San Antonio Construction News Dec. 2023

Covering the Industry’s News

Texas Style

PRSRT. STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID DALLAS, TX PERMIT #1451

PO Box 310207 New Braunfels, Texas 78131 Change Service Requested

San Antonio H Austin

San Antonio

CONSTRUCTION NEWS The Industry’s Newspaper

MERRY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

www.constructionnews.net H (830) 500-0071 H Volume 25 H Number 12 H DECEMBER 2023

T

2023 New Braunfels Parade of Homes Winner

he New Braunfels Home Builders Association held their prestigious annual event, Parade of Homes, on October 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th. The competition showcases some of the region’s finest luxury home builders and designers. 10 homes were selected to be exhibited for Parade of Homes, and the participating homeowners opened their doors to nearly 1800 ticketed guests who had the privilege to experience their beautiful homes, and to explore some of the latest features of custom built homes and trends in interior design.

This year’s winning home belongs to Mallory and Ryan Klebba, and their gorgeous home stole the show. Their home won awards in multiple categories, most notably, the Best of Parade award and the People’s Choice award. They also claimed 1st Place for Kitchen, 1st Place for Owner’s Suite, 2nd for Floor Plan, 2nd for Interior Design, and 3rd for Craftsmanship.

Mallory and Ryan are partners in RMK & CO, an interior design company. Mallory is the CEO and Principal Designer, and Ryan joined the company as Chief Operations Officer to support the steady growth of RMK & CO. Mallory honed her skills in design while flipping homes together with her husband, and it quickly became

(L-R) Mallory Klebba, Brad Morris, and Cami Torres (Division President, G. Morris Homes)

(L-R) Mallory Klebba (RMK & CO), Kendall Holloway (Home Builders Association President) and Brad Morris (CEO, G. Morris Homes)

clear that she not only had the artistic eye and a talent for design, but she was truly passionate about creating dreamy, functional and inviting spaces. Together with their home builder, G. Morris Custom Homes, they created their ultimate dream home, and they were honored to receive the most coveted awards of the Parade.

The Klebba family are native Texans, most recently from Austin. When the time came to select a home builder for their property in New Braunfels, they found that G. Morris was the perfect fit for their vision. They appreciated the fact that the owner is a Marine Veteran, and also shared their alma mater, Texas A&M. Mallory also

particularly loved the creative freedom she felt in the design process with G. Morris. Mallory calls her personal home’s style ‘Transitional European Farmhouse’, and the mixture is warm yet modern, with a relaxed feel and luxury finishes that make it shine. Mallory credits her flair for design to several aspects of her life, from being a dancer in her younger years which gave her an understanding of form and flow, to her previous work for the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce, where she was involved in large scale event planning.

These experiences shaped the work she does today, and her vision for the big picture and excellent attention to detail

are evident in her designs.

In 2017, when hurricane Harvey hit the gulf coast, two of their three sets of parents lost their homes. The Klebbas also lost their own vacation condo to the storm. At the time, Ryan was Board President of the condo association, where they owned, and Mallory was pregnant with their identical twin boys. It was a stressful time in their lives, to say the least.

Many of the condos and communal spaces in the 52 unit complex needed complete renovation, and Mallory was offered the chance to design the interiors by the general contractor that was in charge of the renovations. Taking the skills she had learned from flipping homes and her love of design, she realized that this was what she really was meant to do.

From the destruction of Harvey, Mallory was given the chance to create something truly beautiful, a brand that boasts livable luxury, gracefully planned, and exquisitely delivered, RMK & CO. Ryan, Mallory, and their 6 year old twin boys, Raleigh and Micah, have made New Braunfels their home. The family enjoys traveling, hiking, camping, fishing, riding ATVS, and taking care of their animals. To learn more about RMK & CO, please visit RMKandCO.com. -ndw

Westover Hill Medical Office Building

R

C Page Construction recently completed a 60,000 sf Class “A” Medical Office Building for Stream Realty Partners at 11701 State Highway 151 in San Antonio. The two-story speculative MOB was designed by Chesney Morales (Architect), Pape Dawson (Civil Engineer), Axis Structural, Cleary Zimmerman (MEP Engineer) and C2 Land Group (Landscape Architect). The shell building reached substantial completion in June of this year and the building is ready for its first-generation tenants.

Page 2

T

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2023

Safety First

his year OSHA sent out a nationwide search for Workplace Safety Advocates. Out of the numerous applications they received, they selected San Antonio native, Ted Dunnam to serve. The purpose of the role is to help develop a series of videos to explain how business implement the core values of a workplace safety and health program. Plans include flying Dunnam to Maryland in early 2024 to be interviewed for the video projects and to help with safety content focusing on small businesses.

Ted Dunnam has served in the Construction Safety Industry for over 35 years. For 33 years he worked as Vice President for a local safety company before starting his own company, Dunnam Safety Management, to focus on affordable safety for local companies and increasing their education and safety knowledge. Recently, Ted stepped up to serve on the board for the American Subcontractors Association of San Antonio, and is currently in his second year as President. During his time on the board, he has made safety a primary goal for the association, and pushed for the chapter to engage the membership with free monthly safety update lunch &

learns, as well as coordinating safety training and additional safety needs for the membership and their employees.

Additionally, he has taken the role as the safety coordinator for the ASA National education committee, and is striving to bring a focus of safety to all the members across the nation.

Most notably, in 2016 after seeing the rising fatalities in the San Antonio construction industry, Ted made it a personal mission to make a difference in the area and the industry. He realized the need for companies to refocus on embracing a safety culture and formed the first annual Construction Safety Summit in San Antonio. Now, 8 years later this has become an annual event with a growing attendance year after year. Many other cities have seen the success and have adopted the idea for their areas, too. The purpose is to share ideas, and point the spotlight on injuries and fatalities in the industry and find a way for everyone to work together to make safety a priority.

Fabricators of Structural, Industrial and Miscellaneous Steel

Mike Colglazier Retires from HOLT CAT

A

fter over 12 years, Mike Colglazier is ready to retire from his position at HOLT CAT. He was hired as a Senior Marketing Manager, and leaves the company as Director of Marketing, Primarily supporting Texas First Rentals.

After graduating with a BBA in Marketing from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M-Commerce) Colglazier began his career in 1986, working in market research and then landed in the advertising agency world, where he spent most of his career supporting brands like Quaker, Eckrich, Gatorade, Popeyes, Subway, Centex Homes, Randalls/Tom Thumb and many others. He started his Marketing career with HOLT CAT in 2011 in the Power Systems Division and eventually worked on all business lines at HOLT. In his time at HOLT CAT, he was responsible for leading the division marketing teams in developing strategic marketing, advertising and lead generation programs. In 2015 he led the brand creation of Texas First Rentals, a division of HOLT, which offers short and long term equipment rentals. He is proud of being a part of its growth and enjoyed shifting the focus of his career from product/service sales of heavy equipment to the high growth area of the rental side of the heavy equipment business.

When he officially retires from the company, he is moving on to tending greener Pastures - his own 3.5 acres of land where he and his wife Sarah live.

