Austin Construction News May 2024

CONSTRUCTION NEWS

Rey Sanchez is a Navy Veteran that now works as a level 4 Technician for Alterman Inc . When the flags were ready to fly to represent all of the US military branches outside the Alamo City College’s new Northeast Vista Veterans Center, he was given the honor of raising the flag for the US Navy, which he proudly accepted.

Ground was broken for the new facility on November 10th, 2022, and Northeast Lakeview College officials proudly announced its plans for the veteran center, which would focus on the needs of the student veteran population and their educational journeys. The new center is 11,000 square feet and the project was awarded for 7.7 million dollars.

Sanchez, an 11 year Navy veteran, spent his time serving his country as a machinist mate in the engine room of a ship stationed outside of Japan. He grew accustomed to working in small,

enclosed, hot spaces in the “heart of the ship” to keep things running smoothly. Now, as a level 4 Technician for Alterman, he runs the data for Cat 5, and is involved with the installation and implementation of all the clocks, audio, and security surveillance on site for new projects.

Alterman Inc is proud of their veterans and celebrates their achievements. In a recent Facebook post, they highlighted Sanchez’s flag raising at the new center, stating, “We couldn’t be more proud to have such a remarkable individual as part of the Alterman family. His bravery, resilience, and selflessness inspire us all, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to support him as he continues to make a difference. His service to our nation and ongoing dedication to excellence serve as a shining example for us all. Here’s to Rey and to all the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedom!”

Thanks to Malitz Construction, HTeaO was thrilled to

and they look forward to more.

Kickin’ it in Austin

The Associated General Contractors (AGC) Austin, Construction Leadership Council (CLC) held its 3rd Annual Charity Kickball tournament Friday, April 5. Everyone had a blast seeing 16 teams compete for their chance to take home the traveling trophy and donate to a charity of their choosing! Congratulations to all who participated and a special congratulations to the 3 winners and their selected charities!

1st place: Ryan Companies - The Jeremiah Program Austin

2nd place: Rosendin - The Rosendin Foundation

3rd place: JE Dunn + Alterman - Mary Lee Foundation

Ryan Companies

Rosendin

JE Dunn & Alterman

Tackling Workforce Needs Cothron’s Security

The Greater Austin Contractors & Engineers Association (ACEA) hosted 123 area high school students to a Construction Expo on March 22. The Construction Expo focuses on introducing graduating high school students to the various options in the civil construction industry by providing hands-on demos of equipment.

Participating member companies provide equipment and operators to speak to the students about their own journey within the industry. The students

get a feel for the machinery and an explanation of how each company impacts the infrastructure being built. They learn about the career potential and the wage potential within the field.

This year, ACEA partnered with the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department to host the event at their service yard on Dalton Lane. This partnership is essential because of the size of the yard, and it allows for some practice digging and trenching for the students.

Starting out as a small locksmith kiosk, Cothron’s was founded in 1948 by Mr. Olen Cothron. Generations later, Cothron’s remains a family business, and is a leader in the local security industry. Offering electronic security, doors and hardware, frames and glass, locksmith services, safes, and more - Cothron’s does it all, including the moving and installation. Their company has continued to grow, and Angela Powers, Accounting Manager at Cothron’s and the granddaughter of Olen Cothron, was excited to share more about the company’s growth and services they provide.

As of 2024, the family business has grown to boast three retail locations - in South Austin, North Austin and Round Rock. With a fleet of 25 trucks on the road, they are ready to travel to any job site and provide their expert security services. In addition to the aforementioned services, they install bathroom partitions and accessories and fire safety equipment. Angela says, “We do a lot of the access control for construction companies and it’s something that’s usually towards the end of a project. We come in and set up all the access control readers and security cameras. We make the keys in the course of construction for new buildings, and we’ll swap out the construction hardware with the end user hardware. We also do a lot of doors and frames for construction projects.”

Angela stresses that Cothron’s wants to help construction companies understand that they are there to help from the start, saying, “The problem is a lot of times the build specs for the building security isn’t

Agoing to work together with what they need in the end. So when we go in to install the access control, or the doors and frames, a lot of times they’re having to go back and modify because they’re missing key elements and finding things that are not compatible with the end result. So when we come in early on in the project, being there from framing the door opening all the way to the access control and cameras installed, we know what needs to be done to avoid these issues.”

Working together as an integrated unit, Cothron’s employees offer customers comprehensive security solutions, combining electronic security services with traditional locksmith services, all tailored to seamlessly address unique requirements, goals, and requests. The company, which continues to be family owned and operated, serves the Greater Austin area and beyond. Congratulations on 75 years, Cothron’s! -ndw

Broken Ground Equipment Auctions June Event

uctioneer Zac Patrick is gearing up for an exciting event. His company, Broken Ground Equipment Auctions , is located 3508 FM 1516 N in Converse. On June 19, Broken Ground Auctions will host a live auction featuring a variety of heavy equipment, including skid steers, backhoes, excavators, and more. The auction will also offer simulcast bidding through Equipment Facts, and attendees can preview and register on June 17th and 18th, from 8PM to 5PM, and June 19th from 7AM to 9AM Loadout dates for buyers will be available on June 20-21.

Broken Ground is currently accepting consignments until June 14th for:

• Skid Steers

Backhoes

• Excavators

• Mini Excavators

• Wheel Loaders

Motor Graders

• Dozers Boomless

• Paving equipment

Forklifts

• Telehandlers

• Floor machines

• Trenchers

• Rock saws

• Water trucks

• Fuel trucks

Service trucks

• Tractor trucks

Concrete trucks

• Attachments rollers

Zac Patrick makes the auction experience memorable and fun! So, whether you’re ready to sell some equipment you no longer need or looking for some incredible deals, Broken Ground is here to help! For more details, contact Zak at 210-441-0567 or visit brokengroundauctions.com

Texas State University’s Concrete Industry Management (CIM) program proudly hosted its first annual Concrete Day this year, inviting high school and community college students to delve into the world of concrete. With the aim to recruit and inspire the next generation of concrete industry professionals, Concrete Day 2024 was a resounding success, drawing over 220 attendees including students, parents, teachers, counselors, and industry partners.

Why Does the Concrete Degree Exist?

Concrete, often taken for granted, is the backbone of modern infrastructure, from buildings and roads to dams and bridges. The CIM program at Texas State University bridges the gap between business and STEM disciplines, focusing on the intricacies of the concrete industry. This unique Bachelor of Science program prepares students to become future leaders who understand both the technical and business aspects of the industry.

