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Volume 13
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Number 12
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DECEMBER 2016
As seen on …
Rooms with a view
Soci recently celebrated the grand opening of its new corporate headquarters, showroom and warehouse.
The Vector Constructors team enjoy their new Flower Mound office.
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GTV’s “Property Brothers.” FOX’s “Home Free.” Southern Living’s idea house. TLC’s new and yet-tobe titled Nate Berkus show. For Soci, being seen on TV and in magazines is just another day at the office. Now the designer and wholesaler of high-end tile and plumbing products, founded in 2004 by Todd Simpson, has a new place to be seen. The company has replaced its McKinney location and moved into its expansive new corporate office, showroom and warehouse at 718 S. Greenville Ave. in Allen. The upscale 4,666-sf corporate office houses sales and customer service departments and a conference room, but the 1,136-sf showroom is Soci’s star. The
sleek, light-filled space displays Soci’s array of porcelain, ceramic and natural stone products, concept boards and panels in innovative ways (think sinks displayed in pull-out drawers). Kristi Pecoraro, chief of operations, says tile is the showroom’s heart and that a space planner made sure every inch of display space had maximum impact. Even with the planner’s guidance, however, the Soci team debated every design aspect of the space’s shell. With so many of their own tile and sinks to choose from, the 25 employees had many discussions about what would be best for their workspaces and restrooms. continued on Page 21
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ven though Vector Constructors LLC only just recently set up shop in Coppell, rapid growth has already motivated its move to a new office at 3700 River Walk Dr. in Flower Mound. “In February 2011, we had three projects that were started in Arizona,” Mark Thomas, founder and working principal, explains of the company’s beginnings. “In early 2015, the developer partners that we work with in Idaho decided that they wanted us to work with them on some projects in Texas. We agreed that we would open up an office in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and manage these projects from that central location. Dallas tends to be a very easy hub to get in and out of with the airport, and they have an
exceptional trade market as well. It just made a lot of sense for us.” “We first opened an office in Coppell, and we chose that office as a site that we thought would allow us to grow for the first few years, but we quickly outgrew that space,” executive vice-president Randal Navis adds. “This led us to look for spaces in the Metroplex that were a little more centrally located. We’ve settled in the Lewisville/Flower Mound area and just really fell in love with the location.” “We’ve grown exponentially as a company over the past year, and we had a great time moving the office and doing the remodel together,” Candice Lyon, Vector’s financial controller, says. continued on Page 21
Fourth part harmony
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ormer alfalfa farmland in Richardson has yielded a new kind of bounty – the new “live, work, play”–style CityLine development. At full build-out, the mixed-use project will boast 5 million sf of office space, multi-family residential units, more than 60 dining and service retail options, two hotels and two parks. General contractor Austin Commercial worked with developer KDC, Corgan Architects, civil engineer Kimley-Horn and structural engineer L.A. Fuess Partners to complete CityLine’s fourth tower in October. Located at the northeast corner of State St. and N. Plano Rd., the 535,000-sf facility consists of a 12-story office building, a six-level parking structure and approximately 31,000sf of floor retail. The tower will provide more workspace for State Farm employees; the insurance company currently occupies 2.1 million sf of CityLine office space. The LEED-Silver certified project is a
shining example of environmentally friendly style. Steve Kitching, Austin Commercial’s senior project manager, says the building’s eye-catching exterior features and abundance of LED lighting are what people will likely notice at first glance. “The LED accent lighting on the perimeter of the building on the fin and eyebrow creates an architectural element that the designer was looking for,” Kitching says. “When you’re driving down George Bush and you see the project, you’ll actually see quite a bit of architectural accent lighting on all of the State Farm projects. The vertical fins on both sides of the building are unique as well as the horizontal eyebrow, which creates an architectural element, but it also creates shading.” Sunshades were used on the building to reduce energy use, which was only one goal of the project. Because it was aiming A vertical fin and horizontal “eyebrow” at the top of CityLine’s fourth tower are only two of the project’s many eye-catching details.
continued on Page 21
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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
Happy hours
Approximately 100 guests signed up to drive 10 laps around the track.
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L-R: Texas AirSystems’ Larry Pate, Rusty Vaughn and Bud Beunier
exasAir Systems customers were lapping it up Oct. 27 at Texas Motor Speedway at the company’s annual appreciation event. Rusty Vaughn, a partner of Texas AirSystems, says approximately 100 guests come out to drive the track and network. “We bring a network of our customers out and entertain them for the afternoon with the fun of the event out at the Speed-
way,” Vaughn says. “To start off the event, we sit through a mandatory driving class and ultimately, they wind up being able to drive 10 laps in a real NASCAR with an instructor in there for safety reasons.” Because driving at such high speeds builds an appetite, Vaughn says, “We cap off the evening with dinner for everyone. It’s just our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our valued customers and spending a little time with them.” –mjm
L-R: Torrey Lester of John Cook and Associates and Justin McClellan, Texas AirSystems
Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
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Room to grow
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Open hearts
Burns & McDonnell celebrated the opening of its newest office in Fort Worth with a ribbon cutting.
ctober 27 was a blue-ribbon day for Burns & McDonnell: The 118year old global engineering, architecture, construction, environmental and consulting firm celebrated its new Fort Worth office with a ribbon cutting and open house. Burns & McDonnell moved from the city’s west side to the Pier 1 Imports building at 100 Energy Way. Positioning itself for rapid expansion over the next five years, the company intends to increase its Fort Worth staff by another 200 percent. Its local growth has reached 540 percent since opening regional offices in North Texas in 2010. “[The move is] a commitment to Fort Worth; we’ve been here for the last six years and we’re here to stay, so this is really moving up our footprint in the area,” Scott Clark, vice president and general manager of the company’s Dallas/Fort Worth offices, says. The 22,000-sf office Class A-building space provides a gym, walking trail and coffee shop, a commuter-friendly downtown location and easy access to sites like
the Trinity River Vision project. “For our employee-owners, it really has more amenities that we were looking for,” Clark says. “We’ve been recognized as a top workplace in Texas for eight years and have been on Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for six; this is also a commitment to our employees to have a really nice work environment. It helps us retain the best and the brightest people possible.” The move also allowed Burns & McDonnell to reflect its “brand refresh.” “We’re going through all of the offices and giving them an update,” corporate communications manager Kristi Widmar says, gesturing toward walls of images of staff doing volunteer work. “There are all of these characteristics of what happens at Burns & McDonnell, and every office offers something. It’s important for everyone to feel very involved.” Burns & McDonnell consists of 5,300 engineers, architects, construction professionals, scientists, consultants and entrepreneurs with offices nationwide and throughout the world. –mjm
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Montgomery Cranes, Crane Network and Applied Network Machinery supported the fundraiser/open house.
ontgomery Cranes in Euless, in partnership with the Texas Association of General Contractors (AGC), hosted an open house Nov. 17 to raise money for a child in need. Austin Bridge & Road estimator Jess Coonrod’s daughter has battled cancer for four months and the more than $10,000 raised at the event will go toward her reconstructive surgery and recovery therapy. In addition to the fundraiser, which was also supported by Crane Network
and Applied Machinery Sales, Montgomery Cranes showcased the new Merlo line the equipment company recently added. Telescopic handlers were delivered to the event so that guests could learn about the product and watch demonstrations. –mjm
L-R: Montgomery Cranes’ Michael Marchant and American Rockwool Manufacturing’s John Beck and Kent Kean
L-R: Merlo’s Austin Bailey and Montgomery Crane’s David Montgomery
Construction News ON LOCATION
Ready to work
L-R: Crane Network’s COO Clint Wood and Montgomery Cranes owner David Montgomery with the Merlo Roto
Jared Clayton, lead painter at Painter Ready in Dallas, has enjoyed working with the company for two years. –mjm
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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
lot of things about this business that school can’t teach you and that experience does.
Xavier de la Rosa and Frank de la Rosa Co-owners FX Concrete Fort Worth
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he steps Xavier de la Rosa has taken in faith have been cast in concrete. When opportunity knocked in 2010, it was his drive, his father’s faith in him and his belief in himself that led their business, FX Concrete, to become a solid success. In six years, de la Rosa has expanded FX Concrete to include two additional supporting companies, and he strives to learn more about the industry so that he can make – and take – his next concrete step. How were you introduced to the construction industry? My dad, Frank, is from Mexico and when he came to the United States in the 1970s, that’s when he became involved in construction. He did a lot of high-rise work as a laborer. During the summer, he brought me out to the job sites when I was pretty young so that I wouldn’t be lazy and sleep all day! When I turned 10, I went out with him to job sites and pretty much worked full-time in concrete construction during the summer. When I was in high school, I had other jobs during the school year, but when summer came, I still did concrete construction. When I graduated, I did it full time and by that time I was already running $5-$8 million jobs. I’m fortunate that I started doing this early; there are a
Did you know when you were young that you wanted to be in construction? Actually, in high school I did Auto CAD, won awards and was accepted to Texas Tech. For me, reading blue prints was even easier than reading a book; it came naturally to me. I had planned to be an architect, but when I looked at my options, I figured I would be 60 before I started making the money that I wanted; I could make more money doing construction. I started travelling all over the United States doing concrete construction of multi-family apartment complexes, but I always wanted more. I was always asking my boss questions; I wanted to learn because I didn’t know what a bid was, or even a quote. Around that time, in 2009, the economy started going down in Texas and layoffs occurred. The company laid off my dad but kept me, another man and some laborers because we were in the middle of the Legacy Four project in Plano. I was feeling down. I wanted to open up another company; it’s always been a goal of mine to build something that would allow me to take my dad away from working for someone else and make it so that he could retire someday. Even though my dad had found work with another company, I went to him and we opened FX Concrete in March 2010. So when I wasn’t working on the Legacy Four project, I was doing driveways and patios with my brother and another guy; it was three of us running around Dallas at 2 o’clock in the morning, pulling a trailer with a Bobcat behind me and grabbing jobs after hours. When did you start focusing on FX Concrete full-time? On Nov. 1, 2010, I got a call from my boss that he was shutting the doors of the business and telling everyone to pack up and go home. We were right in the middle of the Legacy Four project, so I told everyone at the company to wait while I talked to the general contracting
Construction News JOB SIGHT
From this … to this!
