February - Construction News

Transcription

CONSTRUCTION
™
The Industry’s Newspaper
February 2001 Volume 4, Number 2
Tool Traders opens new
location in San Antonio
T
he story of Texas Tool Traders
reads like the American Dream,
with 22 years of hard work in between the start up and the payoff.
With twelve locations throughout
Texas, the company recently moved its San
Antonio store, where it was for 16 years, to
a new and better address at 4310 Naco Pass.
“We were tired of renting after sixteen
years in San Antonio,” said owner Garrett
Anders. “It was time to find a building to
purchase, where we could do our own thing.
We picked the northeast side because it’s
close to I-35, near our competitors. Also,
Perrin Beitel and Thousand Oaks are both
high traffic streets. A free-standing building is perfect for our business. By moving
to a larger location we increased our purchasing power, added more inventory space,
resulting in three times the display area just
on power tools alone. Our San Antonio store
is now the largest Texas Tool Traders retail
store in the state.
A promotional Grand Opening event is
scheduled for sometime in March, complete
with product demonstrations, pricing specials, and a chance to visit with manufacturers’ reps.
“We have one of the biggest selections
of new and used tools in the industry,”
Garrett continues. “We sell hand tools, air
tools, power nail guns and staplers, portable
electric tools (new and reconditioned), more
than I can possibly mention. With over 150
major brands of tools and fasteners, Texas
Tool Traders offers a complete line of contractor supplies. We are always adding new
merchandise. For example, we just added
concrete supplies, power washers, bigger
continued on Page 3
Ready to serve their customers at Texas Tool Traders are,
L-R: David LaFireniere, Scott Hodge, Bill Tennant, Paul Duenes, and Peter Portillo.
Martin Marietta & Rogers
Ranch agree on plan
S
an Antonio-based Martin Marietta
Materials Southwest and residents
of the Rogers Ranch neighborhood
have agreed to landmark mining
guidelines for 440 acres east of Northwest
Military Highway.
The neighborhood representatives entered discussions 17 weeks ago with four
primary concerns. “We had a duty to make
sure we addressed four areas: They included: 1. Minimizing the affect to Rogers
Ranch homes. 2. Ensuring that quarrying
operations are well below any damage
thresholds. 3. Making sure future quarrying operations have no greater effect on our
neighborhood than existing operations have
today. 4. Reducing the visual impact to our
neighborhood.
“This plan satisfies our concerns,” said
Richard Posey, Rogers Ranch Falling Brook
Homeowners Association representative.
The mining plan provides that the 440
acres will have: No asphalt plants; No concrete plants; No permanent structures; No
hydrocarbon storage; No secondary processing activities; No commercial truck
loading; No ammonium nitrate storage; No
explosive material storage; No hazardous
waste storage; No on-site fuel storage.
The company has also agreed to alter
its mining activities. Detonations will be
limited to Monday through Friday, with
approximately 80% of the activity between
3 and 5 pm, and 20% of the activity between
10 and 11 am. Crushing will be limited to
Mon.-Sat. from 6-8 pm.
“These guidelines are the most comprehensive and progressive mining plans in
the state. They are designed to ensure the
continued on Page 2
L-R: Bruce Vaio, President Martin Marietta Materials Southwest; Tony Ferrara
and D.R. McCale, Rogers Ranch homeowners.
Southwest Concrete Products LP triples
production with high tech machinery
S
outhwest Concrete Products LP
was formed in 1997. Partners
Murphy Lents, President; Bob
Whisnant, Chief Operating Officer; and John Lents, Vice President Sales
spearheaded the start-up operation.
“Approximately three years ago we
bought some new automated concrete block
producing machinery,” explains Murphy. “It
was the first real new equipment brought
into Texas in 25 years or so.” Installed in a
facility that is about 60 miles west of Houston on IH-10, near Columbus, SCP served
the Houston, San Antonio, Austin and Corpus Christi markets.
“Our decision to enter San Antonio was
based on the fact that it is one of the fast
growing cities in Texas, a main gateway to
South Texas, Mexico and Latin America. We
liked the potential prospects for the market.
“About a year and half ago we had the
opportunity to buy the concrete block producing assets of Alamo Cement Co. in San
Antonio. Their equipment was pretty old,
so we immediately started planning to put
in a new and larger facility.”
The partners contacted Besser Company, from Alpina, MI. Besser is the largest
producer of concrete block making equipment in the world. Wanting the most efficient production equipment possible for the
new San Antonio facility, SCP invested in
the state-of-the-art Besser Autopac.
The Autopac features advanced new
technology that reduces the time it takes to
change a mold or change a height. Done
manually, it takes 45 min. to 2 hrs. to change
a mold, and 4-5 hours to make a height
change. The Besser Autopac takes only 5
minutes for a mold change and 5-6 minutes
for height change. The quick mold and
height change not only minimizes down-
This month in FOCUS
Concrete Industry
time, it also reduces wasted material and
production overruns.
“This is the first Autopac machine installed in the field, or in the world for that
matter,” Murphy emphasizes.
Located at 2233 Ackerman Rd., just
north of IH-10, the new 30,000-sq. ft. SCP
facility began production in early January.
It was one of two show plants in San Antonio for the National Concrete and Masonry
Association Show held on Jan. 27th. The
new plant will also feature a retail store and
showroom. “We will sell a complete line
of masonry tools and supplies. When a brick
mason needs tools as well as concrete block
he’ll have one-stop-shopping at our place.
Or, an architect or builder can conveniently
see and preview products first hand,”
Murphy explains.
continued on Page 2
PRSRT. STD.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SAN ANTONIO, TX
PERMIT #1517
Page 2 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– San Antonio Construction News • February 2001
San Antonio hunters
adopt a village
T
he original idea came from Ray
Murphy, Guadalupe Valley Telephone Coop. He, Tony Tye and Mike
Schultz, Concrete Pumps of Texas, hunt together on a ranch inside of Big Bend National
Park, about 60 miles south of Marathon. During their annual hunting trip in 1999, Ray and
other hunters ventured across the border and
discovered the small village of Santa Elena,
an impoverished enclave of thirty families living close to the Rio Grande and on the edge
of privation. After telling the other hunters
about the plight of their neighbors across the
river, a decision to help was made.
“We decided to start saving clothing of
all sizes, that might otherwise go to Salvation Army or Goodwill,” Mike explained. “We
accumulated clothing, dry goods, non-perishable foods, toys, school supplies and things
of this nature. The word started to spread
and many other friends and employees donated to the cause.
“When hunting season returned, we
hauled a 35-ft. goose neck trailer with food
and supplies, notified the park of our intent
to deliver the goods to Santa Elena, and they
opened the gate and let us drive right on down
to the river. We shuttled all of the supplies
and toys across the river on a boat, where they
were then transported to the village plaza and
Ray Murphy and Santa Elena residents prepare
to unload a truck packed with donations.
dispersed.”
Mike has the advantage of speaking Spanish, so communicating with the villagers was
not a problem. The families of Santa Elena
are primarily farmers, and their lifestyle is
meager. There is a school however, one room
where all age levels are taught. The school
supplies delivered by this group of compassionate hunters gave hope and inspiration to
the children of Santa Elena.
“Some of the wives of the hunters collected cash donations and went shopping for
coloring books and crayons, new toys, pencils and other things like that. They made
‘goodie bags’ for the children. After our first
year, we organized the next trip for winter of
2000, and had even more supplies to take.”
Today, about thirty hunters, their families and friends, can be thanked for the overwhelming support given to this generous effort. No one asked them for help. No one
coerced them to give. The decision to reach
out to others, in a meaningful and productive
way, came from their hearts, and a willingness to share their own wealth; the wealth of
their spirits. And next year, they’ll do it all
over again. If you wish to help in the coming
year, contact Mike Schultz or Tony Tye at
Concrete Pumps of Texas. Call 1-800-6223302.
Villagers select clothing and other useable items for their families.
contined from Page 1 - Martin Marietta & Rogers Ranch
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co-existence of a quarry and a neighborhood,” said Bruce Vaio, President of Martin Marietta Materials Southwest. “This plan
reduces our production operations by 42%.
However, the reduction is necessary to
maintain mutual respect for our quality of
life,” said Vaio. “As neighborhoods continue
to move toward quarries, the industry has
an obligation to step back and evaluate how
it does business. We have realized that in
order to continue to provide the construction industry with the material it needs in a
strong economy, and be a good neighbor,
we must balance the needs of the economy
with the needs of the neighborhood.”
“I am thankful for the leadership of the
Rogers Ranch homeowners and the spirit
of cooperation they exhibited. I also would
like to thank Mayor Howard Peak for actively participating by giving guidance and
counsel throughout the process,” said Vaio.
Existing homes in the Rogers Ranch
community are more than a mile away. In
order to mitigate the effects of mining activities on the homeowners, Martin Marietta
has committed to: 1. Maintaining an approximate 1,000 foot buffer from its mining and the lot line of the nearest residential home, more than ten times that required
by city ordinance. 2. Building a naturally
landscaped 30 foot high berm, more than
five times that required by city ordinance,
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separating the quarry from the adjacent
Rogers Ranch property. 3. Constructing an
aesthetically designed perimeter fence from
the outer property line. 4. Placing appropriate signage. 5. Placing three seismic monitors at fixed locations within Rogers Ranch
to continually monitor blast levels.
“We have met for several months and
learned a great deal. Martin Marietta is committed to being a good neighbor. This agreement is proof of their commitment. I look
forward to a productive partnership with our
new neighbors at Martin Marietta Materials,” said Tony Ferrara, Rogers Ranch
Crosstimbers Association President.
“All of our concerns have been addressed. Our two communities can and will
mutually exist,” said Rich Posey.
Martin Marietta Materials has four
quarrying operations in San Antonio. They
include the Beckmann Quarry, which is the
second largest supplier of stone products in
the United States. Martin Marietta produces
more than 10 million short tons of aggregate materials each year at the Beckmann
Quarry and employs more than 400 people
there. The company also operates asphaltic
concrete plants, ready-mix concrete plants
and distribution yards in various locations
across South Texas and in the Houston and
Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan areas.
contined from Page 1
Southwest Concrete Products LP
The older Zarzamora Rd. plant will
be shut down in the next month or two,
with employees transferred to the new facility. Initially about 15 employees will be
required, growing to about 30-40 when the
plant reaches full production capacity.
The high-tech computer-driven production equipment will produce about
40,000 8-inch concrete blocks per day, running 2 twelve-hour shifts. The required raw
materials, mixed with a limited amount of
water, are fed automatically into the block
machine, then vibrated thoroughly into a
mold. The formed blocks are then stripped
from the mold on to a steel palette.
An automated rail car system transports
the uncured blocks to the curing rooms,
where they are steamed at 170 degrees for
about 12 hours. The rail car then loads the
cured blocks, transports them to the packaging line where they are removed from
palettes, sent through a cuber, and finally
banded with protected steel straps to reduce
damage. The first time humans touch the
product is when they pick it up with a forklift to transfer it to the storage yard.
“Each piece of machinery has its own
industrial computer that controls it,”
contined on Page 3, next column
San Antonio Construction News • February 2001 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 3
Putz Around Town
JC Putz here . . .
Well the month of January was quite mellow compared
to the December holiday season with all its crazy parties
and events. Starting a new year is great and with January
over, just think, it will be only two more months before we
get into the habit of putting the correct year on our checks
and everything else.
Not many big functions took place in January except
the Associated General Contractors Officer and Board
swearing in ceremony at San Francisco Steak House. The
place was packed and new AGC president Steve McCleskey
of C. F. Jordan Commercial took over the reins of the association from Gary Joeris. It appeared Steve was a little
nervous for his big day. With his parents in attendance,
and his Boss, “Paco” Jordan, in from El Paso, you would
have thought he would be relaxed. He didn’t even eat much
of his lunch, a fact that was pointed out by City Councilman Tim Bannwolf to the entire room.
Okay, Bucko,
it’s my turn now!
It should be Paco that is a little nervous. Since the duties of AGC president takes a lot
of time, Steve will just have to work those short 14 hour days to keep up and keep Paco in
El Paso. No problem for a stepper.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
The pre-rodeo cook-off was again a big
success this year and as usual, the construction industry was there in force. The Boss
went out on Saturday to do his annual photo
shoot of all the contractors attending and
his job turned out being the easy part. The
hard part was for Reesa, our graphics guru,
to take out all the “red eyes” from the photos due to the previous night’s party. They
always party hardy.
contined from Page 1 - Tool Traders
generators, and bigger compressors.”
The key to this successful company is
simple - service, service, service. “We take
care of our customers in the same way we
want to be treated. Customers pay our salaries and we’ve taken care of them for 22 years.
It’s the Golden Rule of good business!”
Texas’ born and raised, Garrett and
Linda Anders, of Weimar, TX, started
selling knick knacks and gadgets at weekend flea markets in 1972, after they graduated from high school. Among the treasures they collected were old tools and
interestingly they found that tools were
the primary item of interest for the Houston shoppers. With that in mind, they expanded to 2, then 3 flea markets, only on
Saturdays and Sundays.
“But people kept asking for more
tools, and wanted to come during the week
to see our stuff. So, we incorporated Texas
Tool Traders in 1974 and opened our first
store in Houston in 1980. We saw customers during the week, and worked flea
markets out of the back of the store. The
original store is still there 21 years later.”
contined from Page 2
Southwest Concrete Products LP
Murphy continues. “They are each
linked, so they ‘talk’ to each other.”
In the control room there are three
separate computer systems. “The first
one controls the batching systems, selecting the proper formula used to make each
order, designating compressive strengths,
the color and weight of each block, and
the correct proportion of ingredients. It
also controls the 14 curing rooms, which
are temperature controlled independently.
“The second computer controls a
color system, whereby a custom color
can be mixed in as needed.
“The third computer collects information for the individual pieces of equipment, pulls it all together into a production information system that tracks inventory, production and performance of
each machine.”
With the potential to produce three
times as many concrete blocks per month
as their old facility, Southwest Concrete
Products promises to invigorate the local economy. For more information contact: Southwest Concrete Products at
210-928-7933. Web address is:
swconcrete.com
Need to track what your trucks are doing all day long when away from the shop?
Trichia Stoddard, yes, from the Stoddard
Construction Co. family, has sprouted her
wings and gone in a different direction. She
joined FleetBoss who has a GPS system that
can tell you where your vehicles are and
many other facts that are costing employers
tons of cash. She is really positive about
this system and if you have a fleet, expect
her to walking through your door soon.
With that, I’m out’a here.
The rest is history. Texas Tool Traders now has twelve locations; San Antonio, Austin, Pflugerville, Lewisville, Garland, Arlington, Wautauga, McKinney,
League City, 3 Houston stores, and the
Main Office is in Weimar.
The entrepreneurial talents of the
owners, combined with experienced employees who are knowledgeable of the
construction industry, have resulted in the
great success of Texas Tool Traders.
“We’re as competitive as Home Depot and Lowe’s,” Garrett emphasizes.
“Just check out our pricing, we really are.”
Texas Tool Traders will deliver to the
jobsite, offer good pricing, service pneumatic nail guns and staplers and do some
minor repair on power tools and compressors. Their customers get in quick, get out
quick, with no waiting lines, and the staff
will place special orders if they don’t have
a product in stock.
With one of the largest selections of
tools, you really owe it to yourself to go to
Texas Tool Traders and see for yourself.
Once you go in, you’ll be back. Call 210525-1418 for directions and information.
Heaney named CEO for
SouthTrust Bank in S.A.
J
ames A. Heaney has been named Chief Executive Officer of SouthTrust Bank’s San Antonio
market.
“I am pleased to formally announce Jim’s promotion to this role,” Marc Angle, SouthTrust Texas,
state Chief Executive Officer, said. “He has done a
terrific job as the senior lender and stepped in as interim chief executive officer in a very capable manner. Jim will provide the leadership to grow our presence in San Antonio as well as assist in implementing
SouthTrust strategies across business lines.”
A 22-year banking veteran, Heaney joined
SouthTrust Bank with the acquisition of Security
National Bank in January 2000 and has served as senior lender since that time. He also served as senior
lender at Security National Bank for 11 years. Before
his position at Security National Bank, Heaney was Vice President and Commercial Lender
for NBC Bank in San Antonio.
Heaney graduated with a B.A. and more than 630 offices in Texas, Alabama,
M.B.A. from Texas Christian Univ. He is Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Caroalso a graduate of the Southwestern Gradu- lina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The
ate School of Banking at Southern Meth- company offers a complete line of banking
odist Univ. in Dallas as well as the National and other related financial services to comCommercial Lending Graduate School in mercial and retail customers. SouthTrust is
a FORTUNE 500 company that trades on
Norman, Ok.
SouthTrust Bank is a part of SouthTrust the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symCorp., a $44.3 billion regional financial bol SOTR and is included in the S&P 500
holding company with headquarters in Bir- index. The company’s web address is
mingham, Alabama. SouthTrust operates www.southtrust.com.
AGC CEO appointed to
Bush-Cheney transition
advisory team for EPA
T
he Associated General Contractors
of America’s Executive Vice President and CEO, Stephen E.
Sandherr, has been appointed to the BushCheney Transition Advisory Team for the
Environmental Protection Agency. As a
member of this committee, Sandherr will
provide input and related outreach activities to the Transition Policy Coordination
Groups concerning environmental issues
that affect the construction industry.
Sandherr said, “Construction is not
only an engine of economic development
but also one of the most effective means of
enhancing the environment. Serving on the
EPA Transition Team allows us an opportunity to positively discuss the contributions
that construction makes to our everyday
quality of life.”
AGC has been recognized as a leader
in its industry because of its close working
relationship with the EPA. AGC has played
an important role in shaping regulations that
implement important environmental laws
such as Superfund, Endangered Species Act,
Clean Water Act, and Clean-Air Act. To this
end, the construction industry has maintained a strong commitment to the people
of our nation by providing additional housing, more jobs and improved transportation
while at the same time addressing environmental concerns.
Sandherr added, “I look forward to providing real input on environmental issues
that affect the construction industry. AGC
and the Environmental Action Foundation
will work together with the Transition Team
to ensure that the construction industry has
a voice at the table.”
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Page 4 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– San Antonio Construction News • February 2001
NEISD apprentices earn
while they learn
C
areer and Technology Education,
Northeast Independent School
District (NEISD) is committed to
preparing students academically with work
readiness skills so they may become successful and productive citizens.
“In Career & Technology Education we
have a multitude of programs for students. One
of those areas we refer to as Trade & Industry,
which includes electrical, plumbing, HVAC,
automotive technology and others,” explained
Elizabeth Platt, Director of Career and Technology. This is an area that has been declining
within the school system. Two reasons for the
decline include low enrollments and a budget
that has not had sufficient funds to upgrade
equipment in order for those programs to continue to be attractive.
“The labor demand in industry has
grown tremendously over the last few years,
yet the availability of qualified young people
who are eager and willing to go into those
businesses had declined. Industry is finding itself in a very difficult situation. Even
though we at NEISD knew the need was
there, we have been limited with resources
to help feed students in that direction.”
Last summer, a group of business and
industry individuals met with NEISD Superintendent, Dr. Richard A. Middleton.
They discussed their needs and what they
are willing to do to support the school system and help put some life back into the
trades programs. With their partnership,
opportunities can be provided for students
who are entering some very lucrative areas
of employment.
After several meetings transpired, Dr.
Middleton was eager to support this endeavor. A meeting was held with more than
fifty business and industry people, Dr.
Middleton, Shirley Kearns, Associate Superintendent, Elizabeth Platt, and representatives from the State level, County Commissioner Lyle Larson and others. Discussions were held to determine a plan designed to get the program off the ground.
