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CONSTRUCTION NEWS The Industry’s Newspaper
www.constructionnews.net H (830) 500-0071 H Volume 25 H Number 11 H NOVEMBER 2023
The Business of Art
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Community Bible Church - San Antonio
or many artists, making a full time living off of their work can seem like an unattainable goal. But for Bethany of Riverbank Art Studio, it has become a reality that has blossomed into a career that combines her business acumen, her creative vision, and her technical painting skills. She always enjoyed creating art, and her talent emerged from a young age, painting for projects in high school led her to an Art Scholarship Competition at the San Antonio Stock show and Rodeo. The oil painting she created for the competition was auctioned off for enough money to pay for 3 years of college at UTSA. In her time in college, she spent thousands of hours in the studio, honing her skills and learning as many new techniques as she could, and when she graduated, she had a bachelor’s degree in Painting. However, Bethany yearned to explore another fascination she had- Business. So she went on to pursue a Master’s in Business, and after accomplishing that, her focus shifted, setting down her paintbrush for a time to climb the corporate ladder. She was involved in Sales, Data Analytics, Operations and Project Management, and over a few years she had developed skills that would serve her very well when she decided to start her own business. During Covid, she picked up her paintbrush again, painting incredible murals to grace people’s homes, businesses, and churches. And so RiverBank Art Studio was born, and word of Bethany’s incredible talent spread, leading her to more and more opportunities. She began to wonder how far she could grow the business if she started actively
marketing her talents. And eventually, she decided to leave the corporate world and focus on her business full time. That was 14 months ago now, and Bethany is off and running. She enjoys growing her business just as much, if not more than creating these timeless works of art. Bethany has a very distinct approach to her clientele, helping them accomplish strategic objectives through the use of art. She combines her vision with a business’s established aesthetic to create a piece that serves the space. Sometimes, her vision might not even include art of her own doing- by creating a network of other local artists, sometimes she can recommend someone with a style more suited to a particular project than she. When asked about her own “style”, she says she enjoys creating murals in a wide variety of styles, allowing her to play with all of the many different techniques she has studied. Bethany’s murals are more than just stunning works of art, in today’s digital age, they are business tools- as her portfolio and services guide explains. Murals boost foot traffic, brand recognition, and free user- generated content on social media, and that can lead to people seeking out your business just to come experience the mural. Also, she says, any large, blank wall is a perfect canvas for advertising and should be leveraged for the powerful opportunity it is. Bethany can help any business create an elevated aesthetic, creating a unique environment that sticks in people’s minds, and makes a space so alive that people will want to return again and again. To see more of Bethany’s work, or to inquire about her services, please visit riverbankartstudio.com. -ndw
Gruene Coffee Hause - Gruene, TX
Buyer’s Barricades Celebrates New Austin Location
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uyer’s Barricades is excited to announce the opening of their new location, 2209 Ranch Road 620 N, in Austin, Texas! With locations already established in Dallas Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, their expansion to Austin means they can continue to serve an even wider territory. Buyer’s Barricades is ready to serve you - they rent and sell barricades and traffic safety equipment. As a fullservice provider, they can evaluate your project, create traffic control plans, set up the barricades, do a safety audit, maintain the worksites, and pick everything up afterward. They make it easy to protect your jobsite and crew. To celebrate this exciting day, employees, friends and family gathered for a meet and greet. The Chamber of Commerce was also in attendance to perform a ribbon cutting ceremony, and everyone got to enjoy a lunch of hamburgers, hotdogs, cookies and cold drinks. It was a wonderful way to kick off the new location, for a growing company with a big heart. Welcome to Austin, Buyer’s Barricades!
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San Antonio Construction News • NOV 2023
Wish Makers
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Alamo Crane Service Operator Rolando Garcia says “Hi” while waiting to operate his crane for the Vita Load Navigator demonstration in downtown San Antonio before the National Safety Executives.
he Make-A-Wish® Central and South Texas, known for bringing hope and joy to many, has recently rejuvenated its space. This refreshment serves as a symbol of the organization’s continuous commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all those who walk through their doors. At the helm of this chapter’s impactful endeavors are Sarah Gaye and Maria Jose. Together with the Wish Maker team, pour their hearts into the hope of making every child’s visit memorable and comforting. Sherwin Williams and Precision
General Contracting were honored to have a small part in this renewal, by donating resources and services to aid in this enhancement. Every act of giving back, no matter how small, has the potential to make a significant difference. We’re proud to stand alongside organizations like ‘Make A Wish’ in their mission to spread happiness. Precision Contracting is a leading commercial General Contractor specializing in building out commercial tenant space in office buildings throughout San Antonio.
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A-1 Fire & Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 ABC-South Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Alamo Crane Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Alterman Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 American Subcontractors Assoc. (ASA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Axis Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Capital Pumping LP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 EPI Enclosures & Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Harding-Conley-Drawert-Tinch Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Holt Cat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Howell Crane & Rigging, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 JCH Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 JR Ramon & Sons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Rocky Hill Equipment Rental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Lynwood Building Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 MCA-SMACNA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Pro-Line Paving, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Quality Fence & Welding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Raintree Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Ridout Barrett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Schweiss Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Steven Bankler, CPA, LTD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Terracon Consultants, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 TNT Crane & Rigging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Walls Across Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Wilborn Steel Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
San Antonio Construction News • NOV 2023
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San Antonio Construction News • NOV 2023
Joeris General Contractors Prost! rab your German gear and bring your appetite, Joeris is celebrating their clients Announces New Chief Financial with an appreciation party! Prepare to eat, drink & dance the day away with Alex Meixner, an active ambassador for polka music, revitalizing Officer and Chief Business Officer interestentertainment, coast to coast resulting in sold out shows, renewed cultural interest, and growing
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mainstream acceptance. So put on your best lederhosen, it’s a MUST attend event! RSVP today! www.tinyurl.com/joeris
Ryan Rummel
Ryan Doege
Joeris General Contractors is delighted to announce the appointment of Ryan Rummel as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the transition of current CFO Ryan Doege to the role of Chief Business Officer (CBO). These strategic moves are part of Joeris’ ongoing commitment to strengthen its leadership team, and support continued growth and innovation within the organization. Rummel, who joins Joeris from RSM, the company’s public accounting firm, brings over 13 years of industry experience, having previously served as the auditor of Joeris’ accounts for the past three years. His familiarity with the company’s operations uniquely positions him to oversee financial strategy, planning, and control as Joeris continues its trajectory of growth and success. “Ryan Rummel’s extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of our company make him an excellent fit for the role of CFO,” said Gary Joeris, CEO of Joeris General Contractors. “We are confident that his financial expertise will
play a pivotal role in our strategic financial planning and management.” As part of Joeris’ succession planning efforts, current CFO Ryan Doege will transition into a new role as Chief Business Officer (CBO). In this capacity, Doege will oversee the accounting team and take on new responsibilities that include overseeing IT, Human Resources and Learning Development, Marketing, and the implementation of new initiatives related to project controls and data analytics. “Ryan Doege’s track record of leadership and his dedication to our company makes him the perfect choice for the role of Chief Business Officer,” commented Gary Joeris. “His expanded responsibilities will contribute to the continued success of Joeris as we navigate strategic growth and new opportunities.” Both Rummel and Doege are integral members of the Joeris General Contractors leadership team and are committed to upholding the company’s values of safety, integrity, leadership, and excellence.
Alex Meixner
MTL Construction getting the job done installing a mortared limestone block retaining wall in Spring Branch, Mystic Shores Subdivision.
SanAustin Antonio CONSTRUCTION NEWS Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Haley Mathews Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andi Mathews Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kayla Wallace Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Haley Mathews Managing Editor: Andi@ConstructionNews.net San Antonio Area Counties Atascosa, Bexar, Bandera, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina and Wilson counties Construction News Home Office P.O. Box 310207 • New Braunfels, TX 78131 830-500-0071 www.ConstructionNews.net
Visit our Website to sign up for a free monthly Digital Subscription www.ConstructionNews.net The San Antonio Construction News is published monthly by Construction News and distributed by mail to constructionrelated companies of record in Bexar and 7 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 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. ©2023 Construction News, Ltd.