The concrete industry is vast and complex, with constant innovations and technologies shaping its future. From sustainable concrete mixes to advanced construction techniques, there’s a world of opportunity awaiting those with the right skills and knowledge. The CIM degree equips students with a deep understanding of concrete technology,

A Concrete Future

business management, and leadership, making them invaluable assets in this thriving industry.

Industry Partners Showcase Innovation

Concrete Day was not just an educational event but also a platform for industry partners to showcase their latest innovations and technologies. Five Star Concrete stole the show with their brandnew ready mix truck, demonstrating cutting-edge technologies related to ready mix concrete. Attendees had the opportunity to see firsthand the advancements that are revolutionizing the way concrete is mixed and delivered.

Romco Equipment Company displayed a volumetric mixer, emphasizing the importance of managing equipment assets effectively. Their presentation highlighted the role of technology in optimizing operations and ensuring efficiency in the field.

Safety is paramount in the concrete industry, and Kent Companies and White Cap teamed up to discuss their commitment to safety on the jobsite and in the plant. They stressed the importance of creating a culture of safety and ensuring that every team member returns home safely every day.

Master Builders Solutions engaged attendees with a concrete mixing exercise, demonstrating how chemical admixtures

LOCATIONS: Over 1,500 Employees EMR OF 0.50 (2023)

can change the properties of a concrete mix. This interactive session gave students a glimpse into the science behind concrete technology and its practical applications.

Hands-On Learning and Scholarships

Current CIM students were also on hand to demonstrate various concrete compression tests, showcasing the technical skills they’ve acquired through the program. They also shared information about the numerous scholarship opportunities and student competitions available to CIM students at Texas State University, encouraging aspiring professionals to pursue their passion for concrete.

A Bright Future Ahead

Concrete Day 2024 was a testament to the growing interest in the concrete industry and the importance of programs like CIM in shaping its future. By providing a comprehensive education that combines technical expertise with business acumen, Texas State University is preparing students to lead and innovate in this dynamic field. With industry partners, innovative technologies, and dedicated students coming together, Concrete Day was more than just a recruiting event—it was a celebration of the concrete industry and the bright future that lies ahead for those who choose to pursue a career in this exciting field.

Five Star Concrete

Romco Equipment Company

White Cap

Master Builders Solutions

Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography

Challenge Accepted B-I-N-G-O

JR Ramon Demolition recently hosted the National Demolition Association’s Live DEMOlition Event and the inaugural Live DEMOlition Event Skills Challenge during DEMOLITION SAN ANTONIO held March 6th through March 9th. The NDA’s 50th Anniversary Annual Convention attracted nearly 1,500 attendees representing companies engaged in the demolition industry from across the United States and Canada.

The Live DEMOlition Event boasted the latest demolition heavy equipment and demolition attachment technology from 27 on-site exhibitors. The 1,050 attendees to the Live DEMOlition Event were presented the unique opportunity to speak to the manufactures’ representatives and engineers as well as test and operate the equipment by performing real-world demolition tasks, such as breaking concrete, cutting steel I-beam, and handling debris and materials with the state-of-the-art demolition equipment. Other exhibitors demonstrated the latest EV demolition technology and robotic demolition machines.

The first-ever Live DEMOlition Event Skills Challenge was designed to simulate all the skills and talents that demolition operatives rely on every day. The challenge comprised a safety quiz, an equipment inspection, and an operator skills course. Speaking of the components of the Live Demo Challenge, Timothy Ramon, President of demolition contractor JR RAMON and the event’s Foreman and Host, said: “Safety, precision, and teamwork are not just part of our job, they’re the principles that guide us to move towards excellence. That’s what this contest was designed to do - to bring that to the forefront.”

The top performers of the Live DEMOlition Event Skills Challenge were -

Third Place: Jake Lindamood of Lindamood Demolition, Dallas TX., Second Place: Ryan Priestly of Priestly Demolition Inc., Ontario, Canada, and First Place: Thomas Venditti of Venditti Demolition, Austin, TX.

In his speech at the NDA convention Timothy also recognized the manufacturers for their support. “First and foremost, thank you to all of our participants in the contest, but more than that, thank you to the people that made it possible: Liebherr, OilQuick, Epiroc, and ShearCore. The minute that this idea was presented, they immediately stepped up with very generous and willing support.”

Collectively the manufacturers provided not only organizational and logistical support, but also a comprehensive fleet of equipment for the two-man teams to use in the contest.

Equipment used in the Live Demo Challenge:

Liebherr:

R930 Excavator - 68,000#

R934 Excavator - 78,000#

Epiroc:

CC3100U concrete processor

HB2500 Hydraulic Breaker (5,500#)

MG2700 Multi Grapple

ShearCore:

FS25R Shear (or FS35R) Shear w/ OQ80

OilQuick:

OQ80 Couplers for Excavators

OQ80 coupler bracket for Epiroc Attachments

The Nitsche Group team enjoyed another wonderful afternoon at the 2024 CAC Purse Bingo Fundraiser! They would like to extend a big thank you to TCS Mechanical for joining at this event and helping make the day truly memorable, and special thanks to everyone who helped make this event an incredible success!

Through the overwhelming generosity, goodwill, and community spirit of this special event, over $85,000 was raised to benefit the CAC, and 40 amazing benefactors pledged their continued monthly support!

“The work of the Children’s Advocacy Center is not just about addressing the immediate needs of children in crisis; it’s about laying the foundation for their future well-being and success,” Pam Machac, The Nitsche Group COO and former CAC President.” This financial support is vital in providing the tools and resources necessary to help children thrive.”

Nitsche incredibly grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in our communities by sponsoring this event in support of the CAC and its mission of reducing trauma, seeking justice, and fostering healing and empowerment for child victims of abuse and their nonoffending families and caregivers.

5/2 - Sheri Kitchen, ARI

5/3 - Bill Gellhausen, Frankenmuth Surety

5/6 - Jack Magee, KCM Cabinets

5/8 - Kendall Durham, Performance Equipment Services

5/10 - Wes Johnson, Gardner Law Firm

5/11 - Fernando Sanchez, Robinson General Contractors, Inc.

