San Antonio Construction News June 2018

Covering the Industry’s News

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www.constructionnews.net H (210) 308-5800 H Volume 21 H Number 6 H JUNE 2018

Next in line

Timeless values, new look

Top L-R: Brian Wilson, Todd Hartmann, Phillip Marrin and James May. Bottom L-R: Stephanie Mills, George Marrin, Joe Wood and Jacob Morales.

Metropolitan Contracting’s Chris Carruth and Jane Feigenbaum, with the old logo (left) and new one (right)

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n the construction industry, we see reigns being past down or knowledge being shared with newcomers.

Joe Wood, service project manager for Mueller & Wilson Inc., was with the company for 12 years. In April, his coworkers, management and executives celebrated his retirement with a surprise party. It took a few weeks to tweak it all together and Woods sure made it challenging. “I had a feeling something was going on, but I didn’t think it would be of this magnitude and I appreciate that,” said Wood.

We should also mention the interview with Construction News was part of the surprise. It worked.

Wood’s story with Mueller & Wilson

may be short, but his sheet metal story dates back to his grandfather and father, who were both sheet metal workers.

“Work is work – it can be bad work or good work – this has always been good work,” said Wood.

Yes, 44 years of “good work” to be exact.

His humility when we met was obvious, but what we learned was he was a good influence to many at the company and others in the industry. Stephanie Mills, billing administrator, said, “He’s been very influential in my career.” Then, as some of you may or may not know, Wood would teach at the apprentice school. “There’s not a face out there that I continued on Page 21

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etropolitan Contracting is a born and bred San Antonio company, founded in 1986 by Tim Swan and Steve Schuetze. It specializes in private-sector commercial work, and to date has completed over 4,000 projects across 26 states.

The leadership of Metropolitan and of its customer base is changing. Metropolitan had to take a good look at itself and the new world in which they worked.

Chief operating officer Jane Feigenbaum said, “About a year ago, we decided to do a self-assessment. Are we really who we think we are? Are we really who we say we are? Are we doing what we profess that we do?”

Fortunately, the assessment results validated their beliefs. The rub comes when

one factors in the new generation of leaders who will be asking for their services.

“The client base is changing,” said Chris Carruth, strategic development officer. This new client base now does business on a smart phone, perhaps far away. The sons and daughters of the fathers who knew Metropolitan Contracting may not anymore.

Thus, a result of the self-assessment came the need to re-brand. Metropolitan Contracting has changed its logo, while at the same time retaining its values and business model.

It will be much more engaged in the various social media platforms. “We recognize the need to expand our presence,” Carruth said. “We want the new brand to continued on Page 21

Growth in the gardens

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he San Antonio Botanical Garden has come a long way since its idea was first conceived in the 1940s.

Forty years later, the San Antonio Botanical Garden officially opened to the public in May 1980. Since then, it has been an attraction for tourists and a place of tranquility to San Antonio residents.

In 2016, the San Antonio Botanical Garden underwent a 10-acre expansion in two phases to bring new opportunities for exploring and connecting with nature and, at the same time, discover the value of plants, water, freshly grown foods and, of course, the beautiful outdoors.

Kopplow Construction completed Phase 1 of the Botanical Gardens expansion in February of this year. The project took 18 months to complete at a cost of approximately $15 million.

The first phase of the expansion project consisted of a 10-acre site that includes

a new welcome center, gift shop, ticket kiosk, outdoor kitchen and culinary garden, family adventure garden and related site and parking improvements.

The Family Adventure Garden is a 2.5-acre nature play and learning place for families to explore the regions of South Texas, from an urban backyard to the Texas Hill Country and the South Texas Plains with ephemeral creeks, thundering ridges, beckoning hills, and tranquil pools. Classrooms are available to the community and for school programs along with an outdoor pavilion for events with a kitchen surrounded by a culinary garden. The air conditioning system used was designed to capture air-conditioning condensation for use as a water supply.

The project required a large portion of site work, which included concrete work, dirt work and landscaping planted with many drought-tolerant plants. HowSkyview of the San Antonio Botanical Gardens after the expansion.

continued on Page 21

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San Antonio Construction News • June 2018

Age doesn’t tell it all

L-R: Toby Martinez and Jim Crews

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t’s not uncommon for young men to play baseball during school summer break. It’s not uncommon for young men to work through their summer breaks. This was the case for Toby Martinez and it was during that time Toby learned to love the construction industry and, more specifically, the civil side of it.

After high school, Martinez went to work for Keiwit & Sons in New Mexico while working his way through college.

When the job ended, Martinez accidentally ended up working for a testing lab.

Upon returning to San Antonio, he and a partner started up their own testing lab.

But the two partners had different visions and agreed to part ways.

Martinez had always loved the work he did during his summer months while in school and realized that was what he still wanted to do.

In 2016, Martinez began his own civil construction company, Bexar Excavating & Hauling LLC. Originally a one-man show, Martinez soon enlisted the assis-

tance of 30-year veteran Jim Crews.

Crews is the company’s director of operations. He has 30 years experience in civil construction and is an engineer graduate from the University of California.

Although the company is young, it has decades of experience in civil construction work and is currently overseeing a 650-acre master planned community with over 1,000 single-family homes, 200,000sf of apartments, 200,000sf of condos, clubhouses, a golf course and multiple commercial facilities in Cleveland, TX. Bexar Excavating & Hauling has grown to employ 12 in-house employees and is in the process of acquiring two companies, expanding their team to 30.

“The age of our company shouldn’t reflect our capabilities,” says Martinez.

“We do underground utilities, mass grading and now paving.”

Bexar Excavating & Hauling LLC is a specialty contractor in San Antonio. -cmw

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Why not?

f you are in San Antonio, if you are in the construction industry, especially commercial construction, you know Mary Haskin-Taylor. She has been the face of great pictures since the mid ‘90s.

As a young woman out of college, Mary worked for Southwest Business Corporation as an accountant.

Yes, Mary is an accountant and a darn good one. She loves numbers and pursued a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting.

Photography had always been a hobby. Always being the mom capturing the special moments at family functions, Mary was asked to photograph a wedding on the side, Mary recalled, “I thought I’d been married. I have a camera and I knew how to shoot it and decided, why not?”

Mary left the accounting world on April Fools’ Day of ’96, realizing that her personality and her chosen profession, her dream, didn’t mesh.

“I started doing photography, which I loved. Switching from accounting to photography was not a problem. Taking a hobby to make it a profession was something else. I went back to school and got the proper education I needed

Mary Haskin-Taylor.

through Professor McBride at San Antonio College to do it and do it quickly. Now I shoot the way I talk. Everybody knows me, but I actually know what I am doing. There is a science to it. I’ve appeared on the San Antonio Living Show with Tangy Patton three times and have been asked to speak on career day at various schools as a mentor.”

Mary C. Haskin Photography took off in 1996 with her first big account with the Associated General Contractors (AGC) and the commercial construction side of photography evolved from there.

While Mary still does it all – weddings, baby portraits, senior portraits, school portraits, sport events, mom and me portraits, etc, she enjoys the relaxing feel of shooting a building or taking pictures during an industry event.

Mary C. Haskin Photography is service provider in San Antonio. -cmw

Concrete team

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Creative Concrete worker pouring concrete.

h, the wonders concrete can create. That was the idea for husband and wife, Cesar and Rosy Hernandez, when they ventured into the patterned concrete business.

Then came a time to start their own decorative concrete business. So today, Cesar is the owner of Creative Concrete.

The company was established in 2000, which has now grown to service the whole San Antonio area, as they are based in Helotes.

Frank Canonica is the business manager, estimator, and sales manager for the company. He’s been with the company since August, but has been in the industry for 35 years.

Canonica tells us he and Cesar met through Linkedin.com. In 2012, they were in contact and would trade experiences with one another.

“They saw a need and kind of an extension of their talents to go to the multifamily business with underlayment,” Canonica said.

The Hernandez family already had the concrete background, but were adding a new side to their business which was the underlayment. Today, they hold the whole concept as an exterior concrete contractor by including flashing and waterproofing. Canonica adds, “Multifamily construction is our forte.”

Creative Concrete has two crews filled with skilled laborers. With the Texas heat already in play, the crews stay motivated by switching around tasks.

“We haven’t been the cause for delay on any projects,” said Canonica.

He acknowledges that there is so much more communication with the devices they have. Sometimes as a joke they will say, “We’ve tried to reach you. The only thing we haven’t done is smoke signals.”

Canonica says the guys work with a sense of efficiency. “We are there to get in, get out, keep the project moving and put down a quality product.”

Creative Concrete is a decorative concrete contractor. –lv

San Antonio Construction News • June 2018

Industry FOLKS

Luke Roach Superintendent

Willmeng Construction San Antonio, TX

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fter 10 years in the Army, three tours in Iraq and a Purple Heart, Luke Roach has made the difficult transition to civilian life much easier by finding his purpose in construction.

The Georgia native ended his Army career in 2012 in Corpus Christi as a recruiter. But since his primary military occupational specialty was in the artillery, Roach separated because he would eventually have been sent back into the fray, “and I would have ended up in Afghanistan,” he said. He “decided I had deployed enough.”

