The Industry’s Newspaper Austin CONSTRUCTION NEWS
In the world of construction trades, a young woman is making waves and breaking stereotypes. Ashton White, known on Instagram as “That Masonry Girl,” has become a prominent figure in promoting masonry through her work with Masonry Rocks, a program that aspires to introduce masonry to the next generation of young people who are interested in a skilled trade. Ashton’s journey into masonry began unexpectedly in high school. A class introduction led her to compete in masonry contests during her junior and senior years, continuing through community college. Her passion for the craft eventually brought her to Texas, where she found her calling with
ALaying the Foundation
Established approximately five years ago, Masonry Rocks is an organization dedicated to workforce development in the masonry trade. For the past two years, Ashton has been at the forefront of their mission, focusing on passing on her knowledge and training both students and teachers.
“Our goal is to promote masonry as a viable career option,” she explains. This mission is particularly crucial in Texas, where only four high school programs currently teach masonry full-time. In an era where many young people are drawn to tech careers, White and Masonry Rocks are working to reach those who prefer hands-on work and
may excel in skilled trades.
White emphasizes the benefits of pursuing a career in masonry, including the potential for a good living without the burden of student debt. “You can earn while you learn in this trade,” she points out, highlighting an attractive alternative to the traditional college path.
Recently, Masonry Rocks organized an event at the Helotes Fairgrounds that brought schools together for a day of immersive learning. Students rotated through various stations, experiencing different aspects of masonry including block laying, stone setting, and scaffolding. Ashton coordinated the event, ensuring a smooth experience for
all participants and even providing demonstrations herself.
The event showcased the collaborative nature of the industry, with contractors and bricklayers volunteering their time to teach alongside her. This hands-on approach gives students a real taste of the masonry world and the opportunities it offers.
As Masonry Rocks continues to grow and inspire the next generation of masons, Ashton White stands as a testament to the changing face of the construction industry. Her dedication to education and promotion of the trade is helping to build not just structures, but also careers and futures in masonry. -ndw
Alamo Crane Service, Inc. celebrates 46 years
lamo Crane Service, Inc. , a local leader in the crane services industry celebrates their 46th year in business as a family-owned and operated business.
Established when there was only one crane company in town, Marge and Marvin Ohlenbusch purchased their first crane to keep their refrigeration company’s installation contracts on schedule during a heavierthan-usual rainy season. When the crane was not in use and to get the most out of their investment, they began to rent the crane, giving birth to Alamo Crane Service on April 24, 1979, with their first paid job.
After selling their refrigeration business, the Ohlenbusches became fully invested in their new crane company. Without the support of outside investors, Alamo Crane Service has grown to be the largest familyowned crane company in San Antonio with over 30 cranes ranging from 15 tons to 770 tons in its fleet as well as a
of customer satisfaction and safety. The extraordinary safety record of Alamo Crane Service has earned the company numerous safety awards including the American Subcontractor Association’s (ASA) 2022 National Safety Award, one of nine companies from across the country to receive the national safety award and the only crane company; the 2017 Texas Mutual’s Platinum Safety Award, one of only 45 companies to receive the award from over 68,000 policyholders across the state of Texas, and continues to be recognized by Texas Mutual and other trade associations for its outstanding safety record.
Marge and Marvin Ohlenbusch continue to play an active role in the company’s day-to-day operations as the company remains 100% operational by the Ohlenbusch family with the second generation, Brian and Gina Ohlenbusch , in line to continue the Ohlenbusch legacy of providing quality service without comprising safety.
Masonry Rocks.
Ashton White, aka That Masonry Girl
2025 Design Award Winners
exas Society of Architects is pleased to announce the Texas Society of Architects’ 2025 Design Award winners. The winning projects will be featured in the Awards issue of Texas Architect magazine this fall. Congratulations to all the honorees!
TACA Applauds Texas Legislature Celebrating Karla Garza’s Achievements in the Concrete Industry
The 89th Texas House Legislature has honored Karla Garza of VMK Concrete with a House Resolution for “distinguishing herself through her professional achievements.” Garza is coowner of leading ready-mix concrete supplier VMK Concrete, which has grown to encompass five separate business enterprises and more than 100 employees to become one of the largest concrete producers in South Texas.
An industry pioneer, Garza was elected to the Texas Aggregates & Concrete Association (TACA) Board of Directors, making history as the first Hispanic female to serve on the board since its inception in 1951. She also serves on the National Ready Mix Concrete Association Board of Directors, again making history as the first Hispanic female and the first female owner from Texas to hold a seat on this national board.
“What I once thought was simply my everyday work is actually helping to change an industry – for women, for Hispanics and for future generations. I am deeply honored by the recognition at the Capitol, and even more excited for the years ahead and the strides we will continue to make – not just for my daughter and children, but also for yours,” said Garza.
During her distinguished career, Garza has helped pave the way for more women – and more Hispanic women – to enter this growing and vital industry. Texas’ population surge – projected to increase from approximately 31 million residents in 2025 to 42 million by 2045 –has set the demand for substantial infrastructure development.
Garza is a strong advocate for community involvement, mentoring young women interested in the construction industry and supporting scholarships for students pursuing architecture, engineering and construction careers.
“We are incredibly proud to see one of our own recognized by the Texas Legislature for her outstanding achievements and leadership in the ready-mix concrete and construction industry,” said Rich Szecsy, incoming Chair for TACA. “As a trailblazing Hispanic woman in a traditionally underrepresented industry, she exemplifies the strength, grace and innovation that define the future for Texas infrastructure. Her success not only elevates our industry – it also inspires the next generation to dream bigger, build stronger and understand that there are no limits.”
979 Springdale, Austin - Chioco Design
ECC Creative, Austin - A Parallel Architecture
Round Rock ISD Natatorium, Round RockKirksey Architecture
Westview Residence, AustinAlterstudio Architecture
Burnet Place, AustinMichael Hsu Office of Architecture
Pleasant Valley House, AustinLemmo Architecture and Design
Stealth House, Austin - Specht Novak
Wolf Ranch River Camp, Georgetown, Michael Hsu Office of Architecture
Karla Garza, VMK Concrete co-owner and TACA Board Member, was celebrated by the Texas House Legislature with Resolution sponsored by Rep. Muzoz
What is it, and what does it do?
If you have ever had an overflowing, open-top dumpster, you know just how frustrating it can be. In 2021, Hiltpold & Company, founded by Chris and Tiffany Hiltpold got the answer everyone was looking for by bringing Crushr, a mobile dumpster compacting service to the San Antonio market.
Although the engineering aspect dates back to the early 1990s, the actual adaptation to the truck originated in the late 1990s,” says Business Development Specialist Jason Jackovich. “A factory representative for Heinz Bergmann OHG, a waste management equipment manufacturer, was selling stationary units with only a brochure to display the equipment. Designing and patenting the truck was solely for an experimental marketing ploy in 2003, which later became the design you see today.
Jackovich explains, “After several years of using the truck for marketing, a group of investors convinced the inventor the mobile concept would be a good idea. In 2011, they built five trucks to place in various test markets and service routes on an as-need basis. Then in 2015, the Crushr founder discovered one of these trucks operating in southern Indiana and had a franchising idea. In Jan 2016, they began building a business case for franchising and in 2017 were approved. Crushr sold the first franchise location in Nashville, TN in early 2018.”
In 2021, with one truck, co-owner Chris Hiltpold and one driver aggressively began pounding the streets, knocking on doors, showing off the truck, performing free demonstrations, visiting job sites with an open-top dumpster, slowly growing their new franchise. Now, three years later, Crushr Hill Country has seven employees and four trucks.