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an you spot and circle the difference? There are more than a few. Engineering, construction and sustainability firm C1S Group recently renovated their Dallas headquarters, and being in construction, they knew exactly what they wanted! The update included colorful carpet tiles, new cubicles and a lighter paint color on the walls. –mjm
company owner. I told him that I was the one running his job, that I had the equipment and the labor employees who had just been laid off and I could finish the project for the same cost he had negotiated with my boss. I went in blindly, not knowing their numbers, but we finished Legacy Four, which was a $400,000 project. What do you remember feeling at the time? I remember when my boss first sent me to work on Legacy Four, my wife at the time was concerned I wasn’t drinking enough water in the heat, and so I made her a video at the job site to show her I was. My truck was parked at a job site next door that would become Legacy Five. I recorded myself talking about how much I loved the job, the process of cutting the dirt with tractors everywhere. Then I mentioned that I wished the project was my own. Little did I know that a couple of months later the Legacy Four job was going to be mine and the future Legacy Five job site where my truck was parked was going to be FX Concrete’s first start-to-finish job as well. It was amazing how that worked out. We actually had a company meeting recently where I played that video for everybody. What was it like to see that video of yourself? Amazing. I was 28 when I started the Legacy Four job. I could take myself back to the time when I made that video and what I felt at that time. I remember what I was doing that day and who I was meeting with. It was a good feeling to look at that video and look at where I’m at now. What advice would the Xavier of today give the 28-year-old Xavier? Keep doing what you’re doing. It’s going to work out in your work life .., but in your personal life, it’s about to get rough with the woman you’re with! Xavier! Ahem, moving on … so you successfully finished Legacy Four and won the project located next to it? Legacy Five was right next to it and I told Amicus Construction to give me a chance and he did. That’s when I pulled Frank from where he was working. We knocked Legacy Five out of the park, even though the construction company was concerned about hiring us.
Before
Why were they concerned? When it came to doing the actual concrete portion of the job, they had no questions; they knew we could do it. But I only knew how to do the construction side, I had no idea how to run an office, such as how to track invoicing and everything that comes with that. The construction company had to trust us. So you went from running a side business to operating a full-blown company overnight. Were you nervous? No ma’am! I was excited as hell! I do not let stress get to me at all. The way I
After
see it is, all of this is still going to be here tomorrow, so hey, let’s figure this out. We did really get stretched out [financially] during Legacy Five, and my dad put up a lot of money out of his own pocket – and he didn’t know which way this thing was going to go. I had never bid on a job before, and I didn’t know if the numbers were right. But it’s a hump you have to get over; you can’t be afraid to push over that. Tons of people will get to that hump and throw up their hands and say they’re done. But they’re right there, and if they don’t push themselves over that hump, they’ll never see the other side. That’s just business; you have to spend a lot of money to make a lot of money. I just kept going to him every week, asking him for more money, $10,000, $15,000, $30,000, telling him we were almost there. It was a lot to ask for, plus it was a while before we were paid, but he supported me 100%. Once we got that check, I was able to pay him back and everything started rolling like clockwork from there. I hope you bought your dad something very nice for Father’s Day that year. The company he had worked for had given him a company work truck, a GMC Denali 3500, but had to file bankruptcy and take the truck back. When we started FX Concrete, I told him to give me one year and that I would buy him that truck because of his faith in me. Eight months and two jobs later, I went down to the dealership and bought him a 2013 GMC Denali 3500. And, I just bought him a 2017 Denali a few weeks ago. I’m still driving my 2006 Dodge, but that’s because it has sentimental value. What has this journey taught you? There have been a ton of lessons. As far as regrets, do I have any? Meh. You can’t regret what you do, you can just learn from it. You have to be happy with the decisions you make, even if they are the wrong ones. How has the company changed over the years? Besides FX Concrete, we’ve also opened FX Equipment and FX Materials, which supplies concrete to FX Concrete. We have six concrete mixers and a mobile batch plant that will produce and provide concrete to our jobsites. What do you do when you aren’t working? I work! Free time is mainly with my kids and friends, but most of my free time is taken up with work. Now that we have the mobile batch plant, I’m reading up on the chemical side of it and learning the science behind it. Even though I’ve been doing this a long time, I don’t know everything. I just have to do everything I can to become knowledgeable and to learn. FX Concrete offers turnkey concrete construction for multi-family and commercial buildings and structures. –mjm
Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
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In memoriam
Vibe was electric
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evin Moore, 53, chief operating officer at Morrison Supply Company, passed away Oct. 18, 2016. Moore was born March 18, 1963 in Amarillo to Auburn Gene Moore and Charlene Faye Anderson Moore. After high school graduation, he worked for Oberkampf Supply, a plumbing wholesale business, in Midland. In 1990, he managed Morrison Supply Company in Odessa, and then served as regional manager and vice president before moving to Fort Worth in 2012 to serve as the company’s chief operating officer. Survivors include children Brytni Moore of Dallas and Colyn Moore of Abilene. Funeral services were held Oct. 22 at Greenwood Chapel with interment at Greenwood Memorial Park. –mjm Submitted to Construction News
First in line CenTex apprentice Riley O’Neal wins 2nd place in the National IEC 2016 wireoff competition.
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uring the week of Oct. 26-29, thousands of people from all over the U.S. converged on San Antonio for the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) annual national convention. –cw Texas awards included: Apprenticeship Alumni Award: Joe Chandler, IEC Dallas 2016 IEC National Apprentice of the Year: Riley O’Neal, Great Basin Industrial, CenTex IEC L-R: Parrent’s Painting’s Benny Hernandez (with tour guide Diamond Dave), Toby Northcutt, Jason Parrent and Mike Evans reel-y enjoyed their win! The team placed first at the 2016 Texas Dallas/Fort Worth Council Painting and Decorating Contractors of America’s 13th Annual Raymond Harkins Memorial Striper Fishing Tournament. Held Oct. 14 at Lake Texoma, the event benefits PDCA’s charitable giving fund. –mjm
Who is your favorite athlete? Currently, I can say a favorite athlete is the Cowboys’ Dak Prescott. I like the backstory. I like the fact that he’s a rookie and he’s doing pretty well in the NFL. As a kid, that’s what you dream of, and right now, he’s living the dream, so that’s pretty cool. Shedrick Harrison, Marek
Ashlyn Harris, goal keeper for the United States women’s national team. To her, it’s not just a sport; she ‘s using her voice to help other people, which is a lot more than just going and collecting a paycheck. Mariana Flores, Joeris General Contractors
Joe Capp, a quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in the ’60s. He was a hardnosed football player, a Native American. Steve Bernish, Business Flooring Specialists
Right now, it’s Dak Prescott because he’s winning. He’s got that attitude and he’s not afraid to just go out there and do it. It doesn’t matter that he came in as a rookie quarterback and took over for the amazing Dallas Cowboys; he’s done it in stride and kept going. Kay Grant, Manhattan Construction
Roger Staubach of the Dallas Cowboys. Great character, great career, he’s still around, just a really great guy, and he served in the military. Preston Prine, MEDCO Construction Mike Rizzo of the Chicago Cubs. He just has a great personality and everybody loves him. He’s a really good volunteer and goes to the cancer centers; he’s just a good guy. Norma Greer, Novel Builders Jason Witten of the Dallas Cowboys, for his work ethic. He’s never missed a start, never missed a game. Roger Porter, Structure Tone Southwest I would say Dak Prescott right now. I think he has overcome a lot with taking on a big role with the Dallas Cowboys and Tony Romo being the face of the team for a while. I think he’s done a great job. Kevin Hollenbeck, Pogue Construction My favorite athlete is Tyler Seguin and/or Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars. I’m a big hockey fan; I know this is Cowboys country, but I‘m a Dallas Stars fan through and through. Greg Copeland, Spring Valley Construction
Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks. He’s the savior of Dallas; first championship that the Dallas Mavericks have gotten in 2011. Never forget! Tyler Hysell, Cadence McShane
Joe Chandler
Excellence in Construction Awards Multi-family up to three stories, including senior living: Central Electric (San Antonio); Kent Place Residences Low-Voltage Systems: Central Electric (San Antonio) Service Contractor: Milestone Electric (Garland) Milestone Electric
Central Electric in San Antonio took home two awards.