“Within the school system we decided to
offer apprenticeship opportunities,” Elizabeth continues. “Therefore, we are redirecting these programs to Technical Apprenticeship Programs, so students can start earning apprenticeship hours, both instructional
(576 hours) and on-the-job (8,000 hours).
With approval from the Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship Training, we
have launched our Electrical Systems Technology Program at MacArthur High School
this school year.
“This course is designed for students
interested in careers related to the electrical
industry including electrical engineering,
construction electrician, maintenance electrician, manufacturing systems, wholesale
and retail sales, and job estimating. Beginning with the 2001-2002 school year, the
plumbing and HVAC programs will open
at Lee High School.”
Any student within NEISD, regardless
of which school they attend, who has an
interest in entering the Electrical Systems,
Plumbing, or HVAC Technical Apprenticeship Program, can transfer to the high school
offering these programs. Students who are
at least 14 years old or entering the 9th grade
may apply to be in the program. Transportation is provided by NEISD.
Business and industry partners will provide the training site, the equipment, a mentor and a training plan. The mentor encourages the apprentice throughout the training
period and assures that the standards in the
training are met. Students also attend
classes necessary to stay on track for graduation. The apprenticeship class addresses
job-related skills in team-building, critical
thinking, problem solving, safety, logical
sequencing, and conflict resolution. Direct
connection is made between academics and
their applications in the work force.
Upon graduation, the apprentice has
three options to complete the apprenticeship: 1) To continue working with the company and receive further training. 2) To attend a two-year college or training program
while completing apprenticeship training.
3) To enter a four-year college while continuing apprenticeship training.
Overall, the Technical Apprenticeship
Program will offer students a course of study
that brings together academics, work site
learning, and paid experience – all before
high school graduation. For more information please contact Elizabeth Platt, Director of Career and Technology, NEISD at
210-804-7150. E-mail to: [email protected].
AGC installation of new
officers and board
A
rainy winter day did not keep
people away from the Associated
General Contractors installation
of their new 2001 officers and board. On
Jan. 16th, at the Old San Francisco
Steakhouse’s Crystal Room, 115 members
were welcomed by Executive Vice President, Doug McMurry, who then introduced
AGC past presidents and special guests.
Following lunch, Doug invited out-going AGC President, Gary Joeris, to the podium. Joeris said, “This is my last official
duty as President, and I’m glad to report my
term of office did not include any scandals,
wars or interns.” When the audience recovered, he then spoke of the many accomplishments of the past year.
Gary then introduced San Antonio
Councilman Tim Bannwolf, who performed the swearing in ceremony. Tim made
a joke about Gary having time to eat his
lunch and incoming President, Steve
McClesky, not having time. Oh well. Such
is the difference between the priorities of
outgoing and incoming presidents.
Tim introduced the officers and board
members, who walked on stage and were
duly sworn in. The 2001 AGC Board Members are: President, Steve McClesky, C.F.
Jordan; Vice President, Harry Moeller,
Bartlett Cocke, LP; Secretary / Treasurer,
Doug Nunnelly, F.A. Nunnelly Co.; Bill
Huber, Huber Contracting, Ltd.; Tom
Guido, Guido Brothers Construction Co.;
Helen Keaton, Joeris General Contractors,
Ltd.; Bryan McGinnis, Roy McGinnis &
Co., Inc.; Buzz Miller, Allen & Allen Company, Inc.; Vera Salvatore, CFS Forming
Structures Co., Inc.; Mike Venson,
Eichlitz, Dennis, Wray & Westheimer
Agency, Inc.; Gary Joeris, Joeris General
Contractors, Ltd.
Tim thanked AGC for supporting him
and then called new President Steve
McClesky to the podium. “My first act as
President is a full pardon for Gary Joeris!”
As Gary stepped forth, Steve presented him
with a plaque to commemorate his tenure
as President, along with a memory-filled
scrapbook and gift. Steve said he appreciated the honor of being President of AGC
and was very excited when Gary formally
recognized his parents, Alton and Margaret
McClesky, who were attending the ceremony. Gary also introduced Paco Jordan,
President of C.F. Jordan, for whom Steve
works.
Steve commented, “I am getting an
AGC chapter that is in excellent shape, and
my job is to keep it running smoothly.” He
continued his speech, which was inspiring
and punctuated with laughter.
Doug then introduced Katie Reed, a
Northside ISD Board of Trustee, who spoke
about the new $495 million bond campaign
for new schools. The Northside ISD is planning to construct 7 elementary schools, 1
middle school, and 1 high school.
Doug McMurry, who graciously
thanked Julie Howard for coordinating the
event, wrapped up the program with closing comments.
Following the ceremony, Doug
McMurry discussed upcoming plans. “Our
new board is optimistic about 2001. In a
break from tradition we plan to focus more
time, attention and service to subcontractors. We just had our retreat to establish
goals for this year and we all have a fire in
our bellies to make them happen!”
In Memory
Mrs. Jackie Davis, Mother of Dusty Davis and Grandmother of Shane Davis,
T.M. Davis Construction, passed away on Wed., Jan. 24th.
San Antonio Construction News, on behalf of the entire construction industry,
would like to express heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences to her family.
To honor her memory and legacy, the family has asked that any donations be
made in her name to Boysville.
AGC 2001 Officers and Board L-R: Councilman Tim Bannwolf (podium), Steve McClesky,
Harry Moeller, Doug Nunnelly, Gary Joeris (Past President) Bill Huber, Tom Guido, Helen Keaton,
Buzz Miller, and Vera Salvatore. Missing from photo: Mike Venson and Bryan McGinnis.
GSABA
has
moved!
I
n case you noticed no one was answering the phone at GSABA for
a few days in January, there’s a
good reason. The Greater San
Antonio Builders Association has a new
location.
The new address is 4204
Gardendale, Suite 312, San Antonio,
TX 78229. Take IH-10 West, exit West
on Wurzbach, then turn left at the 3rd
signal light, which is Gardendale.
Just down the street and around the
corner from the long standing home of
GSABA, the new location is the first
building on the left (Gardendale), behind Goldenwok Restaurant.
New phone numbers:
210-696-3800 Fax: 210-692-3459.
SBC Center
construction update
C
onstruction crews have been working overtime at the SBC Center site
and sleepless nights are the standard
for Project Control’s Gary Hall. “This is
the first multi-million dollar project I’ve
worked on where, in the middle of the
project, one million people came to visit!
Of course, I’m referring to the San Antonio
Stock Show and Rodeo.”
The pressure is on, and construction
crews have worked diligently to get the utilities in, finish the paving work on about 45
acres of fresh asphalt in the parking lots,
and then paint 33 miles of stripes, resulting
in over 10,000 parking spaces.
All of the site work and excavation is
performed by Olmos Construction, Inc.
Major subcontractors to Olmos include
Ella, Cortez Contracting, and Ramming
Paving.
Kaufman and Broad
becomes KB HOME
According to Olmos Construction Vice
President, Jim Welsh, “Our crews have
worked all winter, in spite of the inclement
weather, to relocate underground utility connections and storm sewers, excavate the 4acre building site, prepare and pave the parking lots, and put in about 3 miles of new
concrete curb.”
Progress is continuing and crews are
currently drilling the piers. Over 400 piers,
which start 28-ft. down, and then go down
another 65-ft., will vary in size from 18-in.
to 48-in. in diameter. “We will probably start
building our pier caps on Jan. 30th and start
forming for the walls and support structures
to get us out of the ground,” Gary adds.
To date, 61 new security light poles
have been added and over 1 mile of new
fencing has been erected.
R
esponding to ongoing customer
feedback, Kaufman and Broad
Home Corporation, San Antonio’s
largest homebuilder, is launching a new consumer-friendly name for its operations: KB
Home.
“Our customers have been calling us
‘KB’ and ‘K&B’ for years, and now we’re
simply adopting the name that our customers have given us,” said Aaron Seaman, KB
Home director of local government and public affairs. “One of the characteristics that
sets us apart is our commitment to building
our business by listening to our customers.
Now customer feedback is helping us
choose a new name,” Seaman continued.
The new name also more clearly describes what KB Home does - creates highly
personalized homes for families at prices
they can afford. “We’re changing our name,
we’re not changing who we are, a company
committed to helping our homebuyers realize their dreams,” said KB Home Chairman
and CEO Bruce Karatz.
KB Home San Antonio is the city’s
largest homebuilder, closing on 2,746
homes last year. The firm is currently building homes in more than 30 communities
located throughout San Antonio, Boerne,
Converse, New Braunfels, Schertz and
Seguin. The local division employs approximately 350 people.
San Antonio’s first KB Homeowners
are Frank McDonald, a police officer with
the San Antonio Police Department, and his
wife, Shawn, a licensed vocational nurse.
“We looked for a home for a year,” said
Shawn. “KB Home was the only builder we
found that built with families in mind. Their
homes are designed to meet the needs of
today’s families at an affordable price. We
found the KB Home neighborhoods to be
well planned, with a real sense of community,” she said.
KB Home is a more recognizable and
memorable name. In surveys of its
homebuyers, the company found that 74
percent of respondents identified the name
KB Home as their homebuilder. “We think
it’s great that our company has established
such trust and familiarity with our customers that they recognize us by this shorter,
friendlier name,” Karatz said. “Everything
we’ve learned shows that people want to
create a personalized home, not just buy a
house. We want our homeowners to have as
many options as possible for expressing
their individual taste, and the name KB
Home is a warm way to reflect what we offer. That has long been central to our business strategy - now it’s reflected in our
name,” he added.
Aaron Seaman, KB Home, welcomes
Shawn and Frank McDonald as the
“First KB Home Family.”
We have relocated
to better serve our customers
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Page 6 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– San Antonio Construction News • February 2001
When the Job gets
Tough and the
schedule is
impossible . . .
call Urban.
Commercial
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It’s our specialty.
CONCRETE CONTRACTORS LTD
When Bartlett Cocke L.P. was awarded the contract to build the
370,000 s.f. RVK-designed Headquarters for Block Distributing Co.,
they were also handed a very short completion schedule . . .
just 11 months.
The selection of Urban Concrete Contractors to provide all
concrete services has proven to be a wise one.
From November 6th, when the pier drilling rigs started, to the
final panel pour on January 8th, Urban has made it happen . . .
ahead of schedule even with the numerous rain days.
“Without Urban, we would not be where we are today on this project,
which is 3 weeks ahead of schedule” . . .
Kelly Schrimpsher,
Bartlett Cocke L.P.
Superintendent
“Building a strong
foundation in
San Antonio and
South Texas”
Ronnie Urbanczyk, President
Steven Valerio, Vice President
Estimators
Tom Fulks
Robert Cruz
Rick Fulks
Urban Vice President, Steven Valerio (left) with Bartlett Cocke, L.P. Project
Manager Glen McGovern, Project Superintendent Kelly Schrimpsher
and Urban Superintendent Brian Urbanczyk
Business Office
24114 Blanco Road
San Antonio, Texas 78258
210 • 490 • 0090 Fax 210 • 490 • 1505 800 • 884 • 6675
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Austin, Texas 78744
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CONCRETE INDUSTRY
Business is booming!
C
oncrete contractors are experiencing growth and prosperity in today’s
market, in spite of inclement
weather. Although they say business is
thriving, some contractors voice their concerns over the continuing problems of inconvenient payment schedules, experienced
labor shortages and on-time delivery of materials.
J
ohn D. Kunz, President/Owner of
J.D. Kunz Concrete Inc., has 14 employees and operates his company
from its New
Braunfels location.
“The bulk of our
business, about
80% of our work,
is from New
Braunfels, northward to and including Austin,” explains John. “The
prices for jobs are better in this area than in
San Antonio, in great part due to the fact
that the concrete market in San Antonio is
just swamped right now…too competitive.”
In comparing the company’s workload
today with that of one year ago, John estimates that it is about equal. “The marketplace we target is privately owned commercial development. For example, office buildings and warehouses.”
Adequately staffed at this time, John
has four key employees who have been with
him for over 10 years. “We are always dealing with a labor pool turnover that seems to
go in six month cycles. Because of that, we
are constantly looking for good workers.”
Among new hires that claim to have expe-
rience, John and his staff usually end up retraining them for specific tasks. “If a new
hire picks up the techniques quickly, then
we train them for form setting and carpenter skills … the process may take 4 – 6
months.”
John was born into the construction
business, working for his Dad, a general
contractor, and his uncle who owns Kunz
Construction. He started learning the ropes
from the time he was sixteen, and completed
4 years of union carpenter school as well.
John started J.D. Kunz Concrete about six
years ago.
Although there is a competitive demand
for materials in today’s market, John has no
difficulties getting his concrete delivered on
time, as needed. “I try to order in advance
to ensure each job runs smoothly and materials are delivered as scheduled,” he mentions. “In the case of a downpour, I get on
the phone immediately and make arrangements for concrete delivery the next day and
literally fight for a spot.”
Persistence seems to pay off for John,
who also pours 98% of his concrete with
one supplier. As a loyal customer, of Ingram
Readymix, he is in a position to be given
preferential treatment during a weather-related crisis.
Terms of payment are the most difficult obstacle facing J.D. Kunz Concrete
these days. “In my opinion, the paper trail
is too long and the owners are trying to put
off paying the subcontractors as long as
possible. They are earning interest on our
money. The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) fought for the passage of a
‘Prompt Pay Bill,’ which requires the general contractor to pay the subcontractor in a
more timely manner. ASA continues,
through its legislative activities, to
strengthen the prompt payment issue.”
The best defense is a good offense. John
recommends getting your ‘Intent to Liens”
in place, not to make anyone mad, but to
ensure prompt payment of work provided.
He also recommends calling the general
contractor on a daily basis to remind him
that your money is due. “The squeakiest
wheel gets oiled first, and I further stress
paying attention to the contracts you sign.
If you sign a contract that says you don’t
get paid until 45 days after the GC gets paid,
then you have no grounds to complain. As
plentiful as work is right now, we as subcontractors should be able to negotiate better contracts. You have to be willing to not
sign a contract, and not take the work, if the
contract is worded to your disadvantage.
You can’t have the best of both worlds.”
–––––––––––––––
B
en Reyna, President of Ben Reyna
Contracting, has thirteen staff and
field employees, and one San Antonio location. The bulk of his concrete contracting business is in San Antonio proper
and surrounding towns and cities.
Compared to one year ago, Ben’s business workload has increased by about 80
percent. “At this time last year we were
scratching for work to do,” says Ben. “We
used to go in cycles, more as a result of how
I was handling the bidding process than for
any other reason. I have added a couple of
employees to help cover that aspect and our
jobs have increased in numbers.”
The bulk of the work performed by the
company originates in the private sector.“
Our work is
strictly commercial, we
never do residential,” Ben
adds. “For example, we’re
working on
the Family
Life Methodist Center in
Boerne, two
McDonald’s
in San Antonio, the YMCA near Braundera
Rd. and others of that or similar nature. We
like to bid jobs that are in the $100,000 to
$200,000 range. Two or three times a year
we do jobs that are from $300,000 to
$500,000.”
The acquisition of qualified labor
seems to be a universal problem. “We advertise by word of mouth as well as in the
classifieds. It’s hard to find good people
right now…they’re all booked up,
everybody’s working. We’re picky about
who we hire. I’m adamant about being able
to trust my employees. If they can’t be
trusted, they won’t last another hour.”
The overall costs of concrete have risen,
in Ben’s opinion, due to the markets’ supply and demand factor. “I don’t blame concrete suppliers for raising prices, and as far
as delivery goes, I think the suppliers are
doing the best they can do. We buy enough
concrete now that the suppliers take care of
us. On occasion we do have to wait, but
typically when we schedule in advance, we
get it. Some companies are more dependable than others.”
continued on Page 9
Present challenges and the future
C
oncrete material suppliers are facing their own set of challenges, in
cluding a shortage of qualified drivers, the rise of energy costs, weather delays,
and public relations issues. Local executives
from leading suppliers talk about the industry and the future of their business in the
San Antonio market.
V
ulcan Materials Company is a nationwide company, with twenty locations in Texas alone. With a presence in the San Antonio market since 1972,
the company currently employs about 150
local personnel.
Tom Ransdell, President of the Southwest Division of Vulcan Materials Company, explained Vulcan’s product line. “We
offer a full line of construction aggregates,
hot mix asphalt and ready-mix concrete for
the construction industry. Our aggregates
make up the majority of the constituents of
concrete. We don’t produce cement that acts
as the paste in concrete.”
The market’s current demand for concrete, with which the suppliers are keeping
pace, leads one to think that price increases
are the direct result of a flurry of activity.
However, Tom explains otherwise. “Price
increases in the present economy are driven
by increased cost for energy, to produce and
deliver the product. Fuel prices and other
increased energy costs are the catalyst for
increased prices of our product.”
The demand for the product has not
exceeded or out stripped the ability of the
concrete producers to supply them. Therefore, there’s not any impact on pricing as a
result of any type of shortage.
During the next 18 months, Tom predicts moderate downturn in the portion of
the market that is residential construction,
in both single and multifamily housing. “We
also think there will be some softening in
demand for commercial building construction. We believe most all of that will be
offset by increased demand in the road and
highway construction sector.”
One of the most difficult obstacles facing concrete material suppliers, in Tom’s
opinion, is water. “All the local producers
of concrete and aggregate are involved in
the issue of water availability from the
Edwards Aquifer. For the future, each of the
producers has to ensure their water rights
are protected so they can continue to produce and satisfy the demand for concrete.
Everyone is working to resolve the issue,
particularly as it relates to the Edwards
Aquifer Authority. It’s still too early to predict what the end result will be, but you can
bet the cost of producing our products is
going up.”
Concrete is one of the basic building
blocks for San Antonio, used in literally all
construction projects. The future growth for
the city is very dependent on the concrete
and aggregate producers being able to supply the demand in a cost-effective manner.
“My biggest concern is the general public
not fully understanding the environmental
issues that our industry faces. We would
like to get more understanding by the public of how we address the environmental
issues that we face, so they can better understand our actions as we go forth to mitigate those issues.
“The process of permitting both our
present and future locations is a key business issue. The present environmental regulations require us to go through a specific
process to obtain or renew those permits,
and in most cases they end up going to a
public hearing. The general public can then
voice its opinion on the desirability of the
authority issuing permits. The general public doesn’t like to have industry in its backyard, so sometimes these hearings can become contentious.”
San Antonio has some of the better examples of successful results of reclamation
of depleted quarry sites. The Quarry Market, Quarry Golf Course, portions of La
Cantera Golf Course, Fiesta Texas, and
Sunken Gardens for example. “Companies
like ours are very conscious of the need to
reclaim the land once it has been mined out.
In many cases we try to mine the quarry to
an end use that will make that property valuable and useful in the future,” Tom concludes.
–––––––––––––––
M
artin Marietta Materials, a concrete material supplier, has had a
presence in Texas since the
1960’s. There are four district locations in
Texas, including North Texas, Houston,
South Texas and San Antonio. The company
currently employs about 400 San Antonio
personnel. Roy Kirkpatrick is the Sales
Manager and General Manager of the
Readymix Division, Martin Marietta Materials, Southwest Division, San Antonio District.
Martin Marietta Materials sells
crushed limestone to the concrete and as-
phalt industry. “We sell aggregate, base
materials, asphalt and ready-mix. Since we
are also in the asphalt and ready-mix business, we consume a considerable amount
of aggregate. Our Poteet, TX operation also
sells silica sand,” explained Roy.
The demand for concrete in the San
Antonio area, in combination with the wet
weather experienced this winter, has created
certain challenges. “The weather has dictated the difference between slow days and
very busy days for our company. Overall,
we’re keeping up with the sales and delivery expectations for the market, and we’re
very fortunate in San Antonio to have a
strong economy.” Martin Marietta Materials does ship their product to other parts of
Texas, including operations in the Valley and
the aggregate distribution hub in Houston.
