Spring 2024 Insights ENG

NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR MUSEUM

2024 ABC NCC COMPETITION

MAREK AWARDED TOP AWARD FROM MECHO

HISTORY OF INSIGHTS WITH LARRY WILLIAMS INSIGHTS

Several promotions in San Antonio and congrats to new parents across MAREK!

PROJECT UPDATES

Our team is busy! We’ve highlighted a few projects across our branches.

MESSAGE FROM STAN

system unless businesses, big and small, demand a change.

It’s not popular to ask that business owners and their boards acknowledge that, outsourced or not, a portion of the workforce is undocumented — the people who clean, landscape, and build their buildings. But it’s time for businesses to step up. If business doesn’t demand change — demand that they themselves be held accountable — then nothing will change.

The promise of work is a powerful magnet that draws immigrants to the U.S. — and it’s also what makes the situation at our border so unrealistic to control under our current laws.

Our birth rate is declining, and our economy is growing — meaning that we need workers. If a person is able to get across the border, legal or not, they can find a job the next day.

If an ID is needed to be hired, they can be found at flea markets or online (check it out). Few are going to check the ID’s validity because most employers aren’t required to do so.

I run a construction company. In my industry, for tax purposes, many companies classify craft workers as independent subcontractors, rather than employees. That eliminates the need for filling out a Department of Homeland Security I-9 form (proof of citizenship), and the employer doesn’t have to pay or match payroll taxes.

This misclassification issue was tested in the courts by Uber and Lyft, and the IRS came out the loser. Many industries are paying their former employees as independent subcontractors. The result is that the person shows no proof of citizenship and doesn’t pay payroll taxes like an employee.

As long as this practice, and the lack of a required ID, prevails, we will find it almost impossible to stop the surge at the border. The magnetic pull of jobs is so strong, people will keep coming illegally until we change the rules. That will not happen in our political

A common-sense solution that would be a great start is a policy proposal called ID and Tax. It gives employers the ability to hire undocumented workers who have been in the U.S. for over five years if they can pass a background check and agree to work as an employee and pay payroll taxes. In exchange, the government would issue a “worker permit” good for three years, and which can be renewed if all conditions of employment are met. It is not a path to citizenship, or a way to get welfare, but it allows its holder to get a driver’s license and to come out of the shadows.

For the right, that’s amnesty. For the left, it’s not enough. But it would start the process of identifying the millions of people who are already here. That’s vital for national security, and must be done before we can control our borders.

ID and Tax would also ease our labor shortage. Along with re-opening the executive order called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, it would make eligible for employment millions of workers who are already in the country, have training in skills that are badly needed, and would contribute billions to our Social Security system each year. It’s a win-win for Americans and would cost little to implement.

For both Republican and Democratic elected officials, immigration is an effective political wedge issue. So neither party has an incentive to change our system.

But if we as citizens and business leaders really want to solve this immigration crisis, now is the time to ask our elected officials to act.

(Article originally published on March 3, 2024 in the Houston Chronicle)

FOUR DECADES OF MAREK HISTORY

A look at the history of MAREK company newsletters with Former Insights Editor, Larry Williams

Written by Larry Williams

MAREK MICROPHONE

COMMERCIAL CRAFTSMAN 1978

This year will mark 45 years since the inaugural publication of the first newsletter created for the Marek owned commercial drywall company aptly named Commercial Drywall Inc. or CDI for short. The residential operation, Marek Brothers Company (MBC) had begun a newsletter the year prior.

In contrast to MBC workers who came to the shop every day and rode with crew leaders to the jobs, CDI employees were union members who commuted from their homes directly to the jobsites rarely coming by the office.

Being union, benefits such as health insurance and retirement were paid by CDI to the union who then provided those benefits to its members. Again, much different from MBC who provided benefits directly to its employees.

MBC had built a solid reputation on being a company who took good care of their employees and thus had built a kinship between company and employee where tenure was long, employees were generally happy and brought family members into the fold.

Ownership and upper management wanted to create that same kind of work environment at CDI but the ability to draw employees closer to the company was a much tougher challenge with its business model and union status. But by the late 70s, CDI had grown to become the largest of the Marek owned companies soon to boast some 1200 field employees in Houston, Austin and San Antonio and the need was urgent.

MAREK MICROPHONE

CDI

In late 1979, I was brought aboard as Employee Relations Manager to help bridge this gap between worker and company with the first step being publishing a monthly newsletter that focused on field employees and what was going on in their work lives. Thus, the Commercial Craftsman came into existence. The name was chosen in an employee contest that paid $100 to the worker who submitted the winning entry.

While office employees were also featured in the newsletter, there was little doubt that the emphasis of the Craftsman was the field. And, perhaps for the first time ever, CDI drywallers, ceiling mechanics, painters, finishers, and laborer’ stories were being told and their hard work and efforts on major commercial projects were being highlighted and recognized in both text and photos.