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San Antonio Construction News • NOV 2023
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Sundt Begins Work on Lake McQueeney, Lake Placid Dams
Putting Their Best To The Test
Competitors (L-R): MacArthur Baker, Jr., Century Mechanical Contractors, Inc., Coy Davis, Beyer Plumbing Company, Julian Fadul, TMW Plumbing LLC, Tyler Matlock, Doug Turner Plumbing Company, Christopher Morrison, Bolin Plumbing, Anson Oakley, R.E.C. Industries, Inc.
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undt Construction has started work to update the Lake McQueeney and Placid dams for the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority. The $82 million project includes replacing the existing dam gates with new steel crest gates, making structural modifications to the existing spillway structure, upgrades to the mechanical system and electrical distribution, new video surveillance and more. “These projects are critical pieces of infrastructure to the Lake McQueeney and Lake Placid communities. Sundt is happy to bring our dam experience and update the dams for this community,” said Darren Okruhlik, Sundt area manager. The dams at Lake McQueeney and Lake Placid are part of six hydroelectric dams along the Guadalupe River that
create the Guadalupe Valley hydroelectric system and associated lakes. The Lake McQueeney and Lake Placid dams are more than 90 years old and have reached the end of their useful life. This project will improve dam safety and provide the communities their lakes for generations to come. In Texas, Sundt has over 50 years and $3 billion of project experience, with offices in San Antonio, Dallas and El Paso. The company is currently working on the San Pedro Creek Improvements, the Broadway Street improvements, Zona Cultural in downtown San Antonio and the $477 million 183 North Mobility project in Austin in a joint venture with Archer Western. Sundt also recently began work on the Upper Brushy Creek Dam 101 in Williamson County.
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he Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) 2023 Texas Apprentice Contest & Industry Engagement took place in conjunction with our Annual Conference in San Antonio August 2-4, at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort. Membership joined together at the exhibit hall to see six contestants from across the state compete to represent Texas at the national contest. Throughout the day, attendees had the unique opportunity to witness the
all-day apprentice contest unfold in the exhibit hall. The six talented contestants from across Texas showcased their skills and knowledge, vying for the chance to represent the state at the national level. This contest not only provided a platform for apprentices to shine but also contributed to the promotion of local apprenticeship programs and the attraction of new talent to the industry. The contestants demonstrated their dedication, and all received prizes and recognition for their efforts.
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San Antonio Construction News • NOV 2023
The Great Outdoors Cool Time to Fill the Fridge
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he first true cold fronts of the year have happened, and the fish felt it! The first one dropped the lake 10 degrees overnight. And it was a slow struggle in the beginning. Between the high winds and the water temperature dropping, the fish had scattered from most of the cover, and the ones that stayed had lock jaw. This is typical this time of year, and it’s not something that lasts forever. But to combat it, I tend to downsize my lure choices. And I slow down with my minnow presentation. Instead of using a soft plastic, I tend to focus on using hair jigs. A 1/8 oz white hair jig or a black and green hair jig tend to produce extremely well for me in these situations. Sometimes, they want the soft plastic, and that’s when I grab the 1.75” Bonehead tackle slim stick in Moondust. Once it gets really windy, I will switch from a 1/8 oz to a 1/4 oz egg weight above my 1/8 oz jig head. As always, I pair my presentations with a Trika 3x or 6x 7 foot mediumlite fast action spinning rod with a 1000 series spinning reel. By the end of the week, the water temps were getting back into the upper 70s. The fish concentration on the cover was getting thick, and the bite was aggressive! Friday before the second
front, my clients caught over 100 fish on a half day trip. Now that the second front has come through, it’s like a reset button was pressed, and we are back to square one. The fish are scattered, and the bite is slow. Once the fish get acclimated again, the fishing will be on fire! However, the one fish that does like these cold fronts is the white bass. It’s been very easy to catch high numbers of white bass this month out deep chasing baitfish. But catchin’ the keepers has been the challenging part. You might catch 10 shorts before you catch a keeper. But those 10 shorts come quick and, in a hurry once you get on a school. My go-to method for catching white bass is jigging a spoon on the bottom. I like to use a Cotton Cordell CC 3/8 oz spoon that I purchase from Fish Tackle Marine. Utilizing all of my sonars helps me scan these offshore areas and pinpoint where the schools are located. Once I get a school dialed in, I position on top of the school and begin to vertical jig. This method will work till early summer, with the best action being during the colder months. If you’re looking to fill the freezer or have a good old-fashioned fish fry, give me a call at 210831-4679, and let’s go Catchin!
Captain Clendon Taylor Casting & Catching Guide Service Sponsored by:
A Day on the Water
Ernie Wilborn, Wilborn Steel Ltd., LaShea Wilborn & lifelong friend Karen Little did not go home empty handed thanks to fishing guide, Kelli Nguyen out of Rockport, TX.
Craig Noto, Quality Fence & Welding enjoyed a day on the water with Tim Pruski, Castle Rock Homes. Bonus, they won 1st Place on trout in the San Antonio Executives Association (SAEA) annual fishing tournament.
Ted Dunnam, Safety Consultant & ASA Chapter President showing off his 13 lb. Peacock bass caught on the Amazon River in Brazil. Many thanks to Captain Peacock with Rio Negro Adventure Tour! Teds fishing team “The Texas A Team” includes: Midco Sling, Doug Dry, Mike Grendell, Kirt Farris, Joey Dry & Doc Bruce Begia.
San Antonio Construction News • NOV 2023
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The Great Outdoors The Ranch is Our CEO Vincent Tavera, EPI Enclosures & Engineering enjoyed a day of dove hunting with friends & colleagues at the company CEO’s ranch “Rancho Colorado Del Norte” in D’Hanis, TX.
Skeet shooting crew
Elliott Electric - Andy mcMillan and Steven Eckhardt
Andrew McCombs and Jack Spurlock
Wholesale Electric-Brad and Ryan Hurlbut
Ken Milam’s Fishing Line Since 1981, Ken Milam has been guiding fishing trips for striped bass on Lake Buchanan in the Texas Hill Country. You can hear Ken on the radio as follows: The Great Outdoors: 5-8 am Saturday on 1300, The Zone, Austin and The Great Outdoors: 5-7 am Saturday on 1200 WOAI San Antonio The Sunday Sportsman: 6-8 am Sunday on 1300, The Zone, Austin All on IHeart Radio I’m baaack! Thank you to Construction New’s Haley and Andi Mathews for inviting me back to visit with y’all! I missed you! Like the trendy people say, “It’s been a minute”, so let’s catch up! I guess most of the articles for this year so far would have been about the unmerciful heat from summer and the ever-shrinking lakes and rivers. I don’t even want to remember summer. It feels a lot better now and that’s what counts. The drought on the other hand, does persist for most of us. We have thankfully had some good rain in some places, and a little rain in others. On Lake Buchanan, my home lake, we have had just enough rain to have to mow the weeds again, but not enough to help the lake level. As I write this Buchanan is almost 28 feet low. You can see from the picture what an impact that makes on a lake. Half of the lake is gone now. Business suffers, wildlife suffers, but what of the fish? Well, you don’t see any fish bones in all that cracked dry mud! The fish just follow the water on down the lake, and fishing guides follow
Lake Buchanan drought
the fish! They can swim and we can carry our business on a boat trailer! Now the fish are rubbing fins with each other in less water and fishing is getting fun again! Summer heat is over, and the cooler weather has our stripers and hybrids and white bass working on getting in spawning shape for next spring. That means they need to feed hard all fall and winter to build the eggs and sperm for spawning the next generation and get fat and strong enough to withstand the rigors of the season. Fishing is getting good! It looks like we are getting a good top-water pattern going like we had during the last extreme drought several years ago. Nothing gets your blood pumping like seeing topwater stripers and hybrids from a mile away! They splash water high in the air and it catches the morning sun creating a sight to behold! It is like someone dropping bowling balls in the water! It isn’t all fish in a barrel and fun on a low lake though. This is the time to use a good fishing guide who is on that body of
Lake Buchanan
Ken Milam
water every day and knows how to safely navigate it. As the lake level falls trees and rock piles and sand bars slowly emerge. Places to launch a boat become fewer to find and harder to successfully launch from. A guide will know how to get you on the water and put you on the fish and you don’t have to risk a fight at the boat ramp or a busted-up boat. All you need to do is give us a call, pack your cooler and grab your fishing license and meet us at the dock! We’ll even clean and fillet the fish for you! Fall is here, fish on!
