Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News August 2015

Covering the Industry’s News

P.O. Box 791290 San Antonio, Texas 78279-1290

Texas Style

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

Change Service Requested

San Antonio Dallas/Fort Worth Austin Houston South Texas

Dallas/Fort Worth

CONSTRUCTION

™

The Industry’s Newspaper www.constructionnews.net

H

(210) 308-5800

H

Volume 13

H

Number 8

H

AUGUST 2015

Marking a milestone

Cause for celebrations

Cadence McShane Construction is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Halff Associates Inc.’s Richardson staff celebrates 65 years.

W

hen Bob Marwill formed The Cadence Group in 1985, the general contracting company was small but focused. Fifteen employees in Dallas, Austin and Houston offices concentrated on providing solutions in the retail, education and commercial construction industry markets.

In ten years, the growing success of the company Marwill had created was enough to catch Jim McShane’s eye. McShane acquired the company in 1995 to form Cadence McShane Construction and brought in Neal Harper to serve as company president.

After Marwill retired in 1999, the company continued to grow and land major projects, including Austin’s $400 million Riata Vista project and Dallas’

810,000-sf Park Lane project. The company’s successful trajectory accelerated in 2012 when Will Hodges was named president and the company moved into its new Addison headquarters in 2014.

This year, Cadence McShane Construction’s 135 employees are celebrating the company’s biggest milestone to date.

“In 2015 we celebrate a significant milestone of 30 years in business!” Hodges says. “We’re extremely proud of this achievement and thankful to our team members, clients and subcontractors for making this anniversary possible. Although there are many factors contributing to our success, the most significant is continued on Page 18

S

ixty-five years ago in a Snider Plaza office, Southern Methodist University and John Hopkins University grad Dr. Albert H. Halff opened his consulting firm, Albert H. Halff, Consulting Sanitary Engineer, which would later be renamed Halff Associates Inc. At the time, he planned to offer what today would be considered environmental engineering.

But the next decade would be a learning curve for Halff. He realized that to make a living, his firm would need to start doing general civil work, and with the loss of a short-term business partner, he was going to need a few more helping hands. The firm had to shift direction again during the 1980s recession, adopting more public sector projects and di-

versifying both geographically and in its disciplines.

Because of what company president Patrick Kunz calls Halff’s “very creative, out-of-the-box thinking,” Halff Associates Inc. grew into one of the Southwest’s largest engineering companies, opening 14 branch offices and employing 530 people. On Aug. 20th – what would have been Dr. Halff’s 100th birthday – the company will celebrate the visionary’s legacy and the 65th anniversary of his vision.

“He was very involved in the design of civil projects as Dallas grew, and as Dallas grew, he was able to grow the firm,” Kunz says. The company expanded with continued on Page 18

Parking where planted

L

ike the various plantings there, parking problems at The Dallas Arboretum had been growing for years. With attendance rising, the new Children’s Adventure Garden addition and the loss of a lot used for parking overflow, it was time to address replacement and garden parking needs.

Building a new parking garage at 8720 Garland Rd. seemed to be the solution, but neighbors had mixed reviews on a proposed six-level parking structure. With input from neighborhood organizations, a five-level garage with the potential for a 6th level addition was proposed. The Arboretum board then engaged Good, Fulton and Farrell Architects (GFF) to develop a parking master plan. Once a plan was in place, the Rogers-O’Brien Construction team – project director Leon Davis, senior project manager Tim Storms, senior superintendent Steve Pesnell, superintendent Aaron

Flores, assistant project manager Kyle Fletcher and safety superintendent Scott Basler – was brought in to construct the $27 million parking garage.

Many challenges faced the team, including how to complete the 156-ft. pedestrian tunnel on an aggressive 13– month schedule while accommodating the garage’s ongoing structure. To achieve this, the Rogers-O’Brien team utilized a hybrid garage system to keep the project on track. The two levels of below grade parking included excavation performed by AR Daniel Construction, who hauled out 700 loads of spoil materials while hauling in tunnel construction materials using a singular vehicular ramp.

During the tunnel excavation, a shoring method consisting of a steel plate and prefabricated custom I-beams bent on a radius were used, allowing simultaneous single operation and excavation. The The nature-inspired Dallas Arboretum Parking Garage B-1 & UW Photo credit: ©Nathan Shands

continued on Page 18

Page 2

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Aug 2015

LNV is XV

E

LNV’s Dallas/Fort Worth branch manager David Hawkins, PE.

ven though the engineering, architectural, surveying and construction firm LNV is celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Texas-based firm was born, in a sense, 53 years ago.

Back then, the company was known as Smith & Russo and specialized in architecture and engineering services. That changed in April 2000, when Dan Leyendecker, Derek Naiser and Robert Viera acquired the firm and originated LNV. Seven years later, it expanded its services when it took in the 44-year-old firm of Roots/Foster Associates.

Now, the firm that started in Corpus Christi with seven employees has grown to more than 140 employees in its Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, Harlingen, Laredo, McAllen and San Antonio offices.

The Dallas/Fort Worth office, which opened in 2012, is the smallest of the set

but boasts a sizeable list of civil engineering services, specifically water and wastewater, drainage, streets and construction management.

Even though the Dallas/Fort Worth office is a relative newcomer to the group, branch manager David Hawkins, PE, says the office embraces the company’s fun culture. In April, the North Texas office competed against LNV’s South and Central Texas offices in Topgolf as part of the 15th anniversary celebration.

“LNV has a lot to offer the North Texas market in terms of overall value,” Hawkins says. “Our clients do not realize this office is LNV’s smallest because their projects have the support of such a strong team.”

LNV Inc. is a full-service consulting firm comprised of engineering, architectural, surveying and construction experts serving both public and private sector clients. –mjm

Submitted to Construction News

Fore a cause

L-R: Rogers-O’Brien’s Preston McAfee presents a $300,000 check to Baylor Healthcare System’s Dr. Randall Rosenblatt and Baylor Healthcare System Foundations’ Robin Robinson. The funds were raised at RO’s Pat O’Brien Charity Invitational golf tournament held Jun. 15 at Las Colinas’ TPC Four Seasons and benefitted the foundation’s Pulmonary Fellowship program. –mjm

Construction News ON LOCATION

Family connection

www.constructionnews.net

Watt a nice thing to say! Electrician/journeyman Tom O’Neal shared that he has enjoyed working for Hughes Mechanical and Electrical Contractors LLC in Arlington for the past 10 years because he is “treated like part of the family.” –mjm

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Aug 2015

Page 3

Bill of good

Setting a new ‘bar’

T

he veteran unemers to leave the construcployment rate is a tion industry in droves and full point higher that major projects are bethan the national average. ing shelved due to the laAt the same time, the conbor shortages. It is the reastruction industry is expeson he and Huval endorse riencing an alarming laHouse of Representatives bor shortage.

2551: Veterans’ Entry to Ap Where is the disconprenticeship Act. If passed, nect? National Roofing the bill would ensure that Partners’ sales and marveterans have the ability to keting coordinator (and use their G.I. Bill to cover army veteran) David Huthe cost of Dept. of Labor val and president Dale approved pre-apprenticeDale Tyler Tyler believe it involves ship programs that teach how the G.I. Bill is strucskills and techniques to tured. prepare them for appren Huval left college and ticeship training or careers enlisted in the Army after in the skilled-labor trades. the Sept. 11 terrorist at “It expands veterans tacks, spending part of opportunities, helping that time deployed in them start promising new Iraq. Because he had careers, transitioning signed up for the G.I. Bill, leaders out of the military he could afford to return and into these industries,” to his studies at Texas he said.

Tech University and find Tyler agrees. employment with NRP. He “It will give veterans the acknowledges, however, flexibility to use their own David Huval that using those funds is a benefits for something complicated process not always clearly other than a college degree. College is exexplained to veterans. More importantly, pensive and it’s not for everyone,” he says. a lot of veterans are unaware that the G.I. Huval and Tyler suggest that conBill covers more than just a 2-year and tacting your local senators and represen4-year college education. tatives is the key to getting HR 2551 – According to Huval, the G.I. Bill can which currently has a 1% chance of being be used for several different educational enacted – passed. programs including correspondence “The more people we put this in training, entrepreneurship training, flight front of, the more steam this is going to training, undergraduate and graduate get,” Huval says. degrees, licensing and certification reim- National Roofing Partners in Coppell bursement and vocational/technical offers a single point of contact to Tier I rooftraining. ing contractors nationwide. –mjm Tyler says the recession caused work-

Construction News ON LOCATION

Made in the shade

Ruben Hernandez of Hastings Stained Concrete in Dallas seeks a bit of shade before getting back to making his concrete projects look cool on a 100°F day. –mjm

Dallas  Fort Worth

CONSTRUCTION NEWS

Melissa Jones-Meyer . . . . . Dallas/Fort Worth Editor DFWeditor@ConstructionNews.net 817-731-4823 Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buddy Doebbler Editorial/Production . . . . . . Reesa Doebbler Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cyndi Wright Production Mgr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sue Johnson Sales Representative . . . . . . . . Kent Gerstner Sales Representative . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Reilly Construction News Ltd. Home Office P.O. Box 791290 • San Antonio, Tx 78279 210-308-5800 Fax 210-308-5960 www.ConstructionNews.net

If you are a construction-related company in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin or Denton counties and are not receiving a free copy of the Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News, call for a Requester Form, or visit our website. ©2015 Construction News, Ltd.

The Dallas  Fort Worth Construction News (ISSN 1547-7657) is published monthly by Construction News Ltd., dba Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News, and distributed by mail to construction related companies in the Dallas/ Fort Worth metropolitan area.

All submissions should be mailed to our editorial offices. We reserve the right to edit any materials submitted. No fees for materials, copy or photographs submitted will be due unless agreed upon in advance in writing. Submissions will be published at our discretion on a space-available basis.

Construction News, Ltd., dba Dallas  Fort Worth Construction News, will not be liable for errors in copy or in advertisements beyond the actual cost of space occupied by the error.

Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement at any time.

