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Commercial Drywall, Inc.

Craftsman

m 5 No. 1

November_1983___

Ubi Grteemway Plaza

ODG to tegBo w©ir[k ©oi [Htastto Design CDI crews will soon be active on Greenway Plaza’s newest and most unusual building, the Houston Design Center. The 10-story, 500,000 square foot HDC is being billed as a “designer showcase” for commercial and residential furnishings. As a showroom facility, HDC will be a departure from the conventiona design of either an office building or a shopping center. It will feature a variety of shops opening onto a stairstepped atrium. This stepped interior core will run diagonally through the center of the building where a series of escalators will connect each floor.

The building’s exterior will likewise be unusual. Rather than a predominantly glass exterior, HDC will incorporate less than 20 percent glass in its exterior curtainwall. The remainder will be a highly, polished black Impala granite imported from Italy with one and one-half foot accent bands of a Canadian gray granite encircling the building at each floor level. HDC is designed to serve the needs of the Southwest’s architectural and interior design community by housing manufacturers and sales representatives of lightings, furnishings, accessories, wall and floor coverings, and wall and ceiling systems.

The 10-story Houston Design Center will offer Greenway Plaza a unique architectural style. As the project’s Interior contractor, CDI will begin construction on the showroom facility in mid-December.

The architectural design represents the work of Cambridge Seven Associates and Lloyd Jones Brewer Associates. The building is a joint venture of Century and the Mischer development companies. For CDI, the project will be built for general contractor, Texas Construction. CDI activity on HDC is scheduled to begin in mid-December and will be under the supervision of Paul Hering. Paul is presently wrapping up the Operations Center in downtown Houston where he has been for the past year. Prior to that he supervised the core portion of the Gulf Tower. Contract sales manager, Mike Holland handled sales on the project. According to Mike, the project will be in part like a basic core project and at the same time much like a shopping mall. “There’s the typical core part of the building but beyond that it starts to look like a Galleria or something. Each floor has about 600-700 lineal feet of furrdowns in the atrium area,” says Mike. “There’s no tenant buildout per se as so much of the work will be the drywall in the atrium. “One unusual part of the project is a monitor on the top of the building. It’s actually a skylight with sides and a top, which well have a part in building,” says Mike. “Because it is an unusual building, we’ll be doing some other specialty items other than drywall.” Project management for HDC will be provided by Wayne Lueckemeyer. “Paul and I worked together on the Gulf Tower and the Operations Center,” says Wayne, “and I have a lot of respect for his abilities. I think the Design Center will be an interesting job for the both of US.

Full of change, challenge, opportunity

1983 going down as g®@d year for OOu By Stan Marek

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1983-A year well not soon forget. Never before has CDI enjoyed a wider array of prestigious projects. The boom that made Texas what it is certainly gave us an opportunity to show what we as a company can do. The projects read like a Who’s Who—Allied Bank, Republic Bank, Unitedbank, Arco Tower, Four Oaks, Gulf Tower, The Park, Transco Tower, Operations Center, Marathon, First City Center, The Forum, City Center II and Lockheed. And the list goes on. More than 750 stories in one year. Projects built by CDI dominate the Texas real estate scene. Every job had its unique problems such as sequencing, scheduling and design changes. But those problems were aggressively met, always with the best quality possible. I have received many compliments from owners and general contractors on our work. No doubt, the jobs we did will be a testimony for ages of the dedicated effort of each man and woman on our team. Yes, the year brought change to CDI. Looking back, I see seasoning in so many areas. We grew and matured into the lean machine we are today. We acquired a muchimproved computer system. An indepth management seminar brought about an improved organizational structure, increasing internal communication tenfold. We went back to the basics in many areas such as billing procedures, purchase order systems, work order reports and project management. Each area was examined completely, changes imparted to the system and the result was more efficiency. The keynote to all our collective efforts became training and feedback. New markets were entered such as access flooring. A renewed commitment to our branch operations was instituted, with weekly teleconferences and remote terminals in each office. We all became part of the same team. In 1983, we saw the successful conclusion of one of the largest demountable partition jobs ever in

