CDI
Commercial Drywall, Inc.
Craftsman
12
October 1983
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2603 Augusta
Sixteen story to test turn-key ©©oneept CDI has begun work on 2603 Augusta, a 16-story office tower off Westheimer and Augusta in West Houston. The 251,000 square foot building with its seven-and-a-half story parking garage represents a unique undertaking for CDI. "We’ve been talking the total interior concept for some time but getting the numbers to fall into place so we get virtually all of the interior construction has been tough, "says CDI president Stan Marek. “However, on 2603 Augusta, we're going to prove it is a viable concept.” What Stan refers to is the fact that CDI is responsible for the drywall partitions, thermal insulation, acoustical ceilings, paint and wallcoverings, and door frames on the building. “This is the first time we’ve been able to put the whole interior package together,” says project manager Teresa Meshay. "Our paint and drywall operations have worked together on many jobs, but besides our computer floors and millwork, we have all of our capabilities at work on this one.” 2603 Augusta is a development of Kenneth Wallace and Robert E. Wheeless in partnership with the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co. It is a Napoleon red granite and glass building which broke ground last December. With McKee Construction as the general contractor, the offices are scheduled for occupancy in the summer of 1984. “The project will be a basic office core,” claims Teresa. “I think the most interesting portion of the job will be the big part well be playing. “With this turn-key approach we expect greater coordination among the crafts and better control of sequence and timing,” she contends.
Paint estimator and project manager Joe Jernigan says that his part of the job will include the wallcoverings, plus the paint on the walls, door frames and in the parking garage. “In the parking garage, well be using a special Tnemecret coating
which provides a textured, water proof finish,” says Joe. The paint portion of the project is expected to begin in mid-January and last through the spring. According to Teresa, the drywall, insulation, ceilings, and door frames, (see 2603 Augusta, p. 2)
From the top
Total interior ©oostryctooin] Is way ©If tfo<& Myre
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by Stan Marek With the beginning of the 2603 Augusta project, CDI begins a new phase in the Houston construction industry. Rather than being drywall contractors alone, we are performing the role of “interior contractor.’’ Partitioning, suspended ceilings, painting, wallcovering and door hanging are all being performed by CDI craftsmen. It is a concept we discuss at length, but until recently had not been successful in being awarded a complete package. Let’s examine the advantages first to CDI and then to the owner/general contractor of this method of interior construction known as turn-key. ° The size of the package represents more volume to us at CDI requiring a smaller overall mark-up for overhead and supervision. • Coordination of all interior crafts is provided by CDI, thus eliminating conflicts between crafts. ° Quality is enhanced because CDI has continued responsibility for the interior until turned over to the owner. The advantages to the owner/ general contractor are obviouslower costs, unit responsibility and quality.
Our goal at CDI is to get more involved in the total package operation. With the addition of millwork and access flooring, we have become the total concept contractor. The key to an operation such as ours is the ability to be low bidder consistently on at least a majority of the items in our package. It is a realism that the owner/general contractor would rather have us do the entire package, but the total cost must still be less than the combined sum of the low bidders. The Houston marketplace continues to become competitive. As a leader in our industry, this concept will keep us a step ahead. With fewer jobs being built, it makes sense for us to get a larger portion of these projects. A general contractor welcomes the opportunity to deal with one subcontractor in lieu of four or five and the owner realizes that once his general contractor substantially finishes, one phone call will take care of his construction needs. We at CDI realize the need to be versatile. A carpenter should learn every phase of the drywall business and accept the challenge of acoustical ceilings and computer floors. Finishers and painters need to
be as versatile as possible. The need for the complete craftsman is tremendous. Project managers and estimators must gain a total understanding of the interior crafts. No longer is it adequate to be a drywall specialist. We must all become interior specialists. Luckily, we have acquired specialists in every field and the knowledge is here. It is up to each one of us to apply it because it is a concept that is here and will continue to grow.
