June - 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  June 2003  Volume 6, Number 6
United Rentals stakes
claim on SW side
Fisher Heck Architects
heralds 20th anniversary
C
(L-R) Mike Liser,
Louis Flores
and Tommy Taylor
E
quipment dealer United Rentals is
expanding operations and plans are
underway to open its second San
Antonio location. The proposed site of
the branch is in the southwest corner of
the city, where growth is mounting.
“We had planned on opening a store
on the south side even before Toyota announced its plans for a truck manufacturing facility,” said branch manager Tommy
Taylor. “It’s been my observation that
most cities grow in a northward pattern,
as San Antonio has done, and then they
start developing in the south. I could see
the writing on the wall and a lot of activity is surfacing on the south side. It’s the
next major boom area.”
When San Antonio Construction News
asked Tommy if the two United Rentals
operations would compete against one
another, he said they would not.
“We don’t want to have one new store
and kill the other one. The new store and
the existing North Loop store will work
closely back and forth, and if it’s done
right, it will be good for both stores.”
Tommy anticipates a November
opening for the new United Rentals location. Meanwhile, until negotiations and
plans are finalized, the exact address will
remain undisclosed.
continued on Page 31
elebrating a signifi cant anniversary this
year, Fisher Heck Architects has reached the
ripe old age of 20. The firm’s
principals, Lewis S. Fisher,
AIA and James C. Heck,
AIA, CCS, marked the occasion by re-visiting their two
decades of accomplishment
with San Antonio Construction News.
A native son of the Alamo City, Lewis earned his
Bachelor of Architecture
from the University of Texas
at Austin in 1973. He joined
the famed architectural firm
of Ford, Powell and Carson
in 1976, and was formally licensed in 1977.
Born and raised in New
York, Jim received his Bachelor of Architecture from
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, in 1973. He
moved to San Antonio in
James C. Heck, AIA and Lewis S. Fisher, AIA
1976, where he was invited
to join Ford, Powell and Carson. Jim was years, and then joined Lewis in what
licensed in 1978.
would become Fisher Heck Architects.”
The young architects spent five years
Always interested in historic preserat FP&C, honing their skills and develop- vation, adaptive re-use, and renovation
ing their styles. Motivated to explore projects, Lewis recalled when he went
other career possibilities, they each left out on his own, “I was lucky enough to
the large firm on the same day.
“Lew- have people continue to call me for that
is went out on his own and established type of work. It was the mainstay of the
this firm,” Jim explained. “I went to work firm in the early years.”
for architect Barry Middleman for two
GARCO Contracing completes historic Gift Chapel
B
uilding #2200 on Ft. Sam Houston is the historic
Gift Chapel. Erected in 1907, the two-story domed
chapel was built with donations from area residents, thus receiving its unusual name.
GARCO Contracting Company, Inc. accepted the
challenge to repair and restore exterior and interior aspects of the 14,000-sf chapel, which was built on a concrete and limestone structure base. The chapel was
originally erected using three layers of brick to form the
exterior structural walls and exterior finish. During the
renovation the existing brick was re-painted and the
existing limestone was cleaned or replaced as needed.
San Antonio Construction News spoke with the company’s project manager Bob Stillwell and project superintendent David Alaniz, to discuss the formidable
scope of the project. Bob said extreme care was taken to
preserve and protect the near-century-old structure
and its historical decorative features during the renovation process.
“The area around the building was excavated to a
depth of 9-ft by 18-ft wide to allow the installation of 52
concrete piers around the perimeter of the structure,”
Bob explained. “The excavation was done in two phases,
and included pier drilling to 30-ft below the existing
grade beams, and pier placement directly under the
existing concrete beams.”
This Month in FOCUS
Electrical Industry
As well, the existing chill water and hot water supply system piping, and all other utilities, had to be relocated and reconnected to allow for the excavation and
installation of the piers in the rear of the building, while
keeping the controlled air inside the building. After
completion of the piers, the utilities and chill water system were reconnected. According to specifications, a
French drain was also added to the entire perimeter of
the existing foundation at a depth of 10 to 14-ft.
P.O. Box 791290
San Antonio, Texas 78279-1290
Change Service Requested
Adding to the difficulty of the project, the exterior
grade beams were all required to have three coats of hot
asphalt applied to the face of the beam from a depth of
10-ft up to the finish ground level.
“This presented a challenge at first,” David added,
“because today’s waterproofing firms do not use heatapplied systems any more.”
GARCO had to find a roofing subcontractor, one
willing to learn how to apply this system without exposing the work crew to unnecessary heat risk hazards.
“Without giving up the method we developed,”
Bob emphasized, “it turned out to be easier than we
thought, although it was very time consuming and used
much more material than anticipated. The waterproofing had to be coordinated with the installation of the
French drain system and proved to be one of the most
taxing portions of the project.”
There were six phases to the roofing portion of the
project and, according to the contract, work could not
commence on the chapel’s interior until the structural
piers, repairs, and roofing were complete and all of the
mass excavation was replaced.
When the outside work was wrapped up attention
turned to the task of restoring the interior of the chapel.
PRSRT. STD.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SAN ANTONIO, TX
PERMIT #1517
Page 2 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– San Antonio Construction News •June 2003
Howell’s 350-ton crane arrives
H
owell Crane & Rigging, Inc. has
acquired the largest crane in this
area. In late May, the Martinezbased 21-year-old crane company purchased a Grove 350-ton GMK hydraulic
crane and put it into service on Memorial
Day, May 26th.
San Antonio Construction News spoke
with the company’s vice-president,
Audie Howell, who said businesses that
need a crane capable of the longest
reaches won’t have to pull them in from
Houston, Dallas or Corpus Christi any longer, thus saving the formidable costs accrued in drive-time alone.
“It’s for the heaviest of the heavy
jobs in the industrial, commercial and
highway construction settings,” Audie
said. “We don’t have a nickname picked
out for her yet, but we’re working on it! It
has an air-conditioned cab, all the new
technology that Grove has come up with,
including a ‘luffing jib’ designed to be attached in only two hours or less.”
Howell Crane’s fleet of 22 cranes
ranges in capability from 15-tons to 350-
tons in hydraulics, and 65-tons to 200tons conventional.
With safety a constant priority, Audie
said his company, which employs 35 personnel, 22 of whom are licensed crane
operators, strives to maintain its superlative safety record.
“Many of our operators have 20-25
years of experience, and they are crosstrained to operate various sizes of equipment. I have seven operators who can operate the new 350-ton GMK, which can be
extended to 380-ft. and will reach a maximum radius of 280-ft. It features a megalift which mounts to the main boom, letting the crane pick up 15 to 18 percent
more weight within a specified radius.”
Howell Crane & Rigging does business in Central and South Texas. Audie’s
three sisters, Lisa Moore, Melody Justice
and Cindy Oates, assist him in the company’s operations. The company is proud
to be affiliated with American Subcontractors Association (ASA), Associated
General Contractors (AGC) and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).
STEJATC grads exude pride
T
he South Texas Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee
(STEJATC) heralded the longawaited graduation of 29 5th-year apprentices on Thurs., May 22nd, from 6:30
to 10:30 pm, at the Ft. Sam Houston Golf
Club.
Approximately 140 graduates, guests
and industry leaders gathered for a social
hour, which preceded the seated dinner
and graduation ceremony.
Representatives from IBEW, NECA,
the Electrical Board, the STEJATC teaching staff and the Committee all honored
the graduates for their accomplishments.
with STEJATC training director, John
Gray, who said, “Every single graduate of
the STEJATC 5-year program already has
his City of San Antonio journeyman’s license.” John is tasked to make sure training materials are delivered to the students
in the appropriate manner, ensure compliance with all state, federal and Department of Labor guidelines, to maintain the
program’s integrity, and enforce the rules
and Committee policies.
“Our graduates,” he continued, “are
highly-skilled, well-trained wiremen
who are able to step right into working
on large scale projects. They have the
knowledge, skill and ability to do anything from basic residential to industrial
and commercial electrical installations.
There’s no doubt they can all do that!”
The 2003 5th-year apprenticeship
graduates are: William H. Anders; Dustan B. Baker; Stephen M. Casanova;
Guadalupe G. Chavez; Garry W.
Coonts, Jr.; Keith C. Fey; Reuben H.
Ford; John H. Frieda; Robert L. Garza;
Brian A. Herbes; Oliver D. Laggui; Eric
Lowe; Oliver M. Mangaoang; Ross A.
McGill; David A. Montalvo; John B.
Mount; Jacob P. Ortiz; Jeffrey G. Packard; Gregory A. Padalecki; Daniel Reynero; Adam D. Rodriguez; Mark A.
Scholl; Martin A. Soria-Quinones; Orlando R. Soto; Ovideo C. Suarez; James
W. Tomerlin; Daniel Vaquera, Jr.; Robert E. Watts and Harold D. Williams.
The Class of 2003’s top academic
graduate is William Anders, FISK Electric. The Class’ stalwart instructors are
Vic York and A.J. Halbardier.
The 29 graduates represent approximately 14 different union contractor employers.
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San Antonio Construction News • June 2003 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 3
PUTZ AROUND TOWN
JC Putz here . . .
As usual, the boss made his yearly
trek to the big annual Coastal Conservation Association Banquet at Freeman
Coliseum. He won’t let anyone else go
but him, and I really don’t know why.
As I was going through the pics, I
came across one that really was unusual.
I can’t tell if George Major, big chief at
Holes of SA, was telling a secret to John
Kunz, J. D. Kunz Inc., or giving him a kiss.
Whichever it was, Kunz seems to be enjoying it.
The boss will get a lot of grief for running this photo. He even thought about
blanking out John’s face. Some readers
think Mr. Kunz’s mug is in the paper too
much. When asked about this, the boss
said, “It’s not my fault John is always doing something weird.” Wife Tracey confirms to Construction News he is like that
at home also. Do you think his kids will
grow up like dad?
What is the garbage world coming to
these days? There are a few people in
town who want jobsites to be more colorful. As I drove down the road recently,
I almost had a wreck at the sight of a
purple roll off container. I know the
photo is in black and white, but trust me,
this thing is really purple.
It appears that Garbage Cart, Ltd.
owner Jeff Kuglen must have been
classmates at color design school with
Ben Davis, Beck Dispose-All with his
bright yellow cans.
It would be interesting to see the insides of their homes.
Rumor has it that KMAC Construction Services owner, Kevin McIntyre,
ran into some unexpected resistance at a
new demo project on Mulberry Street.
Seems a bunch of little ladies didn’t think
too much of the dozers coming in to tear
down two houses for a new parking lot
They even said they would lay in the
path of the equipment to stop it. Guess
we will see who wins.
With that, I’m out’a here
Austin Construction News
turns two
S
It is with heartfelt gratitude that I reach out to my friends in the construction
industry to thank you for your support in the wake of our recent family tragedy.
To my family of friends and co-workers at Holes of San Antonio, who have
been right behind me all the way, thank you for being there for us and for meeting
our every need. From every phase of the construction industry, contractors have sent
flowers, sent cards, made personal phone calls, and stood beside us. Thank you for your
support and for your offers to help at such a time as this. We deeply appreciate your
sincerity.
For those of you who did not know our son Cody, who died on the night
before my wife and I celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary, let me share a bit of him
with you. The oldest of our three children, Cody was the protector. He was born on June
22, 1982, and he died on May 4, 2003, just shy of his 21st birthday. A graduate of Devine
High School’s class of 1999 (2000) Cody was employed at STI, in Castroville. An avid
outdoorsman, he loved to go camping, hunting and fishing. He never liked wearing
dress clothes…he was more of a baggy pants and T-shirt kind of guy. Although he
liked to tease his brother, sister and cousins, Cody was the mother hen of the bunch
and defended them always.
It’s going to be hard to get around to everyone, to thank you for your
kindness. There are misfortunes in life. However, with your prayers, we will go on. On
behalf of myself, my wife, Ona, our daughter, Kayla, and our son, Casey, please know
how deeply your words and gestures have touched us.
Paul Sellers and family
Yes, it really is purple.
tarting a newspaper is much
like raising a child. You look
forward with great anticipation to the birth, then go through
the trials and tribulations of the
critical first years. Along the way,
you try things that don’t work exactly as planned and are surprised
when something great falls in your
lap that you did not expect.
It seems like yesterday that we
launched Austin Construction News
and now, as of this June issue, we
celebrate our second anniversary.
There are many people and
groups who have helped us make
these first two years successful, including our readers, who take the
time to read our pages each month.
Our industry columnists, experts in
their respective fields, steer readers
Dear Construction Industry;
in the right direction with their
timely advice. The continued support of our advertisers, without
whom we would not exist, ensures
another edition will arrive at your
doorstep. The professional and industry trade associations have welcomed our coverage of their initiatives and activities.
My Austin staff, Shelley, Rachel
and Colette, are dedicated professionals who through the tough
times have risen above the obstacles to achieve their goals.
Austin’s “Industry’s Newspaper” will continue to evolve, and we
look forward to another year of continued growth and development.
Buddy Doebbler
Publisher
Masons nominate projects for
industry competition
O
n Wednesday, June 25th, the San
Antonio Masonry Contractors
Association (SAMCA) will host
the 2003 Golden Trowel Awards competition to recognize the outstanding design
of architects and the brilliant craftsmanship of the masonry contractors of San
Antonio.
The Golden Trowel Awards program
seeks to exalt outstanding architectural
design with masonry, along with the
craftsmanship required to translate a superior design into reality.
Qualifying projects must have been
constructed by a SAMCA member, completed within the past two years, and
must be located in Texas.
Winning entries will be selected in
each of the following five categories,
with the masonry product being the
dominant building material: Brick, Stone,
Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU), Publicly
Funded Schools K-12, and Other. By recognizing innovation, creativity, and excellence, architects are encouraged to
use masonry in their designs.
Award plaques will be presented to
the Masonry Contractor for workmanship, the Architect for design, and the
Materials Supplier for quality products,
which are all key ingredients for a successful project.
Project nominations by the following
masonry contractors include:
Wallace Masonry Co., Inc.
Zachry Corporation Headquarters Building and Rob Cary Pet Resort.
J.T. Masonry
Shavano Park City Hall and Police Station.
CONSTRUCTION
Publisher:
Art/Graphics Dir.
Editor/Writer:
Production/Graphics:
Sales Representative
Administration:
Roaming Reporter:
Buddy Doebbler
Reesa Doebbler
Jane Day Loter
Sue Johnson
Donna Easton
Kevin Hughes
JC Putz
San Antonio Construction News
P.O. Box 791290
San Antonio, Texas 78279
(210) 308-5800 Fax (210) 308-5960
© 2003 Construction News, Ltd.
If you are a construction-related company in
Bexar or one of the 7 surrounding counties
and are not receiving a free copy of the
San Antonio Construction News, please let us
know by contacting our office for a
Request Form, or visit our website.
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publications are audited
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The San Antonio Construction News is
published monthly by Construction News
LTD., dba San Antonio Construction News,
and distributed by mail to constructionrelated companies of record in Bexar and 7
surrounding counties. Additional distribution
is provided at 92 material supplier locations
serving the construction industry.
All submissions should be mailed to our
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for errors in copy or in advertisements
beyond the actual cost of space occupied by
the error. Publisher reserves the right to reject
any advertisement at any time.
Subscriptions for additional copies
are available for $20.00 per year.
(210) 308-5800
Shadrock & Williams Masonry, Ltd.
SBC Center Arena; City of San Antonio
Development and Business Services
Center (One-Stop Center); Silverado
16 Cinema; UTSA Recreation and
Wellness Center; Humane Society of
Bexar County; Kathleen C. Cailloux Hall;
Best Western Hotel; Barracks #250 at
Ft. Sam Houston; and Incarnate Word
University Natatorium.
Curtis Hunt Restorations, Inc.
Our Lady of Grace Church and Presa St.
Linkage.
Groesbeck Masonry, Inc.:
Medical Center Ophthalmology; Conn’s
Shell Building; Good Shepherd Catholic
Church; and Foster Road Elementary.
Rudd & Adams Masonry, Inc.:
Gary Job Corp Center; Home Office
for Southwestern Texas Synod ELCA;
Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center;
Retama Amphitheater; Hays High School
Expansion, Field House and Stadium;
The Vineyard Shopping Center Phase II;
and 300 West 6th St.
C&S Contractors, Inc.
4-B Development Office Building.
DJM Masonry Enterprises, Inc.
Texas MedClinic; Alamo Rent-A-Car; Allen & Allen Showroom; and Block Distribution Warehouse.
A jury panel consisting of three architects and two masonry contractors
who are not competing in the competition judged the projects in late May.
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Page 4 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––San Antonio Construction News • June 2003
Tours highlight One-Stop’s
Open House
A
rchitects, engineers and general
contractors were invited to attend an Open House for the City
of San Antonio Development and Business Services Center, 1901 South Alamo
Street, on Wed., May 14th, from 4:30 to
6:30 pm.
Members of American Institute of
Architects (AIA), Professional Engineers in Private Practice (PEPP), and
Associated General Contractors (AGC),
some of whom helped design, engineer
and build the One-Stop Center, gathered in the lobby area of the new facility
where they enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and
non-alcoholic beverages.
spoke with PEPP executive director Diane Hoskins, who said members of the
three associations are an integral part of
the design and construction success of
any project. PEPP, she explained, is a
subset of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE).
“The people who are here today especially want to make sure the new Development and Business Services Center
gets off to a good start,” Diana explained. “The community has been
looking forward to the completion of
this facility for a long time. The architecture and the engineering communities
have a committee that meets monthly
with the development services department people to work out and refine the
kinks in the procedures and processes.”
Development Services Department
staffers Terry Kannawin, Andy Gomez
and Gloria Garcia escorted groups of
15 to 20 on staggered facility tours. The
tour included a complete walk-through
of the bold painted two-story facility
and explanations of each department’s
function. Clearly, the facility offers multiple services, which are enhanced by
state-of-the-art equipment and technology. The Open House presented a
wonderful opportunity for members of
the three professional associations to
acquaint them with the One-Stop Center.
ACCA and
OSHA form
Alliance
T
L-R: Alex Garcia, Development Services Manager; John Rinehart, P.E., Pape Dawson
Engineers, Inc.; Larry Graf, Air Force Services Agency; and Perry Rabke, DRG Architects.
L-R: Bill Epp, William E. Epp and Associates; Gary Thompson, ARCHCOM Architects;
Tony Alfaro, Alfaro Consulting Co.; Tom Sokol, Kennison and Associates Architects;
and Florencio Pena III, Director of Development Services.
CT
COLOR TECH
PAINTING
•
•
•
•
•
Painting
Pressure Cleaning
Commercial
Residential
Graffiti Removal
he Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) formalized an Alliance with
OSHA to address worker safety and
health issues. Key to the Alliance is
the agreement to ensure ACCA
members and others are armed
with information related to safety
supervision, equipment and material handling, driver and vehicle
safety, ladder and lift use, and lockout/tag-out issues.
OSHA and ACCA agreed to
work together to identify available
resources and stimulate the development of new training programs
and materials.
Cross training of OSHA personnel and industry safety and health
professionals is also on tap, as is
participation in forums and roundtable discussions on multi-employer worksite issues to raise construction industry safety awareness.
Both organizations will develop and disseminate information
through various media, including
OSHA and ACCA websites, and will
increase access to safety and health
information and training resources,
including Spanish-language material.
OSHA will look for opportunities to speak, exhibit or appear at
national ACCA conferences, and
will also encourage ACCA members
to participate in the agency’s cooperative programs including the
Voluntary Protection Program, and
the Safety and Health Achievement
Recognition Program.
College scholarship awarded
to Clark grad
A
t the May 8th meeting of the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors - San
Antonio Chapter, the focus of attention was turned to college student Clayton
Saliba. Clayton was awarded a two-year, $1,000 scholarship by PHCC-SA to
help him pursue his studies in the plumbing- heating-cooling industry.
The monies were accumulated by PHCC-SA as a result of its fundraising efforts,
which included golf, fishing, and sporting clay tournaments.
Clayton, the son of George Saliba, George Plumbing Co., is a 2003 graduate of
Clark High School. Planning to attend Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos,
he will be further assisted with a $2,000 scholarship awarded him by PHCC-Texas.
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NAWIC spotlights Toyota’s
construction aspects
Contractor/supplier opens
Boerne operations
T
O
n Wed., May 7th, members of the
National Association of Women
in Construction gathered at the
Petroleum Club for an annual event
known as Industry Appreciation Night.
Committee chair Barbara Davenport,
Trimble-Batjer Insurance Associates,
helped organize the event.
Following the social hour, president
Amy O’Neal, Allen & Allen, formally welcomed the members and their guests
and bade them be seated for dinner.
There was a little tension in the air as
guests repeatedly watched the clock and
checked their watches. A Spurs/Lakers
playoff game was scheduled for 8:30 pm
and Amy assured everyone they would
make it home in time for the tip-off.
To mark the special occasion, Bexar
County Judge Nelson Wolff accepted
an invitation to address the congregation
of industry women, who asked him to
answer the probing question, “What will
the Toyota manufacturing plant mean to
the construction industry?” As Judge
Wolff walked to the podium, he checked
his watch. So did everyone else.
After recalling his personal history in
the construction materials business,
Judge Wolff discussed three basic concepts that prevail at Toyota and were initiated in the early days.
“At Toyota, they believe in the theory
of Continuous Improvement; that you
never get it right and can always find a
way to improve what you’re doing. This
philosophy carries over to their supplier
base. As well, their concept of Quality
Production follows the course from the
supplier base through to the end product. Together with the concept of Team
Work, where they empower the employee, their formula for success has taken
them to the top of their field.”
Judge Wolff predicted that Toyota
might not necessarily be looking to hire
people with technical skills. Rather, people who are intelligent, willing to work
hard, who can adapt to different jobs and
work as part of a team.
“The controversial aspect of what
Toyota will be doing involves a project
labor agreement,” he emphasized. “That
can mean any number of things. In other
parts of the country, where there is a
larger pool of union workers, they have
required hiring through the unions only.
Whether or not they will do that here, I
don’t know. What matters to the city and
county officeholders is whether you live
here. We want Toyota to develop a project labor agreement that will foster the
hiring of construction workers that are
here in our community. I anticipate the
PLA to be completed this summer, and
that they will have picked several major
local general contractors.”