Jackovich says, “We often hear, ‘I’ve never seen anything like this. Or I was behind one of your trucks on the highway and wondered what it is and what does it do?’”
Crushr, with its 5,000 lbs. of downforce, shreds open-top dumpster contents with its multi-speared barrel that rotates forward and backward until the contents has been compacted. “We have total control of the rotating drum,” Jackovich maintains. “We can rotate it forward, and backward, and concentrate on certain areas within the dumpster. We back up to the dumpster and break down sheetrock, pallets, and anything in the dumpster. If dumpsters are backed up to the loading dock and the contents in the container are piled near the loading dock, we can pull the contents the front of the container creating a belly on the backside that can be filled up making it more efficient for the labor force. “
Hiltpold & Company, a woman-owned business, has 300 customers. And although it continues to grow, saving their customers money every day, it isn’t without its obstacles.
“It’s no secret, the construction industry has been known to use various pieces of construction equipment to compact their open-top dumpsters,” Jackovich adds. “Often, when we go to a new job site and tell them we can compact their garbage, save them money and recover 40-50% of the dumpster capacity, their first response is they have this heavy piece of equipment onsite, whether it be an excavator, Skytrak, forklift or bobcat, to crush their dumpster. However, they usually bite on a free demonstration!”Jackovich continues, “Once they see our application and process, they soon realize how efficient it is and that their method is more antiquated and more for
making their load road compliant, while we are regaining space inside the container.
“Additionally, they are at risk of damaging the container or their equipment. When they sign up to use our service, we indemnify them under our insurance; therefore, protecting them. If ever there is damage to the dumpster, Crushr will take responsibility, not the customer. All of our operators are trained to use the machine, which is a purpose-built truck specifically for trash compaction and greatly minimizes any kind of damage.
“Mobile compaction works! When a customer uses Crushr, they can expect to reduce hauls by 65%, resulting them in a 33% reduction in overall cost. There’s an added benefit by reducing trips to the landfill. Your annual carbon footprint is reduced by 1.5 tons or more. Furthermore, if you are working on a LEED certified contract, this data can be provided to the customer. “
In closing, Crushr Hill Country services San Antonio, TX to Kyle, TX including Boerne and the surrounding areas. It does not require any long-term commitment, and they are happy to work on any on-demand basis.
“We guarantee a 24-hour service and appreciate the heads-up notice. With our fourth truck now in the market, we can typically service our clients the same day. We are happy to provide and greatly encourage people to reach out to us for a free demonstration,” Jackovich says. -cwr
Shaping America’s Future Workforce
Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (UTI), a leading workforce education provider for transportation, skilled technicians, energy and healthcare, today announced that San Antonio will be the site of its first campus for skilled trades programs. The announcement continues the company’s successful execution of its North Star strategy to shape the future of workforce education in the United States.
The San Antonio campus is one of three campuses the company plans to open in Fiscal 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, across its two operating segments: UTI, which offers transportation, skilled trades and energy education; and Concorde Career Colleges, which specializes in the dental, nursing and allied health professions.
UTI-San Antonio is expected to open in Spring 2026 and offer programs in aviation, welding, HVACR and an electrical training suite of wind, robotics, industrial maintenance and electrical/electronics.
“Skilled trades education builds the foundation for innovation, economic strength and fulfilling career opportunities,” said Tracy Lorenz , UTI Division President. “In a world that relies on skilled professionals to keep industries moving, an investment in this training is an investment in the future. We look forward to leveraging our educational expertise and deep industry relationships to support San Antonio’s economy.”
“This skilled trades campus highlights how we are optimizing our resources to increase access to highdemand programs while minimizing space and capital expenditures,” said Todd Hitchcock , Corporate Chief Operating Officer, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. “San Antonio is the ideal city for our investment, given local industry’s growing need for skilled workers in the programs this UTI campus will offer. In addition, we have received strong support from public officials and community leaders over the years for our Concorde-San Antonio campus, which has successfully educated thousands of students for healthcare careers since 2010.”
President
UTI-San Antonio will occupy more than 50,000 square feet at 5776 Stemmons Drive. The location and programs are subject to state, accreditor and U.S. Department of Education approval and student recruitment will not begin until those approvals are received.
“Universal Technical Institute is a welcome addition to San Antonio’s workforce development ecosystem,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “We look forward to their presence helping to make economic mobility accessible for all San Antonians.”
Universal Technical Institute, Inc., currently has 6 campuses in Texas: UTIAustin, UTI-Dallas, UTI-Houston, Concorde Grand Prairie, Concorde Dallas and Concorde San Antonio. The company recently announced Atlanta as the site of another new UTI division campus and Fort Myers, Fla., as the location of a unique, co-branded Concorde-Heartland Dental campus for dental hygiene and dental assistant programs.
The core tenets of the Universal Technical Institute, Inc.’s North Star strategy—growth, diversification and optimization—are the foundation for initiatives at the company’s two divisions. The second phase of the company’s North Star strategy is expected to deliver approximately 10% revenue CAGR and expand its Adjusted EBITDA margin to nearly 20 percent through fiscal 2029. At its most recent earnings call, the company reported strong financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2025, with its key metrics of revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and new student starts having improved year-over-year. The company also increased its guidance ranges for the fiscal year.
Highwire Announces 2025 Construction Safety Award Recipients in Texas
On Apr. 23, Highwire, the Contractor Success platform for capital project construction and operations, is proud to announce Gold and Platinum Award recipients based in Central Texas. Highwire’s Safety Awards recognize trade contractors with exceptional past safety performance and an ongoing commitment to safety and risk management.
“Texas is undergoing a construction boom. Labor is in short supply, and deadlines are tight. That makes it imperative that contractors remain focused and vigilant about safety,” said Don Fornes, Chairman & CEO of Highwire. “These awards reflect a genuine commitment to protecting workers. These contractors aren’t just meeting standards; they’re building cultures where safety is the top priority and drives operational success.”
Texas has attracted billions of dollars in technology, energy, and manufacturing investments. As semiconductor facilities, data centers, and energy infrastructure projects compete for skilled labor, construction companies must quickly find reliable, safety-focused subcontractors who can deliver quality work under tight timelines.
The Platinum Safety Award is awarded to companies who score between 95 and 100 on Highwire’s Safety Assessment, while the Gold Safety Award is awarded to those who score between 85 and 94. Scores are calculated using key past performance indicators, including Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR), Days Away, Restricted Duty, or Job Transfer (DART) rate, and Experience Modification Rating (EMR), as well as the quality and implementation of safety management systems, program elements, and advanced initiatives.
Central Texas Gold and Platinum Award
Recipients for 2025 include:
Gold
TAB Technologies, LLC – Austin
Tickner Mechanical - Austin
Power Engineering Services, LLC - Converse Denbow Company, INC. - Dripping Springs
Platinum
Alterman, Inc. - Live Oak
AM Technical Solutions - Austin
Dynamic Systems, Inc. - Austin
Greater Metroplex Interiors, LLC - Southlake
Tokyo Electron America - Austin
Highwire Advanced Safety assessment provides a thorough, objective, and consistent evaluation of contractor safety risks so clients and contractors can identify, monitor, and mitigate risks more effectively. The results provide a strong indicator of how a contractor has performed in the past and serve as a reliable predictor of future performance.
The complete list of Platinum and Gold Safety Award recipients can be found on the Highwire Network. Designed to help builders and owners connect with contractors, The Highwire Network features contractors in every major metro area throughout the U.S., including Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Dallas, Houston, and San Francisco. In total, the Highwire Network includes hundreds of Platinum and Gold contractors that are either headquartered in or have significant operations in the state of Texas.
