March - Construction News

Transcription

CONSTRUCTION
™
The Industry’s Newspaper
www.constructionnews.net
P.O. Box 791290 San Antonio TX 78279  11931 Warfield San Antonio TX 78216  (210) 308-5800  Mar 2003  Volume 6, Number 3
Toyota flirting
with PLA
Architectural firm marks
50th anniversary
By Jane Day Loter, Editor
W
W
hen Toyota Motor Corporation announced its purchase
of 2,200 acres on the City of
San Antonio’s south side for
the construction of an $800 million automotive production plant, more than a
few industry leaders felt their pulses
quicken at the prospects for future work.
Located outside of Loop 410, inside
Loop 1604, between Applewhite Rd. and
Pleasanton Rd., the Toyota plant will generate unprecedented commercial and
residential growth in the area. Initially,
TXDOT is set to make more than $30 million in road improvements near the
manufacturing plant. A portion of the
site will be retained by the city for green
space use.
In a Feb. 8th San Antonio Express
News article by David Hendricks, Toyota
vice president Jim Wiseman said Toyota
will be its own general contractor, but
will name four or five main contractors to
lead construction. He added that almost
all of the subcontractors and construction workers will come from San Antonio
and the surrounding area.
According to UTSA assistant vice
president Robert McKinley, the UTSA
Institute for Economic Development is
compiling an inventory of subcontractors and suppliers that can be available
for the construction of the $800 million
manufacturing plant.
The initial construction phase, estimated to begin this summer, will involve
site preparation and construction starts.
In 2004 and 2005, plant construction will
progress and, in 2006, the plant will be
isconsin-born Paul
A. Hesson, FAIA,
served in the China - India - Burma
Theater during WWII. He was
one of many USAF airmen to return home and head straight to
college. Graduating from the
University of Minnesota in1950
with an undergraduate degree
in architecture, Paul had visions
of warmer climates.
“One very cold and wintry
February day in Minneapolis, I
bought several out-of-town
newspapers, all from the South.
I read an ad soliciting for an architect in the San Antonio Light. I
was able to contact the principal of the architecture firm, Cerf
Ross, by telephone, give him a
sketch of my bio, and he said he
liked what he heard. ‘I’m going
to hire you, plan to come on
down and go to work whenever
you can get here,’ he said. I replied, I have
a very good friend and classmate, Allen
F. May, who I think you should consider
hiring too. So, he said ‘Bring him along!’
Those were much simpler times!”
Compared to the rest of the country
in those years, Texas was enjoying excellent economic conditions and post-war
growth. The two young architects
worked for Cerf Ross and Associates for
one year, savoring their many social and
construction industry contacts.
continued on Page 31
“We decided to open our own office
on April Fools Day, 1953, even though we
didn’t have any work on the books,” Paul
added. “Very shortly thereafter, a local
developer hired our firm, which we
named Hesson & May Associates, to design a motel on Fredericksburg Rd.,
which we did. The motel was never built,
but he paid us for our plans and that was
our first commission.”
Concept Builders erects Freedom House Phase II
A
ir Force Village II features one of the country’s
finest residential and research facilities for Alzheimer’s patients. Known as Freedom House,
its first phase of development was designed by RVK
Architects. The design received public praise and
professional recognition upon its completion about
five years ago.
In June of 2002, Concept Builders began construction on a 20,000-sf, $2,750,000 addition, Freedom House Phase II, also designed by RVK Architects. According to Mark Gross, president of the
general contracting firm, the new addition includes
a high-tech 27-resident wing, extra offices, a commercial kitchen, and a chapel/multi-purpose room.
Tripp Nettles served as superintendent and project
manager on the project for Concept Builders.
The buildings feature overall structural steel
framing, metal wall systems and roof trusses, and
metal roofs. The exterior walls are EIFS, an appearance in keeping with the South Texas Hill Country architectural traditions. Mark anticipates completion of the
project in late April 2003.
At present, the exteriors are about 70 percent complete and the interior finishes are being wrapped up.
San Antonio Construction News spoke with Mark to find
out what obstacles he and his construction team faced
and overcame.
“Our biggest obstacle was Mother Nature. The
foundation is a suspended slab on piers, which is always
tough to do when you have wet weather. We had the
whole thing wide open when the July 4th weather event
occurred. There are a lot of soil problems in that area, so
the structural design for the addition was beefed up.
The rain really slowed us down, and I would calculate
nearly two months of total rain delays. We keep a log of
the rain out there and in July, Sept. and Oct. we recorded
a total of 79-ins. of rain. The buildings were open under-
This Month in Focus
P.O. Box 791290
San Antonio, Texas 78279-1290
Plumbing Industry
Change Service Requested
neath and although we had pumps and fans running continuously, it was an ordeal keeping the water out of it. Unlike slab-on-grade foundations, we
were challenged to get it dry enough to close it in.
But, we finally did.”
Freedom House Phase II doesn’t resemble a
hospital or nursing home. The unique layout of floor
plan is designed around the needs of its special occupants. Maintaining a residential appeal for the
comfort and well being of its residents was a key
consideration.
San Antonio Construction News also spoke with
RVK Architect’s David Bomersbach, AIA, who said
the original concept was to create a less institutional
and more home-like environment for the special
residents.
“This design, developed with the help of Nelson-Tremain Partnership, is a cluster of homes connected together to create a village character. Several
features were included in the design to help facilitate
the ongoing medical research into the disease that afflicts its occupants. As well, video monitoring and other
high-security measures play an important role in protecting Freedom House residents.”
Founded by Mark Gross in 1988, Concept Builders
operates from one location, employs 17 personnel and
currently performs the bulk of its work in San Antonio,
PRSRT. STD.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SAN ANTONIO, TX
PERMIT #4043
Page 2 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– San Antonio Construction News • Mar 2003
A TEXAS SIZE
THANKS
TO OUR FRIENDS
& CUSTOMERS
WHO HELPED US
MAKE OUR FIRST
YEAR A SUCCESS!
210-490-5955 1-800-402-PUMP Fax 210-402-0385
Mike Schultz, President
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San Antonio, Tx 78270
San Antonio Construction News • Mar 2003 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 3
PUTZ AROUND TOWN
JC Putz here . . .
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T
he mad rush is on at all the local Toyota
dealerships. Yours truly contacted
some of these boys to see how the announcement affected their sales of pickum-up trucks to the construction industry.
“I got here the day after the announcement and there was a line of general and subcontractors that started at my
door and stretched all the way through
the parking lot,” said one dealer. “It seems
they all had the same idea. Buy Toyota
now, and when it comes to contractor selection, they would be put at the top of
the list.”
Knowing that so much is at stake, our
local contractors are going that extra mile
to be considered for some of the work.
Already some of our most well known
Bar-B-Q cook-off teams are honing their
skills on such dishes as pit smoked sushi,
smoked rice and smoked fish. Now that’s
a twist and Only in South Texas.
B
e careful where you go and the color
of your truck.
Seems that George Major Jr. of
Holes of San Antonio headed to Houston a while back to attend a party held
by his cousin who owns Holes, Inc. The
party was held in a hotel and another
Houston coring outfit was having a party there also.
15305 N IH 35
Selma, Texas 78154
W
e at Construction News were totally
prepared for the announcement
by Toyota, and the boss had even selected a spot on the front page beforehand.
Seems he had run into Buzz Miller
of Allen & Allen at the Old Timer Party
and Buzz told him we would get the
deal. No doubt about it. Period.
We didn’t know one of our good
friends and advertisers had such abilities
to predict the future. I should ask him to
go along on my next trip to Vegas.
uld
.
r if I sho
Wonde chic hotline..
y
s
p
a
t
r
sta
The two Houston competitors got
into it later in the evening (after George
had called it a night) and some fists
were thrown.
Next morning as he went to leave,
he noticed the side of his yellow truck
had been keyed badly.
Rumor has it that he has had it
painted twice and is still trying to get it
fixed properly.
With that, I’m out’a here.
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CONSTRUCTION
Publisher:
Art/Graphics Dir.
Editor/Writer:
Production/Graphics:
Sales Representative
Administration:
Roaming Reporter:
Buddy Doebbler
Reesa Doebbler
Jane Day Loter
Sue Johnson
Donna Easton
Kevin Hughes
JC Putz
San Antonio Construction News
P.O. Box 791290
San Antonio, Texas 78279
(210) 308-5800 Fax (210) 308-5960
© 2003 San Antonio Construction News
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Energy of future tested locally
B
rooks City-Base has officially become the site of the first residential
application of fuel cells in South
Texas. Another fuel cell demonstration
project at the Challenger Learning Center of San Antonio generates electricity
and heats water. Both year-long fuel cell
projects, which became operational in
late January, will help 11 partner organizations gain experience in distributed
generation and determine how this technology may benefit consumers. In simplest terms, a fuel cell is similar to a bat-
tery that runs continuously.
Both demonstration projects are using 5-kilowatt (kw) fuel cell systems,
manufactured by Plug Power Inc. of
Latham, N.Y., which convert natural gas
into electricity and usable heat through
an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen (from natural gas) and oxygen
(from the air).
Project objectives include gaining
experience in the installation, operation
and maintenance of fuel cells; documenting costs of operating the equipment;
quantifying environmental benefits; recording the interaction with the electric
grid; and verifying the operational stability and reliability of equipment in San Antonio’s climate.
A grassy tract of land near Brooks
City-Base’s housing area is the backdrop
for the residential project where electrical
output from three fuel cells provides energy for three housing units of about
1,600-sf each. City Public Service will be
in charge of operating and maintaining
the units. In essence, CPS set up a fuel cell
“mini substation” where electricity is
produced and metered, and any excess
power flows into the electric grid, a first
for CPS.
The Challenger Learning Center, an
aerospace education center that provides hands-on, simulated space missions for middle school students, is the
site of the second fuel cell installation.
The single 5-kw fuel cell not only generates electricity to power the 9,600-sf
building, but also heats water using its
Fisk Electric appreciates
its customers
F
ounded in 1913, Fisk
Electric established
its San Antonio
branch in 1970. After 33
years of wear and tear, the
time for a cosmetic facelift
was long overdue. The
clean up resulted in a
fresh, colorful and bold
look inside the front door
and throughout the electrical contractor’s north
Broadway offices. General
manager Orvil Anthony
L-R: Graybar Electric and Fisk Electric staffers Mike Petrick,
said the welcomed metaJosh Smith, Matt Hyatt, Orvil Anthony, Mark Schroeder,
morphosis would help
David Kendall, Jimmy Chavez, and Ed Sanchez assume
usher Fisk into the new
good posture for the camera.
century.
“The interior makeover has brightened our
work space and created a
whole new ambiance,” Orvil said. “After cleaning,
painting,
reorganizing,
and adding new furniture
and accents, we wanted to
show off. And that’s what
we’re doing today!”
Fisk Electric’s Customer Appreciation Day was
hosted on Thurs., Jan.
30th, from noon to afterhours. About 300 customers, prospective customers, vendors and distributors were expected to stop
Fajitas and fixin’s welcomed Fisk’s guests.
by, tour the facility and
enjoy a hot Tex-Mex buffet.
Las Vegas and San Antonio/Austin, is a
“We want to say thanks for the sup- multi-disciplined contractor, whose work
port everyone has given us in the past includes structured cabling (teledata,
and, hopefully, into the future,” Orvil add- voice, video) and construction electrical
ed. “If it’s electrical, we take care of it!”
systems. Fisk Electric president Darrel
Fisk Electric, with branches in Hous- Harwood and CEO Bruce Davis joined in
ton, Dallas, Miami/Orlando, New Orleans, the day’s festivities.
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For the love of architecture
M
embers of the American Institute of Architects San Antonio
again staged their annual Beaux
Arts Ball 2003 at The Friedrich Building
on Sat., Feb. 15th, from 7–11 pm. Met at
the door by valet parking attendants,
over 400 guests and city dignitaries were
ushered into the former manufacturing
facility for the formal black tie affair.
Transformed by the caterer and volunteer committee members, the empty
manufacturing warehouse became a
ballroom with the help of special lighting, partitioned drapes, and a little imagination. Prior to a seated dinner, guests
enjoyed adult beverages, hors d‘oeuvres,
live music and an opportunity to begin
bidding on a variety of silent auction
items. According to Sue Ann Pemberton-Haugh, AIA, the silent auction, organized by Alexandra Travassos and
committee, included numerous decorative masks designed and produced by
freshmen architecture majors at UTSA.
In addition to the yearly Project Recognition observance, the Beaux Arts Ball
featured a still photo exhibit called
“Memorable San Antonio”; a display of
B&W and color photographs of architectural scenes and close-ups by members
of the AIA San Antonio chapter.
“Our members are also lining up to
have their portraits taken by Paul Overstreet, Overstreet Studios,” said committee chair Madeline Anz Slay, AIA. “Another highlight at our Ball this year is
‘Champagne and Diamonds,’ where
members can purchase a commemorative AIA champagne flute for $25 and a
chance to win a half-carat diamond
necklace from Americus Diamond.” Later
in the evening, the necklace was won by
an exuberant Patsy Kistner.
As salads were served, chapter president Robert Lopez, AIA, Lopez Salas
Architects, introduced special guests, in-
cluding Councilwoman Bonnie Conner,
Mayor Ed Garza and Mrs. Garza, former
Mayor Lila Cockrell, and Michael Clack. In
a moment of tribute to Torrey Carleton,
on her 10th anniversary as AIA’s executive director, she received a standing ovation and accepted a bouquet of flowers
from Mayor Garza.
During dinner, AIA-SA president
Robert Lopez, AIA, Madeline Anz Slay,
AIA and Mayor Garza presented the Project Recognition Awards to:
Beaty & Partners Architects for River Walk Street Car Station, Presa Street
Linkage, San Pedro Springs Park and
Houston Street Re-Development.
Chumney & Associates for HEB
Headquarters Campus and San Antonio
Museum of Art – Halsell Wing.
Fisher Heck Architects for the San
Fernando Cathedral Restoration and
Renovation.
Kell Munoz Architects for Henry B.
Gonzalez Convention Center and Mexican Cultural Institute.
Lake/Flato Architects for Houston
Street Re-Development and Pedestrian
River Link, Carver Cultural Center, Historic
Civic Center River Link Park, International
Center and SBC Center.
Lopez-Salas Architects for Bjorns
Audio Video.
Marmon Mok for Terminal 1 & 2, San
Antonio International Airport.
Marmon Mok and DHR Architects
for Terminal 1 & 2, San Antonio International Airport.
Overland Partners for Clear Channel
Communications and San Antonio Museum of Art – Rockefeller Center.
Rehler Vaughn & Koone Architects
for Hemisfair Park Re-Development.
3D/I for Houston Street Re-Development, Houston Street Courtyard, Majestic
Theater, Empire Theater & Riverwalk Park.
Beaty & Partners Architects
Chumney & Associates
Fisher Heck Architects
Lake Flato Architects
Lopez-Salas Architects
Marmon Mok
Women in Construction
by Jane Day Loter, Editor
The National Association of Women in
Construction (NAWIC) designates one
week in March as “Women in Construction
Week”. To honor the hardworking women
in our construction community, San Antonio Construction News invites its readers to
meet six women who help keep the construction engine churning.
Helen Keaton
Joeris General Contractors Ltd.
G
rowing up in a construction family that
also has strong ties to “Aggieland”,
Helen Keaton spent her Saturdays as a
young girl driving around with her dad to
every jobsite he had. Among other things,
he taught her how to do engineering for
tiltwall construction when she was only
fourteen. As soon as
she could legally
drive, Helen spent
her summers delivering materials to
jobsites, saving for
college.
“I was not a typical girl as far as going to the mall, pool
or movies. I was saving money for college, and I saved
enough to pay for
the first year and a
half. My dad gave
me responsibilities and helped me develop
a strong work ethic.”
Predictably, Helen obtained a BS in
Construction Science from Texas A&M University. An award-winning project manager, Helen has been in the construction
business for 18 years and works for Joeris
General Contractors Ltd., where she is a
shareholder in the firm.
“The nature of my work changes from
moment to moment,” Helen explained.
“One day I may be involved in the estimating and bidding processes. Next day, I
might be at a jobsite doing field inspections to ensure the owner is getting what
he’s paying for. I may review types of materials, make sure they meet the specs, meet
with subcontractors, make sure we’re on
schedule, and overall problem solving. Another day, I may be involved in writing
subcontracts for subcontractors, procuring
materials, billing and general office paper
chase. No day is the same as the previous
day, and that’s probably why I enjoy what I
do.”
Maintaining a good relationship with
the architect and the owner, while minimiz-
ing the amount of changes during the
construction process, is a formidable challenge for Helen.
“As higher demands are placed on architects and engineers, with regard to taking their design from the concept stage to
the construction phase, they probably
don’t have enough time and/or skilled
people to do it. Problems invariably arise,
but I don’t like to point fingers, I’d rather be
a part of the solution. There’s a certain tone
I like to set at the beginning of the project
that carries through to the end. Our goal is
to build a quality project, delivered on time
and/or ahead of schedule, and walk away
with an architect and owner who both
want to do business with us again.”
At one point in Helen’s youth, she
thought about becoming a teacher and has
not discounted the
possibility of returning to the construction science
classroom after retirement. Her advice to young
women who may
follow in her footsteps is forthright.
“This is a great
career for people
who are outspoken, outgoing, and
who do well in
math and science.
The construction
industry would be exactly what they’re
looking for. I suggest becoming involved in
student chapters of construction industry
groups, and participating in internships
during the summers. That will reveal a true
glimpse of what this is all about.”
Iris Tovar-Zuniga, Tiger Services
Air Conditioning & Heating
D
uring the 1980’s and 1990’s, Iris
Tovar-Zuniga obtained two Associate’s degrees from
San Antonio College and St. Philip’s
College. Her degree in homebuilding, which is
her first love, was ill
timed, coinciding
with a construction bust of memorable
proportions. Iris found
another job and
audited
home-
building classes to keep her mind and skills
in order.
Heading back to school, a persuasive
air conditioning instructor convinced Iris to
take a full load of AC courses. She excelled
and received her second Associate’s degree in air conditioning.
“I have worked for Tiger Services
Heating & Air Conditioning for 10 years
now,” Iris explained, “for five years as a
Maintenance Technician, and for five years
as a Junior Service Technician.”
Iris admitted she was cautious about
going into the service department, primarily because of the requirements to be oncall until 10 pm, working backup and on
weekends.
“However, my supervisor finally took
the decision away from me, said it was time
I became a service tech and through me
out the door! I discovered I liked it.”
On any given day, Iris dons her tool
belt and performs routine maintenance on
residential AC and heating units, as well as
general trouble-shooting.
When San Antonio Construction News
asked Iris what the greatest challenge is for
her on-the-job, she said it had nothing to
do with the work itself.
“The biggest challenge for me was
learning to deal with angry or upset customers. I handle it by listening, whispering,
explaining calmly, and before long the irate
customer realizes the problem isn’t my
fault and that they are the only one yelling.
Once we get past that, I can go about my
business. The customer is always right.”
To improve the image of her career
field, Iris is active in community and educational projects as a volunteer for “HeatThe-Town” and as a role model for young
women.
“People tend to think this is a very hard
job, and it’s really not. As long as you learn
and understand all of the technical aspects,
this is a good job for women and I’m surprised there are not more of us. Historically,
this is a male-dominated field, but actually,
women do a better job in my opinion. We’re more
detail
oriented
and thorough. I
would love to see
more women enter this field.”
On that note,
her advice to
young women is
to remain fearless
and
surround
yourself with peo-
ple who encourage you.
“Don’t let fear overwhelm you or it will
keep you down. Discard the mental block
that men know more than you do, and
don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t
reach your goals. My first interest was always homebuilding, and I still love the
smell of freshly cut boards. Although I never got the chance to actually do it as a career, I still have the knowledge and I can
volunteer to help others.”
Laura J. Campa, P.E.
ATC Associates Inc.
F
rom the time she was in elementary
school, Laura J. Campa, P.E., ATC Associates Inc., knew she wanted to be an
engineer. Her decision to pursue geotechnical and foundation engineering was
sealed during her college years at UTSA,
from which she received her Bachelor of
Science degree in Engineering.
As a project engineer for the firm,
Laura conducts geotechnical investigations, exploring the soils on which construction projects are planned.
“We take soil samples and analyze
them for their engineering properties, their
strength an plasticity, and develop foundation recommendations,” Laura explained.
“We also do materials testing for new construction materials, including concrete
samples and pad samples. That’s what I focus on.”
Although Laura was awarded her Professional Engineer status one year ago, she
said everyday she is learning and improving.
“I’m still at the point where I’m constantly developing and evolving as an engineer,” she added, “and I think the learning curve will be ongoing. It’s easy to get
stuck in a rut, and it’s important to look at
problems in new ways, and find new solu-
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Karen Pence
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210-494-7100
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Earl McIntosh, Vice President
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San Antonio
210.336.0749
AUTHORIZED
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RETAILER
2002 Nextel Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
Nextel and the Nextel logo are registered trademarks
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Women In Construction
tions.”
Asked if she had any suggestions for
improving her chosen profession, Laura
defined two issues that cause her concern.
“Colleges have reduced the number
of hours required for students to receive
a degree in engineering and, in my opinion, that factor is detrimental to the field
of engineering. Additionally, the curriculum should place a little more emphasis
on marketing and business aspects in
general. Concentrating on the technical
aspects of engineering is important, but
in the real world engineers need to grasp
the principles of basic business operations, and that is sorely lacking. We really
aren’t prepared for the marketing initiatives that we are required to undertake.”
Much to her amazement, when
Laura turned 30 she received a letter
from her former fifth grade teacher. Enclosed was a letter eleven-year-old Laura
had written to herself so many years
ago.
“It was one of those ‘what do I want
to be when I grow-up’ letters. In it, I
wrote that I was going to be an engineer.
Remarkably, my teacher had kept it and
mailed it to me. It surprised me, because I
didn’t remember writing this letter. My
advice to young women who want to
pursue a career in engineering is simple
- don’t let anything stop you from your
goal! You meet so many incredibly intelligent people, and you have opportunities to work on fantastic projects. The rewards make the effort worthwhile. I love
what I do!”