He went to work for a concrete firm in New Braunfels. During this time, Roach attended a software training session in Austin. Sitting next to him was a field representative for Phoenix, AZ-based Willmeng Construction.

A friendship was struck up, and the Willmeng rep gave Roach some invaluable career advice.

It’s now November 2017. Willmeng had a charter school project in San Antonio and they asked Roach if he wanted to help run it. Even though he was working in Houston for Hurricane Harvey relief, Roach accepted and started for them in December.

Roach can’t speak highly enough of how being involved with construction has helped him transition to civilian life, which has been hard.

After treatment as a Wounded Warrior at Ft. Sam Houston, Roach was put on nine different medications daily to help with his PTSD. The VA wasn’t being of much help to him, so Roach decided to wean himself off the meds and immerse himself in construction, which he finds very similar to the military.

For instance, construction has definable goals and objects, like lay the foundation today. The Army does as well. Construction usually starts early in the morning and involves teamwork like your fellow soldiers in a platoon. Construction often times takes place in harsh environments, similar to being on a deployment. Construction has structure and definable hierarchies, like a military unit.

Roach would love it if more veterans could get involved in the construction business to help them with their own military-to-civilian transitions. “If we were to get more veterans in the [construction] field, that would reduce a lot of our issues.”

Roach is now the superintendent for Willmeng’s charter school project, with more to come here in San Antonio. His long-term goal would be to stay in Military City and be a part of Willmeng’s expansion here.

Then, he wants to be in charge of all San Antonio operations, training a new crop of superintendents.

As of now, being geographically separated from the home office in Phoenix hasn’t been a problem at all, as Roach has all the resources he needs readily available.

The Army’s favorite expression is, “Hooah,” which is used in almost any context. When asked what exactly does “Hooah” mean, one soldier said it means, “Anything but no.”

What a great attitude to have when it comes to construction.

At ease. -dsz

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San Antonio Construction News • June 2018

Sawdust in the stars

Many thanks

Hector Perales, owner of Aries Woodworks

(L-R) Delorse Sandon, Tracy Scott -GeoMax, Annette Mollere - Phoenix Geosystems, David Cassanova - Pape Dawson, Dawn Cassanova

here are two simple reasons why Hector Perales named his carpentry company “Aries Woodworks.”

One, it starts with the letter “A,” so it comes early in any Internet search. Two, it’s his astrological sign.

Simple.

The Brownwood, TX native grew up in Mexico but came back to the States when he was 21. Perales studied carpentry at a trade school in San Marcos, then moved to San Antonio on the advice of a friend.

After working for several wood shops, Perales decided that he wanted to implement more design and artistry than what he was doing. Thus, he formed Aries Woodworks in 2005.

His first location was behind Splashtown. Then, Aries moved to its current shop around three years ago.

While he’ll still get into the shop and get hands-on if the plans are too complex for his four employees, Perales spends most of his time in the office, working on new designs and blueprints.

“Every project I need to redraw them

[the plans] myself,” he said, in order to put his touch on them and make them more functional. “We are not mass production; we build custom cabinetry and fixtures.”

Aries has done work for the three new Tiff’s Treats, the Westin Riverwalk and Hotel Contessa downtown. Perales does a lot of receptionist desks, credenzas and conference tables.

He’s even gone as far as Dallas to the north and Houston to the east to do projects, with a stop in Austin in between.

Aries will do the majority of building here and assemble the project on the actual site.

Most of his work comes via word-ofmouth. The designers and architects with whom he’s worked often send work his way.

The plan for the future is for Perales to someday pass Aries Woodworks on to his son, who will graduate from Texas A & M this summer with a degree in construction science.

Aries Woodworks is a custom carpentry company in San Antonio. -dsz

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t was a pleasant afternoon on April 26 when Phoenix Geosystems’ co-owners Annette Mollere and Chardae MollereRodriguez invited customers to Twin Peaks on DeZavala for a little socializing.

“We wanted an opportunity for our customers to get together and meet each other. This is a great ‘Happy Hour’ to say how much we appreciate their business.” said Chardae.

“It also gives us a chance to demo our Xpad and other new equipment in a real friendly environment. We are lucky to be joined today by our regional and public safety representatives from GEOMAX.

“It’s great to have them here to train some of our customers and be able to answer a lot of questions from a factory standpoint,” continued Chardae.

Phoenix Geosystems was formed in April 2017 and moved into their showroom in August. They have been growing ever since according to Rodriguez.

“A lot of our customers know us from our previous company but we get so much of our new business from recommendations. Our customers are the best you could ever ask for.”

Asked why she thought Phoenix was taking hold so well in the market, her answer came quickly and to the point.

“The mainstay of our company is our customer service. We go way out of our way to provide on-site deliveries and always being available for training.

“If your crew has a problem in the field, we will come out to help them with anything they need. They can also come to the office for extra training as well as training them to train others within their companies.

“We are looking forward to a great year and we have grown faster than we could have hoped for or imagined and look forward to a steady pace onward. To help us grow, we want to help our customers grow at the same time.” –bd Phoenix Geosystems sells survey supplies, including GeoMax equipment and products.

Chardae Mollere-Rodriguez

San Antonio Construction News • June 2018

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San Antonio Construction News • June 2018

For retirement-minded contractors, ESOPs offer benefits worth considering Denise Bendele, Partner RSM US LLP San Antonio, TX

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or some construction company owners ready to retire, selling their business to outsiders or passing it down to relatives seems the easiest and fastest way out the door. There is another option, however, that is growing in popularity: selling the business to employees by means of an employee stock option plan (ESOP). Although not appropriate for every construction company, an ESOP carries several inherent advantages, including the ability to change ownership gradually or all at once. It also allows owners to retain a share of the company – even a majority share – if they wish.

While they function to reward longtime employees with an ownership stake in the business they helped build, ESOPs also offer the most tax advantages in an ownership-transition vehicle available to business owners.

An ESOP is a qualified employee retirement plan governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).

ESOPs function as a tax-advantaged ownership transition plan for owners and sponsoring ESOP companies. Once the sponsoring company adopts the ESOP trust, the trust can then purchase shares of stock from the owner using borrowed funds from the company, a bank or the selling shareholders.

ESOPs provide two primary tax advantages The first major advantage benefits business owners: If an ESOP acquires at least a 30 percent block of stock from the seller – and the company is a tax-paying C corporation at the time the ESOP acquires the stock – the seller may choose to defer paying capital gains taxes on sale proceeds by electing section 1042 of the Internal Revenue Code.

The second major tax advantage of an ESOP benefits the sponsoring company. Businesses can borrow money to fund ESOPs and repay these loans with pretax dollars, effectively making the cost of the entire transaction tax deductible.

In addition to the deductibility of the ESOP loan principal and interest, ESOP trusts themselves are tax-exempt entities.

For surety agents, ESOPs often are appealing because they provide an ownership-transfer vehicle that ensures continuity and provides an incentive plan to retain key employees.

Downside of an ESOP However, there are some disadvantages to ESOPs as well. If a company borrows money and then lends it to the ESOP to enable the ESOP to make a leveraged purchase of company stock, accounting regulations require that the loan be recorded as a liability on the company’s balance sheet, and a like amount debited to the equity account. The net effect is a reduction of the company’s net worth by the amount of the bank debt. This reduc-

tion could affect the company’s financial leverage, which in turn affects bonding and financing.

Additionally, the trustees of the ESOP will need to monitor the repurchase obligations of the ESOP. The company will need a formal annual valuation. The timing of redemptions will need to be monitored in order to ensure that there is significant cash available. Ideally, the ESOP will maintain a portion of the fund in liquid investments in order to provide liquidity for retiring or terminating employees.

Timing and implementation

The timing for making ESOP account distributions is defined in the ESOP plan and trust agreement. Business owners should revisit and re-evaluate these distribution policies regularly to ensure existing policies are appropriate for the everchanging dynamics of the business.

Implementation of an ESOP requires significant management time and resources and it can complicate financial accounting. The ESOP also follows complicated Department of Labor rules, making it necessary for the company and the ESOP to employ professionals with significant ESOP experience.

For retirement-minded owners, ESOPs provide a way to leave the business gradually. Many ESOP transactions are structured as minority interest transactions, where the ESOP acquires less than a 50 percent block of stock of the company.

Minority interest ESOP transactions provide business owners with an opportunity to create liquidity and still control the company.

Contractors interested in pursuing an ESOP should visit with their certified public accountant regarding the tax and accounting implications. ESOPs aren’t for all contractors. Considerations include the company’s debt, revenues and net profits, cash reserves, company benefits, total assets, and potential for future growth. But for those companies that are suitable, an ESOP offers a good way for owners to transition out of the company on their own schedule.

Denise Bendele is a partner at RSM US LLP in San Antonio. She can be reached at +1 210 828 6281 or Denise.Bendele@rsmus.com.

