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The Industry’s Newspaper www.constructionnews.net
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(210) 308-5800
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Volume 18
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Number 12
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DECEMBER 2015
Turning up the volume
Adaptable Alderson
As the company continues to grow its local operations, Wurzel Builders and its staff have a new home in San Antonio on Redland Road. L-R: Shane Norris, Jeff Murdorf, Nancy Soto and Harley Blackburn
Dean Alderson, vice president, and Linda Alderson, president, are celebrating 30 years of service and forward momentum at Alderson & Associates.
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hen Harley Blackburn came on board with Wurzel Builders Ltd. as vice president last year, he opened a full-time office for the commercial general contractor in San Antonio. After leasing temporary offices, Wurzel recently moved on to 1.6 acres of permanent property at 18833 Redland Rd., real estate it will soon share with its two sister companies. They are building out another 1,200sf for a sister service company. The base office is about 2,200sf with eight offices, conference room, training room, kitchen and 2,000sf of warehouse space. At its new home in the Alamo City, Wurzel currently has four employees
working at the new office and six superintendents in the field. The new office was a necessity since Blackburn has ushered the company into a significant period of growth. “The San Antonio office is currently the largest volume producing office of the four offices,” says Blackburn. “I came on board in spring [2014] after leaving another firm. I helped grow that firm double in size in less than five years. My goal for here is to do the same, and within less than one year, we’ve already doubled the size of the company.” Currently, Wurzel’s San Antonio office is working on a total of about 60,000sf
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n November 1985, father and son team Carlton Alderson and Dean Alderson established Alderson & Associates, Inc. to do MEP consulting and engineering. As the company celebrates its 30th anniversary, Dean maintains his leadership role as vice president, and his wife, Linda Alderson, became the firm’s president and managing principal in 2012. Over the last three decades, Alderson & Associates has expanded and changed. To meet the increasing demand for commissioning services, the firm separated into two informal divisions that work together to provide the necessary resources for each project. “Commissioning has become quite a
continued on Page 24
hot topic,” Dean says. “At its heart, it is the verification that mechanical and electrical components and systems have been designed, correctly installed, and tested to assure optimal performance.” Hector Carrisalez, PE, manages the engineering division, and Scott Wells, CxA, LEED AP, manages the commissioning division. Linda and Dean believe that the firm’s greatest strength is the people who comprise the Alderson team. When the firm began, there were two professional engineers and a draftsman. Now, they have 25 employees, including nine professional engineers, two certified commissioning authorities, and project support personnel. continued on Page 24
Part of the journey to Austin
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s a general contractor that branches out from its home base in Austin to its closest branch in San Antonio, Journeyman Construction is playing a part in the plan to make travel between Austin and San Antonio easier and faster. Journeyman recently completed work on Centro Plaza, a modern and illuminated plaza built as a multi-modal transit center for the VIA Metropolitan System of San Antonio. “Centro Plaza is one out of three plazas being built as part of a master plan which will provide public train transportation from downtown San Antonio to downtown Austin,” explains Mauricio Ramos, EIT, project manager. “Centro Plaza in downtown and two more similar plazas on the north and south areas of San Antonio will be the main hub stations for the bus system which will connect with the future train station across
the street from Centro Plaza.” The approximate cost of construction for this project was $16 million, not including design or FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment). Work began in July of last year and was completed last month. The plaza is approximately 150,000sf and includes three new buildings. The waiting area building is an air-conditioned building for the public to wait for the next bus. The multipurpose room includes public restrooms, a ticket vending area, conference room, kitchen and mechanical room. There is also a core and shell building with canopy. The build also included a historic building remodel, tower, two semi-circled canopies around an open landscaped area, and a Primo canopy that spans across Medina Street. “The color matrix in this project is Built by Journeyman Construction, the new VIA transit center, Centro Plaza, is full of modern touches including colorful lighting and stainless steel finishes.
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San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Treating clients to a night out
L-R: Adolfo and Alicia Requenez, Jorge Flores and Roy Lewis, Garza/Bomberger; Chuck Gregory, Terracon L-R: Lee Garrett, Terracon; Renee Green, Bexar County; Melynne Wulff, Terracon; and Tony Vasquez, Bexar County
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till celebrating the company’s 50th year, Terracon’s San Antonio office held its annual Client Appreciation & Casino Night Oct. 22 at Aggie Park. The evening featured a fried fish dinner, refreshments, casino games and raffle prizes with 250 guests and employees attending. “We always enjoy giving back and sharing our prosperity with clients, vendors and fellow professionals,” says Chuck Gregory, senior principal, vice president and office manager for San Antonio. “Being able to celebrate on Terracon’s 50th anniversary makes it even more special.” –mh Casino Winners 1st: Jess Croston, ESC Lab Sciences 2nd: Ted Nelson, AECOM 3rd: David Balli, Dannenbaum
L-R: Laura and Gilbert Rodriguez, City of San Antonio
Getting ready for Construct A Kid’s Christmas and the big BBQ trailer raffle.
Doug Steadman, who worked for W. Simpson Company through its acquisition with HDR for 50 years, and his wife, Jurene, have been married 69 years. They have known each other since kindergarten.
Honoree Joe Waxse (center) will be retiring from Terracon in February after more than 30 years with the firm. He moved back home to Kansas, but he came to the Alamo City for this special occasion and brought his former neighbors from San Antonio, Ursula and Jude Garcia.
L-R: Amy Craigo, Terracon; Ryan Ingram, AECOM; Jason Nelson and Steve Grau, Bury
Construction News JOB SIGHT
In the countryside from El Paso to Beaumont Amarillo to Brownsville
www.alamocrane.com 36 Years of Service to Texas San Antonio (210) 344-7370 Austin (512) 282-6866 Toll Free (800) 880-0134
Cody and Dustin with Countryside Construction, out of Canyon Lake, are installing a new septic system for a bank in Bulverde. –cw
San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Page 3
Football fever
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L-R: Monica Deutchman, Jacob Deutchman, PE, and Thomas Watson, PE, Cleary Zimmermann Engineers; and Ryan Whittle, EIT, Pape-Dawson Engineers
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ggies from Cleary Zimmermann Engineers, Pape-Dawson Engineers and Yates Construction gathered for food and fun at their third annual Tailgate Party Nov. 7 before the Texas A&M vs. Auburn game at Kyle Field in College Station. –mh
Pape-Dawson Engineers in Training (EIT) L-R: Ryan Whittle and Andrew Dixon L-R: Joyce Fienman, Cleary Zimmermann Engineers, and Charli Valadez, Barker Structural
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San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
When San Antonio Construction News was 17
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Construction News’ new website launched February 2015
Allyn Archer retired as president and COO of HOLT CAT, and Dave Harris stepped into his position.
n this past year, Construction News has covered a variety of stories, and since the industry’s newspaper recently turned 17 years old, let’s take a look back at the news we brought you in our 17th year. Construction News launched its new website with online articles along with the availability of digital advertising. Jon Randolph, Baker Triangle, helped us successfully fool everyone into thinking he was flying around the world in a hot air balloon – if you haven’t heard by now, yes, that was our joint effort April Fool’s joke! James Rodriguez and Annette Mollere, Easy Drive, won Paul McCartney tickets along with dinner and a limo ride in a raffle benefitting last year’s Construct A Kid’s Christmas (CAKC). Speaking of CAKC, last December, the gala moved to its new home at the Freeman Expo Hall. Several new faces stepped up to take over leadership roles. Allyn Archer retired as president and COO of HOLT CAT, and Dave Harris stepped into his position. The Marek Companies announced its new COO, Mike Holland. Jennifer Swinney took over as executive director of the American Subcontractors Association (ASA) San Antonio Chapter. That’s
just to name a few. Several companies made big moves in that same one-year period. Equipment Depot made a bold move to 1604. IBTX Risk Services centrally relocated to Reunion Place. Soon after, Big State Electric reconnected at their new headquarters on Aero Street. Again, just to name a few. In other news, Capitol Aggregates opened its carbon-capturing SkyMine facility. And Ed Flume Building Specialties closed its doors, but Hohmann Development Services (HDS) filled the void in the toilet partitions and hardware market. The construction community is constantly changing, and Construction News will continue to be there to tell its stories as always. If you have something you think might make an interesting story, please contact San Antonio editor Mary Hazlett at 210-308-5800 or saeditor@ constructionnews.net. –mh
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harles “Seb” Allen, owner of Longhorn Concrete, passed away Oct. 27 at the age of 77. Born Sep. 21, 1938 in Boyce, TX, he was in concrete construction for more than 50 years. His career began after college with a general contracting company partnered with Terry McDonald. They later split up the company, and he took the concrete side. Allen then joined up with longtime friend Wesley Reagan in 1969 to form A&R Concrete (Allen & Reagan). In 1974, he took over A&R Concrete, and in 1987, he changed the name from A&R to Longhorn Concrete. He was one of the founding members of Fuddruckers. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and pilot. He supported many organizations, including Kerr County Junior Livestock and San Antonio Youth, and enjoyed helping others. He also enjoyed collecting antiques, including Winchesters, Colts and old tools. Survivors include his wife, Molly Allen; daughters, Barbara and Amy; grandchildren, Jeb, Ashton, Max and Zach. –mh
James Rodriguez The staff of Construction News was saddened to hear about the death of James Rodriguez, Easy Drive San Antonio vice president, on Nov. 21. James was a vital part of and longtime friend of the construction industry in Texas. A complete obituary will appear in the January issue of Construction News.
Correction
Mike White
An incorrect photo of Mike White, Texas Construction Association, appeared with his Focus column in October 2015. Construction News regrets the error. –cw
San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Page 5
The spark of something big
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Serving South Texas since 1996 Central Electric won the IEC National Excellence in Electrical Contracting Award in the Commercial category for contract amounts up to $500,000 for the generator upgrade at HealthSouth San Antonio Rehabilitation Center.
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his year’s 58th annual Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) National Convention got a spark of new life, rebranded as the IEC Con 2015. The convention and expo was held Oct. 21-24 in Tampa, FL. Other changes, which included streamlining the educational sessions and focusing on more interactive and peer-to-peer programs, drew significantly more guests to this year’s convention. Joseph Cephas, vice president of public affairs for IEC National, notes that one of the biggest sessions was the Great Idea Swap, where attendees came in with one great idea, wrote them down, shared them and voted on the best ones. He says, “With that, there are just so many different ideas floating around the room that it would be difficult for somebody not to have an idea that impacts their business.” Overall attendance was 1,572, a 23percent increase from the previous year. The number of registrants from electrical contracting companies who took advantage of the entire convention, signing up for every event, was 285, a 32-percent increase in their primary target market from the previous year. The expo also grew with more than 100 exhibitors from a wide variety of industry vendors. The 2016 IEC Con will be held in San Antonio. –mh
Mauro Gonzalez, Gonzalez Electrical Contractor, received a 40 Under 40 Award.
San Antonio
Albert Arteaga, JMEG LP, represented the San Antonio Chapter in the wire-off competition for Apprentice of the Year.
IES Commercial received an IEC-CNA Safety Award.
Julie Howard, executive director of IEC San Antonio, accepted an award for San IEC Antonio’s successful completion of the chapter membership drive.
CONSTRUCTION NEWS
San Antonio Editor: Mary Hazlett — SAeditor@ConstructionNews.net — 210-308-5800 Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buddy Doebbler Editorial/Production . . . . . . Reesa Doebbler Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cyndi Wright Admin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lacie Cortez Production Manager . . . . . . . . . Sue Johnson Marketing Director . . . . . . Leslye Hernandez Sales Representative . . . . . . . . Kent Gerstner 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 Bexar, Bandera, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina or Wilson counties and are not receiving a free copy of the San Antonio Construction News, please call for a Requester Form, or visit our website.
The San Antonio Construction News (ISSN 1547-7630) is published monthly by Construction News LTD., dba San Antonio Construction News, and distributed by mail to construction-related companies of record in Bexar and 7 surrounding counties. 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 San Antonio 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.
©2015 Construction News, Ltd.
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San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Barry Middleman CEO Mdn Architects
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or the last 42 years, Barry Middleman has been managing his own architecture firm, Mdn Architects. At the age of 75, he shows no signs of slowing down at the office, heading up the business that has been driven by his lifelong passion and years of multi-faceted experience. In addition to his love of architecture, he has a great love for his family. His children even work in the same building, his daughter at Mdn Architects and his son next door at Middleman Construction. Where did you grow up? I was born in San Antonio in 1940. I grew up on the northwest side, went to Woodlawn Elementary, Horace Mann Middle School and Thomas Jefferson High School. I graduated from Jefferson in 1958 and entered the University of Texas in Austin to study architecture. What drew you to architecture? I have a cousin who is a prominent retired architect in San Antonio, Bernard Harris. When he enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin to study architecture, I was 8 years old, and he was my role model. I said, “I want to do what he is doing.” So, I decided to become an architect at the age of 8. I channeled my studies throughout junior high and high school with the objective of obtaining my goal. I took all the mechanical and architectural drafting courses available. The road was tough. I got married while I was still at UT, had to work, attend classes, and study simultaneously. Did Bernard mentor you into the field? He mentored me in high school and throughout college during the summers, but when I graduated, I wanted to gain experience at other firms. Bernard and I still talk shop and share stories. What path did you follow after college? When I graduated from UT, normally a five-year program, which took me sixand-a-half years to complete, it was very difficult to find employment. We decided to relocate to Houston, where my wife, Lana, could complete her college education and I would have a better opportunity to find employment in a larger city.