Linsey Husband, Estimator
Bartlett Cocke, LP
O
ut of college, with
a BS degree in
Construction
Science from
Texas
A&M
Uni ve r si t y,
Linsey Husband
envisioned herself,
like many recent
grads,
going straight
into project
management.
“When Bartlett Cocke, LP interviewed me they said their critical need at
the time was in their estimating department,” Linsey explained.
“I jumped at the chance to work for such
a great general contracting company.”
That was two years ago and, as an
estimator, Linsey has been bidding projects ever since. The process involves receiving a set of construction documents
and developing a proposal with the accumulated pricing or bids from subcontractors.
“We make sure the subs have all of
the information they need to give us an
accurate price,” Linsey added. “From
there, we will receive and evaluate proposals, combine the best-value proposals from each trade together to make a
construction estimate, and then look for
any “holes” where we may not be adequately covered. On a daily basis, we’re
looking at plans, trying to determine
quantities and make sure we understand
what is being bid. Without solid knowledge of what is on the job, there’s no way
to know if the sub’s quote is accurate or
not.”
Believing that it’s important to have
a well-rounded career, Linsey doubts
that professionals within the industry
could have a complete grasp of everything that goes into developing a bid
until they’ve been personally involved in
the estimating process. Among the challenges she faces routinely is trying to
work with so many subcontractors simultaneously.
“Subcontractors expect estimators
to understand their trade or products
fully. They may ask you questions concerning their work that require extensive
knowledge of their industry’s standards
or practices. Since estimators seldom are
experts in just one field, though, it may
be difficult to understand exactly what
questions are being asked, and be able to
provide prompt and accurate answers.
Usually subcontractors want estimators
to give them direction as to how they
should proceed, and that’s tough to give
at times.”
Estimators are often thought to be
penny-counting Type-A personalities,
although Linsey said nothing could be
further from the truth.
“We don’t just stare at plans and
come up with numbers. We have to see
the big picture, listen attentively, multitask and communicate well.”
Understanding that there are very
few women estimators in the industry,
the advice Linsey would give to young
women who choose the career is to persevere.
“Remain confident, present yourself
professionally, and pretty soon, people
will see you as a woman who is knowledgeable and competent in her work.”
Patricia A. Garza
Nathan Alterman Electric Co.
I
n response to a Nathan Alterman
Electric Co. newspaper ad soliciting an
electrician’s helper, former assistant
maintenance technician and graphic artist, Patricia A. Garza, was told during
her interview that she was over-qualified
for the position. Directing her to the
South Texas Journeyman Apprenticeship Training Committee, Patricia formally committed herself to a five-year
electrical apprenticeship program while
maintaining full-time employment at Alterman.
“I completed my electrical apprenticeship training and received my journeyman certification in 2001. My title is
Journeyman/Inside Wireman Electrician
and I’m marking my 7th anniversary with
Nathan Alterman. The company has acknowledged my accomplishments and
encourages the daily learning experience. The City and National Codes
change constantly, and we take 24 hours
of continuing education every time we
renew our license. The learning process
never slows down, nor does the electrical
information highway.”
On any given day, Patricia is involved
in many tasks that have to do with electrical construction, including branch circuit wiring for normal lighting, emergency lighting, security, communications
and fire alarm systems.
Thinking about the most challenging aspect of her job, Patricia admitted
the physical requirements could be
strenuous at times.
“I have learned how to manage the
heavy or cumbersome aspects of the job.
Whether you’re a man or a woman, safety
is paramount. If I have to ask for extra
help to lift equipment, I do. I have a good
aptitude for mechanics, and there isn’t
anything I can’t do in the job. It’s just a
matter of learning to do it, if I have not
done it before.”
When San Antonio Construction News
asked Patricia what improvements she
would like to see in her industry, she
pointed to safety.
“This industry is very safety-oriented, and we have safety on our minds at
all times. I would encourage my co-workers to continue to be aware of what
they’re doing and help ensure the safety
of the individual working next to them.”
Filled with pride for her company
and her trade, Patricia would advise
young women who are considering a
similar path to be fearless.
“Do it and don’t be afraid!” she emphasized. “As a member of the union,
IBEW Local 60, I earn an income that is
equal with my male counterparts, dollarfor-dollar, and that is a great accomplishment. Most of the men in the trade are
very accepting, but don’t go in thinking
you’re going to get by on looks. In this
field, you have to do you’re job. If you’re
mechanically inclined and have good
math skills, this is a very rewarding career.
I love being able to say I was part of the
team that helped build the skyline of
San Antonio.”
Deborah L. Drumm, AIA
Fisher Heck Inc. Architects
B
lessed with two fundamental gifts, a
love for art and an aptitude for math,
Deborah L. Drumm, AIA was a freshman at the University of Texas at San Antonio before she realized there was a
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n 1980, two men from Michigan arrived in San Antonio. They brought
with them two trucks and four pieces
of equipment. They expected to stay
only four months in order to perform the
demolition of the Texas Theatre. Once
they arrived, this father and son team
decided to stay.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan,
Victor and Mark Cuppetilli are part of a
long line of demolition experts. “I have
uncles, cousins and a brother all involved
in the demolition industry in Detroit,”
Mark said. Mark had originally planned
to return to Michigan to go to college to
become a veterinarian.
Once they arrived, the job was postponed. “My dad would show up in a suit
and tie to bid odd jobs to keep us going,”
Mark said. “Once the job was awarded,
the owner would show up on-site to see
the progress and see my dad in a hard hat
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and work boots operating the equipment. They were amazed! When the Texas Theatre project began, it was a 24/7
job. My crew and I would do the wrecking at night, while Vic and his crew would
load out and haul off during the day”.
The project consisted of wrecking
two nine-story buildings, leaving the façade intact. While the Cuppetilli men
were on-site, adding the demolition of
the original bank and the mass excavation
of 55,000-cy increased the scope of work.
“During the course of the Texas Theatre project, we recognized the need for
an experienced demolition contractor in
South Texas”, Mark added.
Coming from the demolition capital
of the world, they were amazed at the
lack of demolition contractors in this
area. With the petroleum plants on the
coastal areas and the GM plant only four
hours away, they felt this was the perfect
opportunity for a new start, thus the
birth of M&M Contracting of Texas, Inc.
Since incorporation on February 17, 1983,
M&M has grown to a fleet of over 125
pieces of equipment, over 100 employees and expanded operations to include
site preparation.
Since coming to San Antonio, M&M
has completed some of the more notable
projects in the area, including the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, HBGCC Ex-
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pansion – Phase 1 and 2, demolition of
the City’s blocks for the Alamodome and
the U.S. Arsenal, just to name a few. Outside of the San Antonio area, M&M projects include GM Arlington, Star
Enterprises/Texaco, Cameron Forge, Ashland Chemical, Hurricanes Andrew and
Hugo, and the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.
The projects performed by M&M range
from $100,000 to over $7,000,000.
“Any project with any degree of diffi culty, we get the call. We continue to receive
invitations for automotive plants throughout the country,” Mark proudly stated.
In June 1999, Vic retired and Mark
purchased the company. “We are both
very happy. Vic now calls Colorado home
and I run the show”, Mark reported. “Vic
occasionally comes back to check up on
things, but for the most part he is very
pleased with our progress”.
Mark still has big plans for M&M. “I
set reasonable goals and we reach them”,
he said. “A good portion of our work is
now negotiated. We have a solid reputation and excellent rapport with the general contractors in San Antonio.”
Crediting his staff for their contribution to the company’s success, Mark said,
“My team does a great job! M&M would
not be where it is without them. We’re excited and look forward to being involved
in the future growth of San Antonio.”
Office: 210.349.2491
Equipment Depot’s acquisition
adds three rental locations
E
quipment Depot announced in
early Feb. that it has acquired all of
the stock of two privately-held forklift dealerships in the Dallas-Fort Worth
area. As a result, Equipment Depot
Rental operations will be expanded to
three additional locations in the DallasFt. Worth metroplex.
In addition, Equipment Depot, which
is one of the top dealers of SkyTrak in the
U.S., will add these three new locations
for SkyTrak sales, service and rental. As a
result of the acquisition of Clarklift of
Fort Worth, as well as Powr-Lift’s operations in Dallas and Sherman, Equipment
Depot’s combined operations becomes
one of the largest materials handling
companies in Texas.
Equipment Depot is a Waco-based
regional equipment company with equipment superstores in Dallas, Waco, Austin
and San Antonio as well as superservice
depots in Abilene, Bryan-College Station,
Corsicana, San Angelo and Temple.
Founded as Central Texas Clarklift
in 1975, Equipment Depot is a dealer for
Caterpillar, Clark, Daewoo, Drexel,
Linde and Mitsubishi forklifts as well
as Mobile pallet jacks. It also sells, services and rents aerial lifts built by Skytrak,
Condor, Genie and JLG, as well as light
construction equipment manufactured
by New Holland. It has more than 1,800
late model units in its industrial and construction rental fleet.
Vern Bailey, former owner of the
company, will continue to manage the
day-to-day operations of the Clarklift of
Ft. Worth branch, which was founded in
1979. Mel Robinson, former owner of
the company, will continue to manage
the day-to-day operations of the PowrLift branches in Irving and Sherman,
founded in 1963.
“This acquisition actually completes
an ownership circle for these three companies,” said Don Moes, Equipment Depot’s founder and president. “In the early
1960’s they were all part of the same
Clark dealership.”
CPS Board elects
Chair/Vice-Chair
S
tephen S. Hennigan and Aurora
Ortega-Geis have been elected to
one-year terms as chairman and
vice chairman, respectively, of the City
Public Service (CPS) Board of Trustees.
Both assumed their new positions Feb.
1st. The five-member Board sets policy
for San Antonio’s electric and natural gas
systems. Other Trustees are San Antonio
Mayor Ed Garza and Alvaro Sanchez Jr.
Hennigan, senior vice president and
chief financial officer for San Antonio
Federal Credit Union, has represented
the northeast quadrant of the CPS service area since June 1, 2001. The certified
public accountant has extensive experience with financial markets and has
worked in the financial services industry
since 1989. He holds a BBA degree in fi nance and accounting from St. Mary’s
University.
Ortega-Geis, director of the Fannie
Mae San Antonio Partnership Office, has
represented CPS’ northwest quadrant
since March 28, 2002. She holds a BS in
business management from LeTourneau
University and has almost 20 years’ experience in mortgage lending and housing,
plus neighborhood and economic development.
CPS is one of the nation’s largest
publicly-owned energy systems, serving
almost 600,000 electric customers and
more than 300,000 natural gas customers. CPS has earned the highest financial
rating of any electric utility in the U. S.
Charlie’s Paint & Decorating
Center hosts grand re-opening!
"Where SA's
Construction
people meet
to eat"
Charlie, his father Carlos and Mayor Ed Garza.
Father Drennan is in the background
C
harlie’s Paint & Decorating Center
purchased a new business location
with triple the amount of space of
its former locale. To mark the turning
point in the evolution of the company,
owner/manager Charles “Charlie”
Casarez thought a celebration was in order.
On Sat., Feb. 15th, Charlie, his father
Carlos, employees and family members
welcomed contractors, customers and
neighbors to the Grand Re-Opening of
Charlie’s Paint & Decorating Center, located on Cincinnati Ave. with a view of
Woodlawn Lake.
“We bought a building and have
moved back to the community where I
grew up,” Charlie said. “We wanted to let
everyone in the neighborhood know
we’re here.”
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Over the lunch hour, Charlie and his
crew served lunch to the crowd of over
sixty. The ribbon-cutting ceremony,
highlighted with a formal blessing by Father Jimmy David Drennan of St. Paul’s
Parish, was punctuated with the horns
and guitars of masterful Mariachis. Special guest and family friend Mayor Ed
Garza dropped by to congratulate the
Casarez family and wish them continued
success.
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Construction pros talk payment,
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ASA members and Sen. Tommy Williams.
Photo credited to Texas Glass Association.
C
onstruction professionals from across get and insurance reform taking center
Texas had a desire to be seen and stage, I don’t look for sovereign immunity
heard at the Texas Construction Busi- to be changed. However, I do think we
ness Leaders’ Conference held the last week made some aware of the issue in preparation for future sessions.”
in January.
For many, the conference brought
A Walk on the Capitol, led by members
of the Texas Construction Association politics and legislators to an attainable
(TCA), and 14 other associations took partici- level for the first time. Seminars were
pants to the Capitol steps to meet with legis- given to help people brush up on some of
this session’s top issues, learn how to
lators.
The walk allowed attendees the oppor- communicate with legislators, and learn
tunity to address legislators, specifically on is- how to handle specific, legal issues, such
sues related to payment for work completed. as being sued and workers compensaThis past year, the Texas Building tion.
“I think the conference was a great
Branch and the Associated General Contractors (AGC) worked together to outline success,” said George Major Jr. of Holes
HB 541, which states elimination of contract of San Antonio. “The site was great and
clauses that make payment to one party the speakers were even better. Having
contingent on receipt of payment from an- this coincide with the Walk on the Capitol
other party. The bill will be presented in the gave the conference an extra punch of
enthusiasm.”
Texas Senate this session.
Proposals on two
other topics, prompt
pay and sovereign immunity, were also presented to legislators.
Prompt pay addresses
the issue of paying
workers for a project
when work begins.
This would allow subcontractors and contractors to pay workers
and material suppliers
in a timely manner.
TCA suggested legislation that would give
subcontractors
and
contractors the right to
suspend work on a
project if they are not (L-R) Donny Kelly, Porter Glass & Mirror, Rush Clay of Glass Doctor
in Houston and Sen. Tommy Williams at the Walk on the Capitol.
being paid by an ownPhoto credited to Texas Glass Association.
er for work properly
Shelli Menegos, executive director
performed.
The proposal TCA submitted on sover- for the Austin Chapter of the American
eign immunity suggests to do away with the Subcontractors Association (ASA) agreed
current system of sovereign immunity that that the speakers provided useful informaprotects city and county entities from being tion. “The conference was absolutely fansued when they have not paid a contractor tastic. The speakers we had were dynamic,
and the information they provided was imfor work completed.
Kyle Montgomery, executive director measurable. I can’t wait for the next conferfor the Texas Masonry Council, was encour- ence.”
This is the second year the Texas
aged by the events of the conference.
“I think that HB 541 will be taken seri- Glass Association participated in the
ously since it passed the House in the last Walk on the Capitol. Virginia Lee, execusession and is almost through the Senate. tive director of the Texas Glass AssociaThis bill is a compromise that the legislators tion, said members from the association’s
asked the construction industry to resolve. three state divisions attended the event
Provided there are no surprises, then I think and were able to speak with Sen. Ken
it will get serious attention. Prompt pay Armbrister and Sen. Tommy Williams.
should also get serious attention but, as to Lee said that, in addition to pressing the
what extent, I do not know. I expect some- importance of the contingent pay bill, she
thing to pass but I’ve not seen the official bill and association members also discussed
the effects of Senate Bill 5 on the glass inyet, so I can’t comment.”
However, as for sovereign immunity, dustry, which dictates the use of energyMontgomery believes the issue will receive saving materials for projects. She said her
little attention. “The counties and cities main concern was to ensure that glass
along with the state have nothing to lose as professionals were aware of the guidelong as sovereign immunity stays in place or lines to use proper, energy-efficient mais enacted in the case of cities. With the bud- terials.
San Antonio Construction News • Mar 2003 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 11
This th
Mon
Plumbing Industry
There’s more than enough work for everyone!
Editor’s note: This month, San Antonio
Construction News spoke with several local
plumbing contractors to find out if they’re
thriving, and what their opinions are
about illegal plumbing practices, the current economy, how the threat of war with
Iraq may impact their businesses and how
they would improve their industry.
Frank A. Opiela,
Opiela Mechanical, Inc.
A
second-generation plumber, Frank
A. Opiela, owner and president of
Opiela Mechanical, Inc., credits his father for instilling in him a strong work
ethic. Specializing in commercial plumbing, heating and air conditioning, the
15-year-old company operates from one
location, employs 24 personnel, and performs the bulk of
its work in Bexar
County and surrounding counties. Frank’s staff
includes eight licensed journeyman plumbers,
eight qualified
helpers, and five
general laborers.
“We concentrate on plumbing, hydronic piping and utilities,” Frank said.
“About 95 percent of our work is commercial new construction, and our customers are typically general contractors.
Asked if he had ever observed and
reported illegal plumbing activities to
authorities, Frank said yes, but not lately.
“Many years ago, on perhaps two occasions involving small scale projects, I
notified the State when I suspected an
unlawful activity. That was the end; I did
my part and went on down the road. The
State does a very good job of controlling
and policing illegal plumbing activities
and anymore, you don’t see it very often.”
As a result of the City of San Antonio’s decision to add more plumbing inspectors to the rolls, Frank anticipates
some welcome relief.
“Obviously, we’ll get our inspections
more quickly without having to wait unnecessarily,” Frank added. “ We’ve had to
wait up to five working days for inspections, which produces very angry general
contractors, but our hands are tied, what
can we do? With the addition of more Inspectors, we should be able to get our
work inspected and approved within a
more reasonable time frame.”
Crediting his business success to his
workforce, Frank said the company has
not experienced a slowdown in recent
times.
“We’re doing the same amount of
work we’ve been doing. We’ve had work,
we’re still bidding work, and we really
have not slowed down at all. If the country becomes engaged in a war with Iraq,
unless it’s short, I think people in general
and owners specifically are going to rethink spending money. They might just
sit tight until there’s a clearer picture of
what’s going on. I’m taking a wait-andsee attitude.”
The population of qualified plumbers and helpers is dwindling and as the
existing workforce ages, the industry
needs to find ways to fill the gap. Frank
would like to see an emphasis placed on
recruiting more young people into the
trade.
“We want more than warm bodies
filling out job applications. Ideally, they
should have better training, a willingness
to put forth the effort it takes to do the
job right, an eagerness to gain ongoing
training, and a good work ethic. Personally, my workforce is the best it’s ever
been, and I’m a hard person to satisfy. We
have excellent people here. I’m planning
on expanding our training program for
my helpers, which will benefit both them
and the company.”
In conclusion, Frank noted that in his
opinion, owners and engineers want a
quality job for less than quality pay.
“In today’s marketplace, there is a
ton of competition for the same job. I
would like to see prices go up for our
work. We are professionals at what we
do, and we probably aren’t paid appropriately for our services.”
Earl M. Hamilton, Jr.
Hamilton Plumbing Co.
O
perating in Bexar County and surrounding
counties,
Hamilton
Plumbing Company is co-owned by
third generation plumbers and brothers.
Earl M. Hamilton, Jr. is the president of
the company, which was founded in
1946. Brother Bill Hamilton is the vice
president. The company occupies one
south side location and employs 22 personnel.
“The bulk of
our work is with
large
custom
homes,” Earl explained. “We’re
diversified in that
we also do light
commercial work,
such as restaurants,
doctor’s
and dentist’s offices, etc.”
Earl has never witnessed unscrupulous plumbing activities, but he said if he
did, he would be obligated to report
those activities to state authorities and
the Plumbing Board.
“I believe the Plumbing Board is doing a good job of policing the industry,
based on statistics and criteria passed on
to Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) members. They show us the
results of sting operations, fines levied,
actions taken, actions pending and other
information.”
A supporter of last year’s movement
to increase the number of City of San
Antonio Plumbing Inspectors, Earl expects plumbing inspections to speed up
when the new Inspectors come on line.
“We typically have to wait two to
three days for an Inspector, but I expect
the efficiency of city inspections to pick
up. During our efforts last year to improve the inspection process, we rallied
the help of key homebuilders who bear
the final cost of inspection delays. It
helped!”
Having carved a special niche in the
high-end custom home industry, Hamilton Plumbing Company hasn’t experienced any slowdowns other than weather and holiday-related delays.
“I get calls from builders every single
week wanting plumbers, and I’ve had to
turn work down. There is a lot of work out
there and the residential sector in our
area continues to move right along. In
light of the impending war with Iraq, I
personally feel that if it hasn’t affected it
yet, it probably won’t affect us dramatically or immediately. Typically, the southwest is the last area to see a slowdown
based on the economy. We’re not an industrial area, per se, and the trickle down
effect hits us last.”
There are many aspects of the
plumbing industry that have improved
dramatically because of the efforts of
PHCC at the state level. However, an ongoing concern is the plumbing workforce
in general, as Earl pointed out.
“It’s still tough in the City of San Antonio to acquire experienced plumbers.
Outreaching to young people at the high
school level, to make them aware of the
wages and benefits available to plumbing professionals, is our best shot at improving the future workforce. If they are
not college-bound, they need to look at
the trade industries for a career. I wish
there were more trade schools producing graduates in the trades. It would give
us more confidence in the future of our
industry.”
Earl is proud of his company’s employees, and when times are as good as
they are, he said he can be very selective
about who he works for.
“That is a big advantage, and I’m already thinking ahead to the explosion of
construction activity that will come down
the pike as a result of the Toyota plant. It’s
three years out, but it’s on my mind. We
are a southside plumbing contractor, and
we look forward to the spin-off growth.
There should be plenty of work for
plumbing contractors in the City of San
Antonio now and in the next few years to
come.”
Jim Otis
H.J. Otis Plumbing Co., Ltd.
I
n a move to position their commercial
plumbing company for future business,
Jim Otis, H.J. Otis Plumbing Co., Ltd.,
named his daughter Brandi Otis Epp
majority owner and president. Jim, a
master plumber, and Ruben Bryand are
both vice presidents of the company,
which operates from one location and
performs the bulk of its work in Bexar
County and surrounding counties. In its
17th year of business, the company employs 15 personnel.
Focused on
light to medium
commercial
work in the private sector, Jim
said he works
quite routinely
for six or seven
general
contractors on new construction projects.
Jim told San Antonio Construction
News he has never had an opportunity to
observe a company he suspected of
working without a license.
“Because of the type of work we do,
we don’t see any unscrupulous activities.
Unlicensed plumbers are most likely going to focus on the residential market, or
around older strip centers. If I ever did
see a suspicious incident, I would have to
mention it to somebody, as that would
be my duty to the trade. Plumbers have
been getting some positive recognition
in the last few years, and we want to keep
it going in that direction.”
Jim welcomes the changes that are
evolving as a result of the addition of
new plumbing inspector positions, noting they will have more time to examine
plumbing installations.
