San Antonio Construction News December 2018

Covering the Industry’s News

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The Industry’s Newspaper www.constructionnews.net H (210) 308-5800 H Volume 21 H Number 12 H DECEMBER 2018

HOLT turns 85

Tres foundations

L-R: Phil Kelliher, Corinna Holt Richter and Peter J. Holt

L-R: Brian Holt and Richard Reed of Foundation Support Specialists

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an Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said it best when describing the legacy of HOLT CAT by saying it “started back when horsepower was measured by actual horses.” Truer words could not have been spoken about the five-generation legacy Benjamin Holt started with the design and manufacture of the first continuous tracks for use in tractors, paving the way for heavy agricultural and construction machinery for years to come. Holt’s invention forever changed the world as the use of horse drawn power applications became a thing of the past.

On Oct. 26, HOLT CAT CEO Peter J. Holt and President and Chief Administrative Officer Corinna Holt Richter welcomed several distinguished guests,

friends and media at the beginning of the 85th anniversary celebration. The event took place at the new state-of-theart HOLT CAT headquarters with opening remarks by Richter.

“We’re celebrating a number of milestones today. The biggest one is our organization’s 85 years in business. This weekend we will celebrate with a few thousand of our employees and their families to mark our history and impact in industrial innovation. We’re also celebrating our legacy as the largest Caterpillar dealer in the United States. “We are honored to represent an iconic brand like Caterpillar. It’s really our people who make HOLT who it is and why our customers choose us. We will have an ancontinued on Page 3

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oundation Support Specialists (FSS) is run by three men, each one lending his gifts and talents to the company.

Brian Holt is the construction expert. “I grew up in the business,” he said.

He jokes (but not really) when he says, “I’m 42 years old and I’ve been around [construction] for 42 years.”

In 2016, Brian saw an opportunity to get involved with a company called Earth Contact Products. Holt knew construction, but not the business side of running a business.

Thus, he contacted his long-time friends, the brother team of Richard and Adam Reed. Adam provides the marketing expertise for FSS, while Richard handles the office, which includes the finance portion.

“All three of us have our own unique talents,” Richard said, “and this is such an amazing thing we’ve got going on because we all do what we’re best at, and it’s working out for the benefit of everybody.”

Holt agrees that each person in the company has their role to play. “We don’t micromanage” when it comes to division of labor.

He goes on to say, “My father always taught me: Do what you’re good at and have other people do what you’re not good at. I’m not good at the finance side of it. But even if I was, I wouldn’t have time for it!”

FSS is headquartered in San Antonio, but also has an Austin office. It handles foundation issues in central and south Texas, all the way down to the Corpus continued on Page 21

State-of-the-art

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hen ASCO Equipment was looking for a contractor to build their new sales, parts and service facility, they wanted a contractor that had extensive experience in working with privately owned companies.

Hooker Contracting Inc. has been involved in the construction industry in South Texas since the mid ‘60s. A lot has changed since 1965 when H.V. Hooker founded Hooker Contracting. Today, the company is owned by Scott Shaheen and other employees. The employeeowned company specializes in designbuild projects for private companies throughout Texas.

Hooker began work on ASCO’s new sales, parts and service facility in June 2017. The project team for Hooker Contracting included Project Manager Scott Shaheen, and Assistant Project Manager Yvonne Masters. Project Superintendent Steve Jimmerson oversaw the

$9,500,000 project and turned the keys over to ASCO in July 2018.

The project site was once the old Keller Materials facility. The Hooker team began work with the demolition of the former Keller Materials office and warehouse space to make room for multiple site improvements. Once demolition was complete, construction of an approximate 21,000sf new showroom, office and parts warehouse space began in addition to approximately 25,000sf of new service bays and a new wash rack building.

This project provides ASCO, which is the largest Case Equipment dealer in Texas, with a state-of-the-art facility to better serve their customers.

Construction materials and systems included conventional steel framed structures as well as pre-engineered building systems, natural stone and stucco veneers, metal wall panels, metal and ASCO Equipment’s new sales, parts & service facility located at 1920 SE Loop 410.

continued on Page 21

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San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2018

It takes will power

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Howell hospitality

he weather was perfect. The sun was shining. The temperature was just right. Howell Crane & Rigging Inc. could not have picked a better day to host their 24th Annual Skeet Shoot, BarB-Cue & Dove Hunt at the Howell Ranch in Olmos, TX. “It’s our way of showing appreciation to our friends, family and customers,” says Owner Audie Howell. “It a fun time and we enjoy hosting it.”

The event was held on Oct. 13. Almost 200 guests were in attendance taking advantage of Mother Nature’s good humor and the hospitality of the Howell family. –cmw

Will Power Solar owner William Cahill

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t all started with a little solar kit, not the big boy kit, but the one you would buy for a 10-year-old. William Cahill has wanted to work in the solar industry since he was 10. Today he not only works in the industry, he owns his own business called Will Power Solar.

Cahill launched his solar business in June 2017. The company is an installation and sales solar company for residential and commercial clients. They are based in San Antonio and service the State of Texas.

Aside from the San Antonio market, Will Power Solar also services the surrounding areas of San Antonio. So far they’ve done work as far as El Paso, Brownsville and Houston. It was a slow start and with a blink of an eye the business has become something greater than Cahill could have imagined.

“It is truly something that I have always been working towards for a very long time. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t enjoy what I am doing for a living,” said Cahill.

While the company is still growing, Cahill has accomplished having in-house installers. Will Power Solar has eight installers with 15 employees. “We believe strongly in being able to be in control of how the installs play out, which ultimately leads to better customer service,” added Cahill.

Cahill shared a story that his workers experience. Let’s just say you are never too old to hug. “One time we did a job and my guys stayed there pretty late finishing up the last little touches. The homeowner was so happy that he gave everyone a

hug.” Yes, grown men give hugs!

But the project that really kicked them into gear was at the end of 2017 when they did two Extra Space Storage commercial projects. One random Saturday, Cahill received a call from the developer who was in a bind and needed to get these two projects done in San Antonio. At that point the developer had already called the entire list of registered contractors with CPS. “It was ironic because we are Will Power Solar, so we are literally on the bottom of the list. The developer went through every single company on that list and on a Saturday I was the only one who returned the phone call, and we got those two contracts because of it.” Cahill had only been in business for six months, but what a great way to end the year.

Cahill meant what he said about wanting to be involved with the solar industry since he was young. Part of his company name story started with Mission Solar when he worked for them for three years. During his time with them he would receive rotating days off. “I had these extra days to not only work a second job doing installations, but I also had that time to figure out what am I going to do to start my own company,” said Cahill.

“Some of the guys that I worked with I joked around and said if I ever start a solar company I want to call it Will Power Solar. We all laughed about it. Then when the day came, I thought why not.”

Will Power Solar is a sales and installation solar contractor for residential and commercial, located in San Antonio, TX. –lv

Male Belt Buckle winner – Richard Davila, Divas AC

Female Belt Buckle winner – Taylor Cleveland

L-R: Gail Beaver, Courtney Bennett, Tiffany Kruse, Ressie Howell, Rhonda Kramer, Melissa Scott and Kelsey David

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Golfing for a purpose

ince 2001, the Sundt Foundation has championed a special fundraising effort in memory of one of their former employee-owners. Mike Gaines was a member of the Sundt family for two decades before losing his life to complications from ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The 8th Annual Mike Gaines San Antonio Charity Golf Tournament was held at The Silverhorn Golf Club of Texas on Oct. 19 to a sold-out course of 144 golfers. All of the money raised is donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association for ALS research. –cmw

1st Place – Airrosti

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2018

Page 3

continued from Page 1 — HOLT CAT

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Tailgating with CED

eeping in touch with the spirit of the football season, Consolidated Electrical Distributors (CED) hosted a tailgate party, “CED vs Acuity,” at their offices of Nov. 9.

CED provided lunch and lots of amazing raffle prizes. Everyone had a great time. -cmw L-R: Rudy Martinez and David ➤ Simonson, JSW Diversified with Ruben Valdez and Gilbert Morales, Harlandale ISD.

L-R: Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran, Corinna Holt Richter, Peter J. Holt and Mayor Ron Nirenberg

tique tractor show on our campus showcasing many of the products that our ancestor Benjamin Holt developed that forever changed industry worldwide and of course, we are celebrating are newly expanded corporate headquarters building which houses 250 of our 800 San Antonio employees.

“It’s 80,000sf and has state-of-the-art conference and training rooms, collaborative workspaces, employee gym, outdoor walking trail and cafeteria. We are very proud of it.

“My brother, Peter and I, feel a great responsibility to ensure that our 2,700 employees have the resources they need to support our thousands of customers across the state. As the next chapter of history for Holt unfolds, we are proud of where we have been and excited to share the future with you,” says Richter.

The celebration continued as Holt greeted Mayor Ron Nirenberg; District 3 Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran; South Central Texas Regional Director for Senator Ted Cruz, Javier Salinas; Southside Chamber President Al Arreola, Jr. and Caterpillar Vice President Americas & European Distribution Services Phil Kelliher as they all presented the Holt family with commemorative gifts in honor of HOLT CAT’s 85th anniversary.

The party didn’t stop there. On day two of the 85th anniversary celebration,

more than 2,000 HOLT CAT employees and their families from across the state of Texas gathered at the HOLT CAT headquarters for a true day of celebration. The employees and their families were treated to some of the best foods, activities and entertainment. In addition, they were able to enjoy the antique tractor show being held on the HOLT grounds which included a parade and live machine demonstrations.

The all day event provided plenty of activities for all including games for kids of all ages. There was rock climbing walls, moon bounces, a giant hamster ball race track, bungee joust, face painting, petting zoo, pony and horse rides and much more. No child could complain they had nothing to do. Even the adults had plenty to keep them occupied.

The progression of where HOLT is now and for their future, both in their new facility and the technology that is in all of their new equipment is “just a wonderful balance between the foundational legacy of where we are coming from and the innovative future that we going towards,” HOLT CAT CEO Peter J. Holt stated during the company’s 85th anniversary celebration.

