San Antonio Construction News January 2023

Diversifying trades

In the name

When Joshua Rodriguez and his wife, Ana, were starting their family, Rodriguez decided it was time to go to work for himself. With a new family, hourly wages just weren’t enough.

“I was out in the field working for general contractors and builders,” recalls Rodriguez. “I wanted to leave them something that could benefit them. I called my boss and told him I wasn’t coming to work and that I was starting my own company. He tried to talk me out of quitting, but I explained to him that I had told him my wife was pregnant and you only gave me a five-cent raise.

“Ana was asleep or so I thought, and after I hung up the phone she sprang up and said, ‘what did you do?’ I told her not to worry.“

Having been doing side jobs here and

there, Rodriguez began approaching builders and before long, he had more work than he could handle and Dry Coats Painting LLC was underway. “Back then, there were so many to pick from,” continues Rodriguez. “We got real busy. We grew quickly in the first two years. We went from an hourly wage income to something much more substantial.”

Dry Coats was started in 2001 and got its name from the work Rodriguez and his then-partner performed. His partner who left the company within a year worked the drywall side of the business, while Rodriguez oversaw the coatings. “We were diversifying drywall and painting,” Rodriguez says. “We were doing a lot of decorative texturing and were in high demand. He was a true craftsman

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For about a decade, Timothy Ramon, Owner of JR Ramon Demolition, has been providing hauling services exclusively to his other companies. And, has since been developing other avenues to serve the construction industry.

“We have always been engaged in roll-off services, but we only serviced our own needs and a selective group of clients. For the past two years I’ve been wanting to make Raintree Roll Off Services available to more customers,” says Ramon. “We were just getting serious about it when COVID hit. That kind of put the kibosh on things. COVID, and of course, all the other economic challenges that transpired over the last two years, delayed our ability to find the equipment that we needed - the roll-off trucks and the dumpsters. Everything

Where did all the years go?

It’s hard to believe that the first edition of San Antonio Construction News was published on October 1, 1998, 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

had a very long lead time when trying to purchase new.”

Then there was the challenge of finding the right personnel. The shortage of labor, manpower, and additional drivers also affected the launch date. But that did not kill the dream.

Now, Ramon is planning for late February or early March to officially roll out the roll-off service and dumpster rental. “We already have the inventory, all our drivers, our mechanics, our trucks and truck boss, and our dispatch. The business infrastructure is already in place,” he adds.

Raintree is starting with approximately four full-time employees dedicated to dispatching, sales, and accounting. Additionally, we have five

to let us pay the bills and grow.

Associated Builders and Contractors South Texas Chapter and Lynwood Building Materials are two companies who had advertised in our first paper and have had an ad in every paper since for a total of 292 editions.

Many others who came in early in our development include Alterman, HOLT CAT, Rocky Hill, JCH Construction, A-1 Fire and Safety, Alamo Crane, Allen & Allen, Baker Triangle, San Antonio Masonry & Steel, Bobcat of San Antonio, Terracon, Howell Crane & Rigging, Capital Pumping, Dausin Electric, HCDT Insurance Agency, Schweiss Doors, Wilborn Steel, Pro-Line Paving and Time Insurance.

A major thing that stands out during all these years of publishing this paper is Construct A Kid’s Christmas . Having just completed the 22nd Annual Toy Drive and Gala in December this event

Tim Ramon offers a laser focus on service with his new roll-off company, Raintree Roll Off Services

L-R: Ana and Joshua Rodriguez, owners of Dry Coats Painting LLC

A nutcracking Christmas

It was a nutcracking Christmas for the construction industry’s biggest Christmas party in town. On Dec. 1, The Construct A Kids Christmas Gala returned to the Alzafar Shrine Temple bringing the nostalgia of the Nutcracker to life.

The ever-popular silent and live auctions and grand gala raffle were an astounding success. Two checks totaling $50,000 ($25,000 each) were presented to the Friends of the Bexar County Child Welfare Board and Child Advocates of San Antonio (CASA) bringing an accumulated 22-year total of $1,132,881. -cmw

Alittle mist and fog didn’t stop toys from seeping into the Construction News offices for the annual Construct A Kid’s Christmas (CAKC) Toy Drive on Dec. 2.

Construction companies and associ-

Bringing in the toys

ations throughout San Antonio, in addition to the many toys collected at the CAKC Gala the night before and the Alterman Open House toy drive, brought this year’s toy collection total to 1,700 toys. The total number of gifts and toys

collected since the very first Construct A Kid’s Christmas toy drive held in 2000 is 37,171.

None of this would be possible without the overwhelming support from the construction industry. A big “Thank you” to

everyone who donated their time and energy to help bring Christmas cheer and happiness to the many children in the Bexar County foster care system. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! –cmw

CAKC Committee presents checks to Bexar County Child Welfare Board, Child Advocates of South Texas (CASA) and Child Advocates of San Antonio (CASA)

Toys collected from the CAKC Gala

The Grinch, AKA Tracy Burns with San Antonio Water Systems, helps collect toys during the drive.

Joeris team members L-R: Katie Wyatt , Jasmine Saucedo, Samantha Dominguez , Mario Hernandez , and Travis Bone

L-R: Urban Concrete Contractors’ Darin DeWaters and Moses Arredono deliver the UHaul van sponsored by Urban Concrete Contractors

L-R: WJE ’s Greg Spatz and Dustin Long arrive with a truck full of toys

Kevin Ogg with Acme Brick brings a box of toys collected by Acme employees

Home Depot employees from around the country were in San Antonio for a meeting. They brought over 193 gifts and $660.00 in cash for the toy drive!