(2603 Augusta, from p. 1)
which started in October, will wrap up in early spring. “Another big part of the job," says Teresa, “will be our ceiling work. “We haven’t done a job this big, simply because we haven’t pursued the ceiling market. But with the opportunity to turn-key the interior, we wanted to do the nearly 200,000 (j square feet of ceilings.” Heading the carpenters’ efforts in the early stages of the job is supervisor Dennis Warman. Dennis most recently served as a foreman on the 64-story Transco Tower near the Galleria.
The temperamental person produces only the temper, which has little to do with the mental. Experience should teach one not to fall into the same trap twice.
Craftsman Editor: Larry Williams Asst. Editor: Maureen MacAuley
The construction of RepublicBank Center for CDI crews required quite a bit of ingenuity. At a recent budget beaters steak dinner, special plaques were awarded to Bobby Cocran (left) and Mike Allen for their fine efforts in making RepublicBank a successful project for the company.
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The CDI Craftsman is published monthly by Commercial Drywall, 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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CDI-Dallas
BBQ, awards honor Zates (flooring % n^l barbePue lunch was held in Dallas to honor the CDI Systems pro7ecttThp0rin9 Crew°nthe Zales project. The crew, which averaaed approximately eight craftsmen faced 240on U9h conditions on the 4|’n °,HH?Uare foot instal|ation job
crew
the effortsTf threToMh^craftsmen were recognized with belt buSs Those receiving the awards which' honor outstanding job performance were journeyman Mark Brown and
VanTummelr C°°9an """ Chris The project, completed in mid♦ EPf’ Was under the supervision of Ed Fritch. Elsewhere, activity is heating up on the Colonade where CDI craftsmen are busy on 14 leases in the building. Stocking has begun for the tenant work on the 16-story Union Bank Tower located at Loop 12 and the Dallas Parkway. The job includes partitions and doors and is being done for Lincorp.
CDI belt buckles were awarded to three Dallas craftsmen for their work at the Zales flooring project. Pictured above are (I to r) foreman Ed Fritch, belt buckle recipients Mark Brown, Tim Coogan and Chris Van Summers.
At the Dallas Galleria Tower, Wayne Strauser is wrapping up
ceiling work on the 11th and 12th floors.
CDISan Antonio
Company crews active at several sites CDI San Antonio is enjoying its best year ever with many projects just starting or soon to begin, according to San Antonio’s general manager Roy Van Cleave. Those projects CDI has recently begun include the Broadway Professional Building, the Tourist Information Center and the Clinical Investigations Facility at Kelley Air Force Base. Located in the historical Alamo Heights area of San Antonio, the Broadway Professional Building is a three-story office condominium. For Carter Real Estate Development Corporation of San Antonio, CDI crews under the direction of Gary Schultze are doing the exterior framing, drywall and acoustical ceilings. Dewitt Churchwell estimated the project and Grady Atnip is ^handling the project management, v In the old Giles Building on the -- gap Antonio River in downtown San Antonio, CDI is doing the interior construction for general contractor
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D.R. Noble, Inc. Donald Buck is running the work on this project while Grady Atnip is the project manager. Dewitt Churchwell was the estimator. During the first week in November, CDI crews began work on the Clinical Investigations Facility at Kelley Air Force Base for general contractor Kunz Construction. The company is doing the drywall and acoustical ceilings in the medical facility. Project manager is Grady Atnip while Dewitt Churchwell handled the estimating duties. During the next few months CDI San Antonio will have several projects start up. Late November, CDI will be doing the drywall, acoustical ceilings and paint and wall coverings in the Comfort Inn in New Braunfels. General contractor for the 130-room hotel is Marvin Haass Construction. In the St. Lukes Hospital addition, CDI was awarded the acoustical 3
ceiling contract for general contractor Lyda Inc. Dave Demel was the estimator on the project. The Ashford Oaks Executive Office Tower will soon be underway for CDI crews. CDI will handle the drywall, acoustical ceilings and paint and wall coverings for general contractor Spaw-Glass Inc. For general contractor JoerisClauss Inc., CDI crews will be doing the drywall and acoustical ceilings in the four-story office condominium, 15600 San Pedro in San Antonio. Dewitt Churchwell estimated the project which is scheduled to begin in mid-November. "We have a better backlog of upcoming projects than we have ever had," says Roy. “I am really enthusiastic and very encouraged by it. All of our upcoming jobs are interesting ones." Before winging it, make sure you’re an eagle, not a penguin.
