The Citation jet, named Cloudkisser II, is as clean and slick as the new 100-foot by 100-foot hangar where it resides. Owned by Gary and Sondra Bertrand of Ataraxis Holdings LLC, the hangar is equipped with a remote opening 80-foot by 22-foot liftstrap/ autolatch bifold door wind-rated at 115 mph. Inside the hangar is a 25-foot by 55foot pilot and tenant office, a main central TV lounge, galley, restrooms and storage and utility rooms, with a mezzanine overlooking it all.
The 11,375-square-foot hangar is finished with Proliner insulation, yielding
an R-38 rating for the roof and an R-30 for the walls and bifold door.
After they moved in, the Bertrands sent a letter of thanks and praise to the builder, Norm Paulson of Paulson Kimball Construction.
“We celebrate the completion of our hangar and the wonderful job that was done by Paulson Kimball Construction and the many excellent subcontractors and everyone’s ability to work in harmony with Greg Cullen and his fine folks at the Regional Airport,” they wrote. “I must hasten to say that as we arrived on Cloudkisser, it was, and will continue to
be, an exceptional feeling of gratitude to approach and pull into our beautiful hangar for the first time. Thank you for making that happen!”
Paulson says the staff at Schweiss Doors was helpful and the installation crews are always good. “We’ve done five of these big bifold doors and it always amazes me when we run one up for the first time,” Paulson says. “It was my recommendation to go with the Schweiss bifold door on this project. I originally found out about Schweiss Doors through my Behlen Buildings district manager and from talking to people and browsing
Othe Internet. We had the Schweiss crew come out and install the door. That always goes well, that’s why there is no reason to reinvent the wheel. With us, the guy that makes the door is always the guy that is going to put it in. They are in and out in a couple of days.
“The Schweiss door is overall a nice, simple, quiet-running door. From a GC point of view, the upfront overall complexity of the building makes installation easier versus the lot more labor-intensive sliding door system with a track and drain system that needs to be put in.”
Golf + Youth
n May 24 BakerTriangle hosted their 17th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. The event was held at the beautiful Canyon Springs Golf Course. Proceeds went to Roy Maas Youth Alternatives (RMYA) where they raised over $56,000.00. BakerTriangle has proudly donated more than $429,000.00 over the course of all their tournaments.
A huge thank you to all sponsors from the construction community that helped make this day a huge success.
This beautiful 100-foot by 100-foot hangar, built by Paulson Kimball Construction has an 80-foot by 22-foot bifold liftstrap door from Schweiss Doors.
The hangar owners’ Cessna Citation jet fits nicely in the 11,375-square-foot hangar with room to spare. Included in the hangar is office space, a central TV lounge, galley, restrooms, utility and storage room and an above floor mezzanine.
Two powerful electric motors and 16 liftstraps raise this 80-foot by 22-foot bifold door wind-rated for 115 mph. The door is equipped with an automatic latching system and remote opening features.
Paulson Kimball Construction has had Schweiss doors installed numerous times over the years. They rely on Schweiss installation crews to install the big doors.
Each time, the builder says he is amazed when they run a big Schweiss door up for the first time. He says installation is less labor intensive than installing a sliding door that requires a track and drain system.
This large Schweiss Doors bifold liftstrap door went on a different hangar that was built by Paulson Kimball Construction. The original hangar was completed in 2006 and was enlarged a few years ago to double its size and accommodate the Schweiss door.
When the bifold door is closed, it blends in nicely with the rest of the building using the same cladding as the Behlen building. Large windows around the hangar and LED lighting keep the inside of the hangar well lit.
Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography
Economic Outlook & Current Market Trends
Bag Tossing
The Young Professionals Group held their 2nd Annual Cornhole Tournament on June 6. The event was held at Aprio’s office where 21 teams showed up with the goal to be the coronado of the day!
to their
guest speakers, Alan Adelman from Frost Investment Advisors and Kate Vogt from Kohler. Congratulations to the lucky winners of the PHCC-SA door prize raffles: George Saliba of George Plumbing for the Kohler H2 Wise, Ralph Mendez of Diamond Plumbing for the Kohler H2 Wise+, Mike Woitena of Winston Water Cooler for the Milwaukee Cup/Milwaukee safety mask, and Kevin Guinther of Moen for the Fishing Bundle. A special shoutout to Kohler for raffling their newest products H2 wise and H2 wise+!
Alan Adelman (Frost Investment Advisors)
1st place: Matt Clain & Tanner Loeffler
2nd Place: Logan Colunga & Clayton Poindexter
3rd Place: Roy Chandler & Vincent Templin
Kate Vogt (Kohler), George Saliba (George Plumbing)
Kevin Guinther (Moen), Heidi Trimble (PHCC-San Antonio)
Bruce Whiteside (Kohler), Tammy Carosello (Kohler), Kate Vogt (Kohler), Heidi Trimble (PHCC-San Antonio)
Ralph Mendez (Diamond Plumbing), Kate Vogt (Kohler)
Alan Adelman (Frost), Heidi Trimble (PHCC-SA), Kalyn Sifuentez (Frost)
Mike Woitena (Winston Water Cooler), Heidi Trimble (PHCC-San Antonio)
Earthday Everyday Time Flies
In celebration of Waste and Recycling Workers Week, Monterrey Iron & Metal is thrilled to recognize the hard work and dedication of its 80 employees at the company’s metal recycling facility on San Antonio’s Westside. The national appreciation week, held from June 17-23, 2024, highlights and recognizes the hard work and dedication shown by the men and women of the waste and recycling industry, considered unsung heroes in protecting our environment.
Monterrey Iron & Metal will host a series of internal events throughout the week to recognize and celebrate their dedicated team of mechanics, machine operators, welders, truck drivers, and managerial staff. Collectively, they work to process a wide range of metal waste from manufacturers, area businesses and consumers by shredding, sorting, and shipping these metals to different mills who then melt them down so that they can be reintroduced as new metal in the manufacturing process.
Metal recycling plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gases and keeping metal that has reached the end of its useful life out of our landfills.
Every year, Monterrey Iron & Metal workers recycle enough discarded aluminum, steel, copper and other metals to fill up the entire 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas in downtown San Antonio five times!
Businesses and residents interested in showing their appreciation for waste and recycling workers are encouraged to join the recycling effort, by properly disposing of recyclables like paper, plastic, and aluminum cans in the city-provided recycling bin.
For metal items that are too large or not allowed in the recycle bin, people are encouraged to take these items to a local metal recycling company like Monterrey Iron & Metal, which will pay them for their recyclables. Most metal items – from bent silverware to broken water heaters – are accepted. Batteries are NOT accepted.
Happy office anniversary to Memco Construction Staffing & Payroll Services Memco moved to their new home one year ago to 1218 Arion Parkway, Ste. 122, San Antonio. Go give them a visit!
Flying Chanclas De San Antonio
What better way for companies in the trades to come together than enjoying America’s favorite pastime? On June 2 the American Subcontractors Association (ASA) and the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) got together for a night at the ballpark cheering on the San Antonio Missions baseball team. Upgrading from the typical peanuts and cracker jacks to all you can eat burgers, hotdogs and nachos on the exclusive Fiesta Deck, over 148 members and guests spent the evening under the stars eating, drinking, and building friendships and relationships to last for years to come.
Shooting Fun
The Associated General Contractors (AGC) Annual Fun Shoot went off with a bang on May 30 at the National Shooting Complex! Thanks to the support of Title Sponsor, Alamo Crane, other generous sponsors, teams, individuals, and the AGC Fun Shoot Committee, the event was a massive success. AGC is already booked for next year!
Industry FOLKS
Julissa Ramos
Business Development Manager
HCA de SA
San Antonio, TX
Julissa Ramos is the Business Development Manager for the Hispanic Contractors Association de San Antonio (HCA de SA), and she feels like it was the career she was meant for. A recent graduate of UTSA with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, it’s easy to see why she chose Communication as her career path. Her positive and energetic nature is infectious, and she’s the kind of person who can talk to anyone. She’s passionate about her community and helping small businesses grow, and has set her sights on becoming the Executive Director of the HCA de SA.
Julissa’s educational journey began at UTSA in 2000. She got a summer job through the school as a business management intern at Walgreens, and in the fall they decided they wanted to hire her as a manager full time. Working full time and making decent money at 20 years old, she decided she would stop going to
school and focus on her career there. People told her, you don’t need a degree to work here as a manager! So that is what she did, for 14 years. Then, she saw an opportunity for a position as a Merchandise Manager at Buc-ee’s, and jumped at the chance. She was hired in Temple, Texas and said for her, it was like a dream. She had so much fun shopping all day for the gift section, working with vendors. “Everybody that comes into Buc-ee’s is happy, sort of the opposite of Walgreens. People come to Walgreens when they are sick, need medication. People come to Bucee’s for fun. I loved it.” The only thing she didn’t love was being away from all her family and friends, and eventually she decided to come home.