5/14 - Cyndi Mergele, RSM US LLP

5/15 - Rhondie Kanning, Dumas Hardware

5/15 - Tonya Hall, Tezel & Cotter

5/19 - Ray Fehner, KCM Cabinets

5/21 - Alex Porter, OSHA Regional Director

5/25 - Urs Senser, BrandSafway

5/27 - Patricia Johnson, PJ Industries

5/28 - Adam Hudec, RSM US LLP

Know someone celebrating a birthday next month? Let us know! Email Andi Mathews, andi@constructionnews.net

What a Spring!

More often than not, spring comes to Texas in fits and starts between the last freeze, which can be a doozy and the opening blast of the furnace we call summer. It seems to go two or three days of cold to two or three days of hot and a couple nice days in between. Rain will wash you away or just be a complete no-show. Your car starts to look like an outerwear store because you have to keep two seasons of clothes on hand at all times. It’s not weird to come home in different clothes than you went to work in. its Texas!

This year, spring has been a completely different animal. It is almost like spring wanted to spoil us by playing

AThe Great Outdoors

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

by the book this time around.

For spring rain we’ve gotten a nicely spaced procession of light to moderate rains. So far it has been just right to water the wildflowers but not enough to ruin most people’s weekends. Speaking of wildflowers, here in the Hill County we have had the best wildflower season in quite a while. Masses of bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes in all their glory are giving way to Indian blankets and daisies and so many other flowers of every color!

The most stunning display of all was the total solar eclipse on April 8th. We watched the eclipse on the shoreline of the upper end of Lake Buchanan where the lakebed is dry. With the vast open sky over the lakebed, we had a clear

April Review

pril provided us with some phenomenal fishing! We had numerous 100 plus fish days. It had its ups and downs with the weather, but we didn’t let that stop us. The adventures we had on my boat are memories that will last these folks a lifetime.

In the beginning of April, the crappie spawn was winding down and they were beginning their transition out to deeper water. Going back to post spawn areas like ledges, brush, and timber. With that being said.... my focus quickly changes to the shad spawn. The first couple hours of the day can be unreal! Fish will push shad up on the banks by the hundreds to thousands. Pinning them so they can gourge themselves. The water will erupt and begin to boil with fish of all species busting through them. Even a gator will sit amongst the mix and chow down. Our main focus here is bass and white bass. Throwing moving baits like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. Looking for rocky shorelines with white birds. They can certainly be picky this time of year. So, make sure you match the hatch on your lure selection. But some of our best mornings produced 70 plus fish in the first hour or so. With 30 to 40 being an average number. If you’re looking to catch the bigger white bass, this is the way to do it. Quick and in a hurry at that.

As the month progressed, the shad spawn began to die down as well. As May rolls around the chaos and commotion

open view. Heavy morning cloud cover was being stirred overhead by brisk winds and at the best possible time, we did get a good view of the eclipse! As the darkness fell over the empty lakebed, you could hear people all over the place who you didn’t even know were there, cheering and laughing in wonder. It was nice to hear so many friends we had never met join in and share this amazing experience.

What a spring!

Now don’t worry! Lake Buchanan isn’t all dried up! The lower end of the lake is still going strong. All the fish who live up here have moved in with their downstream cousins and they are making it just fine! In fact, our fishing trips have

may only last the first 15 minutes of the morning. And once the bite dies down, we go out deeper in search of crappie, bass, or whitebass. Whichever one these folks choose to target for the day.

The crappie are definitely starting to stack up, with a 2 man limit possible in 4 hours. Jigs and minnows as usual. Bonehead Tackle and Atx Lure Company in a shad style profile are my go-to baits.

The whitebass have been schooling on the surface from time to time. But the main approach is to jig for them with spoons. On structure in deeper water near a river or creek channel.

The bass fishin has been on fire for numbers. With size steadily increasing with each adventure. Late April we had three bass that were six pounds or better. You can find them shallow on moving baits like crankbaits or slow dragging soft plastics. Flipping trees with a jig, Texas rig, or a weightless bait. And you can also find them making their way to their summertime areas offshore.

The gasper goo are also spawning and can be a heck of a way to spend the day if you just wanna go catching! Minnows, worms, and spoons are how we target them. Mostly around ledges or points. As the will move up on the flats in big Schools or hang off the drop off of the ledge. Go out early, stay late, and tight lines y’all!

been really strong this spring. We are seeing good stringers of stripers, hybrids and whites, with usually a few bluecats or yellowcats coming in with us too. You can see some largemouth and gaspar goo in with the catch too. It must be a little like a big, crowded party of fish down beneath the waves these days and everybody is hungry!

We figure if the lake keeps going down this summer, it is our duty to help alleviate some of the overcrowding down there by doing our best to catch fish! We can’t do it all by ourselves though, we need your help! If you would like to come to the lake and help us catch these fish, (and take home a good mess of fish for dinner), just give us a call! 325-379-2051!

We Got Mooned

There won’t be another solar eclipse for another 100 years and Alamo Crane Service wanted to see what all the fuss was about.

Ken Milam

Captain Clendon Taylor Casting & Catching Guide Service Sponsored by:

Easy Riders

The Great Outdoors

Fishing Adventures with Haley and Friends

Construction News owner Haley Mathews is always looking for his next best catch. Last month he enjoyed a four day fishing trip with good friends and had lots of great photos and memories to share.

The first two days Haley met up with his good friend Steve Hillman. Steve is a saltwater guide based out of Galveston. A few months ago, he reached out to Haley wanting to set up a Bass fishing trip at Choke, with staff writer and guide Evan Coleman. They stayed at Steve’s Ranch and ate like kings! Besides being one of the best guides in Galveston, Steve is an incredible cook. Thursday morning the white bass were chasing the spawning shad up on the banks and they kept enough for dinner that night. Steve fried those up and also some soft shell crabs he brought from his cousin’s seafood market, Hillman’s Seafood. In

the first two days of fishing they caught around 50 white bass and over 150 largemouth bass, a nice haul!