Tte making of a Texa CDI’s Texas Frame division has undergone tremendous growth in the last year providing door frames for such prestigious projects as RepublicBank Center, First City Financial Center, the 64-story Transco Tower, the 45-story Unitedbank Plaza and Park Central in Dallas. Currently, Texas Frame is the supplier for San Felipe Plaza in west Plouston. The Texas Frame is a door frame and fully integrated aluminum component system manufactured to specification to provide fast, easy installation. CDI crews under the direction of supervisor Paul Hering were faced with many challenges on the 13th floor of First City Financial Center. The above photo illustrates some of the stairstepping furrdowns that were required in the cafeteria area.
Project of the month
Fwst Colly Financial Center gears down From the start of the project last January to the present, construction on First City Financial Center has gone well for CDI crews. With supervisor Paul Hering at the helm, CDI was responsible for the drywall, interior partitions, installation of Texas Frame door frames, hanging of all nine-foot doors and any sheetrock ceilings. “The craftsmen on this job are extraordinarily good,” says Paul.
Taking notice . . .
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INTERMARINE SERVICES INC.
Cocscrcial Dryvall, Inc. Fcacdoling Division 3539 Oak Torcst Drive Houston, Texas 77018
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ani B or bettor. We consider this an excellent Job based on the original overall condition of the building and the unforeseen obstacles encountered during the tern of tho project. The project required closo teamwork from all Involved but handy Orburn wan the 'tost valuable player." Ills profcnsionallta and ability to work onc-o one with re and other nesbors of oy tear wore the naln contributing factor In the overall success of tho project. As you are aware, thorn worn tlceo when it looked like wo were going to niss our targeted completion date. Randy's flexibility In problco oolvlng and his closo vorklng relationship with and the cooperation of his subordinates allowed bin to caintaln total control and consistency to complete the project on tlae. 1 wish to thank yourself. Prod Lay, and the project team for your help and cooperation with this project. No look forward to working with you In
Randy Orbum
“Everyone on the project deserves a good deal of credit for a job well done." Assisting Paul on the project were foremen Scott Ray, Nick Nunez, Gary Hall and Dennis Warman. John Samuels is the labor foreman while Billy Wright assisted by Ronald Hisey handle finishing supervision. “Billy did an excellent job as finishing foreman on the project," says finishing superintendent Tom Stephens. “He is very dependable and always works his crew with enthusiasm while staying budgetminded.” The biggest challenge CDI crews faced during construction were the some 750 changes to the original plans. “It’s really hard on the guys to build something one day and have to tear it down the next,” says Paul. “But, we met this challenge and the morale remained high throughout." One change that had to be done was on the ninth floor security bunker. The computers were shut down on a Friday night and all the construction had to be finished before Monday morning when the computers were to be turned back on. “Timekeeper Marty Campbell did a heck of a job keeping up with the many change orders." 4
The people involved in the Texas Frame operation are Joe Bushman and Kelly Johnson. Joe, as manager of Texas Frame, does all the outside selling of the product. Fie does the shop drawings and coordinates the outside sales. Kelly takes care of all inside and branch work as well as inventory and product manufacturing. He acts as expediter and trouble shooter on the orders. The manufacturing plant is located in a building that once housed a wax factory at 4200 Jefferson in southeast Houston.
