COE
Commercial Drywall, Inc.
Craftsman
Vol. 3 No. 11
September JI982
Th® Parklane
CDI begfios luxury IhogGi iris© condominium
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Construction has started on the 222-unit, 37-story condominium community, The Parklane, located at 1700 Hermann Drive. The Parklane is phase one of the Parklane Plaza, an entire complex that will also include a hotel, two more condominium towers, retail shops, restaurants, swimming pools and tennis courts when completed in the mid-1980's. This condominium tower overlooks the 16th hole of Hermann Park Golf Course and is situated on 8.5 acres serving as a garden setting. CDI started its work about three months ago under the supervision of Vernon Lambert. His foremen Scott Ray, Jim Furr and Benny Charles are currently working with a crew of 26. They are right on schedule and right on budget at this time. “It’s tough making budget on the first two floors because you are still ironing out the problems,” says Vernon. One problem our crew is faced with is the delay caused by the original air conditioning contractor going out of business. This has required lots of overtime by the other trades to make up lost time in order to keep CDI on their schedule. Vernon adds, “The secret to running a condominium project successfully is keeping everyone working in sequence.” Vernon finds all condominium projects challenging, one reason being there are so many more codes to comply with and the inspectors are enforcing the codes more strictly than ever before. “This tower requires radius window pockets and radius curved outside corners making it a little different. The outside is finished in beige with the windows being * dark glass.” By November 8, regular furnished display units must be completed on the third floor for viewing by potential
The Parklane Plaza, when completed In the mid-1980's, will consist of two condominium towers, shopping, restaurants, recreation facilities as well as The Parklane, the tower to the right of the photo. Houston's downtown area is in the background.
purchasers. Accordingly, all the finishing work has to be completed on that floor. Bob Pigg did the original estimating on The Parklane. The project is now being managed by Joe Gilligan. A project of Tema Developments of Houston, The Parklane is under
the general contracting of MinerDederick. It is.designed by architects Lloyd, Jones, Brewer Associates, a Houston firm. CDI has just completed its work on The Montrose in the same area, a condominium project also supervised by Vernon.
A look inside . . . • Three generations at work for CDI o United Way time again! • Todd Warehouse cranks up
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Fair United Way
Tim© t© stow ©are amid ©©mpasso©m By Stan Marek Fall always seems to be a time of excitement at CDI. Early northers cool the days and the jobsites a few degrees. Football, both college and pro, is always a Monday morning topic. Hunting season grows nearer. The year-end and holidays don’t seem so distant. This time of year is important to us at CDI for another reason too. It is the time when we show our care and concern for our community through the United Way. In the last three years, we have raised more than $320,000 in pledges for the United Way with nearly half coming from last year’s $151,000. In fact, our per capita gift last year was unmatched by any other company in Houston. The need this year is even greater. With the economy sluggish and
unemployment so high, the number of people in need has increased dramatically. So it is up to us, those who are gainfully employed to lend a helping hand. Oscar Newton, a prominent Houston area United Way supporter, spoke to our supervisor group several days ago. He hit on two key points concerning the United Way. First, he said that such help to those in need is essential to the community and to the people. And, this help can come from organizations like the United Way who operate efficiently (about 91% of its funds go directly to the agencies). Or, the government, through taxation can carry the burden. Obviously the best choice is the United Way. Secondly, Oscar described two classes of people-the haves and
Continuing t© increase to flfsas® work
Buckle awarded Roger Filly is the recipient of a belt buckle for his outstanding job performance as foreman on the tenant finish out at the 40,000 square foot Galaxy Building.
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OasmoeS DCaiser represents U.S. Se@yts
ODD—Sam Antonio
CDI in San Antonio is continually increasing its lease work load. At the Windsor Park Mall, tenant work has begun on two new stores—James Avery Jewelry and Foxmoor. Under the direction of foreman, Donald Buck, six leases have been started in The Courtyard shopping center, a 200,000 square foot mall in New Braunfels. CDI has promoted Wayne Schultz to superintendent in charge of all lease work. Wayne joined the office staff four months ago after working in the field three years. Work has now begun on the Vaughan Wall system partitioning on the 4, 6, 7 and 9th floor of the 12-story Gill Plaza.
the have-nots. Within the haves are the givers and the takers. In comparison to the many people who are ill-fed, ill-housed, or handi capped, we at CDI are largely the haves. And, judging by our past United Way campaigns, we are also the givers. I take tremendous pride in all of you, I’m proud to have on our team the givers—the people who do care, who are concerned, and who are compassionate toward others less fortunate. During early October, we will conduct our 1983 United Way campaign. It is our chance to show once again that CDI is truly a company of “people helping people.’’ I hope that this year you will continue your generosity. Thanks.