Judge Wolff reminded his audience
that Toyota has a program that fosters
subcontracting to small, minority and
women-owned businesses.
“You will see that they have similar
goals and objectives for their construction supplier base. The County is sharing
information with Toyota about its experience with former outreach programs.
There will be a host of opportunities for
construction companies, and as soon as
we know who the major general contractors are there will be a construction conference, probably this summer.”
There are 30 counties in addition to
Bexar County that will be competing for
the existing Toyota suppliers who will set
up local operations. Every supplier makes
its own decision on how best to bring
product to the truck manufacturer.
With one more peek at his watch,
Judge Wolff concluded his comments
and made haste to the Spurs game.
he first Decorative Concrete Warehouse is open for business at its
new 6,000-sf retail, office and warehouse center in Boerne, on IH-10 West.
Owner Gary Walden conceived the
new business, which offers retail and
contractor pricing. Gary also owns Commercial Concrete of Texas, a concrete
and decorative concrete installation
company currently involved in several
residential, commercial, city and state
projects throughout Texas.
with estimator Jerry Birchard, who is
helping spearhead the Boerne operations. He said the increased popularity of
decorative concrete is resulting in more
contractors and do-it-yourselfers taking
on the challenge.
“We are the exclusive Increte distributor in South Texas,” Jerry explained,
“and we have 15 decorative concrete
stamp sets available for rent to individuals or contractors. In addition, we sell acid
stains, color hardeners, integral colors for
concrete, custom colors, liquid and powder-release agents, clear and stain seals,
epoxies, and all of the accessories one
would need to complete a project. Our
full-service supply house provides all of
the materials necessary for contractors
and individuals.”
When customers need a little help,
the company offers consulting service,
from the office or directly on the jobsite.
“We also sell contractor packages,”
Jerry added, “for people who are interested in becoming Increte installers. From
the man who only needs one gallon of
stain, to the man who wants to start his
own business, we can help them.”
The DCW staff welcomes your business!
Two S.A. firms make
ENR’s Top 500 Design list
A
s published in the April 21st issue of Engineering News-Record (ENR), two
of San Antonio’s engineering design firms are among the nations “Top
500.” Companies were ranked according to revenue for design services
performed in 2002.
Congratulations to:
#314 Pape Dawson Engineers, Inc.
and
#437 Raba-Kistner Consultants, Inc.
FYI
In 1878 work began on San
Antonio’s first mule-drawn
streetcar line to run from
Alamo Plaza to San Pedro
Springs, and the foundation
for San Antonio Water Works’ pump house
on the river was built; a water system began
its development.
Engineering in San Antonio’s History,
by Douglas Steadman, P.E.
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Shooters, chefs, kids at home on the range
S
hooters and pit crews from Air Conditioning Contractors Association-San Antonio (ACCA-SA) and
Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors-San Antonio (PHCC-SA) joined forces on Fri., April 25th for the
6th Annual Sporting Clays Tournament & Bar-B-Que
Cook-off at Cedar Ridge Range.
A hive of activity, this action-packed event is a major fundraiser for both organizations. In keeping with
their commitment to industry and community, executive directors Heidi Trimble (PHCC) and Jack Lappeus
(ACCA) presented a check for $500 to San Antonio Construction News’ publisher Buddy Doebbler. For the second year, ACCA and PHCC are the first trade associations
to donate a generous cash contribution to Construct a
Kid’s Christmas 2003, which benefits the foster children
of Bexar County.
Thinking ahead, organizers planned this special
event on a day when their kids were out of school - Battle of Flowers Day – freeing over 20 youngsters to participate in the under-16 “Kids 22 Rifle Shoot.” In addition
to enjoying the thrill of competition, each youthful
shooter received professional coaching on safety and
technique, and a souvenir T-shirt.
Kids “22 Rifle Shoot winners:
1st Place:
Cody Koutz
2nd Place: Kalub Freund
3rd Place: Coltin Bolin
Mounted Scope:
1st Place:
Shane Quintero
2nd Place: Matt Quintero
3rd Place Team : Federated Insurance, E-A Filter Base,
and United Tool and Fastener – Brad Fisher,
James Johnson, Brant McKamie, Jeff Jackson
and Rusty Rivit.
Sporting Clays Individual winners:
1st Place:
Mark Tschirhart
2nd Place: Jeff Jackson
3rd Place: Richard McNatt
4th Place: Jeff May
5th Place: Mark Hickey
Mandatory ear and eye protection for the junior shooters.
John Freund
Michelle McNatt
Jeff Standley
David Palacio and
Lee Rosenberg
Meanwhile, back in the no-shooting zone, 17 BBQ
cook-off teams (a record number) sent smoke spiraling
upward from their massive pits and grills. Teams submitted samples of brisket, chicken, wild game, side dishes
and desserts for the judges who graded them for their
most important attribute – taste!
First Place Sporting Clay Team!
The Sporting Clays Tournament benefited from
good weather conditions and a robust turnout of 133
shooters.
Sporting Clays Team winners:
1st Place Team: Carrier South Texas -Terry Wieland,
Frank Poland, Neil Hunt, Al Gabrysch, and
Ronnie Klepac
2nd Place Team: TD Industries - Nick Kolheffel,
Matt Engbrook, Marc French, John Irle,
and Frank Dooley
The Jeff Beyer Award:
Top Female:
Shotgun Raffle:
Pick a Pig Raffle:
First donation of the year for Construct a Kid’s
Christmas 2003. L-R: Buddy, Heidi and Jack.
Bar-B-Que Cook-off Winners:
Brisket
1st Place + $100: Quinney Electric Inc
2nd Place:
Century Maintenance Supply
3rd Place:
G.D. Interiors
Chicken
1st Place + $100: Hilbig Services
2nd Place:
3rd Place:
INSCO Distributing
Wild Game
1st Place + $100: Ferguson Enterprises
2nd Place:
Priority Design
3rd Place:
Carrier Total Line
Best of Show
1st Place:
2nd Place:
Johnson Supply - West
3rd Place:
Quinney Electric, Inc.
Design teams reinvigorate San Antonio River
T
he challenge of transforming under-utilized portions of the San Antonio River into viable areas for
public recreation, wildlife habitat and
commercial development is in the hands
of two architectural firms with long histories of high-profile projects in San Antonio. Ford, Powell & Carson Architects &
Planners, Inc. and Carter & Burgess, Inc.
were selected to oversee the preliminary
design phase of the San Antonio River
Improvements Project. The 10-year, $140
million project concentrates on 13 miles
of the San Antonio River, including the
four-mile Museum Reach, which is north
of the downtown area, and the nine-mile
Historic Mission Reach, which is south of
downtown.
San Antonio-based Ford, Powell &
Carson Architects & Planners, Inc. will oversee the redevelopment of the Museum
Reach, which extends approximately four
miles north from Lexington Street to East
Hildebrand Avenue at Brackenridge Park.
Other members of the Museum
Reach design team include HDR Engineering, Inc.; Inter-Fluve, Inc.; Arias & Kezar, Inc.; UTSA Center for Archaeological
Research; Project Cost Resources; Edwards Aquifer Research Center; NY*LA/
Marek-Hill; Garza Consulting; Buck
Group; Kaplan Partners Architectural
Lighting; and Rodriguez Engineering.
Mike Johnson of HDR Engineering, Inc.
serves as Museum Reach design team
project manager.
Carter & Burgess, Inc. will guide the
improvements to the nine-mile Historic
Mission Reach from South Alamo Street
south to Mission Espada just below Interstate Loop 410. The Historic Mission
Reach design team led by Kevin Conner
of Carter & Burgess includes Sprinkle
Robey Architects; Inter-Fluve, Inc.; Lady
Bird Johnson Wildflower Center; RabaKistner, Inc.; UTSA Center for Archaeological Research; Overby Descamps Engineering, Inc.; Arias & Kezar, Inc.; Garza
Consulting; Accutech Consultants, L.L.C.;
and HDR Engineering, Inc.
The San Antonio River Improvements Project represents a 10-year, $140
million city, county, and federal investment in flood control, amenities, environmental restoration and recreational
improvements to the river.
Bexar County and the City of San
Antonio are providing local funding with
the federal project components funded
through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(COE). The San Antonio River Authority
provides project and technical management and overall project coordination.
Steve Graham of the San Antonio River
Authority serves as the overall Project
Manager.
Source: Bexar County online
FYI
During 1879, Mr. William
Loyd and Mr. George H.
Kalteyer found a site containing just the right raw
materials to produce Portland Cement. Thus, in 1880, the San Antonio Portland Cement and Roman Cement
Co. was chartered to become the first Portland Cement Co. west of the Mississippi.
Cement from the plant was used to “build”
San Antonio as well as the State Capitol
(1888) and Driskill Hotel in Austin.
Engineering in San Antonio’s History, by
Douglas Steadman, P.E.
Women in Construction honored
0
$
L-R: Diana De Los Santos, Scotty Stanley, and Judy DeWeese recognized.
T
he San Antonio Chapter of National Association of Women in
Construction (NAWIC) paid homage to three of its members on Wed.,
May 7th, when the chapter celebrated
Industry Appreciation Night, an annual
event.
In the presence of the chapter membership and guests, President-elect
Karen Santino, Hunt Building, invited
Deborah Drumm, AIA, ERO International, to help her with the memorable
presentation. The trio of industry women
,who were recognized for two and a half
decades of membership and dedication
to NAWIC, each has served selflessly as
officers, committee chairs and consummate volunteers.
When Deborah presented a 25-year
pin to Diana De Los Santos, Samuels
Glass, she reminded her colleagues that
Diana’s dedication to the organization’s
scholarship program for over 20 years
has made it what it is today.
“I was a scholarship recipient when I
met Diana,” Deborah recalled, “and I
FYI
know for a fact that she has made a difference in my life. She was supportive
when times were tough, she encouraged
me to never give up, and to stay involved.
Diana introduced me to NAWIC, and I
truly feel that I would not be where I am
in my architectural profession today, if I
had never met Diana, my friend and
mentor.”
Karen presented 25-year pins to
Judy DeWeese, Mause Construction
Corp., and to Scotty Stanley, SpawGlass
Contractors, Inc. Judy has served in almost every chapter office (multiple times
in some cases), chaired every chapter
committee, served as NAWIC National
Secretary, and as Regional Director of
Region 7. As well, chapter vice-president
Scotty has served in almost every chapter office including President, has never
taken a vacation from her NAWIC membership, and provides exceptional
monthly programs and speakers.
Each recipient received a bouquet of
long stemmed red roses and their 25year pins.
San Antonio’s first street pavement, with mesquite blocks,
was of Alamo Plaza in 1889. A notice in the July 26, 1894 national weekly “Engineering News” reported that San Antonio
was “considering the construction of a sewerage system.”
Engineering in San Antonio’s History, by Douglas Steadman, P.E.
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Three S.A. companies among
ENR’s “Top 400”
I
n the May 19th issue of Engineering News-Record (ENR), three San Antonio general
contractors are ranked among its “Top 400” list of construction contractors. Companies are ranked by construction revenue in 2002, including prime construction
contracts, shares of joint ventures, subcontracts, construction portion of design-construct contracts and construction management “at risk” contracts when the firm’s
risks are similar to those of a general contractor.
They include:
#23 Zachry Construction Corporation
#245 CCC Group, Inc.
#248 Bartlett Cocke General Contractors
HOLT CAT sells
Ohio subsidiary
Engineering Consulting Services, Ltd.
S
PROVIDING COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS
an Antonio-based Holt CAT has
sold its Ohio subsidiary, Holt Co.
of Ohio, to Ohio Machinery Co., a
Caterpillar equipment and power systems dealership in eastern Ohio. Terms
of the sale were not disclosed.
“Holt CAT decided to sell its Ohio
operations after it was given the opportunity to acquire Dallas-based Darr
Equipment Co.,” said Holt spokesman
Howard Hicks. “In order to acquire
Darr, Holt CAT had to make a sacrifice.
The Darr purchase is expected to result
in an increase in the company’s work
force and better results on its assets.”
Ohio Machinery Co. has renamed
Holt Co. of Ohio as Ohio CAT and it will
serve essentially all of Ohio and portions
of northern Kentucky and southeastern
Indiana that surround metropolitan Cincinnati. Before the acquisition, Ohio
Machinery Co. served 25 counties in
eastern Ohio, and Holt CAT served 64
counties in western Ohio, Kentucky, and
Indiana. Combined, the dealership will
serve an 89-county area that contains
approximately 12 million people.
R
“Setting the Standard for Service”
• Construction Materials Testing
• Geotechnical & Soils Engineering
• Value Engineering
• Environmental Assessment & Remediation
• Property Condition Assessments
• UST Management Services
• NEPA Assessments
• Indoor Air Quality & Mold
On Time Every Time
12865 Wetmore Road
San Antonio, TX 78247
210-494-7100
210-494-7101 (fax)
Earl McIntosh, Vice President
Robert Burge P.E., Geotechnical/Construction
Materials Testing Manager
Scholarship Golf Classic boasts
record turnout
S
ilverhorn Golf Club hosted a joint
venture when the American Institute of Architects – San Antonio
Chapter, the South Texas Section of the
Texas Chapter of the American Society
of Landscape Architects, and Acme
Brick staffers invited representatives of
their allied professions and industries to
participate in the 2003 Scholarship Golf
Classic as sponsors and players. The tournament has been ongoing for fourteen
years.
with Acme Brick’s top golf enthusiast
Rick Dunn, who said, “Acme Brick is the
primary sponsor of the tournament. We
have a great history with the AIA, and
we’re glad to support this event.”
According to tournament organizer,
Jeff Fetzer, AIA, Ford Powell & Carson,
the Scholarship Golf Classic attracted 135
players, a record turnout in the history of
the annual event.
Immediately following play, members and guests enjoyed dinner and an
awards ceremony.
The winners of the 4-player scramble were:
1st Place Gross 62 : Mike Slay, Madeline
Slay, Rob Reyes and George Vaughn
1st Place Net 57: George Campbell, Joe
Trinidad, Jake Trinidad, and Dan Newberry.
2nd Place Net 58 : John George, Marka
Wanke, Dave Cummings and Don Weiss.
3rd Place Net 58: Jeff Dallenbach, Robert
Lozano, John Franklin and Shane Davis.
Closest to the pin #5: Ken Fowler
Closest to the pin #7: John Green
Closest to the pin #13: Danny Newberry
Closest to the pin #16 : Scott Tak
Longest Drive #18 : Chris Davidson
Longest Put #9 : John George
L-R: Christopher
Kimm, West East
Design Group;
Terry Tucker, Acme
Brick; Charles
John, AIA, Charles
A. John Architect
Extraordinaire; and
Rick Dunn, Esquire,
Acme Brick
L-R: Gary Hall,
Project Control;
Paul Lampe,
Raba-Kistner;
John Rinehart, P.
E., Pape Dawson
Engineers; and
Travis Wilshire,
Goetting and
Associates.
L-R: James Gohlke,
Lee Highway
Cement, Waco;
Madeline Slay,
Madeline Anz Slay
Architecture; Terry
Shelton, Travis Tile
Sales; and John
Patara, J&R Tile.
Conserve Your Capital ! !
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Lunch on the house at
United Rentals
T
he parking lot at
United Rentals was
ablaze with activity
as customers, vendors and
business associates arrived for the company’s
9th Annual Bar-B-Que, on
Thurs., May 15th, from 11
am. to 1 pm. After signingin and placing their cards
in a bucket for a door prize
drawing, guests headed
for the buffet line.
In preparation for the
big day, branch manager
Tommy Taylor recruited
Grady’s Bar-B-Que to cater the feast, which drew
350 to 400 hungry hardhats to the lunchtime respite. The line formed at
the rear for a plate of good
old Texas brisket, sausage,
beans, cole slaw, potato
salad and iced beverages.
Under the shade of an
oversized canopy, about
twenty draped tables accommodated the diners,
who, when finished, sped
across the parking lot to
examine the tools and
equipment at several vendors’ booths.
“We have some good
vendors here today,”
Tommy said, “and there
are lots of new products
to look at. I hope everyone
takes a few minutes to examine their displays. In
our air-conditioned showroom, where the womenfolk are hanging out,
we’ve stocked up on a lot
of merchandise and tools
we never carried before.
Everyone is invited to look
around!”
Participating vendors
included NORTON, Kraft
Tool Co., American Pneumatic Tools, AERVOE Industries, Stihl Power
Tools, DeWalt, Multiquip
Whiteman, Skytrak, SoffCut, and Genie, among
others.
Jack Westbrook, NORTON, demonstrating his
concrete slicing blades.
L-R: John Keverline, Wayne Cooper, and Frank Pirotina,
demonstrate a Multiquip Whiteman Ride-on Trowel,
used for large concrete floor finishing projects.
Chuck Frost with portable, self-contained Shark TRS3500 Trailer
Pressure Washing System.
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ASA’s Subfest 2003
a hill country hit!
T
he fun-loving membership of the American Subcontractors
Association San Antonio
Chapter hosted its Annual
Subfestival at the historic
Anhalt German Hall in the
heart of the Hill Country on
Fri., May 2nd. As guests
drove down the meandering country lane toward the
party, the pastoral sounds
of chirping birds gave way
to the rhythmic, foot stomping beat of live music.
Teased by the scents
emanating from the smoking pits of BBQ pro’s Nathan
Alterman Electric, Dausin
Electric, Holes of San Antonio, and Sweet Meat Concrete, the promise of great
food whetted appetites and
caused more than a few
mouths to water. In fact, 350
subcontractors and their
guests stood in line for their
plate of hot and steaming
victuals.
As the band played, the
subs danced and danced,
taking momentary pauses
to check their Silent Auction
bids. Later in the evening,
the featured Live Auction
drew raucous and sometimes competitive bidding
as subs forked out the
dough in support of the
greater cause. From dove
hunts to artwork, together
the Live Auction and Silent
Auction raised $18,000.
Biela
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Commercial Windows
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Kitchen & Bath Fixtures
Designer Whirlpools & Baths
Dallas and Karen Cloud hone in on a Silent Auction item.
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Visit our unique designer
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The crowd awaits chance to bid on Live Auction offerings!
We also offer an 8,000 sf Self Service Plumbing
and Pipe, Valves and Fittings Counter
to serve our customers better.
Austin News
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To read these and other stories in full, go to our Website at
www.constructionnews.net.
Browning Construction provides ‘new light’ for HRC
� � � � � � � � � �
B
rowning Construction Co. led the $10 million renovation effort, along with
Lake/ Flato Architects from San Antonio, for the University of Texas at Austin’s
Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center, renowned for its massive cultural archives, one of the largest in the country. The project consisted of more than 40,000sf of newly constructed public space.
Capt. Hook is five and still lifting
R
olloff and hauling company, Capt. Hook, celebrated its fifth anniversary this
past Apr. The company, a member of the Austin Remodelers Association
(ARA), has found work providing small rolloff boxes for contractors throughout the
Austin area.
ACC Metal Framing class opens doors
A
new class, Metal Wall Systems, at Austin Community College (ACC) was formed
this year to address the need for a larger skilled work force for the residential steel
industry.
RSS steps up
T
hough he says it was never his plan for his business to grow very large, Don
White, owner of Reinforcing Steel Supply (RSS), celebrated his company’s recent expansion with an open house Apr. 15, 2003. The event allowed customers a
peek at the company’s new 18,000-sf facility, which is a step up from its former
3,000-sf office in north Austin.
Falcon Storage takes flight
S
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ince opening their business this Jan., Stephen Shang and Brian Dieringer,
owners of Falcon Storage, have found a broad market for temporary, on-site
storage units.
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CANstruction teaches youth, feeds community
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I
magination and design principals united on Apr. 27, 2003 for CANstruction, a benefit competition adopted by the Society of Design Administration (SDA).
The event allowed children from the Austin Jewish Community Day School to work
with Austin design professionals to build enormous structures strictly out of canned
goods. In addition to exposing children to design principles, the event also benefited the Capital Area Food Bank.
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Page 10 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– San Antonio Construction News •June 2003
Finance gurus finesse
Republic for good cause
Dyer Mechanical marks
15th year in biz
L
athered in sunscreen
and dressed handsomely
for a day on the links,
members and guests of the
Construction Financial Management Association San
Antonio Chapter (CFMA)
gathered for their 1st-Ever
Golf Tournament on Mon.,
April 28th.
Hosted at San Antonio’s
newest public course, The Republic Golf Club, 72 players
comprised 18 teams for the
tournament, a major moneymaker for the organization’s
scholarship fund.
L-R: The one-and-only all-women’s team are Julissa
Carielo, MJ Boyle General Contractor; Leslie Juajardo,
San Antonio Construction
Padgett Stratemann; Kelly Dawley, Bartlett Cocke;
News spoke with CFMA board
and Katrina Kite, Hooker Contracting.
member and tournament coordinator Bill Dawley, Harding
Conley Drawert Tinch Insurance, who said the event’s
proceeds would supplement
the Cindy P. Dennis Scholarship
Fund.
“This is one of the major
fundraisers for our scholarship fund, which supports
college students majoring in
construction and/or business
fields. To date, CFMA’s Cindy
P. Dennis Scholarship Fund
has awarded over $58,000 in
scholarships. Thanks to the
generosity of our members L-R: Steven Jones, Austin Commercial; Norman Macias,
Steel Designs; Mr. Spoden, Austin Commercial;
and sponsors, we’ll be able to
and Dallas Cloud, Moore Erection.
award another $15,000 to deserving students this year.”
A 1:30 pm shotgun start marked the 2nd Place: Richard Garza, Clark Fresher,
Alfonso Sanin, and Eddie Daly.
beginning of the Florida Scramble, and
win or lose, each player was rewarded 3rd Place: Joe Lozano, Gonzalo Ornelas,
Billy Knox, and Steve Schultz.
with a delicious dinner at day’s end.
Women’s Long Drive: Michelle Seward.
Men’s Long Drive: Jim Miller.
The winners of CFMA’s 1st-Ever
Closest to The Pin: Michelle Seward,
Golf Tournament were:
David Goetz, James Deaven, and
Clark Fresher.
1st Place: Tony Ridout, Milton Barrett,
Lynne Grix, and Steve Whitener.
Congratulations!
