The Industry’s Newspaper Austin CONSTRUCTION NEWS
“Texas Together”
Texans are just different, and we have witnessed it firsthand. Mike McGinnis, Uvalco Supply, Courtney Bukowski, B Co. Roofing & Construction/Randy Rogers Family Foundation and many others joined in to volunteer for Operation BBQ Relief (OBR) on Jul. 8 to help with the Hill Country flood relief in Kerrville.
OBR delivers the Healing Power of BBQ to disaster-affected communities, offering solace to residents, first responders, and relief workers.
Mike had volunteered with Operation BBQ Relief in Nashville, back in 2020, after a massive tornado tour through Nashville, and saw the impact of volunteering with this organization.
Once he heard OBR was going to set up in Kerrville, he knew he needed to go. He already heard how much help was
Agoing on up in Kerrville but seeing it in person, wow! Neighbor helping neighbor. What they saw was hope, community,
fter the devastation from the Kerrville flood on Jul. 3, volunteers from the construction industry made their way up the hill country to assist in debris removal, distribution of supplies, and the feeding of thousands of volunteers. Among those selfless volunteers, that this article refers to, were Noble Texas Builders LLC and Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) South Texas Chapter.
recovery, and faith. Yes, there is going to be a long way to go and many prayers and many months of help will be needed
Flood volunteers
Volunteers cleared 30 yards of debris at Camp CAMP in Centerpoint, TX in two days. While they were hard a work, clearing trees, brush, and other materials that washed in from the raging waters, Noble Builders with the help of ABC members served 1000 meals Jul. 11 – 12 to first responders and volunteers out of the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department. Even as meals were being served, still
but we will do this, “Texas Together”. In fact, local Texas country music artist, the Randy Rogers Band, donated the sales of their recent Concan concert merchandise, both in person and online, raising an additional $15,000 for OBR.
On Jul. 8, there was over 3,450 “hot meals” served. And they used the word “hot meals” because just seeing the facial expressions change giving a little more strength due just a “hot meal”…. and hugs where there too. Some of the meals prepared were not only served locally, but 200 meals were sent to Burnet and 200 more to Marble Falls. OBR was in Kerrville a little over 2 weeks and, in that time, served over 40,000 hot meals! For moreinformation about Operation BBQ and/or to donate, visit the link below.
https://operationbbqrelief.org/ volunteer-obr/
more ABC and Noble Builders volunteers were delivering meals for the workers and volunteers at Camp CAMP.
The multitude of volunteers also helped unload truckloads of donations and helped put together essentials like pickle juice, electrolytes, baby wipes, and socks to take out to the volunteers searching and clearing debris. -cwr
Team Noble and ABC volunteers on Fri., Jul. at the Center Point VFD.
Operating a chainsaw, Heath Osborne with CPS and volunteers from Noble Builders clear brush at Camp CAMP.
L-R: Volunteers Heather Osborne, MEMCO, Teri and Rene Capistran, Noble Texas Builders, and ABC South Texas President Michelle Seward Davis.
Volunteers serving first responders and volunteers
Search & Rescue Dog, Kite with her handler and assigned Search & Rescue volunteer.
Remnants of Camp CAMP’s playground
A Big Round of Applause
Meet Ismael Ramirez — the Bartlett Cocke June 2025 Golden Hammer Award winner!
Ismael is a key part of their South Texas Regional Team and brings over 28 years of experience, leadership, and heart to every project. He’s one of the hardestworking and most dependable team members you’ll ever meet.
Ismael shows up early, works with a smile, and never hesitates to lend a hand or share his knowledge. His dedication to safety, quality, and mentorship represents the very best of who Bartlett Cocke strives to be.
WGrowing success
hen Texas First Rentals began its journey 10 years ago, no one could have predicted how far it would go in such a short period of time. It grew from a singular vision into a network spanning across the great state of Texas. Today, through its 38 and soon to be 40 locations, Texas First Rentals supplies clients with an impressive fleet of over 26,000 pieces of equipment which includes light towers and generators, aerial work platforms, forklifts and telehandlers, pneumatic air tools, concrete saws, and earthmoving equipment.
Texas First Rentals was created to complement the traditional Caterpillar dealership model, which focuses on equipment ownership, providing parts, service, and long-term customer support. In that model, customers purchase and own equipment, relying on the dealership for expert maintenance, parts availability, and technical support. Texas First Rentals, by contrast, offers a flexible, rental-based solution that builds strong customer relationships through equipment access without ownership — providing convenience, support, and the right tools for the job, when needed.
Viewing equipment as a service versus an asset created a shift in construction and enabled the 10-yearold company to grow by leaps and bounds. Before, contractors rented about 20 percent of their equipment. Today, that number has increased to about 65 percent.
“Contractors only want to use the equipment when they need it,” says Texas First Rentals Senior Vice President and General Manager Don Myrick . “They can rent it for certain periods of time and then return it. They don’t have to maintain it, haul it, store it, or make sure it is in compliance with safety standards. They rely on Texas First Rentals to meet those needs.”
A rise in telematics and smart equipment has played a major role in the company’s exceptional growth by providing Texas First Rentals with the information it needs to manage its fleet while providing data to help their
customers understand how they are using the equipment.
“Both add value in a different way,” adds Myrick. “One says I’m going to manage my costs, while the other manages the equipment’s reliability, repair, maintenance, location, and theft prevention. Building a relationship with a customer, building a model of trust is really what creates a value proposition for our customers time in and time out on every rental, giving Texas First Rentals a new opportunity to perform and meet our customer’s expectations.”
Additionally, the robust Texas economy plays a role in its continued growth. The vigorous Texas’ economy offers opportunities for Texas First Rentals to work with contractors, gain market shares, and build new relationships. It’s through these relationships that Texas First Rentals has been able to set sustainability trends that go hand in hand with customer expectations.
But when it comes to success, Myrick maintains, “It starts with our people and ends with our people. It’s our teammates who understand their purpose and how they contribute to the success of the company and how contribute to the success of our customers is what is most important to us.”
Texas First Rentals, while celebrating 10 years of success, continues to look ahead. For the next ten years, its growth will be fueled by large projects, and specialty rental in temp control, power, air, trench shoring, container storage business, and industrial application. -cwr
Don Myrick, Senior Vice President and General Manager
Here to Help
The TNT Crane & Rigging team from San Antonio stepped up in Ingram, TX, delivering food, water, safety gear, and support to first responders and families impacted by the devastating floods. TNT is incredibly proud of John Johnson and his crew for their compassion, quick action, and commitment to helping others when it matters most.
Timber Unity
The Lumbermen’s Association of Texas (LAT), a non-profit trade association that represents the Texas building materials industry, recently announced that the Honorable Allan Ritter, Chairman and CEO a t Triple R Brothers , is its 2025 Texas Unity Dinner honoree.
“Allan’s commitment to our industry has elevated and strengthened our voice,” said Kate Borroni,” President of the LAT Board of Directors and a Principal at Woodson Lumber, Co. Lumber in Caldwell, Texas. “He masterfully served in the Texas House of Representatives while running the family business. He did both with smarts, wit and a relentless commitment to lumberyards across the state of Texas. We are honored to have the opportunity to celebrate all his accomplishments at the 2025 Texas Unity Dinner.”
“I am deeply honored to be recognized by the Lumbermen’s Association of Texas,” said Ritter. “Having worked with or been a member of just about every business association in Texas, LAT has a special place in my life. This group truly works for our industry and our members. I look forward to the Texas Unity Dinner and a fun evening with our fellow members.”
“Allan shies away from the spotlight, but he is a mighty ally to our industry,” said Mireya Zapata , Executive Director, LAT. “We rely on Allan’s legislative knowledge and political acumen, and he generously shares both. As a legislator, he regarded the LAT
membership as one of his most important constituents, raising our profile in Austin which to this day allows us to punch above our weight.”