and may not until 1985. Therefore, the United States. Transco Tower the jobs we do will be tight and was a winner because of the tough. We are committed to courageous efforts of many of you. weathering the storm and emerging What we accomplished broke from this economic slump as the construction records that date back leader in our industry. Once again, to the Empire State Building and our your help, your professionalism will record may stand for a long time. pull us through. Our paint jobs were bigger and As we enter the Christmas season, more involved than any time in the past. We are now in the "big league” let’s not forget to count our blessings. We have been fortunate in of the paint industry, having completed projects such as the Hyatt so many respects. Let us give thanks for our beliefs, our country, our Regency West, Transco Tower and families, our friends and each other. Warwick Condos. We’ve shown the To all of you who read this construction industry just how well CDI can handle the complete project message, whether team member, customer, supplier, or friend, we from start to finish. It’s another first thank you for your support and for us in a long line of precedents. association. And, to each of you Our production department continued to amaze me. Just when I from all of us, a happy holiday season. thought everything possible was being done to increase productivity, such as 3P, budget beaters, and Holiday schedule project SAFE, a new program was announced introduced that will revolutionize our field operation. The CHAMP program CDI has formulated its holiday is new, it’s innovative, and it’s schedule for the remainder of 1983. working. The enthusiasm displayed Employees will not work Thursday, by the team on the Marriott is an November 24, or Friday, November example for everyone. 25 in observance of Thanksgiving. CDI saw its field force decrease Monday, December 26 will be a dramatically because of the end of holiday for Christmas and New the office boom. What has occurred Year’s Day will be observed as a with the overall belt-tightening is holiday on Monday, January 2. amazing. I have never received so CDI offices will be closed on these many compliments on our production days, as will all jobsites unless work as I do now. Our unit costs are schedules demand otherwise. improving every day. We have been The field Christmas party will be given a challenge by the slowdown held on Friday, December 23 from and we have met it. Our estimators noon until 4 p.m. at the SPJST have had to take work at lower Lodge on Beall. The party will costs, with lower allowances for include lunch, beer and overhead and somehow our entertainment. craftsmen keep producing what it takes to make those budgets. I’ve written many messages this year. All of them have been asking Craftsman for more-more than many of you Editor: Larry Williams thought you could give. I want to say Asst. Editor: Maureen MacAuley thank you for a great 1983. Your efforts and dedication are The CDI Craftsman is appreciated. We couldn’t have published monthly by accomplished what we did without Commercial Drywall, Inc. for its you. employees and their families. In 1984 we will continue to strive Employees should send their for more productivity. The news contributions to Larry competitive pressures from our Williams, Commercial Drywall, marketplace just won't let up. The Inc., P.O. Box 10686, Houston, market in Houston has not recovered Texas 77018.

CDI

Fred Lay

Experience, excellent rapport earn top supervisor award At the November supervisor’s breakfast, CDI honored 12-year company veteran Fred Lay as the company’s top supervisor for the month. Fred joined CDI in September 1971 and has run many of the large projects for the company over the years. He supervised Houston Center One and Two, Transco I, the Entex Building, Interfirst Plaza and the Four Seasons Hotel. Soon after completion of the Four Seasons project, Fred took over supervision of CDI’s remodel operation in the central business district. In February of this year, his duties were expanded to include remodel in Houston’s Galleria/Post Oak area. Fred supervises about 50 men in the remodel operation. "With Fred overseeing the remodeling operation, it’s like having a superintendent in the field,” agree director of construction Hoagy Cannon and executive vice president Bruce Marek. “He does a superb job, has built a good crew over time and coordinates people well on a job.” adds Bruce. One of Fred’s most important assets is that he ran much of the original construction that he is now remodeling so he knows many of the building owners and managers. “Fred has built up excellent relationships with building owners in his time with the company and that

This month's top supervisor Fred Lay (right) discusses a remodeling project with remodeling estimator Ralph Hutzler.

kind of rapport is important to CDI,” adds Bruce. “In addition to the relationships Fred has built, he is extremely knowledgeable about construction. He knows what needs to be done and sees it is accomplished,” comments Hoagy. Remodel operations currently underway include work at Interfirst Plaza, Texas Commerce Tower and Allen Center downtown as well as several projects in the Galleria area.