We wanted the stories to be intimate and personal about individuals and the work crews who made up CDI. Projects were featured to create a backdrop and give a sense of accomplishment and take ownership

“ What the highlighted work

Pictured Left to Right: Doyle Crow, Larry Williams, Paul Marek

“ What has not changed is the notion that the men and women of Marek deserve to be highlighted and recognized for their hard work and accomplishments. “

of something quite grand, but the stories were always about the men and women who were building these landmarks.

After all, in the early 80s, there were now 1200 of them who could now feel more a part of a team who all shared very similar experiences and challenges as their coworkers throughout the company.

Of course, the Craftsman communicated important company news to its employees, especially new projects that were coming aboard or new initiatives that were being implemented. Employees and their families finally had a source to get important information about what was going on within the company.

In the mid 80’s, a major recession hit our Texas markets as the oil industry which had fueled economic growth in Houston and beyond sank along with the price of oil. Layoffs abounded and construction ground to a halt. The Marek companies were hit hard.

MBC found refuge as apartment building up and down the East Coast was flourishing and with little more than a crew leader from Houston, drywall crews could be found and utilized in that rebound there. But CDI with its Texas roots wasn’t so fortunate and felt the worst of it.

When commercial projects did return, it wasn’t union contractors involved and CDI found it difficult to land projects.

Scan this QR code to read past issues of MAREK newsletters!

Recognizing this huge shift in commercial construction, the Mareks formed new commercial drywall operations named Texas Interior Construction and Marek Brothers Systems to compete in the new open shop commercial construction industry that had formed. Eventually, these two entities were combined to form our presentday Marek Brother Systems or MBS as we became known.

Of course, MBS wanted to continue the bond that both MBC and CDI had been so successful in creating between the companies and their employees. And, out of this effort was born a third newsletter called Insights. Both original MBC and CDI newsletters were then discontinued as the new Insights would become the publication for all Marek companies.

So now after more than 35 years, the Insights remains the primary means to recognize the efforts of Marek field and office employees everywhere and continues to disseminate important company information.

Responsibility for production of the Insights has changed multiple times over the years as has its design and appearance. And, in keeping with technology and the makeup of our workforce, it is now available both electronically and print and in English and Spanish. What has not changed is the notion that the men and women of Marek deserve to be highlighted and recognized for their hard work and accomplishments.

CENTER STAGE

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTS ACROSS MAREK

DAVID GARCIA

David Garcia is a recent addition to MBC Houston’s team as a Field Supervisor. Despite being new, he is already showing great potential and is running jobs with the expertise of a seasoned foreman. He works well with other crafts and has proven to be an asset to the team. Alongside his assistant, Luis Garcia, he is dedicated to his job and is eager to grow within the MAREK organization.

Chad Dunlap with Alliance Residential Company acknowledged David by saying, “Just wanted to take a moment to let you know how thoroughly impressed I am with the field leader on our job. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I met David Garcia on our job, he is very young, and I haven’t met many his age that are on top of their responsibilities as he is. I was happy to find out we were using MAREK at Alliance; it had been some years since I used them at Bonner Carrington. David has been taught well and works diligently to ensure that he is ahead of the game. I look forward to working with him and completing this job. He has quite a future head of him at MAREK.”

JOSE ROMERO

Jose Enciso Romero MBC Austin would like to recognize Jose Encisco Ramirez for his work ethic and cando attitude. Jose’s career began with MEMCO and transitioned to MAREK in January 2024.

Jose was born and raised in Austin and has spent most of his life helping his family hang sheetrock. As a child, Jose knew about MAREK and hoped to one day join the MAREK team. We are thrilled to have Jose on our team and look forward to working with him for years to come!

INSIGHTS EN ESPANOL

Know someone that you’d like to spotlight in an upcoming issue?

Reach out to the Insights team at whitneymartin@ marekbros.com to submit!

JAYCUB THRASHER

Jaycub Thrasher started working with MAREK Austin, initially through MEMCO, in August 2022. Since then he has successfully completed Helper and Advanced Helper training, and is now a Mechanic enrolled in Crew Lead Academy. Recently, he participated in the ABC/ NCC National Competition held in Orlando, FL, where he secured the second position in the nation. Jaycub is known for his outstanding work ethic and his willingness to take on new challenges. He aspires to lead his own crew soon. Congratulations to Jaycub on his remarkable achievements!

CHRISTOPHER FORRESTER

Christoper “Jacob” Forrester began his career at MAREK in 2010 ; since his career began with MAREK, he’s become an expert in installing Fabric Panels and NEWMAT Ceiling Systems. Jacob and his team have aesthetically improved projects throughout Texas, setting a remarkable standard for excellence in design and execution. Jacob is unwavering in his commitment to quality, leads by example, and fosters an environment that’s both supportive and fun.

