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Commercial Drywall, Inc.

Craftsman

Vol. 3 No. 7

May 1982

Major projects shelved

[rtoystoiru construction market efeoog Guard tomes While high interest rates and unemployment have soared in other parts of the country during the past several years, many people viewed Houston as a kind of island, immune from the economic woes of the other parts of the country. Indeed, Houston's economy has thrived especially in comparison with troubled cities like Detroit, Cleveland and Youngstown. However, that is not to say that Houston has not been unaffected by the same problems facing the other parts of the country. Several economic forecasters are predicting that Houston’s good fortunes will diminish substantially by the end of this year. Presently, interest rates on interim financing and long term mortgages have remained high, resulting in a slowdown of new business ventures everywhere. For the construction industry, this has meant fewer new projects, which in turn brings a tighter market, less work and a higher unemployment rate. In Houston, the industry has seen the cancellation or indefinite tabling of several major construction projects during the past several months. These include: © An 80-story building planned for downtown by Campeau Development out of Canada. The building was scaled down to 56 stories, then the developer finally sold the land and has no further plans. ° Another 80-story building planned for downtown, this time by Wortham Van Lieu. It has been tabled indefinitely. ® Murphree Development’s 25-story Resource Center. That project has been tabled, awaiting favorable financing. © The Pin Oak, a 26-story office building to be handled by W. S.

While its skyline continues to grow, Houston has not been unaffected by the economic problems that have been troubling the rest of the nation. Several major projects have been tabled or terminated recently, resulting in a tighter job market for contractors and subcontractors.

Bellows. It, too has been put on hold. ° Activity on the Triad, an office building complex by Minor-Dederick, has slowed to nothing. ° Four Houston Center, the fourth skyscraper in the Houston Center development downtown, to be built by HCB Contractors for CadillacFairview, is awaiting a major tenant. ° The Oxford Condominium II. The land has been sold and the project terminated. But, while things are tightening up, it's not all a picture of gloom and doom. There are several projects in the planning stages which should get going within the next few months. These include the 40-story Greenway 16, an 80 + -story for Bank of the Southwest, a 42-story building for Wortham Van Lieu, the Houston Design Center at Greenway Plaza, The First City Bank Operations Center and the Hyatt Regency

Hotel -Woodcreek. To assure that CDI gets a good portion of the work that is available, CDI will have to hit those jobs with some very tight numbers in order to get the bid. The market is extremely competitive. There are the same number of contractors bidding for a smaller number of jobs. Owners are looking for lower and lower prices. CDI will be striving to compete with and beat the price of any other contractor in town in order to get the work that is available. This means that we as a company will have to work within tighter budgets in the office and on the job. CDI has always been a company able to meet new challenges. Certainly the present economic situation presents one. Our ability to face this challenge and successfully deal with it will require a team effort, the same kind that has placed us where we are today.

From the top

Safety plays major role m ©©ntroioig ©®sts

* %

By Stan Marek Webster defines safety as “freedom from danger, risk or injury.” We’ve talked about safety at CDI many times because the types of jobs we do are filled with potential “danger,” “risk,” and “injury.” You heard statistics many times from our safety managers, so you know what kind of

injuries are most prevalent. When we talk about the cost of doing a job, we usually talk about labor and materials. In addition, one of the major items of cost is worker's compensation. We are required by law to provide worker’s compensation for all employees, office and field.

I Gilbert Shelton, Juan Smithwick and Eugene Foster (I to r) display the Seiko watches they received commemorating their tenth year with the company. They are flanked by executive vice president Bruce Marek, left, and director of construction Hoagy Cannon.

Ten-year watetes award©©] Gilbert Shelton, Eugene Foster and Juan Smithwick have received personally engraved Seiko watches, commemorating their tenth year with CDI. The trio was presented the service awards at the supervisors’ breakfast May 11. Gilbert and Eugene each began their careers with CDI as journeyman carpenters at the Citadel Building, under foreman Jesse Hajdik. Both men quickly advanced to become foremen, and they still work closely with Jesse, who is now their superintendent. Gilbert is presently heading up CDI’s portion of the work at the Masonic Temple. The renovation of the interior of this historic downtown building makes for some very difficult and exacting work. Some of Gilbert's other projects include the Rosewood Professional Building and the Women’s Hospital at Plaza Del Oro. Eugene is the foreman for CDI’s work for Hospital Equities, whose