Tamie Bocanegna ARI

Jesse Garcia, Alterman Inc. delivers boxes of toys collected from Alterman’s Holiday Open House to CASA

L-R: Buddy Doebbler Construction News and Angie White, CASA greet Jesse Garcia upon arrival

L-R: Noe Garcia, Albrite Construction and Denise Santos, CASA

L-R: Teddy Stine and Construction News’

Buddy Doebbler

Candi Lewis Alpha Building Corp.

Eric Walker Alterman, brings additional toys to CN office

Bikes in all sizes

So many helpers to load the sleigh, making sure all the kids have toys on Christmas day!

Making it in a man’s world

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 and 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

Taking ownership

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

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

O’Connell Robertson’s shareholder class of 2022

Anita Friesel, Safety Coordinator, Brandt Companies

With

Growth continues

All about the harness

‘50s,

“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,

Industry FOLKS

Rantz Lead MGC Contractors New Braunfels, TX

Lucas Rantz was born in San Luis Obispo, California located halfway between the San Francisco Bay area in the north and the Greater Los Angeles area in the south.

“It’s a small community of about 500 people with 90 percent of its economy coming from agriculture,” says Lucas. “It was a great place to grow up.”

He graduated from St. Joseph High School in Santa Maria, California where he played high school football. He continued to play football through his freshman year of college until an injury put a stop to his college football playing days. He attended the University of Georgia before transferring to Allan Hancock College seeking an agricultural management degree.

Moving within the same circle of friends, Lucas met his wife, Marina Casias, through her best friend. After being introduced, the two were inseparable. The happy couple celebrated their first anniversary in December. They are expecting their first child, a girl, in February. Additionally, they have two dogs, a brother and a sister. Tex and Belle are seven-year-old half lab half German shepherd mix.

Lucas grew up around construction. His father worked for what is now known as AT&T. While in high school, Lucas started pumping concrete on the side for a friend’s dad who owned a construction company. Admittingly, Lucas left construction for a spell to work in the agriculture industry before getting into law enforcement.

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

After being awarded the Capitol Cement Laboratory construction project, a 7,500-sf cement laboratory, The Fetzer Companies Inc. hosted a harness training and certification for all the employees of The Fetzer Companies and the subcontractors who will be working on the Capitol Cement project. The training was coordinated by Chase Anderson of White Cap and was conducted

by Jack Westbrook , account manager for Werner Co. Participating companies included: The Fetzer Companies, Alamo Comfort, South Texas Drywall, Bracken Plumbing, and Rentz Electric

The Fetzer Companies is a full-service General Contracting, and construction management company, specializing in commercial and industrial ground-up, interior finish-out, remodels, and restaurants. -cmw

After moving to Texas almost eight years ago, Lucas worked in a bar as a bouncer where he met Matt Bright with Bright Roofing LLC. Seven years later, while working at the sheriff’s office, Lucas got a call from Bright and went back into construction.

Lucas then went to work for MGC Contractors earlier this year where he works as a lead under MGC’s foreman. As a lead, Lucas oversees three guys in the field installing anything from 56inch water lines, water tanks, wastewater, and treatment systems. “It’s a little bit different than roofing. It’s a lot more different than roofing from replacing facias and soffits on people’s houses to reading large residential or large commercial plans. Now, there’s a lot of dirt work and a lot of concrete involved.

“I like the guys that I work with. It’s a great company to work for. They’re very family-oriented, open, and welcoming. It was an easy transition for me.”

Lucas credits his father as his mentor for teaching him good work ethics and what he did to provide for his family. “I wouldn’t say we grew up wealthy, but I never had to worry about anything I needed.”

Lucas enjoys hunting when he is not working or spending time with his wife and family. -cmw

Werner Co. representative Jack Westbrook conducts harness training at The Fetzer Companies offices.

Zack Gillian with The Fetzer companies volunteers to help demonstrate the proper use of fall protection harnesses.

Lucas

equipment rental roots going back to the

family-owned Rental One has been acquired by San Antonio-based Texas First®

Rental One is now Texas First® Rentals

Steven Bankler

Senior Partner Steven Bankler CPA Ltd. San Antonio, TX

As a young man, Steven Bankler learned the value of record keeping. His family owned a series of local businesses where he learned much about finance and taxes. With an undeniable interest in taxes, it was only fitting that Steven became a successful certified public accountant and opened his own firm.

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

I was born at Texas A&M. My dad had returned from the war and was finishing up his engineering degree at A&M. A few years after graduating, my mom and dad moved back to San Antonio.

What was it like growing up in San Antonio back then?

Both my mom’s and dad’s families were in San Antonio, so I grew up here. All of us were involved in the family retail clothing business which was started by my maternal grandfather.

What was the name of your family’s clothing business?

La Feria Department Store. We had four locations, and the “House of the Bride” competed with the major San Antonio stores like Frost Bros., Joske’s, etc.

What were your interests growing up?

In school, I participated in the speech and debate clubs as well as drama. I was involved in my junior high school play and drama productions in high school.

What did your parents do?

My dad not only worked in the family business, but he also invested and managed outside businesses’ interests. My mom was a homemaker busy raising four kids.

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

I graduated from St. Mary’s with a business degree majoring in Finance. However, my education extends far be -

yond college. I consider myself a lifelong learner attending NYU’s annual tax institute for over 35-plus years. I have joined various accounting organizations that include professional development, international associations promoting international business, and an Exit Planning Exchange to further my knowledge for assisting owners in planning and executing their own exits.

What made you go into certified public accounting?

My father knew I had always had an interest in taxes and had subscribed to tax-related publications. After my college graduation, I continued those subscriptions. In addition to that inspiration, my dad encouraged me to fulfill my accounting hours, sit for the CPA exam, and open my own firm.

How were you introduced to the construction industry?

Our CPA firm had several clients in the construction industry. We decided to expand our presence in this industry.

What was your first year in the industry like?

I opened my office in 1977 and started getting contractor clients. In the early 1980s, we made a conscious decision to develop a niche for this industry. When I began doing tax seminars, we made an extra effort to include possible contractor clients. We included discussions of special provisions that allowed these companies to defer their federal income taxes.

