Austin Construction News March 2022

Covering the Industry’s News

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Blowing in from Chicago

L-R: Summit Design + Build’s Austin office Project Executive Doug Hayes, Founder/President Adam Miller, and Amber Autumn, Business Development

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hen Adam Miller founded Chicago-based Summit Design + Build in 2005, his goal was to create a general contracting and construction management company where people loved showing up to work every day and could thrive. He also deeply understood that great firms are built on a foundation of outstanding, long-term client relationships, and that meant delivering on every promise and commitment.

Like a magnet, Summit Design + Build immediately attracted great people and diverse, complex projects. Miller’s extensive industry knowledge and years of construction management and real

estate experience helped grow Summit Design + Build into a force in the Chicago construction market. It was also his personal involvement in each project, attention to detail as he delivered accurate budgets, uncovering of costsaving alternatives, search for new and unique solutions, and expedition of project schedules that cemented the firm’s reputation. Wanting to recreate that same force in Central Texas, Miller opened an Austin office to serve the area two months ago.

“Inspired by the strong growth of the Austin market and several of Summit Design + Build’s key clients developing new projects in Austin and surrounding

The next generation

L-R: Three generations of trucking: Pope Materials’ Scott Pope, Ragan Pope and B.R. Pope

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ven though he was barely 4 years old at the time, Ragan Pope vividly remembers riding in the one dump truck his dad, Scott Pope, owned when Scott started his business in Sun City.

“Trucking runs in my blood,” Ragan says. “My dad, Scott Pope, and his dad, my grandfather B.R. Pope, owned the Three-Way Feeds Inc. mill in Georgetown a long time ago. B.R.’s father also ran trucks and had a gravel truck, and he used to haul out of the old Texas crushed stone quarry.”

Ragan would continue to help his family as he made his way through high school, working in the shop, changing tires and performing other duties. During college summers, he gained sales experience at Pope Materials Inc., and

continued on Page 14

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fter 15 years at its former Austin location off Turbine Dr., TDIndustries moved to a new 20,000sf location at 13200 Center Lake Dr. With a growing team tackling projects around the city, TD’s Austin office is expanding to a space with plenty of room for current and future partners.

TD has had a presence in Austin for the last 15 years with limited office and warehouse space.

The Dallasheadquartered subcontractor needed the extra room, not only because it has outgrown the old space, but because TDIndustries anticipates growing the Austin team by more than double in the next 15 years. The new location boasts 13 meeting rooms and a 15,226sf warehouse space to help support the storage and parts staging for area projects.

The company currently has 42 officebased Partners and 106 field-based Partners, and the new office will be able

by the time graduation rolled around, he was ready to join the family business full time.

“This is pretty much what I have always wanted to do, taking over the business,” Ragan says.

Today, Ragan serves as Business Development Director at Pope Materials.

He also is chalking up additional experience in inside/outside sales for Lone Star Concrete LLC. Maintaining balance while holding two positions at two different companies may seem daunting, but Ragan says it doesn’t feel overwhelming.

“It’s really pretty easy,” Ragan says.

“We’re bringing dirt to the concrete foundation companies. I know tons of people in the industry and they are the continued on Page 14

On the grow

TDIndustries hosted a Feb. 16 ribbon cutting for its new Austin location.

to accommodate all Partners for quarterly meetings and events as needed. The new office offers an airy aesthetic and plenty of natural light, warm brick and exposed ceiling ductwork. Partners are excited to move into a space that will foster creativity and collaboration.

Located near the back area of the office where the partner offices are located is a special feature: a custom “Greetings from Austin” mural, created

by Sarah Blankenship, in which images of local landmarks and TDIndustries projects are featured in every letter of the word ‘Austin.’ Waterloo Amphitheater comprises the letter A; Seaholm Building is featured in letter U; S showcases Paramount Theater, Block 185 Google Tower and Frost Tower; T highlights UT Tower; letter I consists of Block 23, Greenwater Office Tower Dell; and IBC Bank Tower makes up letter N. continued on Page 14

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Austin Construction News • MAR 2022

Friends ‘til the end

Dynamic duo

L-R: Ryan Wade was proud to support his best friend and former co-worker Luis Cadena at the latter’s recent wedding.

ADT Commercial’s Jim Perry and Eric Meridian tour the dual distribution location of DVR Connection Inc. and Southwest Automated Security Inc. in Round Rock.

rom work duties to wedding duties, friends Ryan Wade and Luis Cadena have always had each other’s backs.

The pals’ bond began while working together at Travis Roofing Supply in Austin in 2015. Wade started off in the warehouse, transitioned to dispatching, and became an Operations Manager.

Cadena, meanwhile, drove 18-wheelers and boom trucks, learned roof loading, and also began dispatching. They were two young men at the beginning of their roofing careers.

Wade and Cadena would sometimes make material deliveries together, but a 2016 South Texas hailstorm is what cemented their friendship.

“We took the 18-wheeler to pretty much the border on a Saturday morning.

We had the truck loaded at about four o’clock in the morning, made our deliveries and got back about three o’clock that afternoon. We actually met up with my dad after that and had lunch.

It was a stressful day, but it was then that I realized that when stuff hits the fan, he’s one I can count on.”

Cadena felt the same about his new friend.

“He’s dependable no matter what,” Cadena says of Wade. “That’s pretty much the way we both are.”

When SRS Distribution Inc. acquired Travis Roofing Supply in 2019, Wade stayed and began an outside sales path, while Cadena became a Sales/Roofing Estimator at Austin Roofing and

Construction Inc. Best friends at this point, Wade and Cadena stayed close and supported each other’s careers.

“Ryan’s always throwing me a bone here and there when he runs into somebody that needs some work done. I give him all of my business, all of the roofs I sell over here, all of the materials I need, I pretty much show him the love and give him all of the orders and he gets them delivered for me on time,” Cadena says.

“We also eat lunch together a couple of times a week.”

“There are customers, but then there are people like Luis,” Wade says. “He’s not a customer. He’s a brother. We’ve been through everything.”

The two supported each other when Wade suffered the loss of his mother and Cadena was mourning his grandfather’s passing. They are there for each other in happy times, too. After Cadena got engaged, he informed Wade he was a groomsman by instructing him to get fitted for a suit.

“It meant a lot to have him in my wedding,” Cadena says. “He’s one of those guys that you just know that you get along with and it’s going to be a longterm friendship. You don’t meet good guys like that very often.”

“We came up in the industry together,” says Wade, “and it’s an honor to watch my friend grow and have happiness in life and be there for him.”

SRS Distribution Inc. and Austin Roofing and Construction are both in Austin. –mjm

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wo forces in the security and surveillance industry have teamed up to serve the Central Texas area.

On Jan. 3, Southwest Automated Security (SAS) and DVR Connection Inc. (DCi) opened a new dual distribution location at 2011 Lamar Dr. Unit A in Round Rock. It is especially exciting news for SAS: The Round Rock branch is the company’s 18th nationwide and is one of three new SAS offices opened in as many months.

The pairing is good news for those in the security and surveillance trade who need a supplier close to their Austin-area projects. SAS is a wholesale electronic security distributor offering gate operators, access control systems, phone entry systems, CCTV, and peripherals. DCi is a national distributor of quality video surveillance, CCTV, NVR/DVR, electronic security, and accessories.

Branch Manager Michael Pulido and DCI Sales Rep Anthony Henriquez, Thomas are excited to assist customers and show the latest in products. The new store boasts stocked shelves and a fully functional access control demo area

Regional Sales Manager Gelker Menendez (right) welcomes Spy Shop for a tour.

Digital Watchdog’s Bobby Dick and Kyle Seay

where customers can interact with the equipment.

The branch is already planning events for its new location, including counter days in which it partners with companies to educate customers on different products.

DVR Connection and Southwest Automated Security Inc. are in Round Rock. –mjm

Hi, IQ

A winning team

A L-R : B2Z Engineering LLC team members Oscar Salazar-Naranjo, Raphael Campos and Linda Mendoza volunteered Feb. 19 at the Special Olympics in Austin. – mjm

The Cabinet IQ team

new kitchen and bath counter and cabinet store has recently been welcomed to Austin.

Cabinet IQ, located at 8305 Hwy. 71 #110, is the second location for the company, with the first based in Cedar Park. Cabinet IQ offers full custom, semicustom and stock cabinets, along with quartz, granite and wood countertops. In addition, both locations offer in-house design and installation services. The company’s service reach includes Travis, Williamson, Bell, and Hays counties. The new showroom welcomes walk-ins, and is open Monday through Friday, with Saturday visits by appointment only.

A grand opening for the Austin showroom was hosted Feb. 11. The event felt even more celebratory as Cabinet IQ’s first attempt to host the fete earlier in the month was postponed due to bad weather. Highlights of the event included plenty of giveaways, with the big prize being a Traeger Pro Series 34 Grill.

Cabinet IQ was founded in 2016 by

Cabinet IQ recently held a grand opening for its Austin showroom.

Michael Hartel, who holds a masters and a Ph. D in Engineering but was inspired to start the company after experiencing difficulties during his own remodeling project. The company has enjoyed impressive growth in its six years of operation and was named “Fastest Growing Company” by Austin Business Journal last year. To keep up with the demand, the company is seeking entrepreneurs for franchise opportunities.

Cabinet IQ is in Austin and Cedar Park. –mjm

Austin Construction News • MAR 2022

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Bridging the gap

Students’ bright solar future

Flintco has partnered with Bridges to Prosperity to help build needed bridges in isolated areas

Through the program, students gain skills for a solar career before they graduate.

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ridges are often taken for granted by many of us trying to get from Point A to Point B. But nearly 1 billion people in the world can’t reach the other things taken for granted – education, employment, or healthcare – because of impassable rivers.

To help resolve this, general contractor Flintco LLC partnered with international non-profit Bridges to Prosperity (B2P), which builds bridges in isolated communities worldwide. In February 10 volunteer employees from Flintco travelled for a two-week build in a rural Rwandan community in East-Central Africa. While there, the volunteers completed a much-needed suspension bridge. When the project finished, the tool donation from building materials partner White Cap was given to the local community to use.

While there, the team shopped for provisions for their stay, and visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which was created to memorialize the victims of genocide in 1994.