work consists mainly of remodeling the Sam Flouston and Rosewood Hospitals. Recently, Eugene has overseen the work at the Quality Beverage building. He has also headed up a number of projects for Vanco. Juan is a journeyman carpenter, presently at work on the Allied Bank Plaza project. “Juan is known for doing the tough stuff. He is willing to do a lot of things other guys will back away from," says Hoagy Cannon, director of production. “He is consistently one of our more productive craftsmen.” Juan may be better known to fellow craftsmen by his nickname, “5/8's,” given to him because he likes to hang 5/8 inch sheetrock. These three men have been valuable assets to CDI in their 10 years on the job. CDI appreciates having the knowledge, skill and experience of these “veteran” craftsman in its work force. 2

The amount CDI pays is determined in part by the State of Texas who designates a classification (rating system) for each construction craft. Our crafts (carpenters, painters, finishers, laborers) have one of the highest ratings. For every $100 paid to you, the company pays $7.25 to the insurance company in the form of a premium. This amount can be further increased by what is called an experience modifier (also set by the State). The modifier is based on the amount paid as claims to our employees above industry average. For instance, if we have several accidents resulting in a high number of dollars per claim, it may increase our rating to as high as $14.50 per $100 of payroll. The bottom line is that a high rating with the insurance company increases our job cost and thus deteriorates our competitive edge. As you read the front page, you notice we are painting a rather gloomy picture of our marketplace. Jobs cancelled, put off indefinitely, etc. What can we do? First, we can continue aggressively negotiating better material prices from our suppliers. Second, we can improve productivity by utilizing the principles we have studied and learned through 3P (work harder and work smarter). Last, we can think safety and the result will be a lower workmen’s compensation rating, further lowering costs.

CM Craftsman Editor Larry Williams The CDI Craftsman is published monthly by Commercial Drywall, Inc tor its employees and their families Employees should send their news contributions to Larry Williams, Commercial Drywall. Inc , P O Box 10686, Houston. Texas 77018.

CDS Systems - Dallas

Fiv© ©raftsmen named foreman Promotions are the big news at CDI Systems in Dallas, with the recent naming of five craftsmen as foremen. Donald Frank Williams and David Sparacino, both of whom received belt buckles at the last supervisors' breakfast, were promoted to foreman. Donald is heading up the leasework on the Placid Oil project under supervisor Mike Rider. David is overseeing the core work at the Arco Building under supervisor Jerry Baccus.

David Sparacino receives a belt buckle from general construction manager Chuck Grogan at the CDI Systems supervisors' breakfast in Dallas. David was recently promoted to foreman.

4) Softball team holds second CDI’s softball team on the north side, with three wins and two losses, is holding its own against the 5-0 Fast Machine to remain in second place in its division. “They really have some sluggers,” says CDI manager Doug Hopson of the first place team. "Their defense isn’t worth anything, but they can really hit the ball.” The CD I team, with five more games left to play, is a consistent, well-rounded team. “Everybody is an all around good player,” says Doug. Much of the success of the team goes to pitcher and assistant coach Jim Rutledge, who has managed to throw strike after strike. In addition to Doug and Jim, other team members include Matt Fields, assistant coach and center field; Ron Gordon, first base; Greg Garcia, second base; Dan Eureste, short stop; Ernie Hernandez, third base; Ed Summers, right field; David Hernandez, left field; Cliff Ross, rover; Henry Freeman, catcher and pitcher; Oscar Reyes, catcher, and Lonnie Ray, right field.

Rodney Keith Hollowell was recently named foreman in charge of the core work on the Stemons Place project under supervisor Mark Brown. James Boocher was chosen to oversee the core work at the Galleria Tower under supervisor Mike Greco. Dean Whitfield was also recently promoted to foreman. Dean is working on the installation of computer flooring at the 7-story Greystone Building. Charlie Wells is helping Dean out on that job.

Computer flooring is a new business for CDI Systems in Dallas, and already it is off to a good start. In addition to the Greystone Building, CDI Systems is installing computer flooring at the Texas Instruments Facility. Barry Richards and Kenneth Lutes are handling that job. In addition to the solid start of the computer flooring venture, other drywall activity in Dallas remains heavy. There is a lot of activity at the Galleria Mall, with craftsmen starting the work on all the demising walls. Stocking for the 16-story Lincoln Centre II is underway. Interior work on that tenant job should begin soon. Work on the 50-story Arco Building continues at a slow but steady pace, according to Phil Santieu. Amidst all the drywall activity, Dallas craftsmen still find time to play, as the CDI softball team in the Carrollton league remains in first place. A lot of the credit goes to heavy hitters Randy Morrical and Ken Lawson, both of whom are batting in the 600’s.