What is it like being the financial caretaker for others?

It is a duty that we take seriously. We are a niche CPA firm. All our clients are either family-owned or closely held businesses. In addition, we do not employ students, bookkeepers, or interns. Our 15 professionals are all CPAs, which is quite unique in the business.

Are you married? Is your spouse involved in the company?

My wife, Jane, and I met on a blind date (one that she unsuccessfully tried to get out of, thankfully) many decades ago. Jane recently passed away due to complications from surgery. She was a beloved team member as our “Master Shredder,” cheerleader, and a close advisor for many years at the firm. She’ll be on our minds and in our hearts in everything we do.

Do you have any children? Tell me about them.

We have three children and six grandchildren. They all live in Texas - San Antonio, Austin, and Houston.

What are your interests and hobbies outside of work?

I love to golf, travel, and attend the theatre.

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

The best part is our motto: We Solve Problems®. The hardest, but also another rewarding part, is teaching our CPA team members to trust and hone their own intuition and problem-solving skills, partic-

ularly if they’ve come from larger firms where they may not have been encouraged to be creative problem solvers.

What do you do to relax?

I read, go to sporting events - UTSA Football, SPURS, and my grandson’s basketball/baseball games, and just hang out.

What would you like our readers to know about Steven Bankler, the man?

I grew up with my extended family who were all involved in our business. Not only did the family members work and eat together each business day (Monday through Saturday), but we also got together with all the spouses and children every Sunday for lunch.

My immediate family usually discussed business nightly at the dinner table, so all facets of my family life were interwoven with talk of business practices and innovations. In fact, not only do my two brothers each have their own businesses, but several cousins own and operate their own businesses, too. I consider myself a businessman who happens to be a CPA with a niche practice of only serving family and closely held businesses.

If you could take your family anywhere for Christmas, where would you go and why?

Egypt is on my bucket list. I’d love to visit the pyramids, Valley of the Kings, and museums, and to see how advanced the country was in 3,000 BC. -cmw

L-R: Steven Bankler and his wife, Jane Bankler

The Christmas spirit filled the premises of Alterman ’s corporate headquarters as the construction industry’s holiday party season was underway. The Alterman Annual Open House Holiday Party was held on Dec. 7. More than 900 guests were shuttled to Alterman’s offices on Loop 1604 where they enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and beverages. The festivities included a toy collection for the industry’s Construct A Kid’s Christmas Toy Drive.

Christmas at Alterman

Founded in 1923, Alterman who celebrates 100 years in business, is one of San Antonio’s oldest and largest electrical contractors. The company launched operations when a young Nathan Alterman purchased an existing electrical business at the age of 24. Since then, the company continued to grow under the leadership of Richard Alterman, Jerry Kolinek, Don Kuykendall, John Wright, and now, Greg Padalecki. Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography. -cmw

L-R: Alterman President & CEO Greg Padalecki (second from right) and his wife, Shelley (right), greet guests at the Alterman Open House Holiday Party

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-and-pops 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 grand-

parents’ 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 pursued 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.

“It’s extremely rewarding to see the finished products of the job sites we were a part of in helping to construct. I’m very

Resource Guide

thankful to be a part of a company and team that supports so strongly the community and events supporting such great causes such as the Boys & Girls Club of San Antonio and the Warrior Health Foundation.”

Andrea loves the outdoors and spending time with her son and boyfriend. She spends most of her days playing with and supporting her son’s select baseball and football practices and games. They enjoy paddleboarding and fishing along the river where they live and spending time with her family in La Vernia shooting guns and just taking in the beautiful countryside. -cmw

New location to call home

For the past 37 years, Rocky Hill Equipment

Rentals has been located just north of Loop 1604. In 1985, Rocky Hill started operations in a 30-ft by 75-ft facility. In 2001, it expanded, adding 30 feet to its existing facility on a twoand-a-half-acre lot.

As the company continued to grow, so did its need for additional space. And the wait is over with the recent completion of its new 21,000-sf facility, Rocky Hill has room to grow.

Located on six acres, Rocky Hill has tripled in size, a far cry from the 7,000sf at its former location. The new facility is complete with a large lobby and rental counter where Rocky Hill’s rental coordinators will be ready to greet. The new facility includes conference rooms, a break room, a server room, a parts department, a parts warehouse, and of course, offices for various department heads and company leaders. Additionally, Rocky Hill’s sister company, JCH Construction will also call the new facility home.

“We’ve known for a while that we outgrew our old facility,” says Rocky Hill Equipment President Wes Clark . “This facility was designed by Jason Bundick with JJ&L. Our general contractor, Classen Winters LLC, and their superintendent Dennis Posey, are great to work with. They have done a great job bringing us this state-of-the-art facility. We can continue serving customers not only in the San Antonio-Austin area but can op -

erate out of and serve statewide and make sure our equipment is top performing equipment and we can provide the service that we’ve always tried to provide to our customers.”

The new facility houses 10 service bays in comparison to four at its old location. All equipment, large or small, we now have the luxury of being serviced in a climate-controlled area. The expanded yard allows room for additional inventory for its rental fleet.

“This gives us room to grow,” says say Rocky Hill Equipment Founder and Owner Rocky Hill. “This allows us to grow in the future and look at some different lines that may fit our business and our model, but rock saws, trenchers, and dirt equipment will remain our main focus.” -cmw

Big 10

Saying good-bye

After a 30-year career with Galaxy Builders Ltd., RC Contreras has decided to retire. It’s bittersweet for him, but he is excited about his next chapter.

“A succession plan has been in place for some time now,” says Contreras. “So, I leave the company in great hands. Although I won’t be working, I am still committed to going to the high schools to promote the industry.”

