November - Construction News

Transcription

CONSTRUCTION
™
The Industry’s Newspaper
www.constructionnews.net
P.O. Box 791290 San Antonio, Tx 78279 11931 Warfield San Antonio, Tx 78216 (210) 308-5800 Nov 2002 Volume 5, Number 11
Banners will fly over
Construct a Kid’s
Christmas event
Beck expands with
roll-off company
T
T
he forward-thinking president of
Beck Readymix Concrete Co. and
Beck Landfill has launched a new
venture. To complement his existing family-owned operations in Schertz, TX, entrepreneur Ben Davis, in collaboration with
key management, has launched his newest
company, Beck Dispose-All, a roll-off service.
“We’ve been in the ready-mix business
since the early 70’s and we began the landfill business in 1985,” Ben began. “I thought
it was time to establish a hauling arm for
our customers. With a Type-IV landfill, the
vast majority of our focus is on demolition
and construction materials.”
Dispose-All will have to pay the same
landfill fees and rates as other customers
in the hauling business. Starting small, the
company currently has two roll-off trucks
and 100 roll-off boxes. Easily identified by
their parrot yellow color scheme, the
company’s roll-off containers are available
in 20-yd., 30-yd., and 40-yd. dimensions.
A dispatcher, manager and two drivers fulfill the staffing needs at this time.
“As we get the roll-off containers out
on customers jobsites,” he added, “we’ll
look at expanding as we go. The new company will have the full support of our other
operations.”
Construction companies contract with
continued on Page 32
he construction industry and its re- your own children or your friend’s children
lated associations are gearing up for what they would like to have for Christmas.
the 3rd Annual Construct a Kid’s Get your children’s ideas on items they
Christmas, when once again they will help would like in the $15 to $25 price range.
fill the hearts of Bexar County’s foster chilcontinued on Page 32
dren with hope.
Plan to join the staff of
San Antonio Construction
News, the Friends of the
Bexar County Child Welfare Board, numerous trade
association groups, and individual construction companies on Fri., Dec. 6th, from
10 am to 2 pm. A huge bancontinued on Page 32
ner will span the breadth of
Warfield (at Nakoma) to signal the event’s location where
your unwrapped gifts will be
collected. Santa’s Elves will
be standing by in the parking lot to receive your gifts.
The children you are
purchasing Christmas gifts
for are victims of abuse and
neglect and have very few
personal possessions. However, like other children, they
see the same advertisements
and have the same desires as
other children their age.
We recommend you
Construction industry volunteers boost holiday spirits
“ask the experts” in selecting
of Bexar County’s foster children.
gifts for these children. Ask
M.J. Boyle General Contractor, Inc.
revamps downtown Vogue Building
W
orking within the narrow confines of downtown San Antonio,
M.J. Boyle General Contractor,
Inc. recently completed the Vogue Building Redevelopment project for owner Federal Realty Investment Trust. As mandated
by the guidelines of 3D/I Architects and
the San Antonio Conservation Society, the
general contractor worked diligently to restore the historic building to its turn-of-thecentury appearance.
Owner and president, Mike Boyle,
founded his general contracting company
in 1984. Operating from one San Antonio
location, the general contractor specializes
in new commercial construction and is
equally noted for quality renovation
projects. In fact, concurrent with the
$4,400,000+ Vogue Building project, M.J.
Boyle General Contractor, Inc. had numerous downtown office/retail renovations ongoing for the same owner.
Work on the six-story Vogue Building
on Houston Street began with the basics,
including the construction of new concrete
footings at the basement level.
“We also rebuilt the existing floor
plates to meet current load requirements,”
explained Boyle’s project manager and
Trinity University graduate David Goetz.
“One of the major obstacles we faced was
in shoring and undermining the existing
footings. The spoils from the excavation
This month in Focus
Exterior Finish
Construction
P.O. Box 791290
San Antonio, Texas 78279-1290
Change Service Requested
were hauled out of the basement using a wood ramp constructed for that purpose.”
He further explained the
firm subcontracted out selective demolition, structural
steel, roofing, drywall, lathing
and plaster, painting, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical.
“The general scope of
work also included the removal of all exterior paint
from the existing brick veneer,” David continued,
“which required the placement of scaffolding from the
street level to the sixth floor.
We also reconstructed the
metal cornice at the fifth floor
level, and removed and rebuilt
the covered walk at the first
floor level. The City of San
Antonio helped coordinate
sidewalk and street closings
as needed. Fortunately, our
company has a lot of experience with working in cramped urban spaces.”
The Vogue Building Redevelopment
project featured some historically sensitive
aspects, in particular, the restoration of the
original 1890’s vintage windows.
“To restore the old windows we had to
strip them of multiple layers of paint, and
to do that we sent them out to a window
restoration specialist who dipped them in a
vat to achieve the best results,” David
added. “He also replaced selected wood
trim and mouldings on those parts that were
in disrepair. When they were returned to
us, our team continued the process with
some fine sanding and fresh paint. After
repairing the openings, they were installed
in their respective openings. We also cut
new openings through the existing masonry
to provide openings for the new wood windows, which closely match the outward
appearance of the old windows, but contain insulated glazing.”
As the renovation continued, M.J.
Boyle’s crew completely gutted two existing and aging elevators and replaced them
with new, state-of-the-art elevators. Additionally, a chilled water mechanical system
was installed in the Vogue Building for economic reasons.
“This system was chosen for long-term
PRSRT. STD.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SAN ANTONIO, TX
PERMIT #4043
Page 2 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– San Antonio Construction News • Nov 2002
Meet Florencio “Flo” Pena III, Director of Development Services
W
ith a political science undergraduate degree from St. Mary’s
University, and a Master’s in urban studies from Trinity University,
Florencio “Flo” Pena III positioned himself early for a career in public service.
Over the last twenty years he has been
Assistant City Manager for both
Brownsville and Laredo, charged with
building inspections, code enforcement and
planning responsibilities. He then served
as Laredo’s City Manager for three years.
In 2001, Flo applied for and was granted
the City of San Antonio position of Assistant Director of Development Services,
with responsibility for plan review.
On Sept. 9th of this year, Flo was
named Director of Development Services.
When San Antonio Construction News
asked the new director to discuss his plans
for the department, he outlined his 10-point
strategy.
Customer Service: “We’re working to ensure the services we provide focus on the
needs of our customers. Under development
is an ongoing process for customers to
evaluate our performance. There will also
be a self-evaluation process, improved complaint-tracking methods, and employee
training and recognition. We will produce
business-friendly brochures, which will
help explain to customers what inspectors
look for on specific projects.”
Targeting areas for re-tooling processes:
“Over the years the department has become
accustomed to functioning in a certain way.
We have to re-evaluate them and develop
new business processes. For building permits, we’re working towards reducing the
turn-around time for initial review. In the
near future, we’ll review and define processes for storm water, drainage, addressing and traffic. We will identify ways to
integrate the new Energy Code review and
inspection processes into our system. I have
a whole plan of action for these and other
categories.”
Procedures and Development of Standard
Operating Procedures: “We publish a Development Process Manual which explains,
for instance, how a permit clerk issues permits, who to call, what the phone numbers
are, etc. We’re integrating that with technological advances to allow, for example,
electronic permitting. That technology will
afford us access to more information and
the ability to integrate Geographic Information Systems with our data systems.”
Physical Arrangement: “This includes relating office spaces with functions. The
One-Stop Counter is an example, but the
biggest one is the new building, which we
will occupy in March 2003.”
Cross-Training Employees: “This is the
heart of the vision that I will be pushing
and implementing. Cross training is the key
to our One-Stop philosophy, and over the
last year we have been training employees
who do building plan review to also learn
about the fire code. It allows a plan to go
through one pair of eyes for both codes, and
streamlines the process. The more complex
projects will still go through fire engineers,
but by categorizing projects into simple and
complex, there is a more efficient use of
time. It’s better customer service, and the
concept will be broadened to more areas.”
Empowering employees to make decisions:
“Employees will be authorized to make
decisions regarding specific categories of
plans.”
Technology: “The City is upgrading our
technology with about $8 million worth of
systems, including hand-held wireless
units, laptops, online permitting, and others.”
Efficiency and Effectiveness: “Everything
revolves around cost, and we’ll be examining the effectiveness of our spending. We’ll
be promoting joint utilization of resources
and performance measures.”
Accountability: “Somebody has to be held
accountable for every decision, and we
want to stop any finger-pointing. Accountability goes hand-in-hand with decisionmaking responsibilities. Learn from your
mistakes and go on. The mayor’s blue ribbon committee had recommended a SWAT
team for high-profile projects. I like to call
it a DRT, Development Recognizance
Team. We find that a lot of projects that
come through our doors lack adequate research and preparation. So we want to be
available to contractors well in advance of
the time they file their projects.”
Marketing: “While in some areas we do a
good job, others may need improvement.
By promoting ourselves, we let customers
and other city departments know what it is
we do, which serves to streamline the process. We conduct Construction and Development Resource Education forums
(CADRE), which are seminars offered to
the development community. With the help
of Texas Engineering and Extension Service, accredited continuing education seminars will be offered. The more engineers,
architects, developers and contractors understand the information we need, the better caliber of plans will come through our
doors. Since rules and codes do change
from time to time, we have to have a way
to communicate that information to those
who need to know. We have already produced two 30-minute TV shows about the
department, and will tape our third in November.”
Flo concluded his discourse by describing the old days, when the Department
of Building Inspections was a public safety
department. “As William Burris, our Fire
Protection Engineer, likes to say, ‘we have
saved more lives by ensuring the safe construction of buildings (in terms of their firerated walls, fire exits, sprinkler systems, and
distance to fire hydrants), than the fire department does by going out and reacting to
a fire.’ If you look at structural fires in this
city,” he continued, “they have substantially
decreased in the last 10 years. That’s due
to better codes, and better enforcement.
Today, we are being viewed as an economic
development department, because our review processes impact the development of
our community, which impacts jobs. When
a project is ready to be funded, owners want
it built as soon as possible, so it can positively impact our economy. We constantly
have to balance those conflicting needs, and
rise to meet the challenge.”
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San Antonio Construction News • Nov 2002 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 3
putz around town
Working Bulverde?
If you need it, you can rent it at
BULVERDE
JC Putz here . . .
Well, miracles never stop happening.
In our September issue I reported a rumor
that Gary Joeris, Joeris General Contractors, spent most of his time at the Black
Hills Rally in Sturgis, SD with Harley
mama “Big Wanda.” Big Wanda, as everyone from the biker set knows, is a world
famous body-piercing expert.
Well, now we are closer to proving
beyond a shadow of a doubt the rumor is
true.
Seems that Scott Knowlton, V. K
Knowlton Co., Randy Wyatt and Craig
Spiser from Aggregate Haulers were also
at Sturgis and they confirmed that, in fact,
Joeris was with Big Wanda most of the time.
Upon confronting Joeris with this new,
3-eyewitness account, he shrugged his
shoulders, scratched his navel and ear lobes
and said, “Those boys shouldn’t cast stones
without hard proof! Besides, I have hard
evidence that they hung-out with ‘Big
Frankie’ the tattoo artist!”
With the speed of lightning, a specially
dispatched courier delivered this photo to
Construction News office.
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As they say, a picture is worth a 1000 words.
What can I say? I think the tattoos look
really nice. And the saga continues.
With that . . . I’m out’a here.
Funding Green Buildings
T
he Brooks Energy and Sustainable
Lab and the Metropolitan Partnership for Energy will present a presentation titled “Funding Green Buildings:
Sources and Strategies”, on Fri., Dec. 6th,
at TEEX, 9350 South Presa, from 10 am to
4 pm.
The $245 per person workshop includes lunch and a copy of the 150-page
course manual, “The Energywi$e Construction Funding Directory for Green Buildings—2002 Edition.” This annotated directory is considered the most comprehensive
resource available on the subject.
This exciting workshop provides a 10-
step “roadmap” for optimizing your
agency’s or your client’s green buildingrelated financing, capital campaigns and
grant writing strategies. The presenter, Jan
McAdams, uses case histories to describe
creative approaches to the financing and
fundraising process. In addition to “funding readiness strategies,” Jan will describe
many of the “Energywi$e 100: The 100
Major Public and Private Sources for Grants
and Donations for Sustainable & PV Commercial Design Applications.”
Ms. McAdams is a UC Davis alumni,
with 22 years experience in the field of
grantwriting and fundraising.
San Antonio Construction News
P.O. Box 791290
San Antonio, Texas 78279
(210) 308-5800 Fax (210) 308-5960
© 2002 San Antonio Construction News
The San Antonio Construction News is published monthly by Construction News LTD. and
distributed by mail to construction-related companies of record in Bexar and 7 surrounding counties. Additional distribution is provided at 91 material supplier locations serving the construction
industry.
All submissions should be mailed to our editorial offices. We reserve the right to edit any mate-
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CONSTRUCTION
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P.O BOX 791324 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78279-1324
Welders Supply Co. nets
four decades of success
Last backyard chili
cookout of the season
sign of endurance
and an ability to
survive the ebbs
and flows of the economic
tide, Welders Supply Company has reached a turning
point. In recognition of its
40th anniversary in business, the owners, management and staff of Welders
hosted a celebration on
Thurs., Oct. 17th.
Vendor booths and displays dominated the yard,
Welders Supply Co.’s Bexar Schenk, Lauren Kempf
located since 1968 near the L-R:
and Lawrence Schenk at the 40th anniversary bash.
intersection of Loop 410
and Bandera Rd. Major suppliers, includ- but possibly not to this magnitude.”
Lawrence credits his small welding
ing Lincoln Electric, HPG, Jackson Safety
Equipment, and Metabo Power Tools, had empire’s longevity to the fact that the busirepresentatives on hand for product dem- ness is locally owned and operated, and to
onstrations and information. The company a lot of good employees who were very insent out invitations to 2,500 customers for strumental in the success of the business.
the 10 am to 8 pm event. Among the invitees The company currently employs 18 personwere steel erectors, metal fabricators, con- nel, who provide delivery services, inside
struction companies, and small shop own- and outside sales, and a human voice when
the telephone is answered.
ers from a 20-county radius.
Son Bexar Schenk is the company’s
Gaining a foothold in the welding business through local employment, president vice president, and daughter Lauren Kempf
Lawrence Schenk opened up his own is the secretary/treasurer. “My wife is the
welder-supply business in 1962. San Anto- executive vice president,” Lawrence continnio Construction News asked Lawrence if, ued, “although she’s not active in the busi40 years ago, he thought Welders Supply ness anymore. We had five children during
Company would still be in business 40 the course of the years, and she had her hands
full. When the kid’s were old enough to go
years later.
“Of course, we were hoping,” he re- to work, they started right here.”
Welders Supply is the last of two remainplied, “although, the odds were against us
due to our lack of capital. My wife, Gail, ing local independent welding companies.
“All of the others have been bought out
and I both worked in the beginning, when
we opened up on S. Presa St., along with by foreigners or corporate conglomerates.
two employees. We started out with a $900 My advice to Bexar and Lauren,” Lawrence
loan from my Hermann Son’s insurance said, “who pretty much run the operations
policy, and a little knowledge of some of today, is to not overextend, grow slowly, and
the suppliers. They worked with us, and try to live within your means. You have to
gave us credit. We hoped we would survive, be sure to spend less than what you make.”
nstead of gathering under the big oak tree on
Fri., Oct. 18th, at American Tile Supply, guests of
their monthly backyard chili
cookout sought shelter in the
warehouse to escape the
drizzle ushered in by an autumn cold front.
“The Feb. - Oct. tradition is an opportunity for our
company to observe a customer appreciation event
under casual and relaxed surroundings,” said commercial
sales representative Bert
Delgado. “We also bring in
L-R: Bert Delgado, Alex Garcia, district manager
a featured vendor to further
Jessica Peppler, and Mike Simpson enjoy
acquaint our customers with
last chili luncheon of the season.
their products.”
American Tile Supply’s customers in- representative Mike Simpson, AQUA MIX.
clude architects, designers, builders, con- “Our company is the inventor of the watertractors and subcontractors. The company based sealers that we promote to the tile
carries commercial and residential tile and stone business. I’m particularly proud
products, including natural stone, porcelain, of our invisible and penetrating sealer,
and ceramic. “Of course, we also carry the Sealer’s Choice 15 Gold, the number one
products and accessories needed to set the product in our industry.”
tiles,” Bert added. “The common goal
Overall, American Tile Supply served
among our staff of twelve is to help the world famous chili to about 75 hungry
customer.”
guests, courtesy of chefs du jour Jessica
On this rainy day, San Antonio Con- Peppler, Gayle Roth and Sheri Karam.
struction News spoke with regional sales
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Half-century man puts
kids first on his big day
F
riends, family members and close business
associates
helped Ken Chandley,
Chandley Fence, Inc., usher
in his 50th birthday on Sat.,
Sept. 28th, at Tommy
Wilson’s Bar-B-Que Wetmore Store.
Rather than thinking
entirely of himself on this
auspicious occasion, Ken
and his wife Karen asked
their 40+ birthday party
guests to bring unwrapped
gifts for the Construct a
“His mouth is always open!” says Karen Chandley,
Kid’s Christmas toy drive,
on the occasion of Ken’s 50th.
which benefits the foster
children of our community.
“It was my wife’s idea, and I fully sup- small company,” he said, “but I saw a lot
ported it,” Ken recalled. “After all, what of potential in this niche. Karen and I work
more does a fifty-year-old man need that together, when I’m not fishing!”
he doesn’t already have? We love kids, and
Ken and Karen chose to have his party
we think the construction industry’s toy at Tommy Wilson’s for old times sake. It’s
drive is the greatest idea to come along in a where they had their first date and, later,
while. My out-of-town relatives, who their wedding reception. “Tommy Wilson
couldn’t make it to the party, have prom- did a real good job for us, and, I look forised to send more toys and donations as ward to the next 50 years!”
Christmas draws a little closer.”
Thanks, Ken and Karen, for your genKen has had a lengthy career in the erous spirit and for keeping the “kids” at
local construction industry and started his the top of your list!
fence company six years ago. “We’re a
Contemporary Painting
Contractors enters SA market
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SAN ANTONIO
M
arriage brought an
entrepreneurialspirited young
man to San Antonio four
years ago, but his business
activity began in Houston
when he was only 16.
The grandson of a successful industrial painting
contractor, and son of a businessman, Dan Hendrick
was still in high school when
he launched a lawn and landscaping venture. He also
worked part-time for his
grandfather, learning the
painting trade under the tutelage of a master. His mentors taught him business
management disciplines at
an early age, and imparted a strong work
ethic as he continued his enterprises.
Dan netted enough profit from his 90account commercial and residential landscaping business to pay his way through
college. He attended Brazosport Community College, where he received an Associates Degree in engineering, graphics and
design.
When Dan fell in love with a San Antonio lady, Houston was history. He sold
his equipment before he and his bride, Ruth,
settled here and initiated a new business
plan; buy equipment, subcontract for an established local painting contractor, establish relationships with suppliers, identify a
reputable workforce, and launch a paint
contracting business. Fortune smiled on
Dan as his plan unfolded.
“I had been working under the name
Hendrick Painting, and about two years
ago I changed the name to Contemporary
Painting Contractors. My focus is highend residential and commercial work,” Dan
explained. “About one year ago, I met Dennis Harwell, a painting contractor who was
thinking about selling his business. After
researching the possibilities, I decided to
buy it. That decision gave me a connection
into the commercial market when I assumed
his customer base, his equipment and his
central location.”
The deal was finalized on Oct. 1st, and
Dan, experienced in commercial and residential painting, plans to establish two divisions to address both markets. His residential painters are uniformed, clean-cut,
and professional. He will also utilize the
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Departure from norm nets client cost-savings
G
rowing pains and the need for additional administrative office space
motivated the decision-makers at
Texas MedClinic to search for a new location. During the process, they ran into a
small dilemma with an uncommon solution.
“We found the perfect location near
Hwy. 281 and Bitters, and an existing building, the former Discovery Zone,” said
ing this unusual remodel method, rather
than opting for a complete demolition and
re-build, was the right choice economically.
“We have been able to salvage major
components of the original structure, including the roof, air handling units, steel
columns, some of the electrical, the fire
riser, most of the existing footings and most
of the first floor slab.”
According to general
contractor Bill Huber,
Huber Contracting, Ltd.,
the most significant challenge during the early stages
of this remodel was the
painstaking preparation preceding the lift.
“Lifting the structure 8feet 3-inches, to accommodate room for another floor
level, requires very careful
and smart design and engineering. We placed our faith
in Scott Tak, Alpha Engineering, and in DurandHuber Contracting &Texstar Construction raise the roof & Hollis, Rupe Architects,
more on the future Texas MedClinic administrative offices. Inc. We also brought in
Texstar Construction, a subcontractor with broad expeKaren Walker, director of marketing. rience in this type of process. It’s an un“However, the one-story property didn’t usual project and the people involved are
have enough square footage to meet our excited because it isn’t done everyday.”
needs. We had to find the most cost-effecBeginning with a total demolition of
tive method to double the space.”
the interior and exterior walls, it was also
After careful research and number necessary to increase the size of the footcrunching, a decision was reached. They ings under the building, then place a series
would elevate the existing building to ac- of steel cross beams to function as a lifting
commodate room for a new second floor frame, helping support the structure and
level. Sounds simple, but it’s no easy un- holding the columns in place.
dertaking.
San Antonio Construction News spoke
Texas MedClinic’s property manage- with Huber’s project manager, John Hill,
ment director, Carol Jo Reed, said choos- who said the next steps were to place the
hydraulic jacks, cut the
building loose from the slab,
raise the building and finalize the details.
“It’s quite an operation!
After five weeks of preparation, the process only takes
about three hours,” John
noted. “When the lift is complete, steel column extensions will be welded onto the
existing columns. In essence, we lift the 250,000lb. steel frame and roof and
make longer columns to creLifted in 1/2-inch increments, the structure is
ate space for another floor.
barely off the ground.
That’s what makes it interesting!”
On Tues., Oct. 8th, the actual lift took and we’re able to bring it back to level.
place, under the careful supervision and During the lift, we’re focused on the grade
scrutiny of Ralph Geckler, Texstar mark on the columns as we pull up, and
Construction’s president and founder of the watching to make sure the jacks are all run50-year-old company. As luck would have ning properly. We have lifted about 60 milit, a sudden microburst drenched the jobsite, lion sq ft over the years, and we anticipate
but the lift continued in spite of the down- a successful lift overall. This process is a
pour.