Born and raised in San Antonio, she was happy to be home. She met and married her husband, who owns a business in the construction industry. She worked with him for a time, until she saw a job opening for Security Service FCU. She knew in her heart that she needed to be where she could shine- her natural communication skills and ability to remember everyone who walked in the door, their businesses, details of their lives etc., made her an asset at the bank. She decided then to return to UTSA and finish what she started all those years ago. During this time, she saw an open position at the
HCA de SA and jumped at the chance. It felt like all of her work experience and natural talents, as well as finishing her degree, were leading her to this point. She wanted to help people and be a changemaker, and now she could do this for her community in a way she never had before.
Julissa lives with her husband and her dog, a Lab named Harley. They enjoy lounging by their pool, watching sports and spending time with their families. Congratulations on your Graduation, Julissa! -ndw
San Antonio CONSTRUCTION NEWS
Cool Clay Shooting
The Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association (TACCA) Greater San Antonio Texas Chapter hosted their 2024 Sporting Clay Shoot at the National Shooting Complex. The event was held on May 24 with a fantastic turnout for the association. Over 160 shooters enjoyed a day of shooting and camaraderie.
Class AA winners:
1st Place: Brooks Holzhausen, Alamo Crane Service
2nd Place: Todd Hartman, Trane Technologies
3rd Place: Martell Adams, Alamo Crane Service
Class A winners:
1st Place: Thomas McLaughlin, DXS
2nd Place: Jeff Miller, Terracon
3rd Place: David Beyer, Beyer Air Conditioning and Heating
Top Lady winner: Tricia Kocurek, Alamo Crane Services
Top Team Red Course:
Alamo Crane Services
Martell Adams
Tricia Kocurek
John Moon
Brooks Holzhausen
Top Team Yellow Course:
Century HVAC Distributing
Charlie Gallagher
Kameron Craft
Clay Wright
Cody Fehlis
AA 1 Brooks Holzhausen, Alamo Crane Service
A1 Thomas McLaughlin, DXS
Top Lady - Tricia Kocurek
AA 2 Todd Hartman, Trane Tech
A2 Jeff Miller, Terracon
Top Team - Yellow Century HVAC Distributing
AA 3 Martell Adams, Alamo Crane Service
A3 David Beyer, Beyer Air Conditioning and Heating
Top Team Red - Alamo Crane Service
The Great Outdoors
Lake life Pioneers
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
It’s kind of funny to think about because it just seems so natural now, but do you realize that once upon a time here in Texas we really didn’t know what to do with a lake?
According to www.brazos.org, there was only one natural lake in Texas, Caddo Lake and it was formed by an accidental log jam. In Texas the usual way of water is for it to get dumped from the sky and you better catch it quick before it runs off.
Here in the Hill Country of Texas in the 1930s a grand experiment was underway, just like the one in the Tennessee Valley. People always had a love – hate relationship with their rivers. The water brought life and possibility and an avenue for travel and trade. The flip side though was the nasty fact that rivers also brought deadly floods that had a bad habit of washing away towns and anything else that tried to get too close. Finally someone had the idea that it was time to tame the rivers with dams to control the flooding, hold the extra water for dry times and make the water that did pass through churn out a new commodity that the nation was suddenly so hungry for, electricity.
Before long a lot of farmers and their families were standing on the shorelines of new lakes instead of in the fields that had supported them for so long. Some of them moved to the cities to find work and build new lives and some stayed put and adapted to lake life becoming a new kind of pioneer. The old boys who didn’t leave knew from living near the river how to
build simple wooden boats and how to river fish. The lakes were wider and rougher, but they were learning and newfangled outboard motors were getting more common.
It wasn’t long before World War II ended and our country welcomed home our returning heroes. We no longer needed to manufacture a stream of war planes, but we had companies with aluminum and the workforce who knew how to meld it into the sleek aerodynamic lines for flight. To stay in business and help people keep their jobs, they turned to making boats. Wonderful boats that were just the welcome diversion so many servicemen dreamed of enjoying if they ever got to come home to fish again. That is the beginning of the spectrum of boats you see today.
Think about what it was like for our lake pioneers. Before them there were no water skis, wakeboards or fancy specialized boats. They were just a bunch of river rat farm boys looking for fun and having to figure out things as they went along. That’s what makes talking to any of these old timers so interesting. Nobody did this stuff before, no one could teach them, it just all started with, “What if we…”
Next time you are at the lake with the jet skis whizzing past and the wake boats thumping by and the center-consoles cruising along, think about the humble farm boys who had lost their way of life and found a way to channel their loss and confusion into the boating lifestyles we still love to this day.
In Memory of Max Alexander, 1932 - 2018
Go
Early Stay Late
The white bass fishing on Choke Canyon is on fire right now! It’s not uncommon for the clients to boat well over a hundred fish on a 4-hour trip. If you start early, you might be able to catch the white bass schooling on main lake flats near ledges or in the backs of creek channels amongst the hard woods. Casting square bill crank baits, spoons, white grubs or swimbaits on jig heads, and small jerk baits will get you bit. As the sun starts to get overhead, the white bass start to settle down after chasing shad and move back out to deeper water. The best offshore bite has been later in the day between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. We have been focusing on rocky ledges and humps with hard bottom. 3/8 oz and 1/2 oz Jigging spoons have been the go-to tactic. Jigging the spoons while the fish are suspended or bouncing them off the bottom amongst the schools. If you’d like to get in on some of this action, give me a call at 210-831-4679. Be safe out there and tight lines y’all. Give me a call at 210-831-4679, and let’s go catchin’!
Ken Milam
Captain Clendon Taylor Casting & Catching Guide Service Sponsored by:
Kenneth Moore - KCM Cabinets , 32” redfish caught and released
Brett SchroppChamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing (photo courtesy of coworker Nick Flory)
Carlo Best - People Ready Staffing
Tanner Mathews - KCS, beating the heat & repping Construction News!
Texas State Parks Offers Seven Summer Heat Safety Tips
Rising temperatures and the month of June signal the arrival of the dog days of summer. With heat-related illnesses on the rise, Texas State Parks is sharing seven tips to help Texans beat the heat and enjoy their time in the outdoors safely.
Last year, 48 state parks reported 156 heat-related illnesses in humans and pets, but this year could well eclipse that. State parks have already fielded 51 heat-related incidents since Jan. 1, compared to 32 reported by this time last year.
Here are the top seven heat hacks recommended for park visitors:
Hydrate: It’s important to drink at least 16 ounces of water every hour to prevent dehydration. Don’t forget to bring enough for your four-legged family members too.
Block the Rays: Apply a generous amount of sunscreen or sunblock before heading outdoors. Be sure to reapply every couple of hours, and after swimming or sweating.
Dress Smart: Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing; a hat, correct shoes, sunscreen and wet bandanas to keep you cool while in the sun. For pets, protect paws against blistering by hitting the trails during cooler times of the day when the ground isn’t hot or by putting booties on pets to help shield paws from the hot ground. Touch the pavement or ground with the back of your hand. If you cannot hold it there for five seconds, the surface is too hot for your dog’s paws.
Stay Salty: Food helps keep up energy and replace salt lost from sweating. Eating snacks such as jerky, granola, trail mix, tuna and dried fruit is a fantastic way to nourish your body while on the trails.
Buddy System: Two brains are better than one. It’s beneficial to have someone with you in hot conditions so you can look after each other on the trail. With high temperatures hitting Texas, heat-related illnesses are common and having a friend around to help recognize the early symptoms can save you from getting sick.
Plan Ahead: Study the map and have it with you. Avoid relying on your phone for maps since service may be unavailable in back-country areas. Average hikers move at two miles per hour, so allow yourself plenty of time to avoid hiking in the heat of the day. Make sure to rest in a cool or shaded area to recover from the heat if necessary. It is also a good idea to let someone know your plan before you hit the trails and what time you should be back. That way, if you become lost, people know where to look.
Pup-Safety: Dogs are as susceptible to heat as their humans are, so it is good practice to ensure that you bring enough water and snacks for four-legged hiking buddies to last the entirety of the trip.