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San Antonio Construction News • NOV 2023
The Great Outdoors Welcome Fellow Anglers & Outdoorsmen
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Brian Parker Texas Bass Tours Professional Guide Service Serving Falcon, Choke Canyon, & Amistad
y name is Brian Parker with Texas Bass Tours, and I would first like to introduce myself. I’ve been bass fishing and hunting throughout Texas for close to 50 years. My first memory of fishing, like many I hope, was crappie fishing with my dad, grandpa, and uncle at Lake Palestine tied to 2 trees close to the old bridge in which we caught 200 crappie over 2.5 days. If I remember correctly, I think I was there to help with the daily limit, but still, it was so much fun that that memory has stuck with me throughout my 55 blessed years on God’s green earth. I actually had so much fun; I eventually became a bass fishing guide that has led to 14 years of guiding. My first hunting experience was in Hico, Texas freezing my little 7yr old butt off and getting the crap scared out of me by the crack of that rocket launching .308 gun my dad used. He gave me a tenth of a second to cover my ears before he pulled the trigger on his Winchester in that blind he and I built. OK, he built it, I just handed him the nails/ screws then supervised the placement of it. GREAT TIMES!! I received a message from Haley Matthews about 4 months ago asking if I would be interested in writing some brief fishing/on the water articles for his publication. Before I agreed, I asked if it was ok to share my experiences along with some tips. He agreed and I am thankful for this opportunity to share some of my on the water experience, good & bad guide trips, and opinions with some humor and tips mixed in. So, without further ado, let’s get after this, have some fun, share some laughs, and hopefully help some of you catch more bass or land that giant, which is my forte and quest. I’m the angler that takes the 3 pounder off the hook and chunks it back while saying “why are you wasting my time little guy”.
FALL FISHING This time of year can either be about EPIC catches or you want to sell all your fishing gear and take up whittling. I’ve experienced both and here’s what I’ve learned, THROW EVERYTHING BIG AT EM. Fall bass feeding can go from gorging to stagnant in a heartbeat. I personally prefer to throw bigger baits in Texas this time of year and my reasoning/opinion is this, largemouth and smallmouth bass are opportunistic eaters and territorial like most predators on this earth. They’re also preparing for the winter slow down due to their ability to metabolize food, so they like to load up. Also, the water temperatures are changing which impacts their feeding just like it does us. Some start loading up and some don’t. I love throwing and catching with BIG (6”-10”) swimbaits. There is NO better sensation than that rod loading up and the line tightening when they eat it. Big 10”-13” worms on a shakeyhead, Texas Rig, or Carolina Rig are just as effective as well. I don’t typically focus on a particular water depth this time of year because bass are typically scattered throughout all of the water columns. Story time. My ex-wife and I went to Lake Amistad (the most scenic lake in Texas in my opinion). I think it was 2009. The lake was around 15’-20’ low, which is pretty common for that time of year. We started off throwing topwaters in the morning until that bite went away and then switched to T-rigged senkos. We were catching here and there but, nothing of size really. So, I decided to tie on a 7” soft plastic custom poured paddle tail swimbait in a citrus shad type color that a buddy of mine was playing with. I had zero confidence in this bait selection or color because I hadn’t ever thrown this custom color or bait before. We were close to the
CENTRAL TEXAS FISHING REPORT Austin GOOD. Water slightly stained; 79 degrees; 0.59 feet below pool. Bass fishing on lake Austin has improved with fish now shallow around docks and vegetation throughout the day. Texas rigged senkos and shaky heads have been landing catches. Once the sun is up the fish are holding tight to shade. Small swimbaits, underspins, small crankbaits have been doing well around isolated shade and cover. Report by Carson Conklin, ATX Fishing. Braunig FAIR. Water stained, 85 degrees. Fall patterns are setting in with the cooler weather temperatures. Recreational shoreline anglers are catching redfish at Dead Tree Point on live tilapia, cut shad and frozen shrimp. Boaters trolling and casting gold spoons seeing schools around the dam area and the intake. Catfish have been good on worms and frozen Gulf shrimp at night off the recreational shoreline in coves and in shallow water around the points Calaveras FAIR. Water slightly stained, 83 degrees. Redfish have been moving towards the dam area and have been good on gold spoons, swimbaits, tilapia and live baits. Recreational shoreline anglers have been catching from the boat ramp to the dam area and off points with deep water access. Catfish have been good 15-25 feet of water on cut shad and frozen shrimp moving to the shallow water at night.
Canyon Lake GOOD. Water clear to slightly stained; 7580 degrees; 19.09 feet below pool. As water temperatures continue to drop, fish are becoming more active. Bass can be caught shallow in grass and rocks with a white spinnerbait or crankbait in the mornings. Then once that bite slows down you can go to the outside grass lines and dead stick a senko to catch fish. Report by Evan Coleman, Big Bassin Fishing.
LBJ GOOD. Water stained; 79 degrees; 0.33 feet below pool. Fishing patterns are similar but the water temperature is slowly on the decline. Catfish are good in 30 feet of water with punch bait. Crappie are good with minnows and chartreuse jigs in 16-20 feet of water over brush piles. Report by Jess Rotherham, Texas Crappie Fishing Service. The grass in the rivers and canals were sprayed recently, so the bass are likely to move.
Choke Canyon FAIR. Water stained; 75-80 degrees; 26.90 feet below pool. Bass are fair on topwaters early in the morning, then Texas rigged worms around the hydrilla. Some bass continue to chase shad near the dam on crankbaits and little spinnerbaits. Catfish are slow with few anglers on the water. Crappie are fair on deep, 20-30 feet of water, brush piles in the main lake using little minnows or small jigs. Few reports on sand bass. Check ramp status before heading out, and navigate with caution. Report by Scott Springer, Fish Choke Canyon Lake. The shallow bass bite around grass continues to produce fish. Ripping grass with a chatterbait and a rattletrap has been the most productive. After the shallow bite in the morning dies off you can catch fish on a Texas rig or Carolina rig on rocky points. Report by Evan Coleman, Big Bassin Fishing.
Travis FAIR. Water slight stain; 78 degrees; 53.34 feet below pool. The bass bite is consistent frequently moving targeting grass, bluff walls and the grassy clear water inside the creeks. Bass are biting speed craws and dropshots. It has been blustery so topwater lures can be tough. All public ramps are closed, so plan accordingly. Report by Randal Frisbie, Central Texas Fishing Guide. The topwater bite has been good for bass using walking style baits along the shores as the bass are chasing bait up tight. You can move out to deep water ledges, points and humps to catch some good ones as well throwing shaky head trick worms or Texas-rigged 4–5-inch worms or craws and even some deep crankbaits along the walls. If you find the grass, throw 4-5 inch worms to catch quite a few. Report by Bryan Cotter, Texas Hawgs.
springs across from the 3 fingers going up river. Within the first 4 cast I caught a 7 pounder. Within the next 3-4 cast I caught an 8.5 pounder. Then my ex-wife looked at me with that look of “are you gonna tie one on for me or do I help you go swimming” look. So, I tied her a 5” version on. We proceeded to catch around 7-8 more 5 pounders plus largemouth and a catfish in a little over an hour. It was quite epic to say the least. This is the time of year take advantage of the fall feeding season and expand your bait horizons! Let’s go fishing! Brian Parker (817) 808-2227 texasbasstours@gmail.com
San Antonio Construction News • NOV 2023
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Fishing Gives Back
ept. 22-23 The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Association had a busy weekend when they hosted the 28th Annual PHCC Perry Beyer Jr. Memorial Fishing Tournament in Fulton, TX. A captains’ meeting was held on Sept. 22 at Coasters in Aransas Pass. On the morning of Sept. 24, all the eager fishermen took to the water for a great day of fishing. Everyone enjoyed an after-tournament dinner and the presentation of the tournament winners’ awards. All who participated and contributed helped make this year’s tournament a huge success, especially this year’s tournament sponsor Mechler-Bass & Associates. A portion of the proceeds are donated to the Beyer Cares Foundation for Cancer, scholarships to PHCC-San Antonio’s Plumbing Apprenticeship Program, PHCC-San Antonio’s Building Fund, the Scott Freund Memorial Foundation, and the June Project.
