San Antonio Construction News November 2021

Covering the Industry’s News

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Cooling it for 25 years

Nothing corny about it

Edgar R. “Kip” Kleck, III, president and owner of International Mechanical Services Inc.

L-R: Eddie Harmon, Greg Cantu, Carlos Martinez, Connie Gembler, Shane Dahlberg, Lisa Stewart and Rob Stewart - Main Glass & Mirror Co. of San Antonio

t all began in Michigan where Kip Kleck’s grandfather got his start in the construction industry by becoming a plumber in 1926. After getting his journeyman’s license in 1930, he moved to San Antonio where he continued as a journeyman pipe-fitter until he earned his master license in plumbing in 1947. By then he had started his own plumbing company in 1948, Kleck Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning.

“My grandfather’s original master plumbing license hangs today on my office wall as a great reminder of where my family got its start. His license number was 280, while today’s plumbing license numbers range up in the 40,000s,” says Kleck.

Starting at an early age and doing all the things a plumber’s son was expected

S

hane Schirmer says, “I have done so much for so long with so little, I can do absolutely anything with nothing.”

Tri-County Sprinklers (Trico) was opened in 1998 by Adam Lanier who grew the business to what it is today.

Lanier decided that he’d like to take a step back and enjoy his accomplishments.

Early this year, he invited Schirmer in to see if he wanted to buy the company.

“We had been working together for the past 13 years on many different projects,” says Schirmer. “On July 19 this year, my wife and partner took ownership of Trico. We will continue to grow this company and lead our team to greater things. I couldn’t do this without God on our side and all the things my dad, Sonny, has taught me.”

Tri-County (Trico) sells, installs, and provides maintenance of landscape sprinkler systems for both residential and commercial. In addition, they have a

to do, Kip’s father, Eddie, helped his father in the business, such as digging ditches, laying and soldering pipes.

Eventually, after graduating from Trinity University with a degree in engineering, Eddie joined his father in the early 1960s to run the business.

“As often happens, at first, my grandfather and father didn’t see eye to eye on how to run a plumbing company.

My grandfather came from a time where there was no air-conditioning and he didn’t see it taking off as an industry as rapidly as it did. Eventually, my father ended up convincing my grandfather and together, they melded the two trades and developed a mechanical side to the business.”

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ob Stewart spent five years in Houston, working in a glass shop and became real good friends with the folks at Meyerland Glass & Mirror there in Houston. When Meyerland Glass began looking at expanding, they approached their friend Stewart with an opportunity that was hard to pass up. “They called me and asked if I wanted to open a shop in San Antonio,” Stewart says. “I went home and told my wife, ‘I think we’re moving to San Antonio!’”

In 1983, Rob Stewart started Main Glass & Mirror Co. of San Antonio with the support of Jack Tippit and George Tilotta. After a number of years, Stewart bought Tippit and Tilotta’s shares and is now the sole owner of Main Glass & Mirror.

continued on Page 19

Prior to starting Main Glass & Mirror, Stewart dealt primarily in wholesale glass but quickly learned the ins and outs of running a glazing business. “Jack has since passed on, but George is still alive.

“George is 81 years old and still has Meyerland Glass. He still gets there at six o’clock in the morning. He’s the reason I haven’t retired yet. I can’t retire if he hasn’t retired. I really want to slow down, but he makes it difficult.”

After starting Main Glass, Stewart’s first big break was a 12-story high-rise condominium project being constructed

by H.B. Zachry. “They had the best superintendent, Tom Edwards,” recalls Stewart.

“He was an old school drill sergeant superintendent. He’d get right in your face.

Every morning he would ask, ‘How many continued on Page 19

The outdoor guys 5-year warranty on every project. Trico’s area of service is from Pleasanton to San Marcos.

“Our office team – Shelly Kappelmann, Jodi Foss, and Daisy Fuentes are my biggest supporters in this venture. Andrew Delgado is our General Manager and lead estimator. He is a big influence here and my sounding board.

There is no way I could have made this happen without them.”

Schirmer loves the outdoors. He also owns a landscape company, Texas Roots.

From start to finish, he can handle just about anything outside the home or business – except, they don’t do fencing.

In addition, he loves irrigation and keeping up with the latest technology and products. While Schirmer was working at a rental shop, a friend at C&K Landscaping asked if he would help him on a landscape job. Schirmer found his calling and began to learn more about Shane Schirmer

continued on Page 19

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San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

Don’t forget the children

Giving back

Toy drive (Photo 2019)

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he annual Construct A Kid’s Christmas Toy Drive will be Friday, Dec. 3 from 10am – 2pm. Unwrapped gifts, toys and gift cards will be collected at the Construction News offices located at 4047 Naco-Perrin. The industry’s newspaper will have banners flying to announce the occasion, and Santa’s Elves will be standing by in the parking lot to receive your gifts.

“Time is growing close,” said CN Publisher Buddy Doebbler, “and we’re encouraging all of our construction–related companies and associations to work with their employees and members, as a team, to collect gifts from now until Dec. 3, to make this the best Christmas our county’s foster children have ever had.”

These unwrapped gifts and gift cards will be donated to Bexar County Child Protective Services for Bexar County foster children who might not otherwise have a gift under the tree this Christmas.

The children you are purchasing Christmas gifts for are victims of abuse and neglect and have very few personal possessions. However, like other children, they see the same advertisements and have the same desires as other children their age. We recommend you “ask the experts” in selecting gifts for these children.

Ask your own children, or your friends’ children, what they would like to have as a gift for Christmas. Get your children’s ideas on items they would like in

the $15 to $25 price range. Then have fun selecting gifts for Bexar County’s special children. On a special note, please do not purchase toys that are considered violent, such as toy guns, knives, etc. Also, please remember to include our older children, ages 12 to 18.

Traditionally, the number of gift contributions received for these young people are much lower, but they comprise 40 percent of the children in protective custody. Age-appropriate gifts for these children are appreciated and can include such items as gift certificates to Target, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, or other places where these young people can pick out favorite CDs, cool clothes, make-up, or portable radios and CD players. Or, if you would like to make a monetary contribution for these young people, we will be happy to make the gift selection on your behalf.

There are an equal number of boys and girls that will receive gifts from the Construct a Kid’s Christmas program. The percentages of children in each age category are: Birth to 3 years: 22%; 4 to 6 years: 13%; 7 to 11 years: 25%; and 12 to 18 years: 40%.

San Antonio Construction News and the Friends of the Bexar County Child Welfare Board appreciate your help. Your generosity will bring smiles to so many faces of Bexar County’s children, and your heart will grow from the gift of giving. Afterall, Bexar County’s foster children are our children too! -cmw

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City of San Saba gets their grocery store back.

his past summer, a local general contractor opened its heart to a Central Texas town. As Fourth of July celebrations were underway across our great nation, San Saba was coming up short for their Fourth of July display and had begun reaching out to local businesses to help fund the town’s celebration.

Kurt Robinson, vice president of Robinson General Contractors, had driven through San Saba a handful of times. Although his company had never done work in the small Central Texas town, when an opportunity arose, he wanted to ensure he did it right. “We treat business as we would any relationship,” says Robinson. “When coming to a new town, we feel the courteous thing to do is to meet and shake the hands of the city officials we will be working with, as well as go over what our game plan is.

“While we have subcontractors who travel with us, we always like to offer bid opportunities to the local companies as well. We feel it is important part of our job to spend as much money with local companies as we can to help the economy we are visiting.”

The Lowe’s Market is the only full grocery store in San Saba and serves the entire community. Unfortunately, one night after hours, the store caught fire.

Thankfully, no one was hurt; but the store was beyond repair. Lowe’s Market jumped into action and had a satellite store pop up in the town square in what seemed like overnight. It was a small lease space in a corner building but it allowed Lowe’s to keep the doors open.

The small satellite store stayed open to serve the community until Robinson General Contractors was able to demo the old store and build the town an entirely new store from the ground up.

“The City of San Saba had been so overwhelmingly kind by really going over and above with some hurdles encountered at the start of the job, so when the Chamber of Commerce reached out for a donation towards the Fourth of July celebration, we enthusiastically offered to sponsor the entire display. Of course, being the good hearted people they are, it took some convincing for them to allow us to do so.”

Due to the amount of damage to the existing store, Robinson General Contractors was instructed to demo the entire facility down to the dirt - the entire slab, all utilities, everything was removed to a clean slate. Once the slab was removed, the City of San Saba started getting rain two, three, sometimes four days a week, and this went on for months. Finally, with enough dry days to install a new building pad, they were immediately faced with two months of snow settling on the new building pad. “Rain is bad, but it can run off and dry out quickly.

Snow sits on the pad and keeps it saturated as it melts.”

In the end, the City of San Saba got an entirely new, up-to-date grocery store with better insulation, beautiful locallysourced stone columns and wainscot with matching EFIS exterior and decorative galvalume standing seam metal roofing.

“This project could not have been possible without our amazing team,” adds Robinson. “Yvette Robinson, Randy Guzman, Jason Espinoza, Juan Martinez, Rhonda Piel, and so many more of our staff all came together on this one to really make one special store for a great community. All of our subcontractors and a long list of Lowe’s Market partners really came together as well and worked with the out-of-town issues, weather delays, labor and material shortages. Everyone pushed towards a common goal for one outstanding final product.

“Lowe’s Market, is a family-owned business,” says Robinson. “Being a part of the team, you feel like family. The owners and all the employees are all genuinely good people to work with.” -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

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San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

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Wishing Everyone a Safe & Happy Thanksgiving San Antonio

CONSTRUCTION NEWS

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San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

Here’s to 30 years!

Construction News ON LOCATION

Friday afternoon

L-R: Matt Bright, Tommy Mangold and Kyle Fiedler, Turner Roofing Co., discuss the work week before calling it a day on Friday, Sept. 24. -cmw

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Bryco Plumbing co-owners, Linda Neff and Shawn Roberts

he early ‘90s were an exciting time for Shawn Roberts and Lynda Neff as they had both just begun working in the plumbing trade. Roberts as a plumbing apprentice and Neff as bookkeeper for a local plumbing company, Bryco Plumbing, which was owned and operated by Bryan Stensrud.

“I started working here in 1994. I started out as an apprentice. I got my journeyman’s license in 1998 and my master license in 2002/2003,” Roberts recalls. “Lynda was the bookkeeper.”

A few years after earning his journeyman’s license, Roberts moved into the office where he became Stensrud’s righthand man. Stensrud taught Roberts estimating. He then began taking on a field supervisory role as Neff became more than just the bookkeeper and was pretty much running the office overseeing the company’s insurance, health insurance and payroll.

Neff and Roberts, together, started running the business around 2010 and ultimately purchased Bryco Plumbing.

“We wanted to continue the Bryco

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Plumbing name and reputation that was established by our mentor and previous owner, Bryan Stensrud,” says Neff. “Already being long term employees, we felt like this was a family and wanted to stay together as a family. Someone from the outside wouldn’t understand the loyalty that has, and will always be here.”

The family-oriented business primarily serves the residential sector with some commercial, specializing in finding leaks.

“As a repair company, we do a lot of drain diagnosis,” Roberts states. “We do tunnels, waterline re-routes, water heaters – all of your basic things. Finding leaks is what we do best. These can be drain leaks under slabs, water leaks in the slab and re-routing, tunneling and re-piping under foundations and so on.”

“Bryco Plumbing has been in business for 30 years because of our unfailing commitment to our customers,” adds Neff.

“One of our core values is, ‘Our customers get our very best, every time.’ Over the next 30 years, we will stay focused on serving our customers and continue to build on our hard-won reputation.” -cmw

A new chapter begins

fter 26 years, The South Texas Chapter of Associated Builders & Contractors welcomes the beginning of a new chapter as Chapter President Steven Schultz retires and Tamara Klaehn steps into the role of chapter president.

Klaehn joined the ABC family five years ago as the Chapter’s Workforce Development Director in which she oversaw the outreach to all area schools and veterans who are seeking a career in construction. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Communications from Texas Lutheran University (TLU) and later earned her Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership from Texas State University.

While at TLU, Klaehn worked as the education director for AmeriCorps, recruiting volunteers and pairing them with campuses to work with disadvantage children who have struggled academically or may have had a challenging lifestyle. She later became an investigator for the state of Texas and then went on to public education working with booster clubs and school boards.

“I fell in love with the culture of ABC,” says Klaehn. “Growing up in a rural farming community, people worked hard for a living and were always there to help one another. They would not survive if it weren’t for the community and the help from a neighbor. The construction industry is a lot like that, which makes me feel right at home.”