L-R: Graybar Fort Worth’s Chuck Hubbard, Armando Alvarado and Tim Clements

T

here’s a new gray area in North Texas. Graybar opened a new Fort Worth location at 7879 Will Rogers Blvd. in June. The 15,000-sf branch, overseen by branch supervisor Chuck Hubbard, will offer local deliveries, will-call, an after-hours emergency service and a sales counter serviced by Tim Clements, Armando Alvarado and Chris Prager.

The branch will serve as a sub-branch to support Graybar Dallas and provide additional service to Tarrant County.

Since some customers can’t wait for nextday delivery or do not have the time to drive to the Dallas location, Hubbard says the Fort Worth branch provides solutions for them.

“The location of the branch was selected largely in part because of its proximity to our current customer base, which

includes industrial plants, commercial end users and contractors,” Hubbard says. “We want to grow with our customers, and we view this branch as an opportunity to do so in Fort Worth.”

Hubbard says that Graybar’s clients are looking forward to the convenience of the Fort Worth location.

“Client feedback to the opening of Graybar Fort Worth has been overwhelmingly positive,” Hubbard says. “Our customers in the Fort Worth area are very happy to have us here and we look forward to doing business with them.”

Graybar is a distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services.

–mjm

Page 4

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Aug 2015

Freddie Lopez Owner freddieamerica.com Grand Prairie

T

he “American Dream” is one Freddie Lopez has woken up to every day since childhood. Watching his immigrant mother work hard to provide for her family in a new country, Lopez never forgot the lesson of self-sufficiency, especially as an adult as he forged his own path in the electrical industry. As his electrical contracting company’s name – freddieamerica.com – implies, Lopez is grateful for the opportunity to live in a country where he can always make his own way, as he has for the past decade.

Your company’s name, freddieamerica. com, is so unique! What is the story behind it?

I started the company in 2005, but I’ve been doing electrical work for 13 years. After I got my GED, I went to college at Mountain View College, North Lake College and University of Texas at Arlington and got my bachelors degree in business.

While I went to college, I was an apprentice electrician and thought, “I can’t keep getting laid off! I want to be successful!” I kept seeing people always being laid off and just waiting for the next job that would come three to five months later. I couldn’t live like that. I grew up on conservative values and those values taught me to go out and earn a living.

I got tired of being broke, so I sat down and thought about it. I thought, “My name is Freddie, and what does America do when it’s broke? It makes its own money.” So I set out to make my own money. I just started doing it for myself, and I haven’t been broke since.

What sparked your interest in becoming an electrician?

Growing up, I always thought electricians were the smartest guys on earth; I still do. There is a joke that goes, “Jesus Christ was the carpenter, but God’s the electrician!”

Were you nervous at all about starting your own business?

The hardest thing for me starting my own business was getting investors, people to believe in me. They said I had a great idea, but they wouldn’t invest in me. I do everything with my own money, and I have to save up.

I’m still nervous every day, every day when I wake up. Even though I have about 2,000 customers, I wake up thinking, “Am I going to get another

customer today?”

But I’m thanking God every day. My mother and I came to America from Puerto Rico when I was 9. She had $20 in her pocket when she came here and she lived the American Dream. She made it.

She learned how to work; she was on assistance at first, but was taught how to work as an operator. She hasn’t been poor since then! As a single parent, she never gave up and she instilled in me to not give up. I’m just trying to follow in her footsteps. She’s a fighter, and I’ve got that spirit to just keep on going.

What do you enjoy about your work?

Everything! I’m meeting people, helping people. I’m a trouble-shooter, so I’m always shooting trouble! I’m always finding it, and I know how to solve problems; that’s what I’m good at, and I really enjoy this. And I have freedom, freedom from being told what to do!

How would you describe yourself as a boss?

I’m laid back. I’ll let them do their own thing because I know I like to do my own thing. I just lay it out, and tell them what I need and let them run, and they run.

In business school, I was taught to lead in the front, to lead by example, and if they need help, go in the middle and encourage, but never take charge of them and never take over. Also, never embarrass them; I don’t like being embarrassed and I don’t like yelling at people. [Even if there is a problem] I still get the job done on time.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out?

Make sure you have a good solid background education-wise; you’re going to need it. You can’t just survive on what you know, you also have to know about management. I’ve worked big jobs that could have left me bankrupt [had I not known how to manage the money].

You seem grateful for your education.

I grew up with a learning disability – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. I had a hard time focusing on things. I learned to use that though and that I could fix it myself without using medication by focusing. I keep a [Star Wars] Yoda keychain on me – as in, “Focus on the Jedi!” I keep him on me, and that helps me to remember to focus and overcome my disorder.

When I was a kid, a teacher told me that I would never be successful because I couldn’t speak English; now, looking around, everyone has to speak Spanish!

He held me back in the seventh grade to reinforce what he said to me. It was a crushing blow, but that motivated me. I told him that I would never be poor and that I would be successful. That has been my real motivator, anyone who has told me that I wasn’t going to be somebody.

Have you ever looked that teacher up to let him know his theory has been disproved?

No, but I will! I never forgot his name.

I imagine your mom is pretty proud of you!

So far she is, but you know how parents are, she worries! When you’re an adult, you’re on your own. She probably

(972) 202-5000

www.southernfastening.com

®

DFW 972-202-5000 Houston 713-688-3781 Austin 512-248-9005 San Antonio 210-481-1313 Valley 956-682-0402

Freddie Lopez believes in the American Dream so much, it’s part of his company’s unique name.

wanted me to just get a job, but that’s not me; that will never be me.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

Sleep! I go to bed at 11 o’clock and get up at 5, although I hope that’s just for now. That’s all I care about, unless I’m at my friend’s ranch in Grand Prairie, and riding my horse, Oliver North.

Oliver North! I don’t know if I’ve ever heard of a horse being named after a former U.S. Marines Corp. lieutenant colonel! What’s the story behind that?

Oliver North was a man who stood up for what he believed in! He sacrificed it all. I’ve always admired Oliver North – him and Reagan.

Who else do you look up to?

I look up to people who have made it that came out of nowhere to be successful.

One person that really inspired me all of my life was Condoleezza Rice. I used to be a troublemaker and used to fight all of the time but then I read something she said, which was that she couldn’t control what people said about her, but she could control how she reacted to it. It taught me that I’m in control of my own destiny. Ever since then, my entire life has changed.

Warren Buffet is another inspiration; anything he picks from the stocks, he’s successful at. He can do anything! I love Ross Perot, he’s a no-holds barred kind of guy. And, I love Donald Trump. He doesn’t have respect for anyone, but I love that guy. I have Donald Trump

power ties. I don’t get to wear them but I do have them!

I know about all of the presidents; I really enjoy history. And a motto that gets me through tough times is from Winston Churchill about never giving up.

I heard that one time and it stuck with me forever.

If you had the time to do more besides working and sleeping, what would you do?

I like scuba diving. I’m a dive master with University Scuba International. I’ve been to Turkey and Cozumel, which has some of the best diving, beautiful reefs and sharks.

I would like to travel to the parts of Europe I haven’t seen; I’ve been to Belgium, France, London and I want to go to Switzerland next. I also want to go to the Ukraine; there is a beautiful dive site there with underwater submarines. I read about it in John Grisham novels.

What professional and personal dreams do you have?

I’d like to be a 50-man operation.

Since I like trouble-shooting, I’m trying to find guys who like trouble-shooting. One step at a time!

I’m also single, so …

And, I’d like to have my own ranch right here in Texas … and not work anymore! I’ll retire doing this; I won’t work for anyone else except the customer.

Based in Grand Prairie, electrical contractor freddieamerica.com provides electrical installation and service for commercial construction projects throughout the Metroplex. –mjm

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Aug 2015

Page 5

Men on the move

DOG day

New ECAT officers L-R: Trooper Irving, secretary; John Frerich, president; Joe Ed Jenschke, vice president, stand in front of a quilt made by Dorothy Willemin, DONCO, Uvalde, that was auctioned off for the ECAT Scholarship Fund.

T

he Earthmoving Contractors Association of Texas (ECAT) held its 57th annual meeting Jul. 17-18 in Temple.

The meeting and conference included the annual skeet shooting contest, a tour of the Sandy Creek Power Station, educational programs and a banquet.

The 2015-16 officers elected were John Frerich, Mobile Crushing and Screening Inc., Rowena – president; Joe Ed Jenschke, Edmund Jenschke Inc., Kerrville – vice president; and Trooper Irving, JCN Construction LLC, Canyon Lake – secretary.

District directors elected were Dist. 1: Clint Cornell, Claude; Dist. 2: Marty Caston, Robert Lee; Dist. 3: Eddie Leatherwood, Dublin; Dist. 4: Bobby Watts, Decatur; Dist. 5: Ed Smith, Fairfield; Dist. 6: J.D. Godby, Clifton; Dist. 7: Galen Weber, Uvalde; Dist. 8: Tommy Watson, Cuero; Dist. 9: Clint Krause, New Braunfels; Dist. 10: Edwin Eckhardt, Fredericksburg; Dist. 11: John Puckett, Coleman; Dist. 12: Dennis Foerster, Giddings; and Director-at-Large: Chad Ottmers, Fredericksburg. –mh

D Skeet Shooting Grand Champion: J.D. Godby; Runner Up: Dave Sweenet, Fort Worth

Doug Barrilleaux, PE will lead the new Dallas office as president.

allas has a new Dog house. BIG RED DOG Engineering/Consulting, which employs more than 100 engineering professionals in Austin, Houston and San Antonio, has expanded its reach to North Texas with the establishment of a Dallas branch. The office, located at One Energy Square, 4925 Greenville Ave., Suite 1250, positions the company to serve clients in a booming Metroplex.

“We opened the firm in 2009, and now six years later we’re happy to have finally landed in Dallas,” CEO Will Schnier says. “It’s very gratifying to be in four major markets in Texas now. [Dallas] is the ninth largest market in the country and has an unbelievably high volume of construction activity and new construction starts, both in multi-family but also commercial construction, so it was natu-

ral for us to expand our footprint here.

Our business plan really has us being all throughout the state of Texas, so this was the next step for us.”

The new office will also have a new president, Doug Barrilleaux, PE, who recently joined the firm as a partner.