Superintendent Bradley Moore states, “Jacob continues to be a great leader day in and day out, seven days a week when required, in town, out of town, he does whatever it takes. Jacob is responsible for growing new employees and building great relationships with crew members and general contractors. Jacob understands the importance of professionalism and helping the whole team make MAREK look good. I continuously place him on projects with tough GCs because I know we will all have a better relationship with that demanding client at the end of those projects. As you can see from photos, his craftmanship is top-notch, and he is excellent

Mike Ormond Throughout unmatched a commitment interaction. and genuine team. We and wish Madison Accounts

HAPPY

Madison Mynatt Accounts Payable Admin

Victoria Zapata Project Assistant

Mario Mendoza Project Manager

Leonel Escobedo Project Manager

Holder Staff Accountant

Texas, Jacob

NEW FACES

Audrey Bowman

Assistant

HAPPY RETIREMENT!

Preston

Barragan

– San Antonio Purchasing Agent

After 43 years of service San Antonio’s Purchasing Agent Preston Barragan has retired. Preston has been a behind-the-scenes hero ensuring our field operation teams have the tools they need day in and day out. His ability to source supplies, handle challenges, and negotiate deals has been inspirating. Preston’s attention to detail, work ethic, and sense of humor will be hard to replicate.

Mike Ormond – MBC Austin Lead Salesman

Throughout his 11 years at MAREK, Mike brought unmatched expertise, unwavering dedication, and a commitment to excellence to every project and interaction. His extensive knowledge of the industry and genuine care has made a lasting impact on our team. We extend our sincere gratitude for his service and wish him the best in retirement.

at solving issues that arise on more challenging projects; his attention to detail stands out visibly and professionally. He is an asset to MAREK, and we greatly appreciate him.”

Eddie Atnip – San Antonio

Senior Estimator/ Project Manager

After 41 years of service Eddie Atnip has retired. Eddie’s commitment to excellence, tireless work ethic, and expertise has been the cornerstone to countless successful projects. Beyond the blueprints and project timelines, his positive influence set him apart. Eddie played a pivotal role in shaping the San Antonio skyline and we couldn’t be prouder for it.

Ralph Stilz – Atlanta Production Manager

Ralph dedicated over 40 years to MAREK, leading with commitment and expertise. His presence in our Atlanta office inspired us all with passion for excellence and care for colleagues. We celebrate Ralph’s retirement, reflecting on shared memories and his legacy. Thank you, Ralph, for your dedication, leadership, and friendship. Best wishes for a happy and successful future. You will always be a cherished member of the MAREK family.

TyEasha

Anthony

Carla Lopez

Edwin Ramirez IT Houston

Randy Young IT Houston

Ben Marek Associate General Counsel Houston

Andy Shvetsov PMO Houston

Karina Meza Project Assistant

Written by Jorge Vazquez

BEAT THE HEAT

As the temperatures rise and the sun blazes overhead, it’s crucial for all of our employees to take proactive measures to stay safe and healthy in the summer heat. Whether you’re working outdoors or in an environment without adequate cooling, it’s essential to be mindful of the risks associated with heat exhaustion and take steps to protect yourself.

STAY HYDRATED

Dehydration is a significant risk when working in hot conditions. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Aim to consume at least eight ounces of water every 15-20 minutes to replenish fluids lost through sweat.

TAKE REGULAR BREAKS

Avoid overexertion by scheduling frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. Use this time to rest, rehydrate, and cool down before returning to work. Listen to your body and don’t push yourself beyond your limits.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY

Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics such as cotton or moisture-wicking materials. Wearing a widebrimmed hat and sunglasses can also provide additional protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Apply sunscreen to exposed skin.

KNOW THE SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION

Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These may include dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, and profuse sweating. If you or a coworker experience any of these symptoms, report this to your immediate supervisor or safety advisor and move to a cooler environment.

BUDDY UP

Establish a buddy system where coworkers can check in on each other periodically to ensure everyone is staying hydrated and managing the heat effectively. Look out for signs of distress in your colleagues and offer assistance if needed.

BE MINDFUL OF HIGH-RISK PEOPLE

Certain individuals may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, including older adults and those with preexisting medical conditions. Take extra precautions to protect vulnerable individuals and monitor their well-being closely.

REPORT UNSAFE CONDITIONS

If you notice unsafe working conditions or inadequate measures in place to protect against heat-related illnesses, don’t hesitate to report them to your supervisor or safety officer. Your well-being is paramount, and it’s essential to speak up if you feel at risk.