Tell me about that opportunity. Even though Houston was substantially larger than Austin, there were a lot of unemployed graduates trying to get work as architectural interns. I interviewed with some 30 to 40 firms and had no job offers. My wife’s aunt happened to be in a beauty shop, and she was talking to a good friend of hers whose husband happened to be an architect. She commented that her niece’s husband was struggling to find employment in his field. “Isn’t your husband, David Keeper, an architect? Would he entertain interviewing Barry?” When I heard “David Keeper,” I mentioned to Lana that unfortunately, I had already interviewed with his firm. A few days later, our aunt informed me that David wanted me to come back and talk to him. After I interviewed the second time, I was offered a position. I worked for him for a year-and-a-half before joining one of the larger firms in Houston, Welton Becket & Associates. With that firm, I was given the opportunity to work on highprofile projects that I would never have been able to or would most likely never be able to again. What was your next career move? I worked for Becket until Lana graduated from the University of Houston. We joked that I had a moving van at the house the day of her graduation because I couldn’t get out of Houston quick enough. While the firm did not want to lose me, they offered me a position in their New York office. It was a very attractive offer, but I already had my heart set on going back home to San Antonio and hoped to have the opportunity to get on with a firm planning the design of the proposed World’s Fair, Hemisfair ’68. Did you make that happen? I returned to San Antonio, with the credibility of having national firm experience and having worked on some really premiere projects. This credibility opened the door with every firm I interviewed. The firm I chose was Roberts, Allen & Helmke, a company very involved with the design of Hemisfair, which was a key factor in my criteria. Soon after Hemisfair, our firm was engaged in the design of a Luby’s in the Town & Country Mall in Temple, TX. The center’s architect, T.F. Arner, came to a meeting at our office and coincidentally, he was a colleague of mine at the Keeper Company in Houston. T.F. lured me away from Roberts, Allen & Helmke with a very lucrative offer to join him in-house with a prominent shopping center developer, Roy L. Martin & Associates. During my time with Roy L. Martin, I passed my state board examinations and eventually replaced T.F. as director of the architectural division of the company. How did you strike out on your own? Through my many business associations in San Antonio, numerous projects were offered to me from personal sources, which I, unfortunately, had to decline due to the conflict of interest. Eventually, the offers were too tempting and I felt, at my age of 32 years old, it was time to go solo. I resigned my position at Roy L. Mar-
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At 75, Barry Middleman has been running his own firm, Mdn Architects, for more than 42 years now.
tin in March of 1973 to start the architectural firm of Barry P. Middleman & Associates. Initially, I split my time between Roy and my own practice in order to find and train my replacement. I launched my firm in a small two-room office where the rent was $100 per month. The rest is history. Tell me about your family. I’ve been married for 52 years. Lana was just 19 when we married and I was 23. We have two children. The oldest is our son, Mark, and he owns Middleman Construction. Our daughter, Jodi, joined Mdn for a second tour a few years ago. Jodi is the mother of my two oldest grandchildren, Jason, 17, and Megan, 15. Jason and Megan attend Reagan High School. Jason, a senior, has applied and has been accepted to numerous colleges. Megan is in the 10th grade, plays on the Reagan Junior Varsity Tennis team and is very involved in the school’s choir. Both are excellent students. Jodi worked for me in the early 90’s. While working for me, she became a bride and subsequently became a homemaker and mother for several years. She returned to Mdn after a 14-year absence. Jodi is our company’s contract administrator. Both Mark and Jodi attended the University of Texas at Austin, their parent’s alma mater. Jodi majored in French and had a minor in marketing. She had the good fortune of studying abroad at the Sorbonne University in Paris, France. Your son Mark is in the construction business, as well, right? Mark technically began his career at the age of 15. To stay in shape for football at Churchill High School, he wanted an outdoor, physical job. The contractor, Jim Martinson, a friend of mine, offered Mark a summer position. He took to his job so well and Jim found him to be quite resourceful and hard working and asked Mark to come back for the Christmas holiday and the following summer as well. Mark continued his employment with Martinson in the summers while in college, but he found working in the field was not challenging enough for him. So, he put all his efforts to gaining his college degree in political science. Upon his graduation, it was hard finding employment. One Saturday, about a month after his graduation, Mark and I were visiting one of my projects, when I introduced Mark to George Williams, the project’s general contractor. I jokingly told George that Mark had expe-
rience in construction and had just graduated from college. I asked George if he had a position opening for a college graduate with a degree in political science. To our surprise, George invited Mark to visit him the following week. It was something that Mark hadn’t planned on, but George offered Mark a position, not in the field, but in his office to learn estimating. Mark took to it and computerized the company’s estimating function. He climbed the ladder within the company and after 10 years, became president of George L. Williams Construction. In 1998, Mark branched out and founded Middleman Construction and has forged a very successful career. Mark is married to DeLynn Davidek and is now the father of two beautiful daughters, Emory, 10, and Ellison, 7, my third and fourth grandchildren. Mark and his family live in Olmos Park and both Emory and Ellison attend St. Mary’s Hall and are actively involved in sports, dance and academics. What does your wife do? My wife, Lana, spent her career in education as a teacher in elementary schools, and later, after receiving her master’s degree in reading, became a reading specialist in Northside Independent School District. From there, she enjoyed a career with various textbook publishers, selling within the competitive field of high school textbooks. Ten years ago, Lana and a good friend opened Dos Mimi’s Glass Art Studio in which they have created beautiful glass art. Lana still fires up her kilns almost daily, but mostly now as a hobby. What do you like to do in your spare time? The reality is that my real life’s passion is architecture. I enjoyed playing golf and loved tennis. The will is still there, but the body says no more. My family has always enjoyed time at the Texas coast. Mark and Jodi really enjoyed the beach, fishing and the coastal experience. In 1997, Lana and I found the perfect home, and we bought the perfect coast house. If I have a hobby, I would say it’s joining my family at our coast home spending time at the beach and the bay. I also like to read exciting fiction and I’ve always enjoyed writing about architecture. I have written articles pertaining to retail design regionally and even nationally in trade journals. The bulk of my energy has always been focused on my family and architecture. –mh
Past issues of Construction News can be downloaded at www.ConstructionNews.net
San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Page 7
Designers ‘Do’ it up right
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he American Institute of Architects (AIA) San Antonio Chapter hosted its 2015 Awards Banquet Oct. 30 at the DoSeum. The evening celebrating excellence in design included an after party with popsicles in the play yard. –mh
Honor Award: Naples Botanical Garden Visitor Center, Naples, FL Architect: Lake|Flato Architects
Merit Award: House 334 Architect: Craig McMahon Architects
Honor Award: Blue Lake Retreat, Marble Falls Architect: Lake|Flato Architects
Honor Award: Alamo Brewery Architect: Lake|Flato Architects
Citation Award: Ravine Retreat Architect: Tobin Smith, Architect
Merit Award: Briscoe Western Art Museum Addition & Renovation Architect: Lake|Flato Architects Associated Firms: Ford Powell & Carson, RSP Architects
Merit Award: Sunshine Cottage School for the Deaf Architect: Lake|Flato Architects Associated Firm: Mackey Mitchell Associates
Merit Award: Bluffview Porch House, Dallas Architect: Lake|Flato Architects Citation Award: Mestizo City Architect: MuĂąoz & Company
Mayor’s Choice Award: Francis R. Scobee Education Center Architect: DHR Architects
HOWELL CRANE & RIGGING, INC. Student Citation Award: San Antonio Museum of Modern Art (SA MOMA) Chase White, UTSA
Student Citation Award: Museum at Boisbuchet Yuma Tanaka, UTSA
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San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Apprenticeship programs unite
Texas Carpenters & Millwrights Training Trust Fund L-R: Bernie Helge, coordinator, San Antonio, and Tommy Moore, area coordinator, Austin
Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Union L-R: Norberto Hernandez, instructor, and Brandon Pratt, apprentice
L-R: Gabriel Powers, apprentice for L.C. Mosel, and Josh Batista, apprentice for Brandt, both in the SMW Local 67 program, demonstrated making toolboxes for attendees to take home.
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he United Association of Journeyman and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry (UA) Local 142 hosted an open house Nov. 5 in honor of the U.S. Department of Labor’s inaugural National Apprenticeship Week Nov. 2-6 to promote the benefits of and encourage registering for apprenticeships. The event welcomed an estimated 100 attendees, including Workforce Solu-
tions Alamo, local politicians, employers, contractors and schools, as well as members of the Mechanical and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (MCA-SMACNA). Guests met with representatives of various apprenticeship programs from across the trades and the Central and South Texas regions. There were also active demonstrations in the training center. –mh
Jim Meyer represented the event host’s program as an instructor for UA Local 142 on the HVAC service side as well as the plumbers and pipefitters side.
Doug John represented the Sheet Metal Workers (SMW) Local 67, as the program’s training coordinator.
San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Page 9
Neverending stories
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hree days didn’t seem like nearly enough time. But somehow it was, and hundreds crammed their social calendars full of parties, tours, educational sessions, a 200-exhibit design expo, an awards ceremony and even a TEXO-sponsored after party. “STORIES,” the Texas Society of Architects’ (TSA) Convention & Design Expo, was held at Dallas’ Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center (and at various landmarks throughout the city)
SpawGlass
Nov. 5-7. Design professionals from the Lone Star State and beyond came to network and stay current on the latest in architectural products and services. Attendees were also treated to delights only the BIG D could deliver. TSA arranged for tours of several prominent landmarks, including the Sixth Floor Museum and Old Courthouse, the Nasher Sculpture Center and Reunion Tower. -mjm
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Construction News JOB SIGHT
Passion for her new position
Demolition man
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n August, Martha Bizzell, operations manager for CROSS, became the executive director of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) San Antonio Chapter. When she joined CROSS, formerly Cross Construction, four years ago, she became familiar with NARI. Prior to taking on her new role in the San Antonio Chapter, she served on the board of directors for the past two years. She currently serves on two national committees for NARI, the Workforce Development Task Force and the National Members Task Force, both dedicated to growing the association. Last year, she served on the National Entry Level Remodeler Certificate Committee. “To say it is in my blood is an understatement,” says Bizzell. “Growing up in an early 1900s farmhouse in Ithaca, NY that my parents bought when I was 2 and ‘officially’ finished when I was 19, I watched first-hand the labor-intensive passion and craftsmanship that my parents put into our home, and what the true meaning of remodeling was.” As a nonprofit trade association, NARI’s goal is to help consumers get the maximum value from a professional remodeler. NARI also offers education and training for professional remodelers. “The members are really the elite in the industry; they’re the folks that are kind of charged with carrying the flag for the remodeling industry,” declares Bizzell. “Unfortunately, the industry itself doesn’t have such a great reputation because there are a lot of unethical operators out there that dupe homeowners. NARI members are the professionals that seek out extra education and certifications and they want to set themselves apart from the other competitors in the industry.
Martha Bizzell, executive director for NARI San Antonio
“Our goal for the San Antonio Chapter and the surrounding areas is to educate and familiarize homeowners with NARI, to work with the licensed and certified remodelers and suppliers and vendors who make up this association.” Bizzell and her daughter, Corinne, transferred to San Antonio 17 years ago from Boston as part of a corporate relocation. When a former co-worker contacted her about helping grow a company in the construction industry, she took a leap from the corporate world and joined CROSS. Today, her daughter is the assistant general manager of an apartment complex in San Marcos. “On a personal note, one of my favorite things to do is gather friends and go exploring throughout Texas, which usually includes creative, funky and antique shopping,” she says. “I am also a huge fan of music and the arts.” –mh
Tim Bailey brings down the house as Hansco clears the site of the future Tobin Center parking garage in downtown San Antonio. The general contractor for the project is Joeris General Contractors. –mh
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San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Year-end tax planning includes keeping fingers crossed for Extenders Bill William M. Gerhardt III, J.D., LL.M. Padgett, Stratemann & Co., L.L.P. San Antonio, TX
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usinesses and their tax advisors are once again gazing into a crystal ball and pondering whether to make certain year-end business decisions based on their tax consequence. Congress has hampered tax planning for individuals and businesses since 2010 when it began extending expiring tax cuts and deductions for one or two-year periods, sometimes even retroactively. This year is no different as many tax provisions are currently expired, but there has been some progress in Congress on an Extenders Bill for 2015. If passed, popular business deductions such as 50% bonus depreciation (currently expired) and Section 179 expensing limits of $500,000 (currently at $25,000) with a $2 million overall investment limit would be extended to the 2015 taxable year. Although nothing is certain, an Extenders Bill is expected, so keep your fingers crossed. In any event, traditional tax planning practices continue and start with looking at the big picture. How is 2015 going to end up and what kind of growth or revenue is expected in 2016? Your answer will determine whether to accelerate income or deductions before year-end or defer the same into next year. If a high tax bill is expected for 2015, accelerate deductible expenses, purchase supplies, and consider repairing equipment and vehicles before year-end. To lower current taxable income and shift it into 2016, delay billing notices so that payment won’t be received until early next year (cash method businesses), or delay product shipments or providing services until next year (accrual method businesses). Alternatively, if a higher tax bill in 2016 is anticipated, a business should consider strategies to accelerate income and defer its deductible expenses. Fixed asset strategies should be reviewed to estimate how year-end purchases may increase deductions. Generally, a full half-year’s depreciation is available on depreciable property purchased and placed into service during the tax year. However, if more than 40% of the year’s purchases are placed into service in the last three months of the year, the mid-year convention is triggered and less depreciation deductions can be taken on these end of the year purchases. A de minimus safe harbor exists for expensing small purchases that cost no more than $500 or $5,000 per item or invoice, with the higher threshold only available to businesses that have certified audited financial statements.