Ritter is Chairman and CEO at Triple R Brothers which owns and operates Ideal Lumber Co., Montalbano Lumber Co., Ritter Lumber Co., Ritter Forest Products and multiple partnerships. The company has 17 operations with 275 team members. First elected to The Texas House of Representatives in 1998, Ritter spent 16 years as a legislator representing East Texas and serving in many leadership roles before retiring from politics in 2014. His passion for public service continues and he serves as a LUMPAC trustee.
LUMPAC, LAT’s state political action committee, supports political candidates who are key to the success of LAT’s state policy agenda.
Allan Ritter
Benchmark 4949
Benchmark 4949, located at 4949 N Loop 1604, is part of Benchmark Park Developments in Texas.
This $17 million project consists of three separate light industrial, multi-tenant buildings designed as flex industrial spaces. Buildings 3 and 4 are two-story tilt-wall structures. Building 3 is 45,074 SF while Building 4 is 42,241 SF. Building 5 is singlestory structure with a mezzanine, encompassing 21,510 SF.
The project team includes the developer, The Town Lake Co., One Development Solutions as the project manager, STG as the architect, Pape-Dawson as the civil engineer, Herdal as the structural engineer, and Bay & Associates as the MEP engineer.
Structura Inc., a commercial general contractor,
specializing in delivering agile and transparent construction services with a focus on embracing market dynamics and client needs, is the general contractor of record, providing preconstruction and construction services for the Benchmark 4949 project. Headquartered in Austin, TX, Structura was founded in 2006 by President and CEO Rusty Morgan and Vice President and COO Kevin Jones.
With over 40 years of experience in steel erection, Eilers Steel was the perfect fit to partner with Structura on the Benchmark 4949 project.
Eilers, headquartered in Fredericksburg, TX, was founded in 1977 by Buddy Eilers and is now owned by his sons John and Jed Eilers. Eilers Steel has been providing cost-effective solutions for any type of
building requiring steel framing or infrastructure. Specializing in structural steel and tilt-wall construction, Eilers was contracted by Structura to begin work on Jun. 23.
Jose Zulaica, Eilers’ project manager oversees the installation of the concrete tilt-wall panels, metal decking, and the structural steel framing for the duration of their contract. Their scope of work is expected to be completed mid-September.
Working closely with the Eilers’ team is Structura Superintendents Ervin Breiten, Tim Caddell , and John Davis and Project Manager Richard Watson who broke ground on the project in Jan. 2025.
The project is expected to be completed in February of 2026. -cwr
Chomping at the bit
dolfson & Peterson
AConstruction (AP), a national was recently awarded the construction project for Heritage Oaks Dental Office in downtown Marble Falls. Construction is underway and expected to be completed by Fall 2025.
The project includes two groundup medical office buildings within the new 1.8-acre Heritage Oaks Medical Center, a 5,250-square-foot dental office and a 5,250-square-foot shell space, along with 1,300 square feet of space planned for an oral surgery center tenant. The dental office will feature 14 fully furnished treatment rooms, including four hygiene rooms and one surgery room, as well as dedicated staff support spaces and front-of-house patient areas.
“This project will allow us to bring our expertise in healthcare construction to Marble Falls,” says Jeff Herndon , Project Executive at AP. “This new modern facility with state-of-the-art amenities is designed to make highquality dental care more accessible for those in the Marble Falls area seeking convenient, comprehensive treatment.”
The project, a collaboration
between Seaux-Pierce Architecture, which designed the facility, and dental equipment supplier Henry Schein, will feature structural steel with metal stud infill, complemented by a single-sloped metal roof to achieve a Hill Country modern aesthetic. The surgery center will initially be delivered as shell space, with plans for a future interior build-out.
The Heritage Oaks Dental Project further strengthens AP’s presence in Central Texas, adding to the company’s portfolio of successful healthcare developments in the region. AP is also constructing Cross Creek Behavioral Health Hospital in Austin.
AP Gulf States, which is celebrating 25 years in the region, is working on several Central Texas projects, including the recently completed Sunrise Commerce Center in Round Rock, and two Austin ISD high schools. Additionally, AP is also working on the new KDFW studio and office facility in Irving, along with the recently completed Mid Cities Logistics industrial facility in Fort Worth and the Santander Tower adaptive reuse project in downtown Dallas.
Staffing at its best
Fifty years ago, in West Palm Beach, FL, Labor Finders was established with an idea to provide good contractors with temporary help and is now one of the country’s oldest and largest privately held labor staffing companies. In 1985, Labor Finders made its way into the Texas market as a franchise company of LC Personnel Inc. solely owned by Lew Curatolo.
Specializing in blue trades, both general and skilled, Labor Finders takes the guess work out of finding qualified workers through their mission of “driving success and changing lives through meaningful employment partnerships” by staffing trustworthy, skilled workers in various positions, including production assembly, construction, maintenance, electrical, carpentry, welding, office/ clerical, and more. From temporary to permanent employment, Labor Finders finds the right person for whatever task is needed by their clients. They perform all the necessary pre-employment screenings required by their clients as well as unemployment and workers’ comp.
“Construction is our bread and butter,” says Vice President Vince Leggett. “We also do a lot of hospitality and our largest client is the ports of Corpus Christi and the Houston ship channels. We do a
lot with Stevedoring.”A fair amount of Labor Finder’s business is temp-to-perm which gives them a great amount of and satisfaction seeing lives change. “We don’t charge a lot like some others do,” adds Leggett. “We do like 720 hours through us and then you take the person. So if you are trying to find a permanent person, you can try three or four of them until you find the right person.”
But it’s not just the skilled workers that make Labor Finders, Labor Finders. It’s the product they sell. Their product according to Leggett is how they service the customer. “It’s not necessarily the temps we send out but how we take care of the customer,” he continues. “If there is a problem at a job site, it’s how we handle it that sets us apart. Everybody in our branches carries a phone on their person in their pockets, so if a customer has a problem, they pick up the phone, call a branch manager and they take care of the problem right there, right then. That’s our product.”
Headquartered in Cedar Park, TX, Labor Finders provides temporary staffing services statewide. They have branches in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Denton, Fort Worth, Georgetown, Houston, Pasadena, San Antonio, San Marcos, and Temple, recruits over 4,000 temporary personnel yearly. -cwr
Heritage Oaks Dental Office Rendering; Credit: Seaux-Pierce Architecture
The 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.
I have been waiting twenty years to write this! Lake Buchanan is FULL for the first time since 2005
We have young adults who have never seen it this full and older folk who never thought they would get to see it again. We have been in some stage of drought for at least half of the last 20 years. Drought is no surprise in Texas; it is fairly common. We just hadn’t been seeing the rainfall that helped balance the drought-flood equation in quite a while.
Right now, the lake is almost back to normal as far as fishing goes. It does take some time for the silt and mud to settle out of the water so the water can clear up. A lot of the lake bottom that was exposed in the drought had grown up in willow trees and all kinds of weeds and brush. When that stuff gets submerged, the green stuff has to decay which makes the water smell bad for a spell, but the woodier brush will leave behind good structure for fish to inhabit. What is amazing is how quickly the fish move right back into the areas that were recently dried up! We already have big schools of tiny shad all over the surface. As they grow, all the fish will have plenty to eat!
I think since this summer has given us milder temperatures, (only just now getting to the 100+ degree days), and we have so much more water, we may not see the typical end of summer slow down on our striper and hybrid bite. Their bite is
picking up again and the catfish are coming in good too. It looks like we will be set up for a strong fall and winter fishing season this year.
Of course, we do have to contend with the driftwood and debris that flooding brings. After such a dry spell we had plenty of that come in. In the long run, it can leave behind trees and logs that will make good habitat for the fish (fishing holes for us!). You do have to run a little slower on the water and keep a sharp eye out to stay safe. A lot of the driftwood will either sink or get stuck on the shorelines out of the way. If you don’t want to chance running your boat in it, you can always hire a fishing guide to take you fishing and let him take the risk and he will know where the fish are too!
