ABC South Texas Fall 2025 Newsletter by Michelle Davis

CHAPTER NEWS

ABC Members are Here for the Long Haul

The July 4th floods in the Texas Hill Country will be remembered as one of the most historic and devastating floods our region has ever faced. Families were displaced, loved ones were lost, and entire communities were left grieving and uncertain of the future. Yet in the midst of this darkness, unity became the light—with ABC South Texas members stepping forward to help Texans recover, rebuild, and find hope again.

Members along with industry partners mobilized quickly, offering equipment, materials, and manpower to assist with cleanup and rebuilding efforts. They led the way in donating essential supplies for those in need and set up relief stations where volunteers served meals to families and first responders, ensuring no one faced the aftermath alone.

The support extended far beyond our chapter. National ABC members generously donated to the ABC Cares Foundation, through the Florida East Coast Chapter, to support families of ABC South Texas members directly impacted by the floods. ABC South Texas members partnered with and supported the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. This outpouring of compassion demonstrated the strength of our national network and the power of the merit shop spirit.

Locally, our chapter launched a flood-relief T-shirt fundraiser, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting small businesses in the Hill Country as they work to recover and rebuild. The shirts carried a message of comfort and hope, boldly displaying the words of Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

The July 4th floods revealed how quickly lives can change but they also revealed the strength, resilience, and generosity of our ABC members. Our motto has been clear: ABC Members are here for the long haul. ABC Members are helping Texans—and we will continue to support rebuilding efforts every step of the way.

Message from the Chapter President

Michelle Seward Davis

As leaders, colleagues, and friends, we often find ourselves facing situations where trust is tested, faith is required, and difficult conversations must take place. These are not always comfortable moments, in fact, they rarely are, but they are essential for growth, understanding, and progress.

Trust is the foundation of every meaningful relationship in business, in community, and in life. It is built slowly, through consistency and integrity, and it can be lost in a moment. At ABC, trust is what allows us to come together as competitors and collaborators, knowing that our shared commitment to the merit shop philosophy binds us stronger than any differences.

Faith is what carries us when circumstances are uncertain. Faith in our mission, in one another, and in the belief that through honesty and perseverance we will overcome challenges. It is the quiet assurance that when we act with purpose and principle, our efforts will bear fruit even if we cannot see the results immediately.

Difficult conversations are the bridge between trust and faith. They require the courage to speak truth with respect, to listen with humility, and to remain present even when the dialogue is uncomfortable. Avoiding these conversations may feel easier in the moment, but leaning into them with grace and patience strengthens relationships and opens pathways for real solutions.

As we look ahead, I encourage each of us to invest in trust, to hold firm in faith, and to be willing to step into difficult conversations. When we do, we not only build stronger companies and a stronger association, we build a stronger community.

Thank you for the trust you place in ABC South Texas and in each other. It is through this trust and faith that we will continue to lead, to serve, and to grow.

Diamond Sponsors

Chapter Staff

Michelle Seward Davis President president@abcsouthtexas.org

Dana Stone Accounting bookkeeper@abcsouthtexas.org

Shalon LeBlanc Workforce, Apprenticeship & Education Director shalon@abcsouthtexas.org

Leah Villarreal Safety, Workforce & Apprenticeship leah@abcsouthtexas.org

Mary Delaney Events & Membership events@abcsouthtexas.org

Chantel Wilmer Admin Assistant frontdesk@abcsouthtexas.org

Annual Sponsors Board of Directors Upcoming Events, Q4

Platinum

Acrisure

Jack Laurence

Lynwood

TDIndustries

Gold

Harvey-Cleary Metro

MK Marlow

Noble SpawGlass

Silver

ADKF

American Interiors

Cokinos

Dewalt

San Antonio Masonry & Steel

VIA Metropolitan Transit

Bronze

Beck Landfill

Bee Done Rental

Flo-Aire

Galaxy Builders

Mobile Air

Preferred Climate Control

Quarter Moon

RSM

Satterfield & Pontikes

Terracon

WS&P Insurance

Executive Committee

Chris Martinez, Chairman Central Electric

Mark Baublit, 1st Vice Chair Marksmen General Contractors

Drew Addison, 2nd Vice Chair Acrisure

Matt Delgado, Treasurer MidFirst Bank

Jim Robertson, Secretary Americrane

Jason Harmon, Past Chairman VIA Metropolitan Transit

Bob Kilgore, Chapter Attorney Gardner Law Firm

David Cupit

Marek Brothers Systems

Eddie McDuff Flo-Aire Service, Inc.