As a result of Hurricane Alicia, many CDI-constructed buildings were damaged. “Fred worked around the clock after Alicia on damage to assist our customers. Every day you can count on Fred to be there when needed,” says Hoagy. Fred has two children, Sissy, 11, and Michelle, 13. In his spare time, that is when he does take some time off, Fred enjoys boating, waterskiing, parasailing and hunting.

Touchdown! Larry Williams snares the ball ready for a touchdown in CDTs annual held vs. office scrimmage October 29. The office defeated the field 18-12 in the actionpacked match.

Project of the month

Hyatt Rtgtoey prowes challenging for paootsrs

Work for CDI painters is soon to be finished at the Hyatt Regency West Houston as the 407-room hotel will be open officially the first week in December. Texas’ sixth Hyatt, located at 1-10 at Eldridge in west Houston, consists of five five-story buildings connected I by a 16,000 square foot atrium. Highlights of the hotel are the 9,800 square foot ballroom, restaurants and lounges, and a four-acre lake surrounding the project. Faced with many challenges throughout, paint crews under the direction of Kevin Turnbull handled the painting and wallcovering of the hotel rooms, the ballroom and meeting rooms, the atrium, the bars and lounges and the overhead space frame in the atrium. The scope of the exterior painting The Hyatt Regency West Houston, Texas' sixth Hyatt, is scheduled to open the included the space frame in the main early part of December. CDI's paint group handled all the painting and wall entrance as well as in the garage. In coverings throughout the building. all, 35 paint colors and 37 different wallcoverings were used. the project, it has been a successful the toughest part of this job.” “The most challending aspects of one for CDI. Another area of the hotel which this job were first, all the high work The focal point of this prestigious required excellent craftsmanship was in the atrium and second, the time hotel is the atrium area. Subtle in the large ballroom. In addition to schedule we had to work with," says shades of rose and purple, the the painting and wallcoverings, CDI Kevin. “It is difficult to try to complete woodwork of cherrywood, the black had to finish the doors using a all of our work in such a compressed marble, touches of gray and the shading laquer to match the pre time schedule as we were given. All rose-colored tile give a certain finished panelling throughout the the trades were working at the same ambience to the open, treed atrium. ballroom. time so it was difficult trying to In the atrium, there were different At its peak, there were 61 painters coordinate with the other crafts.” colors, used on each of the five “We were actually on the job on the job. “Everyone on the job levels,” says estimator/project before we should have been,” says deserves an honorable mention for a manager Scott Bauer. “CDI crews superintendent Ben Boatright. “They job well done," says Kevin. Foreman painted the space frame exposed just weren’t ready for the painters in Barney Oden took care of the ceiling and there was just a great May. However, the crews handled manpower and painting aspects of deal of high work in this area.” their work well and met the schedule the job while his brother, Orval dealt In order to reach the heights and demands.” At one point, the painters with the wallcoverings. Handling the move from place to place, the worked seven consecutive weeks painting punchlist was Roger Volk. painters used a swinging stage without a day off. Lewis Carsten and Louis which swung them from place to In addition to the short time frame Manchester were in charge of the place rather than raising and to accomplish all CDI work, the paint lowering it each time. Lawrence wallcovering punchlist. “Without these crews were faced with hauling guys and the hard work of others, Martinez and Ron Gordon handled equipment by hand or by rope hoist we would not have made it through," much of the painting from the during the hot summer months, they Kevin adds. swinging stage. met head on many schedule The structure, clad in silverchanges and then Hurricane Alicia reflective and gray-tinted glass, was took its toll in damage to the project. designed by Lockwood, Andrews & of the walls, high areas and columns “Every time it rained there was Newman Inc. of Houston for Criswell Charies Taylor accomplished this damage. Then, with Alicia, there was Development Co. of Dallas. Interior damage in every building setting The atrium work had to be d designer was Hirsch-Bedner [;j back the work schedule again," says one Associates of Santa Monica, CalifBen. Linbeck Construction Corp. of Despite some of the drawbacks of Ben adds, The atrium is the Houston was the general contractor. prettiest as well as 4