Todd Hitchcock, Corporate Chief Operating Officer
Don Fornes, Highwire Chairman & CEO
Tracy Lorenz, UTI Division
Urban Oasis
The visionary minds behind the wildly popular Elsewhere Garden Bar and Kitchen in San Antonio, are in the process of creating their next masterpiece - Elsewhere Too. This one of a kind indoor-outdoor bar, entertainment space and gardens, will be like nothing San Antonio has ever seen. Situated on a nearly five acre property, Elsewhere Too promises to be a haven for those seeking a retreat from urban life without leaving the city limits. The founders, Nolan Ellis and Terrin Fuhrmann, have partnered with CGC General Contractors (CGC) to make their dreams a reality.
Groundbreaking for the project took place on October 24, 2024, and construction is progressing steadily towards a projected completion in Summer 2025. The design team has taken great care to preserve the site’s natural elements, including heritage oak trees, while incorporating new landscaping to enhance the organic feel. Thoughtfully designed hardscape elements like planters, fire pits, and seating areas make the space inviting and comfortable, setting the stage for relaxing and socializing.
“We’re really focusing on creating a space that feels like a natural extension of the landscape,” Construction Superintendent Anthony Skerhut says. “The existing heritage oaks are being carefully integrated into the design, and we’re adding extensive new landscaping to maintain that natural look.”
When asked about his favorite elements of the project, Anthony describes a standout feature of Elsewhere Too - the innovative Wisteria tunnel, a custom-fabricated rolled tube steel tunnel, 20 feet wide and 10 feet tall will be covered with flowers and vines that leads guests to the bar area. “It’s been a challenging but incredibly rewarding element to bring to life.”
P•R•O•J•E•C•T
Project Manager, Travis Miller, says that one his favorite elements of the project so far is the architectural wood that ties the look of the bar and shade pavilion together. “What was originally specified was an LVL grade, which didn’t give the nice finish that I think the owners wanted. So we proposed the glulam style beams, and we already have them up at the bar right now, and we’ve already sealed them. They look fantastic.”
The venue will feature a variety of spaces for
relaxation and entertainment, including natural fire pit seating areas, limestone block seating, and a 2,500 square foot greenhouse-style pavilion for gatherings and events, and will even include a ferris wheel! To ensure comfort in the Texas heat, the design incorporates cooling elements such as a mister system and ceiling fans, while string lighting will create a magical ambiance in the evenings. The Concept Drawings were done by Lake Flato and the Construction Drawings and Administration by Studio 8 Architects. The CGC project team is working closely with the owners to ensure every detail aligns with their vision.
As construction continues, anticipation in the community is building. “There’s definitely a buzz around this project,” Travis says. “People are excited to see how Elsewhere Too will complement and expand on what made the original Elsewhere so popular.” With its thoughtful design that celebrates nature while providing modern comforts, Elsewhere Too is poised to become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a unique space for escaping urban life. -ndw
Elsewhere Too project rendering
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.
Lake Buchanan has been here for 88 years, here since 1937.
People have come here as little kids, come back with their families and now their grandkids bring them along to the lake. Before the fishermen, there were the folks who settled in this river valley, native and settler. Some of them left little traces of themselves when they visited.
Over the years, when the water was low, it has been a pastime to explore the empty lake bottom. The most obvious clues come from the bottles and jars you can find. I know one spot where there were a bunch of Old Crow bottles sticking out of the sediment. I figured there was a fellow whose favorite fishing partner was his drink of choice. In another area, I have found quite a number of old timey dark blue glass.
Milk of Magnesia bottles. That poor fisherman must have needed quiet time on the water to try and ease his worries and soothe his ulcers. Either way, it seems they both fished in those spots often, so the fish must have been biting. I have filed those spots away for future fishing reference when the water comes back.
Every so often you come across a large flat rock with heavy nylon string wrapped around it. That is a trotline anchor. If you see several of them in the same area you know it’s a good spot to fish. When you see a similarity in the size of the rock and the way it is tied, you can tell they were placed by the same fisherman, or his family. I know of some jealously guarded trotline spots that have been held for four generations!
You can learn a lot about people by what they are willing to use to hold a trotline down. West Texas oil people might use discarded drill bits, mechanics used engine blocks and old soldiers used cement-filled practice bomb casings, but locals mostly used the biggest rock they could put in the boat.
In some places you will find broken pieces of china or old crockery and sand smoothed shards of glass, aged in the sun to a light purple color. The remnants of old home places dot the lakebed. You can’t see much more than the corner stones a house might have sat on or a pile of tumbled down stones near a depression where a well once was. By looking even closer, you can see the flint chips and scattered bits of sandstone grindstones left behind by the original settlers of the river valley. Everyone leaves something behind.
Every time I come across a cast-net tangled up in a dry stump, I know some guy was cussing because his bait catching trip got cut short. When I see a waterlogged cell phone, I wonder if it was lost overboard by accident, or if it was someone’s declaration of independence. “I’m catching fish, and I don’t want you bothering me!” SPLASH! I have seen that happen on my boat.
So, what kind of fisherman are you? It doesn’t really matter why you fish – just that you do! And hand the tradition down to the kids too. Someday they might walk along a low water shoreline and remember their times on the water with you!
While the water is low, the catching is on fire! You need to come and see what you’ve been missing!
Spring has returned and that means it’s time for catfish angling at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes across the state. The program provides friends and families with the opportunity to reel in catfish close to home and participate in the Texas tradition of outdoor recreation.
On Apr. 11, TPWD resumed stocking thousands of catfish at 18 Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes, including, two each in Austin and San Antonio.
“Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes are conveniently located in urban and suburban areas to provide a great fishing experience where most Texas residents live,” said Marcos DeJesus, TPWD Inland Fisheries Division Region Three Director. “Catfish are fun and easy to catch for anglers of all ages and experience levels. If you’ve never fished before, these are the perfect places to get started. If you are an experienced angler, these are the perfect places to introduce fishing to a friend or family member.”
Each lake will receive channel catfish every two weeks through the end of October — with a brief pause during the heat of August — to ensure there are plenty of angling opportunities for everyone throughout the spring, summer and early fall. Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes are located in city and county parks with ample parking, shoreline access, restrooms, lighting and other recreational amenities in addition to fishing.
Anglers can keep up to five fish of any kind (all species combined) per day with one black bass 14 inches or greater in length. Youth under 17 do not need a fishing license, but adults who fish these sites do. For as little as $11, folks can purchase a “one-day, all-water” license or they can buy an “annual, freshwater” license for $30, allowing you to fish at any time during the year. All proceeds go toward management of the fisheries, providing access and conservation of Texas fish and their habitats.
To find a Neighborhood Fishin’ lake near you as well as tips on how to fish, where to purchase fishing gear or licenses, fishing regulations or to sign up for email updates, visit www. neighborhoodfishin.org.
Neighborhood Fishin’ is supported by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation through donations from Friedkin Family Foundation and Phillips 66 as well as local government bodies across the state.
Catfish Stocking is Back at Neighborhood Fishin’ Lakes Beach Building
Ken Milam
Craig Noto of Quality Fence and family enjoying the Texas Sandfest festivities in Port Aransas
Mission Golf Cars Sandfest Crew!
The ghosts of fishermen past
BThe Great Outdoors
Crankin’ in May
May is probably my favorite month of the year to throw a crank bait. Regardless of if you’re fishing a shad spawn up shallow, or dredging a deep diver on a rock pile. You can catch them at any depth on a crank bait this time of year. The water is warming up, bass are getting off of their beds, and are extremely active and hungry! With that being said I’m going to give some tips for throwing a crank bait in general.