HOLT CAT, the largest dealer of Caterpillar equipment headquartered in San Antonio, TX. –cmw

Rock climbing wall

Petting zoo

Bungee joust

L-R: Brian Bridger, CED; Scott Douglas, Acuity Brands; Chance Chumbley, Spectrum Lighting and David Burrows, CED

Guests enjoy friendship and lunch

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San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2018

Tool time with Greg

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Greg Morris, general manager of Morris Machine Tool & Supply.

ne might say that Greg Morris was born into the tool business.

His father, Roger Morris, started Morris Machine Tool & Supply (MMT&S) in 1980. Greg was born in 1980. Some things are just meant to be.

Roger had worked in the industrial supply business for years. He worked for Tri-Tex Machine Tool, but renamed it as Morris Machine Tool & Supply when he bought it.

Greg is now the general manager, while father Roger acts as the CFO and still makes all the big decisions.

When the younger Morris was growing up, his first career goal was to be an architect. Unfortunately, being an architect requires being proficient in math, and “math was never my thing,” Morris laughs.

Morris started working for his dad right out of high school. He’s done everything from shipping and receiving, to accounting, to inside and outside sales. He describes MMT&S as “a small family company with a lot of history.”

In the earlier days, MMT&S focused on hand tools primarily. Now, however, hand tools are much more specialized, and machine tools became the company’s target in the early 1990s.

MMT&S’s primary end user is in the aerospace industry, the gas and oil fields, the defense and automotive industries.

Also, there is plenty of business to be had with those who work with metals on a smaller scale, like gun and knife manufacturers. Since there are a very wide variety of metals and plastics out in the world, that requires a wide variety of tools to accommodate them. Metals like titanium, steels, aluminums and composites are common.

“People manufacture a lot of different products,” Morris said. “Everybody

San Antonio

wants their stuff faster. Everything is based on technology and how fast things can do, and mechanically, how fast we can go.” This means that the tools needed to cut all the “stuff” that’s out there needs to keep up with the demand.

Hence, we have companies like MMT&S.

“We’re the only family owned operation in San Antonio anymore, in our industry,” Morris explained. The bigger conglomerations have bought the others out. “We’re the only one that’s not been purchased by anybody else.”

Because of this, Morris wants to ramp up his online sales presence as well as his building’s showroom capabilities for the walk-in customer. The MMT&S building, he says, is vintage ‘70s that wasn’t built with a showroom in mind.

Morris attends as many trade shows as he can, such as the large Industrial Machine Tool Show in Chicago, to keep up on the latest and greatest.

Morris also appreciates the dying art of the classic machinist, such as the ones who mass built the ships and planes during WWII. They didn’t have CNCs back then, but rather lots of “old school ingenuity.”

“I stock the largest inventory in San Antonio cutting tools,” Morris said. He has to, because his world is “an everevolving industry [that’s’] pretty dynamic.”

Because of advances in materials themselves, the tools needed to make the products we use are rapidly changing. Someone is always building a better mousetrap.

If only Rosie the Riveter were around now to see the tools we have today.

Imagine what she could have done.

Morris Machine Tool & Supply is in San Antonio and services south and central Texas. -dsz

Winds of change

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Bottom (L-R): Matt Garza, Matthew Janosky, Luke Janosky; Top (L-R): Mason Gates, Cyndi Janosky, Luis Janosky, Curtis Blake of 4 Winds AC and Heating

ouis Janosky had a life-changing decision to make. For 15 years, he had worked for a steel company, with the kind of stability and benefits that can be hard to leave. But he also had a growing family and the opportunity to further his education, thanks to his service in the military.

His eye was on being an auto mechanic, but Louis’ dad suggested an HVAC career might be the better path for him. Louis agreed, and after earning an associate degree, a masters license and years of experience, he established 4 Winds AC and Heating in 2006. The timing couldn’t have been better.

“We had small children at the time and I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom,” Louis’ wife, Cyndi, explains. “It was a little tough financially, but we figured I would be able to help him with the business and I could help bring in a little extra income.

That quickly turned into a full-time job; we didn’t realize how much work it was going to be at that time. I never went back to teaching!”

Together, Louis and Cyndi have grown 4 Winds AC and Heating into a staff of seven. They have also moved from an in-home office to a separate workspace on their five-acre property.

The close-but-distant office location has been a blessing for the Janosky family.

“We enjoy working together,” Cyndi says. “It’s been challenging at times but it’s also very rewarding in that we work around each other’s and our kids’ schedules – we have four children and they keep us pretty busy. We’re able to go to work at a certain time and when we leave the office, we’re done with work.

We can come in, enjoy the kids and do family stuff. We try to balance everything between work, family and home; there’s a lot going on and we just make it work.”

The Janosky offspring – three sons aged 21, 19, and 13 and a 12-year old daughter – grew up in the business. Each

If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

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son has spent summers in the field, while the daughter is already dreaming of taking over the family business.

“They’ve known nothing else other than air conditioning,” Cyndi says. “It’s funny; when we look for employees, we compare them to our kids because our kids sometimes know more about the field than new employees coming in!”

As for their employees, Louis and Cyndi makes sure that their employees receive training that combines business and pleasure.

“We stay involved with ACCA [Air Conditioning Contractors of America] and our suppliers will sometimes have events or training,” Cyndi says. “When we have dealer meetings, we send our employees so they can get some training, but it’s also fun.”

The Janoskys find fun in the unique projects on which they are fortunate to work.

“The historical district is one of our favorite places to work because we meet a lot of interesting people who have interesting projects going on,” Cyndi says. “They’re thinking outside of the box. They don’t necessarily want conventional; they want efficiency and they’re building green much of the time.

We like working with people like that, even when it makes it more challenging because it’s a lot of customized work.”

After 12 years, Louis and Cyndi have no plans to cool their heels.

“We’re trying to grow; we’ve been growing slowly,” Cyndi says. “A big focus is making sure our employees are doing the type of work that we value and that we want to be doing out there. We have a motto: “Quality work, honest opinion, reliable service and reasonable rates.”

That kind of sums everything up that we want to do.”

HVAC subcontractor 4 Winds AC and Heating is located in Castroville. –mjm

I would probably go to when I was first in the military and had my kids. When they were young, we had so much fun and they were so awesome at that age. They grew up and went out into the world.

Sometimes, I just miss those times; that was a fun time. I have several grandkids now and just had one move here to San Antonio this year, so I've been having a good time with him.

John Alvarez, the9YARDS I would love to go back and see how these houses back in the 1800s were built. They nailed everything by hand. It was a different process back then. They had different materials back then. The tools were different back then.

Paul Perez, Texas Family Roofing & Construction

I would probably go back to the Greeks and the way they built society - the first democracies and their architecture.

That’s pretty neat.

Greg Morris Morris Machine Tool & Supply I think it would be really neat to go back to the ‘50s. Things back then were a lot simpler. I know that there were some tougher times back then, but life as a family was a lot simpler.

Aaron Schrandt Hard Rock Directional Drilling If there were one thing I would go back in time for it would be to start on my business ownership earlier in life.

William Cahill Will Power Solar

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2018

Page 5

Divide and conquer

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Paula Christensen, owner of Christensen Woodworks

ary and Paula Christensen utilize their gifts and talents perfectly as owners of Christensen Wood-

works.

Gary is a carpenter. If sawdust truly runs in the carpenter’s veins, it does in his. “This is the only thing I’ve ever done,” he said. After working for other companies in various management roles, Gary decided to get back to his true love six and a half years ago when he formed Christensen Woodworks.

Paula worked for the family business part time while also working in the oil and gas industry. But she came on board full time three recently, and it’s been full steam ahead ever since.

“It’s unbelievable what she’s done the last three and a half years,” Gary said.

“We both have unique talents,” he explained. “Mine is managing the shop, the processes - all the technical stuff.

She’s the people person and makes stuff happen.”

Christensen Woodworks has a wide range of commercial and residential clients, literally all over the country, from California to Kentucky.

“I work with the homeowner on the residential side,” Paula said, “and I get very, very intimate with their life.” She’ll open up cabinets, sinks, drawers, closets, etc., to see how that person lives and what they’re style is. “To me, it’s very personal,” she said. Then, Paula will draw up the plans and begin the process of melding the budget with the dream.

(There are times, however, when the client’s dream is so far-out custom that Paula will reel them in and say that someday the house will have a new owner, and they might not want what you are want-

ing.)

“We’re trying to get the most bang for the buck we can,” Gary said, when it came to making the vision turn into a reality. Because of this attention to detail and concern for the client’s needs, all their work comes from referrals. This also explains why Christensen Woodworks will go to New York or Pennsylvania to do work, as most are repeat customers who have hired them previously.

“We have some clients we’ll bend over backward and make stuff happen for because they’re good clients,” Gary said.

They company has six other guys working for them, and Gary credits them for being able to handle remote jobs.

“We happen to have some really good people work for us, and that’s what makes it possible.” It’s these men who are dispatched to other states.

“We have a really interesting dynamic here,” Gary said. He rarely answers the phone, while Paula is the face and voice of the business. He prefers to be in the shop. “That’s the reason that we’re successful right now, because we have that mix,” he said.

Business is good, and despite fickle trends in décor, the future is bright. Gary hopes to hire on some more crew and build an even bigger client base. “We’re on an upward growth pattern right now,” he said.

With Paula doing “pretty much everything” except making the products, which Gary does, these two really know how to divide and conquer.

Christensen Woodworks is a custom wood shop, in San Antonio. -dsz

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San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2018

Part III: Plan ahead for accounting for new long-term contracts Scott Allen, CPA, Tax Partner Cornwell Jackson Plano, TX

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our company established the completed contract method of accounting for long-term contracts that are exempt from Code Section 460 because its gross receipts fell under the $10 million threshold.

As the company grew, it continued to use this accounting method. It had two very good years in 2015 and 2016. In 2017 average annual gross receipts for 2014-2016 exceeded $10 million for the first time. For contracts that were open in 2016, the company will continue to report income from those contracts under the completed contract method. For contracts that were started in 2017, the company will be required to report under the percentage of completion method in accordance with Code Section 460 for every year until the contracts are complete.

However, for contracts started in 2018, because the gross receipts threshold was adjusted to $25 million, those contracts are exempt from complying with Code Section 460. The company will report those contracts under the completed contract method since it is the company’s established accounting method for exempt contracts.