The next two days, Haley had another long time fishing buddy join him. They fished for white bass and crappie with their other outdoor writer and guide Clendon Taylor. Clendon is a master of the electronics, and the man to find the crappie. The wind made it tough, but they still managed to catch their limits of white bass and 1 limit of crappie the first day and another 1 man limit of crappie the next day. Saturday night the crew got invited by Clendon’s neighbor for a crawfish boil. Haley says, “Some of the best crawfish I’ve ever had. Choke canyon is way down but the fishing is still excellent. If you ever want to learn the lake and catch fish, please give Evan or Clendon a call and get on their calendar. You won’t be disappointed. Till next time!” -ndw

Cokinos | Young knows Austin construction and commercial real estate law – it’s what we do. With over 100 of the nation’s most knowledgeable legal professionals, we’ll guide your disputes and transactions and back you every step of the way. We are renowned for our experience and success across commercial, industrial, pipeline, offshore, heavy highway, civil, and residential sectors. For over 30 years, clients have depended on us across Central Texas. Savvy. Tough. Dedicated. And Austin to our core. That’s Cokinos. COKINOS

COKINOS

Las Cimas IV, 900 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Suite 425 Austin, Texas 78746

512-476-1080

CokinosLaw.com

Haley Mathews, Construction News Owner & fishing aficionado

Buddy Doebler, Mary and Douglas Taylor

Mary Haskin Taylor (Mary C. Haskin Photography), her husband Douglas and Buddy Doebbler (Construction News founder) gassed up their bikes & enjoyed a beautiful day in the Hill Country & ended up in iconic Luckenbach, TX.

Round-Up

Promoted to Chief Operating Officer

Kevin Schultz

Kevin Schultz has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer at TNT Crane & Rigging family of companies.

“Today starts a new chapter for TNT Crane & Rigging. I am honored to partner with this incredible team of industry professionals. Our vision is not just to be a crane provider but a safe, reliable partner to our clients.”

– Kevin Schultz, Chief Operating Officer

TNT Crane & Rigging is excited to have Kevin in his new role! Please join us in congratulating Mr. Schultz!

The New President of RCAT

Holly L. Green

Meet Holly L. Green, the dynamic leader from Brettco Roofing II, LLC , now taking the helm as the new president of RCAT. With her vast experience and visionary approach, Holly is set to steer RCAT toward new horizons.

Submissions

This is a section for brief company announcements of new or recently promoted personnel, free of charge as space allows. Email with “Round-Up” in the subject line (w/digital photo, if available) by the 15th of any month, for the next month’s issue. Andi@constructionnews.net

Volunteer Week

One of the values The Nitsche Group hold highest is the belief that success is defined by how well they contribute to the success of others.

As part of National Volunteer Week, they celebrated a few of the remarkable members of their team who extend their dedication beyond the office.

Meet Ashley Mutschink, Partner at The Nitsche Group, tenacious community volunteer and passionate advocate for education.

Throughout his years of service, Ashley has volunteered with the BISD Mentor Program, Bastrop Chamber of Commerce, Bastrop Lions Club, Bastrop County Industry Development Corporation, Bastrop Networking Group, and Cedar Creek Rotary. He has also served on the board of Calvary Episcopal School and as President of the Committee Executive Team for the Bastrop Education Foundation Sportsmen’s Banquet.

Ashley currently serves as President of the Bastrop ISD (BISD) School Board, is part of the We Believe In, BISD Committee, and Kid PAC, which was instrumental in the passing of bonds benefiting public education.

“It’s incredibly rewarding and a profound privilege to have the chance to make a positive impact in our community,” said Ashley Mutschink, “Witnessing the smiles on parents’ and children’s faces- there’s nothing quite like it! Every effort made today shapes the opportunities of tomorrow, and I’m proud to advocate for their success.”

Ashley has been recognized for his hard work within the Bastrop community, receiving the 2002 Man of the Year Award by the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce and the 2007 Ambassador of Education award by the Bastrop ISD. He understands that as a community, our future walks the halls of every BISD campus. That future is nurtured and led by a dedicated team of teachers and support staff. Using his leadership, motivational skills and natural enthusiasm, Ashley is devoted to creating a future where effort and focus will open doors to success for everyone in our community.

SA New Era

am O’Krent, CEO of O’Krent Floors , recently assumed the role as 60th chairman of the board for the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) marking the beginning of a new era in the organization’s leadership. O’Krent is committed to finding innovative ways to unite members and collectively address the changes and challenges within the industry during his two-year tenure.

“I am honored to serve as the new chair of the WFCA board of directors,” O’Krent said. “I look forward to collaborating with this talented group of individuals as we continue to empower WFCA to serve and represent the flooring industry with impact and significance.”

“One of the biggest challenges facing the industry is labor. In the past, flooring installation had typically been a craft passed from generation to generation, unfortunately, the past couple of generations have not carried on this tradition. Not only is there a labor shortage, but there are also no vocational schools for the flooring installation trade,” says O’Krent.

To effect change, the Floor Covering Education Foundation is offering scholarships to trade schools for the first 100 who qualify; they will receive 100 percent scholarship that includes a five-week training course and housing subsidy.

O’Krent is working to establish a trade school in San Antonio, currently the nearest school in Texas is in Dallas. Beginning flooring installers can earn over $50,000 and within a few years can create their own crew and earn more than six-figures.

Any business that relies on the independent contractor trade has benefited from WFCA’s lobbying efforts, to help distinguish between employee and contractor.

“Some flooring dealers have said that if their subs were considered employees by law—forcing them to pay out thousands of dollars on comp insurance or hire them as full-time employees— would devastate their business,” added O’Krent.

As a result of WCFA lobbying, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)

published a final rule, taking effect March 11, revising the Department’s guidance on how to analyze who is an employee or independent contractor (IC). This final rule rescinds the Independent Contractor Status Under the Fair Labor Standards Act and replaces it with an analysis for determining employee or IC status that aligns with longstanding judicial precedent on which employers have previously relied to determine a worker’s status. For now, this new guidance eases the burden on flooring dealers.

Although many of the changes WFCA proposed were adopted in this final rule, O’Krent says this is only the start and that under his direction WFCA will continue to lobby for reform.

In 2024, WFCA launched its Seeking Excellence as Leaders (SEAL) certification program open to any business leader, in any industry. Its goal is to influence high-level and second-tier leaders as well as emerging leaders to be the best they can be. SEAL gives WFCA the chance to impact people, not simply procedure and process.

O’Krent, a seasoned veteran of more than 41 years, is at the helm of his family’s fifth generation business since 1997. Continuing the legacy started by his great grandfather, Samuel O’Krent, in 1915, O’Krent said he prioritizes creating a welcoming environment and adapting the business with new services and technologies. As president and owner, he is driven to offer quality products at fair prices, treating customers like trusted friends while delivering exceptional customer service—a tradition upheld for more than 100 years in San Antonio and South Texas. O’Krent Floors is a member of the National Floorcovering Alliance (NFA).