Kelsey Rollings, a Project Engineer

Kelsey Rollings in Flintco’s Austin office was one of 10 volunteers who traveled for the project.

based out of Flintco’s Austin office, was one of the volunteers and served as a support member on the project. Rollings is grateful that she was given the opportunity to help construct a bridge that allows the people of Mucyabahinja safe transport.

Flintco LLC is in Austin, TX. –mjm

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ocational training has decreased in America’s schools in the past few decades, but Del Valle ISD is bucking the trend and adding old school vocational training opportunities for students.

Local companies, such as NATiVE Solar and Solar Austin, have found ways to help Del Valle ISD in its mission. In 2019, Solar Austin established “Pathways to Clean Energy Careers” to expose students from diverse backgrounds to a range of sustainability-focused job opportunities.

Through the program, the students are given – before they graduate – the resources and workforce development needed to successfully achieve a solar career. Last year, Solar Austin joined forces with NATiVE Solar and other partners to launch a solar technician training program at the Del Valle ISD Opportunity Center (DVOC).

The technician training program allows the student population the opportunity to enter the workforce immediately out of high school.

Recruitment from the Del Valle ISD program allows Solar Austin and NATiVE

Equipment, labor and time for the program is donated by industry sponsors.

Solar to tap into the talent of a diverse student population, of which 96% identifies as a person of color. Students access the program through both online and in-person training components, with industry sponsors donating the equipment, time, and labor.

The launch is timely: Last year, the Biden administration released a report claiming that the United States can generate 40% of its electricity from solar energy by 2035. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm predicts that up to 1.5 million people could be employed in the process.

Solar Austin and NATiVE Solar are both in Austin. –mjm

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Austin Construction News • MAR 2022

Tyler Taunton Owner Texas Roof Repair Austin, TX

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yler Taunton used to dream of baseball pitches. Now, as the Owner of Texas Roof Repair, he has roof pitches on his mind. The husband and “girl dad” used his talent for sales to help him get a foothold in the industry, and it translated into an offer to become a roofing business owner. Since then, he has enjoyed keeping the Austin area safe and dry, and providing for his family, through his work.

Share about your background and introduction to the roofing industry.

I was born and raised in Shreveport, LA. I didn’t have anyone in my family who was involved in the construction industry.

Like many kids, I had dreams and aspirations when I was young to play baseball professionally, and I played college baseball at Arkansas Tech University where I attended. I ended up getting a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management.

Whenever I was playing baseball, all of the coaches that I was under or played for said multiple times that I was either going to be in politics or sales. I didn’t know what that meant, but I knew I wanted to be in sales.

I worked for a commercial construction company, Harvey Cleary Builders, for 14 months as a Project Manager/Superintendent type figure. I got into roofing because it was the first sales gig that was offered to me. The first thing I ended up selling was roofing services; I was in outside sales running appointments for Quality Roofing in Austin for five and a half years.

How did you transition to ownership of Texas Roof Repair?

I was approached by the owner of Quality Roofing, Joseph Robertson. He had started Texas Roof Repair three and a half years ago and brought me on as a partner about a year into the company’s life; he and I are now co-owners.

What do you enjoy about your work?

We work in an industry that I have found lacks a lot of integrity. There are not a lot of roofing companies that I have come across and interacted with that are passionate about doing the right thing. I enjoy bringing a service to the end user

Austin

Texas Roof Repair Owner Tyler Taunton and his golden retriever Beau.

that really disrupts the industry with integrity where it’s lacking.

Taking care of people is a fun part of what we do. We’re putting a roof over some people’s heads. That’s important.

It’s not always fun, sexy, or glamorous but it is important. I enjoy bringing a high level of integrity and service to an industry where I think it’s lacking.

Who has mentored you along the way in your career?

I would say Joseph Robertson, my business partner at Texas Roof Repair, has been my greatest mentor along the way. I was the second hire at Quality Roofing, a company of 15 to 16 people, and he believed in me. He spent a lot of time with me developing my knowledge of roofing and offering advice, being patient and gracious whenever I messed up, and showing me the right way to do it.

Do you, in turn, mentor others?

I would like to say that I do. I’m not going to call myself a mentor to others that is consistently sought after, but there is organic mentoring that happens when you lead a team of other people. People come along the way where I can share the mistakes that I have made and what they can do to grow in their knowledge of the industry. I would say there are multiple people to whom I was able to pass along the knowledge that I’ve acquired.

What lessons have you learned since you joined Texas Roof Repair?

I’ve learned that sometimes investing in others is one of the most important things you can do for the health and life of your company. It’s very easy to focus on your own to-do list. It’s easy to not devote time to train others because you’re so worried about your personal todo list and your personal workload. I’ve learned that it’s just as valuable to spend

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Tyler Taunton appreciates that his work allows his wife Stormi to be at home with their daughters.

time training, and growing others, and not just training them, but delegating tasks to them to help them in their growth. I’ve learned as a business owner that investing your time into others is just as important as investing time into your own workload.

How have you changed as a leader during your time at this company?

The biggest way that I feel I have changed as a leader is I feel like because I know the mistakes that I have made, I’ve grown in patience and understanding over the past few years. It might be a little expectation management knowing that if that person made a mistake, it’s probably a little bit of my fault for not investing time in them to show them how to do it the right way and train them. If there is a mistake that has been made, then it probably comes down on me. I’m definitely more patient and gracious. I hope that I never stop changing and growing.

What is the best piece of advice you have received as you have navigated company ownership?

Always take time to step away from the day-to-day, get out of the weeds of the business in order to be able to focus on the business itself. This way, you can actually run the company and it not run you.

Who inspires you to get up and succeed at work every day?

I would say my wife Stormi and my kids; I have daughters 7-year-old Landin Nicole, Grace Ann, who is late, 4-year-old Andi Grace, and 2-year-old Austin Tyler.

One of the benefits and favorite things about my job is that it allows Stormi to stay home and be a mom and allows me to provide for them and give them

everything that they deserve and need.

The biggest motivator that I have is my children and my wife, to be a provider to them.

What do you enjoy in your spare time?

When I’m not working, chasing around three girls under the age of 7, and we’re not at gymnastics or softball practice, there isn’t a whole lot of free time!

I’m very passionate about waterfowl hunting and white tail deer hunting. I really enjoy playing golf. I’m involved in serving at Austin Ridge Bible Church; we meet in a school, so I set up and tear down at the Dripping Springs location of the church.

What do you hope the future holds, professionally and personally, for you?

Professionally, I want to build one of the best commercial roofing companies in not just Austin, but in Texas. If that means expanding into Houston and Dallas, we sure can. I would like to be one of the premiere commercial roofers in all of Texas in the next 10 years.

I also just want to have a company that can provide for multiple families. I recognize that if we have four or five employees, those employees have mouths to feed as well. I want our company to be a place that provides for multiple families, not just mine.

Personally, I just want all of my family’s needs met. Also, I would like to have enough money to where I can give a lot away. I recognize that everything that I have comes from the Lord, and I would like to give a lot of it back where I can.

Texas Roof Repair is in Austin. –mjm

Austin Construction News • MAR 2022

Page 5

MBE for NOVO

Chinese American business owner Jim Fowler proudly announces his general contracting company NOVO Construction is now an official Minority Business Enterprise (MBE).

NOVO, which has an Austin office, obtained the certification through the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council (WRMSDC), an affiliate of NMSDC. –mjm

Putting pals

The Parnell Engineering team recently hit the clubs – no, not those kinds of clubs! – to enjoy a company happy hour at Topgolf. The outing gave the team a chance to bond outside the office and celebrate their hard work. –mjm

Back to the ‘80s!

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orty years ago, John Braun and David Butler built on their family bond as cousins and became business partners, forming Braun & Butler in 1982.

In the four decades since, the general contracting company has evolved and grown. Starting with projects for IBM and Lockheed, the firm transitioned to institutional, K-12, religious and nonprofit facilities, and from low-bid to construction manager at risk. President Kenton Heinze, who joined Braun & Butler in 1994 right out of college, rose through the ranks to become President of Operations, then transitioned to Owner in 2012. In 2019, Braun & Butler joined forces with Rizzo Construction under a new name, Braun & Butler Construction. Today, the company does nearly $50 million in work and offices out of Leander and Rizzo’s Westlake location.

Heinze says the years of change and growth, however, have not impacted the tight-knit atmosphere of Braun & Butler Construction.

“The past 40 years represent a loud and clear stamp of approval for the kind of attention to detail that Braun & Butler

consistently delivers,” Heinze says. “We have been blessed to build and remodel some amazing projects. The ultimate thing that stands out is the people and the relationships from the superintendent who has been with us for 38 of the 40 years to the intern that just started. It still feels like family. I am thankful for that.”

Reaching the four-decade mark has the company looking to the future.

“Our goal is to continue to be a leader in community impact construction projects … and of course, world domination,” Marketing Administrator Jon Carpenter says. “We look forward to continuing to develop our young leaders to become the Braun & Butler of tomorrow.”

To celebrate the milestone, a “Throwback Thursday” is in the works.

“We hope to go full mullet, cassette tape-playing, Members Only jacketwearing, legwarmer kind of party,” Carpenter says. “Thank you, Central Texas for letting us play a part.”

Braun & Butler Construction is in Leander and Westlake. –mjm

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Austin Construction News • MAR 2022

Six-month mark

Renewable footprint expands

L-R Chalk Line founders Ryan Ritchie, Construction Operations; Trevor Spring, Construction Development, and Bryan Brown, Design Management

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ix months in, Ryan Ritchie, Trevor Spring and Bryan Brown are excited about the opportunities their Austin-based general contracting and project management firm Chalk Line have experienced.

Ritchie, who oversees Chalk Line’s Construction Operations, says the company is off to a very promising start.

“Since last summer, we’ve had a lot of great opportunities,” Ritchie says. “We’ve been on a lot of bid lists for clients that we quite frankly did not expect to be on for quite some time until we had proven ourselves. It’s been great introducing Chalk Line to some major players in this market, Dallas, and Austin. The company has been well received.

“We are working on a couple of major projects right now with a major client here in the Central Texas area,” Ritchie continues. “We’re negotiating several more with them right now; that has been awesome. We have a couple of major clients that we are negotiating deals with, and again, we didn’t expect that. Again, it’s been well received.”