Then again, if it was decided that it made sense to report 2018 contracts under a different accounting method other than completed contract, the company will need to file for a change in accounting method with the IRS. The change is not classified as an automatic change; Form 3115 will need to be filed with the IRS prior to year-end. A user fee (currently $9,500) will also need to be paid in order for the Form 3115 to be processed.

The bottom line is that companies with three-year trailing average gross receipts under the $25 million threshold in 2018 should do an analysis to determine if a change in accounting method makes sense. The analysis should include the following factors: •

Whether an overall method of accounting of cash or accrual is the most advantageous;

• The amount of taxable income

deferred under the various

accounting methods for long-term contracts; •

The effect of AMT on the owners’ returns given the new AMT exemp- tions and elevated phase-outs;

•

The expected growth rate for the company and the length of time before it is expected to reach the $25 million threshold.

With thoughtful consideration and planning, the proper accounting method for long-term contracts can result in the deferral of a significant amount of income tax, which will help your company manage working capital more effectively.

To select the most advantageous accounting method or to determine if your company should change its accounting method in 2018, controllers and CFOs may need the guidance of a CPA knowledgeable in accounting for long-term contract rules. It helps to get a second opinion to support the right accounting method for your contracts that is both tax law compliant and offers the best potential for tax planning or deferral.

For the complete article, Download the Whitepaper: 2017 Tax Law Impacts Accounting for Long-Term Contracts on our website.

Scott Allen, CPA, joined Cornwell Jackson as a Tax Partner in 2016, bringing his expertise in the Construction and Oil and Gas industries and 25 years of experience in the accounting field. As the Partner in Charge of the Tax practice at Cornwell Jackson, Scott provides proactive tax planning and tax compliance to all Cornwell Jackson tax clients. Contact him at Scott.Allen@cornwelljackson.com or 972-202-8032.

Consider a workers’ compensation deductible Wes Pitts, Sr. V.P. and Southwest Regional Construction Practice Leader for USI Southwest USI Southwest Austin, TX

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ou’ve seen your Workers’ Compensation premiums rising just on the basis growth of your company (payrolls), yet your controls and claims management processes have only improved and your resulting experience has been good.

I want to point out that there are some carriers out there, yes including the market leader in Texas, that are offering some pretty darn attractive deductible credits these days. First off keep in mind this is not a “one size fits all” approach.

Generally, to consider a deductible you need to have a somewhat sizeable WC premium, excellent controls and claims management, at least 5 years of experience to back that up, and the ability to post some security collateral. We generally like to look at a minimum $25,000. per person/claim deductible with No Aggregate (i.e. no agg. cap on the no. of deductibles you could have to pay for) because of the deeper credit this brings, which can be close to -25%. If interested, the first thing that needs to happen is your agent needs to conduct an analysis of what it would have looked like at least over the last 5-years of your WC experience – this is really nothing more than a spreadsheet that captures the term, losses under and over, the estimated premium savings, and the differential. If that differential is largely in the black over the term, then it may make sense for you. If the trigger is pulled, you’ll want to place even more emphasis on safety, policies, controls and probably most importantly having a dedicated person on claims management, which we addressed back in the Oct. issue. The collateral could be $50,000., $75,000., $100,000., and gener-

ally in a combination of about 70% Irrevocable Letter of Credit (ILOC) and balance in cash, with the amount depending on your payment history, credit history, loss pick and credit on the pick. This collateral is not a working collateral – claims are not paid from it, but rather you would reimburse the Company for claims on a monthly invoiced basis. You’d also want to know going in that because it often takes several years for some claims to be paid and closed, you will continue to be responsible for reimbursing the Company for claims the Company has paid until all claims within your deductible are paid and then closed. Accordingly, the Company will maintain the Escrow Account established by the Deductible Escrow and Security Agreement after the expiration of the policy.

As you grow and try to manage your costs, it is always a good idea to look at all alternative funding arrangements for your insurance program, have your agent help you to learn and understand them, and then you can jump onboard if it makes sense for your company.

Wes Pitts is a Sr. Vice President and Southwest Regional Construction Practice Leader for USI Southwest - Austin, TX. 512-6514107, or Wesley.pitts@usi.com

Carving at its best

What’s Halloween without pumpkins? Quality Fence & Welding really got into the spirit of things as they held their annual pumpkin-carving contest.

Congratulations winners on your “spook-tacular” creativity. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2018

Page 7

What to do if you suddenly become involved in a multi-party construction defect lawsuit?

Andres Gonzalez Cokinos | Young Austin, TX

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imes are changing. Around Texas, there is an onset of multi-party construction defect lawsuits. In the Valley and recently in Bexar County, various school districts have filed lawsuits. In the current climate of public owners or owners of multi-family housing units, construction defect lawsuits are becoming prevalent. When public owners are involved, the two or four year statutes of limitation do not apply. Instead, lawsuits may be brought ten to twelve years after substantial completion of a project.

If your company becomes involved in this type of lawsuit, you need to understand how to manage the unexpected legal costs of defending the lawsuit. Your commercial general liability policy should cover your legal costs.

Usually, a commercial general liability insurer owes its insured a duty to defend the lawsuit and a duty to indemnify for a judgment when the insured becomes legally liable to pay (assuming it is a loss covered by the policy). The duty to defend is a very important and valuable benefit. The cost of defending the lawsuit may exceed any amounts the insurer pays to ultimately settle the lawsuit or indemnify the insured against the loss.

This is a quick how-to guide for when you realize that your

company is a party in the construction defect lawsuit or arbitration: You want to put your insurance company on notice immediately. If you are aware of a project where your company will likely get sued, notify your insurance company or agent. Even if you do not yet have a copy of the citation or original petition, you may want to inform the insurance company of the pending lawsuit. By doing so, you will get some time to make sure that you are covered for the alleged property damage and to get an attorney lined up.

Once you have been served with a copy of the citation and original petition, send the copy to your insurance agent or adjuster. The insurance adjuster should hire competent legal counsel

Cranes and derricks in construction: Operator qualification Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

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SHA changed the regulation governing crane operator certification in construction. First, this final rule removes the requirement that crane operator certifications include the crane’s rated lifting capacity. The two testing organizations that have certified the majority of operators have issued certifications by “type” but not “capacity.” These certifications, therefore, would not have been valid without a change to the rule. OSHA has concluded that the capacity requirement for certification is not necessary to protect workers.

OSHA is also making permanent the employer duty to ensure that operators are competent to operate the equipment safely. While certification ensures an objective baseline of general knowledge of crane operation, it does not ensure that operators know how to operate a particular crane for a specific task. For this reason, OSHA is revising the crane standard to preserve a requirement that employers assess the ability of their operators to run the cranes they will be using for the tasks to which they are assigned. This employer duty would have ceased to ex-

to represent you and pay the costs of defense. Those costs include attorney’s fees and the costs of hiring expert witnesses, copying charges, arbitration and mediation expenses, court reporters, and miscellaneous lawsuit-related charges. Most commercial general liability policies give the insurance company the right to select your defense counsel. If there is a particular law firm you would rather use, you should ask your adjuster if the insurance company will approve your selected defense counsel.

Lately, several Plaintiff’s lawyers have been filing very vague petitions. Your company will be named in the lawsuit but there is very little detail about why you were sued. In fact, you may feel it is a frivolous filing simply because it is unclear. It does not matter what causes of action are in the pleading. The pleading may identify negligence, breach of contract, or something entirely different.

What does matter are the damages alleged to have occurred as a result of the acts or omissions of the insured or its subcontractors. That pleading, however, is very important to trigger your insurance company’s duty to defend you under the insurance policy. In Texas, an insurers’ duty to defend the insured is triggered based on the “eight corners rule.” This refers to the four corners of the insurance policy and the four corners of the lawsuit. A court will examine the facts in the pleadings, the language in the insurance policy, and determine if the facts could potentially be covered by the insurance policy. The factual allegations are considered without regard to their truth or falsity, and all doubts regarding the duty to defend are resolved in the

insured’s favor. If a petition potentially includes a covered claim, the insurer owes the insured the duty to defend and must defend the entire lawsuit.

If you are a general contractor, you will want to make sure you have copies of the subcontract agreements and the certificates of insurance from the various subcontractors. You will want to make additional insured tenders to the subcontractors that have work implicated in the lawsuit. You will also want to tender the lawsuit to the subcontractor’s insurance agent and the insurance companies listed on the certificates of insurance. Often times, a subcontractor may still owe the general contractor a defense and indemnity based on the written subcontract agreement. This may apply even if the subcontractor’s work is not directly implicated in the pleadings. The subcontract agreement may require the subcontractor to defend and indemnify the general contractor for any lawsuit arising from the project.

At times, you may receive a reservation of rights letter from an insurer. This generally means that the insurer will provide you with a defense while reserving its right to deny coverage for the reasons set out in the letter, which often includes the application of various exclusions in the policy. For example, if your policy has coverage for property damage, only certain forms of property damage may be covered, depending on the provisions in your policy. You would need to discuss the reservation of rights letter and its implications with your attorney.

210-293-8752 agonzalez@cokinoslaw.com

ist without this new rulemaking.

An operator can meet OSHA’s certification requirements by obtaining certification from an accredited, third-party crane certification organization. An employer can also comply with OSHA’s standard by developing an employer-audited program and use this program to certify operators it employs. Finally, crane operators can meet OSHA’s certification requirements by obtaining a state or local crane operator license that meets OSHA’s requirements in those jurisdictions that issue crane operator’s licenses.

In addition to ensuring that an operator is properly certified, an employer must also evaluate the operator to ensure that the operator has the skills, knowledge, and ability to recognize and avert risk to operate the equipment safely. This evaluation must be done by a person who has the knowledge, training, and experience necessary to assess op-

erators. Once an operator has passed an evaluation on one piece of equipment, the employer may allow that operator to operate different equipment without further evaluation if the employer can demonstrate that operating that equipment would not require substantially different skills, knowledge or ability to recognize and avert risk. For example, an employer may evaluate an operator and determine that he or she has demonstrated the ability to safely operate a large crane in a relatively complex configuration. If the employer determines that the operator has the skills, knowledge, and ability to identify and avert risk necessary to safely operate a smaller crane of the same type and operating system, in a simpler configuration with a shorter boom, then the operator would not need to be re-evaluated (assuming that the tasks are similar). natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232

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San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2018

San Pedro Park. When I got bored at the studio I would play in the park.