“Instead of just showing up in a hurry
and rushing through the inspection in
five minutes, we anticipate a slower pace.
Every plumber is going to make an occa-
sional mistake, and I’d prefer the Inspectors catch them at an early stage, rather
than when it’s too late. More inspectors
will help keep the jobs moving.”
Every year since its inception, H.J.
Otis Plumbing has grown or remained
stable, and that trend has continued in
spite of the softer economy.
“Thankfully, our company has stayed
on track and we continue to have a lot of
work. When things get slow, there are always going to be people who have work.
Hopefully, we’re doing work with the
right kind of general contractors. The
impending war may impact all of us, and
if the U.S. will get in and out of there the
effects should be minimal. We’ll be
watching the impact on the larger corporations, because when the war starts affecting them, it will filter on down.”
One of Jim’s concerns is the increasing frequency of design flaws, stating
that although the designs may look good
on paper, they can’t be implemented in
some cases. He suggested that owners
are paying a lot of money for buildings,
but in some instances, they are taking
shortcuts on some system designs.
Philosophizing about his level of success, Jim is swift to credit his employees
for their dedication and acknowledge
their contributions.
“Ruben manages our quality control,
and I get constant compliments on how
much effort, time and resources he and
our guys put into our projects. We try to
make the general contractors job easy,
and by doing that, they’re more likely to
keep calling. Fortunately, I’ve surrounded
myself with good people.”
Robert F. Jalnos
Steve’s Plumbing & Heating
Co., Inc.
F
or a quarter of a century, Steve’s
Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. has operated in San Antonio and throughout
Bexar County. President/owner Robert F.
“Robi” Jalnos, a master plumber, employs 30 personnel. The plumbing contractor targets high-end residential new
construction, high-tech commercial (including medical offices, clinics, laboratories and restaurants), remodeling and
service repair.
Although Robi has never had an opportunity to observe or report suspicious
plumbing activity to authorities, he told
San Antonio Construction News if he ever
did, he would report the situation to Andrew Jackson at the State Board of
Plumbing Examiners.
“If I saw a
person in an unmarked plumbing truck, possibly working after-hours
and
unloading a hot
water heater, I
would be suspicious. The state
license law requires the company name
and license number to appear clearly on
a plumbing truck’s exterior.”
A visible, vocal and tireless force behind the recent creation of five new City of
San Antonio Plumbing Inspector positions,
Robi anticipates improvements in the inspection process in the very near future. He
said contractors could expect more timely
inspections and more policing of the
plumbing environment around the city.
F O C U S
Page 12
Plumbing Industry
San Antonio Construction News • Mar 2003
The formalities
of enforcement
Merits of a plumbing apprenticeship program
By Sid Wilkirson
B
eginning in the early 1970’s, Associated Builders and Contractors
recognized a notable decline in the
quality of the construction industry
workforce in general. With this in mind,
they embarked upon a program to train
and provide a pool of highly skilled
craftsmen for the major construction
trades.
Their efforts were met
with more resistance than
expected, not the least of
which was the opinion of
the general public that construction was an occupation
a person chose when he
could not do or find anything else. To dispel this
myth, they sought to broadcast the word that construction is, in fact, an occupation
that requires the knowledge, skills and attributes of any other
respected profession.
The economic downturn of the mid
and late 1980’s put the apprenticeship
program on the shelf until the early
1990’s. At this point, a concerted effort
was made to implement the apprenticeship program once again. In the early fall
of 1993, the first classes were held. From
these embryonic beginnings, the apprenticeship program developed into
what it is today an enrollment of around
250 students representing all major
trades in construction.
It was my privilege to become the
first plumbing instructor for the South
Texas Chapter of ABC. The first class was
held Nov. 30, 1993 at the TEEX facility on
South Presa St. in San Antonio. Ten years
later, the classes are still held one night a
week, for four hours per night, for four
years. Obviously, the apprenticeship program requires a strong commitment on
the part of each student.
Contractors who support
the apprenticeship program employ them all.
The plumbing curriculum covers all phases of the
plumbing trade. Not focused on any single facet,
everything from installing
large diameter concrete or
clay sewer mains to repair
and maintenance of elaborate and expensive faucets
and bathroom fixtures is covered. Also, a
pointed effort is made to prepare an apprentice to test for his or her journeyman’s license. This requires an accurate
working knowledge of the plumbing
codes, both national and local.
As anyone involved in the plumbing
trade will acknowledge, the complexities
of the modern industry have become
more technical and increasingly difficult.
The need to train an incoming workforce
has changed from a luxury to a necessity.
The benefits of successfully completing the four-year plumbing apprentice-
ship program are many. To the contractor, the apprentices help alleviate the
shortage of skilled craftsmen, which has
become acute in recent years. To the apprentice, the advantage is even more
than just making a good living. He will
have the satisfaction of knowing he has
become proficient in a difficult and challenging trade. After earning a journeyman’s license, a plumber can expect to
make from $15 to $20 per hour, depending on his abilities and attitude.
I have been in the plumbing trade
for nearly 35 years. When I began, there
was no program in existence like we have
today. The general attitude was “alltake-and-no-give.” Consequently, as a
plumbing apprenticeship instructor, I
feel this is my opportunity to give something back to a trade that has been exceptionally good to me.
The plumbing apprenticeship program attracts people who want to become true craft professionals and who
have a strong commitment to make
achievement and advancement in their
trade a lifelong goal. It is the goal of the
apprenticeship program to provide them
with the mental tools and knowledge to
make this happen.
Sidney Wilkirson is the Plumbing
Manager for Jack Laurence Corporation.
He received his Plumbing Journeyman’s
License in 1971, and Master’s License
in 1984.
continued from Page 11 - Robert F. Jalnos, Steve’s Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc.
“As the new Inspectors come on line,
they won’t be as hard pressed for time. As
the enforcement authority of our industry, if they see suspicious activity they will
be more likely to stop and ask for permits
and licenses. It has been my experience
that regardless of the pressure, the Inspectors have always been very thorough at the jobsite. They don’t rush
through their calls, they inspect thoroughly, they are good, and they catch a
lot of little things. The problem was, with
the measurable growth in our area, they
just couldn’t make all of the calls on their
schedules.“
Steve’s Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc.
has maintained a steady flow of residential and commercial business over the
last year. With an established customer-
base, Robi said the majority of his work is
repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals.
“The only effect on our business
would be directly related to interest rate
hikes,” Robi explained. “If rates go up,
things will slowdown. With people taking
advantage of cheap money, I think building will continue, especially in the highend residential sector. If the country goes
to war in the Middle East, I’m sure our
gasoline costs will be affected. But, if
things go as planned, then I can only see
better days ahead.”
If he could improve the plumbing
industry in one way, Robi said it would be
to encourage plumbers to embrace a
more professional attitude toward their
career, and develop attitudes consistent
with their responsibilities.
“The biggest problem I have is dependable daily attendance. When you
have prepared, loaded and staged a
truck for a job destination, and the
plumber doesn’t show up for work, then I
have to call the contractor and take a verbal beating. It’s all about professionalism
and I think most of the absenteeism isn’t
because of illness, rather because of over
indulgence. In truth, I’d put this army up
against anybody’s. They are loyal, experienced, and knowledgeable. My only
complaint is attendance. If these guys
would just come to work everyday, I
wouldn’t have many problems.”
Texas Administrative Code
TITLE 22: EXAMINING BOARDS
PART 17: TEXAS STATE BOARD OF PLUMBING
EXAMINERS
CHAPTER 367: ENFORCEMENT
RULE §367.7: Violations of Standards and
Practices
(a) The Board may take disciplinary actions as
specified in chapter 365 of these rules (relating to Licensing and Registration) in the event
of any violation of any of these requirements.
(b) A person commits a Class C misdemeanor
by:
(1) Violating the act or the rules adopted
under it;
(2) Performing non-exempt plumbing
work without holding a valid license, registration or endorsement issued through the
Board;
(3) Employing an unlicensed or unregistered individual to perform activities that by
law require the skills and supervision of an individual registered or licensed by the Board
without providing for that individual’s supervision as specified by the Act and Board
Rules.
(4) Proclaiming through advertising or
by producing another’s plumbing license,
registration or license or registration number
or by other means claiming that:
(A) an individual is a licensed
plumber or is registered with the Board when
in fact that individual is not a plumber licensed or registered by the Board, or
(B) that a person or plumbing company has secured the services of a Responsible
Master Plumber as specified in Section 367.3 of
this title, when in fact that company has not;
(5) Acting, serving, or representing oneself as a Plumbing Inspector, or conducting
plumbing inspections as defined in the Act
and Board Rules without holding a valid
Plumbing Inspector License and without being employed by, or an independent contractor for a political subdivision.
(c) A person who violates any provision of the
act or these rules or any other order of the
Board is subject to a penalty of not less than
$50 or more than $1,000 for each violation and
for each day of violation after notification.
Source Note: The provisions of this §367.7 adopted to be effective August 25, 1993, 18
TexReg 5400; amended to be effective December 8, 1993, 18 TexReg 8787; amended to
be effective August 16, 1996, 21 TexReg 7377;
amended to be effective August 3, 2000, 25
TexReg 7177; amended to be effective January
30, 2001, 26 TexReg 977; amended to be effective December 30, 2001, 26 TexReg 10592.
Plumbing
Inspector’s
update
I
n a note from Chief Plumbing Inspector Robert Stricker to the membership of PHCC-SA (Plumbing Heating
Cooling Contractors-San Antonio),
published in the association’s Jan.-Feb.
2003 issue of “Pipeline”, he stated the
following:
Ferguson Enterprises is Proud to Introduce
Our New Appliance Lines.
®
®
303 North Park Drive
210.344.3013
®
®
®
19 Burwood Lane
210.344.4950
“I would like to take this opportunity to bring you up to speed on the
hiring of the additional inspectors. We
have received quite a few applications,
with a good selection of qualified people. We have held interviews and made
some selections. They are being processed (background checks, physical,
etc.) Once that is finished and they pass,
they will be given their start dates. All of
that is handled by H.R., so I don’t know
when that will be. Remember, once
they are on board, there will be six to
eight weeks of training and, of course,
they will have to take and pass the Inspector’s test in Austin before we start
benefiting from the extra manpower.
But, at least, there’s a light at the end of
the tunnel!”
San Antonio Construction News • Mar 2003
F O C U S
Plumbing Industry
RV
YY
S SUUR
VEE
Page 13
2003 PHCC-SA
board and officers
Plumbing Industry
The response was 14%.
54% considered their company “small” with less than $2 million in sales.
39% considered their company “medium” with $2 - $5 million in sales.
07% considered their company “large” with $6+ million in sales.
5 companies were involved in a lawsuit in the last 12 months.
2 companies were audited by the IRS in the last 12 months.
2 companies were inspected by OSHA in the last 12 months.
4 companies are woman and/or minority owned.
1 = Strongly Agree 2 = Agree 3 = Neutral 4 = Disagree 5 = Strongly Disagree
Results are measured in percentages.
1 2
PERSONNEL
Have fewer full-time employees than one year ago: ................... 39
New field personnel are trainable, not experienced:................... 07
Employees are requesting more benefits rather than
more pay:.................................................................................... 00
Current workload requires overtime for our office employees: ... 15
3
4
5
08 15 15 23
39 31 23 00
07 31 39 23
23 00 31 31
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
We are actively seeking ways to reduce our overhead:.............. 70
Company growth will require relocation to larger facility in 2003: . 07
We streamline our operation by using computers:...................... 31
We use the Internet to purchase materials:................................ 00
15
16
46
07
15
07
15
00
00
31
00
62
00
39
08
31
JOB SITE ISSUES
Addition of plumbing inspectors will improve our work schedules:...62
Jobsite theft is becoming a crisis issue: ..................................... 31
Jobsite safety is a priority at our company:................................. 77
Project coordination/planning/scheduling is better than ever: .... 08
07
39
23
23
31
07
00
38
00
23
00
23
00
00
00
08
MATERIALS / SUPPLIES
Delivery of materials/supplies are usually on time:..................... 08
Material costs have fluctuated in last 12 months:....................... 23
Theft of materials/supplies is a problem: .................................... 07
Local supply houses respond well to contractor’s emergencies: .. 31
We provide in-house training to update employee knowledge
of new products: ......................................................................... 00
LEGAL ISSUES
Threats of lawsuits have increased:............................................ 46
Liability exposure has increased:................................................ 46
Attorney’s fees for company representation/consultation
have increased: .......................................................................... 23
Our company has never been involved in a law suit:.................. 23
FINANCIAL ISSUES
Our profit margin is greater now than one year ago: .................. 00
We prefer banking with a Texas-based bank: ............................. 54
Operating costs have risen substantially over the past year:...... 39
We are projecting a drop in business in 2003:............................ 07
54
46
54
62
23
31
07
07
15
00
32
00
00
00
00
00
62 31 07 00
2003 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors of San Antonio Board of Directors:
L-R: Perry Beyer, Jr., Beyer Plumbing; Robert Bentivegna, Bent Plumbing;
Albert Preciado, A&A Sewer Contractors; Vice President George Saliba,
George Plumbing; Treasurer Charles Sagray, Mr. Plumber Plumbing Co.;
Karen Pitcher-Campbell, New England Financial; L.W. Tschoepe, Guarantee
Plumbing & AC; President Greg Bolin, Bolin Plumbing; Secretary Rob Jalnos,
Steve’s Plumbing; Steve Bailey, Corely/Bailey Plumbing; Steve Mechler,
Steve Mechler & Associates. Not pictured, Will Hawkins, “Will” Fix It Plumbing.
Helpful Numbers and Information
TEXAS STATE BOARD OF PLUMBING EXAMINERS:
1-800-845-6584
CITY OF SAN ANTONIO :
CITY PUBLIC SERVICE:
Backflow Prevention: 210-704-7135
Underground Gas & Electric Line Location:
1-800-545-6005.
Plumbing Inspections: 210-207-8279
Plumbing Appeals & Advisory Board:
210-207-8279 (Meetings are held on
the second Wednesday of each month
at 2 pm at the Municipal Plaza Building,
10th Floor Conference Room, W. Commerce. Meeting duration is usually one
to one and a half hours).
New Construction Gas & Electric Extensions,
Service & Meter Requests: 210-353-3333.
24-Hour “Help” Service: 210-353-4357.
SAN ANTONIO WATER SYSTEMS:
210-704-7516
23 23 00 08
31 15 08 00
31 39 07 00
15 16 23 23
15
23
46
23
15
15
15
39
31
08
00
31
39
00
00
00
PERSONAL
I have encouraged people I know to enter the plumbing industry: 15 54 23 08 00
Business demands have reduced time with my family: .............. 15 46 08 31 00
Affiliation with professional associations improves our credibility:. 23 54 15 08 00
Sinks & Faucets
Kitchen & Bath Fixtures
Designer Whirlpools & Baths
M
ORRISO
SUPPLY
COMPANY
N
210 344-4436
10130 Jones Maltsberger at Isom Rd.
Visit our unique designer showroom
for your kitchen and bath needs.
2003 Schedule
Support YOUR
industry’s feature issue
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Engineering
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Call for Reservations &
Other Advertising Information
(210) 308-5800
We also offer an 8,000 sf Self Service Plumbing
and PVF Counter to serve our customers better.
“Contractor in a Box” featured at Dominion
A
n intimate gathering of five hundred filled the halls of the Dominion Country Club on Thurs., Jan.
30th, when Associated Builders and
Contractors-South Texas Chapter hosted a very successful event, which they
cleverly called “Contractor in a Box.”
Nineteen general contracting firms
set up booths and displays throughout
the club’s grand rooms, in preparation
for greeting and networking with hundreds of subcontractors and associate
members. Participating GC’s included:
Lyda Builders; Metropolitan Contracting, Inc.; FaulknerUSA; HEB; Zachry
Construction; CCC Group; Koontz-McCombs Construction, Ltd.; Galaxy
Builders, Inc.; Bartlett Cocke, LP; Joeris
General Contractors; Satterfield and
Pontikes Construction, Inc.; Affirmed
General Contracting; Alpha Building
Corp.; SpawGlass Contractors, Inc.;
Leonard Contracting, Inc.; The Koehler
Company; W.G. Yates & Sons Construction; Fasone Associates; and 3DInternational.
“We invited members from other associations as well,” said ABC’s Carol Wiatrek, “including American Subcontractors Association, American Institute of
Architects, Hispanic Contractors Association and National Association of
Women in Construction. We are also featuring informational displays about our
various ABC committees and programs.”
As many guests discussed business
and economic conditions, others relaxed
and enjoyed generous buffets of delicious hors d’oeuvres and beverages
throughout the parlors, galleries and
lounges of the Dominion.
San Antonio Construction News spoke
with CCC Group’s Bruce Moran, who said
Tramac names
Texana top
dealer for 2002
N
L-R: Representing Zachry Construction are
Charlie Winget, Valerie Walls, & Cathy Harrell.
A show of force from Satterfield & Pontikes!
exposure to and interaction with the construction brotherhood is paramount.
“We’re here to support the association and our peers in these slow times
we’re all dealing with. We have to rely on
each other when things get tough. Several subcontractors have inquired about
business with our company, a heavy industrial contractor. However, we’re diversifying into lighter industrial work now,
and this is a good opportunity to get to
know the area’s subcontractors.”
It was evident from the random flow
of conversation that the contractor’s information highway was buzzing.
John Kovar, senior estimator, San
Antonio office of Satterfield & Pontikes
Construction, Inc., said he personally anticipated a good turnout of subcontractors at the evening’s event.
“When you’re a general contractor,
you don’t get work without your subcontractors. They are our lifeblood, and ABC
has provided a great opportunity for us.
Many subs are introducing themselves
and dropping off business cards. Among
the familiar faces are a few new faces, and
it only takes one or two new faces to
make you competitive.”
L-R: Met’s Men-in-Suits are Tom Lindell,
Desi Valdez, and Brian Nuehring.
L-R: Representing CCC Group, Inc. were
Bryan Meurer, estimator; Travis Franzen,
project engineer; Richard Hahnel,
corporate safety director; & Bruce Moran,
director of quality control.
ew Jersey-based Tramac, the distributor for Tramac brand demolition tools for the U.S. and Canada,
presented the 2002 Tramac Award of Excellence to San Antonio’s Texana Machinery Company in February ceremonies at the Associated Equipment Distributors 2003 annual meeting in San
Diego. Hosted at the famous San Diego
Zoo, dinner preceded the awards ceremony.
Representing Texana on the west
coast was general manager Kirby Carpenter, who accepted the award from
Tramac’s CEO Denis Bataille, president/
COO Phil von Hemert, and sale representative John Glusing.
“We were very pleased to receive this
award from Tramac,” Kirby reported.
“Texana has been a Tramac dealer for
eight years and we have consistently
been a top dealer for them. That’s not
anything we take lightly, and we appreciate Tramac’s support and the great quality of their products.”
L-R: Denis Bataille, John Glusing, Kirby
Carpenter and Phil von Hemert.
CONCRETE CONTRACTORS LTD
Commercial • Residential • MultiFamily
Ronnie Urbanczyk, President • Steven Valerio, Vice President
Estimators Tom Fulks • Robert Cruz • Rick Fulks • Chris Boyd
Professional Engineer, Mike Zezula
Sonterra Medical Office Building # 2
General Contractor: Metropolitan Contracting
Project Superintendent: Randy Riedel
“Building a strong foundation in San Antonio and South Texas”
Business Office
24114 Blanco Road San Antonio, Texas 78258
210 • 490 • 0090 Fax 210 • 490 • 1505 800 • 884 • 6675
Austin Field Office
3206 Highway 183 South Austin, Texas 78744
800 • 884 • 6675
See our ad at CONCRETE CONTRACTORS in
your SBC Southwestern Bell Yellow Pages and at
www.SMARTpages.com
Old Timers Club
honors Cosmo Guido
by Buddy Doebbler
March Special
40XT and Trailer
A
new club has been established in
Boone Powell, Ford, Powell & CarSan Antonio that brings together son, was then called upon to add a few
veterans from the local design and quips about his association with the reconstruction community once a year to spected contractor throughout the
honor one of their own.
years.
The Old Timer Design and ConstrucCosmo was presented with an ention Group kicked off its first annual get- graved memento of the evening that
together at the Rio Rio Restaurant on the read “Man of the Year 2003 Cosmo Guiriver walk to honor Cosmo Guido, Guido do”.
Brothers Construction Company.
Stating this was the greatest thing
Guests started arriving at 6 pm on that had happened to him in a long time.
Jan. 30th in the restaurant’s private third Cosmo also said that he had planned to
floor
dining
room. As the
room filled with
55 people, it became a “who’s
who” of the local
industry that has
designed
and
built much of
San
Antonio
over the years.
Honoree
Guido, brought
to the party by his
son Brazos, remained unaware
L-R: Cosmo Guido’s excitement is captured on
of what was
video by son, Brazos.
about to happen.
As he was led over to an unveiled portrait of go hunting, but his wife said he couldn’t
himself, it became clear that he would be because he had to attend a party. “This is
the honored Old Timer and steeled himself fantastic,” said Guido. “I can’t believe it is
happening to me.”
for a good roasting.
After a great meal and lots of good
After singing a robust version of “For
He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” the group took conversation the evening came to an end.
Organizer Ken Rector brought the
their seats. Ken Rector, Rector Manageidea
for an Old Timers Club from Housment, opened the evening by telling
ton
where
a similar group was estabhow the Guido family came to San Antolished
some
years ago.
nio, and continued with an anecdotal
“I
thought
it would be a good idea
story about the Hemisfair project when
for
us
to
do
that
here,” he said. “I had a
Cosmo ended up receiving tickets inmeeting with some folks and we just destead of money for this work.
cided to do it.”
Glimpse of real world
before graduation
S
enior students at Judson High School,
Converse, TX, have
the opportunity to volunteer and be selected for
the Technical Education
Internship program. The
objectives of the high
technology internship program is to provide career
orientation and exploration, as well as involvement
in advanced projects under the guidance of a mentor.