Line selection
Line selection is extremely important when throwing a crankbait. For example the depths that are advertised on the package are actually when throwing the bait on 10lb fluorocarbon. The line I’m going to use depends a lot on what style of crankbait I’m going to throw, and I always throw fluorocarbon, fluorocarbon is clear, has a smaller diameter, sinks, and is way quieter going through the guides of your rods than any other line. If I’m throwing a squarebill in 2-5ft of water I prefer 14 or 15lb test flurocarbon.
Usually when I’m doing this style of fishing I’m running the bait over a lot of logs, shallow rocks, and grass. Since a squarebill’s bill is typically pretty small you get quite a bit of abrasion on your line right by the bait. So to prevent breaking off fish I typically go to that 14 or 15lb test to just have a stronger line.
When throwing a deep diving crankbait, it gets a little more technical depending on what I’m trying to achieve. I always throw a minimum of 12lb test when throwing a deep diver just so It can handle the large baits. But there are times when I go heavier. For example, if I’m trying to get a 20ft diving crankbait to only dive 9-12 ft I would probably put 17lb line on so the drag of the thicker line going through the water forces the bait to not dive quite as deep. Or if I’m fishing a lake that has zebra muscles I like to bulk up the line, so when a fray in the line occurs it still maintains enough strength to get your fish in the boat.
Color selection
My color selections for crankbaits in
Best Braided Fishing Lines for 2025
raided fishing line offers anglers a host of benefits over monofilament lines. It has little to no stretch, almost zero memory, and a really high strength to diameter ratio. They offer superior UV resistance when compared with traditional monos, and tend to have a much longer lifespan as a result.
But the field of braided lines available is wide and varied. Despite their similar appearance, construction methods differ, and as a result, braided lines have different qualities. There are makes and models aimed at different tactics and techniques, from power fishing to finesse. With so many different varieties out there, it can be hard to decide which is right for you.
To help make sense of it all, we’ve prepared this in-depth guide to the best braided fishing lines. I’ve included some important background info on how different lines are made, their characteristics, and their best uses. And as a long-time member of the fishing industry, I’ve had the ability to test just about every type of braided line to hit the market. So I’m confident that this guide will help you select the best braided line for your unique situation.
Best for Finesse Fishing
Sufix Revolve Braided Line
Winner of the Best of Show Fishing Line at ICAST 2024, Sufix’s Revolve braided line was specifically designed for finesse fishing applications. I was impressed by the line’s feel when I first encountered it on the show floor, and knew it would excel for Ned rigs and the like, fished on lightweight spinning gear. It should also be a boon to FFS fanatic flinging minnows. With an extremely fine diameter, this should also be perfect or BFS applications Sufix says the Izanas fibers used in the line’s construction have more body than comparable fibers, which should help eliminate wind knots. Another notable feature is the midpoint marker that divides the spool in half, so you can put 100 yards on one reel and have another 100 for another. This is a great choice for those looking for an ultra-fine diameter that offers smooth casting qualities.
Best Sinking Braided Fishing Line
Sunline Almight Sinking PE Braid
All braided lines used to float, but recent advances have allowed manufacturers to create sinking versions. Sunline Almight Sinking PE Braid is great for hover stroll, drop shot, and shaky head techniques. The benefits go
beyond those applications, as the sinking nature of the line eliminates line bows and puts you in greater contact with your bait. This is one we’re particularly excited about. Sunline gave the line a specific gravity of 1.48 by blending four ULT-PE materials and a high-specific gravity fiber core to achieve the ideal sink rate. Despite this, strength remains comparable to 100% PE braided material for a long life. And the straight-line connection to your bait gives it even greater sensitivity over traditional braided lines.
Best Braided Line for Lures
Seaguar JDM PEX8 Lure Edition Braid
The super-thin diameter of Seaguar’s JDM PEX8 Lure Edition Braid is a good all-around choice for finesse applications. Though it was designed for micro jigs and other downsized offerings, we think one will work well for just about any finnesse technique you can think of. If you don’t need a sinking braid, this one can probably do it for you. The 8-strand construction is beyond smooth, and keeps its shape even after a tough season. Seaguar engineers have always been good about making their lines keep their colors, and this one appears to be no different. Plus, it has the lowest stretch of all of Seaguar Japan’s offerings, so you know it’s going to be sensitive.
The Best All Around
Power Pro Spectra Braided Line
If you’ve ever sold your trusty ol’ pickup truck for one of those fancy ones and regretted it a few months later… you can probably relate to the millions of Power Pro Spectra users across the world when they try other braided lines. This line and brand has a rabid following of anglers and it’s just one of those “old faithful” lines that won’t really let you down. I’m one of them; I’ve been a fan of the stuff since it came out, and you can find it on more of my spinning, casting, and conventional reels than anything else. It’s smooth, it’s quiet and in my personal opinion, it excels on spinning gear. It behaves well on the spool and allows for great casting distance and sensitivity. It’s also a relative bargain when compared to many others in the field. I’ve gotten a really long life out of Power Pro, some of my reels have lines that are 5 years old or older. If you’re in a store before a fishing trip or fishing tournament and can’t quite make your mind up, this is somewhat of a fail-safe option that isn’t going to let you down.
May are very simple. I either throw a shad/ white patterned crankbait or a bluegill colored bait. Depending on if I’m fishing an area that is abundant in shad or fishing a bluegill bedding area. The specific colors I throw will be influenced by the water color. If the water is really clear I try to have as natural colors as possible and rarely mix in bright colors. Then if the water is stained or muddy I’ll throw some brighter colors or really dark colors. But from my experience with color selection, just rotate colors until you find something that works.
Fishing a crankbait is definitely my favorite way to catch a fish. And I hope these tips will help y’all land more fish as we go into the beginning of summer!
Best Casting Braided Fishing Line
Berkley X9
Berkley’s X9 is a relative bargain that delivers long casts and easy line management. As you probably guessed from the name, X9 has a rather unique 9-strand composition. This results in a very round, smooth braid, which slides through rod guides smoothly. It also helps prevent it from digging into itself on the spool.
Best Braided Fishing Line for Topwaters Sunline Xplasma Asegai Braided Line
I was a little skeptical of this line when I first spooled it onto my reel because it kinked a lot. It has a very waxyfeeling coating which is meant to increase slickness, abrasion resistance and water repellency but until I tried this stuff, I had never really felt a braid like this before. Once you get above the 50-pound test mark, you’ll be taken aback by its rigidity. But with all of that being said, it softens up after a few fishing trips and has turned into a really nice, braided line that seems to work excellently for a myriad of bass fishing techniques. Due to its stiffness, I think it’s a great choice for open water topwater fishing, especially when it comes to walking topwater lures. These lures require you to incorporate slack into your retrieve when you quickly pause the bait. A braided line that’s too limp will almost surely hook itself on the front treble hook of your lure which will foul the bait and essentially ruin your entire cast and most likely spook any fish that may be following your lure. This more rigid line, however, stays in front of the line when you pause your topwater which keeps it clear of the front treble hook. So if you want to bomb some casts across a point or towards some schoolers, this braided line is a solid choice that’s tailor made for the situation.
Captain Evan Coleman Big Bassin’ Fishing Tours
Sponsored by: Daiwa USA
WThe Great Outdoors
Drought continues, lakes slowly vanishing
hile recent rainfall across parts of Central and South Texas has provided some temporary relief, it has not solved the region’s drought issues. Lake levels continue to break records for the wrong reasons — they’re alarmingly low.
