San Antonio Construction News July 2020

Covering the Industry’s News

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www.constructionnews.net H (210) 308-5800 H Volume 23 H Number 7 H JULY 2020

A family legacy of giving

The beauty shines through

Ag Mechanics Show, San Antonio. Photo by LeaAnn Gardner

The Cavallini family L-R: Adrian, Debbie, Joseph and Adrian Vincent Cavallini.

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he determination to succeed has always been strong for Ronnie Urbanczyk. From his childhood on the south side of San Antonio to leading Urban Concrete to be one of the largest concrete contractors in the city, he has measured success by his impact in the community.

“I’ve worked nearly four decades to build successful organizations,” Urbanczyk said, “and the driving force has always been the ability to give back to the people and communities we’re a part of.”

The concrete business is where Urbanczyk has spent most of his life. He learned the trade early in his career. After the acquisition of a competitive concrete company, Urban Concrete emerged and grew to be one of the largest concrete contractors in San Antonio.

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ike most young folks, Carl Smith worked while going to school. He worked in a grocery store and then later for the railroad. After a few years of working for the railroad, Smith found himself working in a millwork shop and found his calling.

After working for several other companies, Smith decided to take the trade he began to love and start a business of his own. In 1992, Carl and Sandy Smith became the proud owners of Circle C Millwork Inc. out of the garage of their house.

“I started out doing a lot of installs.

Building is what I wanted to do, but installs made the money,” recalls Carl.

The company moved into a small shop off Southcross after a couple of years and had acquired two full-time employees that are still with the company today. Not long after, Sandy came on board as the company’s comptroller work-

“We’ve certainly seen our share of changes in the industry,” Urbanczyk commented. “Like every industry, the concrete business has had improvements in technology and equipment over the years. These enhancements made us a stronger company as we embraced them and became an even better concrete contractor.”

The opportunity to have a positive impact in the community has grown as the company has become more successful. While the generosity of the Urbanczyks extends to many causes, their passion for agriculture has led them to make a huge difference in the lives of young people. Their name can be seen on many Top Buyer lists for Jr. Livestock Auctions in San Antonio and surrounding counties. continued on Page 18

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t all began after two brothers, Manlio and Publio Cavallini, immigrated to the United States from Italy. In 1953, they began commissioning mosaic murals and mosaic tiles. Over time, the company evolved into doing stained glass and not only new work, but also restoration type work. Today, Cavallini Co. Inc. stands to be one of the oldest family-owned and operated stained glass studios in the southwest.

“They were doing commissions all over Texas. From there we went into stain glass, probably in the late ‘50s to early ‘60s, and were doing both stain glass and mosaics. Around the the early ‘90s, we started doing supplies,” says Adrian Cavallini, president and second-generation owner/operator of Cavallini Co. Inc. “When the company started, it was mostly my uncle. He had a lot of skill in

the trade, just in mosaics and tile type work. My grandfather was more of the businessman. They kind of had this natural connection. My Uncle Publio ended up moving to California and did his own thing on that side of the US and my grandfather stayed here and continued Cavallini Co. Inc. Eventually, another company started doing mosaics and their main bread and butter was stain glass. So my grandfather said, ‘if they are going to do mosaics, I can do stain glass‘ and that’s how we evolved more into the stain glass.

“My dad has two sisters and one brother. They all took a minor interest in the business but over time left and went on to become teachers and my uncle became a pilot. My dad was the only one who fully invested himself into the business, continued on Page 18

Keeping it real

L-R: Carl, Sandy, Cory, granddaughter Carson, and Jenny Smith.

ing from home. “I do all the financing for the business. Our daughter-in-law, Jenny, does the payroll and payables,” says Sandy. By 1999, Circle C had moved into their current location on Hwy. 87 East, complete with office space and a large mill shop. With room for office personnel, Sandy became a daily facet of the Circle C team.

When asked how the company has evolved over the years Carl says, “It’s a lot like advertising because word of mouth is the best form of advertising. It’s your reputation. That’s everything in this business. I’m sure it’s that way for every trade.

Just by reputation we got a little bigger each and every year. My righthand man, Roy Wright, has been with me almost since day one. He was probably one of the first employees to come and work for me back in the early ‘90s and he has been with me ever since. We have lots of people here that have been with us for continued on Page 18

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San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020

Big as Texas

Electric farmer

HOLT CAT Georgetown, Airport Road and I-35

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HOLT CAT Regional Sales Manager, James Court

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HOLT CAT Georgetown Parts Manager, Gregory Brown

OLT CAT has much to be excited about. The family-owned Caterpillar dealership opened its newest location in Georgetown, TX in November of 2019. The new location is located by the Georgetown Airport, right off I-35 and Airport Road in Georgetown.

The facility itself is about 80,000sf, which makes it one of the largest facilities in the HOLT family. Of that, about 16,000sf make up their parts warehouse. “We have roughly about 8,000 individual part numbers in Georgetown and we carry about $1.6 million dollars in parts inventory. The real gem of this facility is the 45,000sf state-ofthe-art contamination and climate-controlled service center. We have 16 individual bays with the capability to do repairs on all types and sizes of equipment, from Wheel Tractor Scrapers to Skid Steer Loaders.” says HOLT CAT Regional Sales Manager, James Court.

The new facility was built to meet the growing needs of one of Texas’ fastest growing areas. “I think if you look at the state in general, Williamson County is one of the fastest growing counties in Texas.

There’s a lot of commercial and residential activity in Cedar Park, Leander and Liberty Hill over to Hutto and Taylor, Georgetown and Round Rock. This location is ideal to serve all of our customers who are helping Texas grow,” adds Court.

This new location makes it possible for HOLT CAT to service a wider area. “We

HOLT CAT Georgetown Service Manager, Craig Johnson

partner with our Waco branch and we have a store in South Austin. Being in Williamson County, we can get over to Lee, Burnet, up to Milam and Bell Counties and down to Travis to serve north Austin. Our field service teams collaborate and dispatch out of any of three store locations depending on customer location and technician availability,” explains Court.

The offers technical and product support, prime product sales, power systems, Cat support services, and even human resources. They have representation from HOLT Manufacturing, a HOLT company located in Waco that provides custom engineering, engine and generator packaging, and water trucks and tanks. “Additionally, we have the ability to complete track repairs, weld and fabricate, dyno test and rebuild major components and complete hydraulic cylinder repairs in order to serve multiple industries.”

“Come in and see us. We love to show off the new facility. We are a full-line dealership. We’ve got everything from compact construction equipment to large earthmoving and mining machines. We’re incredibly excited about the new location and just as excited to be able to partner with our customers and experience this wonderful growth here in Texas, especially here in Central Texas,” says Court.

HOLT CAT is a family-owned dealership of heavy construction equipment. -cmw

Ronnie Dausin with his spring harvest.

oming from a long line of farmers, it is no wonder that Ronnie Dausin, CEO of Dausin Electric, might find farming a natural past-time.

“My mother was a Persyn. All of her brothers and sisters were farmers or married farmers. Since we came from a big family, there being eight of us, we all got shipped off to different farms to help our aunts and uncles on their farms during the summers when we were kids. We would spend our summers out there with our aunts and uncles in Hondo or south of San Antonio helping them farm. Slave labor is what we called it,” jokes Dausin.

The Dausin clan continued helping out their aunts and uncles through high school before going off and starting careers of their own. But there is one thing about farming, it stays in your blood.

About six years ago, Dausin purchased a farm in Poteet and began doing a little farming in his spare time. “It’s always been in our blood and when I bought my place in Poteet, which I bought from my mother’s cousin, all the equipment was there and so I just started farming. We planted strawberries, onions, bell peppers, jalapenos and squash. Last year, we planted flowers in

memory of my aunt.”

Dausin begins planting strawberries in August and September. They plant them by hand and with a transplanter. “It’s an old-timey transplanter, probably from back in the ‘40s. It’s like a windmill. You get someone to sit on it and feed the strawber-

Family farm peacock

Dausin quarter horses.

continued on Page 13

Dausin strawberries, homegrown in Poteet, TX.

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020

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San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020

Transforming dreams

A legacy vision

L-R: Vice President of Design Development & Estimating Oscar Carielo, Co-Founders Julissa Carielo and Rene Garcia.

Jim Parker, owner of Parker & Sons Plumbing LLC

ulissa Carielo, founder of Tejas Premier Building Contractor Inc., accompanied by Rene Garcia, a local leader with over 35 years of experience in real estate development and construction, establish the DreamOn Group December 2019. Privately held and familyowned, DreamOn Group offers an innovative and integrated approach to curating, developing, constructing, and managing projects for both public and private sector clients.

“DreamOn Group works to develop and build impactful properties that will improve the quality of life for the people, businesses and communities we touch,” says Carielo.

“I love the work that we are doing with Tejas, so I didn’t want to get away from that, but I want to incorporate it in the things that we do for the community projects we are involved in. We both thought with our expertise, we could do so much more for the greater good if we worked together. That’s when we established DreamOn Group, DreamOn Development Company and DreamOn

Property Management so that we can control and create the direction of these projects, construct them and develop them as well.,” continues Carielo.

DreamOn Group, during these uncertain times, are excited and proud to serve new and existing clients to continue to build strong relationships with local vendors and partners to create new, sustainable jobs that will benefit the San Antonio community and the local economy.

Rene Garcia, Co-Founder of DreamOn Group has been quoted as saying, “I’ve been privileged to manage and oversee real estate development and construction for established corporate firms, but I believe that a project’s true value goes beyond its contribution to the bottom line. Julissa and I share a commitment to creating lasting positive changes in communities, not just through the businesses we manage but through strong relationships and investment. Together, I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish for our community, the city of San Antonio and beyond.” -cmw

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im Parker was a service writer, taking incoming calls for a large plumbing company in Dallas/Fort Worth while working his way through college. “I really enjoyed what I was doing, and I liked working with the guys in the field, helping them. I felt like my job meant something.”

It wasn’t long and he was promoted to officer manager and then business manager. Eventually, the company moved him to San Antonio to run their San Antonio office.

After moving to San Antonio, Parker discovered he really liked San Antonio and the work ethic of its people. “I really felt like I wanted to leave a legacy for my kids. I’ve always had a great respect for licensed plumbers and what they do. It just wasn’t my thing. The company that I was working for is a family-owned business, so I wanted to mirror that for myself.

I was pretty young,” says Parker.

A business manager at the age of 26 didn’t leave much room for advancement so Parker decided to go out on my own.

Parker and a business partner, who was a licensed plumber, joined forces

and Parker & Sons Plumbing LLC was established in 2011. Parker recently bought out his partner and is now the sole owner of the company.

“I’ve had job situations where the bosses were complete nightmares. I always wanted to have a business where people wanted to go to work and where they were excited to start their day, to offer a good positive place where people want to work.”

Parker & Sons Plumbing offers a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services, including slab leak detection and repair. They currently have seven licensed plumbers, four dig crews and four excavation crews. “We work very closely with foundation companies and we only work with the larger foundation companies. We go in and do all the camera work, pinpoint and find all the leaks under the structure’s foundation. We do the tunnel work and repair it. All the work we do has a permit and is inspected by the city.”