During the last quarter of 2000, the
company incorporated a moderate price increase, which Roy predicts will remain
stable. “The higher energy costs of gas, diesel and electricity have been the primary
driving force behind our price increase.”
Based on the economic indicators, Roy
foresees a stable level of growth for San
Antonio, and, in turn, his division of Martin Marietta. “Some people perceive a reduced rate of growth as a slowdown. I think
over the next 18 months and perhaps longer,
a slower but continuous growth will sustain
all of us.”
There is a concern in San Antonio regarding the Environmental Protection
Agency’s Clean Air Act and air quality attainment status. If the city is ever assigned
continued on Page 9
F O C U S
Page 8
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Ready to meet your curbing needs
Serving San Antonio and South Texas
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Owners
Jimmy Jones
9514 Braun Road
(210) 520-5911
684-2773 fax
CONCRETE INDUSTRY
San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2001
S UR
RV
Y Y
SU
VEE
This month we are highlighting the Concrete Industry segment of the industry.
The response rate was 16%.
37.5% considered their company “small” with less than $2 Million in sales.
25% considered their company “medium “with $2-$5 Million in sales.
25% considered their company “large” with $6 Million + in sales.
12.5% opted not to respond to the size of their company.
6 companies were involved in lawsuits in the last 12 months.
0 companies were involved in an IRS audit in the last 12 months.
4 companies were inspected by OSHA in the last 12 months.
3 companies are women or minority owned.
1 = Strongly Agree
2 = Agree
3 = Neutral
4 = Disagree
5 = Strongly Disagree
PERSONNEL
1
Inside staff members are demanding more compensation
and benefits to stay with the company: ........................ 00
Outside staff members are demanding more compensation
and benefits to stay with the company: ........................ 19
Job “hopping” is becoming more prevalent: ............................... 31
Costs to provide benefits have increased: ................................. 63
Most outside personnel are aware of safety issues: .................. 12
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
Need for inside staff is increasing: ............................................. 06
Finding qualified inside personnel is a problem: ........................ 38
Inside staff responsibilities have increased: ............................... 31
Communication between inside and outside staff is
effective: ....................................................................... 19
JOB SITE ISSUES
Job schedules are difficult to meet: ............................................ 44
Shortage or delay of materials is a problem: .............................. 06
Compliance with environmental regulations has created
problems: ...................................................................... 31
Suppliers deliver materials on time: ........................................... 19
Project coordination/planning/scheduling has become
more difficult: ................................................................ 38
There have been fewer accidents this past year: ....................... 06
MATERIALS / SUPPLIES
Suppliers treat our company fairly: ............................................. 31
Cost of steel has increased over the last 12 months: ................ 06
Cost of concrete has increased over the last 12 months: .......... 31
Theft of materials or supplies is a problem: ............................... 44
Quality of materials / supplies is better than ever: ..................... 00
Availability of materials / supplies has become a problem: ........ 06
GENERAL CONTRACTORS
General Contractors are unrealistic in their job demands,
especially work ............................................................. 27
Progress draws are paid on time: .............................................. 07
Shopping of my bids is very prevalent: ....................................... 27
Change order disputes are more prevalent today: ..................... 47
General Contractors are providing better job supervision: ......... 00
PERSONAL
I have encouraged my children or family to enter the
construction business: .................................................. 00
I don’t have enough time with my family due to the
demands of business: ................................................... 19
Community involvement has helped by business: ...................... 00
I wish I had chosen a different career: ....................................... 07
I would like 8 more working hours in the day: ............................ 40
I always carve our company initials in each completed slab: ..... 07
2
3
4
5
25 44 25 06
50
31
31
50
12
19
06
25
19
19
00
13
00
00
00
00
38 31 25 00
31 19 12 00
44 19 06 00
50 25 06 00
19 25 06 06
38 12 38 06
13 25 31 00
56 13 12 00
31 13 12 06
56 25 13 00
50
25
50
44
31
06
19
44
19
12
50
38
00
25
00
00
13
50
00
00
00
00
06
00
27
07
46
13
13
13
27
13
20
47
33
32
07
20
13
00
27
07
00
27
19 31 19 31
43
63
07
20
00
19
31
00
07
07
19
00
60
20
26
00
06
27
13
60
Next Month • March 2001 in
Plumbing Contractors
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Material Suppliers
General Contracting
Electrical Contractors
Home Building
Mechanical Contracting
Architecture & Design
Glass & Glazing Industry
Masonry Industry
Equipment Dealers
F O C U S
San Antonio Construction News • Feb 2001
CONCRETE INDUSTRY
Page 9
continued from Page 7 - Business is booming!
Growing pains are the most difficult
obstacle facing Ben today. “I started this
company 10 years ago out of the back of a
pickup. As a small business, in this particular industry, I learned by trial and error to
balance financing and cash flow. The nature of the payment structure, how the subcontractor is paid, and when the checks are
issued is not equitable. We do the work, but
have to wait sometimes months to be paid
for the work. And in the meantime, someone else is earning interest on money that
should be in my control, so I can take care
of my people.”
The concrete industry is not for the frail
or weak-minded. “It’s a tough business,”
Ben concludes. “There is a lot of pressure,
regardless of the level at which you perform.
The Hispanic Business Journal announced
that my company was the eighth fastest
growing Hispanic business in the United
States between 1995 and 2000. It hadn’t
dawned on me. It takes a lot of hours and
your total attention. I think it goes without
saying, the people in this business work
hard, and play hard.”
––––––––––––––––––––
R
onnie Urbanczyk, President and
Owner of Urban Concrete Contractors, Ltd., employs 350 personnel and has two locations, in San Antonio
and Austin.
“About 80 percent of our work is performed in San Antonio and 20 percent in
Austin. The Austin branch has been open
for about one and a half years,” Ronnie explains.
“Although business is more competitive today
than one year
ago,” according to Ronnie,
“we’re seeing
more business
and
less
profit. Our
jobs are primarily commercial/industrial in nature.”
Urban Concrete shares the same labor
problems as others in the industry. “We’re
always looking for qualified people, and
they generally come to us by word of mouth,
or drop by the job site. Of course, we would
rather hire men with experience, but if someone comes along with a true desire to be
employed and learn a trade, we will spend
the time to teach them.”
In Ronnie’s opinion there is not an adequate supply of concrete compared to other
basic materials. “Concrete’s tough right
now. The majority of our concrete comes
from Vulcan Materials and Alamo
Readymix. For the most part, delivery
schedules are being met, although concrete
costs have gone up.”
One of the most difficult obstacles facing Urban Concrete, other than experienced
labor requirements, is that of short schedules. “It takes us forever to get a job started,
and when we do, the general contractor
wants us to get it finished right away. Schedules are a lot tougher these days than they
used to be.
“One thing that hurts our industry, and
subcontractors as a whole, is the way we
get paid. We take on the risk of the project,
and it seems to take forever to get our money
from the general contractor. And our lien
rights in the state of Texas are almost nonexistent. By the time we file a lien, we’re
almost out of lien rights, and we should have
more protection.
“The subcontracting industry as a
whole should stand up and say enough! No
“Pay When” or “If Pay” clauses should be
allowed. When a project is started, somewhere the funds should be allocated, either
in the bank or mortgage company. It should
not be the responsibility of the subcontractor to track these funds. A contract should
simply say, “you will get paid 20 days after
we receive an invoice.” It should be real
simple. As it is, we get paid when the GC
gets paid, and he gets paid whenever the
owner feels like it. Our lien laws in the state
are just not what they should be. The prompt
pay bill has no teeth when it comes to the
private sector. It only applies to the public
sector. We should have the right to lien a
project the day we start it to ensure we’ll be
paid.”
––––––––––––––––––––
R
oland Garcia of FMG
Concrete Contracting Company,
currently has 25 employees on the
payroll and has one San
Antonio location.
“The majority of
our business is done in
San Antonio, New
Braunfels and San
Marcos. We’re seeing
more activity today, by about 30 percent,
compared with one year ago,” Roland explained.
FMG focuses on government work, for
example housing authority projects, visitor
centers, and activity centers. A smaller por-
continued from page 7 - Present challenges and the future
a non-attainment status, it could affect the
highway construction market in San Antonio.
“If you eliminate the risk of non-attainment, then we are expecting the department
of highways monies, spent in the San Antonio market to remain real close to last year’s
expenditures.
“In my understanding, there is a plan
in place to improve our air quality. Jobs that
the highway department lets or bids prior
to any non-attainment announcement would
probably be allowed to continue. However,
should we be assigned a non-attainment status, then any additional work will be suspended until a plan is accepted by the EPA.”
Rising energy costs are among the most
difficult obstacles facing Martin Marietta
today. “It’s very difficult to budget for those
unpredictable and volatile commodities,”
Roy emphasizes. “Another area of difficulty,
affecting every company in San Antonio
during this period of low unemployment, is
attracting and keeping good people.”
Roy agrees that the general public has a
misconception of the concrete industry. “Historically we were a rough and tough industry with little or no environmental conscience.
But the times have changed, and we try, with
a sincere diligence, to be good neighbors, to
comply with and exceed expectations regarding air and water quality. We go that extra
mile to not only meet mandated regulations,
but to take it a step further.”
––––––––––––––––––––
A
l Mandelbaum is the Division
Manager of Alamo Concrete Products, Ltd. — San Antonio. With a
divisional office in San Antonio, the company employs about 200 local personnel.
“We currently have ten readymix plants
in San Antonio and the surrounding areas,”
explained Al. “Readymix is our primary
product and is produced in different
strengths, servicing the entire range of the
construction industry, from general contractors, subcontractors, homebuilders, and
highway contractors, for example. The company also has a QUIKRETE sacking operation as well as an aggregate plant in the area.
“It’s a unique marketplace right now
because of the shortage of drivers and the
strong demand for concrete. We try to balance our deliveries based on advanced ordering, cooperation of the weather, and
driver availability. There is currently an
ample supply of raw materials. I see our
industry remaining strong over the next 9
months because of the strong local economy
and growth rate. We plan to continue to care
for our existing customers, while building
new relationships along the way.”
Clearly, the shortage of qualified drivers is of concern for Alamo Concrete Products. “The specific type of license that is
now required for our vehicles is the issue.
A Class A or B CDL is required, as opposed
continued on Page 10
tion of their workload is comprised of private commercial development.
The FMG labor pool is adequate at this
time, and no problems are perceived in that
area.
“Our concrete supplies are readily
available, but delivery is sometimes an issue,” Roland admits. “We really have to stay
organized and ordering in advance is an
advantage. Of course, inclement weather
can always create its own set of problems
and delays. For example, from October to
December we had approximately 70 days
of precipitation, both heavy and light rains.
Wet conditions prevent us from advancing
on schedule.
“As far as the cost of doing work goes,
our costs have increased. Primarily, the cost
of insurance for employees, workman’s
comp, lumber and concrete costs have risen.
It seems every aspect of our work has incurred price increases lately.
“The biggest obstacle our company is
facing today, and I hear it repeated by others in the industry, is the matter of retainages
and payment schedules. We have a responsibility at the end of each week to pay our
employees and laborers. And even though
the terms of the contract read 30 days, we
may not get paid for 45 days or longer.
“Of course, the 10 percent retainage we
don’t see for months down the road. It’s a
constant cash flow battle unfortunately.”
The only solution to the problem, in
Roland’s opinion, would be letting the subcontractors impose interest charges on monies that are overdue.
“There is no licensing required for concrete contractors, certifying they are responsible to do the work promised. In many
cases, a concrete contractor avoids having
to pay the overhead of employee insurance
by simply subcontracting the work out. It
doesn’t seem fair to the companies who are
absorbing the overhead of their own laborers. There should be some sort of regulation to protect the companies, who in good
faith, are trying to run a legitimate business,
and provide jobs that can support families.
Some type of benchmark should be established to determine which companies are
qualified to do a certain scope of work. Our
costs, versus our level of profit, are not equitable,” Roland concludes.
––––––––––––––––––––
N
iznik Concrete Contractors, owned
by Doug Niznik, has one San Antonio location and employs 41 personnel. According to Linda Sebree, Contract Administrator, Niznik performs the
bulk of its work in San Antonio, Bexar
County and surrounding counties.
Compared with one year ago, Linda
projects that business is stronger by about
15 percent today. “Commercial development, city and state jobs represent the type
of work in which we specialize.
“One of the hardest things about this
industry is finding and keeping qualified
field employees,” Linda mentioned. “Field
employees typically find us through the referral from a friend or acquaintance. When
we find a person who is earnest about learning the trade, we will train them in finishing and sometimes as equipment operators.
But finding people with experience, especially equipment operators, is a losing
battle.”
Materials are plentiful these days, but
delivery schedules are difficult to predict.
“Our situation is one of increased business
and bad, rainy weather. The concrete suppliers are struggling to meet the demand on
those clear and dry days when everyone else
is calling them too..”
Costs for materials have risen slightly
during the course of the past year. “Our costs
have gone up about 10 percent,” Linda estimates. “This pricing adjustment was anticipated and didn’t hit us by surprise. It’s just
part of doing business.”
Other than facing experienced labor
shortages, Linda considers collections on
accounts to be a major obstacle. “I think
the bad weather this winter has a bearing
on our collections, but the payment system
itself has too many delays built into it. It’s
harder for us to get paid by the general contractor. I told Doug last week that I’ve written more legal letters in the month of December than I had written in the last three
years. The subcontractors do finance the
project all the way around. They furnish the
labor and materials, are
first on the job, then they
have to wait on their
money for 60 to 75 days.
It all goes back to the
owners who are slow to
pay the GC’s, who are
then slow to pay us.”
Doug Niznik, the owner of the company, believes some changes need to be
made in the payment and liability schedule.
“The laws of the state are geared to protect
the owner,” he says, “not the people doing
the work. I believe the owner should be liable for the general contractor he hires and
all the outstanding debt owed to subcontractors by the general contractor.”
––––––––––––––––––––
F O C U S
Page 10
continued from page 9 - Business is booming
I
n business in Central/South Texas for
over 25 years, Capital IndustriesConcrete Pumping currently has 70
employees. With four physical locations
in San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi
and Harlingen, the company supplies concrete pump equipment and certified operators to concrete contractors.
Jeff Shindle has risen from pump operator-trainee to President of the company
in 11 years.
At age 36 he
has the foresight and expertise begotten best
by hands-on
experience
and on-thejob training.
Thoughtfully comp a r i n g
today’s workload with that of one year
ago Jeff said, “Our bottom line has probably decreased a little compared to this
time last year, not because of the out-ofstate companies that have entered the
marketplace. There are probably 25 more
pumps in San Antonio now than there
were one year ago, which is a lot for this
market. However, the wet Texas weather
this winter has taken its toll on productivity for all companies.”
About half of the work done by Capital Industries is residential, with the other
half commercial. “About 25 percent of
our commercial business is school related,” Jeff continued, “with heavy emphasis on San Antonio ISD. Unless you’re
blind, you can’t help but notice the commercial construction, and the north side
housing development has just been going crazy. Unfortunately, I don’t see this
trend continuing.”
Jeff credits the local ready mix companies for their cooperation. “We work
0
CONCRETE INDUSTRY
San Antonio Construction News • FEB 2001
––––––––––––––––––––
daily with all the local concrete companies on mix designs, questions of scheduling, and any other concerns that the
customer might have. Without a good
working relationship with them, our daily
operations would definitely be more difficult.”
Capital Industries is fully staffed
right now, but getting to this point has
been an uphill struggle. “Concrete pump
operators are a specialized breed, and rare
these days. Training is ongoing, and just
to get a new operator into the field unsupervised and certified, takes about four
months. The labor pool for experienced
concrete pump operators does not exist.”
In Jeff’s opinion the standard of quality among the out-of-state competition is
less. “I think our quality of work is superior, but it takes people a while to figure that out. Cheaper is always better at
first, but not in the long run. We’ll still
be here next year.”
Capital Industries advocates stringent safety rules. “I’d like to see the same
safety standards followed by all companies throughout the industry. That is my
number one concern,” Jeff concludes.
––––––––––––––––––––
T
&D Moravits & Company, a San
Antonio based concrete contractor,
employs 120 people and performs
the bulk of its work in San Antonio and
outlying areas. Tim Moravits, President,
heads the residential division. Frank
Moravits,
Vice
President, is in
charge of the commercial division. The
Moravits brothers
have been in the concrete industry in San
Antonio for 27 years.
During that time they
Frank Moravits
have seen their business grow substantially.
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Spokesman Damon Smith, Superintendent, has been in the concrete industry for about 22 years. When comparing
the company’s workload today with that
of one year ago, Damon said, “Our
workload is about 30% heavier than one
year ago, with a 60/40 split between residential jobs and commercial jobs respectively.”
Asked what the most prevalent obstacle facing T&D Moravits is, Tim
Moravits had the following comment.
“Although our labor pool is adequate at
this time, we are always searching for
qualified field labor. Those with experience are the hardest to find. When we
come across a person who is just starting
out, has expressed an eager desire to learn
the trade, and is willing to work hard, then
our company will provide on-the-job
training. We have a couple of people who
fit that profile right now.”
Considering the heavy demand for
materials in this busy industry, competition for on-time delivery schedules of
concrete to the job site is paramount.
“Our greatest concern this winter has
been the wet weather, which seems to be
excessive and has arrested productivity
somewhat,” Damon remarks. “When we
do get a dry spell, every other contractor
is vying for deliveries too. Sometimes
we’re at the top of the list, sometimes we
have to wait.”
The marketplace also dictates increases and decreases in pricing of materials and general overhead. “We have seen
cost increases recently, which may be
related to demand,” Damon continues.
Overall, T&D Moravits & Company
represents the working ethic of the
American dream. Ron Warner, Vice
President of Operations explains. “The
owners of this company are examples of
men who learned the concrete trade from
the bottom up, and created their own successful business. The reward at the end
of the day is in knowing you have contributed to the development of a structure
that will probably outlive you. The concrete business is tough, competitive, and
very worthwhile. A man can make a good
living, support his family, and see the results of his hard labor when he drives
around the city.”
T&D Moravits is truly a homegrown
San Antonio business. “The company
policy,” explains Tim, “is one of striving
to do the best job for the customer, efficiently and at the best price possible.”
Frank reinforces his brother’s comment,
saying, “We are proud to have served San
Antonio businesses and helped our community grow and prosper.”
Straight from the voices of the industry, it is clear that confidence in the industry is strong and optimistic. Mother Nature
may not have cooperated this winter in the
San Antonio area, but just wait 5 minutes,
and it will change.
continued from page 9
Present challenges and the future
to years ago when only a simple commercial driver’s license was required. The
classifieds in the newspaper give adequate
proof that certified drivers are in high demand. It’s a catch-22 scenario. One has to
be qualified to drive our trucks just to take
the test and get a license, as opposed to the
times when a driver could take the test, get
a license, and then we would train him on
our vehicles.”
On his view of the concrete industry, Al continued. “Success is based on
good business sense and paying attention
to every facet of the business, just like
any other successful businessman does.
There are some very good careers in this
industry, and if my sons showed an inclination toward a career in the industry, I
wouldn’t discourage them (I prefer they
become professional athletes and support
me for the rest of my life). I’d want them
to start at the bottom and earn their way
up, through their own efforts. Over the
years, I’ve witnessed that most of the
people who have gained success in this
business spent time learning every facet
of the concrete business. Knowing the job
functions of everyone in your organization, from beginning to completion, gives
you better insight regarding effective
management.
“The most interesting thing about the
concrete business here in San Antonio, is
the loyalty the respective contractors have
toward their concrete suppliers, Alamo as
well as the other suppliers in town. Commitments are much stronger here than the
ones I saw in Houston and Florida years
ago. With a healthy construction outlook
and favorable weather, 2001 should be
another great year in San Antonio,” Al
concluded.