Justin Kuehler

Jack Laurence Corporation

Joel Frederick Quarter Moon Plumbing

Rusty Medlin Joeris General Contractors

Justin Kanas Noble Texas Builders

Rob Huddleston AiRCO Mechanical

Brent Hawley TDIndustries

Jonathan Bradley SpawGlass

Tess Shelton Nichiha

Chris Christians IV Lynwood Building Materials

John Cruz Broadway Bank

Will Holisky ATKG

Ryan Speer

Marsh McLennan

Christian Trevino Cokinos

FRIDAY - SATURDAY

October 3-4, 2025

Noble Charities Fishing Tournament

WEDNESDAY

October 8, 2025

Construction Trades Day

Freeman EXPO Hall, 9:00 AM

THURSDAY

October 9, 2025

Lunch & Learn: Polished Concrete

ABC Office, 11:30 AM

MONDAY

October 13, 2025

Marketing & BD Seminar

ABC Office, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

WEDNESDAY

October 15, 2025

Development Services, CPS & SAWS

ABC Office, 7:30 AM

THURSDAY

October 16, 2025

Chili Cook-off Pickrell Park, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

WEDNESDAY

October 22, 2025

San Antonio AEC Mega Mixer Idle Beer Hall & Brewery, 4:00 PM

TUESDAY

November 4, 2025

ABC Insurance Trust & Mixer

ABC Office, 3:00 PM

THURSDAY

November 6, 2025

Lunch & Learn: Surety Bonds & Industry Update

ABC Office, 11:30 AM

TUESDAY - THURSDAY

November 11-13, 2025

National Leadership Conference

THURSDAY

December 4, 2025

National Legal Conference - Virtual

FRIDAY

December 5, 2025

Construct a Kids Toy Drive

WEDNESDAY

December 17, 2025

Development Services, SAWS & CPS

ABC Office, 7:30 AM

THURSDAY

December 18, 2025

Sponsorship Luncheon

ABC Office, 11:30 AM

Apprenticeship Graduation

Celebrating the Next Generation

ABC South Texas proudly celebrated the accomplishments of 17 Apprenticeship Graduates, who, after four years of dedication, earned the distinguished title of Journeyman. These graduates balanced full-time careers while attending classes at least one night each week, demonstrating perseverance, discipline, and a commitment to excellence that defines the future of our industry.

This milestone was made possible not only through their own hard work but also through the support of their families, friends, and sponsoring employers. ABC South Texas was especially grateful to the Contractors Apprenticeship Trust (CAT) Board of Trustees, instructors, and ABC staff, whose leadership and commitment to workforce development strengthened the program.

A highlight of the ceremony was honoring Sid Wilkerson of Jack Laurence Corporation, who had taught plumbing for more than 30 years. A tireless educator and passionate advocate for apprenticeship, Sid inspired generations of tradesmen and left a lasting mark on the program.

Graduates were also recognized for special achievements, including the Highest GPA in each trade and Perfect Attendance. The class represented three essential trades: Carpentry, Pipefitting, and Sheet Metal.

ABC South Texas extended a heartfelt thank-you to industry partners Milwaukee Tool and DEWALT for supporting the graduates and to the sponsors of the graduation event for making the celebration possible. Their generosity reflected the spirit of collaboration that fuels both individual success and industry growth.

ABC South Texas could not have been more proud of these graduates. They embodied the merit shop spirit and represented the skilled, safe, and ethical workforce that will continue to build communities for years to come.

2025 METRICS AND STANDARDS

COMMUNICATION ADVOCACY TRAINING

• Outsource social media to ensure professional, consistent posting.

• Enhance the website for improved user experience and functionality.

• Create and share podcast shorts to engage audiences.

• Ensure consistent and timely communication with members.

• Expand distribution list to include elected oﬃcials for broader outreach.