Additionally, visitors should heed notices posted at trailheads about site-specific conditions before setting out for the day. The park websites and staff are also a valuable resource for folks wanting to know about trail and forecasted conditions before starting their walk. Park alerts on the website are updated regularly and are a valuable resource for visitors prior to arrival at the park.
Statewide deer carcass disposal regulations were adopted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission last month. They will go into effect for the upcoming hunting season.
Commission officials said the regulations are an effort to reduce the risk of transmission of chronic wasting disease (CWD) across the state and that the new regulations will not change how most hunters currently care for their deer after harvest.
“Proper disposal of all potentially infectious material is critical for reducing the risk of disease transmission,” said Blaise Korzekwa, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) White-tailed Deer Program leader. “These new regulations provide hunters more options when it comes to processing their deer to reduce that risk. If CWD is not managed and efforts are not made to mitigate potential spread of the disease, the implications for Texas and its multibillion-dollar ranching, hunting, wildlife management and real estate economies could be significant.”
The new regulations will allow hunters to debone a carcass at the site of harvest, provided proof of sex and tags are maintained until the hunter reaches the final destination. By leaving the unused parts at the site of harvest, the chance of spreading CWD to other parts of the state is greatly reduced, TPWD said.
Meat from each deboned carcass must remain in whole muscle groups (i.e., not chopped, sliced or ground) and maintained in a separate bag, package or container until reaching the final destination. These disposal measures apply only to unused carcass parts from native deer, such as white-tailed deer and mule deer, harvested in Texas that are being transported from the property of harvest. If carcass parts from native deer species are not being transported from the property of harvest, these carcass disposal rules would not apply, TPWD said.
Since many hunters take their harvest to a commercial processor, TPWD noted it will be the processor who then properly disposes unused parts for them. For hunters processing deer at home, disposal in a commercial trash service is preferred, but other options are available.
Acceptable disposal options include:
• Directly or indirectly disposing of the remains at a landfill permitted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to receive such wastes,
• Burying the carcass at a depth of no less than three feet below the natural surface of the ground and covered with at least three feet of earthen material, or
• Returned to the property where the animal was harvested.
Changes After 50 Years
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission unanimously passed a proposal to prohibit canned hunting of mountain lions and implement a 36-hour trap check for the species last month.
For the first time in 50 years, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has updated the standards for hunting and trapping mountain lions, marking an early step in moving the state toward more modern wildlife management practices.
In the May 23 meeting, the commission unanimously voted to ban canned hunting of mountain lions and implemented new rules for trapping the large wild cat species.
The recent decision came after a period of public comment that largely supported the new regulations. More than 91% of the 7,531 comments supported the prohibition of canned hunting and implementation of a 36-hour trap or snare check for the species, according to a news release from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
“It was inspiring to see ranchers, trappers, hunters, hippies, outfitters, biologists and wildlife advocates from across the state all converge to support more respectful management of our cats. We are grateful for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission’s leadership on this issue and for the thousands of people who chimed in supporting these changes.”
Canned hunting is a type of trophy hunting that many do not consider a “fair chase.” It is the practice of capturing and later releasing a mountain lion for the sole purpose of hunting or pursuing with hounds. The species is confined in a fenced area, making it easier prey for the hunter.
Many people also take issue with trapping, as some cases involve mountain lions being trapped and left to perish, according to the parks department’s release. In response, the wildlife commission voted to adopt a 36-hour trapping standard for mountain lions, ensuring that live animals are not held in traps or snares for longer than that duration.
Initially proposed during the commission’s meeting in March, the regulation included an exemption to the 36-hour trapping standard for snares equipped with a breakaway device. However, the proposed regulation was revised after public feedback received during the comment period. The breakaway device exemption was removed and replaced with a blanket exemption for snares set vertically with a maximum loop size of 10 inches or less.
Consequently, if a mountain lion is inadvertently captured in a vertically set snare with a loop that cannot exceed 10 inches in diameter, the 36-hour requirement does not apply.
“The passage of these regulations is an important step toward better management of mountain lions in the state,” said Richard Heilbrun, the parks department’s wildlife diversity program director, in the release. “The regulations support ethical hunting and trapping practices while continuing to provide flexibility for landowners to manage mountain lions.”
Before last month’s decision, Texas was the only one of 16 states with mountain lion breeding populations that did not have protections for the species.
Celebrate Good Times
The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) San Antonio held their Annual Association Celebration on Jun. 4 at the Old San Francisco Steak House, and with over 120 members in attendance it was a night filled with festivities and fun! ASA took a moment to honor and appreciate the outgoing board members, Jan MeuthYou Name it Specialties (YNIS), George Major - Holes of San Antonio, John Cruz - Broadway Bank, and Debbie Hannasch - Fire Alarm Control Systems, who had dedicated and served the association for years. Then they welcomed the new
board members joining the group to help lead the chapter to new heights, Christian Crawford - Broadway Bank, Carlos Galvan - C.G. Steel Solutions, and Carol Rothman - Alamo Crane Service, Inc. Ted Dunnam - Dunnam Safety Management, was presented with an ASA engraved collector’s gun and display case in appreciation for his two years of service as the chapter president. Additionally, presentations were given to the companies who sponsored the association last year as well as those celebrating their anniversary longevity milestone years.
The Keys to the Future
This year’s National Women in Construction Conference (NAWIC) will be held in Houston, on August 14th-17th. “The Keys to the Future” will be the association’s 69th annual conference. This important event will connect women in the industry, as they lead, inspire and encourage each other in all aspects of construction life.
The event will host many important speakers, focusing on topics like Safety, Marketing, Company Culture and Leadership. In addition to meetings and classes, fun events like a welcome reception and brunch will be there to be enjoyed. Awards ceremonies will also be held to celebrate those who have made their mark on the industry in the last year. Awards to be given include: OSHA Project Partnership Recognition, Chapter Leadership and Champions of Progress Award, Act. Achieve. Inspire Award, Emerging Professional Award, 2024 Tradeswoman Of The Year Award, and the Carol A Kueker Construction Education Visionary Award.
NAWIC began as Women in Construction of Fort Worth, Texas. Sixteen women working in the construction industry founded it in 1953. Knowing that women represented only a small fraction of the construction industry, the founders organized NAWIC to create a support network for women working in a male
-dominated field. Women in Construction of Fort Worth was so successful that it gained its national charter in 1955 and officially became the National Association of Women in Construction.
Today, NAWIC is still based in Fort Worth and has over 115 chapters throughout the United States that provide its members with opportunities for professional development, education, networking, leadership training, public service and more. NAWIC continues the vision of its founding members by advocating for the value and impact of women builders, professionals and tradeswomen in all aspects of the construction industry. -ndw
Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography
15 Year Members - Kenneth Moore and Brett Schropp
Craig Noto - 20 Year Member
5 Year Members - Joe Rust, Art Salinas, David Aguilar, Dema Hanson, Carlo Best
10 year Members - Jan Meuth & Jared Kitchen
OOverall Team: Suberg Electric
William “Tracy” Suberg
Christian Spies
Steve Horton
Chad Lyssy
Overall Top Shooter Man - Christian SpiesSuberg Electric - Score 99
1st Place: Kevin St, Clergy - Elliott Electric Supply Team 4 - Score 99
2nd Place: Jay Gable - Elliott Electric Supply Team 2 - Score 98
1st Place: Karen Gulick - CED San Antonio Team 2 - Score 94
2nd Place: Cameron Malburger - Gunn FleetScore 78
3rd Place: Bailey Fischer - James Francis Electric - Score 73
Red Course Team:
1st Place: Suberg Electric
William “Tracy” Suberg
Christian Spies
Steve Horton
Chad Lyssy
2nd Place: Elliott Electric Supply - Team 4
Brandon Hatch
Kevin St. Clergy
Bill Stannard
Javier Valdes
3rd Place: Elliott Electric Supply - Team 2
Paula Jozwiak
Brooks Holzhausen
Jody Johnson
Jay Gable
Yellow Course Team:
1st Place: Ancira Winton
Bruce Culver
Clyde Culver
James Schoelman
Tricia Kocurek
2nd Place: The Levy Company
Amos Edgett
Mitchell Edgett
Nick Vasile
David Janaky
3rd Place: Dealers Electric - Team 2
Roger Pfeil
Scot Sparks
Wes Winchester
Scott Smith
Clay Busting Fun
Fresh from Texas
Joeris General Contractors loves watching projects come to life, literally! On Jun. 5 Joeris joined Soli Organic Inc. for their ribbon cutting, unveiling its most technologically advanced facility yet in San Antonio’s mixed-use Brooks Community at the site of former Brooks Air Force Base. This new indoor vertical farm builds on the state’s rich agricultural traditions, boosts the local economy, enhances regional food security with locally grown produce, and creates an array of employment opportunities. Constructed by Joeris General Contractors, the facility is one of Soli’s three facilities in Texas and 10 throughout the U.S. It has four indoor farms, but its largest is located at Brooks.