First City Financial Center, which houses the main bank computer operations for First City Bancorporation, joins the other First City buildings in downtown Houston. The focal point and perhaps the most challenging portion of construction was the 13th floor which houses a cafeteria to cater to First City employees. Special construction details included a trophy case, fountain at the entrance and stairstepping furrdowns. CDI crews had to build to exact measurements for the fountain to fit. “Thanks to Bellows superintendent Ray Taylor who redesigned construction for the fountain area, and to Gary Hall who ran the work on the 13th floor, we were able to make everything fit to j specification,” comments Paul. In addition to the cafeteria, there are four meeting rooms on this floor which required radius walls as well
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Material for the door frames is ^delivered in 18 foot 6 inch lengths and cut to required lengths at the plant. Shop superintendent Ray Smith oversees the operation. All clips, angles and studs are attached at the factory so as to reduce the chance of alignment error upon installation. Texas Frame was started to supply door frames and window components to CDI's own jobs. Today, it has expanded to handling door frame jobs for other contractors. “The past year has been spent improving the system, streamlining in order to increase our market share,” says Joe. “The product is better, our own people are confident of the product and we are making both CDI’s estimating staff and other contractors aware of the product line through education." Texas Frame has an advantage over other door frame manufacturers. The frames and components are manufactured in ^ Houston. “There is a shorter lead A time than our competitors have ' because we are local manufacturers,” says Kelly. “Nobody else can supply specialty frames in a short time.”
as wall detail to match the ceiling design. At the peak of the project, there were 90 craftsmen on the project. Now, there are about 17 remaining who are working on the tenant buildout as the core is complete. “These men provided excellent quality throughout while keeping up with a tight schedule,” says Paul. “The punch lists have very few items to be corrected.” “We were working with an aggressive schedule with many changes," comments project manager Wayne Lueckemeyer. “Thanks to Paul and general contractor W.S. Bellows, we were able to meet the demands.” Greg Stine is handling project tenant ^ management duties on the 1 Mike f buildout phase of construction. IV Holland estimated the project for CDI. Architects were Morris-Aubry of Houston.
Workers at Texas Frame's manufacturing plant cut door frames to required lengths and attach the clips, angles and studs.
“The increased product line, literature, working closely with Texas Frame users to obtain their input and providing a specialized service has all led to awareness of Texas Frame in the market place," says CDI’s general sales manager Alan Jezek who oversees the Texas Frame operation. “And we have very few production
problems due to the improved communication within the company from estimating to the field.” “In any operation, repeat business and “word of mouth” business is essential. That is what Texas Frame is striving for in providing a high quality product," adds Joe.
Champ shows success CDI’s Champ program initiated two months ago on the Marriott/ Medical Center appears to be off to a good start. The program, designed to increase productivity at the jobsite, rewards craftsmen who excel in the areas of production, safety, attendance, craftsmanship and creativity. “There’s a lot of support for Champ here on the job,” claims supervisor Bill Shafer, “because the men get recognized almost immediately for doing a good job. It’s important to them that someone takes notice of their work." According to project manager Jim Smith, budget figures look pretty good. “We're very pleased with the 5
costs we're getting at this stage of the project. Historically, hotels have been tough to make money on, but we feel real good about the production rate so far on this one.” Not only is production running high, but jobsite morale, safety and attendance - all important ingredients in maximizing productivity — are also doing well. CDI executive vice president Bruce Marek says that Champ was designed to let people know what it takes to make a project successful and then reward those who do their part. “We want to catch people doing things right. It’s a very positive program and we feel real good about what we’ve seen this far.”
Rudy Martinez
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At a recent supervisor’s breakfast, paint supervisor Arthur Martinez or, rather, Rudy, as he is known to everyone at CDI, received a plaque honoring him as October’s Supervisor of the Month. Since last November, Rudy has been running the paint operation at the 64-story Transco Tower in Houston’s Galleria area. With an average of 20 painters, CDI is doing the paint and wallcoverings throughout the building. “I have good employees on this job,” says Rudy. “Foremen Manual Rodriguez and Al Tristan are doing a great job. It is very important having people on the job who really care about their work." Superintendent Ben Boatright says that Rudy is the type of person you like to work with. “He is organized, efficient and takes care of all the little things that come up on the job. Rudy is always on top of the work.” Rudy joined the company about
in Octoteir t
October’s supervisor of the month Rudy Martinez is heading the paint operation at Transco Tower in the Galleria area.