MCA-SMACNA awards check
to Habitat For Humanity
F
alling on the heels of a successful
golf tournament, the Mechanical
Contractors Association– SMACNA
met on May 7th to wrap up a little unfinished business.
MCA-SMACNA president John
Tezel, Tezel & Cotter A/C, LP, presented
a check for $3800 to Habitat for Humanity representatives Dennis Bechhold
and Don Griffith at the association’s
monthly meeting. The money was realized from the association’s annual golf
tournament held at Pecan Valley Golf
Club on April 3rd. Bill Monier of A.J.
Monier & Co., Inc. and Ken McFarland
of Trane Company co-chaired the event.
The Association has hosted the tournament for ten years and has always donated the profits.
Dennis Bechhold reported on Habitat successes with the completion of 301
homes since its inception in 1976. Another 45 units are planned in 2003. Potential
owners are required to invest “sweat equity” in the construction of their new
homes and sign 20-year no-interest
loans to purchase their homes.
Habitat for Humanity builds homes
for those below the 50 percent medium
income level. There have been only two or
three foreclosures in the past 27 years. San
Antonio is the oldest Habitat Chapter.
Major supporters of the fundraising
golf tournament event included ToddFord, Inc., Ferguson Enterprises, Trane
Co., York International, H.D. Grant Co.,
Heat Transfer Solutions, Morrison Supply, Frost Bank, Performance Contracting, Brandt Engineering, A.J. Monier &
Co., Tezel & Cotter A/C, L.P., L.C. Mosel
Co., Mid-Tex Distributing, Hughes Supply, Johnson Controls, P.J. Industries,
Mechanical Reps, Victaulic Corp., Sterling & Associates, M&M Metals, Stephen & Stephenson, and Holland Equipment.
L-R: Sons, Samuel and John, Spring and Harold.
T
he story of Dyer Mechanical begins
with its owner and founder, Harold
L. Dyer. After active service in the
U.S. Marine Corp, Harold returned to his
hometown, Austin, TX, where he secured
employment as a truck driver for Waste
Management.
“I loved the job but the hours were
too long. My wife, Spring, and I sat down
to determine what I could do with my
high school education. I ruled out the
electrical trade because I’m afraid of electricity. Water doesn’t agree with me, so I
ruled out plumbing. We decided air conditioning sounded pretty good.”
The former Marine attended Austin
Community College, where he earned an
Associates Degree in Air Conditioning and
Refrigeration, and another Associates Degree in Electronics. Harold began working
for a local air conditioning contractor as a
Carrier heavy equipment mechanic.
Asked to explain what motivated
him to start his own company, Harold
said, “After seven and a half years, I
thought I could do a better job.”
Harold and his family moved to San
Antonio in 1988. With his savings, he
bought a truck and went into business
that year. The vision of a pot of gold was
the lure that propelled Harold to establish Dyer Mechanical Services, an HVAC
service and sales company.
“I also went back to college,” Harold
continued, “commuting to Southwest
Texas State at night, on weekends, and
during the summers. In 1990 I earned a BS
in Mechanical Engineering. It hasn’t done
a lot for me but it looks good on the wall.”
A decade and a half later, Dyer Me-
chanical Services has seven employees
and five trucks. A Carrier dealer, Dyer Mechanical performs commercial retrofits
and residential new installations, changeouts and service. A self-admitted conservative, as his company prospered Harold
put every dollar back into the company.
“Despite the economy, last year was
one of our better years, so we expanded
to a bigger shop. I credit our survival to
having a ‘don’t quit’ attitude. In the last
couple of lean years, when other small
shops were going out of business, we remained solvent.”
asked Harold to describe his biggest challenge, he said it was transitioning from
technician to business manager.
“One of the most significant obstacles
I faced at one point was getting out of the
field. I had to quit turning wrenches and
concentrate on building a new business. I
was a hell of an AC mechanic, if I do say so,
and every time a problem arose, I would
want to rush over and get in the middle,
instead of relying on my people to work
through it. I adapted, but it was tough.”
Harold is quick to credit two men,
Lee Rosenberg, former owner of Metro
Tech, and Bill Mairs(dec’d), Mission Mechanical, with helping him succeed.
“As mentors, they both unselfishly
and enthusiastically helped me analyze
situations and become a better businessman,” Harold concluded. “I have tried to
emulate their formulas for success. They
were the most influential people, and I
owe any measure of success I’m enjoying
directly to them.”
336/mo Payments
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San Antonio Construction News • June 2003 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 11
From oil to wind, Texas takes energy lead
by Erin Whalen
T
exas, the state that brought the
world the modern petroleum industry with Spindletop a century
ago, is now pioneering the future of
American energy by becoming the nation’s new leader in sustainable energy.
The Lone Star State’s new status as a
leader in renewable energy is attracting
visionaries and activists from across the
country to six major energy events taking
place over the next six months. This is the
first time so many national sustainable
energy events have been held in a single
state in a single year.
To take best advantage of the convergence of events to cement Texas’ reputation as a sustainable energy innovator, a group of state, municipal, non-
profit and clean energy organizations
have come together to form the Texas
Sustainable Energy Network (TxSEN)
and promote new opportunities for consumers, businesses and the government.
The series of meetings started in May
with the American Wind Energy Association annual conference in Austin and
continues through November in Austin
and central Texas with the American Solar Energy Society annual conference, the
National Association of State Energy Offi cials annual meeting, the Renewable Energy Roundup and Green Living Fair, the
U.S.-Mexico Border Energy Forum and the
16th National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Industry Growth Forum.
The wind conference, which took
place May 18-21, was slated to be the
world’s largest meeting of wind energy
professionals to date, bringing more than
3,000 people to Austin.
Much of the progress in renewable
energy in Texas can be attributed to the
Renewable Portfolio Standard signed
into law in 1999 by
then - Governor
George W. Bush. The
standard mandated
that Texas add 2,000
megawatts of renewable energy by
2009, enough energy to power approximately 800,000
average homes. By
the end of 2001, the
state was already
halfway to that goal.
Nearly 20 percent of world wind
power installed came from Texas in
2001. The 915 MW
of newly-installed
wind
generation
capacity was more
than was installed
in the entire country in any previous
year. If Texas were a
nation, it would be
third in the world in
creating new wind
power. Texas also is
the only state in the
nation with a legislative mandated efficiency goal.
Spindletop, the
name of a small knoll just south of Beaumont, startled the world when it erupted
on Jan. 10, 1901, to start producing more
than 80,000 barrels of oil a day. Today,
wind prospectors criss-cross the state
looking for land for giant wind farms the
way wildcatters once crossed the state
searching for oil.
“With the American Wind Energy Association conference
in Austin, the nation
is recognizing Texas’
leading role in the
growth of renewable energy,” said
Walter Hornaday,
president of Austinbased Cielo Wind
Power. “We hope
this is just a starting
point for launching the next wave of renewable energy development in Texas.”
The organizations joining together
to place the spotlight on renewable energy in Texas include the Austin Clean
Energy Initiative, Austin Energy, Central Texas Clean Cities, Cielo Wind Power, City of Austin, Clean Energy Incubator, Fuel Cells Texas, Good Company
Associates, Greater Austin Chamber of
Commerce, Great Austin Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce, Keep Texas
Beautiful, Lower Colorado River Authority, Metropolitan Partnership for
Energy, Public Utility Commission of
Texas, State Energy Conservation Office, Texas Renewable Energy Industries
Association, and the Texas Solar Energy
Society.
For further information, please contact:
[email protected]
or http://www.txsen.org
Photos of the Llano Estacado Wind Ranch,
White Deer, TX, courtesy of
Cielo Wind Power.
Support urged for AHP legislation
R
epresentatives from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) traveled to the
Rio Grande Valley to meet with Congressman Ruben Hinojosa (D-15th District,
Mission, TX) in mid-May to discuss HR 660, the “Small Business Health Fairness Act.”
Andy Rittler, ABC Region 3 Government Affairs representative, Patrick Williams,
SpawGlass Contractors, Inc., and Steven Schultz, ABC-South Texas Chapter President,
spent a Saturday morning discussing the needs of the small business community, including access to affordable health insurance.
“Being a small business owner, Congressman Hinojosa has first hand knowledge of
the difficulties facing the small business sector,” said Schultz. “ABC strongly supports the
Association Health Plan legislation, as do over 100 organizations representing over 80 million employees, as a means of saving the typical small business owner between 15 and 30
percent on health insurance. Studies have found that mandates, government regulations
and the impact of litigation accounted for 22 percent of the increase in health care spending in 2001. This bill would help level the playing field for small businesses by providing
them with a means of securing affordable health care for their employees.”
Father’s Day
is
Sunday June 15
L-R: Andy Rittler, Steven Schultz, Congressman Hinojosa and Patrick Williams.
Page 12 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––San Antonio Construction News • June 2003
Old Timer’s
Corner
H.Douglas
Steadman,P.E.
By Jane Day Loter
H
. Douglas Steadman, P.E. was
born in the country on the southeastern edge of Ft. Worth on October 12, 1926. The eldest son of native
Texans Homer Thomas Steadman and Lillian May Sanders Steadman, Doug rose to
become one of the most respected structural engineers in the City of San Antonio.
Now retired, he still maintains an office
and continues to embrace civic engineering projects with an undeterred passion.
Doug’s father was still in high school
when his father died of a heart attack at
age 32. Assuming the role of family wage
earner, Homer managed to graduate
from high school with honors.
“My dad was named class valedictorian, but after personally calculating that
another young man was one-tenth of a
point above him, he honorably relinquished his valedictorian status. As a result of that, he received a scholarship for
college, but he didn’t go. He married my
mother, and went to work for the largest
lumber company in Ft. Worth, Bucy Ingram. Dad was a yard foreman during his
early years, and after he left the lumber
business, he worked for a general contractor as a superintendent. ”
Devoted Christians, Doug’s parents
founded an orphanage, now known as
Christ Haven Home, on 100 acres in Keller,
TX. When Doug and his younger brother
were in high school, Homer and Lillian
adopted two little girls.
“Their hearts were set on taking care
of children who might grow up without a
mother and father. The last cottage that
was opened was named The Steadman
Cottage in honor of my mother and father. Always an inspiration, Dad’s motto
was ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way.’ I’ll
tell you for sure, he believed it and emphasized it with my brother and me.”
When Doug was very young, he and
his family were often surprised when
homeless men would knock at the backdoor, begging for food. Victims of the
depression, the Steadman’s shared with
them what they could.
“Fortunately, our father had a good
job. We ate a lot of pork and beans, and
we had a cow, chickens, fruit trees, and a
spring and fall vegetable garden. My
brother and I had to take care of the cow,
but my dad did the milking. We grew a
little bit of hay for the cow and cut it by
hand. Of course, everything was done by
hand then. Incidentally, Byron Nelson
and his family lived in our neighborhood
back then, and he got his start at Glen
Garden Country Club, a few blocks from
our home.”
Doug met his future bride and lifetime companion, Jurene Nicholson, in
kindergarten class at Glen Garden Elementary School.
“My mother told the story that I
came home from my first day at school
saying I’d found my girlfriend. But, Jurene
and I didn’t start going together until we
were seniors in high school. We attended
Polytechnic High School, and I would go
out of my way in between classes to
catch a glimpse of her.”
Recognizing his innate potential,
Doug’s math, chemistry and physics
teachers encouraged him towards an academic path in engineering. After graduating in 1943, he enrolled in the two-year
engineering program at North Texas Agricultural College in Arlington, which later
evolved to become Arlington State, and
is now UT-Arlington.
“Every school day I hitch-hiked out
to NTAC from southeast Ft. Worth, and I
was late only once. We had a contingent
of Marines who were studying at NTAC,
which meant we had a football team that
was good enough to beat Texas A&M. I
was active in the ROTC program, and
then joined the Navy in January 1944,
enrolling in its V-12 program at the University of Texas in Austin. In January of
1946, I earned my degree in civil engineering, received my commission at age
19, and married Jurene in July.”
Doug served primarily on a cruiser in
the post-war peacetime waters up and
around the eastern seaboard. Following
his active duty experience, he remained
in the reserves and pursued a Master’s
degree in structures and soil mechanics
at UT-Austin. Meanwhile, Jurene went to
work to support her brilliant young husband, as did many young wives of her
generation.
Roughly two years later, Doug was
looking for employment. At the suggestion of Professor Phil Ferguson, who was
world-renown for writing the textbook
on concrete design, Doug sought employment with Mr. Willard Eastman Simpson, W.E. Simpson Company, a pioneer in
establishing the structural consulting
engineer profession in Texas. Mr. Simpson (1883 – 1967) and his brother founded the engineering-construction firm in
1909. In 1911, the company became a
consulting firm specializing in structural
engineering. The firm’s reputation for
solving difficult problems was well established, and a good fit for an eager engineer like Doug.
“I had a few other job offers that
didn’t really appeal to me. About two
weeks had gone by since my interview at
W.E. Simpson and I was waiting to hear
back. Finally, I made a long-distance call
from Ft. Worth to speak with Mr. Simpson. I was later told that while I was on
hold, he polled the office as to whether
or not he should hire me. I joined the firm
in 1948 when there were only six of us,
including our secretary Mabel. I earned
$50 a week, for a minimum 44-hour
week without so much as a coffee
break.”
Under the direction of Mr. Manfred
Gerhardt, the chief engineer, Doug spent
the first two years as a draftsman, learning how to produce thorough, well-lettered and detailed structural drawings.
“Then they let me do a little designing. We each did our own designing and
drafting.”
In his early days at W.E. Simpson,
Doug worked on the O.R. Mitchell Dodge
dealership, designed by architect Bartlett
Cocke, and Smith Motor Sales on Broadway. He also worked on an outlet structure for the O.R. Mitchell Dam and Lake,
and later developed mutual, professional
respect for HEB’s chief of construction,
Bob McDaniel, which led to a long-term
relationship spanning almost four decades.
“Most of our work then was done for
architects, who took full responsibility for
the design, engineering and construction of a project.”
In 1955, Doug received his registration as a Professional Engineer. His salary
skyrocketed to $100 a week, no fringe
benefits, and two weeks vacation if he
could squeeze them in between the
staggering workload. Doug was content
with the prestige attached to those two
capital letters written after his name. In
time, he was registered in four states including Kansas, Oklahoma, Arizona and
Texas.
Jurene and Doug were blessed with
five children, the first four born in normal
succession, followed by a welcomed surprise twelve years later. Now grown, in
order of birth they are Wayne, Gary, Janene, Darryl, and Dawn.
“We also have three wonderful
grandchildren, ranging in ages from 9 to
22. Jurene and I will celebrate our 57th
wedding anniversary on July 20th.”
Considering the many advances in
engineering technology that developed
over the decades, Doug said the most
profound technology was computerization.
“The first computer we bought was a
Wang. Some of the calculations we had
to do earlier, using slide rules, would take
a day or two to do by hand. The computer
reduced that time to minutes or seconds.
Computers revolutionized our methodologies, but I still have that original slide
rule that I had in school.”
In the early 1980’s, Doug’s responsibilities took that inevitable turn from design to administration. Doug was the
structural engineer for Churchill High
School, when it still stood alone in a cow
pasture. He was the project engineer on
the Lila Cockrell Theater, which he said
had some interesting truss issues to work
out. The executive vice-president of the
firm when it undertook work at the San
Antonio Airport, Doug helped set policy
and make decisions, although he did not
work on the design. One after another,
the list of projects Doug worked on
through his fifty years with W.E. Simpson
is seemingly endless.
When he formally retired from management and ownership at the end of
1992, in lieu of a party, the firm established the Steadman Fellowship in Structural Engineering at the University of
Texas School of Engineering. A self-admitted workaholic, Doug continued to
work full-time before he tapered off.
In January 1998, HDR Engineering
bought the Simpson Group, which had
prevailed for 89 years. Doug still maintains an office there, which is cluttered
with memorabilia, plans, reports,
plaques, awards, and stacks of paperwork and photographs.
Doug was helpful in having Houston’s Gulf Building, which at the time of
its erection was the tallest building west
of the Mississippi, designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. As well, Hanger 9 at Brooks Air
Force Base received the same notable
designation as a result of Doug’s tireless
efforts. His latest project is the Hayes
Street Bridge, which with his labors has
garnered the Texas Historic Civil Engineering Landmark designation.
A member of the Bexar Chapter of
the Texas Society of Professional Engineers, Doug has served as its president
and was named TSPE’s Engineer of the
Year in 1978. As well, the Texas Engineering Foundation voted him a Distinguished Engineer in 1990. A past president of the Texas Section – American Society of Civil Engineers, Doug worked
through ASCE on the Historic Civil Engineering Landmark projects.
H. Douglas Steadman, P.E. has indeed had a distinguished career as a
structural engineer, and is today a venerated and respected ‘elder’ of his profession.
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Fiesta Open House marks
firm’s 2nd year
Masons advance on The Republic
T
he heat and humidity was thick
enough to slice on Thurs., April
24th, when the San Antonio Masonry Contractors Association (SAMCA)
hosted its 7th Annual Golf Classic.
Seventy-six members and their
guests competed at The Republic Golf
Club for tournament honors and bragging rights. Prior to the 1:30 pm shotgun
start, players enjoyed a hunger-busting
sandwich buffet and, as a reward for their
support, SAMCA provided complimentary drink koozies and signature golf towels
to each participant.
Scott Martin hit the straightest drive on #9!
A special congratulations is
extended to the winners:
1st place:
Dennis Freisenhahn,Craig
Friesenhahn, Mike Marach,
and Russell Syma, Wallace
Masonry Co., Inc.
2nd place:
Rhett Morrow, Pat Kidder,
Steve Johnson, and Jeff
Windham, Alamo Cement Co.,
Ltd.
Bragging rights belong to the 1st place team!
3rd place:
Mark Petrikat,SSI; Mackey
Welch, One State Contractors;
Michael Hunt, Curtis Hunt
Restorations; and
Brian Schwab, Chemtex.
Straightest Drive #9:
Scott Martin, Safway Services.
Longest Drive #1:
Rhett Morrow, Alamo Cement
Co. Ltd.
Closest to the Hole #9:
Brian Schwab, Chemtex.
2nd Place finishers!
Builders mix it up
‘Big Easy’ style
T
hrongs of homebuilders and associate members of the Greater San
Antonio Builders Association
gathered at Morrison Supply Company
on Thurs., May 22nd, to enjoy an afterhours membership mixer.
With temperatures hovering in the
80’s, guests were more than happy to mix
it up indoors, amid the New Orleansthemed Bourbon Street atmosphere. A
special ‘Builder Drawing’ sponsored by
Stone Appliance Gallery, Bosch and
Thermador, for a possible $900 cash
prize, sweetened attendance numbers.
Approximately 200 members came,
ate, drank, met new friends, renewed old
acquaintances, and networked to their
hearts content. Gourmet finger foods
were tastefully arranged throughout
Morrison’s luxurious mood-defining
showroom, where a plethora of highend kitchen, bathroom, and wet bar appliances and hardware are expertly displayed.
with Morrison’s new branch manager
Darin Mueller who said this was the first
GSABA membership mixer his company
has hosted.
“It’s exciting to have everyone here!”
he exclaimed. “This is a great opportunity
to show off what we’ve done.”
Asked if he thought the event would
bring him a lot of business, he said,
“That’s what I’m banking on!”
Kevin, Jerry and Michael
L-R: Dennis Shelly, Shelly Flooring Inc.; John Friesenhahn, The Key Companies; Nancy Ince,
Jaime Marmolejo and Hike Jackson, Ince Distributing.
I
Viva Fiesta at the AES Open House!
n celebration of its 2nd
anniversary, Advanced
Engineering Solutions
hosted a “Fiesta” Open
House on Wed., April 30th,
from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.
The structural and forensic engineering firm invited numerous clients,
vendors, neighbors, professional associates, friends
and family for a festive luncheon. Bold colors, sparkling confetti and bright
decorations complementL-R: Party hostess Tana Koudelka, AES welcomes Rob
ed the mouth-watering Martindale, Eichlitz, Dennis, Wray and Westheimer Agency;
buffet menu, which includand Mrs. And Mr. Cone Wells, Cone Wells Custom Homes.
ed chicken and beef fajitas,
tamales, rice, beans, guacamole, queso, nandez, and Engineer-in-Training Randy
and a bevy of desserts and beverages. French.
Caterer Charlene Nino deserved every
Tana spoke of two notable projects
compliment she received for providing in which AES staffers were proud to parthe cheerful décor and a divine meal.
ticipate.
“Over the holidays, our staff collectasked principal Tana M. Koudelka, P.E. if ed gifts and funds for three families in
the firm had met its projections from two support of the Angel Tree Project. We all
years ago, Tana affirmed that it had.
felt very good about sharing our bounty
“We have been well-received in the with others who are comparatively less
community and for that we are grateful. fortunate.”
In addition to serving new clients, we are
On the professional front, the City of
growing as a result of client referrals and San Antonio hired AES when the Karotkin
repeat business. We’re honored when a Building’s facade collapsed last Decemclient recommends our work to someone ber in downtown San Antonio.
else,” Tana added.
“We were honored that the City
Two years ago the AES staff included trusted us to conduct forensic investigaTana, James Jones, P.E., business man- tions on its behalf,” Tana said. “It’s work
ager Bob Condit, office manager Tracey that we’re very capable of performing.”
Winsett, and engineering technicians
Advanced Engineering Solutions
Chris Scow and Curtis Hastings. Since markets its engineering services to comthen, the firm added Shannon Casey as mercial contractors, homebuilders, insuradministrative assistant, UTSA engineer- ance companies, homeowners, and muing student and part-timer Martin Her- nicipal entities. Happy birthday, AES!
Page 14 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– San Antonio Construction News • May 2003
OSHA
LEGAL
Chain and wire rope slings
Protecting your Payment
Rights
By Joann Nataranjan
By Dane Patrick
C
hains are commonly used slings due to their strength
and ability to adapt to the shape of the load. Care
should be taken when using alloy chain slings as they
are subject to damage by sudden shocks. Chain slings
are your best choice for lifting materials that are very
hot. They can be heated to 1000 degrees F. However,
when alloy chain slings are exposed to temperatures in
excess of 600 degrees, operators must reduce the working load limits in accordance
with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
All sling types must be visually inspected
prior to use. When inspecting chain slings,
pay special attention to any stretching,
excess wear, and nicks and gouges.