Submitted to Construction News
Planning central
Probably Randy White of the Dallas Cowboys. When I was a kid, he played defense, and I played football in high school and I enjoyed watching football. Scott Jones, Hill & Wilkinson I used to like Mark McGwire, who played for a lot of teams, but played for the St. Louis Cardinals last. I just like his character, and he’s a really good athlete. Ryan Kemp, Lee Lewis Construction Michael Jordan. I was pretty young when he was playing but MJ was the best. He was the best competitor in my mind and the best player. Jeremy Gray, Empire Countertops Ezekiel Elliott, running back for the Cowboys, his rookie year. He’s like an Emmett Smith, got a lot of the same qualities. I think a lot of people like him because he’s not always out getting in trouble. He sets an example for others. Dale Murphy, Skillforce
L-R: The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) South Central Region held its annual Fall Conference Nov. 11-12 in Houston. Past directors who put the event together were (L-R) Dena Rowland (Fort Worth), Miki Haas (Northshore, LA), Jennifer Swinney (San Antonio), Sandy Field (Houston), Christine Barnhill (Northshore, LA), Julia Campbell (Fort Worth), Laura Culin (Austin), Karolene Pittman (Fort Worth), Luci Roberts (Austin). –mjm
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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
Ready to help the children
Industry FOLKS Genaro Carrasco Warehouse coordinator Midco Sling & Cable Companies
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lthough he was a self-professed “chubby kid” from San Angelo, Genaro Carrasco’s quick feet and agility sparked a lifelong passion for physical activity. After a brief stint in college, he worked as a part-time fitness instructor and steel company employee, but 10 years later wanted to be challenged at a higher level. Older than the average military recruit at age 30, Carrasco was rejected for enlistment by the Air Force, Army and Marine Corps. The Coast Guard, however, invited him to enlist. “I was sworn in and ready to go, but then I cracked my leg and didn’t know it,” he said. “When I arrived to ship out they told me I couldn’t go since I couldn’t march, and it disqualified me.” Discouraged, Carrasco returned to San Angelo and worked as a temp doing demolition. Working in the summer heat with a sledgehammer spurred him to approach Marines recruiters again and ask why his age barred him from joining their branch but not the Coast Guard. “They reconsidered, and what took the Coast Guard three months to do [to enlist me] only took the Marines one week,” he says, laughing. Carrasco enlisted in 1988, rose in rank to E5 Sargent and served in Operation Shield/Storm. Four years after leaving the service, he joined the Ma-
rines Corps Reserves in 1996, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2002. In 2006, he joined the U.S. Navy as a Yeoman, attached to the command he supported in the Marines. He received order to Voluntary Training Unit (VTU) in 2013 and reenlisted until 2020. In his civilian life, his experience in the steel industry helped him land his warehouse coordinator role at Midco Sling. He bonded quickly with the company’s president Douglas Dry, who is “the most stand-up guy I’ve ever known,” Carrasco says of his mentor. “He taught me everything I know about the business and how to treat customers.” Physical fitness is still important to Carrasco; it’s not unusual for him to sneak in a few pushups during breaks at work. Outside of work, Carrasco now uses his quick feet in his running regimen and to keep up with wife Anna “Lisa,” 21-year-old daughter Halle, twin 17-year-old sons Jake and JonMarc, 12-year-old daughter Lauren and 32-year-old daughter Jennifer from his previous marriage. –mjm
CDF Executive Director John Owen receives a donation check from Redi-Mix’s VP of Business Development and tournament director Buck Weatherby.
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or 20 years, Redi-Mix and U.S. Concrete have hosted an annual golf tournament to raise money (more than $1.25 million to date!) for Dallas/ Fort Worth charities. On Oct. 24, the 2016 Redi-Mix Charity Classic, hosted at Roanoke’s Trophy Club Country Club, raised $235,000 for The Clayton Dabney Foundation for Kids with Cancer, which has been the tournament’s cho- L-R: Bob Livingston and Gary P. Nunn performed at the event. sen charity for the past six years. Guests enjoyed a taco/Bloody Mary to CDF executive director John Owen. bar before hitting the course, as well as Proceeds assist needy families with chilthe tunes of Bob Livingston and Gary P. dren in the last stages of cancer and Nunn, two members of Jerry Jeff Walker’s helps to create an “everlasting memory” Lost Gonzo Band. The highlight of the for the child. –mjm event was when the check was presented
Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
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Women who wow
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he achievements of women in the architecture, engineering and construction industry were honored at the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association’s (RHCA) annual Luna Awards. Hosted Oct. 28 at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, the Luna Awards Luncheon, Confer-
Survey says … Thanks!
ence and Expo celebrates the nominees and winners and features companies and panels that support and benefit women in the construction industry. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the RHCA scholarship fund and to date has raised more than $230,000. –mjm
Established Construction Firm: LEMCO Construction Services, Judy Lembke
Rising Star Firm: UNITY Commercial Solutions, Tamara Munson, CSI, CDT, LEED Associate
Geomatic Resources’ Rodney Walsh, GEONAV owners Scott MacKinnon and Matthew Broderick, Geomatic Resources’ Robin Rotenberry and GEONAV’s Kevin Mattice
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hanksgiving doesn’t get any more Texan than when BBQ is being served, and GEONAV even had its own smoker to ensure there was plenty of pork to put on the platter. The professional land surveying, scanning and mapping service company hosted its annual Thanksgiving BBQ Nov. 17 at its Carrollton office, and it was a feast with all of the “fixins.” “We host a mixture of current customers, as well as prospective clients that we’d like to service on future projects,” Kevin Mattice, GEONAV’s marketing manager/business development manager, says. “It’s a fun event before the holiday season. It’s nice to say thank you to our clients who have been with us over the years and to meet new faces.” –mjm
GEONAV’s Kevin Mattice greets customers at the front door.
Established Service Firm: DGR Consultants LLC, Diane Gollhofer PE
GEONAV’s Joel “Chris” Howard
Lifetime Achievement: Dr. Leticia Anaya, University of North Texas
Outstanding Executive: Mahvash Armand, Armand Consulting Inc.
Outstanding Professional: Zaida Basora, City of Dallas
Outstanding Administrative Professional: Janit Jones, Kiewit Infrastructure South Co.
Business Advocate: Amie Kromis O’Riley, Skanska
Geomatic Resources’ Ron Vogel serves up a plate of Thanksgiving BBQ.
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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
Contractors: 5 questions to start your year Michael Kuchar, CPA, CCIFP Construction Group Shareholder Doeren Mayhew Houston, TX
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eady or not, a new year is just around the corner. As your construction business looks to make it a successful one, consider these five best practices for optimizing your financial position. Are you taking advantage of all the tax savings opportunities available to you? Frequently overlooked by construction professionals, the Research and Development (R&D) tax credit rewards businesses for improvements to their processes or technologies. New and innovative construction techniques, improving an existing building structure and designing and constructing a new facility are just a few examples of projects that may meet the R&D tax credit requirements. The Section 179D deduction is another opportunity to consider. Although more complex to qualify for, Section 179D allows contractors performing qualified energyefficient lighting improvements for taxexempt entities to qualify for the deduction even though the cost of the improvements were paid for by the taxexempt entity. Have you created a budget for the year, and is it realistic? A well-constructed and maintained budget allows you to properly plan your expenses, determine revenue and ensure your financials are on track for each project. While creating your budget, be sure to estimate revenue, calculate upfront costs and account for your monthly expenses in order to get a better understanding of monthly financials. Once the actual numbers are in, make sure to compare your budget to actual costs to determine what changes you need to make for upcoming months or future projects. Stay on track with budgeting and your financials with benchmarking tools and resources available to you through the industry associations. Are you prepared to effectively manage your jobs? In order to keep projects on track and on budget, it’s important to know the job schedule and be prepared. By developing a schedule, you will know in advanced when every facet of the job is to begin, when it should be completed, timing for arranging subcontractors and progress throughout the various project stages. It is also important to keep in contact with your team and to have your group on the same page. Often times your team can provide strategic thinking to help with challenges as they arise and give valuable input on cost cutting throughout projects. This can be achieved by conducting weekly or biweekly meetings with accounting
professionals, management and account managers. Do you understand your financial standing and what the numbers mean? Working with accounting personal to analyze financial statements allows you to catch potential problems early on before they become bigger issues and result in costly losses. Understanding your financial standing allows you to be on the lookout for problematic areas impacting cash flow, such as profit fade, under-billings, change orders and flaws in the billing process. Communicate problems or concerns to your accounting professionals to develop and implement processes to minimize cash-flow risks. Have you taken steps to protect yourself from fraud and scams targeting the construction industry? As technology continues to evolve, fraud also continues to rise. The construction industry in particular is targeted because of the various cost inputs, multiple suppliers and subcontractors. Industry professional suggest establishing internal controls and implementing employee policies and procedures to reduce fraud opportunities. One scam we’ve been hearing a lot about involves a fraudulent email address imitating an assistant or company employee you work closely with, sending an email on your behalf asking for a wire transfer to the account they provide information for. Make sure your policies and procedures include measures to protect yourself from such scams. Once money has been transferred from one account to another, there is very little, if anything, that can be done to reverse the transaction or replace what has been lost. Planning for the unknown of what 2017 holds for your construction business can be challenging. Doeren Mayhew’s specialized group of construction CPAs can help you implement strategies that are just right for your individual needs. Michael Kuchar, CPA, is a shareholder and leader of Doeren Mayhew’s dedicated Construction Group in Houston. A top 100 U.S. firm, Doeren Mayhew’s CPAs and business advisors serve more than 500 suppliers and general and specialty contractors doing business domestically and abroad. For more information, visit www.doeren.com.
What is Surety??? Becky Landry, Surety Manager Catto & Catto LLP San Antonio, TX
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ebster’s defines surety as “a person who takes responsibility for another’s performance of an undertaking.” The first known record of contract suretyship appeared in an etched clay tablet from the Mesopotamian region in 2750 BC.