Employe© spotlight

Diane Jones k@y part ©if CDS ^

This month's employee spotlight focuses on Diane Jones. Diane joined CDI in July 1976 in the warehouse writing purchase orders, pricing out material tickets and keeping time for warehouse personnel. Since that time, Diane has been a journeyman of sorts growing along with the accounting department and CDI itself. Her accounting skills and job knowledge has made her invaluable in many key accounting areas. In October 1977, Diane took over field payroll which at that time included about 300 employees. She remained there for a year and a half before moving into general accounting. Her payroll expertise was called on again in late 1981 where she moved back to payroll heading up a five-person office. Currently, Diane remains over payroll though she now has payroll manager Joy Taylor reporting to her. With the recent conversion of CDI to an IBM System 38 computer, Diane’s knowledge has put her in charge of getting branch operations on-line with payroll and other accounting functions. She also has worked closely with data processing manager, Pat Click, in getting the new payroll and other systems

accounting

working properly on the System 38. “Diane does a tremendous job,” says vice president of finance Barry Barnard. “With her broad exposure, she probably knows as much about our accounting system as anybody. We’ve counted on her to get us through a number of critical areas and she has always come through." Diane came to CDI after heading up a one-person office for four years for another Houston drywall contractor. “Diane came aboard when the company was starting a very hectic growth period, and, we’ve seen her grow in capability and responsibilities right along with CDI,” claims Barry. One of the biggest challenges Diane finds in her job (besides the computer) is her role as a supervisor. “I like it, but it’s tough,” she says. "When you’re in charge of people you have to be objective and try to get things to work for the individual and the company too. Sometimes, that’s hard to do.” Diane is a native of San Antonio, but she has spent the last 12 years in Houston. She enjoys her single life and owns a home in southwest Houston. Socializing with friends occupies much of the time away from her work.

CDI's Diane Jones plays an important role in the company's accounting department overseeing payroll as well as assisting in the computer conversion.

CDD’ers Dim United Way drive CDI concluded its United Way campaign raising some $105,791 in pledges. The amount exceeded the goal of $100,000 and represents a per person average of $183.35. “Our giving rate was better than 90 percent. With this and our high per person amount, I don’t see how you could ask for any more," says campaign coordinator Ron McKinley. "The only thing I can say is thanks to our people and that they should be very proud of participating in such a good cause.”

A record breaking . . .

The atrium at the Hyatt, which connects the five five-story buildings, was the most challenging for CDI's painters. It houses several restaurants and lounges as well as the registration facilities.

At the Milam-Chardan Center in San Antonio, a new record has been set for hanging sheetrock. Jessie Gutierrez and Robert Winder hung 300 sheets in one day at the Milam-Chardan Center, a 14-story office condominium. Congratulations and keep up the good work!