Team winners:
1st Place: Primo Plumbing, 21.62 lbs. 2nd Place: Tietze Plumbing, 20.96 lbs. 3rd Place: Jefferson Bank, 19.12 lbs.
Individual Fish Category winners: Heavy Drum: Dillard Associates Jr. Heavy Fish: Beyer Plumbing Most Spots (9): Tietze Plumbing
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San Antonio Construction News • NOV 2023
Resource Guide Associations & Education H General Contractors H Subcontractors H Service Providers H Subcontractors H Supplies H Truck & Equip Dealers
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For Information on Resource Guide Ads, contact Haley Mathews, 830-500-0071 or email at haley@ConstructionNews.net
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San Antonio Construction News • NOV 2023
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Harrell Plumbing Celebrates 50th Anniversary
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ctober of 2023 marks 50 years since Harrell Plumbing Opened its doors. Edgar Harrell Sr started his career in the plumbing supply business in 1951, and obtained his Master Plumber license in 1972. Shortly after, he and his son Don Harrell started their business. The younger Harrell went on to achieve his Journeyman license in 1975, and his Master Plumber license in 1977. In 2000, he went on to achieve his Medical Gas plumbing license in 2000. Since then, his children have all returned to the family business fold - Brad Harrell, Curtis Harrel and Jennifer Harrell Smith. Brad joined the company in 2001, and had also earned his Journeyman, Master Plumber and Medical Gas Licenses, Curtis joined in 2003, and also has Journeyman and Master Plumbing Licenses, and Jennifer joined the company in 2011. Jennifer had been to nursing school and planned to make that her career, but when her father expressed difficulty finding someone to manage their office, she said she would come on board for 6 months. However, she is still there 12 years later, because it’s home to her, and no one can run the office like she can. Mark Galindo is another vital asset to their company, who has been with them for about a decade, and the Harrells say he is the man who keeps the jobs and crews moving. Jennifer is the glue that holds the office together, while the men in the family, and Mark, are the grease that keeps everything moving forward. It also takes a certain grit to weather the storms of 50 years of running a business. Recently, storms such as Covid shutting down or delaying large building projects, to the infamous Snowmageddon of 2021, Harrell has strived to put their customers first. In emergencies, two things are among the most important for any residence or commercial property - running water and flushing toilets. In four days, Jennifer fielded over 300 phone calls asking for help. These days, they have many contracts with property
Stephanie O’Rourke Elected Fellow of American College of Construction Lawyers
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management companies, maintaining their backflow systems, managing new build plumbing projects, as well as commercial and residential clients, and they look forward to extending their reach farther as they continue to grow. Curtis will tell you that there was a time that he wanted to be anything BUT a plumber. Of course, like any kid who spent summers and holiday breaks on jobs with his dad and brothers, sorting supplies, carrying equipment and cleaning up, he thought he might go in a different direction. But once he got a bit older, he felt the pull of the family business calling him back, and now he says, he’s very proud of the fact that his family has 3 generations of Master Plumbers. The Harrells also recognize the need to find young people who want to enter the trades, and try to support young people who come their way looking to get into plumbing in any way they can. Don Harrell has also been very active with the association PHCC, Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors of Texas, and was President in 1983. PHCC provides Texas State Board of Plumbing examiners approved continuing education, trade classes, test-prep courses and more. Into 2023 and beyond, the third generation of Harrells continues to strive to provide the same quality, reliability and skilled plumbing services to San Antonio, from the same office on San Jacinto Street where it all started. Cheers, Harrell Family! Here’s to another successful 50 years ahead.
okinos | Young Principal Stephanie O’Rourke has been selected to serve as a Fellow with the American College of Construction Lawyers. The ACCL is the preeminent national construction law organization. Fellowship in the College is invitationonly and offered to those who are found to have mastered the practice or teaching of construction law and dispute resolution in the complex technical and legal fields shaping to the built environment, whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, scholarship, professionalism, and collegiality, and who have demonstrated a commitment to “give back” to the construction industry. The College includes lawyers from the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia, and France. Stephanie is the first attorney invited to join this organization from San Antonio. “We are thrilled that Stephanie has been invited to join this prestigious organization,” said Principal and CEO Gregory Cokinos. “Her unwavering commitment to the construction industry, expertise, high ethical standards, professionalism, and collegiality will be invaluable to the College’s mission and noble efforts to improve and enhance the practice and understanding of construction law.” Stephanie is a member of the firm’s litigation practice group in our San
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Antonio office. Her practice focuses primarily on the representation of general contractors in construction contract negotiations, construction disputes, and complex business disputes. With a history of favorable verdicts and settlements, Stephanie has been recognized as a leading construction lawyer by numerous publications and organizations, including the highly regarded Chambers USA and Best Lawyers in America. Stephanie will be formally inducted into the American College of Construction Lawyers during its February 2024 meeting in Carlsbad, California.
Roll Out the Welcome Mat
lease extend a warm welcome to Texas Construction Association (TCA) new Communications & Member Services Associate, Bryan Hadley. Bryan joins TCA with years of experience in communications, media and marketing. In his new role, Bryan will work to support TCA’s member companies and our member association executives as well as develop and execute a marketing and social media strategy. If you are in Austin, feel free to stop by the TCA offices and say HELLO! Fun fact: Bryan has written directed and starred in 4 feature length independent films!
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San Antonio Construction News • NOV 2023
JR Ramon Demolition Experts Help Students Pave a Path for Brighter Future 30 students from Lanier High School’s P-tech program (Construction Science Pathways in Technology) got the exciting opportunity to witness the action of a live demolition site. Donning hard hats, safety goggles, high visibility vests and masks, they got a taste of what a large-scale demolition project looks like, and exposure to careers in a field of construction that they may have never considered before. Tim Ramon, President of JR Ramon Demolition, and Todd Owens, and educator with the P-tech program, worked in conjunction to make this field trip as fun and educational as possible for the group of Freshman and Sophomore students. JR Ramon was in the final stages of demolishing and cleaning up a multistory industrial building site in the Port of San Antonio. After two months of work, the operation was ready for the group of eager observers. Their crew had multiple pieces of heavy demolition equipment bringing down the buildings and handling the debris. Concrete pulverizers were on site crushing concrete, and hydraulic steel shears were processing I-beam into recyclable scrap metals. 18 Wheeler trucks loaded commodities out for disposal at the landfill. In addition to witnessing the organized chaos of demolition, the students got a history lesson about the site itself. What’s now known as the Port of San Antonio, was once Kelly Air Force Base, which was established in 1949 and closed in 2001. The buildings being demolished were once used by the military for research and development of jet engines- making this a particularly challenging demolition, due to the industrial grade strength and complexity of the original construction, but Ramon and his crew were ready for the challenge. JR Ramon has served San Antonio by providing expert commercial and home demolition and support services for over 50 years, making them the company with the qualifications, knowledge and experience that was perfect for this massive project. One of the aspects of particular interest to the teens, Ramon says, was the removal of recyclable materials from the site for processing, which is done inhouse at JR Ramon. Ramon explains, ‘“The fact that the recycling operation is all conducted in house is compulsory to
the demolition procedure and process, and that was something that we explained in depth to the kids. Today’s generation are so involved in the environment and the climate, and they really have genuine concerns about how this can affect our planet, so they were very interested in the recycling and repurposing aspect of it and asked many questions. We went into quite a bit of depth with the kids about the extensive attention we put towards recycling the materials, and how a large part of demolition is the segregation of materials that we can recycle for reuse or repurposing. This is good for the environment and it’s good for our community, but it’s also profitable. By separating the materials we’re reducing the number of materials that are ultimately disposed of in a landfill which costs money to dispose of. And in the perfect scenario, we’re turning it into a commodity that we can sell for refurbishing or refabrication.” The P-tech program is so much more than just a program for credits for the students. By exposing these already mechanically inclined young people in the P-tech program to real life career options, they are able to help them figure out which direction they would like to take in their future. Lanier High School is a 100-year-old school, a cornerstone in a mostly Hispanic community in San Antonio. Owens, who has a background in Law Enforcement and Border Patrol, used to teach Criminal Justice at Jefferson High School, came to Lanier to work with kids in the P-tech program, and his
passion for the work he does and the kids he serves is evident when he talks about the doors the program can open for their futures. As Owens explains, P-tech provides special career training opportunities to the students of Lanier. A staggering 99 percent of the student body are economically disadvantaged, many live in government housing projects and some even make their way to school each day from local homeless shelters. Providing hands-on experiences, the kids get a chance to see what really interests them in the industry, and can introduce them to apprenticeship programs with local companies that they can enter after graduation. Students at Lanier can also take advanced placement courses that
could lead to them graduating with a HS Diploma and an Associate’s degree. They are supported in their next steps after graduation- whether it be attending college or learning a trade that could grow into a well paying career. These types of programs are essential for helping to break the cycle of generational poverty, giving kids a purpose, and a pathway to success. In addition to field trips, job shadowing and support the program provides, P-tech also gets the kids involved in many organizations that benefit the community directly. According to Owens, they have volunteered their time and skills for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a charity that builds bunk beds to give to families in need, so children have a safe and comfortable place to lay their head. In November, they are poised to start projects with Habitat for Humanity and also hope to contribute to The Casita Project, a program partnered with UTSA, that builds accessory dwelling units in underprivileged areas to help ease the city’s housing crisis, in the near future. These experiences will teach the students practical construction skills while instilling a desire to help others and give back to their community. Funding for the grants that help support these amazing programs is running out. For information on how you can support local students in the community, please visit saisdfoundation.com. -ndw
Continuing to Grow
It’s official, NC industries is happy to announce NC Rentals is open in New Braunfels and ready to roll to a site near you. Whether you need equipment for a commercial or residential project, they have you covered.
