Austin Construction News January 2023

Refurbishing and thriving

Sixteen years ago, when Matthew and Pamela Counts decided to start their own business, they had no idea how their business would take off. From pounding the pavement, and going door to door, Matthew and Pamela have much to be grateful for as their small mom-and-pop fire extinguisher company, Longhorn Fire & Safety continues to flourish.

“When we started this business, I had just left my corporate job,” says Matthew. “I got my insurance and licenses and started knocking on doors. My family would come home from work and do the invoices in the evening. I don’t knock on doors anymore. They come looking for me.”

While starting their own company was one of the most difficult things they’ve ever had to do, they have no re -

grets. “It takes a lot of hard work to start your own company,” Matthew states. “Money was tight, numbers were tight, but I am so thankful and happy we did it. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Matthew recalls going from business to business asking if they needed help with their fire extinguisher inspections for at least the first three years. Now, businesses seek him out not just for inspections, but to refurbish their equipment.

Longhorn Fire & Safety began refurbishing extinguishers during the pandemic. In March 2020, the Counts began refurbishing fire extinguishers as a means to keep his employees busy during some uncertain times, but most importantly, it was a means of helping the environment and they would be

It’s hard to believe that the first edition of Austin Construction News was published on June 1, 2001, and with this last edition on January 1, 2023, we will be ending publication of the paper.

During those years we have met and written articles on numerous interesting people who make up this industry. My favorite story has always been the man or woman or a combo who decided it was time for them to start their own company. They were fearless in their pursuit for their American Dream, and it was fun to watch. This has always been an industry where you can succeed if you are honest, work hard and get a few breaks along the way from people who believed in them and helped the process along.

We too had many people who believed in what we were doing and supported us with good advice, helped with content and with advertising dollars to let us pay the bills and grow.

Up early “Delivering a Great Customer Experience!”

Paul Simon’s 1970 song, “Keep the Customer Satisfied,” goes like this:

“Gee, but it’s great to be back home; Home is where I want to be…”

This song in fact tells the story of Cassidy Henk, San Marcos branch manager for Tejas Equipment Rentals.

Hench is a San Marcos native but spent a career in the Army; his last duty station was Ft. Drum in upstate New York. Some people stay where they are at when they retire from the military. Not Henk: “It was too cold for me” up there in that frozen tundra. So gladly back to San Marcos he

came, where he has put all his Army skills to good use to take care of his customers who need his equipment.

His background prior to the military has helped him as well. “My family was in the trucking business,” Henk said. “When I grew up as a heavy operator after high school, that was my first go around as a heavy equipment operator. So, this [managing at Tejas Equipment] was a natural transition.”

Henk was also a heavy equipment operator in the Army who had to clear IEDs (improvised explosive devices).

He started with Tejas as a jack-of-

HOLT CAT, Bobcat of Austin and Alamo Crane are three companies who had advertised in our first paper and have had an ad in every paper since for a total of 260 editions.

Others who came in early in our development include Alterman, Baker Triangle, Capital Pumping, Schweiss Doors, and Time Insurance.

Our many thanks go to our editors and other staff members of Construction News who have helped Reesa and I put out this paper each month since 2001. Also, to our outdoor columnists Capt. Steve Schultz and Ken Milam with their monthly articles that brought the outdoors to the industry and to the other columnists who gave our readers valuable information each month.

We have been able to write so many good and interesting articles on folks and companies and we will really miss that. Gone will be the panic phrase,

Longhorn Fire & Safety fleet of service vehicles

New focus begins

After 15 successful years, David Cancialosi sold Permit Partners and is no longer affiliated with the firm.

Cancialosi started Permit Partners in 2008 capitalizing on years as an urban planner, code compliance inspector, and senior planner for the city of Austin and several surrounding cities. His degree from Texas State University at San Marcos, formerly Southwest Texas State, in urban planning and development, was during a period of intense growth, especially given the Austin market. But building Permit Partners into the largest permitting and land consulting firm in Austin was not his only venture. He also started two other companies and has decided to focus more on vertical development and land acquisitions since selling the firm.

“I’m still here in the Austin Central Texas region as a real estate development resource as well as for excavation and lending as needed,” says Cancialosi. “The relationships I made are long-lasting, which has allowed me to leverage them with the other businesses and allow those businesses to become even more successful.”

Texas Excavation Solutions was started in 2018. It performs dirt excavation for residential and commercial projects. “Its main focus is excavation, concrete foundations, retaining walls, or detention pond-type work,” adds Cancialo -

si. “We’ve focused on mini-retail developments that include an anchor such as a large gas station where excavation for the tanks and detention is required, then pour the concrete foundations for the entire strip center and pave the entire lot at the end. We work with TxDOT or the appropriate road agency as needed to build turn lanes and exit driveways for ingress and egress approval. To date, we’ve participated in over 20 projects since 2018 totaling an excess of $20M in revenue.”

TriCo Funding offers first and second-lien positions on projects in the Central Texas region and offers private funding in communities in the Austin area. It also lends to small businesses for purposes of growing that business. TriCo focuses on trade companies such as HVAC, electrical, and other construction service niches.

Additionally, Cancialosi is currently working on a Lake Austin spec house on Lake Austin to showcase the development and design aspect under Lake Austin Development LLC which he started after the sale of Permit Partners.

His family started the Gold’s Gym franchise in the early 1980s and went on to develop across Texas and South Florida. His cumulative experience allows for a keen eye in the real estate development industry and David looks forward to many years of continuing that in the Central Texas region. -cmw

Charity drive

Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) Central Texas Chapter staff members, L-R: Office Manager Sarah Cardena and Workforce Development & Education Jennifer Flores, drop out toys to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas after ABC’s Ronald McDonald Toy Drive held on Dec. 8. -cmw

David currently resides in Hays County with his two German shepherds Ava and Axl.

Growth continues

Taking ownership

“Rental One is an excellent strategic and cultural fit that complements our existing products and services,” said CEO and General Manager of HOLT, Peter J. Holt . “More importantly, Rental One is a multi-generational, family-owned Texas company. As a family-owned business ourselves, we know the value of such an organization and what that means to our customers.”

Texas First®, established in 2015 and a division of HOLT, acquired the full-service equipment and storage container rental company offering a full line of well-maintained, quality construction equipment, and concrete, safety, erosion control, and construction supplies in 15 locations throughout the DFW and Central Texas regions. Through this acquisition, Texas First® will expand its presence to a total of 40 locations in highly attractive regions poised for future growth.

Rental One’s current 300 employees,

including the leadership team, will become employees of Texas First Rentals® and will continue to operate from current Rental One locations.

Rental One President Mike O’Neal stated, “Our team has worked to build a successful business with meaningful relationships spanning three generations. We will continue our commitment to providing our customers with the best equipment and reliable service they have grown to know. As we join the Texas First® team, our customers will benefit from a broader range of products and combined expertise.”

Texas First® offers rental solutions through its full line of aerial, dirt, and portable power equipment. The equipment provided includes boom lifts, scissor lifts, excavators, generators, pumps, and trench safety equipment.