Parker & Sons Plumbing LLC is a plumbing contractor in San Antonio. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020

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The Rhino way

No surprises

N Danny Garcia, owner and founder of Rhino Design Build with 19-month old son, Polo; 5-year-old daughter, Ari and wife, Elena.

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anny Garcia’s first job was working for his father’s architecture/ construction company as a runner at the age of 16. Between runs, Garcia watched the architects draw on computer software and he was hooked. Before long he was helping design buildings and working on projects.

When his father closed his business, Garcia decided he was going into business for himself and with $14 in his back account and no idea how to generate business, he set out to start his business, Rhino Design Build in Oct. 2004. He started out designing custom homes. It didn’t take long and he began building custom homes.

In 2008, just four short years after starting Rhino Design Build, the market began to take a downward spiral and Garcia had to find his way through a troubling time.

Banks weren’t lending and the thought of not working with his hands was not an option, nor was the thought of giving up on his desire to run his own company.

“We began to transition. Families were moving back in with one another due to job loss or whatever, and room additions were on the rise. With that, remodeling and renovations kind of fell into our lap and we have been doing that ever since,“ says Garcia.

By 2011, Rhino Design Build opened its commercial division after transitioning into

more and commercial work that year.

Today the company continues doing commercial and residential work and has found that the percentage of commercial work fluctuates from year to year.

As the company has continued to grow significantly since its first year in business, the company celebrates 15 years in business and is proud of the impacts their work has been on the lives of their clients.

“The construction industry is tough.

The construction process is tough. Once you are able to navigate yourself through it, and at the end see a smile on your client’s face, it’s well worth it,” adds Garcia.

With 15 years of business under his belt, Garcia says the Rhino Design Build will focus on changing with world as the world has changed overnight with the recent corona virus pandemic. “We are having to do our own pivot and provide some services that we didn’t offer before. We’ll have some restrictions that we didn’t have in place before. With this new disease that is on everybody’s mind, we are trying to make sure that our clients feel safe and taken care of.

We are trying to put their minds at ease as much as possible. I know that isn’t 100 percent foolproof, but we are taking measure that not only are our clients protected, but we are protected as well.”

Rhino Design Build is a full-service general contractor in San Antonio. -cmw

The Allegiance Floors team.

o longer just a mom and pop shop, Allegiance Floors has grown into a highly respectable commercial flooring company. The company, which started out almost 15 years ago, has evolved beyond just the husband and wife team of Amy and Frank Wagner.

The company has grown substantially, not just in terms of volume, but in terms of personnel with several project managers, superintendents and crews, not to mention an impressive list of repeat clients who have come to recognize the quality of work Allegiance provides but also how well the company is prepared for each job and the professionalism their customers have come to trust and respect.

Putting their money where the name is, Amy and Frank stay true to the company name and the meaning behind it.

“Allegiance to our customers and building a long-term company. Our goal really at the end of the day is all core value driven. The whole company makes decisions on that. It really slants towards taking care of the customer. We will lose profit to take care of the customer because we

want them to be a long-term customer.

We want that relationship with them. We want to be their partner,” adds Frank Wagner.

“One thing that we do have is trust and respect. That is one thing that our customers like about Allegiance, that we are open and honest. There is no perfect job out there. Even though there may be some screw-ups here and there, they trust and respect us enough to know that we are going to make it right,” adds Project Manager Patrick King.

“I’ve seen how Frank and Amy try to help and put policies and procedures in place. I like that they are focusing on the culture of the company and trust and respect is just one of our six core values,” continues Project Manager Gloria King.

“Making sure that who we hire have the same core values because we want to represent those core values every day in the field.”

“It’s really nice when a client takes the time to write a letter on the quality of work we did for them and how it positively affected the outcome of their project,” Amy concludes. -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020

The Benefits of Arbitration in the Era of COVID-19

Think Twice before Negotiating an Insurance Claim

R. Carson Fisk, Shareholder Andrews Myers P.C. Austin, TX

J. Andrew Scott, Attorney Cantey Hanger, LLP Austin/San Antonio/Fort Worth, TX

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itigation has never been a model of efficiency. It is a long and expensive process, with the time between case filing and initiation taking, in many cases, years.

And that does not even take into account the multitiered—and expensive—appellate process. Now, due to previous and ongoing closures and limited access to courts related to the COVID-19 pandemic, litigants have been largely unable to proceed with many aspects critical to the litigation process, including many types of hearings and trials. When some form of normalcy returns, courts will inevitably be grappling with a significant backlog of hearings, trials, and related matters, not to mention the challenges likely stemming from requirements or recommendations to continue to implement health and safety measures such as limited attendance in confined spaces and social distancing. The likely outcome is delay and increased costs.

Overlaying all of this is the fact that many industry trade groups have major criticisms of the Texas civil justice system as it relates to businesses. For example, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform notes in its 2019 Lawsuit Climate Survey that Texas was ranked 38th out of 50 states when exploring how fair and reasonable the states’ liability systems are perceived to be by U.S. businesses. Texas was consistently ranked in the bottom half of all states across a variety of subjects (e.g., Enforcing Meaningful Venue Requirements, Overall Treatment of Tort and Contract Litigation, Damages, Proportional Discovery, Scientific and Technical Evidence, Juries’ Fairness, and Quality of Appellate Review) and, disturbingly, in the bottom ten for “Trial Judges’ Impartiality” and “Trial Judges’ Competence.” Jefferson County, Texas even earned the unenviable distinction of being one of “the five worst jurisdictions” across the entire United States “with reputations for being problematic when it comes to litigation.”

On a positive note, Texas has improved greatly from 2002 and 2003 when it was ranked a dismal overall 46th out of 50 states.

Arbitration is poised to offer a very different story. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, aspects of the arbitration process were already conducted remotely.

Most communications with the arbitrator and any case manager, in the case of an administered arbitration, were and are handled via email. The critical preliminary hearing, where various procedural matters are addressed and a final hearing date may be identified, was and remains generally conducted by telephone conference. Hearings on interim matters were generally conducted by telephone conference as well. While the final hearing is typically conducted inperson, arbitral rules often permitted and encouraged flexibility. For example, Rule R-33 of the American Arbitration Association’s Construction Industry Arbitration Rules provides that “[w]hen deemed appropriate, the arbitrator may also allow for the presentation of evidence by alternative means including video conferencing, internet communication, telephonic conferences and means other than an in-person presentation,” provided that “[s]uch alternative means must still afford a full opportunity for all parties to present any evidence that the arbitrator deems material and relevant to the resolution of the dispute and when involving witnesses, provide an opportunity for cross-examination.”

The parties themselves are empowered to dispense with either an in-person or remote hearing as “[t]he parties may agree to waive oral hearings in any case.”

While the economic upheaval that has been experienced no doubt will impact the future pipeline of construction

projects, development marches forward and contract terms continue to be negotiated. For those parties, the advantages of arbitration over litigation have been highlighted in this era of pandemic-driven shutdowns and closures and should seriously be considered when deciding what dispute resolution provisions should be included in the contract. And, of course, such provisions can be tailored to fit the specific needs of the project or the parties. In fact, the American Arbitration Association even offers a free “ClauseBuilder” tool (www.clausebuilder.org) where parties can input answers to a variety of questions and generate a customized arbitration provision to include in contracts.

But for those who find themselves in the midst of stagnant, drawn out, and expensive litigation or evaluating options in the face of pursuing a claim where the applicable contract does not contain an arbitration clause, there are options. Specifically, parties can agree to submit a claim to arbitration at any time, with administering bodies providing specifically for such a process. For example, Rule R-5 of the American Arbitration Association’s Construction Industry Arbitration Rules provides that “[p]arties to any existing dispute, who have not previously agreed to use these Rules, may commence arbitration under these Rules by either filing online through AAA WebFile or by filing at any office of the AAA a written submission to arbitrate under these Rules, signed by the parties,” with the submission including specific information accompanied by the appropriate filing fee.

The AAA submission form is available at https://www.adr.org/sites/default/files/ Commercial_Form_Arbitration%20Submission%20Form-Commercial_2010_10_19.pdf.

While courts will likely struggle to adjust schedules once they are fully open, arbitration may continue to move forward at a faster pace. Ultimately, arbitration—being nimble and flexible—will offer benefits, including the prospect of more timely resolution, that cannot be matched by litigation. And parties should consider such matters both in the contract negotiations and when deciding whether and how to pursue or defend against a claim.

R. Carson Fisk is board certified in Construction Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and may be reached at cfisk@ andrewsmyers.com.

onsider this scenario: You are a contractor who is hired by a customer to perform repairs to a building.

For whatever reason, some or all of the repair costs are covered under insurance. So you offer to negotiate with the insurance company on behalf of the customer. The insurance company subsequently pays you or the customer the negotiated amount. You perform the work. The customer is happy because they received the repairs and didn’t have to hassle with the insurance company. All is seemingly well.

The problem with the above scenario is that Texas law requires a person acting on behalf of an insured who negotiates a claim under any policy of insurance to be a licensed public insurance adjuster.

Before 2019, Texas law also specifically prohibited roofing contractors from negotiating claims with insurance companies on behalf of an insured owner. So even a roofing contractor who was a licensed public insurance adjuster was barred from handling claims on behalf of an insured owner.

In the most recent Texas Legislative Session, the Legislature expanded this broad prohibition to all contractors. Now, no contractor—roofing or otherwise— may act as a public adjuster for any property in which the contractor is also providing contracting services, regardless of whether the contractor is a licensed adjuster or if the insured owner authorizes the contractor to act on their behalf. The damages for violating this law are severe.

Under Chapter 4102 of the Texas Insurance Code, a contractor found in violation of this chapter may face a criminal penalty equal to a Class B misdemeanor and/or an administrative penalty by the Texas Department of Insurance. While those penalties are obviously concerning, the contractor may also face civil liability. Namely, the insured owner may void the contract with the contractor, and will not be liable for the payment of any past services rendered. The issues may tie-in to claims arising under the Deceptive Trade Practices – Consumer Protection Act, as well.

Since 2013, multiple Texas courts have upheld this prohibition against roofing contractors handling owners’ roofing claims with insurance companies.

More recently, the Texas Department of Insurance has issued cease and desist orders to a few roofing contractors engaging in this type of activity. The following are examples of the unlawful conduct cited by the Commissioner for the Texas Department of Insurance:

a.

Marketing brochure stated: “Need help with an Insurance Claim? We will document your roof damage and contact your insurance company for you.”

b. Damage report document ad

vertised that roofing contractor,

“hereby agrees to act as the In

sured’s advocate with the insur

ance company to help deter

mine fair market replacement

value for all losses incurred in claim.”

c. Insurance work authorization

form included a statement au-

thorizing the roofing contractor

“to negotiate directly with my

insurance company for repairs

at the above address and nego

tiate property damage claim settlement.”

d. Business card stated: “We work

with your insurance company to

get you every dime you are owed.”

e. Company website advertised

that, “Texas licensed adjuster

working with you on your insur ance claims.”