San Antonio invention, developed by Tom
“We’re using 18 hydraulic jacks to Slick, Southwest Research Center.”Ralph
raise the structure, in 1/2-inch increments. also said the jacking equipment is safe and
There’s no control within the 1/2-inch, but efficient and is individually controlled from
if anything goes out, it stops immediately central consoles for a uniformly-level lift.
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Corner stone anchors long-awaited fire station in City of Live Oak
H
undreds of citizens and dignitaries attended the af
ternoon dedication service of the City of Live Oak’s
Fire Department and EMS facility, on Sat., Oct.
12th. Five local restaurants catered the event.
Funded by the Economic Development Corporation
sales tax revenue, the 29,000 sf ft facility was constructed
by EBCO Commercial General Contractors.
City manager Joe Painter presided over the dedication ceremony, which included posting of the colors by
Randolph Air Force Base’ Color Guard detail; an invocation by Rev. Mike Cave, Universal City United Methodist
Church; a solemn corner stone laying ceremony by 15
members of the Randolph Masonic Lodge 1268; an inspirational address by State Senator Judith Zaffirini; a word
of congratulations from Randolph Air Force Base 12th
Flying Wing Commander, Col. Mark Graper; and commentary by City of Live Oak Mayor Henry Edwards.
In his 30 years of city management, Joe has been involved in the construction of eight public buildings. As he
presented plaques of appreciation to the design and construction team, he complimented their efforts.
“I’ve worked with a lot of different contractors, and I
would like to acknowledge EBCO’s project superintendent,
Scott Carlile, and his mentor/father, project manager Larry
Carlile, for a job well done. Scott, at all times, made sure
that this fast-track project had work ongoing, no matter the
weather conditions. In the last 60 days of construction, we
had 20 rain days. He led by example, made things happen,
and was on the site everyday, all day. Larry, at one of the
first meetings with the subcontractors, laid down the guidelines: that this is a public building which will be watched by
many ‘eyes’, it will be a ‘clean’ construction site for safety’s
sake, and no inappropriate clothing would be worn by workers. They made it happen in spite of Mother Nature.”
L-R: Project management team Larry Carlile, Bob Hill,
Scott Carlile and Susan Sandoval; city manager Joe
Painter; and architect Jerry Mendenhall.
Architect Jerry Mendenhall’s design includes energy-efficient mechanical systems, a water collection process for the irrigation system, and the incorporation of many
construction materials made using recycled products. “During the design phase, Jerry welcomed input from the
firefighters who will be living here, which resulted in a
floor plan that best suits their needs,” Joe added. “The station was designed and built with the future in mind.”
The exterior of the facility incorporates conventional
stucco with an EIFS finish, native limestone, and splitface block. “Seven oversize bays house the fire and emergency vehicles,” Larry explained. “The facility also features 12 sleep rooms, conference/class room; an EMS training room; a day room; an exercise room; library/study;
hose tower; and administration offices. The central dispatch is a three city regional center equipped to handle all
911 fire and police communications. The emergency supply storage area is rated for 150 mph wind, so in case there
is a storm event, it won’t be compromised.”
As proof of the City of Live Oak’s connection to the
local community, the four flags flying high on the afternoon of the dedication held special significance. On the
day of the fire department’s Feb. 2nd groundbreaking ceremony, the U.S. Flag was flown over the Capital Building
in Washington D.C.; the Texas State Flag was flown over
the Capital Building in Austin; the Firefighter’s Flag was
flown over Live Oak City Hall; and the POW/MIA Flag
was flown over Randolph AFB. Those four flags will be
retired and displayed in the lobby of the new fire station.
Professionals on the project included: Delgado
Durrant of Texas, architect; Durrant/Denver, MEP engineer; Mike Capl Engineer, structural; G.E. Reaves Engineering, civil; and Geotechnical Consultants, testing.
Primary local subcontractors on the project included:
Tres Resources, Inc.; Walkers Landscape Management;
Leeder Masonry, Inc.; Debsteel, Inc. (SS erection); Superior Roofing and Construction; Shelly Delgado Construction, Inc. (waterproofing); RD&S School Equipment
Co. (millwork); Overhead Door Tri-County Commercial;
Opening Specialties and Supply, Inc.; Thad Ziegler Glass;
Carpet Management; General Supply; L.E. Travis &
Sons, Inc.; Zamora Plastering; Burditt Tile & Stone, Inc.;
Baker Drywall Co., Inc.; Intertech Flooring; Ed Flume
Building Specialties; DEA Specialties Co., Ltd.; T.H. Wilis
Co., Inc.; Lone Star State Mechanical, Inc.; and Design
Electric.
Roberts appointed to GKDA board
L
arry Roberts, District Vice President and General Manager for
Martin Marietta Materials San
Antonio District, has been appointed to
the Greater Kelly Development Authority (GKDA) Board of Directors. Roberts was selected by City Councilman
David Carpenter to join the Board and
assist with setting policy for the redevelopment of the former Kelly Air Force
Base into an international business park.
As a Certified Public Accountant, Roberts will also bring a financial level of
expertise to the GKDA.
“Few places nationwide hold the
economic development opportunity
which Kelly does,” said Roberts. “The
2,000 acre facility, along with its millions
of square feet of warehousing space, 2-mile
runway and rail capabilities, present great
potential for economic development and I
am pleased to be a part of such an effort.”
Roberts will participate in the elevenmember board while continuing his work
at Martin Marietta Materials where he is
responsible for sales, production, strategic
planning and business development for the
company’s San Antonio district. Roberts
has also served as Vice President of Distribution, International Strategic Team Leader
and Controller during his 21 years with the
company. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from St. Mary’s University.
“We are pleased with Larry’s appoint-
ment and look forward to have him be
part of our Board,” said Chave Gonzaba,
Chairman of the GKDA Board and Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer of
Gonzaba Management Group. “His
knowledge of the rail industry and overall business experience will be great assets as we continue to create economic
opportunities for San Antonio at
KellyUSA.”
The GKDA was created in 1996 to
facilitate Kelly’s transformation from a
working military institution to a 2,000
acre master-planned business facility.
The base’s evolution into an international
business park began in 2002 when Kelly
Air Force Base was officially closed.
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Mike Harwood, P.E.
Earl McIntosh, Dir. of Business Development
Grid contest puts installers in limelight
L
ocal distributors of Armstrong® group was the main source of his pre-comacoustical ceiling and grid products, petition nervousness.
Hart Company and Hill Country
“My grid competition partner is Gilbert
Materials, hosted the 2002 Armstrong Pereida III, and I think our chances of winPeakForm Grid Games on Wed., Sept. 25th, ning the competition are pretty good,” he said
in the air conditioned comfort of the Aggie optimistically, “but there are some strong
Park clubhouse. Armstrong® is the world’s competitors out here today. The grid work
largest grid and ceiling tile manufacturer.
isn’t that complicated, but we’re on the clock
About fifteen two-man teams, repre- and each second counts. The critical part is
senting local interior finish companies, in- working with efficiency, not wasting any
cluding Metropolitan Contracting, GD moves, and watching what everybody else
Interiors, Marek Brothers, American In- does to get a read off of their actions. It’s an
teriors, Alamo Interiors, and Rodriguez advantage if we’re not called first.”
and Son, competed for top honors, cash
After a brief demonstration by
prizes and door prizes. The winners of the Armstrong® experts on the correct way to
local competition advance to
the regional level and potentially to the national competition in Las Vegas, NV.
Preceding the competition, about 65 attendees fortified their strength and reduced their nervous tension
by enjoying catered TexMex victuals and cold beverages presented by Black
Tie Affair.
San Antonio Construction News spoke with David
Morin, a 38-year-old acoustical ceiling installer who
has worked for American
Interiors for half his life. The
Marek Brothers Rick Lopez and Jose Garcia
native San Antonian said
snagged third place finish.
being observed by his peer
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execute the installation, the
competition, complete with
two referees wearing black
and white striped shirts, began.
At 6 pm, the first randomly-selected team approached the custom-built
mock-up frame, which supported the grid. Each team
was required to complete the
same skills as the clock
ticked. The top four teams
from the first round advanced to round two.
At the Marek Brothers
Gilbert Pereida III (L) and David Morin display their
camp, which had eight teams
winning grid installation technique at the 2002
competing, 14-yr. veteran
Armstrong PeakForm Grid Games.
Pete Stuart said the critical
component is paying attention, thinking ecuted economy of motion. We’re very
ahead, and overcoming the nervousness that proud to have won the competition and we
comes with an audience of your peers. “You look forward to competing in the Regional,
really want to do your best, shine in front at Ft. Worth’s Billy Bob’s, on Dec. 12th.”
of the other installers. It’s important to get
Other results: 2nd place: Elisa Mendez
those butterflies out of your system at the and Jeronimo Garcia, Marek Brothers,
beginning.”
1:36.2; 3rd place: Rick Lopez and Jose
The Champions of the Night were Garcia, Marek Brothers, 1:39.1; and 4th
American Interior’s hopefuls David Morin place: Davey Jones, Metropolitan Conand Gilbert Pereida III, with a winning time tracting, and Dennis Sutherland, GD Inof 1:33.9 (1 minute, 33 and 9/10 seconds). teriors, 1:56.
Asked to reveal their winning strategy,
The only casualty of the evening was
David said he and Gilbert did assemble the when Bob Lynch, Walls Across Texas,
grid using slightly more efficient tactics sliced his finger during the timed metalthan his brotherhood of fellow competitors. cutting contest. Needless to say, a good
“We stayed with our game plan and ex- wrap of duct tape quelled his bleeding.
CPS recommends heating
equipment inspection
W
ith cooler weather on the way,
City Public Service (CPS) recommends that customers get
their natural gas heating systems checked
by a licensed and properly-insured heating
technician to ensure maximum efficiency.
“Customers can get the most out of
using their gas heating system by investing
in a fall inspection,” said Donald Wehe,
CPS’ superintendent of gas operations. “An
inspection will cut operating costs during
the winter as well as ensure comfort even
on the coldest winter day.”
CPS also recommends that customers
change filters in central heating units at
least once a month. In addition, vents from
wall and floor furnaces, wall heaters and
central heating units should be kept unobstructed and free from dust. Black soot on
the roof jack is a sign of improperly-functioning heating equipment.
Additionally, American Gas Association-approved carbon monoxide (CO) detectors should be placed at least seven feet
away from the heating unit and preferably
in the master bedroom at eye level and on
each additional floor of the home. “While
fewer than 30 cases of CO poisoning related to gas heating systems were reported
last year in San Antonio, simple precautions
can safeguard your family,” stated Victor
Robledo, CPS public safety awareness supervisor.
CO is a by-product of the incomplete
combustion of fuel. It combines with the
blood 200 times faster than oxygen causing flu-like symptoms such as severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, ringing in the ears,
abdominal pains, yawning and difficulty in
breathing, Robledo explained. Prolonged
exposure can result in unconsciousness,
brain damage and ultimately death.
The risk of CO poisoning increases
during winter months as people use fuelburning appliances to stay warm and prestart their cars in the morning, according
to the National Safety Council (NSC).
Deaths from unintentional CO poisoning
are on the decline. Robledo urged custom-
ers to be aware of other potential sources
of CO. The largest single cause of unintentional deaths due to CO is motor vehicle
exhaust, which accounts for one-third of the
cases, according to NSC. One-fourth of the
cases involve heating or cooking equipment
including gas, propane-, or kerosene-fueled
space heaters, gas furnaces, charcoal grills,
gas-fueled ranges and wood-burning stoves
and fireplaces.
Improperly-installed furnace filter
doors can be a hazard, Robledo cautioned.
“When customers change their filters, they
should make sure the filter door is sealed
shut to prevent fumes from escaping into
the home,” he said.
For space heaters, a nearby window should
be opened one inch for proper combustion
to occur. The flame in gas heaters should
always burn blue. A yellow flame indicates
improper combustion and the presence of
carbon monoxide.
A qualified technician should evaluate
chimneys and chimney connectors. Repairs
should be made before using a chimney or
fireplace. When a fireplace is in use,
homeowners should open the flue for adequate ventilation. CPS also reminds customers never to use barbecue grills in the
home or garage because the lack of ventilation will result in CO.
“If customers need to warm up a vehicle, they should remove it from the garage immediately after starting it,” Robledo
said. “A vehicle, generator, or other fueled
engine or motor should not be operated indoors, even if garage doors are open. Normal circulation does not provide enough
fresh air to reliably prevent dangerous
fumes from accumulating inside. Those
who suspect CO poisoning need to get outdoors right away and seek immediate medical attention.
For more information about winter
safety tips and the dangers of CO, contact
the CPS Public Safety Awareness Section
at 210-353-2970. For additional information on CO, visit the National Fire Protection Association web site at nfpa.org.
Construction Terminology
Completion Date - The point at which liquidated damages begin.
Liquidated Damages - A penalty for failing to achieve the impossible.
Tall Texan competes in
wire-off competition
ECS’ Titus shares technical
response to Pentagon disaster
T
he National Association of Women
in Construction (NAWIC) hosted
an open meeting on Wed., Oct. 2nd,
to hear a very compelling guest speaker,
Mr. Leo J. Titus, Jr., P.E. Members of Associated Builders and Contractors, American Subcontractors Association and Associated General Contractors were invited
to attend the open meeting, which included
cocktails, dinner, and an overview of Mr.
Titus’ extraordinary experiences in the aftermath of the attack on our nation’s capital last year.
The Virginia-based Mr.
Titus, principal engineer and
manager of Engineering
Consulting Services, Ltd.
(ECS), is a volunteer member of the Urban Search and
Rescue team known as Virginia Task Force 1 (VTF-1),
a part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA). His team was one
of the four teams deployed
to the Pentagon within hours
of the September 11th terrorist attack.
Titus’ program included a power point presentation depicting the
structural damage to the Pentagon and the
intense efforts by hundreds of professionals to advance the recovery and evidence
gathering operation.
“I had just completed my structural
specialist training when the Sept. 11th attack occurred,” the uniformed engineer admitted, “so I was considered a rookie. Engineers typically learn how to construct
buildings, but this training taught me how
to deal with buildings that had fallen down,
which is a whole new world. Our team of
62 search, rescue, technical and medical
specialists was notified at 10:45 am on the
11th that we were going to be activated. We
were on the scene at 1 pm.”
During that week, the rescue teams
dealt with reconnaissance, stabilization of
the building, recovering evidence and remains, monitoring and demolition.
As Titus explained, the fuel-laden
Boeing 757 aircraft came in at an angle on
the recently-renovated west side of the five
tiered Pentagon. The aircraft struck the first
floor in the outer ring and penetrated
through five rings to the interior service alley. The area immediately around the point
of impact did not fully collapse for about
30 minutes, which enabled many survivors
of the explosive impact to escape.
“The first task at hand was reconnaissance, to evaluate the situation and locate
possible survivors,” Titus continued. “We
looked for hazards and examined structural
elements. We found varying degrees of
damage amidst the fire, smoke, heat and
debris. The contrast of damage between the
renovated and the non-renovated portions
of the impact area were very noticeable.”
Fortunately, the engineers had immediate access to a set of plans, which showed
where the support columns were located.
They also had an ample supply of materi-
T
he folks in Tampa, FL
didn’t quite know
how to handle one
long-legged Texan who
competed recently at the Independent Electrical Contractors National Convention’s Wire-Off Competition.
Justin
Bohmann,
Calhoun Electric, is a 4thyear apprentice graduate of
San Antonio’s IEC electrical
apprenticeship program.
“I would really like to
Justin Bohmann represented IEC and Calhoun Electric
thank Calhoun Electric for
at national wire-off competition.
their support of this event,”
said IEC’s executive director Mike Benke. ing national recognition. It also offers chap“Events like this really work to raise the ters an opportunity to demonstrate the quallevel of awareness for apprenticeship. The ity of their apprenticeship programs, in adIEC National Wire-Off Competition draws dition to fostering some friendly competia serious crowd of spectators every year, tion.
and this year proved no exception. We’re
This year, 23 contestants completed
very proud of Justin, who never took off 10-minute oral interviews, 75-question
his cowboy hat.”
written exams, and practical tests of their
While he didn’t place in the top three abilities, which involved reading customer
spots, the Wire-Off provided an excellent design requirements, installing materials on
forum for Justin and other talented appren- a backboard and, of course, making sure
tices to showcase their skills while attain- the final product worked.Ω
Leo J. Titus, Jr., P.E., ECS
als and heavy equipment to use in shoring
up the structure.
“We mapped out where columns were
missing, damaged or stripped. The most
dangerous area was the front corner adjacent to the collapse, which we stabilized
first. Men and women from the U.S. Army
manually cleared a path for us so we could
begin shoring from the interior, working
our way towards the exterior. At all times,
the safety officers and structural specialists like myself monitored the mountainous areas of debris with binoculars and
transits to detect and forewarn of any shifting debris or movement of the loose limestone panels, which we called widow-makers. To get the crib shores to support the
loads, we had to climb up and drive wedges
between the cribs and the load repeatedly
to keep them tight. To add lateral support,
we used raker shores. It was a very dangerous undertaking.”
Titus’ powerful photographic record of
the damaged Pentagon, the seat of U.S. military power, drew comments and questions
from the construction-related audience.
Without question, they each departed with
a greater understanding of the will, wisdom
and might of the brave men and women who
were among the first-responders.
Ridgway’s played key
role in SBC Center
W
hen the SBC Center project got
underway, the small, womanowned reprographics company,
selected to provide document reproduction,
knew it would be a large job. When the
Hunt Construction Group and SpawGlass
Contractors, Inc. team requested document
storage and distribution to be included in
the services, the scope changed. Ridgway’s
was called in to assist A & R Reprographics in handling the massive amount of prints
and specifications that were required on
SBC.
Large reprographic projects are standard fare for Ridgway’s. The fast-track,
design- build process used for the SBC
Center Arena required long hours and grueling schedules to accommodate the document distribution needs. Long after bid
packages were issued, quick turnaround to
as many as 95 recipients was required for
the many RFI’s, ASI’s and CCD’s.
It was necessary for Ridgway’s to increase staff by seven percent and much of
the reproduction was done in the evening.
Capacity was increased by 20 percent to
handle the workload by adding an oversize
document digital output system and a large
server to store the massive amount of data.
“With over 1000 drawings (size 36 x 48
ins.), and thousands of specification sheets,
managing the documents was challenging,”
said Paula Smart. “Thanks to our new digital vault, simply locating a particular document became less of an undertaking.”
Close communications between
SpawGlass’ project manager Jose Lopez,
and Ridgway’s production manager Richard Rodriquez, was required throughout
the project. “They worked as a team to
schedule the paper flow between the contractors and consultants,” Paula added. “By
drawing on over 200 years of combined
experience in reprographics, the Ridgway’s
staff was able to meet the needs of the
project.”
Ridgway’s reputation for dependable
service and attention to detail has earned
its title as a leader in “Image Communications” and the entire staff is proud to have
played a small part in seeing the SBC Center Arena become a reality.Ω
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Words of wisdom on proper documentation
I
n a recent address to the National Association of Women in Construction,
George J. Muyres, CSI, CDT, vice
president of GJM Consulting, Inc., spoke
of the importance of proper documentation
as it relates to the construction industry.
George, who has spent most of his career
in the glass and glazing industry, is considered an expert in his field.
Beginning with a definition of terms,
he said documentation is the act of furnishing or authenticating with documents.
Documents are largely defined as proof or
evidence- an official or original paper, photograph or recording relied on as the basis
or support of something.
“Documents and documentations are
really proof of ‘what did you do, or why
didn’t you do it’.” He added that minimizing or neglecting documentation of issues
in all phases of a construction project could
cause increased risk and result in potentiallysignificant financial losses.
“I deal primarily with windows and
window wall systems, to determine how
they allow air infiltration or water leakage,”
George noted. “Not long ago, I became
aware of a three-year-old building in which
water leakage occurred around the windows. In the investigation, I found out that
there was a flashing member shown on the
original drawing that had not been installed.
I asked questions. A young
lady was the assistant to the
construction superintendent,
and her responsibility was to
keep records. She showed
me a document stating the
flashing material was deleted during a phase of modifications, at the suggestion
of, and with the signed approval of, the architect. That
relieved the contractor of
any responsibility, and that’s
a good example of why
documentation is important.”
George J. Muyres emphasized that documentation
In reality, documentacould save your assets.
tion provides a record of
day-to-day operations, continuity through the vertical flow of infor- can effectively take action or respond,”
mation, and a written history if a dispute George added. “Don’t be vague, be specific
should arise.
and explicit. Among the benefits of docuDocumentation is a method of commu- mentation is improvement in productivity
nicating with the people involved in a and reduction in errors. If you have a record,
project. It can serve as a directive, which you avoid the problem of losing something
requires a certain action be taken; a request, or not informing the right people of what
for product information or delivery sched- is happening.”
ules for example; and to inform, advise, or
In conclusion, George reminded his
inquire.
audience that comprehensive record keep“Whether you are directing, requesting demonstrates professionalism and thoring, informing, or inquiring, it is important oughness.
to make information clear so the recipient
Expansion complete for door
& hardware specialists
S
ORION
CONSTRUCTION
SERVICES, INC.
Your Commercial
Tenant Finish
Professionals
Proven to be one of the
highest quality performers
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Over two million square
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completed in excess of
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Managing new generation
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from 10,000 to 128,000
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Expert in high tech, high
density design
Innovators in adaptive
rehabilitation of unique
properties
Clients include:
USAA, Diamond Shamrock
Xerox, Symantec, IBM
and Ilex Oncology
“We have found Orion’s integrity,
creativity and professionalism
to be unquestionable.”
moke from the hamburger grill beckoned
over 160 hungry
guests arriving on Wed., Oct.
9th for the Opening Specialties & Supply, Inc. Open
House. The door and hardware company recently
completed the expansion
and reconfiguration of its office, warehouse and production space, which now occupies a total of 25,000-sf. An
achievement of that nature
always calls for a celebration.
“We invited people we
Front row L-R: Bill Callahan; Bill Lewis; Tom Perez; &
do business with including
Stephen Riddell. Back row L-R: Jack Glenn; Jerry
general contractors, tenantTyson; Carl Scheib; and Sabas Longoria.
finish contractors, subcontractors, and remodeling contractors,” said senior vice president of op- customers, Adrian Alsaldo, APA Construcerations and general manager Mike tion, for doing a fine job on this project.”
Covington, CPA. “Our expanded and coOpening Specialties & Supply, Inc.,
hesive operation includes wood door produc- one of five Texas branches, is a subsidiary
tion, hollow metal door production, ware- of Pleasants Hardware, the largest distribuhousing facilities, sales and administrative tor of doors, frames and hardware in the
offices. We’re grateful to one of our good U.S. The local distribution company has
been operating in San Antonio for over 11
years. Paul Mathis, Vice President of Sales,
established the branch, which serves Austin, San Antonio and Central/South Texas,
in 1991.