Zachry Construction is seeking a Field Engineer – Heavy Division at its office in San Antonio, Texas. Position requires MS or equivalent in Construction Science or Civil Engineering and two years of project management experience. Send resumes to: Zachry Construction 2330 North Loop W. San Antonio, TX 78248-4512 All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
Of particular interest to property construction companies and engineering or architecture firms performing services for real property projects is the Section 199 deduction for production activities. The deduction equals 9% of the lower of qualified production activities income or taxable income without regard to the deduction. The deduction is capped at 50% of W-2 wages allocable to the domestic production gross receipts. Businesses and their owners have also learned that the additional 3.8% net investment income tax applies not only to personal investment income or gain, but also to income from a business in which the tax payer is a passive participant, i.e. members of a LLC or shareholders of a S corporation who do materially participate in the business activities. Looking into the future, there appears to be little appetite for wholesale changes to the Internal Revenue Code prior to the presidential election. However, some legislation in 2015 did impact future tax preparation and compliance. The Surface Transportation Act of 2015 will move up the deadline to file partnership returns to March 15 and move back the deadline to file C corporation returns to April 15 starting for 2016 taxable year returns that are due in the spring of 2017. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 contained a couple of important tax provisions. The most far-reaching tax change eliminates the TEFRA unified partnership audit rules and the electing large partnership rules effective for returns filed for partnership tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017 (but generally electable earlier) and replaces them with streamlined partnership audit rules. Businesses should consult with their tax advisors early and often to make sure tax strategy is part of their year-end planning. William M. Gerhardt III, J.D., LL.M. Taxation, is a tax consultant at Padgett Stratemann & Co., L.L.P. He can be reached at 210-253-1670 or at william.gerhardt@ padgett-cpa.com.
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Smart-money use of non-business time Kirk Quaschnick, President Mogul Wealth Strategies LLC McKinney, TX
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uccess in the construction industry often depends on the ability to manage our time well. Whether scheduling meetings, doing the books, or training new people, successful business owners know that every day is a calculated race against the clock.
But what about non-business time? That has a dollar value, too. How you use your free time is a determining factor in the quality of life you enjoy. That’s why some people can work 70 or 80 hours a week, yet still manage to participate in a highly rewarding home life. Meanwhile, others see leisure time as an opportunity to channel surf the television and fall asleep on the couch. We spend time, just like we spend money We can waste time, just like we can waste money. Ask yourself, “How can you get the best value from your nonworking time?” Evaluate how to best use time from the following: • The pleasure factor. This can override all other considerations. If you enjoy planting shrubs or building a new kennel for the dog, go ahead. If not, you might be better off hiring someone to do the work for you, and instead put in a few extra hours in the business or spend more time with your family. • The dollar-value-of your-time factor. This is a hard-cash tangible based on how much your time is worth. If your work time is worth $120 an hour, your leisure time is worth the same. So, if you don’t really enjoy the task of cutting the lawn, hire the neighbor kid to do it for $25, and go to a ball game or take the dog for a walk in the park. • The convenience factor. In spite of the cost, it is sometimes better to hand over the receipt shoe box to a CPA rather than do your own taxes; to call the plumber rather than fix that leaky faucet yourself; or to tote home carry-out rather than spend an hour making dinner. • The guilt factor. This is perhaps the most powerful reason we end up doing things we’d really rather not do. Since you are in this industry, you are talented enough to do most tasks by yourself. The tendency to feel guilty because someone is mowing your lawn while you are out playing ball is natural. Prioritize what’s most important to you and be a good steward of your time - let others help you with that.
Beyond dollars We are often so caught up in what we do that it consumes us. If we don’t learn how to break away, we risk never fully enjoying the fruits of our labors. So: • Learn how to relax. Many in the construction industry don’t feel comfortable out of “business mode.” So we try to do work at home. Try learning to be more than just a businessperson; it will be fun and will make you fresher and more focused at work. • Plan your leisure activities, just as you do with business. Map out your day off to include a little yard work, watching your daughter’s softball game, and an hour pure relaxation. • Don’t bring work home or on vacations. Leave the briefcase in the car. Encourage customers not to contact you at home. If you force yourself to get all your work done before you leave, you’ll get more done on business time, like getting ice cream if you finish your veggies. One of Zig Ziglar’s most famous quotes is, “Treat every day like it’s the day before vacation…” I believe this quote, if taken to heart, can make you more productive than ever before. If you’re like most business owners in the construction world today, you work hard putting in long hours each day doing what you do best. One of the rewards should be a comfortable lifestyle; make sure you take the time to enjoy it. Kirk G. Quaschnick, CLU, ChFC, ARPC, is the president and co-founder of Mogul Wealth Strategies, LLC in McKinney, TX. Since 1992, Kirk has helped his clients in financial, business, and estate planning, as well as financial advising, investment advisory and wealth management services to business owner executives and individuals. For additional information on the information or topic discussed, please contact Kirk at 214-420-7152, or email him at kirk@mogulwealth.com.
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San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Page 11
Can a GC sue an architect for bad plans?
Protect yourself during flu season
Kyle Zunker, Associate Cokinos, Bosien & Young San Antonio, TX
Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX
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general contractor wins a bid and starts on a project only to find that the architect or engineer’s plans and specifications contain numerous errors. The plans require 50, 60, or 70% revision and the general contractor’s costs skyrocket. Can the general contractor recover from the architect? Last summer the Texas Supreme Court said no. After this summer, it is not so clear. In Martin K. Eby Construction Co. v. CCE sued PBS & J for negligent The trial court LAN/STV (350 S.W.3d 675), Dallas Area misrepresentation. awarded judgment in favor of PBS & J. Rapid Transit (“DART”) awarded Eby CCE appealed. Construction Co. (“Eby”) a contract to construct a portion of a light rail. LAN/ The Houston Court of Appeals held STV, a joint venture, prepared the plans that CCE’s costs in hiring a subcontractor and specifications for the bid documents. to complete the road were out-of-pocket not benefit-of-the-bargain After encountering delays and increased costs, costs, Eby sued LAN/STV for negligence damages. Therefore, CCE’s costs were and negligent misrepresentation. The not precluded by the economic loss rule. jury and court awarded Eby $2.25 million. As such, the court reversed the trial court’s judgment. LAN/STV appealed. LAN/STV argued the economic loss The facts of CCE and Eby appear rule prevented Eby from recovering similar. Given that the Texas Supreme against LAN/STV. LAN/STV’s argument Court overturned Eby, one would think was that Eby’s damages were benefit-of- the Court would overturn CCE. However, the-bargain damages (i.e. lost profits on the Court did not. Instead, the Court its construction contract), instead of out- withheld judgment. The Court first of-pocket costs (which are not precluded explained the Eby holding: “the economic by the economic loss rule). The Dallas loss rule barred a general contractor from Court of Appeals rejected LAN/STV’s recovering delay damages from a project argument, and held that Eby’s delay architect with which it did not contract.” damages were out-of-pocket costs. The Then the Court said that the arguments economic loss rule does not prevent in CCE are “best addressed by the trial recovery of out-of-pocket costs, so Eby court on remand.” It is unclear why the Texas Supreme could recover against LAN/STV. The Texas Supreme Court took up Court handled the CCE case differently the case and said the true issue was than the Eby case. One interpretation is “whether the [economic loss] rule that CCE shows contractors can still have permits a general contractor to recover claims against architects for negligent the increased costs of performing its misrepresentation, if the damages are construction contract with the owner in a out-of-pocket expenses. Eby makes it tort action against the project architect clear that delay damages are not for negligent misrepresentations― considered out-of-pocket expenses and cannot be recovered. However, following errors―in the plans and specifications.” The Court held the economic loss rule CCE, it is not clear which costs would be prevented Eby’s recovery and the Court considered out-of-pocket costs that a reversed. The Court noted that on contractor could recover from an construction projects there are many architect under a negligent misrepresparties involved, and that the parties entation cause of action. Stay tuned for should rely only on their contracts and clarification from the courts as to which insurance to recover their economic losses. costs, if any, a contractor can recover Meanwhile, there was a similar case from an architect for negligent in the Texas courts. In CCE, Inc. v. PBS & J misrepresentation―i.e. errors―in plans Construction Services, Inc. (461 S.W.3d and specifications. Kyle Zunker is an associate of Cokinos, 542), the Texas Department of Transportation (“TxDot”) hired PBS & J Bosien &Young, a full service law firm with Construction Services, Inc. (“PBS & J”) to offices in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and draft engineering plans and specifications Austin. For more information on our for a new road. TxDot awarded the services, please visit www.cbylaw.com\ general contractor work to CCE, Inc. 1____________________________ Special thanks to G. Stewart Whitehead, (“CCE”). After an erosion problem arose William R. Allensworth, Matthew J. due to alleged defects in the plans and Sullivan and Will W. Allensworth for their specifications, TxDot placed CCE in presentation and paper on this topic at default and CCE incurred costs in hiring a the Basic Course in Construction Law, subcontractor to complete the project. Nov. 12-13, 2015, Austin, Texas.
Construction News JOB SIGHT
Mister clean
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andemic flu remains a concern for workers and employers. A pandemic can occur at any time and can be mild, moderate, or severe. The pandemic in 2009 was considered by CDC to be mild but it still created challenges for employers and showed that many workplaces were not prepared. The precautions identified in this guidance provide a baseline for workplace precautions during a seasonal flu outbreak, but they may not be enough to protect you during a pandemic. Your employer’s pandemic flu plan should be based on a “worst-case” scenario – one in which the virus causes severe illness and death in larger numbers of people. Planning for the worst-case ensures that employers will have the right type of equipment and enough of it on hand to protect you. It also ensures that employers have planned for additional control options so that they can pick the right combination for the specific pandemic flu virus. You may have additional planning considerations too. For example, you may need to think about what you’ll do if schools and daycare facilities are closed. Ways to prevent flu transmission are: Get vaccinated! Vaccination is the most important way to prevent the spread of the flu. For additional information about seasonal flu vaccine priorities, Stay at home if you are sick. The CDC recommends that workers who have a fever and respiratory symptoms stay at home until 24 hours after their fever ends (100 degrees Fahrenheit [37.8 degrees Celsius] or lower), without the use of medication. Not everyone who has the flu will have a fever. Other symptoms could include a runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve(s). Throw tissues into a “no-touch” wastebasket.
Keep frequently touched common surfaces (e.g., telephones, computer equipment, etc.) clean. Try not to use a coworker’s phone, desk, office, computer, or other work tools and equipment. If you must use a coworker’s equipment, consider cleaning it first with a disinfectant. Avoid shaking hands or coming in close contact with coworkers and others who may be ill. Stay in shape. Eat a healthy diet. Get plenty of rest, exercise, and relaxation. Speak with your doctor and find out if you are in a high risk category for seasonal flu (e.g., elderly, pregnant women, small children, persons with asthma, etc.). natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232
Fore fundraising
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he Hispanic Contractors Association (HCA) de San Antonio held its 16th annual Golf Classic Oct. 16 at the Quarry Golf Club. Benefitting the association’s scholarships for the Alamo Colleges, the event included lunch, dinner and prizes. – mh 1st Net: Clear Channel – Juan Padilla, Larry Rubio, Rodger Kaapke, Dan Kruthoff 1st Gross: A Ram Plumbing & Moore Supply – Albert Ramirez, Randy Guzman, Demetrio Duarte, Jaime Elias 2nd Net: H-E-B – Wayne Terry, Jaqueline Scalf, David Leyando, Sergio De La Garza 3rd Net: Service Shade Shop – Larry Ybarra, Able Medina, Tom Thomas, Juan Rivera
Steve Carmichael, Primo Plumbing, recently did some work in one of the restrooms at the Virtual Builders Exchange (VBX), cleaning the drain and the screen on a noisy vent. –mh
Clean your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
1st Place Net Team
1st Place Gross Team
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he Associated General Contractors (AGC) San Antonio Chapter and the Alamo City Black Chamber of Commerce have partnered to form the Black Contractors Association (BCA) in San Antonio. There have been unsuccessful attempts to establish a local organization to connect African-American and minority contractors to prime contractors and
San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Steering toward diversity subcontractors in the past; however, the new structure for this BCA aims to give it a solid foundation on which to build. Spearheaded by Doug McMurry, executive vice president of the AGC, Bede Ramcharan, executive director of the Alamo City Black Chamber, and Mike Kaiman, general manager of Turner Construction and incoming AGC president, the BCA will operate under the AGC.