Furthermore, if the transaction was already completed, the insured owner may seek to disgorge any monies already paid to the roofing contractor. To be sure, the Fort Worth Court of Appeals, in Lon Smith Associates, Inc. v. Key, recently recognized the right of insured owners to obtain a complete refund of all monies paid to a roofing contractor, without any offset for the value of roofing work performed. For example, a contractor who received $12,000 in payment on a project, but is found to be in violation of Ch. 4102, will have to refund the $12,000 paid while the customer gets to keep the work performed.

Considering the above, all contractors should be wary of negotiating insurance claims on behalf of an insured.

Some specialty contractors, such as those in the restoration and roofing industries, should be particularly cautious in their dealings with insurance companies. Not acting now may spell grave consequences in the future.

What should contractors do now?

Contractors should seek to minimize their exposure to these claims moving forward. The first step is to avoid conduct that would lead customers to believe you will negotiate with their insurance company on their behalf or to actually engage in such conduct. This may include revising contracts, marketing brochures, websites, damage report documents, and insurance work authorization forms.

Also, consider whether arbitration may be a preferred forum for dispute resolution. Some of the arguments may resonate with a jury, but an arbitrator may be more suspect as to the calculation of alleged damages, particularly where an insured owner contends that it has suffered “mental anguish” or is entitled to multiplied damages due to intentional acts.

Andrew Scott is a construction lawyer with the law firm of Cantey Hanger, LLP. He may be reached at (817) 877-2802 or by email at ascott@canteyhanger.com.

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020

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How does my Surety analyze my Financial Statement?

Eric Schmalz, Principal Schmalz & Associates Austin, TX

Preventing Struck By Incidents Involving Heavy Equipment Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

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our surety company is going to evaluate creditworthiness based on three broad areas: character, capacity, and capital. Capital represents your financial strength as a contractor and is documented by providing ongoing financial information to your underwriter.

potters are a proven method of protecting employees on foot behind vehicles with an obstructed view, but spotters themselves can be at risk for injury or even death. Employers can implement the following actions to help keep spotters safe:

As if preparing accurate financial statements wasn’t hard enough given all it takes to run your business, it’s important we understand that these financial statements are ‘analyzed’ by your surety.

The surety works to evaluate what assets can be viewed with a high degree of confidence and weed out those that have some degree of risk or uncertainty.

The goal is to base your surety credit on viable assets and balance conservatism with trying to understand the makeup and risk attributes of the assets and liabilities.

at full value unless they are reflective of unresolved contract claims or change orders.

Your financial statement as provided is described by “as-stated” and upon completion of analysis it is described by “as-allowed”. The analysis process looks at each asset entry and scrutinizes whether it should be discounted by some percentage of stated value, counted but viewed as a non-current asset (allowed in equity but not working capital) or disallowed entirely. Taking a conservative approach in underwriting typically means that all liabilities are allowed “as-stated”. This will often include an added entry for anticipated tax distributions due on profits for entities reporting tax as a pass-through.

Account or note receivable due from Affiliated company.

• Ensure that spotters and drivers agree on hand signals before backing up.

Instruct spotters to always maintain visual contact with the driver while the vehicle is backing.

• Instruct drivers to stop backing immediately if they lose sight of the spotter.

Not give spotters additional duties while they are acting as spotters.

• Instruct spotters not to use personal mobile phones, personal headphones, or other items which could pose a distraction during spotting activities.

• Provide spotters with high-visibility clothing, especially during night operations.

Below I will list some common assets entries found on a contractor’s balance sheet and how they’re typically treated by a surety. Keep in mind each surety company has their own unique methods of analysis and treatment of assets.

Cash

Cash is fully allowed as a current asset unless it is described as restricted or pledged as collateral.

Marketable Securities

If securities such as stocks are publicly traded and at risk of market volatility, some percentage of stated value will be disallowed entirely. Often 20% or more.

Accounts Receivables aged 90 days or more.

Generally, receivables over 90 days are not allowed. If you feel there are reasons that provide for more confidence in collection, I recommend providing that information to your underwriter. Retention receivable is allowed at full value.

Claims receivable This asset is typically excluded entirely given the uncertain nature of the negotiation and legal process involved.

If there are agreements or resolutions in place, I would recommend providing that information to your underwriter to make a case for allowing at least some portion of the receivable. A case can also be made to disallow related payables, so communication is key here.

Underbillings Underbillings (cost and estimated earnings in excess of billing) are allowed

Officer/employee account or note receivable Unless there is collateral or security in place held by the company, these transactions are excluded. It is fairly customary that this type of transaction is not paid by outside funds rather they are often resolved by reclassifying the entry as salary.

Unless security or collateral is in place and a financial statement is reviewed to support the ability to repay, these items are fully disallowed.

Inventory. Often inventory will be analyzed by discounting 50% from current assets but allowing in equity. If a case can be made that the inventory will be used or turn over quickly, I recommend providing additional detail to your underwriter as this can have a significant impact on your working capital calculation.

Investment in other/outside companies

By default, a conservative approach will be taken when analyzing these investments so it is important to provide additional supporting information as to why an investment should be allowed in analysis. Often, we see investments like this noted on the balance sheet as equity or cost basis in the investment which fails to take into account any off-balance sheet liabilities for which the principal contractor may be responsible.

Keep in mind these are just a few common balance sheet asset entries we see in the construction industry but there are plenty more and each individual case is unique. It’s important to maintain transparency and communication with your bond agent and underwriter on the details of these transactions. If a case can be made to allow all or some of an asset in analysis of working capital and/or equity, it means more total bonding capacity can be supported!

Schmalz & Associates is an agency exclusively supporting contractors bonding needs. Eric Schmalz was an underwriter and manager for over 15 years working for Top 10 surety companies and now helps his contractor clients establish and maximize their bonding. Please call 512-640-6444, email eric@schmalzsurety.com or visit the website at www.schmalzsurety.com We’d love to help!

Schmalz SU R E T Y B O N D S

& ASSOCIATES

Most vehicles (and some types of mobile equipment) can accommodate a camera that provides operators with a view to the rear. Some vehicles come equipped with cameras, offered as optional equipment, or purchased as aftermarket equipment for vehicles. Viewing screens may be dash-mounted but must not block the driver’s view out the windshield. Harsh environments, such as some construction sites or mines, may require more rugged cameras. Determining where to mount a camera for maximum effectiveness may be difficult, especially on large vehicles. For example, dump trucks may require two or three cameras to monitor the blind spots on the front, rear, and side of the vehicle.

Radar and ultrasonic technology are also used in backing safety systems. A radar system transmits a signal, which is bounced off an object. The signal is then received by a receiver. These systems

alert the driver with a visual and/or audio warning. These systems must be positioned so that they won’t detect harmless objects, which can interfere with the detection of an object or person behind the vehicle. Also, the composition of an object can affect detection, with some materials being virtually invisible to radar.

Like cameras, this equipment can be mounted on most vehicles and may be an option from some manufacturers.

Ultrasonic systems, such as sonar, emit bursts of ultrasonic waves in a frequency above the hearing threshold of humans. When the waves strike an object, they generate echoes used to determine the distance to the object. These systems alert the driver with a visual and/ or audio warning.

Another type of proximity detection system is an electromagnetic field-based system, which is a type of tag-based system. This system consists of electromagnetic field generators and field detecting devices. One electromagnetic fieldbased system uses electromagnetic field generators installed on a vehicle and electronic sensing devices (a tag) worn by persons working near the vehicle. Another electromagnetic field-based system uses field generators worn by persons working near the vehicle, with the sensing devices installed on the vehicle. These electromagnetic field-based systems can be programmed to warn affected workers, stop the vehicle, or both, when workers get within the predefined danger zone of the vehicle. natarajan.joann@dol.gov 512-374-0271 x232

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San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020

agriculture and cattle. I raised hogs and steers growing up. I was also in the band in high school. I love music and I still do. I played football for a little bit until I got injured.

Justin Hitchcock, CEO/President JTEX Contracting INC. San Antonio, TX

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love for agriculture and working outdoors was the inspiration behind starting a career in erosion control.

Justin, tell me about yourself. Where were you born? Where did you grow up?

I was born in San Antonio and I grew up in Bulverde. I graduated from Smithson Valley High School in 1998. Immediately after graduation, I left to join the Military.

What branch of service did you serve?

I joined the United States Navy where I was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan.

What was it like in Japan?

It was fascinating. While I was stationed there, we traveled all over Asia. I went to Singapore, Hong Kong, Guam, South Korea, Australia and the Arabian Gulf twice.

What was your most favorite place you visited?

I would have to say Australia. It is amazing. Thailand was fascinating as well.

Thailand had some beautiful beaches.

How long were you in the Navy?

I served three and half years. I was supposed to serve four, but I was able to get out early for higher education when I enrolled at UTSA. Classes were starting in the fall and our ship was getting ready to go out on another six-month tour. Because it would have interfered in me enrolling, they allowed me the opportunity to get out six months early and I started taking classes at UTSA and got my associates degree.

Growing up, what were your interests?

Growing up, my dad bought a farm in Floresville. I grew up working on the farm. I loved going out there. My grandfathers on both sides of my family would go out and we would work on the farm raising cattle, bailing hay, mending fences, and driving tractors. I was really into

What instrument did you play when you were in the band?

I played the saxophone. I still play it, not as much as I should.

What did your father do for a living?

My dad had bought into a locksmith business, Alert Lock & Key, back in 1983.

When I got out of the Navy, I went to work for them while I attended classes at UTSA. I eventually took over Alert Lock & Key as well.

How did you come to start an erosion control business?

I met my wife, Freda, in college. While we were visiting her dad in Mississippi, he was doing a job there and I watched some guys who were hydroseeding. Not knowing what they were doing, I asked her dad. After he explained it all to me, he told me how I could make a good living doing that.

I started researching it on-line and saw that a large portion of federal contracts with the US Army Corps of Engineers were acquiring erosion control services on a lot of disposal areas for the ship channels where they dredge the ship channels and pump all the material onto an island. Eventually, the Corps of Engineers started requiring erosion control on these islands.

My wife’s father works for a large civil engineering contracting company in Houston that bid on these types of projects. I saw an opportunity and formed JTEX Contracting.

Having the family farm was right up our alley because we grow our own hay that I sell back to the company that in turn, sells to the contractors when we go out and use this hay on these islands.

When did you start JTEX Contracting?

Was it a hard business to learn?

I started it in 2007. It was at first. We learned a lot about hydroseeding, the actual mixing of mulch and seed and science in that, applying it and watering. We learned the pros and cons of it. We also learned the dry application of it, which if you are out on an island, your only option to get water is to ship it or drill a well.

How long have you and your wife been married? Do you have any children?

We got married in 2004. We have two children. Our daughter is 12 and our son is 11. They are 18 months apart. My daughter plays volleyball. We spend a lot of time supporting her. It keeps my wife busy, taking her to and from practice and getting her to and from tournaments. My son is actually into a lot of gaming and basketball also. He enjoys living out on the farm. I love it because I get to share all the great times I had

L-R: Faith, Justin, Freda and Jordan Hitchcock.

growing up on the farm with him.