“We’re developing a stronger over-thecounter business,” Paul emphasized, “and
in addition to feeding our guests, we’re utilizing this event to demonstrate to contractors our additional inventories and expanded capabilities. We’re excited about
being able to serve the needs of the local
contractor with improved over-the-counter
efficiency.”
The company’s 29 personnel also welcomed numerous vendors who displayed
products and literature. Hawking their
wares and answering questions were representatives from Essex Group, Ingersoll
Rand, Hager Hinge, Mohawk Doors,
Timely Frames, Dean Steel, and DORMA.
“Our motto is Service Without Compromise, a core value which we preach over
and over,” Mike added. “We want customers to know when they come in the door,
they’re going to get ‘A#1’ service, a follow
up call, and if they have a problem we’ll
take care of them.”
San Antonio Construction News would like
to thank those advertisers who participated
in our SBC Center Feature Publication.
ACS Dataline LP; Aggregate Haulers; Associated Builders and Contractors-South Texas Chapter;
Associated General Contractors-San Antonio Chapter; Baker Drywall;
CFS Forming Structures Co., Inc.; Chandley Fence, Inc.; County of Bexar;
Holes of San Antonio, Inc.; Hunt Construction Group, Mechanical Reps/Greenheck;
Nathan Alterman Electric Co., Ltd.; Project Control; Ridgeway’s;
San Antonio Livestock Exposition; San Antonio Spurs Organization;
Shadrock & Williams Masonry, Ltd.; SpawGlass Contractors; Todd-Ford Mechanical Contactors
Charles Cheever
Chairman, Broadway National Bank
A copy of the group Panoramic Photo taken at the Construction Open House Event on Sunday
October 20th can be purchased by sending a $20.00 check or money order to:
(210) 525-9079
Goldbeck Company 4407 Center Gate, San Antonio, Texas 78217
www.orionpartnersinc.com
Coming November 2002 Issue
Exterior Finish Construction
Ancient & modern exterior finish systems are alive & well in SA
Editor’s note: San Antonio Construction
News spoke with several exterior finish
contractors to discuss the nature of their
work, how technology has advanced their
operations, and how “mold” awareness has
altered their installation processes.
F
ounded in Oct. 1964, Arahed Lathing Corporation is a commercial
subcontractor doing business in San
Antonio, Bexar County, and throughout
South Texas. Operating from one location,
the company has 80 employees.
President and owner Patrick Burns
describes his company as a metal lath and
plaster business. “The scope of our work
includes interior and exterior applications
of stucco, plastering, decorative plastering,
EIFS, veneer plasters, Venetian stucco and
stone work. We have developed a stone
product, which we call Arastone, which
looks just like real stone, and can be used
for mouldings, fireplace mantels, carvings,
rockwork, and in other applications. We still
have some older plasterers who work for
us who know how to do the fancy work.”
The diversified specialty subcontractor targets private, public, government and
military work through general contractors
with an emphasis on new construction and
restorations.
When precast tiltwall panel construction became popular, it had an effect on the
market share of work for the exterior finish
contractor. Construction News asked
Patrick to describe the effect it had on his
company.
“As far as durability and strength,
tiltwall is hard to beat, although it, too, has
its flaws. Unless the architect specifies a
decorative application on the exterior of a
tiltwall structure, the project doesn’t usually require our services. However, we have
installed EIFS systems over concrete
walls.”
Arahed started doing EIFS applications about 20 years ago, as a qualified, registered applicator. Asked how the highlypublicized “mold” problems have influenced the way his company does business,
Patrick suggested mold problems are the
result of lawsuit abuse.
“Our industry has been attacked by
other industries because, in my opinion, we
hurt their market and they
wanted to hurt us back. A properly installed EIFS system is
waterproof, and there were
conditions in the past where
water has been trapped behind
the walls. There were claims
that as an industry, we should
have allowed for water to escape, and maybe we’re guilty
of that, but you have to ask,
how did the water get there in the first
place? We did not put up an inferior product, rather faulty window caulking, improper flashing, and roof leaks introduced
water, which gets behind the EIFS system
and causes the problem. And that can happen with any product. There are plenty of
mold problems that have nothing to do with
EIFS applications.”
The EIFS industry did go one step further by developing a drainage system. “We
completely waterproof the exterior sheathing, then attach foam, with drain holes in it
for water to escape. At the bottom of the
wall, we have a drain track with holes. Any
moisture that gets behind the system now
has a way of getting out. The plastering
industry helped the EIFS manufacturers
develop this system.”
When Arahed embraced technology,
business operations improved. “If you had
asked me about computers ten years ago, I’d
have said no way! Now, it’s all we have here.
We have a program that tracks materials, job
activities, invoicing, labor payroll, and so
much more. I can ask my daughter, Laurie,
about a specific job, and with the click of a
few keys, she can provide a full report. We
also access the virtual plan rooms through
the Builder’s Exchange and other construction associations. We were one of
the first contractors in town to buy
a fax machine, and it was very
helpful on bid days. We also have
12 cell phones for our superintendents and job foremen, and I don’t
know how we ever got by without
them in the past. There is no doubt
that technology has enabled us to
do more work at any given time,
because it saves so much time.”
When asked about the greatest challenge facing his company today, Patrick
didn’t hesitate. “Cultivating a new workforce
of dependable, diligent men and women is
a challenge. The youth who are leaving high
school today are looking for air-conditioned
jobs. I don’t know what the answer is, except to continue to pay fair wages and provide benefits. There is no doubt that when
we encounter a person who has lived in
adverse conditions in another country, they
want to and will work. But, overall,
throughout the construction industry, it’s
getting harder to encourage people to produce.”
I
n business for 45 years, T. Luna Construction Co., Inc., a commercial and
residential masonry and stucco contractor, performs the bulk of its business in San
Antonio, Bexar County and throughout
South Texas. Operating from one local location, the company currently employs 45
personnel. Founder and president Tim
Luna, Sr. said the scope of his company’s
work includes brick, block, stone, stucco
and EIFS applications.
asked the experienced masonry contractor
if tiltwall construction trends have affected
his share of business, he said not really.
“Masonry is one of the oldest trades in the
world, and it will always be here. In the
grand picture, tiltwall represents a smaller
portion of construction compared to the
number of projects that would have stone,
brick or block exterior.”
Tim bids work that is strictly masonry,
or a combination of masonry and stucco/
EIFS. “We usually don’t go after jobs that
are 100 percent EIFS,” he explained. “We
have learned to be very careful with EIFS
applications; making sure that the base we
apply it to has been sufficiently waterproofed. The finished product on the EIFS
skin is 1/8- inch, and anything behind it has
to be water proofed. By paying attention to
that, we eliminate potential problems.”
Technology arrived on Tim’s doorstep
in a significant way about 10 years ago.
“Before that time,” he admitted, “we did
everything according to the old customs. I
come from a family of masonry contractors, and when I was going through school,
my brothers made sure I was learning the
Suppliers target architecture community for best results
San Antonio Construction News spoke with
three local exterior finish suppliers to discuss their products, marketing strategies,
challenges and business projections for
2003. While acknowledging the overall
economic slowdown, they remain optimistic about the future of construction in this
region.
W
ith a wholesale facility that is
part of the downtown San Antonio skyline, Teifs is a major
player in the exterior finish system industry. Chief operating officer Joe
McClaran, along with 30 investors, founded the company
in 1994 and employs 30 full
time personnel.
Targeting the commercial
new construction and remodel
sector, Teifs markets its products to subcontractors locally,
and through a network of commercial supply houses and distributors in 18 southern and western states.
“We sell exterior wall systems, stucco,
plaster, EIFS, paints, elastomeric coatings,
and accessories,” Joe explained.
The standard EIFS barrier system,
which has been around since WWII, is declining in popularity, due in part, to the
negative advertising the industry has absorbed. Those issues, centered on east coast
residential properties, have filtered westward.
San Antonio Construction News asked
Joe to explain what measures industry professionals have taken to address needed
changes.
“TEIFS, and others in the industry, are
incorporating different kinds of drainage
systems in their product line,” he said,
“namely, Water Managed EIFS Systems.
Applied next to the waterproofed substrate
to maximize drainage, the whole industry
is shifting toward this improved product.”
“Architects are not worried about using the EIFS system,” Joe added, “and they
are confident enough to specify it for commercial buildings everyday. When owners
hear negative comments, the architects usually abate their concerns. We focus our attention on architects, who specify the products.”
Efforts to garner business through the
professional product specifiers
have taken Teifs to AIA trade
shows across the South. “We also
advertise in their regional magazines, and we conduct seminars
for which architects can earn
continuing education credits,” he
added. “I’m also a firm believer
in mail-outs and direct mail on a
monthly basis, covering the different products we carry. We’re
preparing to introduce a new line of ‘Old
World’ finishes for EIFS and plaster. We’re
trying to expand the finish line to augment
the choices an end user has.”
What is the question most frequently
asked by architects about EIFS? According to Joe, most architects understand that
the problems associated with EIFS really
have nothing to do with EIFS; rather, with
the window, roofing, and flashing details.
“I get calls on how to properly use the
system at penetration points, around windows and doors,” he answered. “They want
to know how you start and stop the system
around openings.”
Citing insurance as a major problem,
Joe said most carriers don’t want to carry
EIFS or plastering contractors for fear
they’re going to be sued.
“Most of the plastering contractors in
the U.S. probably won’t be able to get insurance from anyone by this time next
year,” he projected. “What we’re attempting to do is put together a captive plan, and
I expect others will follow suit before long.
The next five years for our industry is going to be very tough, and I think some companies just won’t make it. The first action
they take when work gets slow is to drop
their price. But when they do that, the quality of the work goes down, they can’t cover
their overhead, they get behind on their
bills, and before you know it, they’re gone.
That trend has already begun. Teifs will be
all right, I think. Our sales are approaching
$10 million this year. While we will lose
some business next year, maybe 20 percent,
we have enough diversity within our product line to save ourselves.”
W
ith three Texas locations, including Dallas, Austin and San Antonio, CALPLY (California
Wholesale Building Materials) employs 15
personnel locally, and has been
in this market for a couple of
years. The company has a
wholesale building material
yard, specializing in DRYVIT
and stucco products, drywall
and metal stud products.
Sales representative Kathy
Glisson is an AWCI Certified
EIFS Professional with expertise in EIFS and stucco products.
She said the company’s scope of work includes San Antonio, Bexar and surrounding counties, and areas of South/Central
Texas.
asked Kathy to discuss product trends
within her niche, she said moisture drainage systems are still the newest products to
surface in the EIFS industry, and they have
been on the market for a couple of years.
“DRYVIT is the leading EIFS manufacturer in the country. Our industry’s answer to moisture intrusion problems, which
were primarily residential occurrences that
started on the east coast in 1995, took a
couple of years to perfect, test, modify and
refine. The drainage systems are for use in
both commercial and residential applications.”
Although her customers include commercial and residential subcontractors, for
drywall, as well as plaster and masonry,
Kathy also targets the architectural community. While word-of-mouth, performance and reputation are always good marketing tools, she said there is no substitute
for the human element.
“Because CALPLY is fairly new to
Texas, our sales staff makes architectural
calls and we also interface with general
contractors when the need arises. We try to
let our customers and potential
customers know what we have
to offer, what our strengths are,
and we let the product and our
service speak for itself in pursuit of repeat business.”
In conjunction with its
vendors, CALPLY sponsors box
lunch product presentations for
architects, who, in turn, receive
AIA education credits. Generic
in nature, the seminars help architects to
F O C U S
Page 12
continued from Page 11 - Ancient & modern exterior finish systems are alive & well in SA.
trade, not walking the streets. I know from
start to finish what’s involved in masonry.
With today’s technology, a guy can come
out of college, start a company, hire a
workforce and do pretty well. Computers
have revolutionized the estimating processes, bookkeeping, and
daily operations. We know
whether or not we’re making any
money with the touch of a button, rather than waiting three or
four months to find out where we
stand.”
Tim also mentioned he’s
adamant about his field personnel carrying wireless phones.
“We make sure they have phones, because
it’s no longer feasible for these guys to navigate down the scaffolding, go out to a construction trailer to answer or make a phone
call. With wireless, we can have instant
conversations, and it helps tremendously.”
Personally, Tim would still like to do
estimating take-offs in the old fashioned
way. “I’ve been doing it so long, I know
how to check my numbers three different
ways, and I’m comfortable with it. But the
younger estimators, like my son, are familiar with the computer technology offered
by Builder’s Exchange, for example, and
they rely on that method.”
Although technology allows a contractor to produce more bids, and get more work
as a result, Tim cautions against the temptation to take on more than one is capable of
producing. “I’ve seen competitors run into
problems because they don’t know when to
slow down. The quality of their work suffers, they can’t make schedules, and they are
overextended. We want to be certain our
customers can rely on us to get the job done
in 90 days, if that’s what the contract says.
So, we stay within our limits.”
A common anthem among masonry
contractors is an understanding that qualified masons are becoming a rare commod-
ity. “There just aren’t enough of the good
masons to go around for everybody,” he emphasized. “Thirty years ago, a mason was
a well-rounded craftsman. Today, if a mason spends his time laying brick, he can’t
transition to block or stone;
wouldn’t even know where to
start. Out of ten apprentices,
we may get four of them to
stay with us. I don’t know what
the solution is, and if I tell a
mason he’s not producing,
he’ll pick up his tools and go
to another company. There’s
too much work, and not
enough masons. It’s a sign of
our economic times, but in my opinion, the
tide will turn someday. Any man who desires to be a good mason will earn a good
living for himself and his family.”
F
or twenty years, R.R. Cauble Lathing & Plaster, Inc. has functioned
exclusively as a commercial subcontractor. Headed by president Bob Cauble,
the company employs approximately 100
personnel, operates from one location, and
performs the bulk of its work in Bexar
County and throughout South Texas.
“Our business includes lathing, plastering, and EIFS applications, as well as
drywall installations,” Bob explained. “We
are applicators of those systems.”
In response to the increasing awareness
of mold issues, Bob suggested taking a look
at the construction industry as a whole.
“The construction industry is taking a
second look at moisture prevention measures. For one thing, the issue of mold has
been blown completely out of proportion.
The Texas Medical Association has formally announced that mold presents no
adverse conditions to 97 to 98 percent of
the population. It exists in the water we
drink, the food we eat, the clothing we wear,
and the air we breathe. With that in mind, a
little Clorox and water will eliminate most
mold accumulations. The dramatic rise in
litigation by attorneys can be compared to
the asbestos nightmare. It’s something else
to hang their hats on. Historically, within
the construction industry, regardless of the
veneer system on the exteriors (stucco,
EIFS, split-faced masonry, conventional
masonry, vinyl siding, etc.), our buildings
have been encapsulated so tightly in the last
30 years, and have been air-conditioned to
such an extent, that there is no
‘breathability’ within a building. With no
air transfer or escape route for moisture,
any system has the potential
to develop mold growth.
Proper waterproofing is essential, using materials that
have air and water permeability. Within the EIFS system,
a weather seal product has
been developed which will
cover the substrate and not
allow water penetration.
Typically through waterproofing systems, 90 percent
of your moisture penetration is going to be
the result of incorrect flashings to divert the
water, the lack of or incorrect caulking, or
poorly-designed or installed windows.”
Bob agreed that when tiltwall construction methods became popular, it took away
a substantial part of the exterior finish contractors’ market share. “However, it’s not
an economical alternative when the owner
wants a decorative exterior application,” he
added. “That has given rise, especially with
regard to EIFS products, to fancy cornice
work, moulding shapes and decorative designs. I would estimate 95 percent of the
tiltwall shopping centers have our products
on them. On a flat warehouse wall, owners
they don’t care what it looks like, we’ve
been eliminated from the equation.”
When Bob started his company in
1982, he utilized blueprint plans to do the
estimating. Within about one year, he sub-
San Antonio Construction News • Nov 2002
scribed to F.W. Dodge, which sent him plans
on microfilm on a daily basis for the next
15 years.
“It was more expensive, but our estimator could conveniently work any time of
day or night. When Builder’s Exchange
came out with the virtual plans room, we
switched to their system. Now, 75 percent
of our plans are taken directly off of the computer itself, in house. We also have the plotting system, which enables us to print our
own plans out if we want paper plans. Technology has eliminated the need for us to
chase plans all over the country, and has really helped us deal with addenda that surface at the eleventh hour on bid day.
Through the virtual plans room, we
get accurate information instantly.”
He added that computerization
has advanced the estimating process,
as well as daily operations and secretarial functions.
When asked what the greatest
challenge is facing his company,
Bob said it all boils down to the
state of the great American society.
“Finding and retaining qualified
personnel is an ongoing obstacle. The quality of the workforce has degenerated considerably in the last 20 years. This is not
necessarily within my own company, but
in every facet of construction. The region
in which we live, and our close proximity
to Mexico dictate part of the problem. The
influx of workers from that repressed nation contributes to low wage jobs in every
trade. Our wage scale was developed 20
years ago, has not received any cost-of-living increases, and prohibits us from attracting people that are qualified, who want to
learn the crafts, or who are anxious to give
their employer a good day’s work. The
wages in our industry have increased fractionally. But the bottom line is, unless everyone offers higher wages to attract the
best workers, the level of competition is
unbalanced. One shop can’t raise wages,
or they would never get a job.”
continued from Page 11 - Suppliers target architecture community for best results
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Toll Free 1-800-580-9052
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sustain their knowledge of the products, and
provide an opportunity for question and
answer exchanges regarding design details
or specifications.
“Architects have found that EIFS is a
product that is lightweight on the walls, has
great design flexibility, and is cost-efficient,” Kathy noted. “Its popularity has
grown by leaps and bounds in the last 10
years, and as a result, the number of manufacturers has also grown, increasing competition. Other things being equal, if price
is the same, and product is similar, then I
believe the service that we offer our customers is the only thing that sets us apart.
Specifically, being out there everyday,
available to customers, and taking care of their needs. Whether
it’s clarifying a specification on
bid day, or being on a job to inspect a substrate before the material is applied, or going to preliminary job conferences to show
support for the subcontractor, it’s
all in a day’s work!”
A self-proclaimed eternal
optimist, Kathy admits there are
industry concerns about the market slowdown and insurance issues.
“The EIFS industry is working with
individual manufacturers to try and overcome these challenges, which is another
way of showing customer support. If the
plans I’m seeing when I make my architectural calls are any indication of the
amount of work that’s out there, I think
2003 will be a good year for everyone.”
O
f the five US Brick-Hanson manufacturing facilities located in Texas,
two are in Garden Ridge. With a
presence in this area since the late 1970’s,
the brick manufacturer employs 400 personnel statewide and distributes its products
throughout Texas and surrounding states.
Sales representative Ed Frick said US
Brick-Hanson markets brick to all sectors
of the construction industry, including commercial and residential. “We also have a
Brick Outlet for do-it-yourselfers,” he
noted, “which enables them to buy direct
from the manufacturer. We literally do business with all consumers.”
US Brick-Hanson manufactures two
types of brick: the clay brick, which is an
extruded product, fired at high temperatures; and the cement limestone brick,
which is formed under high pressure and
autoclaved. The primary difference in the
brick is color and raw material content.
“We market both types of brick equally,”
Ed explained. “With the recent installation
of our state-of-the-art brick plant at the Garden Ridge facility, its efficiencies have increased. We produce cement limestone brick
as cored units, which are lighter
weight brick and are easier for
brick masons to install. We are
always involved in research and
development.”
The company works at
all levels, marketing to architects, general contractors and
homebuilders through its direct
sales force. Advertising in trade
journals and hands-on educational seminars further acquaint potential
buyers and specifiers with the product line.
“We also conduct plant tours for our
customers,” Ed added, “both commercial
and residential, to give them a better understanding of our capabilities.”
When people have a choice of buying
brick from several sources, the sale may
come down to customer service.
“In the brick business, there is more
value to brick than just the bottom line,”
Ed continued. “There’s an aesthetic value
and romance attached to brick that you can’t
get with any other exterior or interior product. Generally speaking, we have a wider
range of colors under one roof than many
of our competitors. Our sales force interfaces with customers throughout the selection process, guiding them toward making the
right decisions on an aesthetic basis and with
San Antonio Construction News • Nov 2002
F O C U S
RV
S SUUR
VEEY Y
20% considered their firm “small” with less than $2 million in sales.
60% considered their firm “medium” with $2 - $5 million in sales.
20% considered their firm “large” with $5+ million in sales.
3 = Neutral
4 = Disagree
TECHNOLOGY
60
80
20
00
20
20
00
20
40
40
20
00
40
20
20
00
00
20
20
20
PRODUCTS
1 firm was involved in a lawsuit in the last 12 months.
0 firms were audited by the IRS in the last 12 months.
1 firm was woman or minority owned.
2 = Agree
Page 13
General cost of business insurance rose substantially in
2002: ........................................................................... 80 20 00 00 00
Computer security is a top priority today: ................................... 00
Most errors are generated by humans, not computers: ............. 20
Computer viruses have adversely affected our operations: ....... 00
We will upgrade our technology in 2003: ................................... 20
We find the Internet to be a valuable marketing tool: ................. 00
This month we are highlighting the Exterior Finish Industry.
The response was 10%.
1 = Strongly Agree
5 = Strongly Disagree
Wholesale prices have continued to rise: ................................... 00
Our profit margins have increased since this time last year: ...... 00
Manufacturer’s reps are showing more mold-related product
remedies: ...................................................................... 00
Competition among suppliers is cut-throat these days: ............. 00
We anticipate product pricing to increase in 2003: .................... 00
60 40 00 00
20 20 40 20
40 40 20 00
80 00 20 00
80 20 00 00
Results are measured in percentages.
1
2
3
4
5
00
00
20
20
00
20
40
00
20
20
00
20
40
60
20
00
PERSONNEL
We were forced to reduce our workforce this year: .................... 40
Our company employs a full-time marketing position: ............... 00
We pay for our employees’ health coverage: ............................. 20
We’re currently looking for more experienced personnel: .......... 60
FINANCIAL ISSUES
More banks are soliciting our business: ..................................... 00
We would rather bank with a Texas-based bank: ....................... 40
Availability of short-term and long-term financing is slowing: ..... 00
Our insurance costs have gone through the roof: ...................... 40
We are projecting an increase in business in 2003: ................... 00
20
60
00
20
80
20
00
60
20
20
60
00
40
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
PERSONAL
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
We need more office space: ...................................................... 20
We need more warehouse space: ............................................. 00
Computer technology streamlines inventory and accounting: ... 20
Record keeping has increased due to city/state/federal
regulations: .................................................................. 80
20 40 00 20
80 20 00 00
20 40 20 00
20 00 00 00
continued from Page 12 - Suppliers target architecture community for best results
economic considerations in mind. After that,
we coordinate shipping and logistics.”