Sarah, who was a teacher and then homeschooled their twin sons through high school, has been working as an educational/homeschool consultant and tutor since she and Mike became empty nesters. Their two sons are 23 years old, and one works as an Arborist, and the other for a Beverage Distribution Company. They call their home “The Resort” after spending 18 years of home improvement, landscaping, building retaining walls, mowing and playing a game called “Mike vs Deer”, where they

Ready for retirement! Sarah and Mike Colglazier buy new types of plants that they hope the deer won’t eat. No word on who’s winning yet, but with retirement, he’ll have more time to play. Mike enjoys gardening, mowing and weed eating, and generally keeping his outdoor space around his home looking beautiful. He has also undergone two knee replacements, and says his new “20 year old knees” will make him a force to be reckoned with on the Pickleball court, something he and Sarah both love and plan to spend more time doing also. He’s also open to doing consulting work as well, but looks forward to having time for his more leisurely pursuits.

Perhaps the most important thing he is looking forward to is spending more quality time with his wife. He and Sarah will have been married for 27 years as of next March, and they are thrilled to be able to travel more upon his retirement.

Both are avid hikers and have enjoyed experiencing the beauty of places like Colorado and Sedona, Arizona. They hope to visit Yellowstone National Park soon.

After a long and successful career, it’s time for a new adventure. Congratulations on your retirement, Mike! -ndw

Advertisers Directory A-1 Fire & Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 ABC-South Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Alamo Crane Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Alterman Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 American Subcontractors Assoc. (ASA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Axis Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Buyers Barricades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Capital Pumping LP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Cokinos Young . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Dausin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 EPI Enclosures & Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Holt Cat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Howell Crane & Rigging, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 JCH Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 JR Ramon & Sons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

NEED CRUSHED AGGREGATE? • RECYCLED CONCRETE AVAILABLE • FAST LOADING • NO WAITING • ON-SITE PORTABLE CRUSHING AVAILABLE

KCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Lynwood Building Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 OVER 60,000 TONS AVAILABLE NOW!

MCA-SMACNA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Pro-Line Paving, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Quality Fence & Welding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Raintree Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Rocky Hill Equipment Rental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

www.RamonDemolition.com/roadbase

ASK ABOUT VOLUME DISCOUNTS

Steven Bankler, CPA, LTD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

CALL FOR PRICING | 210.225.1583

TNT Crane & Rigging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Wilborn Steel Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2023

Page 3

Development and Construction Company Koontz Corp.

Celebrates 25 Years of Success

K

oontz Corp., a San Antonio-based company, is an award-winning industry leader in the development and construction of commercial and multifamily properties throughout Texas.

Founded in 1998, Koontz Corp. is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month.

Over the last quarter of a century, Koontz Corp. has developed over 9 million square feet of commercial property with a total investment of $1.2 billion in development projects and $520,000 in third party construction. President and CEO Bart Koontz has led the company growth and is an established industry leader while remaining agile and responsive through changing market conditions.

Koontz Corp.’s impact can be seen in some of its most notable projects: The Broadway, KCI corporate headquarters, Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union, One Twin Oaks, Two Twin Oaks, McCombs Plaza, Pape Dawson headquarters and thousands of Class A apartments.

“I think the biggest impact I have made visually to the San Antonio landscape has been along the 281 corridor between Loop 410 and downtown,” said Koontz. “I either personally developed or was instrumental in developing McCombs Plaza at Mulberry Avenue, City Vista Apartments at Trinity University, The Broadway at Hildebrand and Broadway, and Concord Plaza at Jones Maltsberger and 281.”

Koontz is optimistic about the economic future of South and Central Texas. As the nation’s fastest-growing big city during the pandemic, San Antonio and its metropolitan area population is

R

expected to top 4 million by 2050. The San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan statistical area is one of the fastest-growing parts of Texas and the nation.

Comal County - home to New Braunfels, Bulverde and Spring Branch - is growing at an immense pace. Comal County currently ranks second nationally among U.S. counties in percentage gains in population.

Additionally, growth along the Austin-San Antonio corridor is projected to double in the next 30 years, creating vast opportunities through its sheer volume.

“The Texas Triangle boasts a GDP (gross domestic product) of $1.3 trillion, which accounts for 6.3% of the U.S. economy,” Koontz said. “In the future, many of us envision business and commerce in our area harnessing the demographics, heritage, labor force and geography of our area to create a new mega-region - the South Triangle connecting San Antonio with Laredo, the Rio Grande Valley, Corpus Christi and the Northern Mexican states of Tamaulipas and Nuevo León, and (Monterrey).”

Koontz Corp. continues to pave the way for innovation and growth in Central and South Texas. Koontz’s proven track record as an industry leader has changed the region’s physical and economic landscape for the better.

Looking ahead, Koontz says, “After 25 years in business, I believe that Koontz Corporation, along with other San Antonio businesses, stands at the precipice of a new era like we have never seen before in San Antonio. It is going to be a wild, wonderful ride.”

ON THE JOB

Marco Fuentes, Davila Electric working new ventilation system at Canyon Springs Golf Club.

In Memoriam…

odney Ray Chandler, age 64, of San Antonio, Texas passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, November 3, 2023. He was born in San Antonio on December 23, 1958 to parents Ruth “Toni” Chandler and Thomas Ray Chandler.

Rodney grew up in the city, graduating from Highlands High School in 1977. As a young child he enjoyed go-karting and mini-biking, which later turned to a hobby of motorcycles and cars.

Although talented and charismatic, Rodney regarded himself as a simple man with great work ethic and determination. He had a wealth of knowledge and wisdom beyond his years. He was well-known in the construction business and finished his career managing the San Antonio, Texas store for CBS Supply, where he retired in 2017.

Rodney had a fun-loving personality, never having met a stranger and often lending a helping hand. A natural athlete, he was an avid tennis player in his younger years and truly enjoyed golfing with friends. When it came to sports, Rodney always knew who to root for; he had the uncanny ability to pick a winner. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He created lasting memories whilst doing what he loved with friends and family.

Rodney was a loving husband and a caring son and son-in-law. Rodney was smitten with his wife Elvia long before they entered into covenant and shortly after courting her, they were married. He deemed her the love of his life. His expressions of love were in words and deeds to his family and friends. His heart was big for those he cared for and he will be remembered for it well. From an early age his mother planted seeds of faith and she was in constant prayer for him. Those closest to him know he professed Jesus as his Lord and Savior and, we know he’s enjoying eternity with the Lord in heaven and is free from any concerns of this world. He will be terribly missed.

SAN ANTONIO - 210.246.9380 AUSTIN - 521.263.1076 BUYERSBARRICADES.COM

Johnny Guajardo, All Service Air Conditioning & Heating, getting ready to perform seasonal maintenance on an A/C unit in Saint Hedwig, TX.

Page 4

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2023

Mary Haskin

Owner Mary C. Haskin Photography San Antonio, TX

M

ary C. Haskin is known and loved by many in the Construction Industry and far beyond. For over 30 years, she has developed the skills, experience and wisdom to match her passion and incredible energy for her art. From the beginning of her career, her vivacious personality and natural talent led to the rapid expansion of her business, she has become a renowned photographer in the region. Mary, once a hobby photographer, now has many years of experience photographing weddings, school events, family portraits, in addition to corporate events, construction galas, graduations, jobsites, and photos of finished architecture. She has also contributed much of her work to Construction News over the years, and her name among those in the business is well known and respected.