Is your wife involved in the company?

Yes. Freda does all the accounting and paperwork.

What are your hobbies?

I try to spend as much time as I can with my family. My son and I like to skeet shoot. We go skeet shooting all the time.

I try to go fishing at least once or twice a year. Additionally, we are trying to start a new family tradition. We are trying to go skiing once a year. Beyond that, we all enjoy spending time at the beach.

What do you like best about the erosion control business?

I really like working outside. Growing up and working on the farm, I loved being outside and on the tractor. When I’m out working on a job, it’s like being on the farm all over again. I’m seeding, I’m on a tractor, I’m using equipment and hooking and unhooking machines. It’s what I like to do. There are a lot of CEOs and presidents that just go into the office and sit behind their desk, but I’m out there in the ditches, if you will, every day working with my guys. It’s what I like to do.

all I know about business and how to make money. He knows so much about business and has helped guide us and make good decisions.

What else would you like me to tell Construction News readers about you?

People say you will never get the respect out of anyone until you have earned it. When I got out of the military, I started out at the bottom. All the guys that work for me know that I started out at the bottom and worked my way up.

They have all worked for me for me a long time. I love teaching my employees and helping them out any way I can to help guide and succeed financially, physically and spiritually. -cmw

What is the hardest part of your business?

I think the traveling and being away from my family is the hardest part. It comes in stretches, but sometimes I’m gone for weeks at a time. Fortunately, we have structured around that and have adapted. We have a fifth-wheel camper and if I have to go to Houston, my wife and kids can come and stay with me on the weekends.

Do you have a mentor?

My dad has been my mentor. He has helped me along the way. Teaching me

San Antonio

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San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020

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San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020

Pescando con amigos

Industry FOLKS Bertha Pena

Senior Project Specialist

LPA Inc.

San Antonio, TX

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hile enrolled in the VOE program at Jefferson High School, Pena started working the summer before her senior year as a one-year intern in the engineering department at the City Water Board, which is now SAWS. Before her temporary position was scheduled to end, her supervisor asked if she would like to stay on part-time while she attended college and did so for the next two years until she moved to Austin. After moving back to San Antonio she was hired on at Garcia & Wright Consulting Engineers and spent 15 years there as an administrator working for Raul Garcia and Patrick Wright who helped continue her design field education. “I still keep in touch with Mr. Garcia, he is like family to me.”

A couple of jobs later, Pena joined O’Neill Conrad Oppelt Architects, now LPA Inc., where she recently celebrated her 16-year anniversary. “Mark Oppelt and Mickey Conrad have been instrumental in the success of my career.

They are also like family to me.”

As senior project specialist, Pena provides support to project managers in the construction administrative phase of projects. “I help keep the flow of submittals, RFIs, ASIs, Field Reports and all construction documents on schedule. I also assist with TDLR submissions and track all requirements through the final inspection process.

“The best part of my job is the people I get to work with, to include company leaders, co-workers, clients, consultants and contractors.

“I am very fortunate to have many mentors in my life and career, but by far, my parents (both deceased) were my

biggest influences. They were both born and raised in Mexico. A few years after marrying, my father came to the United States as part of the government’s Bracero Program in the mid-‘50s, which led to legal immigration to Texas with my mother and older brother a few years later. I’m still amazed at how they came here, not knowing the language, not having many skills, and succeeded in creating a home and family, without ever relying on American government programs.

“My father learned to speak English while learning carpentry and working all kinds of jobs to support our growing family. He later taught himself to do all things electrical and worked for several electrical contractors, before starting his own business in electrical, heating and air conditioning. My mother slowly learned to speak English while raising five kids. She was an excellent cook and homemaker. Their story is a perfect example of living the American dream.

With abundant love and by example, my parents taught us honesty, integrity and how to lead a simple but successful life through hard work and determination. I am extremely blessed and miss them both very much.

“Without a doubt, my biggest accomplishment in life is raising two exceptional daughters and teaching them to live with the values my parents taught me. I am so proud of them and know that they are well-equipped to succeed in all their endeavors.” -cmw

1st Place Winners: Young Bros. Fire Protection Inc., 15.78lbs.

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ishing with friends, is what the Tres Amigos fishing tournament is all about. The Hispanic Contractors de San Antonio (HCA de SA) hosted their annual Tres Amigos fishing tournament on May 29-30 at the Saltwater Pavilion at Rockport Beach. -cmw Tres Amigos winners: 2nd Place: Liquid Assets – Frost Bank, 14.26lbs.

3rd Place: Quatro Altermanians – Alterman Electric, 13.33lbs.

4th Place: Four Pendejos – Johnny & Sonny’s Glass, 12.04lbs.

★★

5th Place: Knotty Pirates – Central Builders, 11.30lbs.

6th Place: The Grim Reefers – Central Builders, 7.88lbs.

7th Place: Los Vaqueros Borrachos – Dausin Electric, 7.61lbs.

Heaviest Speckled or Spotted Sea Trout: Young Bros. Fire Protection Inc., 7.25lbs.

Heaviest Red Drum or Redfish: Johnson Controls, 8.73lbs.

Heaviest Southern Flounder: Turner Construction, 4.34lbs.

★★

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020

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chains of submerged and exposed islands are excellent habitat for both specks and reds. Continuous miles of grass beds and scattered sand pockets help keep this water filtered and clear even when the winds reach peak gusts.

I hope everyone has a safe holiday and enjoys the remainder of the summer.

Distance yourselves from all the violence, riots and looting that is trashing our country and get out and enjoy the outdoors.

Here are some dates open in the next few months. July 30,31 August 3,10,14,19, 20,21,27,28,31. Fall dates are also available.

To schedule your next bay fishing trip or hunting trip give Capt. Steve Schultz a call at 361-813-3716 or e-mail him at SteveSchultzOutdoors@gmail.com. Follow me of Facebook and Instagram at Steve Schultz Outdoors.

Trout Fishing Still Hotter Than Ever!

by Capt. Steve Schultz Sponsored by: Waypoint Marine, Shoalwater Boats, Fishing Tackle Unlimited, Shimano Reels, E-Z Bel Construction, Costa Sunglasses, Simms Fishing, ForEverlast Fishing Products, PowerPro, Interstate Batteries, MirrOlure, JL Marines Power-Pole, AFW and AFTCO Clothing

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ne of the most anticipated holidays of the summer is upon us, and no doubt the bays and beaches will be packed with families in search of making memories of a lifetime. The 4th of July is probably my favorite holiday of the year, marking our Independence. It is also one of the hottest times to be on the water.

This year things just might be a bit busier than the previous years due to the Covid-19 virus and lack of people traveling by air. Be prepared for long lines at the marinas, restaurants and on the beaches.

Trout fishing remains hotter than ever and limits of specks are not uncommon at most all of the cleaning tables. Redfish are stating to make an appearance with the majority of them being oversized. It shouldn’t be long, and we will start seeing more keeper reds in the coolers.

One thing you must remember about this time of the year is that it’s going to be crowded on the water so you best get an early start. With water temperatures starting out in the lower eighties and reaching the mid to upper eighties by mid afternoon, one must adjust to these changing conditions. I’d concentrate on fishing quiet shallow areas at first light and move deeper as the day progresses. Many areas along the King Ranch

Clients and great friends Bart and Debra Johnson of Brownwood caught some nice trout (23-inch) and reds (28-inch) on their three days fishing with Steve Schultz Outdoors.

shoreline can be reached very early in the morning by prepared anglers who have planned their trip the night before. Most anglers wait until the morning of their fishing trips to gas and oil the boat, prepare snacks and lunch, and rig their favorite rod and reel. This is wasting the most valuable fishing time of the day. By the time you get the boat launched and to your favorite fishing hole, most likely someone has fished that area or has run through it. One must have some sort of plan before you even leave the dock.

Always have a secondary location planned out in case someone has beat you to your first spot. Early morning areas to start out include the King Ranch Shore-

A ram of a trophy

Earlier this year, Toby Martinez, president of Bexar Excavating & Hauling, went on a hunting trip with Allen & Allen Co.’s Mike McGinnis, Lynwood Building Materials’ Chris Christian, and Dalrymple Gravel & Contractings’s Ashley Christian, when he harvested this trophy ram. Martinez harvested his trophy at Corazon Ranch in Brackettville. -cmw

line from the CPL Power Plant to Compuerta Pass heading into Baffin Bay. If you get a real early start and want to fish further south, try fishing the South Shore of Baffin Bay from Los Corrallos to White Bluff. This area offers a vast amount of shoreline, which can be fished shallow over sand and grass, or deeper later in the day over rock structures. It is a great shoreline to wade fish if the winds get up later in the day. Another area, which is holding fish lately is the spoil islands south of Bird Island. This stretch of small

Good Luck and Good Fishing.

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San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020

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

Are ya ready ski cat?

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sually when we are on the water we are enjoying our fast new boats and up-todate electronics. We tend to forget that people have been enjoying the lakes for generations and thankfully passing that love of the water on to us. This little story is from my wife’s family and the day her uncles met water skis.

In 1942, less than a decade after Lake Buchanan filled up, my wife’s Grandpa Alexander, with his wife and four sons, bought a little fishing camp and made it a fisherman’s paradise.

It was hard work to build the place up and run it, but those boys were able to have fun too.

One day, a friend of theirs from a wealthy family came to the lake in his new car pulling his new ski boat. A couple of pretty young ladies bailed out of the car and the boat was launched and then they pulled out some of those new-fangled water skis and a rope. Now you have to remember these little river rats had only seen water skiing on the Technicolor newsreels about the fabulous Florida Everglades that were shown before the movies at the picture show.

Pretty soon is was clear that the young playboy and his bathing beauties didn’t know a thing about skiing. We never knew what happened exactly, but they loaded back up in the car in a

huff and drove off leaving the boat run up on the beach with the ski rope strung out behind it and the abandoned skis bobbing around and floating away.

The story goes that the fancy car didn’t even make it back to the highway before my wife’s dad and his little brothers had the ski rope tied to the back of their boat and were cramming their feet in those skis. Those

boys took to waterskiing like ducks to water. Within a week or two, they had al-

ready built themselves a makeshift ski jump out of wood scraps and tin and slicked it down with oil. More than once Grandma had to scold them for trying to go over the jump with baby brother on their shoulders or for putting a chair on the skis to try tricks like in the movies. If she stepped out the back door and heard one of them holler,” Are you ready ski cat?,” and then another voice on the other end of the rope yelled back, “Let’er go daddy-o!” They were up to something.

They put on water ski shows for customers for the next several years until they grew up and moved on.

Recently, a car pulled up at the fishing camp and a couple of sweet little blue haired grannies got out and started walking around holding hands and pointing at stuff. When we talked to them, it turned out that they had just wanted to come back to where they used to go fishing with their families as girls. They were sisters and told us about how they had crushes on the water skiing boys back in the day. After they grew up and raised their own families, they were just out visiting their old stomping grounds.

It’s kind of cool to remember that even our man-made lakes have a history of sorts and to be reminded that our grandpas were daredevils and grannies had crushes!