What is the difference between surety and insurance? Insurance is a device where a group of individuals contribute to a common fund for the purpose of utilizing this fund to pay for losses sustained by these individuals. It is a two party obligation between the insured and the insurance company and assumes there will be a loss. The policy premium is actuarially determined based on aggregate premiums earned versus expected losses. Surety operates on the premise that there will never be a loss. Surety is a three party obligation. One party (Surety Company) guarantees a second party (owner/obligee) the successful performance of a third party (principal/ contractor). Surety is more of a credit function. Sureties collect premiums as a charge for lending credit to a contractor. The fundamental difference between insurance and bonds is that surety companies demand reimbursement from principals in the event there is a loss. A General Indemnity Agreement is a contract between the surety company and the contractor. It obligates the contractor to protect the surety from any loss or expense that the surety sustains as a result of having issued bonds on behalf of the contractor. There are four basic types of contract bonds. Bid bonds assure the bid has been submitted in good faith and guarantees the bidder will enter into a contract at the proposed price and provide performance and payment bonds, if requested. A performance bond states that the principal will build whatever it is that he has contracted to build in accordance with the plans and specifications. A payment bond guarantees anyone supplying labor and/ or materials will be paid subject to the contract provisions. A maintenance bond may be requested upon completion of the project and guarantees against defective workmanship and materials. There are three main components that a surety company looks for in a contractor, which are also known as the Three C’s. Character – what is the moral and ethical nature of a contractor? What is his
standing and reputation in the community? Contractors should be honorable and dependable business people. Have they been in any previous legal disputes is also valuable information. What is their credit history and banking relationship? Do they have a line of credit? Reference letters indicating the size and scope of previous projects are very helpful in providing background information on projects completed. Capacity – does the contractor have the necessary skills, knowledge, manpower and ability to complete a project? Does he have the plant and equipment necessary to perform their contracts? Capital – measurement of the contractor’s financial ability to assume the risks of the business activity. Do they have the financial wherewithal to finance a new project along with their current obligations and any problems that could arise? Corporate and personal financial statements are required to determine the financial strength of the principal and their ability to support the bond provided by the surety company. While not necessarily one of the 3 C’s, but equally important is the Continuity of the company. What happens if the owner of a construction company dies unexpectedly or decides to retire? There should be a formal written plan of succession to complete all projects currently under contract. BuySell Agreements and Key-Man Life Insurance are both good instruments in providing continuity. A contractor should look for a surety producer they can trust, and who has the experience, integrity and knowledge to help a contractor grow. The producer should have a vast knowledge of the construction industry and be an integral partner of a contactor like his banker, attorney and CPA. Becky Landry is the Surety Manager for Catto & Catto, LLP. Her company and agency experience gives her a unique understanding of the surety industry. She can be reached at blandry@catto.com or by phone at 210-222-2161.
Construction News ON LOCATION
Submitted to Construction News
Safety first and always!
Building of the suture
Jody Vance of Lone Star Safety & Supply Inc. in Dallas is happy to share the latest and greatest in industrial safety products. –mjm
Shoveling with surgical precision, general contractor Adolfson & Peterson Construction broke ground Nov. 2 on Wise Health Surgical Hospital in Argyle. Designed by Mike Hale Architects, the hospital, scheduled for completion in fall 2017, will include six surgical suites and 12 patient beds. –mjm
Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
Page 9
Forum-Selection and Choice-of-Law Provisions: Are they enforceable?
A Roadmap for meeting the requirements of the respirable Crystalline Silica Law 29 CFR 1926.1153
John C. Warren, Principal Cokinos, Bosien & Young Houston, TX
Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX
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orum-selection and choice-of-law provisions are found in most construction contracts. You’re probably familiar with them; they generally stipulate the forum for any dispute resolution, and specify the law that will govern. These provisions are often utilized by larger construction companies that work across broad geographical areas to make dispute resolution more predictable, efficient, and/or advantageous. Though they might be overlooked by some at the outset of a new project, they quickly become an important consideration when a dispute arises. The forum for dispute resolution, and the law that will control such dispute, will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the outcome of a legal battle. Even the most burdensome forum-selection and choice-of-law provisions, freely negotiated, are generally enforced as written by courts. quires courts and arbitrators to “rigor“Home-Rule” statutes In an apparent effort to protect local ously enforce” agreements to arbitrate in contractors, subcontractors and suppli- accordance with the terms of the coners from being forced to litigate in for- tract. This means for a project in Texas, if eign jurisdictions and/or pursuant to for- the contract has an agreement to arbieign laws, many state legislatures have trate in Louisiana under Louisiana law, enacted “home-rule” statutes to prohibit and the FAA applies, the parties will likely the enforcement of such clauses. Home- have to resolve any disputes in Louisiana. So what does this mean for you? Keep rule statutes generally void, or make voidable, contract clauses which provide an eye out for forum-selection and that the exclusive forum for dispute reso- choice-of-law provisions in your conlution shall be in another state, or subject tracts, as they can play a significant role disputes to the laws of another state. For in any dispute that may arise. If you are instance, Texas has a home-rule statute unsure as to whether they are enforcethat applies to a contract that is “princi- able, consult a construction lawyer for pally for the construction or repair of an advice. John C. Warren is a principal in the improvement to real property” located in Texas. It provides that if the contract con- Houston office of Cokinos, Bosien & Young. tains a provision making any conflict sub- John focuses his practice on all aspects of ject to another state’s law, or litigation/ construction law and commercial litigaarbitration in the courts of another state, tion.John has been involved in cases relatthat provision is voidable by the party ed to petroleum processing facilities, tank obligated to perform the construction. farms, marine terminals, pipelines, convenOver 20 other states have enacted similar tion centers, airports, schools, hospitals, such statutes, including Louisiana, Okla- hotels, federal government buildings, office homa, New Mexico, Florida, and Califor- buildings, condominiums, commercial/retail buildings, roads, bridges, and residennia. To better explain, consider a con- tial construction. In addition to his litigastruction project that is located in State tion practice, John also regularly drafts, reA. The contract, however, has a forum- views, and negotiates all types of construcselection and/or choice-of-law provision tion contracts. John is a frequent speaker that specifies disputes shall be litigated and author on various legal issues within in State B, pursuant to State B’s laws. If the construction industry, and has been State A has a home-rule statue, then the named a Texas “Rising Star” in Construcprovision in the contract designating tion Litigation in 2015 and 2016. He is “AV” State B as the forum and governing law rated by Martindale-Hubbell peer review may be void (or at least voidable), and ratings, the highest rating possible. See his State A will then likely be the proper fo- full bio at: http://cbylaw.com/attorneys/ john-warren/ or email him at: jwarren@cbrum and law. ylaw.com. Kelsey L. Walker is an associate at CokiNot so fast - FAA preemption? However, home-rule statutes don’t nos, Bosien & Young that assisted with this always control. If the contract contains an article. She has a B.A. from Texas A&M Uniotherwise enforceable arbitration agree- versity and graduated from South Texas ment, so long as the project involves in- College of Law in 2016 where she was an terstate commerce (likely for most large editor for the Construction Law Journal construction projects), the Federal Arbi- and an officer in the Student Bar Associatration Act (“FAA”) has been held to pre- tion. empt home-rule statutes. The FAA reConstruction News ON LOCATION
Rising to the occasion
Ismael Esqueuel, roofer for Torro Roofing in Dallas, prepares a load of roofing materials for lift off. –mjm
1. Determine if the silica standard applies to your employees. Could employees be exposed to respirable crystalline silica at or above 25 μg/m3 as an 8-hour TWA under any foreseeable conditions, including the failure of engineering controls, while performing construction activities? No: No further action is required under the silica standard. Yes: Choose to comply with the standard using either the: Specified exposure control methods in Table 1, or The alternative methods of compliance 2. Determine what additional requirements you must meet under the standard, based on the compliance method you are following. Requirement
Must the Employer Follow this Requirement
PEL
No
Exposure Assessment
No
Methods of Compliance
No
Respiratory Protection
Yes, if respirator use is required by Table 1
Housekeeping
Yes
Written Exposure Control Plan
Yes
Medical Surveillance
Yes, for employees who must wear a respirator under the silica standard for 30 or more days a year.
Communication of Hazards
Yes
Recordkeeping
Yes, for any employees who are getting medical examinations
The silica standard for construction provides a flexible approach for construction employers to achieve compliance. The standard includes Table 1, which lists 18 common tasks using various types of tools or equipment found at construction sites. For each employee engaged in a task in Table 1, employers who choose to follow the Table for that task are required to fully and properly implement the engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection specified in Table 1. Employers who comply with Table 1 are not required to conduct exposure assessments or comply with a PEL for those employees. natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232
Round-Up Trinity Drywall & Plastering announces the following promotions: Jeremy Darden has been promoted to vice president and is heading up Trinity’s drywall estimating team. Darden brings 27 years of industry experience, with 21 years of employment at GMi. Additionally, he will be leading business development and is director of social media. Barry Miller has been promoted to vice president of construction operations. In his new role, he will lead the company’s team of project managers. Miller joined Trinity in 2012, having previously served as senior project manager at Byrne Construction for 16 years. Miller graduated with a bachelors degree from Texas A&M in 1992.
C1S Group has hired James Rusheon as superintendent for the firm’s Dallas office. In his new role, Rusheon will oversee several projects for the firm’s construction team while being part of C1S’s Mentor Project. Rusheon, an ASME certified pipe fitter and welder, brings 10 years of experience to the position. He previously worked as a boiler system repairman for Page Boiler Works, a welder and lead man for Polk Mechanical and a project superintendent for DynaTen Corporation.
Submissions Email with “Round-Up” in the subject line (w/digital photo, if available) by the 15th of any month, for the next month’s issue to: DFWeditor@constructionnews.net
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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
Changing of leadership
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respin Guzman, PE, MASCE, has been executive director of the Texas Section of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) since 2010, but he recently handed the reigns over to Lindsay A. O’Leary. Guzman retired from the City of Austin in 2003 after 27 years of public service with both the City of Austin Public Works Department and the Water Utility. His private sector experience in civil engineering consulting began in Brownsville in 1971 soon after graduation from the University of Texas at Austin with a BSCE. He returned to the private sector after his retirement from the city and worked with Claunch & Miller Inc./HDR until 2008 and Klotz Associates until July 2010. He has been recognized for his leadership and service to many organizations on various occasions throughout his engineering career. Crespin and his wife, Maria, raised five children. With their nine grandchildren, their church and community work, a variety of outdoor activities, some travel, the homestead, TAME, and TCEF will make every day a new adventure for them in retirement. O'Leary is a civil engineer with 10 years of experience, providing a range of civil and environmental engineering consulting services to private and public sector clients. She has been involved with ASCE in many capacities, including serving on the Austin Branch Board as a Younger Member director, as well as The Austin Branch Younger Members Forum president and treasurer. "We are pleased and excited to welcome her into the role," said ASCE Texas Section President Craig B. Thompson, PE. "The Section will benefit from Mrs.