“I’m confident joining a values-based organization is a positive move for us all,” continues O’Neal. “We look forward to collaborating with the Texas First Rentals team to build upon our mutual success.” -cmw

In early November, O’Connell Robertson welcomed the largest group of shareholders in the firm’s history through a 2022 Share Ownership Plan that broadens and diversifies the firm’s ownership growth, further strengthening the company’s future vision of dynamic growth. Director of Interior Design and Principal Jayna Duke, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C; Director of Architectural Quality and Associate Principal Becky Winovitch, RA, CDT; Director of Construction Administration and Associate Principal Jason Reed; Regional Business Development Director and Associate Principal Danny Cornejo; Senior Associate and Mechanical Engineering Leader Louis Cornoyer, PE; Senior Association and Project Director/Architect Casey Nicholson, RA; Electrical EIT and Senior Associate Kim Pham, EIT; and Senior Associate and Architect Misela Gonzales-Vandewalle, AIA, are the firm’s newest shareholders. Each bring a different strength

O’Connell Robertson’s shareholder class of 2022 to the O’Connell Robertson firm and contribute to its mission at the highest level while modeling the corporate values of integrity, dedication, professionalism, creativity, and courage.

“These new shareholders are champions of our purpose, leading our team in the pursuit of our vision,” says President and CEO Amy Jones. “We are thrilled to welcome them to the ownership group of O’Connell Robertson. This group adds a diversity of thought and expertise that will support our firm’s continued success at the highest level.

“Congratulations to these new shareholders. This group broadens and diversifies the firm’s ownership, reinforcing our future vision of dynamic growth and increased opportunities for participation in ownership.”

O’Connell Robertson is a multi-discipline architectural firm with offices in Austin, San Antonio, and Houston. -cmw

With equipment rental roots going back to the ‘50s, family-owned Rental One has been acquired by San Antonio-based Texas First.®

Rental One is now Texas First® Rentals

Michael

McCaskill Owner & President Synthetic Turf World Austin, TX

At an early age, Michael McCaskill learned the meaning of hard work. He inherited the desire to be an entrepreneur and how to be successful.

Tell me about your upbringing. Where were you born? Where did you grow up?

I was born on Joint Base Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland/DC. I grew up in Gonzales, TX. My family owned a Ford Motor Company and then a Chrysler dealership as well as other businesses.

What was it like growing up there?

Gonzales was and still is very historic and family oriented. I have lifelong friends that I still enjoy being friends with even to this day. I learned early on how to work hard both in and out of the office. Schooling was still geared toward both higher education and vocational and that is where I forged the ability to take my creativity and apply it to the physical tools to install it. I had a landscape service at the age of 14, long before working in the family dealership while in high school. I learned the Texas way of doing thingshonesty and great work for a fair price; a company people could trust and knew we would be there if they needed them.

What other businesses did your family own? Outside of the family dealership, were you involved in any of the businesses your family owned?

My grandfather owned Gonzales Motor Company, which was originally a Ford dealership. Before he got sick and passed away from leukemia, Lee Iacocca called my grandfather and he started the Chrysler dealership when they reopened Chrysler in the ‘80s. My grandmother owned a furniture store. My grandfather also owned a company called Temporary Oil in Midland for a bit. My uncle owned the Gruene Mansion and the Gruene Hall in Gruene, TX. They had that for some time and sold it later in life. On my mom’s side, my family owned Damco Manufacturing. It was my grandfather who invented the tire plug. So, if you’ve ever gone to get your tire fixed, and they put a plug in, that was my grandfather’s invention.

What did your parents do?

My Father was a farmer. He also worked in the oil fields and the family dealership. My mother was one of the first female car salesmen in the country. She eventually became a platform artist and key hair stylist for the movie industry.

So, entrepreneurship runs in your blood?

Yes, it really does. My grandfather owned a seed company at one point, so I’ve kind of had the best of both worlds. I grew up as a farmer’s kid and learned all about hard work and business all the way through even international business. My grandfather did business on the international level. We had accounts with China and other countries, Japan particularly. I learned many different aspects of running a business.

What were your interests

growing up?

I enjoyed tennis, golf, and drafting. I used to design golf courses and houses on drafting boards for fun.

Do you do any drafting now?

I took drafting in high school, and I used to play on the golf team. I really enjoyed it. I was drafting golf courses, and houses and those kinds of things built around golf courses. So, it’s ironic now that I do synthetic turf. One of the things that I do a lot of is draw out putting greens and practice facilities.

That’s quite a transition. How did that come about?

Back in the ‘70s, my mom was in Houston and used to race motorcycles and was one of the first car salesmen in the country. She was selling Volkswagens before Volkswagens were cool in the US. Over time, as you get older, I guess she got tired of the industry and decided to make a change. She was very artistic and decided to get her barber license. She had a place at one point down on Sixth Street here in Austin called Gentleman’s Choice. She used to cut hair for a lot of the legislators there including US senators and governors. She later transitioned. Matrix came and asked her to be a platform artist for them. From there, she transitioned and ended up going to do movies.

Did you go to college? What did you major in?

I went to Southwest Texas, Devry School of Engineering for computer science and strangely enough, ended up at Phoenix Christian University with a double major in religion and teaching. I’ve earned several certifications along the way as well the latest, being a CTI-L professional turf installer, base builder, and finally, a certified artificial turf company.

How were you introduced to the construction industry?

I used to work for Texas Parks and Wildlife in college and later decided to start a tree company in 2005 which evolved into landscaping and later into Synthetic Turf World.

What was your first year in the industry like?

The first year was hard but rewarding. I literally bled for my company. I had broken fingers. I paid employees before myself to build a reputation with manufacturers and clients, taking no salary and investing everything back into the company. It was rewarding knowing I was building something amazing for many people.

How did you come to own Synthetic Turf World?

Several manufacturers reached out to me and asked if I would consider building Synthetic Turf World to help build the landscape industry. I was already a consultant, trainer, and preferred certified installer for residential and commercial projects. They wanted someone who understood both sides of the industry and I seemed to be a good fit. I started out as turfscapes for Act Global and grew it into Synthetic Turf World. We represent several amazing American-made turf manufacturers.

Are you married? What is your spouse’s name? How did you meet? Is your spouse involved in the company? What does your spouse do?

My wife, Amane, and I were just married in Hawaii. Amane is Japanese. She speaks Chinese, Japanese, and English. We met in Hawaii climbing Haiku. She worked in logistics for a large Japanese oil company in Yokohama and is just adjusting to the American way.

Do you have any children?

I have two children from a previous marriage. Molly is an actress in New York and my son, Mac, is a pilot.

What are your interests and hobbies outside of work?

I enjoy reading and working out training for my next climb. I start every year on top of a mountain somewhere as it helps me get a perspective for the new year. We just climbed Haiku again together as a reminder of where we met.

What is the greatest part of your job? What is the hardest part of your job?

