San Antonio Construction News May 2018

Covering the Industry’s News

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www.constructionnews.net H (210) 308-5800 H Volume 21 H Number 5 H MAY 2018

Onward and upward

The golden journey

L-R: Kyle Dausin, Bruce Weinstrom and Gary Bailey

San Antonio leadership team of Raba Kistner Inc. L-R: Paul Lampe, Executive VP; Joe Irizarry, Senior VP & Chief Marketing Officer (CMPO); Preston Parker, PE, VP, Construction Materials Engineering & Testing; and Eric Neuner, PE, Associate, Geotechnical Engineering & Testing.

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new generation is carrying on the traditions and trades of the industry. Take a look at Dausin Electric, a 34-year family-owned business that is still ongoing.

Kyle Dausin is a project manager who grew up around the men who have been with the company since he had been skateboarding around the shop. He visually learned how jobs are put together and how people interact with one another from the bottom to the top of the totem pole. Now he’s progressed to where he is getting ready to start taking over for his father, Ronnie Dausin.

Shea Shiley, the business development manager at Dausin, said there is a vast majority of employees that are new-

er, but there are still a lot of guys who have been there for 15-plus years. “What we found is the pairing of them together is pretty unstoppable,” said Shiley. He explains that having guys with an incredible wealth of knowledge in electricity and then having new guys that have evolved into the new teachings of technology go hand-in-hand. Dausin expressed how nice it has been to see everyone produce a full circle effect. Last year they had three more guys receive their master’s license.

The company’s safety director, Gary Bailey, makes sure that the guys are thoroughly trained in all safety processes.

“Gary has established himself in the construction industry, as well as somebody

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arl and Bunny Raba had a vision and in 1968 they began laying the groundwork to become an industry leader among engineering consulting firms. Together with Ronald Tolson, Raba & Tolson Consulting Engineers was established as a geotechnical engineering practice in San Antonio. By 1974, Dick Kistner joined the firm leading it into the expansion and practice of construction materials engineering.

Four short years later, the firm would change its name to Raba-Kistner Consultants Inc. to reflect the development into major non-engineering services including geosciences and environmental sciences.

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By 1980, the firm established an office in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico to help U.S. firms execute projects throughout Mexico. And Raba-Kistner didn’t stop there with offices in Austin, Brownsville, Dallas, Freeport, Houston, McAllen, New Braunfels, Nebraska and Utah. “We’re a small business, but we are spread across the U.S.,” says Gary Raba, chief executive officer and chairman of the board.

From the humble beginnings of offering geotechnical engineering services to construction materials engineering, the firm incorporates a wide array of services to include project management, infrastructure, building envelope, forencontinued on Page 20

Because they served us…

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ith vast experience in higher education and healthcare projects, J.T. Vaughn Construction LLC was a natural fit for the construction of the San Antonio College Victory Center.

The Victory Center at San Antonio College is a new facility on the San Antonio College campus that will host a number of services for veterans and military personnel to include financial aid, enrollment and registration assistance along with job training, targeted academic advising, VA and Hazelwood certifications, and psychological and emotional support.

Vaughn began construction of the new two-story, $8 million facility in December 2016 and achieved substantial completion in March 2018 following modular wall and furniture installation.

San Antonio College started moving into the building in April with a grand opening scheduled for early May 2018.

Structural components of the project consisted of a concrete foundation with an elevated slab-on-piers, structural steel columns, beams, and joists.

Interior construction was comprised of metal stud partitions and drywall coupled with pre-fabricated modular walls.

Exterior materials consisted of brick masonry veneer, cast stone, glazed blocks, stucco plaster, aluminum windows and an aluminum curtain wall system with integral sunshades.

No project goes without its challenges. The biggest challenge faced was the project site’s location. The project site is located in the most heavily congested area of the San Antonio College campus.

The site is fronted by Main Avenue on the east side, The Moody Learning Center (the landmark building on campus housing the library and multiple campus services) on the west side, and Locust Street Main entrance of the Victory Center at San Antonio College.

continued on Page 20

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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

The spice was very nice

Camo party

mpact Fire Services of San Antonio held their annual Crawfish Boil on Mar. 23. Their associates, business partners and customers enjoyed 700 lbs. of crawfish and about 100 lbs. of shrimp. The talented Archie Robinson is the cook behind it all. He uses the Cajun fryer, adds garlic and a spice called “Slap your momma.” –lv

t was customer appreciation day at Quality Fence & Welding on Mar. 22 at the “QF’s Hunting Lodge” (this year’s theme). With over 100 people in attendance, guests were treated as if they were at a hunting/camping lodge with roasted hot dogs and s’mores, good music, raffles, games and drinks for all.

Quality has been hosting customer appreciation parties since they opened their doors in 1980. “It is our way of saying “thank you” to all of our customers for their loyalty and trust in QF from fabricating their fence to intricate custom work,” says Jordon Brown, gate department assistant and marketing coordinator. –cmw

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Ladies enjoying all the sides that go with the crawfish.

L-R: Charles Lugo (retired) and Mary Lugo, AGC; Rick Smith, Keller-Martin Construction and Ray Fehner, KCM Cabinets Inc.

Check out San Antonio’s Impact Fire Services Archie Robinson. He’s the man who cooked the crawfish and shrimp. Thank you!

The Waco supervisor in the sprinkler department Brian Stewart brought the 700 lbs. of crawfish in his trailer behind him.

L-R: San Antonio’s General Manager Cody Brice, Houston Sales Representative William “Bubba” Tisdale, Waco General Manager Sean Kostohryz, Texas Regional Manager Lisa Taylor and Dallas General Manager Jimmy Prince.

L-R: Second from left, Quality Fence & Welding’s JP Miller, Steve Gooden and Gary Walker.

L-R: Jeff Mills, Quality Fence & Welding; Taylor Marshall, Zachry Construction; and Quality Fence & Welding’s John Hoot and Richard Teran.

L-R: The Bluebook Network’s Kathy Bower and Nancy Flores, and PeopleReady’s Shannon Cadena.

L-R: Daryl Schneider, DR Horton and Kelly Tilton, Universal Forrest Products.

The ladies of Quality Fence & Welding Front L-R: Brandy Hernandez and Fritzy Cervantes. Back L-R: Jenn Holt, Dora Rodriguez, Meghan Frank, Ashley Robert, Amy Avila, Hillary Lira and Jordon Brown.

L-R: Barry Stevens (retired), Craig Noto, Quality Fence & Welding, and Catto & Catto’s Jamie Amoretti and Dane Wilheim.

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

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Not your father’s light bulb

In balance

Ubaldo Parra (president), and Brian Ramirez (branch manger) of LED Electric Lighting.

RSM’s Denise Bendele

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ot only are the times a’changing when it comes to the electrical and lighting industry, the train has already left the station, and those not on board have missed it.

Brian Ramirez, branch manager of LED Electric Lighting, said it well: “We’re not only progressive, but pro-active.

We’re not only reacting to the industry, we’re trying to stay ahead of it.”

LED’s president, Ubaldo Parra, started his company in 2014 after working for Bexar Electric in Laredo for 19 years. But since so many of its distributors and vendors were here in San Antonio, he had a vision for his own company.

The term “LED” (light emitting diode) was widely used in all forms (tvs, car headlights, light bulbs, etc.) during that time. With time to think on his commutes between Laredo and San Antonio, Parra decided to name his company after this new form of lighting, making it easy for customers to connect his business with the light form.

Electrical and lighting is a rapidly evolving industry. Texas has adopted the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code. The old 100-watt light bulb is gone. Ramirez said, “The old toggle switch [for turning on lights] will be a thing of the past.” Certain types of fluorescent light bulbs are no longer available.

Even the familiar copper wiring for lights will go, as everything in a building or house will be connected via Power Over Ethernet (POE), and will work remotely, sensing room occupancy and other human dynamics such as positioning within a room.

Lights will be “tunable,” meaning they can change to any color of the spectrum. This has implications for schools, offices and homes, as the type and color

of lighting has been demonstrated to affect our mood and behavior.

“We’re really meshing all of our networks together. Everything talks to each other,” Parra said.

“Technology is going to keep moving forward. There is no stopping it,” he said. In other words, the train has indeed left the station.

Parra stated that getting kids involved with STEM (Science-TechnologyEngineering-Math) early will aid in preparing the next generation of electricians. And, he admitted, this technology-driven effort can be difficult for the “old school” tradesman who grew up with the incandescent light bulb.

The big driver in this new direction is energy conservation and efficiency.

The days of discovering a light has been left on in the house with no one in it are now over.

Parra said that we are “Much more conscious about being green in all aspects.”

For new construction, LED will be on the ground floor of the design build, gathering all the specifics from the company, do photometric studies and computer renderings. Then the plan is given to the business for them to decide accordingly.

“The future is here and moving forward and we are positioning ourselves as more than just an electrical company but a technology company,” Parra said.

Our kids will someday tell their kids: “When I was your age, I remember when we used to have to manually switch on the lights by ourselves.”

And they probably won’t believe it.

All aboard.

LED Electric Lighting provides professional electrical solutions in the San Antonio area. -dsz

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SM US LLP, the nation’s fifth largest public accounting firm, came to San Antonio in August 2016 after acquiring local firm Padgett Stratemann & Co. RSM, which boasts around 9,000 employees, may be large in size, but it also focuses largely on construction industry clients. Today, 150 of those RSM employees work in the firm’s San Antonio office, where partner Denise Bendele, Tom Wright, Leslie Garcia and Cyndi Mergele make up the office’s construction leadership team.

Their help isn’t limited to the office, however; RSM’s annual conferences in San Antonio (and Austin, which is scheduled for Jun. 19) are a valuable resource for contractors.

“We really strive to bring national-level and local speakers to go over industry, accounting, consulting and tax matters affecting contractors,” Bendele says. ”A big topic that we are working on is helping

contractors implement a new accounting standard around revenue recognition, which all contractors will have to implement by 2019.”

Stewardship is also an important focus for RSM, which supports charities at a local and national level – and not just financially.

Company members sit on several philanthropic boards and employees use “volunteer days” to help the charity of their choice.

“Our culture has always been to provide quality service to our team and our clients,” Bendele adds. “We want to be firstchoice advisors to our clients, which means we have a deep understanding of their industry – in this case, construction – that we’re dealing with on a day-to-day basis.

Our team is highly trained and versed on these issues. We really strive to help our clients with their businesses.”