Ritchie hails from Ryan Companies, where he worked for nine years. In his role, he saw Austin’s construction boom firsthand when he moved to help build the company’s Austin presence in 2013.

While he enjoyed his role helping to grow revenue and secure and mentor employees, he felt ready to create his own firm from the ground up. Ritchie, Spring, and Brown established Chalk Line in Austin last summer, and the trio has been pleasantly surprised with its immediate success.

“The construction market is very busy right now and we are unencumbered by what a lot of general contractors are encumbered with, such as being short on

staff and unable to take on more work.

We have several other large-scale projects that are in the works right now in different phases, which is exciting for us throughout 2022 and 2023. In six months, we’ve gone from an idea to a real company and have started to pick up a lot of great work.”

The trio is in the process of building a perfect team for the company’s needs.

“The three of us make a great team because we hit all aspects of construction, from business development to preconstruction throughout construction,” he says. “We are able to handle the jobs that we have in terms of overseeing and managing those projects.

For some of these newer ones we have in 2022, we’ll have to bring on more people.

We want to hire the best of the best and be the best of the best. We are growing, but we want to grow organically. We have future team members that we are in discussions with to bring them on as soon as these bigger projects kick off.”

Ritchie, who is the outgoing Chairman of the Board for Associated Builders and Contractors, looks forward to serving Central Texas and beyond.

“We all want to be successful, but we want to have fun doing it. We want to provide a level of service to our clients that they wouldn’t normally get. We want to provide a white-glove service to our clients who may not necessarily get that.

We bring a lot of expertise to the market.

There are a lot of projects out there and a lot of people out there looking to develop land and they may not know where to start. Some of the large general contractors out there may not provide them that service but we feel we can bring it to them on that scale.”

Chalk Line is in Austin. ­–mjm

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Bronto skylifts at Kardie Equipment, a subsidiary of HOLT

n 2010, Kevin Darby established TGM Wind Services with a focus on the wind services market. With help from business partner, Clayton Ripley, the company developed into two brands – TGM Wind Services which is dedicated to supporting the wind power industry and Kardie Equipment, a distributor and rental company of the Bronto Skylift.

On Jan. 5, HOLT announced its acquisition of Kardie Equipment / TGM Wind Services. This acquisition allows HOLT to further its commitment of investing in renewable energy resources and provide additional products and services to its customers nationwide. With the acquisition, Kardie Equipment / TGM Wind Services will retain its name and operate as an independent, wholly owned subsidiary of HOLT. Kardie Equipment / TGM Wind Services will serve as a complementary business to other HOLT divisions, offering the Bronto Skylift for sale and rent, with or without operators. The Bronto Skylift is a truck mounted aerial platform used to reach challenging heights. “The Bronto Skylift aerial work platform is quite unique. It is the safest and most efficient way to get humans to height – around 340ft – to perform valuable work in a variety of industries and applications,” says J.K. Baxter, Senior Vice President for HOLT. “We are continually looking for ways to provide our customers with quality, technologically-advanced products to help ensure their success,” Baxter continues. “This is another avenue that allows

HOLT to offer solutions to our new and existing customers, that will enable them to safely and efficiently do the work and accomplish their specific goals.”

Kardie Equipment is the largest dealer of Bronto Skylifts in North America.

Kardie Equipment / TGM Wind Services provide and maintain aerial work platforms to safely and efficiently allow workers to perform assembly, maintenance and repair services on wind turbines and other elevated equipment. They operate across the country.

“HOLT is excited to welcome Kardie Equipment and TGM Wind Services to the HOLT family of businesses,” says Baxter.

“We can’t wait to see what the future holds with this acquisition. Darby, Ripley and the TGM / Kardie team have built a fantastic business over the past 12 years.

We certainly want to continue the journey, building from that strong foundation. HOLT looks for ways to add value whether that is taking existing HOLT products and services to TGM / Kardie customers or bringing TGM / Kardie’s offerings to existing HOLT customers.”

Peter J. Holt, CEO and general manager of HOLT CAT adds, “This acquisition will bring added value to our customers with a safe, premium product that supports multiple industries who have a need to reach challenging heights.”

HOLT is a family-owned company, headquartered in San Antonio, TX. The Holt name has been associated with heavy equipment and Caterpillar for over 100 years. -cmw

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Austin Construction News • MAR 2022

Page 7

INSURANCE

ACCOUNTING Partnerships Are a Tricky Business

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Steven Bankler, Owner Steven Bankler, CPA, Ltd. San Antonio, TX

Reginald Mahadeo Agency Owner Reginald Mahadeo Insurance Agency, Inc. Austin, TX

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mall business ownership can be daunting when you’re alone at the top. That’s why many entrepreneurs consider forming their businesses as equal partnerships between two or more owners. However, these business structures can be uniquely affected by relationships, taxes, and other factors.

An equal partnership can be a great idea until it isn’t. Perhaps the partnership is between a couple, siblings, or colleagues. Maybe it’s a partnership from the beginning, or it’s an idea that allows two or more inheritors of a family business to share the business equally.

Equally sharing a business may sound like it will keep the peace, but, eventually, it can result in turmoil. Some of the most significant challenges come into play when: • A partner becomes disillusioned by a real or perceived belief that they’re doing more work than the other(s).

• One partner drops the ball in their duties, participates in fraud, or decides to pivot in a direction that wasn’t discussed initially.

• Family changes for one partner affect the whole. For example, divorce and death can both lead to one partner’s stake suddenly being transferred to or shared with a spouse or former spouse outside the original ownership group.

• Generational chaos ensues. Passing down a family business equally to offspring can result in too many cooks in the kitchen, complicating operations and decision making.

While partnerships can lead to these challenges, they aren’t inherently a bad idea. However, they need to be structured and executed thoughtfully.

Have the Tough Conversations A partnership begins because two (or more) owners each bring something unique to the table. That could be talent or expertise, money or property, or a tireless work ethic (sweat equity). These different values mean that the partnership—from the start—isn’t equal (based on sameness) but should at least be equitable (based on fairness). Outlining these expectations from day one is essential.

Of course, you should have a shared vision, too. Do you plan on growing the business? Do your short-term and longterm goals match? What about financial responsibility: Who will handle business finances, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax filings? When the business generates a profit, how will that be distributed? If it doesn’t do well, is every partner prepared to take on debt?

Once you start having these discussions and evaluating each partner’s contributions, you’re likely to realize two critical things. First, perhaps an equal partnership isn’t appropriate after all. Another type of partnership that distributes ownership more equitably based on roles/responsibilities might be better.

And second, you’re going to need some help wrangling these moving parts into a strategic plan that transcends a verbal agreement.

Make it Legal This realization should lead you to build a structure around the partnership you envision. One pillar is your legal formation. A general partnership is always an option, but it provides little liability protection for owners. Limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships are often better options for this reason.

Within those partnership structures, you can divide partnership levels in many ways. For example, maybe there should

be a managing partner who is given authority to act on behalf of the other partners in certain situations.

It’s essential to work with a legal professional to hammer out these details in a partnership agreement. Just as important is drawing up a buy-sell agreement from the start. It’s not a frivolous contingency because the partnership is guaranteed to change at some point for one reason or another. A buy-sell agreement can help you avoid surprises or conflict when it happens.

Consider the Tax & Financial Implications Partnerships and the IRS have a complicated history. The entities are passthrough, which means the partners, not the business, are taxed. This has resulted in some tax advantages that the IRS has spent years trying to rein in.

Before 2018, for instance, for small partnerships with ten or fewer partners, the IRS could only audit each partner, not the entity. This complication resulted in very few audits—perhaps less than 1% of partnerships each year. The Bipartisan Budget Act (BBA) became law in 2018 and gave the IRS the ability to audit and collect money from partnerships directly (unless the partners proactively opt-out).

Around the same time, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) increased the excludable qualified business income of passthroughs to 20%, and partnerships became even more irresistible. But recently proposed legislation aims at reducing deductions and loopholes.

The bottom line is that as tax laws change, so might the advantages/disadvantages of a partnership. It also hammers home the point that you need to trust those you partner with. If one partner commits fraud concerning their business earnings, the IRS may be able to take a close look at the other partners. Were you grossly negligent in overlooking your partner’s discretions? Did you profit from their actions?

And even if you choose a protected partnership structure with limited liability, you and your partners need to make smart financial moves to keep your business and personal assets clearly separate.

Personal guarantees, offering up collateral, and co-mingling business and personal finances at any point can come back to bite you if the business goes bankrupt or has unpaid debt.

Many of these considerations are best discussed directly with a business attorney and tax professional before instituting a partnership agreement. A little due diligence from the start can go a long way in keeping a healthy partnership long-term.

Steven Bankler has more than 45 years of experience in the accounting industry.

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

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n February 2021, did anyone expect to see a white layer of winter wonderlandin front of our yards, next door neighbor’s home, rooftops, autos, plants, etc.

The answer was no. When does it really snow in Texas? That’s the 2nd year in a row!

Such calmness when watching snowflakes, icicles glistening in the sun and the only outside activity are kids and adults slipping and sliding on the small hills. There was no need to travel on the roads, so most stayed home to avoid the wintery forecast. Were you prepared?

Let me share a few tips that can help for future snow days – since this seems to be the new normal: Tree Branches - No matter the season, it’s a great practice to have your trees trimmed back.

During winter storms, branches build up ice that eventually start to weigh down causing damage to rooftops, windows, fences, vehicles, etc. Maintaining the branches trimmed two to three feet away from the surface can avoid those issues and a home/auto claim.

Weatherstripping and HVAC - It’s important to check the weatherstripping on all windows and doors and HVAC filters. Replaced them if they look worn down or if filters are dirty.

Water Heater and Water Lines - To help your pipes stay warm, insulate external water lines within your water heater. Remove and store all garden hoses and cover any exposed water lines and spigots.

During a winter freeze, I also offer these suggestions: Make sure to have a slow drip into a clean container and/or tub. This helps twofold, one from bursting pipes within your home and two storing clean water for any future needs. If your pipes are frozen, turn off the main water supply to avoid further damage.

Lower the temperature in your home that is comfortable. The recommended temperature is 68 or lower.

Keep curtains/blinds closed unless the windows face direct sunlight.

What not to do during a power outage: First reaction for warmth might be turning on the stove or oven but not a good idea. This causes carbon monoxide and electric ones pose a fire risk.

