my busy schedule.

Shenel Rimando, Berridge Manufacturing Company That’s a hard question. At one point in my life, golf was very important so I would have to say Scotland was. I’ve had the occasion of being in many places. Probably the most fun I’ve ever had was when I could get the family all together in one place, wherever that might be. It could be

The most enjoyable vacation so far was in Hawaii. I would like to try Costa Rica. It’s similar to Hawaii, but not quite as far and a different atmosphere.

Jeremy Arias, Arias & Associates St. Croix. My wife and I got married in the Caribbean and we try to go back every single year. About six years ago we went to St. Croix. We liked it so much, we bought a house down there and go back every year even though we just sold that house, but we still have friends down there.

Casey Woods, I-10 Building Materials I love to travel, so I don’t have any one favorite spot. Right now, I’d be happy with most any place that has a pool I can float in all day long!

Penny McDonald, Fetzer Companies My favorite vacation destination is anywhere in the mountains. I’m not a beach person so somewhere in the mountains.

Pick one. I absolutely love being in the mountains especially this time of the year.

Robert Fulgium, HOLT Truck Centers I just love the beach. Give me more hot weather and some water where I can cool off, I’m good with any beach!

Justine Carroll, HOLT CAT I love Venice, Italy. I’ve only been there once, but we are planning to go back. My wife and I have a friend that owns a res-

taurant there and she gave us a great tour of the area. We just really loved that.

Second to that, my favorite frequent vacation spot is Leadville, CO. We have a little cabin there. I love going to the mountains and enjoying the peace and serenity as much as I can.

Danny Buck, Lone Star Capital Bank

My number one all-time favorite destination was Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Ironically, it was so very far away, yet I felt very much at home in Brazil. The friendliness of the people, the beaches, the iconic scenery, the food, and the “carnaval” celebraton were all so amazing!

Marques Mitchell, Turner Construction Company

Industry FOLKS Shenel Rimando Sales Coordinator

Berridge Manufacturing Company San Antonio, TX

S

henel Rimando was born in Manila, Philippines but grew up in the fast pace of Chicago, IL where it was cold in the winter, humid in the summer and invigorating all year round. She went to school at the University of St. Thomas in Houston. “I took an untraditional route and changed my major five times until I found degree paths that brought me joy. I worked three jobs while going to college, but never gave up.”

Shenel eventually received degrees in finance and marketing. “I studied business as a minor after beginning my college career as a biology major. I realized that business was fascinating and had a lot of opportunity for professional growth. I chose to pursue degrees in finance and marketing after my guidance counselors recognized I was good at both.”

Shenel was recruited to work for Berridge Manufacturing as an inside sales representative during her senior year at the University of St. Thomas.

After years of working inconsistent schedules in the retail and hospitality industries, Shenel wanted more worklife balance so she could spend more time with her family in Chicago. She drove to San Antonio for the first time during her interview and fell in love with the Alamo City. After multiple interviews, she started her career in the construction industry in 2015.

As sales coordinator for Berridge Manufacturing, who specializes in the manufacturing metal roofs and wall panels, Shenel helps train inside and outside sales representatives about their products. She assists their sales team whenever they need additional

support and simultaneously manages accounts in Houston, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

“I enjoy seeing the final results of all the hard work that goes into our projects. I have worked on projects all over the world from universities to grocery stores, commercial projects, unique homes and everything in between.”

Berridge’s National Customer Service Manager, Becky Wynne, is Shenel’s mentor. “She read my resume on the University of St. Thomas career page and saw the potential in me despite having zero experience in the construction industry. With over 30 years of experience with Berridge Manufacturing, she has helped me navigate working in the construction industry where only 10 percent of the industry is comprised of women. Her guidance allowed me to flourish in the industry and in NAWIC in a short amount of time.”

Shenel is currently serving as vice president elect for the NAWIC San Antonio Chapter and volunteers with NAWIC at the city and national levels.