RSM is a nationwide audit, tax and consulting service provider. –mjm

Cardboard kids

Suzanne Price, NAPCO Precast LLC shared this photo of NAPCO employees displaying their decorated cardboard kids and the company’s donation to CARDBOARD KIDS/Child Safe to help bring awareness to child abuse in San Antonio. -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

Mark Marlow CEO

Todd Thomas

President MK Marlow Company LLC San Antonio, TX

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hen opposites Mark Marlow and Todd Thomas joined forces to form drywall and acoustical company MK Marlow, it turned out to be a perfect partnership.

Mark, share about your background.

Mark: My father was always in construction, so I kind of grew up in the construction trade. He was an estimator/ project manager for a general contractor.

After I was born in San Antonio, we moved to Beaumont, Houston, Mesquite and Victoria. I started going to his job sites to work when I was 13, sweeping floors, pouring concrete, digging ditches, and welding roofs – pretty much doing what no one else wanted to do. I worked my way up to being a carpenter. I worked summers in construction through junior high, high school and college.

I went to Texas A&M to study architecture but decided I was not meant to be an architect, and instead, I earned a construction science degree in 1984. The year I graduated, A&M began offering a new double master’s degree in Construction Management and Land Development. I decided it was a good opportunity and I enrolled. During this process, I got a teaching assistant position at the A&M woodshop. One day, a person from a local news station came into the woodshop and asked our supervisor if the woodshop was interested in building the new set for the station. He turned the job down, but my friend John, an architecture major who worked with me, and I chased the guy down and said we would be interested. We gave them a bid, got the job and that was how I started my first company, Design Construct, in 1985.

How did Design Construct lead to MK Marlow?

Design Construct evolved in so many directions. We moved back to Victoria, worked on strip centers, all types of re-

models, some ground up work, and several homes. We were basically a general contractor at that time. We had our own drywall and ceiling crews working for us, so some of the local general contractors asked us to start bidding their drywall and ceiling work. We did, and opened drywall and acoustical ceiling company Acoustics Unlimited in 1989.

Ultimately, I decided that I wanted to pursue the drywall and acoustical ceiling industry and John wanted to continue with Design Construct as a general contractor, so in 1995 we split up. I changed the name to MK Marlow Company and had an office in Victoria for the next 18 years until 2013. In 2009, we opened an office in San Antonio. In 2013, when work slowed down, we consolidated both offices in San Antonio, which was around the time Todd and I met.

Todd, share about your background.

Todd: I was born and raised in Kentucky.

I remember visiting my dad when I was younger. He always worked in construction, and when we got out of school, we would ride the school bus home and see him on job sites. Every time he saw us kids, he would start clowning around. I remember him doing wheelies in the Bobcat. After work, he would take us to the local soda store and buy us candy and drinks. I have so many memories of my dad and construction.

After I finished high school in Kentucky, I joined the military when I was 17.

I thought it was pretty cool when they showed me the video of a paratrooper jumping out of an airplane.

While I was in the service, my family relocated from Kentucky to Florida. My older brother was working for a drywall contractor, and after I got out, he put me to work; that was in 1991. I started out as a framing apprentice, and worked my way up the ladder from there. I worked in the Central Florida market for about 20 years during the construction boom of Disney, MGM, Universal Studios and Seaworld.

In that market, they piece work a lot of the work, so on those big jobs I spent years honing that craft; I became a very good framing mechanic. I kept moving up the ranks to an assistant foreman and then a foreman, and earned bigger jobs.

On some of those large projects we had onsite job trailers, so I was moved into the office to do payroll, safety and assistant project management work. The company had a good mentoring program, and one of the owners took me under his wing, and for four years he taught me the management side of things. I quickly gained valuable experience and made my way into operations of that company. I parted ways with the company after it was sold, but during my time there I had worked in Tampa with the man who was running Mark’s San

L-R: MK Marlow’s Todd Thomas and Mark Marlow

Antonio office, and he hired me.

How do your personalities “click?”

Mark: Todd came from a strong drywall background; I did a little of everything. I was more of a general contractor and put my own framing crews together, so I worked from an opposite direction – general construction into drywall. I had dabbled in it in the past, but not to the point where Todd does it. We’re nightand-day different when it comes to our backgrounds.

We’re opposites [in our business approach, too]. I’m at 50,000 feet and he’s busy thinking about the nuts and bolts. What Todd brought in is what I lacked – detail. I come up with ideas but I’m not good at putting it together. I know putting processes and procedures in place should be done but I don’t like to do it. When we met, it was the perfect fit!

Todd: We also had real discussions about our business philosophies. He made some commitments to me and I made some commitments in return. We sat down six years ago and we haven’t waffled on those commitments. That means a lot.

Mark: We’re super close friends, too. We don’t just work together, we hang out together, but it never seems to get in the way. It works on all levels.

How has MK Marlow evolved?

Mark: We do bigger, high-profile, more intricate projects now. We have a solid chain of command and put good people in place. We run efficiently. Todd has pulled things together and does all of the things I don’t like to do. We’ve tightened up.

What do you enjoy about your work?

Todd: I enjoy that every day there is a new challenge. I enjoy the people and the challenges of everyday business.

Mark: I’m probably 10 years past where Todd is, and when Todd and I started, I basically decided to start slowly selling the company to him. I just kind of burned out after 30 years.

After Todd joined the company, I became reenergized and now I’m more involved than in the past 10 years. I decided that I wouldn’t know what the heck I would do if I didn’t do this! With Todd running the day-to-day operations, it has freed me up to do what I enjoy more.

How do you spend your free time?

Mark: We both have ranches, and raise exotic animals and white tail deer. We are both huge hunters and enjoy traveling. We do the same things, but we don’t always get to do them together.

Todd: I would echo Mark here. I enjoy time at my ranch. It relaxes me to get out there and do manual labor. When we do have a chance to hunt together, that’s always a ton of fun.

Do you have personal goals?

Mark: I just had elbow surgery, and I want to play golf! If something should evolve, it should be my golf game!

Todd: There are some things I would like to get into, but between work right now and my other interests, I’m pretty busy.

What are your plans for the business?

Mark: We want to do what we do better.

At some point, Todd and I are not going to want to be here as much. We don’t necessarily have that next person in line; they’re not that easy to find.

Todd: We’re striving to be the best drywall contractor in South Texas; that’s our goal. We recently started a residential drywall company, Marlow Thomas Residential. We’ve done a couple of condo projects in South Texas, particularly Port Aransas. It’s been exciting, and we’re having conversations about what potential there may be for us on the residential side of the business.

MK Marlow Company LLC is a drywall and acoustical subcontractor. –mjm

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

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Jill of all trades

Theresa Maivu McFaul

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e tend to say the phrase “Jack of all trades” when referring to someone who is multi-talented, but this time we say, “Jill of all trades,” because that’s the persona of Theresa Maivu McFaul, owner of Maivu Plumbing & Construction.

The company started in 2011 and incorporated plumbing around 2014-15.

However, the business part of things started after receiving her degree in business management and entrepreneurship. “The UTSA program for entrepreneurship was pretty good and hands on,” said McFaul.

After UTSA, McFaul started up several businesses, but “none that stuck.”

Her uncles taught her about the stock market and with that she focused on stocks. Then she got a real estate license.

McFaul did not use it quite yet; due to the fact she was making decent money from stocks.

Continuing to fast forward, McFaul bought a house for foreclosure – lived in it – and renovated it at the same time. McFaul was also applying for grants, but none came through. She had to sell the house for money.

A friend from church helped her fix it up to sell. “It sold really fast.” McFaul found herself starting a company for flipping houses. “I already had the real estate license so I started building a construction crew, so I wouldn’t need to hire a contractor anymore.”

The plumbing came shortly after that when her “go-to plumber” was done running the show with his company. McFaul offered to run it for him. A deal was made and that’s how she started the plumbing business.

“There’s something very different about a company driven by a necessity versus a desire.”

McFaul admits she’s been “surrounded by men forever.” When she tried to hire an

San Antonio

office manager she interviewed 95 percent women and three men. Ironically, “the perfect candidate was a guy,” she laughed.

“Miguel Aranda has been my office manager and now my general manager for two years now.”

With 13 employees to date, McFaul embraces a tradition with each and that involves party cone hats. When there is a birthday celebration she brings in the party cone hats and gets everyone in party mode. “They try to act to cool for school at first, but at the end of it I always have the majority of them wearing the party cone hats. We take the funniest pictures.”

McFaul expressed that in her company lies a real special and different culture.

She makes sure everybody is constantly learning and bettering themselves. They have a “six month check” to essentially have bettered themselves than where they were six months ago.

There is also a rule to be followed and that is for the guys to teach others on the crew. She said that is part of their job description. “You cannot hold your skillsets hostage,” McFaul adds.

The majority of her crew has an apprentice license in plumbing, even though some of them don’t do any plumbing work. She says that everyone needs to have one and hold on to it.

On the construction side, McFaul got into commercial projects because you are able to express yourself with your creative design.

Future plans that she would like to accomplish in her business are renovating and building hotels.

Today if she’s not being the “Jill of all trades” in work, she is studying for her graduate record examination (GRE), as she is aiming for a master’s degree in architecture.

Maivu Plumbing & Construction is a full-scale plumbing and general contracting company in San Antonio. –lv

CONSTRUCTION NEWS

If you are a construction-related company in the San Antonio area and would like an article about your company, your personnel or your event, call us for an interview.

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All submissions should be mailed to our editorial offices. We reserve the right to edit any materials submitted. No fees for materials, copy or photographs submitted will be due unless agreed upon in advance in writing.

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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

Drawing in the next generation

any high school students are trying to figure out what they are going to do after high school. The Texas Construction Career Initiative (TCCI) invited approximately 1,300 high school students to its fifth annual Construction Career Day Apr. 11 at Freeman Expo Hall. High school students from all over the region got the opportunities to speak with contractors and trade associations about the advantages and rewards of pursuing a career in construction. -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

Five ways benchmarking can boost your business Leslie Garcia, Partner RSM US LLP San Antonio, TX onstruction companies face new and complex challenges every day. Knowing how to successfully navigate through them is what can get a company ahead of the competition and better positioned for the future. One incredibly helpful management tool is benchmarking.

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Benchmarking is the systematic process of using financial data to compare an organization’s performance against similar best-in-class organizations. Those companies considered best-in-class are typically businesses that outperform their peers in a variety of key metrics (such as return on assets and return on equity), carry less debt, show more gross profit per employee, and have a higher gross profit margin and net income before taxes.