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The Houston Fireproofing team received the National Fireproofing Contractors Association (NFCA) NFCA Award of Excellence in the LowRise category for outstanding work on the Alief Neighborhood Center project in West Houston. This award recognizes the dedication to excellence of the MAREK team that provided both spray-applied fire restive material and intumescent fire protection throughout the 70,000 sq ft multi-purpose community center.

AWARDS

THE MAREK TEAM MAKING BIG MOVES IN THE INDUSTRY

John Hinson received the 2024 Pinnacle Award from AWCI! The Pinnacle Award is the highest recognition an individual can receive from the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry. The AWCI Pinnacle Award is given to an individual who most merits the industry’s highest recognition. The recipient of this award has given time and energy unselfishly for the benefit of AWCI and the industry and exhibits family dedication and commitment to community.

This award acknowledges Bell’s vision, strength of purpose, intellect, energy, ethics, and her commitment to serve and a determination to persevere for the greater good of the organization. Congrats Bell!

Bell Silva, MBC Credit Manager, was honored by the National Association of Credit Management (NACM) with the Emerging Leader Award!

MAREK SHINES AT THE 35TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CRAFT COMPETITION

For the past three years, MAREK has had the privilege of competing in ABC National’s Craft Competition. The road to the competition is long and requires a lot of skill and determination to make it to the next level. Competition begins each year when a branch selects an individual who best represents each location due to their level of training and work ethic to compete against other branches. The winners of that competition earn the right to represent MAREK and compete against other top-performing craft professionals nationwide.

On March 14th, Jaycub Thrasher from MAREK Austin and Jorge Rubio from MAREK Houston participated in the 35th Annual National Craft Competition hosted by Associated Builders and Contractors held in Florida.

The Craft Competition is performed in two parts: an online exam and a practical performance test. The online exam took two hours and comprised 25% of the overall competition score. The practical performance test lasted six hours and focused on metal stud framing and drywall. The judges evaluated the competitors’ ability to read blueprints, understand general notes and layout, and use their time, materials, and skills knowledge to complete their build safely and accurately.

Despite fierce nationwide competition, Jaycub and Jorge demonstrated their skills and expertise and emerged winners. Jaycub Thrasher won the Silver Medal in the Drywall competition, which was no surprise to his Craft Development Coach, Joe Gonzales. “Jaycub has a great work ethic and is always looking for new challenges!”

Jorge Rubio won two awards: the Safety Award, highlighting MAREK’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in all we do, and the Bronze Medal in the Drywall competition, further solidifying our team’s position among the best in the nation. Jorge’s Craft Development Coach, Alexander Juarez, said, “Jorge comes from the MAREK Construction Academy program at Stephen F Austin and learned from

Arthur Ehmling Jr., Jorge came to MAREK directly from high school and straight into the workforce. He has shown plenty of potential to succeed at MAREK, and we are so thankful to have him on the team!”

Craft Development Coaches Joe Gonzales and Alex Juarez played a pivotal role in preparing Jaycub and Jorge for the competition. The team’s remarkable achievement wouldn’t have been possible without their guidance and support.

The road to success is best walked with those who share your dreams and push you to the next level. We’d be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the winners of the in-house competition that went head-to-head with Jaycub and Jorge. Francisco Parra from Atlanta, Marcos Marin from Dallas, and Saul Hernandez from San Antonio contributed to our team’s success.

Congratulations again to Jaycub, Jorge, and the team for outstanding performance at the ABC National Craft Competition. Their achievements fill us with pride and inspire us all to reach greater heights!

MAREK has been attending the ABC National Craft Competition for three years, and our team walks away each year as a winner. In 2022, John Kruithof won the Bronze Medal, and Pablo Alejandro won the Silver in the Drywall competition. In 2023, Sebastian Flores won the Bronze Medal, Johnathan Yglecias won the Silver in the Drywall competition, and Carlos Alvarado won the Safety Award in the Commercial Team Competition.

CRAFT TALENT DEVELOPMENT CRAFT TALENT DEVELOPMENT

AUSTIN | Future field leaders have been spending time with Ed Cheney who spent 40 years running work. His previous experience is helping them to learn the dos and don’ts of running a project. Participants are going through scenariobased training on communication, budgets, material ordering, and the importance of safety to name a few.

HOUSTON | Craft Talent Development continues to collaborate closely with HISD and Texas City ISD on MAREK Construction Academy (MCA). This advanced initiative provides students an immersive, hands-on learning experience guided by industry experts. Upon completing the program, students will have the opportunity to secure paid internships during their junior year, with the potential to transition into full-time employment after graduation.

Our partnership with the Harris County Department of Education is thriving. We proudly support their NCCER Core Construction Instructor program, which offers students immediate employment opportunities upon completion. Additionally, we are excited to announce upcoming ESL classes through HCDE-AE, enhancing the skill development opportunities for MAREK employees.

