San Antonio Construction News May 2022

Covering the Industry’s News

Texas Style

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CONSTRUCTION NEWS The Industry’s Newspaper

www.constructionnews.net H (210) 308-5800 H Volume 24 H Number 5 H MAY 2022

Celebrating 125 years

65 and stronger than ever

Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing’s San Antonio leadership team L-R: Chip Goode, Sergio Lopez, Nick Flory, Vince Patterson, Adam Matthys and Tim Shaw

L-R: 3rd-generation Tony Fazzone and 2nd-generation Joe Fazzone at a monument dedicated to Fazzone Construction founder, Domenico “Dom” Fazzone

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ounded in 1897 as a weather-stripping company, Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing got its start selling their patented metal weather stripping products door-to-door to homeowners. Since then, it has evolved into a commercial roofing and waterproofing company.

When John Chamberlin of Detroit, MI founded the company, it was known as Chamberlin Metal Weather Strip Company. Chamberlin patented, manufactured and installed some of the nation’s first weatherproofing products.

By the late 1940s, Chamberlin products were utilized in homes and businesses throughout the United States.

The company expanded to Texas in 1978 in Houston and now has locations in

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s a quartermaster in the U.S. Army, Joe Monroe was accustomed to getting things done and getting them done on time. “We were in charge of everything - moving vehicles, getting them from point A to point B, ordering supplies, material accountability, everything” says Monroe. “It’s like that old saying, logistics wins wars. If you have the right stuff, how are going to fight?” And according to Monroe, the same can be said about construction.

Monroe has always dreamed of owning his own business and he’s always enjoyed building things. Even in high school, Monroe took shop. His interest just expanded from there. After serving 22 years of active duty in the Army, when it was time for Monroe to retire, he knew he wanted to open his own business and he wanted it to be along the lines of logistics.

In 2007, during a time when our country was facing demanding new chal-

Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio all serving Texas. They also have offices in Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas.

“The Austin and San Antonio branches serve South Texas from Waco south,” says Austin/San Antonio Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing Vice President and General Manager Adam Matthys.

“John Kafka, who started Chamberlin in Texas in 1987 when he moved to the Houston market established a pretty great foundation for us all to grow on. His legacy is really what we’ve been able to grow and improve on to become what we are today.”

With one other employee, Kafka started Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing in Texas. They expanded and continued on Page 18

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t’s been a good ride for Fazzone Construction since its humble beginning in Schenectady, NY. Founder Domenico “Dom” Fazzone started Fazzone Construction in 1957 just a few years after immigrating from Italy.

Dom made the journey to the United States with only $100 in his pocket. He only knew two words of English: milk and bread. But that didn’t stop him. He came to the United States to live the American dream and by all accounts, he did.

He knew the meaning of hard work, integrity and attention to detail, and built his business on those principals alone. In 1977, looking for a change from the cold winters, he relocated his family and his company to Austin, TX. He built a 3200-sf building and soon after, Fazzone Con-

struction was landing jobs and building a name for itself.

His son, Joseph “Joe” Fazzone, returned to the family business in 1998 after a successful career as a Certified Public Accountant. Assuming a leadership position in the company as President, Joe commuted from San Antonio to Austin to oversee projects in both cities from the company’s Cedar Park location.

In 2011, Fazzone Construction celebrated the grand opening of its San Antonio office which is now the company’s headquarters. With an office in Cedar Park and the home office in San Antonio, Fazzone Construction continues to build a solid reputation for their ability to construct high quality, complex commercial continued on Page 18

Celebrating 15 years

Consolidated Installation Support owner and veteran, Joe Monroe

lenges such as fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan and other threats, Monroe started Consolidated Installation Support LLC evolving into a full construction company. He got his start with the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans’ Hospital when they needed a concrete slab poured. After completing the work, they continued to offer him work and here he is today, celebrating 15 years in business.

“My claim to fame was in concrete,” recalls Monroe. “I made history in San Antonio back in 2014 being the first African American company to win a primary bid with the City of San Antonio Transportation Capital Improvements (TCI) as the prime contractor for construction.

“It was the Tom Slick Park. We poured and constructed a full basketball court and overhead canopies for shade, sidewalks and restriped the parking lot. The project was about $360,000.” continued on Page 18

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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022

Roofing and solar unite

It’s only a paper moon

McAllen Valley Roofing Co. team members have a little fun.

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ounded in 2012 in McAllen, TX, McAllen Valley Roofing Co. owners Brian McSteen and Alfredo Villalobos have over 35 years of combined roofing and construction experience and have seen many changes in the roofing industry. One such change is the increased presence of solar panels.

As the cost of putting solar panels on roofs, per kilowatt of electricity becomes cheaper than coal, more and more people are looking into solar. As a result, the roofing industry is seeing a shift in services. Roofers are becoming solar installers and solar installers are now becoming the roofers.

For this reason McAllen Valley Roofing has established its sister company, Solur LLC in 2020.

“National companies that are doing solar want their local solar installation partners to also do the roof,” says Brian McSteen, Solur LLC managing member.

“Or, they want the roofer to install the solar. The reason why is the competitive advantage of shortening the lifecycle of the install time. There’s no gap between two different companies and there’s one warranty. There’s no argument on who is responsible for a roof leak.”

The crews of McAllen Valley Roofing Co. and sister company, Solur LLC, are unifying, working together. “Because they don’t want to have a gap in the install time, we’re sending our guys with our roofers on a job site,” adds McSteen.

“As roofers are now starting to install panels on the roofs, there’s this extra labor force. There’s these guys that are cer-

tified electricians that aren’t roofers that are now merging with the roofing crews.

Eventually solar panels will fade in to futuristic solar roofing tiles and that’s when they are going to be completely unified because solar companies are not just going to disappear. They’re going to be installing roofs and installing the solar, and now you create more competition in the field.”

McAllen Valley Roofing Co. and Solur LLC provide start to finish services, from going through the loan process, the proposal process to the install and turning a roof to solar power seamlessly.

Headquarted in McAllen, TX and having offices throughout Texas on the Solur side, they service California, New Mexico, Texas, Florida, Nevada and Utah with increasing work along the east coast as well. On the roofing side, they provide virtual estimates, residential roofing, commercial roofing, shingle roofing, roof coatings, TPO, metal roofs, hail and storm damage assistance.

McAllen, Laredo and San Antonio office locations serves its surrounding areas as well through the entire state of Texas in residential and commercial roofing supply and installation.

“The roofing industry is a great industry,” McSteen adds. “We’re always looking for great talent.”

McAllen Valley Roofing Co. is a full-service San Antonio roofing company, offering residential and commercial roofing services. -cmw

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Paper Moon Painting team members

hile in high school, trying to make some extra money, Peter Moon began hanging wallpaper as an afterschool job. That afterschool job became a career. For almost ten years, Moon continued hanging paper with the assistance of one helper.

Peter met his wife Lisa Moon, while installing wallpaper on a job Lisa, a faux finisher, was doing some glazing. The two came together and realized that they could incorporate their skills into a joint business with long-term sustainability and Paper Moon Painting was established.

Together, Peter and Lisa, have over 40 years of collective experience in a wide range of services: interior painting, exterior painting, wallpaper installation and removal, plaster finishes, cabinet painting, cabinet glazing and color consulting. “Cabinet finishes is one of our differentiators. No everyone can do cabinets. Cabinets have to be sprayed. We use lacquer,” Lisa explains.

“We take pride in our work. We care as much about the beauty of someone’s home as they do. We will happily talk someone out of painting if it’s something that is not the best design or decision. A lot of times when people buy a house, they want to repaint. They often pay for everything. They don’t realize that painting the trim, baseboards, the crown molding or the closet shelves is a huge chunk of that. If they’re already in great

Lisa and Peter Moon, owners of Paper Moon Painting

condition and a nice pleasing off white as a customer likes, we’ll talk about not doing that part, focusing money where it is needed, which is changing the walls. We really do care about aesthetics. We’re not order takers. We have several trained color consultants in house that we send when a customer needs help with paint color, especially with cabinets. Redoing cabinets is not as simple as repainting a room if you get the color wrong. You really don’t want make mistakes. We really think that aesthetics and the environment that you live and work in affects your quality of life. So we want it to be beautiful.”

Paper Moon Painting is located in San Antonio and Austin. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022

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A new name in town

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RJ Paez and Haley Serna, founders and co-partners of San Antonio’s newest architectural firm, Elevate Architecture.

ursuing a degree in architecture, Haley Serna moved to San Antonio to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). RJ Paez, went to Texas Tech University. There he earned his degree in architecture. When their paths crossed while working together at an architectural firm, the two realized they shared a dream, the same dream.

“We’ve worked together previously,” says Serna. “At that office, we were on the same team and after a while we started managing our own projects. We remained friends and in good communication. Sharing our experiences in the field of architecture and design, we really were aligned in our way of thinking and what we saw as a successful, business model for architecture. And we decided to try our hand at it.”

Together, they have seen how projects can be better. Together, they shared the dream of starting their own firm. With

an innovative mindset to exceed expectations through their relationships, design, and community, Serna and Paez founded Elevate Architecture earlier this year.

Elevate Architecture was formed to pursue a progressive and passionate approach to the practice of architecture, planning and interior design.

Together, Serna and Paez, bring 25 years of collective experience in architecture. “Throughout the years in the industry, we’ve developed many positive relationships,” Paez adds. “It’s just really exciting to collaborate with quality individuals and customize teams to fit each project.”

Elevate Architecture is experienced in and focuses on projects in hospitality, retail, institutional, recreational, medical offices, multi-family, industrial and more. -cmw

Two companies combine

L-R: Brandt President Steve Hayes, Southland CEO Ted Lynch, CLO Brandt Kelly Carr, Brandt CEO Barry Moore, Brandt Chairman Mark Zilbermann, Southland COO Rick Blazier, Southland Chief HR Officer Lisa Starr, Brandi CFO Mike Arthurs and Southland Northwest Division Leader Dan Heichelbech

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n Apr. 4, The Brandt Companies, Texas’ largest mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) contractor, announced it has been acquired by Southland Industries in its 70th year of business. Headquartered in Dallas, Brandt has offices in Fort Worth, Houston, Waco, Austin and San Antonio.

Brandt was established in 1952 by Sonny Brandt. Seventy years later, Brandt has grown from Brandt Engineering, Brandt Mechanical, and Brandt Service in the ‘70s and ‘80s, to a suite of companies, offering full-service solutions as a single provider to large and complex construction and asset management projects.

Southland Industries was founded in 1949. As a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) building systems expert, Southland Industries provides integrated, full-lifecycle solutions that optimize the design, construction, operation, and efficiency of buildings.

As Brandt becomes part of the Southland family, it is important to know that Brandt Companies will retain its name, leadership, offices and teams.

“This acquisition provides an exciting opportunity for our employees,” says Brandt President Steve Hayes.” It’s the combination of two great companies. We’re tak-

ing the best of both companies and we’re building a platform that we can continue to grow off of and provide opportunities for our employees to grow in their careers.”

As Southland expands its geographical footprint to become a true national company that can better serve their customers, increase its industry influence towards more collaborative delivery approaches, and create additional opportunities for their employees, Southland Industries CEO, Ted Lynch, Ph.D., excitedly welcomed the Brandt family. “I am excited to welcome Brandt to the Southland Industries family and look forward to what we will accomplish together.”