A wire rope sling is composed of
individual wires that have been twisted
to form strands. The strands are then
twisted to form a wire rope. When
wire rope has a fiber core, it is usually
more flexible but is less resistant to
environmental damage. Wire rope may
be further defined by the “lay”. The lay
is a description the wires and strands are
twisted during the construction of the
rope. Most wire rope is right lay, meaning
the strands pass from left to right across
the rope and the wires in the rope are
laid opposite in direction to the lay of
the strands. This type of rope has the
widest range of applications. Lang lay
(where the wires are twisted in the same
direction as the strands) is recommended
for many excavating and construction
applications. Lang lay ropes are more
flexible and have greater wearing surface
per wire than regular lay ropes. Lang
lay ropes are more resistant to bending
fatigue.
The strength of a wire rope is a function
of its size, grade, and construction. A wire
rope must have the ability to withstand
repeated bending without the failure of
the wires due to fatigue. Fatigue failure
will result in small cracks in the wire when
ropes make small radius bends. Generally,
more flexible ropes are selected when
smaller radius bending is required, and
less flexible ropes are used when the
rope must move over abrasive materials.
Misuse or abuse will cause a wire rope
sling to become unsafe quickly. Abuse
can result in kinking or separation (bird
caging) which reduce strength. Wire rope
slings must be visually inspected before
each use. If ten randomly distributed
wires in one lay are broken, or five wires
in one strand are broken, the sling must
not be used. End fittings must also be
inspected for damage. Discard slings
that exhibit severe corrosion, worn shiny
spots, a one-third reduction in diameter,
damage to end fittings, distortion such
as bird caging or kinking, or excessive
broken wires.
CONSTRUCOLOR®
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E
very contractor wants to get paid for his work. The
starting point for protecting a contractor’s rights to
receive payment is the general contract between the
owner and general contractor. This is true even for subcontractors in that the subcontractor generally agrees to
be bound to the general contractor to the same extent
that the general contractor is bound to the owner.
If the general contract is for a stipulated sum, the contractor should have
performed a thorough evaluation in performing the estimate and left room for
surprises. Remember, the contractor will
be required to perform any work that
falls within the scope of work as defined
by the contract.
In regard to the scope of work provision, the contractor will want the clause
to be drafted as narrowly as possible. For
instance, it would be preferable for it to
be defined as the “work as described in
the contract documents” without the
added phrase “and work that can be reasonably inferred as necessary to complete the project.” The broader the language, the more room for disagreement
and having to perform work not included
in the bid calculations. If the owner is
adamant about including a broad scope
of work clause, the contractor’s bid price
may need to be adjusted to offset the increased risk.
Other important provisions are the
commencement and completion dates.
The contractor should make sure that the
commencement date is truly the date
when the contractor will be prepared to
begin the work. The owner will normally
be anxious to begin the work and it may
be tempting for the contractor to make
promises to begin sooner than possible.
Remember, if the contractor does not
begin working on the commencement
date this shortens the amount of time to
complete the project, which may result in
delays. In regard to the completion date,
it may be a specified date or a date at the
end of so many calendar or workdays. If
“workdays” are used, the term should be
clearly defined in the contract.
This brings us to delay damages,
which can quickly offset and even supersede the contractor’s claims for payment.
Obviously, the contractor would prefer a
no delay damages clause. This may even
be beneficial to the owner in that it can
possibly allow the contractor to bid the
job at a lower price. The next best alternative might be to negotiate a liquidated
damages clause setting a fixed amount
to be paid for each day the project is delayed. This is beneficial to the owner who
may otherwise have a difficult burden in
proving these damages and to the contractor who can fix the amount of damages and in turn reduce the risk.
The contract should also allow for
extensions of the contract time for delays
caused by forces beyond the contractor’s
control. These forces can include weather, labor strikes, and material shortages.
The contract should also permit the
contractor to suspend, and if necessary,
terminate the work if payment is wrongfully withheld. At least this way, the contractor can stop the bleeding.
These are only some of the important
provisions in the general contract that can
affect payment rights. The general contract is often presented by the owner or
the architect to the general contractor. A
thorough review of this contract and necessary changes by the contractor’s attorney could save the contractor a substantial amount of money in the long run.
Dane Patrick has been licensed to practice
law since 1987 and is the owner of
Law Office of Dane Patrick, 111 Soledad,
Suite 705, San Antonio, TX, 78205
Phone:(210)226-7782,Fax:(210) 228-0234
E-mail : [email protected].
June is Garage Door
Safety Month
W
arm weather and sunny skies
naturally turn one’s thoughts
to home improvement and
gardening projects. The International
Door Association has declared June to
be Garage Door Safety Month.
“Often overlooked but ever-important, garage doors and their openers deserve regular, close examination,” said Randy Oliver, president of
Hollywood-Crawford Door Co., and a
member of the Safety and Insurance
Committee of IDA.
properly.
5. Install the wall switch in the garage
as high as practical above the floor to
restrict children’s use of the automatic
garage door.
1. Ensure that the company they deal
with is reputable.
San Antonio Chapter
1. Check the condition and operation
of the garage door and opener. A properly operating garage door will be “balanced” to stay in place when stopped
in any partially opened position.
... working together to improve the economic well-being of
construction subcontractors and suppliers through:
communication, education, and government / industry advocacy.
2. Check to see that the garage door
opener’s force and limit settings are
adjusted according to manufacturer’s
instructions.
ASA holds monthly member’s meetings at the Barn Door.
For more information on how to join our efforts or to be placed on
the mailing list for upcoming events - write, call or email:
3. Check the garage door operator
owners’ manual for any instructions on
testing the safety features.
26254 IH 10 West, Suite #115 Boerne, TX. 78006
(210)349-2105
Fax: (210)349-2847
[email protected]
4. Inspect garage doors and operation
of the door opener every 30 days to
verify that the system is functioning
CALL (210) 367-9499
[email protected]
6. A reputable garage door professional should perform all spring and
cable repairs.
When shopping for a new garage
door, Oliver suggests, homeowners
should:
2. Ask how long the company has
been in business and not just for years
of experience.
3. Use a company with a showroom
location with fully functioning displays for a clear look at product selection and variety.
4. Ask for a free in-home estimate for
repair or replacement of garage doors.
Be suspicious if the repair estimate
exceeds $300 – that’s the average cost
to replace a single garage door with a
standard steel garage door.
INSURANCE
ACCOUNTING
Tax benefits of putting
children on the payroll
Discontinued operations
By Walter Benson
By Marcia Frederick, CPA
S
o, you’ve decided to retire after 40 years in the construction business and all the fun you could stand.
After closing up the business, you move to South Padre
and enjoy your golf, grandchildren and fishing.
Somewhat later, an owner for whom
you, the contractor, had built an office
building five years ago calls and says the
brickwork on the front of the building
has fallen, crushing two cars and slightly
injuring one person. A claim was filed
against the contractor and he was surprised when his prior insurance carrier
denied coverage. He had carried a commercial general liability occurrence form
policy and thought he was covered into
the future for all of his previous work.
At this point, the stunned contractor and his insurance agent reviewed
the CGL occurrence policy that was in
effect when the office building was constructed. A careful reading of the coverage section of the policy reveals the following wording:
Insuring agreement (ISO CG 00 01 07
98) – We (the Insurance Company) will
pay those sums that the insured becomes legally obligated to pay as damages because of “bodily injury” or “property damage” to which this insurance
applies. We will have the right and duty
to defend the insured against any “suit”
seeking those damages. However, we
will have no duty to defend the insured
against any “suit” seeking damages for
“bodily injury” or “property damage” to
which this insurance does not apply. We
may, at our discretion, investigate any
“occurrence” and settle any claim or
“suit” that may result and this insurance
applies to “bodily injury” and “property
damage” only if:
The “bodily injury” or “property
damage” is caused by an “occurrence”
that takes place in the “coverage territory”; and THE “BODILY INJURY” OR “PROPERTY DAMAGE” OCCURS DURING THE
POLICY PERIOD. (emphasis added)
The wording in other CGL occurrence policy form is shorter, but just as
much to the point.
Bodily injury and property damage
liability. We’ll pay amounts any protected person is legally required to pay as
damages for covered bodily injury,
property damage or premises damage
that:
HAPPENS WHILE THIS AGREEMENT IS IN
EFFECT (emphasis added) and is caused
by an event (an event means an accident, including continuous or repeated
exposure to substantially the same general harmful conditions).
The preceding highlights a common misconception about an occurrence form CGL policy – that the “occurrence” or “event” takes place at the time
of construction when in this instance,
the brickwork was inadequately installed. However, the failure of the
brickwork occurred after the policy period had expired and coverage was
therefore denied.
Discontinued operations coverage
is sometimes available from your CGL
carrier upon your retirement or the cessation of your operations. If your CGL
carrier is unable or unwilling to provide
the discontinued operations coverage,
there are other markets that have this
type of policy available. The premium is
usually based on your prior year’s general liability premium and this premium
amount will decline as the years pass.
This discontinued operations coverage should be considered a necessity
for most contractors. It is wise to discuss
this with your insurance agent prior to
your retirement. Our agency has one
contractor that has maintained his discontinued operations coverage for over
15 years. He and I both sleep better at
night.
Walter E. Benson, Partner,
Simpson-Benson-Douglas Insurance
Agency. Ph: 210-342-9451
Email: [email protected]
N
ow that summer has officially begun, business owners should be aware of the tax benefits of putting
children on the payroll as it can save family income taxes
as well as payroll taxes if self-employed. By taking advantage of this opportunity, business owners can turn hightaxed income into low-taxed or even tax-free income to
the children. In addition, retirement plan contributions for the children can be made
to begin planning for their future. Certain key tax considerations to be used in making
this decision are:
Shifting high-taxed income to taxfree or low-taxed income. By shifting
some of your business earnings to a child
as wages for services performed by him
or her, some of your high-taxed income
can be converted to tax-free or lowtaxed income. The work performed by
the child must be legitimate and the
amount of money they receive as wages
must be reasonable for your business
and the work performed.
For example, a business owner of a
corporation hires his 16-year-old son to
help with backing up computer files during the summer and part-time in the fall.
His son is paid wages of $4,000 during
the year and doesn’t have any other earnings from other sources. If the business
owner is in the 35% individual tax bracket
for 2003, the individual business owner
saves $1,400 (35% of $4,000) in income
taxes on their personal income tax return
while completely sheltering his son’s
earnings tax-free. The son will have no
tax cost, as he can use his standard deduction for 2003 to wipe out his entire
income tax liability.
Additional income taxes of $1,050
(35% of $3,000) could be saved by the
individual business owner if he keeps his
son on the payroll longer to allow him to
earn an additional $3,000 of wages while
contributing the $3,000 to a tax-deductible IRA contribution for the child.
This shifting of wages to a child under 14 can also achieve this tax savings.
The “kiddie tax” only causes a younger
child’s (under 14) investment income in
excess of $1,500 (for 2003) to be taxed at
the parent’s marginal tax rate. This rule
has no impact on the child’s wages,
which can be sheltered by that child’s
standard deduction.
Income tax withholding. The business probably will still have to withhold
YARD SALE
Join us for a Yard Sale on Wednesday, June 18th at our
facility located at 5333 East Houston St.
(Corner of Loop 410 & East Houston St.)
We must make room for New Fleet arriving daily.
Equipment available: Air Compressors, Air Tools, Aerial Equipment,
Bobcats, Backhoes, Compaction & Concrete Equipment,
Electric Tools, Forklifts, Light Towers, Generators, Pumps,
Saws, Trenchers, Welders & much more.
Lunch & Refreshments will be served
Contact Carlos Osuna for more details. 210-559-1236
15080 Tradesmen Drive
210-492-5501
Fax 210-492-0031
800-850-9275
federal income taxes on the child’s wages. Usually, an employee can claim exempt withholding status if they had no
federal income tax liability for the previous year and expects none in the current
year. However, an exemption is not allowed if 1) the child’s income exceeds
$750 and it includes more than $250 of
unearned income (interest), and 2) the
child can be claimed as a dependent on
someone else’s return.
Retirement benefits. If your business
has a retirement plan, your child can participate in the retirement plan. The
child’s participation in a retirement plan
won’t prevent the child from making taxdeductible IRA contributions as long as
the child’s adjusted gross income is below $40,000 (in 2003) for a single individual.
Social security tax savings. Social
security taxes still must be paid by an incorporated business on a child’s wages.
However, if you are a self-employed business owner, social security taxes can also
be saved because social security taxes
are not imposed on wages paid to a child
under 18 years old, as long as the child is
employed by a parent.
Please keep in mind that some of the
rules about employing children change
from year to year, such as the maximum
amount they can earn tax-free. This may
require a shift in strategy as well. You
should consult your tax advisor for any
related questions that you may have in
this opportunistic area.
Marcia Frederick, CPA is currently the
tax partner with the firm of Guerra, Guerra
& Frederick, L.L.P. Ms. Frederick has a BBA
from UT-Austin, an MPA in Taxation from
UTSA, and 18 years of experience in public
accounting, concentrating in tax.
She may be contacted at 210-344-5211,
or email: [email protected].
Construction aces and
shooting places
Many men and women in the South Texas construction industry share a common interest that may not be as popular in other parts of Texas. They love to shoot
skeet and sporting clays, planning many of their organized activities around those
competitive events.
San Antonio Construction News contacted key people at a few of our area
shooting ranges to find out more about their facilities and what types of services
they offer the shooting public.
C
JJ C
CH
H
CONSTRUCTION, INC.
Specializing In
Backhoe • Rocksawing • Trenching
“We Can Dig It”
(210) 651-5612
305 IH35 North
Fax: (210) 651-5451
Selma, Texas
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SEAL COATING
edar Ridge Range is located at
7110 FM 1863, 5.5-miles east of
Hwy. 281 North. Seated on 60acres of rugged Hill Country, Cibolo
Creek marks the northern border of the
property. Developed as a shooting range
in 1988, it is managed by Greg Ferris, a
shareholder and president of the corporation that owns the range.
“Our facility features nine rifle and
pistol bays, as well as 5-Stand and Sporting Clays for shotgun enthusiasts,” Greg
explained. “Within one year we’ll have a
skeet field in full operation. Right now
about 55 positions can be occupied at
once on the rifle and pistol range. Additionally, about 200 shooters can run
through a sporting clays course, with 80100 shooters on the 5-Stand course, in an
average day.”
Cedar Ridge Range has facilities for
corporate functions, private parties, or
for those who want to incorporate a type
of shooting with some other activity. Professional instruction in the use of firearms, including rifle, pistol and shotgun,
are available.
“We also offer the Texas State Certification Course for Concealed Handguns.”
Greg concluded. “I am a gunsmith and I
hold a Federal Firearms License, which
enables me to legally order firearms and
accessories for our clients.”
F
ounded in 1930, the San Antonio
Gun Club is one of the oldest sport
shooting facilities in this area. Located just south of the airport, the Club is
centrally situated on 70 acres and is easily
accessed.
General manager Dennis Gates discussed the club’s facility and services,
emphasizing that the San Antonio Gun
Club, as part of the City’s park system, is
open to the public.
“An air conditioned, rustic clubhouse
accommodates about 50 seated guests
and houses the gun club’s small retail
operation,” Dennis explained. “Another
150 people can gather under the covered
patio, and there is ample parking for
large events.”
The San Antonio Gun Club has a 16member staff and features eight skeet
and trap fields and a 5-Stand. While the
public is always welcome, the gun club
offers family memberships. The nonmember fee is $7.50 per round. However,
members can shoot for as little as $3.25
per round. Corporate events, which
should be scheduled in advance, are al-
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SAME DAY - NEXT DAY SERVICE
210.530.0062 • FAX 530.0064
MIKE & MARK CRAWFORD
P.O BOX 791324 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78279-1324
W
ith over 200 acres devoted to
shooting, Prairie Moon Ranch
is located at 980 FM 1343, just
west and south of Castroville, two miles
south of Hwy. 90.
Owned by Craig and Corky Porter,
with consulting manager Jamie Foote,
who said Prairie Moon Ranch was the
home of the famous Remington School,
which was discontinued by the rifle
manufacturer some years ago.
“Prairie Moon Ranch specializes in
sporting clays,” Jamie noted, “including
the French style of sporting clays which
goes by the acronym FITASC. We have
over 50 automated traps and over 24
shooting stations. Our 100-ft. duck tower
is equipped with four automated machines, to simulate a dove or duck in high
flight.”
The facility also features 24-ft., 20ft., and 12-ft. towers, a skeet field and a
trap field, which overlap, and a 5-Stand
field. Asked if the ranch offers pistol and
rifle shooting, Jamie said it does not.
“As a contractor and a competitive
shooter, I refer pistol and rifle shooters to
Cedar Ridge Range, which in my opinion,
is the safest run range in San Antonio for
that purpose.”
Prairie Moon welcomes and depends
on corporate and association events, and
has handled up to 300 people at one
time. In addition, experienced instructors
are available for individual or group
classes. Among them is Wes Halton, Prairie Moon’s foreman, who is a certified instructor for entry-level students.
“We feel it’s important to bring
young people into the sport,” Jamie added, “and Prairie Moon recently joined with
Ducks Unlimited in sponsoring ten FFA
students in a competitive tournament.”
TX Supreme Court urged
to protect subs
TRAFFIC SIGNAGE
YOUR FULL SERVICE COMPANY!
ways welcomed and the club can handle
up to 250 shooters.
For beginners and competitive
hopefuls, three licensed instructors can
use the premises to conduct individual or
group classes.
“We host a Ladies League on Tuesday evenings and about 40-45 women
participate each week,” Dennis continued. “During the summer we have an active Junior Program, for little kids who
are big enough to hold a shotgun, to
teens. In most cases, their parents have
an interest in the sport and want their
youngsters to enjoy it safely.”
O
n April 17th, the American Subcontractors Association (ASA)
filed a brief in a case before the
Texas Supreme Court arguing that
construction subcontractors should
be able to pursue claims for damages
that are caused by construction owners. The case is significant because a
federal appeals court earlier found
that Texas law is undecided on the permissibility of such arrangements,
known as “pass-through” agreements,
which are common in the construction
industry.
In its brief, ASA pointed out that
“state and federal courts almost unanimously permit ‘pass through’ claims
which allow a prime contractor to sue
a third party for the benefit of an in-
jured subcontractor.” ASA also argued
“it is important that a vehicle be available to ensure that the party responsible for the wrong bears the loss instead of the party that was wronged.”
ASA’s brief also asserted that the
general contractor and subcontractor
should not be burdened with unreasonable obstacles to recovering damages when the owner is at fault, such
as requiring the subcontractor to sue
the general contractor for ownercaused damages. ASA argued: “Not
only does a lawsuit requirement between the subcontractor and general
contractor force an unwanted adversarial relationship upon them, it unnecessarily drives up legal expense.”
Source: ASAOnLine press release
Summer fishing heating up on the coast
Article and Pictures by John Jefferson
I
t happens every year about this time.
That is, unless we have just had an early
season hurricane. Most of our notable
storms – at least the ones whose names
you can remember – seem to happen later
in the summer, with one every now and
then hitting in the fall.
So, if you want to smell the salt air,
hear the gulls and take your chances on
probably the best saltwater fishing alongside America, head south, now. There are
countless charters available out of every
port – some that will take you offshore for
king, ling, mackerel, snapper and shark.
Many more – like Capt. Steve Shultz (see
next page) --that will lead you to the flats
for trout and reds.
We fished out of Rockport in April.
Vicky Jefferson with 22-inch
Corpus Christi Bay trout.
My wife may have told you. We went with
Jim Friebele, an accomplished saltwater
naturalist who is practically a professor of
things natural along the bays and marshes. He’s also a heckuva fishing guide.
This wasn’t our first Friebele rodeo,
and we hope it won’t be our last. Vicky
and I know a few birds from having led
photo workshops on and along the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge pursuing pictures of whooping cranes and others of
the 400 species that migrate through Texas in the winter. But we add to our knowl-
session that would
have banned using
croakers as bait.
Like a lot of bills this
time, it bogged
down in the process
and, unless revived
by legislative chicanery at the last minute after this goes
to press, it sleeps
with the fishes.
The proponents
of the bill felt like
large trout, which
seem to become
Vicky Jefferson with 22-inch Corpus Christi Bay trout
more fish eaters
and guide, Jim Friebele.
than shrimp connoisseurs as they age, could be spared if
A new regulation effective on Sepcroakers were prohibited. It’s a known tember 1 says you can only keep one trout
fact that trout hate croakers due to their over 25 inches long, and the guide cannot
egg predation, and fiercely attack any that keep fish or give them to his clients in adcome near them. That makes trout easier dition to their limits. On this trip, even had
A nice trout caught on a
to catch with croakers – even for me.
Devil-tail Corky,
it been after September 1, we wouldn’t
This time, though, I wanted to give the have had to worry about either of those.
trout more of a chance. It worked.
edge each time out with Gentleman Jim.
Vicky’s fish, however, placed third in
Actually, I just enjoy fishing artificial an outdoor writers’ tournament held that
This time, we were wading off Shamrock Island in Corpus Christi Bay, between lures. I threw a variety of lures, including a day. And she at least let me take its picCorpus and Port Aransas. Friebele said he Berkley Topwater “Frenzy,” that walks ture.
JJ
wanted to hit a hole he thought might across the surface, a Berkley 5-inch Power
have some big trout. It was also fairly clear Jerk Shad in “New Penny” color, a beautiwater on a day when finding clear water ful Nichols “Hologram” soft plastic that
Jim Friebele’s Guide Service can be
looks good enough to eat and the new
was a challenge.
contacted in Rockport at (361) 729Jim asked us, as he always does, Mister Twister “Exude.” The latter is so
5876.
whether we wanted to fish bait or artifi - scent emitting, so slimy that I lost the first
Berkley and Mister Twister lures can be
cials. The previous trip, he had suggested one trying to put it on the hook when it
found in almost any tackle shop.
using live croakers, since Vicky had never spurted out of my wet fingers. Using this
assortment, I had
seen that fun. EvNichols “Hologram” lures
can
a wonderful day,
erybody has to do
be purchased at Tackle Town in
and two strikes.
it at least once.
Rockport or over the Internet at
Vicky, on the
Some won’t do it
www.nicholslures.com.
other hand, hung
any other way,
close to Friebele,
when croakers are
Corky lures can only be purchased
and asked what
available.