“I’m really excited about being a part of the BIG RED DOG team,” Barrilleaux says, adding that he plans to expand the Dallas team to a staff of ten by year’s end.

On Jul. 22, the company hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony, inviting clients and friends to tour BIG RED DOG’s newest location, meet the team and learn about the company that is one of Texas’ 50 fastest growing.

BIG RED DOG is a Texas-based civil and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineering firm. –mjm

L-R: Chad Ottmers received the Distinguished Service Award for his time as president 2013 to 2015 from John Frerich, new president.

Steve Barnett, regional manager for BITCO Insurance, accepted the Appreciation Award for BITCO.

Extra Papers?

Visit our Website at:

www.constructionnews.net Select “Rack Locations” for a complete list of all rack locations where newspapers can be picked up.

We do not mail additional newspapers.

If you would like a personal subscription ($35 per year, per city) select “Subscribe.”

Membership Award: Edwin Eckhardt

Big Red Dog Houston office president Bob Brown, CEO Will Schnier, PE and Austin office president Brad Lingvai, PE

Page 6

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Aug 2015

A contractor’s guide to construction R&D tax credits Michael Kuchar, CPA Doeren Mayhew Houston, TX

C

ontractors that provide design-build services using new and innovative construction techniques and enlist engineers and architects to provide construction services are most likely able to qualify for the research and experimentation tax credit (commonly referred to as the R&D tax credit).

Many activities required to design and construct a new building, or expand/ improve an existing structure, may meet the construction R&D tax credit requirements. Specifically, activities performed by the project architects, engineers and other design service consultants (including electrical contractors doing design work, HVAC fabricators, mechanical design, etc.) are mostly likely to qualify.

To maximize the benefits of any research performed during the construction of a building, it is critical to understand the design and engineering processes to identify potential qualifying activities. In most instances the delivery of architectural, engineering and certain design consulting services generally follow a standardized process that involves six phases.

Phase I – Conceptual Design

This first phase of the architectural/ engineering design process typically involves allocation of space (stacking and blocking), space planning, and assessment of available and required square footage.

In order to determine if and how the proposed site may accommodate the overall functional and nonfunctional elements required by the client (for example, placement of personnel and equipment), the architects/engineers will most likely need to complete qualifying activities to validate it meets the specific needs.

Phase II – Schematic Design This next phase typically involves exploring the general concept of the building. Several schemes will be designed, and the building owner will select one, generally resulting in these qualifying activities: • Consideration of several alternatives for development of the selected space.

• Determination of (on an overall basis) how each alternative may be constructed, given architectural and related principles.

Phase III – Design Development This portion of the architectural/ engineering process typically involves

expanding the selected design, including assessment of alternative materials and the cost of various options. Qualifying activities take place as the architect is called upon to resolve major design issues related to fitting the selected architectural scheme into a workable overall plan.

Phase IV – Construction Documents Phase IV typically involves reducing the design concepts to precise drawings, which will be complete enough to allow permitting and final cost estimates. Since it represents indirect construction labor, this stage will typically only have qualifying credits if the drawing process reveals the need to reassess the design development.

Phase V – Construction Assistance with the actual construction process takes place during this phase, which represents direct and indirect construction labor. In most cases you would not have qualifying construction R&D activities unless rework or change orders require the design from the development stage be reassessed.

Phase VI – Commissioning/Testing

This final phase of the architectural/ engineering process typically involves certification that the structure has been assembled successfully. Due to this phase being related to the quality control process, the only instance in which qualifying activities may occur would be if testing identifies necessary rework, which in turn leads to reassessment of the initial design.

Cashing in on Construction R&D While the architects and engineers typically engage in some activities that might qualify as construction R&D, the extent varies. For this reason it is important to have your construction CPA perform a detailed analysis to mitigate any risk during an IRS exam.

Michael Kuchar, CPA, is a shareholder and leader of Doeren Mayhew’s dedicated Construction Group in Houston. A top 100 U.S. firm, Doeren Mayhew’s CPAs and business advisors serve more than 500 suppliers and general and specialty contractors doing business domestically and abroad. For more information, visit www.doeren.com.

Construction ergonomics Mark Gaskamp, CSP, CRM, CIC, CPCU, ALCM Managing Director Wortham LLC Austin TX

W

hat is the leading cause of lost time accidents in construction? The answer is lifting and material handling.

In fact, over 1/3 of all lost time injuries in construction are associated with strains/overexertion. Yet there is nothing within OSHA 1926 that addresses strain or ergonomic injuries. Because there is no specific OSHA requirement, many organizations fail to address this critical worker safety/ injury risk in the workplace.

Back and shoulder injuries are also the driving force behind most workers compensation experience modifiers. One or two bad backs can ruin an experience modifier for the next four years, costing thousands of dollars in increased workers compensation premiums.

Construction is hard work and requires physical effort to get the job done, so should we just throw up our hands and say, that is just part of the business? No, there are specific things that can be done to reduce the risk of strains and material handling injuries. So what can you do to control these types of injuries?

A good start is to follow the guidelines outlined in the ANSI A10.40Reduction of Musculoskeletal Problems in Construction. This consensus standard offers a process for addressing “musculoskeletal problems” from identification to injury management. For more information on the ANSI standard you may obtain a copy at http:// webstore.ansi.org.

Below are industry best practices that have helped reduce the risk for ergonomic injuries.

Identify High Risk Tasks: Many organizations have had great success implementing JSA’s (Job Safety Analysis) to identify and address safety issues for specific job tasks. The question is have these been looked at from an ergonomic perspective? A job analysis should be completed for jobs that inherently create the potential for strain injury. Taking a little bit of time to look at the jobs and step back and analyze them can pay big dividends. If you have a safety committee in place, this can be a great project to add value to the company’s bottom line.

Identify Safe & Unsafe Work Practices: A recent study showed that over 60% of the worker injuries do not have a specific OSHA standard which applies to the source of the accident.

Does your job site inspection checklist only include OSHA standards? If so, you

are missing over half your accidents. For ergonomics it is imperative to add “unsafe material handling behaviors” to your job site inspection checklists.

Individual accountability: Just like any other safety initiative, workers must be held accountable for poor behaviors.

If workers fail to use proper lifting techniques or specific material handling requirements it is imperative that supervisors counsel them just like any other safety violation.

Employee involvement & capabilities: Making sure employees are fit for work can help avoid muscle strain. Many organizations have found success in implementing simple stretches prior to the work shift (at the tool box meeting is a great idea). Some of you may be visualizing your job site foreman instructing calisthenics on the job site at 6am, although that might not be a bad idea. Providing simple stretches, for upper extremities, back, and hamstrings can provide good blood circulation and prepare the muscles for their shift. One other benefit from a claim perspective, especially the “Monday morning claims,” is supervised stretching. This can identify off the job injuries before the shift starts.

Accident review: In my experience, the worst accident investigations are those for material handling injuries.

Why? Because it’s hard, and it takes time to determine what exactly caused the injury. Many times there is not a specific event as is the case for a fall, burn, cut or many other incidents. But I can assure you, without investigating the exact cause and evaluating what steps that can be taken to prevent reoccurrence, it will happen again.

Injury management: Lastly, if you are not already part of the claim and injury management process, become engaged. It is imperative that opportunities to return to work are identified to reduce lost time claims and indemnity payments for injured workers.

The recent experience modifier calculation changes make this even more important from a financial standpoint.

Mark Gaskamp is a managing director for Wortham Insurance & Risk Management in Austin. For more information contact Mark at (512) 532-1536 or mark.gaskamp@ worthaminsurance.com or visit www. worthaminsurance.com

Drawing board

L-R: Matthew Hinson managed projects for EMJ Corporation, Structure Tone Southwest and Gilbane Building Company before founding Rollout Inc., a Cloud-based drawing management software company serving construction and engineering markets. On Jul. 9, Hinson, product developer James Wagner and co-founder Alejandro Jacobo introduced the award-winning product to Regional Hispanic Contractors Association members. –mjm

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Aug 2015

Page 7

OSHA delays enforcement of new Confined Space Rule for construction

Sine Die: The 84th Texas Legislative session West W. Winter, Partner McNelis + Winter, PLLC San Antonio, TX “This building fires the heart and excites the reflections in the minds of all…the architecture of a civilization is its most enduring feature, and by this structure shall Texas transmit herself to posterity…” Temple Houston at the dedication of the Texas State Capitol.

I

had the honor and privilege, in connection with my service as a member of the governmental affairs committee of the South Texas chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, to participate in the ABC–Texas Legislative Day at the State Capitol in Austin. This was a fantastic experience for me and a personal way to participate in our legislative process on behalf of Texas contractors. I can say without a doubt that we in the construction industry are extremely well represented by the people and efforts of the ABC and other pro-construction organizations.

The following legislative issues were identified as beneficial to Texas builders and contractors and worthy of support going into the 84th legislative session which ended on June 1, 2015: Neutrality in State Government Contracting: Legislation to require neutrality in bidding and awarding construction contracts by preventing governmental entities from requiring the use of project labor agreements for projects that use state resources.

Retainage/Trust Fund: Legislation assuring that statutory retainage requirements be enforced and that statutory retainage become construction trust funds to secure payment to contractors and subcontractors.

Lender Notice: Legislation requiring lenders to notify those performing work on a project that the funding for the project has ceased.

Criteria for ADS Scoring: Legislation requiring consistency and transparency when alternative delivery systems are used.

Taxes - Franchise and School Finance: Legislation which reduces, phases-out or repeals the Franchise tax and prevents or minimizes additional taxes on the construction industry.

State Breach of Contract: Legislation providing for consistent waiver of sovereign immunity for construction contracts with all governmental entities in Texas.

Worker Misclassification: Legislation which increases penalties for knowingly and flagrantly misclassifying employees, but protecting contractors from being penalized for the hiring decisions of others, good faith mistakes and arbitrary agency decisions.