Southland’s acquisition of Brandt unites a team of over 5,000 talented individuals across 35 states, with full-lifecycle expertise from engineering through fabrication and installation to post-construction services including operations, maintenance, and energy services — on some of the most complex projects in the U.S. This partnership creates one of the nation’s largest privately-held specialty construction firms. “We’re owned and run by people that work in the business and live in the local communities we serve,” adds Hayes. -cmw

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A step in a new direction

ince 2016, Bexar Excavating & Hauling LLC has experienced continued growth. Founder, Toby Martinez, has an extensive background in the design phase of construction projects; co-authoring geotechnical engineering studies, and heading up soil testing services for over 25 years. Bexar is certified by SCTRCA as Emerging Small Business Enterprise (ESBE), Hispanic American Business Enterprise (HABE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), and Small Business Enterprise (SBE). It is also a certified state HUB. The company started out performing sitework services on small commercial projects and quickly moved into large subdivisions. While those days are not gone, Bexar is not currently involved in such projects. They are now performing work on more, but larger commercial projects.

“When we moved into that arena, we had much bigger crews, and more people doing subdivisions,” says Martinez.

“Our revenue was much higher, and when that work ended, we didn’t pursue future subdivision work. It happened to work out perfect for us.

“We’re getting so busy that we’re trying to scale back up. But we’re scaling back up at a calculated rate making certain we have the right people in the right positions, and not just people with a certain skillset.”

Joining Bexar Excavating & Hauling as Chief Operating Officer is Mike McGinnis. “I’ll be in the field helping Toby grow the company. I wasn’t looking in taking a different direction in my career, especially away from a desk, but Toby saw something in me that I never saw before. It intrigued me. I also saw how Toby treated his business, as a family, and was very similar to my previous employment that I truly enjoy. My new responsibility has a different feel from my previous job duties, but but that’s why I’m here, a new

L-R: Bexar Excavating & Hauling Owner Toby Martinez and COO Mike McGinnis

challenge. To continue to work with all relationships I have made in the construction industry is not a bad thing either.” says McGinnis.

“Day one, Mike showed that he was going to bring 100% more quality to our operations, our processes and procedures, and really, our mindset. He already has. He’s been here less than a month and he’s already changed a little bit of the direction we’re going in,” says Martinez.

Martinez plans on growing Bexar with the help of Mike and stepping away from the business. Not completely but stepping away so that other people can run the business with plans of Bexar being an employee owned company someday real soon with McGinnis being the chairman of the board. -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022

A giving company

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A 36-year first

LSL Electric team members L-R: Travis Dolan, Greg Vybiral and Josh Carrillo

s young man, lying on his mama’s sofa, Greg Vybiral’s mama told him to get up and get a job. Sound familiar?

“Long story short, there was an electrical company down the road from where we lived. Mama told me to go down there. ‘You tell them who you are, because your dad used them in his business a lot and they’ll hire you.’ By then, my dad had long passed prior to that. I did just what she told me to do. They didn’t recognize my name, but they just hired a wet behind the ears, green helper.

I was fortunate. They gave me a job and that’s kind of how it all happened.”

The majority of Vybiral’s electrical education came from on-the-job training. He did, however, take a couple of semesters to further his knowledge base. “I didn’t like school much. That’s why I didn’t go to college but if it was something I enjoyed, like electrical, then I would take a course on it,” says Vybiral. “I got a lot of knowledge on-the-job, but I wanted to learn more about it, so I spent a couple semesters on electrical technology.”

For the next 25 years, Vybiral worked in the electrical trade learning all he could before venturing out on his own. “I always kind of wanted to have my own business but never pulled the trigger,” he says. “It’s a scary thing to be on your own.

I was doing tons of side work while working for somebody else, so I figured I’d just give it a shot.

“Plus, I had an opportunity with a contractor out in Houston. He and I were talking and there was an opportunity for him to hire me to do some building automation work for him. Those two things combined, made me break out on my own.”

In 2006, Vybiral started working for himself doing a lot of commercial work that required a lot of traveling. Then, in August of 2021, Vybiral re-branded his company, LSL Electric, and started over focusing on residential home service. After a few months, he hired an apprentice and then a licensed technician.

LSL Electric performs residential and light commercial electrical service from installing new circuits to hanging ceiling fans. “We can run new circuitry, main electrical panel replacements or repairs,” adds Vybiral. “We do a lot of troubleshooting. Troubleshooting is one of our favorite things to do.

“Like our tagline says, we are dedicated to excellent service and craftsmanship. We service all of San Antonio and it’s surround communities up and into Austin.”

Giving back is important to LSL Electric. “We are very involved in a non-profit organization, Room Redux. A portion of the proceeds from every job we do is donated to support Room Redux, a New Braunfels based 501(c)3 that transforms the lives of children who deserve a fresh start. We transform the rooms of children that have faced physical or sexual abuse and sometimes other types of trauma.

We do the work in one day.

“We do it completely anonymously to the child. When the child goes to school, or on a weekend when they are off for a fun day, volunteers come in and completely transformed their room by painting, and sometimes we rip up carpet and put in new flooring, new to newish furniture, decorate or decor that fits and is specifically designed for that child.”

LSL Electric is a small family-owned residential and light commercial electric service company in New Braunfels, TX. -cmw

L-R: Karen Ridout, Tony Ridout, Mike Fenton, Megan Padilla and Michael Moore

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hen it comes to construction, construction has its very own set of accounting rules and tax rules. There seem to be a lot of nuances, and not all CPAs learn them. From day one, construction is the direction Ridout, Barrett & Co. PC traveled, developing a niche in construction accounting.

From its humble beginnings in 1986, the company has grown from a one-man show to a firm of 65-plus employees in two locations. With their expanding presence, the Ridout Barrett team sought to poise themselves further by unifying their company’s outreach within the communities they serve and their family within.

In Ridout Barrett’s 36-year history, the firm has never had a marketing coordinator. That is until last year. In November of 2021, Megan Padilla joined the Ridout Barrett family as the firm’s marketing coordinator where she handles everything from designing new marketing materials, planning/coordinating events, sponsorships, and manages all direct marketing. Furthermore, she works with Ridout’s leadership to help develop a variety of marketing and business development activities to help the firm grow and to continue to succeed.

Padilla was born and raised in San Antonio. She is graduate of John Marshall High School and an alumni from The University of Texas at San Antonio where she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication.

While going to college and waitressing at TopGolf, Padilla introduced herself to the marketing manager Katrina Funtanilla, at a marketing event being held there. She introduced herself as a college

student seeking a degree in the same field and expressed an interest in joining Funtanilla’s team. The following week she interviewed and began working alongside Funtanilla in TopGolf’s marketing department planning events, developing partnerships, assisting in managing budgets, social media and sales. That experience confirmed a career in marketing was the right path for her.

After earning her degree, Padilla began working in social media for Beldon Roofing before moving into the field of commercial real estate where she worked more in graphic design.

Then in 2021, Padilla was introduced to Ridout Barrett. She did not know of Ridout’s presence in San Antonio until she began working for Ridout Barrett.

“For 36 years they have helped construction companies with their accounting needs. They have a huge presence in the construction industry. As their marketing coordinator, I oversee the marketing needs of RBC. “I love what I do and the awesome RBC team I get to be a part of,” says Padilla. “As cliché as it may sound, it’s true.

Since my first day, everyone has welcomed me with open arms. Everyone is so respectful and professional. Everyone wants to see you succeed in your career and grow as an individual. I love that my creativity is appreciated and everyone is willing to see change.”

Padilla enjoys working out, hanging out with friends and going to breweries.

“Hazy IPA’s are my favorite. Relaxing to me is watching YouTube or Netflix in a clean house with my favorite candle burning.” -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022

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Sweeping Texas flues

It takes a stud

The Wolfman Chimney & Wildlife team in New Braunfels, TX

Bob Lynch at his desk with his old-fashioned tools

s warm as it is in South Texas, one might wonder why one would need a chimney sweep? The answer is simple. People love fireplaces.

Fireplaces offer a relaxing, primal connection between hearth and home that even climate or technology cannot break.

There’s just something about a relaxing fire that draws people.

Understanding that the typical homeowner or business owner of a fireplace might not understand the true functionality of maintaining a healthy fireplace, Jack Wachsmann founded Wolfman Chimney & Wildlife in 2008.

“Chimney sweeping is just more than cleaning out one’s chimney,” says Wachsmann. “There is a responsibility to make sure the chimney is in good working condition.”

Wachsmann and his team are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America and as such, they are required to inspect all chimneys they are asked to sweep and/or inspect. “We do everything from new builds to tearing down and re-

building old chimneys to chimney caps, to realigning chimneys, you know, aligning an old chimney that wasn’t aligned, because maybe at the time it was built, it wasn’t built to the code that there is today.

“Chimneys hav0e evolved but we still have the old school, masonry type, as we call them, out there. New homes are being built every day with masonry chimneys still, so it still happens. Then you have your prefab units, which are made in a menu in a manufacturing plant. prefab units are going to be a metal box with metal piping, and then the wall is enclosed around it.”

Wolfman Chimney & Wildlife is more than just inspections. They offer complete fireplace and chimney repair and rebuilds as well as wildlife removal and wildlife proofing throughout Central and South Texas. “Whether you are a business owner or a homeowner, if you have a fireplace, you should have your chimney and fireplace inspected annually,” emphasizes Wachsmann. -cmw

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ob Lynch has been working in the drywall industry most of his life. In 1995, he ventured out and created his own company, Walls Across Texas, providing metal studs drywall and acoustical ceilings along with remodel and interior finish-out. His company tagline has been, “It takes a stud to hang drywall.”

While attending Texas A & M, he considered majoring in mechanical engineering. His roommate was majoring in building construction and he decided to go that route. In the late ’80s, the economy plunged and the company he worked for didn’t survive. He then went to work for Marek Brothers from 1990-1995 as an estimator/project manager. Prior to starting his own company (in ’95), he was listening to country music on the radio. The song, “Waltz Across Texas” came on. The rest is history.

Lynch said his business has always been steady and has maintained a loyal customer base. He still has a lot of the same customers since he started the company.

“I’d say about mid-2020 and throughout 2021, material prices rose and sometimes weren’t available. That kept us from bidding jobs too far down the road.

Fortunately, we do a lot of jobs that start right away, so we know what our costs will be. Things seem to be leveling out and more consistent right now.”

The company has about 20 employees that have been there quite a while.

“We’ve been trying to hire more people, but it’s getting harder these days to find qualified applicants.”

He adds, “My son, Sam, is involved in the business. He’d like to diversify into some other trades but I’m a creature of habit. I prefer to stick with what I know. I still use paper plans for my take-offs. Sam says I’m a tree killer – but I do recycle all the plans.”

In the meantime, and when time allows, you’ll find Lynch at the coast somewhere fishing with his friends.