San Antonio Construction News asked
Ed if decorative tiltwall construction,
wherein the exterior wall is formed to look
like brick, is cutting into his industry’s niche.
He said while that technique continues to
be used, it is not as popular as one might
think. “I see more buildings constructed with
the tiltwall method that also utilize full size
brick, than I do the other method.”
With an eye on the future, and consid-
ering the national economic slowdown, Ed
fully expects to continue improving his
numbers during 2003.
“It would be nice to have a crystal ball
to help judge the upcoming economic
trends, but that’s not possible,” Ed concluded. “San Antonio’s residential business
has been strong, which balances the slight
decline in the commercial market. The
school and institution business has helped,
and there are bond issues, which promise
more work. I’m optimistic.”Ω
Brick, Block
& Masonry Supplies
Residential & Commercial
210-493-2612
Converse Block Plant: 210-658-4631
Sales Office:
1 6 1 2 1 C o l l e g e O a k D r. S a n A n t o n i o , Tex a s 7 8 2 4 9
GENERAL CONTRACTING, INC.
Over 30 years of combined experience in construction
• Interior Finishouts
• Government Construction
• Commercial & Residential
• Multi - Family Housing
Competative without sacrificing quality. Our staff of professionals
are committed to total client satisfaction
Call RL Rohde General Contracting for all of your construction needs.
Ronnie Rohde, President
Off. 210.649.3131
Fax. 210.649.3110
Next Month in Focus
Construction Equipment
Business demands have reduced time with my family: ............. 00
Affiliation with professional associations improves our
credibility: .................................................................... 00
I still have time to play: ............................................................... 00
I generally work on Saturdays: ................................................... 20
My spouse works with me in the business: ................................ 20
20 60 20 00
60
80
80
20
20
20
00
20
00
00
00
20
20
00
00
20
THC surveys post1950’s buildings
Subs tackle River Crossing
on blue ribbon day
W
hile a torrential downpour struck
downtown San Antonio on Mon.,
Oct. 7th, the blue skies over
River Crossing Golf Club, were pleasantly
punctuated with cotton-candy clouds.
Over one hundred members of the
American Subcontractors Association gathered for their 10th Annual Golf Tournament.
Some enjoyed a pre-play lunch, while others warmed up at the driving range. Accord-
L-R: CPA’s Tony Ridout and Lynne
Grix,Ridout Barrett & Company, calculating their odds of winning a trophy.
ing to executive director Heidi Davis, “the
proceeds of the annual event benefit the
association’s legislative efforts.”
San Antonio Construction News observed DeWitt Churchwell, Marek Brothers, bemoaning the competition and applying ample quantities of sunscreen on his
tender flesh. He also said he was envious
of the Baker Drywall boys who, instead of
playing golf, were working 160 men, 24hours-a-day, 7-days-a week, to get the SBC
Center finished. His golfing partner, Steve
Walter, Joeris General Contractors, noted
DeWitt’s humor was edged with sarcasm.
The self-acclaimed “Cheaters,” namely
mischievous foursome of
John Kunz, George Major,
Jr., Greg Kanning and
Landon Mangum, were in
rare form and probably offered no serious challenge to
their more serious counterparts. Meanwhile, player
extraordinaire Martin Polka,
Todd-Ford, Inc., was overheard saying to his golf partner, “I only have 23 balls, so
when I’m out, I’m out!
Ironically, the rain held
back until about 20 minutes
L-R: Displaying nerves of steel are Jeff Thompson &
after the last golfer got into
Steve Johnson, Lynwood Building Materials;
the clubhouse, and then the
Lucian Lyssy, Richardson Tile & Plaster; &
Jonathan Arenaz, Alamo Cement.
sky opened up. Following
the tournament, players debriefed over a delicious
BBQ dinner and awards reception.
The results of the tournament are as follows:
1st Place Net: The KMAC
Construction Team; Kevin
McIntyre, Leon Nicholls,
Barry Murry, and Darrell
Nicholls.
2nd Place Net: The Urban
Concrete Team; Mike
Zezula, Andy Drash, Andy
Batsell, and Rusty Rivet.
3rd Place Net: The LynL-R: Sober as judges, Joel Davis, J.D. Glass and Bill
wood Building Materials
Rhodes, Koontz-McCombs Construction.
Team; Jeff Thompson,
Steve Johnson, Jonathan Arenaz, and
Closest-to-the-pin: Dirk Reeder, Ridout,
Lucian Lyssy.
Barrett & Co.
1st Place Gross: The “hodge-podge” of
Longest Drive: RustyRivet, Urban
the Construction Industry and “then
Concrete.
some” team; Bryan Moore, Insurance
&Bonds; John Stark, Stone SoluCongratulations!
tions; Tom Relf, Diamondback G o l f
C l u b ; a n d D av i d Dahse, SMI-Texas.
T
o increase public awareness of buildings built after 1950 in Texas, the
Texas Historical Commission
(THC) has launched a process to survey architecture from that time to the present entitled: “The Nifty from the Last Fifty.”
The Commission is requesting those
who know or become aware of a building
that is dated from the 1950’s to the present
to log on to THC’s web site, download and
fill out the survey and submit it along with
a photo of the building, to THC. With documentation, the Commission hopes to be
able to better preserve those buildings that
help showcase the history of architecture
in Texas from the last 50 years.
“This is a chance for people across the
state to recommend buildings that should
be preserved for future generations,” says
Chase Robertson with the Division of Architecture for THC. “Not only are influential or “high-brow” buildings eligible, but
also those simply representative or unique.”
A few buildings in the Austin area
Robertson said might qualify are the
Adam’s Extract building on the frontage
road of South IH-35 between Austin and
Buda, and a few of the more stately houses
in the downtown area and near the campus
of the University of Texas at Austin.
Packets explaining the survey process
have been mailed to deans of architecture
programs across the state, municipalities
and 100 of the top architecture firms in
Texas. Once the survey process is complete,
the submissions will be reviewed to see
which buildings qualify for recognition and
the findings will be published.
Those who choose to submit a building must also include one photograph of
the building’s exterior along with a survey.
To find out more about the Nifty from the
Last Fifty survey, please visit the THC web
site, www.thc.state.tx.us.Ω
Happy Thanksgiving From Everyone
at San Antonio Construction News!
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Sign, signal, barricade
rules finalized
A
new construction standard for
traffic control signs, signals, and
barricades is expected to reduce
fatalities and injuries at roadway
worksites, the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration announced recently. The final rule becomes effective
December 11th, 2002.
“Every year more than 100 workers are killed and 20,000 more are injured at roadway construction sites,” said
OSHA Administrator John Henshaw.
“These workers deserve the benefits of
this new rule; improved traffic controls,
more effective protective clothing, and
the necessary information and guidance
that will provide better protection from
Heidi Davis’
(ASA Exec. Dir.)
sister works for
a company that,
in part, insures
offshore oil rigs.
This picture was
taken from one of
their insured rigs
on the morning of
Tues., Oct. 8th.
How would you
like to see this
coming at you?
safety hazards on the job.”
Among the specific changes, the revised standard requires retro-reflective
and illuminated devices at intermediate
and long-term stationary temporary traffic control zones; warning devices for
mobile operations at speeds above 20
mph; advance warning signs for certain
closed paved shoulders; a transition area
containing a merging taper when one
lane is closed on a multi-lane road; temporary traffic control devices with traffic barriers that are immediately adjacent
to an open lane; and temporary traffic
barriers separating opposing traffic on a
two-way roadway.
Culture, construction makes bold
statement for Joeris GC
W
hen the property across the street
from Joeris General Contractors, Ltd. came up for sale about
two years ago, Gary Joeris took a stroll
through the acreage and saw footprints on
the damp earth. That motivated him to contact a buyer’s agent, make an offer, and the
deal was done in about four weeks. He was
committed to building a new corporate office.
“We entertained ideas from several architectural firms,” Gary explained, “and
what we liked about Kell Munoz Architects’ suggestion was John Kell’s vision of
blending the two historic cultures that have
influenced San Antonio’s architecture –
German and Hispanic.”
Those influences are incorporated on
the exterior of the 10,000 sf, L-shaped, onestory structure. Capped with a standing
seam metal roof, the building’s exterior
walls feature native cut stone, punctuated
with inlaid ceramic tile chips forming colorful mosaic stripes. The exterior is complemented with beautiful native Texas landscaping, a green belt, shade trees and grassy
areas. The patio area features a walkway
with columns constructed using metal concrete forms, painted with automotive grade
high-finish metallic paint.
“In addition to the mixed cultural
theme, the architect wanted to drive home
A view from the courtyard.
the fact that Joeris is a general contractor,
and the interior design combines many
modern features and materials that are being used in construction today,” said marketing and human resources manager Angela Cardwell.
The lobby, located at the junction of
the two wings and accessed from the front
entrance or the patio, creates a breezeway
effect. Suspended aluminum ceiling panels and lights were designed on a curved
format, adding a dimensional effect, which
Rainwater
harvesting
guide now
available
S
enior Engineer of the Texas Water
Development Board, Dr. Hari
Krishna, has published an excellent
Guide to Rainwater Harvesting. It is available by downloading from the TWDB
website or the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association website:
www.twdb.state.tx.us , www.arcsa-usa.org
Another fine rainwater book is available through one of the regional suppliers/
installers of catchment systems. Titled,
“Rainwater Collection for the Mechanically
Challenged,” the book can be found by contacting Tank Town in Dripping Springs.
Their website is: www.rainwatercollection.com.
The San Antonio Water System is considering including rainwater catchment as
an element in their arsenal to conserve water, and may possibly be a rebate item in
the future, but this is not yet confirmed.
Don’t wait for a rebate. Get a rainbarrel
now.
IBI presents Texas Open Clinic
I
n the midst of competition at the Texas
Open, golfers and hackers took time out
of their busy schedules to tighten up
their games during the Sept. 24th Texas
Open Clinic, sponsored by Insurance &
Bonds, Inc., Diamondback Golf Academy
and Ping Golf.
“The guys at Diamondback came up
with the idea and we got involved and were
more than happy to do that,” said Bryan
Moore, organizer of the event for Insurance
& Bonds, Inc. “It was a good opportunity
for people to get together, try out clubs, and
take a few lessons.”
Bob May and Jeff Maggert, PGA
Pros playing in the Texas Open, were on
hand to talk with guests as well as give a
few pointers on getting around the links.
Jeff Maggert, PGA Pro and competitor in
the Texas Open, was on hand to provide
helpful tips to would-be pros.
Maldonado Nursery and Landscaping,
with the assistance of Alamo Crane
Services’ 300-ton crane, relocate
a 45-year-old live oak from
greenbelt area to courtyard.
draws one’s eyes upward.
“The architect tried to make use of
other materials including sealed concrete
floors, commercial glazing systems, Ibeams, exposed core ceilings and others
which clearly say ‘construction.’ In my opinion,” Gary
added, “it’s an impressive
place to come and see what
it is we do.”
San Antonio Construction News asked project superintendent Joe Lopez
what the greatest obstacle
was that he had to overcome.
“The six-month project really went quite smoothly,
other than the two-week rain
delay in July. The real challenge was having ‘the boss’
as the project manager.”
Gary said he wanted a
personal hand in the project
to make sure it reflected the whole idea that
John Kell and project designer Jerry
Sparks had when they designed the building, ensuring those concepts were being
carried through.
The original property, which housed
Joeris’ construction offices for over 36
years, will now serve as the company’s
equipment yard. Part of that property has
already been purchased by the highway
department for the future expansion of the
Wurzbach Parkway.
Insurance & Bonds, Inc. Diamondback Golf Academy
and Ping Golf joined with guests throughout the
industry for a Texas Open Clinic.
In between talks by the pros, the
golfers were treated to lessons
as well as a chance to try out the
latest Ping clubs direct from the
manufacturer.
Although a few slices
were still seen by the end of the
event, the guests seemed to have
had a great time and picked up
a few pointers for their game.
After the presentations, the approximately 100 attendees were
also treated to food and drinks
to close out the event.
CONSTRUCTION TERMINOLOGY
Auditor - Person who goes in after the war is lost and
bayonets the wounded.
Lawyer - Person who goes in after the auditors to
strip the bodies.
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Hunters symposium unites
contractors for 25th year
P
Malish, Todd-Ford, Inc.;
2nd place: Deb Wertheim,
L.C. Mosel Co.; 3rd place:
Curtis Palitza, M & M Metals.
TRAP
Guest: 1st place: Rick
Barrera, Goetting & Associates; 2nd place: Elton
Rohan, Honorary Member;
3rd place: Tim McGrath,
SMWIA Local 67. Associate:
1stplace: Jason Holzhaus,
Ferguson Enterprises; 2nd
place: Jeff Haby, Hughes
Supply Co.; 3rd place: Jeff
May, Mechanical Reps. Jimmy Vaughn, SpawGlass Contractors, Inc.; Ken Brothers,
Seimens Building Technology; Gary Boldt, Wallace Boldt
Member: 1st place: Tom
Construction; Rick Barrera and Howard Decker, Goetting &
Phillips, Mueller & Wilson,
Associates finishing a round at the skeet shoot.
Inc.; 2nd place: Gary Tate,
Mueller & Wilson, Inc.; 3rd
place Mark Savage, ToddFord, Inc.
RIFLE
Guest: 1st place: Howard
Decker, Honorary Member;
2nd place: Brian Goebel,
Goetting & Associates; 3rd
place: Craig Noonan,
Noonan, Dockery & Rittiman.
Associate: 1st place: Frank
Tuttle, The Trane Company;
2nd place: Chuck Baungarten, NIBCO; 3rd place:
Jim Ziehmke, PaschalHarper, Inc. Member: 1st:
Shooters enjoyed a festive afternoon of trap, skeet
and rifle events at the MCA-SMACNA 25th
Greg Butler, M & M Metals;
Annual Hunters Symposium.
2nd: Joe Bowman, Todd-Ford,
Inc.; 3rd: Jack Henefey, M & M Metals.
assing the quarter-of-a-century mark,
the 25th Annual Hunters Symposium, hosted by the folks at MCASMACNA, offered contractors a beautiful
afternoon for skeet, rifle and trap shooting
at the Bexar Community Shooting Range
on Sept. 25th.
“We got started as a means of fellowship between contractors, suppliers, general
contractors and engineers back in ’78,” said
Rudy Klein executive director and event
organizer. Shooting began about 1 pm and
went on through the afternoon with a variety of shooting events to keep the marksmen busy. Over the course of the event,
around 100 shooters showed up to partake
of the shooting, socializing, and overall fun
afternoon.
“We are fortunate to have beautiful
weather,” said Klein. “I think it helped everyone have a good time.”
Following the shooting, the afternoon
was completed with a catfish dinner, refreshments, dinner, door prizes, and a raffle.
Bragging rights for the winners are as
follows:
EXPERT
Skeet - Louis Mosel, L.C. Mosel Company;
Trap - Eddie Mueller, Pearl Brewery; Rifle
- Bret Bunker, Paschal-Harper, Inc.
SKEET
Guest: 1st place: Gary Boldt, Boldt Construction; 2nd place: John Scott, Brooks
AFB; 3rd place: Jim Reilly, R.B. Tarrillion
& Assoc. Associate:1st place: Ronnie
Hurst, Hugh Cunningham Co.; 2nd place:
Scott Hutcheson, The Trane Company;
3rd place: Rob Hurst, Stephen &
Stephenson. Member: 1st place: Bennie
Austin Construction News
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OSHA, JEWP
join forces for
Hispanic workers
U
.S. Secretary of Labor
Elaine L. Chao announced
that OSHA has joined the
Justice and Equality in the Workplace
Program, based in Houston. It is designed to protect the rights and promote safety of Hispanic workers.
“The Labor Department is committed to protecting the well being of
the over 14.5 million Hispanic workers in our country,” Chao said. “We
want to help Hispanic workers climb
the ladder of success and be an integral part of the American workforce.”
The Justice and Equality in the
Workplace Program, which was created in July 2001, has already aided
the Wage and Hour administration to
recover over $700,000 in back wages.
OSHA, with the help of the Justice
and Equality in the Workplace Program, will disseminate health and
safety information, compliance assistance information and enforcement of
health and safety laws.
The Justice and Equality in the
Workplace Program is a partnership
program that includes the Wage and
Hour Administration, the Consulates
General of Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala and El Salvador, the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission, The Mexican American Legal
Defense and Education Fund and the
Office of the Mayor-Immigration and
Refugee Affairs.
What would you like to see
on our web site?
Let us know . . .
[email protected]
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
L-R: Brandon
Wilson, Brook
Carnegy, Landis
and Les Wilson;
the “Redfish
Rodeo Crew”
from Alamo
Waterproofing, Inc.
Bob Lynch, Walls Across Texas,
crossed the northern border to Canada’s
Lake Tetu for this Northern Pike.
August trip sponsored by GMS and
Hill Country Materials.
On same trip, Gary Sutherland,
G.D. Interiors had to throw this
Northern Pike back into the cold
Canadian Lake Tetu waters, too
small to be a keeper.
Five minutes after
wetting her hook,
Landis Wilson,
Alamo Waterproofing Inc.,
landed 30-in. redfish
during guided family
trip with Larry
Robertson
of Shallow Water
Guide Service.
License log new requirement
for deer hunters
A
s many hunters have observed,
something as simple as filling out a
deer tag can become quite confusing. At
least, that’s what Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens have observed in the past.
“Under the old system the various
tags could be confusing,” said David
Sinclair, TPWD’s chief of wildlife law
enforcement. “One tag was for a onebuck county in the West zone or a three
buck county and one was for a one-buck
county in the East zone or a two or threebuck county so it was confusing to know
which was the right tag!”
Making things much simpler, the
2002-03 hunting license has been simplified and includes five generic white-tailed
deer tags - three can be used to tag a buck
or antlerless deer and two are antlerless only.
“Now, in addition to filling out a generic carcass tag, the hunter will complete
the harvest log on the back of the license,”
Sinclair said. “That’s where we look to see
if the hunter is in compliance with county
bag limits and harvest restrictions.”
For additional information about license requirements and tagging, contact
your area game warden or call TPWD at
800-792-1112.
L-R: PMI guys
Robert Zavanut,
Mike Manis,
Buster Williams,
and Dick
Falkenhagen on
Sept. 5th trip guided
by Joe Miles.
Mike hooked
the 30 1/2-in.
speckled trout!
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People Proudly Helping Build a Better World
210-656-6656 • Fax 210-656-7388 • 1-800-275-0434
by John Jefferson
John Jefferson brings broad-based outdoor experience and travel to
Construction News’ outdoor page as its regular columnist. www.johnjefferson.com
All Photos taken by John Jefferson
WHAT'S UP WITH WATERFOWL
By John Jefferson
F
or wives who think that deer and tographs to my files. Then, my daughter,
football seasons are long, wait 'til Amy, came home with a new boyfriend. He
they see this year's waterfowl sea- was a biologist, and a part-time waterfowl
sons! Duck season opens earlier and closes guide. He owned a black Lab named Mako,
later than it has in recent memory.
and was passionate about waterfowl huntI grew up in the marshes of Southeast ing. His enthusiasm began to get to me.
Texas. We had plenty of ducks and geese,
It didn't take much to infect my wife
and got to hunt a good bit. And I guess I with it, either, since she has a bird-fascinagot my fill of sobering up standing in waist tion, and had heard me tell of the awesome
deep ice water sometime around dawn on a sound of several thousand snow geese liftcloudy, misty morning that
was destined to not see sunshine. The fun had begun to
fade out of the picture. I had
also discovered girls, and
sometime after that, deer
hunting. For a number of
years after that, I went duck
or goose hunting only when
an outdoor writers' rendezvous dictated that I either
show up or get talked about
by those who did.
Actually, I went to keep
my pencil sharp about how
Striped bass become active in cooler weather
it was done, and to add pho-
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ing off the Katy Prairie just
before daylight.
Christmas day, we drove
up to our Hill Country deer
lease to check feeders. We
had told Travis our lake had
a lot of ducks. He gave us a
polite acknowledgement. It
was like telling a gourmet
cook that you can make a
good peanut butter sandwich. He knew what a lot of
ducks looked like.
It was a crisp, sunny afternoon, so typical of December in Texas.
As we neared the lake, I think his heart
stopped beating. At least a thousand ducks
of six or seven species arose from a 42-acre
pond that had not been shot over all year.
and Highway 90 from San Antonio to Del
Rio. The east-west geese zones are divided
by I-35. The Panhandle has its own regulations.
In the North Zone, the duck season will
run one week later than in the
past and is the latest allowed
by Federal framework. The
season will run Nov. 9-10,
close for five days, then reopen Nov. 16 through Jan.
26. The South Zone is set to
run Nov. 2 through Dec. 1,
close for five days, then reopen Dec. 7 through Jan. 19.
The eastern goose zone
hunting dates are as follows:
Dark Geese - Oct. 26 through
Jan. 19; Light Geese - Oct.
26 through Jan. 19 (in that
Texas duck hunting is some of the nation’s best.
portion that lies in the South
duck Zone); Oct. 26 through Jan. 26 (in that
And the rest, as they say, is history.
portion that lies in the North duck Zone)
We returned the next morning, and
Again this year, a light goose conserhad a fine hunt. Mako showed us what a vation season will be in effect to help regood dog does for a living. That afternoon, duce burgeoning populations. It will run
we jumped ducks on several of the small Jan. 20 - Mar. 30 in that portion that lies in
stock ponds. Life as we knew it had the south duck zone. In the north duck zone,
changed. I began asking about buying decoys.
That's what can happen
to you when you live at the
end of the line for ducks and
geese migrating down the
Central Flyway. And the
birds are right on schedule.
They have arrived in great
numbers, and some have
found water where it didn't
exist last year, thanks to good
summer and fall rains. The
only bad news is that canvasbacks are in short supply, and
Snow goose hunter returns to rag spread
the season is closed on them.
with birds in hand
Pintails are short, too, but
you may take one per day.
Around here, regulations create a north it will be Jan. 27 - Mar. 30.
and south for ducks, and an east and west Check Parks & Wildlife's migratory reguzone for geese. The north and south duck lation pamphlet for bag limits and other
zones match the central and south dove regulations before you go.
zones: I-10 from Orange to San Antonio,
JJ
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Chasing the birds to happy fishing grounds
By Capt. Steve Schultz, Baffin Bay Charters
T
he fronts from the north have
dropped the temperature of the bay
water very early this year. As of this
morning, Thurs., Oct. 17th, the surface water temperature has dropped to 70 degrees.