I know everyone who loves our lakes and aquifers that have recovered from severe drought is feeling relieved for now. We know our real problems with the supply and demand for water aren’t going to be solved by our generous inflow of late, but just for now and for the next few months we have relief. The trick is to remember that our water problems in Texas are still here and need to be addressed and we must do a better job of future planning. The floods bought us time to be better prepared for the next drought.
Lake Calaveras
The catfish bite on Calaveras has been on fire lately. The blue cats are in thick schools and can be caught on punch bait like Mr. Whiskers. Using a 3/8th oz to 1/2 oz egg sinker above a #6 or #4 treble hook, dropped below the boat, 2 cranks off the bottom. The bites are light and holding the rod while fishing can increase your chances of being successful. Many of the bites you won’t even feel. The rod just gets “heavy.” When the blues get a little skittish, I’ll back off the schools and cast to them. Using a float rig and a 6/0 circle hook, I’ve found that chicken breast seems to be the best bait this time of year. The average size blue has been around 5 to 8 lbs., with the occasional 15 to 25 lb. blue being landed. I’ve been focusing on depth between 15 to 30 feet of water. The water temps have been between 87 and 92 degrees.
The channel cats are thick as well and can be caught using the same methods in shallower water. 8 to 18 feet of water.
The red fish bite has been up and down. When they are running the plant and pushing water, the reds can be found shallow on coves or around shallow rock piles, casting artificials to them like spoons and swimbaits. The action can be fast and furious when it’s like this. Boating 3 man limits in less than 30 mins on a good day. But when they aren’t up shallow, you gotta hunt for them. Whether your down rigging or slow trolling rattle traps, spoons, or swimbaits behind the boat, you gotta cover water. Using your electronics to locate schools of redfish suspended in the water column.
If you’re interested on filling the cooler with catfish or hearing the reel scream from a big red contact C&C Guide Service at 210831-4679. Go early, stay late, and tight lines y’all.
Ken Milam
AThe Great Outdoors
Up to the task Road Trip
s summer winds down for the Cokinos|Young second group of summer associates, they hit the road to the Astros’ Daikin Park (The Ice Box) to soak up the last few innings of the season. It was a great way to round the bases on an unforgettable summer.
Back to School
Now that the kids are back in school the adults can slip out in the middle of the week and enjoy some fishing! If life was only that simple. August is a transition month for fish as much as it is for kids going back to school. Hot water temps and hopefully calmer breezes can definitely make you pay attention to water movement we wouldn’t be looking for on a breezy day. We all know that weather forecasts are about as reliable as our first car but, are tide forecasts the same? That answer is it depends. They are accurate but a lot of times not exact. That big push of water represented by a steady climb on the chart may be off by a couple hours or the dead still of high or low tide may last longer than it suggests. But in general the tide app that locks onto your GPS is pretty dang close and slowly getting better and better. Some things I look for when leaving the dock, keeping an eye on which way the water is moving past poles or floating buoys can key you in to where you may want to start fishing. If you’re going straight to the flats I like to stop and just stare at the grass. It will lay over to the direction the water is moving. Keep an eye on it throughout the day. Often you will see it stand straight up and then slowly go back to leaning. You can almost guarantee a strike as soon as the water begins moving again, as long as the perch left you some bait. Any area that narrows up to create more flow with structure be it reef, concrete, grass pockets, drains, it’s all up for grabs in August! If the bite slows or stops and the water doesn’t. Then it’s time to move, no point in beating that dead horse. For the waders I like to take 2 very different approaches. I like to attack the big shallow reefs in the middle of the bays, the big spider reefs or panther reef in San Antonio bay. Many areas 2ft or less. Move very slowly, keep the crunch to a minimum. And I like to work drains coming from the back lakes, narrow spots where the water flow is a little stronger. Watch out for airboats coming and going from the drains, you do have to share them since those are the only ways in and out of those back lakes. Don’t worry if one runs through, keep an eye out for mud boils or other signs. I have sat on the side of a bigger drain and every airboat or skiff that went by pushed reds right to me. If one drain doesn’t produce a trout or red, don’t leave just yet. Drag your lure on the bottom, as slow as you can while still getting movement. Flounder love water flow too. Color wise I like my red and gold glitter, the old school Heddon red and white topwater in the morning. The common thought is the red shows injury from lack of oxygen suggesting easy prey. I will leave that to the lure makers. I just know my color selection trends are very natural colors to match mullet and piggy perch this time of year.
Stay cool and tight lines!
Micah Jahns with Trophy Buck Inc. donated and delivered 500 lbs. of sausage and had staff members serving in Kerrville after the devastating Hill Country floods. From serving food and making supply runs to running chain saws and assisting in clean-up of debris on the river, they felt humbled and blessed to be able to serve and assist in flood relief operations.
Seeing the devastation in person brings you to your knees but seeing hundreds of people working together to assist fellow Texans is indescribable. Recovery and restoration of the Texas Hill Country will take a long time but, there’s no bigger heart, strength, or determination than that of Texans.
Please continue to keep those directly impacted by the flooding as well as all volunteers, first responders, and search & rescue teams in your prayers daily. The work is both emotionally and physically exhausting to everyone involved in recovery efforts. TEXAS STRONG!
JThe Great Outdoors
August Fishing Outlook — Rockport, Port Aransas
uly brought its fair share of challenges that separated the men from the boys. The full moon had redfish feeding heavily under the cover of night, leaving us with brief but intense windows of action early in the morning. With minimal wind and rising water temps, the tidal dynamics flattened out, limiting water movement and concentrating fish in very specific zones. The redfish we did find were holed up on grass flats adjacent to deeper channels like the ICW, Lydia Ann, and shrimp boat cuts—classic summer holding areas when conditions get tough.
Success came down to knowing where those select habitats were and sticking to a focused game plan. Once you eliminated the guesswork, the payoff was big. Fish were aggressive, keyed in on baitfish more than the usual shrimp or crab. We saw redfish rush flies from several feet away— sometimes competing to eat a bad cast before their buddies could.
The commercial shrimp season reopened July 15, bringing a surge of crustacean activity and igniting the bite for trout, flounder, drum, and redfish. As we moved off the full moon phase and got a little more water movement, the last week of July was phenomenal. The redfish seemed to anticipate the changing tide, and they fed like it was their job. Still, they weren’t scattered across the flats. They focused on shallow grass near deep water, but always with wind-driven current and tidal movement in their favor. Where those two forces lined up, the
fish were there—and they weren’t small. Most fish were solid upper-slot reds in the 24–28 inch range: ideal for sight casting and great on the grill.
What to Expect in August:
I expect August to be a continuation of this pattern. The redfish won’t be spread across every inch of the flats. Instead, they’ll stay close to deep water for comfort and food access. Focus on simplified water: grass edges with depth nearby, and let wind and current dictate your approach. Get that right, and you’ll find fish stacked like cordwood. Meanwhile, nearshore and offshore options are looking just as promising. Gulf surface temperatures are holding steady or slightly above average, creating ideal conditions for forage growth and predator activity. The Loop Current has occasionally pushed farther north, bringing warm, nutrient-rich water closer to the Texas coast. That’s prime habitat for cobia, jacks, bull reds, and tarpon—especially for fly anglers looking for a challenge. Sargassum mats from the Atlantic continue drifting in, creating floating ecosystems that hold bait, shrimp, and juvenile pelagic species. These mats around Port Aransas and Port O’Connor have been magnets for life.
Let’s Fish
Whether you’re looking to sight cast redfish inshore or hunt cobia and tarpon on the fly just off the beach, August is full of opportunity. Fly or spin, nearshore or flats—we can tailor a trip to your goals and experience. Give me a call, and let’s lock in a date. The fish are here. Let’s go get ’em.