Canyon Lake has reached new record low water levels for the past 10 days in a row, dating back to March 30. The surface elevation of the lake sits at 878.43 feet above mean sea level. That is more than 30.5 feet below capacity, the lowest level since the reservoir was filled in 1968.
Canyon Lake is considered to be only 47.1% full. The last time the lake reached full capacity was in November 2021. The lake fell under 50% of capacity for the first time this past January, and it has continued to fall ever since.
We’ve seen some rain lately, so why aren’t water levels rising? Unfortunately, rainfall has generally not been heavy enough to make any significant
improvements to lake levels. In the past 30 days, the Canyon Lake area has picked up between an inch and 2 inches of rain, most of which got quickly absorbed into the dry ground, resulting in minimal runoff into the lake.
The pattern is similar upstream along the Guadalupe River, which flows into Canyon Lake from the west. Rainfall totals between Spring Branch and Kerrville have ranged from 1.5 to 2.5 inches over the past month.
While the rainfall has been helpful in bringing some much-needed moisture into the Hill Country, it hasn’t been enough to boost river flow or lake inflow in a meaningful way. Canyon Lake is a vital water source for communities along the Interstate 35 corridor. About 75% of the potable water used by San Marcos comes from the lake, according to the city . As a result of the ongoing drought, San Marcos has been under Stage 3 water restrictions since October. Nearby New
Braunfels remains in Stage 2.
So far this year, San Antonio has recorded 3.75 inches of rain, which is 2.84 inches below the normal amount for this point in the year. That doesn’t tell the whole story, though. Currently, Canyon Lake waters levels are falling by about an inch every three days, a trend that will continue unless the region can pick up significant, sustained rainfall soon.
Medina Lake
The situation is even more dire at Medina Lake, which sits about 50 miles southwest of Canyon Lake, on the border of Medina and Bandera counties. The surface elevation of Medina Lake has fallen to 970.05 feet above mean sea level. That is 94.15 feet below capacity, a new all-time low for the lake.
Medina Lake is considered a paltry 2.2% full. The lake has been less than 5% full since July 2023. The last time Medina Lake was considered full was in
July 2019. However, Medina Lake did see lake levels rise by nearly 6 feet during the summer of 2024, but all of that progress was erased in the following nine months. Like Canyon Lake to the northeast, Medina Lake is currently dropping at about an inch every three days.
Drought status and forecast
As you’ve probably guessed, the recent rainfall also hasn’t been enough to alleviate drought in the soils of Central and South Texas. San Antonio, along with much of the Hill Country, remains in exceptional drought, the highest level of dryness as measured by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Since August 2024, the city has fallen 12.83 inches behind on its normal rainfall for that period. Zooming out even further, San Antonio has accumulated a staggering 44.79-inch rainfall deficit from normal since the beginning of 2022, the highest such deficit for any large city in Texas.
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Never Rot Products Debut
At this year’s Austin Build Expo, Construction News founder Buddy Doebbler wove his way through the crowds with his VIP attendee badge affixed to his shirt. He attends the expo every year and loves to see familiar faces and make new connections. The Construction News team were there exhibiting, and of course Buddy stopped by the booth for a visit. Always interested in the latest innovations, he told the team, “There’s a booth around the corner you gotta check out. A really innovative product, and the exhibitor is a really cool guy with an amazing story.”
That man was Jason Dunson, and the product he was proudly introducing was Never Rot - a unique product designed to protect the wood frames of garage doors from rotting by locking out moisture, while also creating an airtight seal around the garage door that prevents unwanted critters from finding their way in, This product seals your garage so well that if you have HVAC installed in your garage, it will add square footage to your home. His excitement about the product was contagious, and his story was indeed fascinating.
Jason’s father, Jessie Dunson, had never had a garage growing up. Jason says his Dad has always been a perfectionist- and after 30 years in the construction industry, his combination of being a perfectionist and a hard worker paid off and now he is a homeowner with an immaculate home, and his own garage. One thing was bothering him thoughthe gap surrounding the garage door that let in moisture and pests. Jessie, being the “idea man” he is, thought, what can I create that will prevent this and the inevitable damage that leads to garage door rot? Knowing this is a common problem for homeowners, he got to work and started creating a solution that would prevent the problem in his own garage, he got to work on making his idea into reality. Sharing his idea with his son Jason, they both agreed that this product was a game changer and the journey of founding Never Rot Products began.
Jason knew that this business would only be truly successful if he brought in some close friends who brought their own expertise to the table. After telling his friends Paul Michael Green and Sean Green about the product, they were just as enthusiastic as he and his father were. During the holidays in December 2024,
the Dunson and Green families gathered to discuss how to make this idea a reality. From that initial meeting, they formed a partnership with a shared vision: to make homeownership and maintenance easier for everyone. They quickly got to work on the prototype, knowing the positive impact this product would have.
The next steps were to begin the complex process of prototyping, material selection, and patent acquisition. Each step required persistence and collaboration. And as luck would have it, and what they believe to be God’s favor over this endeavor, they set out to find someone to help with the final prototype. And the man they found, Gary Lowery, turned out to be the only man in the South who specializes in this, and owns a company helping inventors - Lowery Enterprises, was just two miles down the road from the Dunson Family home.
While Never Rot is their first product that focuses on garage door protection, their ambitions extend much further. A second product currently in development and scheduled for release next year. Beyond the practical benefits of preventing rot, the company emphasizes the environmental impact of their innovation. By extending the life of wood products, they are or saving trees. Jason proudly states, “For every four doors treated with their product, a whole pine tree is saved.” As the product never needs to be replaced, they are saving homeowners money on costly future repairs and battling possible infestations. The company takes pride in American manufacturing, and will be one hundred percent Made In America. There is already a growing interest from contractors and homeowners alike, and Never Rot Products appears positioned for significant growth. They are also actively working to have their products included in building codes.
Jason says, “I truly believe everything has come together so smoothly because we put our faith in God first. My father says that our philanthropy will be the greatest thing that comes out of our success, because it’s a beautiful thing, to be able to take care of those that are less fortunate. All of this has nothing to do with us, because God’s blessings are to be bestowed upon others. He has blessed us but to bless others is the most important thing and that’s something my dad has always taught me.”
Don’t Get Locked Out
Since
providing innovative security services that directly address the unique challenges faced by construction companies. “We understand that construction sites require specialized security solutions,” says Kai Dussling , the company’s general manager. Construction firms can rely on The Key Depot to secure their most valuable assets, from managing complex access control for job sites to providing critical key management for heavy equipment.
The Key Depot offers comprehensive services including rekeying construction vehicles like bobcats and skid steers, installing secure access systems for job site trailers and common areas, and creating customized key control systems that ensure only authorized personnel can access critical equipment and sensitive
areas. Their expertise extends to installing safes for new construction projects, managing electronic entry systems for emerging developments, and providing flexible security solutions that adapt to the dynamic nature of construction work sites.
“Different projects have different security needs,” Kai explains. “We focus on finding the most effective solution for each unique situation.” Whether it’s a small residential project or a large commercial development, The Key Depot provides professional security services across a 1.5-hour radius from New Braunfels, serving construction professionals in Austin, San Antonio, and surrounding regions. For customized security solutions tailored to construction industry needs, contact The Key Depot at their New Braunfels location: 386A Landa St. -ndw
Contracting
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, no DUI’s
LLC is a small recreational construction company founded in 2021 and headquartered in Round Mountain, Texas. With 13 full-time employees and growing, we travel around Texas and the USA constructing projects that are used by our clients to have fun and enjoy athletics. We specialize in all aspects of field and stadium construction as well as playgrounds and residential applications. Whether it's a concrete slab, metal buildings or cabling and netting for an indoor golf simulator, we've got the experience to make the dream a reality.