Construction Cup 2024
Despite the blazing Texas heat the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) held their annual CLC Construction Cup softball tournament June 8 at Rusty Lyons Softball Fields. Eight teams played in the double elimination tournament. With all but two teams left, Bartlett Cocke and Catamount met in the championship game to decide who would walk away with this year’s construction cup. Bartlett Cocke clinched the first-place spot, leaving Catamount ready for a rematch in 2025. Thank you to Title Sponsor Turner, and to Bosch for sponsoring the catered lunch by Creative Catering Solutions.
Lone Star National Bank Is Here for You
Darin Thomas Larson, Business Specialist at Lone Star National Bank in San Antonio, grew up in the industry. Born and raised in San Antonio, he has fond memories of going to Luaus hosted by SpawGlass, where his father worked. His mom, who worked the front desk at Lynwood Building Supply, was a friendly and familiar face to many in the local industry. Darin spent summers behind the desk with her as she worked, and got a first-hand look at what top notch customer service really looks like. She was the receptionist, placed orders, and always found the answers if someone had questions. His dad taught him a lot about construction, and he learned from him the value of hard work.
Growing up around all these people who are so deeply connected in the construction industry in San Antonio has given Darin the desire to help them grow their businesses and protect their financial futures. Seeing so much behind the scenes of the industry has given him a unique understanding of the needs of the people in the community. Now that he’s in banking, he knows the best way he can help them is to share his financial knowledge with them and show them what Lone Star can do to help them grow.
Lone Star is focused on building long term relationships with their clients. They pride themselves on being a local bank that Texans can trust. Darin says, “When a small business comes into my branch they’re going to meet with me, and they’re going to have a banker that they can call directly. We take a lot of pride in our ability to bring banking to them. I think that’s really what sets us apart from everyone else. Lone Star prioritizes building relationships, and we have the ability to be flexible enough to go to our clients for whatever they need, they can call me and I’ll come to them. We can do everything the big banks do, but we can also do things smaller banks can’t.”
Canupp, a
he’s proud to work for an institution that truly feels like family. “When you start building a relationship with a banker like Darin, it’s not foreign for him to introduce you to me or to the lenders we have relationships with. In fact, some of us share offices in the same branch. It’s not like we’re going to pass you on to a different building across the nation, and you’re going to have to retell your story again. We’re going to work together to reach your goals and even sit in on loan meetings or insurance meetings, doing whatever needs to be done to make sure that the client’s taken care of. We very much pride ourselves on not just bringing the bank to you literally, but also having that family feel where you’re going to be greeted and treated warmly. You can just go from office to office and get exactly what you need taken care of without feeling like you’re just another name or another number being drawn out,” Eric says.
Lone Star National Bank has many locations throughout South Texas, including 5 locations in San Antonio to serve you. If you have any questions, just give them a call or stop in to meet one of their bankers. They’re ready to shake your hand, and start building relationships that build strong futures. -ndw
Eric
financial advisor at Lone Star, says
Marksman Celebrates 10 Years
Construction News Congratulates Marksman GC LLC of San Antonio on 10 years! In a letter to our editor, they explain as they look back on the last decade with pride, they are determined to focus on the future of the industry.
We commemorate this year not as a summit but as a milestone worthy of celebration. As we close the first chapter and open the next, we remain committed to our founding principles and gear up for greater things ahead. We’ve come a long way from our humble beginnings running the business from a couch in our living room. Now, we’re a sophisticated twenty-first century contractor with an ever-growing and talented team.
Our industry is vastly different from what it was a decade ago. We’ve rode the waves of pandemic and population boom and encountered both inflation and innovation. Through it all, the convictions on which we founded Marksmen GC remain the same. The belief in a better construction experience and a new standard for building.
To every owner, architect, engineer, and trade contractor–we vow to fight against volatility, to seek understanding in uncertainty, to provide clarity where there is complexity, and to remain adaptable in the face of ambiguity.
As we embark on our second decade, we encourage you to embrace a new experience for construction.
We’re standing at the edge of a
new era - one marked by information, automation, and artificial intelligence. It’s impossible to imagine how far and fast we’ll go in the next decade. As our industry rushes forward, the design and construction experience gets murkier. Our mission, to redefine the construction experience, embodies our ambition towards excellence. We’re committed to building with accuracy, clarity, and integrity.
Accuracy is our North Star. It guides us to meticulously measure every aspect of our projects for precision and correctness. Likewise, clarity is our guiding light. It reveals our path, providing transparency and understanding. Above all, integrity reigns supreme. We may not always be perfectly accurate or precisely clear, but when it comes to integrity, there’s no exception. It forms the bedrock of everything we do, grounding us in honesty, ethics, and moral fortitude.
So, let’s set our sights on the next decade with courage and conviction. Let’s dare to redefine the construction experience where accuracy, clarity, and integrity are the norm, not the exception. Together, we’ll build a brighter tomorrow.
huge congratulations to the Alterman Austin division for earning the National AGC Safety Award for Zero Incidence Rate in 2023! At Alterman, safety is both a core value and a daily commitment to ensuring their team goes home just as they arrived. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Alterman team. Kudos to the Austin division for upholding their values and continuously striving for a safer work environment.
Congratulations to the Joeris General Contractors team for winning Best in Show at Bark + Build Design/Build Competition! Joeris partnered with Stantec and Allan Commercial Millwork to create this unique cat condo.
Mandy Baublit (Director of Marketing & Business Development), Mark Baublit (President & CEO), Queeta Hoffpauir, Shelley Dixon, Butch Dixon (CFO & Vice President) (seated) Buddy Hoffpauir
Army Vet Comes Home to Texas
It all began with a simple social media post- a man offering his services for free to the elderly and disabled in the community of New Braunfels on a local Facebook page.
That man turned out to be Michael Boggs, the owner of MK Ultra Renovations. He had a few free days and decided that he wanted to do something helpful for someone in the community. Whether someone needed some simple repairs, yard work or help hauling away something too heavy for them to move, Michael was ready to help. Cue the dozens of messages pouring into his DM’s within an hour. He had to stress to everyone contacting him that his offer to help was for someone who was elderly or disabled, someone not able to do it themself. He ended up in contact with an elderly gentleman who said he could really use some help with yard work, and so that’s where Michael went, on his rare few days off, ready to get it done.
Construction News reached out to Michael to express our admiration and gratitude for his desire to help the community. In that conversation, we got to know a little bit about Michael and his company, MK Ultra Renovations. Michael recently returned home after nine years away, five of which he spent in the US Army, including two combat missions in Iraq and Syria. He and his Wife, Dakota, are both from New Braunfels, they even went to elementary, middle, and high school together! After High School, Michael enlisted in the Army and he and Dakota started talking more often. Dakota said she wanted to come visit him sometime, and Michael agreed and said he’d love that. After a whirlwind romance, the pair were married. A little over a year later, their first child was born, and a year after that- they found out they were expecting twins! Suddenly, this young couple was about to be parents to three children under the age of three. They knew it was time to come home to their families, so they could have their village surrounding them on their parenting journey. As anyone who has braved the “3 under 3” club knows, you need all the love and support you can get. Michael says he’d be lost without his wife, “Dakota is definitely the foundation of our family, and that is the foundation of my business. If she wasn’t doing all she does for us, there’s no way I could do what I do.”
The Boggs Family had been living in Maine, where Michael and some of
his Army buddies had settled with the intention of living somewhere new, and getting into construction together. They were coming back to the States after serving their country, and they were ready to work on building their futures. Michael had loved his time spent in the military, but he desired to be home with his family, so he knew it was time for a new career. After some time working in new and commercial construction, he found his niche doing renovation work. A natural problem solver, he learned a lot from renovating centuries old houses in New England, where each job was a new puzzle, and no job was like the other. He enjoyed the creative aspect of bringing new life to spaces. When he and his wife made the decision to come back to Texas, one of his friends decided he would come along for the journey as well. So together with his friend and fellow Army Vet, Kobe Andrews, they started MK Ultra Renovations. They look forward to growing their business and creating relationships with their clients. With most of his job references being from New England, Michael jokes, “I have to always find a way to mentionI’m a local! I was born here!” He says he and his family are thrilled to be home in Texas, and look forward to what the future holds.