• Technical & Soft Skills

• GC & Sub Best Practices Panel discussion

• Financial Statements, Forecasting & WIP

• Documentation

The Metric and Scorecard was introduced to Membership at the January Board Installment Luncheon. Below is the Q1- Q3 progress by category and Q4 in bold.

COMMUNICATION:

√ Website is 95% - Company outsourced to revamp and add value

• Personal Finance

• Mental Health Awareness

• Mayoral Panel with AGC (March/ April)

• Business Coalition eﬀorts for Mayoral race

• City Council invites to joint Member jobsites with AGC.

• Engagement at Texas & National LegCon

• RGA meetings with City Council

• Invite Elected Oﬃcials to ABC events.

• Host School counselors on Jobsite Tours to showcase career opportunities.

• Organize Touching Trucks Day and community service events with Aﬃnity Groups.

√ update sent to members to event registration

Topics & Training: full calendar Leadership Forum complete Leadership complete Communication for the complete

Reading complete by Design complete

√ Leadership that Lasts complete

√ Specialty topics:

VIA Transit Update, February 20

Leadership, March 25

ICE Raids and I-9’s, April 21

Cybersecurity, May 5 Law Update, May 28

• Utilize VR Headsets for immersive industry experiences

STEP

Board Members Recruit Successors for committee involvement.

• Develop Scorecards for committees and the baardroom to track progress.

• Create a clear Charter for each committee to deﬁne purpose and goals.

• Provide Periodic Updates from committees to the Board.

• Enhance UTSA CM Student Outreach for future Leadership and engagement.

• Dynamic Speaker Series

• Continue to grow & expand TCCI event

• Family Picnic: Engage families and foster relationships with the ABC community.

• Exclusive Team Bonding & Leadership Event

• Lunch & Learns: Expanding sessions on topics such as veterans outreach, immigration and workforce best practices.

Note: Goals & Metrics from 2024 will continue in 2025.

√ Safety Committee completed 1/2 STEP trainings

√ 54 members completed STEP application to date and reaching out to all contractors to complete

PROGRAMS & COMMITTEES:

√ UTSA Competition Team was supported by the Board and Members

√ Committees each have their own metric goals

√ February Committee update with the Chairman

√ Board member recruitment and committee involvement on-going

√ Committee chairs/ co-chairs reporting to board monthly

COMMUNITY OUTREACH:

√ VR Headset has been received and will start utilizing at career and student outreach events

√ County Commissioner Moody performed the 2025 Board Installation

√ ABC was an active participant in the Alamo Trades Day with 140 Students

√ Flood relief efforts

√ CTE Bootcamp completed

√ ABC partnered with UTSA for STEM Shadowing Event

√ Partnered with Alamo Workforce for Vet Career Fair

√ Partnered with Boys and Girls Club

Regulatory, June 5

Politics & Perspective, July 10 Crunch, August 12 & Entertainment, Sept 4 Education Topics to Leadership, Personal Finance Understanding the Construction Jobsite Tour, Technology Best Working with Different Generations, Self-protection & Handguns, Financial Literacy & Legacy Planning and Soft Skills & Communication Committee: Monthly Topics

LEGCON: January 28-29; 25 participants and 24 visits with elected staff

Business Coalition Mayoral Event Mayoral Event w/ AGC, May 19

LEGCON: June 24-25; 12 participants with 9 visits with elected officials/ staff

√ Protest on CCR for Trades Advisory Council joined by AGC, RESCA and ASA

√ Patriots & Politics: Six Elected Officials

√ GA Committee scheduling jobsite visits with city council and State/ National representatives

MEMBERSHIP:

√ Annual retention ended at 91%

√ Contractor retention at 96%

√ New Members thru Q3: 27

√ Anniversaries celebrated monthly PAC/ FEA: GOAL ACHIEVED

√ $75,854 raised State & National PAC

√ FEA: $24,563

APPRENTICESHIP: GOAL ACHIEVED

√ 176 students enrolled

EVENTS

√ Dynamic Speakers: Dee Ann Turner on April 3rd

√ Trades Day - October 8

√ Lunch & Learns - see training

√ Family Picnic - June 14

Quarterly Recap

Continued on Pages 14-17

Resilience by Design Training by Eric Lundquist, SOC (SEAL), USN Retired

Advanced Communication for the Field training by MAREK.