Once the best-in-class companies are identified, benchmarking is relatively simple: Identify the metrics of those companies you want to benchmark and track them over time to measure your company’s performance against them. Doing so can help a construction company—regardless of its specific industry niche— keep pace with the rest of the industry, remain competitive and, hopefully, boast a better bottom line.

Here are the top five ways benchmarking can help your business.

1. Benchmarking can improve your performance.

It can be hard to improve a company’s financial performance, especially if there are no specific goals or standards established. Benchmarking can help solve that problem by providing specific metrics from similar best-in-class companies that can clearly show what your company must improve or where you’re already on the right track.

2. Benchmarking is about more than industry averages.

It’s easy to just compare your company to the industry average, but simply aligning with the industry average is not the answer to improving your bottom line and remaining competitive. It takes specific information from similarly focused companies to truly see where you measure up and where you don’t.

3. Benchmarking removes the doubt.

If your company isn’t achieving a goal, it’s easy to say that goal is simply unattainable and can’t be reached. Not with benchmarking. A company that makes benchmarking a part of its routine process knows what goals are manageable and can even glean information regarding how to reach those from the metrics of other best-in-class companies.

4. Benchmarking can help manage risk.

Whether it be financial issues or safety hazards, construction companies face a number of risks every day. Some companies manage those risks successfully while

others do not. To best manage risk, a company must understand the various types of risks and identify the risks inherent in their business. Benchmarking is essential to good risk management as it can provide the management team with the knowledge necessary to avoid or eliminate specific risks before they become serious problems.

5. Benchmarking can help your company focus.

Every company has room for improvement. But when all seems to be going well for a company, it can be hard to focus on—or even find—any areas that could be improved. Consistently benchmarking your company against the performance of other similar-type companies can help keep you focused on improvement efforts that are critical to your company’s success.

There’s no reason not to implement benchmarking. While on the surface it may sound like a complicated task, establishing a benchmarking process is really rather easy.

First, the management team should institute a formal plan that firmly establishes what the company needs to improve, which can be done by performing a comprehensive financial analysis.

Next, company leaders should select the appropriate metrics to benchmark.

That could be the cost structure, profit margin, annual revenue, equipment costs or any other type of available data. It’s important to remember that all available metrics aren’t going to be applicable to your company, and thus there is no reason to waste time looking at data that is irrelevant to your business or the specific target of your focus.

Then, implement an improvement plan based on those metrics. When implementing the plan, be sure to track the progress made.

When you make a point to notice the positive effects benchmarking makes on your company, it makes it much easier to keep benchmarking as an important part of the company culture.

Benchmarking is essential to running a profitable company. Being complacent in establishing and implementing a benchmarking process is a missed opportunity to cut costs, increase margins and make informed business decisions.

Leslie Garcia, CPA, CCIFP, is a partner at RSM US LLP’s San Antonio office. She can be reached at 210-828-6281 or Leslie.Garcia@rsmus.com.

Controlling ergonomic risks in construction Mark Gaskamp CSP, CRM, CIC, CPCU, ARM, ALCM Managing Director Wortham, L.L.C. Austin, TX

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hat is the leading cause of lost time accidents in construction? The answer- LIFTING & MATERIAL HANDLING.

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

Construction is hard work and requires physical effort to get the job done, so should we just throw up our hands and say, that is just part of the business…

NO. there are specific things that can be done to reduce the risk of strains and material handling injuries.

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

There are also industry best practices that have helped many organizations reduce the risk for ergonomic injuries and associated costs.

Identify High Risk Tasks: Utilizing your current JHA (Job Hazard Analysis) or JSA (Job Safety Analysis) process to identify and address ergonomic issues is a great tool. It does not take a professional ergonomists to conduct a job analysis, many times there are simple solutions to a very high risk job like getting a material handling aid or require a two person lift.

Identify Safe & Unsafe Work Practices: Does your job site inspection checklist only include OSHA standards? If so, you are missing over half your accidents.

Adding “unsafe behaviors” to your job site inspection checklists can be very helpful. Examples include: proper lifting techniques used, proper body positioning for job task (no overreaching or twisting), or team lifting or material handling aid used when necessary.

Individual ACCOUNTABILITY: Just like any other safety initiative (PPE, ladder safety, equipment use) workers must be held accountable for poor behaviors. If they fail to use proper lifting techniques or specific material handling requirements it is imperative that supervisors

counsel them just like any other safety violation.

Education: Training is #6 on the ANSI list, so look for solutions above before opting to “train” to fix a problem. If supervisors understand how the back works and workers know the risk and understand proper lifting techniques, they will be more inclined to use good habits and can be held accountable for not following proper material handling procedures.

Employee Involvement & Capabilities: Making sure employees are fit for work can help avoid muscle strain. Many organizations have found success in implementing simple stretches prior to the work shift (at the tool box meeting is a great idea). Some of you may be visualizing your job site foreman instructing calisthenics on the job site at 6am, (although that might not be a bad idea), that is not what I am talking about- providing simple stretches, for upper extremities, back, and hamstrings can provide good blood circulation and prepare the muscles for their shift.

Accident Review & Injury Management: Many times the worst accident investigations are those for material handling injuries. Why? Because it’s hard, and it takes time to determine what exactly caused the injury. Investigating the exact cause and evaluating what steps that can be taken to prevent reoccurrence is a vital part of the process to help avoid a reoccurrence of the same injury. It is also imperative that opportunities to return to work are identified to reduce lost time claims and indemnity payments for injured workers. The recent experience modifier calculation changes make this even more important from a financial standpoint.

Preventing material handling injuries on the job site is not an easy job. Understanding the cost of ergonomic claims and their impact on the organizations experience modifier can help generate interest in looking for solutions to address this critical area of your safety program.

Spending a bit of time in this area can save big dollars and avoid the pain and agony of a back ailment.

For more information visit www. worthaminsurance.com or contact Mark at (512) 532-1536 or mark.gaskamp@ worthaminsurance.com

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

Page 9

A case for careful review of construction contract dispute resolution clauses Ian Faria, Partner Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP Houston, TX

D

ispute resolution clauses are common in contracts between owners, general contractors and subcontractors. For quite some time, the general rule of the construction industry has been that an arbitration proceeding is the preferred method of resolving disputes as opposed to jury trials. There is also the general belief maintained by many in our industry that arbitration is less expensive, less time consuming, and quicker to achieve a resolution. For many, these “well known” beliefs have been put to the test, and have resulted in a reevaluation of not only those beliefs but of the dispute resolution procedures in the contract.

A careful review of alternatives to the standard dispute resolution clause selecting arbitration is a good practice.

Typically, the dispute resolution clauses in construction contracts require arbitration (and the waiver of a jury trial) that the parties agree to a location of the arbitration and the use of one of the many “alphabet” arbitration services. These services offer office space to hold the arbitration (for a fee), the selection of qualified arbitrators from a panel list (for a fee), regular conferences and administrative functions (for a fee), and filing fees and response fees for bringing and defending claims.

An alternative to consider to replace the typical arbitration system is for the parties to agree to a private arbitration.

Quite often, the arbitrator or panel of arbitrators will agree to govern the dispute themselves without the need for a thirdparty administrator. If the arbitration rules are previously agreed to in the dispute resolution clause, a private arbitration without the cost of a third party administrator is a good way to limit the cost and expense. Additionally, with a private arbitration, there traditionally are no filing fees or office space fees. Such a scenario leaves the parties with only having to pay their share of the arbitrator’s fees.

One of the drawbacks of many arbitration clauses is that there is no significant avenue of appeal available to either party if the arbitrator or the arbitration panel issues an award that does not comply with Texas law or blatantly ignores uncontested facts. Since arbitration clauses are creatures of contract, there is no prohibition on creating an appeals process. Therefore, an alternative to consider is to include an appeals process.

Such a process is often limited to errors of law, errors of fact and errors of legal reasoning. Further, the appeal may be limited to a court of competent jurisdiction with a waiver of a jury. Such an addition gives the parties some peace of mind that the dispute, on appeal, will be decided by a judge.

Many arbitration clauses are also silent with respect to the discovery permitted in arbitration. Often the decision of the type and degree of discovery (such as depositions and written discovery) is simply left to the arbitrator, the arbitrator panel, or the arbitration rules agreed to by the parties (which often times simply defer to the arbitrator). It is usually in the parties’ best interest to limit discovery. However, fearful of being challenged, it is common for arbitrators to be generous with discovery. As a result, it is a good idea to outline in the arbitration provision what discovery will be permitted and what will be limited so as to create certainty.

Lastly, the issue of the rules of procedure and evidence can be significant.

One way to address this is to clearly spell out the agreement of the parties. For instance, some arbitration clauses specifically require compliance with the Federal Rules of Evidence. Additionally, some clauses allow the contractor to select either an arbitration under certain rules, or a bench trial before the court with the rules of evidence and procedure from that jurisdiction. Again, the parties can contract and agree on the process they think best suits their relationship.

Dispute resolution clauses in a construction contract are often drafted without much input, or are the standard clauses found in many “form” contracts.

There are several considerations outlined herein that can be used to both parties’ benefit. The goal being to have certainty, limit costs, and bring disputes to a swift resolution.

Ian P. Faria is a member of the Construction and Government Contracts Practice Group and Managing Partner of the Houston office of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP. He represents developers, general contractors, subcontractors, homebuilders, business owners and individuals in a variety of disputes, as well as in OSHA compliance and investigation matters. He can be reached at ifaria@bradley.com.

Construction News ON LOCATION

The PPG crew

The team at PPG Paints in Universal City stand ready to help you color your world.

L-R: John Grimes, James Robertson and Bryan Casillas. –dsz

OSHA and the trucking industry Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

S

afety is just as important once a truck reaches a destination as when it is on the open road. Companies should communicate operating procedures to keep workers safe, whether at the warehouse, dock, or construction site.

Parking • Park on level ground and close to the receiving door or site • Set and test brakes • Place wheel chocks between the tandem wheels of the trailer • Do not attempt to stop a rolling vehicle Backing Up • Get Out And Look (GOAL) • Use flashers, horn, and backup alarms and check both mirrors • Roll down windows to hear • Know the vehicle’s blind spots • Use a spotter • Back up slowly • Stand clear when opening doors for unloading Coupling and Uncoupling • Only trained workers should perform this procedure • Ensure stable footing when releasing the fifth wheel or adjusting tandems • Wear bright visible clothing • Set parking brakes and perform tug test • Keep clear of tires and frames • Check for vehicular traffic near you

OSHA is preempted by Section 4(b)1 of the OSH Act from enforcing its regulations if a working condition is regulated by another Federal agency.