What is your educational background?

I went to a few universities, one being Central State University in Ohio. I majored in Fine Arts. I also played college soccer at the time.

Did you receive a scholarship?

Yes, I received a scholarship to play at Central State University.

Adrian J. Cavallini President The Cavallini Company Inc. San Antonio, Tx

What did you think about Ohio?

It is very cold and there are tornadoes.

What year did you come back to San Antonio?

In the early ‘80s of which I began working with my dad full time.

tained glass and mosaics capture stunning images with their colored glass and tessera. Adrian J. Cavallini is a part of something that has brought beauty and elegance to your churches and homes. The truth behind the work is pure dedication and craft. Adrian makes sure that continues.

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Were there other jobs you had besides working with your father?

During high school, I used to do some maintenance for St. Anthony High School Seminary. I also helped with maintenance and grounds keeping for Oblate College while I was a teenager. I also worked at Pizza Inn as a cook.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas.

What heritage is your last name?

It is Italian. I am half Italian. My dad is an immigrant from Rome, Italy.

What was your childhood like?

My dad had a glass factory, stained glass and mosaic business. My mom was a schoolteacher. They were both very busy at times. I have one brother and two sisters. I am second to the youngest. We had a good childhood; we were very blessed.

How did you initially decide on a career path?

I’ve always liked art and back in grade school was constantly drawing.

When it came down to it as a young adult in my 20s, I knew I had to do something with my life. Being that I liked art, stained glass and mosaics, those things gave me the opportunity to do art. It is something I enjoy and I’m glad I chose that career path.

What high school did you attend?

I graduated from St. Anthony Catholic High School Seminary. I played soccer, football and ran track.

You started doing mosaics at 11-yearsold, which ones did you work on?

I don’t recall which ones I worked on, but I do recall going to the studio with my dad and they had some of the mosaics projects in progress. I would go to the tables where they were working and help them by placing mosaic pieces onto the mural.

Did you see yourself becoming the president of the company?

I never really thought about where I would be in the future with the company.

Every day I do the best I can and work my hardest. I never really thought about how much money I was going to make or anything like that. I was always concentrating on the work and making sure that we would all do the best that we could with the craft. That has always been my goal.

Was there something else you rather have been doing at that age?

It was fun because I worked with different artists and designers. Each one had their own talents and tips of how to do things – this was very valuable. We were located on North Flores St. at W. Mrytle St., which is across the street from

What was the turning point in taking over the business?

It’s hard to say what date I took over the company. Of course, I run it 100 percent with my sons and Debbie, but I want to guess it was around the year 2000, when the transition started. My dad is 90, so he was in his 70s when I took over.

Three generations of the Cavallini family. L-R: Adrian V. Cavallini, Joseph M. Cavallini, Manlio D. Cavallini (founder), Anthony D. Cavallini, Debbie A. Cavallini and Adrian J. Cavallini (president).

Does your father still pop in at work?

He still comes in and works with mosaics. This year, he fabricated the mosaic mural onto the façade of our building which is in the picture.

What are the challenges and successes you’ve seen as president?

I think one of the challenges is to make sure we have enough commissions and restorations for our employees – thankfully we are very busy. The challenge on the supply side of art glass materials, due to a large Internet presence, many people are getting their products over the Internet. What we find on the supply, side especially with glass, is that the customer doesn’t want to buy glass over the Internet because they don’t know what to expect in regards to color and texture and sometimes it arrives damaged. So we have a very large assortment of cut pieces of art glass ready for the customer to view and purchase. Plus, we have very competitive prices and many times are less than the Internet.

Do you have a mentor?

My dad was my mentor with the business. I would say back in high school some of my mentors were some of the priests. Father Morrell, Father Rufus Whitley, Father Gitzen and many others. These men really stand out for me. Every four to five years I see Father Gitzen. Fathers Morrell and Whitley I see more often.

Tell us about your family, are you married?

Yes, I’ve been married to Debbie for 28 years. She has been working as the office manager in the company since 1992.

She is also our store manager at our supply center. She wears many hats. We also have our two sons working full-time with us. My youngest son graduated from UTSA last year and our middle son also graduated from UTSA around three years ago.

Can you share your love story with us?

How did you and Debbie meet?

When I was attending St. Anthony’s while she was attending Providence. We met in high school. We were good friends but took different paths in our lives at that time. Debbie went to college and got a degree from St. Mary’s and a master’s degree from Troy State when she was in the army. Debbie later returned from Germany to the states. Then Debbie and my sister Felicia attended their ten year Providence class reunion. My sister mentioned that she saw Debbie at the reunion. I called Debbie and asked her out; we’ve been together ever since.

You have a daughter Alyssia, and three sons, Anthony, Joseph and Adrian is that right?

Yes. Anthony is a special needs child and he is our oldest son. He works with us part time since our 30,000 sqft facility is 100% accessible. Joseph, the middle son, assists with sales at the supply center, pricing, invoicing and I T support. Adrian V., the youngest, is an art glass consultant, craftsman and provides estimates for custom art glass and restorations.

What are some of your favorite family activities?

We have four grand children from our daughter Alyssia, so we like to visit the grandkids. They are all girls. We also like to have our family come to our house for the holidays. We try to get together at the lake. Last year we took everyone to Disney World. We create activities around the family. I don’t have a lot of hobbies other than gardening; I don’t fish much, hunt or play golf. Most of our spare time is spent being together with the family.

Will you be having a long Christmas list this year?

Yeah, definitely (chuckles).

Do you watch any sports during this time of the year?

I like the Dallas Cowboys, but it has been a little frustrating (chuckles). I like the Spurs; you’ve got to like the Spurs if you are from San Antonio.

How do you prepare for a new year?

It is interesting that you ask that because though we have many commissions, I always think, as going into the New Year, that I am concerned about having enough work. Many times around the New Year there is not much activity, so I get a little anxious. It is inevitable though, that about the second week of January things pick up.

The Cavallini Company Inc has been family owned and operated since 1953 in San Antonio. –lv

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2018

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Construction News ON LOCATION

Canine friends

Golfing at the Canyon

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he Canyon Course at the J.W. Marriot Resort’s TPC Golf Club was the setting for the American Subcontractors Association’s (ASA) fall golf tournament.

Member, guests and friends gathered together for a fun-filled day of golf on Oct. 23. Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography. –cmw Net score winners: 1st Place: Buyers Barricades - Matt Sauer, Matt Smith, Eric Putnam and Mike Moline 2nd Place: Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing - Adam Matthys, Brian Cox, Wyatt Stevenson and Tom Smith 3rd Place: Lone Star Materials - Chris Beard, Dustin Noles, Taber Diaz and Craig Baldwin

Gross score winners: 1st Place: United Rentals -Justin Morales, JD Kunz, Jason Hollifield and Michael Platt 2nd Place: Martin Marietta Materials Shaun Forks, Scott Stewart, Shane Herbst and Wayne Robinson 3rd Place: Texas First Rentals - Tyler Mann, Richard Gonzales, Dustin Schneider and Victor Jarki Ladies Longest Drive: Melodye Tomsu, SpawGlass Contractors Men’s Longest Drive: Jeremy Doege, Structura Closest-to-the-Pin: Adam Matthys, Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing

The Future of Benchmark Plumbing (R) Spencer and (L) Melissa Ramzel pose with their two attack dogs, Tootsie and Roco. -cmw

Fishing quality

Buyer Barricades – 1st Place Net Team

Quality Fence & Welding held their annual fishing trip where the QF employees caught around 60 fish and had plenty of great fishing stories to share.-cmw

United Rentals – 1st Place Gross Team

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OLT CAT was host of this year’s annual Antique Caterpillar Machine Owners Club (ACMOC) National Show, showcasing HOLT, Caterpillar and other brands of century-old construction and farming machines owned by collectors from across the country.

The free public event was held at the HOLT CAT headquarters in San Antonio Oct. 26 -28 with antique machine displays, a machine operating area, daily machine parade, food and entertainment.

Approximately 100 antique tractors dating back to the early 1900s were on display. Among the highlights were a 1910-era wooden Holt manufacturing combine, CAT 20 Experimental Tractor from the 1927 World’s Fair and the Holt 120 tractor which is currently on display at the Heidrick Ag History Museum in Sacramento, CA.

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2018

Antique tractor show

The live machine operating demonstrations and parade allowed spectators to appreciate the functionality of the machines that revolutionized the world. Also on hand were plenty of restoration stories to tell along with tales of rare finds and where they were found.

Along with the old, the newest CAT equipment was also on display. Getting a first hand look at how Caterpillar has evolved and the future it is moving towards was sure to leave everyone in total “ahh!”

Collectors of these antique tractors have a great passion for these machines. The ACMOC was founded in 1991 by a small group of enthusiasts who all shared a passion for the legacy of antique Caterpillar machinery.

Can you imagine operating this beast all day in a field?

Youngsters get a first hand look at this tractor

Their mission is to assist and educate not just their members but also the general public on the historic Caterpillar machinery and how it shaped the world. They have chapters across the continental United States, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. -cmw

The owner of this antique tractor gets it ready to operate.

1910-era wooden Holt Manufacturing combine

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2018

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trip will include accommodations in a luxurious fivebedroom house that will sleep up to 10 fishermen. The Laguna house has all comforts of home with a large outdoor deck and cooking area to entertain clients and guests. A two-day minimum is required for the Lower Laguna Madre trips. These trips are also wade fishing throwing lures. If you are interested in either of the winter wade fishing packages don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss rates and packages.

South Texas trophies await you

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, JL Marines Power-Pole, AFW and AFTCO Clothing

Angler Steve Munoz of Dallas recently caught this 35” redfish in the upper Laguna Madre. Steve was free lining live piggy perch when this brute hit. Photo by Steve Schultz Outdoors.

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If you’re looking for a trophy larger than 160, I have several ranches to choose from in Carrizo Springs and Charlotte Tx. These are smaller high fence ranches that offer whitetail deer hunts for deer that range from 160 to over 200”. These hunts are specific trophy hunts that are priced accordingly with the size of deer taken.