Easy, but quickly, does it.. . CDI employees Dennis Warman and Charlie Wakefield install core board at the 64-story Transco Tower going up in the Galleria Area. Work on the core of the project has reached the eighteenth floor. And, although things have been moving a little slow initially, things are expected to pick up so that the building is completed on the demanding schedule of two floors per week.

Communication the key

Department managers l

The Warwick Post Oak, a luxury hotel located in the Galleria area, proved to be a special challenge to everyone who worked on it. CDI's portion of the work on the hotel is almost finished, with just a few specialty areas left to complete.

ChsilBeng® or battle?

Warwick P©st Oak mam ©©mpl©tQ©ini Most people at CDI welcome a challenge as a way to improve skills and pick up morale. But, there is a difference between a challenge and a constant up-hill battle. At many times, it was difficult to tell the difference—or even if there was one —between the two for the men who worked on the near-completed Warwick Post Oak hotel. Roger Warman, supervisor for the project, estimates the CDI is about 90 percent finished with its part of the work on the 14-story luxury hotel, part of the City Post Oak development in the Galleria area. “It is supposed to be a Cadillac hotel,’’ says Roger, “And I believe it is going to be one when its all done.” For the CDI craftsmen who worked on the job, the hard part was making sure the “Cadillac hotel" standards were met, considering the problems that seemed to lurk around every corner. “There was no sequence from day one on," says Roger. The lack of sequence, coupled with 860 print changes and almost 300 verbal changes, meant six to eight trips through each floor trying to complete the work. In addition, coordination problems between the general contractor and the crafts and four storm damages added to the unexpected problems. There were also many challenges

that arose just from the nature and design of the building itself. The ground floor required special care, since the drywall craftsmen were working around a lot of expensive, imported materials that had already been installed. The grand ballroom, which will seat 1,000 persons, called for three large, domed ceilings. Roger credits the work of John Hardin for a terrific job on the ballroom and working with Versicrafts on the woodwork. In addition, the nightclub in the basement called for a ceiling that, says Roger, “had no straight edges.” “It was all radiuses, just like a cloverleaf,” he explained. To add to the difficulty, most of the ceiling was suspended under duct work and pipes. General foreman Billy King, foreman Jerry Fox and Ben Oyler finishing foreman Kenny O’Brien and labor foreman Alton Jones provided leadership on this difficult project. “Billy has played a super role” says Roger. “The building was his since I spent most of my time on paperwork because of all the changes.” Despite all the headaches, Roqer says he is pleased with the way the job looks. “My compliments and thanks to all the people who worked for me-another good job on a tough project.” 4

Working together towards a common goal—that’s what teamwork is all about. Last month, the Craftsman featured a story on CDI’s newly-named corporate officerspresident Stan Marek, executive vice president Bruce Marek and vice president of finance Barry Barnard. This month, the Craftsman features a profile of each of the department heads, five more members of the CDI management team. In addition to learning a little more about each of these men personally, the Craftsman hopes its readers will get a better idea of how each department works together as a team to make CDI more productive and therefore more competitive in the increasingly tight construction market.

Alan Jezek, Contract Sales Alan joined CDI five years ago, doing the tenant work at the Pennzoii Building. With eight years of drywall experience under his belt, Alan now heads the Contract Sales department. This department is in charge of estimating and bidding all contract jobs, all large core work and a portion of the tenant work that goes with them. While Alan’s department does some type of work with all the other departments, its work with the production department is the most crucial. Alan explains that smooth communication and paperwork flow are important in his department’s relations with the field. “Once we sell, we are the support for the field. We’ve got to help them, give them support when they need it,’’ says Alan. “What should happen then is that the field generates better cost, that makes us more competitive and should then lead to more jobs in the future.”