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020

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Family adventures

.A. Nunnelly General Contractor President Blaine Beckman shared photos from his family’s recent get-a-ways to South Padre and Big Bend National Park -cmw Citizen Beckman’s first bay fishing trip ➤ was a total success for this little guy

as evident by the look on his face as he shows off a caught speckled trout.

Mama duck and her ducklings at the Dausin family farm.

ry roots in it. The planter just knifes them into the ground, but you have to go real slow or you have to go back and plant them by hand,“ says Dausin.

Dausin’s strawberry operation has grown over his short six years of farming.

“We started out with a quarter of an acre, then went to a half and now we are at an acre. We get rid of 97 percent of them. We don’t sell them. We give them away. We eat all we can and give the rest away. We give to the food bank and we give a lot of strawberries to our customers,” continues Dausin.

As you can imagine, being a farmer in Poteet, a strawberry farmer to boot, Dausin is very involved in the Poteet Strawberry Festival and has taken second place the last couple of years. Unfortunately, this year, COVID-19 put a damper on hopes of taking home first place.

In addition to farming strawberries, vegetables and flowers, Dausin also raises

quarter horses and cattle. He plans to enjoy his future retirement on his farm. “Farming, that’s the way I’m going out.” -cmw

The Beckman family relax and enjoy the serenity of Big Bend National Park.

Harvested Marigolds from the Dausin farm and one of Dausin’s farm ducks.

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San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020

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Davenport High School

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omal Independent School District is one of the most highly rated public school districts in central Texas. It spans 589 square miles of lush Texas hill country and encompasses five counties including Comal, Bexar, Hay, Kendall and Guadalupe. This fast-growing district has more than 24,900 students currently enrolled, ranging from pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade. Due to the rapid population growth in the area—and with it, the increased number of students—Comal ISD commissioned the construction of new, state-of-theart academic facilities to accommodate more students.

Davenport High School aerial view, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors is the project’s general contractor.

In early 2018, Comal Independent School District announced plans to begin development on what was then only known as Comal No. 4. A request for proposal was announced shortly after looking for various contractors to take on the large scale project, to which the team at Quarter Moon Plumbing, AC and Heating responded. The plumbing project was awarded to Quarter Moon Plumbing shortly after that. The scope of the project included plumbing for all school facilities including the sports complex, science labs, lecture halls, as well as the necessities such as plumbing for the cafeteria and restrooms.

As it turns out, this project really hit close to home for Quarter Moon Plumbing, AC and Heating, as its headquarters is located just down the road from Davenport High School. “It never gets old seeing what years of work and collaboration actually look like when it is all said and done,” says Quarter Moon Plumbing, AC and Heating president, Joel Frederick. “Over the past two years we have seen this

school go from a flat gravel lot to a cutting edge facility that is sure to provide many wonderful opportunities for the students lucky enough to come here. We are blessed to have been able to be a part of it.”

Quarter Moon Plumbing, AC and Heating have been in business for over 30 years, servicing the community of San Antonio and surrounding areas. They are proud members of the Better Business Bureau and have a focus on community service, getting involved in various charitable causes including the annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner and Wish for our Heroes.

Quarter Moon Plumbing, AC and Heating is a full-service plumbing contractor. -cmw Warm Shell Project for Alamo Quarry Market Bluerock Construction Group San Antonio, TX

Quarter Moon Plumbing lays in the plumbing as construction begins.

Soto Office Building

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long the Broadway corridor where all new construction is under way, stands a unique project by architect BOKA Powells, project SOTO Office Building. This project is the first mass timber structure in San Antonio. Baker Triangle was among the subcontractors working on this unique project.

Baker Triangle’s scope of work for the Soto Office Building project included the installation of the exterior cold form metal framing, exterior sheathing, exterior rigid insulation, interior framing, interior batt insulation and interior gypsum.

At the exterior framing, Baker Triangle typically just sees steel structure where they attach for support and/or concrete.

In this project, the main structure is the mass timber structure, which sits above the first floor, composed of concrete.

Along the five-story timber building, steel was incorporated in between floors and at the roof fascia. Baker Triangle’s crews had to be extra cautious not to damage or scuff any columns, deck and roof as they were left exposed as a finish product, which left no room for error.

Their coordination meetings were led

by Byrne Construction superintendent

Framing columns at west elevation

Soto Office Building rendering.

Jared Gold to ensure all subcontractors worked as a team during all phases of construction.

For Baker Triangle’s exterior scope of work, the Baker team, led by Estimator Jacob Sireno, Sr. Project Manager Marco Ortiz and Project Foreman Ruben Mendoza, would have to frame and install sheathing and wait for waterproofing. After the waterproofing was com-

pleted, they would have to go back and install the rigid insulation. Due to the limited space along the job site, coordination was crucial to ensure work areas were available and there was not down time between subcontractors. The Baker team could not complete all framing on one floor until the steel angle was completed at every other level since exterior columns would bypass two floors. To be

Framing of 4th floor corridors - typical view of the exposed columns, beams and deck at all levels.

the most efficient while steel angles were installed, the Baker team would complete all framing in between columns on two floors then go back and do all of the columns. Baker Triangle framed most of the walls between columns from the inside of the building, allowing for the steel to be installed in front of them without equipment being in their way to perform their work.

At the interior core work, Baker Triangle framed ceilings and walls along corridors utilizing their precut milled drywall shapes, “Quickshapes,” for the outside corners at furr downs location. Gypsum shapes were precut to their profile at Baker’s prefab shop in Dallas where they are sorted and wrapped for specific locations. This allowed the Baker Triangle team to install gypsum with less man power on the job and at the same time, maintaining the project schedule with minimal gypsum waste.

Baker Triangle is a full-service drywall subcontractor. -cmw Soto Office Building Baker Triangle San Antonio, TX

Installation of the Milled gypsum at furr downs “quickshapes”

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Warm Shell Project for Alamo Quarry Market

Daniel and Steven Garcia, co-owners of Bluerock Construction outside the Warm Shell project.

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he Warm Shell project in the Alamo Quarry Market is a commercial retail interior demolition and fire sprinkler system project. The project consists of completely demolishing the interior of the 12,000sf lease space at Alamo Quarry Market.

HVAC, electrical, plumbing, walls, metal stud framing and flooring are all to be removed. Bluerock Construction Group also modified the existing fire sprinkler system by adding new branch lines and supply mains. The existing concrete floor will

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be prepared for a new finish.

Bluerock Construction is a local company that has established a strong presence in San Antonio over the past several years. They have been able to do so with their modern approach in utilizing multiple social media platforms and unique marketing methods. “We have vast experience in numerous types of industries, from retail to commercial, real estate development, federal, industrial and residential,” says Daniel Garcia, Bluerock co-owner. Completing many projects for the Department of De-

Interior demolition work begins

fense throughout the State of Texas, developing multi-family properties, industrial concrete and metal buildings, commercial finish-outs and new builds has helped Bluerock.

“We have learned a lot over the years from our grandparents and parents, Adrian and Jackie Garcia, which still have their own construction business. We have been around the construction industry for as long as we can both remember, hanging out with Dad at his jobsites, learning how to drive machinery, and learning the ins

and outs of actually running a company.

There are many ups and downs, but we were always taught, ‘nothing is ever handed to you. You must work hard for what you want,’” says Steven Garcia, Bluerock co-owner.

Bluerock Construction Group is a fullservice general contracting firm in San Antonio. -cmw Warm Shell Project for Alamo Quarry Market Bluerock Construction Group San Antonio, TX

Bridge Demolition at IH-10/Graytown Rd

dan Foster Construction. t’s not every day you are required to With their highly specialized pieces of detour off the interstate due to a demolition equipment and proven, strabridge being wiped from existence. tegic approach, the demolition crew Typically, this type of detour would be turned the entire bridge to rubble within a traffic nightmare with thousands of the first six hours of work. The next 12 vehicles slowed to a passive crawl as they hours were spent clearing the debris are forced to exit the main lanes. from the roadway and removing the

TXDOT did their best to mitigate the bridge abutments along the frontage traffic impact with strategic timing of maroads. jor thoroughfare or interstate closures by “We work hard to eliminate any unnecallowing a complete closure only after essary road closures to our community.

8pm Friday night and demanding the We understand how aggravating it is to roadway be opened by 5am the followbe held up in traffic. This is our commuing Monday. The project specifications nity, too, and we want to lessen the inallow only a total of 55 hours to comconvenience as much as possible, so we pletely close the roadway, demolish a brought out extra pieces of equipment bridge, remove all the debris, clean the to speed up the process,” explained road surface, and restore traffic onto its Timothy Ramon, President of JR RAMON normal path.

Demolition.

Although this sounds like a daunting The Graytown overpass bridge demotask, it’s a job JR RAMON Demolition JR RAMON Demolition begins demolition of the Graytown Road bridge at IH-10. lition is part of a 2.5 mile Interstate 10 takes on regularly, demolishing dozens widening project. The overall widening of bridges throughout central and south Texas every year. Their latest project was a 200ft long highly experienced team of demolition operatives from project is scheduled to be completed in May 2023.

JR RAMON Demolition is a full-service demolition overpass on Interstate 10 at Graytown Road in eastern JR RAMON was able to accomplish.

Bexar County. When Jordan Foster Construction hired “This is our first full highway closure on the project, contractor. -cmw JR RAMON to perform the demolition, the highway gen- and we were able to turn it over to TXDOT a day and a eral contractor was not sure what to expect. They surely half earlier than planned,” stated Alexis Marshall of JorBridge Demolition at IH-10/Graytown Rd didn’t expect JR RAMON to complete the project 36 JR RAMON Demolition hours ahead of schedule, but that’s exactly what the San Antonio, TX

Clean-up begins.

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San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020

Relocating to better serve

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Working around COVID-19

n early March, Big City Access went into proactive mode and ordered cases of hand sanitizer, disinfectant, paper towels, thermometers, face mask and buffs, in preparation for the COVID-19 pandemic that was spreading rapidly in the United States. “We had to deal with the constant changes and restrictions in four cities and multiple counties; each having their own restrictions in preventing the spread of the virus,” says General Manager Ben Cantu.

Big City Access published and implemented the COVID-19 Big City Access Plan through the guidelines and recommendations of the CDC and OSHA. The plan was distributed to their employees and posted on the bulletin board. “In addition, we took extra precautions by limiting the amount of people in our offices and company vehicles during operations.

All vehicles and offices are equipped with hand sanitizer dispensers,” adds Cantu.

-cmw

H&E Equipment Services’ new location, 597 Northpoint Drive in Temple, TX.

T

o better serve a fast-growing market, H&E Equipment Services (H&E) announced the relocation of their Georgetown branch to an expanded facility at 597 Northpoint Drive in Temple, TX. The announcement came on Jun. 8.

The state-of-the-art 20,000sf facility sits on six acres with a fully fenced yard area, offices, parts warehouse and a sixbay shop. The service department is capable of handling repairs for a variety of general, industrial, construction, and earthmoving equipment.