I still have several open dates for the 2018 fishing season weather permitting, and my deer hunts are booking up fast. December offers some of the best South Texas deer hunting action during the rut which usually kicks off around the 10th of the month. Don’t hesitate in calling. I have several good hunting dates open. Also, my 2019 fishing calendar is now open. Don’t hesitate in booking your fishing trips because my dates usually go pretty quick, especially during the more popular months.

hether you are searching for a trophy speckled trout, redfish or South Texas whitetail buck, we have you covered. From December through February, I will be concentrating on these types of trips and catering to folk’s specific needs. By the time this article is in your hands, deer season will be in full rut and fishing should be getting pretty hot also. Here is a brief explanation of what I’m going to be doing for the next few months. Also, remember that I have gift certificates for that special someone for the holidays.

Fishing Trips: I will be splitting my time between Baffin Bay and Port Mainsfield this winter. Baffin trips will be based out of Corpus Christi and depart from Marker 37 marina.

These trips will be wade fishing with artificial lures targeting trophy speckled trout and reds. Port Mansfield

Hunting Trips:

Whitetail hunts kicked off last month and are in full swing here in South Texas. I have several ranches to choose from according to the caliber of deer your searching for. Most of my time is spent at the Chaparrosa ranch outside of La Pryor, Tx. This ranch is just shy of 100,000 acres and is considered one of the most premier ranches in the state. We offer low fence, fair chase hunts for deer up to 160” for groups from one to six persons.

We also have hog, javelina and quail hunts if interested.

To schedule your next bay fishing trip or hunting trip give Capt. Steve Schultz a call at 361-813-3716 or email him at SteveSchultzOutdoors@gmail.com.

Trevor Boatright harvested this awesome slick 8-point buck on the Chaparrosa Ranch near La Pryor, TX. Trevor’s buck scored 140” and was guided by Steve Schultz Outdoors.

oug Cook with City Wide Mechanical and Michael Hendrickson, IBTX Risk Services went on a recent hunting adventure together. The hunt took place on private property 90 miles west of Clove, NM where the two each shot a trophy pronghorn antelope. –cmw

Pronghorn beauties

Brad Baylis, owner of City Wide Mechanical shot this pronghorn beauty with hunting the New Mexico desert in October.

Michael Hendrickson, IBTX Risk Services shows off his prized pronghorn antelope.

Good luck and Good Fishing.

Doug Cook, City Wide Mechanical poses with his trophy pronghorn antelope.

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San Antonio Construction News • DEC 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

Wow, what difference a few weeks can make!

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ince I wrote my last article, we have gone from hoping we could just catch some water in the lakes to help us recover from lack of rain in the summer to full on flash flood mode and now the clean-up and recovery work.

Here on Lake Buchanan we see a lot of flood water pass through, but we don’t get the flood damage that our lower Highland Lakes can get. Our continuing thoughts and prayers go out to our friends downstream.

If you are like me, you probably had parents or grandparents that would load you up and take you hunting, or fishing, or camping. We were still pretty close to the days when people made their living off the land and still had places to go and enjoy the outdoors. As the old home places have been sold off to become new subdivisions and such, we find ourselves less able to find our way outside and bring the kids. Did you know that the average age of a hunting license holder in the United States is now 62 years old? You have to ask yourself what will happen to the animals and habitats and the world outside over the next couple of decades when we lose those people.

If no one seems to notice or care about the world outside our door, who will take care of nurturing and protecting it?

I am happy to let you know that there is an organization that is addressing that very problem! The Outdoor Tomorrow Foundation is already at work making the outdoors accessible to our young people again. You can go check them out online at https://www.gootf.com/

After several weeks the lake conditions here are finally settling back to normal. We do have new structure that came in with the flood and old structure that has been relocated, but the water quality is finally getting back to normal.

Now the fish can return to their regular feeding patterns for this time of year. The best part is that we can look forward to good lake levels to fish in the New Year and next spring instead of wondering if we would still have places to fish!

If you have some fishing time coming up during the Holidays, come on!

As we look forward to next year, I want to share some good news with you. One thing that I have always been concerned with is our need to get our young people outside again. With all the indoor electronic distractions kids have these days, and the lack of available opportunities for them to go places and do things, we have a conservation crisis in the making.

“THE MISSION OF THE OUTDOORS TOMORROW FOUNDATION IS TO TEACH OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND TO PROMOTE AND FUND CONSERVATION OF WILDLIFE WORLDWIDE.”

The Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation has already established the Outdoor Adventures curriculum in over 400 schools by partnering with State agencies and conservation organizations to provide curriculum and equipment grants, and provide avenues for teacher training and workshops without charge.

37,000 students are currently enrolled as young people are encouraged to discover and safely enjoy the outdoors.

I urge you to go check it out!

Half or Full Day Fishing Trips All Bait, Tackle & Equipment Furnished Your catch Filleted and Bagged for You

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

Furnish your TPWD Fishing License & Refreshments, and WE DO THE REST!

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2018

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Nightmare before Christmas

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hristmas trees, reindeer and angels have taken the place of pumpkins, ghosts and goblins, but that doesn’t stop Construction News from sharing the spookiness that surrounded the construction industry. –cmw

Buyers Barricades Baker Triangle

GD Interior Construction

Rogers-O’Brien Construction Maldanado Nursery

Alterman

A-1 Fire & Safety

Benchmark Plumbing.

Quality Fence & Welding

Ridout Barrett

Virtual Builders Exchange

Joeris General Contractors

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San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2018

RSM US LLP

MEMCO

HALLOWEEN PHOTOS O’Haver Contractors

Metropolitan Contracting

Concrete Renovation Inc.

Construction News

Marek Brothers

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2018

Swimming to build

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Troy Jessee, owner of Troy Jessee Construction

roy Jessee knows a thing or two house normally comes from a lower-inabout endurance. For one, he’s been come background, and is carefully in the construction business for 30 screened. Candidates must also attend years now, as head of Troy Jessee Construc- classes focusing on the life skills they need in order to manage and care for the home. tion. Second, he’s an endurance athlete.

Further, the prospective owner has to Jessee recently combined both of these interests in raising enough money for also help build the home. He/she works Habitat for Humanity (HfH) to build an en- side-by-side with the other volunteers, tire house for some very grateful recipients. which creates an investment in his proper Jessee has been involved with HfH for ty, both physical and emotional. about 25 years now, through his church, “It’s very emotional at the end when Trinity Baptist. He used to be merely one of they dedicate a house,” Jessee said. the workers, but given his construction Currently, HfH in San Antonio owns a background, the church asked him to be subdivision off 410 that it’s building on. “It’s one of the organizers (like a general con- not just a handout, it’s a hand-up,” he said.

Jessee has also done relief work along tractor) on their projects.

HfH builds homes from the ground up. the coast for the Hurricane Harvey effort.

It costs roughly $80,000 to do so. Jessee It’s still ongoing, as Jessee has some of his wanted to raise that amount of money to crew down on the coast.

During Jessee’s 30 years of being in the complete one home. Several months ago, he got the idea to raise the money by hav- construction business, he’s seen many ing an endurance swim of about 3.7 miles changes in not only building methods, but in the open waters from Key Allegro Island in more energy-efficient materials and “green” consciousness. Having a negative to San Jose Island.

The Oct. 27 swim took Jessee two impact on the environment, such as prohours to accomplish. He not only raised the ducing fewer waste products, is important needed $80,000, but also exceeded it by today. The use of solar energy, wind energy, geo-thermal energy, better insulation, etc., almost $10,000.

“It was a marvelous experience,” Jes- is becoming more and more standard for see said of his swim. It was timed for the fall builders of all stripes.

For the future, Jessee sees more of the season because the colder weather pro- duces calmer waters. Jessee had to let the same, as well as people investing in homes Coast Guard know of his plans. He also had with smart technology, that are perhaps plenty of support in the water, including a smaller, but definitely leave a smaller man on a surfboard right next to him to as- carbon footprint.

Troy Jessee Construction does residential sist in keeping him on course and not drift- ing. The water was a cool 65 degrees, mak- and commercial construction in San Antonio.

-dsz ing it a wet suit swim.

The average HfH home is roughly 1,500sf, and is three bedrooms, two baths.

“We take it from slab to roof,” Jessee said. “Volunteers do pretty much everything but pour the foundation and the electrical.

“It’s an amazing experience,” he adds. “It’s very transformational. It transforms people’s lives.”

The candidate for the Troy Jessee, during his swim for Habitat for Humanity

Construction cup 2018

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) held their annual CLC Construction Cup softball tournament on Sept. 29 at Rusty Lions Fields. Architectural Division 8 clinched the first place spot. -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2018

Golfing at Olympia

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ne hundred twenty golfers showed up to show off their golfing skills at the Independent Electrical Contractors’ (IEC) 18th Annual Golf Tournament at Olympia Hills Golf Course.

With a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m., players finished around 3:00 p.m. where they enjoyed a buffet lunch. Players enjoyed taking their chances at a hole-in-one competition for a chance to win $10,000, a set of Calloway Irons, airline tickets to anywhere in the U.S. and a flat-panel LDC TV; a liquor chest give-away raffle and a closest-to-the-pin crane ball drop. –cmw

2018 Tournament winners: 1st Place Gross: Crawford Electric Supply – Brian Zigrang, Glenn Ermis, Harris Sharawi and Scott Keller 1st Place Net: James Francis Electric – Wyatt Ortiz, Thomas Kalson, Gilbert Romero and Carlos Abete 2nd Place Net: Southwest Electric – Vernon Long, Ashlee Long, Jim Kowall and Donna Kowall 3rd Place Net: City Electric of Plainview – Trey Fohn, Johnny Ellis, Mike Blackwell and Johnny Byrd Longest Drive: David Barrow Closest-to-the-Pin: Ron Rodriguez

1st Placed Gross: Crawford Electric Supply

1st Placed Gross: Crawford Electric Supply

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Submitted to Construction News

Round-Up

Pape-Dawson Engineers is pleased to announce: James Lutz, PE, has been promoted to Senior Vice President. He will provide technical oversight and leadership to the firm’s transportation services throughout Texas. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Lutz holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineer and has been with Pape-Dawson since 2004.