For example: • While traveling on public highways, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has jurisdiction. However, while loading

and unloading trucks, OSHA regulations govern the safety and health of the workers and the responsibilities of employers to ensure their safety at the warehouse, at the dock, at the rig, at the construction site, at the airport terminal and in all places truckers go to deliver and pick up loads.

• While operating at an airport, if there is an operational plan negotiated between the carrier and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that covers a working condition, then the FAA has jurisdiction.

Due to the Department of Transportation (DOT) brake regulation, OSHA does not cite for failure to chock trailer wheels if the vehicle is otherwise adequately secured. DOT’s regulation preempts enforcement and DOT has jurisdiction. However, if the vehicle is an intrastate truck, OSHA has jurisdiction. Only another Federal agency may preempt OSHA’s jurisdiction.

The OSHA Whistleblower group does have jurisdiction under the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (STAA).

This Act provides protections for private sector drivers and other employees relating to the safety or security of commercial motor vehicles. Coverage includes all buses (for hire), hazardous material vehicle placarded and freight trucks with a gross vehicle weight of at least 10,001 pounds. More information on anti-discrimination protection can be found at https://www.whistleblowers.gov natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232

Page 10

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

Straight shooter

Leo Neal, founder and owner of Alpha and Omega Flooring

L

eo Neal, founder and owner of Alpha and Omega Flooring, tells it like it is. He’s fond of the phrase, “To be honest with you.”

The Alabama native got his start in woodworking as a youth. He worked for a company in the Yellowhammer State who sent him to interior decorating and woodworking schools in Florida.

Working for other companies gained Neal valuable experience. But, to be honest with you, he figured out somewhere along the line that it simply paid better to work for yourself.

“I worked for so long for somebody else, I said [to myself] I can make a dollar or two for myself.”

Neal and his wife had a son working in San Antonio, and after being in California for a spell, they decided to come here and eventually start Alpha and Omega Flooring. For one reason, he worked for someone else, but it wasn’t a good experience.

Neal said he’s also done a lot of work in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee.

Alpha and Omega Flooring got its name because Neal says it’s the first and last word in flooring until it wears out.

Installing floors can be hard work, but Neal said, “Once you get involved, it’s not a job. A job is hard. It’s not hard for me.”

One of Neal’s favorite types of wood floors to install is the herringbone design.

He does more installing than he does maintenance. He’s particular about making sure the room temperature is set correctly for the installation to be just right.

Neal is the sole employee of Alpha and Omega. “I do it myself,” but he’ll enlist for help if the job requires it.

In terms of the future, Neal will continue as a flooring contractor as long as he can do it. He’s “going to work until it’s all gone.”

Working for yourself is the only way to go. To be honest with you, Neal wouldn’t have it any other way.

Alpha and Omega Flooring is a fullservice floor installation and repair company in San Antonio. -dsz

Construction News ON LOCATION

Let there be…

Office manager Selinda Sanchez (seated) keeps the rest of LED Electric Lighting’s leadership straight at their home office. Back row, l-r: Brian Ramirez (branch manager), Jeannine Quesada (warehouse manager), Ubaldo Parra (president), Oscar Lopez (service manager). -dsz

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

Spring fishing is in the air

by Capt. Steve Schultz Sponsored by: Waypoint Marine, Shoalwater Boats, Evinrude Outboards, Fishing Tackle Unlimited, E-Z Bel Construction, Costa Sunglasses, Diawa Reels, Simms Fishing, ForEverlast Fishing Products, Interstate Batteries, MirrOlure, and AFTCO Clothing

Page 11

trout under terns and pelicans at times, it’s the big gulls that generally deliver the goods on a regular basis. If you have a trolling motor, ease up to the outer edge of the birds, just within casting range, and watch for the shrimp jumping across the surface for their lives.

The trout feeding below hit most anything when in a feeding frenzy, and even a topwater bait can draw exciting surface strikes. Of course, you may also encounter other species in with the speckled trout, including redfish, black drum, sand trout and skipjack under these birds. If you see concentrations of gulls sitting on the water, the birds are often right on top of the fish, or waiting on fish nearby to chase bait to the surface again.

Besides scanning the skies be sure to be looking on the surface too, and keep your nose on alert for scents coming down wind. Speckled trout often regurgitate their food when on these feeding binges, and an oily sheen pops up to the surface. Often your nose picks up the scent before you spot the slick, particularly if you’re down wind.

It’s an odor that often resembles watermelon or fresh cut

grass and to others maybe a menhaden oil scent.

The smaller the slick is, the closer the fish are to it since the wind and tide haven’t had time to spread it out. Just like using the birds, anglers can often locate and track schools of feeding trout by spotting these slicks as they appear on the surface.

May typically starts the beginning of our croaker season although we really start fishing with them in late April. By this time, the trout spawn is also in full swing along the entire coast and this makes for a great time to fish. Don’t waste any more time contemplating booking your next fishing outing.

My 2018 calendar is now open for bookings throughout the year. Don’t hesitate in booking your fishing trips because my dates usually go pretty quick, especially during the more popular months. To schedule your next bay fishing trip or hunting adventure give Capt. Steve Schultz a call at 361-813-3716 or 361-3343105 or e-mail me at SteveSchultzOutdoors@gmail.com.

Good Luck and Good Fishing.

B

y the time this column reaches you saltwater outdoors enthusiastic anglers, our weather patterns will certainly have stabilized (I’m keeping my fingers crossed) to more summer-like conditions. We have been plagued by a colder, windier than normal spring and that has made fishing challenging to say the least.

Several warm days followed by several colder days have been the norm for what seems like eternity. Needless to say, this writer/angler/captain is ready for some warm days and hotter fishing.

Any good guide that really wants to produce a solid box of fish is always searching the skies for signs of birds when trout fishing. Those birds are your eyes in the sky, and they seemingly come out of nowhere when trout chase bait to the surface. Although it’s possible to catch

Great times with awesome friends/costumers on a 2-day outing on Baffin Bay. George Major (left) with his 27 in. trout and Ronnie Dewinne (right) with a solid 28 in. redfish made for great stories at dinner that evening.

Page 12

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

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

Springtime rollercoaster!

W

hat are we doing today? Yesterday the temperature nicked the nineties and got too hot to work in the garden. Today it looks like we will be lucky to get to the seventies and I wonder if we have time to have one more hot chocolate before winter is gone.

If you think you are confused by having to change clothes four times a day to stay comfortable, just try being a fish.

One day the water is lazy calm and the sun is warming up the shallows and it seems like it might be time to move in and start to spawn or even just chase a few shad along the shoreline. The next day the lake is windy and churning and cold again – no place to start a family and lunch is cancelled because the shad have been scattered by the waves. Some days there’s just nothing for a fish to do but go deep, sit there and pout. That’s why some days they just won’t bite.

Nothing shuts them off like the pressure change a cold front can bring. On those days the fish we have been chasing and catching all week can still be found, but they couldn’t care less about feeding even if you can see them on the fish finder and drop your best bait in their face.

Nope.

I like the other extreme better. Some of our best fishing can be on those kinder weather days that we so welcome in the spring. The days between cold fronts when the wind swings from the north back around to the south, or southeast are the ones we like. That almost acts like a signal to the fish that all is well; it’s time to get back down to the business of feeding and making babies. The fish find

their appetites and school up to feed and move in to spawn, each species according to their habits.

Early spring weather presents all kinds of challenges to us fishermen. The cold fronts are still coming at us a couple times a week, but at least they start to be less severe and shorter lived. That’s good, except that it means the wind can be hard to work around. If a cold front is a day or two out, the south wind will blow like crazy to meet it and you get high south winds. If a cold front has arrived you will have a day or two of high north wind. If you are at the place where the winds intersect, then you have to watch out for rogue thunderstorms trying to shower you with hail and lightning.

The thing is, in the middle of it all spring fishing can be crazy good and just downright scary. We have some of our best trips this time of the year and some of the best weather to go fishing on those nice days. The tough thing to take though is that they are not all nice days this time of the year. All you can do is pick a day to go fishing and cross your fingers the weather turns out nice for you.

If every day was just like the one before it and the fish were biting every day, fishing would just be like a routine trip to the grocery store. The weather rollercoaster keeps it interesting!

Lone Star Paving, Austin

D & W Painting, Leander

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

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

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

Page 13

Hunting and fishing kind of day

H

ave you seen this aoudad? You have now. Mike Crawford, owner of Pro-Line Paving Maintenance in San Antonio was hunting aoudads with Slate Angel from Century Asphalt at the Zachary ranch, east of Laredo, TX. –lv

Mike Crawford and his 327-pound aoudad with horns 32 in. long by 12 in. at the base.

Angel and his 265-lb aoudad with horns 34 in. long by 12 in. at the base.

They guys also did some bass fishing between hunts.

Along for the ride

C

onnie Phillips with Structura was blessed to visit beautiful South Africa for her spring break vacation. Little did we know, Construction News went along for the ride. –cmw

Continues reading her issue of CN at Hippo Hollow in Hazyview in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Relaxing at the beautiful Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe.

Reading in the presence of the giant African God at the Kingdom Resort in Zambabwe

Page 14

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

Industry FOLKS

John Miller

Account Executive & Member Support

Virtual Builders Exchange LLC San Antonio Home Office

I

was born at Kessler AFB in Biloxi, MS not too long ago. My mother had just come here to this country a few years before, after meeting my father in Korea while he was stationed with the Air Defence Artillery in the U.S. Army. I have an older and younger sister, so that means as middle child of a Korean woman, I was spoiled.

At VBX, I like the constant challenge of educating potential members on how we at VBX are a benefit and an amazing resource they can use to find commercial projects they want to do. By using VBX, they have a wide range of information at their fingertips.

I have been in sales previously in different industries and I’ve done construction work in my younger days. Why not work in an industry that is the backbone of our country?

It is with great satisfaction that I see members every day being successful using our services. I sleep well at night knowing what our company does is important for all aspects of our industry.

I am currently doing as I am told for my upcoming wedding. As all men should know, it’s not about us but about our wives, in my case future wife. She is amazing in every way with the heart of gold to be able to put up with me and my hardheadedness. I’m counting the days until I no longer have any say in my life with a smile on my face (chuckle).

We recently bought a new house. My free time is taken up with trying to make sure we have the best yard in the neighborhood. With a house that has four women an just little ‘ol me, I try to spend as much time outside where it is safest.

I like to play poker on weekends when my fiancee is out with her friends or out of town on business.

We try to spend time with our (Lori’s) girls doing things as a family. We like to take trips where we pile into the car and head out for the weekend.