In a win for all business, House Bill 32 reduced the franchise tax rate by 25 percent. While no other legislation was ultimately passed which specifically addressed the above priorities for a myriad of reasons, the ball was moved forward for the construction industry, and we are not presently aware of any legislation that adversely impacted our industry in a significant way. This is a positive given that more than 6,000 bills were filed in the Texas House and Senate combined. Also, most of these priorities will be teed up for the 85th legislative session in 2017. At that time, it is likely that lien law reform will also be a top priority for many groups.

Some Other Bills of Interest Construction Funding: Significantly, the Legislature approved approximately $4.5 billion in construction funding, including $1.5 billion in general appropriations (HB 1) and $3 billion in higher education construction to be funded through tuition revenue bonds (HB 100).

Condo Defect Claims: House Bill 1455 adds provisions to the Texas Property Code relating to prerequisites for filing suit or initiating arbitration proceedings for defect or design claims by owners of condominiums with eight or more units.

Open Carry: Although open carry is not a construction issue, it is an issue which received a great deal of media attention.

House Bill 910 allows, subject to the many requirements, regulations, and restrictions contained within the legislation, those licensed to carry a concealed handgun to carry handguns openly in holsters worn either on a belt or over the shoulder. With the passage of this legislation, Texas reportedly joins 44 other states that also allow some form of open carry. The open carry legislation will become effective Jan. 1, 2016, and it is important that all employers become aware of the implications of the new law.

Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

T

he U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today announced a 60day temporary enforcement policy of its Confined Spaces in Construction standard, which becomes effective Aug. 3, 2015. The agency is postponing full enforcement of the new standard to Oct. 2, 2015, in response to requests for additional time to train and acquire the equipment necessary to comply with the new standard.

During this 60-day temporary enforcement period, OSHA will not issue citations to employers who make good faith efforts to comply with the new standard. Employers must be in compliance with either the training requirements of the new standard* or the previous standard. Employers who fail to train their employees consistent with either of these two standards will be cited.

Factors that indicate employers are making good faith efforts to comply include: scheduling training for employees as required by the new standard; ordering the equipment necessary to comply with the new standard; and taking alternative measures to educate and protect employees from confined space hazards.

OSHA issued the Confined Spaces in Construction final rule on May 4, 2015.

The rule provides construction workers with protections similar to those manufacturing and general industry workers have, with some differences tailored to the construction industry. These include

requirements to ensure that multiple employers share vital safety information and to continuously monitor hazards – a safety option made possible by technological advances after the manufacturing and general industry standards were created.

OSHA requires a competent person evaluate and identify confined spaces on the job site.

The rule makes the controlling contractor, rather than the host employer, the primary point of contact for information about permit spaces at the work site.

The host employer must provide information it has about permit spaces at the work site to the controlling contractor, who then passes it on to the employers whose employees will enter the spaces (entry employers). Likewise, entry employers must give the controlling contractor information about their entry program and hazards they encounter in the space, and the controlling contractor passes that information on to other entry employers and back to the host. As mentioned above, the controlling contractor is also responsible for making sure employers outside a space know not to create hazards in the space, and that entry employers working in a space at the same time do not create hazards for one another’s workers.

OSHA estimates the confined spaces rule could protect nearly 800 construction workers a year from serious injuries and reduce life-threatening hazards. natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232

Submitted to Construction News

Brew crew

West W. Winter is a partner at McNelis + Winter, PLLC. A LEED Green Associate, West serves on the board of the Construction Law Section of the San Antonio Bar Association and has been listed as one of the Best Lawyers in San Antonio for Construction Litigation. West can be reached via email: west@ mcneliswinter.com.

Construction News ON LOCATION

Second-generation service L-R: Underground Products of Texas’ Chris Dunn, the National Utility Contractors Association’s Deana Butorac, Frost’s Jill McKean, Vermeer’s Kelli Meyer, Romco’s Matt Chapman and U.S. Shoring’s Chad Pendley cooled down with some cold ones at Grapevine’s Brickhouse Tavern and Tap on July 16. The happy hour was NUCA North Texas chapter’s last until November. Bartender, can they have another? –mjm

Helping Dad out! Chris Aleman co-owns Aleman Excavation Services LLC with his dad, Paul Aleman, who established the Dallas company in 1966 “before I was even born!” Chris jokes. –mjm

Page 8

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Aug 2015

Leagues of fun

Dinners and a show

TXFSCA members have fun at the golf tournament .

L-R: John and San Juana Tezel, Tezel & Cotter, San Antonio, and Jim Reynolds, MCA Texas, Austin, attended the MCA Texas 2015 annual conference.

F

ire protection contractors from across the state played golf and went fishing at the Skins & Fins Tournament held at South Shore Harbour Resort in League City in June.

Folks also attended continued edu-

cation classes, a table top vendor show, a buffet style dinner and a pool party.

The Fire Sprinklers Contractors Association of Texas (TXFCA) hosted the event. –ab

T

he Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) of Texas held its 2015 annual Conference & Products Show Jul. 8-12 at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa in Bastrop. The event hosted 332 attendees from across the state.

Speakers at the event included Tom Stone, MCA of America president-elect, and Dr. Linda Talley on nonverbal communications and behaviors. The conference offered educational programs such as a construction technology forecast, minority participations in Texas construction, and an economic outlook for Texas and the U.S. In addition to the annual products and services show, attendees enjoyed a golf tournament, dinner and dessert parties, a casino night, an awards luncheon, and a closing dinner reception complete with entertainment by magician Billy Riggs. –mh Caddy was one of many vendors exhibiting at the product show.

Attendees stay up to date in their industry at a continuing education class.

TACCA comes back

T

H Location Dallas/Fort. Worth H Location Austin H Location Houston H Location San Antonio South Texas H Location Publishing the Industry’s News . . .

TEXAS Style

Home Office (210) 308-5800 www.constructionnews.net

he Lone Star State’s Air Conditioning Contractors Association (ACCA) is now an independent entity again.

ACCA Texas reclaimed its previous name, Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association (TACCA) as of Apr. 1.

Well known as TACCA since its founding in 1969, the state entity changed its name to ACCA Texas in 2000 when ACCA National brought chapters into affiliation under a federated structure from the top down starting with the national office, according to Todd McAllister, TACCA executive director.

Since the chapters were affiliated at the national, state and local level, members were required to pay dues to all three entities. Earlier this year, ACCA made the decision at the national level to forego federation. Now, TACCA is separate from ACCA, and though McAllister says they still encourage members to join ACCA on the national level also, national membership is no longer required. Members will only have to pay dues to their local chapter and the overseeing state entity, TACCA. Though the name and logo have changed, McAllister and David Mathews, TACCA president, assure members that the local and state levels will continue with business as usual, offering the same services and hosting the same events as always. The 10 chapters that comprised ACCA Texas also remain the same under TACCA. Those chapters include Abilene, Austin, Coastal Bend, Greater Houston, High Plains, North Texas, Rio Grande Valley, Greater San Antonio, South Plains and Waco.

In the 15 years under the name ACCA Texas and McAllister’s tenure as the state association’s executive director, he explains that the disaffiliation from national came about because everything about association business models and the way

David Mathews, president of TACCA

a nonprofit trade organization operates have changed. Mathews adds that national did the billing for all the state and local chapters, which was approximated to require about 400 different billing structures for dues across the country.

The change will allow the TACCA board of directors to run the organization with autonomy. The only difference was that they had to adjust the dues structures for the local and state levels.

The new organizational structure will benefit smaller contractors in the HVAC industry, as Mathews recalls that several small contractors could not afford to pay dues to all three levels of the association and subsequently left ACCA. McAllister observes that since returning to the familiar TACCA name, they’ve seen several small contractors come back.

Mathews notes, “I think it’s a positive adjustment for contractors throughout the state, and I think it’s going to be a really good thing for us.” –mh

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Aug 2015

Page 9

Preparing for Summer Heat

by Capt. Steve Schultz Sponsored by: Premier Yamaha Boating Center, Majek Boats, E-Z Bel Construction, Power Pole Shallow Water Anchor, Aggregate Haulers, ForEverlast ­­­ Hunting and Fishing Products and Columbia Sportswear.

T

he heart of the summer has arrived and heat will become a factor on the water for both fish and anglers. You can expect 95- to 100-degree days for the next month, so staying cool and hydrated will be your main concerns. Drink plenty of fluids and steer clear of beer and alcoholic beverages while in the heat.

Let’s move on to what you can expect the fishing to be like for the month of August. We will continue to work the areas in the Upper Lagoon south of the JFK Causeway to Baffin Bay. This stretch of the bay is still producing good boxes of trout and reds along grass edges and sand pockets with croakers and piggys. The key to catching these fish is to stay on the move. With the water clarity being so clear, you’re not going to

Debbie Morris of San Antonio caught this 27” redfish last month south of Baffin Bay on live croaker fishing with Capt. Steve Schultz.

catch as many fish in one spot as you would if it was a bit more off-color. Fish seem to be a little more comfortable in dingy water because they can’t see you and your boat. Another benefit to a successful fishing trip is to get an early start. Low light conditions have proven to be key factors in getting a good start to your day, not to mention fishing some of the more popular spots before

STEVE SCHULTZ OUTDOORS, LLC BAFFIN BAY –– LAGUNA MADRE –– LAND CUT SPECKLED TROUT –– REDFISH –– FLOUNDER FISHING AND HUNTING TRIPS

(361) 813-3716 (361) 334-3105 www.baffinbaycharters.com steveschultzoutdoors@gmail.com U.S. Coast Guard & Texas Parks and Wildlife Licensed

boat traffic scatters the fish in the area. Use cloudy days to your advantage when planning your next move. I’m always thinking ahead for my next move. Study the area while the sun is bright and make sure you’re going to be set up correctly. If you try to move while a cloud is blocking the sun, you’re probably not going to be in the right spot, therefore having to move again and fouling up the area.

Moving on further south, the Baffin Bay complex is still producing some good fish. The deeper rocks seem to be the most popular spots with water temperatures nearing 87-88 degrees by mid-day. Wade fishing can be very effective early mornings and late evenings in the shallower areas of east Kleberg and Starvation point.

Another area not to be overlooked is the Badlands at the mouth of the bay. Shallow grass beds and scattered rocks have been producing both reds and trout on live croakers. Over the past several weeks I have drifted this area late in the day and it has paid off for me. Most of the boats have cleared out by noon and that seems to be the key to catching fish in this area.