Contracts and the CGL Mark Gaskamp CSP, CRM, CIC, CPCU, ARM, ALCM Managing Director Wortham, L.L.C. Austin, TX

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hat were you doing in 1986? Listening to the latest tunes from Van Halen or Hank Williams, Jr., watching “The Fridge” do the Superbowl Shuffle, wishing you had gone to flight school so you could be like Tom Cruise in “Top Gun”, or saddened by the “Fire Fred” sign flying above Memorial Stadium. Maybe you were wondering how a nuclear power plant could explode in Chernobyl or the Columbia space shuttle disaster could ever happen. Or maybe you were beginning your risk management career like me. Of course many of you millennials out there were not around to fully appreciate the ‘80s, but I think you may get the picture that times have changed. You may not find it in the history books or Wikipedia, but 1986 was a big year in the insurance world. In 1986 ISO introduced the new Comprehensive General Liability (CGL) policy. This marked a significant change in the way liability coverage was afforded and much of the terminology used in today’s insurance policies.

Why bring up the history lesson? need to require a medical payments limit Well, many attorneys crafting subcon- as this does not restrict the coverage aftracts and lease agreements have failed forded by the per occurrence limit on the to appreciate these changes and contin- CGL policy. ue to reference coverages and terms that This may sound like a list of pet no longer exist. It is a cycle of using the peeves from an insurance agent that resame contract verbiage year after year views these poorly worded contracts on without looking at the changes required almost a daily basis, but when it comes to to match today’s coverage terms. Even contracts, words matter. At the time of the millennial attorneys out there con- the law suit or claim, vague or inaccurate tinue this practice by “borrowing” ver- wording must be vetted to determine libiage from old contracts. This practice ability exposure and potential insurance becomes problematic because it be- coverage. This is particularly true in tocomes impossible to technically meet the day’s world when most insurance enrequirements of the contract. Signing a dorsements stipulate “as required by poorly worded contract that cannot be written contract.” The beauty of the procomplied to could well put you in breach cess (tongue in cheek) is the only party that wins with a poorly worded contract of the contract.

There are a few common provisions is the attorney who may well have draftthat are often found in contracts with ed the contract in the first place, spendoutdated verbiage. Number 1, it’s not a ing (i.e. billing) countless hours litigating “broad form comprehensive” policy. It is who should be responsible for damages simply a “commercial” general liability based on the contract’s specifications.

The solution to this problem is to uppolicy. There is no such thing as “broad form property coverage” or “broad form date contracts with the appropriate contractual liability”. The requests to de- wording and if you receive a contract that lete the “contractual liability exclusion” is poorly worded by today’s standards, or include the “cross liability endorse- communicate this to the upstream party ment” are not appropriate for the current so they can address these concerns. It CGL. These coverages were incorporated will save everyone time and money… into the 1986 CGL rather than added by well almost everyone.

Mark Gaskamp is a Managing Director endorsement. It makes it very difficult for you or your insurance agent to prove for Wortham Insurance & Risk Management, something that does not exist. In most an independent insurance agency in cases what the requirements should stip- business since 1915 and one of the leading ulate is that there be no exclusion that construction insurance brokers in Texas. would take away these coverages, which Mark has over 25 years of risk management in many cases is the exact opposite of and safety experience. His role with Wortham how many contracts are worded. is to partner with Wortham Construction A couple of my other favorites…a Practice Group clients to help manage their reference to “public injury” or requiring a exposures and reduce their overall cost of “combined single limit” on the CGL. The risk. He is an active member of the American term “public injury” does not exist in the Society of Safety Engineers Construction insurance world. This term should be re- Practice Specialty Group, and serves on placed with “bodily injury,” “property safety committees of the Association damage,” and “personal and advertising of Building Contractors, Association of liability” coverage as outlined in the CGL General Contractors, Texas Aggregate and policy. The coverage limits should also be Concrete Association, and is a National specified for each area of coverage as Faculty Member of Certified Risk Managers outlined in the CGL (per occurrence, gen- International. For more information visit eral aggregate, products/completed op- www.worthaminsurance.com or contact erations and personal and advertising li- Mark at (512) 532-1536 or mark.gaskamp@ ability). As an aside, there really is no worthaminsurance.com.

Here for you

On April 18, Dausin Electric held their 6th annual customer appreciation steak luncheon at McArthur Park. The weather was pleasant and everyone enjoyed the delicious meal.

L-R: Brittany Dausin, Ronnie Dausin and Kyle Dausin –lv

San Antonio Construction News • June 2018

Assessing impact of Houston’s overhaul of Floodplains Building Regulation Ian Faria, Partner Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP Houston, TX

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n April 4, 2018, the Houston City Council voted to significantly overhaul regulations on building within the 100- and 500-year floodplains. The proposal to amend Chapter 19 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances, the City’s Floodplain Regulation Ordinance, was first introduced in late January and was specifically fasttracked through the ordinance revision process. Several groups voiced concerns about the unintended consequences of such a drastic change. For instance, the new requirements will likely have a negative effect on housing affordability and inventory in Houston.

In short, the new floodplain develop- Class I permits for sites outside the 100ment regulation changes will be effec- year flood plain and Class II permits for tive Sept. 1, 2018. For anyone developing sites within the 100-year flood plain. Both and building in Houston, they need to be Class I and II permits have raised the minaware that the 100-year floodplain will imum finished floor elevation required now be regulated at the 500-year Base by the county. Class II permits will now Flood Elevations (BFE), plus two feet. The require pier and beam foundations and 500-year floodplain will be regulated at additional wind design requirements. the 500-year BFE, plus two feet. Further- That means no more slab on grade conmore, net fill will not be allowed in the struction, a standard in the industry. Me500-year floodplain (it is already prohib- chanical and electrical units will have to ited in the 100-year), unless a property be elevated to the first floor. Requiring owner can demonstrate no impact to ex- foundations to be constructed with pier isting sheetflow. Finally, additions larger and beam allows water to pass through than one-third of an existing property in and be detained beneath the foundathe 500-year floodplain must be raised to tion.

While taking action to prevent major the 500 BFE, plus two feet.

This is a significant step for Houston catastrophic loss due to natural disasters that may have a wide impact on residen- is necessary, the implications to the contial and commercial development. Many struction industry as a whole should be cities in the greater Houston area use or taken into consideration. It is unclear draw from the City of Houston and Harris what impact these new regulations will County development criteria in lieu of have throughout Texas. However, based their own floodplain regulations and may on the focus on Houston post-Harvey, it update their own ordinances to reflect is reasonable to expect that other cities and municipalities will follow the lead of similar changes.

While many view the new regula- Houston. It will be very important when tions as only impacting residential con- looking to develop new commercial and struction, that may not be the case. The residential projects that these new reguregulations apply to any “structures.” A lations are taken into consideration and are strictly adhered to. “structure” is defined: …shall mean an edifice or building Ian P. Faria is a member of the Conof any kind or piece of work that is artifi- cially built up or composed of parts struction and Government Contracts Pracjoined together in a definite manner, in- tice Group and Managing Partner of the cluding, but not limited to, a modular Houston office of Bradley Arant Boult Cumhome or a manufactured home, or a gas mings LLP. He represents developers, genor liquid storage tank when such tank is eral contractors, subcontractors, homeprincipally located above ground. Sec. builders, business owners and individuals in a variety of disputes, as well as in OSHA 19-2. Definitions.

The new City of Houston regulations compliance and investigation matters. He follow those implemented on Jan. 1, can be reached at ifaria@bradley.com.

2018, made by unincorporated Harris County. In fact, some consider the new Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP regulations adopted by unincorporated has offices in Birmingham, AL; Charlotte, Harris County to be some of the nation’s NC; Houston, TX; Huntsville, AL; Jackson, strictest flood plain regulations. These MS; Montgomery, AL; Nashville, TN; Tamnew regulations split permitting into pa, FL and Washington DC.

Scales ‘n Ales IX

Thirty-nine fishing teams competed in Scales ‘n Ales IX on Apr. 21 in Corpus Christi benefiting the Scott Freund Memorial Foundation which promotes boating safety and supports first responders around the State of Texas in their rescue and recovery efforts. -cmw

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Trench Safety Week is June 18 – 23 Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

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SHA has set June 18–23 as Trench Safety Stand Down week. OSHA is asking all contractors that do trenching conduct a training session on excavation hazards.

Free training materials are available on the National Utility Contractors Association website at http://www.nuca.com/tssd including free tool box talks, a PowerPoint presentation, sign-in sheets and worker handout materials.

Regardless of the depth of the excavation, OSHA requires a competent person to inspect conditions at the site on a daily basis. Inspections must be made as frequently as necessary during the progress of the work, to assure that the hazards associated with excavations are eliminated, before workers are allowed to enter the trench.

The following concerns must be addressed by a competent person: • Evaluate soil conditions and select appropriate protective measures.

• Construct protective systems in accordance with the standard requirements.

• Preplan; contact utilities (gas, electric) to locate underground lines, plan for traffic control if necessary, determine proximity to structures that could affect choice of protective systems.

• Test for low oxygen, hazardous fumes and toxic gasses, especially when gasoline engine-driven equipment is running or the dirt has been contaminated by leaking lines or storage tanks. Insure adequate ventilation or respiratory equipment if necessary.

