CDI
Commercial Brywall, Inc.
Craftsman
Vol. 4 No. 6
April 1983
GDI’s Parnt Depairtm®int
A growing foo3©® doi Houston’s marketplace
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CDIs paint department was formed several years ago as a division of the company. Today, it has grown to handle many types of projects— office buildings, hotels, just about anything but industrial projects. The paint department has capabilities for both interior and exterior finishes as well as decorating services using wall coverings, fabrics, and wood veneers. Under the direction of manager Robin Cravey, Joe Jernigan and Winn Martin handle the estimating of projects, Barry Niemann and Scott Bauer are project managers and Percy Townsend is in charge of materials control, purchasing, inventory control and expediting. On the production side, Ben Boatright, Jerry Featherston and John Gearhart are the paint department superintendents. They all brought with them to CDI a great deal of experience in the paint business.
In recent months, the paint group completed many projects including Four Leaf, Post Oak Central 3 and the Amoco building. CDI is doing the paint in the new Transco II Tower under the supervision of Rudy Martinez. 5300 Memorial is being handled by supervisor Walter “Dub” Williams and Barney Oden, Jr. is in charge of remodelling work at the Lord and Taylor store in the Galleria mall. The company has just begun paint work on the $40 million Hyatt Regency West Houston now under construction at Katy Freeway and Eldridge. The 400-room hotel is scheduled for a late 1983 completion, it will consist of five fivestory buildings connected by a 16,000 sq. ft. atrium. General contractor is Linbeck Construction Corp. of Houston. Currently, there are about six painters on the job under the supervision of Kevin Turnbull. However, CDI may run up
Paint superintendents Jerry Featherston (left) and Ben Boatright discuss the Four Oaks project with paint department manager Robin Cravey. Painters in the background are Wendell Love and Charlie Jones.
to 30 or 40 men once the job gets going. The Hyatt is unique in that there is no elevator service so everything must be carried up the stairs. Further, CDI’s painters will be working four 10-hour days as do the other trades on the job. The company just started the paint two months portion of the project behind schedule. There are 48 colors of paint and 20 different wall coverings to be used in the new hotel. “One of the most challenging jobs now is the Warwick,” says Jerry. The Warwick condominiums are custom, luxury condominiums located on Fannin across the street from the Warwick Hotel. Jerry's group just completed the lobby ceilings of the Allied Bank Plaza. “Painting the plasterglass ceiling was like painting graphics,” adds Jerry. Each of the ceiling units had three different colors of paint. John Gearhart assists Ben and Jerry in their projects and takes care of smaller jobs all over town. He is responsible for Vanco and IBS projects. The success of the paint department is due to the fine men on the paint crews. “Walter 'Dub' Williams has lots of experience, is a skillful painter and competitive worker,” says Ben of the supervisor of the 5300 Memorial project. Barney Oden, Jr. is doing an excellent job on Lord and Taylor working while the store is in operation, according to Ben. Junior Deaton is supervising Four Oaks; Robert Farley is in charge of Westlake; and Tony Cuellar is handling the Warwick condominiums. By its impressive list of projects. CDI’s paint department has indeed established itself in Houston's marketplace and according to Robin “has plans for continued growth.'