MK Ultra specializes in quality renovation work. Whether you need a new deck, a bathroom or kitchen overhaul, new flooring or a new coat of paint, they can do it all. If you’d like to support this veteran-owned business, you can contact Michael Boggs at mkucarpentry@gmail.com or call him directly at (830)-221-8637.
Welcome home to Texas, and from all of us at Construction News, we are so deeply grateful for your service! -ndw
JCB Breaks Ground at New $500 Million Factory
JCB today began work on a new $500 million factory in San Antonio, Texas – the biggest investment in the company’s history.
An official groundbreaking ceremony at the site marked the beginning of construction, where The Hon. Alice Bamford, the daughter of company Chairman Anthony Bamford, as she turned the first shovelful of dirt on the property.
Work on the 720,000 sq. ft. (67,000m²) factory is now under way on the 400acre site. It will be the company’s second largest plant, rivalled only by JCB’s world headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire, England, and create 1,500 new jobs over five years. The factory will make Loadall telescopic handlers and aerial access equipment, with production scheduled to start in 2026. The factory will also have the capacity to expand and build other products in the future.
Chairman Lord Bamford said: “Construction equipment manufacturers sell more than 300,000 machines every year in North America, making it the single largest market in the world. JCB has been growing its share of this important market steadily over the past few years and the time is now right to invest in our manufacturing capacity in North America, where we already have one factory.
“JCB really has come a considerable way since we sold our first machine here 60 years ago and it gives me immense pleasure to see how our business has grown in North America. Today really is a milestone day in the history of our family company,” Bamford says.
“Texas was this year named as The Best State for Business for a recordbreaking 20th year, and I am proud to welcome JCB as the newest business to call our great state home,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “Today’s groundbreaking marks a major milestone in JCB’s journey that will create 1,500 good-paying jobs for hardworking Texans in Bexar County
and bring hundreds of millions of new capital investment to San Antonio and beyond. ‘Made in Texas’ is truly a powerful global brand, and I look forward to celebrating JCB’s continuing success as we work together to build a bigger, better Texas for decades to come.”
JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald said: “JCB’s business in North America has made tremendous progress in the past few years and the opportunity for growth here is vast. This record investment gives us a fantastic opportunity to build on our success and we look forward to the completion of this great new facility.”
Richard Fox-Marrs, President & CEO of JCB North America, said: “The Loadall telescopic handler is JCB’s biggest selling product in North America and it is also the single largest market for aerial access equipment worldwide, and therefore, it makes great sense to build these two ranges here.”
“Texas is an obvious choice for our new North American manufacturing facility, not least because the state is the largest consumer of construction equipment in the USA. San Antonio is also the logical choice as a location for our new factory because of its central location, proximity to the supply chain and great local labor force. We are really excited about JCB’s new San Antonio factory and for the future of our business in North America,” says Fox-Marrs.
JCB sold its first machine in North America in 1964 and opened its first US manufacturing plant in 2001 in Savannah, Georgia, which employs 1,000 people. The new facility will manufacture machines for customers specifically in North America.
JCB employs 19,000 people globally and has 22 factories around the world, including 11 in the UK, seven in India, and others in Brazil and China. The company will mark its 80th anniversary in 2025.
Association Calendar
Content submitted by Associations to Construction News
ABC
Associated Builders & Contractors
South Texas Chapter
Jul. 17: Joint Happy Hour for LOGIC, FLI, and ABC Members, 4pm at The General Public, 17619 La Cantera Pkwy #102, San Antonio, TX 78257
Jul. 19: ABC Apprentice Graduation, 4:30pm – 7pm, The Veranda, 1746 Lockhill Selma Rd, San Antonio
Jul. 24: TCCI Volunteer and Sponsor Happy Hour, 4pm-6pm at ABC South Texas Office
Jul. 30: Lunch and Learn, Succession Planning: Secrets for Small Business Legacy, 11:30am at ABC South Texas Office
ASA
American Subcontractors Association San Antonio
Jul. 1: It’s time to renew your membership Jul. 10: Board meeting
GSABA
Greater San Antonio Builders Association
Jul. 11-12: Sunbelt Builders Show, Ft. Worth Convention Center
HCA de SA
Hispanic Contractors Association
Jul. 17: Summer Mixer, McCoy’s Building Supply, 5:30-7:30, 1654 S. General McMullen Dr.
IEC
Independent Electrical Contractors
Jul. 16: Continuing Education Class, 5-9pm, IECSA Training Center
Jul. 18: 21st - IEC of Texas Conference, Colorado Springs, CO
Jul. 20: Electrical Maintenance Technician Class, 8am-5pm, IECSA Training Center
Jul. 23: IEC of Texas PAC Awareness Dinner
MCA-SMACNA INC
Mechanical Contractors Association
Sheet Metal & A/C Nat’l Association
Jul. 19: Joint Industry Fund Meeting, 11:30am, MCA-SMACNA Office
Jul. 26-30: MCAT Conference, Hyatt Hill Country Resort, San Antonio
NAWIC
National Association of Women in Construction San Antonio
Jul. 17: Tarelton’s CIAC Summer Series, Bartlett Cocke, 8706 Lockway St., San Antonio
PHCC
Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association
Jul. 11: Apprenticeship Program Mixer & Graduation, Alamo Café, (mixer) 4pm (ceremony) 5pm, 14250 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio
TACCA
Texas Air Conditioning Cooling Contractors Association
Jul 18: Summer Membership Mixer, 5-7:30pm, Lucy Cooper’s Texas Ice House, 16080 San Pedro Ave. Registration required, www. taccagreatersanantonio.org
A Sign of Things to Come
Making their Mark
Pro-Line Paving did the site work, concrete and asphalt paving, and pavement markings for this project located on the Wagner High School campus.
Heidi Trimble, Executive Director, The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) submitted this photo she captured of Aprio’s new sign being installed (formerly Ridout Barrett) to represent their new name.
The Texas concrete industry came together on April 25, for the annual Texas State Concrete Industry Management (CIM) Scholarship Gala. The event, held to honor and support the future leaders of the concrete industry, saw a remarkable turnout, with more than 250 industry professionals and supporters in attendance.
The evening was a celebration of academic excellence and industry dedication. A highlight of the gala was the recognition of 42 current CIM student scholarship recipients for the 2023-2024 academic year. These students were acknowledged for their hard work and commitment to their studies, setting the
Solid Foundations & Bright Futures
stage for their future contributions to the concrete industry.
Attendees enjoyed a delightful dinner followed by an electrifying concert from country music artist Clay Hollis, whose performance added an extra layer of enjoyment to the evening. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie and shared enthusiasm for the advancements in the concrete industry.
One of the evening’s most anticipated moments was the presentation of the inaugural Distinguished Patron award. Dr. Earl Ingram of Ingram Ready Mix was honored for his unwavering support of
the Texas State CIM program since its inception. Dr. Ingram’s contributions have been instrumental in the growth and success of the program, making him a well-deserved recipient of this prestigious award.
The gala also served a critical fundraising purpose, with more than $40,000 raised to fund scholarships for the upcoming academic year. This generous support ensures that more students will have the opportunity to pursue their education and become the future leaders of the concrete industry.
Since graduating its first class in 2012, the Texas State CIM program has been dedicated to educating students and
preparing them for successful careers in the concrete industry. The program’s success is evident in the strong network of alumni and the continuous support from industry partners.
The Texas State Concrete Industry Management Scholarship Gala was a resounding success, highlighting the commitment of the Texas concrete community to fostering education and excellence within the industry. The funds raised and the recognition given at the event will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the students and the industry as a whole.
Round-Up
Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography
The team at Alamo Architects is excited to announce the well-deserved promotions of several individuals for their significant contributions to their work and community. Their leadership and expertise reflect the values that drive innovation and design excellence at Alamo Architects.
Submissions
Enrique Cortazar, Associate Jenny Pullin, Human Resources Administrator
George Barrera, Associate
Door Raising Value
When it comes to making home improvements in San Antonio, garage doors are one of the best choices for increasing a home’s value upon resale, according to a new report by Remodeling Magazine.
The magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report shows that a new garage door in the San Antonio area offers a 149 percent return on investment, based on the installation of a foam-insulated 16-foot-by-7-foot door and new tracks priced at $4,434. That investment adds $6,609 in value upon sale of a home, the report shows.
It’s second only to manufactured stone veneer, which returns 275 percent of the initial $10,077 cost upon resale. Based on national averages, garage door replacement ranks first in value among home improvements, offering a 193.9 percent return on investment.