What’s the best gift you’ve received? My greatest gift is really two-fold; to have spent my entire business career in a field that I passionately enjoy with a loving spouse, children and grandchildren. Life is good! Barry Middleman, Mdn Architects Probably the best thing I’ve ever received during the holidays would be fishing gear. Other than that, it would be my grandchildren. Joe Orcasitas, J.R.O. Electrical Services I guess my first niece, Finley. This year, my little brother had a baby in March. Shane Hutson, Pesado Construction The greatest gift that I have ever gotten would have to be my two daughters. There’s no doubt about that. Family has to come first and family has to be the most important. Richard Frank, ESC Consultants I think you have to say family, the support. Family is everything. That’s why we wake up every day and go to work is to provide for your family. Colby Lewis, Alpine Contracting Two things come to my mind right away; of course, life, and then, my family. I’m married to Lisa Martinez, and I have two daughters, 17 and 14. Virgil Martinez, BRL NDT Services The greatest gift I’ve ever gotten would be my beautiful wife, Ingrid. We met at Texas A&M University, and we’ve been married 18 years. Terry Palmer, Beaty Palmer Architects Salvation. There’s no greater gift than what God can give you. Harley Blackburn, Wurzel Builders The greatest gift I’ve ever received was at the beginning of this year, I got a phone call from one of our veterans that we
“It would function much like our Construction Leadership Forum does now,” explains McMurry. “They would have a great deal of autonomy and set their own goals and provide their own programs, but we would do all of the administrative and accounting work.” A six-person steering committee was formed to work on budget and making this new association successful. The committee members are Bede Ramcharan, chairman; Henry Boone Jr., vice chairman; Bonnie Rivera, secretary; Sherrika Arch, treasurer; Mack Bennett, member-
ship; and Joaquin Arch, programs. McMurry notes that the AGC has several African-American member companies and points to the City of San Antonio’s new disparity study. “They’ve determined that about 2 percent of all the available construction firms in this marketplace are AfricanAmerican, and yet they’re not getting 2 percent of the work, at least in the public market,” he says. “So, we want to help provide them with some opportunities to compete and win public projects.” –mh
worked with. He is a double amputee. He called me and said he was no longer wounded, and I asked him, “Why are you saying that?” He told me, “I’m a warrior, but I’m no longer ‘wounded.’ You’ve given me my life back.” Roxann Cotugno, MJC Construction Services Experience and knowledge from people I’ve worked for, because you gain all of that on-the-job experience and that’s what propels you forward and allows you to grow. Michael Cervantes, Galo Materials It’s my Christian upbringing. It’s the tool that allows my wife and myself to navigate life and be able to endure the difficult times, and to enjoy and appreciate everything we have. Kris Barker, Barker Structural
The BCA Steering Committee will help drive the association in terms of establishing their budget, dues structure and programming.
Engineers up!
It changes with time. The latest one is my third grandchild. If you had asked me that two years ago, it would have been my first grandson, and then number two is my granddaughter, and then number three is my grandson, my third grandchild. So, every time I get a new grandkid, that’s the greatest gift. Charles William Pope Charles William Pope & Associates My beautiful family. The love and support that they give me, even in small ways, like when they greet me with smiles every day when I come home from work. Greg Hilburn Marksmen General Contractors I am most comfortable and happiest here when my family is involved in the business and that we’re all working together. It makes me very happy to see my sons involved and my wife and working with my father. I couldn’t ask for anything more than that. Adrian Cavallini, The Cavallini Co.
Brent McNeme (left center), PE, Terracon and current Geo Institute (GI) Texas president, and a group of geotechnical engineers listened to Joel Carson (right center), executive director of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) explain the mission of GBA and potential synergy with the Geo Institute in a CECON breakout session.
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ivil engineers from across Texas gathered Sept. 30-Oct. 2 in San Marcos for the 2015 Texas Civil Engineering Conference (CECON). –cw
Award winners were:
Award of Recognition and Honor Region 6 Governor: Nancy S. Cline, PE Honors Awards John N. Furlong, PE (Dallas) Donald E. Willhouse PE (Austin) Government Civil Engineer Award Michael D. Talbott, PE (Houston) Professional Service Award Lawrence D. Goldberg, PE (Houston) Henry C. Leighton, PE (Bastrop) Professional Service to Students Award Alexis A. Clark (Austin) Sean P. Merrell, PE (Dallas) Service to People Award Joe R. Zimmerman, PE (Houston) John A. Focht Jr. Citizen Engineer Award William Todd Thurber, PE (Houston) Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award West 7th Street Bridge City of Fort Worth – TxDOT 2015 Award of Merit Manor Expressway Toll Road Phase II Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority
San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Page 13
Growth beyond grasp
King of safety
L-R: Raymond Risk, president and CEO of the TCA Safety Group; Gina O’Hara, vice president of Anco Insurance and master agent of the TCA Safety Group; Rick Segura (holding award), senior safety manager at D.E. Harvey Builders; Jason Beers, director, D.E. Harvey Builders and Brian Chester, executive vice president of United Mechanical and TCA chairman.
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magine you are a painting subcontractor arriving at a job site to find that a drywall subcontractor left a mess the previous day. This could be dangerous for your crew that must now, for example, set up ladders on top of drywall dust, but you don’t have the authority to order the drywall subcontractor to clean up the site. Only the general contractor can do that. If this were you, you might be appreciative of a general contractor that strives to keep construction sites safe and clean to avoid incidents like this one. When 2,400 subcontractors in Texas were asked by the Texas Construction Association (TCA) Safety Group which general contractor does the most to keep job sites safe, they chose D.E. Harvey, a division of Harvey-Cleary. As a result, the company was honored with the first-ever General Contractor Job Site Safety Award, which was awarded at a meeting of the TCA Board of Directors on Oct. 28. “I’m honored that we received this award from our contractors, but I’m not
surprised because our safety program is second to none,” says Jason Beers, director of Harvey Builders. “We want every individual worker to go home safe to their families so they can come back the next day and provide for them.” The TCA Safety Group is a workers’ compensation insurance safety group written by Texas Mutual Insurance Company. This is the first General Contractor Job Site Safety Award ever presented by the group. Gina O’Hara, a vice president at Anco Insurance and master agent of the TCA Safety Group, said she wants to see it become a coveted annual award. “We want to bring focus to messy worksites because subcontractors were having lots of trips, slips and falls stemming from poor cleanup of job sites,” she said. “It falls back on the general contractors to monitor their own work sites and the subcontractors who voted to honor Harvey with this award felt that they do it better than most.” –cw
Into the swing of giving
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1st Place Team
ith a total of 268 players on 67 teams, Martin Marietta Materials’ 10th annual Charity Golf Tournament Oct. 30 at the Hyatt Hill Country Golf Course proved to be the largest one yet. Organizer Lisa Rogers, office manager for the New Braunfels Quarry, reports that this year’s tournament participants, including company employees, vendors and customers, and 45 $1,000 hole sponsors raised a total of $78,480. The funds were donated to the San
Antonio Food Bank, Epilepsy Foundation San Antonio, SAMMinistries, Battered Women’s Shelter of San Antonio, and Family Life Center supporting the annual Just Jes Toy Run. –mh Winners 1st: Blake McMillan-Buckley Powder – Larry Roberts, Martin Marietta division president southwest district; Riley Pumphrey and Jay Pumphrey, Buckley Powder 2nd: Morlant Electric – Irish O’Leary II, Gary Dillenger, Greg Burger, Byrom Turner
L-R: Joe Mathia, South Texas Eagle Ford; Wayne Skipper, Martin Marietta vice president general manager South Texas; Jonathan Robinson, Chesapeake Energy; Rick Stewart, Exco Resources
Once a month, students are brought to Texas Utility Engineering’s Schertz office for an InspireU luncheon with the staff. This photo marked the occasion of the first time the kids came for the InspireU program.
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ince last year, Texas Utility Engineering has already doubled its staff from about 35 people to 70, and they’re still hiring. The firm has grown so rapidly that the number of employees has consistently outpaced the office space to accommodate them. “It’s amazing how fast we’re growing,” says Monica Simpson, manager of marketing and business development. “We’re already looking to open our third office.” When Simpson joined the firm in 2009, she estimates they had about 10 people, but they have outgrown their office space every year since. They moved to their current location on San Pedro three years ago, and about two years later, they had to begin work on a second office in Schertz. There are about 25 employees in the San Pedro office, and the Schertz office has maxed out at about 45 people. Now, they are searching San Antonio for a
place to start a third office. With shared experience in the electric industry at CPS Energy and the telecom industry at Grande Communications, David Evans, PE, and Brett Bigham started Texas Utility Engineering in March 2006. Evans, president, is a Big Brother for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and through his involvement, the company started a workplace-training program and participates in events such as Bowl for Kids’ Sake to benefit the kids in the organization. They also participate in the CPS Energy Grillsgiving BBQ Cook-Off and donate to organizations such as the San Antonio Food Bank and ChildSafe. Texas Utility Engineering does consulting on electrical and telecommunications infrastructure projects. The firm’s work includes distribution engineering planning, pole attachment applications, permit requests for TxDOT, drafting and land research. –mh
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San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Dog has more room to run
Industry FOLKS Tammy Thompson Office Manager Traugott Inc.
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his year marks Tammy Thompson’s 30th anniversary working at Traugott Inc. As office manager, she does everything from human resources to payroll to job costing, and she learned it all working her way up from the basics. When she was a senior at East Central High School, Thompson recalls that Mary Traugott came into the school looking to interview for a position in the Traugott office. Thompson was in an office education class at the time, and her teacher sent her and another student to interview with Traugott. She hired Thompson the same day. “I started working there my senior year, and I’d file and learn,” Thompson says. “Then, two days after I graduated, I started full time. I started answering the phones and filing, and eventually, Mary started teaching me the books, how to do the payrolls and everything. “Michael [Traugott Sr.] and Mary have been awesome to me. I’ve had two children since I’ve worked here. I’ve been married. I’ve been divorced, unfortunately. They’ve just been really good friends and bosses at the same time. And we have a really good employee relationship in our whole company.” Thompson has two children. Her daughter, Destinee, is 28 years old and in the Army. She works with the autistic and special education children at Carroll High School in Corpus Christi and is a softball coach. Her son, Devin, 22, lives in San Antonio and works in
the oil field. Since her children are grown and have built their own houses, she and her husband of three years, Alan Thompson, moved to New Braunfels two years ago. Alan is a system operator for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) in Taylor. Balancing the electric grids in Texas is shiftwork and moving allowed him to be closer to his job and his son. When they retire, the couple plans to move to Corpus Christi. When they first met, they bonded while talking about fishing, and then they went fishing on their first date. They have a house on the coast in Aransas Pass, and they go down there to compete in fishing tournaments, together and separately. Once they retire, they’ll be able to indulge in their shared passion more often. Although, Thompson says she’s probably a decade or so from retiring. “Mary and I have been friends for years, and [she and Michael] have been awesome to me,” she says. “I couldn’t ask for a better job. I‘ve got my kids, who are the best. My husband and I fish together. I’ve got great friends and wonderful parents. I’m totally blessed.” –mh
Big Red Dog recently doubled the size of its existing San Antonio office to accommodate five years of past growth and another five years of expected growth.
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ince Big Red Dog, a civil engineering firm, opened its San Antonio office four-and-a-half years ago, the local staff has grown from three people to 22. To accommodate that exponential growth and prepare for more of the same in the future, they recently expanded, more than doubling the size of their existing Hausman Road office. The firm moved twice before arriving at its current office, which is 2,800sf. With the expectation to double again over the next five years, the firm wanted to create space without relocating. The space immediately adjacent to the office was vacant, and Big Red Dog decided to absorb some of it. The expansion brought the San Antonio location to 6,250sf, more than doubling their space. This will allow them to comfortably house a total of 40 employees. They expect to hire four to five new people in the period of time between the expansion and the end of next year.
“We’re putting in a little shower facility and lockers so that our folks can work out during lunch and come back and be fresh afterwards,” explains Russell Yeager, vice president based in San Antonio. “We do have three or four folks who are training for a marathon and are really healthy, and we want to support that type of lifestyle so that’s one of the cool things that we’re adding in. That’s a big part of our culture.” The newly expanded office space also includes additional workspace, kitchen area, a break room and conference rooms. Yeager notes that clients drew the Big Red Dog to San Antonio originally, and since arriving in the Alamo City, the firm has created a niche for itself here in urban renewal-type development. Based in Austin, Big Red Dog is a civil engineering and consulting firm. The firm has offices in San Antonio, Dallas and Houston. –mh
San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
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and Down South Lures will be the norm while water temperatures stay relatively high. As soon as we see those water temperatures start to really fall, we will make the transition to a larger, slower moving target such as a MirrOLure or Corky. Speckled Trout will change their diet to larger shad and mullet as they prepare to survive the winter months. Pay attention to your surroundings and adjust your game plan to what presents itself on any given day.