On Nov. 8, Galaxy Builders honored Contreras with a surprise retirement party at Cuishe. Second generation and President of Galaxy Builders, Neilesh Verma, thanked Contreras for his “three decades of commitment, dedication, wisdom, and some wonderful memories.”

As Contreras says goodbye at the end of 2022, he leaves behind not co-workers, but family. “It all started with Arun. He had a vision, and I was honored to have served under him and his family who have become my family.” Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography. -cmw

After 30 years, RC Contreras retires f rom Galaxy Builders Ltd.

It was standing room only at the Mendez Engineering offices on Nov. 11 when Ray Mendez and his staff at

L-R: Ray Mendez and his daughter, Mia

Standing room only at Mendez Mendez Engineering hosted a 10-year anniversary celebration. Guests were treated to a wonderful buffet, margaritas and lots of great music. -cmw

L-R: Rocky Hill and Wes Clark proudly pose for a photo in front of Rocky Hill Equipment Rentals’ new facility in Selma.

Recognition at Christmas

On Dec. 8, BakerTriangle hosted its annual company Holiday Party with family and friends at Dos Sirenos. Many tenured employees were recognized for their years of service. The BakerTriangle team and their families enjoyed a

spirited and festive evening with lots of good food and fun. Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography. -cmw

Mike Sireno is recognized for his 25 years of service.

Mia Perez is presented the President’s Award

Ruben Mendoza, 20 years of service

Catarino Tellez, 15 years of service

Darnell Brown, 10 years of service

Ray Baladran, Foreman of the Year

So Long But Not Goodbye

by Capt. Steve Schultz

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.

Through the years in Construction News

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

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.

Through the years in Construction News

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.

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

The future of racing

In March 2018, at the age of 11, Cole Kleck , son of Kip Kleck , owner of International Mechanical Services Inc. began racing karts at Hill Country Kart Club in New Braunfels. Not knowing anything about racing, Kip and his wife, Dawn, took Cole to the club where the people were extremely nice and inviting. Over the years, Cole moved on to regional racing and later competed on a national level.

Since then, Cole has moved past karting and is now racing Formula 4. Cole tested with Kiwi Motorsports for about six months in the F4 car and he broke the track time record and that’s when his coach said, “OK, let’s put him in.”

The Klecks traveled to Tulsa, OK on Oct. 28. Cole and his twin sisters all raced

at Hallet Motorsports, a local race where Cole won first. His sister Elise took second with his sister Maddy, not far behind.

His debut race was the Nov. 3-6 weekend at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. He competed against 24 other professional racers who had been competing all year and this was their last three races (races 16-18). He placed fifth in race 16, had some trouble in race 17, and placed 12, but came back with a vengeance in the last race of the weekend. Starting 17th, he moved up 11 spots finishing in 6th place. For his first national F4 race, he did an amazing job. He will be racing nationally next season with Crosslink/Kiwi Motorsports and plans to do even better! -cmw

An

incredible experience

ed

“It

-cmw

L-R: Cole Kleck and Ryan Yardley, a Formula 3 (FR) driver and Crosslink/Kiwi Motor Sports Data Engineer going over the data from the drivers and cars. Yardley works individually with each driver on what they did wrong, where they can pick up more time, the performance of the car etc. Yardley also races Proshe and got 1st place in a different division the weekend of Nov. 3-6.

International Mechanical Services Inc. is Cole’s first business sponsor. For more sponsor information, follow Cole and his racing career @cole_Kleck.

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 hunt-

in Kennebec with Halverson Hunts.

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.

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

Texas group

‘Tis the season

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

Carol Wiatrek , Construction News, feeding Sir Winston

2022 Volunteer of the Year: Kyle Jinks, TDIndustries Inc.

(No photo available)

General Contractor Public Works/Environmental All Contracts: Garney Companies Inc. Sabine River Authority Pump Station and Pipeline (No photo available)

2022 Platinum STEP Award winners:

Cadence McShane Construction Co. LLC

Central Electric Ent. & Co.

Choate Construction Company Garney Construction Geofill Construction Harvey-Cleary Builders

Construction excellence

value to the industry, and promoting a safe work environment in our community. Second, it celebrated the outstanding craftsmanship of its members.

The

Intertech Flooring

Jordan Foster Construction

Kennedy Wire Rope & Sling Co. Inc.

Keystone Concrete Placement

Metropolitan Contracting Co. LLC Robins & Morton

TIC – The Industrial Company

Victoria Air Conditioning

2022 Diamond STEP Award winners:

Alpha Building Corporation

BETCO Scaffolds

Central Builders Inc.

GMI

Manco Structures Ltd.

Marksmen General Contractors

MK Marlow Company LLC

Noble Texas Builders

Rogers-O’Brien Construction Company

Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Inc.

Southwest Electrical Contracting Services Ltd.

Structure Tone Southwest LLC

TDIndustries

Teal Construction

United Rentals Inc.

W.G. Yates & Sons Construction Company Way Mechanical

2022 Gold STEP Award winners: A/C Technical Services LLC

Americrane Rentals

Hill Electric

Keller-Martin Construction Inc.

Marek Brothers Systems Inc.

SpawGlass Contractors Inc.

2022 Silver STEP Award winners: Airco Mechanical Ltd.

Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing Inc.

Bartlett Cocke General Contractors LLC

D. Wilson Construction

Joeris General Contractors Ltd.

2022 Bronze STEP Award winners: Huser Construction Co. Inc. Moore Erection LP

The Koehler Company

Have a safe and wonderful New Year from Construction News!