1989, The Key Depot has been
Sean Green, Paul Michael Green and Jason Dunson
Never Rot at 2025 Austin Build Expo
Association Calendar
Content submitted by Associations to Construction News
ACEA
Greater Austin Contractors & Engineers Association
Coffee Chats – North, Hosted by Hydro Source Services, 7:30-9:30am, Houndstooth Coffee, 11501 Rock Rose
Coffee Chats – South, Hosted by HOBAS Pipe, 7:30-9:30am, SquareRut Kava Bar, Oak Hill, 6266 US-290, Austin
Membership Luncheon, 11:30am1:00pm, Norris Conference Center, 2525
Spring Swing Golf Tournament, Avery Ranch Golf Club, 10500 Avery Club
Associated General Contractors Austin Golf Tournament, Golf Club at Star Ranch, 2500 FM 685, Hutto
American Subcontractors Association Austin
May 15th Member Appreciation Crawfish Boil, 4-6pm, Chalmers, 1700 E.
CTSA
Central Texas Subcontractors Association
May 2: Golf Tournament, 11am, Golf Club at Star Ranch, 2500 FM 685, Hutto
May 22: Presentation - Building
Resilience: Mental Health in the Construction Industry, 1am-1pm, 4807 Spicewood Springs Rd., Bldg. 3, Austin
HBA
Home Builders Association
Greater Austin
May 8: Max Awards, 6pm, Mariott, 304 Cesar Chavez St., Austin
RCAT
Roofing Contractors Association of Texas
May 1-2: Annual Fishing Tournament, Roberts Point Park, 301 JC Barr Blvd., Port Aransas
Round-Up
On Apr. 21 HOLT Group announced the promotion of Kevin Chavez to general manager at HOLT Renewables, a commercial energy solutions provider specializing in solar design, engineering, procurement, construction, and maintenance. As general manager, Chavez will oversee the operation and execution of HOLT Renewables’ strategy, facilitating its entry into new markets and enhancing offerings in energy resilience and renewable energy adoption.
Chavez began his career in the renewable energy industry in 2019 and joined HOLT Renewables in 2020 after the company merged with PCI Solar. During that time, he led a variety of significant projects, including the design and construction of first-of-its-kind solar charging infrastructure for CapMetro and an innovative, 1.036-megawatt (MW) solar system for Bakerly located at Brooks, a mixed-use community on San Antonio’s South Side. During his time, these projects have served as a testament to the evolving energy landscape, demonstrating how innovation and sustainability are increasingly shaping corporate strategy.
“Kevin’s strategic leadership has been a driving force behind his successful career,” said J.K. Baxter, senior vice president of sales at HOLT Group. “His dedication to the team, exceptional customer service, and continued commitment exemplify the core values of HOLT Renewables. Under his leadership, both our customers and employees can expect continued excellence and outstanding service.”
With expertise in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC), Chavez will leverage his knowledge of the complete project lifecycle to deliver top-tier solutions for HOLT Renewables’ customers. Chavez earned his Bachelor of Science in Technological Entrepreneurship and Management from Arizona State University, after having attended the United States Air Force Academy.
Submissions
On Apr. 3 the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) spent Roofing Day at the Texas Capitol.
Clear savings Making Schools Green
Texas Disposal Systems (TDS), one of the largest independentlyowned solid waste collection, processing, and disposal companies in the nation, announced today that Eco Academy, its educational waste minimization program for K-12 students, was recognized as a 2025 Business Leader by the Center for Green Schools.
“Through its Eco Academy program, Texas Disposal Systems provides a wonderful example of a local business making a big impact on its community,” said Anisa Heming, Director at the Center for Green Schools. “The program prioritizes community involvement, with students and families engaging in composting, recycling and diversion practices, all of which create healthier communities.”
Eco Academy is Texas Disposal Systems’ educational program designed to minimize waste in Central Texas schools by teaching K-12 students about trash, recycling and composting options on their campuses. The program provides training and signage for staff and students to make recycling fun. Each school’s total tonnage diverted from landfills is documented and made available on the Eco Academy website via a personalized login. Participants can see how their actions reduce waste and enjoy healthy competitions between classrooms and other schools.
“Eco Academy’s environmental responsibility training has been making a positive impact on the Central Texas Community for over a decade,” said Rick
Fraumann, Vice President of Sales and Growth at Texas Disposal Systems.
Eco Academy is poised for additional growth in 2025. The program is expanding its outreach by:
• Creating a Waste Audit Award for Top Performing Schools, recognizing campuses with the highest waste diversion rates within their district.
• Introducing the Eco Warrior Grant in partnership with Keep Texas Beautiful. This grant will provide funding to assist environmental education projects, awarding up to $5,000 to elementary schools within TDS-serviced ISDs.
• Measuring and tracking each school’s diversion results
• Leading a Mulch Fundraiser Program with TDS-affiliated company, Garden-Ville. This fundraiser enables schools to raise funds by selling a variety of mulches, providing a meaningful way for students to engage their communities.
“In addition to providing composting and recycling services that keep our waste out of the landfill, TDS offers realworld learning opportunities for students,” said Darien G. Clary, MPH, Sustainability Director at Austin Independent School District. “Through data, zero waste training, and TEKSaligned lesson plans, TDS gives our students positive experiences that allow them to make meaningful impacts in their communities.”
The TDS Eco Academy program currently works with 13 independent school districts, 290 campuses, and over 200,000 students across Central Texas.
In 2003, at his kitchen table in Austin, TX, Glenn Garland and his vision for changing the world with innovative energy savings, alongside Audrey Parker, a true entrepreneur, co-founded CLEAResult, an energy efficiency consulting firm.
Starting out as a very small startup with fewer than six staff members, CLEAResult grew to become the largest energy efficiency-consulting firm in North America, which now employs 2,700 employees.
The driving force behind starting CLEAResult, was cost saving and emission reduction. According to Program Manager Tim Stark, “Garland wanted to help people save money on energy costs, reduce greenhouse emissions, help businesses and homes become more energy efficient, and help communities become more sustainable.”
Initially, they began working with different utility companies and the contractors of those companies with different programs to help their customers conserve energy.
Primarily, CLEAResult focuses on projects related to energy efficiency, energy transition, energy sustainability, and helping businesses and utility companies implement cost-effective solutions to reduce energy consumption through initiatives like building retrofits, renewable energy integration, demand response programs, and comprehensive energy audits across commercial, industrial and residential sectors. Essentially, CLEAResult designs and manages project that lower usage and carbon footprint for their clients.
Market Outreach Specialist Marinda Stevens adds, “In San Antonio, CLEAResult works exclusively with CPS and covers all CPS customers.
“Residential clients can take advantage special rebates through upgrades and energy-efficient products such as attic insulation and cool roofing rebates. If you need to do some repair work on your roof, replace an old roof, or your roof has been damaged and needs to be replaced due to wear and tear, you can get a rebate if you decide to go with
an energy star approved roofing material and get up to .20 per sq ft back. The same applies with attic insulation. If you use material that is energy star certified with an itemized receipt you can get .25 per sq. ft. if self-installed, and .35 per sq. ft if contractor installed.
“We have rebates on heat pumps, mini-split heat pumps, pool pumps (must be energy star certified, variable speed with a one-for-one replacement, $150/ horsepower – you can get up to $450 for your pool pump). The most popular rebates are the HVAC rebates – if you are looking to replace your HVAC system and as long as you do a one-for-one replacement and is within the new efficiency system rating guidelines, you can get up to $115 per cooling ton.”