• Provide safe access into and out of the excavation.

Provide appropriate protections if water accumulation is a problem.

• Inspect the site daily at the start of each shift, following a rainstorm, or after

any other hazard-increasing event.

• Keep excavations open the minimum amount of time needed to completed operations.

Should a third-party be required to stop work, or the designated competent person does not halt unsafe acts and conditions, this individual is not acting “competently” within the meaning of the standard.

Protective systems are methods of protective workers from cave-ins of material that can fall or roll into an excavation, or from the collapse of nearby structures. If an excavation is less than five ft. deep, OSHA does not require a protective system unless the competent person sees signs of a potential cave-in. (It is important to remember that a wall collapse in a trench four and 1/2 ft. deep can still have serious results!)

For trenches between five ft. and 20 ft. deep, shoring and sheeting, shielding, sloping and benching are all acceptable protective measures. It is up to the planners of the construction project and the competent person on site to determine which systems will work best. If an excavation is greater than 20 ft. deep, a registered professional engineer must design the protective system. natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232

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San Antonio Construction News • June 2018

Are you married?

I am married. I’ve been married to Donna for 34 years.

Patrick Harris

President Concrete Renovation Inc. Live Oak, TX

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verything happens for a reason and his reason lies within his faith. Patrick Harris’s life experiences are reasons for who he is and how he got here.

Where are you from originally?

I was born in North Platte, NE. I moved to Texas in 1975. I lived in Corpus Christi from ’75 to 1990 before I moved to San Antonio.

What was your childhood like?

We moved around quite a bit when I was younger. We lived in Nebraska, Illinois, South Dakota and Colorado. The memories are of different places. I lived in Wyoming for seven years; those were my elementary school years.

What did your parents do for a living?

My mother put herself through college in the evening to get her certified legal assistant degree. She went on to work in the field for 25-plus years. My dads worked jobs from trim carpentry to ranching.

Did you attend college? Where?

I went to Del Mar College for less than a year in Corpus Christi and then when we moved to San Antonio, I went to San Antonio College and got an associates degree.

Do you have any siblings?

Yes, I have three brothers and one sister. My eldest brother is in insurance, my second brother is a certified diesel mechanic/supervisor, and my third brother is a route driver. My sister owns the only dry cleaning business in Mathis, TX.

How do you and Donna spend your time away from work?

We realized that if we were going to work together we were going to have to spend time away from work, so we made a commitment to each other – once a quarter we get out of town and spend time with each other without work or without distractions. The key to our happiness is to de-stress.

Do you have children?

We have a daughter. Her name is Roxanne. She works with us.

What is Roxanne’s role with the company?

She grew up in the company; her nursery was actually the copy room. She has been around here for a long time.

She does whatever is needed. She does a lot of running around, whether it’s picking up checks or delivering tools. She helps dispatch and getting people out of the yard.

What was your first job within the construction industry?

My stepfather was a trim carpenter and I worked with him growing up. I knew from a young age, probably age 5, that I wanted to build things. I’ve always been intrigued about building things.

At 5-years-old, what did you find yourself wanting to do?

I built a chair for myself. We’d be traveling down the road and my brother would say, “I want to have a house like that one day.” I said I’m going to have a house like that and make it look great. I’d be pointing to a big old shack that needed a lot of work. I always knew my calling was to be in construction.

How did the concrete cutting start?

We had some friends from church; we are a very strong church family. Some friends at church, whose father was a rep, had started a concrete cutting business and they offered to give me a job. That is how I got into concrete cutting. I knew that trim carpentry was pretty hard work and the tools were pretty expensive, so I went from carpentry to concrete cutting (what I thought would be a better fit for me).

Did you have a mentor?

I’ve had several mentors. My stepfa-

Patrick Harris ther was more of a friend and mentor. I’ve had some partners that were mentors and some older gentlemen that helped me along and gave me advice.

When was Concrete Renovation established?

When we moved to San Antonio in ’90, we bought out a company and changed the name a few years later. I started with my younger brother; he was a partner for a while and he decided to move on. In 1996, we became Concrete Renovation.

What are some of the challenges you’ve had to face?

I like to tell everybody that the definition of stress is – waking up on Friday morning knowing that you have a zero balance in you checking account and knowing that you have to make payroll at the end of the day. And going to those people that owe you money and begging them to pay you what they owe you so that you can make payroll. That is my definition of stress.

What do you tell people who want to go into business for themselves?

I always tell them that most businesses fail, not because of something that they do, but because of something somebody else does. The biggest thing is that you take on the job and you don’t get paid for it and that drives you into bankruptcy. Be careful about the big jobs. You need to be careful that you can afford to take that job and not get paid for it.

What is it you instill within the company?

I like to instill good moral values. We don’t lie – we don’t cheat – we don’t steal and we trust – we trust in each other.

Those moral values are not only part of the company, but everyday life whether we are working for somebody else, or working within our families, or are just helping out a neighbor.

If you could pick another trade to have a career in what would it be?

I’ve actually had a second career, even a third career. I spent over 20 years in the Army Reserve as a maintenance tech. I spent a year over seas supporting the United States. I’m a retired veteran. I joined the Army Reserve in 1983 and I retired in 2005. Third career comes from being ranch owners. We spend a lot of time, when I’m not at work, ranching. We have cattle, goats and all kinds of animals. When I get done at work, I go home and feed animals and take care of them on weekends.

Where have you traveled?

We’ve been to 34 of the 50 states.

We’ve been to Canada, Hawaii, the Bahamas and Mexico.

Do you have any other hobbies or interests?

I like playing sports, but I hate watching sports. My hobbies are building things out of metal and I have projects around the ranch that I do, rebuilding older equipment.

Concrete Renovation Inc. is a concrete contractor in Live Oak, TX. –lv

★★★★★

San Antonio Construction News • June 2018

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What is your most memorable vacation?

Recognizing excellence My most memorable vacation was my honeymoon in St. Lucia.

Todd Ferguson, TDIndustries I will have to say my recent honeymoon was the best vacation so far! The honeymoon was great. We were in the Bahamas for a week. There are not many things that can top that. The stay was excellent at Atlantis Paradise Island. My wife and I enjoyed jet skiing, swimming with sharks and swimming with pigs. It was an awesome experience.

Shawn Murray Murray Plumbing Co. LLC

The San Antonio Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) received the only 2018 Chapter Excellence Award at the their annual Spring Business Meeting. Haven Design and Construction won the National CotY award for Residential Kitchen $30,000 -$60,000. L-R: Steve McNary, NARI president; Martha Bizzell, NARI executive director; Jana & Armando Valdez, Haven Design and Construction. -cmw

Spring golf

My most memorable vacation was when my wife, Laura, and I went to Napa Valley for our 20th anniversary. We visited amazing vineyards and wineries such as Palmaz, Charter Oak and Schramsberg.

We learned many amazing facts about the construction of wine caves, gravity flow winemaking, and how wine has been a part of the Northern California history since the late 1800s. Also, we sampled some fantastic wines. It was ones of the best vacations I have had the pleasure to enjoy and we love visiting Napa Valley on any occasion.

Kirk Kistner Bartlett Cocke General Contractors My most memorable vacation was an Alaskan cruise that my wife and I went on a few years ago. We went salmon fishing, canoed up to a glacier and saw some amazing animals. I love Cancun as much as the next guy, but Alaska was incredible.

Nick Flory Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing Last year, we took a trip to Niagara Falls and another to Yellowstone a couple of years ago! Loved them both. We love

Kenneth Brown, Brown & Ortiz PC, accepts the first place award on behalf of his team at the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) South Texas Chapter’s spring golf tournament May 7. -cmw

San Antonio

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road trips! Every year we get in the truck and say, “where we go, we don’t know” and just choose a direction! Plan as we go! It’s too much fun!

Amy Ronek A & B Automatic Doors of Texas My most memorable vacation was a trip to Costa Rica.

Brad Maze Advanced Door Control During Spring Break this year, my wife and I, along with our three daughters, traveled to Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico. We visited three National Parks including Bandelier National Monument, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. After returning home, I took our youngest daughter Ava, to Mission San Jose so she could get her Park Service Passport stamped. She wanted to make sure she had one more stamp than her two older sisters.

Leland Rocchio Jordan Foster Construction A trip to Cabo; when we came in from a day of fishing we found out a hurricane was going to hit that night. It was an adventure!

Denise Bendele, RSM US LLP My most memorable vacation was taking my family skiing for the first time in Winter Park. I did not realize what I was getting into taking my 4-year-old twin girls, 1-year-old boy and a wife that had never skied. I took my wife, Dawn, down a blue slope and she would not ski down. I had to ski her down between my legs all the way down to the base. While it was exhausting, I will never forget the smiles from my children playing in the snow.

Edgar Kleck III International Mechanical Services Inc.

Page 10

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ne of the largest and most successful in the country, the 39th annual banquet fundraiser for the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) San Antonio Chapter was held on May 3.

For the past two years, this event grossed over a million dollars in one night, and this year looks to match, if

San Antonio Construction News • June 2018

Coastal San Antonio

not exceed those numbers with approximately 1,900 people in attendance. Contributing to the event’s success was all the great food and drink, door prizes, two different live auctions, silent auction, numerous raffles and the newly popular stuffed ‘Ice Chest’ sales.