Lindsay A. O’Leary
Crespin Guzman
O'Leary's exuberance and drive, with her paving the way for an influx of fresh ideas and perspectives in the many facets of running a successful non-profit professional association.” –cw
Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
Page 11
It is also important to remember that as water temperatures start falling, your presentation should slow down as well. Smaller lures work best finding feeding fish before changing to the larger patterns for wall hangers. Don’t be mistaken - some of the largest trout I have brought to the Boga Grip have come of 3-4 inch soft plastic lures.
Last cast of the year by Capt. Steve Schultz Sponsored by: Waypoint Marine, Majek Boats, Evinrude Outboards, E-Z Bel Construction, Power Pole Shallow Water Anchor, Aggregate Haulers, ForEverlast Hunting and Fishing Products, MirrOlure, andColumbia Sportswear.
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oodbye fall fishing patterns and let’s make some room for winter trophy trout fishing. As we prepare to close out the 2016 season, we are also getting out our winter wading gear for the beginning of some of the best trophy trout action of the New Year. Anglers that prefer wading shorelines and the popular rocks in the Baffin Bay complex throwing artificial lures, this is your time to shine. Although water levels and temperatures remain higher than normal, it’s just a matter of time before they began to fall as we start getting cold fronts in on a regular basis. As soon as the water gets cooler you should notice a better feeding window during morning hours as the sun warms the water throughout the day. Pay close attention to major and minor feeding times and be sure to be fishing an area you have confidence in during these times. Many people make the mistake to relocate to a different spot and don’t realize the bite may be happening while they are moving.
Wade fishing is usually the norm during this time of the year, slow rolling soft plastics and suspending baits over soft mud and rocks in Baffin Bay. While top water baits land some of the largest specks during warmer months, they will still land some large trout throughout the winter. Don’t be afraid to give your favorite plug a few casts, especially amidst an abundance of mullet. If you catch one of these beauties make sure you handle them with care. Their only protection against predators is their slimy coating. Try to keep them wet while taking photos and never use a towel to handle them, as you will remove their natural defense. Before closing, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I would also like to thank all of my clients who have fished with me in the years past. Another shout out is to all of my sponsors that help make my job better throughout the 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. I have already started to fill the calendar for the upcoming 2017 season. Don’t wait till 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.
Submitted to Construction News
Rifle ready
Luke Franklin, 15-year-old son of Ameripipe Supply president Blair Franklin, took his first buck in late October. The teen scored the 8-point buck during Youth Weekend for rifle hunting at Lee County’s Kubiak Ranch. –mjm
Trophy tout season is upon us and it’s the most productive time of the year to land a 30” trout like this one caught in Baffin Bay by Capt. Steve Schultz.
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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
Ken Milam’s Fishing Line Since 1981, Ken Milam has been guiding fishing trips for striped bass on Lake Buchanan in the Texas Hill Country, You can hear Ken on the radio as follows: The Great Outdoors: 5-8 am Saturday on 1300, The Zone, Austin and The Great Outdoors: 5-7 am Saturday on 1200 WOAI San Antonio The Sunday Sportsman: 6-8 am Sunday on 1300, The Zone, Austin All on iHeart Radio
Make your escape!
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he campfire crackled and I gathered my jacket closer around me. Granny was getting to the part where her great grandma Josie and her sister spied the Indian in the tree at the watering hole. Those girls turned tail and flew home as fast as their high-buttoned shoes could carry them, and they could hear the Indian behind them just about falling out of the tree laughing at them! They lived to tell the tale and we still tell it to this day, a century and a half later. If you have ever shared a campfire with someone, you can probably relate to what a special experience it is. It doesn’t matter if it is a deer camp cooking fire or a wiener roasting beach fire, it doesn’t take long for everyone to come close for the warmth and company. Tall tales and outright truths all take on a new life as your gaze is drawn to the flames. We need to do more of this. Now we are finally getting to the time of year when a fire feels good and we get to see friends and family during the holidays and hunting season. Try to get in a little fireside time if you can. It is an elemental part of who we really are and where we have come from. We have come a long, long way from needing fire to survive. It has chased away our fear of the night, cooked our food and kept us warm, but we largely
have gotten over it. Now television tells us stories, the internet gives us our gossip, and our phones and computers run our lives. I wonder about this technological prison we seem to be making for ourselves. Even old school me sometimes forgets that I can just put the device down, and back away from the screen. We are so blessed to be in Texas! We have access to just about any kind of place you can imagine to get out and explore and play. Go west for mountains and desert sands. Up north you’ve got prairies and Canyonlands. Central Texas has hill country, wildflowers and BBQ to die for. East Texas has forests, lakes and swamps and south Texas has big old deer and beaches…did you say beaches? We have the whole gulf coast to play on! Texas has 94 State Parks that give you access to all of this! Anything you want to do is right outside the door. Fishing and hunting are always popular, but then you have birding and stargazing. You can hard or take it easy, waterski or go kayaking, or just float a lazy river. Make it your own kind of adventure. And most importantly, take a kid with you if you can! Kids today have not known the preelectronic world. If you don’t help them discover the rest of the world they are about to inherit, how can they understand the importance of caring for it and about it. This holiday season, the most important gift you can give might just be the gift of your time and the outdoors. We need to remind ourselves and teach our youth that we are so much more than the devices that entertain and enslave us. Happy holidays! Have some fun and we’ll see you next year!
Sweet chari-tee
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BC Supply Co. Inc. put the “tee” in “charity” when the company hosted its annual golf tournament Oct. 21 at Dallas’ Bear Creek Golf Club. Four flights, one dinner and a brief awards ceremony later, ABC was proud to announce that it raised $1,020 for the Wounded Warrior Project. –mjm Grand champions: James Pendergrass, Jon Stewart, Brian Stamper, Khris Killen
1st place A Flight (no photo): Jason Read, Brad Patterson, Angel Bazan and Coy Polk 1st place B Flight: Thomas Cope, Keith Burke, Terry Auge, Danny Suges 1st Place C Flight (no photo): Javier Ramirez, Sergio Ramirez, Anthony Ramirez, Dustin Daniel 1st place D Flight: Adam Dold, Brad Black, Blake Johnson and David Wasserman
Straightest Drive winner (West course) Jeremy Gilbert
Long Drive East Course: Trent Feenker Grand Champions
Straightest Drive West: Jeremy Gilbert
Half or Full Day Fishing Trips All Bait, Tackle & Equipment Furnished Your catch Filleted and Bagged for You
Ken Milam Guide Service (325) 379-2051 www.striperfever.com
Furnish your TPWD Fishing License & Refreshments, and WE DO THE REST! Longest drive winner (East course) Trent Feenker, ABC Supply
1st Place winners B Flight
Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
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Lining up for fun
That’s how they roll
Epic Supply’s top giveaway prize was a boat, which was won by Jessie Rodriguez of TDIndustries! Potter Concrete’s Norbert Gromelski strikes the balance between working hard and playing hard, and has the medals to prove it.
“A
ll of my life, I’ve rolled on two wheels,” Norbert Gromelski, Potter Concrete Ltd. general superintendent says. “I just like the feeling of flight; it releases me from the ground and gravity and I deal more with inertia. When you can separate yourself from gravity and let inertia take control, you feel free of the earth.” It’s why Norbert, who has mountainbiked since 1995, and his son, Adam Gromelski, who is a superintendent at Potter Concrete, recently competed in the Texas Championship Adventure Race series. Starting in June and ending in September, the race, hosted by off-road racing company Terra Firma Racing, boasts three different disciplines: running, biking and kayaking. When they aren’t competing, they’re building, and it has been a busy year for
the pair. “In addition to the adventure race series this year, we built three buildings together: Westport 19, Westport 20 and a Frontier Logistics,” Norbert says. “It’s a really difficult undertaking to go into a race series at the beginning of the summer and train all the way through the summer, maintain a high level of discipline and still continue on with your job and pouring concrete at 2 o’clock in the morning! My son hated it for a while, but now we’re just tight as a drum.” The discipline has paid off, for the Gromelskis have many medals to their credit and took second overall out of four races in the Texas Championship Adventure Race series. “And we compete in all age classes, too,” Norbert adds. –mjm
Submitted to Construction News
Got muttin’ better to do
“Take Your Dog To Work Day” came recently for Vector Constructors’ Brayton Rowe. The senior project manager’s mutt Zoe rode shotgun as he delivered materials to a San Antonio job site so that a certificate of occupancy could be secured. No doubt Zoe couldn’t wait to get back home to her balls (she has a stockpile of about 10) and her own bed, which Rowe says must always must be on top of the couch. –mjm
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o show appreciation for their customers, Epic Supply hosted a fishing tournament Sept. 8 at Lake Fork Lakeview Lodge. The event was truly epic, as were the prizes given away: The top prize (a boat!) was won by TDIndustries’ Jessie Rodriguez. –mjm
First place big bass winner Shane Benton of CMP (2.889 lbs.)
First place big stringer winners Joey Vasquez and Jessie Epperson with Premier Services (total weight 14.12 lbs.)
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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
A pheasant trip for all
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rchitects, engineers and roofing contractors took to the field for a pheasant hunting trip in southwest Kansas Nov. 11-13. C-CAP’s Ben Gromatzky, Chamberlin Roofing and Waterproofing’s Larry Johnson, GDA Architects’ Bennett Foster, Charles Gromatzky and T.R. Richter, Schmidt & Stacy’s David Schmidt and Strider Steele, Sterling Roof Systems’ Todd Davenport and Sun Commercial Roofs’ Richard Bass and Hector Castro had a great time and came back with pheasant to spare. –mjm
L-R: Hector Castro and Richard Bass
L-R: Bennett Foster, Ben Gromatzky, Strider Steele, Todd Davenport, Larry Johnson, T.R. Richter, Charles Gromatzky, David Schmidt, Hector Castro and Richard Bass
L-R: Hector Castro and Larry Johnson
Hunting makes a man hungry! Time for a lunch break.