For commercial clients, CLEAResult offers lighting and HVAC rebates for commercial, schools, institutions, and small businesses. They also have cool saver tune-up program for both residential and commercial customers.
“In 2023,” adds Stark, “all CLEAResult programs averted 1.4 million metric tons of CO2*, which is equivalent to keeping over 275,000 homes off the grid for one year. This same work saved customer $549 million on their energy bills in 2023.
“As our business grows, so does the long-term, positive impact for the planet, people, and the communities where we live and work.”
Headquartered in Austin, TX, CLEAResult services all of North America. -cwr
Marinda Stevens
Here to Lead
Pfluger Architects, a premier Texasbased architecture firm with extensive experience in educational facility planning, design, and construction administration, strategically adds global human resources leader Dina Mavridis as Director of People and Culture. She brings over 15 years of experience to this role as a trusted adviser to Pfluger’s leadership, advancing initiatives that inspire, develop, and support people while ensuring operational excellence across the firm’s five Texas locations.
As Pfluger’s Director of People and Culture, Mavridis – a strategic leader and culture champion – is responsible for fostering a vibrant work environment aligned with Pfluger’s core values and purpose to inspire people to create a more meaningful human experience. Additionally, she will lead talent development efforts including training and coaching, support recruitment strategies, promote employee growth and retention, refine performance management processes, and develop and enhance employee recognition programs to reflect Pfluger’s values.
Previously, as global director of human resources at Austin-based Velocity Electronics Corp., she helped grow operations from a single location to over 20 global locations, while creating highly successful compensation and employee engagement strategies. Her expertise in change management, organizational development, succession planning, and employee retention resulted in exponential operational growth and culture development.
“As companies continue to grow and scale, the importance of establishing culture and employee engagement become more apparent,” said Lauren Paver, Pfluger’s COO. “Having
a leader of people and culture reflects Pfluger’s people-centric business philosophy, and Dina’s energy and heart are central to mapping the entire employee journey and experience, and how Pfluger intersects with each employee’s career goals.”
A graduate of the Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University, Mavridis is an accredited Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Certified Compensation Professional. She also has certifications from Chally Group as a Predictive Assessment Interpreter and from McDonald Group as an Internal Auditor. She is a member of Impact Austin and served as director of Girls Giving Grants for nearly 10 years.
“Organizations with strong, peoplecentered cultures report high customer satisfaction and client engagement,” said Mavridis. “I’m so inspired by the dedication of every person at Pfluger who places meaningful human experiences at the center of every design and as a result create incredible impact in the communities we serve.”
INSURANCE
I-9 Audits and Site Visits: How Construction Employers Can Prepare Before the Feds Come Knocking LEGAL
PShannon Gatlin, Principal Cokinos | Young Houston,
icture a typical morning on a Texas construction site: crews are setting rebar, schedules are tight, and every hour counts. Then, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer arrives, presenting a Notice of Inspection (NOI) that demands all Form I-9 records within three business days. For construction firms, with their expansive workforces and high visibility, such scrutiny is not hypothetical, its reality, and the consequences of unpreparedness in such a situation can be severe, from substantial fines to operational disruptions. Yet, through proactive compliance measures, construction employers can mitigate these risks and protect their business.
With federal scrutiny intensifying and penalties for noncompliance reaching six figures, construction employers can’t afford to leave I-9 compliance to chance. Conducting a thorough internal audit before an inspection is not just wise, it’s essential. A well-executed self-review allows you to catch and correct errors and demonstrate good-faith efforts if ever called upon to respond. Waiting until the government is reviewing your files is simply too late. The best time to address potential issues is before your records are under federal review.
Understanding What’s at Stake
Every U.S. employer is required to complete and retain Form I-9 for each employee hired after November 6, 1986, to verify identity and authorization to work in the United States. Employers must ensure the form is completed on time, that the documentation presented by the employee appears genuine, and that the form is properly stored and maintained.
If ICE initiates an audit, typically by issuing an NOI, you’ll be given just three business days to produce your I-9 forms and related documentation. Employers with incomplete, inaccurate, or missing forms can face steep fines. In some cases, repeat violations or knowingly hiring unauthorized workers can result in criminal liability. Moreover, if your company doesn’t have a plan in place when ICE agents show up unannounced, confusion and fear may lead to disorganized responses from your workforce.
Conducting a Voluntary Internal Audit
One of the most effective ways to reduce risk is to regularly conduct a voluntary internal I-9 audit. It demonstrates good faith to regulators and can help reduce penalties. When done correctly, it can also help employers identify systemic issues
before they become legal problems.
A complete audit should include all current employees and any former employees whose I-9s fall within the retention period (three years from hire or one year after termination, whichever is later). Each form should be reviewed for completeness, valid documentation, and timely execution of both employee and employer sections.
Common mistakes include missing signatures, late completion dates, or incorrect document types. Errors must be corrected carefully: original forms should never be replaced or backdated. Corrections should be clearly marked, initialed, and dated. If a form was never completed, a new one should be filled out immediately, dated accurately, and accompanied by a written explanation.
Employers should also track expiration dates for temporary work authorizations and ensure that work eligibility is reverified before an employee’s authorization expires. Overlooking these requirements can lead to significant penalties.
Just as critical is proper storage. It is best practice to store I-9s in a secure, centralized location, separate from personnel files. Remember, employers have just three business days to produce them during an audit.
The Value of Legal Oversight
Employers often assume that a self-audit is solely an HR task. But involving legal counsel adds two major advantages. First, counsel can help ensure the audit is conducted properly, spotting both technical and substantive issues that may otherwise go unnoticed. Second, when an audit is carried out at the direction of an attorney, the findings may be protected under attorney-client privilege. That layer of confidentiality can be critical if the audit uncovers potential compliance concerns.
Legal counsel can also guide you on how to handle corrections, what to do if you discover unauthorized workers, and how to implement or revise company policies to avoid future issues.
If the Government Comes Calling
The reality is that even companies with the best of intentions may one day face an audit or enforcement visit. That’s why it’s far better to conduct your own internal audit before the government comes knocking. A wellplanned audit takes time and attention to detail. It’s not a task that can be rushed under the pressure of a looming deadline. Employers who wait until they receive an NOI to get their records in order often find themselves playing catch-up with limited options.
TX
Kristen Maloney, Associate Cokinos | Young Houston, TX
Dina Mavridis joins Pfluger Architects as Director of People and Culture
ACCOUNTING
The Risk of an Inventory Correction is Rising
Joseph Brusuelas Chief Economist and Principal RSM US LLP
Austin, TX
Producers and wholesalers have prepared for higher tariffs by buying goods in advance, which is creating the conditions for a modest inventory correction should demand slow.
The risk particularly applies to purchases of durables such as machinery and equipment, our analysis of inventory data shows.
It’s important to remember that 40% to 45% of imports are not the final products that consumers or businesses purchase. Instead, they are intermediate goods, or inputs used in the production process.
With the threat of trade taxes becoming increasingly real, firms have pulled forward their purchases of industrial supplies, capital goods and consumer goods from trading partners.
That pulling forward has sent the trade-in-goods deficit to record levels in recent months. It has also sent inventory levels rising in selected industries.
The interplay between the inventory buildup, which boosts gross domestic product, and a larger trade deficit, which reduces GDP, in the first quarter will most likely restrain growth later in the year as purchasing managers work off their existing stocks of intermediate goods.
In our view, the American economy is strong enough to absorb the volatility caused by the trade uncertainty. We expect GDP growth to decline to 1.5% in the current quarter, with a risk of a slower pace, below 1%.