Winter shows promise for sow trout
One other precaution to consider when fishing this time of the year is the presence of duck hunters on the water. These guys are very early risers and will definitely be on the water way before any angler has his first cup of coffee. Watch running to close to duck blinds and shorelines with decoy spreads. These guys don’t take discourtesy lightly and they deserve to be there as much as you do.
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.
Before closing, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. If you are searching for the perfect gift for the outdoors person in your family, I offer gift certificates for your convenience. Give me a call and I can set one up on a moments notice.
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s I sit here reflecting on the awesome fishing season that we had in 2015, I can’t help but be excited for the upcoming year. This year we were blessed with substantial rainfall that’s going to payoff in big ways. I haven’t seen our bay system in this good of shape in many years and am confident that next season will surpass the accomplishments that we achieved the year. While we are just entering the second year of the new trout regulations, I can honestly say that I have already seen some improvements in the quality of our fish. Numbers have stayed strong throughout our bay system, even through the fall season when we usually see a drop in the action. I presume it will only get better!!
Les Hogan holds up his 30”redfish as Carl Deaver looks on. Both men are from the DFW area and were fishing with Steve Schultz Outdoors.
Entering the month of December I will continue to fish limited days in between hunting trips. These trips will primarily be wade fish days using artificial lures. However, I will still accommodate clients
that prefer to stay in the boat. Wading trips should continue to produce good numbers of trout and scattered reds with some trophies as the water gets cooler. Soft plastics like gambler FlappNShads
Send to: Have an outdoor photo or story SAeditor@ConstructionNews.net you’d like to share? or call Mary at 210.308.5800
STEVE SCHULTZ OUTDOORS, LLC BAFFIN BAY LAGUNA MADRE LAND CUT SPECKLED TROUT REDFISH FLOUNDER FISHING AND HUNTING TRIPS
(361) 949-7359
www.baffinbaycharters.com steveschultzoutdoors@ gmail.com U.S. Coast Guard & Texas Parks and Wildlife Licensed
I have already started to fill the calendar for the upcoming 2016 season. Don’t wait until all the good dates are gone! 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.
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San Antonio Construction News • Dec 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
Catfish love to move around and feed this time of year. You can bait you up a catfish hole with some old smelly soured maize, or just chunk them some cattle cubes to get them interested and coming in to check on what’s for lunch. Then all you need is a hook with something stinky on it or some good worms to serve up the blue plate special and start reeling them in.
Merry Catfish!
I
can hardly believe it’s almost Christmas time. Summer took so long to end this year I think it messed with my internal calendar! It just seemed kind of cool to slide straight from striper fishing into the deer blind. At least I’m finally not having a heat stroke trying to stand wearing my camo hunting clothes! If you have talked to any hunters or been hunting you then you know that we are having a really good deer season. We have plenty of nice healthy deer to hunt and there are some truly amazing antlers on the bucks this year. We are seeing racks on some of our low fence deer to rival their high fence cousins. They can definitely get your blood pumping! Don’t forget to consider donating any surplus venison you may have to Hunters for the Hungry so we can make this season a little better for someone else too.
If that sounds like too much trouble, just call your favorite fishing guide and let him do the dirty work and clean your catch for you when you are done. That way you can pick yourself up a nice barbeque supper and see some Christmas lights on the way home with your catfish. After all man doesn’t live on turkey and ham alone this time of year, and maybe a fish fry would be a welcome addition to your holiday party. You might just load up the whole crew and bring them fishing with you and start a whole new holiday tradition. On blue cat, on yeller cat and on humpback blue! Merry Catfish to all and to all a fish fry! Thank you to everyone who turned out to vote to pass Proposition 6 and protect our right to hunt and fish in Texas for ours and future generations! It is a privilege we can continue to cherish thanks to you. McPherson catfish
The recent rains have brought the countryside into a welcome time of renewal after all the old dusty remains of summer. Where there was bare dirt and crispy vegetation now there is plenty of tender green stuff growing. Trees that were just barely staying alive are even putting on new growth and regaining health before winter sets in. Sometimes it almost looks like a false spring! Another thing that I love about these cooler months is CATFISH. I know, fa-lala-la-la and Happy Holidays and all that stuff is this time of year, but it is a wellkept secret that we have a heck of a catfish season this time of year that nobody seems to notice. Any angler that can tear himself away (or escape) from the holiday rush to go catfishing will usually be well rewarded.
Submitted to Construction News
A capital catch
Submitted to Construction News
Hunt in the hills
Along with National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) student chapter representatives from St. Philip’s College, members of HJD Capital Electric took a fishing trip with Off the Hook Fishing Guide Service with Captain Brian and brought in this catch. L-R: Ernest Patino, NAHB Student Chapter treasurer; Elias Gonzalez, NAHB Student Chapter secretary; Gilbert Noriega, professor at St. Phillips College Southwest Campus; Kristi Villanueva and Ronnie Villanueva, HJD Capital Electric –mh
Submitted to Construction News
Where the wild hogs are
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
Tino Longoria, owner of Tino’s Welding & Fabrication, shot this buck in the Hill Country at 174 yards while on a casual hunting trip at a friend’s ranch. –mh
Mike Mollere wants to take a lucky winner on a hog hunt. Mollere, owner of Hard Times Helicopter Service and brother of Annette Mollere, EasyDrive, donated a hog hunt for the Construct A Kid’s Christmas Gala this year. Mollere goes where the hogs are to help control the population, and his hunts are valued between $3,000 and $4,000. This year, you could be the one going on the hunt. L-R: Last year’s hog hunt winners from D&H Equipment, Kyle Cox and his father Andy Cox, with one of their hogs. –mh
San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Page 17
From the Alaskan wilderness While on his second trip to Kodiak, AK, Jack McKinney, Voges Drilling Company, harvested these two trophies with a homemade .338-06. –mh
Sitka blacktail buck
9-ft Kodiak brown bear
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San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
From the garish to the ghoulish
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or one day of the year, we get to act like we’re kids again, running around in costumes and overindulging in candy. The construction industry isn’t immune to the rush we get from the fun of it all – and the sugary treats! Halloween brings out our whimsical sides, our spooky sides and our creative sides. We asked you to share photos of whatever side showed its face this Halloween, and these are some of the faces you literally put on. –mh
VBX
VBX
Construction News – Cyndi Wright
VBX
Quality Fence & Welding Construction News – Buddy Doebbler
IBTX – The “Bond”ibles IBTX – Alice’s Tea Party
IBTX – The Caterpillar
IBTX- Admin Casino
Ridout Barrett
Ridout Barrett
Ridout Barrett
San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Page 19
Raba Kistner Padgett Stratemann
Baker Triangle
Padgett Stratemann
Raba Kistner – Most Creative
Padgett Stratemann
Padgett Stratemann LMD Architects
Ridout Barrett Raba Kistner – Best Overall
Alpha Building Corporation – Best Overall
Raba Kistner – Funniest
Alpha Building Corporation – Scariest
Raba Kistner – Scariest
Alpha Building Corporation – Cutest
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San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Five years of fundraising
MUSTANG COLT SERVICES Serving Customers Honestly Electrical Contracting • Commercial/Industrial Special Projects San Antonio, TX Weslaco, TX
210 494 7100 956 969 5703
We provide a full line of rock, masonry, stucco and foundation materials along with mixers, saws, scaffolds, and hand tools
1st Place Winner – for the second time
S San Antonio Location
Converse Location
7480 FM 1560 North 210-695-8222
9513 Kneupper Lane 210-651-7394
Call or come by and one of our sales associates will be glad to help you
We do custom rebar fabrication for all types of projects, including shop drawings. Quality Materials for your Construction and Landscaping Needs www.tx-resources.com info@tx-resources.com Brian Fraser 210-709-7656 ★ Manure Compost ★ Soil Mixes -3 in 1 Garden Mix -4 in 1 Garden Mix -Enriched Topsoil -Turf Dressing ★ Topsoil ★ Mulches
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Decorative Boulders Texas Blend Rock Decomposed Granite Arena Sand Cushion Sand Road Base Select Fill Commercial Sandy Loam
Lowboy
Dispatch 210-279-8201
Hauling
LinoVasquez 210-294-1389 www.jarcotransport.com
undt Construction’s charitable entity, the Sundt Foundation, marked the fifth anniversary of its annual Mike Gaines Charity Golf Tournament this fall. Held at the Silverhorn Golf Club, Sundt employees and supporters raised $23,000 this year for the San Antonio chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Since Gaines, a long-time employee, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neuromuscular disease, in 2001, the Sundt Foundation has hosted 62 events companywide raising nearly $1.6 million for ALS research. Since its inception in 2010, the San Antonio tournament alone has raised more than $105,000 for the local organization. –mh 1st: Airrosti Rehab Centers – Jason Garrett, Ryan Moore, Tommy Duhon 2nd: Alterman Electric – Chris Thiel, Art Salinas, Jeff Froboese, John Barbour Most Honest Score: Mixed Team – Louis
Longest Drive
Rodriguez, Larry Schmidt, Jonathan Hawkins, Steve Gonzales Longest Drive: Garrett Meek Closest to the Pin: Jason Nelson Longest Drive with Short Club: Joe Leons Longest Putt with the Short Putter: Tom Smith
Industry FOLKS Eva Ramirez Director of Marketing RVK Architects
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va Ramirez joined RVK Architects four-and-a-half years ago as director of marketing. Recently, she received the Leonardo Award for Marketer of the Year from the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS). That same week, she was promoted to associate at RVK. As director of marketing, Ramirez does proposal development and searches for new business opportunities, all the while managing relationships with existing and potential clients. She has developed marketing campaigns, a customer relations management (CRM) system and a database. She also represents the firm at various functions and conferences. Before RVK, Ramirez spent 22 years with a structural and civil engineering firm. Having grown up in Austin, she attended Austin Community College, where she studied business administration. She got her education in the AEC industry by “hitting the ground running with that engineering firm,” she says. She spent six years working for the firm in Austin, and when the firm opened an office in San Antonio about 16 years ago, she relocated. She has been here ever since. For about 16 years, Ramirez has been a member of SMPS, serving at least five years on the board. She has also served on committees and as chapter president. She recently completed her role as immediate past president. “I believe in giving back to the com-
munity,” says Ramirez. “And I love volunteering to do events for SMPS and RVK for the Children’s Shelter. I find such reward in that. For SMPS, we actually converted a library into a media room [at the Children’s Shelter], and one of our architects here [at RVK] helped design the conversion. Then, I actually helped with the painting and pulling up carpet and just redesigning the whole room. Then, for RVK, we’ve actually done summer picnics and Easter egg hunts.” As the only one of nine children to move away from Austin, her family still lives there, including many nieces and nephews, and she visits every Saturday to help care for her mother. In the Alamo City, she does a lot of walking, running and biking. She enjoys reaping the health benefits of staying active. She also loves grilling and traveling. In February, she got a Chihuahua, who is now 4 years old, named Biscuit, whom she adores. “I never thought I’d be that crazy about a four-legged friend, but he’s a good little guy,” she says. “He showed up at a friend’s doorstep and even though she put ads and checked vets, no one claimed him. So, I was the lucky one.” –mh
San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Page 21
Putting the tee in tournament
In their sights
1st Place Team, Red Course
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1st Place Net
ith 84 golfers stepping out onto the green, the American Subcontractors Association (ASA) San Antonio Chapter hosted its annual golf tournament Oct. 15 at the Silverhorn Golf Club. –mh Winners: Net 1st: Brett Schropp, Chamberlin; Mark Dade, Chamberlin; Mitch Bryant, Alamo Tees 2nd: Urban Heating & Air – Patrick Pellenh, Chet Steubing, Rick Kramer, Rick Mitchell
3rd: Speedway Erection – Bruce Culver, Clyde Culver, Louis Garcia, Jacob Somerville Gross 1st: KMAC – Kevin McIntyre, Greg McDaniel, Bob McIntyre, Robert Gayle 2nd: KCM Cabinets – Kenneth Moore, Gary Thompson, Tommy Guajardo, Kyle Miller 3rd: ULLICO – John Benavidez, Keith Colvin, Barbara Colvin, Ed Boyle Closest to the Pin: Rick Kramer Longest Drive: Women: Elizabeth Connally Men: Luke Williamson
1st Place Gross
The ‘gate’-way to the future
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o help raise money for the Michael McGinnis Honorary Scholarship Fund, the American Subcontractors Association (ASA) San Antonio Chapter hosted its second annual Tailgate Party Oct. 20 at the ASA office parking lot. The free event included food, beverages, music, prizes and a washer tournament. Last year’s event helped push the total to $5,000, which was awarded in April of this year to students pursuing education towards careers in the construction industry. Just before the mixer, ASA had raised $6,000 for next year’s scholarships, and now, the ASA has raised $9,000. They hope to raise $10,000 by March to be awarded next year. –mh
L-R: Rep. Lyle Larson; Jennifer Swinney, ASA; and Mike McGinnis, Allen & Allen Photo courtesy of VBX
Gardner Law Firm Bethany Thompson and Tom Walthall
L-R: Patty Wylie, Johnson Controls, and Debra Ruiz, Wells Fargo
T
he Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) South Texas Chapter held its 29th annual Sporting Clay Shoot Nov. 12 at the National Shooting Complex. –mh Red Course Team 1st: Tex-San Site Services: Trey Baring, Ryan Baring, Roy Baring, Clinton Jenschke 2nd: Team Titan Transportation: Craig Spiser, Kevin Murry, Martell Adams, George Hisler Individual 1st: Mark Billings, CEMCO 2nd: Martell Adams, Team Titan Transportation
Yellow Course Team 1st: B.G. Metals: Derek Snoga, Jay Brown, Kevin Ethridge, Jared Bernshausen 2nd: Hart Acoustical and Drywall: Clark Curnutt, Smokey Butler, Dwayne Frerich, Brad Frerich Individual 1st: Stephen Ethridge, Frost Bank 2nd: Jay Brown, B.G. Metals
1st Place Team, Yellow Course
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San Antonio Construction News â&#x20AC;˘ Dec 2015
Winners and winnings
T
he Associated General Contractors (AGC) San Antonio Chapter held its annual Casino Night and Construction Industry Awards Dinner Nov. 19 at Oak Hills Country Club. The master of ceremonies was Commissioner Kevin Wolff, and guests enjoyed a buffet dinner and a variety of casino games. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;mh
Specialty Contractor of the Year Alterman
Ace Tinch Service Provider of the Year Pape-Dawson Engineers
Engineer of the Year Terracon Consultants
Outstanding CLF Member of the Year Jim Welch, Pape-Dawson Engineers
F.A. Nunnelly Company L-R: Hannah Vorhes and Emily Canupp
Bubba Moeller Award for Outstanding Service Blaine Beckman, F.A. Nunnelly Company
L-R: Kristian Pearson, Joeris General Contractors; Kari Sireno, Baker Triangle; Fred Galvan, Turner Construction Company
Architect of the Year Debra J. Dockery, Architect, P.C.