EMAIL: estimating@prolinepaving.com
San Antonio Construction News • NOV 2023
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Industry FOLKS Tom Green President
Kopplow Construction San Antonio, TX
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om Green is the president of Kopplow Construction, a familyowned business started in 1976 by Ed Kopplow in San Antonio. After Graduating from University of Texas at Austin with an accounting degree, he worked for a few years as a CPA until he joined Kopplow as Controller in 1995. After years of dedication to the company, he assumed the title of President in 2004. Since then, he has overseen the company’s growth and upheld their stellar reputation in the business, and today, Kopplow is known as a giant in the tilt-wall and commercial construction industry. He has had to adapt to all the technological advances, and he embraces the growth of our region, and is proud of his company’s ability to keep up. From printed blueprint, to Ipads and spreadsheets, Green has
been there and continues to lead Kopplow with his passion for the industry. Kopplow Construction recently completed a 300,000 square foot Warehouse in Shertz for developer Baltisse Ackerman. Upon completion of that successful project, they were again entrusted with another massive warehouse and office space project in Selma, two structures that will become Corporate Drive Logistics Center, which will be approximately 500,000 square feet. With the ever rising growth of e-commerce, and the demand for more delivery distribution centers and warehouses, Kopplow is sure to stay in demand with their expertise in tilt-wall construction. Major industrial projects such as these also promise to bring more jobs to the area and stimulate our local
communities, and new buildings are built with efficiency and safety in mind first. When asked about other notable projects he has overseen, Green mentions the San Antonio Botanical Gardens as a fun and interesting project that was a departure from their usual commercial projects. Kopplow was involved with the creation of the Welcome Center, kitchen and an adventure Garden, and recently completed the event center there. Green says that it’s a beautiful family and community centered space, an important amenity to San Antonio, and one he’s very proud of. The company also has a great relationship with Lone Star Bakery, and has completed many projects for them over the years. Green credits Ed Kopplow for being a
mentor to him, and instilling one of their core values as a company in him, saying “Our best marketing is delivering quality product and service to our clients, and they know when they call us for the next project we are going to continue to provide that.” Green and his wife, Carrie Green, are recent empty nesters who have been married for 29 years. They enjoy going to Colorado to escape the Texas heat, and down to Rockport for family gatherings at their property there, and visiting their three adult daughters. Family is important to them - and the company family they have built with Kopplow over the years is clearly built to last. -ndw
Growing Small Town
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eneral contractor Arch-Con® Corporation is constructing New Braunfels Commerce Center, an industrial complex for developer CLX Ventures that will deliver 651,010 square feet of warehouse space northeast of New Braunfels, Texas. The buildings are currently available for lease managed by Kevin Cosgrove and Adam Green with Stream Realty Partners. Located on Goodwin Lane near FM 306, the 46.7-acre development has easy access to I-35 and Highway 46. The I-35 San Antonio-Austin Corridor is the busiest interstate between two metropolitan areas in Texas and according to U.S. Census data, New Braunfels is one of the top 10 fastestgrowing cities in the nation. “New Braunfels is a vibrant and growing community and CLX is excited to be developing a Class A industrial park to meet the expanding manufacturing, distribution and eCommerce needs in this corridor,” Co-Founder and Managing
Partner Brad Copeland said. “New Braunfels Commerce Center is strategically located, with immediate access to I-35, allowing users a great labor pool and the ability to serve both the greater Austin and San Antonio areas.” The speculative development consists of four buildings: • Building A: 172,528 square feet, 240 feet deep, 32-foot clear height, rear-load. • Building B: 143,976 square feet, 200 feet deep, 32-foot clear height, rear-load. • Building C: 129,632 square feet, 180 feet deep, 32-foot clear height, rear-load. • Building D: 204,874 square feet, 240 feet deep, 32-foot clear height, rear-load. “These four buildings create maximum flexibility for tenants and their uses thanks to the varied building depths, ability to be subdivided and ample trailer and auto parking,” Copeland said. The development is designed by Powers Brown Architecture and is slated to deliver Spring 2024.
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San Antonio Construction News • NOV 2023
Growth Through Technology
On Location
L-R: Jonathan Yelitz with Countywide Service Co. and Susan Deitiker with Cavalry Air Care set up membership recruitment efforts at Insco Distributing Inc. in San Antonio.
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n 1963, Harry Hammett started a small business with only five employees and one piece of equipment. Earlier this year, Hammett Excavation Project Manager, David Stroud, explained how the Hammett team integrated GPS technology and machine control into their fleet. The company’s decision to adopt these new technologies was a defining moment for the team. It catalyzed the team’s proficiency to complete projects, even while dealing with a challenging skilled labor market.
Stroud explained they started using GPS technology more than 20 years ago when RDO Equipment Co. team members encouraged Harry Hammett, the company’s founder, to try something new. “Harry was one of the first to demo the GPS technology on his dozer,” Stroud said. “Once he saw how the GPS and machine control systems displayed how deep to cut in real-time, he told the RDO technicians to leave it on the machine.” Stroud says their team has improved productivity by more than 70%. Hear more from Darin in this feature video.
Scan QR Code to watch the video now!
Replacing a chiller unit using one of our 30-ton cranes.