Do not use your vehicle as a source of heat, most importantly if the vehicle is parked inside the garage. If the vehicle is parked outside, verify the exhaust pipe is clear of any snow, ice and debris.

Do not run a generator closer than 20 feet from the doors and windows. This can help prevent fumes from entering the home.

If your vehicle isn’t properly equipped to drive in icy/snowy conditions, refrain from driving anywhere. Stay home!

Emergency Kit: Here is a list we recommend: Flashlights Batteries Bottled Water Nonperishable Food Matches First-Aid Supplies Medications Pet Supplies Battery Banks for charging devices All Weather Radio Multipurpose Tool Hand Sanitizer Hopefully this information can help with the next snow/ice storm to help protect yourself and your family. Also, consult with your Insurance agent with any questions.

Office of Reginald Mahadeo Farmers Insurance 13740 N. Highway 183, Bldg. S, Unit 3&4 Austin, TX 78750 512-879-4701 Office www.farmersagent.com/rmahadeo

Page 8

Austin Construction News • MAR 2022

OSHA

LEGAL Are You Ready for the “Other” Federal Contractor Mandate?

Safe Use of Extension Ladders Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

Cokinos | Young J. Shannon Gatlin Senior Counsel Houston

S

ince September 9, 2021, federal contractors in the Texas construction industry have (understandably) been preoccupied with the so-called “vaccine mandate” implemented by President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 14042. But if you are a federal contractor, there is another mandate that recently took effect and could also require substantial changes to your operations – specifically, your hiring practices and policies. Do you know about this? And are you ready?

Even though the “vaccine mandate” for federal contractors is currently on hold thanks to a nationwide injunction on the vaccination requirement (but not on other portions of the Executive Order related to items like worker masking or distancing)1 issued by a Georgia federal court in early December, the “ban-thebox” requirements of the federal Fair Chance Act have already taken effect and are here to stay.

The Fair Chance Act is part of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2020 that was signed into law by former President Donald Trump. Simply put, the Fair Chance Act – which went into effect on December 20, 2021 – prohibits federal contractors from asking about a job applicant’s criminal history before making a conditional job offer to the applicant. Similarly, federal contractors are also barred from seeking information about an applicant’s criminal history from other sources.

The purpose of the Fair Chance Act is to make it easier for individuals with a criminal record to find employment by ensuring that they are not eliminated right out of the chute based on their admission on the job application to having a criminal record (hence the “ban-thebox” moniker). That being said, the Fair Chance Act includes certain exceptions, including • Positions related to law enforcement and national security duties • Jobs requiring access to classified information • Roles required by other laws to reveal criminal history prior to a conditional offer.

A fair number of Texas construction firms already have some familiarity with “ban-the-box” requirements, even those that are not federal contractors. While there is currently no state law limiting companies’ ability to ask job applicants about their criminal history, no fewer than five Texas jurisdictions currently have similar “ban-the-box” or “fair chance” ordinances: Dallas County, Travis County, San Antonio, Austin, and DeSoto.

While the two county ordinances and San Antonio’s ordinance only apply to those seeking to work for the public municipality, the ordinances for the cities of Austin and DeSoto also apply to private employers of at least 15 employees within the city limits.

1

Also note that federal agencies are still permitted to require that any contractor employees who perform work on-site at federal facilities be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

And the trend toward “fair chance” hiring practices is growing rapidly across the country, with clear bipartisan support. The national push toward such poli-

M. Wilson Stoker Principal Austin cies began in earnest during the Obama Administration and has gained renewed momentum under President Biden’s watch; President Trump actually signed the Fair Chance Act into law, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott has stated his support for “banning the box.” As of October 1, 2021, 37 states and more than 150 cities and counties nationwide had adopted some form of “ban-the-box” legislation, with 15 of those states and 22 cities and counties (including Austin and DeSoto) applying the law to private employers, not just public employment.

For those federal contractors who have already had to navigate the rules in Austin or DeSoto or some other city, county, or state with “fair chance” requirements, the federal Fair Chance Act should require minimal operational changes, if any. But for those Texas construction firms that have not yet had to deal with these laws, there are certain steps you can take to prepare yourself, be it for working as a federal contractor or doing work in our own state capital.

First, recognize all of the different aspects of the hiring process that can be affected by “ban-the-box.” Review and (if necessary) revise not only your hiring practices, but also your application forms and any internal checklists, policies, or procedures to ensure compliance. Also provide periodic training to those involved in your recruiting and hiring processes to make sure they are aware of the legal requirements of these laws, especially since they are rapidly growing in number.

And if you are faced with an applicant’s criminal history after extending a conditional job offer, do not automatically rescind the offer. Instead, follow the guidance issued by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and conduct an individualized assessment of the applicant and the specific job by considering three key factors: • The nature and gravity of the crime • The time that has passed since the criminal act or completion of the imposed sentence • The nature of the job (e.g., does it involve handling large sums of money or accessing customers’ private property without supervision).

By following the above guidelines, your company should be well-prepared to comply with whatever “fair chance” requirements it may come across, whether as a federal contractor or a private employer. And if you still have questions, you can always contact your local employment counsel for assistance in navigating these laws.

About the Authors: J. Shannon Gatlin is Senior Counsel in the Houston office of Cokinos | Young and is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Mr. Gatlin can be reached at (713) 535-5504 or sgatlin@ cokinoslaw.com M. Wilson Stoker is a Principal in the Austin office of Cokinos | Young and is also Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law. Mr. Stoker can be reached at (512) 615-8573 or wstoker@cokinoslaw. com

W

hat is an extension ladder? Also known as “portable ladders,” extension ladders usually have two sections that operate in brackets or guides allowing for adjustable lengths. (See Figure 1, below.) Because extension ladders are not self-supporting they require a stable structure that can withstand the intended load.

PLAN Ahead to Get the Job Done Safely • Use a ladder that can sustain at least four times the maximum intended load, except that each extra-heavy duty type 1A metal or plastic ladder shall sustain at least 3.3 times the maximum intended load. Also acceptable are ladders that meet the requirements set forth in Appendix A of Subpart X. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and labels on the ladder. To determine the correct ladder, consider your weight plus the weight of your load. Do not exceed the load rating and always include the weight of all tools, materials and equipment.

• A competent person must visually inspect all extension ladders before use for any defects such as: missing rungs, bolts, cleats, screws and loose components.

Where a ladder has these or other defects, it must be immediately marked as defective or tagged with “Do Not Use” or similar language.

• Allow sufficient room to step off the ladder safely. Keep the area around the bottom and the top of the ladder clear of equipment, materials and tools. If access is obstructed, secure the top of the ladder to a rigid support that will not deflect, and add a grasping device to allow workers safe access.

• Set the ladder at the proper angle.

When a ladder is leaned against a wall, the bottom of the ladder should be one-quarter of the ladder’s working length away from the wall. For access to an elevated work surface, extend the top of the ladder three feet above that surface or secure the ladder at its top.

• Before starting work, survey the area for potential hazards, such as energized overhead power lines. Ladders shall have nonconductive side rails if they are used where the worker or the ladder could contact exposed energized electrical equipment. Keep all ladders and other tools at least 10 feet away from any power lines.

• Set the base of the ladder so that the bottom sits securely and so both side rails are evenly supported. The ladder rails should be square to the structure against which it is leaning with both footpads placed securely on a stable and level surface.

• Secure the ladder’s dogs or pawls before climbing.

• When using a ladder in a high-activity area, secure it to prevent movement and use a barrier to redirect workers and equipment. If the ladder is placed in front of a door, always block off the door. natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232

Industry FOLKS Brooks Flynn Superintendent

Texas Traditions Roofing Georgetown, TX

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rooks Flynn couldn’t understand why his Texas Traditions Roofing team members were insisting that he attend a recent office luncheon. It was his habit to skip or pop into these lunches in favor of work, and his workload that day was heavy. He managed to squeeze it in, but when he saw his wife Christina and 4-year-old son Jameson there, he knew this wasn’t the typical office lunch.

The gathering was in honor of Flynn, who was named a finalist in the Roofing Alliance 2021-2022 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards Program.

The lunch was Flynn’s second surprise: He didn’t even know his company had nominated him for the national recognition, which honors employees who go the extra mile.

“When you work two hailstorms and 60 to 70 hours a week to make sure these processes and products go through correctly, it’s nice to look back and know it was worth it, even though in my head I know it’s worth it,” says Flynn, who was humbled by the gesture.

Flynn has only been in the roofing industry – and with Texas Traditions Roofing – three years. His impact has been immediate, although his path to the industry took a little longer. The New York-born, Europe- and Nevadaraised Flynn considered a teaching career before enlisting in the Army in 2010. After being deployed to Iraq for Operation New Dawn, he left active duty in 2014 and served in the reserves

Brooks Flynn

until 2017. He mulled over becoming a police officer and worked in a Pepsi manufacturing warehouse. Construction circled back for him when a neighbor, who was the daughter of an Austin plumbing company owner, helped him get hired as a site utilities assistant.

Following that, he worked for five years in glass installation and waterproofing.

Wanting to further his knowledge, Flynn earned a two-year construction technology degree from Austin Community College. He joined Texas Traditions Roofing in 2019 and, impressed with the company’s integrity, feels like he has found where he belongs. He oversees all residential roof production, is training a superintendent and helps another superintendent with commercial work.

“Our values are: Put God first, family second. Be honest and accountable to each other. Treat everyone with humility and respect.

Vastly exceed expectations and be the roofing expert,” Flynn says. “I bought into it, and now I can’t let poor workmanship slide. When I hand back over to the client whatever project I’ve been given, and they’re like, ‘Oh, it looks beautiful,’ that’s what gets me right there.” –mjm

Austin Construction News • MAR 2022

Page 9

Overlooked Fish To Start The Season Winning

by Capt. Steve Schultz Sponsored by: Sponsored by: Waypoint Marine/ Waypoint Customs, Shoalwater Boats, Mercury Marine, Shimano Reels, E-Z Bel Construction, Costa Sunglasses, Simms Fishing, Columbia ForEverlast Fishing Products, PowerPro, Interstate Batteries, MirrOlure, JL Marines Power-Pole, and AFTCO Clothing.

Ranee Benson caught a limit of drum fishing with family last month with Steve Schultz Outdoors.