Graduation times three

The

The

Specialty Contractor Community/Public Service: Central Electric – Bridge Builders

2022 Industry Professional of the Year: Drew Addison, IBTX

2022 Supplier Member of the Year: Miguel Leon, Milwaukee Tool

2022 Subcontractor Member of the Year: David Cupit, MAREK

2022 General Contractor Member of the Year: Melissa Jourdan, Joeris General Contractors

2022 Chairman’s Award: Buddy Doebbler, Construction News

2022 Merit Award: Michelle Seward Davis

Safety Pioneer Award: Tom Quintero, IBTX

CThe Sheet Metal | Air | Rail | Transportation and Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 67 (SMART®) and the Mechanical Contractors Association Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning National Association (MCA-SMACNA) celebrated the graduating classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022 on Nov. 17 at Dave & Busters. Graduating apprentices completed a four-year training program that required them to attend 800 hours of classroom-related instruction with 7,200 hours of on-the-job training. Employers, instructors, and family members were in attendance to celebrate their accomplishments. The graduating class of 2020 started their journey on Aug. 1, 2016. The class fin -

ished with 11 apprentices. The highest GPA was 92 and there were five apprentices with perfect attendance.

graduating class of 2021 started on Aug. 1, 2017. The class finished with nine apprentices and its highest GPA was 91. Four of the graduates finished with perfect attendance.

graduating class of 2022 began its journey on Aug. 1, 2018. It too finished with 11 apprentices. The class of 2022’s highest GPA was 93 with only two apprentices with perfect attendance. -cmw

Class of 2020 Class of 2021 Class of 2022

From their family to yours

Just like family, Keller-Martin Construction hosted a holiday dinner that any family would love. On Dec. 6, the Keller-Martin team along with their families gathered at Paesanos to enjoy an

evening of laughter, gifts, delicious food, and a chance to make great memories.

Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography. -cmw

Christmas in the air

The San Antonio Chapter of Associated General Contractors (AGC) welcomed the holidays with a Holiday Open House on Dec. 8. Association members and AGC friends gathered at the AGC offices where they visited with one another while enjoying hor’s d-oeuvres and refreshments. Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin

-cmw

Golfing at the club

A mason Christmas

Keller-Martin Construction team members with their families with you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

L-R: Keller-Martin President Rick Smith, Lilian Leyva, and Albert Leyva

L-R: Celeste Estep, Michael Migura, and CeCe Migura

Members and guests of the Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association (TACCA) San Antonio Chapter had a great time on Nov. 7 at TACCA’s 33rd Annual Golf Tournament. The event was held at The Club at Sonterra. Congratulations to Gunn Fleet Management team: Willie Nelson, Jason Horn, Cody Murphy, and Luke LeGrande for taking first place and Texas Air Products team: Zach McManus, Jeff Jendrzey, Dominic Detore, and Clint Doege for taking second place. -cmw

The San Antonio Masonry Contractors Association (SAMCA) and its members gathered at Ajuua Mexican Grill for the association’s SAMCA Holiday Party on Dec. 8. Everyone enjoyed a wonderful fajita and enchilada dinner, and a few evening activities which included a visit from Santa himself. Team members from San Antonio Masonry & Steel grab an opportunity to take a photo with Santa. -cmw

Photography.

AGC staff members L-R: Kelly Wilson, Chapter President Lauren Mandel, and Jennifer Munoz raise a glass in honor of the holiday season.

Kelly Wilson is recognized for her 18 years of service.

School of Rock San Antonio

Valot General Contractors (VGC) contacted School of Rock San Antonio owner Michele Patton through a builder’s platform to offer a free estimate to build out their existing school. VGC President Chris Valot walked the project with Patton, owner of the School of Rock San Antonio, and quickly sent an estimate. Pleased with the estimate, Patton waited for approval from the commercial property management company and the City of San Antonio to ensure they were on board with the modifications of the classrooms.

Team VGC, owners, teachers, and the students at School of Rock San Antonio worked closely to ensure the amazing services provided by the school endured the least amount of interruptions. VGC worked around the students’ schedules to ensure minimal dust and took every precaution possible to avoid any accidents while expediting the project to stay within schedule. As with any project, there were a few hiccups along the way which Patton and Valot were quick to discuss and resolve to again ensure the safety of the student while the continuation of services remained ongoing.

The VGC team began by tearing off the existing flooring and replacing it, as well as building walls to soundproof classrooms, adding doors, replacing doors, and performing some light electrical work to ensure every room had plenty of lighting. The teachers’ lounge was modified to provide a little more space and made sure the back doors were secure. An exterior wall was removed including two windows and were covered with exterior stucco.

With the work 100 percent complet-

Galley kitchen remodel

ed, the owners were very pleased with the work provided by VGC bringing the School of Rock more value, and a great relationship with a new client was established. The School of Rock and VGC became family and continue to build partnerships and give back to the community.

Valot General Contractors (VGC) specializes in commercial ground-up, tenant buildouts, tenant improvements, live remodels, ground-up residential, residential remodels, and expansions. -cmw

Known for impeccable quality and meticulous attention to detail, AR has been restoring and remodeling luxury homes in the San Antonio area since it opened its doors in 2017.

Earning such a reputation did not happen in San Antonio overnight. This world-class remodeler struts its stuff again with this gorgeous, awe-inspiring kitchen enlargement. Here, in one of

their latest transformations, AR has taken an Alamo Heights home’s 1955 galley kitchen and turned it into any 2022 chef’s dream kitchen.

The kitchen’s layout was completely revised, blowing out the walls to combine the original kitchen, pantry, laundry room, and office into one GIANT meal-preparing, family-gathering smorgasbord of good times. Cleverly, quadru-

pling the size of the original galley kitchen.

Then, after careful consideration and planning, the space was thoughtfully accommodated with the latest in technology and fine luxury finishes. From the custom-made two-tone cabinetry to the handmade backsplash tile from the Amalfi coast of Italy, this kitchen bleeds opulence while maintaining the sleek

luxurious simplicity that has become AR’s trademark style. From the lighting to the floors, AR made absolutely no concessions on quality or comfort.