As Klaehn shifts into her new role as chapter president, her first plan of action is to get to know the membership on a one-on-one basis. “Steven was ABC and ABC was Steven,” she says. “He was here 26 years and he knew our members, not just as business entities but he knew who they were, and he had a great reservoir of

Tamara Klaehn, ABC South Texas Chapter President

knowledge. ABC has established several visionary programs for the construction industry, but it won’t matter how phenomenal our programs are if we aren’t giving our members what they need. I want to make sure we take the time to talk to each and every one of them. Even though we have members that have been a part of our organization since before Steven, their needs have changed over time. I want to make sure we’re not making any assumptions on what we are doing to personally serve them.”

Klaehn is also looking into the future of the industry. “We are at an integral moment in the history of our industry,” she adds. “Historically speaking, construction has not been at the forefront of tech development. I think we will experience exponential growth in technology in creating a safer working environment and addressing the labor shortage. In order to recruit the next generation of workers, we are going to have to embrace how technology is improving the quality of our products. That is how we are going to draw them in. If we don’t stay ahead of the curve, we are not going to be serving our members or our industry to the best of our capacity.” -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

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Through the Years

Steven Schultz, Past President ABC

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ow do you summarize the 26-year tenure of Steven Schultz as the chief executive of Associated Builders and Contractors, South Texas Chapter?

It’s difficult since so much has happened during those years. He recently retired from ABC. Steven was hired in October 1995 coming from a position at the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. At the time, the chapter had less that 200 members and had only one fulltime staff member and a part time person.

“The board wanted to grow the organization. What I brought was 17 years of association management experience with the Chamber and I was politically active.

“The board wanted to build up the advocacy component of ABC. We had a board retreat in November, and they told me they wanted to hire a membership director. I pushed back a little and said what you need is a product to sell.

“I thought we needed to hire an edu-

cation director first and grow the education and safety programs. I hired an education person and we started growing that program.”

In January 1997, the board thought it was time to hire a membership director.

They had been involved to a large degree doing that function in the past.

“I can still see that day in 1997. It was cold, overcast and windy, and I am in my office by myself. Somebody walks in and comes to my office and says, “Hi my name is Al Scooler and I want to sell memberships for you.”

“My immediate reaction was the board is setting me up. He was retired military had done membership sales for different associations. I’m looking at his resume and notices he was a skeet shooting instructor. Looking at his resume, I said this is too good. I asked for a proposal and that was the end of the meeting.”

“I got on the phone and started calling board members about this baldheaded guy coming into my office who said he wants to sell memberships for ABC. They said they didn’t know what I was talking about.

“He came back with a proposal and I hired him. He got the organization’s membership numbers to a historic high and after that everything just flowed.”

The metropolitan area of San Antonio has grown tremendously since 1995, and I asked what effect this had on ABC. “It affected all associations in that you had more associations created. You got more competition for members. The other thing that happened during this timeframe is you had a booming economy, then Obama got elected and that’s when everybody started cutting. Membership numbers across the country trended downward.

“Companies were pulling back and cutting where they could. The things that can help them the most to weather the

storm are things that they cut.”

“There are a lot of folks in San Antonio that have benefited from what ABC has done.”

How has ABC changed in the last five years?

“There have been two changes in the last five years. One is the leadership in companies has gotten a lot younger. 20, 15 or 10 years ago you had folks in their 60s and 7’s running companies. They retired or stepped down and you would normally expect people in their 50s or 60s to move up. Instead, you have people in their 40s and early 50s moving up.

“The other change is technology.

And that has really been stunning to me how rapidly the industry has adapted to technology. It is amazing how quickly the industry has grabbed on to technology.

Those are the two biggest changes I have seen.”

The economy has seen ups and downs in the last 26 years. How has ABC weathered the storms?

“I am proud to say we never missed a beat. When times are bad or good we are expected to do the advocacy, the events, apprenticeship program and safety training. We continued to do all of those things and it was a dedicated group of volunteers, dedicated staff and being financially stable that let us do it.

“We did have to cut budgets and that’s not to be unexpected, but we took care of our members.

“In the construction industry, finding good people is difficult these days. The apprenticeship programs are an important factor in creating qualified people.

“During the last five years, it has been harder to recruit for the apprenticeship program and there are a number of reasons. The economy and the competition, since you know we are not the only industry looking for people. It’s a challenge. This was unfortunately, because of covid, there was this incentive not to work even though we needed people in construction. The other challenge is find-

ing people who are qualified to put into the program.

“You give me a student that has good math skills, good communication skills, a work ethic and can pass a drug test, and I can get them a job in construction by 3 pm. It’s the basic four. Some industries don’t care about the big four.

“Construction isn’t easy. It takes a certain type of individual, male or female. We’ve gotten some incredible women in construction.”

Steven has been associated with Construct A Kid’s Christmas since day one. In fact, he was the one who suggested the name.

“I remember that day. Doug, Buddy, Debra, and me. We wanted to do this toy drive for the foster kids. What are we going to call it and everyone is throwing out different suggestions and I said, “Why don’t we call it Construct A Kid’s Christmas. We are the construction industry.

“It has been successful through the years. If you do something industry specific and it’s for the kids, the industry is going to do it.”

Final Thoughts “When I worked at the chamber I had never heard of ABC. But I think today everybody knows who ABC is and I am glad to have been a part of it. I have had an incredible career in association management. The people I have had the honor to meet has been amazing, being involved in San Antonio politics, and getting the opportunity to work with folks in the industry.

I want to thank all the staff and volunteers I have worked with over the 26 years. It’s not me, it’s a team. It’s the staff, the volunteers, it’s the relationships with others like Construction News, the Development Services Department, the district director for Congressman Lamar Smith, Elaine Stone, Martha Magnum at the real estate council – these and many more people who have helped make ABC what it is today.” - bd

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San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

Jay Elizalde,

President, Santex Painting & Construction LLC, San Antonio, TX

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fter taking over the family business, Jay Elizalde is a second-generation painter, drywaller and has learned that it is just as hard to take over a business as it is to start one.

Tell me about Jay Elizalde.

I was born and raised in San Antonio.

I went to Churchill High School. After graduating high school, I went to San Antonio College before transferring to UTSA where I earned a B.B.A. in Real Estate Finance & Development.

Tell me about your parents. I know your father started Santex, but what did your mom do?

Yes, my dad broke into the business as a painting and drywall company in mostly multi-family and commercial back in 1977.

My mom retired from the military after 22 years. She is currently working for a non-profit and has been for about 20 years as their business manager.

Do you have any siblings?

Yes. I am the youngest. My parents were together in the mid-‘80s. They each had a child from previous marriages, so we were a very mixed household from the start. Together, they had Jessica and I, but I have one half-sister, Jaimie, on my mom’s side, and a half-brother on my dad’s side. He is actually my dad’s junior, Geraldo Elizalde, Jr. We call him JJ.

What made you decide to pursue a degree in real estate finance and development?

I knew I wanted to stay local. When I was searching for a degree program to enroll in, UTSA didn’t have a construction management offering. They had it for a few years and then took it away. That just happened to be around the time I was looking. Since then, they have brought it back. Aside from the finance courses, the real estate development program incorporated learning how to read a set of construction drawings, and cost estimating, which is paramount to our business.

It was the closest thing I could get to a construction management type of degree program at the time.

Did you enjoy your time at UTSA and the degree program you entered?

I had a great time at UTSA. I believe at the time, our department was the most endowed in the business school even though we were a small program. I had very knowledgeable professors that opened the door to great opportunities for us. We were able to rub shoulders with the professionals that were actually doing the deals that shaped our city. That was exciting.

The summer before enrolling, Dad had secured a tenant finish-out job at The Shops at La Cantera that I was helping our team with, so I was building an interest in the industry. I was looking for a program to mirror that interest and that’s the one I fell on. While progressing in the program, I became increasingly interested in the finance aspects of it. I had always struggled with math - I was more into history, English and writing. I liked

Jay Elizalde, President and new owner, Santex Painting and Construction

those subjects more and excelled at them. But for some reason at the time, finance came naturally to me.

One of my finance professors told us in class about an upcoming paid internship opportunity with a local real estate development and brokerage firm. It paid $8 per hour. I thought that was just awesome because no one was getting paid for internships at the time. I jumped on that opportunity and really found a home in the community of brokerage. I was helping some of the best brokers in the city at the time with their site selections, site tours, LOIs (letter of intents), and lease executions on behalf of clients or landlords.

Why did you get out of the real estate/ brokerage arena?

I didn’t have a family and didn’t have much responsibility at the time. I was just trying to figure out my path as you do when you are in your early 20s. I had joined a firm out of Austin that was handling mostly tenant representation on a national scale. It really didn’t matter where I officed, but they wanted a San Antonio guy because they had a lot of franchisees looking for opportunities in the San Antonio market. They offered to pay for an office space here in town, but I knew my dad had an extra office. I convinced him to let me rent it out for cheap.

I set up shop and worked out of the office here. That trickled into more lunches with Dad and talking about his business. Dad never pushed me into running the business or getting involved in the business, but at that time he could tell that I was kind of iffy on whether real estate was going to be my career path or if I was going to go a different route.

Coincidentally, my cousin Sylvester who had been helping him for many years decided to move on from the business, opening an opportunity. One day at lunch, he said if I ever wanted to be a part of the family business, that it was time to make the transition.

I thought about it of course and decided it was the right opportunity for me at that time.

After taking over the business, you changed the company name, is that correct?

Yes, slightly. Historically we were Santex Painting & Drywall Inc. because that’s how my dad started. When I took over the business, I wanted to change the name to reflect the many additional services we’ve grown to provide, but I didn’t want to change it up too much. I knew I wanted to keep “painting.” We have painters that have been with us over 25+ years. They are masters at their craft. I wanted to add “construction” in there because it encompasses a much broader capability of services that we offer which

is everything from full general construction to the small maintenance items above and beyond painting and drywall.

Now we are Santex Painting and Construction LLC. It’s been great. The change in name has opened many doors for us. We have the experience and ability to take on general contracting work for our clients, handling all aspects of their projects, while staying true to our roots and offering the high-quality painting services we’ve been known for.

Are you married? Tell me about your wife.

My wife’s name is Cassie. We met at a young professional’s event in town through mutual friends that was hosted at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Did you date long before you married?

We dated a little over a year. I’ve always said I knew on our first official date that she was the one. I don’t think she felt the same right then. It took a little convincing. We got engaged a few years after I started working with my dad.

How many children do you have?

We have two boys. The newest member of our family is Theodore Jay. He is four months old. He was born July 7. Our oldest, James Michael, turned 3 this year.

One of the things that I take after my dad is his love for the outdoors. We grew up hunting and fishing. Having two healthy boys, I’m really looking forward to passing that tradition down to them.

Not that I couldn’t do that with a little girl, but it’s nice because it will be like guys weekend – going to the ranch with the boys while mom hangs out with her girlfriends. I’m really looking forward to that phase.

What are your hobbies? What do you do to relax?

Most recently, it’s been running. I’ve really found a love for running long distances. It is very strange because I was never a big runner growing up, but over the last four years I’ve really taken to it. I enjoy competing in ultramarathons. Ul-

tramarathons are any footraces longer than the traditional marathon length of 26.2 miles. I’ve completed several 50ks, 100ks and even two 100-mile races.

Hobby-wise, trail running, running on the trails at local parks, is what I do in my free time. It has become my meditation. I mostly do it in the early morning hours before Cassie and the boys wake up. It helps with stress management, and I found it to be a great way to start a morning. It’s worked for me for the past three years and I’ve been consistent at it.

Do you have any marathons coming up?

Yes. I have one coming up in November outside of Austin. It is a 50k, which is 31 miles.

I have another one in the spring that I’m signed up for. Having a set goal and being able to train on a daily basis, knowing that I have this goal in mind –keeps me focused and on track. It keeps me sane. If all you do is work, work, work and think about work, it becomes very easy to let that overwhelm you. For me, it’s that physical exertion and that goal-oriented mentality that seems to keep me on track.

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

Every day at Santex has been a learning process. I realize how fortunate I am to have taken over a well-established business. That being said, nothing is certain. It is a daily process. It’s a daily commitment to yourself, your clients and your staff. I don’t want to come off as somebody that has it figured out. It is very easy to say, “You took over a family business. It must have been so easy.” It’s not. I’m learning every day. I really look out for and absorb the wisdom from the people in and around our field who have done this before me. Our industry is not a one-size-fits-all industry by any means. I want everyone to know that although Santex is an older business, we are still learning, and we are still growing. With any luck, we’ll be here for at least another 40-plus years. -cmw

Jay, James, Cassie and Theodore Jay Elizalde

San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

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INSURANCE

ACCOUNTING

Who Should Purchase Builders Risk - The Builder or the Homeowner?