I consider myself a dirt artist. I love to convert areas that need some love into places that could be used for magazine covers. I’m a problem solver so I’ve created some installation methods and systems that are innovative and have been adopted in the industry. I just finished a system for trees that I think will make turf more logical for these areas.

What do you do to relax?

Reading and working relaxes me. And when I can jump on a plane to some new place and explorer, there’s nothing more relaxing to me. I recently returned from climbing Mt Fuji.

Where is your next travel destination?

That’s a great question. If I had my perfect scenario, I would probably be going to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

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

I hear what they want, and I produce a very high level. I listen. I like to give them very high quality so that they can enjoy it for years to come. And on the backside of that, we believe in what we do. We want to make sure that we’re there for our clients and that they can trust us. We do things the old way. The Texas way. -cmw

The Austin Construction News (ISSN 15477630) is published monthly by Construction News LTD., dba Austin Construction News, and distributed by mail to constructionrelated companies of record in Austin and surrounding counties.

All submissions should be emailed to our editorial offices. We reserve the right to edit any materials submitted. No fees for materials, copy or photographs submitted will be due unless agreed upon in advance in writing. Submissions will be published at our discretion on a space available basis.

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

L-R: Amane and Michael McCaskill after their recent nuptials in Hawaii

Excellence in remodeling

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Austin Chapter hosted its 2022 CotY™ 2022 Awards and Contractor of the Year Awards. The event was held Nov. 4 at the Renaissance Hotel. -cmw

2022 CotY™ Award winners:

Residential Bath Under $25,000: Realty Restorations, LLC & Twelve Stones Designs

Residential Bath $25-50,000: Bes Builder

Residential Bath $50-75,000: Simply Home Residential Bath $75-100,000: Adams Company

Residential Bath over $100,000: Realty Restorations, LLC & Twelve Stones Designs

Residential Kitchen Under $30,000: Remodel Boutique

Residential Kitchen $60-100,000: Simply Home

Residential Kitchen $100-150,000: Adams Company & 3D Home & Garden Design

Residential Kitchen over $150,000: Brown Bear Contracting

Residential Interior Under $100,000: Brave Remodeling

Residential Interior $100-250,000: Simply Sold

Residential Interior $250-500,000: Build 512, LLC & Dawn Hearn Interior Designs

Residential Interior Over $500,000: Skelly Build

Residential Interior Element Under $30,000: Remodel Boutique

Residential Interior Element $30,000 & Over: ET’s Home Repair

Residential Exterior Under $50,000:

Remodel Boutique

Residential Addition Under $100,000: Remodel Boutique

Residential Addition Over $250,000: Brown Bear Contracting

Universal Design – Bath: Realty Restorations, LLC & Twelve Stones Designs

Universal Design – Kitchen: Brown Bear Contracting

Residential Landscape Design/ Outdoor Living under $100,000: Austin Deck Company

Residential Landscape Design/ Outdoor Living $100-250,000:

Contractor of the Year: Build 512 LLC

Austin Deck Company

Residential Landscape Design/ Outdoor Living over $250,000: Austin Deck Company

Entire House Under $250,000: Remodel Boutique

Entire House $250-500,000: Simply Home Entire House $500-750,000: Brown Bear Contracting

2022 Austin NARI Buzz Award winners:

Associate Best Sales Brochure: Steller Solutions

Associate Best Video: Dumposaurus

Associate Best Social Media: ProSource

Remodeler Best Website: Skelly Build

Associate Best Website: ProSource

Best Showroom: Facets of Austin

2022 Austin NARI Achievement Award winners: Community Service Award: Chris Haynes, Wild Creek Renovations

Community Service Award: Christy Bowen, Twelve Stones Designs Young Professionals Award: Michael Hartel, Hartel Homes Spirit Award: Christina Allessio, ProSource Contactor’s Choice Award: ProSource President’s Awards: Chris Haynes, Wild Creek Renovations

Hard work was never a problem for Anita Friesel. She began her career in construction as a mason apprentice. After her boys were born and she was ready to return to work in the field, her husband wanted her to try a different trade - one that was rewarding, offered great benefits, and a pension, yet not as hard on the body.

Although Friesel wanted to return to the masonry trade, she decided to give sheet metal a try because her husband was already in the sheet metal apprenticeship program through MCA-SMACNA and the JATC, and if she didn’t like it, she would go back to masonry.

As it turned out, Friesel excelled in the sheet metal program, graduating at the top of her class. After completing her four-year apprentice program, she was given the option to continue her education. “I took some journeyman upgrade classes,” says Friesel. “I am a licensed TAP technician through the Local 67. For that, I had to travel to Austin for a year and a half to take the classes as they only taught them in Austin.”

Friesel started with Brandt in 2003 and began her apprenticeship. At that time there were other women in the sheet metal apprentice program. Through the years, more women have joined the industry, but not enough.

“There’s a lot of benefits to this trade. I would definitely encourage other women. It’s been nice to see those two ladies turnout and become journeymen. Currently, at my job site the manpower is approximately 150. And up until a couple of months ago, six of those were women. Some are in sheet metal. I have two on my job site right now that are our sheet metal apprentices and the rest are plumber and pipe fitter apprentices. It’s nice to see women come into the trades and not just sweep.

“For years I was the only sheet metal girl for Brandt out in the field and sometimes, it was lonely. My personal goal was to have five by the time I became a journeyman. I only got started on two, but that was still two more than what we had

before. Now I think there’s three total in the apprenticeship program.”

Friesel has been doing sheet metal work for 13 years. From apprentice to journeyman, from licensed TAP technician to safety coordinator, Friesel continues to excel in a trade dominated by men. The construction industry is no longer just a man’s world, it’s for anyone, male or female, who wants to make a good living with great benefits.

Friesel and her husband, Timothy, have been married for 24 years. Her sons were 3 years old when she started in sheet metal and says she has no regrets.

“I think everything, all the sweat, the tears, the frustration of anything that I’ve ever gone through in the trades - the lost time with my boys when I was going through training or going to school at night, I think it’s paid off. I can’t say I regret it. Was it frustrating at times? Yes. It seemed like it was never-ending. But thankfully I had a lot of support. My husband, of course, and the boys were always very understanding. Whatever I’ve had to go through or do has put me in the position that I’m at today, and I love my job.” -cmw

AGC members celebrate the holidays at Q2 Stadium

Members and guests of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) Central Texas Chapter gathered at Q2 Stadium for AGC’s Annual Holiday Party. The funfilled event was held on Dec. 14. -cmw

Anita Friesel, Safety Coordinator, Brandt Companies

So Long But Not Goodbye

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 Sportswear, ForEverlast Fishing Products, PowerPro, Interstate Batteries, MirrOlure, JL Marines PowerPole, and AFTCO Clothing.

Happy New Year everyone. I hope everybody had a safe and enjoyable holiday. Our winter weather patterns have definitely moved in making the remainder of deer season a bit more like hunt season other than fishing season. I’ll be finishing up a few of our end of the season deer hunts at the Chaparrosa Ranch this month before returning to the coast to start the 2023 fishing season.