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CDS —Continuing t© build s team fo\f By Stan WJarek Sitting in my office last week, I noticed a group of young men leaving our executive conference room on the second floor. Not being totally aware of everything that goes on around here, I inquired as to who they were and for what purpose were they here. I was informed that they were participants in a supervisor’s training course, the third such group in the last 18 months. I remembered discussing it in the past and then asked how they were chosen and what they were being instructed in. It seems that Hoagy Cannon, Bruce Marek and Larry Williams had picked a group of 60 of our top performers, some foremen, some journeymen, all of whom they felt were outstanding performers in some particular category. In other words, these were the top men working in a No. 2 position. They had a difficult task of narrowing the group down to 20 people, the desired number for the group instruction. I reflected on that and thought what an honor it must be for those 20 men to have been chosen to participate in the class. The goal of the supervisor training course is to help these craftsmen improve their working skills and learn to perform better in their working environments. The program was designed with the assistance of Dr. Carol Quarton, a
former professor at the University of Houston. With her help, the course was developed with concentration on human relations skills. In addition, goal setting, communications, developing subordinates, delegation, planning, and production improving are all part of the course. Once again I reflected. I thought back to a few years ago when things were really booming and what a tremendous premium we placed on good supervision. We’d sit around a room and think about who we’d put on the next big job. It was always a chore trying to come up with someone we felt had the tools, drive and ambition to run a job the way we’d like to see it run. I realize now the wisdom of Larry, Bruce and Hoagy taking the time to train and develop good supervisory people now even when we are in a down market. Training is an investment - an investment in the future. And while the market is not as good as we’d like it, I think we can be assured that the market in Houston will return. This present situation reminds me of some words of wisdom I once heard - "Before you get to see the rainbow, you have to wait through the thunderstorm.” During the next six to 18 months well have to await construction's recovery. But, already a lot of things
are looking good. Interest rates are( coming down. Basically, we are setting a stage for a strong recovery when the economy rebounds. Thinking again of those 20 men as they walked from the conference after a two hour session, I am proud to have them as a part of the team. They are anxious, willing and a valuable part of CDI. With men such as these, and capabilities that we all possess, we’re a heck of a team. And, even though we may be in for a difficult period, well pay the price and well continue to grow. The rainbow is indeed shining through.
Finisher Steve Karakos seen here on stilts applying beadex to the outside corners of a column at RepublicBank Center is doing an excellent job keeping a fast pace on the project.
CDI Craftsman Editor: Larry Williams Asst. Editor: Maureen MacAuley
most recently headed the Clines Landing condominium project in PortAmn^' and has been an outstanding foreman for CDI in San Antonio ° Aran^as since April 14, 1980.
The CDI Craftsman is published monthly by Commercial Drywall, Inc. for its employees and their families. Employees should send their f news contributions to Larry Williams, Commercial Drywall. Inc., P.O. Box 10686, Houston, Texas 77018.
Bernie Thomas
BSlsmg supervisor fits tHi® bill % Her co-workers describe her as extremely pleasant, friendly and a joy to work with. Bernadine Thomas, or tsernie as most of us know her, took over billing duties about three and a half years ago. As billing supervisor, she now oversees billing for Texas Frame, nterior Systems including Vaughan Wall, the millshop, the paint department and new tenant and remodel departments. She is a good organizer and an excellent teacher,” says billing manager David Kirsch. “Bernie likes to tackle tough projects, smoothing out any difficulties and then delegating them to others in her group.” Assisting Bernie in her department are Louise Davenport who handles Century Development leasework, Charlotte Kovar who is responsible for remodel billing and is learning Texas Frame and Tami Kirkpatrick who does the paint department billing. “Bernie is very skilled technically,” says assistant controller Vicki ^Edwards. “And, she is able to make Visions on the job.'
When she started at CDI, Bernie’s function was more of a clerical support one, typing for the estimators and secretary to CDI’s president. “I enjoy a challenge,” says Bernie. “And, my job now provides me with many challenges. There is variety in billings and a great deal of paperwork to handle. I like interfacing with so many different people in the various departments.” “One difficult area that Bernie has dealt with well is that the billing system for each of the departments is different,” adds Vicki. Bernie’s job is very detailed in that she must check the job costing and the many job numbers used in each of these departments. Another attribute that Bernie possesses is she is good at problem solving. “She is always turned to when there is a problem or something that needs to be sorted out in billing,” says David. Vicki and David agree that Bernie “helps people grow within her department.”
Bernie Thomas heads up the billing for Texas Frame, Interior Systems, the millshop. the paint department and tenant and remodel departments.
In her time away from the office, Bernie enjoys family activities with husband Ed and children, 16-year-old Terri and Trent who is 12.