July Lunch & Learn: Policy, Politics & Perspective with ABC State President, Geoffrey Tahuahua and Attorney Rob Killen.

July LOGIC Meeting: Working with Different Generations

Letter from Board Chairman

Chris Martinez, Chairman

2025 Board of Directors

Wow, summer is over and it seems like the 100 degrees are past us. What is not over is our amazing year. We call this time 4th Quarter. As in football, it is time to dig deep and push through an even more amazing quarter.

This summer, ABC South Texas saw through events and/ or lunch & learns about Leadership (Resilience by Design and Leadership that Lasts with Eric Lundquist), Technology (Document Crunch), Financial Literacy & Legacy Planning (FLI), Working with Different Generations (LOGIC) and Policy/ Politics of what is happening at the local level, in our state and national front plus many more.

Personally, my top two events were hearing from SSE- Spurs Sports & Entertainment about the upcoming election regarding Proposition A &B and how to do business with their 8 entities. Secondly, we took time to celebrate our leader, Michelle Davis, as she was recognized as a nominee for SABJ Women’s Leadership Award. Michelle’s leadership is transformational. She believes in and lives her WHY daily. Thank you Michelle!

This coming quarter we have even more in store. Whatever fills your cup or feeds your appetite, we are offering opportunities to all. We look forward meeting new folks and/ or seeing old friends. I look forward seeing you at the next event, committee meeting and/or our Excellence in Construction awards banquet.

God Bless America.

God Bless ABC.

Chris R. Martinez

Central Electric

Taking the Next STEP

Celebrating a Record Breaking Year for STEP Members

“If we choose to lead, if we choose to commit, and if we choose to transform … Established in 1989, STEP is a proven system that provides the framework to measure, strengthen and build industry-leading safety programs.” - Michael D. Bellaman, President & CEO of ABC

ABC South Texas is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our STEP members, with an all-time record of 54 participants in the STEP Safety Management System this year. This milestone highlights the commitment of ABC contractors and suppliers to building the safest jobsites in the industry.

The STEP program is more than just an award- it is ABC’s proven safety benchmarking and improvement tool that helps members strengthen safety culture, reduce incidents, and raise the standard of excellence. Each recognition, from Bronze to Diamond, reflects a company’s dedication to ensuring every worker goes home safely at the end of the day.

Thanks to this record participation, we not only demonstrate our commitment to excellence but also strengthen our advocacy efforts. Every completed STEP application helps us clearly show elected officials and community leaders that merit shop contractors are setting the standard for safety, investing in workforce development, and driving economic growth. These results give us powerful, real-world data to highlight the value of the merit shop in legislative and regulatory conversations.

We congratulate the members who have already completed the process this year and encourage every contractor and supplier to join them. Take part in STEP today and be recognized as a leader in safety and the merit shop. Complete your application at https://step.abc.org/Step/. The application takes 30 minutes, no fee to apply and we are here to help you through the process.

Benefits of Membership

• Access to ABC Insurance Trust: Health, Ancillary, Retirementregardless of company size

• Discounts: Tech, Members and Employees

• National Peer Groups

• Employee Development through Committee Involvement

• Peer to peer collaboration

• Exclusive networking events and programs - build your relationships

• STEP and Safety Training

• Apprenticeship Program & Professional Development for management & field

• Strong Advocacy: National, State and local level - always defending the Merit Shop Philosophy

• Industry Recognition: Accredited Quality Contractor, Top Performers, STEP Levels, Excellence in Construction

Welcome New Members

Alert 360

Allied Fire Protection

Bandy Contractors

CCS Construction Staffing

Central Texas CFO’s, LLC

Clearfield Construction

ClearFunds, Inc.

CM Consulting

Core Electrical

DBI Consulting, LLC

Enterprise Electric, LLC

Federal Solutions Compnay LLC

Galindo & Boyd, LLC

Guadalupe Readymix

Halo Contractors

JLA Communications, LLC

Keeley Construction

Longhorn Commercial Roofing, LLC

Mercho Services

Partners Real Estate

Quality Labor Management, LLC

Recon Services

STBP, Inc

T.W. Hicks, Inc.