At this time of the year, the shrimp are starting their fall migration out of the marshes,
bayous and estuaries. This also means that
the birds, whether it be terns, seagulls or
even frigate birds will be working the water, as the shrimp will be popping the surface. By working the water, I mean that
the predator fish are chasing the hapless
shrimp to the top of the water and the hungry birds are diving to the surface to devour them.
The fall and winter seasons are perhaps
my favorite times of the year. Fishing the
birds can be a hoot. When you see a flock
of birds circling and diving a particular area,
you know that something has to be happening in the water. As incredible as it may
seem, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve
watched fishermen drive right through a
large group of working gulls not knowing
the damage they’ve done, or what they’re
missing out on!
Some people insist that terns (liar
birds) aren’t an accurate indicator for locating feeding game fish. Let me say this,
over the years I have taken some good trout
and reds when terns were drilling the water. On a recent fishing trip, near the mouth
of Baffin Bay, I noticed some frigate birds
circling the water and I proceeded to investigate what was holding their attention.
To my surprise, I saw a pod of redfish tailing in the shallow water. The reds were
chance that you will spook
The leadhead/soft plastic outfit is tough
the fish and your chances are to beat for a variety of reasons. For one,
slim to none that you will lo- you can change colors or modify presentacated them again.
tions in mere seconds. For another, unhookAlways remember to ing a fish without injuring it is far easier
work into the birds from the with a long-shank single hook than it is with
up-wind side so that you can any treble hook set-up.
drift into them. When apHere’s one last tip for you. Rememproaching a flock of birds try ber that if the birds drift away or just sit on
not to get too close to them the water, the fish might still be in the viwhile under power. It is defi- cinity. Many anglers make the mistake of
nitely best to come in as qui- leaving the area once the birds have stopped
etly as possible; either drift- working. I have caught many good specks
Emily Moravits stands proud with her 28-in. Speckled Trout,
ing or with the tolling mo- after the birds have left.
caught on a recent fishing trip with Capt. Steve Schultz.
tor. The outboard is a big
If you would like to plan a fishing trip,
No-No!
feel
free
to call me at 361-949-7359. Good
chasing mullet and the frigates were startIf you haven’t spooked your fish, you luck and Good Fishing.
ing to dive almost on top of the reds. I used
my trolling motor to ease up on the fast- can throw just about any type
moving school and WHAM! On the first of bait you wish because the
cast, we nailed a 35-in. red. We had some fish are in a feeding frenzy and
anything that hits the water
great fun with that school of fish!
When chasing the birds, you’ll find that will likely draw a strike. Don’t
a good trolling motor can prove very use- make the mistake of thinking
ful. A trolling motor that can push your that the birds are covering the
boat at a decent speed is a great help if the entire school of fish. There are
fish are moving. Both Great White and times when the bigger trout
Minn-Kota make excellent units. If you’re will be on the outer fringes of
purchasing a new one, take the time to learn the action or even deeper unhow they are rated in terms of ‘pounds der the juvenile trout.
Believing that the best
thrust’. The higher the number, the more
Gary and Stan caught limits of Reds and several
fish
are often running deeper
Specks in Oct., fishing the Upper Laguna Madre
power or thrust the unit delivers. Your
with Capt. Steve Schultz.
dealer can help you select the best trolling or on the fringe of the
‘schoolies’, I like to use a
motor for your boat.
Believe me, you don’t want to be un- heavier jighead than most anglers seem to
Capt. Steve Schultz, Baffin Bay Charters,
derpowered when following working birds. prefer. I find the 3/8-ounce heads to be the
is a U.S. Coast Guard and Texas Parks
Nothing is more frustrating than to have the ticket for longer casts and deeper presentaand Wildlife Licensed Guide.
school out-run your trolling motor. If you tions. My favorite bait, by far for fishing
the
birds,
is
soft
plastic.
start your outboard motor, there is a good
In mid-Sept., Randy Wyatt and the Aggregate Haulers, L.P. gang headed down south for a little alligator hunting. Every year Randy takes a group of customers
to where the San Antonio River and the Guadalupe River come together. It’s quite an adrenaline rush to be out in a 10-12-ft. johnboat, hunting 10-12-ft. gators.
This hunt netted seventeen gators, ranging from just over 8-ft. to over 12-ft.
INTERIOR
DEMOLITION
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ASBESTOS &
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MALLS
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1992 - 2002
10 Y E A R S
OF EXCELLENCE
Commercial and Residential
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CONCRETE CONTRACTORS
Patrick Escalante
Office (210) 698-0708
Fax (210) 698-1424
MANUFACTURER OF
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Covering South and Central Texas
U.S. Coast Guard &
Texas Parks and Wildlife Licensed
Ronnie Dausin
In mid-Sept., Ronnie
Dausin and Mike Keisel,
Dausin Electric Co.,
hunted outside of
Helena, Montana with
“straight-shooting”
rifles. Ronnie took
a 7x6, 1,200-lb., 420
Class trophy bull elk.
Mike’s was a 7x7,
1,200-lb., 401 Class
trophy bull elk.
Congratulations!
L-R: Travis Crow; James Groesbeck, Groesbeck Masonry, Inc.;
host Danny Bryant, Acme Brick; Curtis Hunt, Curtis Hunt Restorations, Inc.;
and Kenneth Harlan, Groesbeck Masonry, Inc.
Mike Keisel
Acme Brick-sponsored
native pronghorn
hunt, at McGuire
Ranch near Marfa.
Four antelope fell
to the masonry
contractors; bragging
rights and big
buck pot went to
Kenneth Harlan
for his animals
15-3/4-inch horns.
Travis Crow, C.L. Crow Masonry, Inc.
nets native Texas pronghorn antelope.
Over 100 pheasant were shot at Joe and Ann Kercheville’s Joshua Creek Ranch
by L-R: Jesse Mireles; Robert Mendoza, BUDCO; Allyn Archer, Holt CAT; Fred
Martinez, Central Electric; and Tom Tarbox, Holt CAT.
Serving San Antonio & South Texas since 1984
Foundations • Retaining Walls
Tilt Wall • Site concrete
Machine Laid Curbs
23306 BLANCO ROAD
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78258
210-497-8121
FAX 210-497-7509
Proud papa, Kevin McIntyre, KMAC Construction Services, Inc., and 3-year-old
daughter Madison welcome baby sister Makenna to the family. Makenna weighed
7-lbs. 14-oz, at 21-inches. Mama Valerie has her hands full with this threesome!
GREAT OUTDOORS
Welcomes your stories and photos. We print on a
first-come, space-available basis, so get your photos in early.
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to build America”
CONTRACTING
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SAN ANTONIO
(210) 648-4010 FAX (210) 648-1497
www.m-mcontracting.com
Close call adds flavor
to post-hunt party
Motivating Your
Team to Success
A
n intimate gathering
of about thirty friends and customers
joined Kevin McIntyre and
his crew from KMAC Construction Services, Inc. for
the company’s 7th Annual
Dove Hunt at 777 Ranch near
Hondo, on Fri., Sept. 27th.
After check-in, registration and some skeet shooting warm-ups, hunters
climbed into vans and
viewed exotic animals from
all over the world as they
W
hat does it take to motivate your employees to perform
better, be more productive and have a happier existence in your company? The first and most popular response is GIVE ‘EM A RAISE. Sure, money talks, “but it don’t
sing and it don’t dance and it don’t walk”, so the song goes, I
think.
Kevin McIntyre (far right) bellies around the bar
with fellow dove hunters.
Versatile
two big steps towards that
opening.’ We both did and,
as I turned around with my
shotgun, I took aim at a fourfoot rattlesnake located in
the exact spot where Richard had been crouching. The
snake had literally weaved
itself into a dry crevice in the
dirt where Richard had
squatted. His water bottle
was still about two inches
from the snake and, needless
Is this a therapy session or a dove hunt?
to say, that snake ate a lot of
headed for their dove hunting area and lead for dinner. If I hadn’t been there, I
drop-off points.
wouldn’t have believed it! I think Richard
Kevin’s threesome included his father- was just glad to be alive. We still had three
in-law John Oslund and office manager more hours of hunting, and we stepped
Richard Kret. While John positioned him- rather gingerly after that close call.”
self along the fence line, Kevin and RichBack on the patio, as everyone enjoyed
ard, a non-hunter, wandered through a break cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a delicious
in the brush and settled in to wait.
T-bone steak dinner, the war stories came
“We squatted down, and within sec- to life.
onds, Richard and I heard a familiar noise
As Kevin reported, his good friend and
that sent chills up our spines,” Kevin re- avid outdoorsman Mark Cuppetilli, M&M
ported. “As we looked at each other, the Contracting, stood him up in favor of a date
trilling noise repeated and I said to Rich- with a sweet young thing. He’s sending
ard, who was unarmed, ‘stand up and take Mark an invoice, anyway.
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• Civil Engineering
• Land Surveying
• Forensic Investigations
GE Reaves
Engineering, Inc.
A multi-discipline, full service engineering firm
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www.gereaveseng.com
If you want your employees to sing and
dance for your company, give them what
they want. What do employees want most
in order for them to be happy and satisfied
in their job? A recent survey conducted by
the University of Minnesota revealed that
an increase in wages was actually fifth on
the list of things employees desire most.
That’s right, fifth.
I won’t keep you in suspense. Number
four on the list was “Job Security”. Number three was “Sympathetic Help with Personal Problems”. Number two was “Feeling In On Things”, and as you play the drum
roll in your mind, the biggest determining
factor that contributes to employee satisfaction is “Full Appreciation of Work Done”.
If you take a close look at the survey
results, they seem to indicate that relationship issues far outweigh financial issues. In
fact, the first three results in the survey are
clearly relationship-oriented factors. In
order to motivate and inspire your employees to succeed in your company it take vigilance and creativity.
Here is my top ten list for motivating your
employees to perform at peak levels, consistently:
Be flexible. Be grateful.
Thank You is such a simple phrase that
is often overlooked and under used. Rigidity is not a very attractive quality when try-
When You Need A Lift . . .
ing to motivate your employees to perform.
Give a little and you will get a lot. .
Appreciate and acknowledge your team.
Regular expressions of gratitude and
praise are a requirement to keep your team
happy and engaged. When asked, most
employees require specific praise and appreciation two or three times a week. Oh,
by the way, the acknowledgement should
be sincere.
Think of your team as a team,
not employees.
Can you imagine Phil Jackson calling
his players employees? I mean after all, they
are employees of the Laker franchise. If
you want your employees to play like a
team, then start thinking of them as team
players and call them your team.
Make the vision of success
clear for your team.
A clearly stated set of goals and the big
picture of the direction of your company is
essential to your employees. They need to
know what they are working toward. That
means that you must know what you are
working toward.
Set challenging goals for your team.
Lay out a clear set of attainable goals
for individuals on your team. Have team
goals also. These goals should encourage
your team members to stretch a little out of
their comfort zone. When they reach their
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loop, and our family lived about three some more and beblocks inside Hildebrand.
came
engaged.
SACN: Did you have any other jobs when When we got maryou were a kid?
ried, the company
ACT: I can’t remember when I didn’t policy required one
work! I pumped gas at an old Gulf station, of us to quit. Until
and I delivered prescriptions on my bicycle the day he died, her
for Partain’s Drug store. One Christmas, I boss always told me
stood on the rooftop of the Sears store with the biggest business
a microphone, and directed people to park- mistake he ever
ing spaces. I used to have a lot of fun, be- made was keeping
Harding-Conley-Drawertcause no one could see me and sometimes me and letting her
Tinch Insurance Agency, Inc. I’d play tricks on them. A voice out of no- go! Joyce and I just
where would say, “Help me! Help me!” celebrated our 45th
It’s a wonder I didn’t get fired!
wedding anniverSACN: Did you ever work for Sears again? sary.
ACT: Actually, I was going to make Sears SACN: Do you and
Editor’s note: Allen Coleman “Ace” and retailing my career. Sears is a fine or- Joyce have children?
Tinch, Jr., president and principal partner ganization, and my father had a forty-year ACT: Yes, we have a
of Harding-Conley-Drawert-Tinch Insur- career with the company.
lovely daughter Amy,
ance Agency, Inc., just celebrated his 70th SACN: Where did you go to college and who is married to a
birthday. With nary a thought of retiring, what was your major?
fine young man,
Ace admitted he loves this business too ACT: At the end of my senior year of high Chip Wood. We also
much to quit now, but his associates give school in 1950, my dad was transferred to have two wonderful
him ample opportunity to travel and pur- Dallas. I went along, and started college at grandchildren, Cash,
sue civic, as well as national and local in- SMU. I majored in marketing, sales and 5, and Abigail, six
dustry activities.
retailing, however, I dropped out of SMU months.
and went to work for a couple of years. I SACN: What appumped gas at the Sears Ross Ave. store in pealed to you about
SACN: Ace, where were you born and Dallas, and that was probably the experi- bonding?
raised?
ence that changed my whole career.
ACT: Bonding is a
ACT: I was actually born in Houston, but SACN: How so?
credit function, and
I’m proud to call myself a San Antonian, ACT: My dad knew that in order to get into when we bond consince I’ve been here forever and ever.
the Sears’ management training program, tractors, we have to get to know them per- Borden Insurance agency, based in Corpus
SACN: Tell me about your parents and any you had to have a college degree. He would sonally, including their financial abilities, Christi. They asked me to join them for two
siblings.
tell his manager ‘friends’ to encourage me their character, their capacity and their reasons; they wanted to open a branch in
ACT: My dad was Allen Coleman Tinch, to go back to school when they dropped by knowledge of construction. In doing that, San Antonio, and they needed someone who
and mom’s name
for gas. I eventually you create a relationship, and I would char- knew the bond business. I was a natural, and
was Grace. Dad
regained my senses, acterize bonding as a relationship business. I started building a small clientele here. I
“I pumped gas at the Sears Ross saved some money, Bonding offers you an opportunity to size worked with very talented people, and bewas originally from
Alabama, and my
Ave. store in Dallas, and that
and went to North people up, and as one of my former boss’s came a minority stockholder. When Mr.
Borden sold the commother was from was probably the experience that Texas State, in Denton. used to say, “If you
pany, I returned my
Victoria. They met
SACN:
Had
you
mawant
to
know
those
changed my whole career.”
“Bonding offers you an
stock, and he in turn,
and married in
tured enough to be contractors, you
gave me the San AnHouston, and I have
opportunity to size people up,
successful in school?
have to get out there
an older sister, Mary Frances, who recently ACT: Well, at the time, Korean War veter- and smell armpits!”
and as one of my former boss’s tonio office, lock,
passed away.
ans were returning to colleges, so the two Some of them have used to say, ‘If you want to know stock and barrel.
SACN: How did your
SACN: What did your father do for a liv- years that I laid out of school put me in that become my best
those contractors, you have to
present company
ing?
same age bracket. I made some friends and friends. It’s a real
ACT: He started with Sears Roebuck in we lived in an old Army barracks, way out personal business, get out there and smell armpits!’” evolve?
ACT: Bob Harding,
Houston, and they transferred him to San by the football field. It was great, and we and I like people.
Antonio to help open the first Sears Roe- were a little more serious than most of our SACN: How has the bonding market Homer Conley and Tom Drawert also specialized in construction insurance and bondbuck store here. He managed the plumbing classmates. We had fun, but we studied, and changed during your 47-year career?
and building materials department. It was I made good grades.
ACT: It’s ironic, but it seems as though the ing, and we threw our hats into the ring toa beautiful store, and I worked there every SACN: What did you do after graduation? market has come around full-circle. It’s gether in 1977.
summer when I was a teenager.
ACT: My attention was diverted from re- gone back to the basics that I learned as a SACN: What would you say to a young man
SACN: Is your nickname the result of your tailing to the insurance and bond industry, trainee. For instance, the capacity in the or woman today who wants to become a
first two initials?
and I have never had any regrets. I knew bond business is shrinking. Consequently, general contractor?
ACT: When I was a boy, I had an Express that someday I wanted to have my own on larger accounts that demand more ca- ACT: I would say hold your horses and keep
News paper route. After winning a contest business, and I met some people who in- pacity, we’re going out to get two or more your day job. Actually, through the years I
for selling the most subscriptions to the troduced me to this business, which had the bonding companies to act as co-surety, so have offered my counsel to a few inquiring
newspaper, they awarded me a T-shirt and potential for an independent following of the risk can be spread out, and capacity can minds, about timing and the stages or phases
a $25 war bond. On the t-shirt were the clientele.
be reserved for other accounts. That’s the of the economy. I would suggest that anyone today with those aspirations continue
words ‘Ace Carrier Salesman,’ and I was SACN: Were you romantically involved way I started in the business.
so proud of it I wore it everyday after with anyone?
SACN: Has your conservative nature and to gain experience, build his or her portfoschool. My next door neighbor, Mr. Ster- ACT: The day I went to interview for a job good judge of character kept you from lio, and learn to develop a presentation style.
I think the more experience a young person
ling Browning, just started calling me Ace. at Fireman’s Fund Insurance, I fell in love straying off the path?
Of course, the initials A.C. sort of rein- with the boss’s secretary, Joyce Sorensen, ACT: Oh, yes! I hope to think that’s helped has with a larger firm, the better off he or
forced the nickname, and it stuck, even a beautiful blonde
me in my career. I’ve she is. Talk about goals with experienced
though my mother didn’t like it! I don’t from Hampton,
given some good ad- people, test the market, but don’t jump off
know how I’ve succeeded in the sales busi- Iowa.
“The day I went to interview for a vice through the years, the deep end in today’s market. Now is not
ness, because I’m not very good at remem- SACN: Did she re- job at Fireman’s Fund Insurance, and I’ve been fortunate the time!
bering people’s names. But, everybody return your feelings? I fell in love with the boss’s secre- in selecting good, qual- SACN: Ace, what would you like our readmembers the name, Ace!
ACT: No, she
people to help build ers, members of the construction industry,
tary, Joyce Sorensen, a beautiful ity
SACN: What local schools did you attend, didn’t like me! She
this business. The rela- to know about you?
blonde from Hampton, Iowa.”
Ace?
thought I came on
tionships we have with ACT: That our firm’s goal is to remain a
ACT: I attended Agnes Cotton Elementary too strong, but she
our contractors are valued and trusted advisor, not a “necessary
evil.” I love our industry and I am proud to
School, Mark Twain Jr. High School, and finally agreed to go out with me, and we long-standing.
Thomas Jefferson High School. Back then, dated a little. I went off to New York for SACN: How did you get your break as an be associated with the folks that are involved
in construction. They are fine, fine people!
Jefferson was kind of out in the country; in six months of training, and we continued independent?
fact, Hildebrand was considered the outer to correspond. When I returned, we dated ACT: I left Fireman’s and started with
Spotlight
A.C. “Ace” Tinch, Jr.
CONSTRUCTORS
STORM DRAIN
Junction Boxes
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Office Line
830-401-0555
Metro Line
830-303-6305
Fax: 830-379-2719
501 E. Baxter Street, Seguin, TX 78165
Celebrating 25 Years
General Contractors • Design Build • Interior Finish Out • Core & Shell
COMMUNICATION
AND ELECTRIC
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Banking / Financial • Retail • Office • Healthcare
210.541.0651 www.constructorsworld.com
101000 Reunion Place, Suite 120 San Antonio, TX 78216
A member of the Structure Tone Organization
Austin • Dallas • Denver • Houston • San Antonio
IBEW Local 60 hosts
a Family Affair
A
O
ver 600 friends and
members of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 60 gathered at
Comanche Park #2 on Sat.,
Oct. 5th for their annual
family picnic. The picnic
honors and is dedicated to
the union’s retirees and their
spouses.
Fortunate to have beautiful weather for the 2 pm to
10 pm outdoor party, attendees enjoyed the thrill of
bingo games and magic
shows, courtesy of colorful
gowned clowns. Children of
all ages participated in
games throughout the day,
including the dunking booth
and the moon bounce. Live
music was provided by Cactus Country Band during the
evening hours.
“I’m very pleased by the
turn-out today!” said IBEW
business manager David
Gonzales. “We have a lot of
good food, entertainment and
brotherhood here. It’s always
fun to see old friends and retirees, people we may not get
to see on a regular basis.”
COLD: Winter
Construction Safety
IBEW kid’s line up for games and prizes!
lthough South Texas is not
plagued with snow and ice during winter, construction is a yearround industry that must improvise to accommodate changing seasons. As temperatures are starting to drop, portable heaters
can be found on more and more jobsites as
a way to keep workers and materials warm
so that construction continues. However,
there are obvious safety concerns when
using large, high-BTU, portable heaters.
There is the potential for harm to the structure you’re building and your workers if
they are not properly used. To avoid the potential for heater-related mishaps, remind
your workers of these safety precautions:
• Have heaters inspected, tested, and
repaired if necessary by a qualified tech-
nician prior to the heating season.
• Be sure to keep propane tanks upright,
at least six feet from the actual heater, and
on a firm, level surface.
• Do not use heaters in an area where
they may easily ignite combustible materials (e.g., paint, paper, or plywood). Do not
place a heater directly on a plywood floor—
position it instead on a 4’x4' square of fireresistant drywall or cement-board.
• Do not operate a heater in an
unventilated area.
• Do not use site heaters in a manner for
which they were not intended (e.g., cooking or warming/drying clothing).
For complete safety instructions, always follow manufacturer and OSHA
guidelines.
Mmmmmmmm! BBQ, bingo and beer!
ACCA/PHCC vie for high stakes
on perfect golf day
A
ir Conditioning
Contractors Association-San Antonio and Plumbing Heating
Cooling Contractors-San
Antonio joined forces for the
first time on Thurs., Oct. 17th,
to compete for low scores in
the scramble-format 13th Annual Golf Tournament at Pecan Valley Golf Club.
Perfect autumn weather
provided wonderful conditions for the 120 excited
players, who warmed-up on
L-R: Saul Irvine, Johnson Supply; Steve Huck, Joshua
the driving range and putting Engineering; Chuck York and Jim Elkins, Johnson Supply.
greens before the 1:30 pm
shotgun start. At stake was a hole-in-one- training programs.
prize of $10,000, which every player hoped
to take home.
Tournament winners were:
1st Place-Gross: Martin Thomas, Scott
Johnson, Joseph Brooks and Doug
Thorn.
1st Place-Net: Brad Bright, Scott
Hutcheson, Ken McFarland and Dick
Grant.
2nd Place-Net: Steve Warner, David
Mangrum, Chuck Bryant and Jeff
Robinson.
3rd Place-Net: David Breda, Jesse
Delgado, Steve Anderson and Tom Williams.
Dead Last: Doug Biggerstaff, Marty Cooper, Rick Hansen and Bobby Fischer.