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No gravy tram'

Greenway remodtefiers face presstunnss

Core people refer to remodeling as being on the “gravy train”. It's all indoor-cool in the summer, warm in the winter with a variety of places to have lunch. Offices always seem full of pretty girls. There’s a water fountain around every corner and real restrooms to relieve one’s self rather than hitting the Port-O-Cans. “I’ve heard it all before," says Greenway remodeling supervisor Bill Patrick. “Remodeling does have its good points, but it’s no gravy train. There’s a lot of minuses that balance out all the pluses. Primarily what Bill is referring to is the intense pressure his craftsmen work under each day. “The construction schedules we’re expected to meet on leases for Greenway remodeling crews recently completed the Health Resources lease at customer Texas Construction are Summit Plaza West. The job featured intricate radius walls and soffit conditions. unbelievable. Most have four to five Arguelles, and Ronald Pickering. day move-ins. Subtract a day for floor and be able to handle any part Wilson’s laborers include Chester carpet people and painters, three of it," says Bill. days for Tommy's (Craddock) Locks, James Pickney, Anthony Present Greenway remodeling finishers, and it doesn't leaver our operations span well over a dozen Hamilton and Tony Matthews. carpenters and laborers a whole lot buildings from condominiums to Jim Semple serves as jobsite of time to tear down old walls and cafeterias. This is being done with estimator. Since so much of the work build new ones. three supervisory personnel —Bill, is short notice, Jim found that he * “It’s not unusual for us to get a set finishing foreman Tommy Craddock, could better respond to Texas of prints and have men on the job and labor foreman Wilson Construction’s needs by moving from an hour later. It's that tight," claims Chambers. CDI’s main office to Greenway. As a Bill. Claude Bell serves as a leadman result, he spends most of his time at Situations such as this not only for the carpenters who include Cliff the complex where he is more puts pressure on the craftsmen, but Frost, Scott Sonsel, Ramon Recio, readily accessible to CDI’s work on supervision as well. “We can’t Greg Garcia, Steve Moore, David crews as well as the customer. plan. We never know when or where Hernandez and Doug Pennington. Jobsite administrator for Greenway the next lease will break," says Bill. Under Tommy the finishing crew is Joe Lozano. “I’ve had workers call me at 3:30 to consists of Eric Kantorik, Dominic see if they’re needed the next day. I’ll tell them no, and have a set of prints hit my desk 15 minutes later. Then I scramble to call them all back." CDI has begun the process for Criteria for determining the winners This brings up another minus to selecting its outstanding craftsmen will include their overall productivity, and supervisor for 1983. These working in the remodeling craftsmanship, attendance and individuals will be named at the operations. Since work is dependent safety. To be eligible, an individual on leasing activity, getting in a full 40 company’s Christmas party on must have been employed by CDI December 23. hours a week is often tough to do. throughout the year. “Frequently I tell my men they're Already jobsites are submitting Each winner will be presented a nominations for the honor. Once going to have to sit at home a few plaque and special gift at the days until something comes up. each jobsite makes a nomination, Christmas party. five finalists will be selected by Other times, they’ll work overtime In addition, CDI will name an and odd hours for a couple of days, committee. The ultimate winners will outstanding supervisor for the year. then sit at home the next two.” then be decided from among these Only those 12 who have received a In addition to these pressures, finalists by vote at the supervisor’s monthly supervisor award during remodeling requires craftsmen to breakfast on December 13. 1983 are eligible. The winner will know a little about a lot. “There’s no The categories for outstanding receive a plaque, as well as an time to go out find a framer, hanger, craftsmen will include apprentice and award. Last year’s outstanding door man or cabinet installer. We journeyman carpenters, painters and supervisor, Jay Richards, was have to rely on who we have here. finishers of the year. A laborer of the presented a trip for two to Las My men are expected to walk on a year will also be named. Vegas. 6

Outstanding craftsmem to lb© honored

CD! Dallas

FSetha Gomes doing good as receptionist

CDI-Dallas recognizes one of its key employees this month, Retha Comes. Retha joined CDI in May 1982 as receptionist. Since then, she has done an outstanding job answering the busy phones and greeting visitors. In addition, she also inputs proposals and letters on the TRS-80 word processing system. According to Retha, working at the front desk is really a pleasant job. “I enjoy the phones and meeting people,” says Retha. “So it makes my work much more enjoyable.” Retha says that she has learned a great deal since coming abroad and

likes everyone she works with. Office manager Donna Deaver expresses great satisfaction for Rethas abilities. “She does an excellent job handling the pressures of the receptionist desk as well as the secretarial duties she performs for the estimating staff. She is a valuable asset to CDI," claims Donna. Retha is a native of Oklahoma City, and has been a resident of the Metroplex area for the past ten years. She recently married and keeps busy with her new family — husband, Mike, and six children. Retha Comes plays an important role as CDI Dallas' receptionist.