L-R: JISD seniors Jenni Moczygemba and Ione Barerra
Students who meet
with teacher Frank Andrew.
the criteria and are selected for the program are
basics. Interacting with the engineers
able to choose from many high-tech in- and technical people at Ford Engineering
dustries and businesses. From the fields has been a valuable experience.”
of computers and electronics, to aeroFrank Andrew said the internship
space, civil engineering, mechanical en- program is also a way for businesses and
gineering, architecture, computer- aided industry to help their community schools
drafting (CAD) and others, the students’ address the high-tech skill shortage.
training will take place on location at lo“Already a step ahead of their concal businesses, industries and govern- temporaries in the job market,” Frank exment agencies.
plained, “interns have the opportunity to
Although the students are not paid fully investigate their technical skill
for their M-F afternoon commitments, choice before spending time and money
they do earn three high school credits. on post-secondary education. AdditionSan Antonio Construction News spotted ally, they are exposed to real world workFrank Andrew, teacher and coordinator ing environments, ethics and expectafor the Technical Education Internship, tions while still in high school. Once the
and two JISD interns at a recent Career students have a foot in the door,” he
Fair. Senior Jenni Moczygemba aspires added, “they may make arrangements
to be a civil engineer and is interning at with their respective companies for postFord Engineering, Inc. Her classmate graduation employment and/or internand fellow senior, Ione Barrera, is internships at the college level.”
ing with the central Texas office of United
Challenged to learn on-the-job
Parcel Service (UPS).
about various technical skills through
“This is a great opportunity to see first-hand experiences on the actual
what an actual engineering firm is like,” worksite, participating JISD seniors will
Jenni said. “I’ve spent many hours work- have top-priority as potential college coing on survey parties and learning a lot of ops/interns.
0% for 48 Months
or
No Payments
1.9% and until
July
Payments as low as $425.00 plus tax
WAC - Certain Restrictions Apply
TEXANA
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SAN ANTONIO
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(512) 272-8922 (800) 615-3804 (210) 333-8000 (800) 483-9262
SALES • RENTALS • PARTS • SERVICE
www.texanamachinery.com
PRO-LINE
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MIKE & MARK CRAWFORD
P.O BOX 791324 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78279-1324
Pre-Rodeo Cook-Off messy but successful
T
he annual Pre-Rodeo Cook-off began a new life on January 25 at its
new location at Verizon Amphitheater. Over 100 cook-off teams fired up
the pits to show who was the best of the
best when it comes to cooking.
Again this year, Construction News
took photos of all the teams representing
the construction industry. If you are not
in here, sorry we missed you, but put up a
bigger sign next year.
2003 Cook-Off Winners:
Grand Champion: Rut ‘N Bucks
Brisket 1st Place: Nana Nana Boo Boo
Chicken 1st Place: Western Cooking Team
Ribs 1st Place: Rut ‘N Bucks
Pecan Pie: Bandera Bandits
Fruit Pie: Who Cares Cookers
Most Colorful: Midnight Express
People’s Choice: Cactus Flat Cookers
Bad Boyz of Rodeo: Pipe Layers
Westco Electric
Foremost Paving
Holt Cat
Cement & Masonry boys & girls
Dirty & his bro
Cookers
come
in
all
sizes!
The Great Outdoors welcomes your photos and stories.
We will print on a first-come, first-available basis, so call us at (210) 308-5800 to make arrangements.
Niznik hunters have a good year
The 13,600 acre Saner Ranch, in Maverick County, South Texas had some really
good hunting this year. Niznik Concrete Contractors and the people hunting
with them brought in some nice ones.
Your Totally Complete
Site Contractor
CONTRACTING
February 20, 2003
SAN ANTONIO CONSTRUCTION NEWS
Post Office Box 791290
Attn:
Buddy Doebbler
Re:
“Hunting Buddies” Article
Dear Buddy:
I want you to be aware of my displeasure over the recent article “Hunting Buddies”.
Due to your outdoor reporter, Ralph Winingham’s misinterpretation and presentation of our conversation, the article
made Scott Garrett seem something other than the excellent rifle and bow hunter that he is. We both have great stories
to tell and trophies to go along with it.
This article totally misrepresented the valuable relationship that we have as hunting partners.
Doug Niznik with nephew Ryan Woods
with his first ever buck.
D. A. Murry, Mesa Equipment Co. with
his 150 class 11 point.
Frank Moravits, T & D Moravits & Co.
150 class with 11 points.
Brian Stanush with his 150 class buck.
Mark Cuppetilli
4660 Boldt Road x San Antonio, Texas 78222 x Phone 210.648.4010 x Toll-free 800.991.0081
Fax 210.648.1497 x Estimating Fax 210.648.4351
www.m-mcontracting.com x [email protected]
Louis Longoria,
Niznik Concrete
with his 8 point.
Join the Texas
Wildlife Association!
Help protect our rights,
conserve and manage Texas
wildlife and habitat and
support conservation
education.
Doug Niznik (L) and Sandy Garcia of Martin
Marietta Materials with a 162 class buck.
J. C. Stoddard with his 20”, 8 pointer.
J. C. is the grandson of Curtis Stoddard,
Stoddard Construction Co.
www.texas-wildlife.org
6th Annual Alamo Chapter
Wild Turkey Federation
Banquet and Auction
For Tickets & Info
Perry Shipler
(210) 865-0760
Thursday, March 6, 2003
Drywall and Acoustical Supplies
Doors open 6:00 pm • Dinner 7:30 pm
Live Auction Silent Auction Raffle Items Games
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Spring Turkey Season opens
March 29 in South Texas
April 5th in Hill Country
by John Jefferson
T
urkey hunters are almost a cult. It
wouldn’t surprise me if they had a
secret handshake.
But I’m putting too much emphasis
on calling. Being in the right place, being
camouflaged and sitting still are much
more important. Even a bush league
They lurk around in wooded areas
caller can bring in a turkey. I’m living
this time of year, camouflaged to match
proof.
the cover. They walk quietly into their
Spring turkey hunting is a challenghunting areas, occasionally stepping on
ing quest, and perhaps the most rewardsnakes and then sit in poison ivy and try
ing of all the hunting sports. When you
to sound like a turkey hen in love.
have called a tom turkey from a distance
And, oh those sounds. If you’ve ever
to within shotgun range and made a
heard the sweet, soothing, come hither
clean kill, you have earned the right to be
call of a mourning dove cooing in the
proud.
spring, that ain’t it. Turkey hunters emit
If turkey hunters and their addiction
a raspy sort of a squawk from their calls
are hard to understand, someone like
suggestive of scratching your fingernails
Johnny Wiseman, president of Hunter
on a blackboard - if you are
Industries, Ltd. in
old enough to remember
San Marcos, may
blackboards.
be more incomSome do it with a box
prehensible. His
call that has a lid hinged
ranch, the Flying
to one end that makes
W, located in
the sound as it slides
excellent turkey
across the top. Others use
habitat west of
a diaphragm, manipulatUvalde, is loaded
ing short spits of airflow
with them. But
across a small piece of
he doesn’t hunt
latex stuck to the roof of
them. He just
their mouths. Beginning
gives away hunts.
diaphragm callers hope
“I don’t hunt ‘em,”
for two things: that they
he says,“I just like
don’t accidentally swallow
to watch them,
it or gag themselves; and
and enjoy watchthat the latex is not second
ing other people
hand. The other popular
having a good
type call is a slate, although
time
hunting
it has other names. A slate
them.”
by itself, without someMature gobbler looking for a male.
In his second
thing to strike against it to
term as president of
produce sound, is as useless
Associated General Contractors of Texas,
as a good cigar without a match. It’s just
he has an allegiance to the organization
going to sit there. The sound, though,
(his first term was in 1987). Each fall, AGC
is made when a stick called a striker is
holds a trade show and conducts an
scratched across the surface, again, much
auction to fund scholarships to enable
like the aforesaid fingernails. Some make
employees to get an education. Memaccumulating strikers the end instead of
bers donate trips and merchandise, like
the means. One turkey hunter I know
guns and football tickets. Employees of
has somewhere around thirty strikers. He
member-contractors can apply for scholcollects them like some collect parking
arships, but must have shown an interest
tickets, although you can only use one
in construction.
striker at a time. And I’m not sure he uses
Wiseman donates an average of five
any of them. He just collects them. There
turkey hunts a year on the Flying W. One
are several other types of calls, and most
year he got to feeling generous and doof them will also call turkeys.
nated ten. “They get kind of pricey,” he
A turkey hunter using a slate and striker, also known as a “Pot and Peg.”
A well-camouflaged hunter using a box call.
admits, “but they’re for a good cause.”
One of last year’s winning bidders was
Tracy Schieffer, with A.L. Helmcamp, Inc.,
in Buffalo. Tracy took her nine year old
son, Matt, with her. David Stroud, an oil
salesman with Ergon Materials in Waco,
called for them.
“David’s the ultimate hunter,” she
said. “We sat in a thicket and it only took
him 20 minutes to call up a turkey for me.
I shot it with a .20 gauge Browning. Matt
had to dress in full camo and sit as still as
he had ever sat in his life. It took David 30
minutes to call up Matt’s turkey, and he
shot it with the same shotgun.”
“We had the time of our lives,” she
said. “The food and accommodations
were wonderful! Johnny and Anne are
great hosts! It was so much fun, we
bought another hunt for this spring!”
JJ
____________________
All photos by John Jefferson
AGC of Texas
Trade Show
October 7-8
General Contractors of
Associated
Texas will hold its annual trade
show Oct. 7-8 in the Austin Convention Center. The live and silent auctions feature a number of exclusive
hunting and fishing trips and unique
merchandise donated by members.
Last year’s auction also included a
Canadian fishing trip, four guns and
quite a few football tickets. The auction raised $126,000 for the AGC
Scholarship Fund. For information
about the trade show, contact Tanya
Clarkson with AGC in Austin at (512)
478-4691.
JJ
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Worth the Wade
Capt. Steve Schultz - Baffin Bay Charters
I
’m often asked why I would leave a
perfectly good boat to get in the water
and chase fish. It’s because you can
only chase ‘em so far in the boat.
These days, wade fishing is the rage.
It’s not because it is great exercise, even
though it is. It’s not because you get a
much better fight out of a fish when battling it on a parallel plane as opposed to
winching it upward from a boat, even
though you do. And it’s not because
you’re one-on-one with Mother Nature
and the elements, even though you are.
It’s because wade fishing is the single-most potent method of catching
saltwater game fish on a year-round basis for those who understand how, when
and where to go about it and have invested in the specialized gear it takes to
pull it off. I’d like to give you a few ground
rules to follow when planning your next
wade fishing trip.
CHOOSE TIME AND LOCATIONS
CAREFULLY: This is by far the most important rule to keep in mind when planning
your outing. Weather conditions should
be carefully considered. Determine not
where you should fish, but instead where
you shouldn’t. Key in on protected
shorelines and structures that you know
might hold baitfish and have reasonably
clear water. Unlike drift fishing, the goal
of wading is not to cover a large amount
of water in order to locate fish. It’s to locate fish, get out and then hammer them
one after the another with a stealthy, cat-
T
less hassle, and they often catch better
quality fish. And, you catch the game fish
you’re after instead of losing expensive
live shrimp to bait stealers like piggy
perch and hardhead catfish. But the fact
remains, there are times when live bait
rules the day. During spring and fall,
when migrating speckled trout and redfish funnel through the bay to gulf passes, a live shrimp fished under an Alameda
rattling cork can be very effective. Also,
in the dog days of summer when the water gets hot and fish get lazy, a croaker
hooked in the tail and free-lined over
grass beds can be deadly.
ESTABLISH A RETRIEVE PATTERN: Remain conscious of what you’re doing
with your rod tip and reel handle and be
prepared to immediately repeat the
same exact process once a given retrieve
pays off. What produced once will usually produce time and time again. Few
fishermen are willing to invest the mental
effort in staying attuned. In tournament
situations, however, this simple angling
concept has made the difference for
more than a few victorious finishers. If
you’ve ever wanted to truly test your
powers of concentration, here’s the
prime opportunity.
These are just a few tips to make you
a more complete fisherman and a better
angler. To book a trip call: Captain Steve
Schultz at 1-888-724-FISH (toll-free).
Good Luck and Good Fishing!
TBGA Banquet coming April 12!
his year, the Texas Big Game Awards
(TBGA) will again partner with the
Cola Blanca Big Buck Contest on
April 12, 2003, and co-host the premier
awards banquet in South Texas. Each fall
and winter, over one million hunters
head for one of the eight regions of Texas
to hunt white-tailed deer, mule deer and
pronghorn antelope, and pump over
three billion dollars into local economies
in hundreds of Texas communities.
In order to preserve our valuable resources and our hunting heritage, the
Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) and
the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) developed the Texas Big
I
like approach that produces the absolute a fish, stop and work the area thoroughly.
highest yield out of a relatively confined Seldom will you find game fish alone.
stretch of proven fishing territory.
Many times, you can catch several fish
APPROACH QUIETLY: Shallow water without taking another step.
game fish are super skittish creatures.
READ THE WATER: When wade fishMake noise and they’re gone. Worse yet ing, look beyond what’s immediately apbaitfish, specifically mullet, are even parent. Constantly inspect both the surspookier. If you’re going to invest the face and the bottom. Keep your eyes
time and effort in wading an area, stay as peeled for jumping mullet and shrimp
quiet as posand
nervous
sible. It is
water.
Slick
very imporspots appearing
tant when
on the water’s
wading shell
surface are sure
and
rock
signs of feeding
structure like
fish.
When
we have in
people read a
Baffin Bay to
book, many of
walk
very
them need a
s l o w l y .
pair of reading
Tr o m p i n g
glasses.
The
across oyster
same goes for
reefs
and
reading the warocks causes
ter. A good pair
vibration
of
polarized
that
travel
sunglasses by
through the
Oceanwaves or
These are the new Mirr-O-Lure Series III subsurface
water
like
Costa Del Mar is
lures. They can be very effective while wading.
cooler
lids
a ‘must’ for wab e i n g
ter penetration
slammed on a boat. After all, you and contrast. A good pair of these glasswouldn’t go stomping through the brush es can cost anywhere from $70 to $200,
in search of the trophy buck you’ve been so take care of them.
hunting with your bow. What I’m trying
CHOOSING WHAT BAIT TO USE: Artito say is, take a step and stop. Take an- ficial lures are certainly more exciting to
other step and stop. When you do catch fish than natural baits. They’re also far
Game Awards. Celebrating its 12th year,
the Texas Big Game Awards program is
the leader in promoting education and
recognition of quality habitat and quality
wildlife in Texas.
Therefore, we would like to respectfully invite you or your business to become a Local Sponsor and/or Exhibitor of
the Texas Big Game Awards for the 2003
South Texas TBGA Banquet, April 12, in
Laredo. This is the perfect opportunity
for you to reach hundreds more hunters
through the TBGA’s Partnership with Cola
Blanca.
Please think of the Texas Big Game
Awards as the best opportunity we’ll ever
have to take a pro-active rote in “officially” advocating and expanding hunting in
Texas. Being associated as an official
sponsor of a program that benefits wildlife, habitat, communities and the economy—that reaches out to and helps educate Texas’ youth—should prove extremely valuable to you and/or your
business. This is a remarkable program
that deserves the wholehearted support
of every person and every business that
is touched by hunting.
Contact David R. Brimager, Director
of the Texas Big Game Awards with any
questions or comments that you might
have at 800-839-9453, ext. 114.
Fly Fishing Festival
f you are a fly fisherman you might
head up to Athens, TX on March 15th to
celebrate the sport during Fly Fish Texas at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. The event will be from 9 am until 4
pm and will be an introduction to fly fishing as well as an opportunity for anglers
to hone their skills through insights from
the experts.
There will be a variety of activities
ranging from beginner level to advanced
angler. There will be interactive seminars
and demonstration on the basics of flycasting and afterward the opportunity to
fish for rainbow trout in the center’s
ponds and streams.
An added event this year will be an
opportunity for youngsters to learn how
to fly fish through the Junior Fly Fisher
2nd Annual Casino
Night Fundraiser
Alzafar Shrine Temple
901 North Loop 1604 West
Thursday, April 3, 2003
5:30 pm - 10:30 pm
FOOD • BEVERAGE
SILENT AUCTION • LIVE AUCTION
RAFFLE • 3 HRS CASINO GAMING
Award Program conducted by
the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. According to a press
release students will participate
in activities at three learning
stations set up around the Fisheries Center with the goal of
completing 10 objectives. Certified fly fishing instructors will
conduct the program. Upon completion
of the 3-hour course students will receive
a certificate and a pin recognizing them
as official junior fly fishers.
The price of the event is $5.50 for
adults, seniors 65 and older $4.50, and
children 4-12 years old $3.50.
For more information call:
903-676-2277 or visit the website
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fish/
Tickets $75
Catering by Black Tie Affairs
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
For questions or comments
please contact Bryan Potts
(210) 477-3037
P.O. Box 100776
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DU members feast ‘n fundraise
in Boerne
T
he Kendall County Fairground was
lit up on Thurs., Feb. 20th for the
Ducks Unlimited Boerne Chapter’s
20th Annual Banquet. By 7 pm, the place
was packed with members and their
guests, many representing the construction industry.
Amid the festivities was the busy
banquet chairman, Mark Gross, who
said ticket sales would probably produce an attendance of over 500. “We are
hoping to raise over $100,000 gross tonight, half of which will go to the organization.” He then credited the hardworking banquet committee members
and all member-volunteers for producing the well-organized event.
Fundraising activities included an
impressive three-tiered raffle, cigar
sales, live auction, pick of the litter raffle,
play-the-duck lottery and a silent auction. The silent auction items included
rifles, artwork, knives and hunting accessories.
Guests enjoyed a hearty buffet dinner featuring a steak entree and side
dishes, catered by Buppy’s Catering.
San Antonio Construction News ran
into concrete man John Kunz, J.D. Kunz
Concrete, who said people had been
coming up to him lately wondering if he
had been sick or out of the country.
“I even received some get well
cards!” John reported. “Folks keep saying they haven’t seen my picture in Construction News lately, and thought I’d
dropped off the planet.”
Too close to press time to know if
the Duck hunting aficionados met their
financial goals but, if their enthusiasm
was any indication of their success, they
may have surpassed their mark.
L-R: Dallas Cloud, Moore Erection, and
John “I’m still around” Kunz.
Mike and Mathew Schultz pose with Mike’s gold medal blackbuck,
taken at Red Rock Ranch, Cotulla, TX.
L-R: Jim Martinson, March Construction,
and Chris Christians, Lynwood Building
Materials, sell tickets and direct traffic
with happy faces.
Michael Schultz, son of Mike Schultz, Schultz Concrete Pumping, with first buck.
The 9-pointer was taken at the Schultz lease, Encinal, TX
L-R: Architect Lloyd Jary, Lloyd Jary &
Associates; Dan McCarty, K-D Construction;
and Paco Manon, Lloyd Jary & Associates.
L-R: Brothers Ray Luna, Glass Service,
Inc., and Richard Luna, Champion Truss
(Albuquerque, NM) in Craig, Colorado
with 8-point, 20-in. spread and 10-point,
22-in. spread mule deer, and 5x5 and 6x6
elk. “The Elk hunt was the most exciting
hunt of our lives,” said Ray. “We witnessed
approximately 300 free-ranging Elk,
bugling and sparring with each other.”
This was the first bull elk for both brothers.
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Safety guru leaves AGC for private sector
H
is commitment to safety started
on an Austin jobsite years ago,
when he saw a good friend fall 65ft. to his death. The impact of that preventable tragedy forged a lasting impression in the mind of Adolph Fierros, who
for the last ten years has been the Associated General Contractors – San Antonio
Chapter’s Safety Director.
“I remember walking away that day
and saying, ‘Lord, if you ever give me an
opportunity to make a difference, I will
take that opportunity.’ It came years
down the road, but I will always believe
that I was led to do the job that I have
done. Once you’ve seen a friend fall to his
death, it alters your life forever. That is the
root of my commitment to safety,”
Adolph revealed.
In March, Adolph will leave AGC to
pursue a related career move. He has
been named Senior Risk Control Representative of St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance. Prior to working for AGC,
Adolph was the Safety Director for Beldon Roofing and for CECO Concrete
Construction, both AGC members.
“I got my break into safety with CECO
because my crews usually had one of the
better safety records. That led CECO to offer me a position in safety, which led me to
Beldon Roofing. When the opportunity to
work at AGC arose, I jumped on board.”
As the AGC Safety Director, Adolph
would visit jobsites to identify hazards,
help contractors come up with ways to
correct them, and advise them on methods and safety practices to utilize as they
strive to attain OSHA compliance. Certified through the American Society of
Safety Engineers and the Board of Certified Safety Professionals as a Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST),
Adolph is also OSHA 500 certified.
“At St. Paul, I will be working with the
company’s construction accounts on
risk-control issues,” he added, “and manage their safety programs to keep their
losses down. It’s somewhat similar to
what I’ve been doing at AGC, but on a
more limited scope. I will cover San Antonio and Central/South Texas.”
Initially, Adolph will get acquainted
with insured general contractors to familiarize himself with their activities, discuss
ways he can help them, and visit jobsites.
As well, he’ll work with St. Paul personnel
to help bring in more business. In some
cases, he’ll be working with contractors
he already knows. One of the principal
differences Adolph is certain to encounter in his new role with St. Paul is his
measure of clout.
“Local contractors are used to me,”
Adolph admitted. “They do know that
when I write them up for a serious item or
an issue involving imminent danger, they
will get the problem fixed. However, they
may disregard the items that are of lesser
importance to them. As the insurance
carrier’s safety or risk-control representative, the consequences of not following
through could hit them in their pockets,
just as it does with OSHA. AGC doesn’t issue fines, OSHA does issue fines, and insurance carriers look at premiums.”
In the big picture, it’s all about protecting the lives and well being of the
people in the construction community,
which requires commitment on the part
of the contractor, the employees, the supervisors and subcontractors.
“I will miss AGC and everybody I
have worked with,” Adolph concluded.
“After ten and a half years of doing one
particular job, then deciding at age
forty to change, is a little scary. But, I’m
looking forward to the challenges and
that’s exciting!”
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Local NARI hosts regional seminar
“The local NARI chapter and Region 5
were once among the cream of the crop
of NARI,” reported member Rudy Nino,
CGR, SA Building & Remodeling. “Somewhere along the way it lost its way, and as
the chapter has recently been revitalized
our mission is to restore this region back
to where it should be…on top! We must
lead the way with increased membership
and participation.”