For those not willing to brave the rocks in Baffin Bay, there are other areas closer to the JFK which can be very productive. North of the bridge before entering Corpus Christi Bay is the Boat Hole. This area holds large numbers of schooling fish coming in from the Gulf through Packery Channel. Specks are sure to be found in the deeper waters near the Naval Air Station and redfish can be chased over the flats under the power lines. Just a few miles into Corpus Christi Bay is another prime habitat for the above species. Shamrock Cove is another popular fishing area offering protection against high winds and heavy boat traffic. It’s a great area to fish out of a kayak if you don’t own a boat. This pristine fishery can be accessed off Hwy. 361 across from the Twin Tower Condo’s. Trophy trout and redfish have been caught in this bay system throughout the summer.

To schedule your next bay fishing trip give Capt.

Steve Schultz a call at 361-813-3716 or 361-334-3105 or e-mail him at SteveSchultzOutdoors@gmail.com Good luck and Good Fishing.

Have an outdoor photo or story you’d like to share?

Send to:

DFWeditor@ConstructionNews.net or call Melissa at 817.731.4823

Page 10

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Aug 2015

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 radio on Saturday and Sunday mornings, 6-8 AM on AM 1300, The Zone – Austin, or http://www.am1300the zone.com

At Last . . . . just like that old sweet song from Etta James!

It finally rained a good flood on North Central Texas, the Lake Buchanan watershed! Back about Memorial Day, most of the serious flooding missed our watershed, but we did get enough to soak the parched earth and bring up our lake level eight feet. The most recent flooding happened so far north of Lake Buchanan that we hardly received a drop of rain, but we could see the tall clouds and radar showed a train of heavy showers that just went on and on. This time, after a few days to run downstream to us, Lake Buchanan came up another 10 feet.

That’s 18 feet in the last few weeks! Only a dozen more feet would see us about full for the first time since 2007.

It is a magical thing when a parched lake and riverbed see the return of water.

The first sign of returning lake life is the singing of the frogs. Somehow at just the very hint of impending moisture the lake bed turns to a loud symphony of little froggy voices as they spread the word that good times are coming and they are

looking for a mate. You can’t believe how many there are all of a sudden and you wonder where they’ve been hiding.

Next, in just the first inch or two of water, you see the minnows scurrying along through the flooded weeds. The river has been awfully shallow and a quarter mile away from the new shoreline, but somehow they are coming back home in droves!

Right behind the minnows come the herons. Great blue herons, green herons, Louisiana herons and night herons start scouting the returning coves and skirting the new shorelines. Many of these have been nesting out in the cattails and driftwood stacks in the river and have babies to feed. They don’t waste any time chowing down on whatever frogs and snakes are handy and probably not passing up any waterlogged mice and rats that happen by.

By now the catfish have smooth round white bellies from all the grasshoppers and other insects that are going under, and the carp are shuffling around in the shallows for scraps.

By the next morning you can begin seeing shad flipping in the still water and the flashes of the gars chasing after them.

The water’s back. The full dinner table is set. Give the flood water a week or two to decay whatever needs it and settle back to being lake water and we will have an unrivaled fishery on Lake Buchanan!

The drought lasted so long that the new willow, cottonwood and sycamore trees had years to grow up to 20 or 30 feet tall. Even when the lake does fill completely up, there will still be thousands of acres of shady treetops above the surface. Now when you set off across the lake on the upper end of Buchanan you will see a labyrinth of trees and blue water that lead to the almost forgotten upper reaches of the lake and all the fishing and sightseeing beauty you can imagine, complete with all the waterfalls and wildlife we haven’t seen in years.

Lady Buck is back at last!

Before and after the rains came

Safari, so good

Garrett’s record-breaking waterbuck

Half or Full Day Fishing Trips All Bait, Tackle & Equipment Furnished Your catch Filleted and Bagged for You Furnish your TPWD Fishing License & Refreshments, and WE DO THE REST!

Ken Milam Guide Service (325) 379-2051 www.striperfever.com

B

uyers Barricades vice president Jason Garrett knew he might score some big game on his recent South African safari hunt, but he had no idea he would set a record.

In addition to the many exotic animals he nabbed at Ingwe Safaris, including blue wildebeest, blesbok, impala and gemsbok, Garret took down a whopper of a waterbuck, which has earned a spot in the Rowland Ward’s Records of Big Game book.

“The waterbuck was [shot on] the last hunt on the last day, and we had seen that waterbuck that morning but he was

a good mile off,” Garrett says. “Just our luck, we came across him that evening and I got him. We got up to him and Lieb [DuRann of Ingwe Safaris] just started going crazy and said ‘You just killed a waterbuck of a lifetime!’ The waterbuck’s horns that are in the record book start at 28 in., and the horns on mine were 32 in. long.

That was by far my favorite harvest.“ “It was a really good trip,” Garrett says. “My brother, who is five years younger than I am, and I had never taken an outing like that together, so for us to go and hunt together was just an incredible experience.” –mjm continued on Page 11

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Aug 2015

Page 11

Harley and him

T

exas AirSystems partner Rusty Vaughn, and his roaring red Harley are always up for an adventure. They found one in the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, a cross-country motorcycle trek starting in Carlsbad, CA and ending in Daytona Beach, FL. The ride brings together celebrities, ride sponsors, motorcycle enthusiasts and local Rusty Vaughn and his 2009 Orange Harley Road Glide communities to raise “It’s not every day you have the opmoney and awareness for Victory Junc- tion, a camp for children with chronic or portunity to literally start on the Pacific life-threatening illnesses. Along the more Coast and ride to the Atlantic Coast, while than 2,800 mile route, Vaughn took in raising money for a worthwhile charity, breathtaking views in AZ, NM, TX, and LA, The Victory Junction Gang Camp, as met interesting characters, posed with a well!” Vaughn says. –mjm few celebrities and made a difference.

Just a regular pit stop for the riders.

continued from Page 10 — Safari, so good

Blue wildebeest

Blesbok

Vaughn and pro athlete Herschel Walker support the cause.

Vaughn and former NASCAR driver Richard Petty

Page 12

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Aug 2015

What was your first job?

I was born and raised on a dairy farm, so that was a lot more work; we used to milk about 240 head of cattle twice a day. But my first real job was when I washed cars at my uncle’s dealership when I was a sophomore in high school. It was an okay job. It was great to do that after school, have a little extra spending money. If anything, it helped me appreciate and keep my vehicles extra clean now; my wife always tells me that I’m really picky about our vehicles! Maybe I learned something back then and didn’t even realize it until now!

Kevin Rowland, BETCO Scaffolds My first job was working in the cafeteria at the local high school during the lunch hours. I was a student version of a lunch lady for breakfast and lunch! It was nice because back then minimum wage was $5.15 an hour, and I only worked eight hours a week, so it was nice to have a little bit of money in my pocket at 14 years old when you can’t really get a real job yet.

There were challenges – obviously there were jokes that came with it – but my friends did get a slightly larger handful of French fries! It was a good experience, and it instilled a lot of work ethic in me.

Ray Shaffer, EyeSite Surveillance Inc. My first job was delivering furniture for a friend’s dad who owned a furniture store.

I started working for him when I was 15 or 16 years old. It taught me to work hard!

Chuck Hubbard, Graybar My first job was when I think I was 13. I lived out in the country around Lubbock, and we had farms all around us. For a summer job, I worked for the guy that farmed the field next to us. I sprayed weeds for a summer.

My dad made sure that every summer I had a job lined up and that it was a hard, sweaty job, moving furniture or installing garage doors. He always had a friend that needed help during the summers.

David Huval, National Roofing Partners I worked at a golf course; I was in charge of the golf barn! I washed the golf carts, cleaned them, found the leftover beer in the cart and drank it …

Jeff Schuessler, Site Barricades I stocked groceries at a local grocery store. It was fun; I grew up in a really small town so everyone I knew, my friends, their parents and the people I grew up with, came in. It was minimum wage, since we were all 16 years old.

Lando Peña-Alfaro, Urban Structure I worked in a Mexican restaurant in Ohio. I actually worked under the table and I got paid $5 an hour to do dishes. I was working with some guys who were “troubled teens” and I was being paid more than they were, and they didn’t like that. They ribbed me a lot, but it was still fun. It was fun to have my own money as a teenager and be able to split it with my younger brother so that we could go to the movies and buy junk food.

We were able to do things a lot of teenagers weren’t able to do because I had a little money, which was pretty cool.

Leslie Seaton, Acme Brick When I was 14, I worked as a warehouse helper for Schaeffer Oil. I learned how to drive a forklift, and it was actually a lot of fun for a summer job. I basically worked the warehouse and made sure everything was organized as far as the drums of oil that got put on the truck for delivery. It was a great job.

Wes Dickinson, TimberBlindMetroShade I worked at a supermarket by Lake Whitney when I was 15 or 16. I was unloading the truck at 5am and getting the truck’s stock put away before 7 then I would go to football practice. On Saturdays, I would sack groceries or whatever they needed.

Robert Shaw, Weldon Contractors

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Aug 2015

Page 13

Off to the races

Getting an Eye-ful

M

embers from both the Fort Worth and Dallas chapters of the Independent Electrical Contractors Association (IEC) were on the fast track for fun at Grand Prairie’s Lone Star Park. The group enjoyed dinner in the Silks dining room and a bit of betting on the ponies at the IEC’s annual Night at the Races event held Jul. 16. –mjm

Eastridge Workforce Solutions’ Scotti Johnson-Ramirez and James Logue

The EyeSite Surveillance Inc. team install cameras for the July 4th event.

Tutor Electrical Service Inc.’s Bobby and Diana Tutor

E

IEC training director Hank Strittmatter and wife Frann

L-R: Walker Engineering’s Mike McAdams, PCL Contract Bonding Agency’s Eric and Melissa Lesch, Angelique and Kevin Richardson of Kevco Electrical and Stephanie Patterson and Chris Gonzalez of Kevco Electrical

Sustainability showcase

yeSite Surveillance Inc.’s usual gig is supplying temporary security solutions for construction sites so that equipment or materials are protected from theft.