AR is a family-owned general contracting firm specializing in high-end, luxury residential and commercial construction, roofing, and restoration services in San Antonio, TX. -cmw

Exterior stucco work is performed on the School of Rock San Antonio

Valot General Contractors (VGC) San Antonio, TX

Demolition begins on exterior wall

Exterior wall construction demolition

Construction of a new exterior wall begins

Demolition included interior wall

Original galley kitchen before renovation

No longer a galley kitchen, but a beautiful gathering space Pantry

Stove and vent-a-hood

Haven for Hope

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

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 staff has noticed, so far, is the reduction in its energy bills. The accountant was astounded at the savings compared to similar time periods of previous years. When a manual door needs 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

A new company emerges

door schedule to keep the doors secure.

Whether dependent on ADA accessibility or not, the staff and residents all benefit from the upgraded door systems. The mission statement for Haven for Hope is “To offer a place of hope and new beginnings by providing, coordinating, and delivering an efficient system of care for people experiencing homelessness in San Antonio.” Like Haven for Hope, Advanced Door Control also strives to provide efficient solutions to meet its customers’ needs.

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

In memoriam…

Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of John Oliver Hutson who passed away on Dec. 25.

John was born on June 12, 1951, to Katherine and Harold Hutson. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, John enjoyed a life filled with adventure and plenty of fishing.

He served in the U.S. Navy and later went on to become an entrepreneur starting a millwork company in the late ‘80s, Classic Casework & Counter Tops Inc. He performed work for many general contractors, producing and installing casework for schools and hospitals throughout San Antonio. In 2002, John retired from the construction industry, closing his millwork business. He was a member of the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) South Texas Chapter and the American Subcontractors Association (ASA).

Mark Castillo owned a construction company doing highway maintenance through the Texas Department of Transportation when he met Alfredo Frausto. Their wives, who are good friends, introduced the two five years ago and they, too, developed a friendship. However, their business relationship evolved over time.

Earlier this year, the two were participating in a marathon when the idea of starting a contracting company emerged. “We were jogging along when I suggested starting a contracting company,” recalls Castillo. “I just knew that with Alfredo’s contracting experience and my business experience from owning my own business, we could start a commercial construction company.”

Frausto | Castillo Construction Group LLC dba FC Construction Group was started in May and is off to a good start. “At the moment we are doing interi-

or build-outs,” adds Frausto. “But, are capabilities include ground-up to complete renovations.”

The young company is focusing on local, state, and federal work. Although their niche area is in commercial renovation, they have the capability to take on any project that comes their way. Their service area includes South and Central Texas but is willing to go where they are needed.

“We’re here. We have experience working with very large contractors in the area,” says Frausto. “We are here to help San Antonio and to participate in our community. The construction industry is a very fast-paced industry here in San Antonio and Texas, in general, and we believe our capabilities will fit right in.”

Frausto | Castillo is a commercial contracting company specializing in commercial renovations. -cmw

In his next chapter of life, John secured his Captain’s license. He then began offering guided fishing trips in Ketchikan Alaska. After offering guided fishing trips for five years, John retired and moved to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico where he lived for the past eight years.

He was a world traveler, always ready for his next trip as there was always a new destination to pursue. He enjoyed fishing and spent many a day enjoying the serenity of being on the open water waiting for the catch of the day to find his hook.

John is survived by his oldest son John Shane Hutson, President of Pesado Construction; his youngest son, Seth Oliver Hutson, and his wife, Leah; and two grandchildren, Oliver and Zoe Hutson.

“He finally earned his passport to heaven after an eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer,” says Shane. “Godspeed. We will miss and love you always.”

Advanced Door Control San Antonio, TX

New automatic sliding doors installed at Haven for Hope

These same doors were installed at the San Antonio Food Bank

L-R: Valentina Castillo, Mark Castillo, Alfredo Frausto, and Jessica Frausto

Fall golfing

Members of the Hispanic Contractors Association de San Antonio (HCAdeSA) enjoyed a wonderful fall day of golf at The Golf Club of Texas for HCAdeSA’s Fall Golf Tournament.

The event was held on Sept. 30. Golfers, sponsors and other guests enjoyed a beautiful day with lots of fun and camaraderie. -cmw

Dedicated to providing a little joy to Bexar County’s less fortunate children, the Elf Louise Christmas Project began in 1969 when its founder, Louise Locker, was a student at Trinity University. That year, she and a friend collected gifts for children in 13 families. -cmw

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

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

1st Place Gross: The Trevino Group - Joe Garcia, Harvey Jones, Ernest Mora, and Joel Garcia

1st Place Net: EquipmentShare – Mike Hare, Patrick Mucci, Tony Walton, and Jesus Podraza

spirit of the holiday season is all around. Volunteers from Associated General Contractors (AGC) wrapped gifts for San Antonio’s Elf Louise Christmas Project.

Gift wrapping volunteers

JOB SIGHTS

Association Calendar

Content submitted by Associations to Construction News

ABC

Associated Builders & Contractors

Jan. 18: ABC South Texas Annual Membership Meeting, The Crystal Room at Old San Francisco Steakhouse, 10223 Sahara Dr., 11am-1pm. For more info, contact Jennifer Galarza at 210-342-1994 or email jgalarza@abcsouthtexas.org.