“Chairman O’Krent, a passionate and dynamic leader, is a prime example of the proven leadership that has sustained our industry’s growth and challenges. We look forward to how he will build off the momentum sustained by immediate past chairman, Dean Howell, tackling current and future challenges. I am confident about the future, our strategic direction and what we can achieve together to drive our industry forward,” said WFCA CEO, Scott Humphrey.

Raising the Roof

Boyd, Inc. CEO, Jeanne Boyd Curtis, represented Texas Roofing with distinction at the 2024 Roofing Day in D.C. alongside current Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) President, Holly Green. Boyd Inc. is incredibly proud of Jeanne’s dedication and her tireless advocacy for our industry. This event was a fantastic opportunity for leaders to discuss critical issues and drive positive change in the roofing industry.

Empowering Students

Bartlett Cocke is thrilled to announce that the 2024 Houston Design Build Competition, held by Construction Industry Education Foundation, (CIEF) was a huge success! As the sponsor of Medina Valley High School Team One, they are incredibly proud of their accomplishment in winning the Architectural Award for the Shed competition. The students demonstrated strong leadership, teamwork, and innovation throughout the competition, and it truly paid off. Congratulations to all the teams who participated and showcased their hard work and dedication. The future looks bright for these talented students!

Association Calendar

Content submitted by Associations to Construction News

ABC CTX

Associated Builders & Contractors

Central Texas Chapter

May 8: Construction Executive Breakfast Group, 7:30-9am, Austin Country Club, 4408 Long Champ Dr., Austin. csmith@ abccentraltexas.org

May 9: Pickleball Tournament, 1-5pm, Austin Pickle Ranch, 1717 W 6th St., Austin

ACEA

Greater Austin Contractors & Engineers Association

May 3: Coffee Chats, 7:30-9:30am, Bleyl Engineering, 7701 San Felipe Blvd., Ste. 200, Austin. Attendance is free, but we do ask that you register info@aceatx.com or 512.893.7076

May 10: Central Texas Infrastructure Design + Construction Symposium, 7:30-5:00pm, AT&T Conference Center, Rowling Hall – Zlotnik Ballroom, 346 West 20th Street. Event details at aceatx.com

Thursday, May 30, 2024 1PM to 6PM

AGC

Associated General Contractors Austin

May 3: Annual Spring Golf Tournament, 12am Kissing Tree Golf Course, 201 Kissing Tree Lane, San Marcos. Toni Osberry at tonio@agcaustin.org

AIA

American Institute of Architects Austin

May 10: Housing Advocacy Committee Meeting, 12-1pm, AIA Austin, 801 W 12th St., Austin

May 15: Design Awards Celebration, 6-9pm, Austin PBS Media Center, 6101 Highland Campus Drive, Building 3000, Austin

May 16: Latinos in Architecture Committee Meeting, 6-7pm, AIA Austin, 801 W 12th St., Austin

CTRCA

Central Texas Roofing Contractors Association

May 21: Lunch & Learn, Speaker: Dmitry Lipinskiy, Roofing Insights; Lead Generation & Leadership Training, 11am-1pm, Lucy Coopers’s Ice House, 1515 Kuehler Ave., New Braunfels

CTSA

Central Texas Subcontractors Association

May 3: Annual Golf Tournament, 12pm registration, Star Ranch, 2500 FM 685, Hutto

DACA

Drywall Acoustical Contractors Association

May 9: 8th Annual Golf Classic, 11am-5pm, Star Ranch, 2500 FM 685, Hutto

FSCATX

Fire Sprinkler Contractors Association of Texas

May 23: Austin 2nd Qtr. Chapter Luncheon, 11am-1pm, Frank Fickett Center - Heritage Room, 12500 N. Interstate Hwy. 35, Austin

HBA

Home Builders Association Greater Austin

May 4: MAX Awards 2024, 6-10:30pm, Hyatt Regency Auston, 208 Barton Springs Rd, Austin

May 9: Design Trends: Utilizing Your Interior Designer, 11:30am-1pm, HBA Austin, 7800 Shoal Creek Blvd. Ste. 225E, Austin

May 16: Builders for Babies, 4-6:30pm, Shortie’s Pizza & Grinders, 7858 Shoal Creek Blvd. Austin

May 21: PWB Speaker Series “How to Not Hate Networking”, 12-1pm, HBA Austin, 7800 Shoal Creek Blvd. Ste. 225E, Austin

May 22: Excited to Excel: Excel 101, 1-4pm, HBA Austin, 7800 Shoal Creek Blvd. Ste. 225E, Austin

NARI

National Association of the Remodeling Industry

May 7: Membership Orientation, 4-5pm, Arizona Tile, 2121 Scarbrough Drive, Austin. Kayvon Leath, kayvon@austinnari.org

May 16: Spring Social Extravaganza, 4-7pm, The Galley, 4205 E Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs

TGA

Texas Glass Association

May 16-17: Texas Glass Conference, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa. Please contact Jennifer Fontana at info@texasglass. org for login information

Alterman’s New Campus in Live Oak Announces Grand Opening

Texas electric contractor Alterman announced the April 18th grand opening of its new headquarters campus. Master planned and designed by San Antonio- and Austin-based architects Studio8, the campus broke ground on September 15, 2023, and comprises a 100,000 sf manufacturing and logistics building and a 90,000 sf office building. Located on 20 acres on the northeast corner of the high-profile intersection of Loop 1604 and IH-35, it will include fabrication facilities and offices for its 200-person San Antonio office staff who support more than 1,000 San Antonio-based field electricians as well as Alterman’s remote offices and electricians in Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Las Cruces, New Mexico. Currently Alterman employs some 2,000 people across these locations.

Instead of the traditional ribboncutting ceremony, the celebration on April 18th will include a “wire-cutting” by the company’s employee-owners. Five hundred feet of cable wire will be strung around the campus with each employee stationed along its length with a commemorative pair of wire cutters. The simultaneous ceremonial cutting will yield a souvenir piece of wire for each employee to remember the occasion.

Three concepts drove the design direction: Adapt and expand for growth, foster community and connection, and instill authenticity and pride. The master plan seamlessly merges Alterman’s previous three facilities into a hub that optimizes manufacturing and office functions and unifies the operations of the 100-year-old company in a campus that embodies Alterman’s commitment to excellence, innovation, employee satisfaction and community service. Alterman CEO and President Greg Padalecki says the new campus is designed to be employee-friendly, setting the stage for

mingling and interaction through common areas on every floor that encourage people to walk around and interact. With the company’s previous offices spread across three locations, the design removes inefficiencies and bottlenecks within communication and other operations.