As the trade deficit has soared …
By the second half of last year, the deficit in the trade in goods was surpassing the deficits of 2022, when the demand for imports surged as the pandemic recovery gathered momentum.
By this past December, the United States was posting a $122 billion deficit in the trade in goods, the largest monthly deficit in history, only to be surpassed by the January deficit of more than $155 billion.
Imports for intermediate goods have accelerated except for two categories: automobiles and auto parts, and food and beverages, our analysis found.
There was a 34% increase in the import of industrial supplies in January, an 8.3% increase in consumer goods, and a 5.5% increase in capital goods.
… inventories have risen … Manufacturing inventory-sales ratios are notably higher relative to the prepandemic era of just-in-time purchasing. This shift in structure was likely precipitated by the trade war in 2018 and the pandemic in 2020, which led to dramatic shortages of intermediate goods.
… most notably in manufacturing …
The increase in inventories was evident in the durable goods sector. The inventory-sales ratio for the manufacturing of durable goods was substantially higher in December and January than would normally be expected, our analysis found.
… and among durable goods wholesalers … Inventory-sales ratios showed significant increases for wholesalers of machinery, equipment and supplies; motor vehicles and parts; and lumber and construction equipment in both December and January compared to pre-pandemic, non-recession averages. Furniture and home furnishing inventories increased as well. There was a significant decline in electric and electronic wholesale inventory-sales ratios.
… and nondurable goods wholesalers …
There were significant increases in the beer, wine and alcohol inventory-sales ratio and in the miscellaneous sector in both December and January.
Putting the Fun in Fundraising
The 2025 Boilin’ Over CrawFest took place on Mar. 27. Held at Cowboys Dancehall in San Antonio, this fun annual event is organized to benefit the Seth Strong Foundation
Originally started as a client happy hour for Texas Fifth Wall Roofing, the company decided to select a special charity to center the event around as a way of giving back to the community. The Boilin’ Over CrawFest has evolved into a much anticipated annual charitable event, with strong support from its sponsors: Texas Fifth Wall Roofing, TDIndustries, and Cotton Global Disaster Solutions. The event features Louisiana-style crawfish, raffle tickets, and the crowning of a crawfish king and queen, along with various donated raffle
Aprizes. This year’s event had over 1k RSVPs, and raised a sizeable amount of money for Seth Strong.
Beyond the Boilin’ Over CrawFest, the Seth Strong Foundation also holds other annual fundraising events, including a Mother-Son kickball tournament, scheduled this year for May 9th, and a 5k run held in September to align with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The Seth Strong Foundation is a local nonprofit organization that provides immediate financial assistance to families with children who are dealing with lifethreatening illnesses or injuries. The funds raised by the Boilin’ Over Crawfest will be handed to the Seth Strong Foundation at a check presentation ceremony at the Mother-Son Kickball event.
“I would say probably my very favorite thing about the Seth Strong Foundation is we kind of pride ourselves in being like first responders,” shares Michelle Bolt. “Families in our community find out that their child has been diagnosed, or something’s happened to their child... we’re the organization that can immediately give this family money that can help them.”
Michelle Bolt is the Director of Business Development and Marketing for Texas Fifth Wall Roofing, and she, along with her sisters Teneile Fountain and Stephanie Johnson are instrumental in the fundraising events that support Seth Strong- serving as board members and organizers, for them this is a deeply important organization that is something
Networking with Mudbugs
they all love being a part of.
By providing quick financial assistance to families in need, helping with immediate expenses such as travel costs for medical treatment and lodging, they are there to lift the burden off these families during a scary time. They’ve expanded their reach beyond their initial boundaries to include schools and communities throughout the Hill Country area, including Comal ISD, New Braunfels ISD, and others. For those interested in supporting the Seth Strong Foundation, sponsorship opportunities will open this summer, and applications for assistance are available on the foundation’s website. To see how you can help support The Seth Strong Foundation, visit: www. SethStrongFoundation.org. -ndw
for AGC members with over 250 in attendance
AGC members working the boil.
ssociated General Contractors (AGC) hosted another highly successful event. On April 4, they held their annual crawfish boil
at the Zilker Lodge.
Team Spotlight
Bartlett Cocke General Contractors is celebrating changes in the Estimating & Preconstruction Department. Nathan Olson , Vice President of Estimating & Preconstruction, shares, “We are happy to recognize these individuals for stepping up for new challenges in their career in support of our mission to Build Better Lives within the Estimating & Preconstruction Department.” Join us in congratulating the following team members on their well-deserved promotions:
Russell Asher, Chief Estimator – Now leading the
South Texas Regional Team of Estimators. Russell’s leadership and technical expertise continue to elevate Bartlett Cocke’s efforts across the region.
Cody Fife, Regional Estimating Team Manager –Cody leads the East Texas Regional Team of Estimators. Cody has the skills to lead and brings a can do attitude and problem-solving skills to every project and team.
Chris Johnson, Chief Estimator – Taking on a corporate role supporting their Regions in Higher Education projects and supporting broader workload needs across the company. Chris is a trusted go-to
If your company does receive an NOI, contact your legal counsel immediately. The three-day window to produce records should be used strategically: reviewing your files for completeness, flagging known deficiencies, and preparing a clear and compliant response. Keep copies of everything you provide and document your steps in detail.
If ICE agents arrive at your job site unannounced, you are entitled to request a warrant before granting access to non-public areas or employment records. If a warrant is presented, review it carefully to determine precisely what it authorizes and limit access accordingly. Assign a designated company representative to interact with agents, and ensure employees are trained not to speculate, panic, or volunteer information.
Final Thoughts
I-9 compliance may not be the most exciting part of running a construction company, but it is one of the most important. In today’s enforcement environment, failing to keep your records in order can be a costly mistake. The good news is that with the right internal processes and the support of knowledgeable legal counsel, employers can get ahead of potential problems and build a solid defense against enforcement actions before they arise.
resource with a wealth of knowledge to deploy.
Garrett Renken – Transitioning into Preconstruction Management in South Texas over the course of this year. Bartlett Cocke is excited to see Garrett apply his diverse knowledge and skillset in new ways!
Bart Rogers, Director of Estimating Systems & Analytics – Moving into a new corporate role focused on Systems, Data, and Integration - ensuring Bartlett Cocke maintains accuracy and efficiency across their workflows and applications.
… but retail may be a different story
In the retail sector, inventories in December were across-the-board lower than would normally be expected, perhaps a sign of concern over a downturn in consumer spending. Data for January was not available.
The takeaway:
The prospect of new and higher tariffs presents conflicting concerns for businesses:
Stocking up on inventories before the tariffs take effect to avoid increased costs
Increased costs of supplies because of the tariffs, leading to higher prices for goods and diminished consumer demand
The increase in inventories at year-end suggests the former, with producers and wholesalers taking out an insurance policy on future business.
As for the potential drop in consumer demand, businesses could respond by reducing their purchases of input materials in the future.
CCO CERTIFIED CRANE OPERATORS – experienced in operating hydraulic cranes, set up and break down, crane inspection, hydraulic systems inspection before and after use, coordinate with ground personnel and interpret hand and verbal signals, follow safety guidelines and protocols, keep and update maintenance and activity log, carry out basic repairs to machines, transfer loads and discharge safely, ability and willingness to complete required crane operating paperwork. Must be able to pass medical and drug check. Commercial driver’s license is a must.
Great pay, full benefits including paid medical for both employee and family, paid vacation, paid holidays, and 401k.
Russell Asher Cody Fife
Chris Johnson
Garrett Renken Bart Rogers