Requirements but not limited to:
Communicate with clients/project manager professionally
Be a leader, position is to lead 2-6 employees daily
Ability to travel as needed
Ability to safely operate and maintain construction equipment and trailers
Prepare materials and a daily course of action for jobsite
Clean background. No felonies,
Beyond
Shaping the Industry
The Texas Aggregates & Concrete Association (TACA) hosted more than 620 attendees at its 71st Annual Meeting. The theme this year was “Building a Lasting Legacy in Texas,” which celebrated the enduring contributions of the construction materials industry to the state’s growth and prosperity.
Outgoing TACA Chairman J uan Castillo, Cemex, explained the inspiration behind the theme.
“‘Building a Lasting Legacy in Texas’ captures the core of who we are as an industry – resilient, durable and deeply committed to building the infrastructure that underpins our economy and way of life. These efforts are foundational to the Texas miracle, helping to fuel long-term growth, prosperity and security for every community across the Lone Star State.”
A highlight of the meeting was an economic forecast by Pierre Villere of Allen-Villere Partners, who offered cautious optimism. He projected that the U.S. economy will return to and maintain positive GDP growth in the near term, though significant uncertainties remain.
“The biggest force in the U.S. economy is the consumer at the grocery store – who accounts for 70 percent of GDP,” Villere noted. “What consumers choose to spend on, or hold back from, is heavily influenced by sentiment. Right now, evolving federal policies on trade, monetary issues, immigration and domestic matters are
creating a cloud of uncertainty.”
Villere emphasized that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) will continue to drive volume and revenue for the construction materials industry and help insulate it from economic headwinds – including inflation, interest rates, global conflicts and housing market softness.
Looking further ahead, Villere predicted a robust, multi-year economic expansion once current challenges subside – one that could be significantly boosted by the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence.
“We are in the ‘bag phone’ era of AI,” he said. “But unlike the 25 years it took to evolve into smartphones, AI’s development will move much faster – and it will unlock significant productivity gains that will drive long-term economic growth.”
Incoming TACA Chairman Rich Szecsy, PhD, Big Town Concrete, outlined a bold vision for the year ahead, including a public outreach initiative to spotlight the industry’s crucial role in supporting Texas’ booming population.
“In just two decades, Texas will grow by nearly 7 million people – from 31.8 million in 2025 to more than 38.6 million in 2045,” said Szecsy. “To meet that demand, we will need to essentially build the equivalent of Texas’ five largest cities –Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin and Fort Worth – all over again. That kind of growth simply isn’t possible without the strength and dedication of our industry.”
Bankler Partners Embarks on a New Era
After 48 years of dedicated service to the San Antonio community, Steven Bankler, CPA, Ltd., is proud to announce its evolution into Bankler Partners, LC. This significant rebranding, accompanied by a physical expansion at the Colonnade, Suite 501, 9901 IH-10 West, San Antonio, marks a new chapter for the firm while staying true to its deeply rooted local legacy.
Senior Partner Steven Bankler and Managing Partner Gina Valorz are longtime contributors to Construction News, offering readers sage tax and accounting tips for years. We’re thrilled to help them celebrate these milestones, which, they tell us, are more than a change of name and location.
“This is a pivotal moment for our firm. The transformation to Bankler Partners and move to our new, modern space represents our dynamic growth and commitment to the future,” says founding partner Steven Bankler. This evolution is underscored by the integration of cuttingedge technology, including a secure online client portal that offers 24/7 access and unparalleled convenience for clients both locally and across the globe. This embrace of innovation allows Bankler Partners to seamlessly support a diverse clientele, ensuring the same high-caliber, personalized service that has been their hallmark for nearly five decades.
While the firm looks forward to a soaring future of technological advancement and expanded reach, its foundation remains firmly grounded. Steven first founded the niche tax and accounting firm serving closely held and family-owned businesses in 1977, supported by a great legacy of family entrepreneurship and financial stewardship. His grandfather, who once owned the iconic LaFeria department stores with locations throughout San
Antonio, was a vital influence.
The firm recognized that it not only solved tax problems but also found business solutions proactively. It then created and registered the slogan “We Solve Problems®” as the expression of its client services. It’s an assertion that speaks to the firm’s expertise and proactive approach, which its clients have come to love. Another aspect of the “Bankler difference” is the way the firm treats its CPAs and staff. Bankler Partners recently celebrated its fourth consecutive year as one of San Antonio Business Journal’s Best Places to Work and is a Top San Antonio Accounting Firm.
“Traditional firms often assign bookkeepers, CPAs-in-training, and college students to do the bulk of the work for their clients. At Bankler Partners, we take pride in having knowledgeable CPAs manage the work. We also focus on the wellbeing of those CPAs and support staff and celebrate them often. That’s something that Steven instilled that has really made a difference,” says managing partner Gina Valorz.
The relocation to a new, state-of-theart office is a physical manifestation of its forward momentum, providing the Bankler Partners team with an environment that fosters collaboration and accommodates its expanding services. The staff has more than doubled in size since 2019, now comprising 11 CPAs and five supporting staff members, and provides accounting and tax planning services as well as exit and succession planning, forensic accounting, and expert witness and litigation support.
As Bankler Partners steps into this new era, it remains a testament to the enduring power of a local legacy. Congratulations to Steven and the entire Bankler Partners family for reaching these new milestones! To learn more about Bankler Partners, visit www.bankler.com.
TACA Chairman Rich Szecsy, PhD, Big Town Concrete; outgoing TACA Chairman Juan Castillo, Cemex; and Vice Chair Matt Arnold, Knife River Corporation; at TACA’s Annual Meeting.
Pierre Villere of Allen-Villere Partners offered cautious optimism at TACA’s 71st Annual Meeting.
Premier Landscape Renovation
Association
ABC CTX
Associated Builders & Contractors Central Texas Chapter 2025 Pickleball Tournament, 1-5pm, Austin Pickle Ranch, 11000 Middle
ACEA
Greater Austin Contractors & Engineers Association
Membership Luncheon: Williamson County Update, 11:30am1pm, Norris Conference Center, 2525 Clay Shoot, 9am-2pm, Reunion
Associated General Contractors Austin Networking Event, 4-8pm, TopGolf, 2700 Esperanza Crossing, Austin
American Institute of Architects Austin WIA//Coffee & Coworking, 8-10am, Leona Botanical Café, 6405
American Subcontractors
Association Austin Liens & Lattes/Breakfast Breakdown presented by Josh Condon, Lone Star Paving, 7:30-9am, BILLD, 3800 N. Lamar Blvd., #210, Austin Annual Bowling Tournament, 1-4pm, Westgate Lanes, 2701 W. William
BCTRCA
Central Texas Roofing
Contractors Association
Aug. 19: Monthly Lunch & Learn, Speaker
Jay Miller, Miller Storm Roofing & Reconstruction, Topic: Door to Door Sales in Roofing, HBA of Austin office, 7800 Shoal Creek Blvd., Ste. 225E, Austin
HBA
Home Builders Association
Greater Austin
Aug. 5: Lunch & Learn, 12-1pm, HBA Classroom, 7800 Shoal Creek Blvd., Ste. 225-E, Austin
Aug. 13: Sales & Marketing Council (SMC) Meeting, 11-12am
Aug. 14: Custom Builders & Remodelers Council Meeting, 11:30am-1pm, HBA, 7800 Shoal Creek Blvd., Ste. 225-E, Austin
UCATX
Utility Contractors Association of Texas Aug. 28: 3rd Annual Cornhole Showdown, 4-8pm, Lucky Rabbit Bar, 18626 RM 1431, Jonestown, TX
The Human Touch
uyers Barricades is grateful for the knowledge and insights Caron Abbe and Darcy Brown brought back from the Society for Human Resource Management Conference (SHRM). The care and passion Buyers pour into supporting their employees is a big part of what makes it such a great place to work, and it’s thanks to leaders who prioritize continuing education that they keep growing and improving.