Mary was born in San Antonio, and has three children, Katelyn, Hannah and Hunter. Katelyn is married to Chris, an Operations Specialist First Class Petty Officer in the US Coast Guard, and they

live in Hawaii with their two daughters, McKenzie and Keely. Hannah is a flight attendant and lives in Houston with her husband Dustin, and they are expecting their first child. Her son Hunter is about to graduate as a Warrant Officer in the US Army, then is headed to helicopter pilot training. When asked about who she is, her children are at the top of the list. Her eyes sparkle when she speaks about them and the great pride she feels for them is obvious. Mary has been married to her husband, Doug, for 10 years and together they live in a beautiful home just outside of San Antonio. Her lovely home, nestled in the hills and surrounded by majestic oak trees and beautiful flowers, is the perfect backdrop, and has been the scene of many family photo sessions. Her property is also home to her studio, where she houses all of her equipment, props and the office where her team helps her with post-production editing and business tasks. Her team consists of a group of women: Monica, Vicki, Hope, Ariana and Kourtney, and they are a dynamic team that she has built over the years. They all play a vital role in her business’s success and she loves having them being a part of her vision.

In her late teens, her love for photography grew into a hobby that became an obsession that she could not get enough of. An old boyfriend taught her some basic photography knowledge.

He would tell her, “The bigger the number, the smaller the opening.” This is a basic photography principle about Aperture. Aperture is measured in what is called an f-stop number, the lower the f-stop number, the more open the aperture is and therefore more light enters your camera. The higher the f-stop number, the more closed down (or smaller) the aperture is and less light enters your camera. She then began toting her camera with her everywhere

Association Calendar

Content submitted by Associations to Construction News AGC Associated General Contractors San Antonio Dec. 12: Holiday Open House, AGC office: 10806 Gulfdale, San Antonio, 4:30-6:30.

Join us for wine, beer & hors d’oeuvres.

IEC Independent Electrical Contractors Dec. 15: Membership Appreciation Casino Night, IECSA Training Center, 6-11pm MCA-SMACNA INC Mechanical Contractors Association Sheet Metal & A/C Nat’l Association Dec. 20: Christmas Party, 206 E. Nakoma, San Antonio, 11am NAWIC National Association of Women in Construction San Antonio Dec. 6: Holiday Bowling Party, Pinstack, 742 NW Loop 410, Ste. 201, San Antonio, RSVP Dec. 9: Sleep in Heavenly Peace Volunteer Day, Sleep in Heavenly Peace warehouse, 10616 Sentinel St., San Antonio, 8:45-11:15am & 11:15-1:30pm.

Must sign up in advance.

Dec. 16: Sleep in Heavenly Peace Volunteer Day, Sleep in Heavenly Peace warehouse, 10616 Sentinel St., San Antonio, 8:45-11:15am & 11:15-1:30pm.

Must sign up in advance.

Dec. 23: Sleep in Heavenly Peace Volunteer Day, Sleep in Heavenly Peace warehouse, 10616 Sentinel St., San Antonio, 8:45-11:15am & 11:15-1:30pm.

Must sign up in advance.

PHCC Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association Dec. 9: Christmas Party, GSABA Ray Ellison Ballroom, 3625 Paesanos Pkway #100, San Antonio, 6-9pm. Heather Foster, heather@phcc-sanantonio.org Dec. 26: Board of Directors meeting, 11am-1pm. Where: TBD. Heidi Trimble, heidi@phcc-sanantonio.org SAMCA San Antonio Masonry Contractors Association Dec 7: Holiday Party, Ajuua Mexican Grill, 11730 Huebner Rd., Ste. 208, San Antonio, 6:30-9:30pm.

Email reservations to: thesamca@gmail.com

she went, taking photos of all the interesting and beautiful things in her world. Through her experimentation, she learned even more about exposure, angles and composition. A true photographer’s eye is a gift- something that can’t exactly be taught, but through a natural artistic sense and experience can be developed. The people who saw her photos saw that she was one of those who had the gift, and one day, someone asked her to photograph their wedding.

She thought, “Why not? I’ve been married and it’s just photography. I can do this.” And her first job was a success, and from that job came three more, and from those three came three more, and it expanded to the point that she sensed the potential this could be for a full time career, and loved what she did so much that she made a life changing decision to pursue it full time. Mary had already achieved success as a young woman in business administration, marketing and accounting. At the age of only 25, she was already working as a controller for a group that consisted of a State Representative, a US Senator and a custom home builder. But when she was ready to leave the corporate world, she tendered her resignation with one sentence. It was April Fools Day 1996, and they had a hard time believing that it was true that she was leaving. And the fact that she did so in one sentence was shocking to anyone who knows her, because Mary is a very talkative, energetic person by nature. But she was resolute in her decision, and there was simply nothing else to say about the matter. With her mind made up, and her determined, “I can do this” attitude, she said her goodbyes to the corporate world and set out to live her dream.

Even though she had left the corporate world as an employee, word spread about her ability to tackle large scale photography jobs and she landed Associated General Contractors as her first big client. From that job, she gained instant recognition and began working with Alterman Electric, Alamo Crane, Bartlett Cocke, Joeris, Spawglass, Jordan Foster Construction (formerly CF Jordan), and numerous other big names in the construction industry, with contractors and subcontractors seeking her out.

Through these jobs she became involved with many organizations as well: Associated Subcontractors of America (ASA), The Hispanic Construction Association (HCA), Mechanical and Sheet Metal Contractors Association of San Antonio (MCA-SMACNA), Texas Construction Association (TCA) and the Greater San Antonio Builders Association (GSABA), to name a few. Her connections grew as a direct result of her people skills and professional demeanor, and with her company growing beyond her wildest dreams, she set out to fine tune her skills and gain as much photography knowledge as she could. She went back to school at San Antonio College, and enrolled in every photography course they had available. After seeing her

portfolio, Professor James McBride, who taught in the Journalism and Photography Department, steered Mary toward the classes that would help her fully develop her talent. In Mary’s own words, “I needed to learn how to shoot as fast as I could talk, and to master my craft. I truly respected the field and wanted to be professional.”

These days, Mary stays busier than ever. On the day she was interviewed for this article, she had just come from giving a career day talk at an elementary school to three different classrooms.

Somehow she still had time to give a tour of her beautiful property, sit down for the interview itself, check on the status of her team (in the office and out in the field) and then to get dressed and ready in “Texas Chic” attire, for the Centennial Gala celebrating 100 years of the Associated General Contractors San Antonio Chapter at the Tobin Center.

Mary is a force of energy, a wealth of knowledge and a wise businesswoman.

She passes these strengths on to her team, whom she trains herself in the art of photography, and helps them find an area where their personal strengths can shine. She captures precious moments in people’s lives, from their wedding photos, team sports photos, newborn and family Christmas card photos, with her own personal style and has built her business into a well respected name in San Antonio. She is stylish, funny, passionate, and filled with what seems to be boundless energy and drive. Her business and family legacy continue to grow and branch out, as strong and proud as the beautiful oak trees that surround her home. -ndw

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.

SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS GO TO www.ConstructionNews.net Select “Digital Subscription”.

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2023

Page 5

Trust Us

San Antonio Country Club Tennis Pavilion

N

athan Dawson of Trusted Service Solutions had an entrepreneurial drive from a young age. As a teenager he earned extra money summers and weekends mowing lawns for family and friends. Then one day, as his mother was working a janitorial job at Clear Channel, she overheard some coworkers wondering if there was anyone they knew who mowed grass. And of course, she said, “My son mows grass.” Little did she know that recommendation for a job mowing around the base of radio towers would lead to much bigger opportunities for her son down the road. He started out regularly mowing around 15-20 towers, something that is an important part of a radio tower’s maintenance. Mowing keeps the vegetation

around the towers down as a fire safety precaution and to keep them accessible for the workers who service the towers. Quickly his side hustle for fun money became his main hustle, and grew to the point where he hired employees and got contracts for more and more towers, and now his company services around 1700 towers from Texas, throughout the Central US and even in the Virgin Islands. As Dawson grew up from a young single man to a married man with a family, his priorities changed and he really wanted to focus on building his brand. So he left his job working for Joeris and started Trusted Service Solutions.

Trusted Service Solutions offer General Contracting Services, Debris and Trash Removal, Culverts and Drainage,

Gravel Pads, Road Construction, Concrete work, Grounds maintenance, and more. In addition to providing maintenance services on the ground around Radio Towers, Trusted has done work on a major rebuild for a warehouse/ office space in Selma, and other commercial remodels and renovations. One of their latest projects they won in a very competitive bid, was for a new Tennis Pavilion at the San Antonio Country Club, which is undergoing some major renovations.

Trusted started their project in September of this year by demolishing and removing the old grandstands and tennis courts, and will be replacing them with all new grandstands, lighting, canopies, and retaining walls. This project has required

Pull, aim, shoot

an extra level of effort and planning, as some of the different courts are still open for recreation, so they have been working around that. This has led to having to hand load/unload equipment from their trucks and walk it into their site, pouring concrete at 3 am, and being extra safety precautions working closely to club members and staff. The project is slated for completion by the end of December.

Hard work and a heart for others is what drives Dawson today. He and his company are passionate about serving others, not only with excellence, but with reliability and integrity. To learn more about Trusted Service Solutions, please visit: TrustedServiceSolutions.com and Trustedbuilt.com -ndw

O

n Sept. 12, Alterman Inc. had the privilege of attending the Operation Game Thief Clay Shoot, and was honored to Be Title Sponsors thanks to their 8 Weeks of Giving Alterman Foundation initiative.

They were granted the opportunity to attend and fielded TWO teams for the shoot, demonstrating their commitment to the cause. This event exemplifies Alterman’s dedication to positively impacting the communities they serve in supporting our game wardens’ incredible work to prevent theft and destruction of our natural resources, ensuring a sustainable future.

Huge thanks to everyone who contributed to this meaningful event, let’s continue working together to support our Game Wardens.

Employee Owned since 1984

Over 1,500 Employees EMR OF 0.50 (2023)

LOCATIONS:

San Antonio Austin Dallas New Mexico

CAPABILITIES: Electrical Construction Pre-Construction Services Technologies Security Solutions 210.496.6888

GoAlterman.com

Controlled Access HVAC Controls Industrial Water/Wastewater I&C Preventative Maintenance 24-Hour Emergency Service Outdoor Substations

Page 6

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2023

The Great Outdoors Cold Weather Fishing in Texas Captain Evan Coleman Big Bassin’ Fishing Tours Sponsored by: Daiwa USA

W

ith colder weather and dropping water temps my favorite time of year to fish is upon us. Winter can provide excellent fishing all around. Most people don’t like to fish in the winter due to it being cold, and while it being cold can lead to some frustrating days on the water, it can also be extremely fruitful. In the winter months fish tend to travel in large schools and eat as much as they can to bulk up for the spring. That means that you just have to spend a good amount of time looking at your electronics to locate them. Once you locate them there are a couple different techniques that I like to use to catch winter fish.

The first technique that I like to use is an Alabama rig. The Alabama rig is in my opinion the best wintertime bait. It simulates schools of bait fish swimming around, which is exactly what big bass are looking for. Another cool thing about the Alabama rig is that they have five

hooks so if you get it into a big school fish you can catch more than one fish.

And the best way to fish an Alabama rig is to just slow roll it on a strait retrieve.

The second technique that I like to use is a lipless crankbait. It’s a common misconception that in the winter to catch fish you must fish slow. And the lipless debunks that myth, because often I’m working the lipless extremely fast to get a reaction strike out of the fish. I will say though that I prefer to use a lipless around grass, reeling the lipless just above the grass and ripping it out of the grass if it touches is by far the most effective way to fish it.

And the third technique that I like to use is a suspending jerk bait. When those cold-water fish get really selective often times, I have to throw a jerk bait to entice them into eating.

The way that I prefer to fish the jerk bait is by doing popping it either one, two, or three times and then letting it

pause. Depending on the day the pause could be really short, or it could be really long. I would say a good rule of thumb on the pause times is start with 5 second pauses, but don’t go over 30 seconds.

I’m extremely excited about the cold weather coming up, and I hope you guys brave the cold and get after it because it could lead to the biggest bass you’ve ever caught.

To schedule your next fishing trip, give Capt. Evan Coleman a call at 512-744-7453 or bigbassinfishing.com.

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

Prettier than Christmas lights

You’re Missing It! Sure enough, we are seeing good topwater stripers and hybrids on Lake Buchanan now!

The last time we had lake levels this low, we had several weeks of fall topwater action on Buchanan. It was steady and consistent, which is something that topwater fishing usually isn’t. The recent rains that some places were lucky to receive didn’t fall over a large enough area or in the right spots to help our lake level beyond a foot or so increase, so our lake is still less than half full.

That means the fish only have half as many places to go and they are easier to find!

The only problem is that nobody is thinking about fishing right now. It is hunting season and football season, and the holidays are upon us, so we are already busy.

There really isn’t a topwater season, so you can’t plan for it. Topwater fish are a little like rain. There is no real season, it can happen anytime and if you get a chance to get in on it, you really feel blessed. We are having too many nice days with the boat sitting at the dock with no fishermen, while the fish are on top, so we need to get the word out!

If you find yourself with a little spare time, this is a good time to come fishing. If you need to entertain out of town guests or happen to be hunting here in the Hill Country already, give us a call

Ken Milam

and we can get you on a nice fishing trip. It is hard to beat a deer camp fish fry or having a big bowl of fresh cerviche to share with your guests. (Unless you are like me hate to share cerviche…it’s all mine!)

So far, we haven’t had enough cold weather to make much of a difference here in the Hill Country.

The whitetail rut is slow in coming this year. I know I haven’t felt all that motivated to go sit in a stuffy deer blind and let sweat run down my back. Our notorious Texas weather can change all that with a good hard cold snap or two, but until that happens fishing might just be more fun than hunting!