Walls Across Texas home based in San Antonio -rd

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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022

INSURANCE

ACCOUNTING

OSHA’s National Safety Standdown to Prevent Falls in the Construction Workplace

Improving Your Cash Flow Melanie C. Geist Managing Partner Ridout Barrett & Co, PC San Antonio, TX

Stan Gregory Safety & Risk Consultant insurica San Antonio, TX

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ash flow management is critical for any business or organization. Even when profitable, poor cash flow management is burdensome for a company. If your business has ongoing cash flow issues, there are steps you can take to assess and improve the situation.

Cash Flow vs. Profit Cash flow is the movement of cash in and out of a business. There are three categories of cash flow: • Operating cash flow is the cash generated by a business’s day-to-day operations. It includes cash from sales, receivables, and payments to suppliers and employees.

• Investing cash flow is the cash used to purchase long-term assets, such as property or equipment.

• Financing cash flow is the cash related to debt such as loans or credit card debt and equity such as new investment and return of capital.

Cash flow is the net inflows and outflows from operating, investing, and financing activities. Profit or net income is what a business earns after subtracting expenses from revenue.

One would expect a profitable company to have positive cash flow, but that’s not always the case. For example, a company may have had revenue in the last month, but customers were slow to pay, which caused a cash-flow deficit. Maybe a company had to purchase a considerable amount of inventory to gain lower pricing, but it caused a cash shortage. There are many reasons why a company may become short on cash.

Get Current on Financials It’s difficult to manage a problem without timely and accurate information. A company should keep all financials current.

Review assets, liabilities, and corresponding schedules. For example: • Review the accounts receivable and identify the amount of current, overdue, and uncollectable receivables.

• Review inventory and assess what is good versus what is no longer usable.

Taking a detailed look at your financials enables you to identify the root causes of many problems.

Create Projections While the financial statements provide a current and historical view of a business, they do not project into the future.

Create financial projections driven by key variables so the business can test a variety of future scenarios. Projections will provide visibility into what might happen under various scenarios and enable management to select the best path forward.

Improving Profitability A company’s net income is a significant factor in cash flow. If a company is profitable, cash flow is easier to manage because it typically has assets to support financing. However, if a company has not reached profitability or has become unprofitable, financing cash flow deficits can be challenging.

Cash flow problems call for a critical look at the income statement. A company may have a problem with sale or expenses. A company’s costs may be out of alignment with its revenue. Perhaps sales have trended downward over several months without any adjustment to expenses. The company may have experienced increases in the cost of goods sold due to inflation but has not increased the price of its products or services.

Challenging business situations cause an owner to make tough decisions that

strengthen the business. Improving profitability is a first step to alleviating cash flow issues.

Improving Cash Flow While improving revenue and expenses help cash flow, there are other tactics to alleviate cash flow challenges. Below are examples tactics a company can employ.

Collections. Accounts receivables may be an opportunity to increase cash quickly. An aging report will provide insight into the effectiveness of collections activity. A high amount of non-current receivables is typically the result of poor collections activity or problems with the product. Focusing on collections can be a quick win for building cash.

Customer Deposits. Is there the ability to collect a customer deposit with a new order? If a business must purchase and hold inventory to build the final product, collecting a customer deposit may help offset the cost of holding inventory.

Time to Invoice. Once the product is delivered, how long does it take to invoice the customer? Each day lost waiting to invoice is a day lost to receiving payment. Be sure to invoice as soon as possible.

Customer Terms. Extending generous terms can cause serious cash flow problems, especially if customers still pay late.

It may be wise to tighten the terms extended to customers.

Ease of Payment. Make it easy for the customer to pay you. Providing payment options such as credit card, ACH, or wire transfer can help speed the payment process.

Vendor Terms. Negotiate longer terms with suppliers, especially if customers are demanding longer terms.

Credit Card. Applying for a corporate credit card may help bridge the gap for smaller cash flow issues.

Line of Credit. Consider opening a line of credit with your bank or other financial institution. Lines are often based on collateral such as accounts receivable and inventory and can be expanded as you grow and establish a successful payment history.

Equity Investment. Startups and growing companies often sell equity to raise funds for growth. Mature companies can also sell equity to pay down expensive debt and provide liquidity.

The above are ways a company can improve its cash flow position. Planning is one of the best ways to prevent cash flow issues, but sometimes cash flow issues arise quickly and unexpectedly. Contact our office if you’d like to discuss your situation and how we may be of service.

Melanie C. Geist, CPA, CGMA mgeist@rbc.cpa Melanie graduated from the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse School of Accountancy in 1998. She later received her Master of Taxation from University of Texas in San Antonio in 2003 and obtained her CPA certificate in 2004. Melanie became a shareholder of the firm in November 2014.

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his stand-down occurs May 2-6, 2022.

Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls account for the 34% of fatalities in the construction industry. To raise awareness about falls and to help prevent them, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) created the National Stand-down to Prevent Falls in Construction.

What Is a Safety Stand-down?

A safety stand-down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety. The National Safety Stand-down to Prevent Falls in Construction focuses on fall hazards and reinforces the importance of fall prevention. Since its inception in 2014, the free, annual event has helped train nearly 10 million workers on fall prevention.

How Do Businesses Conduct a Safety Stand-down?

Companies can conduct a safety stand-down by taking a break to host a toolbox talk or perform another safety-related activity, such as conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans or discussing job-specific hazards. A stand-down could be as simple as a 15-minute toolbox talk or several hours of training over a week.

A safety stand-down should provide an opportunity for employers and employees to talk about hazards, protective methods and the company’s safety policies, goals and expectations.

Who Can Participate in a Safety Stand-down?

Anyone interested in educating employees about fall hazards, or other job hazards, can participate in the National Stand-down to Prevent Falls in Construction. In past years, participants included: • • • • • •

General contractors Sub- and independent contractors Employers’ trade associations Federal, state and local governmental agencies Professional societies and institutes Consumer/labor-management interest organizations

To participate, businesses simply need to hold a stand-down with their employees during the week of the National Safety Stand-down to Prevent Falls in Construction. Then, they can go online to download a certificate of participation at OSHA’s Stop Falls Stand-down or National Safety Council›s (NSC) webpages.

One of the most important reasons a business should participate is to demonstrate to employees its commitment to fall prevention and other safety issues on the job site. Employees and employers alike recognize the importance of demonstrated top-level commitment to promoting a positive safety culture.

Stan joined INSURICA in 2015 as a member of the Risk Management Services team. He takes pride in providing risk management solutions for customers in all industries, with a special emphasis on behavioral safety solutions. Stan’s primary focus is working with large employers to improve their risk profiles and safety cultures by implementing custom-tailored safety and risk management plans.

EXPERIENCE As a true life-long risk management professional, Stan has more than three decades of experience working with safety and loss prevention. He has built a wealth of experience working with national and regional insurance carriers, as well as large insurance brokers. Additionally, he has worked as a regional manager with several safety consulting groups. His work has always been client-focused, providing risk management services, including risk assessments, consulting services, and safety training.

EDUCATION AND DESIGNATIONS Stan is a graduate from Oklahoma State University with a BS in Engineering Technology, focusing on Fire Protection and Safety. He obtained his Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation, which is widely regarded as the premiere designation within the industry. He is a 30-year member of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), and he has served in many roles including, Chapter President and Delegate and as Area Director, Deputy RVP and ARVP for Professional Development in Region III.

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022

Page 7

OSHA

LEGAL Reassessing Dispute Resolution - Creative Approaches in the New Era

Aerial Lifts and Electric Power Lines Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

R. Carson Fisk, Shareholder Andrews Myers, P.C. Austin, TX

A

s pandemic restrictions wane and aspects of life and work more closely resemble the pre-pandemic world, long delayed cases will be placed on a path to trial or final arbitration hearing. With imminent deadlines, there may be a renewed interest in settlement, as the costs of litigation and arbitration are no longer deferred. But after over a year of remote proceedings, accommodations, and often-fluid deadlines, settlement through the traditional mediation process may be harder to achieve. Included among the challenges is that, due to the unexpected reprieve from case activity, parties (and sometimes even their counsel) may be less attune to the expense and other risk attached to litigating or arbitrating a case to final conclusion. For disputes where settlement is preferred (and it should often be preferred), preparing a case for a trial or final hearing may not necessarily be the best approach to optimize a case for potential settlement.

Mediation is essentially a facilitated negotiation, voluntary in nature. The parties in a dispute meet with a neutral third party, who serves as the mediator to help the parties reach a resolution on their own terms. While the styles of mediation differ widely (some mediators facilitate discussions while others evaluate the parties’ positions), the overarching idea is that the mediator is involved and helps guide the parties in reaching an agreement. There are numerous advantages to mediation over other forms of dispute resolution, primarily driven by the control over the outcome and creative components of resolution. In court or arbitration, someone else will decide the result, and any award is generally monetary in nature.

But mediation has it weaknesses, including the unfortunate reality that many mediations take place before a case is ready to be mediated. Dispute resolution clauses in construction contracts often contain a requirement that the parties mediate prior to pursuing litigation or arbitration. Thus, many mediations occur before there has been a formal exchange of information, such as through discovery in a lawsuit. That limits the knowledge that the parties bring to mediation, including understanding what the other side may want and why.

This means more time spent in mediation simply learning about basic facts, claims, and calculations, rather than focusing on resolution. Rather than proceed with a multi-mediation session dynamic as these matters are identified, other approaches may make sense to consider.

As a precursor to mediation or used independently from it, parties can utilize processes found in Chapter 154 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, which includes the summary jury trial, the mini-trial, and the moderated settlement conference. The summary jury trial is simply an abbreviated trial presented before a panel of six jurors, unless the parties agree to another number of jurors. The respective parties present their cases to the jury, who may issue a non-binding, advisory opinion on liability, damages, or both. This process is

unique in that it uses jurors to aid the parties in evaluating a dispute and developing realistic settlement positions. The mini-trial offers a different approach in that the parties present their positions not to a panel of jurors, but rather “selected representatives for each party or before an impartial third party.” The goal is to define issues. When retaining an impartial third party, the third party may issue an advisory opinion on the merits of the case, such an opinion being nonbinding unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. A moderated settlement conference removes the concept of “selected representatives” or a singular impartial third party in favor of a panel of impartial third parties. The parties present their positions to the panel, who may then issue a non-binding, advisory opinion regarding liability, damages, or both.

At the conclusion of each of these proceedings, the parties are meant to engage in settlement negotiations, now with much more information in hand with respect to their own case and their opponent’s case. Orders referring cases to these processes should address the appointment, identification and payment of fees for any third parties. They will also need to decide upon the completion deadline for the process, with time allotment for various applicable events (e.g., jury selection, opening statement, admission of evidence, closing argument, discussions with jurors). Lastly, they will need to identify required attendees and address confidentiality.

Parties in arbitration may avail themselves to even more flexibility given the contractual nature of the process. The prospect of an interim hearing or an advisory opinion is possible, with even the most creative of approaches having the potential for discussion. With such an experience or information in hand, there may be a more meaningful basis on which to conduct settlement negotiations.

The above approaches can be tailored to the needs of the case, and can be conducted in a way that offers value without prejudicing a party. For example, opening statements and closing arguments might be summarized in written form, direct examinations might be abbreviated, experts could be subjected to joint questioning, and cross-examination could be avoided altogether. The opportunities for potential customization are endless and can be crafted so that key pieces of litigation or arbitration strategy need not be sacrificed. Ultimately, amicable resolution is the outcome preferred by most parties and the state itself. To achieve that, those involved in disputes should be open-minded as to the options available to them and discuss such options with counsel, either when preparing contract forms or when a dispute is underway.