Caron Abbe, Chief Administrative Officer and Darcy Brown, Vice President –Human Resources with actor Jason Sudeikis
TNT Crane & Rigging Innovates with J-Bar Safety Tool
TNT Crane & Rigging (TNT) has implemented a groundbreaking safety tool called the J-Bar, designed to prevent hand injuries during crane operations. The innovation came after a series of pad-related incidents involving All Terrain cranes that resulted in hand injuries. For a company like TNT Crane & Rigging, who is known for its excellent safety standards and rigorous training of all of their employees, it was clear that it was time to figure out exactly where the problem was and to find a solution to keep their people safe.
The J-Bar was developed by John Johnson, whose experience in the industry has made him an expert in solving and preventing safety issues. He went home one evening, and shut himself away from everything while he took time to analyze the problem and design a solution. After reviewing the incidents, he started sketching an idea he had for a tool that would prevent these accidents from occurring. After he had drawn up his idea, he brought it to one of TNT’s Mechanics, who is skilled in fabrication.
This innovative new tool serves two critical functions: it keeps workers’ hands out of harm’s way and improves ergonomics by allowing operators to stand upright rather than hunching over to maneuver heavy outrigger pads that can weigh up to 70 pounds. “When somebody gets hurt on the job, it affects everybody in their family,” Johnson says during safety meetings with his crew. “So keep them at the forefront of your mind when you make decisions.”
Now mandatory equipment across all TNT operations, from Canada to Texas,
PHOTOGRAPHY
Mary C. Haskin Specializing
2025 Honor Awards
The Texas Society of Architects (TSA) are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Honor Awards. These awards recognize exceptional members, firms, individuals, and organizations for outstanding achievements in support of the profession of architecture, the built environment, and quality of life in Texas. Recipients will be recognized at their upcoming TxA25 Annual Conference & Design Expo on Oct. 30–Nov. 1 in Dallas. Congratulations to all the honorees!
the J-bar’s effectiveness has been proven through consistent use - when properly implemented, hand injuries around outriggers have been eliminated. Johnson also was responsible for an idea that has further enhanced safety at TNT by implementing a complementary “palms up and clear” protocol. This procedure requires all nearby workers to hold their hands up with palms visible and verbally confirm they’re clear before any outrigger movement occurs.
The company’s commitment to safety innovation recently earned them a Safety Excellence Award from a Houston business roundtable. This culture of safety extends throughout the organization, with leadership actively soliciting input from all team members.
“Some of your best insights come from the most unexpected places,” noted Johnson, emphasizing the importance of listening with open ears and minds. His father was a construction industry vet, and his advice to him is often echoed in his words to his team- “Listen with your ears, and not your mouth.”
TNT has modernized their weekly safety training sessions by implementing streaming safety meetings, allowing field crews to access important safety information on their electronic devices when they can’t attend in-person meetings. The J-Bar exemplifies TNT’s vision statement commitment to “change the industry to become safer,” demonstrating how innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving can create meaningful workplace safety improvements. -ndw
Cornerstone Award
Alan Graham
Austin
Alan Graham, founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes in Austin, is the visionary behind Community First! Village—a nationally recognized model for addressing homelessness through design. Since 1998, Graham has championed human dignity through sustainable, community-driven development, creating 400+ homes for formerly unhoused individuals, with plans for over 1,200 more. His leadership bridges architecture, social impact, and advocacy, collaborating with architects, artists, and builders to demonstrate how design can end homelessness and restore connection. Through partnerships like AIA Austin’s Tiny Victories competition, Graham has redefined how we serve vulnerable populations, setting a new standard for architecture’s role in serving humanity.
Award for Community Service in Honor of James D. Pfluger, FAIA
David Carroll, AIA
Austin
David Carroll, AIA, is the founder and director of the multifamily architecture studio at Urban Foundry Architecture. He is a committed citizen architect whose career blends design excellence with deep community service. A leader in advocacy, Carroll co-founded AIA Austin’s CodeNEXT Advocacy Committee and has served on the TxA Government Affairs Steering Committee. He’s also been appointed to multiple City of Austin commissions, where he’s led the rewrite of the city’s Urban Design Guidelines and helped draft the first Historic Design Guidelines and a Climate Equity Plan. Carroll has spent his career designing affordable housing and serves as VP of a local community development corporation that champions equitable access to home ownership and retail space. His contributions exemplify the impact architects can have in public life.
25-Year Award
San Antonio Central Library
San Antonio
Designed by renowned Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta of Legorreta Arquitectos, with associate architect Sprinkle Robey Architects, architect of record Johnson-Dempsey & Associates, and interior designer Ford Powell & Carson, this 240,000-sf landmark opened in 1995 to great acclaim. Born of a design competition, the building is a bold departure from traditional library design, celebrating San Antonio’s Hispanic heritage through its vivid forms and vibrant spaces. Organized around a six-story atrium, its geometric composition invites light and shadow to dance throughout. Inside, visitors find public art, a special library scaled for children, and an extensive Texana collection. A vibrant city landmark demonstrating the power of design, this building has inspired future projects and redefines the library as a dynamic community and cultural hub.
San Antonio Central Libraryphoto by Eden, Janine and Jim/Wikimedia Commons
INSURANCE
LEGAL LEGAL
Tackling
the Surge in New-Hire Claims in Construction
Brigette Burttschell Risk and Construction Insights
The Nitsche Group Austin, TX
As Texas continues to experience rapid growth in construction, contractors are battling a familiar but intensifying challenge: filling roles on the job site. To meet project deadlines, many companies are hiring workers with little to no experience; a decision that’s contributing to a troubling upward trend in workers’ compensation claims.
William Buckwalter, Commercial Insurance Agent and Vice President of the ASA Austin Board of Directors, recently sat down to discuss how this rise in claims from newly-hired employees is impacting contractors, insurance premiums, and risk profiles— and what construction leaders can do about it.
Q&A with William Buckwalter
Q (Brigette): We’re seeing a spike in workers’ comp claims from newer hires; often within the first year of employment but sometimes even within the first few weeks on the job. What’s driving this trend, and how serious is it across the industry?
A (William): Across Texas, claims from brand new employees are on the rise, and it’s a big concern.
The root issue is the skilled labor shortage. Contractors are being forced to fill gaps with less experienced workers just to keep projects on track. Unfortunately, this leads to more onthe-job injuries— especially within the first 30 to 60 days of hire.
It’s serious enough that insurance carriers are adjusting their rates and underwriting standards. In some cases, new-hire claims alone are pushing a company’s experience mod in the wrong direction and driving up costs.
Q (Brigette): How does the skilled labor shortage affect a company’s risk profile from an insurance perspective?
A (William): Inexperience equals risk.
When companies bring on transitional or untrained workers, insurers immediately take a harder look, especially in the wake of this claims trend. They ask: “What’s your onboarding process? Is there a culture of safety? How high is your turnover?”
Without strong safety and training systems in place, these new hires often lead to more claims—and that can mean higher premiums or tougher underwriting terms. I always remind
Featuring: William Buckwalter Construction Insurance Agent
The Nitsche Group VP, Board of Directors, ASA Austin
clients that their current hiring and training practices directly impact how insurers view them down the road.
Q (Brigette): What role does training, or the lack of it, play in this? Are underwriters asking more about onboarding and safety programs now?
A (William): Without a doubt. Underwriters are asking more questions than ever about training and onboarding. They want to know: How long is your new hire orientation? What kind of site-specific training do you provide? Are you using buddy systems or mentorship models?
Poor training leads to preventable injuries. But on the flip side, when I can show that one of my clients has a structured, documented safety program in place—with things like toolbox talks, daily huddles, and hazard assessments—it can lead to better coverage options and pricing. Insurance companies are no longer satisfied with just checking a box. They want proof that safety is a living, breathing part of your culture.