D

uring winter months, fishing can be very challenging to say the least. Weather plays a huge part on what kind of day you will have on the water. Cold fronts frequent the Coastal Bend weekly changing feed patterns, keeping even the seasoned guides guessing throughout the day. As game fish go, black drum are about as romantic as dump trucks. A dump truck has rubber tires. So does a Ferrari, but the comparison pretty much ends right there. It doesn’t require a poll to determine which vehicle most people would rather ride around in. That might change, of course, if the pretty red sports car hopelessly broke down a long way from home and the driver needed a ride. A rusty but reliable dump truck slowly chugging down the road suddenly starts looking very attractive.

That’s the way it is with black drum.

The charcoal-colored bruisers get next to no respect for much of the year. Come January through March, however, saltwater fishermen generally take what they

Here are a couple of the Turner Construction folks from Houston displaying their drum on a recent trip with Steve Schultz Outdoors.

can get. They know, if nothing else, they can catch black drum.

Deep in the soul of every angler is the inherent desire to simply catch a big fish. Speckled trout and redfish snobs may deny it, but a month or so of backto-back cold fronts can significantly impact a fisherman’s priorities. Just about the time that cabin fever starts feeling like a terminal disease, news of the drum run hits the hotline and weather-weary anglers with readjusted attitudes happily head for the coast.

It’s undeniable that, pound-forpound, the redfish is a much tougher opponent. Reds take the bait and run like punt return specialists. Black drum, even really big ones, shuffle along like over-

weight offensive linemen. A black drum’s surges are slow but deliberate. Bigger fish methodically shake their thick, humped heads with telltale zig-zags and capture line in short, uninspired spurts that believe their surprising size.

The annual migration kicks off in January. All along the Texas Coast, heavyweight drum course through deep-water channels in sizable schools. Fishermen are restricted to a “slot” limit that allows for the retention of five fish per day, none less than 14 in. long and none over 30 in. Unlike red drum, there is no “trophy tag” on an angler’s license that allows the fisherman to retain one oversized fish per year. They are also one of the few fish still commercial harvested

and surprisingly, 80 percent of Texas commercial black drum landings occur in Upper and Lower Laguna Madre and Corpus Christi Bay. Did I mention how excellent drum taste. I’m not talking about the huge socalled Big Uglys that are fun to catch.

Those are the ones that give the species a bad rap. Small “puppy” drum can be taken from bay shores, rock groins and reefs, often on live shrimp or crabs, and make for fine eating. Unlike big drum, they lack the harmless but distasteful “spaghetti worms” that, along with coarse flesh, make big drum less-than-desirable table fare. Pack you’re gear and come catch some drum this spring.

I have already started to fill the calendar for the upcoming 2022 season.

Don’t wait `till all the good dates are gone!

To schedule your next bay fishing or hunting trip give Capt. Steve Schultz a call at 361-813-3716 or e-mail him at SteveSchultzOutdoors@gmail.com.

Good luck and Good Fishing.

Page 10

Austin Construction News • MAR 2022

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

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’ve been in the fishing business almost all my life and nothing is as much fun as taking kids fishing. I don’t know what it is about kids and fish that makes something magical happen.

Part of the allure I’m sure is getting to go fishing with the grownups. It is a little rite of passage. It doesn’t matter if they go with Mom and Dad or Grandma and Grandpa, every kid loves to see and learn new things at the side of their favorite people. Nothing makes them feel more special than for you to share something you love doing with them because they understand that it is a gift.

If you are jerking a perch out from under a sun drenched dock, crappie from the riverbank, largemouth from a stock tank or catfish from a Kid Fish even at the coliseum, it is that tug on the other end of the line that is just magical. Fishing is entertaining because it gives us immediate, continuous feedback. Fishing beats video games because you can always find a way to cheat or manipulate your way to achieving a goal in a game, but not in fishing. Right quick the fish let you know they don’t care a thing about messing with you because they are largely in charge of the situation. If they feel like biting, you don’t know when or where or how they’ll do it. No telling whether they will try to sneak off with your bait or hit it so hard they knock it out of the water and just keep on chasing it. Most of all, who knows what you are going to catch and how big it’s going to be! And maybe the fish will just turn loose and leave you wondering what just happened…. Nope you can’t just reset the level on that and try it again!

Then there is the fact that fish are just so darn fascinating in the ickiest way.

When it comes time to clean the fish you

Kids Love Fishing!

catch most kids are awestruck. First thing, a soft little finger tip has to just see what one of those googly fish eyes feels like.

Next comes the anatomy of a fish lesson.

Fish guts are just amazing when you are a kid. They are smelly, not too bloody and so many different colors and purposes. I never met a kid who could pass up a chance to just watch fish being dressed.

If you go ahead then and wet another hook and line under the fish cleaning station and get to catching what is lurking there for a quick lunch it just gets more interesting!

Fish are just fun. You can watch them in an aquarium with calm fascination,

catch a serious case of the giggles over a dare to touch one, or just put a hand full of minnows down your sister’s shirt and run like the dickens. And don’t think girls can’t get into fishing just like boys do because they can and will often out fish you. One bunch of little kids comes to mind. When it came to be picture time to show off their catch at the trip’s end, they all preferred holding their catch like favorite teddy bears embraced by both arms and hugged up tight with big happy grins! I bet Mom was thrilled with that load of laundry!

Spring break – kids – you know what to do!

Austin Construction News • MAR 2022

Page 11

By land and by sea

Elks-hilerating hunt

Knox City, TX hunting trip Scott Pope’s elk

Ragan Pope’s elk

ope Materials Owner Scott Pope and son Ragan Pope, a Pope Materials Business Development Director and Lone Star Concrete Inside/ Outside Sales Rep, recently enjoyed an elk hunt in the Idaho snow! On the outing to Firth in November, the Popes battled the elements to score two elks – one 468 inches and the other 476 inches.

The weather, which started out still and perfect, turned into such a furious

flurry that Ragan struggled to see through his scope. Then, one of the bucks took Ragan’s last two bullets through its lungs but refused to fall; Scott used one of his own bullets to take it down. When the bull fell off the steep ridge, one of its horns was knocked off; Ragan had to prop up the antler in place for photos.

Still, “it was a lot of fun for sure,” Ragan says of the father-son trip. “We had a great time!” –mjm

P

Texas Traditions tradition Seadrift, TX hunt

Port O’Connor, TX fishing trip

yan Wade of Southern Shingles has been squeezing every moment of happiness that he can out of the recent fishing and hunting seasons.

In January, Wade enjoyed a morning duck hunt in Seadrift, TX, where he dropped teal, pintails, wigeons, and redheads.

Wade has also included some friends in recent excursions. Wade traveled to Port O’Connor with Texas Roof Repair

Owner Tyler Taunton and Wimberley Roofing Owner Sam Mott, where they caught redfish and trout on the fishing trip. The trio also enjoyed a Knox City, TX goose hunt with Wimberley Roofing’s Phillip Vaughn, Restoration Builders’ Ty Jalowy and Southern Shingles’ Colton Born. The group was rewarded with their fill of specklebelly geese, Canadian geese, and snow geese. –mjm

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Near and deer

Ready for the hunt

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L-R : Grind Time Rock Milling President Luke Schilhab and Allie Schilhab show off this beauty scored on a recent company hunt on his customer’s ranch. –mjm

Group on

very year, Texas Traditions Roofing treats all the employees (who would like to go) to an annual dove hunt in Rancho Viejo. The lucky hunters stay at the Rancho Viejo Country Club & Resort, where they enjoy a company dinner every night, two days of dove hunting and a day of golfing. –mjm

After hunting and golf, the Texas Traditions Roofing team enjoy gathering together for a nightly dinner.

Page 12

Austin Construction News • MAR 2022

Outstanding construction

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embers of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) gathered together for the presentation of the 2021 Outstanding Construction Awards. The event was held at the AT&T Executive Education & Conference Center in downtown Austin on Feb. 18. Not present: Building 2 $2 Million - $5 Million: Austin Canyon Corporation – Velocity Credit Union Downtown Branch. -cmw

AGC 2022 Executive Committee L-R: Immediate Past Chairman Alan Condina, Rogers-O’Brien Construction; 2022 Chairman Chris Szeliga, JE Dunn Construction Comp any; Vice Chairman Ryan Shipley, Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors and Secretary/Treasurer Jose Villarreal, Vaughn Construction

Building 3 $5 Million - $10 Million: Braun & Butler Construction Inc. – Hill Country Bible Church, Leander

Building 4 $10 Million - $30 Million: SpawGlass Contractors Inc. – The University of Texas at Austin North & South Wings Renovation of the Anna Hiss Gymnasium

Building 5 $30 Million - $75 Million: Hensel Phelps Construction Co. – 701 Rio

Building 6 $75 Million - $150 Million: Rogers-O’Brien Construction Company – Villas on Rio

Building 7 Over $150 Million: Austin Commercial – Q2 Stadium

Design Build 1 $0-$10 Million: Bartlett Cocke General Contractors – Bartlett Cocke Central Texas Regional Office

Education 1 $0-$10 Million: Emerson Construction Company Inc. – N. 31st Street Improvements and TISD Parking Lots

Education 2 $10 Million $30 Million: Chasco Constructors – TFC – Texas School for the Deaf Early Learning Center and Central Services Center

Education 3 $10 Million - $30 Million: Rogers-O’Brien Construction Company – Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders

Health Care 1 $0-$10 Million: Vaughn Construction – St. David’s Healthcare Partnership, Bailey Square Renovation

Health Care 3 Over $30 Million: The Beck Group - Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas Specialty Pavilion and Parking Garage

Industrial/Warehouse 2 Over $5 Million: JE Dunn Construction – Austin-Bergstrom International AirportConsolidated Maintenance Facility

Interior Finish-Out 2 $500,000 - $2 Million: Vaughn Construction – Compass Group USA, The Den Dining Renovation

Interior Finish-Out 3 $2 Million - $5 Million: Braun & Butler Construction Inc. – McNeil HS Admin Area B

Interior Finish-Out 4 Over $5 Million: Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors – LifeAustin Mueller

Historic Renovations: Bartlett Cocke General Contractors – Rio Grande Campus Main Building Renovation

Residential Multi-Family 1 $0 - $150 Million: ANDRES Construction – Korina at the Grove

Specialty Construction: JE Dunn Construction – Texas Facilities Commission (TFC), Capitol Complex, Phase One, Pkg. 1-3

21 Interiors: Lasco Acoustics & Drywall Inc. – National Mounted Warrior Museum

Other Specialty Construction: Jay-Reese Contractors Inc. – CMTA Downtown Gateway Partner

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Austin Construction News • MAR 2022

Page 13

Association Calendar

What is your favorite form of social media and why?