Whatever you find to do during the upcoming holiday season, I hope you have a great time. Unplug a kid or two and bring them along too. That could be the best gift you give this season, the gift of sharing a good time with someone special!

I know several families that have made a tradition spanning several generations of getting together to come fishing. I’ve had the privilege of watching the kids grow up and start bringing their little ones to fish with the grandpa who started it all. Outdoor traditions especially need to be passed down if we are to have any chance to continue conservation of our outdoor resources like wildlife, parks and lakes for future generations.

Happy Holidays to You and Yours!

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2023

Page 7

The Great Outdoors In the Game Audie Howell, owner of Howell Crane & Rigging is excited to announce his new venture of outdoor hunting A&R Ranch Outdoor Adventures. He offers you the opportunity to hunt for many exotic species, Axis, Aoudad, Black Buck, Eland Antelope, Fallow, Mouflon, Oryx, Transcaspian Urual, Water Buck as well as turkey & dove. Audie has been hard at work growing the herds for approximately 8 years and is ready to book your next hunting adventure.

A&R Ranch Outdoor Adventures is located in La Vernia, TX. They are currently in the process of building a new barndominium for lodging to offer a big Texas-sized experience.

Please call guides, Audie, 210-8625301 and or Dennis, 713-582-3489 to book your next trip.

Wes Clark, President of Rocky Hill Equipment Rentals & JCH Construction, Inc. enjoyed a night out with employees at the XXXV Annual New Braunfels Downtown Rotary Wild Game Dinner.

Page 8

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2023

Having a Witch of a Time!

Getting into the Halloween spirit, the construction industry entered the realm of horror, as companies around town dressed up in their ghoulish fashions. Whether through a company-wide theme or individual expression, it’s scary to say the construction industry could not hide from having a beastly time.

Beyer Plumbing

Alamo Crane

Buyers Barricade

Cram Roofing

YNIS

ARI

Baker Triangle

MEMCO

NC Industries

Carving at its Best

Super Halloween Fun

What’s Halloween without pumpkins? The very competitive group at Beyer Plumbing Co. got into the spirit of things as they held their annual pumpkin-carving contest. Congratulations winners on your “spook-tacular creativity.

Beyer Plumbing has participated in the ghoulish fun at The City of Selma’s Trunk or Treat event for the past 3 years. Congratulations to Shaun Power aka, Mario, for winning 3rd place for Best Costume!

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2023

Page 9

What are your top 3 favorite Christmas movies?

Home Alone, Elf & Die Hard

Elf, White Christmas & The Shop Around the Corner

White Christmas, Christmas Chronicles 1 & Miracle on 34th Street

While You Were Sleeping, Rich Little’s A Christmas Carol & Elf. So many great ones though!!

C.G. Steel Solutions, LLC

Dana Marsh

Ray Fehner, KCM Cabinets

Jennifer Swinney, American Subcontractors Assoc. (ASA)

A Christmas Story, White Christmas & Die Hard & all the Home Alone!

Ashley Ward

A Christmas Story, Charlie Brown Christmas & The Grinch Debbie Hannasch, Fire Alarm Control Systems

The one & only “Die Hard”, Ho Ho Ho, now I got a machine gun! lol Ted Nunnam, Safety Consultant & ASA Chapter President

It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf & Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Valera Byrd, Dobie Supply

Elf, Christmas Vacation & Holiday In Michael McGinnis, UVALCO Supply

Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story & Elf Tanner Mathews, KCS

Home Alone, Christmas Story & The Grinch that Stole Christmas Myra Freund, Freund Enterprises

Cutting the Ribbon

B

obcat recently celebrated the opening of its 16th Texas location in Marion! A ribbon cutting ceremony was held, and many excited people, family, friends and employees gathered to mark the occasion. Bobcat provided a lunch of hamburgers and brats, and the Chamber of Commerce was there to officiate the ceremony. CEO Whit Perryman was in attendance, and gave a speech about his excitement for the new location and the communities it will serve as a closer, more convenient locale for rural areas around Marion.

Logan Bucknam has accepted the position of Operations Manager, and David Moravits is the Sales manager for the new location. There were door prizes and lots of fun freebies, like

30-Yard Dumpster

koozies, hats and toys for the kiddos.

Bobcat also has locations in Abilene, Alamo, Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Kerrville, Lubbock, Marble Falls, Midland-Odessa, Pleasanton, San Antonio, Temple, Waco, Wichita Falls and Victoria. Bobcat of Marion is your local one-stop shop for Sales, Service and Parts for Bobcat Equipment in the area. With 13 employees, they have many combined years of experience and the knowledge to serve you and your business. Whether it’s Skid Steers, Track Loaders, Excavators or Zero-Turn Mowers, or smaller tools or concrete products, the team in Marion has what you need for any job big or small! As they say on their website, they have “A Texas sized commitment to customer service- we will do what it takes!” -ndw

GUARANTEED ON-TIME DELIVERY NO RENTAL OR DELIVERY FEE FOR A LIMITED TIME 20 AND 40-YARD DUMPSTERS ALSO AVAILABLE

210-545-6767

• Easy access

INTRODUCTORY RATE

$645

• No machinery required

FOR A LIMITED TIME

• Able to load by hand

Security License #B15629 www.saqualityfence.com

• Most versatile size for a wide range of debris • Ideal for office and home renovations, junk removal, and construction projects

Julio, CDL-A Driver Our full-time drivers are background-screened and cleared

WITHIN OUR SERVICE AREA

Our fleet of company-owned dumpsters and roll off trucks deliver fast, reliable service

Convenient, online ordering and scheduling at

RaintreeDumpster.com

We would like to say THANK YOU to all of our wonderful customers! Have a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Page 10

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2023

‘Tis the Season

A

s the temperatures begin to lower and the leaves change colors before falling to the ground, everyone knows the holidays are around the corner.

Holiday decorations are in full bloom.

From store fronts to front yards, Christmas is already in the air.

On Nov. 14, the Alamo city welcomed

the arrival of a 45-ft Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree. After arriving on a 50-ft flatbed trailer all the way from Salem, Oregon, Alamo Crane Service Inc. (ACS) was on hand to place the tree in the middle of Travis Park where it will be adorned with 10,000 dazzling multi-colored lights and colorful handmade ornaments.

Using a 360-ton crane, ACS Operator Casey Turner successfully hoisted the 50ft tree into place after booming out 256 feet. Using 211,000 lbs. of counterweights, the 2,000-lb tree was lifted from the trailer to the center of Travis Park, a radius of 195 feet.

After the tree was lowered, crewmen

quickly began the task of unbundling the massive tree while being held into position. Unbundled, and securely in place, the tree was watered and ready for its festive transformation to begin.

A tree lighting ceremony is scheduled to take place on Nov. 24, a day after Thanksgiving. -cmw

50-ft Nordamn Fir tree arrives in downtown San Antonio

Alamo Crane Service uses their 360-ton crane to hoist the 50-ft tree into place.

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

Associations and Construction Education

Service Providers

Subcontractors

Suppliers

YOUR AD HERE For Information on Resource Guide Ads, contact Haley Mathews, 830-500-0071 or email at haley@ConstructionNews.net

Advertise with Construction News!