Curtis Lee, PE, LEED AP BD+C has been promoted to Vice President. As vice president, he will continue to lead large commercial, industrial, residential, multi-family and public infrastructure projects. He holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering degree from Texas A&M University and has 18 years experience. -cmw

Jason Diamond, PE has been promoted from CFM to Vice President. Diamond will serve as a key leader in the San Antonio Water Resources team. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University and has 17 years experience and will lead water and wastewater projects as well and continues his role with sports/ recreational facilities, institutional and educational campus projects.

Rebecca Mansfield has joined the Cadence McShane Construction Company family as Director of Client Relations. Mansfield will provide growth and leadership to the firm’s market expansion throughout the state of Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Communications. -cmw

Sundt Construction Inc. has added Adrian Miera to the company’s Building Group, Texas District. Bringing deep experience in healthcare construction, Miera will serve as a superintendent on the construction of the Midwestern State Univ. Health Sciences & Human Sciences Bldg. -cmw

Submissions

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

Submit Info & Photo: saeditor@constructionnews.net (210) 308-5800

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2018

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Page 17

What the J?

Dreaming on

John Diaz, Senior (l), and John Diaz, Junior (r), of JD Metal Roofing

Valerie Talamantes and Eric Castillo

here are a lot of important “Js” in JD Metal Roofing – and an equally important “M.” “I own part of the business, run the office, sell jobs and do all of the estimating and bidding,” John Diaz Jr., who is also the company’s vice president, explains.

“My dad, John Diaz Sr., is the other owner and the construction project manager; he’s the one who runs from site to site checking everything. One of my brothers, James Diaz sells all of the gutter jobs and installs them. My other brother, Jacob Diaz, is not a full-time employee but works on-and-off with us as an installer. My mother, Mary Diaz, is the secretary.”

Roofing is something the family has bonded over since John Jr. was a boy.

“My dad has been in roofing his whole life,” John Jr. says. “When I was young, I went with my dad to job sites.

I’ve been around it my whole life. I started when I graduated high school, working with my dad at a company for about a year. Then, he and I decided to establish JD Metal Roofing in 2009.

“The business has changed every

year, progressing and getting bigger,” John Jr. adds. ”We’ve added seamless gutters and our main specialty is standing seam metal roofing. We also do shingles, all types of roofing tile, and flat roofs.

Almost everything is in-house.”

JD Metal Roofing’s notable commercial work includes Breckenridge Villa, but John Jr. can’t resist the pull of working in wide-open spaces.

“I prefer to stay busy out in the country out on big ranches, in the more rural areas than urban,” he says. “I prefer to just completely cover this area. One thing I’ve always enjoyed about it was that I get to drive around everywhere and see different places when I measure roofs. I enjoy meeting new people and seeing new places in the state. I’d like to continue the way we are.”

In addition to family, the business boasts 15 employees. They may not all have “J” names now, but there are always potential future employees.

“My son’s name is Jeff Diaz,” John Jr. says with a laugh.

JD Metal Roofing is a Castroville subcontractor. –mjm

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hen Eric Castillo met Valerie Talamantes in 2015, it was a both a romantic and professional match. Castillo, who had owned a landscaping company in his pre-college years, was looking for another income stream, while Talamantes had an extensive background in marketing and advertising. Together, they created tree service company Dream Outdoor Services in 2017.

Before the pair even secured their first job, Talamantes made sure that the business was properly advertised.

Talamantes had already worked with too many entrepreneurs who had the tools but a depleted advertising budget.

“In the beginning of starting a business, we ran a marketing campaign before I even had a chainsaw or a trailer or a truck,” Castillo says. “So when we got our first job, we had to rent a U-Haul truck and a chainsaw. Our first job, we ended up making 100 bucks and we drove up to LaVernia; everything was basically trial and error. Then, our back office was definitely moving way faster than our front office. I borrowed a friend’s truck

and rented a trailer. We literally had no equipment but we had jobs at the beginning. We were testing out the marketing part of it and it took off. That’s what gave us the momentum to build.

We just pushed on through loops and hurdles.”

One year later, the couple staffs two employees. They also run a non-profit called “The Power of a Dream,” through which they have donated thousands of shoes to different San Antonio organizations. Castillo is also taking steps to broaden his knowledge in his field.

“When we started the company, we got our license with the city of San Antonio,” Castillo says. “We continue to take educational classes through the city, getting educated on what we’re doing in our careers. I take the International Society of Arborculture certification test next year, so I have two more months to study. Once I get that, it puts me at a professional level; it just opens up the doors for more opportunities to continue to learn.”

Tree service subcontractor Dream Outdoor Services is in San Antonio. –mjm

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San Antonio Construction News • DEC 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

A bullish outlook Brian McGuire, President & CEO Associated Equipment Distributors Schaumburg, IL

A

ssociated Equipment Distributor members are reporting a strong year across North America on both equipment sales and equipment rentals, but as with any industry, challenges remain. The greatest strategic challenge facing the construction equipment industry is the scarcity of skilled technical workers. The industry’s technician shortage is costing AED members more than $2.4 billion per year in lost revenue and economic activity. Preparing workers for well-paying careers will ensure that U.S. companies can seize new business opportunities, making the United States more competitive in the global economy.

Earlier this year, AED commended the President for his leadership in addressing the nation’s skills gap. Businesses, schools and government officials must collectively commit to tackling the technical workforce shortage, and the president’s executive order was a positive step toward giving students and workers the necessary skills to thrive in today’s economy.

Another challenge is in the area of tariffs. AED was joined by eight other major construction industry organizations on separate letters to Senate leadership and the Trump administration opposing the recently implemented tariffs on steel and aluminum imported from Canada, the European Union and Mexico. Other

signatories were the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, the Associated General Contractors of America, the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, the Energy Equipment & Infrastructure Alliance, the American Concrete Pipe Association, the National Utility Contractors Association and the National Asphalt Pavement Association. In the letter, AED and its construction industry partners cautioned policymakers that the tariffs will only exacerbate delays in manufacturers meeting customer equipment demand.

Due to the booming economy, manufacturers were already having a difficult

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

time producing equipment needed to meet the demand of AED members and their customers. It’s unclear yet whether the steel tariffs have caused a production decrease. However, manufacturers, particularly companies making specialized machinery and attachments, are increasing prices creating an inflationary effect in the industry. The longer the steel tariffs remain in place the more detrimental the impact, as equipment will get more expensive, reducing demand and likely hindering growth in the broader construction industry as the cost of doing business increases for contractors and other users of heavy machinery On a more positive note, soon after being sworn into office, President Trump imposed a limit on regulations requiring two to be cut for every one issued, dramatically improving the regulatory environment. At the Department of Labor, Environmental Protection Agency and others, major rules promulgated during the Obama administration have been repealed or are in the process of being revised. However, we do anticipate rulemakings in the future that will impact the construction equipment industry, although hopefully in a positive way. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has commenced a rulemaking to examine and modify hours-of-service regulations that we anticipate will provide some relief to AED members. Additional-

Bobcat

L

ly, the Internal Revenue Service continues to issue guidance and rules related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

AED looks forward to working with all lawmakers, regardless of political party, to pursue pro-growth policies that expand equipment markets and lower our members’ cost-of-doing business. During the past two years, AED has laid the groundwork to engage Republicans and Democrats in Washington, positioning the association to work on a bipartisan basis regardless of party control. Divided government provides a unique opportunity for Congress and the president to work across the aisle to solve the biggest issues facing the United States, such as rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure. While there is a degree of uncertainty about what the leadership in the new congress will look like, as far as AED’s legislative agenda goes, there’s early optimism about one of the equipment industry’s top legislative priorities - infrastructure investment. Other areas of bipartisan compromise could be workforce development and ratifying the renegotiated NAFTA (known as the U.S.-Mexico-Canadian Agreement).

Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) is an international trade association representing companies involved in the distribution, rental and support of equipment used in construction, mining, forestry, power generation, agriculture and industrial applications. -cmw

Link-Belt 228 HSL

ink-Belt Cranes Presents the 228HSL – 130-ton Crawler Crane.

• • • • • • • • • • •

45’-235’ Main Boom 30’-75’ Jib Cummins Tier 4 Final 106,150 lb Total Counterweight, easily transportable, and self installing/removing 119,541 lb Transport Weight (Base Crane, Side Frames and Base Boom Section).

44,565 lb Available Line Pull Self-Erecting – Easy and Quickly Link-Belt Exclusive Vision Package (Swing, Hoist and Rear View Cameras) Walkways, Catwalks, Guard Rails Link-Belt HSL Capacity Limiter Virtual Wall Auto Stop

M2-Series T650 compact track loader

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he M2-Series T650 compact track loader from Bobcat offers a variety of performance, operator comfort and visibility enhancements to help increase operator productivity and provide enhanced machine uptime protection.

Cab comfort is enhanced with an automatic ride control option and new front and rear cab isolators, door seals and side screen dampers to reduce vibration and noise. A redesigned top window improves visibility with a 34 percent increase in open area. This is beneficial when loading material into a high-sided truck. Also available is an optional side lighting kit for increased visibility when

working when it’s dark.

A reversing fan option allows loader operators to temporarily reverse the cooling fan direction (for several seconds) to blow dust and small debris from the radiator and rear screens. This helps minimize downtime and can reduce the cooling area cleaning frequency.

With nine convenient locations across Texas, Compact Construction Equipment is your trusted name for Bobcat equipment. We offer a wide range of new and used Bobcat equipment, rentals, parts and in shop and field service. Stop by or log on to www.bobcatcce.com and find out more. For info: www.bobcatcce.com

If you are looking for a crane that is an upgrade to your 110-ton crawler crane but still want the ease of transportation and set up, the New LinkBelt 228HSL – 130-ton crawler crane may just fit your need. The 228HSL has already developed a strong foot hold in the Texas Crane market not only as a great contractor’s crane, but the Link-Belt 228HSL has even started to make a name for itself in the Oil Patch. Features that add to safety and

Link-Belt 228 HSL

ease of operation leave the competition behind. Take a look at this exciting and productive new crane. Contact Holt Crane and Equipment – 877-275-1520.

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2018

Page 19

THIS TH MON

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

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

NEXT MONTH (January 2019) Construction Forecast

Case C Series Mini Excavators

GEHL RT165 compact track loader

M2-Series T650 compact track loader

M2-Series T650 compact track loader

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ore power. More productivity.