Add in the other benefits of a new garage door, including its relatively low cost, fast installation and an instant boost in curb appeal, and it’s a top choice for a quick improvement to any home, said Randy Oliver, president of HollywoodCrawford Garage Door Company
“Even if you don’t plan on selling your home soon, it’s an improvement that adds a lot of value and enjoyment to your home,” Oliver said. “A new garage door is like an instant facelift for your home. We have more than 40 beautiful garage doors on display in our showroom to show homeowners some of the options available.”
Garage doors are often used as the primary entrance, covering up to 40% of the front elevation of some homes, which allows homeowners to greatly improve the function, value and curb appeal of their home by just replacing their garage door.
Modernizing your garage door can also help reduce energy costs. Insulated garage doors are becoming more popular, helping to keep garages cooler and reducing the heat that enters the residence.
Residential garage doors are available in a wide variety of styles, colors, materials, and insulation values, with looks for every exterior and price ranges for every budget.
Homeowners can choose from materials including aluminum, glass, faux wood, real wood, steel with a stained wood look, insulated steel, fiberglass, and even vinyl garage doors for harsh environments.
Hollywood-Crawford also furnishes doors made with specialty materials, including reclaimed barn wood, Corten steel, composite faux wood materials and full-view aluminum garage doors with a variety of insulated and non-insulated glass panels.
Homeowners can visualize the possibilities of various garage doors using virtual tools online at www. HollywoodCrawford.com. Simply upload a photo of your home or choose a house with similar structure and style, and select from many styles, materials, finishes and accessories to build a door unique to your needs.
JOB SIGHTS
New Digs
Vermeer Texas-Louisiana, the authorized dealer for Vermeer construction equipment in Texas and Compact Construction Equipment, LLC, the authorized Bobcat dealer in south, central and west Texas have opened a new, co-branded facility in Buda, Texas. The branch officially opened for business in late April.
Located on just under five acres directly off of Interstate 35 in Buda, the branch is conveniently located between Austin and San Antonio in the rapidly growing I-35 corridor. The full-service location offers equipment sales, parts and service for Vermeer and Bobcat construction and grounds maintenance equipment. Equipment is also available for short or long-term rental.
In addition to the two primary equipment brands, the parts department
stocks tree and arborist products from Sherrill, Inc., underground locating products from Digital Control, Inc., and a wide selection of mud mixing fluids for directional drilling. Attachments from manufacturers including Belltec, Virnig, Blue Diamond and Fecon are also available for purchase or rental.
The store operating hours are Monday through Friday from 7am to 5pm. A grand opening event is scheduled for Thursday, October 3rd from 11am –1pm at the branch.
“We are excited to open this new branch location in Buda. The central location between Austin and San Antonio will allow our customers to save time and money when they need equipment, parts or service” said Chief Operating Officer of the Southern Region, Brian Harris.
our accounting method can impact your tax bill, cash flow, and much more. With so many methods used in construction—cash, accrual, percentage of completion, and completed contract—how do you know what’s right for your business?
We all know how complicated the construction business can be. You’re constantly adapting to cost fluctuations, material or supply setbacks, delays, labor costs, and inconsistent workflow. Accurate estimates and reliable forecasting can feel like a pipe dream.
The accounting method you choose can either help or hinder these efforts. At the most fundamental level is the cash basis of accounting or cash-in/cash-out accounting (recording revenue and payments as they occur). You may have kept your books this way when you were first starting out or specializing in projects that could be completed and paid for within a short period. It’s the most straightforward method, and it can offer tax advantages, like allowing the ability to accelerate end-of-year billing or defer it to the following year.
However, cash-basis accounting has concerning drawbacks for contractors. The IRS doesn’t allow larger businesses to use it, and banks and other financial institutions don’t trust it to reflect financial performance over time reliably. Therefore, cash-based accounting can be a significant stumbling block for businesses seeking financing, investors, buyers, or partners.
Enter accrual accounting, which larger contractors are required to use. This method recognizes work when it occurs or transactions when they’re agreed upon, not necessarily when payment happens. It allows businesses to provide a better snapshot of workflow by recognizing revenue and expenses within the same period. In other words, it gives a more accurate picture of the company’s financial health at any given time. This is important for decisionmaking, securing financing, and tax planning, among other reasons.
The Percentage of Completion (POC) method is a form of accrual accounting that’s popular with contractors. It can satisfy revenue recognition requirements for larger businesses and allows income and expenses to be recognized throughout the lifespan of a long-term project, rather than waiting until the entire project is finished (completed contract). Spreading out reporting this way offers some tax deferral opportunities and can provide a decently reliable financial performance snapshot because it allows you to match revenue with project progress. It also aligns with more realistic billing cycles for improved cash flow management, which can make or break your business.
While the POC method offers advantages, it’s not without complexities. It relies on accurate project completion estimates, which can be challenging due to scope creep, delays, and disruptions. Allocating costs can also be highly complex. POC depends upon the allocation of costs to different stages of
construction, which can be a headscratcher for large-scale projects with various materials and labor involved. Implementing and maintaining this accounting method requires skilled personnel who can understand and interpret the data accurately. It also involves subjectivity. Different project managers might have slightly varying interpretations of progress, which could lead to inconsistencies.
Despite these complications, the benefits of POC for construction contractors can outweigh the challenges. However, contractors might not have the staff to dedicate to this specialized accounting approach. A qualified CPA could be a valuable resource for:
Guidance: It’s essential to set up a system tailored to your needs, including defining your cost categories, establishing procedures for estimating completion, and ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Estimating: Many contractors admit that, despite their best efforts, their estimates are troublesome. A CPA can investigate and help remedy any underlying issues, which can be a massive barrier to successfully implementing a POC method.
Calculating: There are several different ways to calculate the POC, including cost-to-cost, efforts-expended, and units of delivery. Balancing best practices with what works for your situation is important.
Internal Controls and Outside Reviews: Strong internal controls help to minimize errors in cost tracking and completion estimates. Regular outside reviews can identify and address any discrepancies or potential issues.
Representation: CPAs are uniquely qualified to represent taxpayers during audits, including face-to-face interactions with the IRS. They can be instrumental in understanding and discussing complexities and adherence to GAAP during the audit process.
Another valuable reason to seek help is for clarity. If you’re a small contractor, you may be able to utilize a small-business taxpayer accounting method like the cash method, but there are numerous other ways you could be excluded from eligibility. For instance, manufacturing and non-home construction contracts spanning more than two years must use the accrual method. Those with related businesses or a flow-through business with losses allocated to passive investors may be questionable candidates. Your personal Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) rate may also affect your ability to use a simplified accounting method.
Don’t underestimate your accounting method’s impact on your business’s current and future health. And don’t wait until you’re facing financial challenges to address the method you’re using. Choosing the correct accounting method can mean the difference between a thriving business and one struggling to maintain cash flow, secure financing, or answer to the IRS.
TLEGAL
OSHA Bonds to Pay Liens and Claims—Getting it Right
R. Carson Fisk Construction Attorney Andrews Myers P.C. Austin, TX
exas law provides for a process by which contractors, including subcontractors and suppliers, can secure their right to payment for work performed on a property by following required steps and recording a “mechanic’s lien” with the applicable county clerk. The governing statutes are notoriously complex, with numerous books and guides devoted to explaining the processes and offering practical tips. Properly perfected lien claims can offer immense benefits for parties seeking to be paid for work performed. However, they also can be prone to abuse, with legitimately disputed claims, or even entirely invalid claims, being made the subject of a lien claim. Issues with upstream payment, lender financing, and conveyance of title may follow, causing strife among project participants that may be preferably avoided.
There are various processes by which parties can negate the impact of a lien claim. One of those is obtaining a bond to pay liens or claims. Such a bond is statutorily framed as being “for the benefit of [lien] claimants” working under an “original contractor” (i.e., a contractor who has a direct contract with a property owner). But it also affords benefits to the original contractor, as well as the owner. For example, if a valid bond is filed, a lien claimant may not file suit against the owner or the owner’s property, and the owner is relieved of obligations to hold “reserved funds” (commonly referred to as statutory retainage). Basically, the bond supplants the property as security for a debt—presuming that the bond is properly prepared and filed with the county clerk.
Texas law is clear as to the impact of a valid bond being filed. Specifically: “A purchaser, lender, or other person acquiring an interest in the owner’s property or an insurer of title is entitled to rely on the record of the bond and contract as constituting payment of all claims and liens … incurred by the original contractor as if [such person] were the owner who approved, accepted, and endorsed the bond and as if each person furnishing labor or materials for the work performed under the original contract, other than the original contractor, had filed a complete release and relinquishment of lien of record.”