Content submitted by Associations to Construction News ABC Associated Builders & Contractors Mar. 25: ABC Central Texas/OSHA Partnership BBQ/Chili Cook-off, VFW Post 8787, 500 VFW Rd., 9am-3pm Mar. 30: Coffee & Contractors with Austin Commercial, ABC Offices, 2600 Longhorn Blvd. #105., 7:30am. For more info, call Brian Bisgard at 512-719-5263 or email bbisgard@abccentraltexas.org ACEA Greater Austin Contractors & Engineers Association Mar. 10: Membership Luncheon, Norris Conference, 2525 W. Anderson Ln. #365.

11:30am-1pm. For more info, call Silvia Pendleton at 512-893-7067 or email silvia. pendleton@aceatx.com AGC Associated General Contractors Mar. 28-31: 2022 AGC Annual Convention, Gaylord Texas Resort & Convention Center, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX. For more info, contact Toni Osberry at 512-442-7887 or email tonio@agcaustin.org AGC TBB Associated General Contractors Texas Building Branch Mar. 11: Outstanding Construction Awards submission deadline. For more info, contact Corbin Van Arsdale at 512964-1633 or email corbin@agctbb.org ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers Texas Section Mar. 8 : ASCE General Meeting, Details TBD, 11:30am-1pm. For more info, go to www.texasasce.org CLC Construction Leadership Council Mar. 17: CLC Happy Hour, Location TBD. For more info, contract Toni Osberry at 512-442-7887 or email tonio@agcaustin.org CTSA Central Texas Subcontractors Association Mar. 8: Lunch Membership Meeting, Location To Be Determined. 11:30am-1pm.

For more info, contact Wendy Lambert at 512-255-6373 DACA Drywall Acoustical Contractors Association Mar. 31: Member Social, Buford’s, 700 W. 6th St., 4pm. For more info, contact Eddie McCormick at 214-557-0356 or email eddie@dacaaustin.org

NARI National Association of the Remodeling Industry Mar. 9: Effectively Utilizing Content Marketing to Attract Ideal Clients, Sunshine Camp Zilker Park Lodge, 2225 Andrew Zilker Rd., 11:30am-1pm, $30 Members, $40 Non-Members. For more info, Kayvon Leath at 512-997-6274 or email kayvon@austinnari.org NAWIC National Association of Women in Construction Mar. 7-13: WIC Week Mar. 7: North Austin/Round Rock Happy Hour, Finley’s Round Rock, 410 W. Main St., Round Rock, TX, 5:30-8pm Mar. 8: Membership Appreciation, Membership Drive & Casino Cruise, Austin Party Cruises, 5019 Capital of Texas Hwy. N., $5 (Cash Only) fee paid by attendee to Travis County Parks, 5:30-8pm Mar. 9: Why Geology Matters, Balfor Beatty Construction, 1250 Capital of Texas Hwy. S. Bldg. 1 #250, 5:30-8pm Mar. 10: Central Texas Food Bank Community Service Event, Central Texas Food Bank, Metropolis Dr. #6500, 1:30-5pm Mar. 10: South Austin Happy Hour, Lustre Pearl South, 10400 Menchaca Rd., 5:30-8pm Mar. 11: Domain 9 Jobsite Tour, 2904 Palm Way, 10am-1pm. For more info, email mshafer@complianceresourcesinc. com SEAot Structural Engineers Association of Texas Mar. 24: Virtual Chapter Meeting. For more info, call 512-301-2744 TSPE Texas Society of Professional Engineers Mar. 2: TSPE Travis Luncheon, Maggiano’s Little Italy, 10910 Domain Dr. #100, 12-1pm. For more info, call Claire Black at 512-472-9286 or email Claire@tspe.org TXAPA Texas Asphalt Pavement Association Mar. 8-9: Managing Asphalt Pavements Conference and Trade Show, Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave. For more info, contact Emily Adams at 512-3122099 or email eadams@texasasphalt.org

Throwdown

Service Tech – Lighting Shades and Audio’s Professional Service team threw caution to the winds – and a few axes – during a Feb. 17 team building event at Urban Axes. A throwdown between Sean Schepperly and Justin Zook (back row) turned particularly intense, with Schepperly winning the battle. –mjm

I love LinkedIn. I think there is a lot of power in that app to meet people that you wouldn’t otherwise meet. I think sharing my engineering stories on LinkedIn, specifically to not passing the licensure exam, has helped me connect with so many people who have either gone through the same thing, or are going through it now, or who have passed. They have encouraged me. There is a lot of power there that we could use.

During the lockdown, when we were all working from home and people were not going anywhere, LinkedIn is where I did make a lot of networking connections versus any other app.

Anali Martinez Gonzalez, MWM DesignGroup My favorite app is Instagram, just because there is a variety of people and stories. It’s posting pictures of your animals and vacations. It’s interesting to see where people go, and you get ideas on vacations.

Tony Glace, Chasco Constructors Do you want me to be honest? I hate all social media apps. I would much rather have a newspaper. I don’t want to know what people are thinking every minute of the day. I don’t care what people ate for breakfast. Unfortunately, we have to utilize it, we have to stay in the game and be on top of things and be tech savvy.

Wayne Hoose, Provident General Contractors I would say Instagram. I’m pushing away from Facebook. I kind of want to push away from all social media, to be honest.

Luis Cadena, Austin Roofing and Construction

I guess my favorite app is Instagram, just because I get to see pictures of how all my friends are doing and basically what they have going on. My son definitely has a few pictures on there. My friends always laugh and say he is the cutest thing ever.

Ragan Pope, Pope Materials I have to think about this because I despise all of them! I have them, I just don’t utilize them. For the enjoyability, I do like TikTok, it is funny. I don’t post, I just watch videos. At the end of the day, it’s kind of my way to destress; I’ll watch a few and laugh. I don’t agree with what TikTok takes away from people. Back in the day, I used to watch Vine all the time, but they don’t make Vines anymore.

Brooks Flynn, Texas Traditions Roofing I am probably the furthest thing from social media. I’ve never been a big social media person. I have three kids who are all about social media, including TikTok. I fought it for years and years, not allowing them to do it, but of course all of their friends are on it, and so we have to allow it. I’ve never been on Facebook, but I do have a LinkedIn account, which sadly is not up to where most people’s are. That’s why I have two business partners who are much more into social media. I’m a doer and I just want to get things done.

Ryan Ritchie, Chalk Line

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Austin Construction News • MAR 2022

Frostbite-free fun

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1st Place: 1st Flight: Accurate Pavement Striping

hen Greater Austin Contractors and Engineers Association (ACEA) tried to host its annual Frostbite Golf Tournament last year, the event lived too much up to its name – a winter storm hit the day of the event and the members were unable to play. Not so this year: The 2022 Frostbite Golf Tournament on Feb. 21 was held in beautiful weather, and the turnout of ACEA members could not have been more pleased to be back on the green.

Thirty-six teams (144 players) carted themselves to the Austin’s River Place Country Club for a day of putting and prizes. Winners for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place took home gift certificates from the pro shop for $50, $30, and $20, respectively. All players were entered into a drawing for a driver and a putter and had an opportunity to win a gift basket in a raffle drawing.

Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive also received $50 gift certificates and had both men’s and women’s categories. Committee Co-Chair Garrett Shepperd, Fuquay Inc., distributed the prizes. –mjm s

Lindsey Geeslin, Lhoist, Women’s Longest Drive Winner and Committee Co-Chair Garrett Shepperd

1st Place, 1st Flight: Texas Concrete

Submitted to Construction News

Round-Up

Kitchell CEM announces the following: Carlos Canedo has joined Kitchell CEM as Project Director.

Canedo brings more than 20 years of experience to his new role, in which he will support the growth of Kitchell’s Austin presence, with a focus on civic/municipal and education clients. Canedo earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Civil Engineering from University of Southern California. –mjm

Abigail Potter has joined Kitchell CEM as Project Manager II. Potter’s background includes civic/ m u n i c i p a l , educational, and healthcare facilities.

She previously served as a Project Manager and Assistant Project Manager at two local construction companies.

Potter earned both a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Construction Science and Management from The University of Texas at San Antonio. –mjm

Summit Design + Build welcomes Doug Hayes as a Project Executive.

Based out of Summit’s new Austin office, Hayes will serve as a project team leader responsible for overseeing and Austin construction projects and attracting prospective clients and projects. Hayes joins Summit with 26 years of industry experience, most recently serving as Project Manager for a construction company. –mjm

White Construction Company welcomes Kallie Luttrell as a Project Engineer.

Luttrell is a recent graduate of the University of Houston, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management with a minor in Business Administration. Littrell also gained practical experience as a summer intern and then as a Field Engineer, in which she assisted with commercial and special-purpose projects. –mjm

Balfour Beatty US welcomes Caleb Booth as Senior Superintendent.

Booth, who has seven years of experience in the Austin construction market, delivered projects in a range of markets, including healthcare, higher education, and hospitality. Booth also served for five years in the U.S. Marine Corps before earning a Construction Science degree from Texas A&M University. –mjm

TDIndustries announces the promotion of Lauren Turner to Executive Vice President. A TDIndustries Partner since 2014, Turner leads Dallas Service and Austin geography in construction, service, and special projects. Tuner serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and Service Executive Council. Turner was educated at University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M. –mjm

continued from Page 1 — Summit Design + Build areas, Summit established a regional office in Austin,” Miller, who serves as the company’s President, says.

“Our team of construction experts brings a new level of sophistication to the Austin market,” he continues. “From construction consultation, preconstruction/planning and construction management to design/ build, general contracting and sustainable construction, Summit Design + Build strives to focus on empathy and anticipation to reduce headaches associated with the building process.”

Summit brings knowledge to highly complicated built-to-suit luxury apartments and condos, hospitality, and adaptive reuse to the Austin market.