I’m pretty excited to get back on the water in my new 2023 Shoalwater Cat powered by the bold Mercury 300 Pro XS. This is the most ultimate fishing boat I

have ever run in my 25 years of guiding. I am also pretty excited to see what the 2023 fishing season has in store for us. Last year, we saw an increase in our trout populations over the previous year following the freeze in 2020. This year is shaping up to be even better baring another big freezing cold spell. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that that doesn’t happen again.

On another note, I have been informed that this will be the last issue of Construction News. I would like to thank Buddy and Reesa Doebbler for choosing me as the writer in the Outdoor section of this great newspaper. For 24-plus years, I kept followers of this paper updated on what was happening on and off the water along the coast and in the brush country of South Texas. Along the way I was able to build a successful guiding career and make many friends. I feel Construction News had a lot to do with that. I will miss writing the monthly column and also sharing all the pictures and memories from my clients who subscribe and read this publication. It was great being a part of such a great industry that helped keep this paper going all the years.

So for now, it’s so long but not goodbye. I will continue fishing and hunting and hope to keep seeing all the familiar faces who have kept me going throughout the years.

My 2023 fishing calendar is open, so if you have a date in mind shoot me a text. I’m also booking South Texas whitetail hunts for the coming season. 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 361813-3716 or e-mail me at SteveSchultzOutdoors@gmail.com

Good luck and Good Fishing.

In August of 2004, I sent my first article to Construction News about my dear friend Joe McDaniel and his amazing fishhook extrication process (pocketknife in hand), which involved the phrase “Distract him Ken, I got this!” Since then we have extolled the virtues of sleeping in the deer blind, jerking perch through the gaps of a boat dock floor, having skinny dippers on the boat and grabbing every available used Christmas tree to make crappie fishing spots, and all kinds of other things! I even told you about the night my Momma sat on a raccoon in a cold hunting camp outhouse! By now I guess we have about covered it all.

Together, we have helped each other navigate through some unbelievably uncharted waters. We have ridden out droughts of record and 500-year floods, and that terrible freeze. We watched the recession of 2008 knock most everyone down and we hid and learned and survived the pandemic together. Over and over, we came out from under the wreckage to see the damage and find the helpers and learned to become the helpers so we could get back on our feet and keep on going. Construction News was part of that!

From my viewpoint I got to meet and get to know many people in the construction business that I might not have met any other way. I can hardly get out of the house without running across someone who has come fishing with me. If it is like that for an old fisherman from Lake

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

Keep on Fishing!

Buchanan, I can only imagine how many valuable connections Construction News has made possible in the construction trades over the years! Construction folks are the best and Buddy and Reesa Doebbler have helped us all get acquainted with each other and have an appreciation for the work you do with Construction News. I can’t thank you folks enough for letting me be a part of your Construction News family for all these years!

Buddy and Reesa, good luck and God bless you in whatever new adventures the future brings!

Now there are a few thoughts I want to leave you with:

Don’t stop fishing and hunting and getting outdoors! It’s a tough job, but

somebody has to do it!

Never stop trying to get your kids outside! Hunt, fish or hike or camp. Find a way to get them outdoors. They might make it hard on you, but don’t give up! Some day they will thank you.

You don’t own the lake…be nice to each other. Fish with others as you wish they would fish with you. The same goes for you hunters! Talk to each other because you learn a lot that way!

You can still find me on the radio on Saturday and Sunday, just search The Great Outdoors Ken Milam and you can listen in Austin on AM 1300 The Zone or anywhere on the free iHeart Radio app! Thanks everyone! You have been a blessing to me! Tight lines!

Through The Years With Ken Milam

Lakeside in the Fall - prettier than Christmas lights

‘Tis the season

An incredible experience

“It was an incredible experience,” says Shelton. “Our whole Schluter group was 17 in number. We were the Texas group. The other guys were from a few other states. Each day we got our limit of three birds each.”

The group hunted Nov. 21 and 22, the week of Thanksgiving, returning home around 9:30 pm the night before Thanksgiving. -cmw

Tess Shelton, Intertech Flooring, shared pictures from a recent pheasant hunt in South Dakota. Intertech Flooring Vice President Mark Jones, Josh Jones and Tess Shelton were guests of Josie Janssen and Ryan Dode with Schluter Systems. They hunted in Kennebec with Halverson Hunts.

L-R: Josh Jones, Tess Shelton, and Mark Jones get their 3-bird limit of pheasant both days of hunting

Texas group

Photos taken at Stan Rothman’s (Equipment Share) house in Bulverde, courtesy of Kevin Black

Carol Wiatrek , Construction News, feeding Sir Winston

Wrapping masters

food

Grand opening celebrated

American Constructors and Valor Education celebrated the grand opening of Valor Education’s new Kyle campus located at 2355 Windy Hill Rd. The celebration took place on Nov. 11. The new campus was constructed by

American Constructors. Valor leadership, as well as American Constructors’ Project Director, Grant Hutton, were on hand to visit with guests about the project and Valor Education. -cmw

L-R: Taryn Richie, Balfour Beatty; Marci Kincheloe, Tex-Mix Concrete and Michele Cummings, Balfour Beatty

On Dec. 10, National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) members volunteered at the Travis County Sherriff’s Brown Santa Program. This program provides gifts and

during the holiday season for families and elderly citizens primarily living outside the geographic city limits of Austin. Overall, they were able to take care of eight families. -cmw

Gift wrapping for Travis County Sherriff’s Brown Santa

American Constructors completed the new Valor Education Campus in Kyle, TX

Grand opening entertainment

Invited guests watch a short presentation on the Valor Education program

Submitted to Construction News - Round-Up

Balfour Beatty is pleased to announce the following:

Joseph Smith has been promoted General Superintendent. Smith has over 25 years of construction experience, including the last four years as Senior Superintendent with Balfour Beatty. In his new role, he will oversee all the field activities, working closely with our superintendents to plan each phase of work from preconstruction to closeout. -cmw

Elizabeth Aston joins the Balfour Beatty team as Office Manager, offering five years of experience in administration. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations and Communications from Texas State University, Aston has built a keen understanding of managing daily office operations and organizing event coordination and sponsorships. -cmw

Jessica Cory comes to the Balfour Beatty Austin team with five years of commercial construction and development experience. Her career began as a special projects coordinator, working on some of Texas’ largest projects ranging from healthcare, public work, and specialty labs. As a Project Engineer, she helps to ensure our projects run smoothly in every phase of the job by defining scopes, writing contracts, and monitoring the project progress. -cmw

White Construction welcomes Matthew Love and Michael Wenzel to the White family.

Matthew Love has built upon a solid knowledge of finance, marketing, and accounting with more than seven years of construction experience. His confidence and communication skills enhance his commitment to facilitating productive team outcomes.