––––––––––––––––––––
The concerns and opportunities facing the concrete material supplier are
many. Their companies are competitive,
but the marketplace seems to indicate
there is enough business for everyone.
They provide the foundation for future
growth, both literally and figuratively.
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San Antonio Construction News • February 2001 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 11
ACCOUNTING
INSURANCE
Strategic planning:
A matter of survival
How to keep that New Year’s
retirement resolution (Part 1)
by Mac Williams
by Gerry Impelman
I
n business today, planning isn’t just a matter of choice, it’s a
matter of survival. Producing a profit or providing an adequate
return on your business investment on the jobs that the contractor undertakes is something those most successful contractors
don’t think twice about.
One of the most reliable ways that all
contractors acknowledge as a method to
generate a profit is to control costs. The most
effective way to control costs is with a business plan. How? Let’s take a systematic
approach by outlining 10 steps to an effective Integrated Business Management Plan
(IBMP). In the next few months in the Accounting column, I will try to build on this
10-step approach.
History: Where has the business operation
been? Categorize, record and analyze all
available financial and performance data.
Establish your benchmark. Go back two to
three years if possible. When categorizing,
don’t create 200 expense categories. On the
other hand don’t understate with only 4 or
5 specific categories and a huge miscellaneous category. There is a fine line between
having so many revenue and expense categories that the numbers manage you rather
than you managing the numbers. And, be
careful not to have so few that it’s difficult
to isolate questionable expenditures hidden
in a lump-sum category.
Status Quo Projection: If management
remains constant, where will the operation
go over the next one to three years? Use realistic inflationary on capital cost with projection jobs which you will work on bases
on the past. Do adjustments of economic
trends in your specialty.
Think “What If”: Describe and fully ana-
lyze as many different management options
as possible. This is the most difficult step.
In financially distressed situations, this is
all too often where the gut wrenching
choices must be considered. You may need
outside assistance from an accountant, estate planner, systems analyst and or economist. All business enterprise options and
possibilities should be reviewed, outlined
and projected three years out. Once the most
palatable business option is chosen, the process of actual IBMP development begins.
Bear in mind, “most palatable” doesn’t always mean “most profitable.” Palatable
must take into account all factors (e.g. location, management strengths and weaknesses, present business enterprise, etc.)
Don’t blame your banker for suggesting a
short-range plan you don’t like, if you don’t
come to him with a long-range business
plan, an IBMP. He must recommend what’s
the best or the quickest fix for you, while
protecting the bank’s investment. It’s your
job.
Mission Statement: A mission statement
is a declaration of the purpose of the business entity. Yours might be: “To be a provider of top-quality electrical lighting.”
Long-range Goals: Write down as many
goals as you can think of. Review them, then
narrow the list to the most important.
D
o you want to be Jack or Don? Jack saves $2,000 a year
for ten years ($20,000); at age 65 (8% after-tax yield) he
has accumulated $231,439. Don saves $2,000 a year for
26 years ($52,000); at age 65 (after-tax yield) he has accumulated
$172,702. So how can Jack have $231,439, having invested $20,000, and Don only
$172,702, having invested $52,000, if they’ve earned the same interest rate?
The answer has two parts:
Part one: Jack saved between the ages
of 30 and 39 while Don saved from age 40
to age 65. Jack started just 10 years earlier
and made almost twice as much
Part two: Compound interest (vs.
simple interest) really is the best invention
since sliced bread.
The moral of the Jack and Don story is
that, in order for compound interest to really work for you, you need time. So, keep
that New Year’s retirement plan resolution
and start now.
What’s the best way to start? Gather
information about qualified and non-qualified retirement plans (you can have both!)
from your employee benefits professional
and select what fits you best.
The most popular qualified retirement
plan is the 401K. You may remember the
line from George Orwell’s Animal Farm,
“All animals are equal, but some animals
are more equal than others.” Orwell could
have been talking about 401K’s. Your 401K
doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s
401K; you can customize it to fit your
company’s needs.
For example, a San Antonio construction company recently considered which of
the following 401K plan designs would
work best for them. The company in question has 16 full time employees ranging in
age from 21 to 53; three of these are own-
ers. Take a look at how they can vary the
annual distribution of the company’s contribution:
Plan 1 (Salary Proportion)
Total Contribution for all employees:
$125,104. Amount to owners: $72,000
Amount to all others: $53,104.
Plan 2 (Integrated with Social Security)
Total contribution for all employees:
$125,104. Amount to owners: $78,867.
Amount to all others: $46,238.
Plan 3 (Age Weighted) Total contribution
for all employees: $125,104. Amount to
owners: $79,409. Amount to all others:
$45,696.
Plan 4 (Cross-Tested) Total contribution for
all employees: $121,863. Amount to owners: $90,000. Amount to all others: $31,865.
So, before you choose your mutual
funds, vesting schedule, asset allocation
formula, etc., look at which plan design is
best for your company. Your employee benefits professional can help. Next month,
we’ll look at non-qualified retirement plans.
––––––––––––––––––
*Securities Offered Through Locust Street Securities, Inc., Member NASDM SIPC & MSRB.
909 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309-2899 (515)
698-7300. Locust Street Securities, Inc., and
Impelman & Skinner are not affiliated.
––––––––––––––––––
Gerry Impelman, Impelman & Skinner,
L.L.P., can be reached at 210-340-0088. His
firm specializes in Business Planning, Personal Planning, Employee Benefits, and Financial Services.
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The ol’ red barn just ain’t
what it used too be!
R
on Travis, owner of R.A. Painting
& Carpentry, has comfortably
settled into his restored office. No
matter that it is a historic old red barn, near
Bracken, TX, he has lots of room for storage!
The tale of the Travis’ family painting
business is a long and winding one, starting
with J.A. Travis in 1886 and involving many
members of the next four generations.
Through the years the names of Travis’ men
and women have been widely associated
with paint, honest competition and a strong
work ethic. Ron Travis is a 4th generation
painting contractor, and his current project
is the development of Bracken Village, located at 18771 FM 2252. Ron acquired an
abandoned country homestead that was
originally built in the prime German cotton-farming settlement of Bracken.
The acreage includes the original farmhouse, Sunday House, barn, chicken coop,
and wash house. He has masterminded a
revival of the property to include an income
producing enterprise. Through his watchful diligence and creative carpentry, Ron and
his crews have created a community of restored Texana buildings. He brought in more
vintage and historic homes from the Cibolo
Creek area that are headed for demolition.
Ron marvels at the old growth hardwoods and other hand hewn materials that
were used in the construction of these vintage houses. So typical are they, of the late
19th century gingerbread style architecture
that was prevalent at the time.
Although Ron has housed his office in
the red barn, his days there are numbered.
He has already leased it to a consortium of
shopkeepers who will occupy it this spring.
Time to find some new digs Ron! Did you
say the chicken coop has already been
rented?
Ron Travis, at his office, the old red barn at Bracken Village.
ARCHITECTURAL ACCESSIBILITY IN TEXAS
FOCUS ON ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS
Curb Ramp Usability Considerations
An excerpt from the Accessibility Rights-of-Way Design Guide- The U.S. Access Board
by Robert Buck, AIA
Sidewalk designers who understand the rationale behind accessibility criteria will be better
prepared to evaluate the relative merits of curb
ramp type, placement, landing width, slope, and
cross slope when designing curb ramps along
existing developed streetscapes (see figure).
A pedestrian with a mobility impairment may
be using a sport or standard manual chair, a threewheeled power scooter with a front tiller, a standard power chair, or a large custom model capable of many seating adjustments. Each requires
different features of a curb ramp for maximum
usability, and performance differs in going up and
down the ramp.
Large, heavy, power-driven wheelchairs
cannot accomplish fine maneuvers in tight
spaces, but they can be more stable on irregular
exterior surfaces and can traverse a steep slope
with little difficulty-as long as the power supply is
available.
Small, lightweight, manual chairs can maneuver tightly but are very unstable on cross
slopes and are easily tipped backwards where
ramp slopes are extreme. Such chairs are more
versatile inside, however, particularly in older buildings where accessibility is limited and maneuvering space is at a premium, as in toilet rooms,
on elevators, and at doors. Some three-wheeled
power scooters with control tillers have large turning radii because of their longer wheel bases and
are unstable on compound slopes because of
their higher seats and narrow width.
For stability, it is important to approach the
base or toe of the ramp straight on when ascending. Most manual chair users will take a run at an
up-ramp to take advantage of forward momentum. To provide a straight shot to the top from the
base at the street, the curb ramp needs to be
perpendicular to the curb it cuts, so that both sides
of the ramp are the same length. If the curb ramp
is skewed, with one side shorter than the other, it
will be necessary to turn while ascending-a more
difficult and taxing maneuver-or enter the ramp
at an angle to the change in slope, which affects
balance and compromises control. When all four
wheels of a wheelchair or scooter are not in contact with the rolling surface, some of the maneuverability necessary to deal with surface irregu-
larities and upslope, and the control necessary
to manage a downslope, are lost. Because the
downhill slope of a ramp usually ends in the street,
a loss of control may have serious safety effects.
Curb ramp design is affected by many variables: curb height, available border width, crosswalk location, curb radius, and the placement of
other elements are the major determinants.
Assuming a 6-inch curb height and a 1:48
(2%) sidewalk cross-slope, sidewalk widths of
twelve feet or more will be sufficient for a 1:12
(8.33%) perpendicular ramp run
and a 48" landing
(curb ramp landing
requirements are
proposed to be extended to 60" long).
If landscaped setbacks without
cross slope are
used, only ten feet
of sidewalk width is necessary.
Narrower border widths will not accommodate a ramp perpendicular to the curb unless the
curb height is lessened. Sidewalks of three to six
feet in width will require parallel ramps, constructed by sloping the sidewalk itself down to a
level landing at the crossing (the landing should
slope to the street at 1:48 (2%) for drainage).
Border widths between 6 and 12 feet can
be treated with a combination ramp: a parallel
ramp connecting to a level landing with a short
perpendicular run to the street.
Robert Buck, AIA, has
provided architectural
accessibility plan reviews/inspections for
over 1760 projects in
12 states. He is an Independent Contract
Provider (ICP) for the
Texas Department of
Licensing & Regulation, a Fair Housing Consultant for the City of Austin, and conducts an American Institute of Architects Award of Excellence
architectural accessibility workshop across the
U.S.
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Look for our ad on page 575
in your Southwestern Bell Yellow Pages.
The Great Outdoors welcomes your photos and stories.
We will print on a first-come, space-available basis, and all photos will be returned when requested.
Mail to: San Antonio Construction News • P.O. Box 791290 • San Antonio, Tx 78279
“Just Ducky”
Valentine’s Dinner
T
he North Bexar County Ducks Unlimited
Chapter
is
hosting
a
Valentine’s Day “Just Ducky” couple’s dinner on
Feb. 10th, at 6:30 pm. Sounds like these guys have the
right idea; entice the women-folk with drinks, dinner and
dancing, and maybe they’ll get a few extra kitchen passes
for upcoming duck hunting escapades.
The romantic event will be held at Pedrotti’s North
Wind Ranch, on Hwy. 1560 between 1604 and Helotes,
and will cost $100 per couple.
If you have any questions or for ticket information call:
210-414-6131. The event is being co-chaired by Ken
Larson, Allen & Allen and Roxanne Larson. Check out
Snow geese
fair game
through
April 1
I
the North Bexar County Ducks Unlimited web address for
a map, a printable invitation and other details: http://
bexarducks.homestead.com. You may also e-mail Ken or
Roxanne at [email protected].
Ken Larson, District Chairman for the San Antonio
region, also sits on the Texas State Board of Ducks Unlimited. He and other volunteer committee members are resurrecting the North Bexar County Ducks Unlimited Chapter
and planning fundraising activities for the year 2001.
The task of the chapter and its volunteers is to organize and hold fundraising events, with the knowledge that
$.80 of every dollar raised is targeted toward wetland and
waterfowl conservation. DU’s biologists and engineers restore, enhance, and protect wetlands on both public and
private lands. Special emphasis is placed on working with
private landowners and agriculturists to develop methods
that integrate wildlife habitat into farm and ranch operations.
In Texas, for example, DU is working with rice farm-
t may be time to dust off the tackle box
and go fishing, but waterfowl hunters
may still hunt geese. In fact, a special
conservation season declared by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service makes snow geese
fair game through April 1st.
During the season, hunters are permitted to use electronic goose calls, unplugged
shotguns, extended shooting hours to onehalf hours after sunset, and no bag or possession limit for snow geese.
The special extended season is an effort to reduce snow goose numbers to stem
ers in the Katy Prairie to retain seasonal wetlands so that
migratory birds have good habitat and food supply to sustain them throughout the winter, thereby enabling them to
return to the northern breeding grounds in good shape.
Additionally, there are projects along the Texas coastline which address the problem of saltwater intruding into
marshlands. DU engineers work with the Army Corps of
Engineers and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services personnel
to build dikes and dams that stop the saltwater intrusion
and otherwise enhance the wetlands so they’ll be able to
collect more fresh water and preserve a better habitat.
“We want to gather a new group of volunteers together,”
says Ken. “DU relies on the makeup of the committees to
drive the success of each chapter. More volunteer members
equal more events and more money raised to meet our goals
in Texas. Membership in DU is included with the ticket
price to the Valentine’s Day “Just Ducky” Dinner, for all
attendees. If you attend a DU event, you’ll get a membership in the organization as well.”
destruction of fragile Arctic migratory bird
breeding habitat caused by exploding populations of lesser snow, blue and Ross’ geese.
Hunters must meet all other requirements
for hunting waterfowl in Texas, including
purchase of state and federal duck stamps
and Harvest Information Program certification.
Last year, the mild winter and dry lowlands sent most snows migrating back north
before the emergency measures could take
full effect.
This year? Given the more normal tem-
peratures and heavy rains in October,
goose hunters are less likely to go home
with empty gamebags.
In Texas, hunters harvested 318,000
snow geese during the regular goose season and an additional 100,000 during the
special season. The harvest objectives for
snow geese are on track, says TPW waterfowl program leader Dave Morrison.
“The goal at this point was a reduction of about 1.4 million birds and we’re
close to that,” he said. “It’s a big problem
and will take time to fix.”
— Mark McDonald
Page 14––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– San Antonio Construction News • February 2001
Mark McDonald
Sportsmen set sights
on fishing
I
f autumn rains filled Lake Travis with
40 feet of new water and winter runoff
has sweetened the back bays of the
Coastal Bend, should we be facing highwater fishing conditions this spring?
Uh, not exactly.
At press time, Amistad was still 40 feet
below conservation pool. Choke Canyon
remains 20 feet low. At Falcon, where the
“season” for catching spawning bass begins,
water is still so low the state park has the
only boat ramp still open to the public.
So is the glass half-full? Or half-empty?
Doesn’t matter. At least not to the men
and women in the San Antonio-area construction industry. They’re going fishing
anyway.
SA Construction News conducted a
phone survey of local hardhats and found
that, to a man, anglers are itching to get their
lines stretched. None, however, is more enthusiastic than Randall Rohne of the
Rohne Company.
ciation,” gets beady-eyed when talking
about wade-fishing Baffin Bay, searching
for giant speckled trout and redfish.
“Last year, I was throwing a Top Dog,
bone-colored, topwater plug and I set the
hook on the fish of my life . . . had her on
for maybe a minute,” Rohne said. And then?
“Of all things, the barrel swivel connecting my line to the lure broke. I was one
sick fisherman.”
His guide for the day, the respected Les
Cobb, shared the disappointment.
“That fish had to be 30-plus inches
long!” Cobb said. “Had to be.”
Save your sympathy, there will be other
days for Randall Rohne. Beginning this
month, he will be cruising the flats in his
23-foot Majek, often as not with other construction-types aboard.
“I do some entertaining with my fishing, but it’s primarily a way to relax,” Rohne
said. In that way, he sounds like an echo for
Ken Larson, Allen and Allen Lumber and
Hardware Company.
“I fish for fun and for business entertainment,” Larson said. “Most people I
know in the construction business really
enjoy fishing, so I try to book a few trips to
take folks with me. It’s a relaxed setting
where you can shoot the bull. If you catch
some fish, that’s all the better.”
Larson may be found anywhere from
the Guadalupe River below Canyon Dam,
casting tiny bugs to rainbow trout stocked
by the Texas Parks and Wildlife, to wading
the back bays on the coast.
“For me, it’s the fishing (that counts),
not the catching,” Larson said. “It’s the hunting, not the kill.”
“That’s one of the hazards of making a
living,” Campbell said. Still, he occasionally tries to slip away from his duties to take
a supplier or customer for a “business” trip.
“We’ll conduct a little business . . . and
do a whole lot of fishing,” Campbell said. “I
probably enjoy saltwater more, but if it’s wet
and I can get a line in it, I will fish it.”
Traugott and Campbell may start fishing in early spring, but they pick up the pace
as water temperatures warm into the summer. His favorite?
“May and June,” Traugott said. “That’s
when we start getting into the fish.”
“Mid-September,” Campbell said.
“That’s when I have my best luck on big
specks and reds. Estes Flats and the Palm
Like so many in the fast-paced build- Harbor areas get much less crowded by
ing industry of today, David Campbell of then.”
Wade Construction and Michael Traugott
Torn by a split allegiance between the
of Traugutt Painting and Decorating don’t billfish offshore and the inshore species,
get to fish as often as they’d like.
Chris Dausin of Dausin Electric predicts
that only a late-winter freeze and
a broad outbreak of red tide, a
fish-killing algae bloom, could
prevent an excellent year of fishing.
“I like to do my bay fishing
out of Marker 37 and into Baffin
Bay,” Dausin said. “This time of
year, when the water is still chilly,
you can catch some big reds. Gigging flounder is on fire right
now.”
So, in fresh water or salt, using flyrod or cane pole, in
Braunig or Baffin, with or without an encouraging fishing report,
local hardhats are going fishing,
David Campbell, Wade Construction,
come hell or, well, come high
used croaker bait to hook 29-1/2” redfish.
water.
Randall Rohne, Rohne Co., holds hefty
redfish caught at Land Cut, Texas.
“Fishing has been a serious matter for
a long time — very serious,” Rohne said. “I
got started in 1970 or ‘71, and it has been a
big part of my life ever since.”
Rohne enjoys everything from casting
spinnerbaits for largemouth bass in freshwater to trolling the Gulf for big-game billfish. But this self-proclaimed “flag-waving
member of the Coastal Conservation Asso-
Capt. Ken Larson. This redfish was one of many
oversized caught at the towheads on the NE end
of Aransas Bay, measuring 32”. I lost 3 others
during the 1.5 hours that we were into ‘em there.
Of course, I landed and released 2 more oversized. We had an absolute hoot that day.
L-R: Jim Travis, Sandy Brigger, Chris Dausin (Dausin Electric) and Ronnie Culpepper
limited out at Nueces Bay. Biggest redfish is 35” and biggest speckled trout is 27”
Good work!
Outdoor editor Mark McDonald chases speckled trout and redfish with light tackle,
and builds fishing ponds. He may be reached at (830) 816-2548.
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Fisheries Center losing
its bass
S
an Antonio-area anglers who visit the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Freshwater
Fisheries Center will enjoy seeing a
giant bass in the public viewing tank — if
there’s one to see. Lately the department
has had trouble keeping its big bass alive.
As recently as early January, a largemouth weighing 18.48 pounds was housed
in the 26,000-gallon aquarium at the Center. But the fish died soon after taking up
occupancy.
The 18-pounder was a replacement fish
for the previous aquarium resident, a bass
named Texas Star. It too died, apparently of
old age, last November.
Ironically, the most recent fish to succumb appeared healthy, even growing, when
it entered the tank. Indeed, the fish weighed
14.94 pounds when it was caught on a plastic worm by a Snyder man last autumn at
Lake Alan Henry in West Texas. In the care
of TPW staffers in the ShareLunker program, the pampered fish grew to 18.48 in
just eight months.