For those unfamiliar with the CCA, it was founded in

Texas 40 years ago as the Gulf Coast Conservation Association, whose mission is to educate and advise the public on marine conservation and to insure the protection of our coastal resources so they will be there for future generations. Now virtually every coastal state in the continental US is part of the CCA. -cmw

GOOD NEWS!

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San Antonio Construction News • June 2018

Page 11

I am looking forward to our summer fishing season and seeing lots of my clients and friends return to create many more fishing memories. Over the past 20 years I have seen many of my clients’ kids grow into young adults. Some of those young adults have become clients also.

This is what makes my job so gratifying. I can honestly say that I look forward to every fishing charter I launch my boat for.

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 361-334-3105 or email me at SteveSchultzOutdoors@gmail.com.

Good Luck and Good Fishing.

Summertime fun on the water

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

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y the looks of the boxes of fish that have been hitting the docks lately, I’d have to say that the masses of trout we have been waiting for have finally arrived. I must say that the spring of 2018 is one of the worst ones I have seen in quite some time. Windy conditions combined with endless cool fronts made catching fish a real challenge, but we made it through all of that. Now we begin our trek to summer weather patterns and hope the fishing continues to stay as good as it’s been in the month of May.

Another worst for 2018 was the lack of guides I have seen on the water the last couple of months. I’m talking about the majority of our seasoned guides that have seen their business decline for some reason, with the exception of weekends.

Granted, we had a major hurricane hit the coastal bend late last summer and I can understand some of the areas to the north that are still in the rebuilding process, but I’m talking about the Corpus south business. I’m hoping that things

Brandon Dewbre caught his personnel best trout last month while fishing in Baffin Bay with Steve Schultz Outdoors. Brandon released his trout and will have a replica mount made of his 29-inch trout that weighed 8.5 lbs.

turn around real soon and people start getting back on the water.

As summer approaches, you can bet on one thing – it’s going to get hot. Be prepared by staying hydrated and keeping cool. Get an early start to your day and get off the water before the heat of the day. Weekdays will be your best bet to catching fish because of the lack of fishing pressure from weekend warriors

and fishing tournaments. You can bet there will be several fishing tournaments on every weekend throughout the summer. If you have no other options and must fish on a Saturday, be prepared for long waits getting bait and launching your boats at the ramp. Just have an open mind and get an earlier start than the rest of the crowd.

Page 12

San Antonio Construction News • June 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

Fish are hungry!

I

t’s funny how just a few things can change a little bit and all of a sudden the fish seem to wake up and say, “It’s on!”

To say we have been through a weird spring season would be putting it lightly.

Between seesawing temperatures and very little spring rain to freshen the watershed, conditions haven’t been the best for turning the fish on.

Once we stopped having one or two cold fronts a week, we started seeing nice stringers come in off our boats. At first they were made up of stripers, hybrids, blue catfish and even a few largemouth and crappie. It was like everything in the lake was waking up hungry. Then the stringers became mostly stripers and hybrids and the big fish started coming in. We even ran across some topwater fish last week! A more consistent weather pattern was just what they needed.

I love to see spring settle in around the lake. Fishing gets good and the weather seems to get more summer-like every day. People start to get out of the house and bring the family for the weekend and the lake comes back to life.

The kids start off squealing at the cold water as they wade in, but are soon hard to get out of the water for supper.

You can tell fishing was good when you smell fish and french fries cooking. Morning sunrises come with the smell of sizzling bacon and quiet, good natured banter between fishermen loading up their boats to go fishing.

Our little collection of fishing camps here at Tow on Lake Buchanan becomes a community again. Strangers who have never met become neighbors and friends all drawn together by their love of the lake. It doesn’t matter whether you soak

in it, splash in it, read and reflect by it or fish in it, there is something for everyone at the lake.

I see it all the time. There might be a couple of groups of people waiting on the deck to catch their charter boat. They come from all different places and backgrounds. It never takes long before they are trading fishing stories and hunting tales and such, like old friends. When you come to the lake you just become a lake person for a while and leave the rest behind.

Stop and think about how you came to love the water. How old were you and who taught you to fish or took you swimming or showed you how to ski? Are you passing the love of water down to your kids and grandkids? School’s out for the summer. Are you planning to load up the gang for a trip to the lake or the coast? I know it’s hard to get kids to unplug and go with you for a new adventure, but keep trying. They often soak up more of it than they’ll admit. I worry that our younger folks may not be getting acquainted with the outdoors the way we did and they may need to escape the pressure of the world even more that we do. Keep it in mind while you make summer plans because I think we are in for a great season this summer!

JW Materials (concrete), Austin

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 • June 2018

Page 13

A reel birthday

Not too windy for fish

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few guys from BlueLine Rental and Turner Roofing Co. jetted off to Aransas Pass for a one-day fishing trip May 1. Although the winds were high and the water was choppy, the group of guys didn’t come back empty-handed. Captain Gary Tinnerman made sure they reached their limit by 10am. –cmw

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ussell Harder, Senior Project Manager, Bartlett Cocke (far right) at Bay Flats Lodge in Seadrift celebrating his birthday with friends and family. -rd

Harder’s two boys Bransen (6) and Stetsen (5).

Any fish in there?

Vacation Time!

Don’t forget to send us your vacation stories and photos Email to: reesa@ ConstructionNews.net

Submitted to Construction News

Trophy trout

Jeremiah Jones, JS Jones Construction & Underground, landed this trophy class Laguna trout on a recent springtime outing. It was a self-guided effort with fellow teammates Ruben, Gary and Fred Perales. The fish pushed that 30-inch mark and was released unharmed after the photo. -cmw

L-R: Kyle Fiedler & Tommy Mangold, Turner Roofing and Roger Marwardt, Blueline Rental pose with their catches of the day.

2 L-R: Blueline Rental’s Stan Rothman & Chuck Graves, Turner Roofing’s Todd & Brent Alexander proudly showoff their limit.

Page 14

San Antonio Construction News • June 2018

Fishing for funds

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iznik Concrete Contractors hosted their annual Mr. & Mrs. Big Trout Tournament May 3-5.

Proceeds from the event went to help rebuild Clem’s Marina, which was badly damaged during the destruction of Hurricane Harvey. -cmw

1st Place Pro Stringer Winner

1st Place Pro Stringer Winner: Mrs. Big Trout L-R: Cindy Niznik, Duane Clark, Tori Murry and Anita Fanello

Winners Amateur Division: Women 2nd: Croaker Strokers 3rd: Sweet Heat

Men 2nd: Saltwater 4 – Mar Sahadi 3rd: Salty Stringers

1st Place Amateur Stringer Winner

1st Place Amateur Stringer Winner Come and Take it. L-R: Monica and Daniel Garcia

Father’s Day Sunday June 17

San Antonio Construction News • June 2018

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San Antonio Construction News • June 2018

Appreciating the industry

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orporate Business Diversity and Development Officer for Zachry Construction, Rita Phillip, was the guest speaker at the National Association of Women in Construction’s (NAWIC) Annual Industry Appreciation Night, May 2 at the Petroleum Club.

Each year this event celebrates the chapter’s successes, local corporate sponsors and the leaders along with supporters who have stood behind the association for the past 12 months. Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography. - cwm

Waste Connections, Danielle Barnett Friends of NAWIC Silver Award

K-W Construction, Elaine Thomas Friends of NAWIC Silver Award

Workplace Resource Friends of NAWIC Silver Award

Arts & Advertising Friends of NAWIC Silver Award

Connally Law, Lorraine Rushing Friends of NAWIC Gold Award

American Subcontractors Association Friends of NAWIC Gold Award

Viva Fiesta SA

I

t’s fiesta time in San Antonio and everyone is in the spirit as members of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) and the American Subcontractors Association (ASA) gathered together for one big fiesta celebration at Beethoven Hall on Apr. 19. Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photograhpy. –cmw

Silver golf

Sundt Construction Friends of NAWIC Gold Award

Zachry Construction Friends of NAWIC Diamond Award

Theresa Hernandez Rising Star Award

Eloina Benavides Above & Beyond Award

How appropriate was it to host the Mechanical & Sheet Metal Contractors of San Antonio’s (MCA-SMACNA) 25th (silver) annual golf tournament at Silverhorn Golf Club. The event was held Apr. 5. 1st Place Net winners Drew Freiley, Justis McNeil, Robert Hood and Art Morales -cmw Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography

Brotherhood & golf

Stefanie Shanahan Step Up Award

Dana Calonge, Construction News Persevere Award

Heather Osborn Believe Award

Angela Hines Dare Award

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 60 held their 6th annual benefit golf tournament Apr. 28 at River Bend Golf Club in Floresville, TX. L-R: 1st Place winners: Pete Rodriguez, John De La Cruz, Robert Marquez and Isauro Zamora with AEP-Texas of Devine. –cmw