Some of the NARI members who attended the Region 5 meeting.
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he National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) hosted its
Region 5 Seminar and Conference at
the Riverwalk Plaza Hotel on Fri. and Sat.,
Feb. 21st and 22nd.
Kicking off the event on Fri. night with
a meet-n-greet mixer, NARI members began their formal activities in earnest on
Sat. morning with breakfast, sponsored by
DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen, followed
by a Moisture Management seminar, presented by Dan Donihoo, CSI, CDT, certified Tyvek® product consultant.
After lunch, members attended another seminar on ‘Qualifying Leads’, presented by Anthony J. L. Pelusa, CR, and
Chairman of the Board of NARI.
Seminar attendees also welcomed
NARI president Julius Lowenberg, Julius
Lowenberg Construction (El Paso), when
he discussed the “State of NARI” in a midafternoon address. The day concluded
with a Region 5 roundtable discussion.
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and come up with ways of solving prob- They don’t teach
lems. I’m not one who can do the com- business courses in
puter work or the number crunching… engineering school,
I’m more of a concept-type person.
and it makes it very
SACN: Were you a complete bookworm difficult for profesin college, or did you have a little fun on sionals to operate
the side?
when they don’t
GER: I spent the first two years of college have business trainhaving too much fun, and the last two ing.
years recovering. I was active in Alpha SACN:
Are you
Phi Omega, an engineering fraternity.. married and do you
Since I had a 1949 Ford pickup, which I have children?
GE Reaves Engineering, Inc.
drove during high school and college, I GER: After twentywas always the designated beer keg eight years of marhauler. I also moved a lot of friends into riage, my wife,
Editor’s note: Gaylord E. Reaves, P.E., their apartments, and as people got LeClair, and I were
R.P.L.S. is the president of GE Reaves married, I ended up being the moving recently divorced.
Engineering, Inc. The civil engineer/ man. I earned extra income using my We have a daughter
surveyor has solidly carved his niche in truck for lawn mowing, hauling manure, and son who are
pouring concrete, house painting and grown, and one 9the local residential and light commercial
general carpentry and repair work.
year-old grandson.
construction industry. The grandson of SACN: What appealed to you about civil
We are also foster
Methodist evangelists, Gaylord is a man engineering as opposed to the other parents.
of faith and good humor.
disciplines?
SACN: How did you
GER: The great outdoors, working on come to be foster
road projects, utilities, buildings and parents?
stockholder-type partner who is a good
SACN: Where are you from, Gaylord?
land development. After college, I con- GER: My wife helped me with the busibusinessperson, and hopefully, an engiGER: I was born and raised in El Paso.
tinued my employment with El Paso ness for the first eight years, and that
neer. My business is my investment, and I
My parents are CleNatural Gas Co., started to take its toll on both of us. In
will need to sell my business as I look totis and Jean Reaves,
working on re- 1990, I took on a business partner and
ward eventual retirement. I’m already
and I was the fourth
search and de- she pursued her goal of fostering baon an exit strategy.
“My desire was to work all over velopment proj- bies. In twelve years, we fostered 97 working
of five children.
SACN: You’ve occupied your beautiful
SACN: What did the U.S. and around the world ects, in the field babies.
new office for about one year now. Had
your father do for
on compressor SACN: What were your responsibilithis been an ongoing desire?
on different projects.”
a living?
station construc- ties?
GER: Yes, for about fifteen years I’ve
GER: My father was
tion
projects, GER: My duties typically included
wanted to get into a new building. I was
an aerial photograand project en- burping, feeding, walking and holdat my last location for 16 years.
pher during WWII, and carried those gineering. My desire was to work all over ing. Most of the babies are newborns,
SACN: What do you and your fellow engiskills into the private sector. After the the U.S. and around the world on differ- straight from the
neers talk about
war, he worked as a civil servant, manag- ent projects. I spent a couple of years hospital, two or
when you get toing the Ft. Bliss photography depart- working on desalinization plants in the three days old. Once
“Whatever comes my way, gether?
ment. Later, he worked as a photogra- Virgin Islands.
we had a fourGER: We usually
pher for El Paso Natural Gas Company. SACN: What was your next career pound baby girl
I’ll face it head-on.”
talk more about
His work was notable, and one of his move?
who required hourprojects than busitime-elapsed night shots of a drilling rig GER: I went to Houston to work for La ly feedings. Another
ness.
was once featured on the cover of Oil Vaca, which was a predecessor of Valero baby had what they call ‘failure to
SACN: About one year ago you were an
and Gas Journal.
Corp. I came to San Antonio in 1979 thrive’ syndrome. She just didn’t want
Olympic torchbearer prior to the Winter
SACN: And your mother?
when Valero was established and I to eat. My wife is extremely good with
Games. Tell me about that experience.
GER: Mom had a couple years of college worked for them as a manager of engi- babies and she was able to feed the
GER: My wife nominated me and I was
before she married my dad, then she had neering construction for the Valero Gas baby with an eyedropper, help her
thrilled to be selected. Leading up to the
five kids. When I was in the fourth grade, Storage Company. When the bottom gain confidence and trust, and when
run, I walked and jogged, but I have two
she returned to college, graduating in dropped out of the oil and gas business she left, she was healthy and happy.
herniated discs and the pain was becom1961, the same year my older sister in 1982, they closed my department.
SACN: You must know a lot about baing more intense. About two weeks begraduated from high school. She taught SACN: When did you become a licensed bies.
fore the run, I stopped running to heal a
school for 13 years.
surveyor?
GER: I learned how to manage babies,
little. The day of the run, it was rainy. I put
SACN: What high school did you attend, GER: I received my engineering license and they do have to be managed. You
on my orthopedic corset, cinched myself
and in what activities did you partici- in 1978 and my surveyor’s license in have to teach them what the schedule
up real good, and took two Tylenol #3’s. I
pate?
1980. Valero didn’t encourage its em- is, instead of the other way around, so
was so excited I was out of breath and
GER: I graduated from Burges High ployees to become licensed, but I they get into a routine and sleep at
winded before I even started but, I ran all
School in 1967. I ran a little track, played thought it was important and it turned night. There are certain ways of comthe way. I made it! It was a terrific day! I
a little football, and I used to play on out to be one of my smarter moves.
forting babies. My wife is very intuitive was proud, happy, excited, winded and
fast-pitch softball teams for church SACN: Did you start your own firm after about recognizing when an infant’s
tired. I had the opportunity to purchase
leagues.
your job with Valero ended?
formula might need to be adjusted or the torch, torch stand and plaque, so the
SACN: Where did you go to college?
GER: I actually worked for another com- changed. I miss fostering and the ba- ‘free run’ cost me about $500. It was a
GER: I attended the University of Texas pany, which allowed me to moonlight. I bies. I’m a kid-person.
tremendous experience.
at El Paso, graduating in 1971, with a de- literally worked out of a back bedroom. I SACN: Gaylord, have you been a work- SACN: Gaylord, what would you like our
gree in engineering. In college, I worked finally got it going.
aholic all these years?
readers to know about you and the impart time for the El Paso Natural Gas Co. SACN: Who were
GER: Yes, and I’m print you’ve left on our city?
and played on their fast-pitch softball your first customtrying to get past GER: I believe in integrity, and in the
team. I was the catcher.
ers?
that too. What power of talking through differences I
“I want people to know
SACN: You must have great knees!
GER: Back then, I
I’ve discovered is may have with a client or friend. By workGER: I used to! My hands are a little dam- was doing a lot of
that I work with an
that in the last 21 ing together, we can solve problems in
aged, too.
survey work, and
years, I’ve only spite of our differences. People who run
honest heart.”
SACN: You must have a keen aptitude most of my clients
taken three two- from their problems are doing an injusfor math and science, but when did you were mortgage and
week vacations. tice to themselves. I want people to know
know you wanted to be an engineer?
title companies. I
Lee Iacoca once that I work with an honest heart and I’m
GER: I’ve wanted to be an engineer since started meeting builders and develop- said, “a person who can’t set aside two not afraid to face problems. Whatever
I was in grade school, and I don’t have a ers, and the business grew one at a weeks a year for a vacation isn’t much comes my way, I’ll face it head-on. Our
keen aptitude for math. I had to work time.
of a manager.” There always seemed to motto is ‘Solve the Problem.’ Don’t run
extremely hard. But, I do have a strong SACN: Over the years, what has been be more pressing matters.
from it, don’t blame somebody else, just
mechanical aptitude. I can envision how your greatest business challenge?
SACN: What is your long-term goal?
fix it.
things are built, develop basic designs, GER: To learn how to be a businessman. GER: What I want to do is bring in a
Spotlight
Gaylord E. Reaves
JJ C
CH
H
CONSTRUCTION, INC.
Specializing In
Backhoe • Rocksawing • Trenching
“We Can Dig It”
(210) 651-5612
305 IH35 North
Fax: (210) 651-5451
Selma, Texas
Retaining Quality Employees:
Hire ‘em and keep ‘em
by Paul Montelongo
“It is so hard to find good help and to keep good people on
staff.” This is the most common challenge I hear from contractors around the country. Are there ways to attract quality employees and retain their services for years to come? Take a look
at the top ten reasons that employees stay in a company:
Clearly defined expectations and
outcomes: The most satisfied employees
know exactly what is expected of them and
what the ultimate outcome is of a particular
project or job description. Most importantly,
they have managers or employers that allow
them to find their own route toward those
outcomes by allowing individuals to use
their strengths to their fullest potential.
Encourage continuing development:
Employees who are encouraged to expand
their personal and professional development appreciate their jobs even more. A
quality employer can set up a personal development library, seminars and ongoing
certification programs, and personal coaches
for their employees to continue to give them
the edge. These ongoing training ideas nurture your employees and expand their employable talents.
Extend recognition and praise: There
is nothing complicated about recognition,
but it continues to be one of the highest
needs on employee’s lists. Recognition can
be received by way of verbal praise, with
awards presentations, implementing an employee’s suggestion (and giving them credit
for it), and many other ways. The point is to
extend praise regularly. Employees say they
need a pat on the back at least every seven
days.
Genuinely care about your employees: Employees say this is at the top of their
list for job satisfaction. When someone at
work, either the employer or the manager,
sincerely cares about them as a person, they
tend to stay longer and have a much higher
level of productivity. Employees that are
treated as individuals and whose personal
talents are respected are much more content to stay with your company.
Salary and benefits are not the number one reason people stay at a company:
The fact is that employees say it is actually
fifth on their list of top ten reasons to stay at a
company. Work environment, people issues,
and growth opportunities rate much higher
than money and benefits. A good compensation package is necessary in combination
with these other factors.
Offer regular, quality feedback: A
great manager or employer must have an
understanding of the talents each employee
possesses. Regular performance evaluations
help the employee stay focused on their
productivity. Objective feedback helps the
employee continue to understand his role.
Emphasis should be placed on their
strengths and how best to use them.
Nurture friendships at the office:
Work is a place where long-term friendships
are often developed. This evolution of quality relationships between people is very
normal and it is a part of a healthy workplace.
Employers understand that loyalties between their personnel can foster company
loyalty. Set up an environment in which,
friendships can be developed and are able to
grow.
Provide the right tools: Having the
right resources and equipment for your
people is essential. This allows them to do
the best job with the latest tools. Simple
things like adequate lighting, ergonomic
furniture, product information guides, and
computers that are networked together allow your people to do their job right.
Include them in the decision making
process. Great employers consult with employees regularly to make sure their ideas
and instincts are recognized. Especially
when decisions are made that affect an employee’s position, it is most important to
make them a part of the process. In doing
this, you acknowledge the intelligence and
value of the employee.
Allow them to make a difference:
When they feel a sense of mission and purpose, their job has meaning and significance.
They want to know they are contributing to
an important endeavor. The best workplaces
give their employees a sense of purpose,
help them feel they belong, and enable
them to make a difference.
The overwhelming message is…”Employees do not leave companies, they leave
managers and supervisors”. The work atmosphere, the camaraderie of fellow employees
and their managers, and the continuing personal development opportunities are the
primary reasons employees remain at a company. When these innate needs are met,
employees tend to be much more productive, profits increase and there is a greater
level of customer satisfaction.
Paul Montelongo is the author of 101 Power
Strategies; Tools to Promote Yourself as the Contractor of Choice. Paul is a nationally recognized speaker
and consultant to the construction industry. Visit
Paul at www.ContractorOfChoice.com and register
for a free E-mail newsletter to receive tips, strategies
and concepts to help you grow your business and
increase your profits. Paul has owned and operated
his own multi-million dollar construction company
for over 23 years.
TDI named among best
companies to work for
F
or the sixth year in a row, Fortune
Magazine has named TDIndustries
one of the 100 Best Companies to
Work For; an honor conferred on only 11
other companies in Texas.
TDIndustries ranked seventh on the
Top 100 List and is the only company to
be named to the Top 10 of the list for six
consecutive years.
“We’re always pleased to be recognized as a great workplace, but our priority is on constantly improving our customer relationships,” said TDPartner Rod
Johannsen, business unit manager. “By
focusing on helping each other succeed
and recognizing that diversity is a
strength, we ultimately serve our customers better.”
An employee-owned company, approximately 24 percent of TDIndustries
Partners are Hispanic; another six percent
are African American; and Asian and Native Americans make up two percent of
the total employees. Its diverse workforce
of more than 1,400 employees are employed at offices in Texas, Arizona, and
Washington, D.C.,
TDIndustries is one of the few employee-owned construction firms that
links health insurance premiums to compensation; the less money employees
earn, the less they pay out-of-pocket for
health insurance coverage.
Since 1946, TDIndustries has carefully honed its reputation through an unfaltering commitment to serving its customers. The firm has also grown its reputation as one of America’s premier MEP
(mechanical/electrical/plumbing) contracting and facility service companies,
earning recognition that has included
the Texas Quality Award, the National
Construction Safety Excellence Award,
Top 50 Training Organizations award,
and the Award for Principle-Centered
Leadership to TDIndustries‚ chairman
Jack Lowe. Last year, the firm was a finalist for the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige
award.
Perhaps TDPartner Mark Polivka,
who works in facilities sales, sums up
TDIndustries’ key to success best. “We all
work on a level playing field, which enables us to share ideas without any politics. Because of this supportive environment, we’re a close-knit group like a
family. TD is a place where you can grow
and advance.”
Yes.
We can do
Color Laminated
Reprints of
Articles published in
Construction News.
How many do you want?
LEGAL
INSURANCE
Financial Statements:
Nuisance or valuable tool?
HELP YOUR LAWYER
HELP YOU
By William R. Dawley, AFSB
By William Apt, Attorney at Law
Austin, Tx
(Phone Rings)
Bond Agent: Good morning, ABC Bond Agency, Bill speaking.
Contractor: Hey Bill, this is Mike at Mike’s Bigger Better
Builder’s Inc.
Bill: Hey Mike, how are you today?
Mike: Well, pretty good, but I need to see
about getting a bid bond for that job that
bids next week, you know, the one we
talked about last week.
Bill: I remember, the $5 million school job
for Webrakeum ISD.
Mike: That’s the one.
Bill: Did you talk to your CPA about when
your fiscal year-end financial statement
would be ready? As we discussed before,
we need that info within at least 90 days of
the year-end. By my calculations, today is
day 91 and the bond company is screaming for that info.
Mike: Yeah, he said he’s working on it. Why
does the bond company always want that
stuff, do they really look at it? What does it
tell them? You know I can do this job, fi nancials aren’t that important.
Bill: Oh, it is important. And believe me,
they do look at those statements, backwards and forwards. Financials are a diary
that explains the financial health of your
company. So, when can we expect the
statement?
Mike: All right, I’ll call the CPA now.
Bill: Great, I’ll wait to hear from you.
Does this conversation sound familiar? As a bond agent, I have had this discussion more than a few times over the
years. Many times, the biggest hurdle to
getting bonds, is not whether or not the
contractor qualifies, it is getting the financial information. In the example above,
Mike is not quite sure why the company
needs his financial information and why it
is important. Although this topic could fill
many pages, I will try to give you the basics
in a few short paragraphs.
When a bond company underwrites
you (the contractor) for bonds, they look at
three basic things: Character, Capacity,
and Capital. Character refers to your general reputation and track record; Capacity
is your organization’s ability to do the work
(equipment, supervision & manpower);
and Capital is your financial wherewithal
(i.e. your financial health). CPA-prepared
financial statements are the main component that tells the bond company about
your Capital. CPA-prepared financial
15080 Tradesmen Drive
210-492-5501
Fax 210-492-0031
800-850-9275
statements include compilations, reviews
and audits. Which statement is right for
you of course, depends on how much
work you need to bond. Typically, bond
companies want reviews or audits, although on very small jobs you may be able
to get by with a compilation.
If you have done very many bonded
jobs in your career, you have no doubt
faced the multiple requests from bond
companies for CPA financial statements.
The more work you need to bond, the
more often they want the information.
Bond companies require CPA financial
statements at every fiscal year-end and
typically at six months. If you are a very
active user of bond credit, you may be
asked for quarterly (or even monthly) fi nancial statements.
Why do bond companies want CPAprepared financial statements? In one
word - History. Bond companies have
been doing this since the turn of the century. History has shown that CPA-prepared financial statements are the best
way to judge the Capital (i.e. financial
health) of construction companies. They
want to know that you are a viable, ongoing company, that you have the ability to
withstand some financial pitfalls, and that
you can finance your work in progress.
They feel it is the best tool available to analyze your financial success and well-being.
If the bond companies are using these
CPA-prepared financial statements to analyze your company, why aren’t you doing
the same thing? Many contractors dread
the process of dealing with their CPA and
getting this done for the bond companies.
I’d say if financial statements are good
enough for the bond companies, they are
even better for you. You should be using
your financial statements as business management tools to help you identify your fi nancial strong points and weak points.
You need to know and understand what
is in your financial statements. When the
bond company gets your financial statement, they analyze it thoroughly, and
then they ask questions. Why are dollars
here and not there? Why were X number
of dollars loaned here? You need to
I
t’s bad enough when a customer
doesn’t pay. What is worse is having to
hire a lawyer to collect that money. It’s
as though you’re paying twice, right?
Knowing that, the following are some
suggestions that might make it a less painful and more cost-effective process to hand
an account over to a lawyer for collection
knowing that you’ve done everything you
reasonably can to make the lawyer’s job
easier, thus saving you money.
First, for all jobs other than cash-upfront jobs, always remember, you are extending credit to your customer. And if
you are extending credit, it is not unreasonable to request that the customer
sign a simple credit application that reflects the following:
If a company, then company name
and type (that is, corporation, partnership,
etc.); names of company officers; street
and mailing address (not just P.O. boxes);
and telephone and fax numbers. Make
sure the officer signing discloses his title
(President, for example). This helps determine who your customer is and, if the
lawyer seeks individual liability against
the officers, who those individuals are.
Bank account information, including
bank name, and account number. Once a
lawsuit is filed, or after a judgment is obtained, lawyers can freeze bank accounts,
if the lawyer is privy to the foregoing information. Never underestimate the power of “garnishment.” However, because
the customer’s bank should never voluntarily give it to you, the customer must.
If the customer is a company and
doesn’t balk too much, get at least one
company officer to individually guarantee the company’s debt by separately
signing the agreement under words of
guaranty. If the company goes broke, the
chances are that the officer hasn’t.
Make sure the application provides
for accural of interest at the rate of 18
percent for all past due sums. Without an
agreement in writing as to this matter,
you cannot, by law, charge more than 6
per annum interest. If you charge more
than 6 percent in the absence of such an
agreement, you could open yourself to a
usury accusation, which can, in some instances, offset much of your claim. You
don’t want that.
For non-consumer customers, include a venue provision that states that
venue for any disputes will be in the
county of YOUR principal place of business. That way, and except for places of
venue mandatorily required by law (such
as consumer or lien foreclosure matters),
you can litigate where you are, instead of
where your customer is.
Finally, and apart from the foregoing, always make a copy of every check
your customer pays you with, and stick
that check into your project file before
you deposit it. Sometimes customers are
slick: they’ll open an account under one
company name and then pay you from
their other company’s checking account.
The first company—your customer—
may be broke, but the other company is
not your customer. So, when the customer stops paying, you’re stuck with a
broke company because you don’t recall
the identity of entity that was paying. If
you know the identity of the payer, a lawyer can allege that the payer was acting
in concert with the customer, and can,
depending on circumstances, obtain relief against the payer, too.
William Apt
Attorney at Law
1609 Shoal Creek Blvd., Ste. 300
Austin, TX 78701
512-708-8300 512-708-1500 (fax)
[email protected]
ACCOUNTING
Alternative Minimum Tax:
Friend or Foe
By Malcolm E. Stratemann, Jr., CPA
C
onstruction contractors have some of the most complex
tax returns that exist. One of the things that make contractors’ tax returns so complex is the availability of
many different methods for reporting income and expenses.
The choices of tax methods include: the cash method (with
some restrictions), accrual method, modified accrual method
(retainage isn’t recognized), completed contract and percentage of completion.
While this list isn’t complete, it does include the most common methods used by contractors for reporting income and expenses on their tax returns.
You’re probably asking yourself,
“Why does it matter what method is
used?” Because it will affect how and
when income and expenses are reported
to the IRS and also the associated cash
flow needed to pay income taxes. When
you file the first tax return for a new business, you are automatically approved by
the IRS for the tax method you have chosen as long as it qualifies. This means that
if you file your first tax return on the accrual method, you can’t change your tax
accounting method to another method
without either written approval from the
IRS or a required statutory change. If you
select the method that is most advantageous to your company, you will receive
what is, in effect, an interest-free loan
from the government. Who wouldn’t like
an interest-free loan?
The IRS and Congress decided that
all contractors who have long-term contracts (contracts which aren’t completed
within one tax year, in reality those that
last more than one tax year) must report
income and expenses associated with
their long-term construction contracts
using the percentage-of-completion
method for alternative minimum tax purposes (AMT). Small C-corporations (gen-
erally, average tax basis gross receipts
less than $7,500,000 for the previous
three tax years) that meet certain IRS
rules are exempt from AMT. While this
does keep quite a few smaller contractors out of AMT, it does nothing for those
that are sole proprietorships, partnerships, S corporations or any other type of
entity.