Alas, the great bass died, apparently of
infection, biologists say, within two weeks
of being released in the tank.
Anglers who catch a fish weighing 13
pounds or better may donate the fish to the
department’s hatchery division temporarily,
in the hopes the bass will spawn in captivity. Donated fish are returned to their owners so they may be released alive. To par-
Earl Taber, Jr., Parts Mgr. of Lone Star
Machinery Co., Inc., hoists 8-lb. and
8-lb. 3-oz. First Place, prize-winning
bass, caught during Braunig Lake
Tournament.
“This is a picture of what I killed, mule
deer hunting this year. It was after Thanksgiving in the Delaware Mountains of West
Texas (Culberson County). This multi-antlered buck was spotted by the ranch foreman and the other hunters in the truck. I
did not see the deer until everyone showed
me where it was sleeping, on the side of a
big, steep, rocky hill.
It was a cold overcast evening. They
told me I’d better try to sneak up on the
buck rather than take a 300-yard shot. I
spent the next 30 minutes stalking up the
side of the hill, getting closer and closer. I
was amazed at how quiet I was as I approached within 20 yards, still unable to see
the deer because of the brush surrounding him.
The guys down the hill urged me to
kick some rocks to get him up. So, I obliged
them, and when I kicked my first rock the
first thing I heard instead of a deer running
was five guys laughing.
Needless to say, my trophy mule deer
had more than 20 points, and a paper
ticipate in the TPW ShareLunker program,
which runs through April 1, call toll-free 1800-792-1112.
The Fisheries Center is located in East
Texas just outside Athens, southeast of Dallas off Highway 175. — Mark McDonald
This 18-pound largemouth, being photographed by a Texas Parks and Wildlife
diver,is the second giant bass to die in
recent months at the Fisheries Center in
Athens. Department leaders seek a
replacement for public viewing.
Mark Bakeman, Alamo Crane, and
daughter Tayler (8) with 9-pt, buck, shot
mid-Dec. in Cherokee, Tx., San Saba Co.
mache face. Ha! I never thought in 25
years of hunting that I’d fall for it! Well, I
did. The joke’s on me this time, wait until
next year fellas!”
Jeff Shindle, President
Capital Industries Concrete Pumping
INTERIOR
DEMOLITION
CUSTOM HOMES
RESIDENTIAL
COMMERCIAL
1992 - 2000
Harvested these
tremendous
bucks on Dec.
12th on
Jennifer’s family
ranch in La Salle
Co. They got
their deer on the
evening hunt,
from the same
blind, within 20
minutes apart. It
is a hunting
story of a
lifetime.
Brandon’s buck
was
a 9-pt. and
Jennifer’s buck
was a 13-pt.,
scoring 170 7/8
B&C.
Brandon Wilson, Vice Pres. of Alamo Waterproofing & Painting, and
Jennifer Wright, both of McQueeney, Tx.,
Robert Drzymala of G.D. Interiors with
son Robert, Jr., and impressive gobbler
featuring a ten-inch beard.
No Fear! Randall Rohne hoists rattler
before putting it to sleep forever.
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Tom Wilborn,
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with grandson
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and
10-pt. buck,
shot in Webb
County on Dec.
9th. Spread
25-1/2” outside,
Scored 141 3/
8, Weight 160
lbs. field
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8
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Adrian Garcia –– Rene Garcia –– Roland Garcia –– Mike Bustos
3401 S. Gevers, Suite 1
Office 210-534-4504
Fax 210-534-1104
1st Annual Boysville Hunt
at Cinco Loma Ranch
D
usty Davis, owner of T.M. Davis
Construction, Ltd., is also the
owner of a hunting operation called
El Indio Outfitters. Dusty also has a significant spread, known as Cinco Lomas
Ranch.
As tribute to a dear friend of the Davis’
family, Iris Rose Howard, who passed away
this year, Dusty wanted to pay tribute to her
memory in a special way. Since one of her
passions involved the support of Boysville,
Dusty and his wife Helen, followed through
by arranging a hunting adventure for ten
deserving youngsters who reside there. “I
spoke with Ned Gates, of Boysville, and he
encouraged me to follow through on this
idea,” Dusty said.
The ten young hunters (2 girls and 8
boys) were required to take and pass the
Hunter’s Education Course and obtain licenses. “We set up a four day schedule in
early January, for a group of five kids and
one Boysville employee to hunt. The first
five hunted on the 4th and 5th, and the second group hunted on the 6th and 7th,” Dusty
explained.
“I then broadcast the word throughout the
construction industry, asking for experienced
hunters to come guide these kids on their respective hunts. Each volunteer was required
to make a $250 donation to Boysville, for the
privilege of participating as guides. Some of
them guided more than once.”
The volunteer guides were: Rudy
Kirsch IV, Anderson Machinery; Gary
Breeden, CED Electric; Kevin Murry,
Mesa Equipment Co.; George Hundley,
West Wind Ranch; Randy Grissom,
Grissom Beefmasters; and Dusty Davis, T.
M. Davis Construction, Ltd.
“I put the volunteer guides up in our
guest rooms at the lodge and the kids spent
the night in our bunkhouse. We all had dinner together, watched a little TV, and then
paired off to discuss the next days’ hunt and
the general nature of the outdoors. Our in-
Anglers taking run at new
record lists
T
exas, the only state with separate
fishing records for public and private reservoirs, recently has added
even more ways for an angler to be recognized.
Now, the Texas Parks and Wildlife
keeps records for flyfishing, listing the top
fish from individual water bodies (streams,
bays and reservoirs) but also the best in each
species statewide. In addition, the TPW has
a new list for bowfishing, that is, taking nongame species with an arrow.
Bowfishing receives little attention, but
sportsmen and women in the San Antonioarea construction industry know that
bowfishermen routinely take some big fish,
tent was for
each young
hunter to shoot
a doe or a
young spike, or
a hog. The
meat would go
back
to
Boysville.
“I happened to have
an attorney,
Alfred ‘Skip’
Donau III, visiting
from
Tuscon, AZ,
Boysville hunters with their proud days’ accomplishment.
who brought
his son over for a hunt. He overheard me we will repeat each year.”
talking to the kids and he recognized there
Transportation of all the animals to
would be added expense to process the ani- Uvalde Meat Processors, and transportation
mals. This generous and good-hearted man of the processed meat to Boysville, was prowrote a check for $600 before he left, to be vided by T.M. Davis Construction, Ltd.
used for meat processing fees.
Other donors of additional funds to
“The four-day experience was a com- Boysville include: Rudy Kirsch IV,
plete success. The kids, who were all well O.C.J.B. Sales and Services, Mesa Equipmannered, excited to learn and fun to be ment Co., W.S. Steel Structures, and
with, all got their animals, for a total of 8 Grissom Insurance Agency.
does, 2 spikes and 1 hog. This is an event
especially in the shallows of Choke Canyon, Inks and Travis.
The bowfishing state record for alligator gar, for instance, stands at 200 pounds,
from Lake Sam Rayburn. A bowfisherman
even holds a state record for a gizzard shad,
2.54 pounds.
For rod and reel, the state record for
largemouth bass in public waters is 18.18
pounds, from Lake Fork. The private waters standard is 15.5 pounds, from a
homeowners association lake in Mills
County near the Central Texas community
of Goldthwaite.
In many new categories, the records
remain vacant, waiting for their first entry.
To submit a fish for state record status, contact your nearest game warden or TPW field
office and take several close-up photos. The
fish must be weighed on certified scales,
before a witness, and be positively identified by a fisheries biologist.
— Mark McDonald
“Clearing the way
to build America”
CONTRACTING
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L E G A L
s a f e t y
Can a contractor sue the
State of Texas?
MESH: Prevention programs and behavior based safety
by Edgar Garcia
by Jo Anne Zimmerle
I
n a breach of its contract with a unit of the State of Texas, a
contractor was previously left to the mercy of the legislature.
Without the legislature’s permission, the contractor could not
sue the state. Beginning August 30, 1999, a contractor can avail
himself of Chapter 2260 of the Government Code, which provides a procedure for negotiating, contesting and collecting a claim against the state.
Part I - Overall Procedure: Within 180
days of the alleged breach, the contractor
must provide notice of his claim to the state.
The new procedure then requires that the
state and contractor enter into negotiations
over the claim. Although the state may delay negotiations up to 180 days after the alleged breach, the contractor may request a
contested hearing after 270 days have expired from the date the claim was filed if
the dispute has not been resolved.
Importantly, the parties also may agree
to mediate the dispute at any time after the
claim is filed but before the expiration of
270 days. A contractor could be well served
to agree to mediation early, before the state
has an opportunity to prepare its defense or
a counterclaim. Oftentimes, it is during
mediation that the parties and their counsel
first become fully aware of the other side’s
position. It is not unusual, during the course
of the mediation, to also identify and address personality conflicts that may have
lead to the initial dispute. A qualified mediator who understands the construction
business, but who is otherwise objective in
his/her assessment of the dispute, may help
the parties recognize their respective weaknesses in their case and break through a
stalemate.
If, after negotiations and agreed mediation, the parties are still deadlocked, then
the contractor may request a contested case
hearing. The claim is then referred to the
State Office of Administrative Hearings.
This triggers the Administrative Procedures
Act that governs the proceedings. An Administrative Law Judge is assigned to the
case to take testimony from witnesses, make
rules on evidence and discovery, issue orders on motions, impose sanctions, and issue decisions when authorized.
The parties in a contested case are entitled to counsel. In a contract dispute, the
Attorney General will represent the state.
The contractor should seek his own construction attorney, so as not to lose any advantage.
Next month, Part II will discuss how to
win a contested case hearing.
Edgar Garcia is a construction
attorney with the San Antonio
law firm of Langley & Banack, Inc.
T
he world of employment issues and practices continues to
rapidly change: jobs aren’t filled, applicants may not be
dependable, safe team players, accidents still happen, preventable safety and health
issues confront employers and employees on a daily basis. Knowledge, personalities,
abilities, talents, and experiences vary considerably.
In the last issue of San Antonio Construction News, Adolph Fierros wrote about
“partnership” and how OSHA is working
within industry. Partnering is what safety
and health is all about. Partnering with
employees and monitoring your job sites
and everyone’s understanding of “working
safe” means having a plan in place to effect
your employee’s safety and health. Educating employees and managers and giving
them the tools to succeed will make everyone a safety ally.
Developing a workplace injury and illness program is your first step toward the
“internal partnership” that needs to exist
between all members of the company team.
You need commitment, trust, cooperation
and accountability to be in place before
OSHA walks through your doors. Your first
partnership priority will vastly influence
your OSHA partnership.
What is available to help a company in
the hiring and safety issues and processes
we all face each day? A workplace injury
and prevention program with behavior based
concepts will offer you the ability to make
changes within your company to decrease
injuries, litigation and costs. Safety knowledge and accountability will improve and
safety performance will take a more prominent place in the balance of each day’s work
activities.
Occupational HealthSource has programs designed to help you identify and
analyze areas of concern and exposure. We
will show you how to set goals, measure
results and reinforce safe behaviors.
Does your company need MESH?
Maximizing your Employees Safety Habits
is a program offered by Occupational
HealthSource to provide the tools for employees, managers, supervisors and owners
to become effective allies of safety and
health. Together, employees can make a difference in the workplace – to help create and
maintain a safe and healthy environment.
Jo Anne Zimmerle, RN, MSN, CCM,
is the Executive Director of Occupational
HealthSource. She sits on the Safety &
Health Committee of Associated Builders
& Contractors – South Texas Chapter.
Call 210-403-0331 for more information.
continued from Page 11
Accounting column by Mac Williams
Action Plans: These are the people, systems and operational management schedules that specifically achieve the goals set
forth in Long-range Goals.
Challenges and Opportunities: List 5
major obstacles to successful completion of
the IBMP. List things management can realistically alter through specific actions, then
describe how management will avoid the
pitfalls. In describing the opportunities, use
the same process. Under each of the 5 listed,
write the specific methods by which management will capitalize on that opportunity.
Management Assumptions: This is the
section where all the thoughts, hypotheses
and assumptions behind the revenue and
expense projection are put into writing.
Organizing the IBMP: Your IBMP should
be organized, indexed and tabbed in a net
binder for easy reference. In your monthly
cash flow and your profit and loss statement
you should provide space to record actual
numbers at the end of each period. The financial performance summary section of the
IBMP is the portion that is provided to the
lender for review.
Maintenance and Results: A routine must
be established to close and analyze financial statements each month. Set a deadline
for closing the books with a second deadline for P&L analysis and questions shortly
thereafter. Even without major changes to
management, the cost awareness that comes
with planning and reviewing your business
plan on a regular basis will mean production cost reduction of 10%-35% without
exception. As the saying goes, “A good plan
today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow.” So start today! Each month, each year
it will get easier. You will grow in your understanding of the relationship between
management and finance. Most of all, with
knowledge comes the clear understanding
of what each management decision can do
for you and your business financially. A
well-defined and closely managed business
plan will, without exception, improve profits.
Mac Williams is a Certified Public Accountant with Williams, Crow & Co., P.C. He
can be contacted at 210-684-1071.
APHCCA-SA 2001 Board of Directors include: Executive Committee members seated L-R are: President Rob Jalnos,
Steve’s Plumbing Co.; Vice President Greg
Bolin, Bolin Plumbing Co.; Secretary
Perry Beyer Jr., Beyer Plumbing; Treasurer
Charles Sagray (not present), Mr. Plumber
Plumbing Co.
Board members-at-large, standing LR are: Butch Ott, Ott Plumbing; George
Saliba, George Plumbing; L.W. Tschoepe,
Guarantee Plumbing Co.; Pete Wells, Legend Plumbing; Michael Beck, Hughes Supply; Steve Albert, County Wide Plumbing;
Jimmy Shafer, Shafer Services, Inc.
Robert Bentivegna (not present), Bent
Plumbing Co., will serve as President of
the state association, PHCC-TX. Heidi
Trimble, seated on right, remains Executive Director of APHCC-SA.
Wayne Moravits
PROFILE
Monticello Homes
O
wner and President of Monticello
Homes, Wayne Moravits, started
his San Antonio custom
homebuilding company in 1994. Wayne
was a practicing architect, working in the
Dallas and Austin markets, prior to returning to his native San Antonio and becoming a high-end custom builder.
Wayne is joined in his endeavors by a
full time estimator, 4 support staff in the
office, 3 full time sales associates and 3 full
time field project managers.
“Our primary niche is the move-up
luxury market above $300,000,” Wayne explains. “I work with several firms in the city
for drafting services and design work. I do
the initial planning and conceptual studies.
About 40% of our homes are speculative,
including our models and other homes available to buyers who aren’t interested in custom building from scratch. Because of that,
I get very involved in the design phase.”
Monticello Homes currently produces
30 to 35 homes per year, with anticipated
growth in 2001 to 40 homes. “Our model
home communities, where we have a furnished model and attendant sales associates,
include Rogers Ranch, Canyon Springs,
Evans Ranch (open Spring ’01), and The
Heights at Stone Oak (open Spring ’01). In
other communities we have selected lots
available at this time, and they include The
Forest at Stone Oak, Orsinger Lane, and
Oakwood.”
Monticello Homes has received several
Summit Awards from the Greater San Antonio Builders Association. “We participated
in the 1998 and 1999 Parade of Homes’ at
Village Green and Canyon Springs respectively. The Canyon Springs home was
awarded the distinguished President’s Award
and four other category awards.
Monticello Homes is a full-service custom homebuilding company, providing help
to the customer with what starts as a basic
idea, and ends with a ready-for-move-in
Don’t Let Brand X
Shoot You thru the Heart
product.
“We also work with the client who
doesn’t have the time for that complete process. That’s where our luxury speculative
homes come into play. A busy client may
Proclamation delivered to
Construct A Kid’s Christmas
O
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want a custom home that’s already built and
ready for occupancy. Our staff can help with
every facet of homebuilding from budgeting, estimating, to design and construction,”
Wayne concludes.
n Wed., Jan. 10th, at 9 am, the
Bexar County Commissioners
Court issued a proclamation to
participants of the 1st Annual Construct A
Kid’s Christmas.
After the initial opening formalities, the
first order of business addressed by County
Judge Cyndi Krier was the presentation
of a formal proclamation, read by Tommy
Adkisson, Commissioner, Precinct 4. It
read in part: “Through the generous efforts
of 19 construction industry associations and
businesses who sponsored the first annual
Construct A Kid’s Christmas fund raiser and
toy drive, raised $18,236.66 in monetary
donations and 1,231 toy and gift donations.”
Following the brief ceremony, representative recipients were asked to stand, be
recognized, and say a few words. Debra
Nichols, Chair of the County Child Welfare
Board, explained the conceptual process that
led to the very successful Construct A Kid’s
Christmas event. She then turned the floor
over to Howard ‘Buddy’ Doebbler III,
Publisher of San Antonio Construction
News. He thanked the many construction
industry volunteers and supporters, and
handed out Construct A Kid’s Christmas
hats to all of the Commissioners and Judge
Krier. “We came together as a united industry, to help thousands of abused and neglected children who reside in foster care,
by brightening their holiday. This will be
an annual event!”
The county officials then stepped down
to the floor where they greeted and thanked
the Construct A Kid’s Christmas organizers and volunteers.
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Remodelors Council
reports record-breaking
proven strategies
R
esidential and commercial
remodelors are known for fixing,
repairing, renovating, constructing,
designing, planning, consulting and so forth.
We improve or remodel other people’s
dreams. We learn to give, rather than just
take. Or we should!
Having just completed our first major
year for change, with proven strategies and
written goals, the Remodelors Council of
San Antonio™ is gratified by the number
of strategic goals attained, as well as those
goals we are on track to fulfill.
I’m pleased to announce that our 2000
goals were met! We more than doubled our
meeting attendance; increased membership
by 25%; increased public relations and exposure through CPS Home & Lifestyle
Show; KENS-TV; San Antonio Construction News and San Antonio Express News.
Among our 2001 Goals: to capitalize
on our new directory, titled 2001 Remodeling in S.A. – Consumer Guide; produce
power-packed educational training; increase
our membership by 35%; incorporate roundtable training; increase our exposure at
home shows; and build on the “REMODEL
IT” blitz.
In business, having the right tools, training, teams and relationships is the differ-
ence between success and mediocrity. The
Remodelers Council will be offering a halfhour, once-a-month, person-to-person training for members and their sales teams. If
you answer ‘yes’ to the following questions,
you should attend. Do your prospects shop
your proposals all over town? Do they fight
you on price? Do you find yourself doing
unpaid designing or consulting? Does your
prospect refuse to make decisions?
Our next meeting is Feb. 1st and will
be hosted by Process Development, to introduce you to their unique methods of corporate training. Process Development has
successfully helped companies such as
IBM, Disney, McDonald’s, FedEx and others. The breakfast sponsor is Sherri Karam
of Atlas Floors.
The meeting will be located at the
SACU Building (4th Floor) at 6061 IH-10
West, inside Loop 410 and across from Carpet Closeouts, 8:30 - 9:30 am. RSVP to
GSABA at 210-696-3800. If you would like
us to fax you a flyer announcing our next
meeting/training, call me at 210-732-9663,
ext.2.
Rudy Nino, CGR is Chairman of the
Remodelors Council and President of
SA Building & Remodeling.
GSABA and SABOR
host Annual Housing
Forecast
Charles Hepler
O
ver 600 people attended the Greater San Antonio Builders
Association and San Antonio Board of Realtors Annual
Housing Forecast held Tues., Jan. 3rd, at the Omni Hotel.