Our team is looking forward to hosting a Field Leadership Course this summer focusing on Advanced Communication and Budget Management. This course reinforces our commitment to continuous professional development and excellence.

SAN ANTONIO | San Antonio hosted construction trade students from Warren and Harlen High School both schools participated in our Job Shadow Day. This event is aimed to introduce students to the opportunities available at MAREK. Throughout the day students had the chance to meet with Senior Estimators to learn about the process of bidding and estimating jobs.

They also met with Project Managers who shared insights on budgeting and job management. Additionally, they heard from previous high school students who had participated in MAREK Bootcamps, graduated, and returned to work for us. Finally, the students participated in a small demo build, which provided them with a hands-on experience of the construction process.

NISD Career and Technical Teacher, Bryan Haecker, stated, “This event is extremely beneficial to students by offering exposure to opportunities and helps reinforce the positive relationships between our CTE community within the NISD district.”

ATLANTA | Over the past few weeks, our collaboration with Brasfield & Gorrie has been highly successful. Craft Talent Development Head Coach, Reginald Coleman, organized a Drywall training class for their carpentry students at their headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama. The class was designed to teach fundamental commercial drywall concepts to twelve of their top performers, and the feedback was great. We are pleased to announce that we are preparing for another training session in Atlanta on May 16th and 17th for Brasfield & Gorrie’s top students.

In continuing with our partnerships, we have also been spending some time at construction-based job fairs. These fairs are for students who are either interested or currently enrolled in training and looking for employment. Some of these new partnerships can be a great tool for us as we will get to train individuals before they are selected.

Partnering comes with rewards as well when we attend Builders and Manufacturers Appreciation Event at Gwinnett Technical College. This event is an acknowledgement of companies’ contributions to student education and career development in the construction industry.

OPEN ENROLLMENT is approaching!

It’s time to evaluate your benefit choices. Unless there is a change in status during the plan year, this is your opportunity to examine your choices and make changes to meet your current needs.

Open enrollment starts May 9th and end June 4th. During this time, you can log in to MyMAREK and complete your enrollment.

This will be a passive enrollment. If you do not complete it by June 4th, your coverage elections will remain the same, except for FSA, Dependent Care and HSA.

If you have any questions, please contact your Benefits HR team.

CONGRATS! PROMOTIONS WITHIN MAREK

Alexus De La Cruz started with San Antonio Accounts Payable in November 2021, and has recently taken on a new role in Procurement.

Jose Ayala Bustos San Antonio Field Supervisor

Trey Hedlund began working in San Antonio in May of 2021 as a Drywall Helper and today we congratulate Trey in becoming one of our newest Project Managers.

Jose Antonio Gaona San Antonio Field Supervisor

Oscar Jimenez started in San Antonio at a WFD Bootcamp, and officially joined as a MAREK employee in June 2021. Oscar is now our newest Project Manager in our Special Product Division.

FUTURE FACES OF MAREK

John Kruithof San Antonio Field Supervisor

Brenda Perez (Houston) gave birth to a beautiful son, Jacob Samuel, on December 5th!

Louis Lieberman (PMO) welcomed his new granddaughter, Tehlia, to the world December 30th!

Reymundo Vasquez (Houston) and his wife welcomed new baby, Cyra Jo, on December 6th!

Maritza Meza (Houston) gave birth to a beautiful girl named, Anahi Jazmin, on March 19th!

Karina Meza (Austin) welcomed their first born, Azeil Lee, on December 29th!

Eryn Guerrero (HR) gave birth to daughter, Evie Grace, on August 28th!

CANDID PHOTOS FROM OUR TEAMMATES

Send us your photos! Scan this code to reach out to the Insights team!

In recent years, there has been a notable surge in demand for demountable glass partitions, driven by interest among building owners and architects in creating open, collaborative workspaces, that offer natural light and promote a sense of clarity and harmony. Historically, our work has centered around drywall solutions; however, recognizing the growing market opportunity for glass wall systems, we launched a strategic expansion of our service offerings in the Houston market.

This expansion led us to a partnership with DEKO, a renowned Scandinavian-based, family-run company that has specialized in the sustainable design and manufacture of glass partition systems for over 45 years. Our alliance with DEKO began in the Houston market as we introduced our clients to the product and began installing on numerous job sites across the region.

DEKO’s demountable product is unique in that it offers superior sound reduction, 99.9% glass within each reusable system, and is currently in testing for fire ratings that the North American market does not typically see from a glass partitioning system.

The Special Product Divison team is excited to announce that MAREK has been awarded the prestigious Mecho Preferred Automation Dealer Award, recognizing our outstanding performance in the Atlanta region. This award is a testament to our expertise, dedication, and strong partnership with Mecho.