San Antonio’s Wayne Schultz (left) poses here with Grady Atnip. Wayne has just been promoted to superintendent of all lease work.
Congratulations go to Daniel Kaiser, the 16 year old son of CDI Austin superintendent Danny Kaiser. Daniel was chosen as one of four Boy Scouts to represent the United States in August at the international convention marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of Boy Scouts. The two week event was held on England’s Brownsea Island. Brownsea Island is where Scouting founder Bayden Powell took a group of poor English youths almost 75 years ago to teach them the joys of outdoor living.
CDI
Craftsman Editor: Larry Williams Asst. Editor: Maureen MacAuley
People Helping People The United Way
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The CDI Craftsman is published monthly by Commercial Dry wall, Inc. for its employees and their families Employees should send their news contributions to Larry Williams, Commercial Drywall, Inc., P.O. Box 10686, Houston, Texas 77018.
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Four Oaks PBac® ‘boss’
Bill SBiafer For the second time this year , Bill Shafer is the recipient of the supervisor of the month award. Bill is the supervisor of the Four Oaks Place project at 1500 Post Oak Blvd. Four Oaks is a development of Interfin Corporation of Houston with the general contractor being H.C.B. Contractors. Bill and his crew started work on the project in March and are making excellent progress. He views his role as supervisor as being one of a coordinator, making things happen. Lee Jones, project site administrator, says of Bill, “he's the center of the wheel, he keeps everyone together, keeps things running well.” At regular, weekly meetings, Bill and his crew on the jobsite discuss any current problems, potential problems and different techniques being used in the three towers. Bill credits the quality of men with the success of the project. “You’ve got to be around the best to be the best,” he adds, “they’re the best in Houston." Working with Bill j^on Four Oaks include foremen Dusty ^^Lobb and Johnny King on the east tower, Nick Nunez and Pete P>ideau on the west tower, and John Ingram and Bo Charles on the central tower. Two things he attributes his supervisory success to are firstly, his ability to get along with everyone
outstanding supervisor
Shown here at Four Oaks Place are (I to r) project administrator Lee Jones, Dusty Lobb, Bo Charles, Pete Rideau, John Ingram, Bill Shafer, Nick Nunez and Johnny King.
and secondly, to the guidance he has received from Glen Brabham. “He’s the best in the business,” claims Bill. Since joining CDI in September, 1978, Bill has worked on many projects including Greenway I and II foreman on First City Tower and foreman and supervisor on the Four Leaf Condominium project. About
working at CDI, he says, “the company does so many good things for so many different people with all their good policies. They really help you set and attain your individual goals. Everyone (from the office) finds time to come out and become involved in the project." Bill, his wife, Viola and children Angel and Billy live in Conroe. Bass fishing tops his list of activities away from the jobsite. The craftsman again congratulates Bill Shafer for his fine job.
Pyttisig it yp Abel Nunez and Arthur Ehmling have been putting the rock on the wall. The duo has been averaging around 110 sheets a day on lease work in the 53-story Gulf Tower. Carpenter Alan Jones and partner David Stang hung 200 sheets of 10 ft. board in one day on the exterior of Cy-Fair Hospital. They did it a second time a couple of days later!
The Arco right) foreman David Sparacino, superintendent Jerry Baccus.
Project of th® rmomth
Tte H@yst©oSao Estates continues to be a
The 28 story condominium project Houstonian Estates has provided many challenges for the CDI crew.