R. Carson Fisk is a construction attorney, mediator, and arbitrator and shareholder at Andrews Myers P.C. in Austin, Texas, and is board certified in Construction Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He may be reached at cfisk@andrewsmyers.com

Q

uestion: What standards apply to a situation where employees, not engaged in electrical work, operate an aerial lift within 10 feet of overhead electric lines?

Section 1926.416 General Requirements for work practices applies to your scenario. Section 1926.400(b) provides that: In addition to covering the hazards arising from the use of electricity at jobsites, [§§1926.416 and 1926.417] also cover the hazards arising from the accidental contact, direct or indirect, by employees with all energized lines, above or below ground, passing through or near the jobsite.

Section 1926.416(a)(1) Protection of employees provides that: No employer shall permit an employee to work in such proximity to any part of an electric power circuit that the employee could contact the electric power circuit in the course of work, unless the employee is protected against electric shock by deenergizing the circuit and grounding it or by guarding it effectively by insulation or other means.

Compliance with §1926.416(a)(1) entails a three-step analysis: Step 1: Did the employer permit an employee to work in such proximity that he or she could contact the electric power circuit in the course of work? “Contact” includes direct or indirect contact.

For example, a 15-foot separation when painting with a roller on a 20-foot aluminum extension pole poses the risk of indirect contact, and the employee is, therefore, too close to a live, ungrounded electric power circuit.

Step 2: Did the employer de-energize the proximate electric power circuit and ground it? If the employer did not de-energize and ground the circuit, then permitting employees to work close enough to “contact the electric power circuit in the course of work” would violate §1926.416(a)(1), unless the circuit was effectively guarded.

Step 3: If the proximate electric power circuit was not de-energized and grounded, did the employer guard the circuit “effectively by insulation or other means” of guarding?

Guarding by insulation means placing insulating blankets, sleeves or similar devices on the conductors to protect employees from shock hazards. Multiple factors including voltage, use, location, and the conductors’ own coverings, if any, will determine the appropriate insulating material to use.

Guarding by “other means” includes a long list of methods and devices. Section 1926.449, which supplies definitions for all of Subpart K, offers a catalogue of guarding by means other than insulation.

Guarding is effective if it successfully removes “the likelihood of approach to a point of danger or contact by persons or objects.”

In other words, if the proximate electric power circuit has not been de-energized and grounded, and if this circuit has not been guarded effectively by insulation, the employer must utilize other means of guarding to eliminate the potential for employee contact with the circuit. natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232

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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022

seen something in me because he used to take me to VICA tournaments, bending pipe and all that stuff. I just stuck with it.

It’s something no one in my family is involved in. I’m a first-generation electrician.

How long have you been in the trade?

I got started when I was 15 while in high school. I’m going to be 37, so 22 years.

Jason Balderas,

Owner, Mr. Watts Electrical Service, San Antonio, TX

A

s a young man in high school, playing football, Jason Balderas had no idea what he wanted to do beyond high school. That is until one of his high school teachers introduced him to the electrical trades.

Jason, tell me a little bit about you.

Where were you born? Where did you grow up?

I was born here in San Antonio. I grew up in the Ingram Road/Loop 410 area. I went to Holmes High School, and that’s where my journey began as an electrician. I participated in the electrical trades program at Holmes High School as a sophomore.

After high school, did you attend a trade school?

I did. I earned a certificate from St. Philip’s Southwest Campus in electrical trades. At that time, I was still working. I was working at Lane Hart Electric and did nothing but new construction homes. I would work all day at Lane Hart and then leave for night school at St. Philip’s Southwest.

Tell me about your parents. What did your parents do for a living when you were growing up?

My mom worked for Alamo Community College District. She worked there until the pandemic hit and she decided to retire. My dad worked and still works for the City. He’s about to retire in January.

They had been working ever since we were growing up.

Why did you pick the electrical trade?

We had a career day at Holmes High School, and I remember Mr. Santos, John Santos, stopping me to ask me what I was going to do with my life. At the time I was playing football and just replied I didn’t know.

I took the electrical trade course and I just fell in love with it. I’d tell him, ‘This isn’t too bad.’ I was getting more and more intrigued with it as he would give us schematics to wire it. He must have

Are you married? What’s your what is your wife’s name?

Yes, I’m married. My wife’s name is Odilia. We call her Lily. She’s from the Valley.

How did y’all meet?

We met through the internet on catholicmatch.com. I was done going out, going to parties and trying to meet someone. I was ready to settle down and wanted to settle down, so I started praying about it. God found someone for me within a month. I knew it was alright because he chose her for me. Everything’s been working since.

Did you go down to the Valley to meet Lily for the first time?

No, she moved to San Antonio to go to school at SAC. She’s into music, guitars, vocals, opera and all that stuff. She went to SAC because they didn’t offer those classes down in the Valley.

What does Lily do?

She’s a full-time stay-at-home mom.

She has the patience needed to take care of three kids. The baby is ready to start walking so she’s always on her toes with a full plate.

Tell me about your children.

We have three beautiful kids, two girls and a boy. Our oldest daughter, Jaylie is 8 years old. Julie, our middle child is 3 years old. She will be turning 4 very soon. Jason, Jr. is 7 months old.

When you decided to start your company, was it a difficult decision?

I took a leap of faith. It was always one of my goals in life. When I got my master license I was still working for my former employer. It just got to the point that I had to make a decision – go to work for another company or take a leap of faith and go out on my own. I knew my wife was pregnant and I just knew if I didn’t try it, I would always kick myself for not trying. So I took that leap of faith and haven’t looked back.

How did you come up come up with the name, Mr. Watt?

At first it was going to be Electrical Experts but then I would see Mr. Electric, Mr. Sparking and then it popped up in my head, Mr. Watts. I googled it and I found one company up in North Carolina that had that name and one in London. I liked the name Mr. Watts and decided I was going to name my company Mr. Watts. I put

Jason Balderas, Owner, Mr. Watts Electrical Service, San Antonio, TX

the little character together in the logo. To me, I think a little character is eye-catching. Around town, you see a lot of trucks with different faces and characters.

When you started Mr. Watts Electrical Service, was it just you?

Yes but I knew people that would help me out until I really got going. My supplier got me the materials I needed to get started. There were a lot of people that helped me get to where I am today.

My wife, she’s the backbone of the company. She takes care of all the paperwork and keeps the books straight.

What do you do to relax when you are not Mr. Watts?

I really enjoy barbecuing and hanging out with the family and friends. With the little one, there’s not much we can do.

It’s hard for us to have a date night. We like to enjoy our time together watching movies when we can, but mostly I like to barbecue and spending family time every Sunday at my parent’s house. We all get together and barbecue. It’s so much fun!

We also like to go gambling when we can. We gamble at Coushatta. Sometimes we go to the casinos in Oklahoma - WinStar or Kickapoo.

Do you have a mentor?

I used to. I used to work at this small family-owned company and the owner, Mr. Jetter, helped me put my feet on the ground because I was a little troublemaker. I made some bad decisions when I was younger. At the time, I didn’t have a driver’s license. He gave me six months to get my license or he was going to let me go. I got my driver’s license and then I got my journeyman license all while I was working for him. He’s a true master. He knows

San Antonio

everything about everything. I learned a lot from that guy.

What do you like most about what you do?

I’m in the service business. I love meeting new people every day. I don’t like being on a job for one year or even six months, three months. In the service world, you meet someone new every day and it’s a new challenge. People trust me to give them options to fix whatever they need fixing whether it’s a ceiling fan, light switch or whatever.

They trust what I say and a lot of times they go with what I recommend.

And that’s why I like meeting new people, reading new faces and putting a smile on someone’s face. A conversation goes a long way. You never know who you’re going to meet and that’s fun.

Do you consider yourself a people person?

Yes. Some people will say no, but yes especially in my business. I’m not shy or anything like that. When I get a call, I want them to know they hired a professional.

I’m going to get it done and take pride in getting it done for the customer.

What would you like our readers to know about Jason Balderas?

I take my job serious and the electrical trades with a passion. I want people to say, “That that’s why we like you Jason because you work with passion and trustworthy.” Getting the trust from my customers and knowing they feel they hired the right person, and that I’m going to be their electrician from now on.

I want the Construction News readers to know I’m not going anywhere. I going to take care of all my customers and going to the job done right. -cmw

CONSTRUCTION NEWS

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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022

Page 9

The Challenge was on

Winner: John Schiedeck with wife Taryn, daughter Avery and son Colton

E

quipment operators from Central and South Texas headed to Holt Corporate Headquarters on Saturday, April 23 to show off their skills. The event was the first round of The Global Operator Challenge.

Tyler Schweigert, a Technical Training Operator and Safety Instructor with HOLT ProTech! at their Irving location, was the person setting up the three challenges at the event.

“We set up the challenges based on what an operator does in the real world,”

Mini Hex Challenge

said Schweigert. “Like the loader application, you do a lot of maneuvering. We got some bumps, we got some divots, anything that’s going to make it look like or feel like a real job site. We put the cones up to simulate tight areas that you might have to get into, to see how good these guys really are and really push their skills to a limit.”

The competition had three challenges, and all are done by time. There were also various penalties which added to the total time. After the primary time

Wheel Loader with Payload Technology Challenge

and penalties were added up, this became their final time for the challenge.

It was interesting to see some of the contestants who had brought along their family to watch and cheer them along the courses.

The winner of the Challenge was John Schiedeck of Schiedeck Construction. John will go on to the next round in Little Elm on April 30. He will face-off against the winner of the Little Elm Challenges with one heated battle to determine the champion.

Excavator with Payload Technology Challenge

“That champion will go to North Carolina to compete in the Regional Finals and then on to CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 in Las Vegas, where Caterpillar will crown one operator the world champion.” concluded Schweigert. -bd

WATCH VIDEO

Cheering section for contestant Erik Spector, wife Ciera, and Holley, Hansen, Harvey, Henley.

Page 10

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022

It’s all about appreciation

T

exas Air Systems (TAS) hosted a customer appreciation event on Mar. 30 at Alamo Beer Company. TAS vendors were on hand to answer questions and present new products available to TAS customers. Guests enjoyed great food, music and fabulous weather. Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography. -cmw

Texas Air Systems Customer Appreciation, Alamo Beer Company

Resource Guide Associations & Education H General Contractors H Subcontractors H Service Providers H Subcontractors H Supplies H Truck & Equip Dealers

Associations and Construction Education

Service Providers

General Contractor

Suppliers

For Information on Resource Guide Ads, contact Buddy Doebbler, 210-308-5800 or email at Buddy@ConstructionNews.net

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022

Page 11

Today this channel is known as the Land Cut. In 1954 the corps dredged another channel across Lower Laguna and through the barrier island at Mansfield Pass. This pass is knowned as the East Cut. The Upper Laguna’s most famous feature makes its appearance in spring. When the air grows calm and bright, the waters sparkle with sublime transparency. Shallowness is the secret for gin-clear water. Fill a vast, shallow basin with water undisturbed by inflows from rivers or the sea, and you get Laguna Madre — a bay who’s sandy, grass-swept bottom is visible as far as you can see. For sight fishermen, it rates among the classic fishing destinations in North America.