And
from
the
manufacturer
at
he was using afthat’s fine. My phiwww.corkybandl.com.
ter he strung a
losophy is fish the
couple of quick
way you want to
trout. When he
unless it’s against
ohn Jefferson
told her a “Devilthe law. And don’t
is the past
tail Corky,” she
make any means or
A Corky (top) and a Devil-Tail Corky (bottom),
president
of the
whined out that
methods illegal unboth proven trout-takers.
Texas Outdoor
she didn’t have
less they hurt the
Writers
Assn.,
resource or endanger human life or wel- one of those. He bit, and quickly remedied
and
former
fare. This time, we opted to fish with artifi - her deficiency, and that’s why her picture
executive
is here with a fish, and not mine. It’s her
cials.
director of the
Next trip, if we want to, we may still personal best. At trout fishing; not whinTexas Chapter
be able to fish croakers. A bill was intro- ing.
of The Wildlife
duced in the Texas Legislature this past
Society.
J
Serving San Antonio For Over 50 Years
SELL SERVICE RENTAL
One Stop Shopping for the Contractor
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Water Pumps
All Types of Concrete Tools
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446 Culebra Ave.
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welcomes your photos and stories.
Call us at (210) 308-5800
Fishing improves in the Coastal Bend
By Capt. Steve Schultz- Baffin Bay Charters
F
ishing the Laguna Madre and Baffin
Bay System was very sporadic the
first few months of the 2003-fishing
season. High winds, low tides, fog and
hazy skies from fires in Mexico were just a
few of the obstacles we faced on any
given day on the water, not to mention
crowds on the weekends.
Some things have changed and
some remain the same. While we did
receive a good strong tide last week and
the fog seems to be gone for a while, the
hazy skies remain. Fishing really picked
up last month and has only improved on
a daily basis. Shrimp action has been
heavy in the Intercoastal Waterway several miles both north and south of the
JFK Causeway. Trolling the west edge of
the ICW yielded great action with
shrimp and Alameda rattling corks. Topwater action was just as productive
without the hassle of baiting hooks. As
the mornings progressed and shrimp
buried themselves in the grass, trout
moved to the flats.
Since the beginning of May and the
arrival of Croaker, fishing strategies have
changed. Grass beds and potholes are
areas that need to be keyed on. It is very
important when approaching these areas to use a trolling motor or push pole.
Anchoring up on edges of grass and
sand areas can be very productive on
spawning trout.
During the summer months here in
the Coastal Bend anglers can find some
of the best fishing along the entire
coast. Our bays are loaded with resident
fish and tide runners, which constantly
are arriving from the Gulf. With school
being out for summer and the weather
getting better everyday, that can only
mean one thing. Boating and fishing
pressure will be one of the most important factors for not being able to find a
large quantity of fish or stay on those
fish once you have a bite going. That is
why I emphasize so much that the best
fishing is usually during the week instead of on a weekend. Another alternative to getting away from the heat and
crowed bays is late evening fishing and
night fishing.
Fishing late
into the evening and into
the night during the full
moon can get
you out of everyday crowds
and into some
of the more
popular fishing
areas without
being hassled
by novice boat
operators and
inpatient anglers. I have
experienced all Kendrick Baros, of Capital Aggregates in Austin, enjoyed a great trip to the
coast during an outing with Captain Steve Schultz in May 2003.
aspects
of
these people trying to move-in on a set some newspapers. Using the vector taof rocks or a sand pocket you are catch- bles can narrow down major and minor
ing fish from and scare all the fish away. feeding times and in essence save you
It has reached a point where you have to time in fishing. Moonrise and moon set
do some homework and really think times are also very important factors in
about how you will go about catching planning a night fish trip.
fish on any given day.
Whether fishing days or nights, alOne of the most important tools I ways be courteous to other fisherman
use when planning a night fishing trip and waders. If you would like to book a
besides the moon phases are the Vector fishing trip, I can be contacted at 1-888Tables, which can be found in most 724-3474. Good luck and good fishing.
hunting and fishing magazines and
Eloy Estrada hooked 44-in. tagged,
oversized redfish while surf fishing at 54-mi.
marker, Padre Island National Seashore.
We have no idea who this is!
Eloy Estrada, E.M. Estrada General
Contractor, with 8-ft. hammerhead shark, on
the morning after a 12-hour nighttime trip
on Port A’s Offsore Adventure boat.
San Antonio Construction News’ Sue Johnson
reeled in this 120-lb. striped marlin off the
Baja Coast using 50# test.
HILTI is moving our San Antonio store
to a new and larger location.
HOLES
OF SAN ANTONIO, INC.
Serving San Antonio and South Texas Since 1977
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STEVE SCHULTZ GUIDE SERVICE
BAFFIN BAY –– LAGUNA MADRE –– LAND CUT
SPECKLED TROUT –– REDFISH –– FLOUNDER
FISHING AND HUNTING TRIPS
1-888-724-FISH (toll-free)
(210) 349-5256
800-756-5208
Fax (210) 349-0727
www.baffinbaycharters.com
U.S. Coast Guard &
Texas Parks and Wildlife Licensed
“Take a Kid Fishing” trip nets TP&W whoppers
I
n a departure from previous years, the participants in
the Charity Fun Shoot’s “Take a Kid Fishing” trip
headed for a new destination on Sat. May 3rd. Chaperones accompanied the 57 Downtown Youth Center
boys and girls, ranging in age from 8 to 15, to the Texas
Parks and Wildlife Hatchery at Flour Bluff, TX for a day of
fishing, fun and food.
San Antonio Construction News spoke with Doug
Niznik, Niznik Concrete Contractors, who said the
trip’s success was a direct result of generous sponsorship and enthusiastic volunteers.
“In the past we made arrangements to take kids
fishing on boats, and it was very difficult to coordinate
10 guys with boats to meet on the same day in May,”
Doug explained. “It also limited the number of kids who
could be involved. This year I was approached by members of SEA (Saltwater-fisheries Enhancement Association), who suggested an alternative way to raise money
for the Youth Center and for SEA. At the Fun Shoot, instead of auctioning the “Take a Kid Fishing” trip, we
asked companies to sponsor one child for $250 each.
Some of them sponsored as many as four children. The
funds were divided evenly between the two non-profit
organizations, and SEA picked up the tab for the 57-kid
fishing trip to TP&W’s hatchery.”
The Flour Bluff hatchery features several indoor
tanks full of giant redfish and trout. Outside, where several tanks are also fully stocked, the kids fished, caught
and released some of the finest specimen of redfish and
trout. SEA members provided the kids with fishing poles
and advice to help them along.
The thrill of victory!
K.W. Whitley, W.W. Equipment, donated
the transportation costs by providing four vans
for the Friday night drive to the coast. Upon arriving in the Corpus Christi area, two local
churches opened their doors to the kids and
their chaperones where they enjoyed a slumber
party atmosphere before the big day. Of course,
the boys stayed at one church, the girls at the
other. On Sat. morning they all spent some time
at the beach before heading to the hatchery,
where they fished from 10 am to 2 pm. SEA
members provided and distributed customized
souvenir T-shirts to each youth and treated
them to a post-fishing hamburger and hot dog
feast.
Among the SEA volunteers who helped the
kids bait their hooks and untangle lines were
Brian Potts, Lynwood Building Materials;
Capt. Steve Schultz, Baffin Bay Charters;
Kevin and Delores Murry, Mesa Equipment;
Steve Neal, Ardvark Pest Control; Mike
Kids get a helping hand from event organizer Brian Potts,
Maule; Chase Bradford, Concrete Pumps of
Lynwood Building Materials.
Texas; and Mike and Doug Niznik. SEA member Clem’s Marina donated the bait.
Lifshutz; Lynwood Building Materials; M&M ConMany thanks to the following companies and inditracting; Martin Marietta Materials; Medina Concrete
viduals for sponsoring one or more children this year:
Pumping; Mesa Equipment; Olmos Equipment; Mike
Aaron Concrete Contractors, Inc.; Ardvark Pest ConMaule; Schultz Concrete Pumping; Sheplers; Capt.
trol; Bill Hall, Jr.; Bob Harper; Concrete Pumps of
Steve Schultz; T&D Moravits; Urban Concrete; Vernco
Texas; Dillan Bar & Grill; Ez-Bel; G.W. Mitchell; Hardand Vulcan Materials.
core Concrete; Hooker Contracting; International
Strand & Steel; Joeris, Inc.; Liberty Properties; James
Mr. Redfish…pride of the Gulf Coast!
We’re having hamburgers, not redfish, for lunch, girls.
Austin Construction News
Quality s Integrity s
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Fax (512) 486-3701
welcomes your photos and stories.
Call us at (210) 308-5800
CCA nets huge construction turnout
T
he San Antonio Chapter of Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) hosted its annual fundraiser at the Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum
on Thurs., May 16th. It is the largest revenue-producing CCA Banquet in the United States.
Recording a huge turnout from the construction
industry, the event opened at 5:30 pm to allow people to look over the many Live and Silent Auction and
Raffle items. Even though the Spurs had a playoff
game in Los Angeles, the place was filled to capacity.
A highlight of the evening was the Live Auction
that started at 8 pm and featured 58 items, from
sporting gear and accessories to trips, trips, and more
trips.
Guests enjoyed more good food than the law allows, catered by CCA supporter Don Strange Catering.
An exciting new feature added to improve the
Live Auction this year were two giant screens, which
allowed the bidders keep better track of which item
was up for bid. It also allowed photos to be displayed
of the items presented for bidding. Some CCA members brought their portable TV’s in order to watch the
Spurs beat the Lakers while they bid on items.
The Coastal Conservation Association is a nonprofit organization of strong state chapters comprised of saltwater anglers and outdoor enthusiasts
who have come together to address marine issues
nationally and within their respective states.
Monies raised at this event are pledged to continue the support and conservation efforts of fisheries and the U.S. coastline.
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Licensed, Bonded & Insured
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Alice and Mike Clayton would like to take this time
to extend their thanks and gratitude to all of you who
participated in “Shoot for the Miracle of Life,” the recent
benefit for Chance Turner and the Turner Family.
Due to the tremendous support from our friends
and vendors, the benefit was an enormous success, raising in excess of $14,000. The generous cash donations
will assist us in achieving our ultimate goal…extending
the life of Chance Turner.
Words cannot describe the raw emotion we all felt
as we witnessed Chance and his father shooting side by
side. It was a moment that will be committed to memory
for a long time. The success of this event will contribute to the opportunity for
Chance to live a joyous life, and time for him to fulfill his dreams.
Once again, thank you for your efforts, and may God bless you and the Turner
Family. Mike and Alice applaud each one of you for your concern and support.
Sincerely,
Mike & Alice Clayton
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of the Dream.”
Highway Heavies take flight at
River Crossing
R
iver Crossing Golf Club hosted a
PAC golf tournament for Associated General Contractors of Texas
Highway Heavy Utility and Industrial
Branch, on Thurs., May 15th.
In spite of the hot and steamy temperatures, smoke from South-of-theBorder was literally blown away thanks to
a lively north breeze, resulting in the first
big blue-sky day seen in weeks.
Eighty players enjoyed a deli-style
lunch prior to the shotgun start, which
launched the spirit of competition on the
beautiful Hill Country course.
A delicious barbeque buffet dinner
welcomed the hot and tired golf ball chasers as they returned from their 18-hole
excursion, followed by an awards ceremony, which spotlighted the best of the best.
And the winners were:
1st Place: Austin Helmle, Aaron Concrete Contractors; Billy Ferrell, Martin
Marietta Materials; David Dahse and
Paul Frederickson, SMI-Texas.
2nd Place: John Harris and David Sietz,
Frost Bank; and Bryce Maryfield, Arrow
Cabinetry.
3rd Place: Mike Lehmann and David
Kopp, TxDOT; Jerome DeSalme and
Gary Botkin, Capital Excavation.
One-Stop’s Contractor Nights
extended
S
an Antonio’s new Development & Business Services Center has extended its
“Contractor Nights” to every Tuesday, May 20th through June 24th, from 4 pm
to 6 pm.
Contractors can sign up to use the City’s on-line permitting system at the One
Stop Counter on the 1st floor; learn how to navigate the system in Training Room
249A; and ask the experts questions in Training Room 249B.
To help in the creation of a user account for the on-line permitting system, the
City requests that its customers bring (1) their AC number, if available, and (2) a list
of all individuals who will be authorized to pull a permit or schedule an inspection.
Please contact Jo Ann Cervantes at 210-207-8237 to register. Class size is limited to 50. The Development and Business Services Center is located at 1901 South
Alamo Street.
Longest Drive and Closest to Pin: Bryan
Moore, Insurance & Bonds.
Brick, Block
& Masonry Supplies
Residential & Commercial
L-R: 1st place bragging rights go to Billy, Austin, David and Paul!
210-493-2612
Converse Block Plant: 210-658-4631
Sales Office:
16121 College Oak Dr. San Antonio, Texas 78249
L-R: Taking second place honors are John
and Bryce.
Bryan Moore adds to his wall of fame!
CONTRACTORS, INC.
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“Start to Finish”
For Bids and Information Call Kevin Baker
Ph: 210.662.2848
Fax: 210.626.2782
Email: [email protected]
5523 Dietrich Rd. #2 San Antonio, Texas 78219
L-R: In 3rd place were Jerome, David, and Gary…Mike missed the photo op.
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Julie Howard
Association
Pr
A
s we all know, successful companies and associations continue
to flourish when detail-oriented
people are in positions of responsibility. A driving force behind the success
of Associated General Contractors,
Julie Howard is a key member of the
team.
A native of the panhandle community of Friona, TX, and graduate of Friona High School, Julie received an Associate of Science degree from South
Plains College. After moving to San
Antonio and securing a job with AGC
four years ago, Julie attended the University of the Incarnate Word, where
she received her BBA in Marketing in
Dec. 2001. San Antonio Construction
News spoke with Julie to find out more
about her relationship with the local
construction community.
“I don’t have a background in construction. However, my first job at AGC
was as the assistant plan room manager,” Julie confessed. “I learned a lot
about the construction business in that
position. Later, when it became available, I was offered and accepted the
position of member services director.”
As member services director, Julie
is responsible for writing, soliciting advertising and publishing six newsletters annually, as well as organizing and
hosting numerous mixers and two golf
tournaments. She communicates with
AGC members and prospective members to encourage retention and re-
Associated General Contractors
file
spond to their inquiries, prepares flyers
and direct mail items, maintains the
database, updates the AGC website,
and a multitude of other activities.
“I coordinate most all of the events
we sponsor, except for the Safety Fair,
which our Safety Committee members
handle,” Julie added. “Others have told
me that I do a lot for the association
but, it’s my job and I do enjoy it. I especially enjoy working with the members.
My greatest challenge lately is securing
a solid advertising base for our newsletter. Members want their name out
there, but the economy has forced
some of them to remain cautious.”
Julie continued to say that it gives
her great satisfaction to see members
at events networking and becoming
reacquainted with one another. “Without the help of everyone on staff and
our members, there’s no way that we
could succeed and provide the level of
service that we do.”
Four years ago, AGC executive vice
president Doug McMurry interviewed
and hired Julie. He said Julie has an excellent rapport with the members, enjoys coordinating events and working
with folks to facilitate networking.
“Julie does an exceptional job in
the area of publications,” Doug added,
“membership retention, and networking events. I value her contributions
and she is one of the secrets to AGC’s
success. We would be lost without
her!”
Vendors featured at KB Home’s
Cook-off
K
B Home headquarters was transformed on Fri., May 9th, in preparation for the 2nd Annual KB Home
Vendor Appreciation Party and Chili
Cook-off. Attended by 1,050 people, the
festivities continued from 4 pm to 8 pm.
KB Home’s Gerry Brawner said the
vendors’ chili cook-off was reinstated last
year.
“This is a way for us to have some fun
with our vendors and thank them for the
work they do with us,” Gerry said. “They
began setting up and decorating 21
booths early this morning, started cooking at noon, with the preliminary judging
beginning at 5 pm. The celebrity judges
made the final selections in a blind taste
test, and of course, they selected the winners of the Showmanship awards.”
Door prizes were awarded to lucky
ticket holders every 15 minutes throughout the evening, and ample parking and
security was provided.
KB Home used the event as a kick-off
to an annual $500 scholarship to be
awarded to a graduating high school senior who has been a Construction Technology student.
“The fundraising will come from a
special recipe book of the chili recipes in
this competition,” Gerry added. “I’ve
asked all of the vendors to share their
recipes with me, and we’re already preselling copies of the recipe book.”
Booth Showmanship:
1st Place: Parrish & Co.
2nd Place: Floor Covering Specialists.
3rd Place: Hart Lumber Co.
Best Chili:
1st Place: ABC Supply Co.
2nd Place: Sherwin Williams.
3rd Place: Bricks Unlimited.
Can’t resist that ‘Backyard’ chili.
KB HOME Awards for 2002
Best Supplier:
Williams Insulation.
Best Overall Construction:
Thompson’s Tub Repair.
Best Overall
Customer Service:
D.A.V.O. Carpet Care.
Profile is a column in which San Antonio Construction News will highlight a
staff member of a local construction association every other month.
Alooooooha San Antonio!
Regional Awards for Customer Service:
East S.A. - Embry Heating & Air
Conditioning.
West S.A. - Hayden Contracting, Inc.
Central S.A. - R & R Trim.
Northwest S.A. - Jose Guerrero.
Regional Awards for Construction:
East S.A. - Felix Chavez.
West S.A. - Joe Ramos Painting.
Central S.A. - G.E. Drywall.
Northwest S.A. - C & C Framing.
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Electrical Industry
Contractors adjust to tighter market
This month in FOCUS, San Antonio Construction News spoke with several local electrical contractors to discuss the nature of their companies,
how the tight economy has impacted business, the challenges facing their industry, and the rewards that keep them motivated.
I
n 1913, FISK Electric Company opened its doors in
Houston TX to focus primarily on residential electrical
service. Now operating throughout the U.S., U.K., and
Australia, and owning a resume full of prominent commercial construction projects, FISK celebrated its 90th
anniversary in May 2003. FISK’s San Antonio
branch has a staff of 95 employees with a
majority of its work performed in Central
and South Texas.
with Orvil Anthony, general manager of
FISK’s San Antonio branch, who said FISK is a
multi-faceted company.
“We have the ability to do virtually anything in the electrical market, including
commercial and industrial construction,
voice/data copper and fiber communications, conveyor and environmental controls
infrastructure, security, network integration, telecom and service work.”
Asked if FISK has implemented any internal changes
in response to the sluggish economy, Orvil said it is expanding its territory.
“We’re looking for new market segments in which
to tap additional revenues. In the recent past we were
F
ollowing in the footsteps of his father, Tim Smoot
started working for his dad’s former electrical contracting company, Calhoun Electric, when he was
only 14 years old. Today, the Master Electrician is the
president/owner of Tim Smoot Electric Co.,
Inc., which he launched after his dad sold
Calhoun in 1989.
The 14-year-old company operates from
one San Antonio location, currently employs
125 personnel, and performs the bulk of its
work in San Antonio and Bexar County. Targeting new and remodel commercial and
residential projects, Tim said “In today’s economy, our company performs 70 percent new
residential, 10 percent new commercial, and
20 percent service and remodels. Our service
department is available 24-hours a day.”
As recently as April of this year, the company initiated activity in a couple of additional niche markets.
“We added home security system installations, structured wiring and home entertainment equipment, and
light fixture packages to homebuilders. We cover everything we possibly can, and niche markets seem to be a
able to stay very busy within our comfort zone. Now, we
are searching outside those market segments because
there are fewer opportunities. We are expanding our
footprint and bundling our services to offer a single
source of contact for everything. This helps streamline
the administration/management staff for
the project thus cutting cost and saving the
Owners money.”
Internally, the biggest impact on operations
is the cost of healthcare. Orvil said supplying
healthcare to his employees and their families has had a huge impact on FISK’s and every contractor’s ability to control costs in the
marketplace.
“There doesn’t seem to be a ceiling on that
cost,” Orvil remarked, “and it remains one
that we can’t control.”
New electrical codes that mandate less electrical consumption in public and private
construction have also opened up market possibilities for
contractors.
As Orvil pointed out, “One of our marketplaces has to
do with retrofitting existing facilities with new energysaving ballasts, occupancy sensors, and dual level lighting in order to control electrical costs.” Typically, the cost
of retrofitting an energy-efficient solution is only 8 percent of the operating cost over the life of the product.
In the electrical industry, what you don’t know can
hurt you, and if you don’t stay up with the current market, you’ll get left behind.
“With that in mind, education is ongoing and constant,” Orvil emphasized. “It’s vital to stay involved,
monitor what is current in the marketplace, and if you
don’t know enough about the subject, take a course
upgrade. The learning process never ends.”
What is the primary challenge facing the industry?
Orvil said finding ways to control new costs is just one
challenge. “The other is finding labor-saving methods
to do every type of activity in our market segment. Efficiency is the name of the game, and being able to
maximize productivity on any job is where I feel the
most pride.”
With 15 years of experience estimating, management and constructing auto plants throughout the
country behind him, he has optimistic aspirations of being the electrical contractor of record for the Toyota
Plant, Orvil hopes FISK will play a key role in the project.
“I think it’s going to be a real boon to the local economy,” he concluded, “enabling us to correct the current
sluggishness and drag us back in to the positive mode.”
key to staying in business and remaining profitable.”
The biggest factor affecting Tim’s business in these
times is competition. He said there are more companies
competing, and they seem hungrier than ever.
“A combination of fierce competition,
insurance premium hikes and taxes keeps
us focused on the bottom line. Each year
we try to maintain the same level of healthcare coverage for our employees, but the
prices keep escalating. ”
In both the commercial and residential
camps products are surfacing that feature
a wider range of energy efficiency. San Antonio Construction News asked Tim what
he’s seeing and how he and his crews stay
informed about this fluid industry.
“Some products are driven by what
the customer wants,” he said. “Others are the result of
regulations set forth by the federal government. For example, residential recessed lighting has to be in airtight
cans, as they’re called, to restrict airflow passing from
the home into the attic, or from an attic into the controlled air space.”
In order to manage the flow of information, which is
constantly changing, Tim Smoot Electric relies to a great
extent on product manufacturers’ reps, taking plant
tours, literature, periodicals, emails, Internet, and its affiliation with Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC).