This is a complex area and a very important decision. It is important that,
when you’re starting a new construction
company, you consult with a CPA with
experience in the construction industry
so that the appropriate choices are made.
The good thing is that, in the real world,
the AMT tax is actually not a bad tax. In
later years, when jobs are completed and
there are not a lot of jobs in progress, the
tax bill will not reduce your cash flow as
much.
If you would like a copy of this
article showing comparative financial
examples, please don’t hesitate
to give us a call.
Malcolm Stratemann, Jr. is a Principal
at Fisher, Herbst & Kemble, P.C.
210-614-2284 / Fax 210-614-2285
Office Email: [email protected]
CODDY PEÑA
VP/SALES
OSHA
Why is OSHA picking on me?
Joann Nataranjan
This is a frequent concern of a number
of companies—that OSHA appears to be
singling them out for an OSHA inspection,
when in fact, OSHA has a priority system
for scheduling inspections.
Virtually all OSHA inspections are
conducted without advance notice to
the company being inspected. OSHA’s
highest inspection priority is an imminent
danger situation. An imminent danger
situation is one where a worker will be
killed or suffer serious physical injury if
no action is taken. Examples of imminent
danger situations include employees
working in a trench that is more than five
feet deep that is not shored or sloped,
employees working at elevations without
fall protection, or employees removing
asbestos without wearing personal
protective equipment such as respirators.
When OSHA receives information that
an imminent danger situation exists, a
compliance officer is sent to investigate
the alleged hazardous condition.
OSHA’s second inspection priority is
fatality investigations where a worker
dies on the job. Companies that have
a worker fatality are required to call the
nearest OSHA Area Office (for the AustinSan Antonio area, 512-916-5783) within
8 hours of the accident. If the accident
occurs outside of business hours, call
1-800-321-OSHA. An inspection will be
initiated the same day the fatality occurs.
Third priority is given to complaints
and referrals. The Austin Office receives
about 800 complaints per year. When a
complaint is received, OSHA evaluates the
hazards alleged and determines whether
to conduct an inspection. Employees
have the right to file complaints and
request that OSHA conduct an inspection
of the hazards they have alleged, and the
employer is prohibited by the Act from
discriminating against employees from
exercising their rights under the Act.
OSHA does not reveal the identity of
employees who file complaints to anyone.
Referrals are essentially complaints
generated by other governmental
entities. If another city, county, state, or
federal entity becomes aware of a safety
hazard that is not within their jurisdiction,
they frequently make a referral to OSHA
to investigate the hazard. Referrals
are handled the same as complaints.
Compliance officers that see obvious
serious hazards from a public way such
as a street, have the authority to stop
and conduct an inspection to address
the hazards they have seen.
The last priority is programmed
inspections aimed at specific high hazard
industries, workplaces or occupations.
OSHA selects industries for inspection
based on their injury rates. OSHA collects
employer injury rates using the OSHA
Data Initiative, which polls employers
nationwide for injury and illness data.
Employers with rates that are in excess
of three times the national rate for lost
and restricted days are targeted for
an inspection. OSHA also receives a
monthly list of large construction jobs
which have been randomly selected.
Programmed inspections are scheduled
when higher priority inspections have
been addressed.
“One stop convenienceand
incredible value foreach
and every customer.”
U N S U R PA S S E D Q U A L I T Y A N D S U P E R I O R S E R V I C E
At Allen & Allen we have provided quality products
and superior service to construction and design pros
as well as individual customers since 1931. Our
comprehensive inventories and spacious showrooms
provide one-stop convenience and genuine value for
all of our customers. For large jobs or small, you’ll
find quality products and spectacular service at a
fair price. Get to know who we are. We can help. Ask
around, then go to Allen & Allen.
N O R T H S I D E
Having trouble finding what
you need? At Allen & Allen we
know our business. We know our
products. And we take care of
our customers. Ask around, then
go to Allen & Allen.
D O W N T O W N
S O U T H S I D E
ALLEN & ALLEN COMPANY
w w w. L u m b e r H a r d w a r e . c o m
Decorative
ShowroomWeather Shield
Windows
920 N Loop 1604 WestSan
Antonio, TX 78232210.344.6099
Lumber/Hardware/
MillworkAdministrative Offices
202 Culebra AvenueSan Antonio, TX
78201210.733.9191
Commercial HardwareHollow Metal
Doors & Frames
701 San FernandoSan Antonio, TX
78207210.225.0315
LUMBER AND HARDWARE
EEO Compliance for construction companies
By Diana Clendenin, PHR
E
EO/AA, M/F/D/V, EEOC, OFCCP,
DOL…the acronyms alone can
make you want to run and hide. The
requirement to comply with Title VII of
the Civil Rights Act, however, still remains. For those of you who employ over
50 people or have over $10,000 in government contracts, this applies to you.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Compliance isn’t only a requirement; it’s
wisdom in action. It would be foolish for
a company to discriminate against someone with excellent skills just because of
the color of their skin or their language of
choice. It would be foolish to deny a
qualified female candidate a management opportunity just because she’s not
one of “the boys.” Why miss out on exceptional abilities because someone believes differently than you?
In the 60’s (for those of you willing to
admit you remember the 60’s), there
were a lot of changes going on in our society. Riots, peace marches, sit-ins, and
civil disobedience made it clear that our
government had to legislate some
changes to the way we conducted business. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 made it
illegal to treat someone differently because of their race, color, religion, national origin or sex in any public accommodation, public transportation, public
education and in employment. This was
a monumental law; where segregation
was normal, integration became expected and required.
The law concerning employment is
clear: it is illegal to make any employment decisions based on sex, race, age,
religion or national origin (later amendments included disability and veteran
status also). Title VII of the Civil Rights
Act put this law into motion, and Executive Order 11246 gave specific expectations for employers to prove their employment decisions weren’t based on
any of the protected factors. Specifically
in the construction industry, the OFCCP
(Office of Federal Contract Compliance
Programs - those folks responsible for
enforcing business’ compliance) has
made it really easy to show that you’re
doing the right thing.
Most businesses under the law have
to provide an Affirmative Action Plan
(AAP) that details the steps they are taking to ensure Equal Employment in their
workplace. This document typically has
three components; a company statement clarifying their commitment to
Equal Employment Opportunity, a numerical analysis of their workforce by the
positions held by males/females and all
the nationalities as required on the EEO-1
report, and a list of goals and timetables
to address any areas where the company
is underutilized compared to the regional
availability statistics.
Sound tough? It can be. Over the
past ten years, however, the EEOC (Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission –
the folks who investigate equal employment charges and check employers’
compliance) has made giant steps to
convince employers that they really want
to help in the area of compliance. They’ve
developed educational and practical EEO
Training Seminars that they host throughout the year all over the country. They
are friendly and helpful over the phone.
Their website has all kinds of helpful information to assist employers in doing
the right thing. In the event of an on-site
audit, the auditors do their best to be efficient, professional, and non-adversarial.
This is quite a change from the EEOC of
the 70’s and 80’s.
In chapter four of the OFCCP Compliance Manual, the specific requirements
for the construction industry are outlined. Due to the unique nature of the
industry, the EEOC has lifted the requirement for detailed numerical analysis of
the workforce. That’s not to say they
won’t look at the numbers (payroll records, employment numbers, etc.) during an audit, but construction companies
covered by Title VII need only document
their affirmative action in five areas: Recruitment, Training, EEO Policy & Implementation, Personnel Operations and
Contracting. For example, rather than
require a construction company to go
through the numerical analysis and goal
setting process, the OFCCP has set the
percentage of female work hour representation at 6.9%. You can document
this with employee lists, highlighting the
female employees and the positions they
hold. You can also show your “good
faith” efforts to promote and attract female employees by documenting the
training opportunities afforded employees, encouraging a mentoring program
that includes female employees and by
recognizing
advanced
education
achieved by your employees, including
females.
EEO Compliance doesn’t have to be
difficult or painful if you’re doing the
right thing. Most companies are doing
the right thing and may only need to organize their documentation to show
their actions. Take the time and effort to
do this, and you’ll never fear another letter or call from the EEOC.
Diana Clendenin, PHR,
is a seasoned HR professional with over 13
years of experience in
a variety of industries.
She is available for Human Resource consultation, custom designed training, and
HR project assistance.
You can reach her at
[email protected], or 830-627-8983.
Austin Construction News
San Antonio Construction News
What would you like to see
on our web site?
Let us know . . .
[email protected]
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210-624-2881
FAX: 210-624-2298
OFFICE:
Pit Stop: your solution
to human pollution
W
ith the same entrepreneurial
spirit that has guided young
upstart companies to nationwide recognition and success, Robert W.
Elder, president, and his business partner Mark Freiermuth, director of operations, established Pit Stop Services, LLC.
The two-year-old company operates
from one location on Camp Bullis Rd.,
employs seven personnel, and provides
and maintains portable restroom service
for residential and commercial customers
across Bexar and surrounding counties.
The goal-oriented young president
has spent the last eight years in luxury
residential home sales. Robert said he
and Mark, who has a background in the
garbage and waste industry, decided to
join forces and advance the portable
restroon service business to a new level
of respectability.
“Everything I did in the high-tech
world of real estate I brought to Pit Stop
Services,” Robert explained, “and we’ve
made it a high-tech business. We’re the
only portable restroom service company in
Texas that I know of that does online ordering. Our customers can order their units
from our website, make arrangements to
have them delivered, relocated or picked
up. We have many large builders that utilize
our website and online services, saving human hours on both sides.”
San Antonio Construction News asked
Robert to explain what sets his company
apart from his competition. He said, “Service, service, 100 percent service! We do
what we say and if a customer requests
once-a-week-service, he gets it promptly and on schedule. We’ve implemented
GPS tracking systems on all of our vehicles, so I can almost guarantee the exact
minute a service truck will arrive on any
given jobsite.”
In the summer, Pit Stop crews use a
citronella-based chemical to repel insects inside the restrooms. When cleaning the units, the water used has a fragrance additive, which is changed periodically so customers can have something to look forward to.
Pit Stop Services buys its inventory
of portable restrooms exclusively from
one source in Minnesota. The units are
heavier and more stable than what Robert’s competition uses, reducing windrelated or vandalism-related spills.
Robert referred to himself as a ‘human marketing nightmare’ when he discussed the creative strategies and innovative tactics he employs to create the
desired company image.
“From the very beginning I knew Pit
Stop’s success would be directly related to
image and perception. Everything about
the company has a certain ‘look,’ from the
logo to the website. Our business cards
are small CDs, which flips people out! In
the summertime, our uniformed employees wear black shorts and red shirts. I
want our employees to feel they work for
an important company, even though it’s a
port-a-potty company.”
Pit Stop Services is only two years
old, yet it has the look, feel and direction
of an established national chain. Robert
and Mark are reportedly entertaining the
thought of selling franchises, and with
the success they’ve enjoyed thus far, it
seems a reasonable evolution.
AC contractors enjoy
games of chance
T
he Air Conditioning Contractors
Association – San Antonio
(ACCA-SA) held its 4th Annual
Casino Night and Gala Event at the San
Antonio Professional Firefighters Hall
on Fri., Feb. 7th, from 7 – 11 pm.
About 140 members and their
guests spent the evening in the deco rated ballroom amid the roulette
wheels and blackjack tables, betting
their funny money and hoping for a
good run. According to the executive
director, Jack Lappeus, the proceeds
of the night’s event would be channeled into the general fund to support
the association, with a percentage targeted to support community endeavors.
In addition to the games, members enjoyed musical selections courtesy of a local DJ, a BBQ buffet, beverages and raffle drawings.
“Cool“ guys and a hot table
Women rule and men drool at the
Black Jack table!
6127 San Pedro
San Antonio
Texas, 78216
Virgil and Scott Knowlton took
an Excursion to Planet Pickup!
Locally Owned & Operated
with 29 Years Experience
210.525.TRUX
(8789)
www.planetpickup.com
Subcontractor paves road
to new career
G
rowing up in the family business
holds a promise of job security and
longevity, if not adventure. In the
case of John Clark, grandson of the
founder of highway heavy’s Clark Construction, he wanted to try and make his
own mark. Fortunately, the experience he
gained from working in the family business and with other contractors prepared
him for the business adventure of his life.
Clark Contracting Services, Inc., established in June 2002 by its president
John Clark, specializes in
asphalt paving and site
work. The company employs 15 personnel and
performs the majority of
its work in the San Antonio and Austin areas.
“I wanted to give it a
try,” John elaborated,
“without being in direct
competition with the
family business. I’m at the
point where I’m building
my bonding capacity and proving my
abilities. I target new construction developments, retail, parking lots, driveways,
and repair of existing roads. Eventually, I
do want to get into larger public projects.”
With the capable assistance of his
wife and office manager, Peyton Clark,
to handle the company’s paper chase
and payroll, John is able to focus on sales
and operations.
“I’ll go to the Valley, or wherever anybody will pay me to go!” John said. “At
our current size, we can handle three to
five jobs at once, depending on their
magnitude. I have surrounded myself
with experienced personnel I’ve drawn
selectively from the local industry. At this
time, our target market is on projects that
will generate about $5 million a year.”
At his weekly staff meetings, John
and his key people review the previous
week’s events and discuss upcoming activities.
“We’re all acutely aware of
what’s going on in our company, and everybody has input,” John noted. “Although
we are a young company,
we carry more than an average amount of clout because of the makeup of our
staff. Having experienced,
knowledgeable and qualified people is our formula
for success.”
John’s five-year plan includes continued growth as long as he remains able
to service his customers with excellent
performance and results.
“I’m an honest guy, trying to make an
honest living,” John concluded. “We may
be a new company, but I stand behind our
work. I want owners or general contractors to walk away from our projects satisfied and happy with our production, so we
can have repeat experiences with them.”
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Young “mathletes” in
TSPE/UTSA competition
O
ver 150 area middle school students, from 21 schools, competed
on Sat., Feb. 8th, at UTSA’s downtown campus for the 2003 Texas Society
of Professional Engineers Regional
MATHCOUNTS Competition Championship. The Bexar Chapter of TSPE sponsors
the annual competition.
exalt the kids who excel and are destined
for greatness. Hopefully, the kids had fun
and will tell their friends that they participated in this cool math program. Pretty
soon, we’ve got more kids learning highPaul Montelongo
er order math and having fun with it!”
After lunch and prior to the last
countdown round, students, coaches and
parents packed the
Buena Vista Theater
to meet and hear a
wonderful special
guest and presenter, NASA Astronaut John E. Blaha
(Colonel,
USAF,
Ret.). A native of
San Antonio, Col.
Blaha is a veteran of
five space missions
and has logged 151
days in space. Col.
NASA Astronaut John Blaha engages bright-minded mathletes.
Blaha reminded the
students to listen to
Seventh, eighth and ninth grade stu- their parents and teachers, study hard,
dents were challenged with mathematics set their goals high, and protect our atquestions ranging from geometry, trigo- mosphere.”
nometry, and algebra to probability, sta“When I was your age,” Col. Blaha
tistics, and problem solving. The nation- said, “the thought of a man walking on
wide program is designed to enhance the moon was pure science fiction. It was
and promote higher-order mathematics impossible. Yet, see what the ‘smart peoskills in middle school students. Over ple’ have accomplished. In the next 50
1,800 students in Texas representing 290 years, you may be the one to develop a
schools participated in the program this thumb-sized machine that will act as a
year.
fuel rod in automobiles and eliminate the
TSPE volunteer Ray Medrano, P.E., need for gasoline. You can make a huge
Pape Dawson Engineers, Inc., served as difference when you accept extreme
the local MATHCOUNTS Committee challenges.”
Chairman.
After speaking of his flight training
“So often all we read, see, and hear and space experiences, students volleyed
about are the bad seeds in this genera- thoughtful and serious questions to the
tion,” Ray commented. “I’m glad we can honored astronaut, who represented a
human voice and a personal face of the
NASA space program.
MATHCOUNTS results: Top Four Teams
(qualified to advance to the State Competition in Austin).
1. Stinson Middle School: Tommy Bahr,
Nicolas Feltman, Oliver Peng, Nathan
Swaney, and Coach Howard Villareal.
2. Frank Tejeda Middle School: Aditi Allen, Jack Chen, Philip Flores, Asad Ramzanali, and Coach Theressa Engel.
3. Driscoll Middle School: James Carpenter, Chris Castillo, Robbie Helbling, Tyler
Melling, and Coach Malcolm French.
4. St. Mary’s Hall: David Gross, Bonnie Kavoussi, Meredith Morrison, Joalton Newell, and Coach Karen Kniffen.
L-R: TSPE’s Ray Medrano, P.E., thanks
Astronaut Blaha for his insight, inspiration
and words of wisdom.
NAHB
supports stimulus
package
I
n late January, the National Association of Home Builders
(NAHB) issued the following
statement in support of President
Bush’s economic stimulus pro gram:
“NAHB supports President
Bush and the Congress in their efforts to achieve an economic
stimulus package that will provide
a near-term stimulus to consumer
spending and capital investment,
including more housing consump tion and production. NAHB policy
specifically supports the compo nents of the president’s tax package that reduce marginal tax rates
and increase small business expensing.
“NAHB, which represents
205,000 member firms, looks forward to working with the Bush
Administration and the congressional leadership in helping to re fine this complex package so that
the housing sector can continue to
lead the economy forward.”
The National Association of
Home Builders is a Washingtonbased trade association representing more than 205,000 members
involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction,
property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance,
building product manufacturing
and other aspects of residential
and light commercial construction.
Insurance Concepts
named key producer
I
The Construction Labor Contractor
Your OnlySource for Skilled Tradesmen
nsurance Concepts of San Antonio Inc., a locally-based independent insurance agent, has been named as a Key Producer for the member companies of
Ohio Casualty Group. The prestigious honor is awarded to select agencies that
represent 20 percent of the Group’s overall agent force.
Insurance Concepts, serving San Antonio, South and Central Texas, offers
commercial insurance coverage as well as bonds to the construction-related industries.
The Key Producer Program is designed to give special recognition to insurance agents exhibiting exceptional product knowledge, professionalism and
service to their customers.
Spring View project wins
HUD award
We are the leader in the industry and we
have our clients to tell you why.
Call either location and let’s start
to build a quality partnership.
Austin
512-452-0404
888-485-0404
San Antonio
210-509-3522
877-509-3522
Qualify For:
“Ultimate Hunting Challenge 2002”
I
n recognition of the nation’s best new housing designs, the 19th Annual Best
in American Living Awards (BALA) were presented on Mon., Jan. 20th, at an
award ceremony in conjunction with the 59th Annual International Builders
Show in Las Vegas. A silver award for the HUD’s Secretary Award for Excellence
in the BALA competition was presented to the San Antonio Housing Authority
for the Spring View project.
At the corner of East Commerce and Rio Grande, Spring View revitalized the
East Side of San Antonio, to include single-family homes, multifamily housing and
senior housing that promises to attract a diverse profile of residents, including
young families, empty nesters and seniors. Spring View provides an inviting, livable neighborhood, including on-site child-care facilities, a community center,
commercial space for new businesses and job opportunities for area residents.
This honor is presented to
projects that provide affordable
homeownership with a sales
price below the median home
price of the metropolitan statistical area, that are built through a
collaboration of local government, private industry and nonprofit and community groups.
Aurora Ortega-Geiss, Director,
Fannie Mae – San Antonio Partnership Office, and John Friesenhahn, President, Greater San
Antonio Builders Association,
were in attendance to accept the
prestigious award. 
TCEQ seminars
target rules
and regs
T
he Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is conducting a series of free seminars across
the state to train the regulated community on the new rules and requirements
for the Phase II Construction and MS4
Storm Water permits.
The construction portion of the seminar, targeting builders and contractors,
will be held on Tues., March 11th, from 10
am to 12 pm, at the Balcones Heights Justice Center, 3300 Hillcrest Dr. The MS4
portion, targeting county governments,
small city utility contractors, universities
and TXDot, will be held from 1:30 pm to
3:30 pm.
The seminar will explain the application process, development of storm water
pollution prevention plans, record keeping, and what to expect from an inspection.
Presenters will include staff from the
Central Office Storm Water team and
Storm Water regional inspectors. Seating
is on a first come basis.
SSA hosts Solar
Fest 2003 in
May
S
olar San Antonio will host the 2nd
Annual Solar Fest on Sat., May 17th,
from 9 am to 4 pm, at Maverick Park,
located at Broadway and 10th Street.
“The construction industry is invited
to be part of this renewable energy, sustainable building event,” said event organizer Dominick Dina. “Our first event
was very successful with over 1,000 people visiting to learn about renewable energy, sustainable building applications
and much more. We know this year will
be larger and we expect double the number of visitors.”
Why Solar Fest? To educate and encourage San Antonio’s residents to become more energy efficient, aware of renewable energy applications and appreciate the value of sustainable living.
For more information, call 210-3540236
or
send
an
email
to
[email protected].
Sabrosas wants to be hardhat hangout
I
magine a place where you can hang up
your hardhat, meet your construction
pals, enjoy a healthy plate of homemade food, peruse the construction bulletin board for good deals, and read your
hot-off-the-press copy of San Antonio
Construction News. Wait no longer!
Sabrosas restaurant, located at 1822
Fredericksburg Rd. at the corner of Zarzamora, puts a new twist on an old and
time-honored pastime; eating breakfast,
lunch or dinner with your construction
buddies.
Eduardo and Isela Valdes are owners of Sabrosas, a three-year old restaurant with a new location. Eduardo is himself a professional cabinetmaker and
owner of Denmeli Cabinets. He said the
restaurant is his wife’s dream-come-true.
“My wife, Isela, who has a background in the medical field, always
wanted to open a restaurant, one with a
difference. She developed and adapted
old family recipes and others from south
of the border, using fresh and low-fat ingredients. There are dietary issues surrounding traditional Mexican food recipes, and with a few beneficial changes,
our recipes are much healthier.”
Sabrosas’ Mexican-Texican-American menu features another San Antonio
favorite and now the secret is out. Do you
still hunger for those larger-than-life Little Hipps burgers? Suffer not and prepare
to indulge yourself! Eduardo hired some
of the famous burger joints’ kitchen staffers to keep the tradition alive.