Personal experiences as an Eagle Scout and Trap & Skeet champion have rounded out his character. -cmw

Michael Wenzel brings a degree in Construction Science and seven years of experience to the White team. He has also acquired extensive training in the various methodologies and safety procedures associated with building. Well-educated, well-trained, and well-experienced, Wenzel is an excellent addition to the team currently leading White Construction’s construction of Brandywine Realty Trust’s One Uptown mixed-use development in North Austin. -cmw

EEA Consulting Engineers recently welcomed Jack B. Evans to expand the firm’s services to include acoustic, noise, and vibration engineering. Originally the founder of JEAcoustics, Evans has been actively involved in acoustics, noise control, facilities services, and microelectronics projects as a consultant, designer, and construction manager since 1975. -cmw

Perkins & Will is welcomes Wyatt Frantom, FAIA, as design director of the firm’s Austin studio. Passionate about designing environmentally responsive buildings, and Frantom’s projects have been recognized and published widely, earning honors by the Chicago Athenaeum, the AIA COTE National Award, the ULI Charter Award, and AIA state and local design awards. He was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in 2019 and is licensed in Texas and California. -cmw

Valentina Schifano comes to Balfour Beatty with a comprehensive background in architecture and construction as head of business development for central Texas. With over 10 years of experience in Austin, she has worked in many of the firm’s key markets, including commercial office, large ground-up, education, public work, and industrial projects. -cmw

Jordan Phillips comes to Austin, Texas as a Balfour Beatty veteran with over six years of experience at Balour’s Mid-Atlantic office. As a project manager, he is a master at orchestrating project teams, making sure all key players are engaged and hitting targeted goals, while emphasizing client satisfaction. -cmw

Adam Austin joins the Balfour team and will work closely with the firm’s preconstruction team as a Project Engineer reviewing submittal packages, tracking bid submissions, and pinpointing value-add opportunities. He is graduate of Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. -cmw

BRR Architecture Inc. recently promoted Austin Abbott , AIA, to Senior Associate within BRR’s leadership group. Since joining the firm in 2011, he has amassed significant experience as a Project Manager across a variety of national clients and project types. Based in the firm’s Austin office, Abbott has been essential in leveraging the firm’s BIM capabilities to meet the firm’s clients’ needs on large-scale projects. -cmw

Urban Foundry Architecture has appointed Mackenzie Dye to Associate and Project Manager after four years with the company. She brings nearly 7 years of experience working as an interior designer and project manager for commercial, residential, multifamily, hospitality and senior living environments in Austin. -cmw

Geoff Coffman joins the Balfour family with over 20 years of experience as a proven leader in the construction industry. He has worked in a wide variety of markets including railway systems, landscaping/irrigation, and office buildouts. Geoff will be responsible for all field activities including trade contractor coordination, schedule management, safety control, and the implementation of quality control procedures. -cmw

Industry FOLKS

Andrea Lynn Waltisperger Crane Consultant & Business Development Americrane Selma, TX

Born in San Antonio, Andrea Waltisperger grew up in the small country town of La Vernia where she always found a way to have fun. “During the ‘80s and ‘90s, La Vernia was a small tight-knit community with one blinking light, a Dairy Queen, and a few small mom-andpops for groceries and restaurants, a completely different look from the developed town and community it is today.”

Having an older brother and two younger sisters, she had several partners in crime, creating their own fun in the great outdoors. “I’d say we tested our parent’s limits daily with how dirty we could get. It was such a fun childhood! We lived on about 10 acres of land that was connected to my grandparents’ 100 acres. The outdoors was literally our playground. We hunted, fished, drove RTVs, built tree houses, played sports, and pretty much just got lost outside until dark when we were forced to come inside to clean up, eat and go to bed.”

After graduating from La Vernia High School in 2000, she went on to play softball at Ranger Junior College on a sports scholarship. After a year at Ranger, she was accepted and transferred to TX A&M in College Station, TX. She graduated with a B.S. in Journalism and with a minor in Business in 2005. Her obsession for sports geared her toward a career in sports journalism and wrote many articles for the Battalion (campus newspaper) covering baseball, softball, and tennis games.

After graduating college, she pur-

sued a career in sports journalism. Unfortunately, at that time, paid opportunities were hard to come by, especially for females, so she decided to focus on what she learned while obtaining her minor in business and eventually began a career in the sales and business development arena.

Andrea is the proud mother of an 11-year-old boy and spends most of her free time supporting her son, Zayden’s, sports activities.

Andrea was introduced into the construction world in 2018 when she was presented with an opportunity by a friend’s company selling heavy haul trucking at Central Pony Express, currently known as River City Heavy Haul in New Braunfels, TX. In 2020, she was recruited by Jim Robertson at Americrane to join his team, to help build his newly acquired company, selling and consulting crane work in both the Austin and San Antonio markets.

“I love being in a challenging and high-profile industry, out and about every day. I often find myself changing from dress clothes and heels for a work luncheon or client meeting, into boots, jeans, and PPE to consult with a customer onsite regarding their crane needs. My favorite days are those spent out and about with customers on their job sites and building relationships with them at local industry-related events playing golf, shooting guns, attending mixers, and other networking events the local industry-related associations offer. -cmw

continued from Page 1 —Longhorn Fire & Safety

one of a few local companies in the Austin area that offered fire extinguisher refurbishment.

As the company continues to grow, the Counts continue to keep up with the demand. “We’ve upgraded all our equipment, adds Matthew. “We have expanded our hopper stations where we work on extinguishers. And we’ve also replaced all our hydrostatic test equipment with a new digital system. It’s faster, more efficient.”

Additionally, Longhorn Fire & Safety has added additional trucks and has begun selling a lot more refurbished units. “People are saving money by buying refurbished units which are as good as a new unit. We guarantee them just like as a new unit would be,” Matthew states. “All of our refurbished equipment will have a fresh hydrostatic test performed which renews the lifespan. All the scheduled maintenance starts over fresh after that hydrostatic test is performed so when you buy a reefer unit, it has the same lifespan as a new unit as far as the scheduled maintenance.”

Today, Longhorn Fire & Safety has grown to a team of 10. They provide fire

extinguishers, cabinets, hangers, brackets, signage, first aid kits, and safety gear - all revolving around the services Longhorn Fire & Safety provides: fire extinguisher servicing, inspections, making sure units pass fire codes, and all the services that would entail.

Moreover, Matthew stated that recent supply chain issues did not escape them, but Pamela remains proactive. They have extended their storage area, tripling their shelf space vertically in the shop area to accommodate extra inventory, as well as in the back. “We sit on more inventory than normal, but we want to ensure our customers have the equipment they need on demand,” adds Matthew. “We’re still the fastest turnaround in town – same day, next day service with a one to two-day turnaround.”

The small mom-and-pop fire extinguisher shop serves the Central Texas area down to San Antonio and as far west as Marble Falls, and as far east as Bastrop.