Q (Brigette): What best practices can construction companies use to reduce new-hire claims?
A (William): Absolutely—and the good news is, most of these strategies are practical and affordable.
Here are some of the best practices I see from top-performing companies:
• Structured onboarding programs that prepare workers before they step on a job site.
• Mentor or “buddy” systems that pair new hires with experienced employees for their first 30–90 days.
• Daily safety briefings or toolbox talks that keep hazards and procedures top-of-mind.
• Graduated responsibilities starting new workers with lower-risk tasks and increasing as they gain experience.
• Frequent check-ins during the first few weeks, with documented observations and feedback.
These efforts not only reduce claims but also make a strong impression on underwriters.
I always tell clients: if you’re doing these things, document them. That documentation becomes a powerful tool when we go to market your policy or advocate for better terms.
ForVoid: Out-of-State Governing Law and Dispute Forum Provisions
R. Carson Fisk Construction Attorney Andrews Myers P.C. Austin, TX
construction contracts and subcontracts entered into on or after September 1, 2025 for projects located in Texas, statutory law will void provisions that designate governing laws, litigation forums, or arbitration hearing locales outside of Texas. This is a significant change from prior law, where such provision were merely voidable—a right that could be waived.
The enacting legislation, House Bill 2960 (HB 2960), filed in the 89th legislative session aimed to reinforce the application of Texas laws and venues in constructionrelated disputes, safeguarding the interests of local contractors and stakeholders in the process. It amended Section 272.001 of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, which previously provided that any clause in a construction contract for a construction project located in Texas that subjects the agreement or arising conflicts to the laws or courts of another state was considered “voidable” by the obligated party. The underlying rationale was to protect Texasbased contractors from being compelled to resolve disputes in unfamiliar jurisdictions under unfamiliar law, which could impose additional burdens and costs. But at least one intermediate appellate court recently drew a distinction between a “voidable” provision and one that is “void,” holding that “under section 272.001, a forum-selection clause is valid until a party obligated under the contract exercises its right to void the provision.”
Various trade groups have taken issue with that determination, with one group explicitly noting a legislative priority to “[r] everse the 14th Court of Appeals ruling allowing for waiver of the statute classifying out of state law and venue contract clauses as voidable upon signing a contract with such a clause or incorporating by reference another contract with such a clause.”
The bill analysis from the Senate Research Center was even more pointed: Texas law protects contractors from being forced to litigate disputes out of state, ensuring that businesses do not have to bear the cost of long-distance legal battles or be subjected to laws not aligned with Texas industry standards. The bill author has informed the committee that this protection has been crucial for Texas contractors, particularly smaller businesses that lack the resources to pursue or defend claims in distant jurisdictions. However, the Fourteenth Court of Appeals in Houston, in the case In re MVP Terminalling, LLC, recently determined that these longstanding protections could be waived. According to the Texas Construction Association, this ruling created significant uncertainty in the construction industry, effectively eliminated out-of-state venue protections for contractors, and placed Texas contractors at a disadvantage in contract negotiations.
HB 2960 proposed several key
modifications to the existing statute. First, there is a terminology change. Section 272.001 is no longer be entitled “Voidable Contract Provision” and is amended to be entitled “Certain Contract Provisions Void.” While perhaps subtle, this amendment is a significant alteration, emphasizing the absolute nullification of such provisions. Second, while the prior statutory provision allowed for the obligated party to void an out-of-state clause, the amended statute renders any provision that mandates the application of another state’s law, litigation in another state’s courts, or arbitration in another state as automatically void against public policy. This change eliminates the need for the obligated party to take action (i.e., exercise its right) to void such provisions. Third, if a venue provision is voided, “unless the parties stipulate to another venue after the dispute arises, an action arising out of the contract shall be brought only in this state in the county in which the property that is the subject of the litigation is located.” This ensures that legal disputes are addressed within the local jurisdiction, theoretically offering convenience and relevance to the parties involved. The amended statutes is to “apply only to a contract that is entered into or renewed on or after the effective date of this Act,” defined as September 1, 2025. The amended statute has several implications for stakeholders in the Texas construction industry, including enhanced certainty concerning the application of governing law and trial and hearing locations, reduced costs (e.g., eliminating out-of-state travel cost, out-of-state attorney costs, etc.), and eliminating tactics where choice of law and forum clauses are used as a barrier to efficient and effective resolution as to the merits of a dispute. But despite its potential benefits, enforcement may be challenging in the arbitration arena, where it may run into conflicts with the Federal Arbitration Act, to the extent applicable, and preemption issues. Nevertheless, keeping disputes within the state may be viewed as serving an overriding public policy interest of the state, or the provisions of the amended statute could remain intact as to the other area that it addresses (i.e., choice of law, litigation venue, arbitration not governed by the Federal Arbitration Act).
Ultimately, construction industry participants, including owners, architects, engineers, contractors, construction managers, subcontractors, suppliers, and material or equipment lessors, can now expect more certainty as to what law governs the parties’ rights and obligations and where disputes are to be resolved. Rather than being a waivable right, contractual provisions that seek to impose obligations at odds with Texas law are not simply void.
Steven
Preserving Your Nest Egg Through Tax Strategies ACCOUNTING
OSHA INSURANCE
Bankler, CPA, PFS, Cr.FA, CFF, CGMA Senior Partner
Steven Bankler, CPA, Ltd. San Antonio, TX
Building long-lasting wealth as a business owner requires more than just strong business performance. A combination of business and individual tax moves can help ensure the IRS doesn’t get the better of you in the long run while you’re running your business and when it’s time to retire or move on. Consider the following:
Take advantage of classic and new tax deductions. One of the best ways to save money in your business is to pay no more taxes than is necessary. Traditional deductions are valuable, but staying on top of changing opportunities can make a significant difference.
For starters, find out how the One Big Beautiful Bill will affect your business. A permanent extension of the 20% qualified business income (QBI) tax deduction is welcome news for pass-through entity owners, but there’s more, including a new, inflationadjusted minimum deduction for “small business owners with a certain QBI level,” according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Full 100% tax deductions on domestic research and experimental (R&E) activities are back on the table, which presents unique opportunities for construction contractors. Those who create or improve materials, designs or processes should have it on their radar. Some may even be able to apply the full deduction retroactively as far back as 2022.
The list goes on: A permanent increase on both the amount allowed for expensing and the phase-out threshold for Section 179 depreciation; an expansion of qualified small business stock (QSBS) gain exclusions; and an enhancement of employer-provided childcare credits are other areas the U.S. Chamber has applauded. What affects you specifically, and how, is something that you’ll need to discuss with your tax advisor.
Get your business in order. The more strategically organized your business is, the more opportunities to save and reinvest. Start with the big picture: Growth strategies, succession and exit planning (because you’ll exit your business one day, whether you plan for it or not). Then consider financial and tax strategies that will help you reach those goals. This can include restructuring the business or perhaps even separating assets and
Steven
Gina Valorz,
CPA, PFS, CGMA Managing Partner
Bankler, CPA, Ltd. San Antonio, TX
activities into logical, distinct business entities (a property ownership entity versus a business services entity, for example).
Balancing the books and staying on top of payroll are everyday tasks that can lead to significant financial losses if mismanaged. In recent years, the IRS has assessed about 6 million civil penalties totalling over $6 billion for employer payroll tax issues annually. Mistakes often start mounting during rapid business growth or when taking on a project outside the usual jurisdiction, adding to a temporary labor force, upgrading payroll systems, or facing new reporting requirements. The IRS can hold business owners personally responsible when payroll taxes are not paid correctly.