Sabrosas’ server Irene Rivas delivers specialty of the house to homebuilder
Dan G. Spencer, Custom Homes by Spencer, and grandson William.
“When we heard Little Hipps was
closing, we thought about the people
who were going to be jobless. It was a
real waste of a good hamburger, so I
thought we should hire the people who
make the most popular hamburger in
San Antonio.”
Eduardo’s spin on the construction
industry stems from his existing customer base.
“I have a bunch of customers from
the construction industry, and they al-
ways ask me if I know someone who
needs a job, where they can get a good
deal on a backhoe, who’s hiring, and
things of that nature. That inspired me to
hang a bulletin board on the wall specifi cally for contractors and workers. If people in San Antonio want to get (or get rid
of) something from the construction industry, I want them to think about coming to Sabrosas to read what we have on
our bulletin board. Nobody else is doing
it! We’re open every day and we have the
best hot coffee in town. Come on by!”
Tradesman/Craftsman
exalted by CSI
T
he San Antonio Chapter of the
Construction Specifications Institute believes that the recognition of
fine craftsmanship is important to our industry. Since 1978, members have encouraged individuals familiar with a particular project and trade to assist CSI in
giving public recognition for exemplary
work.
The success of this program has led
to better relationships in the industry and
is recognized as a contributor to better
craftsmanship. A nomination is made of
an individual or a group in any recognized trade or craft, and may be submitted by anyone associated with the construction industry.
Nomination Categories:
1. Individual Craftsmanship Award: De-
fined as the measure of the actual application of materials into the project by an
individual.
2. Group Craftsmanship Award: Defined
as the measure of actual application of
materials by a group of craftsmen on a
single item into the project.
RULES:
1. Anyone may make a nomination using
the forms furnished by CSI.
2. Nominations may be submitted or
postmarked by April 01, 2003.
3. Any work performed in the San Antonio area completed in the past two years
is eligible for nomination.
4. Judging will be based on a jobsite visit,
slides/photographs, or video tape. Submittal should include 10 slides/
photographs; 2 showing the overall project and 6 showing close-ups of the craft
submitted. (Note: Video tape which includes the slide/photos criteria is acceptable.)
5. Award will recognize exceptional accuracy and skill in the completion of the
individual or group of craftsman’s phase
of work.
6. Design is not a criteria of the award.
7. Work would be done within a 30-mile
radius of the City of San Antonio.
8. A bi-partisan panel of professional
and industry San Antonio CSI members
will conduct the judging. Decision of the
judges is final.
9. For a nomination form or for further
information, contact George Muyres,
Awards Chairman, at 210-340-6929.
DUDERSTADT STAKE COMPANY
Invites you to our
Annual Bar-B-Que and Product Show
Wednesday, April 9, 2003
3:30 pm until 8:30 pm
Aggie Park
6205 West Avenue
Manufacturer's Reps will be on hand.
RSVP 210—599—2801
by April 8, 2003
CONSTRUCTORS
Celebrating 25 Years
General Contractors • Design Build • Interior Finish Out • Core & Shell
Banking / Financial • Retail • Office • Healthcare
210.541.0651 www.constructorsworld.com
101000 Reunion Place, Suite 120 San Antonio, TX 78216
A member of the Structure Tone Organization
Austin • Dallas • Denver • Houston • San Antonio
Alert!
SWP3 changes may affect you!
I
n 2003, the laws governing the stormwater runoff from construction sites
will change dramatically, affecting a
lot of small contractors.
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is authorizing the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality
(TCEQ) to issue a general permit authorizing discharges from construction sites
and lowering the regulated acreage requirement down to one acre.
One component of the permit, and a
requirement that must be met, is the
Storm Water Prevention Plan (SWP3). The
purpose of the SWP# is to identify and address potential sources of pollution that
are reasonably expected to affect the
quality of storm water discharges from
the construction site, including off-site
material storage areas, overburden and
stockpiles of dirt, and borrow areas. The
SWP3 must describe and ensure the implementation of practices that will be
used to reduce the pollutants in storm
water discharges associated with construction activity at the construction site
and assure compliance with the terms
and conditions of the permit.
In response to this change in the environmental law, a local geotechnical, environmental and construction materials
testing engineering firm, Arias & Associates, has developed a new inspection
and training service to assist area contractors in keeping their SWP3 in compliance
with the new TCEQ regulations.
with A&A’s environmental services manager Jim Denton, who said small and
larger contractors are soon going to face
new challenges to interpret and comply
with the requirements of SWP3.
“After following these new EPA
L-R: Jim Denton, Arias & Associates, and
Robert Kibel, Environmental Allies
changes from their infancy, our firm is
prepared to assist contractors not in writing their SWP3’s but, in the fulfillment of
their obligations to comply with and implement their plan,” Jim noted. “A very
detailed site description, or project description must be developed. A full description of all structural and non-structural controls (best management practices) that will be utilized to minimize pollution in run-off must be documented and
up-to-date. And, ongoing maintenance
must be performed to ensure all erosion
and sediment control measures and other
protective measures are in effective operating condition. Lastly, a detailed description of how frequent site inspections will
be conducted is required. That’s a lot for a
contractor to deal with, in addition to the
complexities of building a commercial or
residential structure.”
Construction News also spoke to erosion control specialist Robert Kibel, Environmental Allies. He said his company
actually installs and maintains the control measures, to include removal of temporary controls if need be.
“Along with the service we provide is
the actual installation and maintenance
documentation,” Robert explained. “A
continued from Page 1 - Concept Builders erects Freedom House Phase II
Bexar County and surrounding counties.
The general contractor specializes in
multi-family apartment construction,
with an emphasis on senior housing, to
include assisted living and retirement facilities.
Freedom House Design Team:
Architects: RVK Architects / David
Bomersbach, AIA and Juan Medrano,
Jr. Structural Engineers: Steven G. Persyn Consulting Engineers / John Marin.
Mechanical Engineers: Murray & Associates / Joe Daher. Civil Engineers: Pape
Dawson Engineers / Tom Carter. Geotechnical Engineers: Raba-Kistner Con-
sultants, Inc. / Richard Kistner.
Freedom House Construction Team:
T.L. Ramsey Heating & Air, Inc.; F&W
Electrical Contractors, Inc.; Suburban
Plumbing; Jupe Company, Inc. (drywall/
metal studs); Quality Roofing; CATO
Drilling (piers); Diamondback Construction (sitework/paving); Gavin Steel Fabricating, Inc. (structural steel); L.E. Travis
and Sons, Inc. (painting) Pro-Tec Fire
Protection, Inc. (sprinkler); Opening Specialties (hardware); Andy’s Stucco (EIFS);
Bronco Contracting (flatwork); and
Dorazio Enterprises (truss installation).
contractor needs to be able to prove
through proper documentation that the
controls are in place and that they are being maintained and monitored according
to a prescribed schedule.”
Examples of temporary erosion controls include reinforced silt fencing, rock filter berms, gabions, hay bale stacks, sandbags around storm drains, erosion control
matting, geo-textile fabrics and other
measures that help minimize run-off.
“We provide the weekly visitation to
ensure the erosion controls are in effect
throughout the evolving course of the
construction process,” Robert added.
“We provide a maintenance logbook at
every jobsite that is updated constantly,
and we handle any postings necessary to
verify compliance.”
The SWP3, which must be made
readily available to inspectors, must be
retained on-site at the construction site
or, under certain circumstances, a notice
must be posted describing the location
of the SWP3.
As more and more contractors become aware of their expanded responsibilities and increased documentation requirements, it’s reassuring to know that
professional engineers and specialty
companies are available to help with the
transition.
“Plain and simple,” Robert concluded, “contractors will have to be compliant
or face considerable fines, and there’s
just no getting around it. This is serious
and non-compliance will affect the pocketbook. The reason why the TCEQ is getting more involved is because the cost of
our tax dollars to clean up and repair the
pollution is huge. If it can be prevented
on the front end, so much the better, for
business and for the environment.”
continued from Page 4
Energy of future tested locally
own waste heat. As this fuel cell is exposed to high summer temperatures,
it will provide valuable insight on fuel
cell performance in the sultry South
Texas climate.
Fuel cell research points to several advantages over traditional fossil-fuel power plants. Fuel cells may
one day produce more electricity but
use less fuel. They offer a convenient
way of capturing and using heat instead of releasing it into the air or
water, as is the case with conventional power plants. Fuel cells create
electricity without the noise associated with power plants and have
near-zero air emissions because electricity is generated through an electrochemical process not utilizing
combustion.
More information on fuel cells
can be found on the World Wide Web
at www.citypublicservice.com.
Quality, Convenient
Occupational medical care for
your employees
Open 365 Days
Including All Holidays
8 am - 11 pm
No Appointment Necessary
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL
Named “2002
Loop 410 / Broadway
821-5598
(between Nacogdoches & Broadway)
IH-10W / Wurzbach
696-5599
(Colonnade Shopping Center)
Blanco / Parliament
341-5588
Loop 410 / Ingram Rd
520-5588
(between Bank of America & Toys-R-Us)
IH-35N / Eisenhauer
655-5529
(northbound IH-35 Access Rd between
Eisenhauer & Walzem)
SE Military Dr / Roosevelt 927-5580
(northeast corner)
(just south of Churchill High School)
Locally-owned and operated
Visit our website at: www.texasmedclinic.com
Specialty Contractor” of
the Year by AGC
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
661-6736
CITY LICENSED • BONDED &
INSURED FOR YOUR PROTECTION
Austin
Construction
News
To read these and other stories, visit our
website at www.constructionnews.net.
EATI prepares future electricians
Using knowledge gained from 20
years as an electrician, Ty Runyan of
Titus Electrical Contracting, Inc., is
helping others begin a career in the
electrical industry. The East Austin
Training Initiative, begun this past
year, is a three-month program designed to serve as an introduction to
the electrical industry. Journeymen
and master electricians with Titus
Electrical teach two-hour classes
throughout the 24-day cycle that provide basic electrical skills and enable
successful graduates to work as productive employees for any electrical
contractor.
HBA Benefit Home ready for purchase
One of the annual charities the
Home Builders Association of Greater Austin (HBA) participates in is the
Benefit Home project, which serves as
one of the association’s annual fundraisers and community service projects. Each year since 1991, the HBA of
Greater Austin has built and sold a
home with the assistance of its members and other interested contributors.
The majority of the net proceeds from
the sale of the home are distributed
between one or several charitable organizations. To date, more than
$650,000 has been donated. The proceeds of this year’s home will benefit
The People’s Community Clinic and
The Austin’s Children’s Shelter.
ABC elects 2003 officers
The Central Texas Chapter of the
Associated Builders and Contractors
presented chapter awards and inducted new officers for 2003 the evening
of Jan. 28th. As new officers were inducted, incoming Chairman Joel
Stone of SpawGlass Contractors presented a plaque to Immediate Past
Chair Rick Hull of Hull Supply. Other
officers include: First Vice Chair Sharon McGee of RM Mechanical, Second Vice Chair Bob Richards of TDIndustries; Secretary Tony Gunter of
Austin Commercial; Treasurer Bob
Duda of Construction Metal Products
and President and CEO Kathey Gillispie.
Skyline builds Fern Bluff
Community Center
Accenting the Fern Bluff suburb in
Round Rock will be the new Fern Bluff
Community Center opening in Aug. A
groundbreaking ceremony for the
new facility was held Wed., Feb. 19,
2003. Skyline Commercial, Inc. is the
general contractor for the project and
is working with Moman Architects.
ACEA spends 20 years giving voice
to contractors, engineers
Aligning contractors and engineers on the same side was a move
members of the Austin Contractors
and Engineers Association (ACEA)
could get used to. Banding together in
1983 with the city of Austin to outline
changes in construction specifications, the association of contractors,
engineers and associate members has
since grown to be a regular presence
in the Austin construction and policymaking community. This year marks
the association’s 20th anniversary.
continued from Page 1 - Toyota flirting with PLA
completed and production will begin. If
Toyota decides to expand its production
facilities in the future, more construction
opportunities may surface.
To the surprise of many local contractors, an article published in the Feb. 17,
2003 issue of ENR (Engineering News Report) reported, “Unlike other foreign automakers that chose the south for its nonunion labor, the Japanese company plans
to build its $800 million plant using a project labor agreement (PLA).”
In the same article, Toyota spokesman Dan Sieger was quoted as saying, “In
the past, we have worked with the Building and Construction Trades Council and
we expect to have a similar agreement
here.”
San Antonio Construction News contacted the president of Associated Builders and Contractors South Texas Chapter, Steven Schultz, to discuss the article.
He said he was very surprised to hear
about the possibility of a union-only project labor agreement, especially considering the fact that over 90 percent of the
construction workforce in South Texas is
non-union.
“We have contacted the San Antonio
Economic Development Foundation, the
Mayor and the County Judge to let them
know that a union-only PLA would exclude the vast majority of skilled craftsmen from being able to conduct work on
this project,” Steven added. “This is a
right-to-work state, and individuals
should not be forced to join or not join any
organization as a condition of employ-
continued from Page 1 - Architectural firm marks 50th anniversary
ment.”
Construction News spoke with Jack
Dysart, president of Lyda Builders, who
was also quoted in the ENR article as saying as far as he knows, there has never
been a project built in our city using a labor pact.
“Some of my comments included in
the ENR article were taken out of context,
leading readers to believe I think the electrical, mechanical and sheet metal trades
are weak. That is not the case. The strongest unions in San Antonio are the electrical, mechanical and sheet metal trades.
The other trades, to the best of my knowledge, do not have a significant union representation in our area.
“Project labor agreements are typically used in areas that have the potential
for disruption of the jobsites if there are
strikes,” Jack continued. “In heavily unionized areas, an owner may get a PLA to ensure job harmony and a ‘no-strike’ guarantee with expectations that his job
would complete as scheduled. In San Antonio, it’s highly improbable that there will
be any labor dissension. On every job we
(Lyda Builders) build, we have a number of
union trades and non-union trades all
working side-by-side. With that in mind, a
PLA is not necessary, unless there were a
number of non-local union trades that are
not accustomed to working in harmony
with other union and non –union trades.”
The jury is still out on this hot issue as no
decisions have been formalized. San Antonio Construction News will continue to keep
you informed as further developments take
shape.
continued from Page 5 - For the love of architecture
Thorn + Graves Architects for
Staake/Stevens Building Restoration and
The Casino Club.
Congratulations to all of the firms
who were recognized and, as Mayor Ed
Garza stated eloquently, “San Antonio is
a unique city because of our built environment, which is directly attributable to
the architects of today and yesterday.”
The proceeds from the Beaux Arts
Ball are targeted for the AIA San Antonio
Architectural Outreach Fund. The funds
are made available to chapter members
who might have special projects in the
community. Last year the fund was
Overland Partners
3D/I
tapped to help sponsor the Smart Growth
Conference and the Federation of Pan
American Architects, among others.
Marmon Mok and DHR Architects
Rehler Vaughn & Koone Architects
For many years, the small firm operated with two registered architects, Paul
and Allen, and a staff of four interns. In
the beginning, the firm’s focus was on
single-family and multi-family housing.
When Allen retired in the mid-1980’s, in
concert with the residential building
slowdown, the firm discontinued singlefamily design.
Over the year’s, the architectural firm
of Hesson Andrews Sotomayor evolved
from Hesson & May Associates. Founder
Paul Hesson, FAIA is the president of the
firm, and his partners include Kerry Andrews, AIA; Flavio Sotomayor; and
Richard Garison, AIA. Paul reported the
majority of their practice today consists
of school and church designs.
San Antonio Construction News asked
Paul to discuss the most profound changes in architecture he has seen, if any, during his half-century of active practice.
“As I consider some of the pioneer
architects in San Antonio, like Bartlett
Cocke, Raymond Phelps, and others,
their practices back in those days were
very similar to our practice today. I have
to search my soul to see anything that I
would label as profound changes in architecture. As far as the clientele,” he
added, “and the approach to solving architectural problems, it’s pretty much
the same. The tools and techniques that
we use have certainly shown a lot of
progress. Whereas our office used to
have drafting tables and T-squares, everything we do today is done on comput-
ers. Technology allows us to investigate a
number of solutions to an architectural
problem and enhances the accuracy of
the documents we produce.”
In a tribute to his profession and to
his peers, Paul said if he were in a position to counsel a young person who was
considering a similar career path, he
would be very encouraging.
“First and foremost,” he clarified, “if
there is a more generally rewarding career, I don’t know of it and I’ve never
been exposed to it. I wouldn’t change a
single minute of the past fifty years as far
as I’m concerned. I love the people I work
with. Constructors, engineers and other
architects are naturally some of the finest
people to deal with, and I consider myself
lucky to be associating with them.”
In fifty years, Paul and his partners
have made their mark on the San Antonio
skyline. Their portfolio of high-profile
projects includes Alamo Heights United
Methodist Church, Churchill High School,
Clark High School, Sea World, Harvest Fellowship, Community Bible Church, Northern Hills United Methodist Church and
over 50 other school projects.
“Our work at Sea World, which included Shamu Stadium and about seven
other major projects, was a lot of fun,”
Paul recalled. “Not only were the people
great, the tremendous variety of work offered an opportunity for us to learn
about dealing with marine animals.
Watching this project come out of the
ground was very rewarding.”
continued from Page 7 - Women in construction
niche wherein she could apply both of
her talents. A project manager for Fisher
Heck Inc. Architects, Deborah received
her four-year Bachelor of Science degree
with a concentration in Architecture in
1994.
“Because of the type of degree I
have, I was required by the State of Texas
to have six years of internship, under a licensed architect, before being eligible to
take the licensing exam. When I fulfilled
that time period and completed my paperwork, it took another one and a half
years to take all nine parts of the exam.”
Deborah considers herself fortunate
in that she participates in the full course
of activity that an architects’ firm has to
offer.
“I get to see all of the facets and
phases of a project, from schematic design and development, to producing the
construction documents, which is what I
love to do.”
Following up on details, coordinating with the consultants and engineers,
participating in the construction administration phase, being on the jobsite to
ensure the drawings are being followed,
and answering questions are all in a day’s
work for the young architect. However,
staying on top of the busy information
highway remains an ongoing challenge.
“Keeping up with technology, new
products, methods and materials is a
never-ending process,” Deborah added.
“There’s always something newer, better,
or simpler it seems.” Through seminars,
presentations and working with contractors, the sources of information are numerous.
Asked to identify an area in which
her profession could use a little improvement, Deborah pointed to the necessity
of good communication skills.
“So much of what we do is conceptual, and what contractors do is physical.
We have to be really clear about what we
want and we have to be able to communicate that. When we’re called upon to
translate the plan into terms of implementation, sometimes it’s hard to express verbally. Incomplete communications sometimes cause problems or
breakdowns in the flow, and that’s an
area where there is always room for improvement.”
Deborah’s advice to young women
who love math and art is simple.
“Always maintain a professional attitude in everything you do, communicate
well, be concise, and be driven. You have
to be organized and disciplined to carry
things through, and above all, be thorough.”
GENERAL
CONTRACTORS
Thorn + Graves Architects
continued from Page 24- Financial Statements: Nuisance or valuable tool?
know the answers and be able to explain
every dollar on your financial statements.
Most bond companies analyze statements in similar fashion, however, they all
have their idiosyncrasies - certain things
they think are important. Find out what
those are and use that knowledge to your
advantage. This is where your professional bond agent and your CPA can help
you. They know the bond company’s hot
buttons and what they look for in your financial statements. Your bond agent and
CPA should be your trusted advisors and
can help you analyze your financial statements and present that information to
the bond company.
A final thought – don’t treat the
bond company’s request for financial
statements as a mundane task; use it as
an opportunity to analyze your company
from another perspective.
William R. Dawley, AFSB, is the
Vice President of Harding-Conley
Drawert-Tinch Insurance Agency, Inc.
He can be reached at 210-647-0134 or
email : [email protected].
Medical
Office
Banks
Retail
Restaurants
Hospitality
210.828.2809
Visit us at our NEW website
www.goebelgc.com
Top 50 private companies
A
mong San Antonio’s Top 50 Private Companies, as reported in
the Jan. 31, 2003 issue of the San
Antonio Business Journal, are numerous
construction and construction-related
firms. Only those firms returning an
official questionnaire by the deadline
were eligible for ranking.
The Top 50 Companies were selected based on revenue figures for
their most recent fiscal year ending
between Oct. 2001 and Sept. 2002.
Qualifying firms had to be based in
San Antonio, with at least 50 percent
of ownership or control located here.
This is the ninth year SABJ has recognized and honored the contributions
that local, privately-held companies
have made to our economy.
Revenue Category of $100 million
to $199 million:
#11- B.J. Tidwell Industries Inc. dba
Cardell Cabinetry.
#16- SpawGlass Contractors, Inc.
#17- Bartlett Cocke, LP.
I
P
roject Control has
named Dick McNary to senior vice
president. Dick has a
B.S. in Construction
Management from
Pittsburgh
State
University. Employed
with Project Control
since 1985, he will become more active
in managing the company’s day-to-day
administrative responsibilities and internal operations.
S
to $99 million:
#19- Alamo Iron Works Inc.
#21- Gordon Hartman Homes Ltd.
#25- Joeris, Inc.
to $49 million:
#28- Ince Distributing Inc.
#29- Beldon Enterprises, Inc.
#30- Galaxy Builders Ltd.
#31- Yantis Company.
#32- Browning Construction Co.
#35- Koontz-McCombs.
#39- Metropolitan Contracting Co.,Ltd.
#40- Todd-Ford, Inc.
to $29 million:
#43- Sitterle Homes.
#44- San Antonio Steel Co., Ltd.
#45- Wade Construction.
#46- Japhet Homes.
#47- G.W. Mitchell & Sons, Inc.
#50- Bradfield Properties Inc.