San Antonio Construction News • June 2018

Page 17

Cooking up subs

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he American Subcontractors Association (ASA), San Antonio Chapter, continues to cook things up at their annual BBQ Cook-Off & Subfest held on May 11 at the Helotes Fairgrounds. The event

included a live auction, raffle prizes, barbecue dinner, cold beverages, and fun for the entire family such as balloons, face painting, caricature artists as well as Kona Ice serving up nice cold treats. – cmw

Winner included: 2nd Place Mystery Meat: Intertech Commercial Flooring 3rd Place Mystery Meat: Alterman 2nd Place Chicken: Alterman 3rd Place Chicken: Dulaney Exterior Systems

2nd Place Ribs: Fazio Floors 3rd Place Ribs: Holes of San Antonio 2nd Place Brisket: Dedicated Landscape Solutions 3rd Place Brisket: Bartlett Cocke General Contractors

1st Place Mystery Meat: Bartlett Cocke General Contractors 1st Place Brisket: SA Quality Fence & Welding

1st Place Bloody Mary: Western States Fire Protection

1st Place Best Camp: Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing 1st Place Ribs: Gardner Law Firm

Reserve Grand Champion: Intertech Commercial Flooring

1st Place Chicken: F.A. Nunnelly General Contractors

JR Ramon Demolition

Grand Champion: Dedicated Landscape Solutions

Page 18

San Antonio Construction News • June 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

Dependability is key Wesley E. Baker, Vice President Business Unit Manager TDIndustries San Antonio, TX

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36-year veteran of the mechanical industry, Baker began learning his trade in high school. He continued learning his trade in 1982 through the Plumbers & Pipefitter apprenticeship program, graduating in 1986. He continues as the business unit manager for TDIndustries.

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

The construction industry is still very strong in Texas. North Texas and Austin continue to remain strong in growth and San Antonio continues to see moderate growth. And while Houston continues to remain flat and as the energy market stabilizes and the effects from Hurricane Harvey fade, we anticipate an uptick in construction towards the end of the year.

Have you heard of an increase or slowdown in business? What factors are driving this increase/slowdown?

With the continued population growth in Texas, we continue to see steady growth in 2018 and into 2019. We continue to see strong growth in the healthcare and mission critical markets. We don’t see as many “mega” projects in San Antonio; however, this has been offset with the revitalization of downtown San Antonio and the Pearl area.

The Texas economy continues to remain strong with the population growth.

The only concern that could limit construction growth is the tight labor market for skilled tradespeople. TD has placed a heavy focus on trades training, growing partners from within, as well as on recruiting more women and Veterans to our industry.

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

With the tight labor market, TD is very intentional of the jobs that we pursue so that the quality of our work remains high. Design-build/design-assist work has enabled us to engage early with the team to minimize rework. Additionally, we have invested in VDC and prefabrication to not only complete the work faster, but also safer.

Have there been any recent changes in legislation affecting your industry?

The steel tariffs are generating a lot of activity and concern about future cost of commodities. We are working closely with our suppliers to understand the impact and manage the risk associated with the volatility of this market.

Do you see an increase in the number of outside contractors coming to the area?

With the Texas economy being as strong as it is, we are seeing more contractors and competitors coming into all regions across Texas. In the San Antonio area, they are primarily companies that have worked in San Antonio in the past without setting up a permanent office and are currently looking to establish themselves in the area.

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

Besides the skilled trades shortage, safety is always a “hot button” in the con-

Obtaining your HVAC riches Richard Gutierrez Founder & Operations Manager Hot Rod Mechanical Inc. Austin, TX

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or more than 19 years, Richard Gutierrez has been servicing the Austin commercial market. Having established a team of professionals with knowledge and experience, Gutierrez oversees his staff in commercial refrigeration, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, HVAC boiler and chiller maintenance services and installation.

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

The construction industry is very strong in the central Texas area.

Have you heard of an increase or slowdown in business?

We have not heard of any slowdown in the Central Texas area. Commercial

construction seems to have a good log of projects in the works.

What factors are driving this increase/ slowdown?

I think consumer confidence is a driving factor for the increase as a result of the new administration.

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

struction industry. We all strive for zero accidents and protecting our workforce. At TD, we have formed a team of safety leaders that is focused on best practices and safety at the source. This “World Class Safety Team” has been directly led by our CEO, Harold MacDowell, and is focused on a company core value of “Fiercely Protecting All Partners.”

What is on the horizon for your industry?

TD is always researching and experimenting with new technologies and we pride ourselves with being on the cutting edge for our industry. We recently established two funds for innovation, the R&D Fund and TDBank. These funds allow for testing new innovations such as robotics, virtual and augmented reality, as well as for applications to improve productivity. With this funding, partners are able to fully vet out various applications and determine the maximum capabilities to be implemented on a long-term basis.

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

The focus on safety continues to be a major change for our industry. Construction site conditions vary and require unique solutions. There is no canned answer for any situation in the industry.

The use of new technologies is driving our jobsites, whether it’s the use of drones, GPS Technologies or new tools. This is moving at a faster pace than some are able to keep up with and taking large investments on our company’s part.

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

Other?

The lack of skilled labor is probably the most significant challenge for us as a trade partner, but more specifically, the lack of superintendents and expert supervision.

As the baby boomers begin to retire and with the lack of experienced tradespeople

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

The increase in construction has kept our team members busy. As a result, we have been able to expand our service base.

Have there been any recent changes in legislation affecting your industry?

HRMI keeps up with all proposed changes and we try to be proactive to any changes.

Do you see an increase in the number of outside contractors coming to the area?

We have seen an increase of outside contractors over the last five years. This is partly due to the population explosion in Texas from out-of-state residents.

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

One of the “hot button” issues in our industry is the training of technicians to sell HVAC additional services, equipment and supplies. In addition, finding skilled technicians to carry on after the baby boomers retire.

What is on the horizon for your industry? (Changes in technology, equipment, other)

Automating our sales and service processes and cutting our customer acquisition costs to keep pricing competitive.

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

coming up to take their place, TD is tackling the trades training head-on through extensive training in-house, and focusing on innovations to do more with less.

How are you dealing with these challenges?

We are investing significant resources, both in dollars and people, to solve the lack of training. We are implementing inhouse training programs that not only address entry level training, but also on-going skills enhancement in leadership, technical and cultural development for our current workforce. Continuous aggressive improvement is a part of TD’s mission statement and we are committed to our Partner’s personal development, which in turn will ensure TD’s ability to grow in spite of the industry challenges.

What are the rewards of the industry?

The biggest rewards of the construction industry are being able to put your hands on a tangible end product. Most construction workers take great pride in being able to show their kids and families the projects they have built. Our work is very visible, tangible, and last a long time beyond the end of construction for us to enjoy. Being a part of changing the skyline and landscape of Texas and of San Antonio is a very rewarding career opportunity.

What are the keys to being successful?

The biggest key to being successful in any industry, and construction is no different, is building trusting relationships. Being trustworthy, honest, dependable and a true partner on a project is critical. When you are dependable and provide a quality product at a fair price your customers will return in any industry.

TDIndustries is a mechanical construction company in San Antonio and throughout Texas. -cmw

The major change in this industry is automation and new high-tech tools.

Everything is computer-driven.

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

Other?

The most significant challenge HRMI faces is labor shortage, but this is not restricted to HRMI, it is everywhere, in every trade.

How are you dealing with these challenges?

HRMI has adopted an apprenticeship program to teach young people how or want to realize their dreams, HRMI has adopted a no ceiling policy where we will help anybody grow as much as they want and make as much money as they want.

What are the rewards of the industry?

Beyond the sky IS THE LIMIT. A person can get rich, very rich, if they are willing to learn and apply themselves.

What are the keys to being successful?

Any company that is serious about growing must learn to reproduce itself with a commitment to serve others and always do more than the minimum. Give back to the community and be honest in all areas of life because your private life does affect your public life.

Hot Rod Mechanical Inc. is a full-line mechanical service company in Austin, TX. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • June 2018

Page 19

THIS TH MON

XXXXXX HVAC & Plumbing XXXXXXXXXXXX

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

NEXT MONTH (JULY) ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY

A change in direction Chuck Fell, President CFI Mechanical Inc. Houston, TX

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n addition to his role as president of CFI Mechanical Inc., Chuck Fell served as the president of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) in 2014 through 2015. He continues to attend and serve as a past president of the association.

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

In the Greater Houston area, the market is fairly healthy. Many school districts have projects starting or in the design phase, and multi-family construction is booming. Office tower construction has slowed since the peak in 2015.

Have you heard of an increase or slowdown in business? What factors are driving this increase/slowdown?

As far as a slow down, it would be in the construction of major commercial projects like office towers and large hospital projects. Houston just finished a large office tower boom along with many new hospitals.

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

We have ventured out into multifamily projects. We have plenty of school work and have built-up a sizeable service department for commercial clientele. We have a good niche in chiller change out and cooling tower change outs. Our cus-

tomers appreciate our ability to keep their building downtime to a minimum.

Have there been any recent changes in legislation affecting your industry?

There have not been any significant changes concerning Texas legislation.

The steel tariffs are cause for concern.