“After my sister passed away from cancer in 2019, I became a volunteer for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network where I help organize our PurpleStride event to help raise funds for pancreatic cancer research. In my spare time, I am the content creator for the Save Sell Shenel platform where I help my clients find ways to save or make money. -cmw

Graduating plumbers

T

he Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) San Antonio Chapter hosted its 2021 Plumbing Apprentice Graduation Ceremony Jul. 8 at the Greater San Antonio Builders Association Ballroom. Among the graduates were Paul Andrade, REC Industries; Noah Buitron, Stewart Plumbing; Quinnlan Goernert, SATEX Plumbing; Alda Gonzalez, Chambliss Plumbing; Jesus Gutierrez, Benchmark Plumbing; Shawn Murray, Murray Plumbing; Antony Mutz, Opiela Mechanical; Steele Nickel, Tietze Plumbing; Rosendo Parra, Vamvoras Plumbing; George Rocha, Beyer Plumbing; Nelson Rodriguez Garcia, Andre’s Pro Plumbing; William Sexton, George Plumbing; Joshua Tobar, Primo Plumbing; Jake Valdez SATEX Plumbing and Brian Wilke, O’Haver Plumbing. -cmw

The PHCC graduating class of 2021

Ed Harrell Memorial Excellence Award recipient: Will Sexton, George Plumbing

Page 20

T

From classroom to graduate

he 2021 graduating class of the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) received their certificates of completion Jun. 17 at the San Antonio Marriott Northwest.

Thirty-six inside wiremen graduates and three telecommunication graduates embark into the next stage of their careers as family, friends, employers, instructors and fellow apprentices

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 2021

cheered them on.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire graduating class of 2021 was presented the 2021 Perseverance Award.

Traditionally, the recipient of the perseverance award receives $250. The graduating class unanimously voted to donate the $250 to Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA). -cmw

L-R: John Martin presents Instructor Randy Tiedeman the Apprenticeship Service Award

2021 Telecommunication graduating class with instructors and Training Director, John Martin

Garrett Porto is the recipient of TeleData Outstanding Apprentice of the Year Award

Stephen Graham receives the Inside Wireman Outstanding Apprentice of the Year Award

2021 Inside Wireman Electricians graduating class with instructors and Training Director, John Martin

Jonathan Raatz is presented the Inside Wireman 5-year perfect attendance and highest overall GPA.

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 2021

Page 21

Page 22

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 2021

Fun on the water

Tres Amigos

W

ith warmer days, it was time to hit the coast for the Tres Amigos Fishing Tournament. The Hispanic Contractors Association de San Antonio (HCA de SA) hosted the popular event and celebrated 32 participating teams and a weekend full of fun. -cmw

3rd Place: Reel Wicked Apparel, 21.82 lbs.

Heaviest stringer winners: 2nd Place: EquipmentShare - Rentals Team Extreme, 23.38 lbs.

Amigo slam winners: 2nd Place: Central Builders – Dirty Hookers, 11.76 lbs.

Women’s heavy red winners: 1st Place: Lonestar Tire Service – Los Pescadores Salados, 6.79 lbs.

2nd Place: Johnny & Sonny’s Glass – In Deep Ship, 6.45 lbs.

Craig Noto, Quality Fence & Welding shared this photo of himself; Billy Mayes, Drive-in Truck Salvage; Mark Mosley, Truck Professionals and Scott Basse, Basse Truck Lines. -cmw

1st Place heaviest stringer: Central Builders - Hardhead Unlimited, 24.14lbs. L-R: Austin Lynham, Victoria Rodriguez, Colton Blackwell, Tracy Burns, Nate Hernandez, Mark Ehrlich and Lucas Bojic

Tres Amigo Slam: Alterman – Tres Mexicanos con Gringo

Industry FOLKS Susan Elizabeth Hailey Senior Associate Ridout Barrett & Co. San Antonio, TX

B

orn and raised in Queens, NY, Susan lived in New York until she was 29 years old when she moved to San Antonio in 1996.

“New York City is a town that never sleeps. There is always something to do at any time of the day or night. I remember block parties when I was young and playing tag in the street and as an adult, putting the spray cap on the fire hydrant and “voila,” we had a sprinkler on our block since most people lived in apartments and didn’t have pools.”