My Office: The Laguna Madre

by Capt. Steve Schultz 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.

Customer Mike Kiaman hooked this monster redfish last month free lining a live shrimp. The oversized brute was released after this photo by Steve Schultz Outdoors.

S

tarting at the JFK Causeway in Corpus Christi and reaching approximately 230 miles south into La Pesca, Mexico, Laguna Madre of Texas and Laguna Madre of Tamaulipas are mirror images wedged between the mainland and a string of barrier islands. In its Texas incarnation, the system is divided into Upper and Lower Laguna Madre. Below, in Mexico, the system splits into the Northern Laguna and Southern Laguna. The whole eel-shaped complex belongs to one water system that for centuries routinely has been saltier than the ocean. It is also extremely shallow, four feet deep or less in most spots. Midway between Corpus Christi and Brownsville, the water simply fades into tidal flats that often are dry enough to tramp across on foot.

This geography, to the annoyance of Corpus Christi oil refiners, made commercial shipping through Laguna Madre out of the question.

So, in the 1940s, at the urging of the refiners wanting to transport gasoline to Brownsville, the corps started an extension of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) which had stopped at the Laguna’s northern end. By 1949, the corps had dredged a canal 12 feet deep and 125 feet wide straight down the lagoon. The channel carved through the land bridge that divides the Upper and Lower Laguna.

It would be difficult indeed to see so little on another stretch of U.S. bay. As a whole, Laguna Madre is the least-developed bay in the country. In addition to its physical remoteness from urban centers, about 70 percent of Laguna Madre in Texas is protected by the federal government in the form of a national park known as the Padre Island National Seashore and by a handful of historic ranches, including the Armstrong Ranch, Kenedy Ranch, King Ranch and Yturria Ranch.

To a lot of people, the appeal of the laguna is its remoteness. There is a certain value in just not seeing the reflective glass of a condominium as the background of your fishing experience.

Redfish are starting to make their spring appearance in the Laguna Madre, as seen by this light color slot red caught by the author.

Don’t miss out of the action, contact Steve Schultz outdoors for all your fishing and hunting adventures.

The great ranches that border Laguna Madre have acted as barriers to such development. At the same time, outfits such as the King Ranch have also kept their shorelines pristine and wild. As we approach the shore, it gains definition, with mesquite trees lining the shoreline and occasional sightings of wildlife such as white-tail deer, nilgai antelope, coyotes and an array of birds which are much more scenic than commercial buildings. This pristine complex is my office for about nine months of the year and I wouldn’t trade it for any other bay in the world. Come and experience a day on the water with me and let me show you why we a so blessed to have the Laguna Madre in our back yard.

I still have dates available for the summer months and plenty for fall fishing. Don’t wait until 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 12

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 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

I

Some things never change…Oh, yes, they do! off again for quite a while, but now they are coming on strong and we are seeing some nice stringers brought in. The weirdest thing though is that we have blue cats and even yellow cats coming in from open water striper trips. We had one trip that brought in a 12-pound yellow cat on an umbrella rig! You can bet that rig got torn up plenty! The catfishing has been very good this spring on jug lines and rod and reel, but we don’t usually hook them up on our striper trips!

Even if the bigger stripers aren’t ready to bite yet we are having good productive multi species fishing trips. You still get a fish fry, but it’s more of a smorgasbord! We are thinking that once the high winds start to back off and we round the corner into summer fishing, things should get back to normal. Those larger stripers didn’t get that way by not eating!

have been in the charter fishing business for striped bass trips for 41 years. Even though my home lake, Lake Buchanan has variable lake levels that can seem like a see-saw ride, and we are always left guessing about Texas weather, some things are always just supposed to happen. Maybe early or late, in a big way or a slight one, but they happen. Until now.

Here it is the month of May and we are still not limiting out on stripers!

Springtime limits are what we all look forward to and it is time, but they are just not happening. We have plenty of stripers in the lake. We can look at them on the graph and they are looking back at us, but that’s about it. We are finding undersized fish that will bite and hearing about people catching large numbers of those fish and releasing them just for fun.

This is where I have to step up on my soap box and try to be heard! If you are catching lots of fish too small to keep and turning them loose like you are supposed to, are you paying attention to how many of them you are leaving floating and dying around you? Catch and release is a good thing if done properly. If however the fish are mostly aggressively swallowing the hook and not going to survive when you turn them loose, then please do the really right thing here and pull up your lines and go look for some larger fish. When every striper that you find in a lake has had to be stocked there, he is a precious resource. Don’t blow his chance to become a thrill to catch when he grows up. Some years stripers are more scarce, don’t make it worse!

The really strange thing is that even though the white bass were slow to get going this spring, they are really good now and we are getting good solid fish.

The same thing seems to be happening with the crappie. They were on again and

KEN MILAM RADIO WOAI 1200 SAN ANTONIO

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022

Page 13

A great catch

Have an Outdoor Story or Photo? Share them with us!

Send to: SAEditor@ConstructionNews.net or call 210-308-5800 today!

San Antonio H Austin H www.ConstructionNews.net

Rose and Espie Lozano, Lozano Construction & Trucking, had a great time fishing with Captain Lee Gonzales with Captain Lee’s Coastal Adventures in Corpus Christi. On Apr. 2, Espie caught this beautiful 23in. redfish in Corpus Christi Bay. -cmw

Making the sale

Brenlea Broyle, daughter of Ann and Alex Broyle, G2 Concrete LLC, spent her spring break showing her steer, making the sale at the Austin Livestock Show.

Congratulations Brenlea! -cmw

Page 14

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022

Suck it!

A

bout 15 years ago, when everybody was cooking fajitas and tacos for their pre-fiesta parties, Vince Gillette, Gillette Air Conditioning, decided they would do something different. Falling in line with Fiesta and just in time for the big crawfish season, Gillette Air Conditioning started hosting crawfish boils. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, Gillette Air Conditioning

hosted their 16th Annual Crawfish Boil on Mar. 23.

Over 200 guests attended the boil.

They enjoyed a spectacular display of crawfish, sausage, chicken, corn-on-thecob, green beans, mushrooms, potatoes and Brussels sprouts, all of which was prepared by the folks at Rider Wash Systems. -cmw

G

60! Are you kiddin’?

uess who turned 60 years old?

Well known in the San Antonio construction industry, Ernest “Ernie” Wilborn just celebrated his 60th birthday! On Apr. 18, the staff at Wilborn

Steel Co. Ltd., threw a 60th birthday party that he is not likely to forget. Wilborn’s family and industry friends were in attendance to help him embrace the BIG 6-0. -cmw

Happy 60th Birthday, Ernie!

Pinch, peel, eat, repeat

Rider Wash Systems prepared over 500lbs. of crawfish

Dausin Electric

Ernie’s family L-R: Emery Wilborn, LaShea Wilborn, Caleb Wilborn, Ernest Wilborn and Shayla Wilborn

Tom Guido, Guido Construction and Tom Wilborn, Wilborn Steel

Ernest with Vulcraft San Antonio

Ernest with L-R: Bob Kester, Delta Steel Inc.; Johnny Rodriguez, Delta Steel Inc.; Thomas DeLeon, Wilborn Steel Co. Ltd.

Starting out young

Tom and Ernest Wilborn Ernest with Garden Ornamental Designs Inc.’s Justin Blalack (left) and Gary Blalack (right)

Victor Espinoza, Natwel Supply Corp. and Ernest Wilborn

Les Stoneking, Setien & Associates and Ernest Wilborn

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022

Page 15

Engineering Excellence

S

ince 1975, the Engineering Excellence Awards competition has been held by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Texas to honor and recognize outstanding achievements within the engineering community. The 2022 Engineering Excellence Awards Gala was held on Mar. 28 at Hyatt Hill Country Resort. The panel of distinguished judges from around the state recognized 13 Gold Medal and 5 Silver Medal winning projects from 35 entries based on uniqueness, originality, technical, value to the engineering profession, complexity and how successfully the project met the needs of the client. Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskins Photography. -cmw

Studies, Research & Consulting Engineering Services: Halff Associates - City of Fort Worth, Halff Associates, City of Fort Worth Storm Drain Rehabilitation Program

Water & Wastewater: Pape-Dawson Engineers – Central Texas Regional Water Supply Corp., Vista Ridge Regional Water Supply

T

Building/Technology Systems: Freese and Nichols – Texas Military Department, Camp Mabry Building 1 Historical Renovation

Small Projects: BGE Inc. – TxDOT, IH 635 Dallas North Tollway Split Diamond Traffic Signal Design

Surveying & Mapping: Halff Associates – TxDOT El Paso, I-10 Bridge Modeling & Construction Verification

Industrial: Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc. – Gulf Coast Water Authority, Joseph A. Willhelm Industrial Pump Station

Time for golf

he weather was perfect for a fun day of golf at the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) Spring Golf Tournament. The tournament was held on Apr. 6 at Canyon Springs Golf Course. ABC was thrilled to host a full course of players as 144 golfers participated in the event . -cmw ABC Spring Golf Tournament winners: 1st Place Net: MAREK - Mat Bowden, Todd Crosby, Randy Mille, and Mark Williams 1st Place Gross: Action Gypsum/Terracon - Oscar Alamillo, Daniel Espinoza, John Frichtman and Jerry Nelson 2nd Place Gross: Robles 1 - Adam Robles, Matthew Robles, Saul Robles and JC Stoddard Closest-to-the-Pin: James Deaven, Bartlett Cocke Men’s Longest Drive: Jonathan Svoboda, San Antonio Masonry Women’s Longest Drive: Andrea Waltisberger, Americrane

e Happy Mother’s Day Sunday, th May 8

MAREK

Action Gypsum/Terracon

Page 16

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022

Broadway Office Development

S

ince 1968, Shadrock & Williams Masonry has been practicing excellent craftsmanship in masonry. They have a foundation of long-term success and strength in new construction, restoration and renovation work.

The Broadway Office development is a LEED platinum, highly energy-efficient eight-story office building with an accompanying six-story mixed-office and

retail development located on a 3.1-acre lot. The building’s primary façade element is nearly 1.4 million brick in various types and colors, all set within demanding specifications to coincide with surrounding historical structures. Bold round brick columns with carved limestone bases and caps stand at the building’s main entrances. Both the south and north building include arcades with over

Broadway Office Development

120 brick columns and arches. An elevated, detailed cast stone cornice circles the entire south building with intricate profiled pieces weighing up to a ton each set with laser precision.

The monumental ‘GEM Building’ stands as a small companion to the larger adjacent buildings, but the design and craftsmanship behind it are no small feat.

Texas limestone was carved into full width load bearing pieces, with an average weight of 1,000lbs and up to 3,000lbs apiece, placed with traditional techniques including Lewis pins, and installed with precision 1/4-inch joints, making the

GEM Building a masonry marvel that will last generations.

Two large art murals were installed

by Shadrock & Williams Masonry, under the direction of local artist Diana Kersey.