More value.

Introducing the C Series, CASE’s expanded line of mini excavators that now includes six models from 1.7 to 6.0 metric tons. These compact excavators are ideal for use in tight spaces and applications such as general and residential construction, landscaping and utility work.

C Series mini excavators provide parallel, unobstructed operation near obstacles, tree lines and foundations thanks to their zero, short-tail or conventional swing design and independent center swing boom that can be offset left or right within an operating range.

Offered in zero tail swing, short-radius or conventional configurations, C Series

mini excavators feature an adjustable boom with the ability to offset left or right to work closer to buildings and obstacles.

The CX17C features a variable-width undercarriage and adjustable blade capable of passing through most common gates and for working on confined jobsites, close to buildings and in developed areas.

C Series mini excavators provide parallel, unobstructed operation near obstacles, tree lines and foundations thanks to their zero, short-tail or conventional swing design and independent center swing boom that can be offset left or right within an operating range.

Contact ASCO for more information at 800-687-0008 or ascoeq.com.

Genie

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enie® trailer-mounted Z®booms feature an outstanding operating envelope, making them ideal to reach jobs high and low.

With easy-to-tow mobility and simple pictograph controls, Genie trailer-mounted Z-booms take productivity to new heights. Operating envelope of a Z-boom — reaches up, over and out. Genie towable boom lifts provide safe lifting solutions to contractors and homeowners and an excellent return on investment for rental store owners.

The Genie TZ™-50 boom has a working height of 55 ft 6 in and horizontal outreach of 29 ft 2 in.

Up-and-over clearance is 22 ft.

Along with the primary jib boom, the articulating jib boom provides an additional 4 ft 1 in (1.25 m) of horizontal reach and 135° of working range to position the platform above or below horizontal. This machine also has a 500-lb platform capacity and a weight of 4,400 lb.

The Genie TZ-50 lift offers outstanding “up, out and over” capabilities in a compact, lightweight package that is easy to maneuver in congested work areas. An assortment of options and accessories means the Genie TZ-50 lift can be customized to meet jobsite needs.

Other advantages of the Genie TZ-50 lift include: * Compact, narrow design is easy to maneuver in congested work areas * Ground and platform controls utilize symbols to simplify operation * Optional Drive and Set™ feature lets you drive the unit from the platform when fully lowered

T

he Gehl RT165 compact track loader takes performance to the next level.

Designed with compact dimensions and operator’s choice of controls—joystick, Tbar, or hand-foot—this machine is ideal for many applications in the rental, landscape and construction industries. It was also built on an adapted R165 skid loader chassis for 85% parts commonality, another benefit for rental companies.

The Gehl RT165 can power through the toughest jobs. It has a 69.3 hp Tier IV Yanmar engine, packed with plenty of lowend torque, and a robust lift-arm that can reach further and dump higher. The RT165 offers an operating capacity of 1,650 lbs. and a maximum lift height of 119.6” when fully raised. In addition, a low operating weight of only 8,020 lbs makes this machine easy to transport.

Top Features of the Gehl RT165: • IdealTrax™ Automatic Track Tensioning System • Multiple control choices: Pilot Joystick, T-bar, Hand/Foot • Yanmar Tier IV 69.3 hp (51.7 Kw) engine at 2500 rpm providing 179 ft.-lbs. of torque • High-flow auxiliary hydraulics available with 30.1.5 gpm flow (121 L/min) • Multiple track widths and tread patterns

• Low operating weight of 8,020 lbs. (3638 kg) which expands transport options and provides low ground pressures for high flotation • Compact machine width of 66” (1676 mm) with a narrow undercarriage and overall machine height to ROPS at 77.5” (1969 mm) • Excellent breakout forces: • 4,230 lbs. (1,919 kg) tilt • 5,060 lbs. (2,295 kg) lift • Hydrostatic 2-speed drive system • Standard triple flange, maintenance free bogies • Excellent service access to maintenance components: • Large engine cover is hinged and positioned by gas-springs to assist with lifting and hold in place.

• Swing-out rear door allows full access to filters, fluid reservoirs and other maintenance components.

• Swing-out cooler provides improved access to the engine bay area.

• The ROPS/FOPS assembly tilts rearward with a gas-spring and latches safely in place for easy internal access to the pumps, hydraulic valve bank and drive motors.

For more information contact H&E Equipment Services at 877-700-RENT.

Caterpillar

N * Easy access to batteries — just release the clamp and remove the cover * 359˚ non-continuous turntable rotation * AC power to platform * Illuminated outrigger indicators * Tilt alarm/sensor For more information contact H&E Equipment Services at 877-700-RENT.

Cat 259D Compact Track Loader Unmatched Performance & Comfort

o matter the size or model, every Cat® Compact Track Loader features a suspended undercarriage for superior traction, extra comfort, exceptional stability, longer track life, & lower ground pressure.

Easy-to-use pilot-operated controls keep you more productive throughout the work day. Our high performance powertrain, and advanced hydraulic system, can handle the toughest working conditions.

The Cat® 259D CTL with the reliable Cat® C3.3B turbocharged engine delivers

solid performance & requires no diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). When coupled with this powerhouse & the suspended undercarriage your operators will sit in the finest work station available to make long days seem shorter.

HOLT CAT® has a large inventory of new and used Cat machines, Cat certified technicians and 24/7 Parts availability.

Call today for special financing 877705-4619 or visit HoltCat.com.

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San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2018

Gaming and awards

he Associated General Contractors (AGC) held their annual Casino Night & Awards Dinner Nov. 15 at the The Club at Sonterra to a full house, no pun intended. The standing room only event offered an open bar, a delicious buffet dinner and a full array of casino games with great prizes for the diehard gamblers. Councilman Clayton Perry served as master of ceremonies. –cmw

Supplier of the Year: Architectural Division 8

Bubba Moeller Award Mike Sireno, Baker Triangle

Architect of the Year RVK Architects

General Contractor of the Year: Turner Construction Company Ace Tinch Service Provider of the Year: Curv Compliance

BCA Outstanding Member of the Year Nehemiah O’Neal, NPO Enterprises LLC (not pictured - accepting on behalf of O’Neal is BCA President Vernon Bryant)

Specialty Contractor of the Year Alterman, Inc.

JOB SIGHTS

Javier Martinez, Alterman Electric, gives a quick look while changing light bulbs in the Luby’s parking lot on 281 at Countryside. -cmw

Construction News snapped this photo of Robert Sanderson with Comfort-Air Engineering Inc. while working on the air conditioning unit at the VBX offices. -cmw

Construction News ON LOCATION

Stabbing fun

Fredrico Mofa Durán, Jesus Martinez and Rodolfo Salas with RES Construction perform concrete formwork at the new gas station at Nacogdoches Road and Wurzbach Parkway. –cmw

M.J. Williams with StructureTone Southwest got into the spirit of things on Halloween. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2018

Page 21

continued from Page 1 — Foundation Support Specialists Christi coast. This keeps Holt hopping, as Texas is notorious for having soil and foundation issues.

In fact, an expert on the United States’ geology once told Holt, while at a conference, that the very worst soil in America for building on was in Terrell Hills, San Antonio. The soil here is very expansive and can change greatly between being dry or wet.

To complicate matters, Holt said that in the past, it wasn’t uncommon to have foundation “experts” who were less than scrupulous when it came to delivering the goods.

Today’s technology, however, has come a long way from merely forcing wet cement under a house in order to solve its foundation problem.

By using special galvanized steel piers and piping, FSS can bore all the way down to the bedrock by using hydraulic pumps. “It doesn’t matter what the soil is doing anymore,” Holt said, “because the home is no longer sitting on the soil but on the bedrock level.”

This allows FSS to actually solve the

foundation problem, as opposed to the Band-Aid approach. “Now, I know when we go in there, we are truly fixing the problem,” Holt said. “And the people are actually spending their money and getting what they spent their money on.”

And, fortunately, some builders are being more proactive in trying to avoid foundation problems by building the structure with this in mind.

FSS’s products are all made in America, and can be custom engineered if a builder so requests it. Holt said the worst thing a person can do for their foundation problems is to use a concrete product, especially if it’s place on top of soil that is prone to shifting.

“If we can’t do it right, then we won’t do it at all,” Holt said. This philosophy is the foundation of the foundation company. These three guys have pooled their talents together to give the consumer a firm foundation for their building.

Foundation Support Specialists does residential and commercial foundation repairs, based in San Antonio. -dsz

continued from Page 1 — Hooker Contracting Inc.

ASCO’s new service shop

Association Calendar

Content submitted by Associations to Construction News ABC Associated Builders & Contractors Inc. Dec. 6: Construct A Kids Christmas, Freeman Expo Hall, 5:30-11pm. For more info, contact Alissa at alissa@abcsouthtexas. org or call 210-342-1994 AGC Associated General Contractors Dec. 4: CLC Service Day, Elf Louise, Old Kelly Base, 12:30-3:30pm Dec. 6: Construct A Kids Christmas, Freeman Expo Hall, 5:30-11pm.

Dec. 6: Holiday Open House, AGC Offices, 10806 Gulfdale, 4-7pm Dec. 11: CLC Membership Drive & Spurs Game, San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns, AT&T Center, 5pm. For more info, call 210-349-4921 AIA American Institute of Architects Dec. 6: Construct A Kids Christmas, Freeman Expo Hall, 5:30-11pm.

Dec. 13: FA LA LA Fondue Holiday Party, AIA San Antonio Center for Architecture, 1344 S. Flores St. #102, 6-9pm. For more info, call 210-226-4979

NAWIC Nat’l Assn of Women in Construction Dec. 6: Construct A Kids Christmas, Freeman Expo Hall, 5:30-11pm.

Dec. 12: White Elephant Style Ornament Exchange, The Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels #700, 6pm. RSVP before noon Dec. 10, Becky Rodriguez, rjrodriguez@tcco.com

ASA American Subcontractors Assn Dec. 6: Construct A Kids Christmas, Freeman Expo Hall, 5:30-11pm. For more info, call Jennifer Swinney at 210-349-2105

NECA National Electrical Contractors Assn Dec. 6: Construct A Kids Christmas, Freeman Expo Hall, 5:30-11pm. For more info, go to www.necanet.org

ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers Dec. 6: Mega Holiday Event, Jazz, TX, 5:30-7:30pm.