three years ago soon after paint department manager Robin Cravey came on board as a project CDI’erS top $100,000 manager for CDI’s paint department. D n = n u/siff “Rudy worked for me about seven or MTU way eight years both when I worked for another company and when I owned my contracting business,” says CDI is approximately 90 percent Robin. “He has always proven to be complete with what looks to be a an excellent worker and leader and highly successful 1984 United Way really cares about the work he and campaign. With more than $100,000 his crew do.” already pledged, the money The first job Rudy worked on after represents a giving rate of better joining the company was the than 90 percent and a per capita Tanglewood project. Since that time, amount just over $190. he has run the 20-story Oxford This year’s campaign is expected Condominiums, 40 stories at Four to raise less than the $126,000 of Leaf Condominiums and now last year due to fewer employees. Transco Tower where about 50% of However, the per person pledge is somewhat higher than last year’s the paint and wallcoverings are complete. $178.32. “Management has always felt that “It is important on a project this we have some of the finest craftsmen size that all the trades work well in Houston working for us here at together and there is excellent CDI, says executive vice president communication,” says Rudy. Bruce Marek. “Once again they “Everyone has worked well together proved they are also some of the on this job — the carpenters, finest people. Because they’re finishers and laborers. offering a hand to those less “Ben keeps in close touch as to fortunate than themselves. what is going on with the job. Scott Personally, I am proud of each and Bauer, the project manager, is there every one of them.” when needed and Percy Townsend The money raised by CDI goes to gets materials out to us when we the United Way’s 84 agencies in Ft. request them. CDI has everything Bend, Montgomery and Harris necessary to do a good job.” counties and covers a variety of “The production and high quality community services. Rudy has maintained throughout the 6
Transco Tower project have been excellent,” says Scott. “He has a good rapport with general contractor J.A. Jones and we receive nothing but praise for Rudy’s work from x them." In many cases, according to < Scott, Rudy’s men were called on to complete punch lists in areas already occupied and did a fine job. “We always strive for quality and safety,” adds Rudy. “In this job, quality is what is needed to sell it.” Rudy started painting in 1966 when a friend suggested he try it. And, now painting is all he has ever done as a trade. “You don’t paint if you don’t like it,” he comments. This issue’s supervisor of the month grew up in Waelder, Tx., a small cattle town west of Houston where he still owns a country home. Rudy and his wife, Rose, have three sons, Robert, 14; Paul, 9; and, Rudy, Jr., 3. Leisure time activities include fresh water fishing and spending most weekends at the country home with his family.
A conference room is a place where everybody talks, nobody listens, and everyone disagrees afterward. There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best of us, that it ill behoves any of os to find fault with the rest of us.
Dave Beimel
Safi Antara® estimator bids large jobs ln each of our offices, the estimating/sales force plays a key role in the success of the company, The more contracts 's swarded the busier CDI crews will be. Dave ’ Demel in CDI’s San Antonio operation bids for the larger projects going up in the Alamo City and handles project management duties of those jobs. “For the past three years, Dave has bid the majority of big jobs for us,” says San Antonio’s general manager Roy Van Cleave. “He does a good job for us and has excellent experience in this business.” Some of the projects to Dave’s credit include the Southwest Blood Bank in San Antonio’s old YMCA building, Ashford Oaks Executive Office Tower to begin in midDecember, and RepublicBank Plaza which will also be underway before year-end. The Milam-Chardan Center is another project estimated by Dave. “The Milam-Chardan is one of the best jobs we’ve had,” says Dave. “It ^.ran smoothly and was profitable for CDI crews will soon be finished at Milam-Chardan. Dave finds his role as estimator quite challenging. “I enjoy pleasing customers while making a profit. During the course of a day, I work with many people - building owners, general contractors, jobsite superintendents and CDI’s field people. The biggest kick I get is
doing the actual selling of a job. It is the most exciting aspect of my job and there is no high like you have when you get the contract for a project.” The estimator takes on many roles. He is the representative of the company. He is a numbers person figuring out the costs of a project. He is the salesman. As a project manager, a person takes care of price changes, budget figuring, oversees job billing, puts out fires and works with supervisors to keep current on job progress. Dave came to work at CDI in 1979 first in the Houston office for a brief period then to San Antonio. “Joining CDI gave me the opportunity to move to San Antonio. It was one of my better moves.” In total, Dave has about 13 years experience in the construction field beginning in 1970 after a year of college at Texas A&M then four years in the Marines. He grew up in Needville where his parents still reside and graduated from Needville High School. About three years ago, Dave became involved in the Alamo Area Chapter of the American Diabetes Association for which he now serves as vice president. He enjoys coaching youth sports including basketball, football and soccer. His sixth grade football team is currently tied for first place in their division.