COO launches United Way drive CDI has begun its 1983 United Way Campaign. The drive, which is being conducted during early October, has a goal of $125,000. During this time all CDI’ers will be called on to make their “fair share” pledges. As in the past, each jobsite and office department will conduct its own campaign. Employee relations manager Larry Williams and personnel manager Ron McKinley will spearhead the campaign and will visit the larger jobs with a film and informational materials. Last year CDI raised $151,000 in pledges. Its per capita rate of $178 made CDI the top company in Houston in per person pledges. This year’s goal reflects a drive toward a similarly high per capita gift. But, because of a reduction in manpower, the goal is $26,000 lower than last year’s amount. Over the last three years CDI has raised more than $320,000 for the United Way and its 83 member agencies serving Harris, Ft. Bend and Montgomery counties. In doing so, the company has received the “award of excellence," the United Way’s highest honors in each of the last three years.
The Houstonian Estates, one of CDI's most challenging condominium projects and one of Houston s most exclusive communities, has been chosen as our project of the month. The condominium community is located on 31/2 wooded acres just o Woodway and West Loop adjacent to The Houstonian Hotel and recreation facility. The 28 story structure is comprised of three towers, The Post Oak, The Tanglewood and The Piney Wood, connected gracefully into one structure. CDI has been involved in this project for about a year. Hal lida, now the supervisor, began as a foreman on the project and has seen the progress from the beginning through its various stages. ‘‘Working on Houstonian Estates
gave me the opportunity of working / with many different architects and > different techniques. I am learning a lot,” says Hal while talking about this very challenging project. Success of this project is due to several key people. The layout men, Norman Derks and Nick Euliarte, set the working pace for everyone on the job. Leroy Freeman, the framing forman, is now working with a crew of three from a once 12 member crew. The finishing foreman, Dale Fowler, is working with a group of top notch finishers, Ron Harris, Casper Maile and Tom Vindewald. Joe Serrano used his finishing expertise in building alcoves in the walls of one of the more unique units. William Jackson has quite a challenge as labor foreman. Now
Trstmsc© Tower project
Warehouse geared up for production Set-up for the 14,400 square feet of warehouse, leased especially to handle the preparation of wall panels for the Transco Tower project, has been completed and production of materials began the first week of September. The warehouse, leased from Hines Industrial, is the site of vinyl fabrication and assembly for the Vaughan Wall systems to be utilized in 40 floors of the 64-story office tower. Melvin Dillman is running the warehouse operations for CDI. According to the schedule for the project, CDI must turn two full floors per week. This necessitated the leasing of the warehouse. The quick installation characteristics of the Vaughan Wall systems will enable CDI to meet this demanding schedule. Once vinyl has been applied to the panels by the vinyl fabrication machine, CDI craftsmen will sandwich the panels together “The electrical contractor will be in the warehouse putting the electrical in he wall panels so that the entire wall
r! S/f^y t0 90 int0 the frame at the jobsite,” says Transco project manager Chris Howard
.hetar^ertotsbr4h;p„pin9 4
October. S' CDI will also be involved in constructing temporary partitions in T. place of the curtain wall five floors up on two sides of the building. "On all sides of the building, five floors up, there is a podium extension. Two of the sides can’t be closed in yettne cage runs along one side, and steel must be lifted from the other," explains Chris. “We’re putting up the temporary partitions in order to keep the weather out, so that we can begin the tenant work.” Working with Melvin at the warehouse are James Canerday, Anthony Flory, Ricky Flory, Bradley Frost, Ronnel Geveden, Dennis Ridenour, Terry Roberts and Felix Gutierrez.
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The highest speed ever recorded on a bicycle was 140.5 miles per hour, at Bonnevill Salt Flats, Utah, in 1973, by Dr. Allan V. Abbott, of San Bernadino, Cal. If the power to do hard work is no? talent, it is the best possible substitute for it. —James A. Garfield
tallenge ^working with a crew of two, he W sometimes has only two or three hours to do the clean up required between trades. “Each and every one of the craftsman was important to the job. Everyone has to work together to pull this through,” Hal continued, “It has to be a team work concept to face the challenges and changes day to day.” It is important to the project working with helpful people like Teresa Meshay, who served as a liaison between the project site and the office, and Glen Brabham, who understood a lot of the problems. Lee Jones, the project site administrator, was “very important to the growth and progress of the project.”
The CDI crew is faced with several challenges as the project continues. Each of the 154 units is customized with special features. Some of the unique effects that are particularly challenging include skylights, vaulted ceilings, raised platforms, fountains, special doors and special ceilings. One of the units known as “the Perlman Unit” has for the most part all radius walls. Another has a Levelor aluminum ceiling. And still another has a fountain built into its 6,000 square feet of penthouse. “Each unit is very technical and unique,” adds Leroy. Despite the many unique circumstances of the job, the CDI crew under Hal is doing a tremendous job.