General Contractor of the Year - Turner Construction Company
Supplier of the Year - Architectural Division 8
L-R: Commissioner Kevin Wolff, Bexar County, and Melynne Wulff, Terracon
Tony and Karen Ridout, Ridout Barrett
San Antonio Construction News â&#x20AC;˘ Dec 2015
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San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Milestone warms the heart
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ith the 13th annual Arthur O’Krent Golf Classic raising more than $90,000 this year, the cumulative total amount Sam and Margie O’Krent, owners of O’Krent’s Abbey Flooring Center, have raised in the history of the tournament reached the $1 million mark. Held Oct. 12 at La Cantera Hill Country Resort, the event included a super raffle, which was won by Jerry Caughlin, BPI, who came from Tennessee and took home a $5,000 Mastercard. The money raised at the tournament benefits the American Heart Association (AHA) through the United Way of San Antonio. Sam, a past chairman of the board of the AHA, lost his father to heart disease in 1997 and Margie’s father, a cardi-
ologist, underwent bypass surgery in 2003. –mh Winners 1st: Jon Wayne Heating & Air – Matt Baumann, Andrew Hoffman, Brain Simpson, Preston Dixon 2nd: Methodist Heart Services – Scott Rausch, Nick Petro, Marc Strode, Natalie Kelly 3rd: Sol Schwartz & Associates – Jim Rice, David Ballard, Jay Evans, Dale Lane Closest to the Pin #17: Joe Kahanek, Fine Lines #3: Joe McCart, Air Medical Longest Drive, Handicap 12 and Under (Hole #10): Hector Torres, Jefferson Bank Longest Drive, Handicap over 13 (Hole #5): Kevin Driskill
continued from Page 1 — Turning up the volume of retail space, 67,000sf of manufacturing facility, and 55,000sf of flex space that is in the design phase. Local clients include Golden Chick, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Wurzel was recently selected as one of Starbucks’ general contractors in Texas. “Our growth is projected and sustained,” Blackburn notes. “We’re not interested in becoming a giant company. This is a controlled growth. At this office, we will maintain somewhere between a $17 million and $22 million-a-year average. That’s what we want to do, because we want our employees to still have lives.” Blackburn’s life outside of the office includes his wife, Rhonda, and their blended family of three grown children. He also enjoys spending time with his Christian family at Marble Falls First Bap-
tist Church, where he is heavily involved and likes going on missions. Preferring to live in the country, he commutes a little more than an hour everyday from his home in Horseshoe Bay. He’s an avid sportsman and loves the outdoors. After spending four years as a scout sniper in the Marine Corps and studying electrical engineering at Texas A&M University, Blackburn had his own small general contracting company and worked for other companies, including H.P. Zachry and Journeyman Construction, before joining Wurzel. Wurzel Builders, a commercial general contractor that focuses on the private sector, is based in Austin with offices in San Antonio, Dallas and Bentonville, AR. –mh
continued from Page 1 — Adaptable Alderson
1st Place Team
“It’s an effort to break perceptions about the size of the firm,” says Linda, noting that their growth hasn’t changed their focus on clients. “Although we are now the second largest MEP firm in San Antonio, we prefer to retain close personal relationships with our clients.” Alderson & Associates has been working with some local clients, including the City of San Antonio, Northside ISD and UTSA, for decades. The firm’s primary markets are government, institutional, higher education, K-12, research, healthcare, commercial and industrial. This diversity has allowed the firm to adapt and continue to grow. The next big change came when the
firm purchased the former Racquetball & Fitness Center near I-10 and Callaghan in 2012, relocating the following year after extensive renovations created its new office with more than 10,000sf of space. Now, the anniversary is the catalyst behind some minor rebranding. The traditional “A” that has become identifiable with Alderson & Associates is being modernized to cohesively advance the firm’s identity in the decades to come. Alderson & Associates offers comprehensive mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineering and commissioning services in the public and private sectors. Based in San Antonio, the firm also has a field office in Houston. –mh
continued from Page 1 — Part of the journey to Austin
Recently completed by Journeyman Construction, Centro Plaza will be a stop on the public transportation network from downtown San Antonio to downtown Austin. The plaza is bordered by Frio, Houston, Medina and Travis streets.
very modern, neutral and ‘cold’ using non-directional stainless steel finishes as well as aluminum and glass,” Ramos describes. “But this changes after sunset as the lighting spread all over the elements of the project creates a spectacle for the public. “The plaza and tower illumination is definitely one of a kind with almost every element of the project being illuminated. The sophisticated wireless lighting system allows the plaza to change colors based on an astronomical clock and to communicate with the surrounding illuminated buildings, such as the Children’s Hospital. “Having this huge lighting package, the coordination to fit all the fixtures and components and make them almost invisible to the public, was definitely a challenge.” He notes that the other major challenges to construction were the heavy rain events in April, May and June this spring, which occurred while the team was working on the underground and paving phases of the project. On another interesting note regarding the design, Ramos adds, “According to archeological studies, the Alazan Acequia used to go through the plaza on a more or less north-south direction. This project has a landscape feature that resembles the Alazan Acequia with ripple stone and ground colorful light fixtures.
“Centro Plaza is also environmentally conscious. The plaza includes a sustainable underground storm water storage tank. The water stored in this tank is used to irrigate the landscape and trees within the plaza and keeps on recycling and filtering itself.” The superintendent on the job was Rick Elledge, LEED AP, and the regional vice president for Journeyman is Andrew Waterman, LEED AP. The prime architect was Perkins Eastman, based in New York City. The lighting design team, Domingo Gonzalez Associates, was also based in New York City. The associate architect, Ford Powell & Carson, and landscape architect, Bender Wells Clark Design, are local to San Antonio. The engineers included IES (Intelligent Engineering Services) for civil, based in San Antonio, and Architectural Engineers Collaborative for structural and SHAH Smith & Associates for MEP, both firms based in Austin. Subcontractors on the job included Fred Clark Electric, Gratr Lanscapes, CT&S Metalworks, Byrne Metals, La Salle Affordable Builders, Accu Aire, San Antonio Tile, Texas Glass, CKA Enterprises and Bill Fitzgibbons. Established in 1996, Journeyman Construction is based in Austin with offices in San Antonio, Corpus Christi and Fort Worth. –mh
San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Page 25
Construction Equipment Equipment dealers association evolves to better serve its members
Rick Lawhun, President/CEO Equipment Dealers Association St. Louis, MO
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ver the past several months, the Equipment Dealers Association (EDA), formerly known as the North American Equipment Dealers Association, has undergone significant change in an effort to better serve its members. The association’s evolution has included development of a new brand, which includes a new name, logo, vision, and mission, as well as a new governance model and membership model. The new brand was created to communicate that the association is evolving and engage positive perceptions, while drawing attention to the renewed focus of the organization – government relations, manufacturer relations, and regulatory compliance. After careful consideration, the 2014-15 board of directors determined
that dropping the geographic descriptor better aligned the organization with the regional equipment dealers associations and strengthened the organization’s position as the largest international organization for equipment dealers. Throughout its 115-year history, the association has had a few different names, but its purpose has remained unchanged – to help dealers succeed. The new name and brand will continue that purpose by raising the association’s visibility and making it more effective in pursuing its primary focus areas. As of Oct. 1 of this year, the association’s governance model changed from a 17-person appointed board to a 9-person elected board. The 2014-15 board felt a need to create a leaner structure that can
Snorkel
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he new Snorkel S3219E provides 19feet of platform height from a 32-inch wide chassis and can lift 550 lbs. Nonmarking tires and saloon-style entry gates are fitted as standard. It is part of the new Snorkel hydraulic drive electric slab scissor lift family that was launched earlier this year. The family includes four models: S3219E, S3226E, S4726E, and S4732E. Designed for the rental industry, the S3219E is packed with innovative features that benefit both the rental company and the operator. The new dual shear design scissor stack features oversized pins to increase stack rigidity and increase the life of the machine. The platform is made from 12-gauge diamond plate, eliminating the need for grip tape. The S3219E’s 36-inch roll-out deck extension has telescopic rails meaning that the operator can utilize the maximum floor space of the platform whether stowed or extended. Upper controls are hard mounted to reduce theft and the lower controls are positioned in the rear of the chassis, allowing easy access when machines are parked side-by-side. A control panel for loading is located on the external toe board of the machine, allowing the operator to ‘walk’ the machine onto a truck without needing to be inside the platform. The lifts have a gravity-actuated, over-center active pothole protection system that does not rely on springs or hydraulics. The kingpins have been enhanced by a factor of eight, to eliminate breakage, especially from forklifts when moving the machines. The S3219E has a 90° steering design. Easy maintenance Efficient maintenance is an important factor for rental companies, and the Snorkel scissor lifts feature an ‘inside-out’ twin door tray design which makes servicing the equipment light work. The
smaller door trays also carry less weight, meaning less strain on the door hinges. The tray is housed in heavy-duty ¼ steel that provides additional protection to the machine’s electrics. Durability The chassis features a solid plate underneath it to protect the undercarriage and a flat top to ensure that any debris falls onto the ground during power washing and does not remain within the machine. With 25% gradeability and a long duty cycle per charge, the new Snorkel series of electric slab scissor lifts are designed to deliver a long working life with minimal downtime and low maintenance costs. The lifts are now in production and are available to order. To find out more about the Snorkel S3219E, contact Ahern Rentals at 800400-1610 or visit www.ahern.com.
react more quickly in addressing industry issues and influences. The new model also allows dealer members to directly determine the board member who will represent their interests and speak on their behalf at the national level. The August 2015 election of board members was the first such event in the history of the organization and members responded by returning more than 1,000 ballots. Also as of Oct. 1 of this year, the association’s membership model changed from a federation structure, where the regional associations were the members of the national organization, to a direct membership model, where the dealers are the national members. In approving the new model, the 2014-15 board determined that the new structure facilitates direct communication with dealer members and positions the organization as the unified voice representing the interests and needs of the dealer. Not only have the dealer members positively embraced the change, but industry entities as well, including manufacturers, vendors, and other associations having similar missions and goals. As president and CEO of the Equip-
ment Dealers Association, I am fortunate to have played a small part in implementing these significant changes. The 201415 board of directors had the wisdom, foresight, and courage to implement change when status quo would have been acceptable. They can be proud of their accomplishments knowing that the future of the Equipment Dealers Association is bright. About Us Founded in 1900, the Equipment Dealers Association (EDA), formerly known as the North American Equipment Dealers Association, is a non-profit trade organization representing 4,500 retail dealers extensively engaged in the sale and service of agricultural, construction, industrial, forestry, outdoor power, lawn and garden, and/or turf equipment. EDA provides essential value to its members by enhancing the dealer-manufacturer relationship and advocating for a positive legislative and regulatory environment. EDA is headquartered in St. Louis, MO and is affiliated with regional associations located throughout the United States and Canada. For additional information, visit www.naeda.com.