San Antonio's Dave Demel is responsible for estimating many of CDI's larger projects in the Alamo city.
Photography has become a hobby for Dave. “It gives me a creative outlet. I have always liked and admired good photography so I invested in a good camera and really enjoy it.” In addition, the Demels enjoy travelling. Last October, they took “a trip of a lifetime" to Germany. Dave and his wife, Rosemary have four children, David II, 12; Rozlyn, eight; and twins, Stephen and Kathleen who are five years old. Dave adds, “In project management and estimating, there is never a dull moment.”
Oo® Amereao ©aoteir underway
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Construction for CDI began on One American Center about two months ago for Austin crews. Tommy Williamson, who handled Unitedbank Plaza for CDI Houston, is running the project with Terry Traylor, also from Houston, as the carpenter foreman. Labor foreman is Danny Aleman. “We’re close to schedule so far,” says Tommy. “The basement, first and second floors are shafted out and we are currently stocking and laying out through 15." Fred Marks is handling project management of this prestigious 32-story building located in downtown Austin.
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The deer taoitOGig stery Well, it's that time of year again. That seasonal illness called “buck fever" has attacked the nervous system of many CDI employees. Armed and waiting for November 12 are the many diehard hunters. For two months these hunters will be in search of and then, finally bringing back the elusive, “big buck.” More often than not, what comes back are stories of the one that got away. Don’t kid yourself (especially your wives). What really happens probably will go something like this . . . 1:00 a.m. - Alarm clock rings 2:00 a.m. - Hunting party arrives, drags you out of bed. 2:30 a.m. - Throw everything except the kitchen sink in pickup.
2:45 a.m. - Leave for deer woods. 3:15 a.m. - Drive back and pick up guns. 3:30 a.m. - Drive like 90 mph in order to arrive before dawn. 4:00 a.m. - Set up camp, find out you forgot tent poles. 5:00 a.m. - Leave camp. 6:10 a.m. - See 12 deer. 6:11 a.m. - Take aim and squeeze trigger (click). 6:12 a.m. - Load gun as you watch deer go over hill. 8:00 a.m. - Head back for camp. 9:00 a.m. - Still heading back for camp. 10:00 a.m. - Realize you don’t know where camp is.
12:00 a.m. - Eat wild berries and fire gun for help. . 12:15 a.m. - Out of shells; 12 deer ^ come back. Strange feeling in stomach. 12:30 p.m. - Realize you ate poison berries. 12:45 p.m. - Rescued! 1:00 p.m. - Rushed to hospital for stomach pump 3:00 p.m. - Arrive back at camp. 3:30 p.m. - Leave camp determined to kill deer. 4:00 p.m. - Come back for shells. 4:30 p.m. - Leave camp with gun loaded. 5:30 p.m. - Empty gun on squirrel, armadillo, rabbit and possum. 6:00 p.m. - Arrive at camp and see deer grazing in camp. 6:01 p.m. - Load gun. 6:02 p.m. - Fire gun. 6:03 p.m. - One dead pickup 6:05 p.m. - Partner comes back with deer over shoulder. 6:06 p.m. - Repress strong urge to kill partner. 6:07 p.m. - Spit on fire, load the dogs. 6:08 p.m. - Take pickup and leave A partner and deer in woods. "
Education should teach students how to think, not what to think. When you are not sure what to say, try the truth. CDI crews under supervisor Greg Sorge recently finished work on the club in Allied Bank Plaza, a private dub located on the building's 71st floor. Pictured above is the bar, the focal point of the club.
CDI Craftsman Commercial Drywall, Inc. 3539 Oak Forest Drive RO. Box 10686 Houston, Texas 77018
In the eyes of a child, any Christmas tree is ten feet tall . . .