San Antonio Construction News • NOV 2023
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TCCI Program Holds Annual Career Expo
n Wednesday, October 11th, over a dozen yellow school buses packed parking spaces in a lot behind the Frost Bank Center, home of the Spurs. Out of the buses piled hundreds of excited teens- however, they weren’t on their way to watch a basketball game, they were getting ready to check out the TCCI Career Expo in the Freeman Expo Hall, behind the stadium. And while it may not be as exciting in the moment to a group of teens as seeing the Spurs play, you could sense that a lot of the students were taking this expo seriously, and focused on their futures. A day off from regular classes and a free lunch was, of course, an added bonus. Outside was a large piece of AmeriCrane equipment, with a line of students ready for a chance to sit in the hot seat. Inside, dozens of booths set up by local construction companies were inside, ready to talk to students about the different training programs, apprenticeships, and careers they had to offer to
students wanting to learn about careers in the trades. This annual event is presented by Associated Builders and Contractors of South Texas, and Texas Construction Career Initiative. Walking around the expo hall, it was easy to see that the teens were very interested in all the different booths and some gravitated towards particular companies right away. Students also had the air of professionalism in their dress and behavior, perhaps readying themselves for mock interviews, or the chance to make an impression on future leaders of apprenticeship programs. A mini excavator was in the building for an up close look, and there was a timed building competition featuring teams of students from local schools in which the teams had to build a small structure, complete with electrical, HVAC, a window, and a roof. Tools were on display from Marek, as well as a display of safety rigging for fall protection. For students already involved in Carpentry, Electrical,
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Plumbing, HVAC and welding programs in their school, this was a perfect opportunity to explore what San Antonio’s booming construction industry has to offer them as they step out into the world. Sponsors of this event included: Marek, Action Gypsum Supply, HoltCat, IES Electrical contractors, Greater: SATX, AIRCO Mechanical, Gillette Air Conditioning INC, and Central Builders Inc. Also in the mix were representatives from AmeriCrane, Texas Women in Trades and UTSA, as well as several organizations committed to supporting students on their journeys. With the rates of young people entering the trades dwindling year after year, the incredible impact, and importance, of this event is obvious. If you are interested in how you can help with next year’s event, contact Gilbert Palomo, gilbert@abcsouthtexas.org. -ndw Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography
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San Antonio Construction News • NOV 2023
OSHA Construction PPE That Fits Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX
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SHA is proposing to revise its protective equipment law in construction to explicitly require that the equipment must fit properly. PPE is worn by employees to “the employer shall be responsible to minimize exposure to hazards that can assure its adequacy, including proper cause severe injuries and illnesses in the maintenance, and sanitation of such workplace. These injuries and illnesses equipment.” may result from contact with chemical, Section 1926.95© provides that a ll radiological, physical, electrical, PPE “shall be of safe design and mechanical, or other hazards. PPE construction for the work to be includes many different types of performed.” Unlike the general industry protective equipment, such as hard hats, and maritime PPE standards, the current loves, goggles, safety shoes, safety PPE properly fit each affected employee. glasses, welding helmets and goggles, PPE must fit properly in order to provide hearing protection devices, respirators, adequate protection to employees. If PPE coveralls, vests, and full body suits. does not fit properly, it can make the OSHA has specific standards that difference between an employee being address PPE in general industry, shipyard safely protected or dangerously exposed. employment, maritime terminals, In some cases, ill-fitting PPE may not longshoring, and construction. These protect an employee at all, and in other standards require employers to provide cases it may present additional hazards PPE when it is necessary to protect to that employee, and to employees who employees from job-related injuries, work around them. For example, sleeves illnesses, and fatalities. With few of protective clothing that are too long or exceptions, OSHA requires employers to gloves that do not fit properly may make pay for PPE when it is used to comply difficult to use tools or control equipment, with an OSHA standard. In addition, the putting other workers at risk of exposure PPE standards for general industry (29 to hazards. The legs of protective CFR 1910.132(d)(1)(iii)) and maritime (29 garments that are too long could cause CFR 1915.152(b)(3)) include a specific tripping hazards and impact others requirement that employers select PPE working near the worker with improperly that properly fits each affected employee. fitting PPE. The issue of improperly fitting OSHA’s standard at 29 CFR 1926.95 sets PPE is particularly important for smaller out the requirements for PPE in construction workers, including some construction. Section 1926.95(a) provides women, who may not be able to use that all types of PPE shall be provided, standard size PPE. Fit problems can also used, and maintained in a sanitary and affect larger workers, especially with reliable condition whenever it is regard to the size of certain harnesses. necessary by reason of hazards. Section 1926.95(b) goes on to provide that, even natarajan.joann@dol.gov when employees provide their own PPE, 512-374-0271 x232
JOB SIGHTS
NC Industries employees working on modular apartments for Z modular.
LEGAL We are Doing Good, But We Can Do Better - The Importance of Safety in Construction Patrick Garner Principal Cokinos|Young Houston, TX “There are three kinds of lies: Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics” — This famous quote has been attributed to Mark Twain, but no one really knows where it originated. Regarding construction safety information, the majority of information comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and according to the BLS, there were 5,190 workplace fatalities in 2021. More than 1,000 of those fatalities were in the construction sector. Furthermore, more than one hundred sixty-nine thousand two hundred (169,200) non-fatal construction related injuries occurred in 2021. However, that is not the worst part. What is worse -- the statistics only represent those incidents reported and recorded. Approximately 65% of incidents are never reported, recorded, or documented as a construction injury. That is a lot of lost time, lost productivity, and lost opportunity. The good news is… We are getting better. The numbers are actually trending downward. Construction sites are dynamic environments where skilled workers labor to bring architectural visions to life. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s essential to remember that safety should always be the top priority. The risks inherent in construction work can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities if proper precautions aren’t taken. Protect Lives and Livelihoods The most compelling reason to prioritize safety on a construction site is to protect the lives of workers. Construction is inherently dangerous, with hazards ranging from falls, machinery accidents, electrical shocks, to exposure to hazardous substances. As shown above, nearly 20% of all worker fatalities in the United States occur in the construction industry. This alarming statistic underscores the vital need for stringent safety protocols. Beyond preserving lives, safety measures also safeguard the livelihoods of workers. A construction accident can result in debilitating injuries that lead to extended periods of recovery or even permanent disability. This can have devastating financial consequences for both the affected worker and their family. Additionally, accidents can result in costly lawsuits and fines for construction companies, potentially jeopardizing the viability of the project and the business itself. Enhance Productivity and Efficiency A safe work environment is also a more efficient one. When workers feel secure, they can focus on their tasks without the distraction of worrying about potential hazards. This fosters a culture of productivity and professionalism. Conversely, when safety is neglected, workers may be reluctant to fully engage with their tasks, leading to reduced output and lowerquality work. Moreover, a safe worksite minimizes the likelihood of accidents and disruptions. A single accident can halt operations for hours or even days as investigations are conducted and damaged equipment is repaired or replaced. This downtime can lead to significant delays in project completion, incurring additional costs and potentially tarnishing the reputation of the construction company.
Comply with Legal and Regulatory Standards Adhering to safety protocols is not just a matter of ethics; it’s a legal requirement. Regulatory bodies like OSHA in the United States and similar organizations worldwide impose stringent safety standards for construction sites. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties, including fines and even criminal charges in cases of gross negligence. In addition to governmental regulations, many clients and project owners now require contractors to meet specific safety criteria as part of their contracts. Non-compliance can lead to the termination of contracts, loss of business, and damage to a company’s reputation. Foster a Culture of Responsibility Prioritizing safety sends a powerful message to workers that their wellbeing is valued. This fosters a culture of responsibility and accountability. When employees see that their employer is committed to their safety, they are more likely to take personal responsibility for their actions and the well-being of their colleagues. Furthermore, when safety is a core value of a construction company, it attracts and retains high-caliber workers. Skilled laborers are more likely to seek out employers who prioritize their safety and well-being, leading to a more skilled and capable workforce. Implement Safety Measures Ensuring safety on a construction site involves a multifaceted approach. Here are some key measures that can be implemented: • Regular Training: Provide comprehensive training to all workers on safety protocols, hazard recognition, and proper use of equipment. • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure that all workers have access to and are wearing appropriate PPE, including helmets, safety glasses, gloves, and harnesses. • Fall Protection: Install guardrails, safety nets, and harness systems to protect workers from falls, which are a leading cause of construction accidents. • Machinery Safety: Regularly inspect and maintain all construction equipment, and provide thorough training on their safe operation. • Emergency Response Plans: Establish clear protocols for responding to accidents or emergencies, and ensure that all workers are familiar with these procedures. • Site Inspections: Conduct regular inspections to identify and address potential hazards before they lead to accidents. • Communication: Encourage open communication between workers and supervisors regarding safety concerns or suggestions for improvement. Safety on a construction site is not a luxury but an absolute necessity. It protects lives, preserves livelihoods, enhances productivity, ensures legal compliance, and fosters a culture of responsibility. By implementing rigorous safety measures, construction companies can create a work environment that not only delivers high-quality projects but also prioritizes the well-being of your most valuable asset: your workers.