Important pieces of information regarding code changes are dispersed to employees at regular meetings.
In addition to the constant struggle to remain profitable, Tim noted one other major challenge facing the
local electrical industry.
“This area has been in the middle of a manpower
shortage for at least five years,” he said. “Despite the
downturn in business, there’s still a lot of work out there,
but electricians don’t follow the old rule of supply and
demand. When work is lean or abundant, it’s still hard to
keep your men and find new ones. We sponsor the electrical trades class at MacArthur High School in hopes of
generating enthusiasm for the trade among the youngest generation.”
A second-generation electrical contractor, Tim
concluded by saying his personal reward in this business
is providing a good workplace for his employees and
excellent service for his customers.
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F O C U S
Page24
W
ith four Texas locations, and more throughout
the country, TDIndustries is a complete mechanical, electrical and plumbing contractor.
The San Antonio branch employs 125 TDPartners and
performs the majority of its work in Bexar
County and surrounding counties.
with senior electrical estimator Bob Ford,
who said the company serves the commercial, industrial, and institutional construction markets, as well as providing service to
the same market base.
“About the only market we don’t tap is
residential,” Bob reported. “We try to contract all three MEP disciplines whenever
possible.”
To streamline its efficiency, TDIndustries finds a clear advantage in being able to offer the complete MEP service under one house, thereby providing one
point of contact for a major portion of the work, one billing, and eliminating coordination problems to an owner or
general contractor.
“From our perspective, it’s a method to share expenses and reduce administrative costs,” Bob added.
I
n its 42nd year of business, Jerry Rentz, Sr. who is now
retired, founded Rentz Electric in 1961. Today, the electrical contracting company is owned and managed by
his two sons, Jerry Rentz, Jr., president, and Kirk Rentz,
vice president. Operating from one San
Antonio location, the company employs
40-50 employees and does the bulk of its
work in Bexar County and surrounding
counties.
Working in the private and public sectors, Rentz Electric targets small to large
commercial new construction and retrofit
projects, including retail, office, church,
medical and others. About 60 percent of
its work is design/build and the balance is
public hard bid.
San Antonio Construction News spoke with Jerry, Jr.
to find out what impact, if any, the sluggish economy
has had on business. He said an effort to reduce overhead while maintaining the same capabilities in the
field resulted in adjustments in the office staff.
“Kirk and I run the entire office with the assistance
I
n business since 1984, Dausin Electric Company, Inc.
operates from one central San Antonio location, currently employs 119 personnel, and performs the majority of its electrical contracting work in
San Antonio and Bexar County.
Construction News
spoke
with
president/CEO Ronnie Dausin, who has
been in the trade since 1976. He said
Dausin Electric is a full-service electrical
company.
“About 85 percent of our business is on
large commercial new construction and
remodels,” he began, “as well as custom
residential new construction. We also have
a 24-hour service department focused on
commercial and residential service. Our
customers include property managers and general contractors.”
Electrical Industry
San Antonio Construction News • June 2003
As a multitude of outside economic factors contribute to shorter margins and smaller profits, Bob said
competition is at an all-time high.
“There are many companies that are struggling to
keep their doors open. As a result, competition has tightened up dramatically. Competitors are offering low numbers to break
even, keep people working, essentially to
make wages.”
In his opinion, Bob agreed that the electrical contracting business has changed with
advances in technology, but not as fast as
the electronics industry. The biggest
changes he’s observed are in the lighting
controls segment, and to stay on top of the
information highway, recurrent training
remains a top priority.
“There are times when the specifier, the electrical
engineer, will generate a need for information updates
or discussion, to make sure everyone is on the same
page.”
The greatest challenge facing the local electrical
industry, in Bob’s opinion, is the economy.
“There’s just not enough work for the number of
contractors working in San Antonio. I think its starting to
turn, but there’s not enough private money being put
into the market.”
Does he think the Toyota Plant will kick-start the regional economy? Bob said it would have a positive and a
negative impact on electrical contractors. He explained.
“On the positive side, Toyota and its inherent satellite industries will create an abundant working environment for all of us. However, that growth is going to be
tempered with the reality that there’s going to be more
work than we’ll have manpower to do. In today’s economy, the workforce is plentiful, and a contractor should
maintain a strong and substantial workforce because it
will be more difficult to expand later. Inflated wage
scales may also cause some contractors to lose some
people. It will be interesting!”
Asked to describe the greatest reward in this business, Bob said it is the sense of accomplishment one
gets in reviewing a completed project.
“From paper, to estimating, to installation, to the fi nal walk-through, it’s very rewarding to see a good
project and the impact it has on the community.”
of one estimator, Kevin Moses,” Jerry explained. “We
keep the books, purchase equipment and supplies, maintain the schedule, bid on jobs, and everything else. Rather
than sacrifice our workforce in the field, we’ve taken on
more responsibility at the office, with fewer
people. Rolando Castaneda is my field
supervisor, and he does a great job.”
One of the greatest financial impacts
on his independent business is that of
healthcare costs. He said, “The costs are
going through the roof, and we shop for
competitive prices. If our cost goes up 20
percent, how do we justify it up-front in a
bid? The market determines the successful
bid, and competition is a lot stronger than
it has been in the last four to five years.”
With weekly meetings, written memorandums, and
training sessions, Rentz Electric’s professionals stay
abreast of the electrical information highway. However,
one concern Jerry pointed out is how the nature of jobsite supervision has changed over the years.
“Ten years ago, GC’s supervisors and project man-
agers had a greater overall impact on a specific job. We
would hold weekly meetings to discuss progress,
changes, construction issues and daily details. Fast-forwarding to today, I find the GC’s supervisory force is
younger, less experienced, and there is a large enough
gap in communications to cause situations that might
not have occurred 10 years ago. Our trade lost a generation of manpower when computer and Internet activities started to advance.”
Working closely with a small group of developers
and general contractors, Rentz Electric has earned their
confidence and trust.
“The relationships I’ve built and continue to build,
with customers, employees and business associates, are
my greatest reward.” Jerry concluded. “Old faces leave,
new faces surface, some are positive, some are negative,
but we learn from everybody. I enjoy the trust our customers have in our performance, starting and finishing a
project as it was designed. I can see and feel the whole
picture. That’s what I do and I love doing it! Conversely, if
I had to go out and hard bid every job, I probably
wouldn’t be in this business.”
In response to the sluggish economy, Dausin Electric has downsized slightly, shifted responsibilities
among its staff, and streamlined operations to reduce overhead.
“Most of our people are cross-trained,
to fill one job or another. We do work as far
away as Laredo, Corrizo Springs, and Sabinal among others, to broaden our scope
of work.”
Facing tougher competition in this economic climate, the Dausin Electric staff is
working harder for its share of the market.
“Compared to better days, we’re bidding more jobs and winning relatively
fewer contracts,” Ronnie admitted. “In
January of this year, we bid over $16 million in jobs, and
probably received $1 million out of that. I would imag-
ine other contractors are experiencing similar issues.”
As a member of the Electrical Board, Ronnie is in a
position to see and review first-hand many of the regulatory and product issues that are being submitted to
the City for approval.
“That gives me a pre-emptive glimpse into industry
changes. At Dausin Electric, we stay on top of the information highway by being involved with our suppliers and
manufacturers. The Internet is a tool we utilize for additional information on new technologies that are coming
down the pike. Being active members of professional associations helps us stay in touch with changes too.”
In Ronnie’s opinion, one of the greatest challenges
facing his industry is the attitude and capabilities of
young people who are entering the trade.
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Fax. Main 224.9508 Estimating. 212.7502
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F O C U S
Electrical Industry
Page 25
Voices from the electrical industry
As a special FOCUS feature, San Antonio Construction News contacted members of the Electrical Industry who are not electrical contractors. They include a supplier, an electrical engineer, an electrical apprentice, and a manufacturer’s representative. As vital members of the industry who contribute to every contractor’s success, they were each
asked one or two questions about their own niche. Their responses follow.
E
dward Monaco is the
son of an electrical
contractor
and has been
immersed in the
trade in a variety
of
capacities
since he was a
young boy. He
holds an MBA in
addition to his
degree in Electrical Engineering. Licensed in 1985 to practice his profession,
today Ed is an independent electrical
consultant.
San Antonio Construction News posed
the following question to Ed, which he
answered readily.
How do electrical engineers stay on
top of the fast-paced high-tech information highway?
“Ironically, I was pondering that
same question just recently. Although
the technology in my business doesn’t
change a whole lot, products do change.
Manufacturers are constantly introducing new products that have an impact in
the marketplace and keeping abreast of
their uses and applications is a formidable task.
“As an electrical engineer I read trade
journals, use the Internet when possible,
and lean on suppliers and manufacturers
reps for information. It’s never-ending,
and the better-informed one can be, the
better service one can offer. Under the
right circumstances, I will engage my
peers in conversation that results in a
learning experience.”
What is the greatest day-to-day challenge faced by electrical engineers, in
your opinion?
“I would have to say the production
of documents and plans is an enormous
challenge. It’s a considerable undertaking to compile a set of accurate documents and specifications in a timely manner. Construction and engineering are
demanding and fast-moving industries
when you consider the size of some projects. The design phase can be hectic and
represents a daily challenge to the engineering professionals.”
G
ary Aiken is
a fourth-year
electrical apprentice,
affiliated
with South Texas
Electrical Joint
Apprenticeship
and
Training
Committee
(STJATC). He has
been employed
at Corbo Electric
Co. since he began his apprenticeship
training.
What was the motivating force that attracted you to an electrical journeyman apprenticeship program?
“Of course, the union pay structure
was attractive to me, as well as the health
and pension benefits,” Gary began. “Being on the job and working on a project
from start to finish is a great reward. I
have several relatives who are in the electrical industry, and in looking at their careers and where they were going, I felt it
was a good decision. I also had an opportunity to meet and talk to some journeymen electricians at a jobsite, and they directed me to STJATC. After testing and
interviews, I was a candidate for admission, and here I am today, ready to finish
up my last year.
S
cott Shaver is the manager of Bell & McCoy, a Manufacturer’s Representative in the electrical industry, responsible
for marketing and selling electrical products for a number of
different manufacturers in a specific territory. Instead of hiring their own sales force, a manufacturer will hire companies
like Bell & McCoy to take their products to the market for
them.
What is the nature of competition these days and what
measures do you take to ensure your market share?
“The competition in our industry has become tougher than
ever these days. There are more manufacturers making like items. With the economy
down, nationwide, they are competing for less business. The only way they can increase business is to gain market share. They are using price to try and gain that market share.
“As a manufacturer’s representative, we are fighting the price erosion by adding
value to our company with the addition of a “Product Specialist”. This is a person that
spends his time calling on engineers and contractors, not to quote a price, but to introduce new products into the industry. We have found, if the contractor asks for
specific products, his suppliers will buy and sell that product. This has helped us fight
the manufacturer’s we compete against that have like products and it helps our customers move the products off of their shelves.”
Is a need identified in the marketplace before Research and Development commences, or does R&D create the need within the marketplace?
“Research and Development is generated from ideas coming from the field. Users
of a product will have a need for a new item and the idea gets to a specific manufacturer
and he in turn will have his R & D department design a new product. Then there is some
R & D generated straight from the manufacturer. They will look for better product installation methods to reduce labor costs by time, or the ease of installing a product.”
Do you aspire to become a Master
Electrician?
“I have been thinking about it quite a
bit and will possibly pursue that track.
Otherwise, I’ll be destined to work for
other people or companies. For now, I’m
concentrating on my fourth year and on
taking the journeyman’s exam.
Do you envision owning your own
electrical contracting company one
day?
“Never say never! At family gatherings my grandmother always tells me
and my cousins that we should go into
business for ourselves. But so far, no one
has ever said take this money and go
hang up a sign!”
2003 Schedule
January
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April
May
June
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July
Month
August
September
October
November
December
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continued from Page 24 - Ronnie Dausin
“The issue is one of work ethics. This
is one of life’s basic lessons and I see very
few youngsters in whom a strong work
ethic was reinforced when they were
growing up, and it’s not taught in schools.
Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of
great people, but there seem to be more
and more coming into the trade who are
simply in it for the paycheck instead of
embracing their opportunities to learn
and grow. They also require more supervision and looking-after. It takes longer
to teach them, because they aren’t coming off the farm or haven’t worked with
their fathers. They are a generation of indoor people who watch TV and play video games in the comfort of air conditioning, and aren’t used to the physically-demanding aspects of skilled labor.”
Being able to watch the people who
work for him succeed, meet their challenges and their goals is a great personal
reward for Ronnie.
“I’m also rewarded by giving our customers a good product for the money
they pay us in return,” he concluded. “Delivering a quality job, on time and on
budget, is a win-win situation for everybody.”
Building History
Electrical Service
Data Security A/V
electric & technologies
8964 Broadway 210.828.3325 fiskcorp.com
F O C U S
Page 26
RV
S SUUR
VEEY Y
Electrical Industry
San Antonio Construction News •June 2003
We want to work with GC’s who are new to the area:................. 07 33 40 07 13
San Antonio Construction News • May 2003
Receiving payment for draw requests from general
contractors remains a problem:..................................... 20 53 20 07 00
Conflicts over plans and specs are increasing: .......................... 20 60 13 07 00
This month we are highlighting the Electrical Industry
The response was 15%.
PRODUCT SUPPLIERS
13% considered their company “small” with less than $2 million in sales.
Staying on top of the new product information highway
40% considered their company “medium” with $2 - $5 million in sales.
47% considered their company “large” with $5+ million in sales.
is overwhelming: ........................................................... 00 33 47 20 00
World events have slowed down product deliveries:................... 00 27 33 33 07
We prefer to buy electrical products Made in the U.S.A.: ........... 33 47 20 00 00
5 companies were involved in a lawsuit in the last 12 months.
American-made electrical component costs are on the rise:...... 14 33 53 00 00
None of the companies were audited by the IRS in the last 12 months.
6 of the companies were inspected by OSHA in the last 12 months
JOB ISSUES
None of the companies are woman or minority owned.
Project coordination/planning/scheduling is tougher than ever: . 13 61 13 13 00
Jobsite theft is becoming commonplace:.................................... 07 47 33 13 00
1=Strongly Agree
2=Agree
3=Neutral
4=Disagree
5=Strongly Disagree
Project supervision by GC’s has deteriorated over the last
12 months: .................................................................... 33 27 27 13 00
Results are measured in percentages
1
PERSONNEL
2 3 4 5
FINANCIAL/ LEGAL ISSUES
More banks are soliciting our business:...................................... 33 33 27 07 00
Our company employs a full-time Safety Director position: ........ 27 13 27 13 20
We are projecting an increase in business in 2003: ................... 13 61 13 13 00
Employees are requesting more pay and benefits than
Availability of short-term and long-term financing is scarce: ...... 00 07 66 20 07
those provided:.............................................................. 07 20 40 26 07
Making a reasonable profit is easier than one year ago:............ 00 07 07 46 40
We’re fully staffed and are not currently hiring:........................... 13 20 27 27 13
Current workload requires overtime for our employees:............. 07 27 33 26 07
PERSONAL
Business demands have reduced time with my family: .............. 20 53 20 07 00
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
We are very active in a trade association: .................................. 27 40 20 13 00
We have outgrown our current facility:........................................ 00 07 13 33 47
I still have time to play:................................................................ 00 40 47 13 00
Computer technology streamlines management/field
I generally work on Saturdays: ................................................... 13 20 47 13 07
communications: ........................................................... 13 40 34 13 00
Insurance premiums rose substantially in 2002:......................... 47 33 07 13 00
CONTRACTOR RELATIONSHIPS
Contractors are pushing harder to reduce our prices: ................ 47 13 40 00 00
COMMENTS SUBMITTED:
Address problems with the “new” City of San Antonio Development Services operation - relating to securing permits, inspections, plan approval, etc.
City of S.A. Permit Dept & new computer system is a mess! Call Central Records
and see how long you hold!
Family Owned and Operated
Residential — Commercial — Service
24/7 Emergency Response
2002 Specialty Contractor of the Year by AGC
Thanks To All Our Employees and Customers:
H-E-B
Wal-Mart
Coca-Cola
Home Depot
BxTx
AGC
IEC
ABC
Huber
M.G. Builders
NSISD
Kunz Construction
Baptist Health Systems
Pepsi Cola
Larry Carlile Construction
Zachry
Tapatio Springs
Sam’s Club
G.W. Mitchell
Bartlett Cocke
Holt
ACCD
NEISD
Metropolitan
Joeris
Quail
Browning
MJC
T.M. Davis
F.A. Nunnelly
Doug Brown Construction
Wade Construction
Laredo ISD
Carrizo Springs ISD
210-661-6736
F O C U S
Electrical Industry
Page 27
IEC promotes
National Electrical Safety Month
N
ational Electrical Safety Month
was celebrated in May 2003. The
Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) promoted electrical safety
with the creation of two home safety
videos. Members from IEC-Chesapeake,
Texas Gulf Coast Chapter IEC, and IEC
National assisted in the filming for the
Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) on April 10th, and for DuPont on April 28th.
The first ESFI video depicts IEC member Robert Krebs, Hawkins Electric Service, Inc., leading a tour through an old
house, pointing out all of the electrical
problems associated with many older
homes. The second video featured Harvey Hammock, Integrated Electrical
Services, Inc., who led the film crew
through an older home, pointing out
emergency escape routes in case of fire
and identifying good places outside for
families to meet after evacuating the
home. Other IEC members demonstrated
safe electrical practices, and discussed
ground fault circuit protection.
“Every homeowner should know how
to properly test Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and should do so at least
once a month and after every major electrical storm,” said John Masarick, IEC Nation-
al Manager of Codes and Safety Standards.”
According to the latest statistics
from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), on average 111,400
home fires per year are caused by faulty
electrical distribution systems, electrical
appliances and equipment, or heating
and air conditioning systems. These fires
claim an average of 860 lives, injure 3,785
more people and cause nearly $1.3 billion in property damage.
The ESFI recommends the following
suggestions for ensuring a safer home:
• Check outlets and extension cords to
make sure they are not overloaded.
• Examine electrical cords to make
sure they are not frayed, damaged or
placed under rugs or carpet.
• Make sure that the proper wattage
light bulbs are being used in light fixtures
and lamps.
• Consider installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) if they are not
already installed.
• Test smoke detectors frequently, and
replace smoke detector batteries annually.
• Follow appropriate safety precautions and manufacturer’s instructions.
The IEC recommends visiting the
ESFI homepage at: http://www.nesf.org
to find valuable free resources.
Representing the Open & Merit Shop Electrical Contractor
Local / State / National Government / Legislative Issues
Apprenticeship & Professional Electrician Training
210-736-4567
FAX 210-736-6319
San Antonio
Independent Electrical Contractors
803 Jerry Drive
•
Electrical outage tips
I
n the event of a power outage,
here are a few simple tips to protect your equipment and keep your
business running smoothly.
Pay attention to sensitive equipment. If the power goes out, shut
the equipment down, and start it up
again carefully after power has returned. A sudden rush of restored
power into unprepared equipment
could cause high voltage fluctuations, damaging power supplies and
other components.
Keep your costs down. If all your
equipment starts up at once when
power is restored, it could create artificially high demand and temporarily increase your power costs.
Protect 3-phase equipment. If
you’re using 3-phase equipment at
your business, know that it can burn
out more easily, and at a lower voltage level, than other equipment. To
prevent the possibility of damage,
be sure you have the proper surge
and single-phasing protection measures in place if you decide to use
3-phase equipment.
New voices on
apprenticeship committee
T
he U.S. Labor Department announced on May
6th that two individuals affiliated with Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) have accepted positions on the department’s re-established
Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship (ACA). Phil
Anderson, and Fred Haag will serve as employer
representatives on the 30-member committee,
which also will include representatives of labor and
the public.
“Phil Anderson and Fred Haag will make significant contributions to this policy-oriented committee,” said ABC President and CEO Kirk Pickerel. “Phil
has deep and broad experience with apprenticeship
program operations, and Fred will offer valuable
counsel about employer and industry needs.”
Merit shop companies employ 80 percent of all
construction workers, and as the construction sector
faces a growing workforce shortage, improving and
increasing the availability of training and apprentice-
ship programs is of utmost importance.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment
and Training Administration announced in the April
7th Federal Register that it was in the public interest
to re-establish the committee. The new committee
takes the place of the Federal Committee on Registered Apprenticeship, whose charter expired
Jan.19th.
The ACA, which the Federal Register notice said
became effective Feb. 13th, functions solely as an
advisory committee and will provide recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Labor on legislation and
regulations affecting apprenticeship; on employment and training programs for youth, disadvantaged adults, dislocated workers and other targeted
groups; measures that foster quality workplaces;
and the implementation of Apprenticeship Training
Employer Labor Services (ATELS) Advancing Apprenticeship initiative.
Source: May 13th ABC press release.
What’sgoingon?
wants to write
about you and your company!
So, call us when you have a significant
anniversary, host a special event,
receive an industry award,
expand your premises, relocate,
open a branch office,
hire new personnel, promote from
within, shoot a trophy, and
hook the bottom of the ocean.
You are the news, but as hard as we
try, we can’t read your minds.
Phone 210-308-5800
with your story ideas!
And . . . thanks!
about masonry. In fact, we work as consultants sometimes, in an effort to help
architects develop accurate specifications.
SACN: Curtis, can you look at a piece of
stone and know which Texas quarry it
came from?
CH: Well, I can tell what region it’s from, if
not the exact quarry. There is subtle color
differentiation in regional stone that reveals its origin to a familiar or educated
eye.
SACN: Has Dottie worked with you all of
Curtis Hunt Restorations,Inc.
these years?
CH: Since day one! She took care of the
books and technically this is a womanowned company. She is the president
Editor’s note: Curtis Hunt is the viceand holds 51 percent of the company.
president/owner of Curtis Hunt RestoraOur daughter has started working in the
tions, Inc. We met at his property, south
office and relieved Dottie of some of
of San Antonio, where his home, office
those responsibilities. She has more time
and masonry contracting operations are
to spend with our grandchildren, and
headquartered.
time to spend with her mother and father.
SACN: Are you a hunter and fisherman?