GDI°Daltias
Softball team wins first gam® The CDI Dallas softball team is off to a good start this season winning their first game 20 to 6. James Boocher hit two home runs in the first inning. Peter Polichett was on the mound for CDI. Leasework is continuing for OUl Dallas crews. Foreman Ken Lawson, a recent belt buckle recipient, is supervising the leasework on the 19-story Lincoln Center Building Phase II as well as the remodeling work at the 19-story Lincoln Radisson Hotel. Foreman Bobby Burgess is handling the leasework at the Park Central Development. He is responsible for five buildings at the development. CDI Dallas is also doing some millwork on this project. Leasework continues on the Dallas Galleria Tower under foreman Frank Williams and ceiling foreman Wayne “trawser. The company is also doing demizing walls in the Galleria Mall.
CDI Dallas is installing 1,200 sq. ft. of computer floor at the IBM Directory with foreman Charley Wells and Rickey McCurley. The Wang lease has just been completed and under budget thanks to foreman Ed Fritch. At the San Jacinto Tower, CDI is installing 35,000 sq. ft. of computer flooring for Central Southwest with a crew of eight under foreman Barry Richards. CDI Dallas has just started lease work on the Arco building installing doors, frames and hardware with foreman James Pierce and Jeff Clark in charge. All the leasework has now been completed on Placid Oil with a fine job being done by foremen Mike Rider, David Hayes and ceiling foreman Dick Schreiber. Work at City Center II is now winding down under superintendent Franklin Rice.
Ken Lawson recently received a CDI belt buckle He is currently heading up the leasework at Lincoln Center Phase II.
Fashim1 Fo0|s, The 1983 version of CDI’s Fishin' * Fools Bass Tournament drew a tremendous response from employees, family and fishermen. Some 65 boats, the largest field ever, competed in the fourth annual affair ' held April 16 on Lake Conroe. Walking away with first place honors, $400 in prize money and trophies were CDI’er Greg Sorge and Kenneth Friday. Greg, supervisor at Allied Bank Plaza, and his partner weighed in 18 lbs. of bass to take the top honors. Second place was claimed by CDI’s material handling coordinator Michael Muegele and Gary Saugster who caught 11 lbs. 6 ozs. of fish. Each received a trophy and $150 for their efforts. The team of Charles Wakefield and Joey Watson, carpenters at Transco II, took home the third place trophy and $100 each in prize money. In addition, Joey's 3 lb. 5 oz. bass . was enough to capture the big bass title a trophy plus $610 in cash. Twenty of the 65 boats weighed in fish and all received prize money ranging down to $25 per contestant. About $3,000 in prize money was
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urney a success ^ While less than a third of the boats ^ brought in fish, the weather did cooperate this year, enabling everyone to enjoy a fun filled day.
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Climaxing the tournament was a huge fish fry which followed the 4 p.m. weigh-in. Some 80 lbs. of catfish fillets, 60 lbs. of french fries and 30 lbs. of hush puppies were served to more than 150 people. The Fourth Annual Fishin’ Fools Bass Tournament was funded through entry money and the sale of tee shirts. It required the effort of many people to make it a success, with special thanks to Patsy Whitehead, Charles Boyd and the others who handled the enormous cooking chores. The tournament attracted not only CDI employees in Flouston, but friends, families, suppliers and customers. In addition, our Dallas office was well represented with five A teams of fishermen. Besides the top three winners, others who placed were: 4th .. . Lewis Carsten and Howard Sears, 5th .. . Steve and Howard Boren, 6th . . . Steven Meeks and Steve Satterfield, 7th .. . Bobby Melder and Herschel Renfro, 8th .. . Lee Romine and James Boocher.