With those “handcuffs” removed, Padalecki is already seeing increases in communication and positive interaction as employees use the headquarters’ indoor and outdoor spaces. “We really designed this place to make it great for the employees,” he says. “And the new headquarters campus will help us immensely by removing so many constraints on our warehouse capacity and prefabrication logistics, setting us up for future growth.” The site already anticipates future expansion with the groundwork in place to add a future warehouse and another office building, ensuring the campus will serve the company for the next 100 years.

Studio8’s own core values of tenacity, a commitment to craft, and sense of fun aligned with Alterman’s quality workmanship and employee appreciation, reaffirming this collaborative partnership. From the outset it was essential that the new building support the company’s established leadership culture while consolidating on a single campus. Studio8 Principal Megan Moshier says the team worked with Padalecki and Alterman leadership to develop the building footprint based on that goal. “It just came to be a very simple, three-story building that supports flow and circulation while allowing the departments to stay connected. We focused on design moments for community spaces and an interconnecting sphere that draw people together rather than retreating to individual break rooms.” The design also celebrates the Alterman team through integrated employee appreciation moments – a

longevity wall that celebrates the company’s longest employees and a legacy walk in the courtyard that names each employee who was with the company during the campus build project.

The interiors, designed on a plugand-play grid system that provides flexibility for future change, showcase Alterman’s own electrical work with exposed conduit and cable trays revealing the electrical infrastructure, a deliberate effort that Moshier says required extensive collaboration. “It was a different level of coordination but doing it during design was fun and I’m proud that the employees have those moments to make them feel at home and present in their own space,” she adds.

Studio8 delivered a range of services from strategic master planning, programming, culture enhancing interior design, furniture consulting and sustainability initiatives inspired by nature. As part of its programming process, the Studio8 design team interviewed Alterman employees from more than 15 departments to better understand their operations, need for efficiency, and desire for well-being. Padalecki said, “From the start, Studio8 took the time to get to know us, meeting people and asking very detailed questions.” This, he says, set the project on a course for success from conception through completion, a process that took only 36 months from beginning to end.

The speed was aided by the use of tiltwall construction that also enabled the Class A building to be completed within the allocated budget. The choice to use tilt wall also alluded to Alterman’s own commitment to innovation in pre-fabrication services, which will be done on site. The tilt wall is enhanced by subtle detailing that mixes old and new and makes the building relatable to the construction industry. Divided light windows harken back to old industrial buildings and Alterman’s past, while

warming elements – wood floors and custom mesh screens – add a modern aesthetic to the mix.

Sustainable design features include substantial sunlight harvesting throughout the interiors, which Moshier says drove the space planning. Studio8’s specified materials with sustainable bona fides in their manufacturing and sourcing processes and the introduced abundant indoor plants to improve air quality, provide privacy screening, and integrate biophilic design principles throughout the buildings. The 730 kW solar array that covers warehouse roof and large cistern placed front-and-center in the courtyard that collects rainwater and HVAC condensate to irrigate the campus are highly visible not only to day-to-day users of the campus, but also to passing motorists, transmitting the company’s commitment to a greener future to the broader public.

Padalecki says the headquarters campus will help Alterman attract and retain top-notch workers. He points out that not only will the campus position Alterman firmly inside the San Antonio community at this high-profile intersection, but also that it was completed entirely by contractors and subcontractors with San Antonio offices. He is proud to include Alterman in this group of qualified and skilled professionals. “The success of the Alterman campus project demonstrates that the subcontractor community in San Antonio is very much capable of building great things in this city and around Texas,” he says.

Project Control was the project manager of the multi-phase development, which was built by Whiting-Turner using a design-assist approach. Civil engineers were Pape-Dawson Engineers, MEP engineers were Cleary Zimmermann Engineers, and structural engineers were Dunaway Associates. Rialto Studio provided landscape architecture services.

Project Designed by Studio8 Architects embodies Texas Company’s Values

Oak House Apartments in Leander

Ryan Companies US, Inc., a national commercial real estate solutions provider, today announces Oak House apartments in Leander, Texas, a northwest Austin suburb, is open and now available for leasing. This milestone highlights Ryan’s first delivery of multifamily units in the Austin market. The community will be comprised of 10 buildings and feature 347 wellappointed residences.

Ryan and Brue Baukol Capital Partners formed a joint venture for the project with Ryan being the lead developer of Oak House. Construction financing for the project was provided by First Horizon Bank. Cadence McShane Construction Company is the builder, and Humphrey & Partners Architects is the architect of record for the project. Greystar has been selected as the operator of the community.

“The opening of these new apartments comes at an opportune time as Leander’s growth has created a need for more housing in the area,” said Marcy Phillips, senior

vice president of real estate development, Ryan Companies. “This community’s welcoming atmosphere, abundance of amenities, and immediate access to scenic trails, and five-acre parkland area with tree groves and a natural creek, makes this an inviting option for prospective residents that is not currently available in the marketplace.”

Located off Ronald Reagan Boulevard, just east of 183A toll road and north of New Hope Drive and RM 1431, and minutes to shopping, dining, and recreation, Oak House will include a mixture of one-, two-, threebedroom, and multi-level apartment units in two-, three, and four-story buildings with attached and detached garages. The apartments will feature designer floorplans with two color schemes. The gated community is situated on 20 acres alongside the existing Block House Creek with parkland dedicated to the City of Leander. The majority of units will be available for move-in by summer 2024. Substantial completion of the project is scheduled for fall 2024.

Amenities of Oak House include a resort-style pool with personal cabanas, private fitness rooms, clubroom with gourmet kitchen, coffee bar and fireplace, community social areas, and private yards in select apartments. Residents will also be able to enjoy a nearly half-acre large private dog park and will have access to grill areas, fire pits and private seating areas overlooking natural tree covered green space.

Ryan has two additional Austin-area multifamily projects that are set to deliver initial units in 2024, Rivette Tower and ATX Tower. Once all three projects are completed it will bring more than 1,000 residential units to the market.

ACCOUNTING

GLEGAL

Now, with inflation receding and the Middle market outlook: Key economic themes for 2024

Joe Brusuelas Chief Economist RSM US LLP

iven those structural changes to the domestic economy, one would expect pricing to be a top concern. Indeed, 73% of the executives said they paid higher prices for goods and services, while 68% expect to do so going forward. As such, 48% said they passed along those higher prices and 58% indicated they intend to do so over the next six months.

Although inflation is slowing, given the strong level of aggregate demand, we are confident that middle market firms will retain some measure of pricing power.