Once in a while, however, the company is hired to protect a different kind of site. Recently, the ESS team worked with the Flower Mound police department to secure Bakersfield Park, which was hosting a youth baseball tournament and a Fourth of July Festival with fireworks, a 38 Special concert, vendors, a car show and 20,000 guests.

Texas operations manager Ray Shaffer says ESS has some event experience but the advanced technology used for this one made it a “first.”

“With 20,000 people and 38 Special, the City of Flower Mound police department and special management team wanted to make sure they had the ability in the command center to help manage the crowd for the concert, as well as give them a different view of the areas of the park,” Shaffer says. “If there was an incident, they could see the cameras, respond to it, retrieve that video and use it in an investigation and prosecution if it came down to it.”

It took a three-man team several hours to set up the solar-powered Mobile

Surveillance Units (MSUs). One MSU included a pan-tilt zoom camera near the stage and the other MSU utilized four fixed cameras in the park. Data was transmitted to the parks and rec building across the street, where the police had their command center, officers and special management team. The team used a temporary point-to-multi-point wireless network to transmit the data from the cameras to the control center. A wireless network was used to allow log in and access to the cameras, where the live feed could be viewed on a projector screen.

The set-up was successful, but not without challenges. But the biggest was not the crowd – it was their cell phones, a problem not encountered on construction sites.

“The biggest challenge is making sure we’re able to transmit the signal from the equipment to a remote location without any interference,” Shaffer says.

“The normal way to go about this might be to use the cell network, but with 20,000 people the cell network gets bogged down and there is very little bandwidth available, so we had to come up with a creative way!”

EyeSite Surveillance Inc. in Irving offers temporary security solutions to construction contractors. –mjm

Submitted to Construction News

Hats off to her!

L-R: ACME Brick’s Leslie Seaton and Bautex Systems’ Wesley Thorpe

TimberBlindMetroShade’s Bianca DiPasquale and Wes Dickinson

re(Fresher) course on the current state of sustainable design and topics that have a local impact was held at the Addison Conference and Theater Center on Jul. 21. The annual “NTX Sustainable Showcase 2015: (re)Fresh & Local” was hosted by the U.S. Green Building Council’s North Texas chapter and the Dallas chapters of the American

Institute of Architects’ Committee on the Environment and the Construction Specifications Institute. Exhibitors showcased the latest in sustainable products and speakers, including keynote speaker Ron Rochon FAIA LEED AP of the Miller Hull Partnership, who educated attendees on sustainability issues. –mjm

A

Texas Specialties & Installation Inc.’s Randy West and Cindy Jones Steele & Freeman Inc.’s Dena Rowland (center with thumbs up) was elected director for the National Association of Women in Construction’s newly-formed South Central Region.

Rowland will be installed at NAWIC’s 60th annual Meeting and Education Conference in Nashville in September. She currently serves as NAWIC’s Fort Worth chapter president and will oversee 16 chapters in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana as director on the national board. –mjm

www.constructionnews.net Headwaters Construction Materials’ Manny Ramos and Dee Cassell

Page 14

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Aug 2015

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Aug 2015

Page 15

Service Providers Labor, immigration reform top issues Rob Cossaboon, Founder/CEO Skillforce, Inc. Bedford, TX

H

ow would you describe the state of the construction industry in general terms?

We are seeing a significant increase in commercial construction work all across the country. Many contractors are experiencing challenges with growth and labor is a significant part of that challenge.

What factors are causing this increase?

The increase is due to many factors, among the largest is an economic recovery. There has been a lot of money sitting on the sidelines, jobs that have been put on hold for years are beginning again, and the cheap cost of borrowing money is helping things along. Many contractors that were affected by the slowdown have tightened up their businesses and have improved their balance sheets, allowing for more contractors to gain vital bonding requirements as well as looser lending requirements.

How has this increase affected your company and how you conduct business?

The increase has brought many challenges, specifically finding enough skilled labor to meet the demands. Many workers left the construction industry during the recession and haven’t returned. This, along with the baby boomers continuing to retire and the next generation of workers shying away from construction, is going to continue to make the labor market tighten.

What are the “hot button” issues in your industry?

Certainly the labor shortages. Bonding remains an issue still for some.

What are the major changes in the industry in recent years relating to the type of work you do?

Again, the workforce challenges we are beginning to face. We have many jobs

Language barriers to safety training Rafael C. Llera, OHST Shorm Consulting San Antonio, TX

I

n the construction industry, receiving the proper safety training to take the proper safety precautions often can be the difference between life and death.

As an OSHA-authorized outreach instructor, Rafael C. Llera, Shorm Consulting, emphasizes the importance of training your employees in a language they can understand.

In 14 years of safety consulting and training, Llera has witnessed many ways language barriers impede safety training.

In Texas, workers mainly speak English or Spanish, or some degree of both. With a large population of native Spanishspeaking workers, Llera says that OSHA instructs employers to train employees in a language they can understand.

Many times, Llera has been called to do training in English because the foremen and superintendents know English. But when he arrives, he discovers that out of perhaps 30 students, more than half don’t understand or have difficulty following what he is saying.

When Llera informs the employer that they need to divide the class into two

classes, one in English and one in Spanish, he gets a lot of pushback.

He is sometimes told that the employees understand the basics or that the foremen can help expand their understanding in the field.

“That’s horrible, because when you’re teaching an employee how to use technical equipment like fall protection or when you’re talking about trench safety where there’s a lot of specific language, then the employee really does not understand what you’re trying to communicate,” explains Llera, noting that a lot of the training is very technical.

Technical training loaded with industry terms might not fall under a basic or even a fluent understanding of English. Llera adds that some of the workers have an understanding of English that is less than basic, and some don’t even understand any of the English language. And verbal lessons aren’t the only times when language barriers become a hindrance to training.

“Now, most times, the instructor will pull up a PowerPoint presentation,” he

that remain available in a country that continues to have tens of millions unemployed, which is frustrating. Also, the lack of immigration reform and the aforementioned politicizing of the issue only make the matter worse. Mike Rowe, a Maryland native, is one of many who are shedding light on the problem we face, and is trying in a non-partisan way to solve the issues.

What is the most significant challenge your industry faces?

Sorry to sound like a broken record, but the labor challenges are a serious problem, with no real solution. Immigration reform would do a lot to help solve it and help to fill skilled labor shortages.

Material costs for contractors continue to climb as well. Government services have helped many, but unfortunately, the unemployment numbers don’t represent the millions of people who have simply stopped looking for work and have run out of unemployment coverage. I believe the true unemployment rate is much higher, and given the millions of jobs that aren’t being filled, this is frustrating.

What are the cost increases relating to your industry?

As the labor market continues to tighten, some workers are demanding more money than what their skill set allows. We have seen competitors of Skillforce significantly overpay workers, which is the worst thing to do for every-

says. “Imagine yourself, sitting there as a Spanish speaker, and you’re having a very hard time understanding what this individual is saying. Now, he pulls up a visual with a lot of words that you cannot even read. Now, you’ve confused the employee even more.

“Another thing that I see consistently throughout my training is that we have [native Spanish speakers] that sit in an English class and are able to understand what is being said, but they are not able to read in English.

“That’s a big problem we face in our training, because employers will tell us that all 20 of them can understand English. I get to classroom and I start speaking to them in English and everybody’s good. But then, when I pull up the presentation or when I give them a handout in English or when I give them a test in English, they cannot comprehend that, because they understand it but they cannot read it.”

He continues to point out that this also means these workers cannot read labels or signs on the jobsite. If they cannot read the materials or if they are struggling to follow the instructor’s lesson, it also makes it hard for them to ask questions, express concerns or clarify any points on which they are confused.

All of this makes it harder for Llera to do his job, which is training them to be safe.

“You, as an instructor, have to be able to understand your audience and be able to recognize when you have a student that has a difficulty,” he says.

“Now imagine, as a student, you don’t want to ask a question, because you really don’t understand what you’re

one involved. Due to the seasonal nature of the business, contractors may sometimes overpay temporarily during peak times then cut those employees loose once things slow down.

How are you dealing with these challenges?

We continue to work tirelessly to recruit the best workers in the industry. We have teams of recruiters in our branches working to fill our clients’ labor needs every day through every source available.

What is on the horizon for your industry?

Skillforce continues to explore how technology can be used to improve our service to contractors.

What are the rewards of the industry?

Happy clients!

What are the keys to being successful in the industry?

Working hard every day to provide a labor force that will show up on time every day, work hard and exceed our clients’ expectations.

Skillforce Inc. provides skilled construction workers to commercial contractors on an as-needed basis. Skillforce covers all workers compensation insurance, payroll taxes, related HR responsibilities and manages hiring and dismissal of employees. –mjm

actually going to ask, or you don’t understand what is being said. So, you have that student sitting there for two, three, four hours, and when he leaves the classroom, he leaves with questions in his mind that no one answered for him.”

As a bilingual instructor, Llera also finds that people think he can train workers by switching back and forth between English and Spanish. While that might suffice for short periods of time such as “tailgate” safety meetings on the jobsite, Llera observes that this is impractical when workers are in a classroom for hours at a time. He explains that every time the instructor switches to the language that is not your native language, the brain automatically disconnects you from the training, and you are sitting there waiting until your instructor starts speaking your language again.

To help clients understand how we take such language barriers for granted, Llera asks them to imagine a scenario: perhaps they go to see a movie, and when it starts, the movie is in Japanese or Chinese with no subtitles. He asks people to imagine how this would make them feel, and he points out that this is the case when they do not understand the language in which training is given.

Rafael Llera does risk management and occupational health and safety for Shorm Consulting. He is also serving his second year on the Hispanic Contractors Association (HCA) de San Antonio Board of Directors. Llera also served on an emergency response group during 9/11, deployed to New York for hazardous materials recognition and removal. –mh

Page 16

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Aug 2015

Service Providers Training pays off in safety benefits for our instructors and finding trainers who have the experience and personality to train to the CTS expectations can be difficult. Being in South Texas, we also have a greater need for Spanish speaking instructors. Finding qualified, bi-lingual trainers can be difficult because they are in such high demand.