Longhorn Fire & Safety is a full-service fire extinguisher supplier and service company in Austin. -cmw

continued from Page 1 — Tejas Equipment all-trades. “It was a smaller branch when I started so we had to wear many hats.” Henk drove a delivery truck, worked the wash rack, worked the counter as kind of an assistant manager. “Then we just evolved with the company and we’ve grown and took over the store in 2019.”

Tejas Equipment’s mother store is in San Antonio and has seven locations throughout Central and South Texas. Henk’s AOR (area of responsibility) is primarily the booming San Marcos area up to Waco.

However, when it comes to keeping the customer satisfied, Henk will do anything possible to take care of those who drive his business. All and any branch will horse trade equipment to get what they need for their folks or tell those who are nearer a location to go to that place for what they need.

“We’re here to serve the customer,” Henk said. “If I don’t have an answer, by golly, my boss is going to have an answer. Or my peers are going to have the answer. [We do] whatever it takes to get customers taken care of.”

And what customers Henk has. “75 percent of my customers are commercial,” he said, with a good deal of the other 25 percent being the ranch owner or one who wants to clear land, for instance.

The San Marcos area is booming, Henk said. “Multifamily apartments that are getting built here are off the charts.

The growth is phenomenal. My drivers never stop.”

Henk’s Army training taught him all about teamwork and doing what it takes to get the mission done. Like many veterans, however, the opposite is true as well. “I spent a lot of years learning how not to do things,” he admitted.

“Right now, I’ve got equipment within a 300-mile radius,” Henk said, with no sign of business slowing down. “I’ve had consistent growth since 2018. I’ve had consistent growth leading all my goals. We are racing the economy to keep equipment and service [moving]. My yard is empty.” Henk’s trucks are staying very busy delivering equipment where it is needed.

“My goal is to always deliver a great customer experience,” he said.

By being back in warmer Texas versus colder New York, there is no slowdown of work. Oddly, however, “For the last three years, November, December and January have been my busiest [months]. I just got a really good customer base. One of the reasons is my quick response rection. A customer can call me at 4 o’clock on Thursday evening and more times than not they have it the next morning.”

Yes, it’s great to be back home, not to mention keeping all those customers satisfied.

Tejas Equipment Rentals serves the construction industry with seven locations in Central Texas. -dsz

continued from Page 1 — Construction News

“We are at deadline, please send the photo” although I will probably still have nightmares from time to time about deadline time.

Last but not least, special thanks and love goes to my wife Reesa. We created and worked this publication together and I know we are very proud of all we have accomplished in the last 22 years of publication.

And just think folks, she has only threatened to kill me several times . . . . . (a month) during this time.

So, in closing and quoting my childhood hero Roy Rogers . . .

“Happy Trails to you until we meet again”

Our best to all of you.

Buddy and Reesa Doebbler

Thanking you, our readers and our advertisers and our supporters for all these years. We will miss you.

Association Calendar

Content submitted by Associations to Construction News

ABC Associated Builders & Contractors

Jan. 19: Mega Mixer, Abel’s On The Lake, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. #3510, 4:30-7pm, Free Entry. For more info, contact Mandie Farabaugh at 512719-5263 or email mfarabaugh@abccentraltexas.org

ACEA

Greater Austin Contractors & Engineers Assoc.

Jan. 6: ACEA Coffee Chats, The Hive, 10542 Menchaca Rd., 7:30am, Free Entry.

Jan. 12: Membership Luncheon, Norris Conference Center, 2525 Anderson Lane, 11:30am1pm, $40 Member, $55 Non-Member. For more info, call Silvia Pendleton at 512-893-7067

ASCE

American Society of Civil Engineers

Jan. 17: ASCE Hybrid General Meeting, Balcones Country Club, 8600 Balcones Club Dr., 11:30am1pm. For more info, go to www.austinasce.org

Central

CENTEX IEC

Texas Chapter Independent Electrical Contractors

Jan. 5: Electrical Exam Prep – Classes Mondays & Thursdays, CenTex IEC Chapter Offices, 8868 Research Blvd. #502, Journeyman Exam Prep $400, $350 Members Only, Master Exam Prep $575, $525 Members Only.

Jan. 21: CE Class Austin, CenTex IEC Chapter Offices, 8868 Research Blvd. #502, Pre-Registration $40, $30 Members Only, Walk-ins $50.

Jan. 28: CE Class Marble Falls, Marble Falls Area EMS Training Room, 609 Industrial Blvd., Marble Falls, TX, Pre-Registration $40, $30 Members Only, Walk-ins $50. For more info, contact David Johnson at 512-832-1333 or email djohnson@ centexiec.com

DACA

Drywall Acoustical Contractors Assoc.

Jan. 26: DACA Annual Banquet & Casino Night, Maggiano’s Little Italy at The Domain, 10910 Domain Dr. #100. For more info, contact Eddie McCormick at eddie@dacaaustin.org

I-LinCP

Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects

Jan. 19: A Capitol Complex Study & Post Holiday Luncheon, Magliano’s Little Italy, 10910 Domain Dr. #100, 11:00am-1:30pm, Member $45, Non-Member $70.

Jan. 27: 2023 Invest in Women Forum, City of San Marcos Conference Center – The Embassy Suites Holes, 1001 E. McCarty Ln., 7:30am6:30pm, $200 Member, $$275 Non-Member. For more info, contact Carla Bingaman at 512-2635521 or email Carla.bingaman@i-lincp.org

NARI

National Assoc. of the Remodeling Industry

Jan. 11: 2023 State of the Market Update, Sunshine Camp, 2225 Andrew Zilker Park, 11am1pm, $40 Members, $50 Non-Members. For more info, Kayvon Leath at 512-997-6274 or email kayvon@austinnari.org

NAWIC

National Association of Women in Construction Jan. 7: Block Kids

Jan. 11: Chapter Meeting, JE Dunn Construction Offices. For more info, contact Marci Kincheloe at 512-629-1362 or email marcikyle@aol.com

SEAot

Structural Engineers Assoc. of Texas

Jan. 26: Chapter Meeting, Location TBD. For more info, call 512-301-2744

TSPE

Texas Society of Professional Engineers Jan. 5-7: PE Leadership Institute, Class 12, Session 1

Jan. 6: PELI Alumni Session: Influencing and Change Management Jan. 25: PE Day at the Capitol, Capitol of Texas, Austin, TX. For more info, contact Trish Smith at 512-472-9286 or email trish@tspe.org

TCA

Texas Construction Assoc. Jan. 31-Feb. 1: Biennial Walk on the Capitol, Capitol of Texas, Austin, TX. For more info, go to www.texcon.org

TXAPA

Texas Asphalt Pavement Assoc. Jan. 16-20: Bailey Method Mix Design Course –SOLD OUT

Jan. 19: TXAPA Live! Explaining the TxDOT Bituminous Rated Source Quality Catalog and the Aggregate Quality Monitoring Program, 3-4pm. For more info, contact Becky Schaeffer at 512312-2099 or email bschaeffer@texasasphalt.org

Members of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) had a great turnout for TSPE’s Ortega Elementary Holiday Party. The event was held on Dec. 14 at Ortega Elementary.