Link Belt
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he TCC-1100 110-ton has been well received and is the third in a growing lineup of Link-Belt telescopic crawlers, cementing the company’s presence in the market. Its design focuses on robustness, simplicity and reliability for the general contractor or bare rental fleet owner. It offers an impressive capacity chart at radius that rivals even lattice crawler cranes with a similar base rating. Its full power boom, fabricated from ultra-highstrength steel and formed in Link-Belt’s own facility, makes it fast and east to operate. The main boom is 150 feet (45.7 m) long and incorporates Teflon wear pucks to eliminate boom grease.
For more information on the TCC1100, contact HOLT Crane & Equipment at 877-714-0978.
Wacker
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his mid size dumper features a 6,600 lb (3-metric ton) payload capacity, power swivel material handling and hydrostatic permanent four-wheel drive as standard. The hydrostatic drive system offers user-friendly controls, eliminating the need to change gears. The 3001 offers superior performance, the drive system automatically provides torque when and where it is needed. With no clutch to wear or gears to grind, hydrostatic drive
eliminates the high parts and labor costs associated with replacing these components. ROPS and heated cab versions are available. • Operator station is easily accessible from both sides for added convenience. • Swivel bucket allows material to be unloaded on either side of the unit for ultimate versatility. • Four-wheel drive provides perfect traction in difficult terrain. Articulated steering with central hose routing allows for tight turning radius and protection of the hoses. • Dashboard displays a full range of dials/ indicator lights such as fuel gauge, low fuel warning light and parking brake light for operator convenience. • Engine cover lifts high giving excellent access to all the service points For more information, contact Tejas Equipment Rental at 210-867-7885
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San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Construction Equipment Deere
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he John Deere 1050K was designed and built with state-of-the art tools and techniques. Boasting more power and weight than the J-Series model it replaces, the 1050K Dozer delivers the performance you need for mining, quarrying, road building, and other large-scale applications. When you compare it to other crawlers in its class, the John Deere 1050K is the obvious choice. From the ground up, the completely redesigned 1050K features a John Deere PowerTechTM engine with the superior power-to-weight ratio to provide the traction needed to push more material. Dual-path hydrostatic transmission allows you to push a full load through turns without losing material, unlike torqueconverter transmissions on competitor machines. Other enhancements include an EPA Final Tier 4 (FT4)/EU Stage IV die-
sel engine for work in nonattainment areas. And a new EcoMode that regulates engine rpm to burn up to 25-percent less fuel. Plus the unsurpassed visibility, operating ease, responsiveness, and reliability you've come to expect from our crawlers. This dozer is loaded with all the fatiguebeating amenities an operator needs to get “in the zone” and become more productive. Maintaining big iron doesn’t have to be a big deal. Backed by the RDO Promise – Uptime GuaranteedTM, you get a level of guarantee that no other John Deere or competitive brand dealer offers – a commitment to providing the ultimate in service and care when you purchase your equipment from RDO Equipment Co. Stack the deck in your favor — learn more by contacting your local RDO Equipment Co. store today.
Xtreme
Case
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ntroducing the new D Series excavators, built inside and out to provide what you wanted – more power, more durability, more comfort and more control. They offer a new boom and arm design, enhanced hydraulics, a redesigned cab, a stronger undercarriage and more standard features, including a control pattern selector, free swing, additional handrails and a heated air-ride seat. All of it together helps you get more done every hour of every day. PRODUCTIVITY In addition to the already-impressive controllability of our CASE Intelligent Hydraulic System, D Series excavators have a new electronically controlled hydraulic pump, a larger control valve and a new solenoid valves. These upgrades help boost breakout force, increase lifting strength and improve responsiveness, which enables the machine to work faster throughout the work cycle. In fact, cycle times are up to 8% faster than our C Series excavators.
FUEL EFFICIENCY D Series excavators use an SCR Tier 4 Final solution that’s cleaner burning and provides up to 12% increased fuel efficiency without sacrificing power. As an after treatment system, SCR lets the engine run at peak performance to provide full throttle response throughout the work cycle. And best yet, SCR is simple. No DPF regeneration. No new maintenance. No downtime. Just pour and go. SERVICEABILITY When you invest in CASE equipment, you need it to last. We make it easy. D Series excavators are no exception. A Standard oil sample ports allows for quick sampling of engine oil and hydraulic oil while grouped service points, tilt-out coolers and auto-locking side panels that stay open make it easy to perform routine maintenance. We even added new handrails to make it easier to get around the machine. For more info or to schedule your demo, call ASCO at 800-687-008
Leica
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treme Manufacturing’s XR4030 heavy-duty rough terrain telehandler can lift up to 40,000 lbs. Designed for lifting large loads, the XR4030 also boasts up to 30 ft. of lift height and a forward reach of up to 16 ft. 4 in., maximizing its use for many applications across the jobsite. Built to last, Xtreme Manufacturing telehandlers’ feature a solid steel plate chassis, high quality components and a reliable Perkins engine, making them ideal for working in tough conditions, such as large construction sites, as well as oil and gas, utilities and mining applications. The XR4030, like all Xtreme telehandlers, is designed to get the job done safely and efficiently. Innovative standard features, such as 360° operator visibility from the cab, and an integrated boom lift point to support suspended loads, help to minimize the risk of acci-
dents. Long life boom rollers are maintenance free, and reduce boom chatter for smoother operation when positioning a load. Xtreme operator boom controls are specially designed to permit the operator to keep one hand on the steering wheel at all times. The Xtreme XR4030 is designed to be the ‘swiss army knife’ of the jobsite, with its lift capacity and reach providing a solution for most jobsite lifting applications. The XR4030 can further be customized with a range of attachments, which now includes a new pipe & pole grapple attachment that can lift pipes and poles up to 7 ft. diameter, with a lift capacity of up to 35,000 lbs. The Xtreme XR4030 is available to order. To find out more about the Xtreme XR4030, contact Ahern Rentals on 800400-1610 or visit www.ahern.com.
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eica Geosystem has introduced the world’s first self-learning MultiStation Robotic Total Station. The Leica Nova MS60 brings together all available measurement technologies in one instrument, including precision 3D scanning, robotic total station capabilities, and GPS connectivity. To further meet the demands of ever-changing work sites; the MS60 multistation combines the latest measurement technology with the world’s first self-learning targeting recognition environment, ATRplus. With the use of dynamic laser control, history logs of reflected laser targets and tighter sensor synchronization, Leica’s ATRplus technology ushers in the latest generation of robotic total stations and the one and only MultiStation capable of continuously adapting to a changing environment. For more information contact Easy Drive at (210) 491-9449.
San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Page 27
Construction Equipment Bobcat
Caterpillar
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he most popular frame size in Bobcat history got a new upgrade. Operators already familiar with the 700 and 800 platform loaders tout the performance, comfort, visibility and machine protection of the machines. Now, the M-Series lineup is more complete, from the radius lift path and all-around versatility of the S510 to the extra power, vertical lift path, excellent reach and large, high-flotation tires of the S590. Premium M-Series cab has new positioning for better visibility; increased cab space, best-in-class pressurized interior and reduction in cab sound levels provide the ultimate in comfort. Stronger hydraulics and more than 20 percent improved attachment performance increase attachment productivity. The model offers increased performance; convenient, easy-to-use controls and many other features to save you time and effort on the job. A host of M-Series machine protection features simplify daily maintenance and prevent damage to the machine.
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Of course, the hallmarks of Bobcat performance remain in the new 500 platform: construction, smart cooling and a maintenance-free chaincase. Horsepower ranges from 49 in the s510 to 66 in the S590. Travel speed in the 2-speed option tops out at 11 mph in all models. Rated operating capacity ranfges from 1,650 lbs to 2,100 lbs. An Auxiliary high flow option in the S550, S570 and S590 powers the hydraulic system to 26.7 gpm. For more information, contact Quality Equipment at 210-337-6136.
he Cat® 415F2 Backhoe Loader delivers performance, increased fuel efficiency, superior hydraulic system and an all new operator station. • Ergonomic Operator Station – Ample legroom inside the cab makes rotating the seat simple. The air suspension seat provides operator comfort. • Load Sensing Hydraulics – The Cat Backhoe Loader’s load sensing piston pump provides full hydraulic lifting and digging forces at any engine speed. Variable flow pump matches hydraulic power to work demands.
• Machine Performance – The proven Cat C3.4B engine delivers solid performance, meets Tier 4 Final/Stage IV emission standards, and requires no diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). • Machine Versatility – A broad range of performance matched Cat Work Tools make the Cat Backhoe Loader the most versatile machine on the job site. All backhoe loaders have standard thumb ready sticks. For more information, contact HOLT CAT at 877-714-0978 or visit HoltCat. com/BHL
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San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Round-Up RVK Architects announced the following: Byron Andreu has been promoted to associate. With the firm for nine years, he is a member of the Graphics Studio, collaborating with the design studios to create 3D visualizations. He earned his applied science degree in drafting and design from ITT Technical Institute. Vanessa Pe’Vey has been promoted to associate. With the firm for nine years, she served as project manager on the C.H. Guenther headquarters. She earned her bachelor’s degree in interior design from UTSA. She also recently passed the state exams to become a registered interior designer in Texas.
Kathy Castañon has been promoted to associate. With the firm for 12 years, she is a member of the Graphics Studio and is the firm’s inhouse photographer. She supports the marketing department and assists with 2D graphics. She attended Howard Payne University. Jason Puchot has been promoted to associate. He leads the Healthcare Studio in medical-related projects. He earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental design from Texas A&M University with a certification in evidence-based design. Jesse Zuniga has been promoted to associate. With the firm for 10 years, he is currently working on various projects for Harlandale ISD. He earned his bachelor’s degree in architecture from UTSA.
Eva Ramirez has been promoted to associate. In the industry for 26 years and with the firm since 2011, she leads the marketing and business development efforts as the director of marketing.
DEA Specialties announced the following: Robert Del Toro joined the company as an estimator/ project manager. He previously worked in the slate and marble field for 20 years, owned his own slate and marble business for eight years and then worked for a Division 10 subcontractor in Houston for more than three years. Beau Foy rejoined the company as an estimator/project manager. He previously worked for the company for seven years and has returned now 11 years later. He has worked for three other construction companies. He attended Community College of the Air Force, spent four years in the Air Force and four more in the reserves.
Bill Long joined the company as an estimator/project manager. He has worked in estimating and project management for Highland Homes, Southwest Signs and Modspace. He attended Palo Alto College and Texas A&M San Antonio, and received his MBA from Texas A&M San Antonio. Damian Stewart rejoined the company as a bid coordinator/estimator. He previously worked for the company for two years. He has worked at Brown & Root in Houston, an engineering firm in Orlando, FL, and two general contractors in San Antonio. He attended Valencia Community College in Orlando, FL and Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe, LA.
Round-Up Submissions Email (w/digital photo, if available) by the 15th of any month, for the next month’s issue (published 1st of each month). Email info with “Round-Up” in the subject line to:
SAeditor@ConstructionNews.net
Association Calendar
Content submitted by Associations to Construction News ABC Associated Builders & Contractors
Events are held at the ABC office unless otherwise stated. Dec. 1, 8, 15: Supervisory Leadership Program; 6-9:30pm Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Gala, Freeman Coliseum Exhibit Hall C, 5:30-11pm Dec. 4, 11: Heavy Commercial Print Reading, noon-5pm For more info: email Chris Preetorius at chris@abcsouthtexas.org
AGC Associated General Contractors
Events are held at the AGC office unless otherwise stated. Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Gala, Freeman Coliseum Exhibit Hall C, 5:30-11pm Dec. 8: Safety Training: Confined Space Awareness, noon-1pm Dec. 10: Holiday Open House; 4-7pm; hors d’oeuvres and drinks, Ericatures will be doing caricature sketches; dress is casual
AIA American Institute of Architects
Dec. 4: Continuing Education Procrastinator’s Day, Center for Architecture Dec. 9: Holiday Party, Center for Architecture Dec. 11: College of Fellows Luncheon For more info visit www.aiasa.org
ASA American Subcontractors Association
Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Gala, Freeman Coliseum Exhibit Hall C, 5:30-11pm
if you’re not 8a certified, 12:30-2:30pm. Holiday Open House, 101 W. Euclid, 4-7pm To register or RSVP for these events, call 210-444-1100 or visit www.hcadesa.org
IEC Independent Electrical Contractors
Events are held at the IEC office unless otherwise stated. Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Gala, Freeman Coliseum Exhibit Hall C, 5:30-11pm Dec. 5: Skills USA Competition, 8am- 2pm Dec. 11: Member Appreciation Casino Night, 6-11pm Dec. 14: Continuing Education Class, 5-9pm Dec. 19: Electrical Maintenance Technician Class, 8am-5pm Dec. 25-Jan. 1: IEC office & school closed Jan. 11: Accelerated School Program begins, 5:30pm For more info call 210-431-9861 or visit www.iecsanantonio.com
MCA–SMACNA Mechanical Contractors Association Sheet Metal & A/C Nat’l Assn.
Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Gala, Freeman Coliseum Exhibit Hall C, 5:30-11pm Dec. 16: Christmas Party, Oak Hills Country Club, 11:15am
NAWIC Nat’l Assn. of Women in Construction
Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Gala, Freeman Coliseum Exhibit Hall C, 5:30-11pm Dec. 8: Christmas Party, La Hacienda, 6-9pm
PHCC
BXTX Builders Exchange of Tx
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors
Construction Financial Mgmt. Assn.
Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Gala, Freeman Coliseum Exhibit Hall C, 5:30-11pm Dec. 17: Board meeting and 2016 Strategic Planning Session For more info: www.phcc-sanantonio.org
Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Gala, Freeman Coliseum Exhibit Hall C, 5:30-11pm
SA Assn of Building Engineers
Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Gala, Freeman Coliseum Exhibit Hall C, 5:30-11pm
CFMA
GSABA Greater San Antonio Builders Assn.
Dec. 4: Holiday Gala & Installation of Officers; Grand Hyatt Hotel, 600 E. Market St.; 6pm; $75/person, $800 per table of 10 Dec. 9: Holiday Potluck Luncheon, 11:30am Dec. 17: Building Believers, Monthly Guest Speakers; GSABA Ballroom; 11:30am-1pm Jan. 8: 31st Annual San Antonio Housing Forecast; Omni Hotel @ the Colonnade, 9821 Colonnade Blvd.; 7:30-11am; presentation by Jack Inselmann, Metrostudy; $65 /person, $700/table of 10 until Dec. 18 For more info contact Lucy Gale at 210696-3800 or lgale@sabuilders.com
HCA de San Antonio Hispanic Contractors Association
Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Gala, Freeman Coliseum Exhibit Hall C, 5:30-11pm Dec. 15: SBA Seminar; Phase I: 8a Certification, 8:30-11:30am; lunch 11:30am12:30pm; Phase II: How to get 8a work even
SAABE Dec. 16: Membership Luncheon, Embassy Suites, 11:45am Dec. 18: Holiday Social, Embassy Suites, 6pm
SAMCA San Antonio Masonry Contractors Assn.
Dec. 3: Holiday Celebration & Banquet; Christopher Columbus Italian Society Hall, 201 Piazza Italia; 6-10:30pm; $60/ person, includes casino games, prizes and dinner; for more information, call Debbie at 830-606-5556
SDA Society for Design Administration
Dec. 5: Annual Planning Retreat Dec. 8: Holiday White Elephant For info, email angelica@tejaspremierbc.com
TACCA Tx Air Conditioning Contractors Assn.
Dec. 3: Construct A Kid’s Christmas Gala, Freeman Coliseum Exhibit Hall C, 5:30-11pm
Submitted to Construction News
Topping out in the top 20
KFW Engineers & Surveying hosted a topping out celebration Oct. 28 at the site of the firm’s new headquarters in Shavano Park. The five principals also broke out their new Inc. 5000 Award, ranking #20 for fastest growing private engineering firms in the U.S., that will be displayed in the new office. L-R: Craig Fletcher, Steven Krauskopf, Blaine Lopez, Billy Classen and George Weron. –mh
San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
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Electric family feast
t HJD Capital Electric, the annual Thanksgiving dinner, held Nov. 18, brought an estimated 200 employees and an additional 100 guests to its main office on Highway 90 for fried turkey with all the traditional fixin’s and desserts. –mh
Submitted to Construction News
Lunch is served in Dilley
L-R: Chris Preetorius, ABC; Gabriel Ochoa, Harvey-Cleary Builders and ABC; David McCormick, Merrick & Company; Dave Wineman and Kristi Villanueva, Capital Electric Baker Triangle treated its hard working guys in the field to an employee appreciation lunch Sep. 24 at its Dilley Elementary School jobsite. The general contractor on the project is Gallagher Construction Company, and it should be completed in spring of next year. –mh
Construction News JOB SIGHT
A bright learning environment Henry Davila, president of Capital Electric; Marianna Lujan, Davila Construction; and Henry’s brother, Tony Davila, president of Davila Construction
Capital Electric L-R: Ralph Zapata, Cecil Lopez, Ubil Alvarez
L-R: Barb Hrbek, Hart Acoustical; Rich Hardin and Bob Collins, CMS; Albert Davila, Capital Electric
Built up brick by brick
L-R: Roy Garcia, Christopher Bowman and Yury Tevelenkov, ASG Energy, converted the lights from halogen to LED in the Builders Exchange of Texas Education Council’s classroom for its Pre-Employment Architectural & Construction Exploration (PACE) program. –mh
Founder of Lundberg Masonry Curt Lundberg and his wife, Lynn, enjoy traveling together.
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hen Curt Lundberg went into the masonry business for himself as Lundberg Masonry, he took all kinds of small residential jobs, including mailboxes and planter beds. Today, he has received many positive comments on his job for the North Park Lexus dealership across from the Dominion. He says that he would still do a mailbox, but he seldom does residential work since switching to commercial in the early ‘90s. Raised in Abilene, Lundberg went to college at Sul Ross for a year, where he met his wife, Lynn. The couple married in ’81. Since she was raised in Boerne, the couple moved to Boerne, where Lundberg Masonry was founded in 1983 and is still based today. In the first year of the business, Lundberg transitioned from small residential work to building homes. Primarily, his clients wanted stone, but he laid a fair amount of brick as well, having earned experience as a bricklayer for Richard Leeder.
“I was out there mostly doing it myself,” recalls Lundberg. “I’d take the plans home. I would give builders proposals based on those plans. If we landed the job early on, I was just doing all the work myself, including mixing the mud, hauling the stone or brick. Every once in a while, my wife would help me mix mud or haul material.” As the jobs grew, so did his crew. Today, he has several of the same people working for him that were among his first hires. He adds that he couldn’t do what he does without his estimator, Tommy Dechert, and office manager, Amber Sanchez. At 53, Lundberg spends a lot of his spare time roping. He also likes to bay fish, play golf and travel with his wife. They have a daughter, Kendall, and a son, Garrison. Lundberg Masonry does brick, CMU, stone and restoration work in the commercial market. –mh
Serving San Antonio & South Texas since 1984
Specializing in Machine Laid Curb
23306 Blanco Road San Antonio, Tx 78260 Email: dougniznik@gmail.com 210-497-8121
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San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Driving toward the center
Open for fun and safety
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ith food and prizes ready for attendees, National Trench Safety hosted an open house Oct. 14 at its Springfield Road facility off Northeast Loop 410. –mh
1st Place Team
he SpawGlass San Antonio Division held its second annual Charity Golf Tournament Oct. 16 at Olympia Hills Golf Course in Universal City. The proceeds from the event went to the Clarity Child Guidance Center. –mh 1st: CBS – Rodney Chandler, Ed Boyle, Chris Carnes, Tony Monjerez 2nd: Bury – Steve Grau, Jason Nelson, Mark Kruss, Rudy Bazan 3rd: CB&Y – Stan Curry, Richard Flake, John Warren, Gregory Cokinos Closest to the Pin: Men's - Aldo Bravo Longest Drive – Men's: Greg Archibald Longest Drive – Women's: Aleisha Knochenhauer
L-R: Baldemar Martinez, general manager, presented Hector Casareg with the first place door prize, a Yeti Cooler.
Justin and Chuck Calvin spent the day out on the green to help raise funds for a local mental health treatment center for children and adolescents.
L-R: Greg St. George, sales consultant, took some time to chat with Ronnie, O’Haver Plumbing.
Construction gone country
L-R: Ben Cammack, Bartlett Cocke; Kirby Carpenter, ASCO; Tommy Adams and Brandon Bates, Bartlett Cocke
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ringing in three food trucks to feed about 180 people, ASCO Equipment and CASE Construction hosted a lunch for the construction crew on the jobsite of the new Judson High School at 7618 Evans Rd. Country star Kip Moore made a special appearance, posing for photos and signing autographs. Bartlett Cocke General Contractors is the GC for the project. –mh
After pulling up in his tour bus on the way to a show at Cowboys Dance Hall that night, Kip Moore autographed photos for crewmembers.
L-R: Manuel Gonzalez, G&H Insulation; Benny Esparza, Quarter Moon; Jose Gomez, G&H Insulation; Sergio Sandoval, Quarter Moon; Luis Caldona, G&H Insulation
San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Page 31
Ringing Singing Tree coming to Austin
The Ringing Singing Tree
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ouston-based JK Welding is constructing the Western Hemisphere's first Ringing Singing Tree. The company serves clients throughout Houston, San Antonio, Austin and Dallas. "We are thrilled to be a part of this art project, which will be installed in Austin," said owner John King, JK Welding. "Our staff considers it a great honor to be a part of the project.” King says JK Welding became involved with the project when an attorney from Austin contacted the company to build this for him based off some prints provided by Tonkin Liu from the United Kingdom. According to King, the Ringing Singing Tree is estimated to stand nearly 17 feet tall and weighs 20 tons, incorporating 22 levels of precision piping. “This is a wind-powered musical sculpture that takes its cue from two likedesigned sculptures in Britain and Saudi Arabia,” King said. “Its galvanized steel
pipes are arranged in a stacked swirl formation mimicking a tree bent as it's blown by the wind.” As the wind whispers through these pipes, a haunting and melodious hum covering several octaves ushers out. Every time a guest sits underneath this fantastic art and music-based sculpture, they will hear a different song. King added that the steel pipes are fabricated both for aesthetical qualities and toning. Specific narrow slits are added on the underside of certain, expertly placed pipes to produce their desired sound. The Austin Ringing Singing Tree will be on public display at 18433 FM 529 in Cypress for six months to a year before its moved to Austin. “This project is so unique what fabrication welding shop wouldn’t want to be a part of it,” King said. “JK Welding wants to be a part of making history as this giant wind chime becomes a part of history here in Texas and the rest of the world.”
The JK Welding team
JK Welding provides welding, custom fabrication, design and installation for jobs and projects of all sizes and scope. –ab
An officer and a Marksmen
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haring the vision of Mark Baublit, owner and president of Marksmen General Contractors, Greg Hilburn recently came on board as the company’s COO. At 39, Hilburn has 15 years of experience in various sectors of the construction industry, supervising in the field and doing project management. His past projects include K-12 facilities, higher education facilities, medical facilities and office. Originally from College Station, Hilburn graduated from Texas A&M Univer-
sity with his bachelor’s degree in construction science. He worked with Baublit while under a previous employer and joined Marksmen to help strategically grow the company and to focus on quality of product and service in their operations. He and his wife, Pat, have two children, their son, Lendon, and their daughter, Ryan. Like Baublit, Hilburn has a passion for millwork and woodworking, building things like cabinets in his spare time. He and Baublit hope to grow that hobby into their business structure.
Submitted to Construction News
Weighing in for wellbeing
His wife works part-time for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and he is involved in the nonprofit’s Light the Night program, a walk to raise funds for blood cancer research. He is also involved with the local Real Estate Council, participating in its leadership development program in 2014. He is also active with the Northside ISD Construction Careers Academy, where he has been a mentor to some of their students since 2012. –mh Greg Hilburn, COO of Marksmen General Contractors
PRO-LINE PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE
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ASPHALT OVERLAY SEAL COATING TRAFFIC SIGNAGE THERMO PLASTIC STRIPING
www.prolinepaving.com YOUR FULL SERVICE COMPANY! “Over 20 Years Experience”
ESBE SBE 213055107 Yates Construction issued the Yates Health Challenge to its employees in April. Of the 175 employees who weighed in at the finish in October, 12 of them were local employees who lost approximately 128 pounds combined. Randy Powell, senior vice president of the Texas division, says, “Because our greatest asset at Yates is our employees, incentivizing them to improve their health and wellbeing reaps benefits both personally and professionally, and is an important aspect of our personal accountability culture that promotes healthy lifestyles on and off the job.” L-R: Carlos Elizondo, Andrew White, Laura Adamson, Chris Holechek, Renee Estlund and Nick McIlwain. –mh
210.530.0062
•
1-800-ASPHALT FAX 530.0064
MIKE & MARK CRAWFORD
P.O. BOX 791324 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78279-1324 EMAIL: prolinepavement@aol.com
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San Antonio Construction News • Dec 2015
Turkey day comes early
SMG’s employees hosted a bountiful Thanksgiving feast to show their customers that they are thankful for them this year – as they’ve done every year since the company was founded.
Port San Antonio L-R: Andrew Garcia, Gordon Deskin, Lonnie Pearce, Leonard Flores, Jorge Lara
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very year since the inception of Service Mechanical Group (SMG), the company has hosted its Thanksgiving Open House to thank their customers for their business. This year, at the 19th annual Thanksgiving lunch feast Nov. 13 at their Wye Street facility, they showed their appreciation to an estimated 175 guests with 15 fried turkeys and all the fixin’s to go with them. -mh
Alpha Home: Russell Ramirez and Pamela Mendez
The cooks behind SMG’s Thanksgiving luncheon L-R: Chuck Clark, Mark Zinsmeister, David Nicholson and James Knape
L-R: Jimmy Rangel, Westdale; Roland Trevino and Ruben Gomez, Griffin Partners; Christie Streicher, Westdale