Closest to the Hole: Woody Taylor.
L-R: Chuck Bryant, A.O. Smith; Jeff
Longest Drive: Michael Sangalli.
Robinson, Johnson Supply.
Egg Putting Contest: Joseph Brooks.
A delicious dinner and
awards ceremony welcomed
players after their 18-hole
adventure. Jesse Delgado
won the special raffle drawing for an American Flag,
flown over our nation’s
capitol on Aug. 1st, in commemoration of the Sept. 11,
2001 tragedy. The flag was
properly folded and encased
in a triangular-shaped
wooden shadow box.
ACCA-San Antonio
and PHCC-San Antonio will
use the proceeds of the tournament to augment their
professional education and
SCAFFOLDING
SCAFFOLD MANUFACTURER
DIVISION OF TAR USA STEEL, INC.
“AFFORDABLE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICES”
Frame Scaffold –Shoring Scaffold
Crossbraces – Screwjacks
Caster Wheels – Planks
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12746 O’CONNOR ROAD
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78233
TEL:
FAX:
210 650 0181
210 650 0782
www.tarscaffolding.com
Practical and Economical
SOLUTIONS
Without
Compromising the
Quality or Performance
of any Design or
Construction Project
CONTACT
Philip Johnson, P.E.,
Geotechnical Engineering/CMT
or
Julian Herrera,
Operations Manager
(210)402-3102
14220 Northbrook Drive, Suite 300
SCAFFOLD
INDUSTRY
ASSOCIATION
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
Feasibility (preliminary) studies
Forensic Investigations
Flexible and Rigid Pavement
Designs
Foundation Design
Recommendations
Geotechnical Engineering Studies
Groundwater Impact Studies
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
TESTING (CMT) & INSPECTION
Field Testing & Inspection
• Concrete
• Soils
• Asphalt
• Steel
CMT Laboratory Testing
Construction QA / QC
Forensic Evaluations
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Asbestos Management
Indoor Air Quality Assessments
Environmental Site Assessments
(Phase I, II and III)
Lead-based Paint Management
Property Condition Assessments
L-R: Doug Biggerstaff, Bobby Fischer, Rick Hansen and
Marty Cooper, Roto-Rooter, came in dead last!
L E G a l
INSURANCE
Conditional Payment
Clauses – “Pay-if-Paid”
Surety Market Update
By Tom Hewitt
By Don Barnhill
T
he many years of sustained surety credit, where underwriting took
a backseat to creativity and aggressiveness, came to a halt during 2002. The prediction in this difficult time for contractors seeking
surety credit will continue through 2003 into 2004.
The primary factors causing this tight
market are underwriting practices, which
caused large losses and consolidation. The
consolidation occurred at both the primary
and reinsurance levels of the industry. The
surety industry faces serious challenges in
attracting and retaining sufficient capital to
support the needs of the industries it serves.
Contractors approaching the 2002
year-end should begin planning for 2003
by opening discussions now with your bond
agent, bond underwriter, CPA and attorney.
This team approach will help you create a
business plan. This business plan will help
you anticipate the tighter underwriting requirements of your bonding company and
create a competitive advantage.
In “A Small Contractors Guide to Contract Surety Bonds,” the following bond
programs are discussed:
A. SBA Bond Guarantee Program
The Small Business Administration
(SBA) bond program is aimed at smaller
contractors who are unable to secure any,
or adequate, bonding from standard sureties. The program is not a substitute for
lack of proper underwriting information
and the goal is to move the contractor “up
and out” to the standard market. The up
front paperwork requirements are usually
quite heavy but an experienced bond agent
can quickly get the contractor through the
maze.
B. Department of Transportation
Bonding Assistance Program
The bonding program offers certified
minority, women-owned and disadvantaged
business enterprises (DBE) and historically
underutilized businesses (HUB) an opportunity to obtain bid, payment and performance bonds for transportation-related
projects.
C. Small Accounts (non-SBA)
Small contractors with a successful
project track record and quality financial
statements may qualify for this program for
their initial bond.
Standard market bonding agents provide valuable assistance to their clients.
They assist the contractor in preparing the
extensive paperwork required for a complete submission to the surety company.
They also provide an objective assessment
of the contractor’s qualification for surety
credit, make suggestions for strengthening
the contractor’s qualification, and assist in
selecting an acceptable CPA. Agents submit a written analysis of the contractor’s
operations to the surety company best
suited to the needs of the contractor. And,
once a surety credit relationship is formed,
agents help in maintaining open channels
of communication between the contractor
and the surety. As well, agents provide professional advice on strategy that will maintain the surety credit needed to support
sound management objectives.
With good planning and business partners, contractors will be able to overcome
the challenges of the tight surety market in
2003.
Tom Hewitt is the Vice President of
Guaranty Insurance. He can be reached
at 210-525-0500, or contacted by email:
[email protected]
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Including All Holidays
8 am - 11 pm
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I
n the State of Texas, a Subcontract may have a “Pay-If-Paid” clause.
These clauses state that the Contractor’s obligation to pay the Subcontractor only accrues upon the Contractor’s receipt of payment from the owner for the
Subcontractor’s work. These clauses are often overlooked by the Subcontractors, or
misunderstood, when the Subcontract is presented to the Subcontractor.
The use of “Pay-If-Paid” clauses reduces or eliminates a significant risk of loss
that the Contractor may experience in the
performance of a Construction Contract.
Under the State and Federal Laws, if the
contractual provision is not in the Subcontract, then the Contractor will be responsible, although the Owner fails to pay the
Contractor. By placing the “Pay-If-Paid”
provision in the Subcontract, the Contractor transfers the risk of the Owner’s failure
to make payment from the Contractor to
the Subcontractor.
The language of a “Pay-If-Paid” clause
must be clear and unequivocal. The clause
must convey that it is the intention of the
Contractor and the Subcontractor, that the
Subcontractor’s payment rights are conditioned upon the Owner making payment to
the Contractor for the services rendered by
the Subcontractor.
The enforceability of a “Pay-If-Paid”
clause depends on the wording of the clause.
The “Pay-If-Paid” clause must be precise in
its intention and statement that the parties
have conditioned the Subcontractor’s right
to payment, only after the Contractor has
received payment from the Owner for the
Subcontractor’s work.
Some States have enacted legislation,
combined with Court decisions that the
“Pay-If-Paid” clauses do not apply to public works subcontracts. Generally, this re-
sults from trying to prevent the Contractor
from circumventing the Subcontractor’s
right under payment bonds. Some States
have held that the “Pay-If-Paid” clause is
effective only if the payment bond also provides the distinct and clear language stating that there is no coverage for nonpayment by the Contractor, until the Contractor has received payment from the Owner.
When performing on a Federal Government Contract, a Subcontract can also
contain a “Pay-If-Paid” clause that states
that the Contractor’s obligation to pay the
Subcontractor is only after receipt of payment from the Government for the
Subcontractor’s work. This clause has been
held to have waived the Subcontractor’s
right to file a Miller Act suit. A Federal
Court in Colorado had held that an effective waiver of the Miller Act by a Subcontractor must include: a reference to the Statute, and an unambiguous expression of an
intention to waive those rights.
Parties to a Subcontract should carefully
consider the impact of the Payment clauses.
Don Barnhill is president of Barnhill and
Associates, P.C. He has over twenty years’
experience of representing contractors and
suppliers. He is a member of the State Bar
of Texas Construction Law Section. Don
can be contacted at 210-491-9090, or
email: [email protected]
O S H A
ACCOUNTING
Making The Most Out
Of A Negative
Asbestos
Joann Nataranjan
By Laura Heinsheimer Dow
Asbestos is present in a number of products used in construction. Asbestos is the
name for a group of naturally occurring minerals that separate into strong, very fine fibers.
The fibers are heat-resistant and extremely durable, and, because of these qualities, asbestos has become very useful in construction. In the workplace it may or may not pose a
health hazard to the workers, depending on its condition. When it can be crushed or reduced to powder by hand pressure or the surface is not sealed to prevent small pieces from
escaping, the material is considered friable. In this condition fibers can be released and
pose a health risk. However, as long as the surface is stable and well-sealed against the
release of its fibers and not damaged, the material is considered safe until damaged in
some way.
Asbestos tends to break down into a dust of microscopic size fibers. Because of their size
and shape, these tiny fibers remain suspended in the air for long periods of time and can
easily penetrate body tissues after being inhaled or ingested. Because of their durability,
these fibers can remain in the body for many years and thereby become the cause of
asbestos related diseases. Symptoms of these diseases generally do not appear for 10 to
30 years after the exposure. Therefore, long before its effects are detectable, asbestos
related injury to the body may have already occurred. There is no safe level of exposure
known, therefore exposure to airborne asbestos should be avoided.
People who frequently work with this material, such as plumbers, contractors, and heating
specialists, can often correctly guess whether a material contains asbestos. However, the
only way to be sure is to have a sample of the suspect material analyzed by a laboratory.
Do not rely on visual determinations. It is prudent to treat material which could contain
asbestos as if it does, until and unless reliable analysis proves otherwise. Laboratories that
do this work are usually listed in the telephone yellow pages as “LABORATORIESANALYTICAL”.
Products that may contain asbestos include roofing and siding shingles made of asbestos
cement, and asbestos insulation in buildings built between 1930 and 1950. Asbestos may
be present in textured paint and patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints installed prior to 1977. Asbestos is found in some vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl
sheet flooring and adhesives. Hot water and steam pipes in older buildings may be coated
with an asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape.
OSHA regulates asbestos in two laws, 29 CFR 1926.1101 in construction and 29 CFR
1910.1001 in general industry. These should be consulted before beginning a job where
asbestos is encountered to ensure worker safety.
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL
545-6767
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I
n general, a net operating loss (NOL) arises when a company has
negative taxable income. The IRS allows a taxpayer to carry the
NOL back two years and forward 20 years. The Job Creation and
Worker Assistance Act of 2002 (the Act) temporarily increases the NOL carryback period
from two to five years for NOLs arising in tax years ending in 2001 and 2002. A taxpayer
may irrevocably elect to forgo the five-year carryback period and only carry the NOL back
two years if, for example, the taxpayer is in a low tax bracket in the fifth, fourth, and third
years back. The taxpayer might also consider waiving the two-year carryback period, if the
taxpayer is in a low tax bracket in the preceding two years as well.
A company may find itself in a situation where it has substantially overpaid its
taxes via estimated payments, but is actually facing an NOL at the end of the year.
In such a case, the company can file Form
4466 to take advantage of the “quick refund.” The form must be filed after the
close of the company’s tax year, but before
the due date of the tax return. Refunds will
be processed within 45 days.
During years in which a company generates an NOL, the taxpayer should consider
the possibility of reducing or shifting expenses out of an NOL year and into a subsequent year, taking into account such things
as the appropriateness of IRC Section 179
to immediately expense assets and using a
slower depreciation method to preserve deductions for the future. Each taxpayer’s situation is unique: every item of expense and
its timing should be evaluated.
While evaluating the various options
available, be sure to keep in mind the alternative minimum tax (AMT) NOL. The taxpayer needs to be aware that a waiver of
the carryback period also applies to AMT.
Under AMT rules, an alternative tax net
operating loss deduction (ATNOL) cannot
reduce a taxpayer’s alternative minimum
taxable income (AMTI) by more than 90
percent of the AMTI. The Act, however,
gives temporary relief by providing that :
1) an ATNOL attributable to a carryback
arising in tax years ending in 2001 or 2002
or 2) an NOL carryforward to 2001 and
2002 tax years may offset 100 percent of a
taxpayer’s AMTI. In addition, if a taxpayer
owes AMT tax in a year because of the 90
percent limit, the AMT NOL from 2001 can
be carried back to offset the remaining ten
percent that was not previously offset and
potentially create a refund of AMT previously paid.
It is noteworthy that an NOL for Texas
franchise tax purposes cannot be carried
back; it can only be carried forward five
years or until the loss is exhausted, whichever occurs first.
Year-end tax planning is the best line
of defense: understanding available alternatives will help contractors take advantage
of the situation. How a company weathers
in difficult financial times is directly related
to how well a contractor can turn a negative into a positive.
Laura Heinsheimer Dow is a tax
accountant at Padgett,
Stratemann & Co., L.L.P.
Phone: 210-828-6281
Email:[email protected]
Web Site: www.padgett-cpa.com
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ith a touch of fall
in the air, which
in Texas translates to temperatures dropping below 90, the Hispanic
Contractors Association was
welcomed to the Club at
Sonterra for their Scholarship Golf Tournament on
Sept. 30th.
Contractors, architects
and others throughout the
industry showed up for an
afternoon on the links that
featured food, fun and networking. Hackers were
(L-R) Raul Cantu, Bank of America; Ed Aguillar, EASI;
greeted with goody-bags
Jason Dennis, Security General International;
and lunch as well as dinner
and Alfredo Avillar, EASI.
following the tournament.
The 74 players who attended the tour“Business people throughout San Antonio, prize contributors, and members do- nament helped raise funds to provide scholnated their time and money to HCA-San arships in the construction arena.
“San Antonio HCA is hooked up with
Antonio and the scholarship fund,” said
Alex Jimenez, agent of Insurance Net- the National Hispanic Scholarship fund,”
work of Texas and coordinator of the tour- said Jimenez. “They match our donations
and help find students who want to pursue
nament.
Players could participate in hole-in-one education and careers in the construction
contests featuring a Million-Dollar-Chal- industry. Everything goes to a good cause.”
When all was said and done, the winlenge as well as two vehicles up for grabs.
Participants could also partake of the ners were:
$10,000 putting challenge for a chance to First place team-Sponsored by the San
get a little pocket change. Unfortunately, Antonio Spurs, included Johnny Moore.
no one was able to bag one of the elusive Mike Mitchell, J.J. Wilton and Ben
Townsend.
prizes.
2002 Sunbelt Builders Show
targets Southwest builders market
T
he Dallas Convention Center was
hopping with activity on Oct. 17th
– 19th as it hosted the 2002 Sunbelt
Builders Show, in conjunction with the
Texas Association of Builders (TAB) annual meeting. The event featured the Star
Awards for excellence in homebuilding and
the Lone Star Awards, for excellence in the
remodeling industry.
Leading manufacturers and suppliers
of building products and services recognize
the Sunbelt Builders Show as essential in
serving the home building industry in
Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico
and Louisiana.
“Manufacturers and suppliers of construction products and services have long
needed an event that attracts and satisfies
builders and remodeling contractors serious about education, networking and purchasing the latest in construction products,”
said event producer Todd Davis.
New in 2002, the Home Builders Association of Greater Dallas sponsored a
Fall Parade of Homes and Home Tour during the show. The Home Tour featured five
homes in the $600,000 to $800,000 range,
located in the Hills of Breckenridge in
Richardson, TX.
In his keynote address, Henry
Cisneros, CEO and Chairman, American
City Vista provided insight to the emerging
and significant Hispanic market, predicting
a sizable impact on the home building industry in the Southwest over the next ten
years. The former mayor of San Antonio,
Cisneros noted key marketing strategies and
impressive statistics that will affect marketing goals and will create new opportunities
for everyone in the home building industry.
Local recipients of the 2002 Star
Awards for excellence in homebuilding
included:
Best Custom Home: $150,000 - $250,000:
Jenkins Construction, Dripping Springs.
Best Custom Home: $250,000 - $350,000:
Sitterle Homes, San Antonio; design by
Cox and Associates, Jim Cox, San Antonio.
Best Custom Home: $350,000 - $500,000:
Mike Hollaway Custom Homes, San Antonio; design by Tracy Smith.
Best Custom Home $500,000 - $1,000,000:
Mike Hollaway Custom Homes, San An-
tonio; design by Michael Hyden.
Custom Luxury Home $1,000,000 $5,000,000: Jauregui Architect, Austin.
Custom Luxury Home Over $5,000,000:
Katz Builders, Austin; design by Cornerstone Group Architect, Bob Wetmore,
Austin.
Product Design $125,000 - $175,000:
Newmark Homes; design by Lavender Design Group, Carol Lavender, San Antonio.
Product Design - $325,000 - $400,000:
Hammonds Homes; design by Kipp Flores
Architects, Damon Behrens, Austin.
Product Design - $400,000 - $500,000:
Hammonds Homes; design by Kipp Flores
Architects, Sabas Flores, Austin.
Rural Product Design: Brian A. Bailey
Homes, Inc, Austin; design by Cornerstone
Group Architects, Bob Wetmore, Austin.
Interior Merchandising $250,000 $325,000: Newmark Homes; design by Five
Star Interiors, Tami Swingler, Austin.
Interior Merchandising $400,000 $500,000: Hammonds Homes; design by
Dewalt Design, Mary Dewalt, Austin.
Interior Merchandising Over $500,000:
Jauregui Architect, Austin; design by
BellaCasa Design Associates, Kevin
Spearman, Austin.
Remodeled Project Under $100,000:
Montelongo Homes & Remodeling, San
Antonio.
Remodeled Project Over $200,000:
Kennen Kahanek Custom Builder, Inc.,
Georgetown, by Hobbs’ Ink Custom Home
Design, Janet Hobbs, Austin.
Realtor of the Year: Keller Williams Realty,
Kimberly Howell, San Antonio.
Sales Manager: Sitterle Homes, James
Leonard, San Antonio.
Title Industry Professional: Stewart Title
Austin, Inc., Josie San Miguel, Austin.
Local recipients of the Lone Star
Awards for excellence in remodeling included:
Best Kitchen Under $25,000: Laughlin
Homes.
Best Sun Room Over $20,000: Montelongo
Homes.
Best Detached Outbuilding: Montelongo
Homes.
Best Exterior Facelift Over $30,000:
Nobody will shoot you if you stay on the road
T
he organizers of Howell Crane &
Rigging, Inc.’s 8th Annual Skeet
Shoot, Bar-B-Que and Dove Hunt
were carefully watching a hurricane in the
Gulf waters, praying it would skirt our area
on Sat., Sept. 28th. Their prayers were answered, as Mother Nature ushered in blue
skies, puffy clouds and gentle breezes.
It was a perfect day for a dove hunt at
the 1,700-acre Frank Howell Ranch, located in the beautifully serene countryside
Show me the money!
Catering by John Bohannon, New Berlin.
near New Berlin. Thanks to
accurate directions and a
towering crane at the ranch
entrance, about 350 invited
guests wound their way
through the ranch road to the
site of the action. Clad in camouflage and pockets bulging
with ammo, the mostly male
crowd gathered under an expanse of old shade trees to
enjoy the festivities.
Founded in 1977 by
Frank Howell, the crane
company hosted the daylong
skeet shoot, BBQ and dove
hunt for the benefit of its Jim Bellm, Brandt Engineering; Kevin Carpenter, Jason
Shell, & Randall Rutledge, Mission Plumbing; and Robert
many customers. Like clock(son-of-a-brother) Chapman, Chapman Brothers Inc.
work, the relaxed format
skeet shooting began at 1 pm.
“The skeet shoot is for
fun,” Frank said as he
watched from the sidelines.
“Everybody throws in a dollar, and the winner takes all!”
In this case, the top two
shooters, Robbie Stoddard,
Hooker Contracting, and
Dudley Butler, Joeris General Contracting split the
pot by mutual agreement,
each pocketing $113.
“My dad retired from
the company about three
years ago,” said Audie
L-R: The Howell Crane & Rigging, Inc. family and staff.
Howell, one of Frank’s nine
children. “He lives out here
at the ranch and it’s his fulltime play toy.”
At about 5 pm, dove hunters dispersed
Audie runs the crane business now with throughout the property in pursuit of white
the valuable assistance of three of his very wings. For those who chose not to hunt,
capable sisters, Cindy Oates, Melody Jus- more skeet shooting activities ensued. As
tice and Lisa Moore. Frank, Audie, Cindy this writer left the premises, she was asand Lisa also own a subsidiary company, sured “Nobody will shoot you if you stay
Affordable Trailers and Truck Accessories. on the road!”
2003 International
Builders’ show in
Las Vegas
T
he International Builders’ Show (IBS)
is headed for Las Vegas for the first time
in nine years. The show, which is widely
regarded as the most important event of the
year for the nation’s housing industry, according to an IBS release, moves to the Las
Vegas Convention Center, Jan. 21-24, 2003,
and is expected to draw more than 70,000
attendees from 100 countries.
Produced by the National Association
of Home Builders (NAHB), IBS is home
to the industry’s largest new product showcase, with wares from 1,000 manufacturers and suppliers spanning more than 200
building product categories. The exhibit
floor will occupy more than 1.2 million
square feet of space, equivalent to almost
30 acres.
IBS also is known for its vast selection
of educational seminars geared to all segments
of the residential and light commercial construction industry. Course instructors, who
represent many of the industry’s leading experts and trendsetters, will present more than
200 sessions in 16 subject tracks ranging from
architecture and interior design to land development, environmental regulation and organization and business management.
“Las Vegas is always a popular destination for the Builder’s Show,” said Gary
Garczynski, NAHB president. “But with the
industry performing as well as it has, this
year’s show should be an even more exciting place to kick off the new year and get
the information and education all of us will
need to keep our businesses in top shape.”
ICCON™, the International Commercial Construction Exposition, is another
popular feature of IBS where builders and
contractors involved in commercial construction projects can see and learn about
new products and services in the light commercial field.
Page 28 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– San Antonio Construction News • Nov 2002
GSABA tournament benefits NAHB’s PAC
A
n air conditioned Anderson Windows demo trailer was modified for
the day, as 136 homebuilders and
associate members of the Greater San Antonio Builders Association entered to register for the 2002 BUILD-PAC Golf Classic at River Crossing Golf Club on Tues.,
Oct 1st.
The early arrivals enjoyed a boxed
lunch in the clubhouse bar and ample time
on the practice greens and driving
range. Late arrivals hustled to find
their carts in time for the 12:30 pm
shotgun start.
“The funds we raise today are
going to the National Association
of Home Builders (NAHB)
BUILD-PAC,” said tournament organizer Jerry Smith, Sr. “Each year
we collectively decide which national political candidates to support, and the
proceeds of today’s tournament will go toward
that effort.”
The Smith Boys! GSABA’s president Jerry, Jr., with
his dad Jerry, Sr., tournament organizer and
The Reception
past president from 1972.
Dinner honored the winners with mahogany clock Stark, Damon Christofilis, Mr. Veltman,
awards. Congratulations to all! and Stoney Womack.
The results of the 4-man 2nd Place Net: Fred Molter, Mike Isbell,
scramble are:
Kevin Sloan, and Chris Houser.
1st Place Net: Rick Dunn, Rick 3rd Place: Dominick Alongi, Rob
Kness, Carroll Keane, and Brad Garriga, Mike Allen, and Kevin Smith.