Since I have spent most of my adult life in the service industry, I never really had time to go anywhere. Now we grill every Sunday with the kids and their friends and try to make memories that will stay with us forever.

I have to say my biggest mentors are my parents. My mother was as hardworking a person as you will ever find. She always made sure us kids were taken care of. As for my father, if I grow up to be half the man he is, I will consider myself a success.

Critter-wise, we have two dogs, Wesley and Trent. And then there’s Claire - a very mean cat!

As for my future plans, I have never really thought to much about it, but I am sure my future wife will let me know what they are when the time is right. -rd

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

Page 15

Generations of experience

Stewart Plumbing staff in San Antonio

R

esponsible Master Plumber Terry Stewart has been in the plumbing trade his whole life. He is the president/owner of Stewart Plumbing in Converse, TX. Stewart Plumbing is a highly sought after commercial construction service company currently employing about 30 people.

Early in his career, Terry gained valuable experience working with his mentor, Charles Blank, Jr. In 2002, after working for Blank for many years, he thought it was time to become independent. He made the decision to establish his own company with his son Jason, who was then a 22-year-old college student.

When asking Jason Stewart, owner/ vice president, how he got started in their family business, he says that he actually began learning the trade working for his dad during the summers when he was in high school.

“I started working for him when I turned 16 years old… and my summer job turned into the longest summer job of my life,” Stewart said. “Here it is 22 years later, and I’m still doing it!”

Stewart explained that apprentice plumbers in the State of Texas must be at least 16 years old and are required to register before being allowed to work, and then it must be done under the supervision of a responsible master plumber, and with onthe-job direction of a licensed plumber.

Then, 8,000 hours of work, tests and other specified requirements are needed to become a journeyman.

“It was just him and I,” Stewart said of the company’s beginning.“We’d pull up to a job, and he would let me out of the truck; I’d grab what tools I needed, and he would take off to another one; and I wouldn’t see him until five or six, or whenever he got done with his job,” he added.

Today Stewart Plumbing’s workload is about 85percent commercial construction.

They work closely with a number of general contractors and are bidding on new work every day in the highly competitive construction trade. However, they do have service trucks to catch service calls from the occasional non-commercial customer.

Stewart Plumbing is a plumbing contractor. –alk

In memoriam

L

arry E. Grothues, president of MG Building Materials passed away Apr. 12. He was 69.

Larry proudly grew up on the South Side of San Antonio in a large, loving Belgian family. He graduated from Central Catholic High School’s class of ’65. He attended and graduated from St. Mary’s University, class of ’70 with a degree in Business where he was a member of member of Tau Delta Epsilon.

He also served his country in the U.S. Air Force.

In 1974, Larry and his father started MG Building Materials on New Laredo Highway. Through their hard work, sweat and tenacious efforts, Larry, his father and three brothers turned MG Building Materials into a powerhouse business, serving South Texas with six locations.

Larry will be remembered as a great friend and mentor, never seeking recognition for his contributions and support of those in need.

His loss will be mourned for a long time. Adiós good friend. -cmw

A company blessing

To God be the glory! Christina Suhm, O’Haver Contractors, shared this photo of the company dedication to bless O’Haver Contractors for 2018. -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

THIS TH MON Jan: Construction Forecast Mar: Construction Education May: Concrete Industry July: Electrical Industry Feb: Construction Safety Apr: Women in Construction Jun: HVAC & Plumbing Aug: Service Providers

Construction safety tightens Neal Secor, President Longhorn Concrete San Antonio, TX

W

hat are the “hot button” issues in the concrete industry?

We continue to experience a shortage of qualified labor and volatility in the commodities markets causing spikes in pricing for concrete ready-mix, steel and lumber products used in our industry.

How would you describe the state of the construction industry in general terms? Have you experienced an increase in business?

The current state of the construction industry is very good. We experienced an increase year-to-date and from 2016 over 2017.

What factors are driving this increase?

There is a pro-business climate in Texas specifically in our Central/South Texas region with a lower business tax rate and tax incentives for redevelopment of urban areas (examples: Brooks City Base, Port SA, Pearl District). This is very appealing for corporate headquarter establishment/relocation from other states.

In addition, we are experiencing continued low interest rates; continuation of our areas’ relatively low cost of living; no state income tax; lower home prices relative to many other regions of the U.S.; quality of living; and continued expansion of mid to upper level management employment specifically in our SA area.

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

This has afforded us the opportunity to add several full-time management staff to better analyze and control our projects.

We’ve learned how to diplomatically say “No” more than “Yes” to allow us to commit our resources to the types of projects that fit what we do well.

What are the major changes in the con-

crete industry in recent years?

The concrete industry has not changed dramatically in recent years. We are seeing some traction with the use of some “Alternative/Green/Lead” systems which use reinforced concrete such as ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms) and tilt wall systems. It seems there is some push back from our industry to try something new when the alternative system pricing is substantially higher than conventional concrete systems being used today. This is a hard sell to the private sector.

Have there been any recent changes in legislation affecting the concrete industry relating to transportation or the environment?

Our industry continues to see the tightening of construction safety regulations by OSHA. Recently, OSHA implemented much stricter safety guidelines for airborne silica dust which has a direct impact on the concrete industry, driving up cost to be in compliance.

What are the cost increases (if any) relating to your industry?

Substantial health and welfare cost increase renewals continue to be at the top priority for all small business. Our small business cannot absorb the continued cost so we have been forced to not offer health benefits to our team.

Steel reinforcement materials increased pricing due to import trade restrictions. Tariffs hav been another cost increase. We have experienced a 10 to 12 percent increase in the 1st quarter of 2018 and, since August of 2017, prices have increased nearly 20 percent.

There has also been a lumber materials price increase due to Hurricane Harvey along with import trade restrictions tariffs.

And, of course, there are shortages going into summer months for fly ash additive for ready-mix which can add as much as five percent to our cost.

How are you dealing with these challenges?

Creating a TEAM culture where we create a great working environment that

What are the rewards of the industry?

The people. Our industry is full of great people and we have been blessed to have a Longhorn team filled with awe-

Quality Control Manager

Allied Concrete Houston, TX

H

oleman has been in the concrete industry since 1998. He has served as president of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Houston Chapter since 2016 and is a member of the Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA).

What factors are driving this increase/

promotes growth from within our organization, personal growth outside our organization, income growth to meet/exceed our industry and incentives (performance and discretionary bonus, PTO and other benefits).

We as an industry need to do a better job of promoting our trades to our youth. As a society it seems as if we assume everyone is owed and should get a college education. This thought promotion is hurting our industry and in my opinion is detrimental to our youths’ futures. I believe we need to place an equal amount of emphasis on such programs as ag mechanics, FFA and trade schools.

What is on the horizon for your industry? (Changes in technology; equipment; other) Looking out onto the horizon I expect our industry to continue to grow at a similar pace as we have seen the past 12 months or so.

James Eric Holeman

How would you describe the state of the construction industry in general terms? Have you experienced an increase in business? Slowdown?

The market is strong now and home buying sales are up.

Sept: Green Building Nov: Architecture & Engineering Oct: Specialty Contractors Dec: Construction Equipment

What is the most significant challenge your industry faces?

Qualified labor force for our current needs today and developing key positions such as lead foremen and superintendents for the future growth and viability of our industry to replace our aging work force in these key positions.

Truck drivers and concrete

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

I think the hottest button is first and foremost for all ready mix companies is having a lack of qualified drivers.

CONCRETE INDUSTRY

slowdown?

The driving force I think now is there is not enough housing in the Houston area and homebuilders can’t keep up with demand. New subdivisions are popping up to accommodate the influx of residents moving into the Houston area.

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

This has resulted in growing pains including drivers, sales dispatch and materials. Getting them all has an impact on

the industry and on businesses.

What are the major changes in the concrete industry in recent years?

There have not been many major changes in the industry. Recently we have seen changes in materials and trucking. There has been a push to decrease the cement content to help reduce the carbon footprint. In addition, TxDOT is continuously making changes to trucking regulations and the industry has to adapt.

What is the most significant challenge your industry faces? Labor shortages?

Other?

Again, I would have to say it is the lack of qualified drivers. This is affecting all companies across the nation, not just ready mix companies and the Houston market is no different. Finding skilled truck drivers with commercial licenses who are willing to work long hours is difficult. Truck drivers in our field don’t just drive trucks; there is a lot of labor involved in running a ready mix truck. In

www.constructionnews.net publishing the industry’s news

some people.

Our clients. We work with great clients and build relationships to last a lifetime.

The challenge. Continued success in the concrete industry is a daily challenge that keeps us on our toes. We never have to worry about becoming complacent and comfortable and I like this feeling. One thing I am certain of is that no matter how many years experience I have in the industry I will never know it all.

What are keys to being successful?

Team retention. Build a team for the long haul and work to mitigate turnover at all times. We have employees who have been a part of our team for 30-plus years and they are so important to our current and future success.

Business integrity. Explain clearly what you are going to do and then do what you say and, if possible ,do more and always under promise and over deliver. You should always be willing to place a higher value on what is right than how much something will cost. We are humans and we are not perfect so we are going to make mistakes.

When mistakes happen we encourage not stopping but rather find a quick resolution and get it back on track no matter what the cost.

Being efficient with our resources is also key. Say “No” often. I probably say “No” 10 times before I say “Yes” when determining what potential projects fit what we do best.

You need to have moderate growth when times are good. We are deliberate in how we grow our business. With all growth come growing pains to deal with. If we grow too fast we may not react fast enough before it costs our company in a variety of ways.

In order for our TEAM to create value in our company we must be disciplined to retain earnings. In good years it is always tough to write a check to “Uncle Sam” but it is a necessary evil if we want to create value.

This will benefit us when times are not so good.

Longhorn Concrete is a concrete specialty contractor in San Antonio. -cmw

addition to driving the ready mix truck, drivers release and direct concrete down the truck chute and, in some cases, may have to assemble the cement chutes and clean the trucks and chutes to prevent the concrete from hardening in the mixer, chutes and on the trucks.

How are you dealing with these challenges?

Changing the way hiring and training is done along with providing attractive benefits will help in the long run and is something that is on-going.

What are the cost increases (if any) relating to your industry?

The costs of equipment, trucking and materials have the most impact on rising costs in the concrete industry and the construction industry as a whole.