And that solid demand underscores the fact that 45% of the executives said they had increased inventories in the current quarter, down slightly from the 47% that did so in the fourth quarter. In addition, 58% said they intend to increase inventories over the next six months, reflecting robust expectations around gross revenues and net earnings in the survey.

That being the case, it is not surprising that while only 19% of senior

Cybersecurity budgets are set to rise relative to their organization’s revenues for nearly 37% of middle market companies whose executives were surveyed in the Q1 RSM US Middle Market Business Index survey, but a disparity in resource deployment exists between smaller midsize companies, or those with $10 million to $50 million in annual revenue, and larger organizations with annual revenue of $50 million to $1 billion.

Just 29% of smaller firms will boost their cybersecurity budgets, while nearly half (48%) of larger firms had plans to do so. The budget allocations come as breaches are on the rise. Overall, 28% of middle market organizations polled were breached last year, up from 20% a year earlier.

Ransomware attacks eased overall— with 30% of businesses in the MMBI indicating they had experienced at least one incident over the past year compared to 35% in 2023.

RSM US MIDDLE MARKET BUSINESS INDEX

managers from the middle market companies indicated their access to credit was easier, 43% of these managers plan to borrow more capital going forward. Both of those figures eased from last year, which may indicate that robust business conditions and rising revenues have provided a much-needed respite from the pricing pressures of the past three years.

Should that strength continue, it would suggest that middle market firms have made their final adjustment to the shocks of the pandemic era and have pivoted into the emerging business conditions of a new economic era.

“Middle market businesses’ continued optimism reflects the U.S. economy’s ongoing strength. It’s encouraging that businesses in the middle market remain positive about the economic outlook and their own revenue growth despite the fact that rising regulatory burdens and workforce challenges are creating headwinds and constraining growth.”

- Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Smaller midsize firms lag larger rivals on cyber resources as breaches rise

Smaller organizations in the middle market need to close the gap between themselves and their larger counterparts on deploying resources to thwart rising cyberattacks, RSM data shows.

WNearly two-thirds, or 62%, of the executives surveyed said they expect an improvement in economic conditions over the next six months, which is supported by the 67% who said they anticipate an improvement in both net earnings and revenues over that time.

Adding to the buoyant outlook, 59% said they intend to bolster productivityenhancing capital expenditures. Based on the survey results overall, the primary takeaway is that executives have a bullish outlook on the year even as economic growth moderates from the blistering 3.1% pace of last year.

Results from the current quarter were a reflection of the economy’s resilience: 45% noted an improvement in current economic conditions, 46% said gross revenues and net earnings had improved, and 48% said they had accelerated their investments in capital expenditures.

Since the tail end of 2020, or 14 straight quarters, most middle market executives have said they intend to increase their outlays on software, equipment and intellectual property that make up cumulative capital expenditures.

In the post-pandemic era, we have consistently noted that middle market firms should not anticipate a return to the pre-crisis status quo on inflation and employee compensation, and the current survey’s data reflects those new realities.

“Factoring”

in the Risk of Selling Construction Receivables

Shelly Masters Principal Cokinos | Young Austin, TX

hen times get tough, more construction companies turn to alternative financing solutions, such as factoring. Factoring is the practice of selling unpaid accounts receivable to a third-party company or “factor” in exchange for short-term liquidity. Factoring agreements are not a loan but a cash advance against unpaid invoices. However, contractors should tread carefully when deciding to factor invoices.

Factoring agreements often contain onerous terms, excessive fees, long-term obligations and recourse against other assets, projects and parties which may conflict with Texas laws that seek to protect contractors’ rights to payment (e.g., Texas Construction Trust Fund Act and Mechanic’s Lien statute).

The following cases serve as cautionary tales which illustrate the hidden risks factoring agreements pose to contractors.

Dakota Util. Contractors, Inc. v. Sterling Com. Credit, LLC, 583 S.W.3d 199, 201 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 2018, pet. denied):

A g eneral contractor (“GC”) entered into a construction contract on several Texas pipeline projects. To get short-term cash flow, the GC entered into a factoring agreement. The GC defaulted and filed for bankruptcy. The bankruptcy court approved 1) the GC’s payment to the factor for $400,000, and 2) the owner’s payment to the GC for $900,000. The GC issued a partial payment to its subcontractor.

• T he sub sued the factor claiming it misapplied construction trust funds in violation of the Texas Trust Fund Act.

The Texas appellate court held in favor of the factor, finding the factor was not the GC’s “agent” and could not be held liable under the Texas Trust Fund Act. Thus, the factor did not have to pay the sub for its work.

T he Court acknowledged “that the presence of factoring agreements in construction cases may frustrate the intent of the [Texas Trust Fund Act] to protect subcontractors and materialmen from the risk of nonpayment.” The Court concluded

that “[t]his is not a case where our interpretation of the statutory language creates an absurd result, but rather . . . at most demonstrates ‘a gap or oversight in the statute that, if true, must be corrected by the legislature, not the courts.’”

Sterling Com. Credit--Michigan, LLC v. Hammert’s Iron Works, Inc., 998 N.E.2d 752 (Ind. Ct. App. 2013, no pet.):

• A s teel erector entered into a subcontract requiring its subcontractor to submit lien waivers with payment requests. To bridge cash flow gaps, the sub contracted with a factor. The factoring agreement required the steel erector to verify the sub’s invoice amounts. The factor paid subcontractor 85% of the invoice amounts up-front for three verified payment requests. The project experienced financial troubles. When the steel erector paid the second invoice to the factor, it attempted to condition the payment on the factor paying the subcontractor’s unpaid workers. The factor ignored the request and deposited the check. The steel erector did not pay the third invoice to the factor. When the steel erector’s sub went out of business, the steel erector incurred the costs to complete its sub’s work.

• T he factor sued the steel erector for the third payment claiming the steel erector breached its subcontract by not paying the factor on the subcontractor’s behalf.

T he Court of Appeals held for the factor. Because the factor paid the subcontractor up-front in reliance on the steel erector’s verifications, the third invoice was not subject to back charges or offsets.

To protect against unwittingly being exposed to contractors who may engage in factoring, some of the risk may be avoided or mitigated by including specific contract language that requires immediate notification of executed factoring agreements or prohibits contractual assignment of receivables or other interests in the contract. Notices from factoring companies should be reviewed carefully with legal counsel.