Talent Corporation, LLC

Temporary Wall Systems

A Modest Approach to “Ban the Box” Comes to Texas

Robert D. Kilgore, Special Counsel, Gardner Law Firm - Chapter Attorney

Hawaii was the first state to enact a law in 1998, prohibiting employers from asking about criminal history on initial applications. The idea: an applicant should not be automatically disqualified just because he/she checked the box that asked about convictions. Effective September 1, Texas joined 37 other states in the “Ban the Box” movement. The Texas law, HB 2466, may change how you go about criminal background checks for applicants.

HB 2466 prohibits an employer from conducting a criminal history report until an applicant is deemed otherwise qualified for the job and has either received a conditional offer or been invited to interview. The purpose of this bill is clear: prevent job applicants with prior convictions from being automatically excluded from job opportunities.

While the purpose may be admirable, compliance may be a challenge. HB 2466 does not define what “otherwise qualified” means, nor does it outline a process that should be followed. At face value, the wording of the statute implies that an employer may need to run two background checks. One background check would be for confirming non-criminal qualifications such as education, employment history, and professional licensure, and another check would be for criminal background checks. While splitting screening procedures into multiple phases might avoid premature criminal history checks, it would probably lead to delays in hiring timelines, increase administrative burdens, and add costs for employers who use comprehensive pre-hire background checks. An alternative approach might be to defer all background checks (criminal and non-criminal) until after a decision is made that the applicant is otherwise qualified.

What do you do if the criminal background check discloses a conviction? HB 2466 does not require an individualized assessment of a conviction that is disclosed before making the final hiring decision. However, remember that EEOC has always recommended this practice, as blanket exclusion policies for convictions may have an adverse impact on certain classifications of workers.

What is an individualized assessment of a criminal record? Factors include:

• Nature and gravity of defense

• Time that has elapsed since conviction

• The relevance of the offense to the job in question

Unlike California and other progressive states, HB 2466 is limited in scope. Private employers must employ 15 or more workers for the law to apply, and it does not apply to independent contractors. The law also does not apply where criminal background checks are otherwise required by law, such as jobs in healthcare, financial services, law enforcement, in-home services, residential delivery, and childcare.

HB 2466 does not prohibit Texas employers from considering criminal history altogether; however, it does require employers to adjust when and how they ask for criminal background information.

Bob Kilgore is Chapter Counsel for ABCSouth Texas. He is Special Counsel to the Gardner Law Firm and is Board Certified (Labor & Employment Law) by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

A Proactive Look at Addressing First Year Construction Workers

Samuel Palos, ARM, Acrisure Risk Management - Safety Committee Chair

First-year construction workers face the highest injury rates in the industry, largely due to inexperience, unfamiliarity with hazards, and rushed onboarding. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 1 in 5 workplace deaths occur in construction, with 38.4% of those due to falls, slips, and trips. Additionally, nonfatal falls to a lower level in construction occur at a rate of 13.9 per 10,000 fulltime workers, significantly higher than the 4.6 rate across all private industries. Below are some strategies that are essential to building a safer environment for first year workers.

Revamp Onboarding with Immersive Safety Training

Go beyond basic orientation. Use simulation, virtual reality, and hands-on hazard walkthroughs. Focus on high-risk tasks like working at heights, operating machinery, tools and equipment, and navigating active sites. Encourage reporting near misses and/or safety concerns or questions to their immediate supervisor.

Implement a Mentorship or Buddy System

Pair each new hire with a seasoned worker for their first 60-90 days. Encourage daily check-ins, shadowing, and real-time feedback to reinforce safety habits. Compare any near misses and/or accidents that may occur with how they are being mentored so that effective corrective actions and behaviors can be addressed.

Use Smart PPE and Wearable Technology

Equip new workers with gear that monitors fatigue, location, and exposures to hazards. Devices can alert supervisors to risky behavior or environmental changes before incidents occur. This cost would be proactive in nature and can provide some insightful information and data that can be used for all employees and can refocus what type of safety training is conducted.

Deliver Ongoing Microlearning

Push short, targeted safety lessons via mobile apps or toolbox talks throughout the first year. Additional, task specific, training that is done more than all other employees places a proactive emphasis on new employee’s higher frequency potential. Reinforce critical topics like fall protection, PPE, electrical safety and situational awareness.