L-R: Father and son Charles Gromatzky and Ben Gromatzky
Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
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The roof and the life
Why, thank you!
Let the thanking begin! Even though Thanksgiving was a week away, it wasn’t too early for the PCL Contract Bonding Agency team to show their gratitude for the industry members they work with throughout the year. With Clem Lesch in his traditional Thanksgivingthemed tie and a cornucopia of libations offered, PCL hosted its annual “Thank You Party” Nov. 17 at its Irving office. The event always serves as moment for industry members to connect before the bustling beginning of the holiday season. –mjm
Construction News JOB SIGHT
Lift that lumber!
BMS Services’ Joel Solis spruces up Fort Worth’s Birchman Commons with new lumber. –mjm
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Alan Burns divides his time between roofing, ministry and now a new venture.
ust like another man of God was once known to do, Alan Burns both preaches the Word and swings a hammer. The owner of Burns Roofing & Remodeling in Plano originally had plans to go into ministry, having graduated from a South Texas bible college with an associate arts degree in 1979. However, at the same time, a military veteran taught Burns and his brother the roofing trade. Over the next 11 years, Burns crisscrossed between Florida and Texas, taking on both church and roofing jobs until finally settling in Texas after a Miami hurricane destroyed his mother’s home. With his roofing business re-established in the Lone Star State, Burns first worked with the church his brother had started in Waco, and then founded his own church in 1995. Through the many moves and career transitions, roofing has been a consistent thread; he even became a roofing adjustor (His first job was Hurricane Katrina). Being his own boss and working with his wonderful longtime crew has motivated Burns to stay in the roofing business for 35 years. The pay has been nice, too, affording Burns opportunities such
as moving his wife and four kids into a larger home. Now that his youngest daughter will be leaving the nest soon, Burns’ wife, who has helped him in his roofing business, is encouraging him to sell the company in two years. However Burns, an author of four religious books, won’t be giving up his ministry or working for that matter. In fact, he plans to pursue an avenue that recently netted him some extra income. “I’m going to be an Uber or Lyft cab driver,” he says. “My dad was a truck driver, so driving’s in my blood. My wife signed up first and was driving during the day. Two weeks later, I signed up behind her. We have a 2014 Honda Odyssey and, because it’s an extra-large vehicle, we get paid more for those trips. H o w ever, given that that is a few years away, Burns is content to just plan for the immediate future. “I’m going to get caught up on the roofing projects from this year’s storms and will be driving this winter for Uber during the slow winter months,” he says. Burns Roofing & Remodeling offers commercial and residential roofing installation. –mjm
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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
Building bright futures
Industry FOLKS Craig Carlson Senior Estimator Trinity Drywall
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fter 47 years working in construction, Craig Carlson has experienced his share of industry change and transitions. His adaptability, discipline and work ethic have sustained him, though, and he credits being raised at the Texas Pythian Home, the same orphanage that raised his late mother, with instilling those values in him. He worked at the home’s farm beginning at age 9, managed the farm’s dairy while attending Weatherford Junior College, and then worked plant jobs as he worked toward a Bachelor of Business Administration at University of Texas at Arlington. In 1969, he took a materials delivery job and he was quickly promoted to a supervisory position. Summer work in construction ended up being a lifetime career. “I’m a hands-on, nuts-and-bolts type guy,” he says. “I really enjoy building things. For half of my career, I’ve worn my tools and supervised jobs. For the other half, I’ve been an estimator and a project manager. I’ve done every position in this trade from the bottom up, including being a partner in a couple of companies.” His resume includes working for companies, such as Integrated Interiors, where he supervised projects including the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s Western Currency Facil-
ity in Saginaw. Other jobs include the Braniff and American airline terminals at DFW Airport. He was also a charter member of the start-up company Southwestern Commercial Interiors. He joined Trinity Drywall as a senior estimator in 2007 and says he is proud to “be part of such an outstanding company.” At a recent end-of-year party, Trinity celebrated Carlson’s next transition: His upcoming retirement after 47 happy years in the industry. “When you wear the tools, you have instant gratification that when your day is done, you walk away from something that wasn’t there when you started your day,” he says. “In the office, I get satisfaction knowing I’ve done the best I can with what I have to work with.” Carlson’s long history with change in this profession should prepare him well for retirement, which he admits will be “quite a transition.” Still, Carlson is excited about what lies ahead: He plans to spend quality time with his wife of 38 years and his two sons, travel, visit family and friends, volunteer at his church and leave plenty of time to fish. –mjm
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DPR Construction
he only sound louder than the machinery at the Construction Education Foundation (CEF)’s Build Your Future Career Day was the excited chatter as students tried out equipment and learned about the construction industry. Nearly 1,500 high-school students attended the annual event, hosted Oct. 26 at CEF’s Irving office. The teens had the opportunity to meet with more than 50 exhibitors and demonstrators and more than 100 industry volunteers. According to the National Center for
Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and the Build Your Future initiative, Texas will need 760,747 craft professionals three years from now. Jane Hanna, CEF’s president and executive director, says CEF’s annual event is mutually beneficial for the students and the future of the construction industry. “The purpose of the event is to bring the students out from area high schools and expose them to careers in our industry so that they understand that it’s not just a job, that there is a career,” she says. –mjm
Submitted to Construction News
Signing on
Five young men sat front and center to sign on as apprentices at the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Association’s Apprenticeship Open House. The event, hosted Nov. 16 as part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Annual National Apprenticeship Week, featured a presentation about IEC’s apprenticeship program and a facility tour. –mjm
Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
Page 17
Construction Equipment Working to solve workforce problem Brian P. McGuire, President and CEO Associated Equipment Dealers Shaumburg, IL.
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s you are aware, there is a shortage of skilled technical workers, and the construction industry is in dire need of qualified technicians. AED is making strides to quantify this issue and change it for the better through a workforce study in collaboration with the College of William & Mary. Acknowledging that our industry has a problem is the first step. There are many job openings and not enough people to properly fill them. Fifty percent of the responders in AED’s workforce study stated that the inability to find skilled workers hinders business growth and creates inefficiencies in their organizations. This generates a huge domino effect, causing major problems in these businesses.
The impact of this skills gap is great. Businesses affected by it may be losing as much as nine percent in yearly revenue. The ramifications of this calculation, if true for both manufacturers and distributors, will be profound impact for both sectors. It could lead to losses of as much as $2.4 billion for distributors and $180 billion for manufacturers. AED does, however, have an idea why these issues are arising. There have
been a lack of certification and accreditation programs ensuring that college and technical school students are getting the proper education. To remedy this, The AED Foundation Accreditation program is trying to reach as many technical schools and college technician programs as possible to ensure that the necessary education is made available. Our accreditation program assures that students are well prepared for a technical career right out of school and that dealers get workers who are ready for the challenges these careers hold. Continuing education is also important. Technology in this field is ever and quickly changing, and workers must constantly adjust to the new technology. Professional development opportunities such as webinars, self-study courses and seminars provide vital information to keep workers ahead of the curve and prepared for changes in the industry. The AED Foundation provides these opportunities for workers in any depart-
CAT
Bobcat
C
aterpillar introduced its new 304.5E2 XTC (Xtra Tool Carrier) into the MiniExcavator lineup, delivering industry leading innovation. The addition of a Skid Steer Coupler Interface offers unique worksite versatility by giving the ability to attach a Skit Steer Work Tool onto the 304.5E2 XTC. The 304.5E2 XTC enables operators to achieve multiple tasks at a single jobsite, using a single machine. With the addition of the Skid Steer Coupler the operator is able to improve productivity in material carrying applications and reduce backfilling times. Recommended Work Tool Attachments include: MultiPurpose Buckets, General Purpose Buck-
B
obcat compact track loaders and excavators are the perfect winning combination. If you want to push your productivity to new heights, pair your Bobcat track loader with one of our compact excavators for the ultimate performance experience. Whether you are replacing a small crawler dozer or your backhoe, nothing beats the versatility and speed of a Bobcat track loader working in tandem with a compact excavator. Dozers and backhoes can only do a few things with a handful of attachments. A Bobcat compact track loader and excavator combination can put over 60 different attachments to work for you, giving you access to more jobs and the versatility to maximize your profits. Bobcat compact track loaders weigh more than skid steer loaders of the same size. Thanks to tracks, that weight is spread out over a wider area for increased flotation, minimal ground disturbance, higher pushing force and better lifting of larger loads. Choose the frame size and lift path that best suits your operation. We offer 10 different models to choose from. Bobcat compact excavators are designed for long periods of excavating. Their compact size allows you to fit into confined areas like back yards and inside buildings. And with the operator's offset position in the cab there is better visibility to the bucket.
ment of a business, so there are options for everyone. Our researchers at the College of William & Mary are already working to help us further improve career educational programs nationwide. AED’s next study – due out in early 2017 – will investigate what’s happening on at the state level (where all federal career technical education dollars, along with state funds, are managed). By reviewing policies, charting investment levels and documenting the condition of skills-based training in our secondary schools, the new report will provide tools that we can use to bolster and maximize the value of workforce development programs. This industry-wide issue is one that needs to be resolved quickly, and one that AED is aiming to help resolve with our continuous work. If you care about the future of our industry and this issue specifically, AED would appreciate your involvement in our association. –cw
ets, Blades, Forks, Power Box Rakes, Brooms, and Trenchers. Standard features include automatic two-speed travel, pass code protected security system, 100% pilot controls, superior 200 degrees of bucket rotation, front shovel capability and blade float. CAT Lease Rates to highly qualified buyers begin at $865 per month for a 2017 well-equipped 304.5E2 XTC with open canopy and includes a Hydraulic Thumb, 72” Multi-Purpose Bucket and 24” Digging Bucket with CAT’s Dual Lock Pin Grabbing Coupler. Contact your Holt CAT Representative for more details or call (877) 714-9106.