Washington Update: Comparing the Biden and House Democrats Tax Plans

Douglas J. Lynch, Semior Vice President Brookstone Insurance Group Addison, TX

John Chapman, Tax Associate Manager Ridout Barrett Austin, TX

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e place a plethora of builder’s risk. At times, we get asked who should purchase the coverage. Sometimes these questions driven by a builder who would rather not be bothered with getting insurance set up. Other times it is driven by the homeowner’s agent who tells them, “I can get better pricing”. A contractor of mine requested a builder’s risk quote for an 18-month remodel. The quote came back just north of $20K. The builder gave a replica to his client, who showed it to their agent.

The agent told the owner that the pricing was way too high. And he could accomplish the same using a Homeowners Policy.

It is important to note that Personal lines plans come with coverage concerns, such as restrictions on coverage for theft, breakage, or materials used in repair, construction, restoration, or remodeling.

For that reason alone, this is an undesirable choice for the builder. policy See below for actual policy language.

Any materials utilized in repair, construction, renovation, or remodeling are excluded (How much do the materials truly cost on your project?): Here is how it plays out: On the personal lines policy, the builder will not be a named insured.

If the personal lines insurance has a claim, the personal lines carrier will cover it and then subrogate to the builder.

However, because the project isn’t finished, the builder’s GL won’t react. … As you surely know, this is true of any GL, which is why builders get Builders Risk insurance in the first place.

By agreeing with a personal lines

policy providing coverage, they are essentially agreeing to operate without any insurance coverage or protection for themselves! And that Reason is Enough to make this an n unacceptable` option for The Builder Also, it has coverage issues with the personal lines policy including limitations on coverage for theft, glass breakage or for materials used in construction, renovation, or remodeling. Here is actual policy language from an HO3: Exclusion of coverage for glass if the property is vacant for more than 60 days B. This coverage does not include loss:

1) to a covered property which results because the glass or safety glazing material has been broken except as provided in. (3) above or 2) on the “residence premises” if the dwelling has been vacant for more than 60 consecutive days immediately before the loss, except when the breakage results directly from earth movement as provided in a. (2.) above A dwelling being constructed is not considered vacant C. This coverage does not increase the limit of liability that applies to the damaged property.

Exclusion of theft in or to a dwelling under construction …. until the dwelling is finished and occupied

Section 1: Perils Insured Against A. Coverage A – Dwelling and coverage B. Other structures we insure against risk of direct physical damage loss to property describing coverages A and B we do not insure, however, for loss: c. Caused by: 3) Theft in or wo a dwelling under construction, or of materials and supplies for use in the construction until the dwelling is finished or occupied 3.

Exclusion of any of the materials used in repair, construction, renovation, or remodeling (how much do materials cost on your project?

We do not insure for loss to properly

described in Coverages A and B that c aus e d any of the following. However, any ensuing loss to property described in Coverages A and B not precluded by any other in this policy is covered.

However, this exclusion only applies if weather conditions in any way with a cause o r event excluded in A. 1. weather conditions. However, this exclusion only applies if weather conditions contribute in any way with A cause or event excluded in a above to produce the loss 2. acts or decisions including the failure to act or decide of any person group organization or governmental body 3. faulty, inadequate, or defective:

a. Planning, zoning, surveying b. design, specifications, workmanship, repair, construction, renovation, remodeling, grading, compaction c. materials used in repair construction renovation or remodeling, d. maintenance of part or all any property whether on or off the “residence premises “

Personal lines plans are silent on, and offer no coverage for, soft expenses, items held off-site, or materials in transit, in addition to these exclusions. All these limits raise serious issues about coverage for the builder...and their customer.

Unintentionally, some producers may recommend a DP policy instead of a HO policy. The HO3 is for homeowners, but the DP3 is for insurance coverage that covers a residential structure that is generally rented out. Even if a DP insurance is generally acceptable, the HO form’s coverage limits are substantially replicated on the DP form.

Builders who accept stand-alone personal lines insurance in place of builder’s risk should understand that they are effectively working without coverage.

The producer who puts that coverage should be aware that he or she is taking on a significant E&O risk.

We’ve seen successful builders handle this problem with their clients in a variety of ways: They ensure that the customer knows why the builder must take Builders Risk.

• They can transfer the expense on to the insured directly or through fees included into their contract.

• They can offer to add the homeowner as an additional named insured so that in the case of a claim, the homeowner’s interests are safeguarded.

There are a few instances where a personal lines coverage may be useful However, it is generally when builders risk is not available to cover the entire risk for one cause or another; for example, when a project is delayed.

In closing, Agents must educate themselves and keep up with industry coverage forms. Our customers trust us to protect their company and we owe them the respect of investigating options and providing a clear understanding. Less premium is exactly that and no relation to coverage.

Douglas Lynch is a 35 year veteran of construction insurance and Senior Vice President of Brookstone Insurance Group, a Boutique Construction agency And subsidiary of Brown & Brown. Some info taken from my partners at NWC Alliance, owner Treacy Duerfeldt.

n September, House Democrats released their proposals to raise revenue to pay for their $3.5 trillion wish list of programs, social policies, climate regulation, and infrastructure. The Biden plan proposes to raise the capital gains rate on taxpayers who earn more than $1,000,000 to 43.4%. First, I will address some of the rate changes proposed by Biden and the Democrats.

The House plan proposes to raise the capital gains rate from 20% to 25% for taxpayers who earn more than $400,000. The proposal subjects both active income earned from S-corps and partnerships to the 3.8% net investment income tax, including gains from the sale of your interest or stock in small businesses. In addition, the House plan proposes to cap the qualified business income deduction at $500,000 for joint filers ($400,000 for individuals).

The House proposal would raise the top ordinary income rates from 37% to 39.6%, and the top bracket would start at $400,000 for individuals and $450,000 for married couples. In addition, the House plan proposes that taxpayers who earn more than $5 million would be subject to a 3% surtax.

For many business owners - under the House proposal - the new top rate for selling their business will rise from 20% to as high as 31.8%. For some business owners, their marginal rate (the rate paid on the next dollar of income earned) may increase from as low as 28% to 43.4%.

Regarding corporate rates, Biden proposed to raise the corporate rate from 21% to 28%. The House proposes to rate the corporate rate to 26.5%. However, as the Tax Foundation points out, when you include the proposed tax rate on dividends, the Biden corporate tax rate (62.7%) would be the highest in the OECD. There are significant changes proposed to gift and estate tax rules. As you may know, the Biden proposal planned to eliminate the step up in basis when property is transferred in estate. The House proposal does not include this provision – perhaps a recognition that they did not have the votes for it in the Senate. However, House Democrats propose other significant changes.

The House proposes to return the unified credit against gift and estate tax to $5 million from $11.7 million, which would subject many more taxpayers to estate tax. Another section of the proposal affects the use of grantor trusts.

The House proposal will pull grantor trusts back into a decedent’s taxable estate and treats the sale of assets from a grantor trust to its owner as a normal sale of assets.

The House Democrats have also proposed changes to retirement accounts.

The proposals prohibit Roth conversions for individuals making more than $400,000 and married couples earning more than $450,000 – but only after

2031. The reason for this is due to an accounting gimmick - the government accelerates short-term revenues because of Roth conversions, which conceals the real cost of the government’s long term borrowing.

Another proposed change would prevent taxpayers with account balances in excess of $10 million from making retirement contributions. In addition, those with balances in excess of $10 million would be required to take minimum distributions.

Business owners may consider taking action this year to reduce their overall tax burden. Business owners may want to accelerate ordinary income and defer deductions if they expect rates are going to go up in 2022. However, if the increases become retroactive to 2021 – this tactic is not going to help.

Another action high-net worth taxpayers might consider, especially if their estate is expected to be larger than $6 million, estate planning. Give money away to tax advantage of the current $11.7 million lifetime exemption.

Taxpayers who are concerned about rates going up may want to consider a Roth conversion to take advantage of comparably lower rates – but only if the rate change is not retroactive to 2021.

Much of what the House Democrats have proposed appears to be dead on arrival in the Senate. However, there is enormous cost to inertia, a federal government continuing to spend money it does not have. The American economy appears to be experiencing the beginning of demand-pull inflation. Consumption, business investment, and government spending are the three components of demand. Government spending and consumer spending spurred on by government stimulus payments are crowding out business investment. The rising prices for raw materials, components and finished goods are a very real tax created by demand-pull inflation.

Unless government spending is directed toward activities that will boost productivity - for instance, real infrastructure that will abate congestion on the roads and in the supply chain – the spending is going to have an inflationary effect and is a significant tax on consumers and business.

John Chapman, CPA has 10 years of experience in public accounting servicing businesses and individuals in tax. John joined Ridout Barrett & Co., P.C., in November 2017. Visit www.ridoutbarrett.com for additional information about Ridout, Barrett & Co., P.C., and the services we offer.

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San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

OSHA Construction Cranes Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

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uestion: I use an articulating knuckle-boom truck crane equipped with an automatic overload prevention device to hoist packaged building materials from the bed of a truck. The building materials are hoisted on pallets supported underneath by forks/a cradle that is attached to the boom of the truck crane. If I hold pallets of building materials, such as 2 X 4’s, plywood, shingles, or drywall, to be unloaded at elevations, like a floor (through an open window or doorway) or the roof of a structure under construction, is this activity covered by the cranes standard?

LEGAL Legislative Changes to Texas Mechanic’s and Materialman’s Lien Procedures: Part One West W. Winter, Attorney The Winter Law Firm, PLLC San Antonio, TX

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uring the 2021 Regular Legislative Session, more than 6,900 bills were filed and over 1,000 were enacted into law. Among these new laws, the 87th Texas Legislative Session implemented significant changes to Chapter 53 of the Texas Property Code dealing with mechanic’s and materialman’s liens. Stay tuned to Construction News in December for part two of this article discussing additional changes to Chapter 53.

Answer Yes, the construction activity you describe is covered by the crane standard.

For an articulating knuckle-boom truck crane to be excluded from the requirements of the crane standard, it must either be: (1) used to perform an activity that is not integral to a construction activity or; (2) equipment that it is designed, configured, and used as equipment covered by Subpart O, Motor Vehicles, Mechanized Equipment, and Marine Operations. An articulating knuckleboom truck crane is considered configured and used like equipment covered

by Subpart O only when: • its forks/cradle are directly attached to the boom (not suspended from the boom by a load line); • it is equipped with a properly functioning automatic overload prevention device; and • it is used to deliver sheet goods or packaged material.

When loads are hoisted from the bed of a truck and placed on the ground without arranging the materials in any particular sequence for hoisting; or set on an elevated area of a structure (such as a balcony, upper deck, or roof) prior to being unpacked/unloaded from pallets is considered delivery to a construction

site. Under such scenarios, these activities are excluded from the requirements of construction standards specified by 29 CFR Part 1926, and covered by general industry requirements.

OSHA also acknowledges that using an articulating knuckle-boom truck crane to hoist and hold palletized building materials at elevations for construction workers to unpack/unload may often be a safer work practice than having them unpack and repetitiously carry the materials from the ground up to elevated work areas of a structure. Any workers who unpack/unload the pallets are doing so to facilitate the performance of a construction activity and are likely subjected to hazards typical to cranes and the roofs, upper decks, and balconies of structures that are undergoing construction. Subsequently, the workers must be protected from those hazards by the employer’s compliance with construction standards.

Regardless of whether the construction employer operates an articulating knuckle-boom truck crane to hoist and hold the pallets, or that employer gets another employer (such as a delivery company) to do so, the use of the crane for this purpose is considered construction and covered by the cranes standard. natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232

Construction News ON LOCATION

The greener side

These Changes May Not Apply to Your Project

The changes made by HB 2237, effective January 1, 2022, apply only to an original contract entered into on or after the effective date of the Act. An original contract entered into before January 1, 2022, is governed by the law as it existed immediately before the effective date of the Act, and that law is continued in effect for that purpose. Given that construction projects can take many months if not years to complete, it is essential to understand that the changes implemented by HB 2237 may not apply to your specific project in 2022 or beyond, if the original contract (defined as an agreement to which an owner is a party either directly or by implication of law) for that project was entered before January 1, 2022. As such, it is crucial to obtain a true and correct copy of the original contract at the beginning of the project in order to determine which lien procedures apply.

Extension of Deadlines

New Property Code Section 53.003(e) provides welcome relief to those lastminute situations where a lien must be filed or a notice must be sent on or before an applicable deadline. Under current law, a deadline is not extended if the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday.

This new Section changes current law and states: “In computing the period of days in which to provide a notice or to take any action required under this chapter, if the last day of the period is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the period is extended to include the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.”