After high school, Susan worked full time and went to school full time taking college classes online through Purdue. Sometimes it was a bit overwhelming for Susan, but it was well worth it. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Accounting.

Susan met her husband Dave Hailey through their jobs. The company he worked for, Lube Lizard, did service work for her company, Advantage Rent-A-Car. They have been married for 16 years and have a blended family. Dave has two children, Jacob and Kristy. Susan has one child, Kristene.

“Our daughters have pretty much the same names. Dave’s daughter’s name is Kristy Nicole and my daughter’s name is Kristene Nickole. Kristy is 32; Kristene is 31; and Jacob is 29. Kristy is trained as a dialysis tech, Kristene works in Customer Service/IT for a diabetic supply company and Jacob is a mechanic. We also have six grandchildren that we love very much!”

In one way or another, Susan says she has always been in construction.

“Years ago I actually worked on job sites doing everything from residential kitchens to commercial finish-outs.

I always did bookkeeping and decided that that’s where I wanted to continue my focus.”

Susan has been with Ridout Barrett & Co. PC for seven years. Prior to that she worked with Porter & Geist PC. Working with everyone at this firm is a learning experience as each of them have something unique to teach a person. She does bookkeeping, payroll, client software training (as she is a Quickbooks ProAdvisor), system conversions, some tax and some financial statement prep. “I like working with clients the most. It is rewarding to be able to teach someone and have them be able to understand and succeed with the knowledge that you have shared with them.”

Joan Silverstein started Susan off in the accounting/payroll field and credits her as her mentor. “She was my supervisor at an automated payroll company in New York. She taught me the joys of balancing to the penny!”

Susan enjoys cooking/baking, painting and reading. She and her hubby go to farmers’ markets where they walk around sampling the various treats that they have to offer. “It gets us some exercise and opens up our minds to new things. Dave and I bowl, camp or go to the beach for fun.”-cmw

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 2021

A

Vacation McGinnis style

fter his son, Dylan’s, graduation from Smithson Valley High School, Mike McGinnis, Allen & Allen Co., took his family on the McGinnis “Beach Bar and Tiki Bar Summer Tour” along the Mississippi, Alabama and Florida gulf shores for a family vacation. What better way to relax and celebrate!

The family enjoyed local hot spots such as AJ’s Oyster Shanty, Margaritaville, Angler’s Beachside Grill, G.I. Jade Tiki Bar & Bistro, Crab Island, LuLu’s, The Beach at Pompano Joe’s, Tailfins Waterfront Grill and more. In between the McGinnis “Beach Bar and Tiki Bar Summer Tour,” the family took time to enjoy the beach, go on boat rides and do a little fishing. -cmw

Page 23

Reeling it in

M

embers and guests of the American Subcontractors Association (ASA) San Antonio Chapter enjoyed a weekend of fishing Jun. 25-26 for ASA Annual Fishing Tournament. The event was held at Paws & Taws in Rockport, TX. It was a great turn out for the association. Everyone enjoyed the sunny weekend while catching lots of fish and spending time with good friends. -cmw.

Guided Division winners: 2nd Place: Young Brothers 3rd Place: Performance Equipment Service

Non-Guided Division winners: 2nd Place: PJ Industries 3rd Place: Michalak PC

General Contractor Division winner: Central Builders Inc.

1st Place Guided Division: Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing

1st Place Non-Guided Division: Southern American Insurance Agency

Heavy Flounder Money Pot: Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing Inc.

Heavy Trout Money Pot: Comfort Air/Primo Plumbing

Heavy Redfish Money Pot: EquipmentShare

Wastin’ away in Margaritaville

The McGinnis clan at Lulu’s in Destin, FL

After a day of fishing, Mike McGinnis and the boys pose with their catch.

Golfing at the Canyon

The Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) shared this photo from their 18th Annual Golf Tournament. The event was held on May 14 at Canyon Springs Golf Club. -cmw

Page 24

San Antonio Construction News • AUGUST 2021