We have numerous projects with steel pipe that we are now paying a premium for and the manufactured goods we purchase have gone up accordingly. It’s hard to bid a current project and hold our pricing more than seven days, when typically an owner wants you to hold your bid price for 30 to 60 days.

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

The continued skilled labor shortage and, now, the possible steel tariffs are the “hot button” issues in the HVAC and plumbing industry today.

What is on the horizon for your industry? (Changes in technology, equipment, other) “The Internet of things” is having a

Wanted: YOU Alicia Dover, CAE Executive Director Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Texas Austin, TX

Workforce shortages! The need for more skilled tradespeople! Bring back the trades to the schools!

These and other phrases are being heard throughout the plumbing and HVACR industry. In addition, there is a cry from the education community: We need teachers! Tell us how to do it. What do we teach?

In the current climate of high demand, low supply and a desire to train for the skilled trades, what is our next step?

The need has been shared. The schools listened. Now what?

As the Executive Director for the plumbing and HVAC trades in Texas, I am often asked to attend introduction meetings with school systems across the state.

I share our desperate need for workers; they share their desire to meet that need.

Problem solved, right? Wrong! What needs to happen at that point is the exchange of information. The practical “know how” of creating a program, selecting curriculum, obtaining the supplies and tools required and ultimately finding the qualified instructors to teach the students. To add to the mix, how will they market the program to attract students when there can be over 10 other career clusters from which to choose?

The question I am often asked is: How do

we make plumbing “sexy” so that kids will want to select this highly viable and financially rewarding career path?

And therein lies the dilemma: How do we come alongside the schools in our area when education issues are well outside our wheelhouse? I often feel left out and uniformed when I am asked to sit in on advisory councils, school district meetings and even legislative conferences dealing with bringing career training into the school setting. I mean, who really knows what accountability ratings, Teks and approved certifications really are?

How do they apply to our need for more skilled labor? These issues matter if a school system is going to receive funding for each of their students. There must be some sort of path or result to get the state of Texas to bless their endeavors.

So, how does all of this affect you, the plumbing or HVAC contractor? Your expertise is needed. For schools that have never had any sort of vocational education in the areas of building construction, or those that are trying to resurrect or improve current training, they need you. Many of my district level meetings are focused on what needs to be

positive effect on the manufactured goods that we are purchasing. In addition, our collaboration with Milwaukee Tool has provided us a safer more productive means to perform our work safely and efficiently.

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

Augmented and virtual reality is gaining more traction in construction such as 3-D BIM Modeling which has now turned more toward Revit Software in which we coordinate with the architect and engineers to provide life size building models in which we use in the design and coordination specific mechanical and plumbing systems. Also, our tech savvy workforce and the use of tablet and cloud computing to communicate with our field foreman are the biggest changes we’ve seen in recent years.

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

Other?

We often hear about the challenge of staying ahead of the curve when it comes to changes in technology and project delivery methods. Building Information Modeling (BIM), mobile technologies, modularization and prefabrication are good examples. And then there are the related challenges of enhancing your firm’s efficiencies and maximizing your competitiveness. One issue in our industry, unfortunately, is the ongoing need to replace today’s aging skilled work force with new skilled plumbers, pipefitters and service techs. Our apprenticeship schools need now, more than ever, to recruit talented individuals and our con-

taught. Will it be relevant? Will students be able to secure gainful employment upon graduation? Can students intern with local companies while in high school? What can you teach them that require real world experiences? Those who will one day employ these students must answer these questions and more.

What can you do? Look to your own school district; find out who has a program or who is looking to add construction related programming. Offer to serve on an advisory committee for the program’s implementation and ongoing evaluation. Provide access to local suppliers and manufacturers for lab items required. Be willing to offer internships.

Speak about your industry during a class period. Be willing to host an instructor for a day or two of real world training (what to take back to the classroom). Put your best young people forward and let them share with the students. Offer to teach a concept or skill – kids love to think that what they are learning is being taught by an expert. Encourage your employees to volunteer. You may find a true mentor or teacher in your own backyard.

Pretty simple stuff, right? In an economy of being too busy to even imagine reaching out in a volunteer mode is daunting. I am reminded of a saying, “If you want something done, ask a busy person!” I believe this applies to coming alongside education to help grow your trade. They want to do it right and they want you to tell them how.

My question to you is, won’t you consider helping at a school near you? As a representative of the trade in which you work, I need your assistance. I can bring

tractors need to put them to work. We also need to provide ongoing training on today’s new technologies and techniques to keep us all competitive, and our workers employed.

There is a labor shortage, specifically skilled labor such as HVAC service technicians, licensed plumbers, and welders, along with other construction trades. The loss of vocational classes in high schools back in the late 80s has hurt this industry.

How are you dealing with these challenges?

We are aggressively working with the United Association of Plumbers & Pipefitters in recruiting new apprentices into our trade.

What are the rewards of the industry?

Building a trusted loyal client base that turns to us for repeat business. We pride ourselves in building a reputation up and down the supply chain, from architect and engineering firms to general contractors and the subcontractors that work for us to the building owners that depend on us for their air conditioning and plumbing needs.

What are the keys to being successful?

Our employees are who we are as a successful mechanical contractor. We enjoy our work and our customer base and we take pride in the subcontractors we choose to do business with. They represent CFI Mechanical.

CFI Mechanical Inc. is a HVAC and plumbing contractor in Houston, TX. -cmw

curriculum data, industry statistics, and lists of local area contractors, but ultimately, they want the real deal. They desire to partner with the one who is going to provide employment for their students.

As I mentioned earlier, the need is known, and the education world has listened. Now it is time for us to step up and provide the missing link to create high quality and relevant learning for high school students in Texas.

Would you like assistance in finding a local program in your area? Do you need help with an existing program? Please do not hesitate to contact me at alicia@phcctx.org.

PHCC is a construction trade association in Austin and through-out Texas. - cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • June 2018

Everyday is Father’s Day

Crawfish, Big City style

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undreds came out to taste the Cajun cuisine at Big City Access’ annual crawfish boil held on Apr. 12. Guests were treated to good music, great food and drink, door prizes and Big City Access Fiesta medals. -cmw

Noe Perez, owner of My Father’s AC

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oe Perez named his company after the three most important fathers in his life: God the Father, his grandfather and his father.

Perez’s love affair with all things HVAC began when he happened to walk by a trade school in Austin. Upon acceptance, he found his calling in the HVAC world, learning everything he could.

After working in the field for several years and doing side jobs, the Perez’s income tax return was quite nice. Perez told his wife that, “We can either have a good Christmas, or we can take everything and invest it in a company.” So he did, forming My Father’s AC in 2007.

With a new company came new struggles, however, quite a few of them.

So much so that Perez was thinking about throwing in the towel early on. But his father came to him in a dream one night, saying, “Don’t let the business go.”

Since then, Perez credits his heavenly Father with blessing his work beyond all measure. “There’s no way I could have dreamed this up,” he said.

Work is flooding in, from Starbucks to Little Caesar’s to Longhorn Roadhouse, and more. Both commercial and residential sides of My Father’s AC are growing.

“God has given us so much favor,” Perez said.

God has even used Perez’s early struggles to mentor other contractors when the opportunity arises. He said he’s “been able to plant hope in small business owners” as a result of his own experiences.

Perez is very mindful of his 10 employees’ life as fathers, saying they are the real superheroes who work very hard to provide for their families and are role models for their children. He gives them the time they need to attend important events like recitals and birthday parties and games.

“Fathers are really heroes in my book,” he said.

Father’s Day is not just one day in June, but everyday.

My Father’s AC is an HVAC contractor in the San Antonio area. -dsz

San Antonio Construction News • June 2018

Page 21

continued from Page 1 — Next in line haven’t had in the classroom or in the business somewhere,” Wood shared. The most rewarding thing for Wood was being able to pass this trade on to the younger generation.

So, who will be filling Wood’s shoes?

Todd Hartmann, a technician with the company for 14 years. “He’ll do a good job, everybody knows him. He’s well liked and a good technician,” said Woods.

One of the most important things to Wood is integrity. He would tell his technicians, “I have to trust you as my technician and if I can’t trust you – you can’t work for me.”

Vice President, Brian Wilson shares they’ve been fortunate to have many longterm employees. “They’ve been with us through a lot of years like Joe,” he adds.

Mueller & Wilson have been mechanical contractors (plumbing, heating and air conditioning) since the original founder, who was Buddy Mueller. In 1949,

the name of the company was different.

Wilson tells us, “My dad [Mr. Wilson] bought in with Buddy and became partners in 1960. In 1962, it officially became Mueller & Wilson Inc.

“Buddy retired in the early ‘80s and it has just been the Wilson family ever since,” said Wilson.

Ron Wilson and Brian are both active within the company every day. “It’s been a good ride – ups and downs like everybody in the construction business.”

Finding stability through the ups and downs is something they’ve accomplished. The company has “kind of shifted” from big construction projects to service and maintenance. “In the last three or four years we really promoted the service side of things, which is where Joe was working,” said Wilson.

Mueller & Wilson Inc. is a mechanical contractor. –lv

Association Calendar

Content submitted by Associations to Construction News MCA-SMACNA INC

ABC

Associated Builders & Contractors Inc.