San Antonio Construction News • NOV 2023
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INSURANCE
ACCOUNTING
It’s raining. Where is my Umbrella?
FinCEN Mandates Reporting of Ownership Information for 2024: A New Era of Transparency
Jeff Norwood, Partner The Nitsche Group
I
nsurance can be one of those things most people don’t think about until you need it. Like realizing you forgot your umbrella once it starts raining. By
then, you’re soaked. Unpredictable financial storms can strike businesses at any time. And while we may be weathering drought conditions in Texas, it’s as important as ever to have an umbrella by your side. Umbrella insurance, that is. Alarmingly, securing an umbrella policy in the current market has become nearly as challenging and problematic as the lack of rain in Texas. What we’re seeing in the market: Over the last few years, umbrella insurance policies have become increasingly difficult to find across the market. And, when you do find one, the pricing is through the roof. We’re now routinely seeing 25% to 80% increase for umbrella policies. Another issue we’re seeing is decreased availability. The market has become so tight and lost so much capacity that there simply is not enough room left in the marketplace to meet the coverage demand. Despite these challenges, commercial umbrella insurance remains a vital piece of coverage for any business. Why umbrella insurance is so important. A commercial umbrella policy can mean the difference between a company being able to remain in operation or going out of business. Commercial umbrella insurance provides an extra layer of liability protection by covering costs that go beyond the liability coverage limits of other policies already in place. In other words, commercial umbrella insurance complements your other liability coverages by kicking in when liability coverage limits on other policies have been reached. For example: Say your business is found liable for the injury to a client on your premises. You are sued for $1.2 million, but your general liability policy only offers $1 million in coverage. This leaves a $200,000 gap that your company is now responsible for paying. Could your company afford that financial blow? Instead of this financial nightmare, if your company had a commercial umbrella policy, coverage could kick-in and cover the $200,000 gap (up to the umbrella’s policy limits). Despite knowing the importance of the coverage, it has become increasingly difficult to secure an umbrella policy quote. Why has it become so difficult to get an umbrella policy? The umbrella policy crisis is pretty clear to those in the industry. Lawsuits penetrating umbrella policies have simply become commonplace. I have been in the industry for 25 years. For the first 20 years of my career, I never saw a single umbrella claim. Not one. In just the last five years, I have seen more than 20. Let that sink in. Claims that would have been settled for $500,000 just six years ago are now being settled for $2 million today. Umbrella carriers are just getting taken to town by lawsuits, and they are paying more claims than ever before. Litigation & Nuclear Verdicts are destroying the market. In the wake of the wildfires in
California several years ago, carriers began seeing billion-dollar lawsuits and settlements that hurt the entire market. Because of this, we’re now seeing exclusions for wildfires on policies to hedge against these massive risks. But the damage has already been done. The fallout from the wildfires will continue to impact the market. The wildfire exclusion, which was expected to help level the market, was not a silver bullet and is now causing problems of its own. Here in Texas, we’re struggling with our own litigation nightmares. Our state has become a hotbed for lawsuits targeting commercial auto policies. No matter where you drive, billboards for personal injury lawyers now plaster Texas highways. And if you turn on the TV, radio, or even YouTube, you’ll likely be met with an ad from a lawyer asking if you’ve been injured by a large truck or commercial vehicle. There’s a reason these ads are everywhere. These types of suits are lucrative. They go after every bit of insurance a company has. No matter how much (or how little) actual damage was done. They go after every penny. There is even a new word for these kinds of verdicts: Nuclear. That name itself, Nuclear Verdict, should let you know how bad it has become. Because of this increasingly litigious environment, many carriers have completely pulled out of the umbrella market in Texas. Those still here are severely limiting how much exposure they will take on. With these factors changing the market landscape, it can be difficult if not impossible to secure an umbrella quote. So what can you do to improve your chances? Start by reviewing your company’s practices, especially regarding your auto / fleet program. Your fleet program needs to be in the best shape it can be, with as many safeguards in place as possible. Telematics, vehicle cameras, driver training, vetting, and selection should all be part of your company’s fleet program. There is simply no longer any room for error. Even if you are doing all of this and more, you may still be unable to get an umbrella policy quote. Another area to look at is the contracts you’re signing. If the majority of your business requires a $5 million umbrella, but you have a few more than are requiring more, it may be time to negotiate those contracts or to just walk away. I have several clients who have walked away from smaller contracts requiring larger umbrellas. It was simply not profitable and didn’t make sense for their business to pay for the additional umbrella coverage. The most important thing you can do is to speak with your representative about legal reform. That is ultimately the only solution that will have any lasting effect. Without reining the outrageous lawsuits and settlements the industry is currently seeing, policies will only continue to become scarcer and more expensive. We’ve experienced this problem in Texas before. Worker’s comp and medical malpractice legal reform fixed those issues, and it can fix this one as well.
John Chapman CPA Ridout Barrett San Antonio, TX
B
eginning January 1, 2024, most domestic corporations, limited liability companies, and limited partnerships in the United States will be obliged to report information concerning their beneficial owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). These rules, issued by FinCEN, were made necessary by the Corporate Transparency Act enacted by Congress and signed into law in 2021. The legislation’s ostensible aim is to clamp down on anonymous shell companies frequently used by criminals to obscure, launder, and transfer funds associated with crimes, illicit activities, and terrorism. Unveiling the Reporting Requirements The new rules laid out by FinCEN make it mandatory for reporting companies to initiate the filing of beneficial ownership information reports from January 1, 2024. Businesses that were established prior to this date have a one-year window to submit their initial reports. In contrast, new businesses that meet the criteria for reporting have 30 days to file a report after filing their organizational documents with the Secretary of State. A reporting company is broadly defined as any entity formed through official filing with the Secretary of State or an Indian Tribe. This encompasses domestic corporations, limited liability companies, and limited partnerships in Texas. Certain exemptions from reporting requirements exist; for instance, a “large operating company” may be exempt if it employs over twenty individuals and files an income tax return showing more than $5 million in gross receipts. Defining Beneficial Owners A beneficial owner, under these regulations, encompasses any individual who exerts substantial control over a reporting company or possesses at least twenty-five percent ownership. Substantial control extends to individuals such as senior officers, those with authority to appoint or remove officers or a majority of directors, key decisionmakers, or anyone else with significant influence over the reporting company. Furthermore, businesses established after January 1, 2024, must report company applicants involved in filing the organizational paperwork with the Secretary of State. Each reporting company is entrusted with providing FinCEN with comprehensive information, including its full legal name, any trade name or “doing business as” aliases, a complete
U.S. address, state of formation, and employer identification number. In addition, the reporting company must supply the name, date of birth, current address, and an image of the driver’s license or U.S. passport for each of its beneficial owners and company applicants. Alternatively, beneficial owners and company applicants may electronically apply for a FinCEN identifier by directly providing the required information to FinCEN. This allows the reporting company to offer FinCEN with the identifiers of beneficial owners and company applicants without the need to collect and provide other personal and sensitive information of the beneficial owners. Filing and Reporting Guidelines Commencing January 1, 2024, FinCEN will accept reports through a secure filing system. Detailed instructions and guidance for completing these reports will be accessible at www. fincen.gov/boi. For existing businesses, the deadline for initial reports is set for January 1, 2025, while new businesses forming on or after January 1, 2024, and registering with their Secretary of State, must file a report with FinCEN within 30 days of their state registration. Enforcement and Penalties In the event of any changes to beneficial ownership information, FinCEN stipulates that reporting companies must file a report within 30 days of the modification. Such changes include alterations in the reporting company’s name or address, or any updates to beneficial ownership information. Non-compliance with the reporting requirements constitutes both a civil violation and a crime. To ensure adherence to these regulations, FinCEN holds the authority to impose civil penalties of up to $500 per day for reporting companies and individuals who fail to file reports. Furthermore, violators may face prosecution, potentially leading to penalties of up to two years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Guidance for Businesses and Their Owners FinCEN has published a small entity compliance guide, which can be accessed at www.fincen.gov/boi/smallbusiness-resources. To understand their specific compliance requirements, businesses and their owners are strongly advised to seek counsel from their business and legal advisors.