Customize Job Hazard Analysis for New Workers

Asses tasks assigned to first-year employees and adjust complexity based on skill level.

Avoid placing new hires in high-risk roles without adequate supervision and training.

Conclusion

Addressing the elevated injury risks among first-year construction workers requires a multifaceted and proactive approach. By investing in immersive onboarding, mentorship programs, smart technology, and continuous learning, companies can significantly reduce incidents and foster a safer work environment. Tailoring job hazard analyses to match new workers’ skill levels further ensures that safety is prioritized from day one. These strategies not only protect employees but also strengthen the overall safety culture and operational resilience of your organization.

ABC South Texas Supports Proposition A & B

Know and Share the FACTS

ABC South Texas proudly supports Propositions A & B on the November 4, 2025 ballot because these measures represent more than just construction projects they represent opportunity, jobs, and community growth for Bexar County.

• Proposition A will fund upgrades to East Side facilities including the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and Freeman Coliseum.

• Proposition B will contribute to the development of a new downtown Spurs arena.

A YES vote means:

• Modern, competitive facilities that attract larger events, increase tourism, and create jobs on the East Side.

• Expanded scholarship funding and youth programs tied to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, supporting future generations.

• Downtown revitalization, with a new arena that leverages private investment and stimulates economic growth across the region.

If you live in Bexar County, your vote is essential. The future of these projects depends on local voices showing up and speaking out.

Learn More Before You Vote

• sarodeo.com/community - details about Prop A and the Rodeo’s community impact.

• howSAWins.com - voter resources, analysis, and updates on both propositions.

Early Voting & Election Details

• Early Voting: October 20 – October 31, 2025

• Election Day: November 4, 2025

• Where to Vote: Any registered voter may vote early at any vote center in Bexar County.

• Find Early Voting Locations: Bexar County Early Vote Information bexar.org/1568/Elections-Department

Don’t wait until Election Day. Cast your vote early, make your voice heard, and help secure a stronger future for San Antonio and Bexar County.

Become an Accredited Quality Contractor

Deadline is approaching: October 24th

The prestigious Accredited Quality Contractor (AQC) credential publicly recognizes and honors construction firms that demonstrate excellence and corporate responsibility. This designation highlights a company’s documented commitment in five key areas:

• Quality – delivering projects with integrity and professionalism.

• Health and Safety – achieving strong safety cultures through best practices and benefits that protect workers.

• Talent Management and Craft & Management Education – investing in the training and growth of the workforce.

• Community Relations – giving back through service, volunteerism, and engagement.

Launched in 1993, the AQC program is open to ABC contractor members that have been in business for a minimum of three years and have achieved STEP Gold, Platinum, or Diamond level in ABC’s Safety Management System.

Contractors that qualify as Accredited Quality Contractors earn the credential for one year, with the opportunity to renew annually. This recognition demonstrates to clients, employees, and the community that your company builds not only exceptional projects but also a culture of safety, education, and community service.

Deadline Approaching: October 24, 2025

Don’t miss your chance to apply and be recognized as a leader in construction. Visit abc.org/aqc to learn more and complete your application.

When you choose to become an ACCREDITED QUALITY CONTRACTOR, you choose to be one of the best of Associated Builders and Contractors’ more than 23,000 member firms.

The AQC credential provides national recognition to construction firms that demonstrate their commitment to corporate responsibility in quality, safety, craft and management education, talent management and community relations.

ABC and Members participated in the Texas Veterans Commission and Workforce Solutions Alamo job fair for veterans

Bi-monthly update with Development Services, CPS and SAWS

Patriots & Politics hosted by Americrane with elected officials at the local and state level

August Lunch & Learn with Adam Handfinger of Document Crunch and Olivia Maddox of Marksmen General Contractors

Fundamentals of Blueprint Reading Course over a period of 6 weeks taught by Rick Nanez

Joint Networking Event: AXE Throwing with FLI and LOGIC

& Committee Schedules

ABC members care about their employees.

The Total Human Health Initiative encompasses multiple dimensions of health organized within four, simple and easy to remember categories: Body, Heart, Mind, and Soul. This critical link in the ABC STEP Safety Management System® is designed to help members focus and improve the complete health, wellness and livelihood of their employees.