Larry Nuese, SABOR Chairman of the
Board said that there are 2000 existing home
sales in the San Antonio area. Over 14,5000
residential properties were sold through
MLS in the year 2000. This is 5% higher
than this same time one year ago. Representing $1.8 billion in transactions, which
is 11% higher than one year ago, the average sales price of a single-family home in
the San Antonio area is over $120,000 (7%
higher than last year). The impact of technology on real estate; new and emerging
models for conducting real estate; managing the abundance of information provided
to us; and adapting to the changing expectations of the consumer all combine to influence virtually every aspect of conducting the real estate in today’s business world.
The speakers in the Housing Forecast
included Jack Inselmann as moderator,
Larry Nuese, Norman Dugas, Jr., Bob
Gardner, Henry Cisneros and Gene Dawson,
Jr. All of the speakers were very positive
about the future, but Gene Dawson, Jr. revived the proposed Unified Development
Code (UDC) with attendees. The UDC is
the road map or bible for development regulations in San Antonio, which include zoning, lot sizes, setbacks, road standards, environmental requirements, drainage, platting and procedures.
The high points include the master site
plan approval: new zoning-permitted use
and land use tables; annexation policies;
neighborhood plans; new development standards for open space; connectivity and adequate public facilities; landscaping and
buffers.
The ‘master site plan’ is similar to current P.O.A.D.P., but would require a public
hearing and signage on the property, and in
adjacent neighborhoods, notifying your intent to develop the property. For example:
“I owned this property for 50 years and
since you moved next to me 6 months
ago, you get to tell me how I can develop my property.”
The “new zoning permitted use table”
creates new layers of residential lot size
from R-4 to RE, which will create a stratification of zoning based on lot size. It will
also cause a problem with zoning flexibility.
There are various concerns regarding
cost impacts and intangible costs, including: How do you predict the cost impacts of
these changing regulations? What is the cost
impact of taking 6 months to negotiate with
your neighbors on how you use your property? What is the cost impact on getting a
residential zoning so specific, you lose lot
size flexibility? What is the cost impact of
not meeting the market demand for gated
communities? What is the cost impact of
having to wait 5 years while the city extends
utilities? These types of issues can kill a
viable project. For those projects that move
forward, we can apply some basic costs to
these regulations: the cost of park dedication, additional street right-of-way, tree
planting, and extending streets instead of
cul-de-sacs. This can easily add $4,000 to
$5,000 to every lot price in newly developed subdivisions.
St. Philip’s College Homebuilding
Program going strong!
R
obert “Bob” Porter, Program
Director for the Homebuilding
Program at St. Philip’s College, is
enthusiastic about teaching a construction
curriculum. “Our Homebuilding Program
has a two year curriculum leading to an Associate Degree in Applied Science, and a
one-year certificate of completion program.
The Associate Degree program includes
both on-the-job work and classroom study,
designed in cooperation with Greater San
Antonio Builders Association and a consortium of contractors who act as an Advisory
Committee for the program.”
The Homebuilding Program currently
has 124 students, from diverse backgrounds
and with varied goals. Kathy Howard, 2nd
semester student, has two goals. “I want to
build my own home one day, but I also want
to start my own business. Woodworking is
my main area of interest. I intend to open a
company called ‘Facades,’ where I’ll design
and manufacture custom facades for commercial and residential buildings. It will
help beautify my community.”
On the other hand, Ryan Haug, 18, a
recent graduate of Seguin High School, is
pursuing his degree while working parttime. “I currently work for The Koehler Co.
which specializes in architectural millwork
and general contracting. I come to class 2
days a week, and work in the cabinet-making department at Koehler 3 days a week.
I’m at St. Philip’s to improve my skills and
better understand construction applications.”
Bob Porter describes the 3 types of students he teaches. First, the high school
graduate who earns a 2-year degree and either enters the workforce or moves on to a
4-year program; the adult who is enrolled
for vocational retraining; and the homeowner, property owner, or craftsperson who
wants to learn basic skills and concepts.
“Right now we also have a class of
Nicaraguan and Honduran students, experienced contractors who are learning new
residential and light commercial construction techniques and methods,” Bob adds.
“Graduates of the program are valuable
to our community, in that they are qualified
to assume positions as construction supervisors, subcontractors, estimators, project
managers, and in some cases, general contractors.
The hue and cry across the board in the
construction industry has been the woeful
lament that qualified personnel are hard to
find and retain. According to Bob Porter,
“In an ideal world, we would love to facilitate employers who frequently contact us,
looking for trained and qualified employees. However, in order for our students to
finish their education, we need employers
who will honor their school schedules, enabling them to be more productive when
they do enter the workforce full time.”
Bob also suggested the need for a
trade’s industry personnel placement service, to better serve the needs of graduates
and potential employers.
St. Philip’s College, under the direction
of Allied Construction Trades Department
Chair, George Smith, also offers degree
programs in Electrical, Plumbing, Heating,
Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration.
Custom Builder’s Forum
W
Stacy A. Thigpen
ow, almost two months down in 2001, can you believe it? If
you didn’t get a chance to attend the 2001 Housing Forecast, you missed out. Some interesting numbers were brought to
light that may be of interest to many of you.
Expect new construction to continue
with between seven to eight thousand new
units in 2001, which is great. Some of you
may want to try to focus your product
based on the following numbers:
• The average priced home has increased from just under 8OK to just over
120K, in just 9 years.
• 55.5% of the housing inventory is
over $l00,000 in price, and of this, 22%
is over $200,000.
Along with these interesting tidbits
came information regarding the UDC or
Universal Development Code. This is going to impact everyone. Based on numbers discussed at the forecast, lot costs
are going to be on the increase. Not just
the expensive ones, they’re talking a 35K increase in development costs across
the board.
What can you do to help? Get involved with your Builders Association.
GSABA (Greater San Antonio Builders
Association) is here to work for you. It’s
important that you get involved to keep
yourself informed on what the government is thinking.
Custom Builder Forum is a monthly
meeting that all custom builders need to
attend for information like this. CBF
(Custom Builder Forum) is part of the
Young Builders Council of GSABA. With
the word ‘young’ we mean anyone under
100 years of age! CBF meets the first
Tuesday of every month, at varying locations due to the sale of the GSABA building. Lunch is included most of the time
so an RSVP to myself or Debbie at
GSABA is very important.
Our March meeting includes Mayor
Howard Peak as our speaker and the
February meeting is at Bjorn’s Audio/
Video, where we’ll discuss soundproofing and the latest in Audio and Video
technology.
GSABA is making tremendous
strides to help make the laws work for
you and your customers, not against you.
So I encourage everyone to attend and get
more involved, you’ll be surprised what
you’ll get back in return.
For more information call GSABA
(210) 696-3800 or me at (210) 509-l950.
I trust everyone is having a Great Start to
the Year. As always, if I can help, contact
me. Adios, Stacy.
Stacy Thigpen, Alamo Title Company,
will serve as spokesman for Custom
Builder Forum in 2001.
St. Philip’s Homebuilding Program participants are L-R: Ben Ponce, Bob Porter, Francisco Gaona, Alberto Salmeron, Carlos Cazares, Michael Vasquez, Ryan Haug, Jeff
Edwards, Kenny Contreras, Kathy Howard, Benny Munoz, and George Rodriguez.
After the AGC installation of new officers, we found Julie Howard, Director of
Member Services, relaxing a bit by swinging on the velvet swing at the
Old San Francisco Steak House.
Builders Interior Products
opens new showroom
B
uilders Interior Products opened
its new showroom at 15733 San
Pedro, in May 2000, and business
is growing. Owned by Kevin Seilhan, President, Kenneth Saldana, Vice President and
Randy LeBaron, Vice President, the company expanded from its warehouse location
on Bandera Rd., where it formerly officed,
to the higher profile northside showroom.
The primary product lines are doorlocks and bath accessories for builders, to
include decorative and functional hardware.
“We also carry niche products such as rus-
tic front doors, metal pot racks, wire shelving, distressed wood flooring, and unique
handmade products crafted by private artisans,” Kenneth explains. “Our line of embossed tin ceilings are a particularly hot item
in today’s market right now.”
Builders Interior Products’ clientele are
comprised of commercial and single-family
builders, remodeling contractors, interior designers, architects and cash sale customers.
Business hours are 8 am-5 pm, Mon.
through Fri., and Saturdays from 9 am-1 pm.
For more information call 210-404-1411.
L-R: Kenneth Saldana and Randy LeBaron
PROUD TO ANNOUNCE
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SAN ANTONIO, TX 78224-1075
––––––––––––––––––––––
210-624-2881
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OFFICE:
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SAMCA keeps fresh faces
in the masonry industry
A
nton Shadrock, Vice President,
Shadrock and Williams Masonry,
Inc., is the new chairman of San
Antonio Masonry Contractors Association’s
apprenticeship training committee.
“Years ago, in the early 90’s, we could
see the writing on the walls. The masonry
industry was not training an adequate number of apprentices to replace those who were
leaving the trade, due to retirement and normal attrition.”
In 1994 San Antonio Masonry Contractors Association was formed. The membership is comprised of masonry contractors (members of SAMCA) and their primary goal is to train and promote masons.
“We established a certified apprenticeship
program that was recognized by the Department of Labor,” Anton explained. “In 1997
we started our official apprenticeship
classes. A total of 6,000 hours of combined
classroom instruction and on-the-job-training are required to complete the training.
Classes are held twice a month, and are
taught by David Brigham, Public Works
Business Center – Ft. Sam Houston, a
former journeyman mason and cultural research specialist.”
The apprenticeship candidates are
working employees of local masonry companies. “We recruit apprentices from our
own labor pools. A masonry contractor will
recognize an employee, a mason-tender,
who has a good work attitude with consistent on-time habits. Upon approval, the apprentice candidate is enrolled in our classes.
The Department Of Labor approval is required if the apprentice is to work on government –funded projects.”
The first class for 2001 started on Jan.
24th, 6:30-8:30 pm, at I-10 Building Materials, owned by Craig Leeder. The cur-
rent class has 6 first-year apprentice enrollees, whose average age is about 24 years. It
will take about 3 years to complete the program.
To date, the program has educated 37
apprentices, 21 of whom have completed
the course. Of the remaining apprentices still
in training, 6 are in their third-year, 4 are in
their second year, and 6 are first year enrollees. “That’s 21 more masons out there
now than there were 4 years ago, and 21
masons can put a lot of materials into the
walls of San Antonio buildings.”
An apprentice who has completed the
program is not automatically declared a
journeyman. Questionnaires are sent out,
by SAMCA, to the masonry contractor with
whom the apprentice is employed…asking
the question: Is he ready to be classified as
a journeyman? The answer may be yes, or
no, if he needs more on-job training. The
final decision lies in the hands of the employer.
“I’m currently the chairman of the
training program,” Anton mentions, “but for
the past three years the program was overseen by Frank Wallace, Wallace Masonry,
and he passed the torch on to me about three
weeks ago. He deserves most of the credit
for the success of the program.”
New classes are started when at least
six apprentices have received application
approvals. “Fortunately, our labor pool
within the industry is sufficient. We as an
association have taken the bull by the horns,
to ensure that qualified masons will be plentiful in the future. One thing about being a
mason is this…to be good, you have to enjoy your job. I encourage young people to
investigate the opportunities this career has
to offer.”
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MC: Well, we’ve grown to a position where
we are maintaining a strong backlog of client relationships; I don’t ever want to be in
a position where I can’t service a client,
whether it be an owner or general contractor. We have set up and continue to develop
a good management team here at M&M; the
employees’ roles are well defined and we
are determined to keep an environment that
is success oriented.
SACN: And five years down the road?
MC: Our growth will be determined by the
M & M Contracting, Ltd.
manpower made available by the industry
itself. M&M has a tendency to hire, train
and promote from within. With a benefit
ditors note: On a crisp winter day in package that gives our employees a sense
early January, I met with Mark of security, and with their top-rate job perCuppetilli, President/Partner of formance and teamwork, we can take the
M&M Contracting, Ltd., at his office in step toward increasing our volume, not necsoutheast San Antonio. Observing the am- essarily our growth. The industry has been
biance of his private quarters, it was imme- strong.
diately clear to me that Mark is an avid SACN: What features does your company
hunter, outdoorsman and athlete.
have that, in your opinion, sets it apart from
other competitors?
SACN: Mark, you preside over a success- MC: We keep an open line of communica- hard to give up. I was so busy I didn’t have
ful demolition and site work company here tion with an owner or general contractor. time to think about school or the friends that
in San Antonio. Please explain the history No surprises, we are honest about our sched- I left behind. I performed most of the demoof your company.
ules and business at hand. By being forth- lition at night and my Dad and his crew
MC: My Dad founded the original busi- right, I think we have a great relationship would load-out during the day. I was down
ness years ago in Michigan. In 1980 he had with every GC in San Antonio. Repetitive on the corner of Houston St. and St. Mary’s
an opportunity to perform the demolition business is proof of our integrity. The qual- every night from 8 pm to 8 am. Time just
of the Texas Theater in downtown San An- ity of professionalism from the time they kept slipping away, then we’d get another
tonio. I had just graduated from high school, call M&M, to the moment our superinten- job and another. Before I knew it I was buyso I accompanied him to work and earn dent shows up on the job, through the ranks ing my cars here instead of in Detroit, I
money during the summer before I went to of laborers, speaks for itself. We don’t blow bought a house, I got married and we had
college. I had every intention of becoming a lot of smoke; we perform as promised.
two children. The years just went by. I have
a veterinarian. Ironically, I’m still here, as SACN: Mark, tell us about
recently divorced
a demolition and site contractor.
your pre-Texas years in
I live on an isI’ve listened and absorbed infor- and
SACN: What kept you in Texas?
Michigan.
land
on
Lake
MC: We determined San Antonio was a MC: I grew up in a town mation like a sponge through
McQueeney.
good market for a demolition firm that had about 50 miles from De- the years, and I thank all of
SACN: Did the
the technology and equipment like ours. troit. We lived in the coun- those men and women who
flood of 1998 damWhile the theater job was going on, we try, on lakes, close to nature. taught me the ropes.
age your property?
picked up a few other jobs as well. A few My Dad is full-blooded ItalMC: I was in the
extra months in Texas eventually became ian and my Mother is full- blooded German, process of building a new home on the river
twenty years. We started out as a small demo- and I’m the middle child of three.
when the flood event occurred. So, yes, I
lition contractor, a father and son company, SACN: What activities did you participate was affected. Afterwards, I decided not to
then continued to grow, and in 1993 I took in during your youth?
build a new home there. Instead, I purchased
over the partnership and Dad later retired. MC: I raced snowmobiles and motorcycles, a recently renovated home on Treasure IsHe spends most of his time in Colorado.
and I raced on a slalom snow skiing team. land. There’s no running away now; I’m
SACN: When did your business incorpo- At age nine I was water skiing barefoot. I four foot above the water. I just buy the
rate site contracting?
played baseball, basketball and football. I insurance and don’t worry about Mother
MC: In 1993 we incorporated excavation, loved playing competitive sports. Living Nature. But, it’s nice when you can look
site pads and parking lots into our scope of around lakes and the snowy winter climate out every window and see water. I keep a
work. Both sides of the business are strong of Michigan, I also learned to hunt and fish few water toys around for fun.
and compliment the other. We do a lot of at an early age. I took up bow hunting when SACN: When you were growing up, what
negotiated work and take on projects with I was eleven, and when I was thirteen, I shot adults, in addition to your father, served as
a high degree of difficulty. We’re fortunate my first deer. I gave up the rifle 10 years your mentors or greatest influences?
to be able put a project several weeks ahead ago, and hunt almost exclusively with a bow MC: My mother played a big role. My
of schedule, as one company, in lieu of hav- now.
father, being full-blooded Italian, lacked
ing two different companies working on the SACN: From the photographs displayed good people skills. There is probably no
same project. For example, when we de- around your office walls, it appears you have better feeling than to be raised with the old
molish an existing retail center, we can then had a good measure of success. Right?
school influences (Dad), but Mom balanced
turn around and build a new pad without MC: Yes. I’m now sponsored by North that influence by teaching me the social
creating a scheduling conflict for the gen- American Archery Group, so they pay for skills of the new school. I listen and articueral contractor. We currently have 90 em- my equipment, and hopefully in the near late my message better than Dad, and I know
ployees, and utilize about 30 temporary future, another sponsor will pay for my when enough is enough. He’s from the
field workers.
hunts. I’ve traveled all over the world bow strong-arm Italian mentality, and I do use
SACN: Are you the only demolition and hunting.
that at times. But it’s tempered with good
site contracting company in town?
SACN: What hunts are you currently plan- listening skills and attempts at civil discusMC: No, there are other companies that ning?
sion that Mom endeared to me. I’ve seen
are primarily site conMC: I’m going back to his ways and manners, and how my Mother
I have never been a follower. Africa in June and I was dealt with them. And I thank the Lord evtractors that do a little
bit of demolition. But
there last November. I ery day for her influence.
I’ve always been a leader.
there aren’t any demo
shot seven animals and SACN: You were placed in positions of
contractors that do the magnitude of the site put two of them in the record book; one is great responsibility at a young age, Mark.
work that we do. On the environmental number 12 in the world and another is num- How were you accepted by business peers
side, there are some projects that involve ber 21 in the world. Considering the mil- who were actually older than you?
contaminated or tainted soil, and we have lions of hunters in the world, it feels pretty MC: That’s right … at age 18 I was runthe people, knowledge and the background good to have these low numbers.
ning one of the most difficult jobs ever perto facilitate that need, too. The San Anto- SACN: What was the turning point, that first formed in San Antonio; demolishing two
nio Convention Center was a good example summer in Texas, when you decided to nine-story buildings on one of the busiest
of a sensitive turnkey project…requiring abandon your plans to attend college and corners of the city. As a 25 year-old project
demolition, environmental, excavation and pursue the demo business?
manager I could walk in to start a 3 million
site pad construction.
MC: Once you work 12 to 14 hours a day, dollar job doing a strip-out, running a hunSACN: What are your short-term goals for 7 days a week, and start to see money com- dred men on a crew, 12-hours a day, two
M&M, let’s say in the next 18 months?
ing in from a good hourly union wage, it’s shifts, two hundred men … and the reac-
Spotlight
Mark Cuppetilli
E
TEX STAR DRYWALL SUPPLY, INC.
15501 Capitol Port
San Antonio, TX 78249
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tion was…’you’ve got to be kidding!’ I had
to earn the respect of my peers by performing as promised and being smart about it.
Within the industry I think I’ve gained that
respect in spite of my youthful beginnings.
I’ve listened and absorbed information like
a sponge through the years, and I thank all
of those men and women who taught me
the ropes.
SACN: Have you done any demo work
outside of the U.S.?
MC: Yes. We got a call to demolish the
United States Embassy in Moscow, which
was a very tough and politically sensitive
job. We were there for one year.
SACN: Did the Russians let you hunt while
you were there?
MC: No. I was told by the CIA that it
would be a bad idea to mix work with a
hobby that involved weapons. But, I hope
to go to Russia on my own someday, to hunt
brown bear.
SACN: Describe your personal work ethic,
Mark.
MC: I have always believed in putting in a
good day’s work…12 to 13 hours a day, 6
days a week. My life changed when I became a father. I stopped working on Saturdays and started delegating responsibilities.
My former wife and I now share joint custody and the one good thing to come from
the divorce is that I now spend more quality time with my kids. She and I have a great
relationship, however, I am enjoying being
single again.
SACN: Mark, what would you like our
readers to know about you?
MC: The people who know me recognize
me for being a go-getter. I look at someone
eye-to-eye and tell the truth, and I practice
good business ethics. I have a sense of adventure and carry my standard of ethics to
the hunting blind, too. You can count on
me to follow through on my word.
SACN: If you were invited on a safari, what
qualities would you bring to that hunt?