♦

Bob Mueller, Interior Systems Group Bob joined CDI as manager of the Interior Systems Group, which handles movable and demountable wall systems, Texas Frame door frames and remodel work, with 12 years experience in drywall and related business. Bob describes himself as a “safety valve public relations person,” who oversees the

0rk together to improve GDI ^ work of his salesmen and customer relations. “The future lies in the systems area,’’ says Bob, citing several reasons. First, interior systems offer more tax benefits than conventional drywall, as the movable walls can be classified as personal property and therefore are subject to a more favorable depreciation schedule. The cost of interior systems is now comparable with drywall. In addition, movable wall systems are re-usable ’ and can make remodeling easier. The big factor, especially in figuring costs, is that the movable wall systems can take less time to install than conventional drywall. CDI will install the Vaughn moveable wall systems in the 64-story Transco Tower near the Galleria. There, the time differential really makes a difference, since the building is scheduled to go up at the rate of two floors per week. In the future, Bob sees Interior Systems as playing a larger role at A CDI as the popularity and the need ^ for moveable wall systems continues to grow. Robin Cravey, Commercial Paint Group Robin joined CDI almost three years ago as a project manager in the paint group. His 25 years of experience in the trade soon earned

Cannon.

him the title of department manager. an™n reco9nizes a need for clear and effective communication between his department and the others when they are involved on the same job. “We’re all trying to accomplish the same thing," he says. I here is a need for a lot of communication and on the job cooperation between the drywall operations and the paint group." Since the paint group operates separately from the other departments concerned with drywall, the weekly managers’ meetings come in handy as a way for the different departments to exchange information about job prospects. In order to improve the workings within the department, the paint group has recently instituted a system where the sales and estimating people are not necessarily the project managers. This will make the project manager more readily available to keep up with the changes in the contract. Hoagy Cannon, Production Once a project leaves estimating and budgeting, it goes through Hoagy for instruction. He assigns jobs to superintendents and jobsite supervisors. Inevitably, as the job goes on, problems will come up. The Production department is presently trying to minimize the unexpected

problems, thereby creating a smoother work schedule and controlling costs. “We have regular production meetings with the other departments to keep communication lines open—that's the most important thing,” says Hoagy. In addition, more emphasis is being placed on the pre-planning projects in order to avoid problems. A pre-start meeting is conducted between all the departments involved with a job, to make sure everyone’s idea of the job and how it will work are on track. Inside the Production department, more emphasis is being placed on project management. “We’re trying to beef up the administrative side,” explains Hoagy. “This will allow our supervisors to spend more time supervising their people and less time in their offices.” Hoagy, who has 11 years experience in the trade behind him, will celebrate his seventh anniversary with CDI in September. Bobby Spencer, Tenant/Lease Construction Bobby has been with CDI since 1973. His first position involved ordering materials and making sure they got to the jobsite. One year later, Bobby began estimating for Century Development. He continued doing work for Century until he was made head of a department that concentrates on CDI’s work for Century Development and its recently-formed general contracting company, Texas Construction. There are about 18 buildings within the Century Development/Texas Construction scope of work. Bobby’s department is working very closely with the Contract Sales department on the 71-story Allied Bank Plaza. Leasework on that project should begin sometime in June. Bobby, too emphasizes the need for smoothly operating communications between the five CDI departments. “Greater demands are being placed on us by competitors. The jobs are tighter. There is a need for more communication and cooperation between everybody to eliminate any errors and bring our costs in line,” he says.

EMPLOYEE NEWS

M©w faces Several new faces have joined the CDI staff in the last month or so. Daryl Bracht has joined the company as a millwork drafter . . . Elaine Dodd is new in accounting ... Sharon Donnell and Barbara Marcontell are on the job in payroll . . . Denise Emshwiller is new in accounts receivable . . . Mary Hall has taken over the duties of dispatcher . . . Alan Maldonado is the new cleaning lady . . . John Keyworth and Dennis Kikolla are new estimators in the Tenant Lease Construction department . . . Michael Pruzinsky is new in millwork . . . Brian Thulis has joined the company as a project estimator . . . Shelley Rogers is assisting with the newsletter part-time . . . Scott Bauer is new to the paint group administration . . . Jim Semple has joined the estimating department.

A Job welfl ©to© CDI is proud of its ability to give its customers quality work in a short period of time, if needed. However, this ability would not be possible without the dedication and determination of the men in the field. This is a letter from one of our customers, Gerald D. Hines Interests, commending the outstanding job done by foreman Al Jones and his crew on a recent tightly scheduled job. Ill LicMJ Q«r.'o MV d

7103 Poll Oik ’o»ol

A/ca CMe 713 071 BOOS

Bruce Karek Houston, Texas 77018 111 Post Oak Central Dear Hr Uarck On Level 19 of III Post Oak Central, wo have a full floor ting tenant under construction with the usual nerve-w Hines "quick build out, fast move in has done an outstanding Your drywall foreman. Al Jones, ha on in un unbelievably shor Job of Bivine us cood construction raplctely covered the entire time period He and his crew corap urn. making It possible for floor in a little under eight^hour I did want you to know how much we appreciate Al o ability to get good work from his men. and his cooperation and concern for meeting our schedules. Sincerely.