Bricklayers carefully laid 660 pieces of hand-crafted clay art pieces to create two remarkable murals teaming with local style. The combination of complex and ornate masonry assemblies, 180-foot-tall elevations, and a congested urban setting posed great challenges for Shadrock & Williams Masonry and demand special recognition. -cmw

Round brick columns with limestone bases and caps

Art mural installed by Shadrock & Williams Masonry

Shadrock & Williams Masonry San Antonio, TX

Quality Fasteners

R

ed Hawk Contracting Company Inc. recently completed a 35,200-sf design build tilt-wall office warehouse for Quality Fasteners. The project is located on the I-35 corridor North of Thousand Oaks not far from Quality’s previous 10,000sf location. The design process started in 2019 with construction beginning in January 2021. The new showroom and warehouse was completed earlier this year.

The new 1,000-sf showroom and the much needed 22,589sf of new warehouse space has given Quality Fasteners the much-needed space to expand their operation. The new facility is complete with a second floor flex office space above the showroom for future tenants.

The project was carefully situated on 2.5 acres of the 6.2 acres to accommodate future developments.

Quality Fasteners’ new 35,200-sf office and warehouse space

Quality Fasteners’ showroom

Quality Fasteners’ office space

Quality Fasteners’ warehouse

The building’s features include concrete tilt-wall construction with TPO roof, stone masonry wainscot on front elevation and six overhead doors for dock and warehouse access, elevator access to the 2nd floor office space, a detention pond with stone retaining wall and 70,000sf of site paving. Because of the location on the I-35 corridor, the project required a new TxDOT median/Dura-Curb.

The design team lead by Red Hawk included Stephen J Kramer Architecture + Design, Axis Structural Engineers, who worked closely alongside Kimley-Horn Engineering, the owner’s civil engineer. -cmw

Red Hawk Contracting Company Inc. San Antonio, TX

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022

Page 17

Residential spa placement

Spa lowered in place.

Howell Crane & Rigging lifts 3,100-lb spa over resident’s house to place on cement pad in the resident’s backyard.

L

ocated near Converse, TX, Howell Crane & Rigging Inc. has been serving the commercial construction industry since its humble beginnings in 1981. Incorporated in 1982 with offices in Austin, Dallas and Pharr, TX, they have been providing crane and rigging services in a wide array of projects in HVAC, bridges, tilt walls and the list goes on.

What you may not know is that Howell Crane & Rigging performs services on the residential side as well.

Most of their residential work includes the installation or setting of swimming pools. “We take this kind of work

just as seriously as we do when working on big construction sites,” says Crane Operator James Francis. “We are not just setting a pool, we are helping the customer make their home their dream home. Watching the excitement on the kids’ faces as they see their new pool being lowered into place is so fun to see.”

Using a 175-ton crane, Howell Crane & Rigging placed a 3,100-lb. spa in the backyard of a home off Culebra Rd. The Howell Crane crane operator lifted the spa over the client’s house where installer were on hand to help place the pool for its permanent placement. -cmw

Howell Crane & Rigging Inc. Converse, TX

HEB PDC Expansion Warehouse

A

GL Painting LLC is a minority owned San Antonio based company that specializes in commercial painting, metal stud framing, drywall and acoustical ceiling installation.

While celebrating 19 years in the construction business, they are proud to have been part of the 485,772-sf HEB PDC Expansion Warehouse that consisted of AGL’s general scope of work.

Despite weather days being a challenge for scheduling, AGL persevered and found a workflow that still met their deadlines without comprising in their quality of service. Safety, of

course, is a high priority on any project and most of AGL’s labor hours were spent on lifts with the HEB PDC being such a vast warehouse. The AGL team was able to gain knowledge of safety protocols for all trades and are happy to say they had zero injuries on this job. “At AGL we take tremendous pride in our work and recognize all stakeholders, from our office team to our field partners as we all managed to complete this project while facing a challenging time during the pandemic,” says AGL Painting President Miguel Aguilar. “We would like to thank Griffco Design/

Chief Estimator John Aguilar (second from left) preparing for the expansion of the warehouse

Build Inc. for having the upmost professionalism as the general contractor on this project. We want to dedicate the completion of this project to our Chief Estimator, John Aguilar, who worked countless hours studying and preparing for the expansion of the warehouse. He sadly passed away from COVID-19 in January of 2021, right before we were awarded the project.” -cmw

HEB PDC Expansion Warehouse under construction

AGL Painting LLC San Antonio, TX

Page 18

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022

continued from Page 1 — Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing

Industry FOLKS Kayla Choate Marketing Manager

Rogers-O’Brien Construction San Antonio, TX

A

fter graduating from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication degree, Kayla Choate went back to school four years later for a Master of Arts in Technical Communication degree.

“Right out of high school I thought how cool it would be to work in PR like Samantha from Sex and City! I enjoy writing and journalism and felt that this career direction would be a good fit. I took several different media classes during my undergrad. I really liked journalism, electronic media as well as the business classes for my minor.

“After graduating and working in a sales role I discovered a new type of communication – technical writing. One of my first sales deals was to a technology company and the main client I worked with was a technical writer. I learned a great deal about her work and was fascinated with the integration of writing and technology. This led to me going back to get my masters.”

While working in the healthcare industry as a proposal writer, a close contact of Kayla’s husband said the construction company he worked for was looking to hire a technical writer. Kayla met and interviewed shortly after and was hired on as a technical writer.

As the marketing manager at Rogers-O’Brien in San Antonio, Kayla leads marketing and branding initiatives for the San Antonio region. This includes proposal management, marketing campaigns, regional marketing planning, media and PR, and digital campaigns.

“I like learning about how the projects we build fulfill our clients’ vision.

Learning these stories from the project managers, superintendents, estimators, and client directors is so rewarding. Our people take great pride in their work and work to deliver the best quality product for our clients. Taking the stories from both the project teams and the client experiences to craft a meaningful marketing message that’s reflective of our core values is what I work to achieve every day.”

Kayla feels very lucky to have many mentors in her life, many of which are informal and have become great friends.

“They are a source of leadership, knowledge, and confidence when I need direction and guidance. Their influence in my life has been to challenge myself to do more than I think I’m capable of doing.

I’ve learned that I need to push past what’s comfortable to find that I’m capable of much more.”

Kayla enjoys traveling, reading, wine tasting, and being with friends and family. After being married for seven years, Kayla and her husband Dave, traveled to Hawaii, for the first time, last December.

They met in college where Dave was enrolled in the construction program at Texas State University. He works in the AEC industry as a superintendent. “I think because we both work in the industry, albeit in different roles, our experience gives the other better insight about the work it takes to win work and execute that work.” -cmw

Submitted to Construction News

Round-Up

O’Connell Robertson is pleased to announce: Danny Cornejo has been promoted to Associate Principal.

Cornejo applies his marketing experience and community connections to develop and enhance relationships with clients.

During his eight years with the firm, he has led strategic partnerships and key pursuits for the firm while developing client relationships across all market areas.

Cornejo is an essential contributor to the firm, leading with O’Connell Robertson’s mission to positively impact the communities O’Connell Robertson serves. -cmw

Jeremy Zorn has been promoted to Senior Associate.

Zorn has been with the firm for six years.

He is a licensed, professional electrical engineer with more than 20 years of experience in design and construction administration. Embodying the firm’s core values of integrity, dedication, professionalism, teamwork, creativity and courage, Zorn has applied the firm’s mission-driven approach to design award-winning facilities. – cmw

KW Landscape Architects proudly announces the promotion of Wesley Salazar as Partner. Salazar is a magnetic leader who heads up the firm’s Central Texas office, located in San Antonio. Specializing in multi-family and master planned communities, Salazar leverages his expertise to manage award-winning projects and nurture a collaborative working environment. -cmw

Pape-Dawson Engineers Inc. is proud to announce the promotion of Chris Noe, P.E., PMP to Vice President.

Noe has more than 20 years of experience in the successful construction of water and wastewater projects across the country. He will continue to lead water and wastewater infrastructure projects in the Central Texas region in this new role. -cmw

BGE Inc. happily announces that Wes Jasek, PE has been named Central Texas Operations Leader, overseeing the firm’s offices in Austin, San Antonio and Yoakum.

In this role, he will focus on operations and growth within the region, as well as key strategic initiatives within the company. Jasek joined BGE in 2009 as a senior project manager and has been instrumental in establishing the firm’s presence in Central Texas. He became a Shareholder in 2014. -cmw

Steven Bankler CPA Ltd. is pleased to introduce Marissa Carlisle, CPA, CEP. Carlisle provides accounting, tax and estate planning services for closely held and family-owned businesses. Prior to joining the Bankler team, her experience includes seven years in public accounting. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration and Masters in Accounting concurrently with a minor in Information Systems from Texas Lutheran University. -cmw

opened an office in Austin in 1985, followed by San Antonio.

Today, Chamberlin installs a variety of products and services which include waterproofing, caulking, building restoration, garage restoration, roofing and sheet metal, sub-roofing systems, building maintenance and leak repair, PRAM (Proactive Roof Asset Management) and emergency leak repair. Their team has extensive knowledge of their products, product systems and their appropriate use, understanding available cost efficiencies.

Chamberlin has become experienced in a variety of projects in aviation, cultural/non-profit, government, healthcare, higher education, historic, hospitality, industrial/warehouse, K-12 education, multi-family, condominium, office, commercial, parking garages, religion, retail, sports and entertainment, and LEED certified. “We run the whole gamut of the exterior façade,” says Matthys. “We prevent water infiltration on all five sides of the building, from the under slab, the below grade walls, the above grade walls of the building and the roof, as well as miscellaneous items on the interior of the building.”

While Chamberlin celebrates 125 years in business, it is clear that the company’s core values as well as their experience is key to their continued success.

“We have a set of 10 values called The Chamberlin Way,” adds Senior Marketing Manager Cristina Kinney. “I think that has really guided us throughout the years, that and keeping in mind our core values. Working safely is most important because our employees lives depend on it. Installing high quality installations is how we build our reputation and how we get more work. And then, working with the spirit of cooperation. Keeping those three core things in mind on every job we undertake, as well as the rest of our values has really helped us develop the team members we have, the way we deliver our work, treating each other and our clients with respect, has been a really, really good way to develop and grow a company. Safety, quality, teamwork, were a big player in our expansion, not only in our services, but in our company.”

Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing is a total building envelope contractor. -cmw

continued from Page 1 — Fazzone Construction projects with the same principals Dom founded the company.

“We’ve grown with the times,” says Joe. “We’re in a busy market and we’re growing with it. Between our two offices, we have about 45 employees. Throughout the years we have maintained long lasting relationships with our customers by focusing on customer service.”

Since its founding, Fazzone Construction has been a General Contractor specializing in commercial building and hardscape improvement projects for public parks, master planned residential communities and corporate office parks.

“We’re a little different than most general contractors in the sense that we self-perform most of our work and have tradesmen on staff, on the payroll. By having our own concrete, masonry and framing crews we can control quality and the flow of the work a little bit better.”

Within the past few years, the company has been concentrating on a Fazzone favorite, entry features and amenity centers in and around residential subdivisions, all as a result of the booming growth in the Texas market.

“We really enjoy the unique and creative nature of these projects as they allow us to showcase our craftsmanship.

It’s rewarding to see the positive reaction from our clients and the public.”