Lisa Marinkovic Certified Training & Safety Inc. Port Lavaca, TX

W

hat is your perspective about the state of the construction industry?

We have found the state of the construction industry to have been slow through the end of last year. We have seen a small increase over the first quarter of 2015 and it seems to be slowly picking up.

Our business is dependent upon the availability of the workers. When contractors demand training be done before access to a job site is granted, we get calls for ASAP training. Other companies are able to predict what training will be needed and call us when they have some down time.

have found we have more demand in the residential and service industries. We find more companies are able to project training needs, so we’re getting more calls for upcoming projects rather than immediate needs. This allows us to better schedule and service all our clients.

What factors are driving this slowdown?

Low oil prices and high shipping and material costs have contributed to an overall slowdown.

What are the major changes in the industry in recent years relating to the type of work you do?

Online training and blended learning have had an impact on the training industry. The availability of online training has given employers more flexibility as to how and when training is conducted. Rather than pulling an entire crew for a day of classroom training, they have the ability to continue work while completing required compliance topics.

What is on the horizon for your industry?

The demand for online or blended training is increasing. CTS has partnered with companies to develop interactive online training. Although we still feel instructor led training with classroom interaction lends itself to greater content retention, we understand that the younger generations feel much more comfortable using computers and are more receptive to this type of training. We are very excited to complete these courses and have them available for our clients.

As ordinances and laws change, so will training requirements. CTS is diligent about staying abreast of all these changes. We incorporate these into our programs, both instructor led and our materials for purchase, as the laws take effect.

How has this slowdown affected your company and how you conduct business?

We’ve had to refocus our efforts and

What is the most significant challenge your industry faces?

We have extremely high standards

What are the rewards of the industry?

At CTS, our conviction and the words we live by are “Training Saves Lives!” Our

Equipment rental continues to rise Tom Hubbell, Vice President of Marketing and Communications American Rental Association Moline, IL

E

quipment rental industry revenues in the United States have been growing at a high rate of speed over the last several years and that trend is expected to continue through 2019 and beyond.

The American Rental Association (ARA) latest quarterly forecast from its ARA Rental Market Monitor™ subscription service indicates total revenue growth of 7.9 percent in 2015, reaching $38.5 billion in the U.S., which includes all three industry segments – construction/industrial, general tool and party and event.

ARA’s current five-year forecast for the U.S. calls for steady growth of 7.2 percent in 2016, 8 percent in 2017, 7.9 percent in 2018 and 6.8 percent in 2019 to reach $51.3 billion.

The construction/industrial segment, combined with the general tool segment, lead the way in growth potential through 2019. Construction/industrial rental revenue in the U.S. is now forecast to increase 8.2 percent in 2015 to $25.9 billion, with general tool projected to grow 7.9 percent to $9.8 billion this year.

By 2019, construction/industrial rental revenues will generate $34.9 billion with general tool generating $13.5 billion.

“The strong economic growth trend we’ve seen over the past few years will continue. We track the equipment rental market in the U.S. and Canada on a quarterly basis via information from IHS Economics data. We continue to enhance

this service for our members to help them forecast rental revenue, make personnel decisions and obtain financing from their banks,” says Christine Wehrman, ARA executive vice president and CEO. There has also been significant growth in rental penetration for construction equipment and industrial rental customers. ARA’s Rental Penetration Index measures the proportion of the total fleet of construction machines that are owned by equipment rental companies. The index is value-based and uses original equipment cost as the primary weightlifting factor to calculate the ratio of rental.

The increase in equipment rental can be attributed to the many benefits that equipment rental has to offer and has created a shift in the way business is done. It has become understood that renting is a way to manage and operate a business, while helping them get their projects done in an efficient and economical manner.

Some of the most basic benefits of equipment rental for construction companies are: • Free up capital for other demands and a stronger balance sheet • Supplement your fleet with specific

goal is to get everyone home safe to their families every day. There is no greater reward.

What are keys to being successful in the industry?

As in any industry, honesty, integrity and a good work ethic are keys to success. Our clients are our number one priority. We understand that the construction industry does not run 9-5, and we make ourselves available to them at all times, via phone call, email or text. We genuinely believe in what we do and feel that it shows. Our clients know how passionate we are about their safety and they appreciate that. It creates loyalty and repeat business.

We listen to our clients and what they need. If they need a topic we do not provide, we will develop a program for them. We are regularly upgrading our credentials to keep up with industry requirements and customer requests.

Certified Training & Safety, Inc. was incorporated in 2009 and provides classroom instruction for PEC SafeLand/SafeGulf, OSHA, MSHA, heavy equipment (both operator and train-the-trainer), First Aid/CPR/ AED and HAZWOPER. The company also develops and produces OSHA compliant training materials for purchase to conduct in-house training. –cw

equipment, allowing you to compete for more jobs • Reduced workload on equipment, maintenance and upkeep • Equipment that meets regulatory specifications for all types of construction jobs Eliminate warehouse or storage demands

To help contractors and construction companies determine whether renting is the right decision, ARA suggests the following: Examine the cost of renting versus buying and consider the time value of money. Renting may be the better choice.

Estimate the time utilization of a piece of equipment. If you are not going to utilize the equipment, why pay to own it? Renting is a good solution.

If your jobs are varied and require special equipment, consider renting.

Finding equipment rental stores is easy by using the ARA’s online rental locator, RentalHQ.com. Visitors can enter the zip code where they need equipment and the type of equipment they are looking to rent to get a listing of area rental businesses that can meet their needs.

Equipment rental should be a part of your business decisions today and for the future.

NEXT MONTH September 2015

Support Your Industry’s Feature Issue

Green Building Trends 2015 Schedule

Jan: Construction Forecast Feb: Construction Safety Mar: Construction Education

Call for Ad Space Reservations

Apr: Women in Construction May: Concrete Industry Jun: HVAC & Plumbing

• • • •

San Antonio Austin • Houston Dallas/Fort Worth South Texas

July: Electrical Industry Aug: Service Providers Sep: Green Building Trends

(210) 308-5800

Oct: Specialty Contractors Nov: Architecture & Engineering Dec: Construction Equipment

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Aug 2015

Page 17

Association Calendar

Sub super bowl!

Content submitted by Associations to Construction News AIA - Dallas

NTRCA

American Institute of Architects

N. Tx Roofing Contractors Assn.

Aug. 13-14: METROCON15 Expo & Conference, Dallas Market Hall, 2200 Stemmons Freeway

Aug. 12: Mini Trade Show, 1010 Collins, Arlington, TX

ASCE - Dallas

National Utilities Contractors Assn.

American Society of Civil Engineers

Aug. 5: Topgolf, 3760 Blair Oaks Dr., The Colony, TX, 5pm

Aug. 10: Branch meeting, 11am

PDCA

American Subcontractors Association

Painting & Decorating Contractors of Amer.

Aug. 13: Schmooze & Mingle, Potter Concrete Aug. 21: Clay shoot, Alpine Shooting Range, 5482 Shelby Road, Fort Worth.

Aug. 27: Lunch meeting, Las Colinas Country Club

Aug. 13: Happy Hour sponsored by PPG

PMI – Fort Worth Project Mgmt. Institute

Aug. 20: Career Night, DFW Marriott South, 6pm

Drywall & Acoustical Contractors of D/FW

SCWCPA

Aug. 6: Annual Clay Shoot event, Dallas Gun Club

S. Central Wall, Ceiling & Plaster Assn.

IEC - Dallas

TGA-N. Tx Division

Aug. 20: Associate member lunch and trade show meeting, IEC Fort Worth

Texas Glass Association

Independent Electrical Contractors

Aug. 7: 3rd Annual TGA/NTD Clay Shoot, Dallas Gun Club, 3601 South Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville, 11am lunch and registration

Aug. 14: Clay shoot, Alpine Gun Range, 5482 Shelby Road, Fort Worth, 8am registration

Texas Society of Professional Engineers

NARI

Dallas Door & Supply Co. won first place.

Aug. 13: Clay shoot, Elm Fork Shooting Sports, Dallas

Independent Electrical Contractors

IEC - Fort Worth

Happens” ASA Bowling Tournament.

Held Jul. 16 at AMF Euless Lanes, it was a battle of the balls as the subcontractors tried to stay in their own lane. –mjm

NUCA

ASA North Texas

DACA

S

cores of members from the American Subcontractors Association’s North Texas chapter dressed in their bowling best to compete in the “Split

TSPE - Dallas Zubras Electric’s “Zebra Strikes”

Aug. 12: TSPE & TxDOT Ice Cream Social, 4777 E. Hwy. 80, Mesquite

Nat’l Assn. of the Remodeling Industry

Aug. 11: Monthly meeting, Morrison Supply, 1500 Dragon Street, Dallas, 6pm

NAWIC - Dallas Nat’l Assn. of Women in Construction

Aug. 17: Dinner meeting and 60th birthday celebration, MCM Elegante, 2330 W. Northwest Hwy., Dallas, 5pm

NAWIC - Fort Worth Nat’l Assn. of Women in Construction

Aug. 20: Business meeting, Colonial Country Club grounds, 3916 Mockingbird Ln., Fort Worth, 5:30pm

UMCA United Masonry Contractors Assn.

Aug. 5-7: TMC Convention, San Antonio.

Aug. 14: Clay shoot

USGBC - N. Tx U.S. Green Building Council

Aug. 13-14: METROCON15 Expo & Conference, Dallas Market Hall, 2200 Stemmons Freeway TDIndustries’ “Queen Pins”

Round-Up General contractor Rogers-O’Brien Construction has hired Derek Valz as General Counsel.

Valz will be responsible for overseeing the company’s compliance with legal, regulatory and ethical obligations and will negotiate contracts with owners, subcontractors and suppliers. Valz is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and received his Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law.

Brandon Patton has been promoted to regional manager of Bartlett Cocke General Contractor’s North Texas area. With the company for 14 years, he has held the positions of project manager and senior project manager in the Austin and San Antonio offices. Ten years ago, he became an employee-owner, and he will be returning to Dallas where the position is located. He earned his bachelor’s degree in construction science from Texas A&M University.