•to x Dot Cobb

Leo Chen yfim Smith

billing the

Tamo Kirkpatrick

tiling clerk handles steady work flow Keeping up with the steady flow of billing work in Century Accounting is the responsibility of Tami Kirkpatrick. Tami makes sure that all the work done by CDI for Century Development and Texas Construction is billed and invoiced accurately and on time. And, although there is not a lot of deadline pressure to her job, the work is steady and can be very complicated. Tami joined CDI in September as a typist in the estimating department. In November, she moved into the billing position for Century Accounting, where she had to learn a complicated system in a short period of time. There is now a printed manual of billing procedure instructions, put together through the combined efforts of Tami, Louise Davenport and David Kirsch, but Tami did not have the benefit of it when she came on the job. “All her instructions were verbal for a very complicated system,” explains department manager Bobby Spencer. “Tami did a real good job of understanding the system.” Although most of her work flows pretty smoothly, occasionally the figures won’t match. Tami must then work with David, the estimator or other people involved with the job to work out the problem. Her determination and dedication 6

to doing a good job make her a real asset to the company. “She’s the kind of person who won’t take no for an answer,” says Bobby. “She will stay with something until she finds out what it is and why it is.” Tami joined CDI after doing billing work for Tupperware for nine years. She says she enjoys working for CDI because of the teamwork spirit and the good working relationships she has with other employees. “Tami has a tremendous attitude,” says Bobby. “I can’t think of a day when I’ve seen her with a long face.” “Tami grew up in Houston, where she graduated from Waltrip High School. She and her husband, Mike, a Houston fireman, are in the process of building a home in Cypress. They hope to move in by the end of June. In her time away from work, Tami enjoys camping and describes herself as a “spectator” of sports. Nothing improves a joke more than telling it to your employees. Nothing makes you more tolerant of a neighbor's party than being there. Learning to live with one’s weaknesses depends upon neither hating them nor justifying them.

Mike Hamah earns April award

^ «

^'S ?u"uy t0 deal with his crew

and with the general contractor along with his ability to maintain a high work standard at all times are the qualities that earned finishinq supervisor Mike Hannah the supervisor of the month award for April. Mike is presently overseeing the finishing work at the 75-story Texas Commerce Tower. CDI is in the lease work phase of its responsibilities on that project now, and Mike predicts 100 percent completion in October Mike’s ability to handle the responsibility and pressures of heading up the finishing work in Houston's tallest skyscraper have added greatly to CDI's ability to do a good job on the project. “Without his capable leadership, there would not have been any way to complete a difficult job on the time schedule allowed,” says finishing superintendent Tom Stephens of Mike’s work on TCT. “There are so many problems with a high rise,” explains Mike. “No two are the same.” Mike says that in order to make the job run smoothly and avoid unnecessary problems, he tries to select the right people for the job, and eliminate non-productive time. For instance, Mike says he limits the use of the cages whenever possible, since the waiting and riding time can run costs up. In addition, Mike feels that one of the things he had going for him at TCT was that he was “real lucky” in being able to hire some fresh people for the job. That way, he says, he was able to build a good, solid team. Mike has nothing but praise for TCT supervisor Jay Richards. “I’ve been in the trade 18 years, and I have never, ever had the coordination or cooperation I received from Jay,” 'We all Pe like a nucleus of one. There was no separation of the trades. Tha nV this job is going to be asuccess’■ Before joining CDI, Mike worked for Quality Drywall Systems, he traveled all over the coun ry doing drywall work on sh°PP 9 malls. “You name it and I ve bee there,” he says of his traveling daysHe also had his own business for a while. In fact, he originally came to

CDI in 1978 as a “vacation” away from the headaches of running his own business. Within a short period of time, Mike’s finishing foreman, Hoagy Cannon, now director of construction, saw Mike’s potential and asked him to start running jobs. “I've been doing it ever since,” he says. When he arrived in Houston, Mike discovered the effect the humidity has on sheetrock, and says he still battles that problem in his work today. Mike says he enjoys working for CDI because “You feel like you’re part of a family, part of a team. That’s what impressed me most. CDI is the only company in Houston, Texas as far as I’m concerned. I wouldn’t want to work for any other.” In his time away from work, Mike and his wife, Tina, enjoy fishing.