Removal of Second Month Notice Requirements on Commercial Projects

Michael “Mike” Green takes time to visit with CN and show off some of the offered products at Green’s Bracken Floors & More in Bracken, TX. -cmw

Property Code Section 53.056, dealing with Lien Notices, has been amended to simply require a claimant, other than an original contractor, to give notice as required by Subsections (a-1) and (a-2) for the lien to be valid. Subsection (a-1) provides that for all unpaid labor or materials provided, the claimant must send a notice of claim to the owner or reputed owner and the original contractor. For non-residential projects, the notice must be sent no later than the 15th day of the third month after the month during which (A) the labor or materials were provided, or (B) the undelivered specially fabricated materials would normally have been delivered. For residential projects, the notice must be sent no later than the 15th day of the second month after the month during which (A) the labor or materials were provided, or (B) the undelivered specially fabricated materials would normally have been delivered. Subsection (a-2) then specifically recites the form of the notice that must be provided.

When the revisions to Chapter 53 be-

come effective and are applicable as discussed above, it will be essential for all lien claimants to review and use the new statutorily mandated form notices set out in Sections 53.056(a-2)(“Notice of Claim for Unpaid Labor or Materials”) and 53.057(a-2)(“Notice of Claim for Unpaid Retainage”) for their liens to be valid.

While a claimant may still give the original contractor a written notice of an unpaid labor or materials invoice that is past-due under Subsection (a-4), such a notice is not required for a lien to be valid.

Shortened Limitations Deadline to Foreclose Lien While it is essential to timely and properly perfect your mechanic’s and materialman’s lien, there are also strict statutory deadlines within which you must actually file suit to foreclose or enforce your lien claim. Failing to file suit within these prescribed deadlines will likely result in the loss or extinguishment of your lien rights. Suit must be brought to foreclose a lien within the limitations periods mandated by Section 53.158 of the Texas Property Code which has been amended by HB 2237 to require that suit be brought to foreclose a lien not later than the first anniversary of the last day a claimant may timely file the lien affidavit.

So unless the limitations period is extended to two years by written agreement with the owner of the property pursuant to the requirements of new Subsection (a-2), lien claimants now only have one year to file suit to foreclose their liens.

Consult Your Construction Law Attorney This article is not a comprehensive review of all the changes which have been instituted by HB 2237 and is not meant to be legal advice. Please consult with your construction law attorney if you have any questions about the changes implemented by HB 2237 or the best way in which to incorporate them into your collection practices and procedures.

To see the text of HB 2237 or to learn more about this legislation, please visit www.capitol.texas.gov.

West W. Winter is the founder and managing member of The Winter Law Firm, PLLC. West is the immediate past-chair of the Construction Law Section of the San Antonio Bar Association, and he has been repeatedly listed as one of the Best Lawyers in San Antonio for Construction Litigation.

The Winter Law Firm represents owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in all phases of the construction process, from contract formation through dispute resolution, litigation, and collection. West can be reached via email: west@ thewinterlawfirm.com.

San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

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The Resource Guide Associations and Construction Education

General Contractor

Service Providers

Suppliers

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

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San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

Fall Tranformation

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by Capt. Steve Schultz

ith fall season in full swing now, I will migrate from water to land at the beginning of November and start my South Texas deer hunting expeditions. The change in scenery for me is greatly anticipated and gives me a chance to break-up my year from the long fishing season. This year was especially long with some of the toughest conditions caused by the freeze in February. In the 23 years I’ve been guiding, I have never struggled so much in finding fish and staying on fish. What seemed to be tough days turned into tough weeks and tougher months. By mid-summer, we started seeing what I call the start of the rebuilding of our estuary. Trout numbers started to increase as fish entered from the gulf passes along our coast. This was a welcomed scene. However, our numbers were still down and, as the weather got hotter, fishing turned tougher. Trout regulations that were put in place in April surely helped for the 180-day period and the 60-day extension thru the end of September, and was absolutely needed to continue the rebuilding process. As of now, the temporary regulations have expired and limits have gone back to the original regulation before the freeze.

I’m hoping that Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission can gather more data over the winter months and will consider additional coastal fisheries management actions to accelerate the recovery of the spotted seatrout.

For the past several months, we have been getting above average rainfall amounts in the coastal bend. This is no surprise since our rainy months are September and October. While rain is good for our bays and estuaries, too much can cause an imbalance to the salinity levels.

Baffin bay, for instance, is a hyper salinity bay system with very little influx of fresh water through runoff and rivers so rain doesn’t hurt Baffin so much. However, further north where we have more streets, subdivisions, rivers and streams that feed our bay system, water can get too fresh with large amount of rain. Although rain is beneficial to everyone, to o much at one time can be problematic at times. Redfish seem to be bothered the least in these conditions whereas speckled trout can move to deeper water to escape the fresh conditions at

Steve Schultz Outdoors offers limited snapper trip on calm days. Limits of red snapper on this outing with long time friend Bart Johnson of Brownwood Texas.

Bart was fishing with his son Blake.

Redfish have been the go to fish this year since the freeze.

Art Jenness caught this 27” red on a recent trip with Steve Schultz Outdoors.

the surface. This scenario came into play on a recent outing with some very understanding clients. Fishing started out very slow at daybreak with little to no action at all. As the morning progressed, we changed our strategy and moved to deeper areas of the bay and immediately start catching fish. Surf fishing has also been on fire lately, especially when winds are down and currents in the bay are slack. Light winds make it safe to venture out the jetties and explore the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. For those of you that like to snapper fish, there’s good news. The state reopened snapper season from October 15 thru November 6, 2021 for a late snapper run. Fishing pressure has been down since Labor Day so no need to start out super early to get to your favorite fishing spot.

My whitetail hunts are booking up rather quickly, so if interested give me a shout. My 2022 fishing calendar is open, so don’t hesitate in getting your dates booked. 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.

Capt. Steve Schultz Sponsored by: Waypoint Marine/Waypoint Customs, Shoalwater Boats, Mercury Marine, 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.

San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

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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

Fishing guide or fishing god?

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o, you are on the boat with a fishing guide as he slides you into his chosen fishing spot beneath a painted dawn sky. He gets your baits in the water, watches the school of fish he’s on and begins to drum on the bottom of the boat.

Suddenly, the rods start dipping and everybody’s reeling and dancing around each other and netting fish! Counting, counting and you are limited! Or maybe you are trolling easily along and enjoying the good company of your fishing buddies when the guide tells you to all be watching your rods because here come the fish! One by one the rods dip down, and everyone is fighting to land their fish!

When you get back to the dock and the fish are being cleaned for you, you might wonder if you have been in the presence of a fishing god. I can tell you he’s just a fishing guide who knows his stuff.

Can he take you back there in the morning and do it again? Only maybe. If a school of gar go tearing through the bait schools like lightning in a thunderstorm before he can get his bait netted, it’s going to be a lot harder. Or if some less experienced angler goes stomping like a toddler through the very schools of fish your guide has been following, scattering them all over, it may be back to the drawing board. And the weather! If you liked it yesterday, too bad. This is a new day, new weather, good luck!

No, not a fishing god, just a fishing guide. When you get on one of those amazing quick limit trips just realize that not every trip is like that. There are times of the year when limits are more common, but they are not a given. Complaining that a limited trip was over too soon is like griping because you won the lottery and didn’t get to spend your whole life making a fortune. Just enjoy the experience and understand that you were blessed!

We see kids and younger adults come to fish with us who have grown up in our consumer society who have come to expect their time outdoors fishing and hunting to work like an online order. It takes a bit for them to understand that nobody has any control over what happens outdoors. The deer may not arrive at the blind on time, just like the charter boat may not be at the dock on time. The hunt or fishing trip may take more or less time than expected and the yield isn’t guaranteed. The outdoor experience just can’t be summed up in a product description.

It may be a little unsettling to them that we humans have no control over nature, but there is a trade off here. Once a person realizes that we don’t have to control nature, that it just should be experienced, then magic begins to happen.

That is when we begin to understand that we are just a small part of the vast and amazing world that is ours to explore.

Thank you to all the adults who are helping find ways to get our youth off their phones and out of their heads long enough to experience the outdoors and all the wonders that are just waiting for them!

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San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

Gearing up, rodeo style

Living the dream

he Go Rodeo Roundup, one of the largest fundraisers of the year for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Scholarship Fund was the place to be Oct. 16. L-R: Teresa and Craig Noto, owners of Quality Fence & Welding have a great time supporting the cause. -cmw

ichelle Seward Davis had a busy September of living the dream. “We started off the month with a 10-day moose hunt along the Yukon Delta taking down this bull at 458 yards. Came back to Texas to get our limits of Teal in Eagle Lake and found a few doves in Yancy with Jake and Scout (the dogs).

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Racing affair

n the weekends, Kip Kleck, owner of International Mechanical Services Inc. (IMS) and his wife, Dawn Kleck, spend most of their free time with their children – twin daughters, Elise and Maddy Kleck, and son, Cole Kleck. While most kids are into your typical sports, the Kleck kids are into cart racing. -cmw

Cole Kleck takes 2nd place at the 2021 TSRS Winter Warm-up

Twins Elise and Maddy Kleck at the Amarillo Kart Center Sept. 17-19.

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San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

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Golfing at Canyon Springs

Anniversary fishing

Dealers Electrical Supply

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embers of the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Association and their guests gathered together for a day of golf on Sept.

24. The course at Canyon Springs Golf Course was pristine and the weather was beautiful, making it an amazing outing for all. -cmw 21st Golf Tournament winners: 1st Place Gross: Dealers Electrical Supply - Scott Smith, Dwayne Gillaspie, Dal-

las Miller and Gilbert Romero 1st Place Net: Circle Electric - Aaron Schinbeckler, Guadalupe Rendon, Ozzie Garcia and Edward Vigil 2nd Place Net: Mission City Electric - David Kerley, Carlos Gonzalez, Mando Frias and Garon Shuler 3rd Place Net: Lonestar Electric Supply Brian Zigrang, Harris Shawari, Stephen Shinn and John Cerrillo Longest Drive: Ozzie Garcia Closest-to-the-Pin: Kyle Reding

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It’s striper time for L-R: Mark Mitchell, Daniel Gamboa and Juan Avalos.

very summer, Capco General Contracting heads to the coast for their annual fishing retreat. Throughout the weekend, the Capco team participated in a variety of activities like fishing, competing in Jenga and corn hole tournaments, relaxing by the pool and spending quality time together outside of the office.

This year’s retreat was extra special because it coincided with Capco’s 36th anniversary, which is celebrated on Sept.

17. “The entire team was excited to celebrate another incredible milestone to-

gether,” says Capco COO-Partner Nicholas Bergmann. “The success of every Capco project is a result of this outstanding team Capco has built.”

As the team looks ahead, they are motivated to continue growing the business by delivering exceptional service to all their clients and projects, which range from RV and boat facilities to single-story, drive-up and multi-story climate-controlled projects.

Capco General Contracting is a fullservice general contractor in San Antonio.

-cmw

Circle Electric L-R: Nicholas Bergmann, Mairead Bergmann, Darrin Clay and Ian Campbell pose for a photo at Fisherman’s Wharf in Port Aransas of their day’s catch.

Good things come to those who bait. L-R: Gerald Barnes, Dora Aradillas and Julie Plunket

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San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

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Sardo solar panel patio

hen Texas Solar Integrated LLC first started, it was in desperate need of help. Texas Solar CEO Mike Sardo stepped in and made quick changes to set Texas Solar on the right path. Less than two years later, Texas Solar is now No. 11 on the list of Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies in America. The revenue growth was up by 22,381 percent from 2017 to 2020.

While their typical projects consist of designing, developing and installing residential and commercial solar systems, Sardo recently developed an idea that he decided to implement as a trial on his own property. The project used solar modules as the roof of the structure, with

no underlying structure, other than framing.

The installation process ensured a water-tight installation that has never been seen before and was a trial-and-error process for this new solar patio effort.

The patio is constructed of Aptos 400watt bifacial panels that produce energy with solar exposure on the top and bottom of the solar modules. These panels are fastened to exposed rough cedar. The modules are translucent and create a one-of-a-kind patio covering that is practical and a beautiful conversation piece, all while providing substantial energy production for the homeowner. -cmw Close up of Aptos 400-watt bifacial solar panels

Completed patio covering constructed with Aptos solar panels

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Goodwill DGR (Donated Goods and Retail) Operations Center

CS Superior Construction Service, based in San Antonio, is owned and operated by Trey Wiederstein and has been building commercial projects throughout Central Texas since 2014.

Over the years, Superior has partnered with Goodwill Industries of San Antonio on numerous retail store and distribution center projects.

In January 2021, SCS embarked on the conversion of an existing 124,000-sf former retail building to create the new Goodwill DGR (Donated Goods and Retail) Operations Center located at 7702 N IH–35 in Windcrest, TX.