Up, up and away . . . The Arco Building currently under construction in downtown Dallas is seen here from the Placid Oil Building located across Thanksgiving Square.
CarII, D® waym®s Orphus
Three generations work side by sod® Working hard as individuals and as A a team on the Westlake III project, W you’ll find Carl Carson, Dewayne Keeney and Orphus Keeney, all carpenters and all members of the same family. Dewayne, the supervisor on this project, is the sonin-law of Carl and Orphus is his 22 year old son. The crew has been on the job about a month. Prior to working together on this project, they worked
on The Houstonian, Tenneco recreation facility and Lake on Post Oak. Dewayne came on board at CDI in April 1979 after working for a subcontractor here in Houston. “Best company I’ve ever worked for,” he says about CDI. He finds being the supervisor on the project is not a problem with the family relationships. “We all know what our jobs are and what needs to be done. With that in
CDI'ers (l-r) Carlwork Carson, Dewayne Keeneyisand Orphus on Keeney ... - 3 conflict mixing and family. Dewayne supervisor the Westlake crew
which includes father-in-law, Carl, and son, Orphus.
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mind, we all get along just fine,” adds Dewayne. Dewayne has just recently become a grandfather for the first time with the birth of Jessica, his daughter’s child, making Carl a great-grandfather. Carl has been working in the drywall business since 1946 after he served in WWII as a paratrooper in the Army. He joined CDI in April 1979 as a carpenter. Carl really enjoys doing a good job and “likes to proud of it when it’s finished." When asked about working for his son-inlaw, he replied, "I just like to work. We all get along just fine.” Orphus started in the construction business when he finished school. Since he joined CDI in July 1980, he has only worked with his father and grandfather who have taught him his carpenter skills. The three of them agree that working on a commercial project is far more interesting than residential. Carl says “commercial projects offer more challenges, things are different on every job where houses are the same old thing.” They all enjoy the good working conditions and find its a pleasure working with the nice people at CDI. “Everyone helps all they can to make it a little easier fdr us,” adds Dewayne.
CD!-Austin
Paint dteparSmirt a r@al syeeess Less than two years ago, CDIAustin formed a paint department to achieve its goals of being a total interior subcontractor. It has already gained a great deal of respect within the interior construction industry evidenced by its impressive list of completed projects and its large backlog of future jobs. The paint craftsmen recently completed work on the Lockheed Missile Plant, PruCare Hospital, Hyde Park Baptist Church and Sweco Manufacturing Plant. Within the next few weeks, paint crews will begin work on the Aquatic Biology building on the campus of Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, University of Texas Federal Credit Union and Phase II of PruCare Medical Complex. In addition, CDI has been awarded the contract to do the interior and exterior paint work on the remodeling of four Austin historical landmark buildings. This renovation project is phase one of the reviatalization program for downtown Austin. Paint department manager, Pat Lunday, attributes the success of his department to “the efforts put forth by the many talented paint craftsmen.” Because of its ability to provide many types of painting services, the paint department has gained a
Larry Hanvey, president of our Western Division, (left) reviews blueprints with Johnny Kovar supervisor of the Sweco project in Austin.
competitive advantage over other area paint contractors. CDI has the manpower and equipment to perform most types of interior and exterior painting services including heavy industrial work. This department also provides wood veneers, flex woods, fabric and vinyl wall coverings. Rea Strange has recently been named superintendent of the paint department and Stephen Brown has joined the office staff as a paint estimator. Both men were previously on CDI’s field paint crew.
Superintendent of the Austin paint department Rea Strange (left) is seen here with paint foreman Glen Cook. Rea recently joined CDI to head Austin paint operations in the field.
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Austin <sr@ws remain active CDI craftsmen have been active on several key projects despite a recent downturn in interior construction in the Austin area. During September, activities for drywall have centered around the Sweco Manufacturing Plant, La Costa Center, American Bank Tower, American Bank Plaza and numerous small projects. Two job crews and one individual were rewarded this month for jobs well done during CDI-Austin’s busiest summer in its seven year history. The drywall and paint crews working at American Bank Tower and American Bank Plaza were treated to a job site party after work on September 7 and craftsmen at the LaCosta project were honored with a similar party on September 14. Foreman, Mike Griesmer was presented with a bronze belt buckle for his outstanding job in supervising the 35,000 square feet of lease finish work in the newly completed American Bank Plaza. Scott Hale has joined the Austin operation as a drywall estimator.