The continued growth of the company is why Tony joined. Tony is the third

generation Fazzone to come on board.

Tony Fazzone, who is a Project Manager, is Joe’s son and a licensed Architect.

He is a Texas Tech graduate and worked five years as an architect before joining the family business. Moving up in the ranks, maybe Tony will take over the family business someday.

“It’s kind of interesting, considering how my dad started working literally throughout his childhood with my grandfather, and then my brother and I did the same,” adds Tony. “As soon as we were old enough to hold a hammer, we were shadowing our dad.”

Along with Tony, Paul Whetstone, Justin Diaz, Ana Montalvo and Sarah Honza are key components of Fazzone’s 65 years of success. Honza is a Jack of all trades. She helps as Business Office Manager, and actually heads up Fazzone Construction’s sister company, Southwest Monument and Sign. Whetstone as General Manager oversees Fazzone Construction’s Austin office. Diaz is Senior Project Manager for San Antonio area, while Montalvo is Fazzone’s corporate Accounting Manager.

Plans for a 65th anniversary celebration are not set in stone, no pun intended, but Fazzone feels certain they will have a party sometime in the summer. -cmw

continued from Page 1 — Consolidated Installation Support LLC Monroe admits that he didn’t know if construction was the right path to go, but after dabbling in it, he began to truly enjoy it. He says that starting his company wasn’t difficult because he had the idea of what he wanted to do and he knew how to do it. “The most difficult part about it was finding the people and being able to communicate your statement of work and what it is your looking for and what you need, and then just overseeing it and making sure it’s done the way you want it done. It’s no different than the military,” he adds.

Consolidated Installation Support does everything concrete – slabs, driveways, sidewalks and streets. They also do ground up construction – framing, plumbing, electrical, etc.

Additionally, Consolidated Installation Support provides both residential and commercial services. On the residential side, however, it depends on the size of the project. If it is simple project like

painting a room, Monroe will refer someone.

Consolidated Installation Support is a service disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB), minority-owned SBA 8 (a) business. They are certified with the South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA). Monroe also holds his demolition, sidewalks, driveways and builder’s licenses with the City of San Antonio.

“We are a honest company trying to fill a footprint in the City of San Antonio,” says Monroe. “When you call on us to do a project, your’re going to get good, quality service.”

Monroe has no definite celebration plans for the company’s 15th anniversary which will take place in June but is looking forward to celebrating.

Consolidated Installation Support LLC is a full-service general contractor in San Antonio. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022

Page 19

Association Calendar

Content submitted by Associations to Construction News ABC Associated Builders & Contractors Inc. May 5: 2022 Whiskey Festival, Rebecca Creek Distillery, 4-6pm.

May 18: LOGIC Meeting, ABC Offices, 814 Arion Parkway #111, 3:30-4:30pm. For more info, contact Jennifer Galarza at 210-3421995 or email jgalarza@abcsouthtexas.org AGC Associated General Contractors May 17-18: OSHA 10-Hour (TDI), AGC Offices, 10806 Gulfdale, 8am-4pm.

May 31: AGC Fun Shoot & Mixer Registration Deadline. For more info, call Kelly Wilson at 210-349-4921 ASA American Subcontractors Assn.

May 13: ASA Subfest & BBQ Cook-off, Helotes Fairground, 12210 Leslie Rd., Helotes, TX, 3:30-8pm. $475/$575 (add Bloody Mary Contest for $25), Attendees $25 Per Person, $30 at Gate May 18: Safety Update, ESC Safety Consultant Offices, 12758 Cimarron Path #127, 11:30am. ASA Members Only.

May 25: General Meeting, The Petroleum Club, 8620 New Braunfels 7th Flr. For more info, contact Jennifer Swinney at 210-3492105 or email jennifer@asasanantonio.org ASSP American Society of Safety Professionals May 16: Chapter Virtual Monthly Meeting, Microsoft Teams Meeting, 11:30am1:30pm. For more info, go to www.southtexasasse.org CFMA Construction Financial Management Assn.

May 13: Annual Golf Tournament, Canyon Springs Golf Club, 24405 Wilderness Oak. May. 14: CFMA’s Annual Conference & Exhibition, Hyatt Regency Atlanta, 265 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA. Member $1245, Non-Member $1645.

May 25: How to Read Financial Statements, The Quarry Golf Club, 444 E. Basse Rd., 11:30am, $40. For more info, go to www. sanantonio.cfma.org GSABA Greater San Antonio Builders Assn.

May 20-21: 2nd Annual BBQ Cook-off & Washer Tournament, Helotes Fairgrounds, 12210 Leslie Rd., $2-Day Wristband $10, $500 BBQ Team Entry. For more info, contact Colby Duke at 210-240-5155 or email cduke@hiallc.com HCAdeSA Hispanic Contractors Assn. de San Antonio May 10-11: OSHA 10 General Industry in English, HCAdeSA Offices, 2391 NE Loop 410 #206, 8am-4pm.

May 12: Open House HCA Mixer, Alamo Tees & Advertising , 12814 Cogburn, 5:30-8pm.

May 18: May Meeting & Mixer, , 5:30-7:30pm.

For more info, call Kathleen Gourlay at 210444-1100 or email admin@hcadesa.org IEC Independent Electrical Contractors May 20: 14th Annual Sporting Clay Fun Shoot, National Shooting Complex, 5931 Roft Rd.,12pm Registration, 1pm Shotgun Start, $600 4-person Team, $95 Team Golf Cart. For more info, contact Julie Tucker at 210-431-9861 or email jtucker@iecsanantonio.com I-LinCP Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects May 13: Golf Tournament, Olmos Basin Golf Course, Celebrity Breakfast/Check-in 7am, Shotgun Start 8am, Awards/Lunch 1pm, $225 Individual, $775 Foursome. For more info, contact Carla Bingaman at 512-263-5521 or email Carla.bingaman@i-lincp.org MCA-SMACNA INC Mechanical Contractors Assn.

Sheet Metal & A/C Nat’l Assn.

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

May 25: Joint Industry Fund Meeting, MCA-SMACNA office, 206 E. Nakoma, 11:30am. For more info, call Sandee Morgan at 210-822-3763 NAWIC National Assn. of Women in Construction May 4: Industry Appreciation Night & Awards Ceremony, The Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels.

May. 27: Friendship Dinner, Location TBD. For more info, contact Shenel Rimando at shenelrimando@gmail.com or register at nawicsatx.org PHCC Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors May 1: 2022-2023 Plumbing Trade Scholarship Deadline May 12: 9th Annual Golf Tournament, Brackenridge Park Golf Course, 3700 N. St. Mary’s St. For more info, call Heidi Trimble at 210-824-7422 or go to www.phcc-sanantonio.org SAMCA San Antonio Masonry Contractors Assn.

May 26: Golden Trowel Awards, Magnolia Halle, 10319 Huebner Rd., 6pm. For more info, contact Debi at 210-347-2423 or email thesamca@gmail.com TACCA Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Assn.

May 25: Sporting Clay Shoot, National Shooting Complex, 5931 Roft Rd. For more info, call Dawn Thompson at 210-901-4222

Construction News ON LOCATION

Greeting smile

Industry FOLKS Candi Lewis,

Marketing Manager,

Alpha Building Corporation, San Antonio, TX

B

orn in Shawnee, OK, Candi Lewis spent much of her childhood in Oklahoma. She grew up on a farm and says, “There is nothing better than growing up on a farm.”

Candi graduated from Meeker High School in Meeker, OK. After taking several self-assessment tests, she looked into several options that best fit her strengths and passions. She started college at Seminole State and finished her degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing at Westwood College. “College life, my 2nd round of college, was all very adulting. I was running my own business and raising my brand-new baby when I went back to finish. Time management was my best friend.”

Candi has an 18-year-old son from her first marriage, Zaid, and a cat named Tyler. Zaid will be graduating from Reagan High School and is planning to attend Texas A&M San Antonio or The University of Texas at San Antonio this fall. “He is a 2nd degree black belt in taekwondo and a staff sergeant for his JROTC squad at Reagan High School.

He enjoys MMA, making music, spending time with his girlfriend and friends, working out, aspires to be an entrepreneur and be known for his music. I’ve raised him on my own and I’m a proud mother/father. Zaid named their cat after his favorite musician, Tyler the Creator.”

Candi had worked in the heavy industrial and engineering sectors when an opportunity at Alpha Building Corp.

What did you do for Spring Break?

I’m running for State House, District 112.

With runoff elections coming. It’s hard to get voters out. I spent spring break campaigning and block walking.

Elisa Chan, UNINTECH Consulting Engineers Inc. Spring break was a busy time for us. I worked a lot.

Robert Webb, Superior Restoration & Sealants I’ve had the same group of girlfriends since middle school, some have been added of course, but with everyone’s busy schedules and living in different cities we always celebrate my birthday together since my birthday is in March. We all got together to celebrate during spring break!

Megan Padilla, Ridout, Barrett & Co. Inc. I don’t have any children, so it was just another week for me.

Cristina Kinney, Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing I kept it low key this year. I went home to spend some good quality time with my family in Laredo. I just made the most of it visiting and having a good time my friends and family.

RJ Paez, Elevate Architecture We took family for some bonding time to Landa Park in New Braunfels for a family picnic. We played some football and barbecued. It was a lot of fun.

Eddie, Joe and Pat Riley, Jr., Riley’s Asphalt

General Manager Brandyn Coffman at Longhorn Concrete Materials in New Braunfels is all smiles and eagerly assists their customers. -cmw

came about. She runs Alpha’s proposal, marketing and business development department.

“I love the people, leadership, my team and the autonomy. I am fully trusted to run my department and do what’s best for Alpha. The company culture means a lot to me and I am so grateful for Alpha. Alpha puts faith and support into their people, what more could you want?”

Candi’s mentor is Jack Hockey from CCC Group, where she used to work.

“He is one of the best humans I’ve ever got to spend time around. He was like a father to me. He will always be in my heart.”

Candi loves the outdoors. Even at a restaurant, she will opt for the patio.

Running is her go-to hobby. “I typically run two to three marathons a year. I love seeing my family. My five sisters and I have the most entertaining group chats that no one else should see. Friends are important to me. I have some great ones here in San Antonio as none of my family lives here. That being said, happy hour with friends is a high priority. If you see me at a concert of any genre, say ‘hi.’

“I love to learn. I managed to learn Arabic and still try to maintain it. I used to speak Spanish, but you lose it when you don’t use it. I listen to a lot of podcasts and music throughout my day.” -cmw

Our kids are all grown and gone so my wife and I went to the Indian Wells tennis tournaments out in Palm Springs, CA. My wife is a big tennis player. She played in college. We’ve gone out there a couple of years to go watch some of tennis match-

es. We got to see Rafael Nadal play a couple of times. We had the time to get away, so that’s what we did.

Steve Hayes, Brandt Companies I worked through most of spring break. I have two boys. We went out and did a few fun things going to jumpy-type places and the zoo. We had a great spring break with my parents and their dad. We had gone to Disney right before spring break so we were trying to avoid the spring break crowds.

Haley Serna, Elevate Architecture Spring break? What’s that? No, seriously, I worked. I’m always on the go. I tried to relax as much as I could with the little down time that I had. All my kids are grown so I don’t have to worry about them.