The plan entailed remodeling an existing retail building to accommodate Goodwill San Antonio’s DGR operations offices, centralized production, eCommerce operations, facilities operations, retail outlet store, CDL driver training center and the addition of 17 new warehouse trucking docks. This operations center will serve donations production and distribution to Goodwill San Antonio’s 23 stores, located in Kerrville, New Braunfels, Seguin, Cibolo, Laredo and San Antonio.

In addition to the office and work space staffing, the sheer size of the Goodwill retail sorting and processing operations required updated amenities for both employees and patrons with the addition of three oversized breakrooms and eight large restroom spaces installed throughout the building.

As with any remodel, working around existing conditions and making major structural modifications both above and below grade presents some challenges along the way. After fully removing the existing interior of the building, miles of new ductwork, electrical

Goodwill DGR entrance

Exterior renovation

Goodwill DGR warehouse space

Interior framing

wire and plumbing piping were installed to accommodate the diverse operations and heavy processing equipment to be used in the operation. Custom steel reinforcement in excess of 100 tons was bolted in place to allow for new overhead dock doors to be cut open in the existing CMU walls.

The exterior of the building was revised to include new stone masonry, siding and custom canopies to eliminate all traces of the building’s former use.

Concrete retaining walls, storm drainage and six acres of heavy duty concrete paving for truck parking and lowered dock wells rounded out the site improvements to ensure safe traffic flow to meet the needs of this busy transit hub.

Having overcome the 2021 challenges presented by unusual Texas weather, COVID disruptions and supply chain deficiencies, the new facility will open for operation in late November.

“Superior Construction is very proud of our continuing relationship with Goodwill in our contribution to their mission of ‘Helping Change Lives through the Power of Work’ in San Antonio,” Wiederstein says. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

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The Thompson Hotel & Arts Residences

he Thompson Hotel and the Arts Residences is a hotel and luxury condominium building located along the San Antonio Riverwalk. This large-scale project required attention to detail. Essentially, Jordan Foster built a hotel and 59 high-end residences on a very small site bound by a river, two streets, and another hotel. Planning was critical due to the complexity and location of the project. Communication was important due to the scale of the project.

Follow through was critical due to the disruption in the supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the end, each of the 59 residences have been sold and the hotel has been booked since it opened. It is a great addition to the San Antonio skyline.

The building is a 20-story high-rise concrete cast-in-place structure. It also has one level of basement underneath a portion of the building. Deep drilled castin-place piers form the foundation of the building. The building exterior has Portuguese limestone, metal panels, plaster, and two large-scale conical curtain wall systems that run the full height of the building.

The hotel has a full-service restaurant and bar on level one. There are also two separate lobbies in the building one for hotel guests and one for residences of the building. The second floor is home to the hotel’s ballroom and prefunction area. The full-service spa is located on level three. This spa has both dry treatments and wet treatments as well as a sauna. The fourth level is a focal point of the hotel. This level has the swimming pool, which overlooks downtown San Antonio as well as a kitchen

S

itting atop a prominent hill overlooking Loop 410, Oliver Wendell Holmes High School has a unique topography with very limited level ground for athletic venues. New athletic fields and a concession building would need to be nestled in the middle of a ravine between the high school, Regal Cinema, and a neighborhood flanking the southern border.

Built on decades of solid construction experience, Marksmen General Contractors’ reputation of knowledge and strength in project supervision and construction management was the Holmes High School topography solution.

The elevation change over 13 acres reached about 80 feet from the top of the hill to the bottom, and the plan for the project was to completely change the topography by building up four terraced levels for the multi-use field, tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, and a new concession building. In addition to the fields, large parking lots were added along with asphalt drives with concrete curbs and concrete parking area.

The lowest terrace on the site hosts the softball field with a 30-foot retaining wall wrapping around the perimeter of the outfield. The field includes home and

What a view! Can you imagine being a baseball and softball player on these fields?

and bar that serves the pool’s guests. As you rise to the top of the building, level 20 is home to another full-service bar and kitchen. The views of downtown are extraordinary from two different outdoor seating areas.

Jordan Foster Construction is a Texas based general construction services company with three distinct groups: commercial, infrastructure & concrete, and multifamily. -cmw

The Thompson Hotel & Arts Residences

Side view of The Thompson Hotel & Arts Residences

Interior views of The Thompson Hotel

Holmes High School Athletic Fields

Aerial view of Holmes High School’s new athletic fields encompassing 13 acres of various elevated levels.

New tennis courts at Holmes High School

visitor dugouts, and a bullpen.

A few steps above the softball fields sits the new baseball field with a 30-foot retaining wall encasing the boundaries of right field. The baseball field also includes home and visitor dugouts with a full caged bullpen.

Nestled between the baseball and softball fields is the field’s new concession/ bathrooms facility. The CMU structure is approximately 2,200sf and includes basic kitchen equipment to support concessions.

Up a level and back to the north of the baseball field sits six tennis courts.

The eastern side of the courts features a 20-foot retaining wall.

The final field, sitting on a similar plane to the tennis courts, is the multiuse athletic practice field.

What was once a 13-acre unusable site has been transformed into four terraced levels showcasing the multi-use sport field, six tennis courts, softball field, and baseball field with concession building. Thirty-foot high retaining walls sound impressive on paper, and in person they are massive statement pieces for the entire athletic complex.

The project was awarded multiple honors including the AGC Outstanding Construction Award, ASA Excellence in Construction, and ABC Excellence in Construction. -cmw

Oliver Wendell Holmes High School Concession building

Page 18

San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

Remembering those lost

Industry FOLKS Apostolos Pavlioglou Davila, Vice President of Estimating, Yantis Company, San Antonio, TX

A

T

Opiela Mechanical

he Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Association hosted the Perry Beyer, Jr. Memorial Fishing Tournament on Sept. 25 in Fulton, TX. The memorial tournament was not just for Perry, but for all those who have been lost since the association’s last tournament, which was held in Sept. 2019 before the COVID pandemic hit.

With 250 participants, the event was a resounding success. “It was the perfect storm,” says Patrick Freund, Primo Plumbing. “Great weather, great people, great cause! It is an honor to work with so many great people who give back to our plumbing/HVAC industry. We have lost some great men and women in our industry over the past two years and it was really special to honor them in such a meaningful way. Perry Beyer, Jr. helped get this tournament started 26 years ago and I am sure he is smiling at how well it has turned out. “ Co-chairman, Jake Allen with Pepco Sales had this to add. “This tournament was really special for me, not just to be co-chairman alongside Pat Freund, but because we renamed this event to honor

our late friend Perry Beyer, Jr. Perry was one of the founders of the tournament 26 years ago. He really paved the way for a lot of contractors in the plumbing and HVAC community. He’s one of the reasons why I’m involved in the PHCC and giving back to our great community. We had a great turnout and it was truly awesome to see all the smiles on the faces this year. I am looking forward to the 27th annual tournament next year.”

PHCC made a $2000 donation to the Beyer Cares Foundation from the event’s proceeds and attendee donations. This foundation supports cancer research in memory of Perry. Photos by Steve Schneider, Albert Sterling & Associates. -cmw Fishing tournament winners: 1st Place: Opiela Mechanical 2nd Place: Tietze Plumbing/Tow Boat PortA 3rd Place: Mechler-Blass Heaviest Red: Sharon Lynch, 8.49lbs.

Heaviest Drum: Roy Shaffer, 4.99lbs.

Heaviest Flounder: Nathan Lutz, 3.49lbs.

Most No. of Spots on Redfish: Sunbelt Marketing, Greg Kempf

lthough Apostolos Pavlioglou Davila was born in San Antonio, he hasn’t always lived here. His family moved to Greece after he was born. He lived in Mexico for five years and France for two years. “I’ve loved every minute of it, but for me, home has always been San Antonio. I am in love with this city, its culture and its people. Luckily, everyone in the construction industry is super nice and extremely knowledgeable.”

Apostolos attended college in Mexico at the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí (UASLP) where he earned his degree in civil engineering.

“Attending college at UASLP was a very pleasurable experience. I had the opportunity to work and study at the same time, which I believe helped me in my career. My backbone has always been heavy highway and mining. I love the construction side of civil engineering and all it encompasses - the big equipment, the large projects, and building the roads, bridges, and airports of tomorrow.

“Working in construction was a dream of mine - working or owning a construction company - so you could say I am pursuing my dream.”

Apostolos runs the estimating department at Yantis Company and everything that falls within that scope of work. “We try to be proactive. All of our departments help each other, no matter what. We are jacks-of-all-trades! I love the people I work with. I haven’t been doing this long and it wasn’t my first choice, but I don’t think I would have it any other way.”

While many people in the industry

have undoubtable mentors, Apostolos believes he has had several and would hate to leave someone out. “I am a firm believer that anyone that has helped me along the way with just one good piece of advice, is my mentor.”

Six years ago, Apostolos met his wife, Adriana, at a friend’s party and was immediately attracted to her. “It took me almost a year before she agreed to go out with me,” he recalls.

“After that, it was a match. I proposed three years later. We got married last year in February.”

Apostolos and Adriana welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby girl, five months ago. They also have one dog, Mula, who enjoys watching over their little bundle of joy. “If it were up to my wife, we would have at least 10 dogs. We have been extremely lucky with adopted dogs. Adopted dogs are extremely loving and caring and have always behaved. She gets along with the baby. I think I’m stating the obvious, but she is extremely spoiled!”

Apostolos loves to go fishing for bass at Choke Canyon on the weekends whenever possible. “I only catch and release. I prefer a good steak for dinner. Friends and family gatherings are what relax me the most, better yet, is when you add a couple of drinks.”

-cmw

In memoriam…

I

Junior Divison winners: L-R: J. Evans, 5.40lbs. and E. Zinsmeyer, 4.88lbs.

t is with profound sadness, we announce the loss of Dale J. Nieder, a.k.a King Dale. Dale passed away on Sept. 8. He was a long-time Senior Superintendent with Joeris General Contractors who joined the Joeris family in April 2000 working in San Antonio until he relocated to Wharton, TX to help establish Joeris’ Houston office four and half years ago.

Those who worked with Dale knew he was a “tough as nails” superintendent with a heart of gold.

For over 20 years, he loved his Joeris family and brought so much to the company. Overseeing projects and mentoring project teams was second nature to Dale. He was a wealth of construction knowledge and loved passing on that knowledge.

He loved Joeris and everything it stands for. He loved the construction industry, and we are blessed that he was willing to share so much of himself with all of us. He will be dearly missed by all.

If you wish to send a card to the Nieder family, please mail to: The Nieder Family c/o Julie L. Delahunt, Joeris General Contractors, 823 Arion Parkway, San Antonio, TX, 78216 -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

Page 19

continued from Page 1 — International Mechanical Services Inc. Kleck’s Uncle, Arthur, joined the business in 1972 while attending Trinity University and then after graduation, has continued in management.

“My part of this history really began when I began working for my father while attending high-school,” recalls Kleck. “Work included a shovel in my hands as well as operating heavy equipment.

“It was hard work, but I was given the opportunity to acquire the knowledge necessary to learn the trade from the ground up. I owe a lot to my father and all the training he gave me. I used every opportunity to absorb and comprehend what I could from him every day.”

After high school, Kleck attended Texas Tech University where he began the study of architecture. “I recall my architectural professor sharing the starting salary a young architect could expect to make out of college, and even with two years already under my belt, I realized I wanted to make a better living coming out of college. And as fate would have it, that is about the same time all the building trades in Texas were taking a hit and I decided to come home and start working full time for my father,” Kleck continues.

A year and a half into it, at 20 years old, Kleck found himself giving men in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s direction.

That was when he realized he was ready to start running jobs and then in time, he

started his own business. “I told my father, we are either going to make this thing happen, or I’m going back to college fulltime. “‘Let’s make this happen,’ was my father’s reply. So, in 1996 we started International Mechanical Services Inc. (IMS).”

IMS started out with 15 employees and is now currently employs 110 tradesmen. Today, IMS’ sheet metal shop is fully automated with three plasma tables, coil line, spiral division and a newly added laser.

IMS soon outgrew its first location and purchased the facilities of one of San Antonio’s largest mechanical contractors from the 90s that had closed their doors.

Of course, the offices were dated, but Kleck’s wife, Dawn, made some major cosmetic changes, and breathed new life into a gem of yesteryear.

Serving South Central and North Texas, IMS is a full-service contractor offering plumbing, HVAC, sheet metal and pipe-fitting services.

As IMS celebrates 25 years in business, Kleck says he continues to look into new technology that will help IMS become even more efficient. “I’ve been able to put a really great team together that has helped IMS to be so successful.