Link Belt Bobcat compact excavators offer unlimited spoil placing options with 360 degrees of rotation. You can also dig in any position around the machine. Across 13 models we feature three tail swing options that can be paired with standard, long and extendable arm configurations. Consider our clamp ready design and optional Hydraulic X-Change system and you can have the perfect machine for your operation. You can only accomplish one thing at a time with a backhoe. When you combine a Bobcat compact track loader with a compact excavator, you can double your productivity. One can dig while the other can backfill or load trucks at the same time. Bobcat of Dallas gives you more. More models. More options. More versatility. Find out More today at: bobcatofdallas. com or give us a call at: 866-981-0905.
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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 TCC-1100, contact HOLT Crane & Equipment at 877714-0978.
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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
Construction Equipment CAT
The Cat 415F2 Backhoe Loader delivers exceptional performance, increased fuel efficiency, a superior hydraulic system and a 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 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 emission standards and requires no diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). • Machine Versatility – A broad range
Deere
®
of performance-matched Cat Work Tools make the Cat Backhoe Loader the most versatile machine on the job site. All new CAT backhoe loaders have thumb-ready sticks. Qualified customers can lease a new 415F2 with 4-Wheel Drive for $939 per month. Contact HOLT CAT at 877-714-9106 or visit HoltCat.com/BHL.
Xtreme
X
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. 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. Standard features, such as 360° operator visibility from the cab, and an integrated boom lift point to support suspended loads, help to mini-
mize the risk of accidents. Long life boom rollers are maintenance free, and reduce boom chatter for smoother operation when positioning a load. Xtreme operator boom controls are 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 at 800400-1610 or visit www.ahern.com.
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ohn Deere’s 1050K Crawler Dozer crawler dozer was designed with customer feedback. A dealership focused on customers first. Sounds like a solid onetwo punch, right? It is, and you can have both with the John Deere 1050K from RDO Equipment Co. John Deere designed the 1050K with additional weight and power to meet customer requests for more productivity. Other enhancements include an EPA Final Tier 4 (FT4)/EU Stage IV diesel engine and new EcoMode that regulates engine rpm to burn up to 25 percent less fuel. It’s the biggest and the best in the John Deere Crawler Dozer lineup. Just as John Deere didn’t take customer demands lightly when designing
the 1050K, RDO Equipment Co. knows customers need the best equipment offerings and deserve the best in service and support. The RDO Promise™ – Uptime Guaranteed, is the company’s exclusive commitment to delivering the best by going above a standard equipment warranty and typical customer service. With the RDO Promise, value-added benefits and optional opportunities like customized GPS monitoring and tailored preventative maintenance programs are all part of the package. Get to work with the John Deere 1050K from RDO Equipment Co. Call RDO Equipment Co. at 844-551-5597 or visit rdoequipment.com to see more offerings and find the store near you.
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The company’s exclusive commitment to service and support is known as The RDO Promise™ – Uptime Guaranteed. It goes above a standard equipment warranty and typical customer service with value-added opportunities that really impact your uptime and bottom line. Free inspections and loaner equipment, guaranteed response time on repairs, and product training are standards of the RDO Promise. For maximum uptime, go to work with John Deere G Series Excavators from the trusted team at RDO Equipment Co. Call RDO Equipment Co. at 844-551-5597 or visit rdoequipment.com to see more offerings and find the store near you.
n the construction industry, uptime is everything. You need productive equipment that works through every jobsite demand, backed by service and support that ensures you’ll never be left idle. Get both with RDO Equipment Co. and John Deere G Series Excavators. As one of the largest dealers of John Deere construction equipment, RDO Equipment Co. is pleased to offer John Deere G Series Excavators. The G Series lineup filled with workhorses of varying sizes, so there’s a model that’s ideal for every company. Not only that, when you get one at RDO Equipment Co. it comes backed by a unique approach not offered by any other dealer.
NEXT MONTH January 2017
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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
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Project their way
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ddie Deen’s Ranch could barely contain the 750 attendees that came to network with 32 general contractors on Nov. 10. The American Subcontractors Association’s (ASA) North Texas chapter hosted its annual GC Night at the Dallas venue, where guests enjoyed learning about local general contractors and the projects being built. –mjm
McCarthy
SpawGlass
Lee Lewis Construction
Austin Commercial
JE Dunn Construction
Skiles Group
MYCON General Contractors
Azteca-Omega Enterprises Inc.
CORE Construction
FCL Builders
Balfour Beatty
Cadence McShane
Hill & Wilkinson
Safety in numbers
STEP Award recipients
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t’s safe to say that hundreds of construction industry members will be more careful on jobsites after attending TEXO, The Construction Association’s 2nd annual Construction Safety Professional’s Day. Hosted Nov. 3 at Grapevine Convention Center, the event featured booths brimming with safety products and offered thought-provoking sessions addressing construction safety. Speakers included TDIndustries’ Harold MacDowell, Werner Co.’s Dan Ward and Chad Hymas, who became a quadriplegic at age 27 due to an accident. Safety training evaluation program (STEP) and Construction Safety Excellence awards were also presented at the event. –mjm
(STEP) Recipients
ABC Safety Training Evaluation Program
Diamond Level:
Gold Level: Joeris General Contractors LASCO Acoustics & Drywall Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Inc. Platinum Level: Austin Commercial LP BakerTriangle Basfield & Gorrie LLC M.C. Dean Inc. Marek Bros. Systems MDI Inc. General Contractors Rogers-O’Brien Construction Company TDIndustries W.G. Yates & Sons
Balfour Beatty Construction Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing Johnston Products Kwest Group Manhattan Construction Company Polk Mechanical SpawGlass
TDIndustries (over 3 Million Work Hours)*
17th Annual Construction Safety Excellence Local Award Winners
*National AGC Construction Safety Excellence Building Category winners
Building Category: LEMCO Construction (Under 100,000 Work Hours) Cadence McShane Construction (200,000-300,000 Work Hours)* Structure Tone Southwest (400,000600,000 Work Hours) Construction Management Category: Skiles Group Inc. (Under 200,000 Work Hours) Austin Commercial LP (Over 1 Million Work Hours)* Highway & Transportation Category: Ed Bell Construction (450,000-650,000 Work Hours)* Specialty Category: Marek Bros. Systems Inc. (100,000500,000 Work Hours) Prime Controls LP (600,000-800,000 Work Hours)
Raymond L. Critchfield Scholarship Recipients: Rodrigo Tejirina Ethan Fenley
Page 20
Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
Remodelers recognized
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he National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) bestowed 22 awards on companies that achieved excellence in Metroplex projects in 2016. NARI’s Dallas chapter hosted its Evening of Excellence Nov. 15 at Dallas’ DoubleTree By Hilton at Campbell Center, which also included the installation of the association’s 2017 officers. – mjm Photos by Benjamin Stewart
NARI Greater Dallas 2017 officers were installed. L-R: Huffines Commercial Sales’ Mike Stubbs, Pedigo Construction Group’s Colin Pedigo, ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings’ Melinda Crouch, The Cabinet Concierge’s Jin Crimmins, Traver Construction’s Neil Bubel, Marvelous Home Makeovers’ Botond Laszio, and Ivey Lumber Sales’ Carla Ivey Giese
Blackline Renovations Entire House $750,001 to $1,000,000
Joseph & Berry Remodel Design Build Landscape Design/Outdoor Living $60,000 and Over Bella Vista Company Residential Interior Under $75,000 Bella Vista Company, Residential Kitchen $30,000 to $60,000
Pedigo Construction Group Residential Interior Element under $30,000
Hatfield Builders & Remodelers Residential Interior Over $150,000 JRH Design+Build Entire House $250,000 to $500,000
Capital Renovations Group Residential Addition over $250,000
JRH Design + Build Residential Bath $50,001 to $75,000
Hatfield Builders & Remodelers Residential Kitchen $60,001 to $100,000
JRH Design + Build Residential Kitchen Under $30,000
Bella Vista Company Residential Addition Under $100,000
JRH Design + Build Entire House $500,001 to $750,000
Joseph & Berry Remodel Design Build Residential Bath Over $100,000
Marvelous Home Makeovers Residential Bath $25,000 to $50,000
Bella Vista Company, Residential Bath Under $25,000
Hatfield Builders & Remodelers Residential Interior $75,000 to $150,000
USI Remodeling Residential Kitchen $100,001 to $150,000
Joseph & Berry Remodel Design Build Entire House Under $250,000
continued on Page 21
Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
Page 21
Association Calendar
Content submitted by Associations to Construction News AIA - Dallas
PDCA
American Institute of Architects
Painting & Decorating Contractors of Amer.
Dec. 8: Holiday Party and Chapter Awards, The PADS at Aloft Hotel, 1033 Young St., Dallas
AIA - Fort Worth American Institute of Architects
Dec. 14: Festivus, Community Arts Center of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, 1300 Gendy St., Fort Worth, 5:30pm. Contact aiafw@aiafort worth.org for details.
Dec. 14: Christmas event
PMI - Dallas Project Management Institute
Dec. 8: Dinner Meeting/Award winners – PMI Dallas Chapter Recognizes Excellence in Project Management, Brookhaven Country Club, 3333 Golfing Green Dr., Farmers Branch, 6:30pm
RBCA
ASCE - Dallas
Regional Black Contractors Assn.
American Society of Civil Engineers
Dec. 9: Holiday Reception, Sheraton Dallas Hotel, 400 N. Olive St., Dallas, 6:30pm
Dec. 12: Branch meeting, 11am
ASCE - Fort Worth
RHCA
American Society of Civil Engineers
Regional Hispanic Contractors Assn.