A hard hat is a vital part of any craftsman’s safety gear. If it isn’t properly maintained, it cannot offer its maximum protection. Here is a list of suggestions to help keep your hat in top shape. Suspension: ° Check for wear and tear, cracks, and frayed adjustment slots. o Clean the suspension system at least once a month. Use a sponge or soft brush and water with a mild detergent. Steam cleaning is also effective. ° Under normal wearing conditions, replace the suspension at least once a year. Shell: o Protect your hat from chemicals, heat, and sunlight which could make it brittle. o Wipe dust and moisture from hats before storing. o Check with the manufacturer before painting a hat. Some paints contain solvents which could weaken the shell. o Replace a shell that has been struck by a hard object, even if there is no visible damage. o To remove oil, paint or tar, use a nonflammable and nontoxic solvent. 7

Finishing supervisor Mike Hannah, April’s supervisor of the month, stands on the steps of the Texas Commerce Tower plaza. Mike’s work on the 75-story building earned him the supervisor award.

Check with the manufacturer to be sure the solvent you use will not damage the hat. ° To clean shells, place them in a wire basket and dip in water with detergent. Let them soak for at least one minute, then scrub and rinse with clear water. Do not use water that is over 140 degrees Farenheit. ° As soon as a crack appears, replace the hat.

Safety First Special safety equipment is provided for your protection. Use when required. Keep in good condition. Report loss or damage immediately. Do not block aisles, traffic lanes, fire exits. Have safe access to work areasthe safe way is the right way. Have enough light on stairs, aisles, and work area-to prevent falls. Be sure of your footing. Watch out for overhanging or broken planks, slippery spots, loose objects, etc.

CDS-San Antonio remains aoSiv© CDI-San Antonio remains active with a variety of projects underway at several locations. Among those is Bluff Creek, a seven-story exterior Mirawall job for Guido Bros. Construction. Foreman Gary Schultze is heading the construction which began in early June. Work continues on the eight-story Rand building reports superintendent Grady Atnip. Grady says that the remodel project for Spaw-Glass is progressing extremely well under foreman Mike Tinajera and his crew of CDI craftsmen. Texas Commerce Bank North has commenced activity with the installation of acoustical ceilings in the connector building. The facility

joins the bank with the recently completed La Quinta Plaza building. Both are projects for Lyda, Inc. The Woodstone project, which includes seven single-story buildings is approximately 75 percent complete says Grady. “Pete Williams is doing a great job running that work,” he says. Leasework at a couple of locations is keeping foreman Wayne Schultze busy. Wayne is directing work on the Continental Insurance lease in the Northchase building for Beeson Properties and a major lease at One Riverwalk in downtown San Antonio. Two Vaughn Wall jobs are presently being handled by Roger Filley. These include work at the San Antonio Savings building and the Pan Am building. At Cline's Landing; the paint and finishing has begun on the two sixstory condominium towers. Some 18 craftsmen are involved on the job under foreman Paul Buck, who is doing a fantastic job on the demanding project. With all of its activity, plus iots of additional work, CDI has grown to meet its increased needs. In May, the office acquired 4400 square feet of added space, most of which is being utilized for warehouse needs.

i I

Harold Radicke hangs expensive wallcovering in the plush offices of a One Riverwalk tenant. CDI is finishing out the leasework on that job. _____________

CDI Craftsman Commercial Drywall, Inc. 3539 Oak Forest Drive PO Box 10686 Houston, Texas 77018

San Antonio continues to be a strong market for new construction says manager Roy Van Cleave. “We have a good backlog of work right now and we are looking at some

Ray Proctor stains wood in an office in One Riverwalk. CDI is finishing out the leasework on that job.

major projects coming up. Among the major jobs to be bid in the near future are the Frost Bank II, a 34-story downtown project; North Frost III, a mid-rise; an 11-story building by Gerald D. Hines Interests and a 15-story bank/hotel.

More safety . . . Bend knees, keep back nearly straight when lifting. Leg muscles, not your back, should do the work. Get help with heavy or bulky materials to avoid dropping load or getting thrown off-balance.