Dec. 10: General Branch Meeting, 10:30am-1pm. For more info, go to www. saasce.org

PHCC Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Dec. 6: Construct A Kids Christmas, Freeman Expo Hall, 5:30-11pm.

Dec. 13: PHCC Christmas Party, La Hacienda de Los Barrios, 18747 Redland Rd., 6:30pm. For more info, call Heidi Trimble at 210-824-7422

ASSE American Society of Safety Engineers Dec. 4: Chapter Holiday Party, The Well, 4439 UTSA Blvd., 6-9pm. For more info, go to www.southtexas.asse.org BCA Black Contractors Assn Dec. 6: Construct A Kids Christmas, Freeman Expo Hall, 5:30-11pm. For more info, call 210-349-4921 CFMA Construction Financial Mgmt Assn Dec. 6: Construct A Kids Christmas, Freeman Expo Hall, 5:30-11pm. For more info, email cfmasatx@gmail.com HCA de SA Hispanic Contractors Assn de SA Dec. 6: Construct A Kids Christmas, Free-

ASCO Equipment showroom

membrane roof systems, polished concrete floors, reinforced concrete paving and reinforced crushed stone paving.

Other than working to overcome delays resulting from weather events, the project progressed very efficiently as a result of the owner, architect, engineers, contractor, subcontractors and vendors working as a team during the design and construction of this facility. This resulted in the most unique aspect of this project. Because of the cooperative working relationship between the owner and the design/construction team, the overall success of the project resulted in the delivery of a very efficient, attractive and cost-effective project.

Hooker Contracting Inc. is a full-service design/build contractor in San Antonio, TX. -cmw

man Expo Hall, 5:30-11pm.

Oct. 12: Golf Tournament For more info, call Dave Sanchez at 210-444-1100 or go to www.hcadesa.org IEC Independent Electrical Contractors Dec. 7: 10th Annual Membership Appreciation Casino Night, IEC Training Center, 5511 Ingram Rd. For more info, contact Julie Howard at 210-431-9861 MCA-SMACNA INC Mechanical Contractors Assn Sheet Metal & A/C Nat’l Assn Dec. 6: Construct A Kids Christmas, Freeman Expo Hall, 5:30-11pm. For more info, call Sandee Morgan at 210-822-3763

SAMCA San Antonio Masonry Contractors Assn Dec. 6: Construct A Kids Christmas, Freeman Expo Hall, 5:30-11pm.

Dec. 13: Holiday Celebration & Banquet, Sunset Station, 1174 E. Commerce, 6-10:30pm. $65 per person includes Casino games, prizes & dinner. For more info, contact Debi at 210-347-2423 TACCA Tx Air Conditioning Contractors Assn Dec. 6: Construct A Kids Christmas, Freeman Coliseum Expo Hall in Exhibit Hall C, 3201 E. Houston St., 5:30-11pm. For more info, call Dawn Thompson at 210901-4222

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San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2018

Roofs and relationships

I

Fishing in Rockport

t was the 24th Annual Fishing Tournament for the Associated Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) of San Antonio the weekend of Sept. 29 in Rockport. Executive Director Heidi Trimble stated that everyone had a great time, caught a lot of fish and won some fabulous raffle prizes like a Ruger .450 Bushmaster rifle, Heritage Steel .22 & V22 mag pistol, Henry US Survival AR&, Mossberg Silver, Henry Lever Action .22, Benelli R1 .330 mag and a Titan Crossbow. Congratulations to all the winners. –cmw

Fishing Tournament winners: 2nd Place: Moore Supply - Joel Kempf, Mark Tschirhart, Mark Williams and Carl Rutkowski with Rutkowski Plumbing, 14.07 lbs.

3rd Place: Tietze Plumbing - Carson Gibson, Gator Siller, Spencer Powel and Tim Autry, 13.31 lbs.

1st Place Junior Division 12 yrs & Under: L Lamothe , 4.47lb Drum 2nd Place Junior Division-12 yrs & Under: J. Stewart, 2.80lb Drum Heavy Red Team: Cougar USA - Craig Schooler, Chad Charruth, Paul Wilson and Britt Ballard, 8.03 lbs

Paul Perez, owner of Texas Family Roofing & Construction.

E

ven though Texas Family Roofing & Construction is a new company, starting in 2016, Paul Perez has been in construction for almost 20 years now.

His friend asked him to help him out one day framing houses. Perez just got into it as a way to make some quick money, but then realized that a career could be made out of this.

“You can only frame so much and then you start getting into other things,” he said. “I decided I wanted to get into roofing.”

Starting with just one crew of three guys, Perez doesn’t work for the subdivision builders, but rather the individual customer. All he does is re-roofs.

Texas Family Roofing is a real family too: Perez’s father contributes and his wife does all the paperwork and scheduling.

The growth was rapid, as the demand was there. “It kind of consumes you,” Perez said. “You get started and you don’t stop.”

An interesting part of Perez’s repertoire is he is part of the San Antonio Rehabber Club. He’s one of the specially

selected contractors who works on restoring historic homes and buildings. In Perez’s case, it’s their roofs. He has to match either the original roof or the last identifiable roof. Whatever that house had, he has to do over the exact way.

Perez is big on providing the personal touch to his customers. “I’m the face of the company,” he said. “When a person calls me for an estimate, I’m going to be the guy who goes out there. That’s what people like.”

Because of this business model, Perez said, “Most of my customers, they end of being my friend.” If they need something, they call Paul. The payoff, for Perez, is the good reviews and referrals he gets on various social media outlets.

He tells his customers, “I’m going to be your roofer for life.”

When one considers Perez’s involvement with historical buildings, some of which are well over 100 years old, which could be a relationship that lasts a long time.

Texas Family Roofing & Construction is in San Antonio. -dsz

Thankfulness shared

1st Place Team: Moen/Ferguson Enterprises - Tony Dixon; Mark Alsobrook; Ricky Stecher, RAMS Mechanical and Ray Johnson, Moen - 14.35 lbs.

Most Number of Spots on Redfish Team: Primo Plumbing (Supervision Required) - Keith Brunner, Sean Selsor, Eric Jajduk, Joshua Morgan with 10 spots

Heavy Trout (Closest to 24”) Team: Ferguson Enterprises - Doug Trimble, Art Serrato and Duane Wedige with Wedige Plumbing, 3.72 lbs

Construction News ON LOCATION

When CN comes calling

S

L-R: Dan Parkin, Chuck Clark, Greg Butler, John Gargotta, Mark Zinsmeister, Caleb Haby (front) and Cory Haby

ervice Mechanical Group (SMG) once again wanted to show their appreciation to their customers by hosting their annual Thanksgiving Luncheon. Over 120 people attended the turkey luncheon with all the trimmings and enjoyed deep fried turkey, mashed potatoes, creamed corn, sweet yams, green beans, dressing and gray, pinto beans, chocolate cream pie, pumpkin pies and

so much more. “We are just so grateful for all they do for us,” says SMG Co-Owner Chuck Clark. “This is our way of letting them know how thankful we are.” CoOwner John Gargatta was one of the last to enjoy this tasty meal as he and fellow co-owners, Clark and Dan Parkin, were enjoying their time visiting with all their customers who came by to partake in the festivities. -cmw

Service Mechanical Group customers gather at La Bona Vida Event Center for lunch.

L-R: Omar Pacheco, Steven Starr, Allen Isbell, Scott Organ and Nick Morn with CBS Rental & Supply pose for a photo. -cmw

Carving time

To get in the Halloween spirit before all the ghosts and goblins came out to play, Alpha Building Corporation held their annual office pumpkin carving contest at their office on Halloween. The winners show off their creativity. –cmw

San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2018

Industry FOLKS

Ray Fehner Estimator

KCM Cabinets Inc. San Antonio, TX

B

orn and raised in the small Texas town of Cuero, just a short 100 miles east of San Antonio, Ray Fehner attended and graduated from Cuero High School. Upon graduation, he joined the Army National Guard. After completing his training, he returned home and attended Victoria College where he obtained his Associate’s degree in Art.

It is during this time that Fehner’s passion for woodwork began. While attending college, he began working for the largest employer in town, Gulf Coast Wood Products, a millwork and cabinet shop that was founded in 1953.

There he learned the ins and outs of cabinetry and millwork, from loading trucks for deliveries to estimating.

“In 1974, management asked me if I wanted to be an estimator. Of course my answer was yes,” he says. “At that time, the Architectural Woodwork Institute had a training program for estimators. Keep in mind, this was before computers; everything was done by hand and a full set of blueprints.

“My mentor, to this day, was Senior Estimator W.T. Smith,” Fehner continues. “He taught me more than just estimating. He always believed that if there was a problem, you just had to talk to people. He never met a person he didn’t befriend. He was an amazing individual with an abundance of knowledge. When he retired, I was fortunate to fill his position.

“Living in Cuero was great. We had access to the major cities, but still kept our laid back way of life. Cuero was and still is a friendly town, full of history.”

In the late ‘80s, the company fell on hard times and Fehner started all over, going to work for a cabinet company in San Antonio. It was during that time that Fehner faced his next chapter. After three years, he went to work for one of the company’s suppliers who made countertops. He spent the next 10 years with Classic Casework until the owner shut down the operation to retire.

Fehner then landed at KCM Cabinets, where he continues his 47 years of estimating.

“All through my career, I have enjoyed meeting and working with people,” he says. “Every project holds a new set of challenges. I have gone from blueprints to Dodge scan microfilm to now, online estimating.

“Many of the people I worked with in my early years are gone, but I will never forget them. They helped me become who I am today. I still like to pick up the phone and talk, versus communicate through an email. You can express yourself over the phone so much better. Do I still enjoy doing what I do? Yes I do, but I know a day will come when I will retire. Then I will fill in all the holes left in my story.

“I enjoy bow hunting and fishing at the coast,” Fehner adds. “In my spare time, I enjoy working on my project cars. One is a 1988 IROC Camaro and the other is 1983 Mercedes 380SL. They can take up a lot of your spare time, but it so fun to watch them come together.” -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • DEC 2018