Bochat.
Longest Drive: Matt Mauldin.
L-R: Scott Kellner, Continental Homes; Rick Fulks,
Urban Concrete; and Matt Markette, Brick Selections. 1st Place Low Gross: John Closest to the Pin: Chris Houser.
Construction Terminology
Project Manager - The conductor of an orchestra in
which every musician is in a different union.
Low Bidder - A contractor who is wondering what he
left out.
AIA celebrates SA
Library’s 100th year
T
he San Antonio Chapter of the
American Institute of Architects,
with the San Antonio Library, celebrates the centenary of the San Antonio Library with an exhibit and symposium titled
“The Library Today: Continuity and Change.”
The exhibit will feature five recently built
library buildings from across the country, recognized by Honor Awards from the American Institute of Architects. In addition, AIA
San Antonio is inviting firms that have won
AIA/ALA, TSA and/or Texas component
chapter awards for library buildings completed since 1992 to submit the award-winning project for inclusion in this exhibition.
The exhibit will be displayed from
Dec. 5th, through Jan. 5th, 2003 in the Art
Gallery of the San Antonio Central Library,
designed by award-winning Mexican architect Ricardo Legoretta.
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Homebuilders oppose code that
would hamper home affordability
A
fter participating in a multi-year
effort to produce a single set of national model building codes that
will ensure public health and safety while
preserving housing affordability, the National Association of Home Builders is
urging regulators not to impose new costs
on home buyers by adopting a competing
code recently released by the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA). NAHB
recommended that its members and affiliated home builder associations oppose
adoption of NFPA 5000 in their state and
local jurisdictions through a resolution
adopted during its recent Board of Directors meeting in Anchorage.
“NFPA’s code will adversely impact
housing affordability without any sort of
demonstrated need or benefit to home buyers,” said home builder/developer Gary
Garczynski, president of NAHB. “For example, NFPA 5000 mandates stair tread/
riser requirements for all residential stairways that have been traditionally limited
to commercial buildings. If adopted, these
requirements will adversely impact our
ability to construct affordable townhouses,
the entry level housing in many areas.”
NFPA developed NFPA 5000, Building Construction and Safety Code, to compete directly with the International Codes
developed and maintained by the International Codes Council (ICC). ICC was established in 1994 by three regional model
code organizations to create a single coordinated set of national model building
codes. NAHB endorsed the concept of a
single set of national codes and participated
fully in their development.
The existence of two competing sets
of national model building codes will result in substantial additional costs to builders, design professionals and ultimately
homebuyers. For builders and designers
who work in multiple jurisdictions, it will
add the expense of learning two sets of code
requirements and the potential for costly
construction errors due to confusion over
the applicable set of code requirements.
Therefore, NAHB is also urging NFPA to
abandon code development and adoption
efforts related to NFPA 5000 and instead
to work with ICC to integrate the other
NFPA codes and standards into the existing ICC family of codes, which have already been adopted by many state and local jurisdictions throughout the United
States.
Donna Reichle, National Association of
Home Builders
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CPS and IBEW golfers
benefit United Way
GSABA unveils dynamic website
A
fter getting approval from the
Greater San Antonio Builders Association (GSABA) executive
committee to upgrade the association’s
website, executive vice president Becky
Oliver laid out a few directives, and her
staff ran with the ball.
“Although we are getting a lot of hits
from the public,” said account administrator Debbie Garcia, “we felt we needed a
fresh, colorful, attractive and more userfriendly website. We also want to focus on
the roster members, as well as government,
political issues and links with realtors and
others.”
The new website, unveiled in Nov.,
offers FREE links to the websites of all
GSABA members as an incentive to usher
them into the computer age by promoting
their companies in cyberspace. The simplicity of the website is intended to make it as
easy as possible for builders who are
transitioning to the electronic age.
“The public maximizes its use of time
and energy by going to the Internet these
days to find builders, pictures of their work,
suppliers and subcontractor information,”
Debbie added. “Webmaster Daniel Benton,
Information Technology Specialist for Hollywood Crawford, is offering builders reasonable rates to design their website, and
help them understand that it’s not a complicated issue.”
Daniel’s responsibilities will be to design the new GSABA Web site and make
sure it operates properly.
“I will be changing the appearance of
the website, making it simpler to navigate
and adding an online database feature
which should make it much easier for visitors to find GSABA members who provide
services they are looking for,” Daniel explained. “After the new GSABA site is published and in use, I will help the GSABA
staff keep the content up-to-date. As the
builder’s association grows, it will also be
my responsibility to make sure their website
grows with them.”
Daniel will also be offering web design services to builders, manufacturers,
and any other companies who can benefit
from his design skills.
“Hollywood Crawford’s experience in
the service industry gives us a solid understanding of what features and results service companies should expect from their
website,” he continued. “For companies
who do not yet have a website, we can plan
out a website that will offer all the information the client wishes to publish at a very
reasonable price. For companies who already have a website, but are in search of a
new Webmaster to maintain or update their
website presence, we can also help them
put forth an effective website image.”
Serving as an intermediary between
builders and the Webmaster, Debbie has
been designated the contact person at
GSABA. “We don’t want our members to
go directly to Daniel, rather, come to us
first. The GSABA staff will help handle
updates, deletions, corrections, advertising
inquiries and more for members.”
BIG EVENT?
Let us know. Story ideas and news releases can be faxed
to the Construction News at (210) 308-5960
CONCRETE CONTRACTORS LTD
Commercial • Residential • MultiFamily
Ronnie Urbanczyk, President • Steven Valerio, Vice President
Estimators Tom Fulks • Robert Cruz • Rick Fulks
Professional Engineer, Mike Zezula
A
rainy morning with a promise of
continued afternoon showers didn’t
stop 45 City Public Service and
IBEW Local Union 500 golfers from enjoying the 5th Annual United Way Golf
Tournament, at Pecan Valley Golf Course,
on Sat., Oct. 19th.
CPS’ supervisor of employee communications and tournament organizer,
Sharon Luther-Minor, said the event’s
proceeds would benefit the United Way
Campaign.
“CPS is very committed to United Way,
and we do an employee, retiree and executive campaign to raise money for the organization,” Sharon explained. “This golf tournament is an extra way for us to contribute
to the effort. We hope to raise about
$10,000.”
Following the two-man pick/partner
scramble, players enjoyed dinner, an awards
ceremony, a raffle drawing and a silent auction.
The tournament winners were:
1st Place: Team from Mechanical Con-
L-R: Representing IBEW Local Union
500: Lou Lassiter, Artie Kocian
(president of IBEW Local Union 500),
and Don Schlough, City Public Service.
struction Services, Inc.: Danny L.
Brustrom, Jerry Johnson,
Danny H. Brustrom and
Sherman Rawlinson.
2nd Place: Team from Pape
Dawson Engineers: Noel
Nichols, Steve Dean,
Wayne Brasington and Lee
Mangum.
Closest to the Pin Winners:
Hole #3: Armando Flores,
Landata Geo Services, Inc.
Hole
#7:
Sherman
Rawlinson, Mechanical
Construction Services, Inc.
Hole #12: A.L. Lange,
Logica, Inc.
L-R: Rudy Martinez, CPS; Barry Amos, Watkins
Hole #16: Mark Vallier,
Engineers; and Bill Gunst, CPS.
City Public Service.
Urban Concrete and the team they put together set the
standards on this project. Even with the rain delay,
they got everything in, and poured when we needed it.
Special thanks to Stephan and Zach. If it wasn’t
for Urban and their team we would not be
where we are today on this job.
Michael Lopez, Project Manager, Constructors
“Building a strong foundation in San Antonio and South Texas”
Business Office
24114 Blanco Road
210 • 490 • 0090 Fax 210 • 490 • 1505 800 • 884 • 6675
Austin Field Office
3206 Highway 183 South Austin, Texas 78744
800 • 884 • 6675
See our ad at CONCRETE CONTRACTORS in
your SBC Southwestern Bell Yellow Pages and
at www.SMARTpages.com
Doc’s don hardhats for
groundbreaking
AG&M announces expansion
at Open House
s the fog rolled
across northwest
San Antonio, on
Mon., Oct. 21st, folks gathered for a groundbreaking
ceremony to launch the
construction of the Pentist
Medical Office Building.
Located at the corner
of a quiet residential area
on Huebner Rd., general
contractor Better Built Enterprises, Inc. was poised
to begin clearing and site
work activity immediately.
L-R foreground: Administrator Benjamin Salazar;
Architect Norman
District 9’s Jim McAden; Kahley Scott, R.N.;
owner Dr. Juan Bonilla; owner Dr. Arturo Bonilla;
Cates designed the 6,000architect Norman Cates; general contractor Jim Srp;
sf, $900,000, single-story
and owner Dr. Don Moe with support staff.
medical office building,
which will be occupied by
a three-physician owner/tenant group. tainly won’t be doing any midnight conThe physicians are pediatric ear/nose/ crete pours!”
throat specialists.
The San Antonio-based general con“It’s a simple design,” Norman noted, tracting firm has been in business for 24
“featuring plaster/stucco exterior, stand- years. Project superintendent Sammy
ing seam metal roof, and a subdued ap- Lane, a 16-year veteran of the company,
pearance that blends into the upscale will oversee the project. The firm’s portneighborhood. The three-acre corner lot folio of mid-size commercial work inhas beautiful live oak trees and each of cludes restaurants, medical, retail, industhem will be saved, providing a base for trial, and office projects.
a nice landscape program.”
“We have a good group of subconJim Srp, president of Better Built tractors,” Jim added. “Our philosophy inEnterprises, said he’s working on a 6- corporates the ‘team’ concept, where the
month start-to-finish construction sched- architect, engineers, and construction
ule.
professionals work as a cohesive unit.”
“Tomorrow we’ll start excavation acAccording to District 9 zoning comtivities in preparation for the building missioner Jim McAden, City Public Serpad,” Jim reported. “If the weather holds vice and former Councilman Tim
and everything goes according to plan, we Bannwolf worked in conjunction to make
should be on target. We’re working in a sure no overhead utilities ran through the
neighborhood where the noise and clean- area.
liness factors are a high priority. We cer-
n spite of a drizzly forecast, Architectural
Granite & Marble, Inc.
(AG&M) hosted an all-day
catered Open House on Fri.,
Oct. 18th. Central Market
provided a spacious canopy
tent, linen-covered tables
and chairs, and a beautifully
presented buffet of delectable offerings.
San Antonio Construction News spoke with Cathy
Vickery, general manager of
the 4-year-old San Antonio
satellite location. She said
Standing before a slab of illuminated honey-yellow onyx,
the company is announcing
are L-R-standing: Cathy Vickery, president/owner
its expansion and showcasJack Seiders, and Elizabeth Sanchez. Seated
L-R: Mark Rehm and Andy Dierschke.
ing the new marble, limestone, sandstone and granite
materials that have come in over the last ish the raw materials, and install them in
six months.
the end-users home or commercial project.
“We invited designers, builders, fabri- “We work with architects and designers
cators and the general public,” Cathy ex- who will specify our stone,” Cathy added.
plained, “to show them we are growing and “They will send their customers to us and
keeping up with the trends. Our products we show them around the yard, assisting in
are imported from all over the world, and their selection. The fabricator picks-up their
this industry niche has really exploded over exact slab(s) to produce the final product.”
the last six months. There are a lot of retirThe Austin-based company, owned by
ees who are coming to San Antonio, who Jack Seiders, employs ten personnel at its
want our product, who want the best! Once San Antonio branch. With its success, the
they determine they can get granite for the branch has purchased an adjacent property
same price or less than high-end, man-made in which to expand. The 8,000-sq ft renosources, they always opt for granite.”
vation is expected to be complete in Feb.
AG&M is a wholesale company, sell- 2003.
ing directly to fabricators, who cut and fin-
A
BUZZ MILLER
PRESIDENT/GM
I
FYI
The amount of concrete used in the construction
of Hoover Dam is equal to that of paving a four
foot wide sidewalk around the equator.
“You get our very best
effort every time you call.”
UNSURPASSED QUALITY AND SUPERIOR SERVICE
For remodeling and home improvements as well
as for major construction projects, Allen and Allen
Lumber and Hardware is the place to go. You’ll
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projects large and small, ask around, then go to
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Cold front advances on players at Sonterra
T
he weather gurus had been forecasting a cold front,
and it blew into our area just in time for the Associated General Contractors Fall Golf Tournament on
Mon., Oct. 14th, at The Club of Sonterra.
Known as a group who likes to take advantage of any
opportunity to leave the office or jobsite, 176 members
and guests turned out, dressed for the chilly and drizzly
conditions on game day. Players warmed up on the driving range and
practice greens
prior to the 12:30
pm shotgun start.
One player
was overheard
saying the weather felt more like
the opening day of
deer season than a
day on the links.
Kevin McIntyre,
KMAC Construction Services, said
his compatriot and
intended golf partner, Mark Cuppetilli, M&M
Contracting, noshowed, again.
Dressed for rain and temps in the
fifties, players competed for space
“Mark claimed to
on the driving range.
have had an unfortunate midnight run-in with A. Brokentoe,” Kevin chided.
After the tournament, North and South Course winners were recognized in an awards ceremony, moderated
by Ace Tinch, HCDT Insurance Agency. The proceeds
continued from Page 1 - M.J. Boyle General
Contractor, Inc. revamps downtown Vogue
Building
payback,” David continued. “While it was
initially more expensive to install, the system is less expensive to operate and requires
less maintenance. The chiller sits on the
rooftop, which required some additional
structural support.”
The existing electrical system was
completely removed and replaced with a
modern system.
“I want to credit our experienced
project superintendent, Gene Koehler, for
being instrumental in making a difficult
project proceed so smoothly,” David said.
“Many superintendents can build a new
building from the ground up, but only a few
can re-build a one hundred-year-old-plus
building on time and on budget.”
Renovation projects are always problematic, and Mike Boyle contributed the project’s
success to excellent communication.
“The project’s success can be directly
attributed to the working relationship between all the members of the project team,”
Mike stated. “We were blessed with good
subcontractors and design professionals
who communicated well. Renovation
projects are often plagued with many unforeseen conditions, stressing the relationships between all the stakeholders. I think
the owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and our staff did a fantastic job of
delivering an excellent product to the marketplace. The team concept was very important on this project, and because of it,
we were able to meet the budget and the
time requirements. My hat’s off to the entire group!”
Professionals involved with the project
include: 3D/I Architects; Lundy & Franke
Engineering, Inc.; and Fugro South, Inc.
Primary subcontractors involved with
the project include: Arahed Lathing Corporation; Architectural Warehouse; Brandt
Engineering Co.; Certified/LVI Environmental Services, Inc.; Circle “C” Millwork,
Inc.; Corbo Electric Company, Inc.; Crown
Steel; Curtis Hunt Restorations, Inc.; D&G
Enterprises, Inc.; General Supply;
Hutchinson Supply; J&R Tile, Inc.; J.D.
Glass Company; L.E. Travis & Sons, Inc.;
M&M Marble Co., Inc.; Marek Brothers
Systems, Inc.; Marvin Windows Planning
Center; Robles & Sons, Inc.; Rooster
Aycock Construction; Safway Scaffolds
Equipment & Supply; Samuel Dean Company, Inc.; Thyssen Dover Elevator; and
Western States Fire Protection Co.
of the tournament will be used to offset operating expenses.
Tournament chairman, Bill Huber, Huber Contracting,
Ltd., was assisted in his organizational efforts by fellow
committee members, various contributors, and volunteers,
including: Crystal Champion, Sandi Harper, Cindy
McFerran, Paula Rogers, Roxanne Salas, and Paula
Smart.
And the winners were:
North Course:
1st Place: Bud West, John Kovar, Greg Anthony and
Chris Anthony.
2nd Place: Steve Guenther, Dean Lundquist, Ruben
Alcorta and Marty Schneider.
3rd Place: Kevin McIntyre, Rocco Kotsur, Barry
Murray and Larry Baker.
Last Place: Don Aird, Wayne Goldston, Manuel
L-R: Richard Garza, GARCO Contracting; Ace Tinch,
HCDT Insurance; Clark Fresher, retired; Gayle Kemble
and Pat Fischer, Fischer, Herbst & Kemble CPA firm.
L-R: Randy Mann, Gregg Hartz, and Rick Rhodes, Way
Engineering; Mike Latiolais, Ferguson Enterprises.
Mendoza and Lee Romain.
Closest to the Pin: Richard Ortiz.
Longest Drive: Dean Lundquist.
South Course:
1st Place: David Rymer, Fred Iacono, Mark Wohlfarth
and Mike Hunt.
2nd Place: David Dahse, Paul Frederickson, Bubba
Moeller and T.J. Rogers.
3rd Place: Robert Powers, Rusty Rivet, Chip Goode and
Mark Newton.
Last Place: Helen Keaton, Gault Robinson, Michelle
Seward and Stephen Walter.
Closest to the Pin: Billy Platts.
Longest Drive: Bryan Moore.
Best Dressed: Don Aird, SAISD.
continued from Page 21 - Success Corner
goals, remember to praise and acknowledge.
Focus on the strengths of your team.
Each member of your team has specific
strengths and personality traits. Let your
people work with their strengths. When
people work with their strong traits, they expend less energy and get more done.
Give your team regular,
constructive feedback.
Your team needs to know how they are
doing. Follow this simple rule. Encourage, encourage, and encourage. When an
issue arises, ask your employee how the two
of you, together, can work through the challenge. Feedback should be direct and measurable, so that both of you know exactly
when an issue is resolved.
Allow them to fail and to grow.
What would have happened if your
parents quit on you the first, second or third
time you didn’t respond to your potty training? Sometimes you have to be persistent
in training your team members so that it
prevents a mess in the future.
Let your team help you. Delegate.
OK, all you control freaks out there are
squirming in your chairs, I know. The fact
is that you will get more accomplished when
you give away some of your power and delegate to your team. Train them and they
won’t disappoint you.
Let your team grow and let them go.
It is like rearing children. When they
fly away from the nest and become productive members of society, you know you have
done your job. Train your team with the
mentality that your want them to spread their
wings and fly on their own.
Until next time, may you prosper when
managing your team toward success.
Paul Montelongo is the author of 101 Power Strategies; Tools to Promote Yourself as the Contractor of Choice. Paul is a nationally recognized
speaker and consultant to the construction industry. Visit Paul at www.ContractorOfChoice.com
and register for a free E-mail newsletter to receive tips, strategies and concepts to help you grow
your business and increase your profits.
Happy
Turkey Day!
• National & Contractors
Accounts Available
• Major Credit Cards
Accepted
• We Carry Most National
Brands
• Hours:
Monday-Friday 6 am-5 pm
Saturday-8 am-12 noon
OSHA identifies poor language
skills as safety hazard
Round-Up
D
uPont
Flooring Systems
proudly announces the
addition of
Elma Demory
as Marketing
Specialist.
Elma joins
DFS
with
twelve years of flooring experience.
Her expertise in assisting customers in
product selection, estimating and total
project management is a valuable asset to our customers and the DuPont
team.
R
ay P. Kezar
has been
named Director
of Marketing
Traditional Services of Engineering Consulting Services,
Ltd. Ray brings
25 years of construction and engineering experience to the position. He
will be responsible for marketing and
promotional activities to advance the
geotechnical and construction materials
testing services for the firm. Ray, formerly with Arias & Kezar Engineering,
joined ECS, Ltd. in Sept. 2002.
Wiremen shrug off the
rain to raise funds
W
oodlake Golf
Club hosted the
6th Annual Wireman’s Association Harry F.
Katz Memorial Golf Tournament on Sat., Oct. 19th. The
1 pm shotgun start was preceded by a morning of intermittent showers and cool
temperatures, but not
enough to dampen the players’ determination to challenge the windy course.
L-R: Mike Gaffney and Joe Serna, Carpenters Union; P.J.
“If there’s no lighten- Hummel, Nathan Alterman Electric; Justin Hummel, Fisk
Electric; and Steve Hummel, Pioneer Flour Mill.
ing, we’re good to go!” said
one eager electrician.
According to tournament organizer Don Watson,
Service Manager, Nathan
Alterman Electric Co., 52
union (IBEW Local 60) electricians, pipefitters, carpenters, sheet metal workers,
ironworkers, electrical contractors and local electrical
suppliers gathered to compete against one another in a
four-man scramble format.
L-R: Carl Koenning, Charlie Lorenz, Tina Arzola,
“This tournament honand Charles Albert, Corbo Electric.
ors Harry F. Katz, who was
a good friend and guiding light within the 2nd Place: Steve Hummel, Pioneer Flour
industry,” Don explained. “For many years Mills; P.J. Hummel, Nathan Alterman
he was the training director of the STJATC Electric; Justin Hummel, Fisk Electric; and
in San Antonio and served on the Code Chris Elliott, Nathan Alterman Electric.
Panel for the National Electrical Code.”
3rd Place: Mike Gaffney and Joe Serna,
Proceeds raised by the event will be Carpenters Union Local #14; David Van
used to supplement the income of sick and Os and Ruben Barrions, David Van Os,
injured electrical workers. After the tour- Attorney at Law.
nament, players enjoyed a BBQ dinner, live Longest Drive: Chip Goode, Martin
auction and awards ceremony.
Wright Electric.
Closet to the Pin: Joe Serna, Carpenters
The results of the tournament were:
Union Local #14; Steve Herzek,
1st Place: Ray Hendricks, Fred Cox and Massengale Armature; Emile Larose,
Buddy Theis, Nathan Alterman Electric; Corbo Electric; and Lloyd Norris.
and Scott Keller, WESCO, Inc.
10568 Sentinel San Antonio,
Texas 78217
210.655.6116 Fax. 210.655.6727
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I
n a press release issued on Oct. 18th, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been examining
the construction industry to determine ways
to better promote safety on the job. Due to
the increasingly high fatality rates of Hispanic construction workers, OSHA now has
six months of fatality data that includes
whether or not the worker had limited English-speaking ability. This data shows that
61 percent of deaths in the Dallas, Texas
region included speakers with limited English-speaking ability.
“There is nothing more pressing for us
than dealing with this enormous trend,”
OSHA Administrator John Henshaw said
at the Second Hispanic Forum on a Safe and
Healthy Environment on Oct. 7th. “All of
us in the safety and health business need to
focus on this issue.”
Deaths among Hispanic workers have
risen by more than 20 percent over the last
two years, rising 12 percent in 2000, and
another nine percent in 2001, according to
OSHA. OSHA has spent time and money
translating safety manuals and is now turning its attention to studies that show Spanish speakers need hands-on safety instruction. Some people believe that translating
materials into Spanish is ineffective because
native Spanish speakers have differing levels of literacy and may not have time to read
the materials or study the safety techniques
well enough to be able to apply them in real-
life situations.