Joe Monroe, Consolidated Installation Support I didn’t have plans for spring break this year. I guess you can say I was planning for my next vacation. My family is having a crawfish boil Easter weekend.

Kayla Choate, Rogers-O’Brien Construction Honestly, nothing too crazy. We just took the family to Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Next year we’re planning to go to Port A. Jason Balderas, Mr. Watts Electrical Service I didn’t even know it existed. There was no break in my spring.

Brian McSteen, McAllen Valley Roofing Co. We went down to Mardi Gras in Galveston the week before. We always we try to do something with the family. We usually go skiing every year for spring break.

Joe Fazzone, Fazzone Construction

Page 20

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022

Construction News ON LOCATION

Congratulations Gladys

Paints and rollers and brushes, Oh My!

For well over a decade, Gladys Lee, has been a valued employee of Central Builders Inc. as an AP Specialist. On Feb. 23, Central Builders Inc. closed their offices early to celebrate and praise Gladys for all that she has accomplished as she enters the wonderful life of retirement. L-R: Carl Ehrlich, Dora Ehrlich, Gladys Lee, Bryan Ehrlich, Matt Ehrlich and Mark Ehrlich. Congratulations Gladys and best wishes for a happy retirement! -cmw

L-R: Lisa Salazar and Nicole Coffman at Pintura Paint Supply take time out to pose for a Construction News visitor. -rd

T

Celebrating Texas

he National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA), hosted at Texas Party on Mar. 4 in honor of its two newest chapters - NUCA San Antonio, San Antonio’s newest trade association representing utility and excavation contractors and NUCA Gulf Coast. The event was held at Stone Werks Big Rock Grille in

the midst of NUCA’s National Convention which was held in San Antonio Mar. 2-5. A chartered bus service was available to carry convention attendees and other guests to the Texas party celebration.

Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography. -cmw

Ride ‘em cowgirl!

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022

Page 21

It’s a labor of art

Memorial Day Honor and Remember

I

C

L-R: G2 Concrete LLC owners, Alex and Ann Broyles

oncrete work is an art. Yes, concrete is an actual building material, but concrete work in itself takes skills that, let’s face it, many do not have.

Also known as cement masons, concrete laborers specialize in building structures from concrete materials and ensure that concrete is poured correctly. They prepare the site by setting up the forms in which concrete is poured to create walls, structures, pillars, walkways and so much more.

Having been in the construction arena for years, Alex Broyles was ready to take a leap of faith and start a business for himself. Since he was familiar with the art of concrete work, he decided concrete was the path for him.

In 2013, Alex and his wife, Ann Broyles, started G2 Concrete LLC. G2 started out as a one-man operation with Alex performing all the manual labor while Ann oversaw the office operations.

The business started out slowly says

T

Ann. “We only did flat work like sidewalks and a/c pads in the beginning. Then we started doing big slabs for buildings.

Now, we do the whole gamut. We’re the first ones in and the last ones out. We pour the foundations and after the buildings are completed, we go back to do the sidewalks, a/c pads and landscaping walls.”

G2 has consistently grown over the years. The company is now 14 employees strong with a group of estimators, project managers, superintendents and of course, office staff to help with the dayto-day operations. Projects have also grown for G2 from commercial building foundations to multi-family structures all over the state of Texas.

“Nine-five percent of our work is in multi-family housing such has luxury apartments, HUD apartments, and apartments with garages and retail shops.”

Family-owned and operated, G2 Concrete LLC is a full-service concrete contractor located in Spring Branch, TX. -cmw

Golfing at the Springs

he American Subcontractors Association (ASA) held their Annual Spring Golf Tournament on Mar. 24.

The tournament was held at Canyon Springs Golf Course. Golfers were more than eager to get out and swing their clubs as 144 golfers and eight exhibitors made for a sold-out event for ASA. -cmw ASA Golf Tournament winners: 1st Place Net: Bartlett Cocke General Contractors

2nd Place Net: Americrane 3rd Place Net: Jordan Ford 1st Place Gross: Central Builders Inc. 2nd Place Gross: Urban Heating & Air 3rd Place Gross: Joeris General Contractors Closet-to-the-Pin: Justin McNeil Women’s Longest Drive: Andrea Waltisperger Men’s Longest Drive: Tom Smith

Bartlett Cocke General Contractors

Central Builders Inc.

t can be confusing what Memorial Day really means, especially when planning that backyard barbeque, going to the coast, etc., on that three-day weekend.

Memorial Day is an American holiday on the last Monday in May; this year, May 30. This day of observance is for honoring the men and women in the U.S. Military who died while serving in wars.

This day originated following the Civil War and officially became a federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe this day by visiting memorials, having family gatherings and participating in parades.

Although unofficial, it also marks the beginning of the summer season.

Did you know: Each year on Memorial Day, a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 pm local time?

Many confuse Memorial Day with

Veterans Day mainly because they both honor our military. Memorial is the key word for Memorial Day – remembrance of those who died in service to our country.

Veterans Day is honoring those Veterans who have served in the military and came home. We “thank them for their service.”

At Fort Sam National Cemetery, as with all national cemeteries around the country, American flags are placed on each and every gravesite. It can be breathtaking to see.

As for me on this Memorial Day, I will take a moment to think about those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I will visit Fort Sam to see this spectacular sight and visit my own son’s gravesite, making sure his flag is standing tall. -rd

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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022

Opportunity to grow

hat better way to celebrate 30 years in business than with the expansion of one’s company.

Minority-owned, multi-disciplined engineering and design firm UNINTECH Consulting Engineers Inc., who celebrates 30 years in business this month, acquired Ford Engineering Inc. The announcement was made public on Mar. 21.

Elisa Chan and Clifford Hew established UNINTECH in 1992. Since its inception, growth and innovation have been a constant, and the acquisition of Ford Engineering helps the multi-disciplinary firm accomplish just that. “With this acquisition, new opportunities are open to us, as we can now serve a broader range of clients and project types,” say UNINTECH President and CEO Elisa Chan.“ Running for Texas House of Representatives representing District 122, Chan reached out to colleague Edwin Ford and co-owner of Ford Engineering Inc. for support. Through their talks, Chan and Ford began discussing the next chapter and retirement of Ford Engineering’s co-owners, Edwin and Regina Ford, giving rise to the acquisition of Ford Engineering. The acquisition was a win-win for the employees of both firms as the companies’ values match in alignment with one another. Mark Hill, former shareholder president for Ford Engineering, joined the UNINTECH family as a shareholder in the firm and holds the civil division director position for UNINTECH. “We’re proud of our company values. We put a premium on work-life balance for employees and encourage them to en-

A

Viva Fiesta!

merican Subcontractors Association (ASA) and Associated General Contractors (AGC) kicked off fiesta as only ASA and AGC can. Members and guests of the two associations gathered

UNINTECH Consulting Engineers Inc. President and CEO, Elisa Chan

together at Dos Sirenos Brewing where they enjoyed a variety of local micro-brewed beers. The event was held on Mar. 30, the day before the official start of Fiesta 2022. -cmw

Signing in for pre-fiesta fun

gage in community service initiatives,” says Ford Engineering CEO Edwin Ford.

“I’ve known Elisa and Clifford for decades and trust them to keep that spirit alive.”

Ford Engineering’s projects have regularly included the cities of Schertz, Marion, Cibolo, Converse, Kirby and the counties of Karnes, La Salle and Hays, all of which are areas UNINTECH had long considered expanding their footprint.

“We hope that this will give us a great opportunity to grow,” adds Chan. “It is a challenging time for smaller firms. We’ve seen a lot firms that have sold out to larger engineering firms who want a presence in Texas. Very few local independently-owned engineering firms remain. I hope we can continue the legacy.” -cmw

Official fiesta tasters

Golfing in the Quarry

Standing room only

The San Antonio Masonry Contractors Association (SAMCA) held their 2022 Golf Classic Mar. 29 at the Quarry Golf Club. Lance McNease, Apex Stone and Zak Wilske, Prosoco took second place. H&E Equipment’s Ricky Campa, Ed Ruddick, Joe Gambrel and John David May walked away with third. Congratulations to SAMCA’s 1st Place team: Hunt Restorations – Michael Hunt, David Goetz and Brian Powers. -cmw

Tony and Karen Ridout, Ridout Barrett

Chris “CB” Christians IV, Lynwood Building Materials; and Debbie and Duane Hannasch, Fire Alarm Control Systems Inc. San Antonio (FACS)

2022 TACCA Leadership

T

he Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association held their April General Membership meeting on Mar. 16 at Alamo Café where the association’s 2022 leadership was officially installed. L-R: Immediate Past President Patrick Beyer, Beyer Air Conditioning & Heating; Tom Damiani, Damiani Comfort Design; Vice President Jonathan Yelitz, County Wide Service Company; Daryl

Friesenhahn, Friesenhahn Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.; Josh Gavos, Johnson Controls; 2022 President Chester Bull, Air Authority LLC; Michael Guillory, Riteway Service Company; Treasurer Michael Fenton, Ridout Barrett; Charles Rios, Trane Technologies; Daniel Esparza, MD Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. Photo courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022

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JOB SIGHTS

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Sold-out

n Mar. 28, 250 golfers hit the greens at The Club at Sonterra for Associated General Contractors’ (AGC) 2022 Annual Golf Tournament. The tournament was a great success with a sold-out event and beautiful weather.

Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography. -cmw North Course winners: 1st Place Gross: Rhett Shirley, Gene Gary, Eric Tudyk and Tony Shinn 1st Place Net: Jamie Amoretti, Clint Wurzbach, Jason Marcom and Craig Noto 2nd Place Net: Ronnie Moroz, Mike Moynahan, Tim Kensing and Louis Cheek 3rd Place Net: Garett Schrepfer, Justin

Newsom, Nim Wasson and Jacob Kerr Longest Drive: Brian Ramirez Closest-to-the-Pin: Bell Crisp South Course winners: 1st Place Gross: Willie Nelson, Allyson Wolfe, Luke LeGrand and Cody Murphy 1st Place Net: Charles Gonzales, Chris Davila, Tony Delgado and Charles Morales 2nd Place Net: Cody Moren, Mark Johnson, Steve Johnson and Chris Valdez 3rd Place Net: Bobby Ervin, Ian Levin, Scott Flick and Randy Kell Longest Drive: Cody Murphy Closest-to-the-Pin: Allyson Wolfe

Alpine Contracting team members pour the slab for the Space Center Warehouse project. -cmw

1st Place Gross North Course

1st Place Gross South Course BakerTriangle’s Miguel Martinez and Gregorio Godinez, on stilts, install acoustical ceilings at The MAC, Multi Assistance Center at Morgan’s Wonderland. -cmw

1st Place Net North Course

River City Excavation Inc. team members L-R: Scott Thomas, Cody Sowards, Mason Roberts and Miguel Martinez at the Microsoft Project, San Antonio, TX. – cmw

Central Electric team members L-R: Rod Jones, AJ Casarez and Emiliano Munoz install cabling/ wiring at Project ‘R,’ an automotive industrial plant.

Central Electric is working directly with the owner under a design build contract delivery method installing multiple 5000A services.

-cmw

1st Place Net South Course

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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2022