AGC

Associated General Contractors

Jan. 18: General Membership & Installation Luncheon, Security Service Event Center, 15000 IH-10 W, 12-1:30opm, Sponsorship $1000, AGC Member $100. For more info, call Jennifer Munoz at 210-3494921 or email munoz@sanantonioagc.org

ASSP

American Society of Safety Professionals

Jan. 16: Chapter Virtual/In-Person Monthly Meeting, Southwest Research Institute Cafeteria, 6220 Culebra Rd., 11:30am-1pm. For more info, go to www. southtexasasse.org

CFMA

Construction Financial Management

Jan. 11 - 12: Construction Enterprise Budgets with Cash Forecasting – Live, Online 3-5pm (ET), 12-2pm (PT), $150 Member, $209 Non-Member

Jan. 18: Employee Retention Credits: Are They Too Good To Be True – Live, Online, 3-4:15pm (ET), 12-1:15pm (PT), Members Free, $69 Non-Members

Jan. 24: CEO Roundtable, 11:30am, Free. For more info, go to www.sanantonio. cfma.org

GSABA

Greater San Antonio Builders Association

Jan. 31-Feb. 2: NAHB: International Builders Show, Las Vegas. For more info, call 210-696-3800 or email info@sabuilders.com

HCAdeSA

Hispanic Contractors Association de San Antonio

Jan. 18: January Meeting & Board Installation Dinner, Location TBD, 5:30-7:30pm. Jan. 28-29: SA BBQ Rodeo, Private Party, Call HCA Offices for details.

Jan. 27-29: Rodeo BBQ Cook-off Private Party, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo On the Salado, 1723 Creekview Dr. Space #1210-1214 & 1309-1313. For more info, call 210-444-1100 or email admin@ hcadesa.org

IEC

Independent Electrical Contractors

Jan. 3: IEC Training Center & School ReOpen, 8am

Jan. 9: IECSA Accelerated Class Begins, IEC Training Center, 5511 Ingram Rd., 5:30-9:30pm

Jan. 17: Continuing Education Class, IEC Training Center, 5511 Ingram Rd., 5-9pm

Jan. 19-20: IEC of Texas Quarterly Meeting, Lakeway, TX Jan. 25: Economic & Investment Outlook Luncheon, IEC Training Center, 5511 Ingram Rd., 11am

Jan. 29-Feb. 1: IEC National Business

Summit, Nashville, TX. For more info, contact Julie Tucker at 210-431-9861 or email jtucker@iecsanantonio.com

I-LinCP

Inst. 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., 7:30am-6:30pm, $200 Member, $$275 Non-Member. For more info, contact Carla Bingaman at 512-263-5521 or email Carla.bingaman@i-lincp.org

MCA-SMACNA INC

Mechanical Contractors Association

Sheet Metal & A/C Nat’l Association

Jan. 25: Joint Industry Fund Meeting, MCA-SMACNA office, 206 E. Nakoma, 11:30am.

Jan. 31 - Feb. 1: TCA Walk on the Capitol/ Bus Trip, Capitol of Texas, Austin, TX. For more info, call Sandee Morgan at 210822-3763

NAWIC

National Association of Women in Construction

Jan. 5: General Meeting, Anne Marie’s Catering & Events, 12475 Starcrest Dr. Jan. 14: SAISD Book Buddies, Port San Antonio

Jan. 27: Friendship Friday, La Gloria, 9800 Airport Blvd. For more info, contact Shenel Rimando at shenelrimando@ gmail.com

PHCC

Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors

Jan. 12: Member Meeting & Board Installation. For more info, call Heidi Trimble at 210-824-7422 or go to www.phcc-sanantonio.org

SAMCA

San Antonio Masonry Contractors Association

Jan. 25: Membership Meeting, Old San Francisco Steakhouse, 10223 Sahara Dr., 11:30am. For more info, contact Debi Solis at 210-347-2423 or email thesamca@ gmail.com

TACCA

Texas Air Conditioning Contractors

Jan. 18: General Member Meeting, Alamo Café, 14250 San Pedro, 11:30am-1pm, Member 1 Free, Non-Member $30. For more info, call Dawn Thompson at 210901-4222

TXAPA

Texas Asphalt Pavement Association

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 512-312-2099 or email bschaeffer@texasasphalt.org

Adair Electric ’s Chris Rayner and Bart Adare look on as Devon Chesser disconnects light fixtures before demolition begins in the Virtual Builders Exchange offices. -cmw

Caleb Rypple, AR6 Construction & Engineering, begins some office demolition and remodel work at the Virtual Builders Exchange offices. -cmw

Mark Vise with Divided Sky Roofing & Solar calls it a day after visiting a client off Naco-Perrin Blvd. -cmw

Daniel Perez, Jr. with SA Specialties Air Conditioning | Heating | Insulation picks up as work begins on the installation of a new rooftop air conditioning unit on a two-story building on Naco Perrin Blvd. -cmw

Casino fun and awards

continued from Page 1 — DryCoats Painting LLC

and he is still really good at what he does. It was a great partnership while it lasted.”

Rodriguez assumed the company name and has been thriving ever since, but admits he had to learn the ropes along the way. “It was through mentors, and the relationships we built. Relationships with contractors and other trades helped Dry Coats Painting take off. Today, he, Ana, and their son, Caleb, work side by side growing the company.

“My reputation as a contractor and for our family is very important,” admits Rodriguez. “To be able to produce a good quality finish took a lot of refining through the years.”

The company services San Antonio and its surrounding areas north of San Antonio. Their employees are fully trained and have decades of professional painting experience working on commercial, residential, public, and private projects. Dry Coats Painting provides commercial and residential services. Commercially, from hospitals to hotels and more, they provide quality paint supplies to complete any project in the best way possible. They are skilled in interior and exterior painting, staining, drywall installation and repair, power washing,

drivers and trucks ready to get on the road for actual service. Over 100 containers are available for use on commercial and industrial construction projects.

Initially, Raintree will serve all of Bexar County and will consider expansion down the road.

“The product of choice for debris disposal in commercial construction or the home building industries is a 40-yard dumpster,” says Ramon. “Since we already have such an established infrastructure here in San Antonio, and an abundance of trucks in comparison to the number of dumpsters, we’re able to meet our clients’ needs quickly and efficiently.”

With a laser focus on service, the company offers an unmatched guarantee: for those service points inside Loop 1604, they guarantee service within four hours of the initial request or they won’t charge for the service.