“The 1st Annual Travis Chapter Children’s Christmas Party was in December 1989,” says longtime TSPE member Therese Baer. “Thanks to the Travis Chapter President at the time, John Wooley, PE, who didn’t want to rent a tuxedo, or “monkey suit” as he called it, an alternative to the annual couples Christmas Dinner Dance had to be found. ACEA soon followed Travis Chapter TSPE’s footsteps and began sponsoring an Annual Children’s Christmas Party as well. Since 1989, TSPE Travis Chapter and ACEA have sponsored close to 2,000 children from low-income areas, providing them with gifts for what might have otherwise been a sparse Christmas.”

“A huge shoutout to everyone who sponsored a student and provided STEM gifts for them at the luncheon, as well as our company sponsors: Baer Engineering & Environmental Consulting Inc., Beyond Engineering and Testing LLC, Aguirre & Fields, and Volkert Inc. for making

Winter Weather Preparedness

Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

Although employers cannot control roadway conditions, they can promote safe driving behavior by ensuring workers: recognize the hazards of winter weather driving, for example, driving on snow/ice covered roads; are properly trained for driving in winter weather conditions; and are licensed for the vehicles they operate.

Employers should ensure properly trained workers’ inspect the following vehicle systems to determine if they are working properly:

• Brakes:  Brakes should provide even and balanced braking. Also check that brake fluid is at the proper level.

• Cooling System:  Ensure a proper mixture of 50/50 antifreeze and water in the cooling system at the proper level.

• Electrical System: Check the ignition system and make sure that the battery is fully charged and that the connections are clean. Check that the alternator belt is in good condition with proper tension.

• Engine: Inspect all engine systems.

• Exhaust System:  Check exhaust for leaks and that all clamps and hangers are snug.

• Tires:  Check for proper tread depth and no signs of damage or uneven wear. Check for proper tire inflation.

• Oil: Check that oil is at proper level.

• Visibility Systems:  Inspect all exterior lights, defrosters (windshield and rear window), and wipers. Install winter windshield wipers.

• Emergency kit Stranded in a Vehicle

If you are stranded in a vehicle, stay in the vehicle. Call for emergency assistance if needed, response time may be slow in severe winter weather conditions. Notify

An elementary Christmas

this event possible,” says Adeliza Ramirez. “Also, thanks to our Santa, Arturo Terrazas, PE, who took time out of his day to bring priceless joy to the students, and to Freese and Nichols for providing the outfit! Thank you to TSPE Past President Adeliza Ramirez for organizing this event; TSPE Secretary Hope Newton, EIT for keeping track of registrations and

making sure everything was coordinated; and TSPE Banquet Director Samuel Rivera, P.E. taking pictures.

“Truly - thank you to all who have ever helped bring Christmas cheer to a student at one of our holiday events. Spread the word because we’ll be back next year!” -cmw

your supervisor of your situation. Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You may become disoriented and get lost in blowing and drifting snow. Display a trouble sign by hanging a brightly colored cloth on the vehicle’s radio antenna and raising the hood. Turn on the vehicle’s engine for about 10 minutes each hour and run the heat to keep warm. Also, turn on the vehicle’s dome light when the vehicle is running as an additional signal. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.

Watch for signs of  frostbite and  hypothermia. Do minor exercises to maintain good blood circulation in your body. Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for too long. Stay awake, you will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems. Use blankets, newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation. Avoid overexertion since cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a vehicle can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.

natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232

Arturo Terrazas, PE, aka Santa, passes out gifts to Ortega Elementary students

The students are having a wonderful time

Berkeley Avenue renovation

Saint Elmo Architecture Studio (SEAS) is an architecture and design firm with practices in Texas and New York. The firm focuses on energy efficiency, sustainable design strategies, Passive House (PHIUS) consulting, and site-specific design. They take pride in the close working relationships they’ve developed with their clients in responding to their programmatic needs, budget, and schedule requirements while maintaining a strong focus on design. Projects undertaken by SEAS are diverse in scope, from single-family homes to art installations and commercial work.

They decided to showcase one of their earlier residential projects because it exemplifies their belief in working closely with the client and builder while being mindful of the budget and environmental footprint of the project.

When SEAS first visited the site, they discovered a beehive of activity. Compared to the surrounding subdivisions, the lot is a hefty half-acre plot of land with a 1955 2-bath, 3-bedroom, 1,500-sf single-story house that was added to over the years. Their clients, Bobby and Janet, are avid gardeners and utilize every inch of their property. They moved into their south Austin home a few years prior to the renovation. Having full-time jobs, their nights and weekends are filled with family visits, gardening, carpentry, and tending to a formidable colony of bees. During harvest season, they run a stand at the neighborhood farmer’s market. During the off-season, Bobby builds custom amps and plays music.

One of SEAS’ goals for this project was to create a space that would align with and serve their clients’ multifaceted lifestyles and create a comfortable backdrop to their pursuits. The project was to be a

carefully tailored mosaic of spaces that mirrors their activities, both indoors and outdoors. SEAS strategy to reduce the carbon footprint was to preserve as much of the structure as possible, reuse existing materials, and source locally. Bobby, who is a seasoned carpenter, built a lot of furniture from wood he and his son salvaged.

During early surveying, to no surprise, SEAS discovered that the old additions to the house resulted in a rather fragmented structure. Working with the local engineer, they negotiated the plane differences in the façade, floor, ceiling, and roof and introduced a sense of continuity and cohesion. Together with their clients, they decided to retain a builder early in the design process. It allowed them to get the builder’s feedback on constructability and

cost-effectiveness. The success of the project was directly tied to the synergy between all stakeholders during the planning and design phase.

The existing kitchen was very small. They removed the wall between the living room and the kitchen to place a large farm table (built by the client) that would also serve as a workspace for pickling and sorting fruit and vegetables. It also allowed SEAS to bring sunlight into the dining and kitchen areas from the south-facing windows.

To the north, SEAS added a sunroom with a row of windows framing the garden beyond. To the east of the sunroom is an outdoor shower and to the west, is a new utility room containing a washer, dryer, and a small bathroom. Both are strategi-

Evans residence

Paper Moon Painting recently painted the kitchen cabinets for designer Chelsea Evans in her own home project and was thrilled to see the end result. When Evans bought the home, there was garish floral wallpaper on the walls, and lime green Formica counters and backsplash. Evans saw past the challenges and was able to completely transform her kitchen into a warm, modern space.

When Evans brought in Paper Moon Painting, she had already replaced the lime-green counters, removed the hideous wallpaper, and put up some sleek contemporary lighting. She had also replaced some of the upper cabinets with open shelving. That left the transformation of the remaining cabinets to the Paper Moon team.