Call Haley today at 830-500-0071

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2023

T

Page 11

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

he Texas Construction Association (TCA) celebrated its 25th Anniversary this Fall, and TCA recently took the celebrations to its members in Texas’ four largest cities: San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and Austin. TCA is dedicated to creating and maintaining a vibrant and prosperous business climate in Texas to support the Texas construction industry. It was founded in 1998 by Texas construction specialty trade subcontractors and suppliers. While very small in the first few years, TCA has grown to well over 3,000 member companies across Texas and also includes 16-member trade associations operating in the Lone Star State. Anniversary celebrations occurred in

EMAIL: estimating@prolinepaving.com

October and November at the San Antonio Zoo, St. Arnold’s Brewery in Houston, Community Beer in Dallas and atop the SXSW Building in downtown Austin. Food and drink were offered at the parties and attendees were also shown the TCA 25th Anniversary Documentary which highlighted the key events & people who forged the creation of the Texas Construction Association twenty-five years ago. “See this! All these beautiful buildings and the work that went into them? That’s what we’re all about,” said TCA President and CEO Raymond Risk in remarks to the Austin audience who celebrated the event with a view of the Austin skyline.

Page 12

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2023

Gobble Gobble

E

ach year the American Subcontractors Association (ASA) Membership Committee, temporarily referred to as the “ASA Turkey Trotters” gears up for their annual “Thankful4ASA” membership deliveries. Putting together handmade turkeys with popcorn cones to look like tail feathers, and of course pecan pies for the ASA

Annual Sponsors, they map out the locations of the members who requested a holiday visit, and start the festivities. Arriving at the members offices, they walk in with their turkey shirts & thanksgiving hats and glasses, and encourage the member employees to dress up and pose for a photo. Then the photo is then posted to the ASA

Dream Team

ASA Turkey Trotters having som well deserved Totties

Buyers Barricades

Social Media accounts so that everyone can track their locations and anticipate the arrival. The idea started in 2017 with about 5 committee members, and each year it’s grown and grown. This year, ASA was fortunate to have over 25 volunteers to help deliver, which was a blessing since they had almost 100 members to visit in just two days!

Lone Star Reprographics

Maverick Underground

American Fire Sys

Central Builders

Alpha Insulation

United Rentals

Ridout Barrett

ProLine Paving

EquipmentShare

Baker Triangle

Structuretone

Keller Martin

Core Electric

Carol Terrell

Texas scenic

Nick & Hanna

M5 Utilities

Anchor Insulation

SA Masonry

M&M Metals

Alamo Crane

Clearfunds

Chamberlin

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2023

Page 13

NC Industries

Johnston Industries

GW Mitchell

GEOSOLUTIONS

Jw Dielmann

People Ready

T&D Moravits

Trade Management

Intertech

RR Cauble

FA McComas

Heather & Debbie

FACS

Mesquite

Michalak

Straight Edge

DRURY

BEYER

Elms

CECO

Page 14

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2023

S&S

RSM

KCM

CFS

LC Mosel

Alterman

QFence

JOERIS

NAPCO

Frost

Dumas

KMAC

MEI

GMi

ADT

Epic

Fazio

Guido

Lasco

MEMCO

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2023

Page 15

Satellite

Structura

SpawGlass

MK Marlow

Middleman

Big State

RW Jones

Robinson

Morlandt

Raintree

JR Ramon

Broadway

Bear Oil

Bartlett

AccuAire

Robles1

Lynwood

Leonard

Kennedy

Comfort

Markel

Hayden

Hanson

Germer

Forvis

Fetzer

Toman

Omega

Tanner Mathews

713-829-8894 tanner@kennyscs.com

Premier Landscape Renovation ARTIFICIAL TURF | DECORATIVE STONE FLAT WORK | FENCES & GATES

Page 16

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2023

OSHA

LEGAL

Make Work Better – Mental Health Matters

Save Money, Mediate Disputes Early

Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

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

Workplaces can have many stressors.

Issues in the workplace can exacerbate the risk of experiencing mental health challenges. Combined, these stressors can make it more difficult for workers to get their tasks done; threaten their productivity, happiness, and well-being; and lead to burnout. Because of the many potential stressors employees may be experiencing, a comprehensive approach is needed to address stressors throughout the community, and employers can be part of the solution.

More than 85% of employees surveyed in 2021 by the American Psychological Association reported that actions from their employer would help their mental health.

The goal is to find ways to alleviate or remove stressors in the workplace to the greatest extent possible, build coping and resiliency supports, and ensure that people who need help know where to turn. Reducing workplace stress benefits everyone across an organization. It can improve morale and lead to increased productivity and better focus, fewer workplace injuries, fewer sick days, and improved physical health (e.g., lower blood pressure, stronger immune system). All these factors can also lead to reduced turnover among an employer’s workforce.

In fact, the World Health Organization estimate that for every dollar U.S. employers spend treating common mental health issues, they receive a return of $4 in improved health and productivity. Employers can make a difference when it comes to helping their staff manage stress. Key things they can do include:

• Be aware and acknowledge that people can carry an emotional load that is unique to their own circumstances.

They may be experiencing heightened levels of loneliness, isolation, uncertainty, grief, and stress; and some may face additional demands, such as parents caring for children or elderly household members; and those with existing mental health or substance use challenges.

• Identify factors are making it harder for workers to get their jobs done and determine if adjustments can be made.

• Show empathy.

Ensure workers that 1) they are not alone, 2) their employer understands the stress they are under, 3) there is no shame in feeling anxious, and 4) asking for help is important. Employers can reassure employees they are open and receptive to discussions about employees’ work stress, by creating a safe and trustworthy space.

• Provide access to coping and resiliency resources, workplace and leave flexibilities without penalty, or other supportive networks and services. Research from the American Psychological Association suggests 50 % of employees find that a lack of paid time off or sick leave has a negative impact on stress levels at work.

• Getting Started Guides for Employers. These aim to help employers gain confidence about talking to workers about workplace stress, mental health, and substance use. Several guides for employer are available at https://www.osha.gov/ workplace-stress/employer-guidance

M

any construction contracts contain a requirement that the parties mediate before moving a dispute into litigation or arbitration. Even when there is no such requirement, Texas law recognizes that “[i]t is the policy of this state to encourage the peaceable resolution of disputes ... and the early settlement of pending litigation through voluntary settlement procedures.” Mediation is simply a facilitated negotiation between two or more people, with the mediator helping all parties find consensus to resolve a dispute on their voluntarily agreedupon terms. A successful early mediation—before or soon after legal or arbitration proceedings have started—helps the parties save the time, money, and energy. As Abraham Lincoln once noted, “[b]y settling, you will most likely get your money sooner, and with much less trouble & expense.”

However, success is never a foregone conclusion, and the parties should understand that successful early mediations often share a number of characteristics.