Our team traveled to New York to undergo a rigorous interview-style test, conducted by a top MechoShade engineer alongside the company president, to secure this recognition. Winning this award grants MAREK exclusive benefits:

- Access to highest-tier pricing, giving us a significant competitive edge.

- The ability to commission our own automation projects, resulting in substantial cost savings ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.

- Opportunities to commission automation projects for other dealers in our area, creating additional revenue streams.

- Collaboration with architects and designers to facilitate upcoming projects.

- Participation in joint quarterly sales and marketing meetings, allowing us to share and gain valuable insights on territory dynamics, sales pipelines, and more.

- Early access to preview and test new products and technologies before they hit the market.

We’re proud to share this achievement with the entire MAREK team, emphasizing that it’s a collective effort. In line with this spirit, the SPD Dallas team and Alan Alfano are also making strides towards becoming preferred automation dealers for the Texas region. “Our plan is to extend this opportunity to every location, ensuring that everyone benefits from our success,” Alan stated.

Left to Right: MAREK SPD Team Members Alan Alfano and Jesus Roman and David Burns with Mecho

GRUNDFOS OFFICES HOUSTON

interest service has with numerous reusable glass

to other meetings, territory entire effort. In Alfano to that

In 2023, MAREK and DEKO formalized DEKO Americas to establish the MAREK team as the exclusive distributor for the glass partitioning systems in North America. As this partnership continues to grow, MAREK will stock DEKO product at the Houston DEKO Hub, and our experienced crew will install the system on the job site. A pitch that is not often seen in the demountable partition market, as many systems are installed much later on job sites and sold through third-party vendors such as furniture sales companies.

By offering a fully customizable solution that is easy to install and maintain, the DEKO system can be seamlessly integrated into the overall construction process. This eliminates the need for hiring separate contractors or subcontractors, saving both time and money, making DEKO a popular choice among general contractors, subcontractors, architects and interior designers.

Houston Managing Director, Jorge Rodriguez and Estimator/Project Manager, James Newman, are leading the DEKO Americas team and working to

establish DEKO as a leading product in not just Texas, but across the United States. The team has been strategically meeting with subcontractors, general contractors and architects in various cities in hopes to onboard like-minded subcontractors to co-distribute and promote the brand.

Through merging MAREK’s industry-leading expertise and skilled workforce with DEKO’s innovative practices and unique product, we have established a comprehensive one-stop solution for both the supply and installation of glass partitions.

In Memoriam

We bid farewell to our MAREK teammates we have lost in 2024

Marshall Cook

Houston announced the passing of Marshall Cook. Marshall’s career at MAREK spanned over 20 years with a brief pause in the mid 2000’s. Marshall was an Estimator who took great pride in winning some of Houston’s biggest contracts, but his biggest source of pride was his son Jeremy and his grandchildren. His ability to tell a story, share a smile, and care for his co-workers is something that will be cherished and missed. Our prayers are with the Cook family and friends as they mourn the loss of such an impactful man.

Andy Harber

Atlanta announced the passing of our dear colleague, Andy Harber, on March 8th. Andy was a valued member of our team since 2014, starting in the field and eventually moving to the office. His hard work and dedication made him an invaluable part of our company, and his positive attitude and willingness to help others will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with Andy’s family and loved ones as we mourn his loss and celebrate the impact he had on all of us.

Rudy Carbajal

San Antonio is sad to announce the passing of Rodolfo Carbajal, affectionately known as “Rudy el pájaro,”. Rudy passed away peacefully on January 28, in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas at 73 years old. He was born to Alejandro Carbajal and Guadalupe Rodriguez on January 9, 1951, in Eagle Pass, Texas. Rudy discovered his calling in the trades and construction sector. He worked his way up to become a foreman at MBS. Rudy took great pride in the contributions and impact he achieved during his 28 years of dedicated service to the company.

PURSUIT HOUSTON

projects embody that meaning in its entirety. In 2023, MAREK Dallas was awarded the contract from Linbeck Construction to complete the drywall, framing, wall panels and ceiling work at The National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington. This institution is dedicated to honoring the service members who have received the Medal of Honor - individuals who displayed unwavering courage and selflessness when faced with extraordinary circumstances.

Under the leadership of Dallas Field Supervisors Luke Bryant, and Rudy Ramirez, MAREK teams are diligently working to bring Rafael Vinoly Architects’ vision to life. The museum’s focal point is an architectural marvel that appears to be suspended 40 feet off the ground, supported by five imposing concrete mega columns, each representing a branch of the United States Armed Forces.