ABBBed Bank PBaza
Distinctive pr©jj@©t as highlighted Allied Bank plaza, with its bluegreen curtain wall exterior, is very visible in Houston's ever-changing downtown skyline. The Craftsman is pleased to highlight this distinctive building as its project of the month. At this time, the core is about 96 percent complete with the tenant leasework in full swing under the supervision of Greg Sorge. Daryl Hammons supervised most of the core construction for CDI. This was one of the first jobs where CDI had production input well in advance of the project’s start. Bob Pigg, who did the original estimating on the project, worked closely with general contractor Miner-Turner, and the architects, Skidmore, Owings and Merrill and Lloyd Jones Brewer & Associates, in drywall design and planning. “It made the job run smoothly and built a real commitment to the project,” says director of construction Hoagy Cannon. “And, Daryl established a good relationship with the general contractor which always helps a project.” The shape of the building is interesting in that there is a radius at each end of the building. This, however, did not cause any difficulties with the core construction. Bob, and Teresa Meshay, who handled the project management of the core, agree that they “never had to worry about the job. It ran very smoothly despite a few changes during construction." The most unique aspect of the building is the use of the plasterglass ceiling. It was the first time this type of ceiling has been used in Houston. The design used in Allied Bank Plaza was the first of this type made by the manufacturer. CDI worked out the problems of installing the ceiling before any installation began. First, it was critical to match the design of the lights with that of the marble floor. Second, the company had to design a way to suspend the ceiling system. And, third, each of the ceiling units had to be painted three different colors after they were installed. The plasterglass ceilings are located in the main floor lobby area and mezzanine as well as in the two sky
The 71-story Allied Bank Plaza dominates Houston's downtown skyline.
lobbies between floors 34 and 35 and 58 and 59. CDI built vaulted ceilings in the elevator lobbies and constructed a different plasterglass ceiling in the tunnel that connects to the downtown tunnel. Its design matches the spacing of the granite walls and floors and each unit is individually suspended to adjust to structural changes. “Daryl was able to maintain excellent morale throughout the job,” says Hoagy. “He had a good team and it was the tallest building these guys had done.” Dennis Alford, Bobby Hayes and Danny Smith were the carpenter foremen, Ed McDonald was the labor foreman with Buster Baimbridge the finishing foreman. “Teamwork and cooperation were key to this job with its tight sequencing and move-in dates,” says Daryl. CDI recently completed 12 floors of leases for law firms. The most complicated one was six floors for the firm of Butler & Bimon. “The most difficult aspect of the leasework is the 150 foot long radius walls with furrdowns at the entrances,” says tenant project manager Dennis Kikolla. “It has taken good coordination with the field, office and the general contractor to meet the demanding
schedules of the tenant work," adds Dennis. The first tenants moved into the building on November 10 and the ,■ building is about 35 percent occupif at this time. “The leases are going well because we did more pre-planning," says Greg. The 71-story Allied Bank Plaza is located at 1000 Louisiana Street, bounded by Lamar, Smith, McKinney and Louisiana Streets and is a project of Century Development Corporation.
Mew stilts ©@&itr©I CDI Houston recently changed its policy and procedures for the control and issuance of stilts in use at the jobsite. Each man required to use stilts on the job will now have responsibility for the repair and safekeeping. He will take them from job-to-job when transferred and be responsible for their condition. Previously, the foremen had responsibility for the stilts. Each person using stilts will be issued a pair from the inventory already on the jobsite and the same, method of lockup will be used as / now in use. Linzy Bean is the tool control manager and will assist in the new program.