Giving them the right tools and technology makes their job easier and safer.” -cmw

continued from Page 1 — Main Glass & Mirror Co. of San Antonio men do you have here today?’ I would reply by telling him it didn’t matter how many I have, it’s what they know and what they can do. We went through that little dance every morning. But by the end that project, we had become great friends.”

In the beginning, it was Stewart and three employees. In just a few years, he was up to 30. Then came the economic crisis of the ‘80s. Everything crashed.

“We did all of Tom Turner’s work who was building all the Tetco Service Stations, Diamond Shamrocks, Fajita Junctions, and Blockbusters, and the crash of the ‘80s bankrupted Mr. Turner,” says Stewart.

“At that time, there was not much bid work because it was all customer work. If you had a customer, you were going to do his work. We also had the Gil Savings and of course, the savings and loans were one of the first things gone. It all changed with just a few rule changes in Washington, D.C. It sent the whole country into a depression.”

Unfortunately, just prior to fiasco of the ‘80s, when construction was booming, Stewart had expanded and opened a second location in Austin. But with the stroke of the Washington D.C. pen, Stewart was faced with a decision. “It was a matter of flipping a coin to see which shop I was going to keep, Austin or this shop,” Stewart said. “We stayed here and I told my wife, ‘You need to come work

here but you’re probably not going to get paid.’”

As Main Glass inches closer to 40 years in business, Stewart looks into what is next for his company and is considering a new division. “We are thinking about adding a door division and making our own doors because we just can’t get them on time.”

As a small family-owned business, Stewart has created a “family” at Main Glass & Mirror. “We are not a big company, but I probably have the best crew I’ve ever had. I have 22 employees with guys that are really good, strong, hard-working young men.

“As corny as it sounds, honor means something to all of us. If something goes wrong, we address it and we make it right. Most of my employees have been here 15 years or more. Again, I don’t want to sound corny, but it is the team. I can’t do it without them and to be honest, they can’t do without me.

“I keep them in nice trucks because that is what you see when we are working around town. I like to have a nice place for employees to work out of because we are here more than we are at home. I want to be able to sleep at night so I’m a man of my word, hard-working, and ethical - life is going to slap you in the face no matter what you do. You can do everything perfect and it is still going to come up and slap you, but you still have to do the right thing.” -cmw

continued from Page 1 — Tri-County Sprinklers the irrigation and landscape business.

This is also how he met Lanier and began a working relationship.

Schirmer was born in San Antonio and went to Holmes High School. After he graduated, he joined the Navy during Desert Storm. He was stationed on the USS Nimitz, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, on the west coast of Washington.

It was after his tour in the Navy that he joined Metropolitan Contracting.

Schirmer and his wife, Jordan, have three children: son, Justin (27); son, Atticus (13); and daughter, Ireland (11).

Justin works at both Trico and Texas Roots. Atticus has been hunting with his dad since he was five. Ireland loves the outdoors. She and Atticus are both in the Boy Scouts. Ireland joined the Boy Scouts because she didn’t want to sell cookies – she wanted to be outdoors. She’s been known to sleep in a deer blind or a tent in

30-degree weather.

Besides work, Schirmer’s hobbies are white tail hunting, and dove hunting, sometimes with his kids. His wife, Jordan, likes to fish and just sit in the deer blind and watch.

Another hobby is serving on the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Hospitality Committee every year. His team “feeds” the show contestants, and he works with the kids in the MuttonBustin’ event. In this event, he makes sure the kids are excited and safe. He accompanies them in and out of the arena during the event.

At the Schirmer home are about 10 fish aquariums – a 55 and a 75-gallon tank, and the rest are 20-gallon tanks.

Two other members of the family include two dogs: Lucy, a German shorthaired pointer; and Ghost, a while maltese. Lucy doesn’t like to hunt with

the family, and the maltese is a professional lap dog.

In closing, Schirmer talked about his dad (and mentor), Sonny, who has since passed. He said he still lives by what his

dad taught him; that is “to keep your promises and always do what’s right.” His dad’s teachings live on. It is Schirmer’s hope that his kids see him the way he saw his dad. -rd

Association Calendar

Content Contentsubmitted submittedby byAssociations Associationsto toConstruction ConstructionNews News ABC Associated Builders & Contractors

Nov. 4: 2021 Sporting Clay Shoot & BBQ Cook-0ff, National Shooting Complex, 5931 Roft Rd., Cook’s Meeting, 3pm Nov. 3, BBQ after Cook’s Meeting, Shooter Check-in 12:30pm, Tournament 2:30pm Dec. 2: Construct a Kid’s Christmas Gala, Alzafar Shrine Temple, 901 N. Loop 1604, 5-11pm.

Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Toy Drive, Construction News Office, 4047 Naco-Perrin Blvd., 10am-2pm. For more info, contact Leah Villarreal at 210-3421994 or email leah@abcsouthtexas.org AGC Associated General Contractors

Nov. 3: CM-Lean Unit 7 Part 2, Zoom 11am-1pm.

Nov. 11: Casino Night & Industry Awards Dinner, The Club at Sonterra, 901 E. Sonterra Blvd., 6-10pm.

Dec. 2: Construct a Kid’s Christmas Gala, Alzafar Shrine Temple, 901 N. Loop 1604, 5-11pm.

Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Toy Drive, Construction News Office, 4047 Naco-Perrin Blvd., 10am-2pm. For more info, call Kelly Wilson at 210-349-4921 AIA American Institute of Architects

Nov. 9: People + Place Awards Virtual Ceremony, 5:30-7pm. For more info, call 210-226-4979 ASA American Subcontractors Assn.

Nov. 4: Tailgate Taste-off, Alzafar Shrine Pavilion, 901 N. Loop 1604 W, 3-7pm.

Nov. 9: General Meeting, The Petroleum Club, 8620 New Braunfels, 7th Flr., 5:45pm.

Dec. 2: Construct a Kid’s Christmas Gala, Alzafar Shrine Temple, 901 N. Loop 1604, 5-11pm.

Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Toy Drive, Construction News Office, 4047 Naco-Perrin Blvd., 10am-2pm. For more info, contact Jennifer Swinney at 210349-2105 or email jennifer@asasanantonio.org ASSP American Society of Safety Professionals

Nov. 15: Best Practices in Teaching Tech Topics, Sustainable Workplace Alliance – Virtual. For more info, go to www.southtexas.assp.org CFMA Construction Financial Mgnt Assn

Dec. 2: Construct a Kid’s Christmas Gala, Alzafar Shrine Temple, 901 N. Loop 1604, 5-11pm.

Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Toy Drive, Construction News Office, 4047 Naco-Perrin Blvd., 10am-2pm.

HCA de SA Hispanic Contractors Assn de SA

Nov. 17: Monthly Membership Meeting, Location TBD, 5:30-7:30pm.

Dec. 2: Construct a Kid’s Christmas Gala, Alzafar Shrine Temple, 901 N. Loop 1604, 5-11pm.

Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Toy Drive, Construction News Office, 4047 Naco-Perrin Blvd., 10am-2pm. For more information, contact Victoria Rodriguez at 210-444-1100 or email vrodriguez@ hcadesa.org IEC Independent Electrical Contractors

Nov. 10: November Luncheon & General Membership Meeting. For more info, contact Julie Tucker at 210-431-9861 or email jtucker@iecsanantonio.com

I-LinCP Institute for Leadership in Capital Proj.

Nov. 9: Expert Webinar Series: Q2 Stadium with Gensler. For more info, contact Carla Bingaman at 512-263-5521 or email Carla.bingaman@i-lincp.org MCA-SMACNA of San Antonio Mechanical and Sheet Metal Contractors Assn.

Nov. 10: Regular & Associates Meeting, The Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels, 7th Flr, 11:30am Nov. 17: Joint Industry Fund Meeting, MCA-SMACNA Offices, 206 E. Nakoma, 11:30am Dec. 2: Construct a Kid’s Christmas Gala, Alzafar Shrine Temple, 901 N. Loop 1604, 5-11pm.

Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Toy Drive, Construction News Office, 4047 Naco-Perrin Blvd., 10am-2pm. For more info, contact Sandee Morgan at 210-8223763 or email sandee@mca-smacna.org NARI Nat’l Assn of the Remodeling Industry

Nov. 12: Evening of Excellence, 6-9pm.

For more info, contact Angela Parks at 210-997-9152 or email angela@remodelsanantonio.org NAWIC Nat’l Assn of Women in Construction

Nov. 3: General Membership Meeting, The Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels 7th Flr., 5:30pm, $25 Member, $50 Non-Member Dec. 2: Construct a Kid’s Christmas Gala, Alzafar Shrine Temple, 901 N. Loop 1604, 5-11pm.

Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Toy Drive, Construction News Office, 4047 Naco-Perrin Blvd., 10am-2pm.

Dec. 3-4: Industry Appreciation & Welcome to NAWIC, Intercontinental Hotel, 444 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA, $100 Member, After Nov. 1 - $125 Member, $75 Virtual Saturday Only, $25 NonMember Friday Event Only, 5-7pm. For more info, contact Heather Osborn at 210-216-9676 or email heather@memcostaffing.com PHCC Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors

Nov. 6: Plumbers CE Nov. 11: PHCC – SA Annual Business Meeting, Alamo Café, 14250 San Pedro Ave., 11am Nov. 13: Plumbers CE & Medical Gas Class.

Dec. 2: Construct a Kid’s Christmas Gala, Alzafar Shrine Temple, 901 N. Loop 1604, 5-11pm.

Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Toy Drive, Construction News Office, 4047 Naco-Perrin Blvd., 10am-2pm. For more info, call Heidi Trimble at 210-824-7422 or go to www.phcc-sanantonio.org SAMCA San Antonio Masonry Contractors Assn.

Nov. 17: SAMCA General Membership Meeting, Old San Francisco Steakhouse, 10223 Sahara Dr., 11:30am. For more info, contact Debi Solis at 210-347-2423 or email thesamca@gmail.com TACCA Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Assn

Nov. 1: 32nd Annual Golf Tournament, The Club at Sonterra, 901 E. Sonterra Blvd.

Nov. 18: Membership Meeting, TBD. Dec. 2: Construct a Kid’s Christmas Gala, Alzafar Shrine Temple, 901 N. Loop 1604, 5-11pm.

Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Toy Drive, Construction News Office, 4047 Naco-Perrin Blvd., 10am-2pm. For more info, call Dawn Thompson at 210-9014222 or visit taccagreatersanantonio.org

Page 20

San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

If you could live anywhere for a year, no strings attached, where would it be and why?

It would have to be Cabo because it is so close to the water and the climate is just beautiful. It’s a smaller island in Mexico and it is just so beautiful, and the water is so cold.

Margarita Hernandez, E-Z Bel Construction LLC Probably Colorado for the view and the nice weather. It’s cooler there.

Randy Frerich, Bexar Concrete Works Jamaca. I’ve been there before and it is absolutely beautiful. You don’t need anything. All you need is a banana tree in your backyard and the ocean. The people are so nice. I just love it.

Christine Wallace, Red Wine Wallace I would live in the mountains of Colorado.

There is food all around with snow in the winter and great summers.

Kurt Robinson, Robinson General Contractors The beach. Some random beach just because it is the beach.

Nick Metcalf, Rx Technology Sanibel, FL. Sanibel is my most favorite place in the world. It’s an island right off the coast of Fort Meyers, FL. I go there twice a year, for a week at a time, just to get a way.

Karen Ridout, RidoutBarrett I would live remotely in Maui, HI. My little sister is stationed there and I miss her so much.

Laura Martinez, BizDoc Inc. That’s hard! I want to say Hawaii, but I would be too far away from family. If it is only for a year, it would be Key West or Hawaii. Hawaii, definitely! The big island of Hawaii because of the multitude of ecosystems that are there.

Debbie Hannasch, Fire Alarm Control Systems Inc. San Antonio Flagstaff, AZ. I had an uncle who was a logger there, so I’ve been there several times. It’s surrounded by mountains, desert and an abundance of ponderosa pine trees. It’s like going back in time. The climate is great. If you ever have a chance to go, you should go!

Ray Fehner, KCM Cabinets Inc.

I think I would go to Belize. I’ve never been, but I have seen pictures and it is just beautiful so, why not?

Ashley Stanuga, Central Builders Inc. It would back in Costa Rica. It is the best place in the world to live, besides the United States. The people are great. The environment is great and they have cheap, cold beer.

Ted Dunnam, ESC Safety Consultants I would live somewhere around the Gunnison National Forest in Colorado. We took a family trip out there last year and had a great experience. It was summertime, but I would love to see it during the winter. It is a beautiful area and I love being out in the country. It just calls me - the woods, the wildlife, the streams coming down from the snowcapped mountains just appeals to me.