Allied Concrete is an integrated aggregates and ready mix concrete company based in Houston. -cmw

Texas Style

★ San Antonio ★ Austin ★ South Texas ★ Houston

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

Page 17

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CONCRETE INDUSTRY

To represent your company in an upcoming FOCUS, contact SAeditor@ConstructionNews.net (210) 308-5800

NEXT MONTH HVAC & PLUMBING

A robust industry Bill Sandbrook, Vice Chairman, President & CEO Title US Concrete Inc. Euless, TX

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andbrook is a 1979 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. After receiving his Bachelor of Science in management, he spent 13 years in the U.S. Army which included a four-year tour in Germany in cavalry and engineering units, three years as an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the Military Academy and two years as the Army Program representative to Raytheon. While teaching at West Point, Sandbrook also served as a social aide to President Ronald Reagan and earned his Professional Engineer’s License (PE) in Industrial Engineering.

In addition to his qualifications as an Army Ranger, he earned four Master’s Degrees while in the service - an MBA from Wharton, a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master in Public Policy from the Naval War College and Master of Arts in International Relations from Salve Regina University.

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

Currently it is lack of skilled truck drivers that are qualified with commercial driver’s licenses. It is a problem facing all the trades and it manifests itself in actual ready-mix truck drivers in that they are very difficult to source in all of our markets.

In addition, the weather that we have been experiencing in recent months and in some parts of the country for multiple years is disrupting construction sched-

ules and has been ongoing especially through a very rainy, cold and wintery first quarter of 2018.

How do you overcome the weather issue?

We have to watch our costs. Nonproductive labor is a drain on our resources. If our concrete contractor customers are unable to perform their construction services because of the weather, we have no other outlet for that concrete so it all comes down to cost containment.

How would you describe the state of the construction industry in general terms? Has there been an increase or a slowdown?

I would say the construction industry is very robust and there is a lot of pent up demand for jobs that are in progress and have been delayed because of the weath-

Concrete and construction Bryan Angelo, Treasurer Central Texas Chapter American Concrete Institute Project Manager

Rock Engineering & Testing Laboratory Inc. Round Rock, TX

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fter moving to Texas in 1983, Angelo went to work for Trinity Engineering Testing Laboratories in the firm’s geotechnical department and then shortly transferred to the construction materials testing department and has been working with testing labs ever since.

In 1986 he became involved with the newly established Central Texas Chapter American Concrete Institute and is currently serving in his 15th year as their treasurer. Together with Arnie Hammock, principal of Rock Engineering & Testing Laboratory (RETL), he has been responsible for administering all the American Concrete Institute Central Texas Chapter certification programs for the past 20 plus years. He joined the RETL team in 2017.

Because the economy is finally bouncing back from the recent recession we had seen in the past, we have definitely been experiencing an increase in business. It’s a welcomed boost.

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

The “hot button” issues currently in the concrete industry are fly ash shortages, straight cement mixes, sporadic air content of mixes and high-rise highstrength concrete.

What are the major changes in the concrete industry in recent years?

Some of the major changes we are seeing include self-consolidating concrete, which is a highly flowable, non-segregating concrete that freely spreads into place, fills formwork and encapsulates even the most congested reinforcement, all without any mechanical vibration.

Also included would be flowable fill materials and the uses of fiberglass-reinforced polymer rebar applications.

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

Local construction is on a rise with high-rise retail, residential and multifamily. We are also seeing a rise in the construction of “chain” stores.

Have you experienced an increase in business? Slowdown? What factors are driving this increase/slowdown?

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

Busier times mean the need for more employees, vehicles, equipment and more workspace.

What is the most significant challenge your industry faces? Labor shortages?

Other?

Finding qualified personnel for all aspects of the market has been and continues to be the most significant challenge.

er. But outside of the weather, I’m very certain we are in a very robust construction environment especially in the markets we serve. We have a regional footprint that is very focused on the bay area of California, the Dallas/Fort Worth market, West Texas, the Mid-Atlantic States from Washington, DC through Philadelphia, northern New Jersey into New York City. My comments are very specific to these markets, which are extremely vibrant.

Why do you feel they are so vibrant in those markets?

I think that we are still in a very good part of the economic cycle. I think the unemployment rate has had an impact on both residential and commercial construction, and with the GDP approaching three percent on an annualized rate, which is significantly higher than it has been in the last eight years, I think there is a lot of optimism for further growth now that people are spending more money. New homes are being purchased and constructed. New office buildings are being built.

A move from brick and mortar retail has led to the real growth of big box warehouses in various parts of the country that take a lot of concrete. So all of the above are leading to the robustness we are seeing.

What are the major changes in the concrete industry in recent years?

Technology is moving forward quickly in both the mixes we use and in the conscious awareness of sustainability and environmentally friendly products, especially low-carbon products. We are

How are you dealing with these challenges?

Finding the right people is crucial. We are constantly participating in group events and social networking events and then, of course, there are the traditional means of advertising and marketing. You can never do too much to find the right people.

What are the cost increases (if any) relating to your industry?

As with any business, you have to be willing to pay to attract and keep good quality, hard working people. Having the right equipment to perform your duties and enough equipment is essential. Of course, the maintenance and upkeep of the equipment is a constant And then there is the cost of certifications and renewals of certifications, and the on-going effort of keeping your employees trained. And let’s not forget maintaining and having enough office space.

What is on the horizon for your industry? (Changes in technology; equipment; other) Believe it or not, the concrete industry is ever changing, so staying focused on current standards and staying updated with the most current technology is a must. We

seeing much more interest in that now than we did in 2010.

There is much emphasis on decreasing the cement content of concrete mixes and replacing that with fly ash, which actually lowers the carbon footprint of the material supply chain. And then there is a push for consolidation, not only in the concrete industry, but in the materials industry as well. The small family-owned businesses are finding it ever more difficult to compete in the world that we live in with increased regulation.

Have there been any recent changes in legislation affecting the concrete industry relating to transportation or the environment?

There has been more regulatory attention on wages and environmental laws with increased scrutiny of enforcement that it’s catching up to smaller businesses. Large companies are used to that scrutiny and usually have a staff of people that can deal with that.

What is on the horizon for your industry? (Changes in technology; equipment; other) I think there will be continued consolidation. I think we’re still in a good part of the economic cycle and that technology will continue to make strides. I’m not sure where driverless concrete trucks are going to fall, but I think there are going to be a significant number of improvements to driver safety, through technology.

U.S. Concrete is a producer of readymixed concrete and aggregates. -cmw

will continue to provide outstanding service to our clients and maintain our relationships with established clients.

What are the rewards of the industry?

Having continued relationships with local companies, along with the recognition you get with national organizations and the satisfaction in knowing that projects are completed on time (or before) are the biggest rewards of working in this industry.

What are keys to being successful?

If you want to be successful in this industry or any aspect of it, you have to build long-lasting relationships, be competitive, be responsive to the requests of your clients and always be available to meet the needs of your clients.

American Concrete Institute is a nonprofit technical society and standards developing organization.

Rock Engineering & Testing Laboratory Inc. is geotechnical engineering, geotechnical and environmental drilling, and construction materials engineering and testing firm in San Antonio, Corpus Christi and Round Rock, TX. -cmw

Page 18

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

Construction Industry Events

The cooks are back

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nother satisfying Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) CookOff took place Mar. 23-24 at the Helotes Festival Grounds in Helotes, TX. During the 18th Annual BBQ Cook-Off the teams managed to perform and portray the best tasting foods. Family and friends enjoyed the additional festivities, such as the raffle prizes, liquor raffle, washer tournament and the jalapeño eating contest. On day two, IEC announced the Apprentice competition winners and all who placed in each of the categories. Congratulations to all who placed! –lv

Gumbo 2nd place – Eldridge Electric Co. 3rd place – Masters Electric 4th place – James Francis Electric 5th place – Elliott Electric Supply

Chicken 2nd place – TDIndustries 3rd place – JMEG 4th place – Eldridge Electric Co. 5th place – JD Martin

Beans 2nd place – Mission City Electric Co. 3rd place – Elliott Electric Supply 4th place – CED San Antonio 5th place – Spectrum Lighting

Chili 2nd place – IES Commercial 3rd place – Beard Integrated Systems 4th place – JMEG 5th place – Bell & McCoy

Pork Ribs 2nd place – Graybar Electric Supply 3rd place – VA Electrical 4th place – Reynolds Company 5th place – E-Tel

Open Division 2nd place – Beard Integrated Systems 3rd place – Dealers Electric Supply 4th place – Hill Electric 5th place – Central Electric

Dessert 2nd place – Beard Integrated Systems 3rd place – Central Electric 4th place – E-Tel 5th place – IES Commercial

Brisket 2nd place – Dealers Electric Supply 3rd place – Central Electric 4th place – Hill Country Electric Supply 5th place – Eldridge Electric

AOY Competition 2nd place – Levi Nuyttens with IES Commercial 3rd place Justin Cepeda with IES Commercial

First place in gumbo Dealers Electric Supply

First place in chili CED San Antonio

First place in pork ribs – Beard Integrated Systems

First place in dessert Dealers Electric Supply

First place in brisket – Bell & McCoy

First place in chicken Mission City Electric

First place in beans – Hill Country Electric Supply

First place in open division TDIndustries

Best in show James Francis Electric

Overall winner – Dealers Electric Supply

First place – Nathan Devine with JMEG

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

Page 19

Hosted by Construction Industry Associations

Clay time, fun time

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t’s never too late to brush up on your shooting skills and have a little fun.

Members of the Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association (TACCA) gathered together at the National Shooting Complex Mar. 22 for their spring sporting clay shoot. –cmw AA Class Winners: 2nd Place: Erek Stone, TDIndustries 3rd Place: Edward Paper, IBTX

2nd Place: Tom Quintero, IBTX 3rd Place: Doyle Spencer, Brandt Companies B Class Winners: 2nd Place: Kyle Buchanan, Century A/C Supply 3rd Place: Todd Buck, Mitsubishi C Class Winners: 2nd Place: David Hiller, D & C Services 3rd Place: Gerald Brown, Brandt

A Class Winners: 1st Place: Tom Anderson, Anderson Machinery

Construction “tee” time

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he commercial construction industry gathered together for a beautiful day of golf at The Club at Sonterra Mar. 26 for the Associated General Contractors’ (AGC) annual golf tournament.

Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography. -cwm North Course Winners: 1st Place Gross: Wesley Johnson, Keith Zunker, Ryan Lambert and Derek Brehm 1st Place Net: Rhett Shirley, Gene Gary, Chase Compton and Edward Garns 2nd Place Net: Mark Williams, Todd Crosby, Randy Miller, and Matt Boden 3rd Place Net: Bryan Catalani, Mike Baird, Steve Alexander, and Willie Nelson

Longest Drive: Steve Alexander Closest-to-the-Pin: Jaime Amoretti Cannon Closest-to-the-Pin: Chip Goode South Course Winners: 1st Place Gross: Mike King, Mike Moynahan, Rocky Shoffstall and Ryan Munoz 1st Place Net: Clint Butts, Cody Moren, Steve Johnson and Mark Johnson 2nd Place Net: Tim Peters, Robert Moczygemba, Jesus Sanchez, and Adam Hackebeil 3rd Place Net: Quint Cabiness, Danny Cornejo, Greg Winters, and Richard Weldon Longest Drive: J. Moody Closest-to-the-Pin: Cody Moren Cannon Closest-to-the-Pin: Thomas Luna

North Course 1st Place Gross

South Course 1st Place Net

North Course 1st Place Net

South Course 1st Place Gross

Top Team winners, IBTX. L-R: IBTX’s Kevin McCarthy; Edward Paper; Tom Quintero; Dawn Thompson, TACCA; Johnny Cole, Beyer Mechanical; and Bruce Culver, Clyde Culver (not pictured).

AA Class 1st Place winner, Jeremy Jones, M & M Metals. L-R: Dawn Thompson, TACCA; Jeremy Jones and Debra Kraft, Comfort-Air Engineering.

Top Lady, Korbey Wright, Wright Services.

L-R: Dawn Thompson, TACCA; Korbey Wright, Debra Draft, Comfort-Air Engineering

C Class 1st Place winner, Tracy Wright, Wright Services. L-R: Dawn Thompson, TACCA, Tracy Wright and Johnny Cole, Beyer Mechanical.

B Class 1st Place winner, Charles Rios, Carrier Enterprise. L-R: Dawn Thompson, TACCA; Charles Rios, and Johnny Cole, Beyer Mechanical.

It’s all in the number

Construction News ON LOCATION

On the keyboard

1st Place Team L-R: Eddie Hell, AHI Supply; Tyson Tidwell, World Wide Rock; and Rock Materials’ Cory Wells, and Brooks Maak.

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wenty-two was the magic number for the San Antonio Masonry Contractors Association (SAMCA) as they hosted their 22nd annual golf tournament on the 22nd of March with 22 teams participating. The event was held at The Republic Golf Course. –cmw

Inside Salesman, Eric Magiera is typing up information at Mid-Coast Electric Supply Inc. –lv

2nd Place Team winners: Rudy Rizo, Espinoza Stone Andrew Perez, City of Austion Oscar Trevinio, Big Boys Collision

3rd Place Team winners: Michael Hunt, Curtis Hunt Restoration Harry Ellis, United Restoration David Goetz, MJ Boyle Brian Powers, Betco Scaffold Straightest Drive winner: Andrew Perez, City of Austin Longest Drive winner: Cory Wells, Rock Materials Closest-to-the-Pin winner: Curtis Hunt, Curtis Hunt Restoration

Page 20

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

Association Calendar

Content submitted by Associations to Construction News ABC

Associated Builders & Contractors

May 7: Spring Golf Tournament, TPC San Antonio, 23808 Resort Pkwy. For more info, call 210-342-1994 May 31: Happy Hour, The Rustic, 17619 La Cantera Pkwy #204. For more info, contact Jennifer Rocha at jennifer@abcsouthtexas.org or call 210-342-1994 AGC

Associated General Contractors

May 1: BCA Membership Meeting, AGC Chapter Offices, 10806 Gulfdale, 7:30am.

For more info, call 210-349-4921 May 3: CLC Membership Mixer, The Evil Olive, 2950 Thousand Oaks #5, 4:306:30pm. For more info, call 210-349-4921 May 18: AGC Fun Shoot & Mixer, The National Shooting Complex, 5931 Roft Rd. For more info, call 210-349-4921 ASA

American Subcontractors Assn.

May 8: Safety Stand-Down Day for ASA May 11: Subfest & BBQ Cook-Off, Helotes Fairgrounds, 12210 Leslie Rd., 5:30-10pm.

For more info, call Jennifer Swinney at 210-349-2105 May 24: Baseball Night, Nelson Woff Stadium, 5757 US Hwy. 90 W, 7pm. For more info, call Jennifer Swinney at 210-3492105 ASCE

American Society of Civil Engineers

May 14: General Branch Meeting, Anne Maries at Devonshire, 12475 Starcrest Dr., 10:30am-1pm. For more info, call 210375-9000 ASSE

American Society of Safety Engineers

May 6-12: North American Occupational Safety & Health (NAOSH) Week HCAdeSA

Hispanic Contractors Assn. de San Antonio

May 4-5: 2nd Annual Fishing Tournament, Marker 37 Marina, 13317 S. Padre

We support your world . . .

www.ConstructionNews.net

Island Dr., Corpus Christi, TX. For more info, call 210-444-1100 May 18: 2018 Safety Fair, Alamo University Center, 8300 Pat Booker Rd., Live Oak, TX, 6am-6pm. For more info, call 210444-1100 IEC

Independent Electrical Contractors

May 23: Chapter Luncheon, IEC Training Center, 5511 Ingram Rd., 11:30am-1pm.

For more info, call 210-434-2510 or email jhoward@iecsanantonio.com MCA-SMACNA

Mechanical & Sheet Metal Contractors Assn.

May 9: Regular & Associates Meeting/ Open House, Plumbers & Pipe Fitters, 3630 Belgium Ln., 11:30am. For more info, contact Sandee Morgan at 210-822-3763 May 18: Plumbers & Pipe Fitters Apprentice Graduation, Embassy Suites, 6pm. For more info, contact Sandee Morgan at 210-822-3763 May 30: Joint Industry Meeting, MCASMACNA Offices, 12500 Network Blvd. #410, 11:30am. For more info, contact Sandee Morgan at 210-822-3763 PHCC

Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors

May 10: Chapter Meeting, Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels Ave. #700, 11am1pm. For more info, call 210-824-7422 SAABE

San Antonio Assn. of Building Engineers

May 17: General Membership Luncheon.

For more info, call 210-408-8135 TACCA

Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Assn.

Greater San Antonio

May 12: Special Olympics Spring Games, Heroes Stadium, 4799 Thousand Oaks.

For more info, call 210-901-4222 May 17: Member Meeting, Alamo Café,14250 San Pedro. For more info, call 210-901-4222

Help support ours

Advertising 210-308-5800

continued from Page 1 — Onward and upward who is always on the look out for the treatment of our employees,” said Shiley.

Shiley came from the corporate world before working for Dausin Electric.

Even though he’s only been with the company for a year he said his takeaway is the “loyalty.” He expressed that if someone were to get sick in the company; you’ll see people checking in to make sure you are okay or Ronnie’s reaching out making sure everything can be taken care of. “It’s not just the Dausin family, it extends to the entire workforce.”

With 34 years of business, there has been time to create traditions. Dausin tells us about the tradition his father has kept going and how it is being instilled into the new group of guys. Whenever they have a meeting and someone out of the group has received their license or graduated, the company has a “tamale celebration.” Who doesn’t like tamales?

Another tradition in the trade is bringing up the guys to be prideful of their work. “Our guys think of it as art-

work rather than actual pipe and wire,” said Dausin.

Outside of work and within the community they are involved with the local FFA and 4H. When Dausin was a young boy he was involved with FFA and 4H. He remembers visiting jobs with his dad on a Saturday or tending to the cattle.

“Pop grew up on the farms and helping out with his family members. He’s instilled those virtues and that work ethic,” said Dausin. The company is also involved with Boysville Inc. and the ABC South Texas Chapter.

On April 18 Dausin Electric held their customer appreciation steak luncheon at MacArthur Park. Bruce Weinstrom is their chief estimator and chief on the grill.

Right now the team has much to look forward to. As spring hits and summer makes its way, everyone is looking forward to the upcoming work.

Dausin Electric is an electrical contractor in San Antonio. –lv

continued from Page 1 — The golden journey sics, archaeology, and more.

“We would not be here right now if it weren’t for Bunny and Carl Raba and what they did in 1968. It really laid a pretty interesting and unique foundation for our company and the people that work here, that has allowed us to do a lot more things on top of what the original service lines were back then,” says William Raba, president and vice chairman of the board.

Since Gary and William haven’t been with the firm for 50 years, they can’t really talk about 50 years. But they can talk about the last 30 years or so, and what they’ve seen and all the different subs, people that have made their mark on the state, the different architects and contractors, people that grown successfully, and people that are gone or have sold their businesses or merged. “It’s been pretty interesting, at least within our 30 years in our markets and seeing the success. We see a lot of opportunity based off what has been going on the last couple of years and the mindset of people that want to do something better, and want to see the city be better and change the perception that San Antonio, for example, cannot provide a workforce to Fortune 50 companies when they relocate here,” adds William.

After a name change or two, Raba Kistner Inc. is celebrating its 50th anniversary in a very big way by giving back to the communities they serve. “We are looking to do, throughout our offices across the country, 500 community activities during our 2-year celebratory period,” said Gary.

How can they do that you wonder?

Well, according to William, “When you think about it, we already do quite a bit of outreach but I just didn’t think about counting everything before now.” Meaning all the charitable events the firm is involved in throughout the firm’s different locations. “At seven months in, we’re on track to hit the 500 events mark. And, we are very much involved in social issues as much as we are in the engineering and consulting world,” adds William.

You can follow the success of Raba Kistner’s 500 goal online. “We are charting it on our website, so you can see how we are doing,” says Nancy Parker, director of marketing and the mastermind behind the 500 community activities, ten for each year in business.

Raba Kistner Inc. is a geotechnical engineering and testing, project management, forensics engineering, building envelope and construction materials firm headquarted in San Antonio. -cmw

continued from Page 1 — Because they served us… (a main campus thoroughfare on the Southside). Due to these constraints, the site logistics had to be carefully coordinated with deliveries being scheduled well in advance and during off hours as well as major construction activities taking place during down times on campus

so that adjacent areas were not interrupted.

What makes this building unique is its overall purpose and the people it will be serving. Facilities such as these, solely dedicated to military personnel, are not commonplace among many colleges and universities throughout the country. It is essential that institutions of higher learning begin, continue, or expand services of this nature to aid our military service members.

Vaughn Project Manager Matt Martinez and Project Superintendent Alton Timmons worked closely with Architect Jason Mai with Alamo Architects creating a positive aspect with Alamo Colleges/San Antonio College and Alamo Architects working as a team to bring the project within budget and still meet the program requirements, aesthetic expectations and project schedule. Collaboration was established in knowing that the combined team efforts were being put forth with the interest of creating a facility that would serve our veterans and military personnel just as they have served us.