Located at 98 San Jacinto Blvd., the Austin team will focus more on the multifamily, industrial, and retail assets classes, as the market demands robust growth for these building types.

Doug Hayes serves as a Project Executive in the Austin office, acting as a project team leader, overseeing, and running Austin construction projects. He plays a crucial role in bringing in prospective projects and clients through the project pipeline and positioning Summit as Austin’s leading general

contractor and construction management firm. Hayes joins Summit with over 26 years of industry experience, most recently serving as a Project Manager for Raymond Construction Co. Inc. He has extensive experience in a multitude of delivery methods in the commercial, industrial, multifamily, and mixed-use markets.

“Summit brings a unique corporate culture to the table, and it is what attracted me to join the team,” Hayes says. “We’re focused on building our people and promoting from within and training them to bring maximum value to our clients. We’re not the biggest, but we operate like one of the big boys. Our preconstruction services and estimating provide great value to our clients during pre-construction.

“Additionally, our quality control and procedures ensure that we deliver a great product at an exceptional value to our clients,” he adds. “Summit Design + Build is about building relationships with our clients and our subcontractors and vendors to build spaces where people and business thrive.”

Summit Design + Build is in Austin. – mjm

continued from Page 1 — Pope Materials same people who need ready-mix concrete. My boss, Jonathan Sharp, one of the owners at Lone Star Concrete, is the reason I’m with the company. He saw the value of having me and talked to my existing customers about how I would help them.”

Helping the Georgetown community through his work is important to Ragan.

His family is deeply rooted in the area.

One of his eighth-great grandfathers donated the land for Georgetown, and his family has been there since. He also respects that his family’s business is truly a family business. In addition to President/ Owner Scott, B.R., whom has been with the company since its 1994 inception, and Ragan’s mother Marie Pope, who serves as office manager, Ragan says many of his relatives are part of the company’s success.

“I have so many family members that work with us,” Pope says. “My second cousin Greg Shelton is our General Manager. Another second cousin, Jason Pope, has been driving for my dad for 24 years. I have a great uncle who has his own truck who is an owner operator for

us; we find work for him to do every day. We just have a lot of people within our organization that have been in our family. Also, Bryan Muccigrossi, Operations Director/Head of Ragan Pope Dispatch, has been invaluable to us and is adopted family.”

Ragan may work at two companies, but leading Pope Materials is his goal, and it is one that is underway.

“I think my dad’s getting fairly close to wanting to relax a little bit more and hand the reins over,” Ragan says. “he says I’m pretty much running it now, although he is still very much consulting with me and telling me what to do every day. But it has started with him giving me more and more rope to lead it. That’s my ultimate goal. My other goal is that I hope that I can run this business well enough so that my son Brooks Ragan Pope, who is 16 months old, can run it someday.”

Pope Materials is in Georgetown. –mjm

continued from Page 1 — TDIndustries

Exterior of TDIndustries

Work has begun on the lobby area

TDIndustries also was part of the scope of work on the building to ready it for its team. TD Superintendent Jeff Orts and Project Manager Ricky Herrera lead a team that built out the electrical, plumbing and HVAC work on the building’s interior.

TDIndustries CEO Harold MacDowell, 10 out-of-town TDIndustries employees (Partners) and Austin Partners officially opened the doors to its brandnew Austin office with a ribbon cutting on Feb. 16. It was also the perfect

opportunity for an all-partner meeting to be held that day. The company also anticipates having a customer and vendor event in the spring to showcase the new office and amenities.

“We are so excited to move into our new space,” says Austin Construction Vice President Laura Gautreau. “It’s a space that we are proud to share with our Partners and valued customers as we continue to grow and develop our Austin community.”

TDIndustries is in Austin. –mjm

Austin Construction News • MAR 2022

Page 15

Up on the rooftop …

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Construction News ON LOCATION

Greeting the press

Roy Campbell (third from left) and the Telge Roofing team gifted homeowner Donna Hughes (third from right) with a new roof in their new giveaway tradition.

ust call him Kris Shingle!

Just before Christmas, Telge Roofing Owner Roy Campbell and his team asked the community to nominate a local family in need to receive a new roof. In return, they were flooded with names of worthy candidates. Lucky homeowner Donna Hughes’ name was in the top three drawn randomly from the many nominations and was the winner of the roof.

Hughes, who was (unknowingly) nominated by her daughter for the giveaway, had a 44-year-old roof that was leaking and showing its age, not to mention mold damage. Campbell and his staff provided her with a new roof, including unlimited wind, shingles, HDZ, and a 50-year warranty, all at no cost.

Hughes was even able to select the color of her new roof before the installation.

Hughes and her daughter were visibly moved by Campbell’s generosity, and the Telge team was happy to help the homeowner enjoy a dry, safe, and healthy home again, just in time for the holidays.

Campbell’s generosity and care for his work are well-known in the community. Telge was voted Cy-fair’s top

When popping in to say “hello,” Ja-Mar Roofing & Sheet Metal President David Philllips and daughter Kenedee Hall greet Construction News. -cmw

Roy Campbell and giveaway winner Donna Hughes

roofing company five years in a row by Living Magazine. The Houston-based company services a 60-mile radius from Cypress and recently established a fulltime presence in Austin. The company also services South Texas.

Campbell says he hopes that next year he and his team of award-winning roofing elves will have the opportunity to provide a free roof for another family in need.

Telge Roofing is in Austin. –mjm

Celebrate good times!

On Feb. 18, Cokinos I Young served as the award sponsor for the Austin AGC Construction Awards Banquet and 2022 Installation of Officers. The group enjoyed the opportunity to gather with colleagues and friends and celebrate projects that impact Central Texas. –mjm

Party Mardi!

EmpireWorks – Reconstruction and Painting enjoyed a party before Mardi Gras with a Pins & Pints Bowling Night. –mjm

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Austin Construction News • MAR 2022

Dell 5G

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n its fourth project for general contractor NOVO Construction, concrete subcontractor Chasco Construction poured the slabs for the 15,000sf Dell 5G project on Hwy. 45 in Round Rock.

“We’ve done work for NOVO in the past, and when this project came out, they called us up,” Chasco Owner and Vice President Tony Glace says. “We bid the dirt, utilities, and concrete to them, and we were awarded all three.”

Starting last January, Glace, concrete foremen Jose Villarreal and Efrain Tobias, rebar foreman Felipe Martinez, and Project Manager Blake Chappell began the three-week project. The crews fine graded the slab, placed the poly, formed the slab, tied the rebar, and then poured the 1100 yards of concrete the first week of February.

“We had 16 mechanical pads on top of it after we did the slab,” Glace says. “We had to come in and form all of these individual pads for the 5G equipment, generators, and transformers to sit on.

That way, if there is a power outage, all of those generators can still power the 5G.” Glace says that aside from the bad weather typical of early-in-the-year projects, the 5G project was executed well by his team.

“The deadline was reasonable; we didn’t have any struggles getting it done on time, but we did speed things up due to the cold weather we saw coming. We hurried up and spent extra time to get it poured before the cold weather hit.” He says. “Lauren Concrete supplied the concrete, CMC supplied the rebar, and we had no issues. Western Concrete Pumping set up one concrete pump on each side and Lauren put 25 trucks on us, so we

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n April 17, 2021, a crowd of green and black striped jerseys flooded Q2 Stadium with unique excitement. This wasn’t just any game, it was the inaugural home match for Austin’s first major league sports team, Austin FC. Many Austinites can attest that this day marked a turning point for the city. Soccer began to sweep the town off its feet. Soon, even non-soccer fans would get swept away by the electrifying culture, yelling “Verde Listos” loudly from the stands. The entire community joyfully rallied behind the team.

At the conclusion of the first season, fans looked back to see a mixed display of growing pains and impressive achievements. But even now, as the team embarks on its second season, the initial feeling of pride lingers in the air. It’s not a stretch to say that Austin FC brought the city together, just as the new outdoor venue The Pitch plans to do.

Off the shores of Parmer Pond now sits The Pitch, a food and beverage venue built to further inspire and excite fans of the football club and the greater Austin community. The space invites visitors to gather beside Austin FC’s practice facility to celebrate the vibrant and unique city with good food and good beer. To make this community space a reality, an impressive team joined forces and Falcon Structures got to play an exciting role.

The creators of The Pitch invited Falcon Structures to modify 23 40ft. shipping containers that comprise the facility. Architects designed small groups of stacked containers to act as kitchens, venue spaces and community areas.

Falcon acquired the containers, modified them, and sent them off to the site to receive interior modifications. Now, the containers sit just a 16-minute drive from Falcon’s facility. Three shipping containers

Concrete subcontractor Chasco Constructors performed work on NOVO Construction’s 15,000sf Dell 5G project in Round Rock.

knocked out the pour in six hours.

“We also didn’t’ have space constraints. We were up against one side of a building that was being retrofitted on the inside for the 5G, and we had the whole parking lot on the south side, so we didn’t have any constraints in that way,” he adds.

While a few parts of the project were changed, it didn’t impact the timeline for completion.

“There is a block wall that sits on the perimeter of the slab and the slab is not flat,” Glace says. “It slopes to drains that our utility guys put in. Block has to sit flat; it can’t’ slope because the courses don’t work right. So, they added a starter wall that is a little 8in. wide curb around the perimeter that we poured flat for them to come and put the masonry on. That was

basically the major change at the end.

“But it went pretty smooth,” Glace continues. “We set the schedule, and everything fell into place. In fact, we actually finished ahead of schedule. The placement of the concrete went faster than we thought. Lauren Concrete gave us the trucks we needed, and we got it laid down, so the place and finish went faster. The rebar guys placed and finished the rebar quicker than we anticipated. We were gunning to beat the cold weather that was coming, but everything went well.”

Glace relied on his 35 years of experience to anticipate anything that might negatively impact the project.

“We made a plan on where we were going to park the concrete pumps, where the trucks were going to enter the site,

and how the trucks that dump into the concrete pumps will wash out. We planned that everybody would exit and enter one way for traffic flow, so that we could get concrete trucks in and out with no hesitation,” he says. “We had a pretty good idea of how to set everybody up and it went well.”

Glace says his team always appreciates having the opportunity to perform work for NOVO Construction.

“We enjoy working with them,” Glace says. “Our guys are very professional, from our laborers to our foremen. They’ve been with us a long time. They get in and work hard.”