Exchange information. Early mediations generally occur before there has been a formal exchange of information, such as through discovery in a lawsuit. That limits the knowledge the parties bring to mediation with respect to the others side’s position, and sometimes with respect to their own position. A lack of information as mediation commences means more time is spent in mediation simply learning about the facts rather than focusing on resolution. Exchanging information beforehand can bypass this issue. Similarly, identifying the key issues in need of resolution and developing positions in connection with those is similarly important. For any party wanting something from okinos | Young Austin Principal Shelly another party, one of the most Masters has been appointed Chair of important items to exchange in advance the Construction Law Section with is a detailed breakdown, with the Federation of Defense & Corporate supporting references when possible, Counsel (FDCC) for the second year. of what that is.

Shelly is an experienced trial attorney representing clients in multiple areas of Carefully select the mediator. litigation, with a particular focus on There are a number of excellent construction, commercial, employment mediators in the Texas market and and product liability matters. After practicing more than twenty years, she has beyond, but not all are necessarily amassed a successful track record of suitable for a construction-related prosecuting and defending complex dispute. A skilled mediator with no multiparty cases before state and federal experience with the technical side of courts in multiple states involving a wide construction may not be best suited for a construction defect case. But even a range of legal issues. mediator coming from a background dealing with construction defects may not be the right choice for a complicated delay claim. Generally, websites are a useful source of information about potential mediators. And objective criteria, such as board certification in construction law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, provide further insight as to a potential mediator’s qualifications. Similarly, mediators may have different styles (e.g., facilitative or evaluative) and practices (e.g., full-time

mediator or actively practicing lawyer),

each of which may be more appealing in certain settings.

Taking the Chair

C

Provide information to the mediator. Many mediators will request a mediation position memorandum from each of the parties prior to the mediation.

The parties should take advantage of this opportunity to give the mediator some background and identify the settlement priorities for the respective party. At the very least, the mediator should be contacted in some manner so that such information can be conveyed prior to mediation. An informed mediator is able to more quickly focus on resolution rather than having to spend valuable time learning about the issues and background information.

Be organized and prepared.

Understanding the elements of claims and defenses is key to a successful mediation, as is the ability of one party to show the other party that it can provide support for such claims and defense.

Given the often lack of or limited information provided in connection with an early mediation, organization and preparedness are of paramount importance. If a claim is comprised of several items, each item should be addressed and having a comprehensive damages model, supported by documentation, often proves useful. If the other party asks for certain information as the mediation progresses, one should readily be able to locate it.

Being prepared also encompasses having an understanding of the party’s settlement goals heading into the mediation, and taking the time to prepare a draft settlement agreement in advance may prove to be immensely valuable.

Be open-minded. One of the major benefits of mediation is control of the outcome. When mediation occurs before the parties have had the benefit of full discovery, it may be more difficult to assess the likelihood of a positive or negative outcome. When decisions must be made with only partial information, considerations have to be made on factors other than simply the likelihood of prevailing or losing. Matters such as time saved, costs avoided, and relationships preserved should all be considered, and may be more easily considered in early mediation as the parties may not have become fully entrenched in their positions.

Mediation is a valuable tool for parties in a dispute who wish to avoid the time-consuming, costly, and distracting aspects of formal proceedings. As Abraham Lincoln once said: “Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser—in fees, expenses, and waste of time.” In general, the earlier mediation occurs the greater the benefit that can be achieved, saving time, money, and energy. However, to increase the chances of success, parties to an early mediation should give particular attention to the various tips discussed above. Success is never guaranteed, but these tips will undoubtedly aid the parties and make success more likely.

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2023

Page 17

ACCOUNTING Navigating Construction Accounting Fringe Benefits, Compliance for 1099/W2 reporting and Electronic Filing Updates Sheri Krueger Client Accounting services Manager Ridout Barrett San Antonio, TX

T

he construction industry is no stranger to the complexities of accounting, especially when it comes to fringe benefits and tax obligations. As we approach the end of the year, it’s crucial for construction companies to grasp the nuances of accounting for fringe benefits while also staying updated with the latest IRS electronic filing regulations.

The Benefits

Significance

of

Fringe

Fringe benefits play a pivotal role in attracting and retaining top talent within the construction sector. From health insurance and retirement plans to bonuses and educational assistance, these benefits significantly contribute to an employee’s overall compensation package. However, it’s essential to understand the tax implications associated with these benefits to ensure compliance and effective financial planning.

Taxable vs. Non-Taxable Fringe Benefits The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) distinguishes between taxable and non-taxable fringe benefits. While some benefits are exempt from federal income tax withholding and payroll taxes, others are subject to taxation.

Here are some examples of common fringe benefits and their tax implications: Non-Taxable Benefits: • Health insurance: Contributions made by employers towards health insurance premiums are typically nontaxable for employees.

• Education assistance: Payments made for tuition, books, and supplies for employees’ education may be nontaxable up to a certain limit.

• Retirement contributions: Employer contributions to retirement plans like 401(k)s are generally nontaxable until distributions are made.

• Employee life insurance: Policies under $50,000 are not taxable to employees.

Taxable Benefits: • Bonuses: Cash bonuses or gifts are usually subject to federal income tax withholding.

• Company cars: Personal use of employer-provided vehicles can be considered taxable income.

• Housing allowances: If provided as a form of compensation, housing allowances may be subject to taxation.

• Employee life insurance: The first $50,000 is exempt from taxes but the excess is taxable to the employee.

• Shareholder life insurance and health insurance are taxable to the shareholder.

Proper Accounting for Fringe Benefits To ensure compliance and accurate financial reporting, construction companies must maintain meticulous records of all fringe benefits provided to employees. It’s crucial to separate taxable and non-taxable benefits and appropriately document them in

financial statements and tax filings.

Partnering with a knowledgeable accounting firm specializing in the construction industry can offer invaluable assistance. Professionals can help navigate the intricacies of tax regulations, develop comprehensive employee benefit programs, and implement robust accounting systems to track and report fringe benefits accurately.

Modernizing Tax Compliance for Construction Entities Until recently, businesses were only obliged to file information returns electronically if they surpassed 250 returns of the same type in a calendar year. However, the IRS has significantly reduced this threshold. With the introduction of regulations in February 2023, employers must comply with electronic filing upon generating 10 or more information returns (1099s and/or W2s) within a calendar year. This directive underscores the IRS’s commitment to modernizing tax compliance and shifting away from paper-based filing methods, particularly impactful within the construction sector.

Advantages Electronic Filing

of

Embracing

The migration towards electronic filing presents a multitude of benefits for construction businesses: 1. Heightened Efficiency: Streamlining the submission process, electronic filing reduces errors and expedites return processing.

2. Enhanced Accuracy: Digital filing ensures greater precision, minimizing errors that could result in audits or penalties.

3. E n v i r o n m e n t a l Responsibility: The transition to electronic filing aligns with sustainability goals by curbing paper consumption.

4. Simplified Recordkeeping: Digital returns are easily accessible and maintainable as digital records, facilitating future reference and compliance checks.

Introducing the Information Returns Intake System (IRIS) To aid this transition, the IRS has introduced the Information Returns Intake System (IRIS), a user-friendly, free platform tailored to simplify electronic filing for construction businesses. IRIS offers several advantages: • User-Friendly Interface: Designed to be intuitive, IRIS ensures seamless navigation for construction businesses of all sizes.