Jun. 4: Breakfast Club, Alamo Café, 14250 San Pedro Ave., 7:30-8:30am. For more info, contact Jennifer Rocha at Jennifer@ abcsouthtexas.org or 210-342-1994 Jun. 21: Summer Shindig, Blue Bonnet Palace, 17630 Lookout Rd. For more info, contact Jennifer Rocha at Jennifer@abcsouthtexas.org or 210-342-1994

be attractive and enduring.”

With some of the older client base doing business via word-of-mouth, the new crop of leaders gets information on a phone or tablet. Bottom line: while still basing its business model on quality and costeffectiveness, Metropolitan Contracting

had to change with the times. “San Antonio is changing,” Feigenbaum said.

What hasn’t changed is Metropolitan’s commitment to serving San Antonio as it grows into the future.

Metropolitan Contracting is a privatesector construction firm in San Antonio. -dsz

continued from Page 1 — Growth in the gardens

Jun. 5: BCA Membership Meeting, AGC Offices, 10806 Gulfdale. For more info, call 210-349-4921 Jun. 18: Outstanding Construction Awards Luncheon, San Antonio Airport Hilton, 611 NW Loop 410, 12pm For more info, call 210-349-4921

PHCC

Jun. 1: Applications for Fall 2018 PHCC-SA Plumbing Apprenctice School begin. For more info, call Heidi Trimble at 210-8247422 or go to www.phcc-sanantonio.org Jun. 14: Plumbing Apprentice Graduation Ceremony, St. Philip’s College-SW Campus, 800 Quintana Rd., 11am. For more info, call Heidi Trimble at 210-8247422 Jun. 21: PHCC Night at the Flying Chanclas Baseball Game, Nelson Wolf Stadium, 5757 US Hwy. 90 W. For more info, call Heidi Trimble at 210-824-7422

ASSE

San Antonio Assn. of Building Engineers

HCAdeSA

Jun. 20: Monthly Meeting/Mixer, Sonterra Country Club, 901 E. Sonterra Blvd., 6-8pm.

For more info, call Dave Sanchez at 210444-1100 or go to www.hcadesa.org IEC

The San Antonio Botanical Garden’s culinary garden

Independent Electrical Contractors

Jun. 1: 10th Annual Sporting Clay Fun Shoot, San Antonio Gun Club, 928 E. Contour Dr. For more info, contact Julie Howard at 210-431-9861 or email jhoward@ iecsanantonio.com Jun. 15: IEC Graduation, Norris Conference Center, 618 NW Loop 410 #207, 6-8pm. For more info, contact Julie Howard at 210-431-9861 or email jhoward@ iecsanantonio.com s

Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors

SAABE

Jun. 9: 13th Annual SAABE/Phil Anderson Memorial Picnic, Castroville Park, Large Pavillion, 816 Alsace St., Castroville, TX. 11am. For more info, call Lauren Littlefield at 210-352-0976 or email llittlefield@bmsmanagement.com SAMCA

San Antonio Masonry Contractors Assn.

Hispanic Contractors Assn. de San Antonio

On top of the world

Jun. 6: Membership Meeting, The Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels. For more info, call 210-639-2489 or email Rebecca.rodriguez@zachrycorp.com Jun. 28: Burger Bash, MacArthur Park, 1611 NE Loop 410, 4:30-7:30pm. For more info, call 210-639-2489 or email Rebecca.rodriguez@zachrycorp.com

Jun. 7: Blue Book Event, Embassy Suites San Marcos, 1001 E. McCarty Lane, San Marcos, TX, 2-7pm. For more info, call Jennifer Swinney at 210-349-2105 Jun. 12: Membership Mixer, Alamo Café, 14250 San Pedro Ave., 4:30pm. For more info, call Jennifer Swinney at 210-3492105 Jun. 22-23: Annual Fishing Tournament, Drifters, 4401 TX-35 BUS, Rockport, TX. For more info, call Jennifer Swinney at 210-349-2105 Jun. 26: Membership Meeting, The Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels, 11:30am. For more info, call Jennifer Swinney at 210-349-2105

Jun. 6-12: North American Occupational Safety & Health (OSHA) Week Jun. 18: Regular Meeting, Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Rd. 11am1pm. For more info, go to www.southtexas.asse.org

Weddle, Weddle Gilmore to ensure the owner’s vision was completely met.

Founded over 40 years ago by Ed Kopplow, Kopplow Construction is proud to be part of historic expansion to one of San Antonio’s most prized gems.

Kopplow Construction is a general contractor in San Antonio. -cmw

NAWIC

National Assn. of Women in Construction

American Subcontractors Assn.

American Society of Safety Engineers

ever, the weather pattern during the construction period of this phase was very challenging for the Kopplow team who worked around the clock to complete the project for its grand opening.

Project Manager Rob Stevens and Project Superintendent Brady Cowey worked closely with Architect Christy Ten Eyck, Ten Eyck Architects and Phil

Jun. 13: Regular & Associates Meeting, The Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels, 7th Flr. For more info, call Sandee Morgan at 210-822-3763 Jun. 27: Joint Industry Fund Meeting, MCA-SMACNA office, 12500 Network Blvd., #410, 11:30am. For more info, call Sandee Morgan at 210-822-3763

AGC

Associated General Contractors

ASA

continued from Page 1 — Timeless values, new look

Mechanical Contractors Assn. Sheet Metal & A/C Nat’l Association

Jun. 28: Golden Trowel Awards, Sunset Station, 130 Hoefgen, 6:30pm. For more info, contact Debbie at 830-606-5556 TACCA

Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Assn.

Greater San Antonio

Jun. 4: 29th Annual Golf Tournament, The Club at Sonterra, 901 E. Sonterra Blvd. For more info, call Dawn Thompson at 210-901-4222 or register at TACCAGreaterSanAntonio.org TIBD

Texas Institute of Building Design

Jun. 21-23: 2018 Convention, Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center, 1101 Woodland Ave., Georgetown, TX. For more info, call 800-880-8423

Submitted to Construction News

Round-Up

Rock Engineering & Testing Laboratory Inc. is pleased to announce the following: Garrett Ward has been been promoted to Geotechnical Project Manager in the San Antonio office. He has been with Rock Engineering & Testing Laboratory Inc. for four years. Ward graduated with his B.S. in Geology from the U.T. at San Antonio in 2014. -cmw

Round-Up Submissions

Terri Pasley, Sundt Construction Inc. shared this photo of Meagan Garcia, an intern with Sundt, holding up a sign May 11, the day Meagan graduated from UTSA. -cmw

JR Eichelberger III, P.E., has joined Rock Engineering & Testing Laboratory Inc.’s San Antonio Office as a Senior Geotechnical Engineer. Eichelberger graduated with his B.S. in Civil Engineering from the U.T. at San Antonio in 2004.

-cmw

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

F

San Antonio Construction News • June 2018

Decoración de puerta de fiesta

iesta is more than just a time to remember the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto.

It is a time of celebration, bright colors, floats and fun.

Steves & Sons Inc. hosted a Fiesta door decorating contest commemorating the culture and heritage of the company and San Antonio while encouraging team members to embrace the spirit of Fiesta. –cmw

Team IT L-R: Andrew Reese, Vincent Trevino and Lucas Munos.

Team Home Center L-R: Chanel Gatica and Tom Matula.

Construction News ON LOCATION Team SASW L-R: Samantha Cordova, Juan Ramirez, Luis Gonzales, Genevieve Govea, Carolina Ibarra and Tracy Bragg.

Team Accounting L-R: Kelly Oliva, Erica Santos and Cristina Ortega.

Team SADP L-R: Mandy De La Rosa, Marsha Walker, Toni Sandusky, Lydia Shearman and John Masla.

Blair outnumbered

Blair Young (center) is flanked by Brett Soules (left) and Tara Gatten (right) at the office of Blair Young Construction. –dsz

San Antonio Construction News • June 2018

Page 23

Birthday surprise

Big birthday surprise for Chris Christians IV of Lynwood Building Materials from girlfriend Ashley Fousek - A guided fishing trip on the Guadalupe River by Lonestar Fly Fishing. Ain’t that a sweet rainbow trout. -rd

Great people come together

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n May 17 at the Blue Bonnet Palace in Selma, TX, SpawGlass Contractors held their 21st annual Luau Appreciation Event. The atmosphere was dressed with all things Hawaiian. Companies of all trades were present, enjoying the savory food and desserts. Who can forget that delicious coconut shrimp? Appreciation was given to all, along with memorable koozie souvenirs and more. –lv

Left: Al Vasquez with SpawGlass and friends enjoying the food and company.

L-R: Frank Canonica with Creative Concrete, Stella, Dave Sanchez with HCA de SA and Mary Hazlett with SpawGlass enjoying themselves.

SpawGlass San Antonio Division President, Jason Smith and Stephanie Dixon

SpawGlass team members L-R: Katie Crews and Nicole Zigmond having fun at the photo station.

Cram Roofing team members and Stantec team member take a group photo with other friends.

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San Antonio Construction News • June 2018