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What is a pessimist? A man who [ thinks everybody is as nasty as himself, and hates them for it. — George Bernard Shaw
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Employee spotlighi
J@e IRam5ir@z ©arms September honor
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The Craftsman is pleased to spotlight Joe Ramirez for his hard work and dependability. Joe joined CDI in October, 1981 after working 16 years for Flexible Wall, a Gerald D. Hines company. His duties at CDI are varied reporting to both Ben Catalon and led Hajdik. Under Ben’s direction, Joe works in the warehouse organizing, stocking and pulling materials as required. He also works on the vinyl machine in the warehouse, a task he enjoys. Joe is also responsible for the material deliveries between the warehouse and job sites and for cleaning up the jobs. “A good worker, one of the best workers in the warehouse,” Ben says about Joe, "he’s very dependable and gets out there and knows exactly what needs to be done.” He is well liked and gets along good with his fellow workers. When asked what he likes about his job at CDI, he replied, “I enjoy the challenge of my job changing everyday. Everyone treats you well here, like they would want to be treated.” Ted commented, “he’s a super guy. He does a good job on
Hard working Joe Ramirez is a key individual in CDI's warehouse operations. He displays a good attitude, knowledge and dedication while on the job.
anything he’s asked to do. His good attitude just shines while he’s on the job.” Joe is almost a native Houstonian, moving here when he was five years old. He and his wife, Maria, have two daughters, Rosalinda and Maria
and five grandchildren. In his time away from work, Joe and Maria enjoy traveling. They vacation in Mexico City once a year.
Supervisors meet Sun Dm® CDI held its September supervisors’ meeting in a little different surroundings-the Astrodome. The meeting, which kicked off the company’s 1983 United Way campaign, was conducted in a conference room on the skybox level of the stadium. Some 45 supervisors gathered for the meeting which preceded an Astros-Atlanta Braves game. When game time rolled around, the supervisors headed to the Mezzanine level where seats and a 16-gallon keg of beer awaited them. Director of Construction Hoagy Cannon said, “We wanted to do something a little different. And, we wanted a good, positive atmosphere to kick off our United Way campaign. So, we chose the Dome.”
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preparing wall panels destined for Hard at work at the Todd Warehouse Roberts Transco II are Ron Gevedin (left) and Terry R
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Safety incentive program
First.quainter results fawotrable CDI has concluded the first quarter of its new safety incentive program in Houston. The program, which bases awards on jobsite safety achievement, ended September 30 with excellent results. Each job was given an accident incidence rating of 10 to meet or beat. (One accident per 10 workers per quarter). After final tabulations, over three-fourths of the jobsites was able to beat the goal. Of these, Greenway Plaza, Allen Center, Transco I, Cabinet shop, III Houston finishers and laborers, Allied finishers and laborers, Four Leaf East painters, Amoco Painters and Four Oaks laborers, went the entire period injury-free. The overall company stats showed an incidence rating of 9.4. CDI's rate last year hovered around the 13 mark and climbed to 16 earlier this year. The incidence rate drop reflects on approximate 30 percent reduction in accidents over last year for the similar time period. In achieving the results, the company experienced 7 accidents in July, 22 in August and 20 in September. “Although our manpower is down from last year, the incidence rate takes into account the ratio of accidents to the number of workers," says safety manager Ron McKinley, "This means that the 30 percent reduction in accidents is a pretty reliable measure of our actual
■safety program in effect
1982
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performance.” For achieving the 10 rating, jobsites were presented special
“Doing it Safe” T-shirts. The next quarter’s award will be new CDI caps with the slogan “Doing it Safe."
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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 object, etc. Be aware of work going on around you. Keep clear of suspended loads, traffic areas, etc. Use body belt and tie off if other fall protection is not available.
CDI Craftsman Commercial Drywall, Inc. 3539 Oak Forest Drive PO. Box 10686 Houston, Texas 77018
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