J.T. Vaughn Construction Company LLC is a full-service general contractor in San Antonio with seven locations across the state. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

Page 21

What did you do for Easter?

Industry FOLKS Triniti Vigil Director of Installation J & R Tile

Went to Corpus Christi to visit my family, played Golf, and went to the beach with my three kids.

Colby Lewis, Alpine Contracting

F

ormer Los Angeles Dodgers coach once famously said, “Cut me and I bleed Dodger blue,” meaning, the Dodgers were his life.

Triniti Vigil probably bleeds tiling grout.

The lifelong San Antonian started working with his father in the tiling business while still in high school. Even though he dabbled in other trades, they weren’t “my calling,” as he put it.

Vigil looks back on his high school days with a smile, never once thinking he’d be using math or algebra once he was out. Now, he uses it every day.

He specifically mentioned the Pythagorean theorem, which he uses a lot.

But back then, “I didn’t even know what the hell that was!” he says with a laugh.

As the director of installation, Vigil overseas about 30 men, one of which, ironically, is his father, who now works at J & R. But having a fancy title doesn’t mean Vigil spends his days at a desk. “If I’m in the office for 30 minutes,” he said, “that’s way too much. I still get my hands dirty” out in the field.

Training younger tile installers is important to Vigil. They look up to him for advice when they come across a complicated work order. He says they think, “Triniti has all the answers,” but is quick to quip, “Even if I don’t, I try to fake it!”

When it comes to brand new tile installers, J & R has a 12-week program where they try out the new recruits to see if this trade is cut out for them. Out of last year’s crop of 10 guys, only three remain.

“This trade is not for everybody,” Vigil said. “There’s a whole craft to this that takes years to master.”

And Vigil must indeed be a master, for he was national winner of the 2017 Rock Star Award, given by the National Tile Counsel of America for dedication, leadership and commitment to the tile trade.

“I’m still in shock about it,” he said.

He’ll pick up the award in Atlanta this month.

When it comes to coordinating workflow with the other trades, Vigil says that the flooring comes last - normally - but schedules can get messed up. Then he’ll touch base with the other trades to come up with a plan whereby everyone gets their work done on time.

In terms of job satisfaction, it’s not just the stepping back to see a finished product that brings the joy, Vigil says that “My satisfaction is leaving a piece [of work] for everybody to appreciate.”

Knowing that he was “a part of something” that will endure for a very long time gives him the buzz we all crave in our work.

His work has even been featured on the Tiny House Big Living show. He’ll return this year to showcase his work again.

Vigil loves his trade and plans to keep on installing tile. It’s in his blood.

-dsz

Golf balls, tees & subs

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he American Subcontractors Association (ASA) held its annual spring golf tournament held Apr. 2 at Canyons Golf Course. Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography. –cmw

3rd Place Net: Texas First Rentals 2nd Place Gross: TNT Crane & Rigging 3rd Place Gross: KCM Cabinets Inc. Ladies’ Longest Drive: Bethany Thompson Men’s Longest Drive: Chris Adams Closest-to-the-Pin: David Musch

Winners included: 2nd Place Net: ESC Safety Consultants

1st Place Net: Sundt General Contractors

I worked the entire weekend. YNIS was requested to bid on a large proposal, and I needed the weekend to get the information together.

Josh King, You Name It Specialties Went to Fredericksburg to visit my brother.

Lynn Laurence, Jack Laurence Corp.

We stayed home and barbecued. My mom and several other family members came over, ate and then watched the Spurs kick some Houston Rockets butts!

It was a beautiful day in so many ways.

Mark Shaw, Briggs Equipment

I went to church (I sing in the choir); had lunch with my son and daughter-in-law and then desert and coffee with my daughter and son-in-law. It was a very family-oriented day.

Mark Oppelt, LPA Inc. I got to visit with my family up in Michigan. They just moved there from San Antonio, so I went to help them out.

Emilly Abundis, J&R Tile

Every year we go to the coast and this year was no different. It’s so nice this time of year.

Rick Smith, Keller Martin-Construction

I worked in my yard, watching Spring spring forth and the beauty of nature surrounding me.

Carrie Pollock, Pollock Construction Cleaning

This Easter we celebrated my 2-year-old granddaughter’s birthday and I was able to spend time with all seven of my grandchildren. The funniest part of the day is when my 7-year-old grandson said a skunk got into the backyard and sprayed his little sister. When we couldn’t find the skunk or couldn’t detect a smell on her clothes, he informed us it was April Fool’s Day and we all got a big laugh.

Wesley Johnson, Cameras Onsite

We spent the afternoon at my wife’s parent’s house where we made our own pizza and relaxed by the pool. It was a great day!

Jay Elizalde, Santex Painting and Drywall Inc. I had family over and did a children and an adult egg hunt.

Patrick Fetzer, Fetzer Companies Inc.

Boiled crawfish and shrimp at my place.

Mark Jones, Intertech Flooring s

Submitted to Construction News

Round-Up

RVK Architects is pleased to announce the promotion of the following: Claudia I. Chavez has been promoted to Associate. Claudia attended The University of Texas at San Antonio where she earned a Master of Architecture in 2012.

She has been with RVK since 2011 and is currently taking the architectural registration examinations -cmw

Lidia V. Carrazco, LEED AP BD+C, has been promoted to Associate. Lidia has been with RVK since 2011 and earned a Master of Architect from The University of Texas at San Antonio. She is a LEED Approved Professional.

Her experience includes the Holt Headquarters building and the VIA Stone Oak Park & Ride. -cmw

Veronica (Nicki) L. Heiner, RID, has been promoted to Associate. Nicki attended Texas Tech University where she earned a Bachelor of Interior Design. She became a Texas registered Interior Designer in 2016. -cmw

Annette N. Guerrero has been promoted to Associate. Annette came to RVK in 2011 and attended The University of Texas at San Antonio earning a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. -cmw

Meghan R. Lannom, RID, has been promoted to Associate.

Meghan attended Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Science in 2010. She has been with RVK since 2011 and became a Registered Interior Designer in Texas in 2016.

-cmw 1st Place Gross Team: KMAC Construction Services Inc.

I found out Tuesday before Easter that my mom’s house in Waco has been sold so I was in Waco that weekend approving contractor changes, etc. We were very relieved it sold so it was a happy Easter, which I then spent with my mom and husband, Keith Jimenez, eating my cooking, alas.

Nancy Parker, Raba-Kistner

Round-Up Submissions

Brief company announcements of new or recently promoted personnel, free of charge, as space allows.

Submit Info & Photo: SAeditor@ConstructionNews.net (210) 308-5800

Page 22

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

Dynamic duo

Charles and Carol Loveless, owners of Renovate Paint & Design

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he husband-and-wife team of Charles and Carol Loveless came to being residential and commercial remodelers via a different route: they were both social workers.

Charles did some painting while in college to bring in extra money, but it wasn’t until their family started to grow that they realized social work wasn’t generating enough income.

As owners and founders of Renovate Paint & Design, they have seen steady growth, especially the last four years.

The Lovelesses had been a franchise owner with another construction-related company, but circumstances caused them to branch out on their own in Nov. 2011.

Like most new companies, they had to do a lot of marketing to get their word out. Now, through the various contractor web sites and from a lot of word of mouth, work is steady and climbing.

Charles juggles the workflow and on-site jobs with the help of his project manager. Carol runs the home office, do-

ing everything from their web site, payroll, marketing and making sure all the “T’s” are crossed and the “I’s” dotted to ensure compliance.

San Antonio “is a very hot area,” Carol said, which bodes well for future projects. Renovate has done multiple churches, the Food Bank, a Rooms To Go store and many offices.

In fact, the good news is there are so many opportunities, Carol said it’s “nice to be able to pick and choose” which ones to bid on.

Renovate prides itself on its job quality. Charles said, “A cheaper job is a cheaper job. We sell quality.”

Carol said that “we make sure the customer is completely satisfied…and everybody’s happy with that end product. They know we have integrity.”

That’s the best kind of marketing you can get.

Renovate Paint & Design is a residential and commercial remodeling contractor is San Antonio. -dsz

Golf for the heart

Tabatha Erdely, Galaxy Builders Ltd. shared this photo from the 3rd Annual Arun Verma Memorial Golf Tournament benefiting the American Heart Association on Feb. 12 at Sonterra. -cmw

Stripe it

M

L-R: Tomas juarez ,Mark Crawford , Mike Crawford and James Oliver

aintenance on our pavements is essential for our society. Why? We need to protect the structures we use daily.

Pavement is often overlooked, but not by the personnel at Pro-Line Pavement Maintenance. Mike Crawford, owner of Pro-Line Pavement Maintenance has built the company from the ground up.

In 1995, Crawford established the business, along with one other individual. Let the maintenance begin.

Crawford brought his brother, Mark Crawford, to be a part of the business in 2000. Crawford offered his brother a percentage to come on over and work at Pro-Line. “We were growing way too fast,” said Crawford.

That same year, Crawford’s brother became a member of the company, turning Pro-Line into a minority owner at that time.

As Crawford thinks back he shares, “It was just me and one guy back then, and now I have about 42 employees.”

The company continues to grow in many ways. For one, they do everything in-house. Pavement maintenance is a

wide range of services, but Pro-Line has designed themselves to meet those needs.

Another aspect to the company’s growth is through promotion. Employee Tomas Juarez was promoted from a foreman to estimator for inside and outside sales for the stripping and seal coating division.

“He’s doing a good job and we are happy with it [the decision].”

Crawford and the team just finished a big job at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville. Oh, and for you Fredericksburg lovers, Pro-Line also did a job at the Alstadt Brewery. The asphalt is as smooth as the cold draft beer.

Crawford adds that right now they are, “working on the reconstruction of the Mercedes-Benz dealership on San Pedro and 410.”

Keeping our paths smooth and our areas safe with line stripping and traffic signage is what they have done and continue to do.

Pro-Line Pavement Maintenance is a full-service paving contractor in San Antonio. –lv

JOB SIGHTS

L-R: Site Safety Health Officer Mark T. Warren watches Orlin Montoya and Michael Bueno prep the floor for tile of the new Reid Medical Clinic, Lackland AFB, with Tim Hicks, JE Dunn General Contractor. Randy Kloiber is the project superintendent. -dsz

L-R: Victor Rodriguez and Jesus Zapata drill the day away at the Marek Brothers Systems Inc. office on Iota Drive. They are working on their new conference and training room. -dsz

San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018

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San Antonio Construction News • MAY 2018