Johnson Controls Inc.’s “Johnson Cont-ROLLERS”

Richardson engineering and architecture consulting firm Halff Associates Inc. announces the addition of Ben Cernosek, PE. He has 29 years of municipal engineering experience serving the city of Dallas, will advise Halff on municipality issues.

Cernosek received his civil engineering degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

Ascension Group Architects in Arlington promoted three of its longtime executives: Jeff Sudman was Casey Carlton was David Watkins, named as associate. named associate who joined the firm Sudman, who principal. Carlton, seven years ago, joined Ascension 13 who joined Ascenwas named associyears ago as CAD sion nine years ago, ate principal. Watdraftsman and previously served kins, who holds a went on to become as project manager. bachelor’s degree in a project manager, Carlton earned a architecture from earned his master’s bachelor’s degree Texas Tech Universidegree in architecin architecture from ty in Lubbock, has ture from the University of Texas at Arthe University of Texas at Arlington. led renovations of hospitals nationwide. lington.

PARTNERS IN CONSTRUCTION. BONDED BY TRUST.

Building surety relationships for 30 years

(972) 459-4749 www.pclbonds.com

Page 18

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Aug 2015

Meeting the future leaders

T

he Texas Aggregates and Concrete Association (TACA) held its 61st annual meeting and summer conference Jun. 24-26 at La Cantera Hill Country Resort in San Antonio. The meeting included a TACPAC fundraiser, a past chairman’s banquet and an awards luncheon.

This year’s event broke the attendance record for the flagship summer conference with more than 475 attendees from across the state. Forty percent of TACA’s member companies are based in or have a presence in the Alamo City.

During the conference, TACA launched its inaugural Young Leadership Development program for industry members under 35 years old. Aimed at developing the next generation of industry leadership, the program included a local community involvement effort. Forty young leader program participants volunteered more than 120 hours to move more than 1,500 pounds of dirt to repair a hiking trail in Eisenhower Park that had been damaged during the recent floods. –mh Awards: Best Plant: Ready Mix A: Argos USA, Holmes Road Plant Aggregate A: Vulcan Materials Company, Mico Quarry High Strength Concrete Competition Plant Mix 1st: Vulcan Materials Company (17,910 psi) 2nd: Ingram Concrete (16,060 psi) 3rd: Redi-Mix Concrete (15,997 psi) Laboratory Mix 1st: Vulcan Materials Company (17,903 psi) 2nd: Redi-Mix Concrete (16,387 psi) 3rd: Argos USA-Dallas (15,143 psi) Production Employee of the Year: Pat Gavis, Batch Supervisor, Argos USA Truck Driver of the Year: Lawrence Bible, Argos USA

in

One of TACA’s highest honors is the Bob R. Beard Good Neighbor Award, which was presented to Sherry Moore, who has worked for TACA for 25 years, at the 61st annual meeting.

Photos by Tim Mummey HOLCIM (US) Inc.

continued from Page 1 — Marking a milestone our talented team members and their unwavering commitment to exceeding our clients’ needs.”

The company, which promotes a fun and philanthropic culture with events throughout the year, is pulling out all of the stops to celebrate the past three decades.

“To commemorate our 30th anniversary, we’ve released a celebratory logo and created a “30-for-30” campaign,” Hodges says. “We’re engaging in community partnerships throughout the year by sponsoring, supporting and participating in a wide variety of charitable programs throughout Texas. Our commitment to making a difference in the lives of our people, customers and community is based upon the belief that service is an essential part of good corporate citizenship.”

continued from Page 1 — Cause for celebrations Texas branches in Austin, Conroe, Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Frisco, Georgetown, Grand Prairie Houston, McAllen, Midland, San Antonio and, most recently, Oklahoma City and Shreveport.

The firm’s most notable area projects include Dallas’ White Rock Lake dam and spillway reconstruction and trail expansion, the Central Expressway reconstruction, the American Airlines Center and Alliance Airport.

“Those marks of Halff Associates are all over [the state], and we’re continuing to try to grow that into other parts of Texas and beyond,” Kunz says.

A celebration is being planned to

Sean Tyler, a student at Texas A&M University in College Station, was awarded the TACA Scholarship for $2,500 at the summer conference.

CONSTRUCTION NEWS is the

Send your Stories and Photos to your city editor San Antonio: SAeditor@ConstructionNews.net DFW: DFWeditor@ConstructionNews.net Austin: AustinEditor@ConstructionNews.net S.Tx: STeditor@ConstructionNews.net Houston: HoustonEditor@ConstructionNews.net

“I’m proud to be a part of a company with a respected history and value structure,” Hodges says. “From the very beginning, we’ve understood that high ethical standards are critical to the creation of a great company. The mantra of “Do the Right Thing” is incorporated into our core values of relentless service, honesty, respect, integrity and responsibility. I believe that our success in our first 30 years is born from these values and will continue to be the driving force into our future. Our continuous innovation will help us to grow, serving our clients and community over the next 30 years.”

Cadence McShane Construction is a provider of general construction, construction management and design/build construction services for the educational, healthcare, industrial, office, government, mixed-use and multi-family markets. –mjm

honor those marks that Dr. Halff and his company have made over the years.

“It’s a significant year for us because it would be his 100th year birthday and it’s also his 65th year anniversary,” Kunz says. “So our plan, when we get to his birthday on Aug. 20, is to do a little something special internally within the company. We’ll have a lunch for our employees, celebrate the history of the firm, remember Dr. Halff and talk about his entrepreneurial spirit that made us who we are.”

Halff Associates Inc. is a regional consulting firm providing full-service engineering, architecture and related services. –mjm

continued from Page 1 — Parking where planted team utilized an innovative technique to waterproof the tunnel. This included a weldable membrane expoxied between rib beams. Sunbelt Building Services performed the waterproofing work.

To save time, basement walls were formed and poured at the same time as the tunnel boring, while garage components were precast off-site. Once the basement exterior walls were ready, the hybrid garage structure was dropped into place and the concrete decks were poured one level at a time – a time-saving measure compared to a conventional poured-in-place parking garage.

Meanwhile, limited access to the back of the garage was complicating matters. Three sides of the garage were constructed along a zero property line and the garage was located along an always-open residential street, which inhibited staging. To overcome this, the team used just-in-time deliveries of the hybrid framing system components. This was crucial since the garage had a precast skin, which would not be obtainable without using the hybrid system.

The team also had to be mindful that the owner and architect did not want exposed electrical conduit running through the garage’s interior. To shield nearly all conduit from view, it was encompassed in the concrete slabs, concrete walls and concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls throughout the garage. Conduit was run through the precast columns and panels making up the garage’s structure. The team spent extensive time upfront coordinating the location of the conduit and sleeves through the precast and the castin-place structures.

A final challenge was matching the 460,365-sf garage’s exterior to GFF’s aesthetic vision. The Rogers-O’Brien team and design team collaborated to ensure that the exterior cladding materials and the pedestrian tunnel skylight were appropriate and installed on schedule. The

A pedestrian tunnel underneath Garland Road provides safe visitor access to the garden.

Photo credit: ©2015, Steve Hinds Inc.

two-story skylight extends from Garland Road to the lower level and was built on an angle with a geometric walkable glass top. For the garage’s front, Aaron Ornamental Iron Works fabricated the 13 ornate latticework panels, making custom jigs for each. Each panel is a nod to the Arboretum itself, simulating the upward growth of garden vines.

Despite myriad challenges, the team met their deadline and produced a 1,150-space parking garage that solved the Arboretum’s parking issues in a show stopping way. Others obviously agree; the project recently won a 2015 TEXO Distinguished Building Award for Specialty Construction.

General contractor Rogers-O’Brien Construction offers preconstruction and construction management services through its Dallas, Austin and Houston branches. –mjm

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Aug 2015

Page 19

Can do

Matthew Jacobson’s pallet-meets-planter screen nabbed him second place.

Brian Paletz AIA won with his sleek modular aluminum and cedar screen.

C

onstruction sites are always a mess, but nothing can foul up the view more than the unsightly porta potty. When Dallas’ Highland Park required all portable construction toilets to be shielded from public view beginning Jun. 15, construction companies started scrambling for screens.

The principals at HPD Architecture and Sardone Construction, however, decided to hit the heads of the community’s creative minds to find a better way to go.

The two companies created the “Sitting Pretty Porta Potty Screen Contest” inviting the public to create a prettier screen to improve the view of the loo.

The contest was flush with entries, but ultimately, the eight judges thought four contestants had a canny knack for design. The winner of the throne was Brian Paletz, AIA, of BOKA Powell, whose modular aluminum frame and cedar siding design turned an eyesore into a sight that’s easy on the eyes.

Sardone Construction owner Stephan Sardone appreciated the dual porta potty screen design.

“There is one screen for women and the other for men, which is novel for a job site,” he says. “It truly represents progression in our industry as more women are entering the building and contracting profession.”

Construction drawings for Paletz’s first place design will be coordinated by HPD; the screen will be built by Sardone Construction and placed on one of the company’s job sites. Each of the four contestants who placed will receive a plaque and gift certificate at HPD’s monthly Architecture Happy Hour on Aug. 19 at BMC Design Center in Dallas.

“This has been a fun and exciting competition,” said HPD Architecture principal Larry Paschall. “Each applicant exhibited talent and creativity with their entries and we received excellent ideas.

Now, we look forward to seeing the entry become a reality.”

HPD Architecture LLC is a Dallas-based architecture and interior design firm. Sardone Construction in Dallas offers designbuild and remodeling services. –mjm

Construction News JOB SIGHT

Chairman of the board

Big Star laborer Alejandro Gonzales makes the cut as he works on carpentry for Dallas’ new C Store and Gas Station, located on 2410 S. Hampton Road.

MJR Engineering Inc. in Plano serves as the project’s general contractor. –mjm

BEST Construction Tool?

ADVERTISING in Construction News 210-308-5800

www.ConstructionNews.net

Benton Banowsky’s ornate screen placed third.

The “Most Creative Design” went to Black Lab Creative’s Eddie Hale, whose live oak shaped screen impressed the judges.

Page 20

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Aug 2015