MC: I think I’d keep the atmosphere pretty
open and lively … adding laughter and sincerity when called upon. I think I could get
along with most anybody, as long as they
speak from the heart and tell the truth. I’d
speak up if I observed unsafe
behaviors…that goes back to personal ethics. I still get upset when I see a man not
hold a door open for a woman or refuse to
help someone out on the side of the road. I
was brought up with strict manners and they
are embedded in me, whether on a hunt, on
the job, or at home. I will raise my children
to be the same way. I have never been a
follower. I’ve always been a leader. I look
for the most efficient way to operate, in business and in general.
210-648-5776
Tom Smith, President
Pager 210-220-7975
Fax
210-648-5586
Chuck Sparrow,
Superintendent
Wooden • Ornamental Iron • Chain Link
Steel Fabrication • Automatic Gate Systems
Welding Services & Repairs • Temporary Fencing
13115 WETMORE ROAD
FAX: 210-490-9353
WWW.SAQUALITYFENCE.COM
545-6767
Lic # 1905
SATEL officially launched
T
he San Antonio Texas Electrical
League (SATEL) held its first event,
the SATEL Kickoff and Reception,
on Jan. 25th at the Villita Assembly Building, from 5-7 pm.
The newly formed business association
and non-profit organization designated the
event as its first public meeting in which
the community was invited to learn about
the organization. Over 125 people attended
the reception.
President Rudy Molleda, City Public
Service, made the opening remarks with emphasis on how the organization was born.
He further described the support that came
from City Public Service, especially from
Jamie Rochelle, CEO and General Manager of CPS, who shared their vision. Rudy
also thanked members of the Houston Electrical League, for their support and general
guidance in developing SATEL.
Chairman of the Board, Rudi R.
Rodriguez, EPI Electrical Enclosures, declared his enthusiasm about the association
and also praised CPS for its blessings and
support. He also recognized CPS employees, Shirley Homeier-McBrayer, Executive Coordinator for SATEL, and Sylvia
Ramirez-Perez, who are actively involved
on a day to day basis with SATEL.
Among the evenings activities were a
presentation of the 2001 Board of Directors
and new Officers; a presentation of the mission of the group; details of the program of
action for 2001 and 2002; and an invitation
to all guests to partner with SATEL to promote the electrical industry in San Antonio.
The 2001SATEL Board and Officers
are: Rudi R. Rodriguez, Chairman of the
Board; Rudy Molleda, President; Scott
Shaver, Vice President; Len Weinand, Secretary; Mike Benke, Treasurer; Steve
Becker, Board Member; Wayne
Blasingame, Board Member and President/
Chairman of the Board SATEL Foundation;
Perry Callaway, Alvaro Rodriguez, Jr.,
and Fred Kongable are Board Members of
SATEL Foundation.
In the coming year, the organization
will concentrate on achieving its goals by
identifying individuals and companies with
whom to network. It will also provide professional, social and educational opportunities for the industry and public. SATEL
wants to be the primary vehicle within
which members can promote the uses of
electrical energy, create demand for electrical products and services, maintain standards of service, quality of material and
workmanship, foster academic achievement
of future workers and encourage public understanding of the electrical industry.
The SATEL Foundation, a 501C(3)
non-profit organization, will establish a
scholarship fund to help qualified individuals in the electrical industry obtain or complete their education.
“This event was our first opportunity
to make the public aware of our organization and its initiatives,” said Rudi R.
Rodriguez, Chair of SATEL’s executive
committee. “We demonstrated our commitment to make the organization a strong
player in the electrical industry.”
On the Internet, smaller is better!
D
id you go out and buy a digital
camera, recently? Well, it seems
that quite a few companies are realizing that a digital camera is a necessary piece
of equipment to have around the office.
Project managers are taking pictures of
the jobsite to keep an accurate record of the
progress. Business managers are using them
for asset management and to document accidents. Most people are using them to send
pictures to clients, friends and relatives in their
email, or posting them on their website.
What I would like to talk about is the SIZE
of the pictures that you are sending across the
web. Most of the cameras that are available have
the ability to take pictures that are up to 16 million pixels. Just because they can doesn’t mean
that you want to.
In other articles DosWebGuy’s have
talked about bandwidth. Bandwidth is the
speed in which you can upload and download
things off of the Internet. If you or the person
that you are sending to have a slow connection
to the Internet (low bandwidth) then the pictures with millions of pixels will take a long
time to upload/download. Typically, over 5
minutes on the Internet is a long time.
To get around this issue you might take
the time to read through your user guide and
look at the part that talks about image size
and resolution.
If you want to send pictures via email,
most of the camera’s have a setting under
image size called Email. By using this setting the camera will automatically reduce the
file size of the picture with out altering the
quality.
If you need the pictures for printing brochures or flyers, use the highest file resolution (1024 x 768 or greater) but, for the
Internet, lower resolution (640 x 480) will do
just fine.
Another way to reduce your picture’s file
size is to use graphic editing software, such
as Jasc® Paint Shop Pro™ 7, which has a free
30-day evaluation that you can download off
the web at http://www.jasc.com/
download_4.asp. This software allows you
to reduce or enlarge the image size to meet
the specifications of your email or posting to
your website. Smaller is better, at least with
pictures on the Internet.
Board and founding fathers of SATEL are
L-R: Ken Frank, Dealers Electric Supply;
Tim Reininger, WESCO Distribution, Inc.;
Ken Pruski, CED, Inc.; Wayne Blasingame,
Hill Country Electric Supply; Len Weinand,
Southwire; Scott Shaver, Bell & McCoy;
Shirley Homeier-McBrayer, CPS; Rudy
Molleda, CPS; Allan Creamier, CED, Inc.;
Steve Becker, Cutler-Hammer; Rudi
Rodriguez, EPI Electrical Enclosures;
Nelson Blanchard, E.P.M., Inc.; Jerry
Doyle, Rexel/Summers Electric Distribution; Les Moynahan, NECA; and Alvaro
Rodriguez, Jr., A. Marketing and Services
Co. Missing from photo are Mike Benke,
IEC; Perry Callaway, MacArthur High
School Apprenticeship Program; and Fred
Kongabel, Bexar Electric.
When You Need A Lift . . .
. . . Call Alamo Crane
CONSTRUCTION
(210) 344-7370
San Antonio, Texas
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Austin, Texas
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Editor:
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Marketing Manager:
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Laureen Satabe
Outdoor Editor:
Mark McDonald
Roaming Reporter:
JC Putz
The San Antonio Construction News is published
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record in Bexar and 7 surrounding counties. Additional distribution is provided at 60 material supplier locations serving the construction industry.
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North Texas Metalworking
& Industrial Show set to
debut in Mesquite
T
he North Texas chapter of the National Tooling and Machine Association (NTMA) and SMC Events
of San Antonio will host the first North
Texas Metalworking and Industrial Show on
April 4th and 5th at the Mesquite Convention Center, 1818 Rodeo Dr. Admission and
parking are free.
NTMA representative Michelle Farrar
says this show is designed with the assistance of industry leaders. “We catered to the
individual companies,” says Farrar. “We
asked what they wanted and we’ve done our
best to facilitate it.”
With this particular show, she explains
the suppliers, distributors and job shops will
all be in the same place. Instead of showcasing only a part of the metalworking field,
all aspects will be represented and accessible to the public.
“Trade shows are a meeting of the
minds, if you will,” says Quincy Barnes,
President of SMC Events, the convention
management company promoting the show.
“At a trade show like this, you can make
contacts in a few hours that would normally
take months through regular channels. The
potential for networking at a tradeshow is
outstanding.”
An abbreviated list of metalworking
and tooling industry components that will
be represented at the North Texas show includes milling machines, cutting tools,
welding systems, safety equipment, laser
systems, coolants and lubrication, and robotics.
Farrar says another element making this
show different from other trade shows will
be a series of seminars hosted throughout
the day. Companies will sponsor sessions
on their products, services, practices and
employment opportunities.
The North Texas Metalworking & Industrial Show will be open to the public.
Expected attendance is 4,000 and 150
booths have been sold to date. For more
information, contact Quincy Barnes at 800532-3976 or Michelle Farrar at 888-8442150.
SFX Amphitheater
construction–half way mark
R
ain swollen skies that produced
more precipitation than usual over
the past several months has hurt a
little, but for the most part, construction of
the SFX Amphitheater in Selma, TX is
moving right along. Cherished are the bluesky south Texas days with no clouds. It
means catching up on the job site.
Local commercial contractor
SpawGlass Contractors, Inc. is building the
project and serving as general contractor.
Local sub-contractors include: M&M Contracting, responsible for excavation, berm
construction and site contracting; RTM
Construction, for underground utility installation; TD Industries, mechanical and
plumbing contracting; Williams & Beasley
Co., steel erection and roof support; Ed
Boyle & Associates Construction, steel roof
contracting; Gerard Electrical, electrical
contracting; and MANCO, pre-cast panel
wall contracting.
Scheduled to open in spring 2001, the
20,000 capacity amphitheater is situated on
109 acres of land located adjacent to Retama
Park Racetrack, off Lookout Road. The site
is west of IH-35 and north of Loop 1604,
just northeast of San Antonio.
The facilities design captures the ambiance of the local culture, creating an intimate
and beautiful setting to enjoy outdoor music
concerts, family and much more. The facility includes two food and beverage concession areas as well as large, open and festive
plazas that will highlight local musical talent to compliment the evening’s headliners.
Once open, SFX will operate the amphitheater during the months of April
Alamo City hosts the ABC
National Convention
M
embers of Associated Builders
and Contractors can trade in
their hard hats for Stetsons during the 2001 ABC National Convention,
hosted this year in our own historic San
Antonio from March 7th-11th. Out-oftowners from across the nation will arrive
to celebrate the construction industry’s success.
The convention is an opportunity to
grow professionally, while having one heck
of a good time. Of course, ABC has put
together a number of fabulous educational
programs. Nationally recognized experts
will provide tips on how to embrace technology in your company, how to attract and
retain a diverse workforce, succession planning, and what to expect from the new administration in Washington, D.C.
The convention’s keynote speaker,
Captain James Lovell, a world-famous
astronaut, will take you to the moon and
back, with a story of overcoming the greatest odds. While the world held its breath,
Captain Lovell commanded the Apollo 13
Moon Mission. As the crew floated in space,
short on oxygen, seemingly unable to come
home, Lovell’s skill, courage and leadership
ensured their safe return to Earth. Lovell
brings the spirit of teamwork and excellence
to life with a presentation that is certain to
inspire you.
ABC is doing something a little different this year. The convention will be the site
of the 13th Annual Student Chapter Career
Conference, where ABC members can interview prospective workers from student
chapters across the country. ABC Student
Chapter programs are sponsored by ABC
chapters at colleges and universities to introduce the next generation of construction
professionals to the merit shop philosophy
and employment opportunities with its
members.
The ABC National Craft Olympics is
an annual skills competition held during the
convention. Individuals enrolled in apprenticeship or craft training programs, representing ABC chapters or member organizations, compete in a series of craft-related
exercises that test their newly developed
skills. The purpose of the Craft Olympics
is to promote craft training, focus on skilled
craftsmanship, and create a positive image
for the construction industry.
A General Session honoring National
Safety Award Winners will feature Ken
Schmidt as speaker. Ken is the former director of communications for HarleyDavidson Motor Company. Now an independent consultant, he provides marketing
and communications expertise to several
major brands, including Harley Davidson.
His presentation, “The Rise, Fall, and Rise
of Harley-Davidson,” is a fascinating story
of building an entirely new corporate culture, of rekindling relationships with customers, and reaching out to new ones in
completely untraditional ways.
ABC has also planned a number of festive social events from a fiesta in San
Antonio’s historic region to a Denim and
Diamonds party.
Circa Texas has arranged for special
optional tours for ABC convention goers.
They include Spanish Mission Trail; San
Antonio – Art and Flowers; Opening the
Doors to the Past; Wine Tasting Cruise; New
Braunfels and Gruene, and more. All tours
will run from 1-5 pm.
Additional activities include the Presidents 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk and a Golf
Tournament. Please call ABC’s Meetings/
Conventions Department at 703-812-2020
or 703-812-2025 with any questions.
Dina named Exec. Director
of SOLAR SAN ANTONIO
S
through October. The outdoor facility will
include 8,000 covered seats, 12,000 lawn
seats and parking for over 7,000 vehicles.
OLAR SAN ANTONIO, a not-forprofit organization dedicated to increasing knowledge and utilization of
solar energy in south Texas, has named its
first Executive Director, Dominick A. Dina.
Dina has served as co-chair of the alternative energy organization since its inception in 1999. Retired from the Air Force
after 30 years, Dina will be leaving his current position as Chief of Staff for Councilwoman Bonnie Conner when he officially
takes over Executive Director duties for
SOLAR SAN ANTONIO on Feb. 1st.
SOLAR SAN ANTONIO is working
throughout the region to become a leader in
alternative energy through creative, state-
of-the-art construction designs and public
information campaigns. The group works
with citizens, businesses, and educational
groups to further its goal of creating positive relationships to solve energy issues and
decrease overall energy costs. Its primary
sponsors are City Public Service and the
City of San Antonio, Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Dina is available to further discuss his
role with SOLAR SAN ANTONlO or the
groups’ efforts. For more information,
please call William Sinkin: 210-354-0236.
Web address is www.solarsanantonio.org
DRYWALL
WALLS
A C R O S S
TEXAS
“Since the 1900’s”
BOB LYNCH
ACOUSTICAL
9018 Tesoro, Suite 101
(210) 826-4123
Fax (210) 826-5801
Reduce Downtime
Larry Crisp
Professional Independent Mechanic
(210) 823-7995
Heavy Equipment Repair
General Maintenance
Welding
Complete Mobile Repair
4th Annual Career and
Community Awareness
Night at Roosevelt High
Specializing in Industrial Scrap Metal
& Container Service
Recycling Since 1895
Monterrey Iron & Metal
We Buy Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Iron,
Stainless Steel, Steel, Etc.
R
210-927-2727
2300 Frio City Road
CLEAR CHOICE, INC.
Flooring and Design
Providing your flooring needs!
Wholesale Prices
Ceramic
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Another Job Well Done by PAR!
oosevelt High School was the host
of the 4th annual Career and Community Awareness Night, held on
Jan. 25th from 5:30- 9 pm. The purpose of
the evening was to bring local businesses,
students and parents together for an informative exchange. Over 2,000 people attended the successful event.
Hungry Horse Café catered a sit-down
dinner from 5:30 to 6:30 pm for those attendees who had purchased meal tickets.
The café generously donated half of their
meal ticket proceeds to the scholarship fund.
The keynote address, given by Bexar
County Commissioner Lyle Larson emphasized the renewed spirit of cooperation between NEISD schools and the business
community.
About 82 businesses and associations
purchased tabletops, which were set up in
the auditorium. Steve Albert, County Wide
Plumbing, exhibited at a table purchased
by the Associated Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors of San Antonio
(APHCCSA). Carl Machad of Bolin
Plumbing, Jimmy Shafer of Shafer Services, Pete Wells of Legend Plumbing and
Rooter, Vernon Emkin from the State
Board of Plumbing Examiners, and Andrew Jackson, the State Plumbing Inspector serving San Antonio joined Steve.
According to Steve, the evening was
not only well attended, but also the kids
showed a keen interest in learning about
future opportunities. “We answered questions and informed everyone about what
kind of income can be expected in the
plumbing industry. We described job possibilities and higher education opportunities.
We discussed the NEISD apprenticeship
program, and the upcoming apprenticeship
plumbing and air conditioning class to be
held at Lee High School next year.”
“We had a big board set up that simulates a back siphonage system, whereby contaminated water can flow into potable water
systems. The system used colored water in
transparent piping for demonstration purposes. The parents and kids could watch the
blue water traveling backwards, and the looks
on their faces revealed surprise as they
grasped an understanding of what we as
plumbers do to help protect the water system and keep contamination from occurring.
This is just one of the many things that the
plumbing industry does to help protect the
health and welfare of this country. If it
weren’t for sanitary plumbing, most of us
wouldn’t be here,” Steve remarked.
In addition to the donation from the
meal ticket fees, all of the revenues from
the exhibitors’ tabletop fees were also donated to the Career and Technology Advisory Council Scholarship Fund. A silent
auction was also held, the proceeds of which
will be included in the scholarship fund.
Seven $1000 scholarships will be awarded
to graduating seniors who have been enrolled in the Career and Technology Program through NEISD.
Students ranged in grade level from
middle school through high school. Transportation was provided from each of the
districts’ campuses so they could have a safe
ride to and from the event at Roosevelt. Most
of the middle school students were accompanied to Roosevelt with their parents. “The
school district is being very helpful in making this night as successful as possible,”
Steve added. “We appreciate that!”
UTSA - San Antonio, Texas
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
13322 Western Oak Dr. • Suite 200 • Helotes, Texas 78023
Phone: (210) 695-5700 • Fax: (210) 695-3773
www.parconstruction.com
Steve Albert, County Wide Plumbing, demonstrates a back siphonage system.
Thad Ziegler Glass
Phone 210-224-2061
Fax 210-227-5747
www.zieglerglass.com
Oldest Family Operated Glass Company in the U.S.A.
Since 1893.
Contact this sales team for commercial and residential glass and glazing.
137 Combined Years of Experience
Mike O.
19 Years
Jimmy
40 Years
Art
27 Years
Bruce
20 Years
Bob
11 Years
Mike H.
20 Years
ASSOCIATION NEWS
AAOWA
The Alamo Area On-Site Wastewater
Association (AAOWA) would like to announce the remaining meeting dates for 2001.
The meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday
of every other month. The dates are as follows: March 13, May 8, July 10, Sept. 11
and Nov. 13. Visitors are always welcome.
If you are a designer, installer or pumper of
septic tanks please join us for our meetings.
They are held at Jim’s Restaurant at 9950
Ramsey. We gather together at 6:00 pm to
order supper from the menu. The CEU meeting starts promptly at 6:30 pm.
Membership dues to join AAOWA are
$20.00 for the year 2001, for current TOWA
members. TOWA membership dues are
$95.00. Members of AAOWA will receive
2 of the 8 CEU credits needed to keep their
licenses current for the year. If you have
any questions about AAOWA, please contact Ty Hurt at 210-496-6210.
TOWA (Texas On-Site Wastewater Association) has joined forces with the San
Antonio Education Company called The
OSSF University to sponsor specialty-training courses. An upcoming specialty school
will be held on Feb.15th and Feb. 16th in
Waco, Texas for the N.A.W.T. Certification.
This National Association of Wastewater
Transporters school is being held for the first
time in Texas and includes the first certification offered to septic system inspectors
of real estate transactions. If you have any
questions regarding upcoming courses being offered by the OSSF University, please
call 210-490-9780.
ABC
The ABC-South Texas Chapter will be
conducting their monthly safety luncheon
program on Wed. Feb. 14th, beginning at
11:30 am, at the Barn Door Restaurant. This
month’s topic will cover 3rd party litigation.
The guest speaker will be Wes Johnson,
from The Gardner Law Firm. Cost is only
$15 per person. To RSVP, call Laura Rex
at 210-342-1994.
ABC-South Texas proudly presents its
Fifth Annual Safety Development Day on
Thurs., March 1st, at the Live Oak Civic
Center, 8101 Pat Booker Road. The event
will run from 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The annual event highlights on-the-job and off-thejob safety, featuring safety demonstrations,
displays of safety equipment supplies and
services, and a guest speaker. This year’s
guest speaker will be nationally noted Certified Business Analyst, and Assistant Professor of Business and Economics at Northwestern College, Michael Avery. A major
focus of Mr. Avery’s research is risk management, contractor liability and subcontractor selection. A lifelong volunteer
firefighter, he is certified in hazardous materials handling and transportation. Mr.
Avery will discuss the benefits of job-site
safety.