SACN: Curtis, how many generations of running joke was, if somebody came keep calling you back.’ That’s what hap- CH: Yes. We have a little house in Rockover, someone else would have to leave.
pened.
Hunts have lived in Texas?
port where we can escape for fishing
SACN:
Was
your
family’s
masonry
conSACN: How many employees do you
CH: Five generations. Henry Hunt, my
trips and long weekends. About once a
great-grandfather, came to Texas from tracting business passed down from one have?
year my sons and I go deep-sea fishing.
CH: Oh, we average 30 to 35…at times, as
Kentucky when he was a young adult. generation to the next?
Last year we took our wives, and that will
My grandfather, who was born in 1892, CH: My dad and my grandfather became many as 75.
be the last time. They succumbed to moand my father and I are all named Curtis. partners in the early 1950’s. My uncle, SACN: Are you the masonry contractor tion sickness, which put a damper on
There are two more generations of who was a bricklayer, came into the busi- every mason wants to work for?
ness after my grandfather retired in 1963. CH: The type of work we do requires a things.
Hunts.
My dad and uncle remained partners un- special person; one who is skilled and SACN: Where do you hunt?
SACN: Was Henry a mason?
CH: We bought a 1,000-ranch near CharCH: Yes, and I’m a fourth-generation ma- til 1972, when my dad wanted to retire very, very patient. Sometime my masons lotte, TX, southwest of here. It has an old
and slow down.
will stand in one spot for two days worksonry contractor. My
house, built in 1920, plus a hay barn and a
grandfather told me Masonry is a thing of beauty, and has SACN: Is that when ing on one stone. It takes a special person shop. I’ve planted hay in the pastures and
you came into the to do that, and we maintain our core
been for over 2,000 years.
his first masonry job
run a few cattle. About 500-acres are nabusiness?
craftsmen who love what they do. They’re
in Texas was in 1912.
tive brush, which is ideal for hunting.
The trade was passed down from father CH: Yes. I was about 20 years old, and a great guys! I try to
There are plenty of
The type of work we do requires a
keep them busy all of
to son. My dad and his brother Mason newlywed.
hogs, turkey, dove,
special person; one who is skilled
SACN: Did you have formal apprentice- the time. We belong
both became masonry contractors.
quail, ducks, and
and very, very patient.
to the masonry assoSACN: Where did you grow up and go to ship training?
deer. It has eight
CH: I trained in a 3-year union appren- ciation, and if I need
school?
tanks
stocked
with
fish, and it’s only 42
rock layers I can call on another contracCH: I went to elementary school about ticeship program.
miles
from
here.
I
go
out there all the
six miles from here, and I graduated from SACN: Realistically, how long does it take tor to borrow two or three of his people, time.
to learn and execute the craft well?
if they can be spared. We are competiEast Central High School in 1970.
SACN: Curtis, what are your long-term
SACN: What did you do after high CH: I think it takes about five years to re- tors, but we help each other out.
ally understand the trade and produce SACN: Is that type of cooperation unique plans for the company?
school?
CH: Both of my sons and my daughter
to the masonry community?
CH: About two days after graduation I excellent work. It’s all about experience.
are working here and I can already see us
went to Red River, NM, to help build a SACN: Your company today is well CH: Well, possibly. We’ll bid a job, and expanding. Michael is a good project
fireplace. When I came back home, I known for its restoration of historical then call each other to discuss it. Ours is a manager and understands the technical
moved in with my grandfather and went monuments, including the Alamo and good association and we all seem to get aspects of our work. Curtis IV is out in the
to work in the oil fields. My grandfather San Fernando Cathedral. How did that along well. It helps the workers most of field getting experience. I’m hopeful
niche develop?
all because we all try to keep them busy.
and I were always real, real close.
we’ll develop into a good-sized compaSACN: How many months or years did CH: My father actually delved into that SACN: With the aging of our city’s earli- ny, and we’re getting calls from people in
niche in the early 1970’s. That’s when est historic structures, I don’t see your
you work in the oil fields?
other states. We just finished a job in
CH: That ended after one year. I was there was an increasing demand and he work ever ending. Would you agree?
Michigan and we’re looking at a job in
burned after hitting some electrical lines, had a lot of knowledge of stone. He be- CH: Yes. Ironically, my grandfather the Florida Keys. I anticipate that trend
and when my dad came to the hospital, came involved with the Conservation helped build the fourth floor of City Hall continuing.
he told me to forget that nonsense and Society and started to build a reputation in 1927, and I got to restore it recently, SACN: Curtis, as a successful masonry
for good masonry and stone restoration. which was awesome. He also built the
come back to work for him.
contractor, what is the greatest personal
Hertzberg Building in downtown San
SACN: Was it during that time that you SACN: Did you follow suit?
CH: At the time, I didn’t really have an in- Antonio, which we’ll soon restore. Build- reward that keeps you motivated?
fell in love and married?
CH: The greatest aspect of masonry is, at
CH: I’ve known my wife, Dotty, since the terest. He wanted to stay small, and I ings are getting older and older, and the end of the day you can get off the
eighth grade. We started dating in our wanted to whip the world. I worked as a there’s plenty of work. We also go out- scaffold, walk 30-feet away, and turn
sophomore year and married when we foreman for my cousin on HEB new con- side of San Antonio, chasing old court- around and see what you’ve accomstruction jobs. In 1976, I came back as a houses and such.
were both 19 years old.
plished. In three months a building is
SACN: Did you have a big South Texas partner to work with dad on a carriage SACN: At what point did you quit work- created that has your visible mark of
house at the Steves Homestead, in the ing in the field?
country wedding?
craftsmanship, and it will still be standing
CH: Not really. It was more of a small King William District. Dottie even helped CH: It was probably in the early 1980’s, a hundred years after you’ve left this
country wedding. My grandfather gave us until the blisters on her hands bled. It when we just started getting busier and good earth. That is a great feeling. Maus free rent for one year in one of his was still tough to make ends meet, so I busier. The phones were ringing and esti- sonry is a thing of beauty, and has been
mating responsibilhouses in Berg’s Mill, and we stayed for opened up my own
for over 2,000 years.
There
is
subtle
color
differentiation
in
company
in
1978
with
ities got more comfour-and-a-half years.
SACN: If you could speak to your grandregional
stone
that
reveals
its
origin
to
every intention of
plex. I just couldn’t
SACN : Do you and Dotty have children?
father and your father about your life and
a
familiar
or
educated
eye.
stay on the wall any
CH: We have three grown children; Mi- building one brick
success as a masonry contractor, what
longer.
chael Hunt, Brandy Hunt Divin, and Curtis building after another.
would you say to them?
Hunt IV. We’re blessed to have four won- Ironically, we also started doing more SACN: Do you bid every job, or do archi- CH: Thank you for teaching me to be the
derful grandchildren; Jade is two, Ethan work with stone and restorations. I began tects request you for specific kinds of man I have become, for instilling a strong
is 10-months, Joshua is seven and Kend- to understand what my dad was talking work?
work ethic in my heart, for setting an exall is three. They’re awesome! At one about…there is plenty of good work to CH: We do a lot of negotiated work I’d ample of fairness and honesty. When
point, Dotty and I lived in a 2-bedroom be done right here. He would say, ‘Get to say. I do get a lot of calls from architects you’re a man who can be trusted, it
house, and we had three little kids. The be known, do good jobs and they’ll just who need information and ask questions shows in the work you do.
Spotlight
Curtis Hunt
CON STRUC TORS
Celebrating 25 Years
General Contractors • Design Build • Interior Finish Out • Core & Shell
"The Bull of the Woods"
Owner: Kyle Kaupert of Express Carriers
Call or come by today!
Locally Owned & Operated
with 29 Years Experience
6127 San Pedro
San Antonio
Texas, 78216
210.525.TRUX
(8789)
www.planetpickup.com
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
“Scout and Conquer”
your competition
Paul Montelongo
I
t has been said, “Competition can raise your level of performance to new heights.” If you have ever played competitive
sports, you know exactly what is meant by those words. In the construction industry, it is no different. If you want to succeed, you must raise your level of performance
to a height greater than that of your competition. As in sports, you can gain the competitive edge with the Scout and Conquer method. Here are several sure-fire ways to
win the war in the trenches, beat your competition, earn more profits and retain your
clean reputation.
Next, talk to their staff or marketing
representative. What is your first impression? Is rapport built instantly?
Likely, they will be trained to ask qualifying questions to see if you are a potential buyer. Mentally prepare an answer
to explain your presence. There is no
need to play your hand, but you can
give an honest, “I am just looking at
what is available” answer. Is your interaction with their representative pleasant? The way you feel in this situation is
most likely the way a real buyer will feel.
Also, notice the way the representative
communicates with other visitors. Be as
objective as possible. Look for the good
things that your competition is doing so
that you can do them better. Depending on your level of adventure, you may
want to go into a more detailed conversation with the representative about
their product. The objective here is to
gain as much information as possible
without intruding on their valuable
time.
Prepare Your Scouting Report
Now that you have the scouting information, you must arrange it into a usable scouting report. Re-track the steps
of your visit. Make written notes of the
visual cues you noticed and the feeling
you got as you walked through their
product. Buying any sort of real estate
or housing is a decision based mostly on
emotion. Give yourself the edge by intensifying the emotion for your potential buyer. Use these notes to educate
your sales staff. Your scouting report
should have the step-by-step process of
your phantom buying experience. With
this information, you can begin to prepare your own game plan. As you analyze each step of your phantom visit,
determine how will you raise the level of
your performance? How will you intensify the emotion created when potential
buyers visit your site? What products or
services will you emphasize to catch the
attention of a buyer? Additional promotional material, more colorful graphics
on your brochure, or a better explana-
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Scout Their Turf
Visiting the site of your competitor’s
store, subdivision, development or
model home is perfectly legitimate.
Phantom shopping, as it is sometimes
called, is an excellent way to view firsthand what your competition is offering.
For example, an on-site visit by you to
their model home will give you loads of
information. What new products are
they offering? What added value services are presented to potential buyers?
Which amenities do they promote to the
buying public? How are they promoting
these amenities and what is their real
dollar value? What are the sensory
stimulants they use to make a visitor feel
comfortable? Pick up as many flyers and
brochures as possible while visiting their
site. Observe your first impression as
you walk up to the site. Likely it will be
the first impression of most visitors.
There are so many details that you could
notice. Take mental note of these and
then immediately make written notes
when you get back to your car.
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tion of your amenities may be needed.
Will your staff need some outside sales
and communication training to increase
their rapport building skills?
Today’s buyer is very sophisticated.
The intuitive questions you have about
your own product or service is usually
the same as that of a potential buyer.
Make your employees and sales staff
aware of what is required to conquer the
competition. This should be done in a
positive way by emphasizing what is
good about your competition and how
you intend to make your product better.
By keeping this information on the upbeat side, your staff will know how to
overcome buyer objections with a positive answer rather than a lambasting of
your competition.
Larger variety of cable &
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The SpanSafe 50 Two Man Web Horizontal
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For more information on the benefits of
SafeWaze® fall protection products, contact:
Show Time
It is now “game time”. Since you have
created systems for the improvement of
your product or service, the process will
go more smoothly. As you begin to execute your plan, notice what is working
and what needs refinement. There must
be a commitment to constant improvement. In case you haven’t figured it out
yet, your competition is likely scouting
you. It may require that you have a “secret play” in your book. Perhaps you
have a supplementary incentive with
your financing. You may, at random,
give away an extra feature with your
product just to keep your competition
guessing. Or maybe, you choose not to
give away anything for a while. This
could cause your competition to be less
flexible than usual, opening the door for
you to lure more buyers with new incentives. You may need to create alliances
with new vendors to have incentives to
offer. You may need agreements from
your trade contractors to add value to
their service in order to pass it along to
the consumer. There is any number of
ways to perform at show time. By scouting your competition, you will come up
with new ideas. It may seem cagey at
times, but it is all done in the spirit of
gaining the competitive edge.
Conquering your competition is
fought one battle at a time. Each new
product or service that you roll out may
require a whole new scouting report. To
Scout and Conquer requires diligence
and creativity. Rest assured that your
competition is scouting you. Just hope
they haven’t read this article too.
Paul Montelongo is the author of 101
Power Strategies; Tools to Promote Yourself as the Contractor of Choice. Paul is a
nationally- recognized speaker and
consultant to the construction industry.
Visit Paul at
www.ContractorOfChoice.com
and register for a free E-mail newsletter
to receive tips, strategies and concepts
to help you grow your business and
increase your profits. Paul has owned and
operated his own multi-million dollar
construction company for over 23 years.
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UNITED
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Fax: 210-495-8668
Phone: 210-495-8665
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SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Entertainment can
bowl you over
ARCHITECTURAL ACCESSIBILITY IN TEXAS
FOCUS ON ACCESSIBILITY LAWS & STANDARDS
By Butch Evans, Survey Manager
Hallenberger Engineering, LC
L
ooking for an inexpensive form of entertainment? With the
cost of dinner and a movie
for two in excess of $50,
and dining and dancing
about the same, couples
are opting to stay at home
more and more.
Fortunately, we live in
an area that has inexpensive entertainment not
found in most other areas
of the state. The entertainBexar Bowling Alley and Social Hall,
ment I’m talking about is
just off Trainer Hale Rd. at IH-10 East.
bowling. No, not that expensive ten-pin version of the game that $3 to $5 a night per person and drinks
most of us are familiar with. I’m talking range from $1.25 to $1.75. You do the
about Nine-Pin Bowling. It is the original math; a couple can get three hours of
form of bowling from which ten-pin was entertainment and exercise for under
derived.
$20.
The history of bowling, the first sport
From the German monks to “your
in recorded history, is both twisted and area nine-pin bowling clubs”, the legacy
colorful. Developed by German religious of the world’s oldest sport lives on! So
leaders in the 3rd Century, A.D. monks grab your ball, put on those funky shoes,
used a pin called a “kegel” to represent and BOWL!
the devil, and evil in general. The congregation was called upon to hit the target,
thus showing themselves to be pure and
free of sin. Failure proved you wicked, Barbarossa Bowling Club: FM 758, New
and only regular church attendance (and Braunfels, call 830-625-2034.
more practice!) could purge you of your Bexar Bowling Alley & Social Hall : Just
evil ways.
off Trainer Hale Rd. at IH-10 East on Bexar
As the game became popular out- Bowling Rd., Marion, 830-420-2512.
side the church, Martin Luther, creator of Bracken Bowling Club: 18397 Bracken
the Protestant movement, undertook a Dr., San Antonio, 210-651-6941.
study to standardize the game. The num- Bulverde Community Center Bowling
ber of pins was fixed at nine, and bowling Club: 1747 E. Ammann Rd, Bulverde,
became an important part of German 830-438-3065.
culture. As bowling spread throughout Cibolo Bowling Club: 601 N. Main St.,
Europe, however, its purity was tainted. Cibolo, 210-658-2248.
Bowling alleys became places to unlaw- Fischer Bowling Club: Hwy. 32, Canyon
fully assemble and plot against the gov- Lake, 830-935-4800.
ernment. The sport also attracted gam- Freiheit Bowling Club: FM 1101, New
blers and other less acceptable members Braunfels, 830-625-0372.
of society. Bowling was declared illegal Germania Bowling Club: Zuehl Rd.,
and denounced by Puritanical religious Marion, 830-420-2675.
leaders as a path away from righteous- Highlands Social Club: 2929 S. WW
ness, quite opposite from it’s beginnings White Rd., 210-333-4567/ 210-648-9256.
in the German cloisters.
Laubach Bowling Club: Laubach Rd,
Bowling came to America with the Seguin, 830-379-9033.
Dutch and the Pilgrims, only to fall into Marion Bowling Club: E. Klein, Marion,
the hands (and pockets) of unscrupulous 830-420-9219.
gamblers and crooks. Nine-Pin bowling Martinez Bowling Club: FM 1516 at E.
was once again declared illegal but, to Houston St.
get around the law, ten-pin bowling was Martinez Social Club: 7791 Fm 1346,
invented. Today, bowling is the largest San Antonio, 210-661-2422.
participation-sport in the world. An esti- Mission Valley Bowling Club: 2311 W.
mated 50 million bowlers exist in the U.S. SH 46, New Braunfels, 830-629-0028.
alone.
Solms Bowling Club: N. Solms Rd, New
This area has three counties in which Braunfels, 830-608-9691.
there are numerous Nine-Pin bowling Spring Branch Bowling Club: Hwy. 281,
clubs. One-year memberships are typi- Spring Branch, 830-885-4611.
cally $3 to $5 per person. Members are Turner Club: 120 9th Street, San Antonio,
entitled to elect leadership and partici- 210-227-4412.
pate in social events and bowling tourna- Zorn Bowling Club: SH 46, Seguin, 830ments. League fees run anywhere from 379-5247.
The Fair Housing Act
Title VIII of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1968
(amended 1988)
T
he design and construction requirements of the Fair Housing Act apply to all new multifamily housing first occupied
after March 13, 1991. Covered multifamily dwellings are: (1) all
dwelling units in buildings containing four or more units if such buildings have one or
more elevators, and (2) all ground floor dwelling units in other buildings containing
four or more units.
REQUIREMENT 7, Part B:
Usable Bathrooms:
single lever
handle
“…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
Ideal Faucet Control
Recommendations for Increased
Accessibility
blade handles
While the builder or developer of multifamily housing is not required to address all the
design concerns faced by people with disabilities who may live in a development,
there are certain aspects of bathroom design which should be considered when selecting fixtures.
Another Usable Faucet Control
Handles, Faucets, and Controls
Many people have difficulty using faucets
and controls that require grasping and
twisting of symmetrical shapes such as
round, cylindrical, or square handles. It is
preferable to install lever or blade handles
which can be used without gripping or
twisting. If a faucet can be operated with a
closed fist and requires less than five pounds
of force to operate, then it is a usable control
for most people with disabilities.
Preferred Offset Control Location
Control location also can greatly improve
ease and safe use of the fixture. When bathtub controls are offset toward the outside of
the bathing fixture, the need to bend and
stretch to reach the controls from outside
the fixture is greatly reduced-a help for any
user with limited flexibility.
Auxiliary Handles at Doors
One enhancement frequently highlighted
is the installation of auxiliary handles on
bathroom doors. Not required by the Fair
Housing Guidelines, this additional hardware works well for many people with mobility impairments who have difficulty closing doors. With the installation of a second
handle (such as a 4-inch loop handle similar
to those used on drawers and kitchen cabinets) on the pull side of the door, near the
hinge edge, the user is provided with an additional, and often easier, method of closing
a door.
6” max.
auxiliary handle
makes it easier to
close door
Auxiliary Handle on Pull Side of Door
Robert Buck, AIA, has provided architectural
accessibility plan reviews/inspections for
over 3430 projects in 17 states. He is a Texas
Department of Licensing & Regulation
Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS);
consultant to the U. S. Department of
Justice-Housing and Civil Enforcement
Section; and Fair Housing consultant for the
City of Austin. 13438 Bandera Road, #104,
Helotes, TX 78023 Ph: 210-695-5326.
Forming Structures Co., Inc.
Concrete Forming
CFS Forming, Partner in building a
San Antonio Landmark. . .the SBC Spurs Arena
South Texas Premier Concrete Forming Company
Specializing in
• Arenas
• Golf Resorts
• Hotels
• Ice Rinks
• Schools
• Parking Garages
• Convention Centers
San Antonio • Austin • Houston • Dallas
21120 Milsa Drive San Antonio, Tx 78256 210 • 698 • 9252
continued from Page 1 - GARCO Contracting completes historic Gift Chapel
Two concrete basement stairs were removed and replaced, and GARCO employees self-performed the demolition
and concrete work.
“The classically-designed chapel features large architectural windows and
doors,” Bob continued, “which were
painted, as was the entire interior of the
chapel. Many areas of cracked plaster
were chiseled out and repaired, and
where pre-molded cast plaster friezes
and moldings were cracked or missing,
they were repaired or replaced. Also, several interior archways required additional
structural support and the carpet was
replaced to give the Chapel a finished interior product.”
Outside, a portion of the front circu-
lar driveway and concrete curb were replaced, as well as all of the sidewalks
around the perimeter of the Chapel.
Fresh landscaping marked the completion of the project.
“The project appeared to be completed to everyone’s satisfaction,” Bob
concluded, “as the Fort Sam Engineering
Department blessed the project when it
was complete.”
Construction Professionals on the
Gift Chapel project included: Mr. Ron
Need, KMNG & Associates, Inc., project
consulting engineers.
Primary Construction Subcontractors
on the Gift Chapel project included: Duderstadt Foundation Co.; Curtis Hunt
Restorations, Inc. (masonry); Cabana
Mechanical Company (HVAC removal);
Prime Plumbing Company; McNeil Roofing (waterproofing); Pro Roofing Systems
Co.; Delta Structural Technology (roof);
Lambert Plaster; and Maldonado Nursery & Landscaping.
GARCO Contracting Co., Inc. was
founded in 1994 with a commitment to
professional construction contract management and quality workmanship. The
company’s principals, Richard and Kathy
Garza, have an extensive background in
the general contracting/construction
business, particularly federal and state
government contracting.
With over eighty full time employees, GARCO is certified with the Small
Business Administration as an 8(a) HUB-
ZONE contractor, and also certified with
the State of Texas as a HUB.
Based in San Antonio, the company
maintains a field office in San Angelo for
its West Texas operations. GARCO was
Randolph Air Force Base’s Minority Enterprise Development Week’s 2001 Honoree, and chosen as Lackland Air Force
Base’s 1998 and 1999 Base Construction
Contractor of the Year. The company was
awarded the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Award for Excellence in 1999,
2000, and 2001, and named the Construction Firm of the Year for 1999 for the
Minority Business Development Program
sponsored by the University of Texas.
tors, concrete finishers, and other trade
professionals who work on residential or
commercial construction projects can
turn to United Rentals for all of their
safety or equipment needs, including
bulk quantities of Gatorade.
“When it’s 100 degrees outside,”
Tommy stressed, “the workers need the
right fluids to maintain their strength and
replenish lost nutrients. We sell Gatorade
by the pallet load!”
An important aspect of United Rentals merchandising is stocking a full line of
safety equipment, including harnesses,
lanyards, and personal protection gear.