But the bond, which has to be provided by the original contractor, must meet specific requirements. In general, it must: (1) be in an amount at least equal to the contract price of the contract between the owner and
original contractor; (2) be “in favor of the owner;” (3) include the written approval of the owner; (4) be signed by the original contractor as principal and a qualified surety; (5) be conditioned on “prompt payment for all labor, subcontracts, materials, specially fabricated materials, and normal and usual extras not exceeding 15 percent of the contract price;” and (6) “clearly and prominently display” contact information for the surety. The bond, along with a copy of the contract between the owner and original contractor (excluding any “plans, specifications, and general conditions”) or a memorandum of that contract, must be filed with the county clerk of the county where the applicable property is located.
Any failure to meet these requirements may open the door to an argument that the bond is invalid, and that a lien claim remains viable. In practical terms, that means that a lien claimant can sue the owner and seek foreclosure of the property to satisfy the debt, which negates the entire purpose of obtaining the bond in the first place.
While the best practice is certainly to comply with the necessary steps, Texas law does not require perfect compliance. A non-conforming payment bond is to be treated as a conforming one as long as there is “attempted compliance” or the bond “evidences by its terms an intent to comply” with these steps. However, this alters the interpretation of validity from a theoretically objective assessment to a more subjective one (e.g., what the intent was in providing the bond). Such matters can easily lead to time-consuming and costly litigation as that interpretation is made by a judge, jury, or arbitrator, again negating part of the purpose of obtaining the bond.
Statutorily-permitted bonds to pay liens or claims bonds are commonly used as a means to protect all parties involved in a construction project. But their validity hinges on the required steps being met. Thus, for any project owner or contractor, ensuring that a bond includes the necessary components is prudent. For example, some standard forms may omit key information and required signatures or attachments may be easily missed. Those issues should be identified as soon as possible, and preferably before filing. For any lien claimant, a detailed review of any bond is equally important, as a missed step may allow for additional or different security for a debt in connection with a lien claim.
WOSHA INSURANCE
OSHA
A Construction Management Firm’s Enterprise Transformation
Justin Mazza Manager RSM US LLP
hen a privately held provider of construction management and general contracting services set forth their next-generation technology strategy, they needed a strategic advisor with the skills, resources and industry experience to understand the full enterprise of a construction firm.
The company’s incoming chief financial officer had a vision to “create an environment where we have a centralized information architecture for the company with updated technology, better data flow and better visibility into financials and reporting.” Ultimately, this robust technology architecture would need to support growth across all business areas, including finance, human resources and operations.
They brought in RSM to assist in enabling data to flow in an integrated and efficient manner throughout the company, within and between their core business processes and functions. The project team’s solution was to enhance visibility, efficiency and accuracy through automation.
RSM supported the company through their enterprise resource planning (ERP) system upgrade to COINS, a leading construction management software solution for streamlining and managing core business processes. Specifically, RSM provided strategic advice during the selection and implementation of the new ERP system. The new system would lead to more integrated and streamlined processes across project management, procurement and financial management, thereby reducing the company’s overall application footprint.
Next came the focus on talent management. The construction company recognized the need to modernize hiring processes and enhance diversity and inclusion efforts. Implementing a human resource information system (HRIS) would help the company meet their HR goals by improving workforce productivity through automation and facilitating data collection to aid in hiring decisions. RSM assisted the company in selecting UKG as their future HRIS system and continues to support them through the implementation journey.
Elevating business operations to the next level
The move toward optimization opened the door to more opportunities to achieve operational excellence. With a strong infrastructure in place, the construction company wanted to understand how they could leverage technology and data to secure their
Olga Alemany Director RSM US LLP
standing as a contractor and employer of choice. Key questions included: How can we improve the customer and employee experience? Do we have the right capabilities and people in the right places to execute our technology vision? What is the road map for getting us there?
RSM worked to gain deeper knowledge of the construction company’s project management and administrative functions and how they compared to industry best practices. Additionally, the project team conducted a business motions analysis to identify improvement areas and saw opportunities to prevent revenue leakage.
With these insights, RSM analyzed different approaches with critical stakeholders toward an enterprise strategy to standardize processes, improve efficiency and create scalable operations. The plan included a future-state technology division built on four key pillars: data collection, automation adoption, project delivery and industry-leading practices.
Improving data clarity and insights using customer-facing dashboards would allow the construction company to share realtime data to increase transparency and trust. Investing in a centralized data warehouse would help reduce redundancies and establish a single source of truth to support data-driven decision making.
The cornerstone of the plan was to create an innovation center of excellence. Centralizing information technology operations into a single business unit would provide structure, shared knowledge and dedicated resources to fully leverage core applications across the enterprise.
The construction company’s enterprise technology strategy, designed to be rolled out in phases, will lead to the following:
• More efficient processes
• Ability to scale using existing resources
• Real-time financial reporting
• Fully integrated project management and estimations
• Ability to scale with growth
• More collaboration between the firm’s owners and subcontractors
• Improved customer experience
Down the road, even more opportunity exists to optimize. The company’s technology vision extends to reconfiguring their Salesforce CRM system and upgrading the project delivery platform to specialized construction management software to leverage data and technology to its fullest potential.
TTrenching and Excavation Safety
Michael Middleton Compliance Safety Officer OSHA Austin, TX
rench collapses, or cave-ins, pose the greatest risk to workers’ lives. When done safely, trenching operations can reduce worker exposure to other potential hazards include falls, falling loads, hazardous atmospheres, and incidents involving mobile equipment.
OSHA standards require that employers provide workplaces free of recognized hazards. The employer must comply with the trenching and excavation requirements of 29 CFR 1926.651 and 1926.652 or comparable OSHA-approved state plan requirements.
Trench Safety Measures: Trenches 5 feet (1.5 meters) deep or greater require a protective system unless the excavation is made entirely in stable rock. If less than 5 feet deep, a competent person may determine that a protective system is not required. Trenches 20 feet (6.1 meters) deep or greater require that the protective system be designed by a registered professional engineer or be based on tabulated data prepared and/ or approved by a registered professional engineer in accordance with 1926.652(b) and (c).
Competent Person: OSHA standards require, before any worker entry, that employers have a competent person inspect trenches daily and as conditions change to ensure elimination of excavation hazards. A competent person is an individual who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards or working conditions that are hazardous, unsanitary, or dangerous to workers, soil types and protective systems required, and who is authorized to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate these hazards and conditions.
Access and Egress: Keep heavy equipment away from trench edges.
Identify other sources that might affect trench stability. Keep excavated soil (spoils) and other materials at least 2 feet (0.6 meters) from trench edges. Know where underground utilities are located before digging Test for atmospheric hazards such as low oxygen, hazardous fumes and toxic gases when > 4 feet deep. Inspect trenches at the start of each shift. Inspect trenches following a rainstorm or other water intrusion. Do not work under suspended or raised loads and materials. Inspect trenches after any occurrence that could have changed conditions in the trench. Ensure that personnel wear high visibility or other suitable clothing when exposed to vehicular traffic.
Protective Systems: There are different types of protective systems.
1. Benching means a method of protecting workers from cave-ins by excavating the sides of an excavation to form one or a series of horizontal levels or steps, usually with vertical or nearvertical surfaces between levels. Benching cannot be done in Type C soil.
2. Sloping involves cutting back the trench wall at an angle inclined away from the excavation.
3. Shoring requires installing aluminum hydraulic or other types of supports to prevent soil movement and cave-ins.
4. Shielding protects workers by using trench boxes or other types of supports to prevent soil cave-ins. Designing a protective system can be complex because you must consider many factors: soil classification, depth of cut, water FactSheet content of soil, changes caused by weather or climate, surcharge loads (e.g., spoil, other materials to be used in the trench) and other operations in the vicinity.
Building Quality Fences to Quality Steel Fabrication: Craig Noto’s Journey
Construction News owner Haley Mathews recently had the opportunity to sit and talk with Craig Noto, the founder of Quality Fence and Welding, which has now branched out into a new venture - Quality Steel Fabrication. Having first entered the structural steel industry in 2009, Quality is now doubling down on the market with the purchase of a new, top of the line piece of fabrication equipment, and the implementation of Tekla PowerFab. Chris Loeffler, a longtime Quality employee and now General Manager of Quality Steel Fabrication, will head up the new venture as it looks to take the firm’s structural steel division to the next level.