The pursuit of perfection was relentless as the team navigated the complexities of prefabricating the sub-framing system of the Exhibit Hall with metal studs that will be covered by façade panels imported from Buenos Aires, Argentina. The MAREK team meticulously assembled each receiver clip on the ground and then lifted it by cranes. Precision was crucial, requiring our team to utilize laser controls, traditional string lines, and GPS coordinates to ensure that every clip (172 clips per side, 688

Scan this code to follow along as the project progresses!

forward and backward while suspended 60’ in the air.

As the National Medal of Honor Museum takes shape, it stands as a symbol of the dedication and commitment of the MAREK team. With each carefully placed clip and every sheet of drywall, they pay tribute to the legacy of those who made ultimate sacrifices for the ideals of courage and heroism, ensuring their stories will forever resonate within the walls of this dedicated institution.

BUILT TO HONOR: THE NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR MUSEUM

The National Medal of Honor Museum is a museum honoring United States Armed Forces Medal of Honor recipients, founded and funded by the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation.

Alongside EDI International, started and aims

Prose building garage. space, team Ronnie Assistant managing strong

PROSE

MAREK of a landmark building vibrant managed design Leading Roman Supervisor the local space expansion

PROSE OLIVER, HOUSTON

Alongside General Contractor, Alliance Residential and Architect, EDI International, the MAREK MBC Houston Multi-Family team started work on the Prose Oliver apartments in February 2024 and aims to complete work by December 2024.

Prose Oliver is designed to be a five-story wood-framed apartment building complemented by an eight-level concrete parking garage. It will feature 346 units across 342,730 sq ft of living space, exclusive of the garage area. The MAREK MBC project team includes Sales Manager Gary Marek, Production Manager Ronnie Marek, Field Supervisor David Garcia (pictured right), and Assistant Field Lead Luis Garcia (pictured right). MBC is currently managing eight projects for Alliance Residential, showcasing the strong and ongoing partnership between the two entities.

300 MAIN, SAN ANTONIO

MAREK San Antonio is excited to announce the commencement of a landmark project, ‘300 Main’ —a towering 32-story office building currently in the drywall installation phase. Nestled in the vibrant tech hub of downtown San Antonio, the construction is managed by General Contractor, Rogers O’Brien, with innovative design by the acclaimed Page architects.

Leading this ambitious project are MAREK Project Manager Jesus Roman, Assistant Project Manager Oscar Jimenez, and Field Supervisor Jorge Rosario. Project 300 Main is set to transform the local skyline, offering an impressive 696,000 square feet of space aimed at fostering innovation and encouraging business expansion in the area.

TECHNIP, HOUSTON

In Houston, construction on Technip’s new office space in February 2024. The project, located at 15377 Memorial Drive and comprising 171,600 square feet of space, includes DE Harvey Builders as General Contractor and Gensler as the architectural firm. This project aims not only to provide a superior workplace for employees but also to reflect Technip Energies’ commitment to reducing its carbon footprint through a new-age hybrid workplace model.

The MAREK project team includes Estimator/PM Steven DeGroot, Superintendent Rick Morgan , and Field Supervisor Irving Sepulveda, who will lead MAREK’s teams in completing the interior buildout. The scope of work entails drywall, acoustical ceilings, paint, fabric wall panels, and DEKO across six floors.

PARK LANE, DALLAS

The MBC Dallas Single Family project at 4606 Park Lane, led by Tatum Brown Custom Homes with design by The Fox Group, commenced in November 2023 and is set for completion in July 2024. The expansive 23,000-square-foot remodel is expertly managed by a dedicated MAREK project team including Project Manager John Paschall, Assistant Project Manager Severaino “Junior” Rocha, and Assistant Field Supervisor Humberto Alba

This ambitious project demands simultaneous coordination across all three phases, a challenge met with precision especially as hangers, finishers, and patch teams work diligently under Severaino and Humberto’s guidance. The complexity of the task is heightened by the owners’ and architects’ frequent and immediate change requests. Despite these hurdles, Junior and Humberto have adeptly navigated the project’s demands, showcasing their remarkable ability to adapt and excel under pressure.

SAMSUNG, AUSTIN

The Samsung Fitness/Auditorium/Café/Workspace “SAS” project, under the management of Austin Commercial and designed by OmniPlan, commenced in September 2023 with a target completion date in July 2024.

Tasked with transforming three levels at Samsung in Taylor, Texas, the MAREK Austin team, led by Superintendent Doug Prew, Field Supervisor Nathan Watt, Crew Lead Ernest Garnica, and supported by site operations team members Joseph Vasquez, Javier Gomez, Bernes Baca, Jaycub Thrasher, and Johnathan Yglesias, is diligently working to ensure top-notch installation of spray insulation, framing, drywall, and ceilings. Special attention is being paid to incorporating high-level finishes, including Turf baffles, SAS International mesh ceilings, and Gordon metal wall baffles, promising an unparalleled aesthetic and functional appeal. Furthermore, this project paves the way for future opportunities at Samsung, indicating a promising horizon for further collaborations.