BUILDING STRONG FOUNDATIONS
s s e c c u S l a i for Financ SAN ANTONIO OFFICE
922 Isom Rd. | Suite 100 | San Antonio, TX 78216 210.829.1793
www.rbc.cpa
AUSTIN OFFICE
3305 Northland Dr. | Suite 100 | Austin, TX 78731 512.454.6010
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San Antonio Construction News • NOV 2023
Association Calendar
Content submitted by Associations to Construction News ABC Associated Builders & Contractors South Texas Chapter Nov. 10: EIC Award Ceremony & Gala, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa ASA American Subcontractors Association San Antonio Nov. 8: Board Meeting, ESC Safety Consultant’s Office. 11:30am, Contact Jennifer to attend Nov. 9: Tacos & Training: BPI Sanderford & Carroll’s Office, 8am / FREE for ASA Members Nov. 20 & 21: Thanksgiving Deliveries GSABA Greater San Antonio Builders Association Nov. 30: 2023 Holiday Gala & Installation, 6-10pm IEC Independent Electrical Contractors Nov. 2: Journeyman/Master Preparation & Refresher Course, IECSA Training Center, 59pm (class 1 of 6) Nov. 6: Journeyman/Master Preparation & Refresher Course, IECSA Training Center, 5-9pm (class 2 of 6) Nov. 8: November Quarterly Luncheon, The County Line, 11:30am-1:30pm Nov. 9: Journeyman/Master Preparation & Refresher Course, IECSA Training Center, 5-9pm (class 3 of 6) Nov. 13: Journeyman/Master Preparation & Refresher Course, IECSA Training Center, 5-9pm (class 4 of 6) Nov. 14: Apprenticeship & Training Committee Meeting, IECSA Training Center, 11am Nov. 15: Board of Director’s Meeting, IECSA Training Center, 11a.m. Nov. 16: Journeyman/Master Preparation & Refresher Course, IECSA Training Center, 5-9pm (class 5 of 6)
Nov. 18: Electrical Maintenance Technician Class, IECSA Training Center, 8am- 5pm Nov. 20: Journeyman/Master Preparation & Refresher Course, IECSA Training Center, 5-9pm (Masters’ Only - class 6 of 6) Nov. 23-24: IECSA Training Center and School Closed in observance of Thanksgiving
K
The Best Years of Your Life Remodel
nown for impeccable quality and attention to detail, Leonard Contracting is currently remodeling the common areas including kitchen, dining room, auditorium, lobby, and Sky Lounge for Army Residence Community (ARC). The ARC is located in a prime location for the active military retiree and senior-level federal employees. San Antonio is home to many military facilities, including Randolph Air Force Base, Fort Sam Houston, and San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC), with shopping, dining, medical services, and many social opportunities available just minutes from the ARC. Project Manager, Jerry Graeber expects the project will be completely turned over before Thanksgiving.
MCA-SMACNA INC Mechanical Contractors Association Sheet Metal & A/C Nat’l Association Nov. 8: Regular & Associates Meeting, 11am at The Petroleum Club, 8620 N New Braunfels Ave #700, San Antonio Nov. 29: Joint Industry Fund Meeting, 11am at MCA-SMACNA Office NAWIC National Association of Women in Construction San Antonio Nov. 1: General Meeting - Yoga is for Every Body, 5:30-7:30pm, Anne Marie’s, 12475 Starcrest Dr, San Antonio
Host
Expo Kitchen
PHCC Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association Nov. 9: Annual Business Meeting 11am, Old San Francisco Steakhouse, 10223 Sahara Dr, San Antonio TACCA Texas Air Conditioning Cooling Contractors Association Nov. 13: 34th Annual Golf Tournament, The Club at Sonterra, 901 E Sonterra Blvd., San Antonio. 9:30am, Check-in & Lunch 10:30am, Shotgun Start, dinner & awards immediately following
Bar
Sky Lounge 1
Corridor
Sky Lounge 2
Auditorium
Industry FOLKS Joshua Pams Owner
Arcadia Construction, Austin, TX
A
rcadia Construction was founded in 2013 by Joshua Pams. Joshua’s career started in 2009 after he graduated from Michigan State University with a B.S. in Construction Management. It didn’t take long for Joshua to climb up the ladder from a Project Manager to a Superintendent where he managed the production of over 100 homes! Joshua then set sights for the Golden Coast where he landed a job as a Field Engineer at one of the top construction
companies in the United States. This would have been a dream job for many, but Joshua (like many people of California) had heard about the booming housing market in Austin, Texas. In 2013, after hearing about the potential that the city of Austin had for a home builder he gave in, flew down, and never returned. Joshua’s team has renovated prominent restaurants such as the Coast (now under a different name), dozens of high-rise condominiums, but nothing makes Joshua happier than
bringing individualized remodeling solutions to the melting pot of Austin, where no project is the same. Although work is very important, its crucial to have a proper work/life balance. When Joshua isn’t working, he enjoys all things outdoors, hiking, fishing & time with his dog, Lucy. Indoors, you can find him playing a round of chess or cooking.
San Antonio Construction News • NOV 2023
Page 19
Pour and Hold ‘em
T
he American Subcontractors Association (ASA) hosted their Pouroff and Texas Hold ‘em Tournament
on Sept. 28 at the Alzafar Shrine. With a record-breaking number of poker players and pour-off teams it was an evening full
of great networking, delicious cocktails, and some Texas Hold ‘em fun! Thanks to all the incredible sponsors
and wonderful volunteers the event was another huge success. Congratulations to all the winners!
Non-Frozen Cocktail Winners
1st Place: Rojas Heavy Equipment
2nd Place: Alamo Crane Service, Inc.
3rd Place: ARI
Frozen Cocktail Winners
1st Place: KCM Cabinets, Inc.
2nd Place: Rojas Heavy Equipment
3rd Place: ARI
Best Bar Set-Up Winners
1st Place: Alamo Crane Service, Inc.
Best Bar Set-Up Winners
2nd Place: ARI
3rd Place: Broadway Bank
Poker Winners 1st Place: Patty Wright 2nd Place: Austin Falls 3rd Place: Charlie LaCause 4th Place: Kirk Boatright 5th Place: Sam Carson 6th Place: Baenson Cho 7th Place: Braelyn Moltz 8th Place: Mike Davis 9th Place: John Cox Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography.
Alamo Crane Service, Inc.
Full Circle Partnership
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Page 20
San Antonio Construction News • NOV 2023
ON A WIDE RANGE OF IN-STOCK MACHINES
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*Offer of 0% is for a loan term of 48 months and Zero Down Payment, valid from October 1, 2023 through December 30, 2023 on new compact (compact track loaders, compact wheel loaders, micro/mini excavators, skid steer loaders) and small (backhoe loaders, telehandlers, small track type tractors, small wheel loaders) Cat machines sold by HOLT CAT to customers in dealer territory. The credit of up to $500 USD for an IronPro plan purchase can only be applied toward the purchase of a qualifying IronPro Agreement (CVA). Purchases (both machine and IronPro Agreement) and machine delivery must occur during offer period. Offer subject to machine availability and credit approval by Cat Financial. Not all customers will qualify. Amount of the IronPro credit cannot exceed the price of the qualifying IronPro Plan. IronPro Plan must include 1-year Preventative Maintenance Parts Kit, TA1 annual Inspection, signed contract, and Product Link™. Amount of credit towards IronPro agreement is the same for all models. Offer may change without prior notice and cannot be combined with any other offers. Additional terms and conditions will apply. Contact HOLT CAT for details. ** Please contact your professional tax advisor for more information about your taxes. This is not meant to substitute for professional tax advice. © 2023 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow”, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without written permission. © 2023 HOLT Texas, Ltd. d/b/a HOLT CAT. All rights reserved. HOLT® is a registered trademark of HOLT Texas, Ltd. and may not be used without written permission.