Jay Elizalde, Santex Painting & Construction I’ve been to Saint Lucia. It’s very nice. If I could go away for a year and didn’t have to do anything, Saint Lucia would be the place. You’re on the ocean every day.

During the winter, it is nice and pleasant.

It’s not snowing or icy. You can just sit around the pool or beach, drinking Mai Tais or a beer.

Shawn Roberts, Bryco Plumbing Co. I would probably live in Lake Guerrero, in Victoria Mexico. My absolute passion is fishing. There is nothing I enjoy more than spending time with family and fishing. I absolutely love the water. It’s so very calming to watch the waves and have a bass on the other end of the line.

Apostolos Pavliogou Davila, Yantis Company Live remotely? Like not at my home? I would live in Seoul, South Korea because BTS is there. BTS is a boy band and they are taking over the world. I am completely obsessed with them. There are seven of them and I have adopted them as my own children because they are just magical, beautiful and their message is so positive and good about loving yourself and self-image. They are just amazing young people.

Lisa Good, RidoutBarrett

Industry FOLKS Ryan Rummel, Assurance Senior Manager, RSM US LLP, San Antonio, TX

B

orn in Hondo, TX, Ryan Rummel grew up in Hondo and Uvalde, TX and says both were your typical small Texas towns with football games on Friday nights, and keeping yourself entertained with the outdoors during the summers and on weekends.

Ryan graduated from UTSA where he earned his Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree in both Accounting and Finance. He played college baseball for the University of Texas at San Antonio throughout his four years at UTSA which taught him a lot about time management and discipline.

His career of choice is kind of a family thing. “I have several family members that are CPAs. I knew I would be a good fit for a career in accounting and finance. I guess you say, I kind of went into the ‘family business’ per say.”

Ryan met his wife, Jordan, in 2012 at the San Antonio Rodeo. They were married in November of 2015. “Jordan has been my greatest supporter and best friend ever since.” Together, they have two daughters. Grace, their oldest, is 4 years old. Haleigh, their youngest, is 2. They are both into dance and love hanging out with their grandparents.

Doc is Ryan’s chocolate lab. “He was the first addition to my family and has transitioned from being my birddog to my daughters’ best friend.”

Following his father and grandfas

ther just seemed like a natural journey into construction. “My dad and grandfather both worked in the industry and I felt like my core values closely aligned with the people in the industry. Plus when you’re just coming out of college and being asked to attend all the industry organizations’ golf and sporting clay tournaments, that doesn’t hurt either.”

As the Assurance Senior Manager for RSM US LLP, a full-service accounting and consulting firm, Ryan’s role is to ensure all his clients’ accounting and consulting needs are attended to by being their first choice advisor.

Interacting with people keeps his job exciting. “My favorite part of my career is to be able to interact with so many different people and learn from their perspectives.

“I have been fortunate to have many meaningful mentors throughout my life and career. However, two mentors come immediately to mind that have played a major role in shaping the person I am today. My Dad and my Uncle Jeff. Both have taught me that anything can be achieved with hard work, determination, and some common sense.”

In Ryan’s spare time, he enjoys anything outdoors - golf, hunting, fishing, etc. -cmw

Submitted to Construction News

Round-Up

KFW Engineers + Surveying is pleased to announce the following:

Burt Wellmann, P.E. has been promoted to Vice President.

Wellmann, formerly Director of Residential Services, came to KFW in Mar. 2011 and currently brings 18 years of engineering experience in land development. He is proficient at all aspects of the residential development process and has managed several highprofile subdivision projects in and around the San Antonio metro area. Wellmann continues to grow KFW’s brand along the IH35 corridor.-cmw Christopher Otto, P.E., CFM, formerly Director of Infrastructure Services, has been promoted Vice President. Otto joined KFW in 2015 and has over 17 years of experience in hydrology, hydraulics, and public infrastructure. Otto specializes in complex flood studies, FEMA submittals, and drainage design. His resume includes a wide variety of public infrastructure projects, including water, sanitary sewer, and arterial street design.

Armando J. Niebla P.E., formerly Director of Commercial Services, has been promoted to Vice President. In September of 2014, Niebla began his journey with KFW and currently amasses 17 years of engineering experience in commercial land development. Niebla’s extensive resume includes many commercial projects throughout Texas, and Niebla will continue to manage KFW’s Commercial Department. -cmw

TDIndustries Inc. (TD) is pleased to announce the promotion of Jamie Dabbs to Vice President, Safety, Health and Environmental to lead TD’s strategic initiatives. With more than 13 years of experience at TD, Dabbs has worked diligently to enhance TD’s safety efforts by introducing and leveraging technology such as the Samba Safety Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) monitoring system, Samsara fleet camera system, video-based pretask safety plans (PTSPs) and the TD Safety App. -cmw Shaina Pherigo joins TBG Partners as Firmwide Director of Public Relations after leading PR efforts for eight years at global design firm Gensler’s Texas offices. Pherigo brings a broad background in commaunications, media relations, and strategic thought leadership.

She will lead and develop the public relations strategy for promoting the people, projects and ideas of TBG Partners and its clients through a wide array of communications tools. -cmw Summit Electric Supply is pleased to announce the appointment of Ed Gerber as the company’s new President and CEO. Gerber’s deep expertise in distribution was develop over many years starting as a sale representative right out of college. He has since gone on to serve in various leadership capacities. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

Page 21

Undying respect

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he San Antonio Chapter of Associated General Chapters (AGC) paid tribute to first responders at their 27th Annual Safety Fair and Barbecue Cook-off. The event was held at the Helotes Fair Grounds on Oct. 9. Over 800 were in attendance to participate in the various festivities and sample the fine cuisine prepared by the 17 participating cooking teams. Festivities included face painting, a caricature artist, petting zoo, pony rides, exhibitors, live entertainment, free ice cream and snow cones; and of course, the presentation of AGC’s Annual Safety Awards. -cmw

2021 Barbecue Cook-off winners: 2nd Place Chicken: Joeris General Contractors Ltd. 3rd Place Chicken: Comfort-Air Engineering Inc.

3rd Place Brisket: T&D Moravits & Co. 2nd Place Showmanship: Rogers O’Brien Construction Ltd.

Safe Specialty Contractor of the Year – Category I: Baker Triangle

3rd Place Showmanship: Crownhill Builders Inc.

2nd Place Ribs: BakerTriangle 3rd Place Ribs: Alamo Crane Service Inc. 2nd Place Brisket: Joeris General Contractors Ltd.

2021 AGC Safety Fair Award recipients:

Safe Specialty Contractor of the Year – Category II: Southwest Electrical Contracting Services, Ltd.

Safe General Contractor of the Year – Category I: Turner Construction Company

Larry Westbrook Safe Superintendent Award: Jose Tovar, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors

1st Place Ribs: Crownhill Builders Inc.

1st Place Brisket: F.A. Nunnelly General Contractor

Safe General Contractor of the Year – Category II: Bartlett Cocke General Contractors

1st Place Chicken: Turner Construction Company

People’s Choice: Alterman Inc.

1st Place Showmanship: Guido Construction Company

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San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

Masonry ROCKS!

Construction News ON LOCATION

Working as a family

Weston Shadrock, Shadrock & Williams (left) and Jorge Gonzalez, Meridian Brick & Masonry Supply (right) congratulate 1st Place winner of the Masonry ROCKS! competition, East Central High School senior, Adam Becerra Travis Industries team members work together as a family unit.

L-R: Carlton Catalani, Steven Catalani, Heather Martin, Bianca De Hoyos, Colby Groff, Veronica Martinez, Eden Alvarez, Gina Holley, Victoria Araiza, Gabe Hans, Jennifer Holbrook, Jesse Burleson, Delia Hernandez, Edward Jimenez, James McDonald and Manuel Lopez. -cmw

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ore than 45 East Central ISD students from East Central High School participated in a Masonry ROCKS! Masonry Day event on Sept.

28. The Masonry ROCKS! Career Program introduces students to the amazing career opportunities that the masonry industry has to offer, especially locally, through the San Antonio Masonry Contractors Association (SAMCA). Starting as young as 16 years of age, students can join the construction labor force and begin building their career on a solid foundation while earning a competitive hourly wage. The program’s goal is to bridge the skills gap from high school classrooms to the jobsite and recruit students to earn while they learn.

Students learned how to stack brick, mix mortar, put up scaffolding, lay block walls, lay brick to the line, as well as have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with local contractors, suppliers and company

representatives from all aspects of the industry.

On Sept. 29 & 30, 30 students from the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD participated in a similar hands-on learning experience at the Marion Dolford Learning Center with local masonry contractors and offered job opportunities for the 2022 summer.

“These events would not be possible without the local support from contractors and suppliers,” says Michelle Queen, Texas Masonry Council. “A huge THANK YOU to Meridian Brick and Masonry Supply; Best Block; Amerimix; San Antonio Masonry and Steel, as well as Shadrock & Williams; Ericstad, Inc. and Groesbeck Masonry. Lastly, thank you to the schools in District 20 for being so receptive to our message and welcoming our industry into your classrooms. We look forward to recruiting future masons right here in San Antonio!” -cmw

Students get instruction before troweling into on-hand instruction for masonry application.

Students from the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD participate in the Masonry ROCKS! Masonry Day activities.

San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

JOB SIGHTS

Page 23

Industry FOLKS Nick Metcalf

Account Manager

Rx Technology San Antonio, Tx

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Anticipating a possible broken pipe, Tyler Melchiori and Ramon Munoz with Connally Plumbing Inc. make preparations to run a camera looking for a pipe breakage in Canyon Lake, TX. -cmw

Ramiro Lopez and Raul Saul with Lone Star Landscaping demolish portions of existing sidewalks to install new A.D.A. handicap ramps along Naco-Perrin Blvd. – cmw

James Worswick, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, discusses material delivery with Pete Arguello, Main Glass & Mirror Company of San Antonio, at the new School of Science & Technology campus for NEISD. -cmw

Demetrio Lopez, Port Enterprises Ltd., installs metal wall panels at the new School of Science & Technology for NEISD. Bartlett Cocke General Contractors is the general contractor for the project. -cmw

ick John Metcalf moved around a lot growing up. He was born in Denver, CO and has lived in Seattle, WA, Albuquerque, NM, Atlanta, GA and Plano, TX before settling in the Alamo City.

“It was awesome to see the different areas and cultures in and around the cities in our country.”

Nick moved to San Antonio while in middle school. He graduated from Churchill High School, class of 2000, “Most Spirited.”

While in high school, Nick worked at Alamo Café and got the restaurant bug. Wanting to have his own restaurant someday, Nick went on to attend Texas Tech University after graduation where he earned a degree in Restaurant Hotel Institutional Management. “Tech was a lot of fun. I met a lot of really good people there.”

A bachelor, Nick has two cats.

“Queso, the cat not the cheese dip, and Mr. Miyagi. Cats are ideal for a bachelor and mine are like dogs. I found Queso at Alamo Café the day before my birthday.”

With a few clients here and there within the industry, Metcalf stumbled upon the construction industry while selling copiers. It wasn’t until he sold ASA (American Subcontractors Association) a copier that he got hooked on the construction industry.

Now an account manager for Rx Technology and a people person at heart, Nick loves being able to work with an array of companies, industries and people. “Our company is half an IT company and half Division 27 & 28 (Data

Comm, low voltage, cabling, life safety).

I do business development, manage accounts and sell dreams in the form of professionally managed IT, access control, cameras and cabling.

“The construction industry, and all the different associations have so many great people who have been an influence on me, but the board of directors at ASA really stand out. In Feb. 2020, I was appointed to the ASA board. The knowledge, leadership, networking opportunities, comradery and fellowship I have gained have been such a blessing and positive impact in my personal, professional and spiritual life.” Additionally, Nick credits Jimmy Buffett, his parents and Jesus Christ as trusted advisers of his life!

Not surprising, Nick loves to cook and entertain. He enjoys hanging out with family and friends, going to ASA, ABC and HCA events, and networking with fellow colleagues. He also has a profound fondness for going back to Colorado, the beach or the pool.

Nick is proud to have been the ABC South Texas Chapter 2018 Volunteer of the Year and the recipient of the ASA Executive Spotlight Award in July 2021.

-cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

Golfing for a cause

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To build a trade

n Sept. 23, members of the San Antonio Masonry Contractors Association (SAMCA) as well as members of the construction industry gathered together at the Helotes Country Club for SAMCA’s Annual Mixer/Auction. Proceeds from the evening’s auction benefit SAMCA’s masonry apprenticeship program. -cmw

1st Place Gross: Mechanical Reps - David Breda, Danny Zimmerman and Caleb Whiteley

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fter the passing of Perry Beyer, Jr. in 2020, the Beyer family of companies, Beyer Plumbing Co., Beyer Mechancial and Beyer Air Conditioning and Heating formed a foundation in his memory, Beyer Cares Foundation. The foundation was created to provide support and hope to those in our community touched by cancer.