The Temple branch specializes in earthmoving equipment, aerial lifts, telescopic forklifts, and general construction machinery from the following manufacturers: Allmand, Atlas Copco, Blue Diamond, Bomag, Doosan, Gehl, Generac, Genie , Hamm, JCB, JLG, John Deere, LBX, LayMor, MEC, Multiquip, Okada, Polaris, Skyjack, SkyTrak, Sullair, Takeuchi, Wacker Neuson, Yanmar and others.

“Our new Temple facility is more strategically located to serve contractors now that we are on Northpoint Drive, just off of I-35. This allows us to react more quickly and provide faster response time to Temple, Belton, Killeen, Waco, and the

surrounding areas,” says H&E Regional Vice President Shaun Bergeson. “Our highly skilled employees, large and growing equipment inventory, new shop, and increased investment in this area demonstrate our full commitment to the Central Texas region, allowing us to better meet customers’ rental, sales, parts and equipment service needs.”

In addition to a large equipment rental fleet, the facility provides expanded new and used equipment sales, parts availability within 24 hours for most items, in-shop and mobile service repairs, training and other value-added services.

Founded in 1961, H&E Equipment Services is one of the largest integrated equipment companies in the nation, providing the higher standard in equipment rentals, sales, parts and service.

Including the Temple branch, there are 20 locations in Texas and additional locations nationwide throughout the Pacific Northwest, West Coast, Intermountain, Southwest, Gulf Coast, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

H&E Equipment Services is a fullservice equipment rental company. -cmw

Big City Access team members review project details during the pandemic.

Team meeting on a jobsite

Reiterating COVID-19 precautions.

Wash stations.

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020

R

Page 17

Hey tire man

Family and quality

Ray McCracken, owner of Ray’s Tire Service

David Pinedo (center) the Procoin Electric family.

ay McCracken got out of high school, he went to work for his dad who was a manager at a commercial tire retail store. It was there that McCracken discovered he had a knack for service.

Three short years later, in 1999, McCracken started Ray’s Tire Service (RTS). “It’s kind of crazy how it all happened, but I just really found my niche.

Whenever you become self-employed you find yourself trying to do whatever you can to make a dollar. When I first got started, I kind of just worked on 18-wheelers and fixed flats. As my overhead got bigger, I became more diverse. The construction industry gets flats too, whether inflatable tires, solid tires or tracks. When the machine is down, that machine is not making any money for the employer. We try to get everybody up and going as quickly as we can with our fleet of trucks, we run probably 50-60 service calls a day.

“We service everything from big heavy equipment and little bitty cars. We are a full-service commercial store. We cater to the industrial side of the industry like con-

struction companies and rental companies.

“There are a lot of things about tires that people overlook. Application is very important. You don’t want to put a car tire on your pickup truck and the same concept goes for heavy equipment. We truly know what works and what does not work. We do solid tires like you see on machines that don’t hold air like some of your forklifts, scissor lifts, etc. Those tires wear down as well. Sometimes out on jobsites, those tires take a beating and get torn up over time, and they too have to be replaced. We go onsite and swap them out for the contractor. We also replace and repair tracks for machines that don’t have tires at all. That is a different application as well,” adds McCracken.

When McCracken first started his business, folks didn’t know his name, they would just say “Hey tire man.” That saying stuck and has become part of the RTS slogan.

Offering 24-hour service, seven days a week, RTS provides from service to the construction industry from Corpus to Brownsville, Yorktown to San Antonio. -cmw

A

native of Mexico, David Pinedo, came to the United States as a young man. Knowing that he wanted to make a good life for himself and his family, he began to study the electrical trade as an apprentice. He worked for several great electrical contractors while learning the trade and earning his license.

Pinedo later returned to his native homeland and went to work for a familyowned contractor in Mexico, Procoin Electric. When the owners of Procoin retired and closed their business, Pinedo returned to Texas.

After obtaining his Master Electrician license, Procoin decided to go into business for himself. Having deep roots with Procoin in Mexico and a great relationship with the owners of Procoin, he wanted to carry that name forward. With their blessing, Pinedo opened his own business in 2000 named after the family-owned business that had been so good to him.

Procoin Electric is a family-owned and operated business. Several of Pine-

do’s family members are journeyman electricians working for Procoin and are very close to obtaining their own Master Electrician license.

“Before David started his own company, he was very well known in the industry. He mentored a lot of electricians around San Antonio, me being one of them. We have several apprentices on our crews. He is a strong believer in passing on the trade,” says Pinedo’s brotherin-law and project manager, Fred Palomares. “People were on the sideline waiting for him because they wanted to deal with David,” Palomares continues.

Pinedo had several crews ready to work when he started Procoin. He does no subcontracting. All work is performed from Procoin electricians. It’s the only way to maintain quality control of the work performed and that everyone is qualified to perform the work.

Procoin Electric is a full-service electrical contractor serving the San Antonio area. -cmw

The Resource Guide Associations and Construction Education

Subcontractors

Suppliers

Service Providers

Truck & Equip Dealers

General Contractor

For Info on Resource Guide: Dana@ConstructionNews.net Buddy@ConstructionNews.net

Page 18

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020

Association Calendar

Content Contentsubmitted submittedby byAssociations Associationsto toConstruction ConstructionNews News ABC

Associated Builders & Contractors Inc.

Jul 1: Breakfast Club, Alamo Café, 281 Hwy. 281 N., 7am – TENTATIVE. For more info, contact Leah Villarreal at leah@abcsouthtexas.org or 210-342-1994

more info, contact Julie Tucker at 210-4319861 or email jtucker@iecsanantonio.com MCA

Mechanical Contractors Assn.

AGC

Jul. 15-19: Annual Meeting & Products Show, La Cantera Resort – RESCHEDULED July 2022. For more info, call 281-440-4380

Jul. 15-16: OSHA 10-Hour, AGC Office, 10806 Gulfdale, 8:30am-4:30pm. For more info, contact Kelly Wilson at 210-349-4921

Mechanical and Sheet Metal Contractors Assn.

Associated General Contractors

AIA

American Institute of Architects

Jul. 31: 11th Annual Clays & Q, National Shooting Complex, 5931 Roft Rd., 1:308pm. For more info, email Torrey Carleton at torey@aiasa.org ASA

American Subcontractors Assn.

Jul. 23: Association Celebration Meting, The Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels, 7th Flr., 5:45pm.

Jul. 28: Golf Tournament, TPC San Antonio Canyons Golf Course, 23808 Restort Pkwy., $275 Per Golfer, $975 Per Team of 4. For info, contact Jennifer Swinney at 210-349-2105 ECAT

Earthmoving Contractors Assn. of Texas

Jul.: Annual Meeting - CANCELLED. For info, visit www.earthmovingcontractors. com or call 325-340-8370 or 325-977-8372.

HCA de SA

Hispanic Contractors Assn. de San Antonio

Jul. 15: Monthly Meeting/Mixer, The Quarry Golf Club, 444 E. Basse, 5:30-8pm.

For more info, call Victoria Rodriguez at 210-444-1100 or go to www.hcadesa.org IEC

Independent Electrical Contractors

Jul. 13-14: Foreman Training Class. For

MCA-SMACNA INC

Jul. 23: Joint Industry Fund Meeting, MCASMACNA office, 12500 Network Blvd., #410, 11:30am. For more info, call Sandee Morgan at 210-822-3763 NARI

National Assn. of the Remodeling Industry

Jul. 16: Mixer & Happy Hour – ON HOLD Due to COVID-19. For more info, contact Angela Parks at angelas@southwestexteriors.com PHCC

Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors

Jul. 9: Plumbing Apprentice Graduation, TBD. Jul. 31: Plumbing Apprenticeship School Deadline. For information, contact Heidi Trimble at 210-824-7422.

SAMCA San Antonio Masonry Contractors Assn.

Jul. 10-11: Annual Fishing Tournament, Redfish Bay Boathouse, 322 Huff St., Aransas Pass; $300 per boat w/4 anglers.

For more info, contact Debi Solis at 210347-2423 TACCA

Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Assn.

Greater San Antonio

Jul. 18: Member Mixer, TBD. For more info, call Dawn Thompson at 210-901-4222

continued from Page 1 — Urban Concrete Over the decades, Ronnie and Terry (his wife of 40 years) have contributed a great deal of their time, talent, and treasure to agriculture projects. Most recently, Urban Concrete is helping to construct a new pole barn for the Bexar County Junior Livestock Show. “Urban came to the rescue and donated time to help the students of Bexar County,” said Betty Evans, Bexar County Junior Livestock Show Treasurer. “Without your help, we may not have had the funds to complete the erection of the pole barn.”

The opportunity to have an impact on the community comes from the success and growth of Urban Concrete. When asked what has helped the company grow, Urbanczyk’s answer was simple.

“Our employees. We are surrounded by an incredibly dedicated and loyal core of employees who have been with us since the beginning. They have helped build Urban Concrete into the company it is today, and we consider them part of our family.”

As he looks to the future of Urban Concrete, Urbanczyk recognizes that

family will be the key to future growth.

“Most of our children and their spouses are involved in some aspect of the Urban line of businesses,” Urbanczyk said. “In addition to the concrete business, we’re in land and soil, drilling, cattle, real estate, and ranching. With the support of our loyal Urban family, our children will lead Urban Concrete and all our businesses into the future.”

The current and past success of Urban Concrete has laid a foundation for a legacy of giving for the Urbanczyk family, one that will continue far into the future. “God has blessed our family in big ways,” Urbanczyk concluded. “As we look forward, we are excited about our future. We are building a new headquarters building north of our current location, and we have a whole new generation of leadership ready to take us forward. This new generation shares our commitment to help those in need and will allow our legacy of giving to continue.”

Urban Concrete is a full-service concrete contractor in San Antonio. -cmw

continued from Page 1 — Cavallini Co. Inc. ”says third-generation Adrian Vincent Cavallini.

Approaching the company’s 70th year in business, stain glass restoration is becoming a bigger part of the family business every year. This is evident in the construction of the new churches being built which are these big auditorium style homes of worship. “They are more contemporary with less windows and stain glass. Fortunately for us, old windows are getting older and that’s kind of where are focus is going toward,” adds the younger Adrian.

In addition to increased restoration work, the company has evolved into supplies and an online store. “We sell office supplies for stain glass, mosaics and fusing. We provide about a thousand different types of glass on our website. You can order it on the website and come by pick it up with our curbside service,” adds second-generation Joseph Cavallini.

For the Cavallini Co., getting commissions that are more recognizable, like the historic renovation for the cathedral in Laredo and the Plaza Hotel in El Paso, which are on the national historic registry, are among their niche. “Those types of commissions are restorations which we are aiming for more of, but we do everything in between. We will take and repair a mosaic lamp shade, or you can bring us a Victorian panel that has one piece of broken glass in it and we’ll fix it,” adds the older Adrian.

“One of the things that we really take pride in is that every part of the business will have somebody with the last name Cavallini touching it. From the initial cus-

tomer interaction to the end result. My mother, Debbie Cavallini, and brother are the first interaction and usually answer the phone. The first meeting is usually myself or my dad. Throughout the application process, it is usually my dad or myself who actually supervise the whole thing, checking on the quality. That’s how we can ensure our quality standards are high. Going into the design phase, we make sure we are directing our designer in the right way and into the installation, either myself or my dad are always on the ground. Every part and process we are involved in. We don’t subcontract anything. We make sure that if we are going to have our name on it, we want to make sure it is as good as it can be,” adds Adrian Vincent.