Consider your best interest. It’s challenging for business owners to prioritize themselves, but it’s essential for your financial future, both during your time in the business and after you retire. Along with structuring the business for its optimal tax efficiency, take time to understand how intertwined your own finances have become with your personal financial picture. Separating yourself from a pass-through entity is notoriously tricky, but corporation owners can have trouble separating their money from their business as well. Perhaps you invested in the business through personal equity or a business loan. These two methods (and their resulting tax bills) differ when it comes to selling, liquidating, or closing the business.
And don’t neglect retirement planning, even if you can’t imagine retiring right now. Uncle Sam rewards some of his most valuable tax benefits to those who contribute wisely to retirement accounts. Explore the range of options available, understand their tax advantages, and integrate them into your overall financial strategy. Planning for retirement isn’t just about your future—it’s also a gift to your family. It’s a critical part of building a nest egg that is independent of your business.
Stay informed, leverage new and existing tax benefits, organize your business with an eye on the future, and prioritize your own tax advantages to minimize your tax burden and maximize your nest egg. Proactive planning today can help ensure your financial security and provide lasting benefits.
TheIs Your Business Safe + Sound?
Michael Middleton Compliance Safety and Health Officer OSHA Harker Heights, TX
Safe + Sound campaign is a yearround initiative aimed at helping you ensure that your business excels in health and safety. The campaign encourages every workplace to create a culture of safety through three core elements: management leadership, worker participation, and a systematic approach to finding and fixing hazards.
Prioritizing safety and health programs protects your workers from injuries, illnesses, and fatalities AND reduces costs, increases productivity, and improves overall business operations. If you aren’t sure where to begin, Safe + Sound is here to support you. The campaign provides educational opportunities, resources, and activities to help you strengthen your workplace safety and health programs.
Take on a Challenge
Safe + Sound offers quarterly challenges structured around the three core elements of a safety and health program, which help businesses make strides in developing their programs. For example, you can participate in the “Take 3 in 30” challenge, where managers are encouraged to take three actions in 30 days. This could include hosting a brief safety meeting or setting specific goals for the safety and health program. Find this and other challenges on the Safe + Sound Activities webpage. Take them on at any time in any order, then download your virtual coin to recognize your efforts!
Join Us for Safe + Sound Week
Safe + Sound Week is the campaign’s biggest event. Each August, we come together to raise awareness about the importance of workplace safety and health programs, while also recognizing those individuals in your organization who have gone above and beyond to make the workplace safer. This year, Safe + Sound Week will be held from August 11-17, 2025. And, if August 11-17 doesn’t work with your schedule, you can select another week to designate as your business’s Safe + Sound Week!
You can show your commitment to safety and health in several ways during this weeklong event - host private events for your employees, hold free events open to the public, share information and resources on how to keep America’s workers safe, post about your commitment to safety and health on social media, and much more! Safe + Sound makes it easy to participate by providing a suite of resources to plan and promote an event and sharing examples of what previous participants have done for inspiration.
This year’s focus is Emergency Preparedness and Response. Registration is open now and you will receive a certificate of recognition and a virtual challenge coin for participating. For more information, visit our website www.osha.gov/ safeandsoundweek, or if you have questions, contact us at safeandsoundcampaign@dol. gov. We look forward to your participation!
A transparent plumber
For three years, Collin Jones listened to his cousin tell him how much he enjoyed working in the plumbing trade, how much he was learning, and how he saw plumbing as his forever career.
From his early to mid-20s, Colin Jones worked in the oilfield and was getting tired of the highs and lows of the oilfield. With no college in his background and no degree, Jones began to realize he wasn’t getting any younger and needed something to hang his hat on. So he decided to look into the trades and with all the insight from his cousin, Jones decided that he, too would get into the plumbing trade.
Jones started his career in Houston, working on a huge commercial project, a 250,000-sf UPS facility. Unfortunately, after six months, he realized the Houston traffic was not for him.
Leaving Houston, Jones returned to his hometown, New Braunfels, TX and went to work for the oldest plumbing contractor in town, Ott Plumbing. There he was introduced to the residential side of plumbing and really fell in love with the trade.
“Doing commercial work, I didn’t really feel the passion like I did building homes and that’s when I knew that’s what I wanted to do for a living,” says Jones.
In time, Jones began to realize he would never be able to achieve what he wanted in life, working as an employee. He needed to get out on his own.
In March of 2022, believing he had the attributes and skillset to do so, Jones started Jones Plumbing on his own as a full-service residential plumbing contractor with a light commercial focus. And although his background is in new home construction, Jones performs work on small renovation and remodel homes with no new construction.
“I have the skillset to do new home plumbing work,” Jones adds. “I just don’t have the manpower. We’re still growing.”
With their focus strictly on service work, Jones Plumbing performs 90 percent residential service work and 10 percent commercial service including waterline repairs, boiler replacement, and drain cleaning.
From a solo act in 2022, today Jones Plumbing is a team of five with two service trucks. “We have two trucks running full-time. By 2027, we would like to be five trucks strong,” Jones says.
Just a small mom and pop company, Jones Plumbing believes in those old school values of shooting straight with their customers. “We’re not going to confuse you with a bunch of lingo that you don’t understand,” he adds. “We’re relatable. We’re personable. We’re not robots and we believe in building a rapport with our customers. We’re here for the long run. We are not here to be in and out to make a quick little buck and be gone. We want to be here in 10, 20, 30 years. We really want to build a relationship with our customers. We want to be involved with the community – we really, truly care about our customers.”
Jones believes in being transparent with his customers and treating them with respect and honesty, the same respect and honesty one would give to their grandmother.
“I’m going to try to save you a dollar before I charge you. We really believe in treating people like our grandmother. A lot of people say that, but we really honor that. We are going to be honest with you. The other day, a customer overpaid me. When I went to the truck and counted the fresh, crisp bills he gave me, I discovered he overpaid. I went back into the house and gave him what was his, and kept what was mine. And when you call Jones Plumbing, you’re going to see me in some capacity face-to-face. I’m in the field. I’m getting sweaty and I’m turning wrenches along with my guys. These are the kinds of things that are going to set us apart from the rest.”
Headquartered in New Braunfels, Jones Plumbing is centrally located to serve customers from Austin to San Antonio along the I-35 corridor. -cwr
Q (Brigette): Are there any insurance tools, policy structures , or incentives that can help contractors better manage this risk?
A (William): Definitely. And, I think a lot of contractors aren’t taking full advantage of what’s available. Here are a few tools and incentives worth exploring:
Some great tools and incentives worth exploring include:
• Premium credits for having documented safety programs, training procedures, or return-to-work strategies.
• Carrier-provided loss control services, including jobsite safety audits, training resources, and claims analysis— often at no extra cost.
• Pay-as-you-go, which ties your premiums to actual payroll and reduces the sting of year-end audits.
• Return-to-work programs that offer modified duties and reduce claim severity.
• Group or dividend programs through industry associations that reward strong safety performance with financial returns.
The key is not just knowing these tools exist—but actively working with your advisor to apply them year-round, not just at renewal.
Q (Brigette): Any final thoughts for contractors struggling with new-hire injuries or rising workers’ comp costs?
A: (William): Safety today isn’t just a compliance or regulatory issue. It’s a business strategy. Contractors are facing higher insurance costs, tighter labor markets, and more scrutiny than ever. But there are ways to fight back.
If you’re seeing rising claims or worrying about your mod, don’t wait until renewal to make changes.
I help clients every day implement simple but powerful improvements that reduce claims and strengthen their insurance position. Let’s talk before it becomes a bigger problem.
Stay Proactive
In today’s fast-paced construction world, bringing on inexperienced workers is often a necessity—but it doesn’t have to be a liability. As William Buckwalter makes clear, proactive risk management, safety culture, and documentation can go a long way toward lowering claims and maintaining affordable coverage.
If your company is struggling with high turnover, new-hire injuries, or increasing workers’ comp costs, now is the time to act. With the right strategies and insurance partnerships in place, you can protect both your people and your bottom line.