THE PEARL, SAN ANTONIO

In San Antonio, the historic Pearl Stable Hall has undergone a significant transformation, turning it from a structure originally commissioned in 1894 for Pearl Brewery—a space designed to house sixty horses and keg carts—into a modern music and performance venue. Managed by General Contractor, Joeris and designed by architect Clayton Korte, this project sees the reinvention of a multi-purpose event space into a destination featuring a mezzanine, green room, lobby, new dance floor, six bars, an oversized stage, and accommodation for one thousand people.

The MAREK project team focused on integrating metal support assemblies, drywall, stretch fabric wall systems, and acoustical wall panels, ensuring the venue’s historical essence is preserved while providing a state-of-the-art experience.

project, designed target Taylor, Texas, Prew, Garnica, and Vasquez, Johnathan installation of attention including Turf metal wall functional future horizon for undergone a originally designed to music and Joeris sees the destination floor, six thousand support acoustical preserved

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF ATLANTA COMPLETE!

The Atlanta team is thrilled to announce the completion of the ambitious 1.5 million square foot Children’s Hospital of Atlanta – Arthur M. Black Hospital project! The MAREK project team, led by PM Marty Shonkwiler and Superintendent Tony Smith, and supported by Field Supervisors Andres Diaz, Juan Lopez, Jack Smith, Ismael Bravo, Ismael Grimaldo, Enrique Grimaldo, Martin Martinez, Jonathan Futch, Homero Guadarrama, with Logistics guided by Don Hicke and Safety advised by Danny Williams, Fernando Martinez, and Rodrigo Caballero, alongside Crew Leads Arbey Ramirez and Escar Toledo, worked to ensure the project’s success.

The team’s expertise and coordination were essential in navigating the complex demands of constructing such a significant healthcare facility, promising to make a profound impact on the community it serves.

Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, Atlanta

General Contractor: JE Dunn

Architect: HKS and CDH Partners

ON THE HORIZON

Project Team: Senior Project Executive – Don Cerlanek, PM – Michael Randazzo, Superintendent – Jody Spencer

US DOJ General Services Administration, Atlanta

General Contractor: Harvey-Cleary Builders

Architect: SmithGroup

Project Team: PM – Mindy Griffeth and Dorian Eder, Superintendent –Jody Spencer, Field Supervisor – Sergio Linarte Garcia, Safety Advisor

– Danny Williams

MAREK Atlanta is gearing up for the installation of drywall throughout the Department of Justice General Services Administration (GSA) Building. This project marks a significant step toward enhancing the security and functionality within this government facility. Our team is committed to maintaining the integrity of this secure site throughout the installation process of building tie-in’s that seamlessly integrate new drywall with existing structures, building additional holding and evidence rooms, ballistic boards, and security mesh. Together with Harvey-Cleary, we’re shaping a safer more efficient environment for the US DOJ.

Driftwood Activity Barn, Austin

General Contractor: Waltz Construction

Architect: Fab Studio Team

Project Team: PM – Eric Lumsden, Field Supervisors – Felipe Hernadez, Israel Martinez, and Ruben Guzman

6,500 square foot amenity center for a large upscale housing development with a bowling alley, small gym/basketball court, kitchen, and entertainment area. This is Austin’s first project with Waltz Construction.

Kinkaid School Phase II, Houston

General Contractor: Linbeck

Architect: Studio Red

Project Team: PM – Charlie Gremillion, Superintendent – Tony Aguilar and Jorge Merino, Field Supervisor – Jaciel Gonzalez

Scope: Fireproofing, Drywall, Acoustical, Paint, Fabric Panels, Window Treatments

Brinkmann Ranch Phase I and II, MBC Dallas

General Contractor: Maple Multi-Family Land Tx, LP

Architect: Hensley Lamkin Rachel Inc

Project Team: Sales & Project Manager – Gary Marek, Production Manager – Chip Smith, Field Supervisor – Miguel Almeda

597 single family build to rent units with an install of 4,000,000 sq ft of drywall.

Jefferson Loyd Park, MBC Houston

General Contractor: JPI

Project Team: Sales Manager – Cliff Marek, PM – Jose Palacios, Field Supervisor – Jonathan Rodriguez

In August, MAREK’s team will begin work on Phase 1 of Jefferson Loyd Park. General contractor JPI is building 450 multifamily homes in Grand Prairie, Texas. MAREK’s team, led by Field Supervisor Jonathan Rodriguez, will install an estimated 2,500,000 square feet of drywall throughout this community. The new community, which spans over 25 acres and features urban-style architecture, comprises eight 3-story walk-up buildings.

2115 Judiway St. Houston, TX 77018

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