Round-Up
O
ntertech Flooring
has recently hired
Jim Moody as product consultant to represent the company
in the architectural
and design communities. Moody joined
Intertech
Flooring
after spending 19 years in the wallcovering industry. Jim is a member of the
International Interior Design Association
(IIDA), the Texas Association of Interior
Design (TAID), and participates as an associate member of Painting & Decorating
Contractors of America (PDCA).
amuel
Blanco
Jr., CIAQT, joined
Raba-Kistner as Environmental Scientist. Samuel received
his B.S. in Biology
and M.S. in Environmental Science from
the Texas A&M University System and
holds certifications in Indoor Air Quality, Hazardous Waste Operations and
Emergency Response. His responsibilities
include performing Phase I Environmental Site Assessments for commercial real
estate transactions, industrial hygiene,
water damage assessment, fungal investigations, and remediation oversight.
Owner/occupant goes
“green” route
’Connell Robertson & Associates,
Inc. welcomes David
Cash, P.E., a 1987
graduate of Texas
A&M University, to
the firm’s San Antonio
staff. David is an electrical engineer with 14 years of experience in the design of electrical systems.
O
Inc. welcomes David
Knapp to the firm’s
San Antonio staff.
David has 12 years of
experience in project
management, design
and production in
commercial, educational and healthcare
projects. David has a BS degree in environmental design and an MS degree in
architecture from Texas A&M University.
O
Inc. welcomes Dan
Gongora, AIA, a 1976
graduate of the University of Texas and
native of San Antonio,
to the firm’s San Antonio staff. Dan is an
architect with experience in healthcare
and educational facility design.
A
nsley C. Fanning
has joined Rehler
Vaughn & Koone, Inc.
in their growing architecture department.
Ms. Fanning is a recent
graduate of Texas
Tech University with a
Master of Architecture,
and a Minor in Interior Design and Business Administration.
C
ontemplating the future and realizing he could look forward to another 20 years as a practicing dental professional and lecturer, Dr. Clarence Feller decided the wisest investment would be owning and occupying
his own building. Toward that end, Dr.
Feller purchased a lot on the frontage
road of Hwy. 281 N. and began his construction material research.
“I collaborated with designer Fernando Gonzales on the final design,
which resulted in a 5,300-sf building,” Dr.
Feller explained. “Since the price of electricity is not going to go down, I was determined to build an energy-efficient
building. If we’re going to be proper
stewards of our planet, why not re-use
materials that are destined for the landfill? So, I went shopping for sustainable
building products.”
The doctor discovered RASTRA
through architect Marley Porter,
NCARB, an Austin-based Rastra distributor. RASTRA is a concrete form system
that provides a permanent framework for
a grid of reinforced concrete to form
load-bearing walls, shear walls, stem
walls, lintels, retaining walls, and other
components of a building.
“We’re the first in San Antonio to
build out of RASTRA,” Dr. Feller added.
“The over-sized blocks are made out of
85 percent recycled polystyrene and 15
percent steel-reinforced concrete. With
its combination of insulation, thermal
mass and reduced air infiltration, on average, RASTRA has achieved energy savings (heating and air conditioning) of
approximately 50 percent.”
with architect Marley Porter about the
innovative product. He said RASTRA offers the ultimate in properties for a wall,
such as insulation, soundproofing and
fire protection, all in one easy-to-install
element.
“It is also resistant against frost and
heat radiation, does not entertain mold
or attract nesting insects, and 85 percent
of its volume is recycled post-consumer
polystyrene waste.”
General contractor Hal Wahlers,
H.W. Wahlers, Inc., has been in the industry for about 30 years. He met Dr.
Feller through a mutual acquaintance
and was invited to bid on the project.
Beginning with the demolition of an existing property and asbestos abatement,
Hal and his subs began the “green” con-
struction project.
“We were all on a learning curve,” Hal
admitted. “This is the first time the crew
and I had ever worked with RASTRA, and
we had to work through a few minor
problems. At this point in time, it’s everything they say it is. The walls went up
easily and we were able to apply the
stucco directly to the wall system without metal lathing, which saves time and
money. Inside, we’ll just tape and float
without having to fur out the walls. It’s a
real forgiving product and I would definitely build another one. Normally on a
project of this size, a contractor would
use 18 to 20 tons of air conditioning. Because of the R-values of the walls, we’re
only using 10 or 12 tons on Dr. Feller’s office.”
Other “green” features in the environmentally-conscientious dentist’s office building include R-49 in the ceiling,
energy-efficient Low E glass windows,
and a water catchment system to support the landscaping. The good doctor is
furnishing the office with recyclables as
well, including a 150-year-old front door
made out of long leaf pine, which is extinct, and an old birdseye maple fireplace
mantel.
J
V
on Robinson has
been
promoted
to the position of
Associate in the San
Antonio architectural
firm of Rehler Vaughn
& Koone, Inc. Holding a BA degree from
Trinity University, Jon
received
graduate
level training in landscape architecture at
Texas Tech University and the University
of Arizona.
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL
545-6767
Fax 490-9353
www.saqualityfence.com
13115 Wetmore Road
Dental office built of RASTRA is first in San Antonio.
RASTRA building blocks produce energy-saving results.
ickrey & Associates, Inc. is pleased
to announce that it has
appointed Frederick
(Rick) J. McNealy, P.E.
to an associate position within the firm.
Rick has demonstrated
outstanding capabilities and will assist in
the overall technical and administrative
management. He has an MS degree in
Management from Lesley College in Cambridge, Mass., and a BS degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University.
Wrought Iron & Masonry
Staircases & Railing
Chain Link
Wood Fencing
Custom Work
Temporary Fencing
Welding Services & Repairs
Steel Fabrication
Automatic Gate Systems
See our ad on
Page 722 in your
Southwestern Bell Yellow Pages
ASSOCIATION NEWS
ABC
March 5: Associated Builders and Contractors Safety Development Day, 3:30 to
8 pm, Live Oak Civic Center, featuring
over 30 exhibitors, safety demonstrations, and the first annual Chili Cook-off.
March 12-16: ABC – National Convention in San Diego.
April 7: ABC-South Texas Chapter’s Annual Spring Golf Tournament at the Fair
Oaks Golf Course. Cost is only $135 per
person. For more information, to become
a sponsor and to make reservations, call
210-342-1994.
ACCA-SA
March 6–7: Air Conditioning Contractors
Association – San Antonio Mold $olutions Conference, Dave & Busters, 440
Crossroads Blvd. Call Jack for details at
210-682-7744.
March 17: ACCA-SA Board of Directors
meeting at 4:30 pm, Insco Distributing,
2403 Freedom Drive.
March 20: ACCA-SA Membership Meeting, 11:15 am, Dave & Busters, 440 Crossroads Blvd.
April 25: ACCA-SA Sporting Clays Tournament & Bar-B-Que Cook-off, Cedar
Ridge Range, Bulverde.
AGC
March 19-22: The 84th Annual Associated General Contractors of America Convention will be in Honolulu, Hawaii. Over
60 courses, including forums, leadership
development tracks, and professional
development seminars will be offered to
AGC members. The AGC/CONSTRUCTOR
is the largest construction exhibit in the
U.S. and typically draws over 100,000
people.
March 31: The 2003 AGC/PAC Golf Tournament will be held at Silverhorn Golf
Club of Texas. Registration begins at 11
am and the shotgun start will be at 12:30
pm. An awards ceremony and banquet
will immediately follow the tournament.
For more information, call the AGC office
at 210-349-4921.
April 17: AGC, in conjunction with Midco
and Protecta, with host a fall protection
training seminar at the Alamo Crane Services office, 16850 Alamo Parkway in Selma, from 8 am to 1 pm. For more information, call the AGC office at 210-3494921.
April 30 -May 3: The AGC chapter leadership conference for presidents and vice
presidents will be held in Washington,
D.C. For more information, please call the
AGC office at 210-349-4921.
ASA
March 21-24: American Subcontractors
Association National Business Forum and
Convention, in New Orleans, LA. For
more information, simply log onto
asaonline.com
March 25: ASA San Antonio will hold its
monthly membership meeting at the
Barn Door restaurant. The program and
dinner will start at 6:45 pm, however,
you’re welcome to come early to get a
little socializing in. Topic for this month
will be New (and Old) Environment Issues. For more information, please contact 210-349-2105. Mention that you
read it in the Construction News and get
$5 off of your meal.
Starting in April, and every month
after that, ASA-San Antonio will hold a
toy drive in conjunction with their membership meeting. We are looking forward
to making this year’s Construct A Kid’s
Christmas bigger and better than ever!
CSI
March 18: The San Antonio Chapter of
Construction Specifications Institute will
hold its monthly meeting at the Barn
Door Restaurant. Social starts at 5:50 pm,
followed by dinner at 6 pm. A representa-
President’s Day
good excuse for a party!
GSBA
March 21: The Greater San Antonio
Builders Association Golf Extravaganza
at Tapatio Springs Resort; lunch and registration at 11:30 am; shotgun start at 1
pm; awards and reception dinner following the tournament. Cost is $125 per person / $150 per person after March 18th.
For more information, contact Kim at
210-696-3800
April 1: GSABA has chartered a bus to
take participating members to the State
Capitol for the Texas Association of Builders Rally Day. Meet in the GSABA parking
lot, 4204 Gardendale, at 8 am. Departure
from Austin will be at 5:30 p.m. For more
information, contact Kim Jacobs at 210696-3800 or Aaron Seaman of KB Home
at 210-301-2946.
HCA
March 19: The Hispanic Contractors Association de San Antonio general membership meeting will feature Ramiro Maldonado, acting director of architect and
initiatives, San Antonio Housing Authority. Time is 6 pm at The Builder’s Exchange
of Texas.
is free to PHCC members, $10 for nonmembers. Call PHCC-San Antonio for
registration form at 210-523-1540 or
email: [email protected] Continuing Education for Plumbers & Special Classes: 1800-992-7422 or www.phcc-tx.org.
NAWIC
Mar 5: The National Association of
Women in Construction will host its general membership meeting at the “Environmentally-Friendly” City Public Service
Customer Service Center, 7000 San Pedro, for a tour of the facility. To all of
those interested in touring the site,
please be there at 5:30 pm. For reservations or more information, contact Scotty
Stanley at 210-651-9000. Interested in
joining NAWIC? Contact Celeste Rowe at
210-944-0090.
SAGA
March 11: San Antonio Glass Association
will hold its next meeting for board
members only at Thad Ziegler Glass, Inc.,
beginning at 3 pm.
April 8: San Antonio glass association
will hold its next general membership
meeting at the Barn Door Restaurant,
starting at 6:30 pm. Cost is $25 per person.
SSTSA
March 13: South Texas Surety Association luncheon begins at 11:30 am. Location /speaker to be announced.
PHCC-SA
March 13: Plumbing-Heating-Cooling
Contractors of San Antonio general
membership meeting at Dave & Buster’s,
from 11 am to 1 pm. Guest Speaker: Copper Development Association. Cost:
Members $15 / Non-Members $20. RSVP:
PHCC-San Antonio Office 210-523-1540.
March 13: Copper Soldering & Brazing
Techniques Hands-on Training at Ferguson Enterprises. Dinner from 5:30 pm – 6
pm and Training from 6 – 8:30 pm. Cost
TSPE
March 3: Texas Society of Professional
Engineers will hold its monthly luncheon
meeting at the Old San Francisco Steakhouse at 11:30 am. Cost is $15 with reservations, $17 without. For more information, call Ken Ports at 210-826-0651.
Updated reference available
T
T
he first thing to pop into the minds
of construction people on a federal
holiday is the prospect of lighter
traffic and a smoother commute. This
year, for members of the Associated
General Contractors, it meant an afterhours parking lot mixer with their brethren.
On President’s Day, Mon., Feb. 17th,
the crowd started arriving at about 4:30
pm. The only thing separating the big
blue sky from the contractors’ heads was
the Alamo Crane Service flag, hung from
atop an extended boom. Capital Industries brought out a concrete pump truck
to keep the crane company.
San Antonio Construction News was
going to poll the AGC members about
some Presidential trivia, in honor of the
holiday, but their interests were otherwise focused on work, work, work. Talk of
the Toyota plant and potential spin-off
projects occupied every conversation.
According to AGC’s Julie Howard,
the party’s sponsors included CFS Forming Structures, Inc. and F.A. Nunnelly
Company. Alamo Crane Service volunteered to cook and serve the homemade
chili, beans and queso, which were very
popular with the growing crowd.
tive from the Builder’s Exchange of Texas
will discuss “Economic Issues in the Construction Industry.” Cost is $16 for nonmembers, which includes dinner.
L-R: Ray Kezar, ECS; Charlie Gallagher, Arias & Assoc.; Jim
Vogel, FUGRO; and Michael Jennings, Arias & Assoc.
he updated edition of Lien and Bond
Claims in the 50 States and the District
of Columbia includes changes in lien
and bond laws that took place in 2002. It is
considered a reference tool, especially for
contractors that perform work in multiple
states.
The revised 2003 Lien and Bond
Claims CD-ROM divides the various lien
and bond requirements for each state
and the District of Columbia by public
and private work. Each section is designed to address situations that could
arise during a lien or bond filing procedure. What lien rights exist in the state?
What are the required notices or filing
milestones? What are the requirements
to notify the owner? Each state also has a
“Special Warnings” section that flags any
special nuances of the state law.
To order the Lien and Bond Claims
CD-ROM call 1-888-374-3133.
Buy all the products you need for your next job and rent
the tools you need at the same place –– our Xpress Counter.
• Generators
• Grinders
• Drills
• Saws
• Hammers
• Pipe Grooving
• Cutters & Threaders
Back row L-R: Kerry Kirby; Ricky Barnett; and Mitch Sherrod.
Front row L-R: Bradford Neely; Larry Mathis; Rick Lester,
and Patrick Hall.
San Antonio • 303 North Park Drive
(210) 344-3013
FR
EE
For COO
totali every too LER!
ng $1
l renta
00
l
w
pack e’ll give y or more,
( Lim soft-sidedou a 12it 3 p
er cu cooler.
stom
er)
FREE HAT!
With every tool rental
totaling up to $100.
(Limit 3 per customer)
Business Card Exchange
GENERAL CONTRACTING, INC.
Over 30 years of combined experience in construction
• Interior Finishouts
• Government Construction
• Commercial & Residential
• Multi - Family Housing
Competative without sacrificing quality. Our staff of professionals
are committed to total client satisfaction
lone star
UTILITIES–EXCAVATION
210-649-4600
Call RL Rohde General Contracting for all of your construction needs.
12931 Hwy 87 S.
Adkins, Tx
78101
Ronnie Rohde, President
Off. 210.649.3130
Fax. 210.649.3110
Tom Smith, President
reprographics, inc.
Large Format Printing
Monochrome/Color Scanning
Color Laser Copies
Monochrome/Color Plotting
Blueprinting/Supplies
210–366–4808
210–366–4827 fax
1–800–683–3535
Océ
Encad
HP Dealer
Pager 210-220-7975
You’re Not Just
Another Customer.
We’re Not Just
Another Bank.
www.lonestarrepro.com
227 W. Nakoma • San Antonio, Tx 78216
Fax
210-649-4602
Chuck Sparrow,
Superintendent
FLOYD INDUSTRIES, INC.
Joist designs approved by the Steel Joist Institute
Fabrication as per S.J.I. Specifications
Specializing In Fast Track Detailing & Delivery
James Gobel, Central Texas Sales
210-734-7361
1-877-719-7787
www.southtrust.com
Fax. 512.990-1575
Member FDIC. ©2000 SouthTrust
CLASSIFIED ADS
NOTICES
BULLETINS
TIRE PROBLEMS
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
ALL SIZES
STOP FLATS WITH FOAM FILLING
OTR NEW & USED
Peterson Tire, Inc.
210-738-1111
SEEKING MBE/WBE/AABE
PARTICIPATION ON
PROJECTS
KLECKA ELECTRIC CO., INC.
Phone 210-349-0123
Fax 210-349-0122
Of course we do other things at Construction News!
CONSTRUCTION SALE
LYDA INC.
MISC. CONSTRUCTION SALE
AFFORDABLE PRICES.
We are cleaning out our
Construction Yard.
FORMING, MASONRY &
CONCRETE ACCESSORIES
CONCRETE BUCKETS &
STEEL JOISTS (14’ & Longer)
CONCRETE PAVING/FINISHING
MACHINE
MANY ODDS & ENDS
Steel Casings, Structural Steel
& Re-Steel
CALL GERALD LYDA SR.
210-767-1535
to see sale items
Brochures, Flyers, Stationery.
Call me.
Safety talk and jobsite tour
a success
T
T
the safety presentation, ABC members
were given a tour of the newest Northside ISD elementary school.
“One of the benefits of combining
our monthly safety meeting with a jobsite visit is that the workers heard the
presentation too,” said ABC president
Steven Schultz. “During the walkthrough, Affirmed was able to point
out various aspects of the school project. This event hit a targeted audience!”
CELL. 210.313.8086
830.663.5951
METRO. 830.665.2160
DEVINE, TX 78016
Supreme Court upholds
executive order
he U.S. Supreme Court made a
decision to uphold presidential
executive order 13202, prohibiting mandatory project labor agreements on federally funded or federally
assisted construction projects.
he ABC-South Texas Chapter
conducted a unique safety event
on Feb. 12th at the Bob Beard Elementary School construction project.
Hosted by Affirmed General Contractors and the chapter’s Safety & Health
Committee members, the “Job Site
Awareness” toolbox talk featured a presentation on electrical safety training,
conducted by Ted Dunnam, Engineering Safety Consultants, co-chair of the
Safety & Health Committee. Following
WE BUY AND SELL
USED
CONSTRUCTION
EQUIPMENT
AND SALVAGE
Need a makeshift tape measure?
Penny = 3/8-in. radius
Quarter = 1/2-in. radius
Dollar = 6-in. length and 2-1/2-in. width.
210 - 308 - 5800
ABC Safety committee members and a lineup of Affirmed General Contractors’ employees.
DISCOVERY CO.
In April of 2001, the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department and others sued to bar enforcement of the executive order. In August
2001, a federal judge in the District of
Columbia ruled in favor of the AFLCIO’s position. In November 2001, the
Justice Department appealed this decision. Associated Builders and Contractors, joined by a broad coalition of
business organizations, filed a friendof-the-court brief in opposition to the
AFL-CIO. In July 2002, the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the DC Circuit overturned
the lower court and upheld the Bush
executive order. In October 2002, the
AFL-CIO challenged this decision.
On Jan. 27, 2003, the U.S. Supreme
Court announced that it denied certio-
rari in the case: Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO et al.,
v. Joe M. Allbaugh, Director, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, et al.
“The Supreme Court’s decision is
a major victory for U.S. taxpayers and
for the construction industry,” said
Eddie Rispone, ABC national chairman, and chairman of Industrial Specialty Contractors, Baton Rouge, LA.
“President Bush’s common-sense executive order helps to ensure open
competition in the U.S. construction
industry.
“Not only do the union-only project labor agreements addressed by
the president’s executive order discriminate against the four out of five
U.S. construction workers who choose
not to join a labor union, they also create a costly burden on taxpayers. This
decision ensures a neutral government position and full and open competition in the federal contracting
process,” Rispone concluded.
On Location
Architectural Accessibility in Texas
FOCUS ON ACCESSIBILITY LAWS & STANDARDS
The Fair Housing Act
Title VIII of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1968
(amended 1988)
T
he design and construction requirements of the Fair Housing Act apply to all new multifamily housing first occupied
after March 13, 1991. Covered multifamily dwellings are: (1) all
dwelling units in buildings containing four or more units if such buildings have one or
more elevators, and (2) all ground floor dwelling units in other buildings containing
four or more units.
Crew from Cauble Lath & Plaster work on the new Sonterra Office Park.
The three story building is being built by Incore Corporation.
REQUIREMENT 7, Part B:
Usable Bathrooms:
“…covered multifamily dwellings with a
building entrance on an accessible route
shall be designed and constructed in such a
manner that all premises within covered
multifamily dwelling units contain usable
… bathrooms such that an individual in a
wheelchair can maneuver about the
space.” Fair Housing Act Regulations,
24 CFR 100.205
CLEAR FLOOR SPACE AT BATHTUBS
The Guidelines require that one of
three different clear floor spaces be provided at bathrooms so people who use
wheelchairs or scooters can get close
enough to execute transfers into and out
of bathtubs. The diagrams below, taken
from the Guidelines, show the clear floor
space requirements for bathtubs; numbers one and two apply to Specification
A bathrooms and number three to Specification B bathrooms.
In all three clear floor spaces, the
shaded areas must remain clear, except
that in clear floor space diagram number
2, a lavatory that meets all applicable
clear floor space requirements for lavatories may be located next to the toilet. In
Specification A bathrooms, either a lavatory or a toilet may encroach upon the
clear floor space next to the bathtub.
In clear floor space diagram number
one, the arrow indicating direction of approach is relevant only if the lavatory is
wall-hung and has knee space below.
The user pulls forward into the knee
space to transfer and/or operate controls.
Robert Buck, AIA, has provided architectural
accessibility plan reviews/inspections for over
3200 projects in 17 states. He is a Texas
Department of Licensing & Regulation
Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS);
consultant to the U. S. Department of JusticeHousing and Civil Enforcement Section; and
Fair Housing consultant for the City of Austin.
13438 Bandera Road, #104, Helotes, TX 78023
210-695-5326
World Champion rodeo bullfighter Donny Sparks(L) signs an autograph
for Dale Arron at Lynwood Building Materials.
Brick, Block
& Masonry Supplies
More donuts on the way. Mc O. B. Services start the site work for Krispy Kreme
in North Central S.A. Mesa Building is the general.
Residential & Commercial
210-493-2612
Converse Block Plant: 210-658-4631
Sales Office:
16121 College Oak Dr.
SCAFFOLDING
Vernco Construction Inc. did the concrete work for Sonterra Park Retail.
GC is Keller-Martin Organization.
SCAFFOLD MANUFACTURER
DIVISION OF TAR USA STEEL, INC.
“AFFORDABLE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICES”
Frame Scaffold –Shoring Scaffold
Crossbraces – Screwjacks
Caster Wheels – Planks
TAR SCAFFOLDING
12746 O’CONNOR ROAD
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78233
TEL:
FAX:
RAW Concrete and Capital Industries team up to knock out Sean Elliott’s house.
This pour went almost 500 yards and took about 7 hours.
210 650 0181
210 650 0782
www.tarscaffolding.com
SCAFFOLD
INDUSTRY
ASSOCIATION

March - Construction News

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