Craig Noto started his journey in the industry in 1980, starting out with a painting and remodeling business. At age 19, with no financial backing, his drive and work ethic put his career on the fast track to success. It started with building a fencethen another fence, and another… until the chain link supply company he used wasn’t able to keep up with the demand he had for gates. So Craig went out and bought his first welder. Craig remembers, “The first guy that could come in and weld that thin tubing with that cracker box welder got the job, and he just celebrated his 39th anniversary here with the Company.” Since then Quality Fence and Welding has continued to grow and diversify their services. From automation of custom wrought iron gates to custom fences, all the way up to commercial steel fabrication, Craig recognized the need to create a separate entity and with that, Quality Steel Fabrication was born. He and Chris Loeffler have set focus on growing Quality Steel. Readers may remember that Craig recently sold the Quality family of businesses to TRTF
Community House, a local nonprofit that reinvests the organization’s earnings into the community.
In 2017, Chris Loeffler was working full time and finishing his Mechanical Engineering degree. Under the mentorship of Steve Gooden, former owner of Empire Steel and project manager at Quality, he got his first structural job and was positioned to take over the steel division. After graduation, he thought he’d have a few years at least to absorb more of Steve’s wisdom and experience, but unfortunately Steve got diagnosed with cancer and retired 3 months after his graduation, Chris then became the only Project Manager.
Chris and Steve originally met and bonded over playing a golf arcade-style game called Golden Tee at a dive bar in Helotes. Chris, being what some might call an old soul, was a young man who honestly preferred more mature company. His background, based in the farming community, had provided him a hard work ethic, and he had no trouble relating to people in the industry who were many years his senior. Majoring in Mechanical Engineering while working at a Feed Store, it was Steve who convinced Chris to come on board with him to the structural steel business. He needed someone who had the engineering education and project management ability, and he knew Chris was the man for the job.
In order to really get to the next level in the Steel Fabrication industry, a major investment was made by Quality Steelthe purchase of a new Python Robotic CNC Structural Fabrication System, a machine worth over $1 Million. Made in North America by Lincoln Electric, this behemoth is a steel fabricator’s dream. The exploding commercial construction industry in our region demands fast
turnaround time, efficiency and accuracy for steel fabrication. This robot will help Quality Steel meet the ever increasing tight deadlines. In addition to this incredible machine, they have implemented the use of Tekla PowerFab, a comprehensive software suite providing a systematic, collaborative approach for managing steel fabrication projects. Craig explains, “When they detail the project, they also make the files that run through this new robot, and it also creates all the mark numbers. So when the erector gets it on site, he knows right where that piece goes. And it actually monitors those pieces and gives you a 3D model of what’s being built. It shows what you can load on the truck, and what the exact weight is. Then when it gets out there and the project manager can send a report and show me them exactly what’s being built in the shop and what’s been delivered to the job in a live 3D model. This resource is free for our customers because we pay for it.”
Chris understands the importance of standing out in this extremely fast paced business, using technology such as Tekla PowerFab and the PythonX Robot are what’s going to make Quality Steel do just that. “You know, the hardest part of this job is communication. We’re trying to do things that separate us from the rest and make our customers’ jobs easier. When our customers issue a Division 05 contract, or PO, they already know that with us, they could put a PM on the project that’s not really Division 05 savvy- they don’t have to have a specialist because they know I’m going to help them. That’s what we’re offering.”
With this new machine, and embracing the latest technology available, Quality Steel has hit the ground running with record sales and production capacity. The efficiency of this incredible
new machine means less waste, more accuracy, and time saving capabilities that are lightyears ahead of the old ways of steel fabrication. This means bigger jobs for Quality, with better and faster results for their clients. “We have a good team. It’s not just me, we’ve got a team that surrounds us that we’ve created over the years. And the cool thing about Chris is, he took the stuff that Steve, his mentor was doing on a piece of paper, and he excelled it to the max, using the latest programs, and really made it to where you could do three times the estimating. It’s about how many numbers you throw at the wall, you’re gonna get some, and that was where he really was the game changer,” Craig says proudly.
Craig’s decades of experience and business acumen, along with Chris’s knowledge of the latest technology and desire for perfection in all he does, makes them a powerhouse duo. When you combine that with their team of loyal employees- Quality Steel Fabrication is built to last. -ndw
Chris Loeffler & Craig Noto
Workforce Development is the Cornerstone of a Robust Aggregates Industry
Empowering Workers is Key Ingredient of Success
The Texas Aggregates & Concrete Association (TACA) welcomed more than 600 attendees to its 70th Annual Meeting June 12 - 14 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. The theme this year was “Preserving a Strong Foundation” – to support an enduring commitment to the environment, as well as fostering a workforce that will carry the industry far into the future.
Outgoing TACA Chairman Kevin Kipp, Few Ready Mix Concrete Co., noted the thinking behind the theme. “‘Preserving a Strong Foundation’ pays homage to those who have committed to preserving the environment – well before conservation was in the spotlight,” said Kipp. “And it underscores one of our most important assets: our people, who will lay the foundation for the next 70 years.”
A highlight of the conference was the keynote from Aaron Witt, “Chief Dirt Nerd” of BuildWitt, a marketing, media and software business dedicated to helping the Dirt World overcome its workforce challenges, which are real, considering that 40 percent of the construction industry and 50 percent of the mining industry are now retiring.
“Rather than view this as a catastrophe, we can think of this as the biggest opportunity we’ve had in a long
The American Subcontracctors Association (ASA) put on another great event. On May 18, the Helotes Festival Fairgrounds were packed with over 700 ASA members, guests, and friends for the association’s annual Subfest & Barbecue Cook-off. There were plenty of activities for all to enjoy including face painting, balloon artists, caricature drawings, petting zoo and more. Back by popular demand, The Spazamatics entertained the crowd as they awaited the winner’s announcements. Teams competed in ASA’s barbecue cookoff with visions of taking home the coveted grand champion award.
Chicken Category
2nd Place: Memco
3rd Place: Comfort-Air Engineering, Inc.
Ribs Category
2nd Place: Structure Tone Southwest
3rd Place: Equipment Share
Brisket Category
2nd Place: Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
3rd Place: Traugott Inc., Painting & Decorating
People’s Choice MEMCO
Best Camp
2nd Place: Alamo Crane Service, Inc.
3rd Place: Dunnam Safety Management
Grand Champion
Structure Tone Southwest Reserve Champion EquipmentShare
Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography
“Chief Dirt Nerd” Aaron Witt of BuildWitt, a marketing, media and software business dedicated to helping the Dirt World overcome its workforce challenges, presenting at TACA’s
Annual Meeting in San Antonio.
time,” said Witt. “By focusing on being a ‘Best in Class’ company that attracts the right workforce, we can perform better and serve humanity better. ‘Best in Class’ companies take an active role in their future. When needed, they are not reluctant to change course,” he said.
Witt outlined the characteristics of a winning company. 1) They train all day long. It is worked into their cultures…
brick by brick by brick. They train their front-line leadership, and their front-line leadership has great attitudes. 2) They have non-stop communication. They talk to each other all day long, not just a 40-minute safety meeting in the morning.
3) They take pride in every single detail of their business – from how it looks to how it performs. 4) Their teams have a genuine sense of humility. They care about their
Subfest 2024
workers and are not afraid to show it. But they can also say, “Maybe there’s a better way to do it. Let’s pivot.”
TACA President & CEO Josh Leftwich agreed that workforce development is essential to the industry’s success. “Workforce development is not just about individual skill-building; it is also about nurturing a resilient, adaptable and forward-thinking workforce that serves as the backbone of a thriving aggregates industry,” said Leftwich. “Robust workforce development is sculpting a future where every stone of potential is meticulously honed to ensure a strong, resilient workforce ever-ready to build a strong Texas.”
TACA members also heard from Vance Ginn, Ph.D., Vance Ginn Economic Consulting, on how policy uncertainty drives economic volatility in an election year; Robert Mineo II, PE, LEED AP, Managing Director, FMI Capital Advisors, on the impact of economics and drivers for construction materials on the current market; Aaron Demerson, President & CEO, Texas Economic Development Corporation, on how Texas is an economic powerhouse; and Libby Pritchard, Director, Occupational Health, Safety and Sustainability, National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, on total worker health.
CHICKEN 1st - Reyes
BRISKET 1st Aprio
GRAND CHAMP - Structure Tone SW
RIBS 1st - Bartlett Cocke
BEST CAMP 1st Guido
PEOPLES CHOICE - Memco
RESERVE CHAMP - EquipmentShare
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