SOSHA INSURANCE

Heat-Related Illnesses and First Aid

Suzanna M. Perz, CSP Compliance Safety and Health Officer Department of Labor, OSHA Austin, TX

everal heat-related illnesses can affect workers. Some of the symptoms are non-specific. This means that when a worker is performing physical labor in a warm environment, any unusual symptom can be a sign of overheating.

Heat-Related Illness Symptoms and Signs

Heat Stroke

Confusion

Slurred speech

• Unconsciousness

• Seizures

H eavy sweating or hot, dry skin

• Very high body temperature

• R apid heart rate

Heat exhaustion

• Fatigue

• Irritability

Thirst

• N ausea or vomiting

• D izziness or lightheadedness

H eavy sweating

Elevated body temperature or fast heart rate

Heat cramps

• Muscle spasms or pain

• Usually in legs, arms, or trunk

Heat syncope

• Fainting

• Dizziness

Heat rash

• Clusters of red bumps on skin

O ften appears on neck, upper chest, and skin folds

Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)

• Muscle pain

• Dark urine or reduced urine output

Weakness

Employers and workers should become familiar with the heat symptoms. When any of these symptoms is present, promptly provide first aid. Do not try to diagnose which illness is occurring. Diagnosis is often difficult because symptoms of multiple heat-related illnesses can occur together. Time is of the essence. These conditions can worsen quickly and result in fatalities.

When in doubt, cool the worker and call 911.

First Aid

OSHA’s Medical Services and First Aid standard anad the Medical Services and First Aid in Construction require the ready availability of first aid personnel and equipment. First aid for heat-related illness involves the following principles:

• Take the affected worker to a cooler area (e.g., shade or air conditioning).

• Cool the worker immediately. Use active cooling techniques such as:

- Immerse the worker in cold water or an ice bath. Create the ice bath by placing all of the available ice into a large container with water, standard practice in sports. This is the best method to cool workers rapidly in an emergency.

- Remove outer layers of clothing, especially heavy protective clothing.

- Place ice or cold wet towels on the head, neck, trunk, armpits, and groin.

- Use fans to circulate air around the worker

• Never leave a worker with heatrelated illness alone. The illness can rapidly become worse. Stay with the worker

• When in doubt, call 911!

Confusion, slurred speech, or unconsciousness are signs of heat stroke. When these types of symptoms are present, call 911 immediately and cool the worker with ice or cold water until help arrives.

Workers who are new to working in warm environments are at increased risk of heat-related illness. Especially during a worker’s first few days, absolutely all symptoms should be taken seriously. Workers who develop symptoms should be allowed to stop working. They should receive evaluation for possible heat-related illness.

TFalls at Work

Johnathan Nitsche Producer

The Nitsche Giddings, TX

his coming May 6 – 10, 2024 is the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. What is a Safety Stand-Down? According to OSHA website, “a Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary initiative for employers to talk directly to employees about safety” focusing on “Fall Hazards” and the importance of “Fall Prevention.” “Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 395 of the 1069 construction fatalities recorded in 2022 (BLS data). Those deaths were preventable.” Falls that can occur not only at the construction site, but at the office or at another location. There are many types of falls that can occur on the job. Below is list of some:

• Fall from different level Falls on same level

• Fall from ladder/scaffold

• Fall from liquids/grease spill

• Falls into openings Falls on stairs

• Falls on ice or snow

Can you think about the different Fall Hazards for your company?

Some companies have implemented a Jobsite Hazard Analysis (JSA) program to assist in recognizing hazards at the jobsite, including Fall

Hazards. The JSA will help assess a job/ task to identify hazards and necessary controls. Reducing a task into its component steps and evaluating each of them. By looking at each task of the job and the hazards associated with it, an action plan can be developed to promote accident prevention and hazard elimination. The information gathered can be distributed to company personnel for the job. Being trained in hazard awareness and how to properly conduct a JSA can increase potential of the program’s effectiveness and a safe work environment.

Safety Meetings are a great place to discuss Fall Hazards on the job. These meetings can allow employees to discuss the job at hand and the potential hazards they may encounter. The key to having a successful meeting is having topics that are relevant to the job and promoting employee involvement. There are multiple areas that can be discussed. For example: daily or weekly job tasks, past incidents (including near misses), industry safety concerns, company policies/ procedures and/or etc. There are multiple resources for companies today. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Insurance Companies, Industry Associations, Safety Professionals etc.

Brothers & Sisters

The Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas (BBBS) at their first Future Forward Career Fair on April 9. HBA is proud to partner with the BBBS community and share insight on the variety of exciting career paths available in residential construction!

New Addition

RVK Architecture and General Contractor SpawGlass celebrated the groundbreaking for the new Connally Memorial Medical Center Medical Office Building on their main campus in Floresville, Texas. This new 12,000 sq. ft. orthopedic and podiatry clinic will also incorporate a therapy gym to accommodate various therapeutic treatments and rehabilitation programs for the surrounding community. Overall, this project aims to enhance the healthcare services offered by Connally Memorial Medical Center, providing a modern, comprehensive facility for specialized practices and therapy services.

Expo Fun

The Nitsche Group is proud to be the Safety Presentation sponsor of this year’s ACEA Construction Expo!

The ACEA Construction Expo provides a fun opportunity for students to explore career paths within the industry through a unique, immersive experience. From operating equipment to engaging in live demonstrations, the expo empowers students to discover their potential through hands-on experience.

“It’s great getting to see students discover a passion for a career they might not have otherwise been aware of,” said Johnathan Nitsche, The Nitsche

Group Safety & Insurance Agent.

“Participating in this event, at the construction expo, is a chance for our team to help set the foundation for future construction professionals.”

Special thanks to all the speakers, volunteers, and presenters for sharing their expertise and insights. Events like these wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community and the tireless dedication of the members and volunteers within the ACEA.

Here’s to continuing to inspire and educate the next generation of construction professionals!

(Left to Right): Frank Castro, The Nitsche Group; Ramesh Swaminathan, Watershed Protection Asst. Director, City of Austin; Garrett Sheppard, ACEA President, Fuquay; Silvia Pendleton, ACEA Executive Director; Johnathan Nitsche, The Nitsche Group; John Peralez, Watershed Protection Supervisor, City of Austin; Christopher Meyer, Watershed Protection Division Manager, City of Austin.

Congratulations to Guido Companies quarter employees for all their hard work and dedication! Guido also want to congratulate new employees who received their hard hats. Your commitment drives our success, and we’re grateful for everything you do to make our team shine.