AGC
AGC will host its first parking lot mixer
of the year Thurs., Feb. 22nd from 5–7 pm
at the chapter office, 10806 Gulfdale. There
will be live music provided by the Mike Ellis
Band. Complimentary food and beverages
will be provided. RSVP to AGC at 210-3494921 by Feb. 20th.
The exciting AGC of America Convention will be in Nashville, TN, March 2125. A featured program will involve valuable discussions of the future of the association, particularly proposals for dues reforms and governance changes. Over 60
courses including seminars, forums and professional development tracks will be offered
to AGC members. The Honorable James A
Baker, III will speak at the General Convention Session about national and global
issues related to diplomacy, politics and the
economy.
The 2001 AGCPAC Golf Tournament
will be held Mon., March 26th, at
Woodlake Country Club. 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 with awards going to first, second, and
third places, longest drive, and closest to the
pin. Registration and payment are required
by March 21st.
AIA
The American Institute of Architects,
San Antonio Chapter (AIA San Antonio) announces its 2001 Board of Directors.
Robert G. Hanley, AIA, has been
elected President of AIA San Antonio. Mr.
Hanley is a graduate of the University of
Texas at Austin, School of Architecture, and
works as a project management consultant.
Alicia C. Trevino, AIA, has been named
President Elect of AIA San Antonio. Ms.
Trevino, a graduate of UTSA, School of
Architecture, is a partner with Davis
Durand-Hollis Rupe Architects.
Other members of the 2001 Executive
Committee include: Diane Hays, AIA, Treasurer; Robert Lopez, AIA, Lopez Seidel,
Inc., Chapter Secretary.
Chapter Commissioners include: Mary
Bartlett, AIA, 3D/I; Jeffrey Dallenbach, AIA
Marmon Mok; and Madeline Slay, AIA,
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APHCCA-SA
The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors of San Antonio are anticipating a
successful and informative year of training
and events for the PHC industry in San Antonio. The 2001 Board of Directors has welcomed a change to a new general membership meeting location for the months of
March through November, to be held at the
Crystal Steakhouse, 1039 NE Loop 410.
This month we have planned a joint meeting with the San Antonio Air Conditioning
Contractors Association to be held at the
Barn Door Restaurant, 8400 N. New
Braunfels, on Wed., Feb. 21st. The guest
speaker will be Gilbert Kissling, from the
International Association of Plumbing &
Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), speaking
on the topic of 2000 Uniform Plumbing
Code & Uniform Mechanical Code. Please
RSVP early, due to limited seating! 210523-1540.
The PHCC-SA is also proud to announce that applications for the PHCC-SA
Educational Scholarship are now available
for individuals who are interested in pursuing an education in the PHC industry. For
an application, scholarship deadlines, and
more details call the PHCC-SA office at
210-523-1540 and/or L.W. Tschoepe, Guarantee Plumbing, Scholarship Committee
Chairperson, at 210-826-2333.
The PHCC-SA education committee
will have a booth/display at the N.E.I.S.D.
Career Night on Jan. 25th to inform local
high school students of the benefits and opportunities available in the PHC industry.
The committee chairperson, Steve Albert,
County Wide Plumbing, along with members Greg Bolin, Bolin Plumbing, George
Saliba, George Plumbing, and Charles
Sagray, Mr. Plumber Plumbing Co., will be
present & eager to give back to the community and help the PHC industry educate its
workforce.
The Professional Plumbers Continuing
Education classes for Jan.– June 2001 are
filling up fast! Call the PHCC – TEXAS
office for registration information at 1-800992-7422.
If you are interested in becoming a
member of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling
Contractors of San Antonio, please attend
the next meeting on Feb. 21st, or call the
Executive Director at 210-523-1540 for
more information.
BXTX
831 Fulton
and Truck Covers
Madeline Anz Slay Architecture.
Bob Cotton, AIA, Facility Programming & Consulting, will serve as the
chapter’s Texas Society of Architects Director.
Chapter Directors include Scott Carpenter, AIA, Overland Partners; Dwight
Germer, AIA, Beaty & Partners; Doug
Lipscomb, AIA, Ford Powell & Carson; Bill
Odle-Kemp, AIA, Kell Munoz; Greg Papay,
AIA, Lake/Flato; and Steve Patmon, AIA,
Marmon Mok. Angela Pruske, Assoc. AIA,
Davis Durand-Hollis Rupe, will serve as the
chapter’s Associate Director.
San Marcos
2001 I-35 N.
exit Aquarina Springs
(512) 353-8244
April 20th will be the next Annual
Builders’ Exchange Golf Outing and Dinner hosted at Canyon Springs Golf Club.
Individuals or teams interested from
throughout the construction and design industry are encouraged to participate in this
event. Cost of the event is $125 per player
and includes drinks during play, cart and
green fees as well as dinner during the posting of scores and handout of prizes. Awards
for first through third place teams, closest
to pin, longest drive as well as a score of
participation prizes will be given out to participants.
Sponsorships are available as a source
of advertising and include Tee Box sponsors ($100), Beverage Cart Sponsors ($350),
and Food Sponsors ($500). Participants will
also receive “Goodie Bags” containing golf
items as well as promotional items provided
by sponsors. Anyone interested in provid-
ing promotional material (hats, shirts, golf
tees, etc.) can be included at no charge by
contacting the Exchange prior to the event.
Entry Forms are available in the Construction News Bulletin or by calling the
Exchange at 210-564-6900. Sponsorship
requests and questions can be directed to
Byron Spencer at the Builders’ Exchange,
same number.
HCA
HCA de San Antonio will have its
monthly meeting on Thurs., Feb. 8th. The
meeting location will be Holt Company,
3302 South W.W. White Rd. For directions
contact Joseph Carreon at 210-648-8424.
Speakers for the evening will be Mr. Pete
Campos, SBC Services, and Mr. Ronald
Klein, Beck Construction. They will discuss SBC construction projects in the San
Antonio area. Mr. Jim Martin, Assistant
Superintendent of facilities and operations
for the Northside ISD will discuss the school
construction bond proposal election for
NISD. To RSVP, call 210-533-5323; for
display table info, call 210-256-1184.
NAWIC
On Wed., Feb. 7th, the San Antonio
Chapter of the National Association of
Women in Construction (NAWIC) will hold
their monthly business meeting at the Petroleum Club of San Antonio, 8620 N. New
Braunfels, San Antonio, TX. Networking/
Social will begin at 5:30; dinner will be
served at 6:15 with the meeting to follow.
Dinner cost will be $18 for NAWIC members and $25 for non-members. The program will include Mayoral Candidate and
San Antonio City Councilman Tim
Bannwolf as the featured speaker. Anyone
interested in attending this informative
meeting please contact or leave a voice mail
message for Celeste Rowe at David & David
Construction Co, Inc. at 210-344-0090 ext.
103.
NAWIC-San Antonio will be hosting
their annual Las Vegas Night on Fri., Feb.
23rd, at the San Antonio Home Builders
Association on IH 10. Tickets are $25 each
and include dinner, drinks and gaming
funds. Contact Celeste Rowe at David &
David Construction Co, Inc. at 210-3440090 ext. 103 for information and tickets.
Those interested in membership in this
international organization, please contact
Karen Santino, of Brandt Engineering at
210-599-6120.
SAACCA
The San Antonio Air Conditioning
Contractors Association will host a St.
Patrick’s Day Casino Gala Event, on Fri.,
March 16th. The party will begin at 7 pm
sharp, at the Greater San Antonio Builders
Association building located at 8925 IH10W (Wurzbach exit). Join us for a good
time … where you can relax, eat, drink, play
the casino games, win prizes and have fun.
Reserve your Event Tickets at $35 each,
Cash Drawing Tickets at $50 each, and additional Gaming Chips at $10 per 1000. Call
210-682-7744 for more information.
SATEL
San Antonio Texas Electrical League
(SATEL) has a monthly meeting scheduled
on the 3rd Thursday every month, from 11
am – 1 pm, at City Public Service. The next
meeting is Thurs., Feb. 15th. Parking is
provided in the CPS customer parking lot.
RSVP: 210-353-2773. Some 2001 activities are being planned, they include: Chili
Cook-Off, Golf Tournament, Trap & Skeet
Shoot, and a Trade Show. For more information, or to join SATEL, contact a membership committee representative: Jerry
Doyle at 210-352-1012, or Nelson
Blanchard at 210-637-6027.
To Place an AD
Call San Antonio
Construction News
210 – 308 – 5800
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210-738-1111
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CONSTRUCTION CO.
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Resume & References to:
17595 Blanco Road, #300
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INCREASE employee productivity.
REDUCE fuel consumption.
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Fleet Management Information Systems
Trichia Stoddard (210) 771-6630
Cook-Off brings out Construction Industry
T
he construction industry again made their presence known
at the 11th Annual KJ97 Rodeo Kick-Off Concert and BarB-Que Cookoff on Saturday, January 27th. You couldn’t
miss the “hard hat” teams since their displays were the best
and so was their barbeque.
FMG
Contracting &
Torres Brothers
go together
for this year’s
Cook-Off
Corbo
Electric
and
Alterman
Electric
are the
famous
“Beef
Masters”
Jeff and crew from Capital Industries
Dirty’s team was made up of Dausin Electric,
Hoss Construction, Dumas Hardware, Forming
Systems of Texas, and KP Trailers
SpawGlass was out in force, but where’s Fred?
IBEW Local #500 and City Public Service
had a huge display at the Cook-Off.
WW
Specialties,
the
Texas
Rib
Ticklers
Wonder of Tony Koch at AIW knows Road Kill
Cooking Crew borrowed his big pit?
Hillbig’s
Services
rounded
up this
crew
for the
event.
The Pit Crew is made up of Direct-Flow Heating & Air
and Priority Design & Service Heating & Air.
Round Up
Daniel L. Franklin, Jr., P.E. recently joined the
Raba-Kistner team of professionals as Vice President
of the Austin Region. Mr. Franklin earned a B.S. in Civil
Engineering from The Citadel, The Military College of
South Carolina and a M.S. in Civil Engineering from
Auburn University. Mr. Franklin is responsible for scope
development, contracting, financial management and
implementation for projects performed in the Austin
office, as well as project management for geotechnical
engineering projects.
Mr. Franklin has diverse broad-based experience
in many geotechnical, geoenvironmental, and construction materials applications. His client base includes heavy industry, local and state
governments, federal agencies, commercial interests, and residential contractors.
Long-time San Antonio builder Mark Rauschuber
has joined Armadillo Homes as Vice President of Construction. Rauschuber brings over 18 years experience
in residential construction to the company, which is celebrating its second year in San Antonio.
“We are picking up steam here in San Antonio,”
says Jeff Czar, Vice President of the San Antonio Division. “Mark brings solid experience and a great attitude that will help us build momentum and maintain a
high level of quality.”
“I had heard a lot of good things about Armadillo,”
Rauschuber says. “After meeting with Jeff and Beto
(Armadillo CEO Robert Gutierrez), I felt it would be a good move. I did a company profile and found Armadillo fit my needs and goals. It’s a great organization.”
Armadillo Homes is a Texas-owned company, building in Laredo, the Rio Grande
Valley, and San Antonio in the Northeast in Highland Farms, Brookside in South San
Antonio, and Tezel Oaks in the Northwest. Armadillo’s homes are priced from the
$70’s.
Michael Gaither has been named outside sales representative for Holt Rental Services’ CAT Rental Store
in San Antonio. The CAT Rental Store is located at 3744
South East Loop 410.
Gaither is responsible for renting and selling construction-related equipment in the San Antonio area. He
was previously an Express Mobile Stores™ sales representative with Holt Rental Services’ San Antonio CAT
Rental Store. He has been with the company for one
year.
Gaither has 14 years of construction and industrial
maintenance experience and five years in sales and finance.
Holt Rental Services, headquartered in San Antonio, operates five CAT Rental
Stores in Austin, Corpus Christi, Laredo, San Antonio and Weslaco. A satellite store
in Victoria specializes in renting and selling small to mid-size Caterpillar and preferred brand-name equipment.
Holt Rental Services is a division of Holt Company of Texas, the Caterpillar
dealership in Central and South Texas.
How to handle
the difficult customer
If you have been in business any length
of time, I am sure you have had to handle
situations with the occasional difficult customer. They have your contract staring them
in the face and swear there is no agreement
on detail. They demand that your crew work
overtime on weekends and holidays to finish their project for a party they planned just
last week. These situations are real and they
call for special skills over and above your
normal amiable, professional self. Here are
several ways to manage these rare and infrequent circumstances.
Understand that the situation is real to
your customer. It may seem elementary to
you, the professional who has experienced
it all. To the customer, this situation is new
and the uncertainty of the outcome is the
most bothersome thing to your customer.
Certainty is one of those innate human needs
that we all must have. Uncertainty may have
created anxiety that manifests itself with
anger, accusations or the charge that you are
unprofessional. In this case, people may say
things that later they will regret. In any
event, allow them to vent their feelings. This
may give you insight to what else they may
be experiencing in their life while you are
working on their project. It allows you to
get a broader perspective of the challenge
and more information to create a solution.
Is this a “code blue” situation? In other
words, are lives in danger? Is there a serious threat to your reputation? Will there be
severe financial damages? Consider the answers to these questions from your perspective and from that of your client. An honest
appraisal of the event will help you to more
freely create solutions. By all means, do not
take it personally. See it as a situation or an
event, not as a definition of you or your customer.
Acknowledging the challenge and expressing appropriate sympathy for the situation is imperative. When you acknowledge
verbally that a challenge exists, your client
knows that you have heard them. They feel
as though you have an understanding of their
plight. This validation settles their mind to
a place where they can begin to work with
you on solutions. Even if there is a question about who the responsible party may
be, expressing sympathy places you on common grounds with your client.
Double-check the facts of the situation.
Do not hesitate to ask lots of questions and
take notes in front of your customer. When
a story is repeated and verified over and
over, the truth tends
to surface. Verifying
all of the facts creates responsibility.
You want to know
what has created the
difficulty. The in- Paul Montelongo
quiry itself may set up a multitude of solutions.
Work to actively solve the situation. A
challenge that is unsettled only allows matters to get worse. However, an energetic
approach indicates good intent on your part.
When the other parties in the situation get
involved and actively work toward a solution, a synergy is created. Your customer
sees your proactive approach as a sign of
sincerity. Every solution to the challenge
may not be known at the outset. Your active and interested involvement may generate more solutions along the way.
It may be necessary to get qualified help
to solve the issues. An objective opinion in
many cases will diffuse the emotion of the
moment when dealing with clients. An outside expert may offer solutions that neither
party had considered. The expert may also
help put the priorities of the issue in logical
order. The idea here is to get a qualified individual to offer an unbiased opinion with
the outcome of creating a solution of the
issue at hand.
In all cases, if a challenge with a client
is to get resolved, there must be agreement
and delivery. My attorney friends may not
like to hear this, but our objective as contractors is to keep our clients happy, our
companies profitable and everyone out of
court. When all of the facts and options for
solutions are known, there must be mutual
agreement between contractor and client for
the way the matter is going to be resolved.
This mutual agreement is a huge step, but
delivery of the solution is the determining
factor of success. Deliver the results and
likely you will regain the confidence of your
client. I do believe that if we ask enough
questions, actively search for plenty of solutions and deliver the results, we can convert the majority of client challenges into
client solutions.
Nationally recognized speaker, author and consultant to the construction industry, Paul
Montelongo speaks at conventions and for corporations on “Become the Contractor of Choice”.
To book Paul to speak or to obtain free training
resources contact Paul toll free at 1-866-494-1911
or [email protected]. Paul has owned and operated his own multi-million dollar construction
company for over 22 years.
TRUCK OUTFITTERS
25 Years Experience in
Construction Trade
Full Service Electrical
Contracting Company
Dealers for the following contractor products
CONTINENTAL - Aluminum cross boxes
DELTA - “JOBOX”
and dog boxes
HANDY - Louvered tailgates
DRAW-TITE - Receiver hitches, “Remove-A-Ball” K C HILITES - Lighting products
gooseneck towing systems
LIFTMOORE - Truck cranes
FIRESTONE - Air helper spring systems
PETERSON MFG - Lights, mirrors,
beacons, strobes, emergency lights
KNAACK - Job-site storage equipment
TOMMY
GATE LIFTS - Hydraulic lift gates
MANIK - Brush guards and steps
RAWSON-KOENIG - Tool boxes,
window grilles, utility beds
WEATHER GUARD - Truck/van accessories:
ladder racks, bulkheads, cabinets
We carry and install these brands and many more. Our facility is
capable of handling single installations as well as fleets up to 50 trucks.
Our goal is to provide fast service to get you on the road as quickly
as possible. Please call us for a quote on your needs.
We are sure that you will find High-Center, Inc., competitive,
friendly, and responsive.
5425 COOKSEY ROAD AT HWY 87 E.
Butch Castleberry, Owner
[email protected]
210-649-9074
•
•
•
•
24-Hr Emergency Service
Large Commercial
Design / Build
Aerial Services
Phone
2 1 0 - 6 57 - 2 3 5 7
•
•
•
•
Sign Installations
Data Com Services
Lighting Design
Maintenance Agreements
Fa x
2 1 0 - 6 5 7- 6 7 6 0
11115 Iota Drive
Other Offices
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Austin • Corpus Christi • Dallas • Fort Worth • Houston
MDN Architects and
Middleman Construction
move to new facility
On Location
M
DN Architects and
M i d d l e m a n
Construction have relocated to new offices at 9639
McCullough Ave., in San Antonio. The new office building contains approximately 13,000 sf. of
which MDN occupies 8,000 sf.
and Middleman Construction occupies 5,000 sf.
“We actually moved in to our
new facility on Oct. 16th, and we
are really enjoying this new state-of-the-art
facility,” says Barry P. Middleman, AIA.
“Our building’s working environment features a unique open-office workflow concept with centralized filing, printing and
plotting capabilities.”
The building exterior is a unique combination of tilt-wall, tinted glass, and galvanized steel trellised canopies, with luxurious granite spandrel walls to emphasize
the two office entrances.
A crew from Zachry Construction Corp. positions a screed to prepare for a
concrete pour on one of the new bridges at San Antonio Int’l Airport.
HOLES
OF SAN ANTONIO, INC.
Serving San Antonio and South Texas Since 1977
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Wall Saw - 30” Deep
Flat Saw - Gas or Electric 24” Deep
Core Drilling - 1” to 36” Diameter
Concrete Breaking & Removal
Bobcat with Melroe 2500 Hydraulic Breaker
Decorative Sawing
Bump Grinding
Crack Chasing
We can handle your complete
interior demolition needs
GEORGE MAJOR
KEN MAJOR
GEORGE MAJOR JR
FRED MABERRY
PAUL SELLERS
•
•
•
•
•
MOBIL
MOBIL
MOBIL
MOBIL
MOBIL
Roland and Rene Garcia, FMG Contracting Co., prepare for the foundation pour
on the Parent Child Inc. building. A design/build project of FMG.
Kevin Baker, owner of Bronco Contractors, oversees his crew at the St. Mary’s
Parking Garage project. Affirmed General Contracting is GC for the city project.
260-5447
219-4089
289-2949
260-5442
416-5940
AMERICAN SUBCONTRACTORS
ASSOCIATION
Jana Ward, owner of Clear Choice, Inc., watches over her installers at the new
model home of Montelongo Homes & Remodeling, in the Pinnacle on Blanco Rd.
(210) 349-5256
800-756-5208 Fax (210) 349-0727
118 BRANIFF DRIVE SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78216
See our ad at Concrete Breaking & Sawing
in your Southwestern Bell Yellow Pages.
Southwestern Bell
Salvador
Angel,
R.A. Travis
Painting
Contractors.
Restoration
of 1880’s
prairie
home at
Bracken
Village

February - Construction News

Transcription

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