Cavallini Co. Inc. offers complete design, fabrication and installation services of mosaic and stain glass. -cmw

Dallas residential stained glass

continued from Page 1 — Circle C Millwork Inc. 20-plus years together, working as a team. Alex Carrillo, Bruce Alberthal and Steve McCaffrey are among them. I wouldn’t say getting more and better clients, just more and better work.

“We’ve done a lot of work with HEB over the years, almost since the beginning and AT&T back in the early days before they moved out of town. Now we’re doing work with Frost Bank. It’s just a matter of keeping your nose to the grind stone. I like what I do. Everybody here likes what they do,” says Carl.

Having been in the mill working business for almost 40 years himself, Carl says it is time to start thinking about the future. He admits that he and Sandy are not ready to retire, but they know eventually they will and are in the very early stages of their succession plan. They are extremely excited and proud to have their son Cory and his wife, Jenny, as part of that plan. ”We both feel like we are young enough to hang around for a little while longer. But it has to be discussed.”

As the company continues to evolve, Cory is an active participant in the operations of the company and sees technology as a part of the company’s and industry’s

future. “We are moving to a more technology based system. Jobsites and plans are all going to be on a central hub. All of our guys have iPads now,” says Cory.

“In addition, Circle C has implemented a new program that has been created specifically for the mill work trade. The new program connects all aspects of a mill work shop from estimating to billings, to change orders to deliveries,” continues Cory.

As Cory and Jenny begin their path, Cory says he wants to keep the company his father built, the way his father built it.

“The thing that sets us apart from everybody else is the employees come first. It’s something that my dad instilled in this company a long time ago. It’s all about team work!” adds Cory.

“I like what I do. I like coming to work every day. My heart is on the floor with all these guys because that is where I came from. So it makes doing what I do that much easier because I get to see them and be out on the floor with them when I need to be. I’m never that far away from it. The satisfaction is seeing all our people here happy keeps me going,” adds Carl.

Circle C Millwork Inc. is a full-service architectural millwork subcontractor. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020

Page 19

In the office

Industry FOLKS Hans Ask

Applications Engineer

Lonestar Electric Supply San Antonio, TX

B

While many are still working from their homes amongst the COVID-19 pandemic, there are members of Associated General Contractors’ (AGC) staff that are in the office serving their membership while practicing social distancing. L-R: Chapter Accountant Debbie Carter, Executive Vice President Doug McMurray and Administrative Assistant Jennifer Cavazos. -cmw

What do you wish someone would invent?

You think about this all the time… I wish someone would invent something to keep you completely cool while you are outside working during the hot summer months.

Justin Hitchcock, JTEX Contracting INC. Invent? One of the things that I always struggle with is whether to have a personal assistant or not. I struggle with it because I’m so hands on but having some kind of robot that is my personal assistant that I could turn on and off as needed would be ideal for me.

Julissa Carielo, Tejas Premier Building Contractor Inc. / DreamOn Group I wish someone would invent charcoal that you wouldn’t have to light. On the hand, if I could invent a tire that would never go flat, I would be a pioneer and wouldn’t have to work anymore because I would have invented something that never needed to be repaired.

Ray McCracken, Ray’s Tire Service (RTS) Doing a lot of camera work with the fiber optic camera, you find that they tend to break at the end when you are running them so I wish someone would invent a sewer camera that never breaks and a wax ring that never goes bad.

Jim Parker, Parker & Sons Plumbing Inc. I think, right now, just a cure for the virus and some type of intervention for the unrest going on around the world.

Mark Wohlfarth, The Sabinal Group A time warp machine so you could travel without having to be on a plane.

Carl Smith, Circle C Millwork Inc. Anything that could determine where markets are heading in advance. Truly using forecasting tools, giving us the ability to find ways to position ourselves best to serve our customers and understand the dynamics of our industries would be a benefit.

And, I wish someone could invent something to allow someone to be in two places at once.

James Court, Holt CAT I think some super smart human needs to come up with a bark translator. I try to tell my humans it’s bedtime, or I need a treat, or that I want their entire plate of

food, but they just don’t seem to get it!

It’s pretty frustrating when you’re trying to talk to someone about getting all of the food on the table and all they do is pet you and tell you how cute you are...I know I’m cute but I’m also hungry dang it!!

Rocky, Beicker Consultants LLC I wish someone would invent an app that would translate what some is trying to say. Not from language to language per say, but to get their point across to get the true meaning of what it is they are wanting or trying to say.

Fabian Macias, Procoin Electric Maybe it is out there already, and I just haven’t heard of it, but I wish somebody would invent a mopping robot like the Roomba. My poor back just can’t handle mopping anymore.

Carol Wiatrek, Construction News A vaccine for COVID-19.

Ben Cantu, Big City Access

orn in Pueblo, CO, Hans Ask spent most of his life in Colorado. He very much enjoyed living and growing up in Colorado where he was surrounded with mountain views. Who could blame him for that?

Ask graduated from Pueblo West High School before going onto college.

He spent two years at a junior college in Trinidad, CO where he earned an Associates of Applied Sciences, Basic Studies degree. He spent two years at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA where he received his Bachelor of General Studies degree. He also spent two years at San Jacinto Community College where he studied Engineering Design Graphics. “College life was memorable!”

Ask says he somewhat fell into his career path with guidance from family.

He had always been hands-on with software, automation, technology, and had interest in electrical.

His first job in the industry was with a pipe inspection company that created isometric drawings to display inspection points on the pipe run.

These points were used in the field for inspectors to take readings that read thicknesses of piping.

“Myself and our Apps Engineer in Dallas, Javier Velazquez, assist our outside sales group with servicing their customers and accounts, when it comes to lighting and lighting controls. Our team uses sophisticated software to ensure code compliance and price in-house lighting control systems

s

like Lutron Vive, Acuity nLight and Wattstopper DLM, with all the components to support multiple jobs sitting on the shelves of our warehouse. We are in and out of lighting design software that helps us ensure the right light fixture is selected for the right applications, giving the correct illumination based on Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) standards.

“The best part of my job is the people I work with. It’s truly a family, and we all have each other’s backs. Besides the family, it would be the irregularity of what each day brings, and the different challenges that come with each design.”

Ask met his wife, Kimberlyn, in college and were married in October of 2019. They are expecting their first child, a boy, in September. They also have A 6-month-old beagle named Trip. He has quite the personality but is the perfect fit for the young couple and gets two walks a day.

Asks begins his list of mentors with his dad, great uncle and a few coaches.

“Within our company, there are a lot of successful men and women that are great for me to be around, to help me grow professionally and personally.”

He loves to fish and be on the water. Additionally, he and his wife enjoy working on their house and adding their flavor to their home. -cmw

Submitted to Construction News

Round-Up

Sundt Construction Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Lance Larson as San Antonio area manager. Larson brings over 25 years of experience to his new role. He holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, OSHA-30 certified and is a member of the American Concrete Institute, American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Institute of Steel Construction. - cmw

Page 20

M

ost offices employ an individual to open mail and disburse mail, but at Beicker Consultants LLC, they take it to a whole different level. It has gone to the dog, literally. Rocky Bratten, an English Bulldog, is the official delivery dog for Beicker Consultants. He makes sure his human co-workers get their deliveries both in the office and on the jobsite with the promise of a treat.

Born in Sequin, TX, Rocky left home at a very early age and grew up in nearby Cibolo, TX. Sadly, he has no memory of his parents or siblings. Fortunately, growing up in Cibolo is the absolute best according to Rocky.

“In Cibolo, I got to meet my best cat friend, Indy, and get treated like a king by my humans. I get face rubs daily, sleep wherever I want, snore as loud as I can, and play with my toys that I have scattered around the house. My favorite is a big bouncy ball that I ram into the furniture with my face. I go outside and hang out from time to time, but if I stay out too long, I’ll get overheated.

Sometimes there are rabbits in the yard that I try to play with. I don’t know if it’s my attempt at hopping like they do, or my overall excitement, but they always run away and escape under the fence.

“All of my neighbors love me as I see them often since my humans take me everywhere. Recently, my male human made me a sweet sleeping bunker that’s in our living room and daaaang is it comfy. All of my fourlegged friends are pretty jealous.”

Schooling is a sensitive subject because he really wanted to be the alternate mascot to UGA at the University of Georgia… you know the whole “If he goes down, I’m ready to go in coach,” kind of deal? But with the Aggies, Texas Tech and UTSA guys we have here at Beicker Consultants, they pretty much nixed that idea pretty fast. We can all dream though, right?

“I haven’t gone to college yet. I’m letting my human sibling try it out first and tell me what he likes about it.

I’ve talked to my other four-legged buddies about it, but they seem to think I won’t fit in very well. Little do they know everyone loves me, so I’ll be just fine! Needless to say, I don’t have a degree. I learned everything I know from my dad, Mike Bratten, who’s also an engineer where I work.

Rocky says his involved field of study fell into his lap or rather, he was in his dad’s lap who would take him to work. From there he learned a lot about the plans his company develops and how to deliver them with style.

At 2-years-old, 14 in dog years, Rocky is not married, but he does have a favorite mini-Australian Shepherd, Penny, who’s basically his girlfriend. “She might not know it really because she’s a spaz and runs circles around me but we’re color buddies and she smells nice. I’m sure one day we’ll get married, but I just got to give it time. It’s been hard over the past couple of months though with all of this virus stuff going on. We are in a long-distance relationship as she lives in New Braunfels, so the ‘stay home’ stuff really puts a damper on visiting her!

One day, my human took me on a field trip one day and said I’d be able to relax and take a nap for most of the day. The next thing I know, I’m waking up with a cone around my neck and a little sore in my nether region - that’s when they broke the news to me. I would not be able to have any children. But you know what, I’m good with it! I do wish they had discussed it with me first but like my human says, “It is what it is.” Don’t get me

Gone to the dog

Rocky Bratten, Delivery Dog, Beicker Consultants LLC, San Antonio, TX

wrong though, I am a bit skeptical about these ‘field trips’ as I won’t be falling for that again.

Rocky says he has two owners. Lucky dog, right? He thinks so. “My male human is Mike Bratten and he works at Beicker Consultants as a professional structural engineer. From what I’ve heard, he’s been doing engineering for over 12 years and started here as an EIT. I’m pretty much an EIT too, but don’t tell him I skipped the schooling part. He went to UTSA and grew up here in San Antonio. In his free time, he likes to make noise while I’m trying to sleep by doing woodworking stuff in the garage. Sometimes I hang out with him but only if it’s not too hot. I prefer the A/C. Overall, I think he’s a pretty cool guy and I really like that he takes me everywhere with

Rocky on the job delivering plans.