Support on and off the green
The Nitsche Group had an unforgettable day on the greens! Their team had a fantastic time at the recent PGA Hope Tournament.
PGA Hope is on a mission unlike any other— to change and save Veterans’ and Active Duty Military Service Members’ lives through the power of golf.
Congrats to the top performers and a
big thanks to the volunteers, coordinators, and sponsors for making it all possible. Special thanks to the Cimarron Hills Golf & CC for hosting the event, and to their team for representing The Nitsche Group: William Buckwalter, The Nitsche Group; Reed Curtis, Modern Waste Disposal; Scott Smith, Extra Mile Recovers; Zach Marley, HashiCorp.
Collin Jones, Owner of Jones Plumbing
(l-r) William Buckwalter, Reed Curtis, Scott Smith and Zach Marley
Stephen S. Schiffman, President and Chairman of the Board of SBS Construction (SBS), has announced a strategic acquisition by BCT Capital LLC (BCT), in which BCT has acquired all outstanding stock holdings of SBS. This transaction marks a pivotal step in SBS’s evolution, positioning the company for its next phase of growth and innovation in the construction sector.
As part of the acquisition, BCT will collaborate with the existing SBS executive team who have retained an ownership in the company—Ted Culbreth, Larry Watts, and John Maywald—to develop and lead the next generation of SBS leadership. Schiffman and SBS co-founder David L. Morgan, Executive Vice President and COO, will remain active in
Major Acquisition
advisory and consulting roles during the transition period to ensure continuity and a seamless transfer of leadership and ownership responsibilities.
Clyde Johnson and Brandon Raney, founding principals of BCT, will begin assuming executive management responsibilities alongside the existing SBS Executive team. All members of the continuing SBS executive team are committed to upholding the company’s legacy of quality construction, client dedication, and industry expertise established by Schiffman and Morgan.
“After 30 years of building SBS into a respected and resilient construction company, Dave and I are proud to see it enter a new era under the stewardship of leaders who share our values and
Alterman recently announced that with deep respect and sadness the news of the passing of Richard Alterman. Dick, as many knew him, passed away Saturday, July 5th at 96 years old. Dick’s father, Nathan Alterman, started the business in 1923, six years before Richard’s birth in 1929. Throughout Dick’s childhood, he was able to experience the beginning of the company we now know as Alterman, Inc.
Looking back fondly at some of Dick’s favorite memories, from hitching a ride to job sites as a child to eventually working alongside his father and his crew. Later, Dick took over as president and owner of Alterman, Inc., from the 1950s until his retirement in 1984. In that year, he made the remarkable, and unconventional, decision to create the ESOP, selling the business to the employees. His vision of shared ownership amongst employees
commitment to excellence,” said Schiffman. “We’re confident the new ownership team will continue the legacy we’ve built and take SBS to even greater heights.”
Founded in 1995 by Schiffman and Morgan, SBS Construction is a Boerne, Texas-based firm offering general construction, design-build, project management, and development services, with a strong focus on the self-storage industry. In conjunction with its wholly owned metal building subsidiary, Superior Metal Services, SBS delivers integrated construction solutions with a dedication to craftsmanship and exceptional client service.
BCT Capital LLC, led by Johnson and Raney, brings a track record of successful real estate development and construction
In memoriam….
transformed the culture and future of Alterman.
“When we talk about starting out of a trolley car, so much has taken place since…and I’m proud of it. It’s nice to know that the legacy my father started, and that we were able to carry on, is the legacy of Alterman.”–Richard Alterman.
Richard remained actively involved in the business well into the 1990s. His commitment to the continued growth of Alterman helped build the foundation for a company culture focused on responsibility, pride, and ownership. Dick’s perspective of the future, and his manner of implementing it companywide, is the root of our continuous improvement culture.
“You wonder ‘what are people going to think of me, when I’m gone?’…and it’s a memorial to my father, and to me, to see the way the company has grown. If
management across various sectors and states. Their portfolio includes the renovation of the historic St. Anthony Hotel located in downtown San Antonio; the construction of the Hilton Canopy Hotel on the San Antonio Riverwalk; the Kinetic Concepts Inc. (KCI) headquarters; numerous Gunn Automotive Group facilities; multiple Riverwalk restaurants, the Harlingen Convention Center and Hilton Garden Inn; and the “1 Hotel” component of the 74-story mixed use Waterline project under development in Austin, Texas.
The completion of this acquisition marks a new chapter, forming a powerful platform for accelerated growth and innovation by combining SBS’s operational strength with BCT’s strategic vision and development expertise.
we could’ve envisioned it, this is what we would’ve envisioned. It’s beyond our wildest dreams.”–Richard Alterman.
Dick often stated how proud he was to have his family name attached to Alterman. His legacy will live on in the overall culture and electrical work this company does every day. Beyond business, Dick was married to his lovely wife, Charlotte Sue, for 74 years. Until his passing, Charlotte Sue was a constant pillar of strength and support through all that Dick achieved.
“We are super proud to continue the legacy that Richard and his family have started. We hope to continue honoring them well into the future.”–Greg Padalecki, Alterman CEO
In 2023, Dick Alterman sat down with our current CEO, Greg Padalecki to commemorate Alterman’s 100- year anniversary. In this interview, you can
experience a glimpse into the caring, generous, and resilient man that cared deeply for the business, its employees, and their futures. We owe much of who we are today to Dick’s foresight and generosity. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.
Brandon RaneyExecutive Vice President, COO
David Morgan
Larry Watts
Clyde J. B. Johnson IVPresident
John Maywald
Stephen Schiffman
Ted J. Culbreth
Dick Alterman
Pfluger Architects and SHIR Capital Complete Veer Apartments in Austin
Pfluger Architects and developer
SHIR Capital are helping alleviate
Austin’s affordable housing crisis by transforming vacant and distressed hotel buildings into modern, convenient and affordable apartments in the heart of the city. The recently completed Veer Apartments features more than 89,000 square feet of living space and amenities in 174 pet-friendly units, all outfitted with modern floorplans and brand-new, efficient appliances.
Veer Apartments, a former Quality Inn located at 7928 Gessner Drive, ideally situated near the intersection of I-35 and Highway 183, is now a renovated fivestory building offering spacious studio apartments in two floorplan choices. Conveniently located near retail, dining
and entertainment venues as well as Austin ISD schools, The University of Texas at Austin campus, and major employers, Veer offers attractive resident amenities including an outdoor pool and BBQ grills, 24-hour fitness center and pet spa.
“Adaptive reuse projects like Veer Apartments are poised to make a huge difference in the communities where they are located,” said Erik Leitner, Principal and Senior Project Architect for Pfluger Architects. “The hotel floor plate is not much different from that of a studio or one-bedroom apartment, so the conversion and redesign is less expensive and time-restrictive than other adaptive reuse projects. These projects create much-needed workforce and student housing in the heart of the
city, where affordable housing options were previously limited.”
Development partners include Austin Outdoor Design as design architect and Avas Construction as general contractor. Originally a four-story building, the design added a fifth level and infilled the interior atrium with apartment units to achieve the highest and best use of the existing site. Metal façade detailing wraps around the exterior windows and balconies, adding a contemporary appearance to the structure. Each of the 174 apartments offer modern finishes and fixtures, vinyl hardwood flooring, a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, fully remodeled bathrooms with tiled showers and modern vanity. The
renovation added a fitness center and outdoor pool to the property to complement the business center, on-site laundry facilities, pet spa, and complimentary wi-fi in common areas.
“We’ve seen increasing demand for this type of rental property in urban neighborhoods,” said Elan Gordan, Principal with SHIR Capital. “The advantages of renovating old structures often include lower costs than building comparable new ones, along with more cities willing to ease zoning restrictions and extend tax credits to curb housing crises, encourage more projects like these. Transforming an underutilized hotel property into a vibrant residential community infuses opportunity into the entire neighborhood.”