Dec. 6: Branch meeting, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, 813 Main St., Fort Worth
Dec. 15: Holiday Reception and Toy, Food and Coat Drive, Belo Mansion, 2101 Ross Avenue, Dallas, 5pm
CSI – Dallas Construction Specifications Institute
SFPE – DFW
Dec. 8: Holiday Party, Addison Conference Center, 15650 Addison Rd., Addison, 7pm
Soc. of Fire Protection Engineers
IEC - Dallas
Dec. 5: Meeting, Double Tree Hotel, 4099 Valley View Ln., Farmers Branch, 11:30am. Cost is $20 members, $30 non-members
Independent Electrical Contractors
TEXO
Dec. 8: Christmas Party and Casino Night, Eddie Deen’s Ranch at Downtown Dallas, 944 South Lamar St., Dallas, 6:30pm
The Construction Association
IEC - Fort Worth Independent Electrical Contractors
Dec. 1: Annual Christmas Party and Casino Night, Stockyards Station – Stockman’s Club, 140 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, 6:30pm social, 7pm dinner, 7:30pm casino night, DJ and dancing. $75 per person
Dec. 2: YCC Meeting, Gaylord Texan, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine Dec. 2: Holiday Awards Gala, Gaylord Texan, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, 6pm networking, 7pm dinner, 8pm awards program, 9pm post-event networking. Dec. 13: Committee Holiday Reception, TEXO Dallas Conference Center, 11111 Stemmons Fwy., Dallas, 6pm
TPWA – N. Tx.
NARI - Dallas
Texas Public Works Association
Nat’l Assn. of the Remodeling Industry
Dec. 6: Annual membership luncheon, Alan E. Sims Cedar Hill Recreation Center, 310 E. Parkerville Rd., Cedar Hill, 11:45am. $15 per person
Dec. 13: The Jarrell Company, 2651 Fondren Dr., Dallas, 6pm Dec. 22: Women In NARI (WIN), Blue mesa Grill, 14866 Montfort Dr., Dallas, 11:30am
NAWIC - Dallas Nat’l Assn. of Women in Construction
Dec. 13: Holiday Dinner
NAWIC - Fort Worth
TGA-NTD Tx. Glass Association – NTx. Div.
Dec. 9: Christmas Casino Party, Wyndham Garden Dallas North, 2645 LBJ Fwy., Dallas, 6pm
UMCA
Nat’l Assn. of Women in Construction
United Masonry Contractors Assn.
Dec. 7: Block Kids 2016, D. McRae Elementary School, 3427 Avenue M, Fort Worth, 3pm Dec. 15: Chapter meeting, Diamond Oaks Country Club, 5821 Diamond Oaks Dr. N, Fort Worth, 5:30pm
Dec. 3: Christmas Party, Stockyards Station – Stampeded Room, 140 East Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, 6:30pm. $90 per person, $100 per table reservation
NTRCA
Dec. 6: Holiday Party, National Office Furniture Showroom, Design District 1617 Hi Line Dr., Suite 440, Dallas Dec. 14: Fort Worth Festivus, Community Arts Center, 1300 Gendy St., Fort Worth, 5:30pm
N. Tx Roofing Contractors Assn.
Dec. 14: Beer & Sweaters Holiday Party, Legal Draft Beer Company, 500 E. Division St., Arlington, 5pm. RSVP to https: // www.ntrca.com/home/
USGBC U.S. Green Building Council
continued from Page 20 —Remodelers recognized
Blackline Renovations Residential Bath $75,001 to $100,000
Capital Renovations Group Residential Exterior Under $100,000
Marvelous Home Makeovers, a team entry with The Kitchen Source and Aria Stone Residential Kitchen over $150,000
Not pictured: • Southwest Fence & Deck Commercial Exterior and Landscape Design/Outdoor Living Under $60,000 • Marvelous Home Makeovers, a team entry with Performance Drywall Services Commercial Interior • BRY-JO Roofing & Remodeling Residential Addition $100,000 to $250,000
continued from Page 1 — As seen on … “Some say discussions, some say arguments,” Pecoraro says, laughing. “We all had our opinion on it; there was really a lot of input from everybody, and you can get a little bit of everyone’s taste here.” Making Soci’s employees happy is one of the reasons for the new space, and it was built with staff growth in mind. Marketing and purchasing director Leslie Dalton and Pecoraro say the location is convenient for employee commutes, helps staff better serve customers and allows the close-knit group to celebrate important occasions. The location is also centrally located for customers and positioned with the North Texas building boom in mind. “We started to look at what new construction was going on; we knew we wanted to be on the front end so that we could really tailor it to our needs,” Pecoraro said. “So many designers work out of their home and they don’t have some-
where they can come, sit and work for two hours. They can come in here and do that. They can utilize our product or just use it as a workspace. It’s really a place for our customers to service their customers.” “It’s a lot more user friendly,” adds Dalton. “You’re able to touch and feel [the product], so we’re really able to showcase and broadcast that product.” The showroom’s grand opening was celebrated in November, and Pecoraro and Dalton say guests were clearly pleased with what they saw. “We had a lot of designers in the Dallas market come and their reception to it was awesome,” Pecoraro says. Soci is a designer and wholesaler of custom tile and plumbing products in the United States, offering an extensive line of high-end stone, ceramic and glass mosaics, wood-look porcelain collections, decorative pieces, accessories and its own branded sinks. –mjm
continued from Page 1 — Rooms with a view The modern, light-filled space on the second floor is nestled among trees on the property, providing a view of the surrounding nature. “What we like about this space is it resembles a tree house; you can see the trees outside our window,” Navis says of the second floor office. “We continued that with glass walls. It’s beautiful; with all of the natural light, we could work with the lights off if we wanted.” Now that the office is settled, employees look forward to being more involved in the community and bonding through local outings. The company, however, has no plans of settling down. “We have obviously planned for growth in the future but we have certain markets that we work in that will take us into various markets within the Texas market,” Thomas says. ”With Dallas being our hometown, we are constantly look-
ing for projects, whether it be medical, education or religious, and we dabble in the commercial quasi-industrial side with trucking distribution and a little bit of fueling. So we’re kind of keeping our fingers in a variety of markets but we also realize that we are only as good as our subcontractor base. We always want to maintain a strong depth of subcontractors who enjoy working with us.” Because Vector often visits clients at their offices, there hasn’t been much of a chance to show off the new space. “We haven’t had many clients in here yet, we’ve had more subcontractors, but we get fantastic feedback when they meet with us here,” Navis says. “We are making plans to host an open house in the new year.” General contractor Vector Constructors LLC. provides design-assist construction services in the Southwest. –mjm
continued from Page 1 — Fourth part harmony for LEED-Silver certification, low volatile organic compound materials were utilized as well as materials delivered from within a 500-mile radius. The building’s skin – architectural precast, fabricated in Hillsboro, and aluminum composite metal panels – features curtain wall systems manufactured in Grand Prairie and Mesquite. “There was also an indoor air quality plan and program that was followed very closely,” Kitching says. “There was a construction materials recycling program where we recycled 75% of any construction waste.” Kitching says recycled lumber is a theme throughout the State Farm buildings and was another way the team added environmentally-conscious flair. “The feature stair area between the garage and the tower has a composite wood material ceiling made of recycled wood products,” Kitching notes. “In the main lobby area, the feature wall consists of walnut panels of random thicknesses. The security desk in the lobby is a combination of stone and pecan wood that was recycled from a tree taken from the property during Phase I. Sinker pine was used in many of the tenant improvements, and the feature stair from Level 1 to Level 2 has Ipe wood handrails.” Another show stopping feature of the project is a 20 ft. by 60 ft. wall featuring Richardson topography painted by a local artist. Illuminated by LED lighting, the topography is visible through an aluminum panel overlay featuring a random perforated pattern. The fourth tower’s construction, which began in September 2014, wasn’t without challenges, but Kitching says the team worked together to immediately address and overcome obstacles. The team recovered 20 days almost lost to
rain, snow and ice in 2015, the wettest year on record, by resequencing work, acquiring additional formwork and using selective shift work, which also helped resolve labor shortages. While simultaneously tackling tenant improvements and core and shell work, the team held meetings with the city and subcontractors to resolve minor code issues. Also, a special testing program was used during the building’s closed transition power system testing. The team faced their greatest challenge, however, when their admired colleague and superintendent John Heise passed away suddenly during the project. To honor him and his contributions, the owner named one of the development’s streets after Heise. The team held a combination safety celebration fish fry and street sign unveiling at the job site for 400 onsite workers, Heise’s family, and guests, including Austin Commercial president Brad Brown and KDC CEO Steve Van Amburgh. Kitching says the long relationship enjoyed by Austin Commercial, KDC, Corgan Associates. Kimley-Horn and L.A. Fuess – as well as close proximity to the client – helped make the project so successful. “I liked that the owner offices onsite. They were there every day, so when we needed something or they needed something, we could just walk across the hall,” Kitching says. “Everyone was fantastic to work with, and everyone worked as a team.” General contractor Austin Commercial offers construction solutions in advanced technology, aviation, corporate/office, healthcare, hospitality, mission critical, mixed-use/retail/residential, public assembly and sports and university. –mjm
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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
Ghoul, you better work!
otice something spooky creeping around cubicles and haunting the hallways on Oct. 31? BakerTriangle, Burns & McDonnell, CalHar Construction Inc., CMC Construction Services, Construction Education Foundation (CEF), C1S Group, Marsh & McLennan Agency (MMA), Phillips/May Corporation, RogersO’Brien Construction and TDIndustries did and managed to record the activity with their ghost hunting equipment (okay, their cameras). Behold, a glimpse into our industry’s darker side! –mjm
BakerTriangle, Fort Worth office
Rogers O’Brien Construction
TDIndustries BakerTriangle, Dallas office
CMC Construction Services BakerTriangle, Corporate office
CalHar Construction Inc.
Burns & McDonnell
continued on Page 24
Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
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Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • Dec 2016
continued from Page 22 — Ghoul, you better work!
Marsh & McLennan Burns & McDonnell
Marsh & McLennan
Phillips/May Corporation
Marsh & McLennan Marsh & McLennan
Burns & McDonnell
C1S Group
Construction Education Foundation (CEF
Marsh & McLennan
Marsh & McLennan