“We also staff two personnel who are
qualified to train and certify our customer’s employees who, by law, have to be
certified in order to operate forklifts,
boom lifts and scissor lifts on their own
jobsites. Our new store will also staff
qualified instructors,” Tommy concluded.
chuckled.
“Business has its ups and downs!” Jim
burst forth. “Learning from our experiences in the 1980’s, we are dealing with
this economy by tightening our belts. We
have a staff of eight including two new
associates, Jim Kistler, AIA, and Annie
Sauser, who earned her Master’s in historic preservation. I would say we always
thought our firm would be larger by this
point, but growth for the sake of growth
has never been our goal. That is due in
part to the level of attention we give each
project. We’ve always tried to do a good
job for our clients, and if growth meant we
wouldn’t be able to give the level of service, then growth took a back seat to the
quality of our work.”
Construction News asked the professionals what, in their opinion, are the rewards that keep them motivated? They
both agreed it is the satisfied and emotionally-charged responses to their work
by their clients.
“When tears of happiness appear on
the faces of our clients after they’ve seen
the final product, that is our reward,”
Lewis concluded.
continued from Page 1 - United Rentals stakes claim on SW side
United Rentals typically serves customers in a 50 to 100-mile radius of a
store, with the majority of business generated within the 50-mile mark. The
company rents and sells construction,
industrial and homeowner equipment
ranging in complexity from Weed-eaters
to excavators and hydraulic lifts.
“From an inventory perspective, the
two United Rental operations will mirror
each other,” Tommy added. “We have
expanded by about 25 percent our inhouse merchandising business, which
includes the hand tools, supplies and accessories that would be used by just
about every type of contractor or subcontractor. For instance, we sell abrasive
blades, grinding wheels, floor polishing
pads, utility gloves, drill bits, concrete
hand tools, and all kinds of miscellaneous
equipment that everybody has to have.”
Painters, roofers, framing contrac-
continued from Page 1 - Fisher Heck Architects heralds 20th anniversary
Jim’s background is in new construction administration and he brought another level of interests to the firm, including retail development and commercial
projects. He said, “We eventually did our
first church project, which led to others.
So far, the recent restoration of the San
Fernando Cathedral represents a high
point in our career.”
Other significant restoration projects
in their portfolio include St. Peters Catholic Church in Alamo Heights, the Little
Flower Basilica, and the Atascosa County
Courthouse.
“Lewis has always been interested in
housing and urban redevelopment,” Jim
continued, “which led to our involvement
in a new town home project in the King
William District. It’s market-type housing
that plays off the historic architecture in
the established neighborhood.
“The town homes fit into the historic
ambiance of the neighborhood, but feature all of the amenities that people expect in new construction.”
When the architects were asked if
they had achieved their goals set forth 20
years ago, they both sighed deeply and
Luna Middle School for Northside ISD 202,000 sf.
General Contractor: Joeris General Contractors Project Superintendent: Billy Carter
Architect: Garza/Bomberger & Associates Architects
Project foreman for Urban: Manual Cabrera
CONCRETE CONTRACTORS LTD
Commercial • Residential • MultiFamily
Ronnie Urbanczyk, President • Steven Valerio, Vice President
Estimators Tom Fulks • Robert Cruz • Rick Fulks • Chris Boyd
Professional Engineer, Mike Zezula
“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
Page 32 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– San Antonio Construction News •June 2003
ROUND-UP
M
urray & Associates, Inc. Consulting Engineers announced the addition
of Jeffrey D. Tabb,
P.E. as a new Mechanical Engineer with the
firm. Mr. Tabb received his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and his Master’s degree in
Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University, and is licensed in the state of Texas.
He has over ten years of extensive design
experience in commercial and industrial
air conditioning and wastewater plants.
He also has experience in mechanical contracting. He is currently involved in the
design of several projects throughout
Texas, including healthcare facilities in
Keller and Houston.
L
undy & Franke
Engineering, Inc.
would like to honor
Margaret O. Skulteti
for receiving her Professional Engineer’s license for the State of
Texas.
Margaret
Skulteti has been a licensed P.E. for the State of Tennessee
since 1999. She received her bachelor’s
degree from Southern Illinois University at
Carbondale and her master’s from Texas
A&M University. She has over eight years
of experience in structural analysis and
designing complete structural systems.
FYI
The United States uses 38 percent of
the energy consumed in the world.
In 2000, seven percent of the U.S.
Gross Domestic Product ($697 billion) was spent on energy purchases
($2,500 per capita). One hundred
and nineteen billion of this was for oil
imports. Given the projected increases in energy demand under current practices, energy expenditures
are expected to increase to $887 billion by 2020.
Women challenge the fairways,
survive the heat!
O
n Fri., May 16th, the National Association of Women in Construction hosted its annual golf tournament at The Republic Golf Club.
Prior to the 1:30 pm shotgun start,
members and their guests enjoyed a
boxed lunch and beverages, storing up
energy for those long drives and accurate
putts.
with tournament spokesperson, Dana
Calonge, Nathan Alterman Electric, who
said 52 players would be participating.
“Today’s tournament will benefit our
NAWIC scholarship fund. We are doing a
Split Pot Raffle, and whoever wins will
get half, with the remaining monies going to our scholarship fund, which typically benefits two students each year.”
A buffet dinner and awards ceremony followed play.
1st Place Team: Nathan Alterman Electric - Barry Murray, Kevin McIntyre, Jeff
Froboese, and Rose Terrazas.
2nd Place Team: Ridout Barrett & Co. Tony Ridout, Milton Barrett, Ray White,
and Dan O’Connor.
Last Place: Rexel, Inc - Ryan Hasbrook
Scott Shaver, Brian Sisneros, and Todd
Sparrow.
Longest Drive :
Men’s - Gary Hall.
Women’s - Dana Calonge.
Closest to the Pin:
Men’s-Dan O’Connor.
Women’s-Lynne Grix.
PS: The Split Pot Raffle was won by Rose
Terrazas, who donated her winnings
back to the chapter as a donation to the
NAWIC Scholarship Fund.
Back L-R: Lindsey, Karen, Catherine, and Paula; Front L-R: Esther, Kendall, Dana and Lynne.
Source: Metropolitan Partnership
for Energy
The Construction Labor Contractor
Your OnlySource for Skilled Tradesmen
L-R: Gene Mauze, Mauze Construction; Rob Jalnos, Steve’s Plumbing; Michael Robinson,
Jamor Constructors; and Jim Bruner, Mauze Construction.
We are the leader in the industry and we
have our clients to tell you why.
Call either location and let’s start
to build a quality partnership.
L-R: Brian Sisneros, Walker Engineering; Ryan Hasbrook, Rexell, Inc.; Todd Sparrow, Walker
Engineering; and Scott Shaver, Bell and McCoy.
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL
Austin
512-452-0404
888-485-0404
San Antonio
210-509-3522
877-509-3522
Qualify For:
“Ultimate Hunting Challenge 2002”
545-6767
Fax 490-9353
www.saqualityfence.com
13115 Wetmore Road
Wrought Iron & Masonry
Staircases & Railing
Chain Link
Wood Fencing
Custom Work
Temporary Fencing
Welding Services & Repairs
Steel Fabrication
Automatic Gate Systems
See our ad on
Page 722 in your
Southwestern Bell Yellow Pages
ASSOCIATION NEWS
For more information, please call the
AGC office at 210-349-4921.
ABC
June 2-4: Associated Builders and Contractors National Legislative Conference,
in Washington DC.
June 10-11-12: ABC will be hosting an
OSHA 10 Hour in Spanish at the ABC Offices, 10408 Gulfdale, from 5:30 pm to 9
pm. Cost is $175 for ABC members, $190
for non-members.
For information, call 210-342-1994.
ACCA-SA
June 16: Air Conditioning Contractors
Association – San Antonio’s board of directors will meet at 4:30 pm, at Insco
Distributing Co., 2403 Freedom Dr.
June 19: ACCA-SA monthly meeting begins at 11:15 am, at Dave & Buster’s, 440
Crossroads Blvd.
June 28: 10th Annual ACCA-SA and PHCCSA Fishing Tournament, Port Aransas.
AGC
June 26: Associated General Contractors
will host its 2nd Annual Summer Celebration Mixer at Aggie Park from 5 to 7 p.m.
Included in the mixer will be exhibitor
displays from various businesses. Food
and drinks will be provided at no cost.
The event is sponsored in part by Godwin Pumps. To advertise your business
through an exhibitor display or for more
information, please call the AGC office.
Sept. 13: The 10th Annual AGC Safety
Fair and Barbecue Cook-off will be held
at Camargo Park from 11 am to 4 pm. It
will include the annual safety awards and
barbecue cook-off. There will also be
safety exhibits. Face painting, a petting
zoo, and clowns are a few of the fun
events for the family.
ASA
June 10: American Subcontractors Association monthly meeting at the Barn
Door Restaurant begins at 6:45 pm. Featured speaker is Mike Cochran, NEISD.
June 27: TCA Golf Tournament
July 15: ASA’s monthly meeting at the
Barn Door Restaurant kicks off at 6 pm.
We have invited a panel of general contractors to discuss “What makes a good
subcontractor…through the GC’s eyes.”
July 18-19: ASA’s 2nd Annual Fishing
Tournament in Port Aransas.
For more information call the ASA office
at 210-349-2105.
CSI
June 17: The Construction Specifiers Institute will host its Annual Awards Program; Barn Door Restaurant, 5:30 pm.
July – August: Summer break.
Sept: 16: CSI’s first post-summertime
meeting; Barn Door Restaurant, 5:30 pm.
HCA
June 18: The Hispanic Contractors Association de San Antonio will meet at 6:30
pm at The Builders Exchange. Special
guest is Jim Wiseman, local representative for Toyota.
July 23: HCA is hosting a luncheon at
UTSA’s downtown campus, from 11:30
am to 1 pm. Topic is “The Hispanic Workforce.” Cost is $15 for members, and $20
for non-members. Reservations required
by July 21st. Call 210-444-1100 for more
information.
IEC
June 18: The Independent Electrical
Contractors will hold its Regular and
Residential Apprentice Program graduation ceremony at 6:30 pm, at the Barn
Door Restaurant.
June 19-21: The Independent Electrical
Contractors State Conference, Moody
Gardens Hotel, Galveston, TX.
NAWIC
June 4: The National Association of
Women in Construction will tour the
Valero Energy Corporation Building Expansion Project in place of its general
membership meeting at the Petroleum
Club. The project is located at 15710
Valero Way (IH-10 at Loop 1604). Socializing begins at 5:30 pm, with the tour to
start at 6 pm. The tour will be conducted
by Chuck Calvin, SpawGlass Contractors,
Inc. There will be a boxed dinner from
Jason’s Deli for a cost of $10. All are invited to attend this function. Contact
Scotty Stanley at 210-651-9000 for a reservation. If you are interested in joining
our affiliation, or would like more information, contact Celeste Rowe at 210344-0090.
PHCC-SA
Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors –
San Antonio will not have a June membership meeting. Instead…
June 19-21: Plan to attend the PHCCTexas and PHCC-Oklahoma State Convention at Lakeway, TX. For information,
call 1-800- 992-7422
June 28: PHCC-SA Saltwater Fishing
Tournament with Guided vs. Amateur di-
visions, at Port Aransas, TX. Filling up
Fast! Get registered before June 20th by
calling the PHCC-San Antonio office at
210-523-1540.
For Continuing Education for Plumbers &
Specialty Classes: Call 1-800-992-7422 or
www.phcc-tx.org.
SAMCA
June 25: San Antonio Masonry Contractors will honor masonry contractors, architects and suppliers at the 2003 Golden
Trowel Awards Banquet, at the Plaza Club
of San Antonio, 2100 Frost Bank Tower, at
6:30 pm. Evening includes social hour,
dinner, and the Golden Trowel Awards
Ceremony.
SEAoT
June 16: The Structural Engineers Association of Texas will meet at 12 pm, at the
Petroleum Club of San Antonio. The
speaker will be Sam Nelson, Texas Department of Insurance.
TSPS
June 5: The Texas Society of Professional
Surveyors – Alamo Chapter 11 hosts
board meeting, 9 am to 2:30 pm, CDS/
Muery.
June 20: A Night at Retama Park! Joint
meeting with the Austin Chapter; only 60
seats available, tickets for $25 per person
sold in advance. Includes parking, program, fajita buffet, private teller window,
and pavilion and track-side seating.
July 10: Chapter Board meeting, 9 am –
2:30 pm, CDS/Muery.
The 2nd Annual Chapter 11 BBQ/Picnic is
coming in July! Date to be announced.
High voltage cook-off staged in Helotes
TDIndustries
Dealers Electric Supply
The Dausin Electric gang
Bexar Electric’s Bexar Bones!
Quinney Electric
Graybar Electric Supply
M
embers of the Independent Electrical Contractors gathered once
again at the Helotes Festival grounds to compete for top honors in its
annual two-day BBQ Cook-off.
Steamy temperatures pervaded the festivities on Fri., May 16th, when
‘members-only’ enjoyed the park with friends and family. Team cooks, representing electrical contractors and suppliers, offered-up their best gumbo and
chili creations to the judges for a blind taste test and ranking.
On Sat., May 17th, they opened the gates to the paying public and fed the
masses. IEC’s BBQ sponsors included Aknak, Bexar Electric, Central Electric,
Circle Electric, CED, Dausin Electric, Dealers Electric Supply, Graybar Electric
Supply, Mission City Electric, Quinney Electric and TDIndustries.
The volunteer judges included Don Shrum, Spectrum Technologies, Inc.;
Mike Edge, Justin Palmer and Ryan Hutchison, Insurance One; Jim Hanna, J.
Hanna & Associates; Dan Miller, Dan Miller Insurance Agency; Joe Luna, John
Marshall High School, Electrical Trades Course; and John Morales, Casey’s BBQ.
Gumbo Division:
1st Place: Dausin Electric.
2nd Place: Bexar Electric.
Chili Division:
1st Place: Graybar Electric Supply.
2nd Place: CED Northside.
Chicken Division:
1st Place: Bexar Electric.
2nd Place: Dausin Electric.
Pork Ribs Division:
2nd Place: Central Electric.
Open Division:
2nd Place: Graybar Electric Supply.
Beef Brisket Division:
1st Place: Quinney Electric.
2nd Place: Dausin Electric.
ShowmanshipAward: Quinney Electric.
Bragging Rights: Bexar Electric.
SCAFFOLDING
SCAFFOLD MANUFACTURER
DIVISION OF TAR USA STEEL, INC.
“AFFORDABLE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICES”
Frame Scaffold –Shoring Scaffold
Crossbraces – Screwjacks
Caster Wheels – Planks
TAR SCAFFOLDING
12746 O’CONNOR ROAD
TEL:
FAX:
210 650 0181
210 650 0782
www.tarscaffolding.com
SCAFFOLD
INDUSTRY
ASSOCIATION
Business Card Exchange
HOWELL CRANE & RIGGING, INC.
AUDIE HOWELL
GENERAL CONTRACTING, INC.
Vice President
Over 30 years of combined experience in construction
• Interior Finishouts
• Government Construction
• Commercial & Residential
• Multi - Family Housing
Competitive 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. 210.649.3130
Fax. 210.649.3110
Hunting * Fishing
Let Us Find Your Trip
PHONE (210) 661-8285
FAX (210) 661-7683
MOBILE (210) 862-5301
1-800-438-9814
HOME (210) 649-3726
email: [email protected]
JOHN WILLIAMS
1403 W. Oak Estates Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78258-6637
(210) 215-3877
email: [email protected]
24-HOUR SERVICE
CRANES 15 TO 500 TON
P.O. BOX 200576
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78220
CLASSIFIED ADS
NOTICES
BULLETINS
TIRE PROBLEMS
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
MACHINE TOOLS & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
ALL SIZES
STOP FLATS WITH FOAM FILLING
OTR NEW & USED
106 West Rhapsody
• Abrasives & Scotchbrite
• Cutting Tools
• Gloves
• Tyvek Coveralls
• Brushes
• Electric & Pneumatic Tools
• Masking Tape
• Safety Eyewear
• Particle Masks
• Grinding & Cutoff Wheels
Peterson Tire, Inc.
210-738-1111
Reprints.
In Color.
20
$
HABLAMOS ESPANOL
(210) 342-9588 Fax (210) 340-5634
Toll Free (866) 342-9588
Call or Come by For Our Free Catalog
Serving Greater South Texas Since 1947
FYI
Sunday,
june 15
is
father’s
day
“Just think . . . .
your news story
preserved
forever.”
.
(+ $1.58 tax)
Reproduction of articles in
color on front page with
masthead. Ready for framing.
Add’l copies $5.
g
CONSTRUCTION NEWS
Austin (512) 447-2900
San Antonio (210) 308-5800
raphics
In 1900 only 160 million people, one tenth of the world’s population, lived in cities. By 2006, half the world (3.2 billion) will reside in urban areas. Even
though cities comprise only two percent of the earth’s surface, their inhabitants consume the bulk of natural resources. About 78% of carbon emissions
from fossil fuel burning come from metropolitan areas and 60% of the planet’s water that is tapped for human use goes to cities.
Source: Metropolitan Partnership for Energy
210-734-5394
SUPPLY
Quality, Convenient
Occupational medical care for
your employees
Open 365 Days
Including All Holidays
8 am - 11 pm
No Appointment Necessary
Loop 410 / Broadway
821-5598
(between Nacogdoches & Broadway)
IH-10W / Wurzbach
696-5599
(Colonnade Shopping Center)
Blanco / Parliament
341-5588
Loop 410 / Ingram Rd
520-5588
(between Bank of America & Toys-R-Us)
IH-35N / Eisenhauer
655-5529
(northbound IH-35 Access Rd between
Eisenhauer & Walzem)
SE Military Dr / Roosevelt 927-5580
(northeast corner)
(just south of Churchill High School)
Locally-owned and operated
Visit our website at: www.texasmedclinic.com
COMPANY
1606 N. Colorado
San Antonio, Texas
WALK BEHIND POWER TROWELS
& 46" diameters
• 36"
trowel speeds 70-135 rpm.
enclosed safety switches
• Totally
for reliable operation.
• Low maintenance, high productivity.
Solar Fest heats up energy
awareness
On Location
Sendero Partners, Ltd. is finishing the new location of Dury’s Gun Shop at
IH 37 South and Hot Wells. Dury’s was founded in 1959.
C
urious citizens flocked to Maverick
Park on Sat., May 17th for Solar Fest
2003, a renewable energy and sustainable building event sponsored by
Solar San Antonio.
Staged outdoors,
over 1,000 people visited the free event,
which was open to the public from 9 am
to 4 pm, and featured approximately 45
exhibitors.
with Solar San Antonio executive director
Dominick Dina, who said the event garnered twice as many exhibitors as last
year’s.
“We have exhibitors who represent
the wide spectrum of renewable energy
and sustainable building materials, as
well as governmental entities that promote and/or enforce energy-efficient
and environmental issues. TCEQ, TREIA,
Texas Solar Energy Society and our own
homespun governmental entity, the
Metropolitan Partnership for Energy,
are represented here today. This is an educational and informational forum, with a
lot of hands-on opportunities. We want
to make the public aware of alternative
energy, energy efficiencies and a way to
improve their individual quality of life
and keep their money in their pocket.”
According to SSA’s chairman of the
board, William Sinkin, solar is being used
increasingly and the word is getting out.
“Change, like anything, is slow. It’s
like turning a great battle ship around
one step at a time.
Solar Fest was one the last events included in Alternative Energy Week, a collaborative effort by Solar San Antonio,
City of San Antonio, Bexar County Commissioners Court, CPS, SAWS, AACOG,
VIA, Metropolitan Partnership for Energy,
the Metropolitan Planning Organization
and Keep San Antonio Beautiful.
Crew from Garza Concrete work on the flatwork for the new Ott Elementary School.
Lindy Mechler is the superintendent for Joeris at the project.
Gary Sutherland, GD Interiors is always looking for a new way to make money.
Bar-B-Q Gone Wild seems like a sure bet to do that.
Dean Flann, Ed Flume Building Specialties.
Ken Major and Paul Sellers of Holes of San Antonio serve up dinner at the American
Subcontractor Sub Fest. From the looks of Paul’s shirt, he hugged each brisket before serving.
Linda Stone, executive director of Metropolitan Partnership for Energy.
Pitstop owners Robert Elder (l) and Mark Freiermuth (R) with their service tech Steve Daniel
at the new Valero Energy building being constructed by SpawGlass.
Summer Sizzle 2003 at BXTX
T
L-R: Steve Schuetze, Danny Bryant, Kevin Howard,
Ronnie Dausin, Doug Nunnelly, and Greg Kanning.
he hottest parking lot party in construction was
heavily attended on Thurs., May 22nd, at The
Builder’s Exchange of Texas, from 5 to 8 pm.
Hosted by The Builder’s Exchange of Texas
(BXTX), Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC),
American Subcontractors Association (ASA), and
Associated General Contractors (AGC), “Summer
Sizzle 2003” drew 450 to 500 members. The host associations also invited members from the National
Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and
the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors – San
Antonio (PHCC-SA). Mother Nature cooperated this
year by providing an umbrella of clouds
The boys from Dausin Electric broke a sweat over
their massive barbeque pit on which they grilled a superb batch of fajitas for the crowd. Ironically Ronnie
Dausin, of all people, won a Weber backyard BBQ grill
in the raffle drawing.
As the DJ kept pumping out top hits, he paused
play intermittently to announce door prize winners.
Lots of folks went home with excellent door prizes and
smiles on their faces.
Kudos to ASA members who were encouraged by
their lovely executive director, Heidi Davis, to bring
an early gift for the industry’s charity…Construct a
Kid’s Christmas.
San Antonio Construction News wants to know…
were you there?
L-R: Derek Bryant, Janine Milam, Leslie Wilkerson,
Dave Sanchez, Andre Newton, and Mark Jones.
L-R: Kim Eng, Steve Mechler, Fil Villareal, and Ted Dunnam.
L-R: Sherry, Tommy, Tami, Fred, Elizabeth, Kevin, Kimberly and
David, F.A. McComas Painting, Inc.
L-R: The men from Hull Doors are Eddie Harmon,
Clif Hisel, and Ben Wyatt.
Carlo and Vera Salvatore
L-R: Tom Guido, Ben Davis, Bill Huber, and Doug Nunnelly.

June - Construction News

Transcription

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