New maoiager ©w©irs(S(S3 miSEshop Recently Dave Ortmayer joined CDI to run the millshop operations. Dave brings with him several years experience both in business management and in the cabinet making business. Prior to joining the company, Dave owned Bayside Manufacturing Company in La Porte which specialized in laminated cabinetry used in dental and medical professional offices. “I am looking forward to the challenge of coordinating the people and work available to make it a much larger, smooth-running operation,” says Dave. “We are

looking to increase the volume of work in the shop as there is quite a bit of work available." Dave graduated from high school in Dallas and attended the University of Houston. He has been involved in several businesses for himself and his family —construction, painting, printing and advertising. Dave and his wife, Rhonda, reside in south Houston. Marty Campbell is another recent addition to CDI’s millshop. He joined CDI in January 1981 as a jobsite administrator. After his training at Texas Commerce Tower, Marty

handled the administrative duties at III Houston Center and most recently at Unitedbank Plaza, both for supervisor Paul Hering. A native of Syracuse, New York, Marty graduated from State University of New York at Oswego with a bachelor’s of business administration degree. He came to Houston after graduation with a group of friends. In addition to timekeeping duties for the millshop, Marty will be assisting Dave in some administrative duties.

CDS adds project managers About three months ago, Bret Van Delden began training in CDI Houston’s office to be a project manager/estimator in the San Antonio office, a position he recently ^Bretls a graduate of Texas A&M

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with a degree in Engineering Technology. He comes from a construction background as his father is a subcontractor in San Antonio and Bret worked during the summers while in school as a ^center Bret is currently a 2nd keutenant in the Corps of Engineers, y s. Army Reserves.

The first San Antonio project Bret is handling as project manager is the RepublicBank Plaza which CDI will begin before the year-end. Bret met his wife of four months, Rene, while at school at A&M. Rene is a graduate in Industrial Distribution and is employed at Alamo Iron Works in San Antonio. Gary Stine began his training for tenant/lease project manager on October 31. He has been with CDI for a year and a half as a jobsite administrator first at Allied Bank then in the millshop. A native of Springfield, Mo., Gary 7

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came to Houston in May 1981. He was a department manager in a retail store prior to joining CDI. “I’m really excited about my new job. I am very familiar with budgets and how they work from working as a jobsite administrator,” says Gary. Gary attended college at Southwest Missouri State before moving to Houston. He enjoys sports, especially basketball and football. His brother, Greg, is also a project manager in tenant/lease.

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Temi years service recognized . . . In recent weeks, four CDI employees were awarded dress watches in recognition of their 10 years of service with the company. Ron Tolbert joined CDI in July 1973 when he started his apprenticeship. Currently, he is a carpenter foreman handling the bank floors at Unitedbank Plaza. Charlie Slayton, who is a carpenter foreman on RepublicBank leasework, started his career at CDI August 1, 1973. Yard laborer, Fred Howard began his service with the company in August 1973 and in the last 10 years has proven himself to be very dependable. James Foley, since joining CDI in August 1973, has run many for the company. He is currently supervising construction at the St. Joseph’s Hospital addition in Bryan.

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A foreman was a hardworking, conscientious man, but had not received a promotion in ten years. Asked if he had an explanation for his failure to advance, he replied, “Many years ago I had an argument with my supervisor. I won."

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What makes a truly successful executive is not intelligence, education, lifestyle or background. The principal factor that determines an executive's success is his or her ability to deal with people.

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CDI Craftsman Commercial Drywall. Inc. 3539 Oak Forest Drive RO. Box 10686 Flouston, Texas 77018