• Reduction in Paper Forms: IRIS supports environmental responsibility by diminishing reliance on paper Forms 1099 filed by construction companies.

• Speedy Processing: Electronic submissions through IRIS guarantee swifter acknowledgments and fewer delays.

• Comprehensive Guidance: The IRS provides a comprehensive IRIS User Guide to facilitate enrollment and electronic filing for construction businesses.

Cokinos | Young Nationally Ranked Tier 1 Law Firm in 2024 Best Law Firms®

C

okinos | Young is pleased to announce that the firm has been recognized in the 2024 edition of Best Law Firms®, ranked by Best Lawyers®, for the 14th consecutive year. Cokinos is listed nationally in 3 practice areas and regionally in 9 practice areas.

Firms included in the 2024 Best Law Firms® list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. To be considered for this milestone achievement, at least one lawyer in the law firm must be recognized in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

The Best Lawyers in America® recognizes the top four percent of practicing attorneys in the United States. Cokinos | Young has twenty-seven lawyers listed in The Best Lawyers in America – Conor G. Bateman, Travis M. Brown, Craig H. Clendenin, Gregory M. Cokinos, Stephanie H. Cook, Stanley W. Curry, Jay K. Farwell, J. Parker Fauntleroy, W. Patrick Garner, Charles W. Getman, Anthony T. Golz, John L. Grayson, Gabriel S. Head, Michael B. Hiddemen, Philip Kinkaid, Beau E. LeBlanc, Dana Livingston, Robert J. MacPherson, Shelly D. Masters, Stephanie L. O’Rourke, Craig E. Power, Darrell W. Taylor, Roger D. Townsend, John C. Warren, Peter Boyd Wells IV, Patrick J. Wielinski, Marc A. Young.

Page 18

F

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2023

Freund Enterprises will celebrate 60 years in business in 2024

reund Enterprises is a family owned and operated company, founded by two brothers, John and Robert Freund, in 1964. Composed of two companies, Comfort Air Engineering Inc, and Primo Plumbing Inc, they are excited to be planning celebrations for their “60th Jubilee”. One of the main focuses for the company at present is the ground breaking of a new building that will add some much needed square footage to their offices and service departments. The business has grown so much that the need for more space for their team became a huge priority, and they were in need of some larger conference rooms to meet clients. This will be the third building on the grounds of the company property, and will boast 18,257 sq feet including the office and warehouse spaces. Comfort Air and Engineering and Primo Plumbing are doing their own HVAC and Plumbing work, and the Architect is Ed Boyle of Open Studio Architecture. Other companies working on the project are: Fuller Excavation and Sitework, LLC for concrete and excavation work, Campbell

Interior Systems for walls, sheetrock and painting, Hill Electric, 1st FP Services for a fire protection system, JR Utilities, and Maldonado Landscaping. The project broke ground in January 2023 and is scheduled for completion January 2024, with their VP of Technology, Mike Stahl leading the project.

Another exciting change that will happen in this upcoming year, is that Clint T. Wurzbach, P.E. will be moving from VP of Construction Operations to Company President. Freund enterprises is now in its third generation of being family owned and operated, something they take great pride in. They want the company culture to be like an extended family, and a great place to work. While planning their 60th Jubilee celebration and Grand Opening of the new building, they are also brainstorming ways to give back to the community, while incorporating their dearly held family values and honoring what they do to serve the city of San Antonio. 2024 is sure to be a very exciting year for Freund Enterprises. -ndw

Comfort Air Groundbreaking

Why we Golf

O

n Oct 25th Beyer Air Conditioning and Heating, LLC had 156 golfers for the Perry Beyer Jr Memorial Golf Tournament at Canyon Springs Golf Club. This is the Beyer family of companies’ 10th year of having an annual golf tournament to raise money for those in the community affected by cancer. Three years ago, they renamed the tournament after Perry Beyer Jr passed away after battling cancer. During the past 10 years of involvement, unfortunately the number of those in the Beyer family, employees and loved ones affected by cancer has increased. Over the past 10 years, sponsors and participants have helped raise over $325,000.00 for this cause.

A few years ago, the Beyer Cares Foundation was formed to help make a difference in the community. The foundation also contributes towards the American Cancer Society. This year’s tournament raised over $40,000.00 for the Beyer Cares Foundation.

1st PLACE GROSS - FUQUAY

2ND PLACE NET - I HEART MEDIA

1st place gross – Fuquay, Inc | 1st place net – Johnson Supply 2nd place net – iHeart Media | 3rd place net – Besson Management Group Closest to Pin – JD Fuquay & Jose Uribe Longest Drive – Brian Bohannon & Tyler Arndt

TNT Crane & Rigging working one of their 800-ton cranes team picking with one of their 500-ton cranes on a project in downtown San Antonio.

3RD PLACE NET BESSON MANAGEMENT GROUP

CLOSEST TO PIN (FRONT NINE) - JD FUQUAY

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2023

Page 19

On the Course

M

embers and guests of the Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association (TACCA) San Antonio Chapter had a great time on Nov. 13 at TACCA’s 34th Annual Golf Tournament. The event was held at The Club at Sonterra with amazing weather & the golfers enjoyed the beautiful course. Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to all who volunteered, supported, played & sponsored.

1st Place – Air Authority, Chester Bull, Michael Guillory

Big Shot Longest Drive – Robert Freund, Comfort-Air Engineering

Closet To The Pin – Jaymes Villarreal, TNT Crane & Rigging

5th Place - Robert Madden Industries Bubba Meyer, Eli Herrara, Chris Burger

Beyer Air Conditioning

Carrier Enterprise

Johnson Supply

Credit Human

RBC

Longest Drive – Trevor Feldstein, Home Front Services

Thank you sponsors

IN TEXAS

Cokinos | Young knows Austin construction and commercial real estate law – it’s what we do. With over 100 of the nation’s most knowledgeable legal professionals, we’ll guide your disputes and transactions and back you every step of the way.

OUR TRACK RECORD IN

We are renowned for our experience and success across commercial, industrial, pipeline, offshore, heavy highway, civil, and residential sectors.

CONSTRUCTION AND

For over 30 years, clients have depended on us across Central Texas. Savvy. Tough. Dedicated.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LAW

And Austin to our core. That’s Cokinos.

SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.

COKINOS | YOUNG Las Cimas IV, 900 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Suite 425 Austin, Texas 78746

512-476-1080 CokinosLaw.com COKINOS IS YOUR NATIONALLY RANKED CONSTRUCTION AND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM.

HOUSTON

|

SAN ANTONIO

|

AUSTIN

|

DALLAS/FORT WORTH

|

CALIFORNIA

|

NEW JERSEY

Page 20

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2023

ON A WIDE RANGE OF IN-STOCK MACHINES

0% 0 0 $

FOR 48 MONTHS

DOWN

HASSLE

LIMITED-TIME OFFER* SPECIAL REBATES ON SELECT MACHINES. RESTRICTIONS APPLY. Write off 80% of your purchase with Bonus Depreciation**

VISIT HOLTCAT.COM/YEAREND-SAVINGS TO LEARN MORE.

+ up to $500 USD toward an

Assurance Plan*

*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.