Supervisor of the month
Gilbert Shtafltooi reeeowes Ap&i! honors ^fcfjupervisor of the month honors for April go to Gilbert Shelton who is currently supervising the Imco Services Technical Training Center for general contractor Marshall Construction. As an 11-year employee of CDI, Gilbert is known for his dedication'to the company. “He is dedicated to CDI and does whatever it takes to make a job work,” says superintendent Jesse Hajdik. Organization is Gilbert’s strong point,” adds Jesse. “Through his ability to organize, Gilbert works with as small a crew as possible on the job and keeps right on schedule.” “If a project is well-organized to begin with, I can work with a small crew on the job,” says Gilbert. Gilbert and his crew have been on the job at Imco Services for about a month. CDI is doing both the core and the office space of the two-story building located in southwest Houston. Assisting Gilbert at Imco are Andrew Howard, James Underwood, ^Lm Simpson, Eugene Foster, Doyle ^P-ason and Kenneth Allen. Prior to starting a project, Gilbert reviews the prints to become acquainted with the job and from there he does his planning. “It saves trouble on the job if
I go in prepared,” says Gilbert. “I get a feel for what needs to be done.” “It is important that any project begins with a positive attitude by everyone and it will stay that way throughout the entire project,” adds Gilbert. In addition to his organizational skills, Gilbert is technically skilled. Except for a two-year stint in the army, Gilbert has worked in the drywall business since 1964. Gilbert has also had an excellent safety record at CDI and recently received a safety award. He attributes his safety record to “keeping a job clean.” So, he has someone clean up the debris daily on the jobsite. Prior to Imco Services, Gilbert supervised the four-story Sam Houston Professional building and has done most of the work on the Rosewood Professional building. “On the Sam Houston project, Gilbert looked out for the general contractor at the same time as CDI and was able to catch some potential costly problems for the contractor," says Jesse. “The general contractor was very appreciative.” “It is important for me to get along with the contractor as well as the other trades on a job,” Gilbert says.
“Then the job seems to go well for everyone involved.” Gilbert and his wife, Sherry, have two children, Shelley who is 12 and six-year-old Kenneth. Leisure time activities include camping and fishing.
CDI supervisor Gilbert Shelton was awarded the supervisor of the month for April. He is supervising the Imco Services Technical Training Center in southwest Houston
“05 1983 CDI ACCIDENT CHART
CDI crews in recent months have exceeded the safety program’s initial goal set last July of an incidence rate of 10 or below. April’s incidence rate was 4.6 with 13 accidents making it the safest month ever. Safety manager Ron McKinley attributes the reduction in jobsite accidents to “a real team effort. The safety coordinators are doing their jobs, we have more safety incentive programs and the safety meetings make everyone more aware of how important jobsite safety is.” First quarter safety results indicate an incidence rate for the three months of 7.3 with a total of 62 accidents. The safety incentive program was ^Lai inched in mid-July 1982 to award ^Porkers and supervisors for safety " achievement. Awards were set up based on a jobsite's ability to maria,n an accident incidence rate of 10 or below.
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Safety results for April were excellent A total of 13 accidents on CDI projects resulted in an accident incidence rate of 4.6.
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Sneeriifiwe rewoew committee formed CDI recently formed a committee composed of six field personnel to examine the company's production incentive programs. Among the areas addressed by the group were CDI's Christmas bonus system, budget beater program and the possibility of additional incentives on an individual basis. According to committee chairman Vernon Lambert, the group met during the first two months of 1983 and subsequently forwarded their recommendations to members of management. These suggestions are presently being evaluated. Among the recommendations was a plan to base Christmas bonuses on length of service with the company. “We felt that tenure would provide a more equitable means of distribution,’’ says Vernon. The committee recommended to keep the budget beater program. It also endorsed the individual awards presently in use but suggested greater use of individual recognition for outstanding personal performance. Members of the committee in addition to Vernon include Ken O’Brien, Bill Shafer, Billy Patrick, Bob Cocran and Mike Gensamer.
You can say one thing for ignorance; it certainly causes a lot of interesting arguments. I i t i i t
CDI Craftsman Commercial Drywall, Inc. 3539 Oak Forest Drive RO. Box 10686 Houston. Texas 77018
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10 years recognized (Top) Carl Fowler, flanked by Bruce Marek and Hoagy Cannon, displays the Seiko quartz watch he received for 10 years service with the company. Carl joined CDI in 1973 as a laborer. Since then, he has played a major role in the labor operations on several downtown projects including the Allen Center where he is presently working. (Right) Bruce McKinley receives his 10-year watch from Hoagy at a steak dinner honoring the RepublicBank crew. Bruce is one of the top layout men m the company. He handled these duties on such prestigious jobs as Three Allen Center. Four Leaf Towers and Allied Bank Plaza in addition to RepublicBank Center.