On Oct. 13, the Beyer family of companies hosted the Perry Beyer Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament to raise money for the foundation with Insco Distributing as their premium sponsor. The event was held at Canyon Springs Golf Course.

Luckily, rain held off and the 153 golfers had a fantastic time, making it a great day for the Beyer family.

The Beyer family and so many more have been affected by cancer in many different ways over the past several years.

The tournament raised over $40,000.00 for the foundation. “We would like to

thank all of our sponsor and everyone who participated in making this a successful event in Perry’s memory,” says Pat and Jeff Beyer on behalf of the entire Beyer family. -cmw Tournament winners: 2nd Place Net: SWBC - Kelly Contreras, Greg Hermanson and Norman Paul 3rd Place Net: Insco - Terence Carr, Pete Martinez and Andy Valenzuela

2021-2022 leadership 1st Place Net: Tim Miner, Beyer Mechanical; Tom Smith, Joeris General Contractors; and Brad Bright, Trane

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Perry Beyer Jr. Memorial Golf Committee

ntroducing the 2021-2022 National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Front Row L-R: Vikki Berg, Global Furniture Group; Veronica Gonzalez, Byrne Construction Services; Heather Osborn, MEMCO Staffing; Shenel Rimando, Berridge Manufacturing; Courtni Navarro, Rogers-O’Brien Construction and Becky Rodriguez, Turner Construction Co. Back Row L-R: Shelley Rappmund, JC Stoddard Construction; Rhondi Kanning, Dumas Hardware; Patty Wylie, Johnson Controls; and Kat Kelley, Braun Intertec. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

Page 25

Pour and hold ‘em

Industry FOLKS Greg Grandjean,

Senior Project Manager

Leonard Contracting Inc., San Antonio, TX

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Ridout Barrett

hat a fun event? The American Subcontractors Association hosted their annual Pour-off and Texas Hold ‘em Tournament Sept. 29.

With only seven teams participating in the pour-off competition of the evening, their drinks enticed the palettes of the almost 200 in attendance.

While guests flitted from table to table sampling the variety of drinks, 64 individuals tried their luck at poker. This year’s Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament had the biggest payout ever. Congratulations to Charles Lacause, ASA’s Texas Hold ‘Em winner! -cmw Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography.

Frozen Pour-off winners: 1st Place: Ridout Barrett 2nd Place: KCM Cabinets Inc. 3rd Place: EquipmentShare Best Bar Set Up winners: 1st Place: ESC Safety Consultants 2nd Place: Ridout Barrett 3rd Place: Dobie Supply

Non-Frozen Pour-off winners : 1st Place : ESC Safety Consultants 2nd Place: EquipmentShare 3rd Place: Ridout Barrett ESC Safety

reg Grandjean graduated from John Marshall High School where he played basketball throughout his four years there. “We played one game against Shaq when he played at Cole High School. We ended up losing, but we were not blown out.”

Greg comes from a family of Aggies. Out of all his cousins, uncles, dad and brother, he was the only one in his family who did not attend Texas A&M. “As much as I wanted to go to A&M, I felt the campus was too big and class sizes were too large for me, so my first year of college was spent at Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, TX which had a smaller campus and class sizes.

“I had an awful roommate my first semester. He was a messy person, who would come in all hours of the night/ morning making all kinds of noise four to five days a week. Fortunately, I roomed with a friend of mine my second semester. It was a huge difference.”

After a year at Stephen F. Austin, Greg moved back home and attended night school at St. Phillips College pursuing a degree in Home Building while working during the day and later received an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Home Building.

As a senior project manager for Leonard Contracting Inc., Greg oversees projects from start to completion.

He’s involved with design-builds, estimating, safety, build estimates, ROM budgets, proposals, handles submittals, RFI’s, punch lists, work orders, change orders, coordinates with sub-

contractors and cities/municipalities as well as coordinates with owners and/or owner representatives. He enjoys taking one’s dream/idea from blueprint to reality and seeing the look of happiness on that person’s face once the project is complete.

“My parents who have been married 53 years are my life mentors. My mom was a school teacher and is now retired. My dad was a machinist at Pearl Brewery for 36 years until they closed.

Both are very hard-working people, and they are both there whenever I need them. Each of my parents are always willing to lend a hand. They always have my back. They are always early, never late. My dad and I talk everyday unless they are on a trip.”

Greg loves the water, whether it is fishing Devils River in southwestern Texas or White River in Northern Arkansas, or running his Cigarette boat on Canyon Lake or Crab Island in Destin, FL. He also loves RVing and barbecuing.

Greg’s most rewarding construction experience was in 2010 when Mike Leonard, owner of Leonard Contracting Inc., asked him to head up the construction of a “Home for Our Troops” house in Spring Branch, TX for Army Corporal Joshua Stein and his family. -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

Hunter’s Symposium

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ore than 150 participants attended the 43rd Annual MCASMACNA Hunter’s Symposium held on Sept. 28 at the Bexar Community Shooting Range in Marion, TX. Members, associate members and guests participated in a skeet, trap and rifle shoot. Afterwards, they all enjoyed a catfish dinner and won some amazing raffle and door prizes. Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography. -cmw

Rifle Shooting winners:

Trap Shooting winners:

Skeet Shooting winners:

Bullseye: Shea Urso, DSI 2nd Place Guest Rifle: Marcus Presson, Retiree 3rd Place Guest Rifle: Phillip Allen, Ackerman & Co 2nd Place Associate Rifle: Andy Chantos, PMI Sales 3rd Place Associate Rifle: John Coon, Mechanical Reps 2nd Place Member Rifle: Mark Zinsmeister, SMG 3rd Place Member Rifle: Tommy Baird, Mueller & Wilson Ridiculous Rifle: Robert Fritz, Local 67 Sheet Metal Workers

2nd Place Guest Trap: Roy Jackson, Retiree 3rd Place Guest Trap: Jim Rodriguez, Rodriguez Consulting Engineers 2nd Place Associate Trap: Ken Brothers, Siemens Industry 3rd Place Associate Trap: Tyler McManus, Texas Air Systems 2nd Place Member Trap: Kyle Pennington, A.J. Monier Co. 3rd Place Member Trap: Charles Walter, Brandt Companies Terrible Trap: Derrick Brown, Mechanical Reps

2nd Place Guest Skeet: Terry Collins, CES 3rd Place Guest Skeet: James May, Local 67 Sheet Metal 2nd Place Associate Skeet: Gatlin Grosch, Johnson Controls 3rd Place Associate Skeet: Mike Manis, PMI Sales 2nd Place Member Skeet: Deb Wertheim, LC Mosel Co 3rd Place Member Skeet: Darrell Hagendorf, Brandt Companies Shoddy Skeet: Reid Ruggles, Texas Air Systems

Expert Rifle: Ian Vohwinkle, MS2 Engineering

1st Place Guest Rifle: Brian Goebel, Retiree

1st Place Associate Rifle: Zach Rother, Milwaukee Tools

1st Place Member Rifle: Johnathan Wilson, M&M Metals

Expert Trap: John Scott, Retiree

1st Place Guest Trap: Brian Keller, Cleary Zimmermann

1st Place Associate Trap: Josh Bailey, Texas Air Products

1st Place Member Trap: Tom Phillips, Mueller & Wilson

Expert Skeet: Frank Tuttle, Texas Air Systems

1st Place Guest Skeet: Rick Barrera, Retiree

1st Place Associate Skeet: Aaron Caldwell, Texas Air Products

1st Place Member Skeet: Ben Christian, M&M Metals

San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021

Page 27

Just hook it

Gala countdown begins

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TDIndustries – TD Trout Tamers

embers and guests of the Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association, Greater San Antonio Chapter (TACCA-GSA) grabbed their fishing poles, filled their bait buckets and boarded their boats for an opportunity to out fish their fellow colleagues in the TACCA-GSA 28th Annual Fishing Tournament. The event was held Sept. 10-11 at Doc’s Waterline, right on the waterfront with 132 anglers participating.

At Friday evening’s Captain’s Meeting Mixer, guests enjoyed appetizers, cold beer and cocktails that ended with a gorgeous sunset on the Laguna Madre.

Saturday’s weigh-in, held on the 20th anniversary of 9/11, featured a tribute in re-

membrance of the events of 9/11 with reflection on the hope and resilience, sacrifice and service, goodwill and community that inspired us all in the aftermath. Guests enjoyed a fajita dinner, raffles valued in excess of $2,500 and an additional A/R gun raffle. The event concluded with awards of $3,500 in cash payout to winners.

“Our fishing committee made this event possible,” says TACCA Executive Director Dawn Thompson. “Thank you Eric Luna, Fishing Tournament Chair; Pat Beyer; Laura Hay; Jillian Ezell; Cathy Hahn; Jonathan Beyer; Michael Guillory; Blake Stephens; Terrance Carr; and Pat Novak for all you do.” -cmw

Beyer Mechanical Bait Beats

Heavy stringer winners: 1st Place: TD Trout Tamers - David Gutierrez, Jerry Millership, David Eichman and Juan Saucedo (TDIndustries) 2nd Place: NU HVAC SALES - Ryan Horky, James Ramirez and Dewayne Wiley 3rd Place: Team Nitro - Chance Farris, John Valenzuela, Marshall Watters and Roger Orozco (Texas Air Systems) Heavy redfish winners: 1st Place: Bait Beasts - Tony Lewis, Kenny Morganroth, Garrett Thomas and Jimmy Sewell (Beyer Mechanical) 2nd Place: Trout Slayers - Roger Soellner, Jose Rodriguez, Manuel Garcia and Robert Kovacs (Beyer Mechanical) Most Spots Cash Pot: Team Money Makers - Jeremy Aguilar, Luis Canizales, Joey Gonzales and Ernan Hernandez (Beyer AC & Heating) Heavy drum winners: 1st Place: TD Trout Tamers - David Gutierrez, Jerry Millership, David Eichman and Juan Saucedo (TD Industries) 2nd Place: Girls Do It Better - Jill Ezell, Laura Hay, Arden Beyer and Cathy Hahn (Beyer AC & Heating) Drum Cash Pot: Cut Bait Boys - Jacob Traugott, Blake Kohler, David Traugott and Levi Garrett (Beyer Mechanical)

he clock is moving fast toward the 21st Annual Construct A Kid’s Christmas Gala. When you read this article there will be only 32 days until the fun begins.

The gala committee members have been working for months to make sure this will be the grandest and ugliest Gala ever, as this year’s theme is evolved the Ugly Christmas Sweater. The event will be held on Dec. 2 from 5:30-11pm at the Alzafar Shrine Temple. That’s right, the Alzafar Shrine Temple. The gala committee heard you and realized you were right, so we are going back to the Alzafar Shrine Temple.

Enjoy the evening with food, beverage, casino, live band, silent and live auctions and the ultimate his and hers raffle, Bling & Bang!

People just can’t believe they could walk away with a 6 CTW, 14k gold tennis bracelet from Americus Diamond, a Radical Firearms AF rife with two separate uppers – basically, two guns in one, a Browning Citori 725 Golden Clays over & under shotgun, and a Zevtech OZ9 9mm pistol.

Win the Bling & Bang raffle and your Christmas shopping for yourself and your special someone is done!

The more tickets sold means the more donations Construct A Kid’s Christmas can give to benefit the foster kids in Bexar County so they can have a merrier Christmas. The raffle winner will be drawn during the evening and the winner does

not need to be present to win.

Unwrapped gifts, toys and gift cards will be collected at the gala and the annual Construct A Kid’s Christmas Toy Drive, which is held the following day, Dec. 3, from 10am-2pm. at the Construction News office, 4047 Naco-Perrin Blvd.

The gifts benefit the Friends of Bexar County Child Welfare Board, who work with Child Protective Services to distribute the unwrapped toys to the Bexar County foster kids.

The Gala is now able to support both the annual Christmas present project and provide an additional financial donation to CASA (Child Advocates of San Antonio).

For 43 years, CASA has provided court-appointed volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children and youth while advocating for services and placement in safe and permanent homes.

Associations participating in the 2021 gala include the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Associated General Contractors (AGC), American Subcontractors Association (ASA), Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA), Construction News Ltd., Hispanic Contractors Association de San Antonio (HCA de SA), Mechanical and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (MCA-SMACNA), National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC), Surety Association of South Texas (SAST) and Texas Air Conditioning Contractors (TACCA). -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • NOVEMBER 2021