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020

him. I really like riding in the truck and getting to see the great State of Texas! My female human is a hair stylist at William Edge in New Braunfels. Her name is Alexandra Gise and she’s super awesome! She likes to hang out with me on the couch while she sews and watches the office while I try to nap on her lap. Every once in a while, I’ll just go sit on her lap so she can’t sew anymore and has to pay attention to me. And, every once in a while, she takes naps with me. I honestly couldn’t be happier at that moment! She also takes me around in her Jeep and sometimes even rolls down the windows. I tell you what though, sometimes I try to eat that wind as it comes through the window. It’s so frustrating, because I just can’t seem to catch it! One day though, one day.

“I also have my human brother, Aiden. He’s really cool and Iikes to show me his video games. Sometimes I try to nibble at his feet and chase him around the house, it’s fun seeing him run away. He likes to ride his scooter when we go for walks and I like to see if I can keep up.

Overall, all of my humans are awesome, and I love spending my entire day with them.

“I came to work in the construction industry because my male human got me into it. From day one he took me along with him and showed me the ropes. I’ve learned a lot in my two years of being here and have met a ton of people! I have architect buddies, contractors, other engineers, and even my own CPA friends next door! So many things going on all the time, it’s a lot to learn!

It may be a lot to learn, but Rocky takes it all in stride.

“First and foremost, I make sure that no one has dropped any food in their office. Got to keep this place spotless!

Second, I just try to make people smile. I like to visit everyone first thing in the morning and see how they are doing. One of my favorite stops is in Mike Zezula’s office for my morning pretzel piece. I like to think this a key part of my breakfast, so I never miss a workday without one. I love seeing my human friends and spending time with my human dad. I get treats from time to time and napping on the job has its perks. Every morning, Mike Zezula gives me a pretzel when I arrive at the office. I hope I don’t upset anyone by running past their office, but I need my pretzel as soon as I arrive to start the day off right!

When it comes to mentors, Rocky says he tends to think he has of bunch them. “Around the office, I would say that Mike Z., Vince, Nick, and my buddy Chris are all mentors trying to lead me in the right direction. Most of the time it’s which direction down the hall but at least it’s a direction. They all have a ton of experience and it’s fun learning from them. At home, my Mimi helps lead me in the right direction in life outside of work with the help of my cousin, Sender. Sender isn’t that fond of me though. I think I annoy her because I have to get super close to her with my short nose to smell her. She’s kind of grumpy but still an awesome older lady.”

In Rocky’s spare time, he loves to show his strength and play tug of war with his toys. Sometimes he swings them back and forth real fast so the human can’t get a grip and knows he’s serious. “Once they get a hold, I growl as loud as I can to make them think I’m viscous but it’s all a show. I’m a pushover, but please don’t tell anyone. Other things I like doing are going for walks and visiting other pups through the fences of the neighborhood and then napping. Napping is my ultimate fave!-cmw

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020

JOB SIGHTS

Page 21

Alex Torres, Clearfield Construction, operates the vibratory compactor to compact flexible base under the new Greenway Trail for the City of Converse. The three-mile-long walkway will connect Converse Park Lake with Converse North Park City Lake. -cmw

AJ Casarez with Central Electric trims out lighting control low voltage switches at the Compass Rose Academy, a new charter elementary school at Port San Antonio. -cmw

Red Hawk Contracting team members Superintendent Troy Robertson and Project Manager Ivonne Perea at the MC Surfaces project making it happen safely. - cmw

Jacob Robles (skid steer) with Alamo 1 and Javier Filerio at the TxDOT Transguide Renovation project. SpawGlass is the project’s general contractor. -cmw

The CC Group’s Carlos Carmona at work at The Brighton Center. SpawGlass is the general contractor of record. - cmw

Page 22

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020

In memoriam

A

fter a long battle with MSA, Henry Bartell Zachry, Jr., passed away Jun. 10. A man of great thoughtfulness and sincerity, Bartell valued family and community, honesty and humility. He believed in the goodness of people and considered it both a duty and a privilege to serve others, from his family to his employees to his fellow citizens.

Bartell was born in Laredo, TX on Aug. 21, to Marjorie Powell and H.B. “Pat” Zachry. He grew up learning the values of hard work and civic responsibility. He lived most of his life in San Antonio, where he attended Alamo Heights High School. A 1954 graduate of Texas A&M University, he studied Civil Engineering and was a member of the Corps of Cadets. He was later named a Texas A&M Distinguished Alumnus and admitted to the Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor. After college, Bartell was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

Having received his pilot’s license at the age of 16, he trained as a fighter pilot, which only heightened his lifelong love of airplanes. He was honorably discharged in 1957 and returned to San Antonio to join H.B. Zachry Company.

He met Mollie Steves not long after returning to San Antonio. Bartell and Mollie were married on Jun. 4, 1960.

Their early years of marriage were marked by adventure, moving with Zachry Company first to Hawaii and then to the remote jungles of Peru.

Then after attending the Program for Management Development in the Business School at Harvard University, Bartell returned to San Antonio where he and Mollie remained and raised their four children.

As a husband and father, Bartell was patient and devoted, always encouraging and supportive. Family was integral to who he was, and he was equally committed to his parents and four siblings.

These personal attributes carried over into business as well. In his 65-year tenure with H. B. Zachry Company, Bartell did not seek individual recognition but preferred collaborating as part of the team. His accomplishments can be measured objectively, in terms of Zachry Company’s global reach and stability, in the numerous industry awards he received for excellence in management and construction, and in his induction into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 2000. In truth, Bartell’s definition of success had little to do with traditional business measures. For him, the company was the people who worked there, and he wanted to provide as much, for as many, as he possibly could.

Bartell was a beacon of steadiness; his analytical bent and his unshakable patience provided stability at home, at work, and in his many civic endeavors. While Bartell gave unselfishly to his family and business, he also devoted a significant amount of time serving the community, state and nation.

As an avid supporter of education, Bartell advocated in numerous roles for schools in San Antonio and in Texas.

He served on the Board of Trustees of Texas Military Institute (Chair), Alamo Heights Independent School District Board of Trustees (Chair) and various advisory boards at Texas A&M. He was actively involved for many years with UT Health San Antonio and also served on the Boards of the Texas Department of Corrections, the Federal Reserve Bank San Antonio Branch (Chair), the Dallas District Board of the Federal Reserve Bank (Chair), Southwest Research Institute (Chair), and the World Affairs Council, by whom he was honored as International Citizen of the Year. He was chair of the Board of the United Way of Greater San Antonio and the Economic Development Foundation. In addition to these endeavors, he was always a quiet, but active, leader serving in many positions at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church as well as in the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas.

For his service, he was often recognized. Meaningful to him was the Lifetime Achievement Award given in 2003 by the Associated General Contractors of America. In 2001, he was named Mr. South Texas, a tribute awarded each year during the George Washington’s Birthday Celebration in Laredo, special to him given his affection for his birthplace. However, Bartell was never motivated to serve for personal accolades. Instead, his service was an expression of his desire to contribute to the greater good.

Bartell loved flying kites as well as airplanes, dissecting problems to arrive at solutions, and spending time with his lifelong friends. All his life he loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing in South Texas, and in later years retreating to the Hill Country reveling in the company of his wife, children and grandchildren. As a proud American and faithful Christian, he espoused the principles of forgiveness and second chances. He believed people could be better if given an opportunity and, in this belief, he inspired others to do just that. A line from the poet William Wordsworth encapsulates his true legacy: “The best portion of a good man’s life: His little nameless unremembered acts of kindness and love.” -cmw

Industry FOLKS Sid Wilkirson

Plumbing Manager

Jack Laurence Corp.

San Antonio, TX

B

efore Sid Wilkirson married, he was without a job. Naturally, his fatherin-law asked him how he intended to support his daughter. Knowing people in the electrical and plumbing trades, Wilkirson assured his future father-inlaw he was going to look for a job and asked him which trade he preferred? “I thought and figured I was not smart enough to be an electrician, so I chose the plumbing trade.”

The plumbing trade proved to be the right decision. Plumbing manager for Jack Laurence Corp., Wilkirson was the first plumbing instructor for Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) South Texas. He started teaching for ABC in November of 1993 and has been a plumbing apprentice instructor for ABC for the last 26 years, which has proven to be an unbelievable source of satisfaction for him.

“The satisfaction I feel when driving around San Antonio and realizing that nearly wherever I am, I am insight of a building or structure that I have had at least a small part of its construction.”

Wilkirson has had many mentors over his long career in the plumbing trade. But, the one who has had the most influence, especially on the business end of life’s spectrum is Jack Laurence, the founder and name sake of Jack Laurence Corp. “His honesty and integrity has been a rare trait in today’s business world. He always told me that if you did these two things and did not give in to the temptation of not doing your best or cutting corners, you will always be a winner.”

Sid was born in Houston, TX and grew up in La Porte, TX where he had the best of two worlds as it was only 20 miles from Houston, the fifth largest city in America at the time and located on Galveston Bay, yet still felt like a small town.

He completed his 12 years of education through the La Porte ISD system.

“I graduated with many of the students I started out with in the first grade.”

Wilkirson’s wife, Judy, is a San Antonio native. He met his wife, while they were both visiting a common friend in Uvalde. “Whatever success I have had in the last 51 years, I give her credit for it. She is truly my best friend and the love of my life.”

Together they have two daughters. Deleene who is 49 and Cerissa is 34. De Leene is married and has one daughter, Sarah who is 13 is their only grandchild. “De Leene works for Bandera Electric in Bandera. Cerissa works at the Farm Table restaurant in downtown San Antonio. My granddaughter Sarah is truly the light of grandpa’s eyes. She is into horses in a big way.

She lives and breathes horses.”

In Sid’s downtime, he enjoys being with his family and doing things with them, especially his granddaughter.

“Seeing her so excited about doing things with her horses is something I never would have dreamed about in my younger years.” -cmw

Class of 2020

Congratulations to the Independent Electrical Contractors’(IEC) graduating class of 2020.

Forty-five apprentices were supported by family, friends, co-workers and employers over the past four years. On Jun. 12, those 45 apprentices walked across the stage into the next phase of their successful careers. Photo by Mary C. Haskin Photography. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020

Page 23

How many can you identify?

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hile enjoying a walk through the Texas Hill Country near Canyon Lake, Construction News’ Carol Wiatrek was in ahh at all the beautiful colors kissing the Texas hillsides and roads, amazed by God’s artistic ability. As she walked along, she decided how fun it would be to see how many of God’s beautiful streaks of color she could identify, noting of course, that it was too late for the Texas bluebonnet. How many can you identify? -cmw

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Photos and answers: 1 Indian blanket, 2 Texas thistle, 3 Tickseed or Large buttercup, 4 Plox drummondi, 5 Pink evening primrose, 6 Lantana urticoides, 7 Black-eyed Susan, 8 Asiatic dayflower, 9 Field bindweed, 10 Hairy seed bahia, 11 Prairie verbena, 12 Antelope horns, 13 Wincup, 14 Texas yellowstar, 15 Mexican hat, 16 Spotted beebalm, 17 Mountain pink (Zeltnera beyrichii), 18 Blackfoot daisy, 19 Indian paintbrush, 20 Giant spiderwort, 21 Coreopsis and 22 Texas Dandelion.

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San Antonio Construction News • JULY 2020