Chasco Construction is in Round Rock. –mjm Chasco Construction Round Rock, TX

The Pitch

Falcon Structures modified 23 40ft. shipping containers to help create beverage venue food and beverage venue The Pitch.

Shipping containers act different spaces, such as the Corner Kick Bar.

The entire facility overlooks a courtyard and pond.

Some containers stand upright, making a perfect façade for The Pitch’s sign.

stand upright adding a unique vertical element to the eye-catching design, while simultaneously acting as disguised equipment enclosures. The entire facility overlooks the well-landscaped courtyard and the nearby pond through the wallsized windows.

“When I first heard about The Pitch, I was eager for Falcon to take part in this exciting project,” Stephen Shang, CEO of Falcon Structures, says. “Shipping containers are a great building resource, and this venue shows that. I’m proud of our contribution to this project.”

Austin, Texas prides itself on its distinctive culture with slogans like “Keep Austin Weird,” so it was an easy choice to use an uncommon, container-based modular building method. In fact, modular construction was the more cost effective choice when compared to the brick-and-mortar alternatives considered for the project.

Based on careful research, the team at The Pitch chose to work with containers because the units were easier to modify with lower upfront costs. Falcon helped minimize cost-related design limitations and the quick site setup helped the other project contributors quickly complete their work to shorten the time to revenue.

For a city newly captivated by Austin FC, The Pitch draws food and fun-loving Austinites together to celebrate their city, community, team, and the sport of soccer itself.

“As a soccer fan and Austin resident, I can’t wait to watch an Austin FC game at the Pitch!” says Falcon Structures Content Writer Marissa Morin.

Falcon Structures is in Manor, TX. ­–mjm Falcon Structures Manor, TX

Austin Construction News • MAR 2022

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Page 17

The Bank of Austin – Heartland Plaza

hen The Bank of Austin needed a remodel of an existing space in Heartland Plaza for its new Austin location, it relied on Metropolitan Contracting (METRO). Founded in 1986

by Steve Schuetze and Tim Swan, METRO has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Texas Partners Bank (also known as The Bank of San Antonio, The Bank of Austin). As a mid-size contractor with a reputation for successful large projects and Class A finish-outs, METRO was confident that it could breathe new life into the 4,140sf space at 1717 West 6th St. Suite 110.

In July 2021, METRO began the remodeling process, overseen by METRO Project Executive Tyler Guest, Sr. Project Manager Dan Shackleton, and Superintendent Matt Snow.

“METRO firmly believes in being involved in every step of the process, from concept to completion. For this project, we were involved from the start in selecting subcontractors, acquiring materials, coordinating schedules, and finding potential issues before they could develop into problems,” METRO Project Executive Tyler Guest says. “For any remodel, the goal is to create the best outcome within the given space. The Bank of Austin was built with beautiful finishes, a variety of workspaces, along with a conference room and breakroom, and all of the security measures required to create a secure environment.”

The primary challenge METRO faced was entry into a new market for the company and adjusting processes to accommodate its strong local team.

Guest says the team overcame the challenges “by leaning on the local

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experience of our Senior Project Manager, Superintendent and myself for this project, all of whom have significant experience in the Austin market and were able to overcome the regulatory and procurement obstacles that are so common in the area.”

METRO efficiently completed The Bank of Austin project in December of 2021, much to the pleasure of all parties involved.

“Both METRO and The Bank of Austin are incredibly satisfied with this project and are looking forward to opportunities to work together in the future,” says Dan Shackleton, Sr. Project Manager at METRO. “While there are areas for potential issues on any project, our highly skilled and experienced team was able to complete the project while exceeding expectations.”

METRO is in Austin. –mjm

Eye-catching finishes, like the tile backsplash featured in the bank’s breakroom, show the level of attention METRO paid to the spaces’ details.

METRO remodeled an existing space for The Bank of Austin’s new location.

The METRO team built a variety of workspaces, including the bank’s conference room.

Metropolitan Contracting (METRO) Austin, TX

Legacy Camber Ranch

urrently under construction, Legacy Camber Ranch in Austin is a sprawling community shaped by the way Austinites want to live. Sitting on 35 acres, it boasts 25 buildings, 22 of which are residential. Residents can choose from 483 units ranging in size from 438sf to 1500sf. The rest of the complex is equally impressive, with a clubhouse, pool, leasing office, fitness center, outdoor grilling areas, demonstration kitchen, esports gaming center, podcast studios and a coworking lounge. The residential buildings are separated by a sizeable greenbelt and wetland with walking trails and a 200ft pedestrian bridge.

Provident General Contractors is overseeing the project at 5005 E Parmer

Ln. Designed by Humphreys & Partners, construction on the community began in early July 2021 and is projected to be completed in mid- to late- 2023.

“It’s a big job,” says Wayne Hoose, the project’s Lead Superintendent. “The size of the land that it is being built on is huge; you don’t see many projects on 30-some-odd acres.”

Hoose says that in addition to the size, Legacy Camber Ranch is special because it actually has a “ranch look.”

“There are many apartment complexes that will advertise a ‘ranchstyle’ look, but they look more contemporary. They don’t look ‘ranch-y,’ Hoose continues. “Our project has large wood columns, metal roofs and white siding. It is going to have more of a ranch

style feel. People can find contemporary and boxy options everywhere else but this one is different. It’s in a great location close to Samsung, between 35 and I-30, so access is going to be easy. It’s just a great project to be involved in.”

Provident is constructing three different building types. The first is fourstory; each complex will have 28 apartment units. The second is split-level with basements. The third is a two-story with exceptionally high 20ft ceilings – a three-story building, but only two stories are for living.

Hoose says the project is on par with what the company builds, and that the company is in the process of building other projects for the client.

“Provident Construction is so pleased

to work on Legacy Camber Ranch,” Hoose says. “It really is a great example of the kind of work that we do, and we feel privileged to be able to work with this client on this and other projects. It’s a great opportunity with this client, especially in the Austin market. Obviously, we have to perform and meet their expectations, along with a good price and a great quality product. I think that we are on par for that, meeting those expectations. People pay attention to the details and everything that goes into a project like this. It’s important to realize that and give accolades to our team which works so hard.”

Provident General Contractors is in Austin. –mjm

The 25-building project was started in July 2021 and is slated for completed in 2023.

The finished result will offer an array of residential and entertainment options.

Thirty-five acres were prepared as the site for the Legacy Camber Ranch community, under construction by Provident General Contractors.

Provident General Contractors Austin, TX

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Austin Construction News • MAR 2022

Branching out

Industry FOLKS Anali Martinez Gonzalez EIT Graduate Engineer

MWM DesignGroup Austin, TX

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Gemaire Distributors hosted an open house for its new South Austin location.

Vendors were on hand to demo products.

Vendor NAVAC Inc. – HVAC Tools Division

n Feb. 11, Gemaire Distributors celebrated the grand opening of its newest location, Branch #659, in South Austin. As customers toured the new store, located at 6231 E Stassney, Bldg. 11, Ste. 300, they enjoyed demos by

local vendors and food truck refreshments. They also had the opportunity to peruse the HVAC stock – Rheem, Tempstar, Bosch, First Company, and Owen’s Corning products were stacked to the warehouse’s roof. –mjm

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nali Martinez Gonzalez EIT has long had a love affair with engineering.

Born in San Antonio to immigrants from Mexico and raised in Del Rio, TX, she got her first taste of civil engineering from her father, and it wasn’t what she expected.

“My dad is a Civil Engineer and surveyor,” she explains. “The summer I was 14, I told my dad I was bored, and he invited me to help him survey. He took me out with him on site to do field surveying with the crew, and I was a little upset! I thought I was going to be in a cushy office setting. I did that for a few summers until I left for college. It was a no brainer that I wanted to study or go into something related to civil engineering because that is what I was exposed to while I was working with my dad. I guess the rest is history.”

She graduated high school as a junior to attend University of Texas at Austin and says she “fell in love with transportation and roadway engineering. It felt beautiful that is was something that I could create.” She earned a Civil Engineering degree with a Spanish minor in 2012. From there, she focused on roadway design at Klotz Associates, gained land development and permitting experience at Big Red Dog (now part of WGI) and is currently working with water and wastewater utility and storm drain design at MWM DesignGroup.

“I like knowing that I can see my work in the real world and use it as well.

One project I worked on the past two years turned out to be the Moody Center, for which we did the water and wastewater connections. It’s neat that I get to go to concerts and games in this new stadium and know that I had something to do with the water faucets,” she says. “That’s the most rewarding part of what I do. I like water, wastewater and storm the most because I get to be more in the community and work in my friends’ neighborhoods, or where I go to bars and restaurants. I feel it’s a great way to help the community.”

When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Julian, who is also a civil engineer, and playing with their Australian Shepherds Chapo and Pablo. She also likes exercise (she recently completed a halfmarathon) and creating content for her lifestyle blog, “The Nueva Latina.”

She serves on the national level of the American Society of Civil Engineers and as this year’s Vice President for The Texas Society of Professional Engineers’ Travis Chapter Board. At TSPE’s annual banquet on Feb. 23, she was awarded the 2022 TSPE Travis Chapter Young Engineer of the Year award. –mjm

Austin Construction News • MAR 2022

Page 19

… and release …

In late February, Cash Construction Company introduced its Stretch & Flex program across all the company’s sites, supported by its management, superintendents, and foremen. –mjm

JOB SIGHTS

David Lucio with Devil Dog cuts conduit at the new Buckingham Center for Facial & Plastic Surgery. -cmw

In memoriam...

Melvin Barker, 86, died peacefully on Feb. 1, 2022. Born June 12, 1935, in Rockdale, TX, he attended and graduated from Manor High School. He owned Melvin Barker Roofing in Austin until he retired and was ordained as a deacon in 1969. He was also an accomplished amateur and professional boxer from 1955 to 1963, with over 70 fights, including Texas Welterweight Champion and Golden Gloves Champion. He is predeceased by his wife Janice and his sister, and survived by sons Mel Barker and Gary Barker, their wives, and his numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A funeral service was held Feb. 9 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville. –mjm

Marcelo Solorzano, Precision Builders picks up scrap material while helping install drywall at the Buckingham Center for Facial & Plastic Surgery project. -cmw

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Austin Construction News • MAR 2022

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Austin Construction News • MAR 2022