“Many studies have proven that telling people about concepts or asking them
to read the material on their own yields
much less successful results than actually
engaging them in practical applications of
the concepts being taught,” said Lisa
Washington, Independent Electrical
Contractors (IEC) Vice President of Member and Chapter Relations. “This is precisely why IEC’s apprenticeship training
courses and continuing education courses
are so successful; our instructors teach
through demonstration and implementation.”
The “teach by demonstration” method
is implemented when the teacher demonstrates it; the student duplicates it; and together they evaluate it.
A study conducted by a company in
Garland, Texas proved the same theory
holds true. Before beginning a training
program for construction workers at the
DFW International Airport, the BEST Institute surveyed thousands of construction
workers and came up with a profile of the
typical employee on the site. The study
found that the average construction worker
in North Texas is a 36-year-old Hispanic
man who speaks little or no English, has
very little formal education, is good with
his hands, and likes math. Therefore, he
would benefit most from practical, handson safety instruction.
continued from Page 5 - Contemporary Painting Contractors enters SA market
“Ruth works in the office three days a
week, assisting with the books and scheduling,” Dan reported. “With her help, I can
focus on growing the business, estimating,
and concentrate on selling. Fortunately, I
have key employees who can help me manage our projects with limited supervision.”
With 10 years of experience under his
belt, this 26-year-old understands the importance of tempering growth with one’s capa-
bilities. “I learned some valuable lessons
about the relationship between money and
growth at an early age,” Dan confessed,
“including how not to ‘blow’ it. I even had
some lawn care customers, retired corporate executives, who took me under their
wings and shared some basic business
principles with me, which I’ve never forgotten. Spend money on what it needs to
be spent on, but not frivolously.”
continued from Page 1 - Beck expands with roll-off company
Dispose-All to place roll-off boxes on their
jobsites. Once filled, they request a pick-up
and another empty container in its place until
the work is complete.
Dispose-All’s radius of operation includes Bexar County and surrounding counties. Marketing efforts will include maintaining long-term relationships and gaining personal referrals. “We’re going to be working the same market as our ready-mix business,” Ben continued, “letting customers
know that we now offer a roll-off service as
well. Having an existing clientele who also
is in need of roll-off services is a key advantage. The market’s there, and the separating factor is service.”
To achieve excellent customer service,
Ben relies on the human element. “Most customers want to call our company and speak
with a person, not to voice mail. We pro-
vide a personal voice at the other end of
the line, instead of a bureaucratic wasteland. Our customers will not be just another number on a national balance sheet.
We focus on the big picture for our customers by weighing their needs and meeting their schedules. We are family-owned,
we interface personally with our customers, and we build friendships.”
A graduate of Trinity University, with
degrees in business and homebuilding, Ben
comes from a long line of hardhats. A survivor of tough economic times, especially
in the late 80’s, he said his business has
continued to grow and he credits that success to the personal relationship factor.
Adding roll-off services to his thriving
ready-mix and landfill business puts Ben
in a one-of-a-kind position locally.
continued from Page 1 - Banners will fly over Construct a Kid’s Christmas event.
Then have fun selecting gifts for Bexar
County’s special children.
Also, please remember to include older
children, ages 12 to 18. Traditionally, the
number of gift contributions for these young
people are much lower, but they comprise
40 percent of the children in protective custody. Age-appropriate gifts for these children are appreciated and can include such
gift items as gift certificates to Target,
Walmart, Best Buy or other places where
these young people can pick out favorite
CD’s, cool clothes, make-up or portable radios and CD players. Or, if you would like
to make a monetary contribution for these
young people, gift selections will be made
on your behalf. All monetary contributions
should be made out to: Friends of the Bexar
County Welfare Board, Inc.
There are an equal number of boys and
girls who will receive gifts from the Construct a Kid’s Christmas fundraiser. The per-
centage of children in each category are:
birth to 3-years, 22%; 4 – 6 years, 13%; 7
– 11 years, 25%; and 12 – 18 years, 40%.
Tickets are still available for the 2nd
Annual Construct a Kid’s Christmas Gala
on Thurs., Dec. 5th, hosted by Associated
Builders and Contractors, National Association of Women in Construction and
American Subcontractors Association.
Named one of the best parties in town, the
6 pm to midnight gala will be held at the
Alzafar Shrine Temple on Loop 1604.
You’ll want to get dressed up for an opportunity to win $10,000 in the reverseraffle. One of the biggest money-raisers is
the Live Auction, which will feature a
lineup of extravagant and affordable auction items. All proceeds will be donated
to the industry’s Construct a Kid’s Christmas event. See you there!
ASSOCIATION NEWS
ABC
Nov. 3: Associated Builders and Contractors’ “ABC Night at the SA Rampage!”
Only $20 per person includes ticket to pro
hockey’s home opener, a ticket for another
game, T-shirt and fun! A limited block of
tickets is available; reserve yours early by
calling 210-342-1994.
Nov. 5: VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!
Nov. 7: ABC’s “Great Gun Give-away and
Sportsman Expo” featured at general membership meeting, 4 pm, at the Alamo Crane
Service offices, 16850 Alamo Pkwy. Demonstrations, exhibits and raffle drawings for
rifles, pistols and shotguns. Cost is $15 per
person; raffle tickets are $2 each; for advanced reservations and raffle ticket purchase call Dana.
Nov. 12 & 13: First Aid/CPR class held at
Chapter offices, 10408 Gulfdale. Call for
details.
Nov. 13: Second Wednesday Safety Shorts;
Old San Francisco Steak House; 11:30 am;
topic “Hunters Safety”; $18 per person.
Call 210-342-1994 for reservations.
Dec. 5: Second Annual Construct a Kid’s
Christmas Gala! The ‘reverse raffle’ is cosponsored by ABC, ASA and NAWIC. Cost
is $100 per couple. Enjoy live auction, great
food, drinks, mixes, dancing, fun and a
chance to win $10,000, all for a good cause!
AGC
Nov. 7: Associated General Contractors
Fall Fiesta will be held at Pedrotti’s North
Wind Ranch from 6 – 10 pm. There will be
live music by Jay Eric and the Blieders
Creek Band, Tex-Mex Cuisine and an open
bar. A new addition to the program this year
will be an auction held throughout the
evening. Masters of Ceremony Councilman
Carroll Schubert, and State Representative
Elizabeth Ames Jones will present the Construction Industry Awards. Awards will be
given in the following categories: General
Contractor of the Year; Specialty Contractor of the Year; Supplier of the Year; Services Provider of the Year; Engineer of the
Year; Architect of the Year and the Presidents Award. The attire is casual country.
For more information, call 210-349-4921.
Dec. 12: To celebrate this year’s accomplishments and ring in the holiday season,
AGC will host a Holiday Open House, from
4–7 pm, at the Chapter Office, 10806
Gulfdale. Hors d’oeuvres and drinks will
be served. Dress is casual.
AIA
Dec. 5 – Jan. 5: American Institute of Architects and the American Library Association host an exhibit at the San Antonio
Library’s Art Gallery, featuring recentlybuilt library buildings from across the country, which have been recognized with
awards from AIA and ALA.
Dec. 12: Symposium, San Antonio
Library’s Auditorium, from 6 – 7:30 pm.
Panelists include: Don Counts, President,
San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustees; Ted Flato FAIA, Principal, Lake/Flato
Architects; Mike Greenberg, Architecture
Critic, San Antonio Express News; Michael
Kelly, Librarian, UTSA Library; Davis
Sprinkle AIA, Principal, Sprinkle Robey
Architects; and moderator Doug Lipscomb
AIA, Ford, Powell & Carson, Architects &
Planners, Inc. Reception to immediately
follow.
ASA
Nov.19: American Subcontractors
Association’s regularly scheduled
member’s meeting will be held at the Barn
Door Restaurant. Social hour begins at 6
pm, with program and dinner beginning at
6:45. Topic TBA.
Dec. 5: The most anticipated Construction
Christmas Party is coming to town. Only
450 tickets are available, which gives you
a chance at $10,000 CASH! Hosted by
ASA, ABC and NAWIC, this is the 2nd Annual Gala. ALL PROCEEDS for this event
will go toward benefiting San Antonio’s
foster children. There’s something for everyone, including music, food, friendship,
fun, live auction, and the suspense of “Who
will win the $10,000 CASH”. Please, keep
in mind, the children are the real winners
when you decide to participate in Construct
a Kid’s Christmas. ASA is currently accepting gift donations at 6326 Sovereign Drive,
Suite 102B. Call 210-349-2105 and ask for
Heidi for more details.
What you should
know about mold
1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and
other respiratory complaints.
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet
building materials and furnishings
within 24-48 hours to prevent subsequent mold growth.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the
indoor environment; the way to control
indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with
water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as
ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need
to be replaced.
3. If mold is a problem in your home
or school, you must clean up the mold
and eliminate sources of moisture.
8. Prevent condensation: reduce the
potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior
walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 3060%) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside;
using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking,
dishwashing, and cleaning.
9. In areas where there is a perpetual
moisture problem, do not install carpeting.
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any
substance, providing moisture is
present. There are molds that can grow
on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
Source: Environmental Protection
Agency
GSABA
Nov. 2-10: Greater San Antonio Builders
Association presents the Fall Tour of
Homes.
Nov. 28-29: Offices closed in observance
of Thanksgiving.
For more information, call 210-696-3800.
HCA
Nov. 20: Hispanic Contractors Association
de San Antonio will hold its next general
membership meeting at 6:30 pm in the new
HCA office, located at The Builder’s Exchange of Texas, 4047 Naco Perrin. New
numbers are: 210-444-1100 (office) and
210-444-1101 (fax).
NAWIC
Nov. 6: The National Association of
Women in Construction will hold its
monthly meeting and dinner at the Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels, beginning at 5:30 pm. A representative from
Padgett, Stratemann & Co., LLP, will discuss Personal Taxes. Anyone interested in
attending please contact Scotty Stanley at
651-9000 for reservations.
Dec. 5: Join us for the Christmas Gala,
Alzafar Shrine, 6 pm, in support of Construct a Kid’s Christmas. Bring unwrapped
toys for the foster children of Bexar County,
and spending money for the live auction.
PHCC-SAN ANTONIO
Nov. 13: Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors general membership meeting at
Dave & Buster’s, from 11 am to 1 pm, will
feature senior master plumber reunion,
2003 board of directors elections, and guest
speaker from Copper Development. Call
210-523-1540 for more information.
SAMCA
Nov. 27: The San Antonio Masonry Contractors Association will hold its monthly
general membership meeting at 12 pm, at
the Water Street Oyster Bar restaurant, 7500
Broadway. A mystery speaker will be announced at the meeting. The 2003 Officers will be announced at this meeting. The
cost of lunch is $20 per person. To obtain
information or reservations for this meeting, call Debbie at (830) 606-5556.
Dec. 6: Annual Holiday Celebration and
Awards Banquet, 7 pm, at the Petroleum
Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels Ave. The association is accepting donations for the silent and live auctions! For more information, call Debbie at 830-606-5556.
TSPE
Nov. 4: Texas Society of Professional Engineers will meet for lunch at the Barn Door
Restaurant at 11:30 am. Program features
Order of the Engineer Ceremony. Cost is
only $13 with reservations, or $15 without.
Dec. 2: TSPE Christmas Party at the Plaza
Club. Time/cost TBA. For more information, call Ken Ports, P.E. at 210-826-0651.
SAGA
Nov. 13: San Antonio Glass Association
hosts membership meeting at the Airport
Embassy Suites, 7 – 9 pm. Featured speakers are Richard May, All-Tex Supply, and
Brian Schwab, SSI, on the subject of “Sealants.” For more information, call David
Shaw at 210-653-7790.
For Column Ads
or Announcements,
call 210-308-5800
SA Construction News
TIRE PROBLEMS
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• Office Warehouses • Offices • Yard Space
Excellent Location
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210-738-1111
For Info. Call 210.223.6331
Business Corner
Lone Star Construction Services of San Antonio
Commercial / Residential
General Contractor
Design Build
Real Estate Dev.
Display / Packaging
Value Engineering
• Backhoe Service • Concrete • Power Washing
• Sweeper Service • Asphalt • Interior / Exterior Painting
For information on these & other services call:
Custom Computer Fabrication of Styrofoam Shapes
Toll Free: 877-500-FOAM
Fax: 830-693-4868
email:[email protected]
P.O Box 446 Marble Falls, Texas 78654
Austin San Antonio
David Spaugh
Operations Mgr.
UTILITIES–EXCAVATION
210-649-4600
Tom Smith, President
Pager 210-220-7975
512-565-6968
Austin
San Antonio 210-862-6968
210-698-3501
Fax
Fax
210-649-4602
Chuck Sparrow,
Superintendent
FLOYD INDUSTRIES, S.A. DE C.V
PO Box 710
Helotes, Tx
a division of CFS Forming Structures
“Supporting Everything Important”
Fast Track Detailing & Delivery
Commercial Concrete • Placing & Finishing
Fax. 512.990-1575
Carlo Salvatore, President
21120 Milsa Drive • San Antonio, TX 78256-9608
EMail: [email protected]
continued from Page 26 - 2002 Sunbelt Builders Show targets Southwest builders market
Southwest Exteriors.
Best Whole-House Renovation (modified)
Over $500,000: McAden Custom Homes.
Best Historical Renovation Under
$100,000: Montelongo Homes.
Best Historical Renovation Over $200,000:
H.H.C.C. Inc.
Best Period Restoration Under $100,000:
Laughlin Homes.
Best Period Restoration $100,000-
CONCRETE • READY-MIX
FREE DELIVERY*
1-2 YARDS
SUPERIOR MACHINERY
(210) 648-5885 OR 800-933-5623
Don’t get lost in
the shuffle put your
(210) 698-9252 • Fax (210) 698-9253
James Gobel, Central Texas Sales
1-877-719-7787
2320 S.W. 36th St. • San Antonio, Tx 78237
O: 210.433.9999 • C: 210.685.9002 • F: 210.435.7777
HARDROCK CONCRETE
Place and Finish Company, Inc.
FLOYD INDUSTRIES, INC.
Chris Martinez
Industrial and Commercial
24 hr Emergency Service
Give Bruce Eckersley a call today:
210.508.0846
12931 Hwy 87 S.
Adkins, Tx
78101
Fred Martinez
$200,000: Laughlin Homes.
Best Management Program Over
$3,000,000: Montelongo Homes.
Best Marketing Program Over $3,000,000:
Montelongo Homes.
Best Print Collateral: Montelongo Homes.
Best Web Site: Montelongo Homes.
The 2003 Sunbelt Builders Show will
take place October 16-18 at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.
AGC President Harry Moeller, Bartlett Cocke, Alamo Children’s
Advocacy Center Executive Director Mark Carmona, and members
of AGC break ground on the 2002 community service
project, The Therapy Garden.
business card here!
CPS Program helps
small firms do business
G
etting a job with the city, county or
other governmental entity can be a
big boon for a small business and
mean the difference between make or break.
Sixteen local small business owners, including a number of construction and engineering-related firms, got the chance to pick up
an edge for success in government contracts
through City Public Service’s (CPS) Supplier Diversity Mentoring/Protégé Program
this summer.
“Many of the Mentoring/Protégé participants want to do business with CPS and
other large organizations in San Antonio,
and sometimes don’t know where to start,”
said Lacy Hampton, CPS supplier diversity coordinator. “CPS is the only governmental entity offering a mentoring program.
We provide information that helps fledging firms get their feet in the door.”
Participants attended class one evening
a week for 16 weeks at CPS’ downtown office. Basic business management topics include sales, marketing, hiring and firing, accounting, taxes and business plans and purchasing and contracting procedures used by
CPS and other organizations like Bexar
County, the City of San Antonio, San Anto-
nio Water Systems, VIA Metropolitan Transit, Valero Energy and H.B. Zachry Co.
Participants included Peter Aguirre,
South Central Surveyors of Texas; Grace
Carrillo, CM Contracting; Balwinder
Dhillon, Amer Technology; Christina
Galata, Reliable Supply Co.; Nancy
Gault, Innovative Office Interiors; Janie
Martinez-Gonzalez, WebHead Group;
Jesse Gonzalez, Joshua Engineering
Group, Inc.; Jason Forsyth, Texas Industrial Rubber; and Tyronne Johnson; TVD
Enterprises Inc.
Also, David Lozano, Empire Medical Supply & Services; Karolyn Marshall,
Proverbial Consultants; Rick Padilla,
Amenity Computer Services, South; Misti
Rios, Forum Printing and Specialties;
Michelle Sosa, Sosa Environmental
Project Management; Alonzo Villarreal,
S & O Consulting; and Sandra G.
Sapenter, Miller-Lucek, LLC.
The $100 program fee is for those who
qualify and is refunded once the business
owner attends the minimum 12 of 15 sessions necessary to receive a certificate of
completion.
On Location
ARCHITECTURAL ACCESSIBILITY IN TEXAS
FOCUS ON ACCESSIBILITY LAWS & STANDARDS
The Fair Housing Act
Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (amended 1988)
The design and construction requirements of the Fair Housing
Act apply to all new multifamily housing first occupied after
March 13, 1991. Covered multifamily dwellings are: (1) all
dwelling units in buildings containing four or more units if such buildings have one or
more elevators, and (2) all ground floor dwelling units in other buildings containing
four or more units.
person to enter, close the door, use the fixtures and exit. In some cases, a resident
with a disability will find it necessary to
make additional modifications to meet his
or her specific needs.
The future site of Alamo Ag-Con Equipment, Inc. in Boerne.
In covered multifamily housing, bathrooms
that meet the definition in the Guidelines
for a bathroom must then meet the specifications outlined in the Guidelines for usable bathrooms.
Usable bathroom specifications include:
1. an accessible route to and into the bathroom with a minimal 32-inch clear door
opening,
2. switches, outlets, and controls in accessible locations,
Operator from McGee Demolition puts the final touches on a demo
job for a new dental clinic on Hwy 281 North.
REQUIREMENT 7, Part B:
Usable Bathrooms:
“covered multifamily dwellings with a
building entrance on an accessible route
shall be designed and constructed in such
a manner that all premises within covered
multifamily dwelling units contain usable
bathrooms such that an individual in a
wheelchair can maneuver about the space.”
Fair Housing Act Regulations, 24 CFR
100.205
Ronnie Gonzales of J. E. Travis Painting applies stain at the new Jefferson
State Bank on Blanco Road. March Construction is the GC.
The Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines
(the Guidelines) provide specifications for
bathroom design that make it possible for
people who use mobility aids, and who,
heretofore, could not even get into conventional bathrooms in multifamily housing,
to now use such facilities. Though not fully
accessible, when designed to comply with
the Guidelines, these “usable” bathrooms
provide a person who uses a wheelchair or
scooter or who may use a walker or other
mobility aid with a bathroom that has
enough maneuvering space to allow the
3. reinforced walls to allow for the later
installation of grab bars around the toilet,
tub, and shower stall; under certain conditions provisions for reinforcing must be
made in shower stalls to permit the installation of a wall-hung bench seat,
4. maneuvering space within the bathroom
to permit a person using a mobility aid to
enter the room, close and reopen the door,
and exit, and
5. maneuvering and clear floor space within
the bathroom to permit a person using a
mobility aid to approach and use fixtures;
fixture dimensions and placement are specified only under certain conditions.
Robert Buck, AIA, has provided architectural accessibility plan reviews/inspections for over 2780 projects in 17 states.
He is a Texas Department of Licensing &
Regulation Registered Accessibility
Specialist (RAS) and Fair Housing
Consultant for the City of Austin. 13438
Bandera Road, #104, Helotes, TX 78023
(210-695-5326)
If your company is having a special event or has done
something special that the rest of the construction industry
should know about, then Let Us Know!
Story ideas and news releases can be faxed to the
Construction News at (210) 308-5960.
Participating in KB Home Iron Mountain Ranch ribbon-cutting ceremonies were L-R: KB
Home’s Aaron Seaman, Kent Hicks, and Dave Matlock; Henry Cisneros, American
CityVista; Travis Kessler, CEO SABOR; Alan Robinson, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber
of Commerce; Jane Caskey, SABOR; and the KB Home Happy Home mascot.
Time Insurance
Agency
Serving the Industry since 1961
Insurance
•
• Builders Risk
• Automobile
• Workers Comp
• Surety Bond
• General Liability
• Property
Give us a call today
Hundreds of citizens and dignitaries attended the afternoon dedication
service of the City of Live Oak’s Fire Department and EMS facility, on
Sat., Oct. 12th, an EBCO Commercial project.
Bonding
210-344-8898
1 0 8 0 3 G u l f d a l e , S u i t e 2 2 0 S a n A n t o n i o , Te x a s 7 8 2 1 6
Industrial and construction trade show big crowd pleaser
T
ools, equipment, and the opportunity
to showcase products brought suppliers and construction decision
makers together in one convenient location
at the Freeman Coliseum on Sept. 17th and
18th for the South Texas Industrial and
Construction Show.
From skidloaders to work gloves, specialty advertising to complete lines of construction tools, the 200-plus booths offered
something for everyone in attendance.
“We have had more attendance at this
year’s show than we have ever had,” said
Quincy Barnes, president of SMC Events.
“Over 2,000 attendees came on the first day
and are expecting a good turnout for the
final day as well. This is a unique forum
that offers decision makers the opportunity
to network and do business.”
A wide range of the construction industry made up part of the record atten-
Sparking up customer interest at the Welders Supply
booth are (L-R) Roger Higginbock, Terry White,
Bexar Schenk & Steve Sigler.
dance. As Construction News
reporters walked through the
crowds, familiar faces and
friends from school districts,
public utilities, construction
companies and suppliers
were in ample supply and
enjoying what they saw.
Helping to keep things
lively during the evening industry mixer that followed
the first day, Dallas Cowboy
Cheerleaders and Kiolbasa
Sausage were on hand and
proved a crowd pleaser for
Dan Lazo, Mark Newton, and Ray Hegwer of Tool
attendees and exhibitors (L-R)
Mart showing their wares at the STIC Trade Show.
alike.
Confident of a repeat of
the success of this year’s show, Barnes endars for next year’s show, which will be
stated “we have already begun selling booth Sept. 16-17, 2003 here at the coliseum.”
space at next year’s show. Mark your cal-
On hand to help customers and announce
City Public Service’s 60th Anniversary are
(L-R) Linda, Velma, Victor and Jo Anne.
(L-R) Jacqueline, Jan and Cathy of Caprice Productions
were happy to show off their line of promotional products.

November - Construction News

Transcription

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