A strong proponent of good

weatherproofing, cabinet staining, and demolition. Residentially, just like commercially, they provide quality products and skills in interior and exterior painting, staining, drywall installation and repair, power washing, water damage, mold remediation, weatherproofing, concrete painting and staining, cabinet staining and resurfacing, stucco painting and popcorn texture removal.

“If you’re looking for a contractor, who with generational knowledge, we are the contractor for you,” Rodriguez adds. “There are a lot of contractors out there who don’t know the trades, and who don’t have resources. They are companies that started their businesses not knowing the market in San Antonio or how homeowners feel, or what they think they’re looking for. Some might not even be willing to work directly with couples whose working on their forever home. We’re far beyond that. Okay, we are far beyond that. We will address your needs because we want to share your vision. We’re not building for you. We’re building with you.”

Dry Coats Painting LLC is a commercial and residential painting contractor servicing the greater San Antonio area. -cmw

environmental practices, Ramon established Raintree Transport 10 years ago to be very conscious of the environment. Raintree Roll Off Services also embraces the eco-friendly mindset. “All our trucks are very late model and emission compliant with the latest state and federal EPA standards for emissions controls and efficiencies,” says Ramon. “Even the eye-catching, teal color of our dumpsters was chosen to symbolize when the ocean meets the sky. We are very conscientious about the environment and will continue to dedicate our efforts toward minimizing any negative environmental impact. In fact, we hope to incorporate a recycling division in the future that would be able to recycle debris and maximize our recycling efforts.”

Raintree Roll Off Services is a roll off dumpster service for the Bexar County area. -cmw

shows how the construction industry can come together for the right cause.

As we were setting up for the Gala this year, I could not help but think about how it all got started and the many volunteers it takes each year to make Construct A Kid’s Christmas a success. It takes many hours of work each year especially by our Gala CoChairs Sandee Morgan and Jennifer Swinney to pull everything together to benefit the foster kids in the San Antonio area.

Since we will not have the paper to help promote CAKC we will just find other ways to get the job done going forward.

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 1998. 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.

Another person we wish to acknowledge here is Mary Haskin Taylor. Her company, Mary C. Haskin Photography, has been shooting great photos for the construction industry for many years as well as private individuals.

If you see great pics from numerous trade association events or Construct A Kids Christmas they probably came from Mary and her crew. She has worked with us for years and will miss her contributions to the paper.

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, “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 24 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

continued from Page 1 — Construction News

embers of the San Antonio Chapter of Associated General Contractors (AGC) celebrated members of the construction industry on Nov. 10 for their outstanding service at AGC’s Casino Night & Industry Awards

MLarry Westbrook Safe Superintendent of the Year: Senior Superintendent Robert Klinksiek, Joeris General Contractors Ltd. presentation. Held at The Club at Sonterra, members and their guests enjoyed a delicious dinner and an evening of casino games from five-card stud to blackjack, craps to roulette after celebrating the evening’s award winners. -cmw

General Contractor of the Year: Joeris General Contractors Ltd.

Specialty Contractor of the Year: Alterman Inc.

continued from Page 1 — Raintree Roll Off Services

Masonry days

Christmas at Clay Casa

NAWIC members pose for a group photo at Clay Casa.

Hill country expansion

Allen & Allen Co. expanded into the Texas hill country with the opening of its Johnson City Distribution Center located at 194 Towhead Valley Road. The facility opened in October and will serve as a lumberyard and staging warehouse for windows and doors. Allen & Allen’s client base includes custom home builders and construction professionals looking to source materials for projects in the hill country. The Johnson City team will work closely with its San Antonio teams to provide quality materials such as framing packages, trim, moldings, windows, doors, and hardware.

The opening of this facility comes in response to the tremendous growth Allen & Allen Co. has experienced over the past two years. During this time, the overall business strategy has moved from being a retail provider of specialty, hardto-find items, to a building material distribution center for residential home builders, commercial contractors, and trade professionals.

“We’ve all seen and experienced the changing times,” says Allen & Allen Co. President Brad Wheeless. “Between Covid-19 protocols, the wildly changing raw materials market, and over-arching supply chain and staffing challenges, it was clear that a shift was coming. Our

team developed a strategy that allows us to best support the local contractor community. This strategy provides construction industry professionals with job site solutions and quality products.”

Allen & Allen Co. is fortunate to already have a solid, established customer base in the Hill Country, and are excited to open this facility so they can provide increased service and efficiencies to them. Their mission is to be a trusted partner to custom home builders and contractors through unrivaled customer care and service. Through their values of integrity, team, success, and being dynamic, they continuously work to maintain a high level of ethics, teamwork, and professionalism while demonstrating a caring attitude toward employees, customers, and suppliers.

Established in 1931 and based out of San Antonio, Allen & Allen Co. is owned by the Texas Research and Technology Foundation. Its team is committed to providing a superior builder experience all while funding community-wide economic and social development through the works of The Texas Research & Technology Foundation (TRTF). 2023 will mark Allen & Allen’s 92nd year in business.

Allen & Allen Co. is a supplier of quality builder products and materials. -cmw

On Dec. 7, the industrious women of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) gathered for a holiday party at Clay Casa. A gift white elephant gift exchange was one of the evening’s highlights as well as the generosity of all by donating blankets, stuffed animals, and throws for the Children’s Shelter. Additionally, they showed one another their individual artistic skills while enjoying lots of laughter and embracing the spirit of the holidays. -cmw

On Oct. 25, the San Antonio Masonry Contractors Association along with members of the local construction industry gathered at UTSA for the association’s Masonry Day. Local students were given the opportunity to explore the possibilities of becoming a part of one of the construction industry’s oldest trades. -cmw

Allen & Allen Co.

delivery trucks are ready for delivering materials