Most homeowners might not have the sheer design grit to select three different paint colors for their kitchen cabinets, but here’s where Evans’ experience served her well. She knew she wanted a mustardy-yellow color on the perimeter base cabinets (Sherwin Williams “Chamois”), which took some doing to find just the right shade. Since she couldn’t find any photos online of existing projects using that color, she had to rely on painted samples (by Samplize) and trust her instinct that it would all come together beautifully. The deep gray-green island color (Sherwin Williams “Thunderous”) which she had used before in other spaces, paired really well with the new soapstone slab that topped the island. Lastly, a crisp white

went on the upper cabinets and the oven tower (Sherwin Williams “High Reflective White”), so that they would fade into the background. Paper Moon Painting used a pre-cat lacquer on all these cabinets, for its sleek, gorgeous finish, and excellent cleanability.

A fun detail is the existing retro Kitchenaid trash compactor, which was its original white and would have stood out like a sore thumb against the deep graygreen island cabinet color. Evans had

some custom panels cut to face the trash compactor, which the Paper Moon team painted them at the same time as the rest of the kitchen. When she put the panels on, the trash compactor looked right at home!

Despite having three very different cabinet colors, the kitchen looks cohesive and beautifully designed. Without the garish wallpaper, the kitchen can “breathe,” and the new lighting over the island draws the eye up to the fabulous clerestory win-

cally placed to create a buffer between the exterior and interior.

The utility room opens into the new carpentry shop with cathedral ceilings. Direct access from the driveway allows the clients to bring in materials directly from the street. Accessible from the carpentry shop is a music room located strategically farther away from the sleeping quarters that remained unchanged in the east half of the house.

The south façade facing the street consisted of a series of disjointed planes and jagged roofline. SEAS introduced one continuous gable roof that now is used to collect rainwater for the garden and houses a solar panel array. A series of columns was added along the south façade reminiscent of a traditional Texas farmhouse. Now, the narrow porch is filled with pots and planters creating a colorful everchanging collage of herbs and flowers. -cmw

dows. The cabinet colors are warm and lovely. By painting the cabinets, Evans was able to use her budget wisely on show-stopping elements like the lighting and countertops. The result is truly a beautiful transformation! Photos courtesy of Matthew Niemann Photography. -cmw

Saint Elmo Architecture Studio (SEAS) San Antonio, TX

Berkeley Avenue before

Berkeley Avenue after

South façade

Kitchen

Sunroom

Evans residence modernized kitchen

Perimeter base cabinets with Sherwin Williams “Chamois” 3

Deep gray-green island and trash compactor painted with Sherwin Williams “Thunderous”

Since 2005, Advanced Door Control has serviced the central and south Texas areas with outstanding automated pedestrian door services and new installations. They provide a quality product installed by a certified team with years of experience and continue to stand behind their products and services with Christian values and hard work.

There are several key benefits to upgrading manual doors to automatic sliding doors. These sliders are activated by touchless sensors thereby eliminating the need to physically touch a door handle. This has been a welcomed sanitary option in the “no contact” society we have been living in for the past couple of years. This contactless activation option

Medical Park Tower Door Upgrades

also has greatly reduced the amount of abuse and the constant need for adjustments. Not only does it provide savings in material costs but manpower as well.

The biggest benefit that the administrator has noticed, so far, is the reduction in energy bills. The accountant was astounded at the savings compared to similar time periods of previous years. When a manual door needs a repair, it is usually propped open with whatever means available and can cause damage to the door system and temperature loss. The upgraded sliding doors do not have the option of being left open as they close when the path of egress is cleared. Lastly, the door system has an integrated locking system that works on the existing card access door schedule to keep the doors secure.

Whether dependent on ADA accessibility or not, the medical staff and patients all benefit from the upgraded door systems. Their mission is “To care for every patient and their families as if they were our own. Each patient, each family, each, and every time.”

Like Medical Park Tower, Advanced Door Control also strives to provide the best care for every customer, every door installation, every single time.

Advanced Door Control specializes in design and installation of quality commercial pedestrian automatic doors in Austin, San Antonio, and South Texas. -cmw

Jasmine, from immigrant to icon

Jasmine Azima has been dubbed an icon in the Engineering industry for being a female in a male dominated field, formation of building Commissioning, and innovations in Energy Conservation. From the beginning of her career, she was the face of, and spokesperson for, projects due to her charisma and personable attitude.

Jasmine arrived in the U.S. at age 17 to finish her mechanical engineering degree. Despite a scholarship that allowed her to attend any university anywhere, she opted to attend The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a topnotch education. Jasmine’s prominent legal and medical family, with her grandfather serving as a Parliamentary and Supreme Court Judge taught her to focus on high achievement. Jasmine’s above-average maturity and intellect in her youth stemmed from interactions exclusively with adults. She was top in all her classes back home, on the Dean’s List throughout her university studies and the first female to graduate in mechanical engineering.

Her career began at age 20 in a prominent Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineering firm, and swiftly rose to the rank of CEO at age 23. At age 26, she founded Jasmine Engineering; due to the revolution in Iran, she borrowed a $40,000 bank loan and repaid it in five months. By age 30, she was a millionaire. Jasmine received Ernest and Young Entrepreneur of the year award in 1990.

Her clients say, “Her business success is due to her ability to communicate complicated technical information to be easily understood by us so we can make sound decisions.” Jasmine attributes her perfectionist nature to her business “being one of the very few firms not to have been sued for errors or mistakes on any

of the over 1,000 projects with $25 billion in Construction Costs Nationwide!” Her clients say she’s Loyal, Generous, Straightforward and Positive.

Jasmine devised and began offering the concept of Total Building Commissioning services. This led Jasmine Engineering being the first firm hired to perform Commissioning services for the Cites of Austin, San Antonio, and Texas A&M; later, Commissioning became a building code, and Jasmine Engineering became the largest Commissioning firm in U.S.

Jasmine’s Commissioning and Project Management experience saved her clients at least four times its fee. Jasmine Engineering is acclaimed for its work Nationally on High Profile Commercial, Assisted living, Condominiums, Hotel, and Retail projects. Among her firm’s many local projects are the UT Arena, Austin International Airport, the 58 story Highrise Independent, which were LEED Gold certified. In San Antonio, some of Jasmine’s projects are Alamodome, Public Safety Headquarter, Wolff Baseball Stadium, San Antonio Convention Center, San Antonio International Airport, and KCI/3M Head-

quarters.

When asked who had the largest influence on her, Jasmine said, “My granddad.” Although she was a “daddy’s girl,” her grandfather devoted a great deal of time and inspiration to her. He would take her to his job at courthouse from age four where she learned about legal proceedings. On weekends, he would drive her to poor communities to make charitable donations to children and families.

Jasmine continues to serve through charitable donations, mentorship programs, scholarship awards, has been a public servant and served on many boards, including University of Texas, Engineering Advisory board. Jasmine paid her employees to continue helping poor with food and clothing every Friday in southside and westside of San Antonio.

Her hobbies are reading, painting, and playing piano.

Advanced Door Control San Antonio, TX

New automatic sliding doors at the Medical Park Tower entrance

New automatic sliding doors were also installed at the hospital entrance of Medical Park Tower