South Texas - Construction News

Transcription

Covering the Industry’s News
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Style
P.O. Box 791290
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South Texas
CONSTRUCTION
™
Merry Christmas
The Industry’s Newspaper
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(210) 308-5800
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Volume 3
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Number 12
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DECEMBER 2015
Buildings are for people
Innovative indeed
L-R: Fernando Perez, Andres L. Mata and Esteban Zamora
staff the Edinburg office of Negrete & Kolar LLP.
Employees get ready to roll out with a new day’s loads.
N
egrete & Kolar Architects began
in 2003 when David Negrete and
Roger Kolar, architects who have
practiced in south and central Texas for
more than 30 years, combined forces.
The firm has offices in Austin and Edinburg.
When Kolar retired in 2011, Negrete’s
wife, Diana, bought Kolar’s remaining
shares and became a partner. She handles human resources and accounts payable.
“After Roger retired, we reorganized
as Negrete & Kolar LLP,” David says.
In Edinburg, established in 2012,
there are three fulltime employees, but
David says he is evaluating recruitment
of talented, passionate people.
“I’m always looking to find passionate and intelligent people,” he says. “The
rest can be taught. The most difficult
short- and long-term issue is to have the
right personnel in line with what we are
doing.”
Edinburg office senior project manager Andres L. Mata has been with Negrete since the beginning.
“He is a critical element in making everything work,” Negrete says.
The firm handles a variety of work for
local school districts, such as Edinburg,
McAllen and Mission ISD’s, as well as municipal work for the cities of McAllen,
Mercedes and Edinburg, among others.
They’ve had seven on-call projects on the
I
nnovative Block, located in La Feria, is
a one-stop shop for all things masonry, says president Charles Mueller.
Other than that, the company has
several areas that really do make it innovative.
“We have a really high-tech German
machine that makes some of the best
block in the country,” Mueller says.
“We’ve also been instrumental in getting
a lot of concrete recycling going in this
area.”
Mueller founded the company in
2004 in partnership with Tom Peterson
Construction.
“We’re kind of a large distribution
company,” Mueller says. “Our main customers are McCoys, Home Depot and all
continued on Page 14
the big contractors around here. We sell a
lot of aggregates, all sorts of cement,
concrete.”
Most of that product goes into walls
and fences, Mueller says. The company
acts as a general contractor on some
jobs.
“One of our more recent endeavors
was paver installation for TxDOT and other big municipalities,” he said. “We are
actually the contractor. We manufacture
pavers as well as block. It’s easier to get
your paver specs if you are in charge of
the job.”
His business philosophy is simple.
“We try to be competitive on price
and provide really good service and a
Getting in The Groove
G
eneral contractor and business
owner Lou Menendez and his
wife Valarie turned an existing
1,200-sf building into an exciting new
restaurant experience for the Texas Gulf
Coast/Rockport area.
The project, The Groove Restaurant,
took about eight months to complete,
opening in December 2014, and cost
$200,000.
“A comfortable inviting warm vintage boutique style environment is what
our goal was,” Menendez says. “We believe that we hit the nail right on the
head. Something different than what everyone else had. I personally general
contracted the entire project and physically performed the majority of the work
myself, except for the electrical and
plumbing.”
Menendez started with the demolition of the interior walls, floor and ceiling. The existing 8' roof was removed
and was reframed with a raked roof tapering from 8' in the back of the building
up to 12' in the front. “I wanted an open rafter, natural
wood look with no insulation exposed
above,” Menendez explains. “The solution was to install a rigid insulation that
was installed on top of the roof and under the finished roofing material.”
All new electrical, plumbing and insulation was installed while the walls and
floor we're exposed.
“A clean open kitchen concept was a
must, especially because of the 5,000-lb
wood fired oven that we incorporated,”
he says. “I wanted the wood fired oven to
be the focal point so that all of our customers could view and be intrigued by
the wood fire cooking up meals from
Neapolitan-style pizzas, as well as some
of our fresh fish and lobster.” The vintage look of The Groove sets it apart from anything else in Rockport.
Page 2
South Texas Construction News • Dec 2015
Reaching for the top
Submitted to Construction News
Mentoring available
Reaching the highest point called for a topping out ceremony
A group of Port Isabel High School students listen to a presentation from
Manuel Hinojosa, local architect at Rike - Ogden – Figueroa – Allex Architects
in McAllen and former Port Isabel City manager. Hinojosa discussed careers in
architecture in order to find out which students are interested in the field, and
who would like to be mentored. –cw
A
topping out ceremony for the City
of McAllen Performing Arts Center
was Oct. 22. The project team consists of City of McAllen, owner; SpawGlass, general contractor; and ERO Ar-
chitects, architect.
When complete, the four-level PAC
will total 93,471 sf and seat approximately
1,800 spectators. –cw
Superintendents Rocky Poovey, Wade Lollar, Bobby Miller,
Todd Henningsen and Hermilo Morales
The SpawGlass team
James Rodriguez
The staff of Construction News was saddened to hear about the death of James
Rodriguez, Easy Drive San Antonio vice
president, on Nov. 21. James was a vital
part of and longtime friend of the construction industry in Texas. A complete
obituary will appear in the January issue
of Construction News.
Correction
Mike White
An incorrect photo of Mike White,
Texas Construction Association,
appeared with his Focus column in
October 2015. Construction News
regrets the error. –cw
Page 3
Engineers up!
Neverending stories
T
L-R: Joe Alvarez, Naismith Engineering, Corpus Christi; Anthony Luce, Brown & Gay Engineers,
Frisco; Crespin Guzman, executive director at Texas Section ASCE, Austin; and Fabian Herrera,
Brown & Gay, Dallas/Ft. Worth Photos by Annemarie Glasser and Ramon Mejia
C
ivil engineers from across Texas
gathered Sept. 30-Oct. 2 in San
Marcos for the 2015 Texas Civil Engineering Conference (CECON). –cw
Award winners were:
Award of Recognition and Honor
Region 6 Governor: Nancy S. Cline, PE
Honors Awards
John N. Furlong, PE (Dallas)
Donald E. Willhouse PE (Austin)
Government Civil Engineer Award
Michael D. Talbott, PE (Houston)
Professional Service Award
Lawrence D. Goldberg, PE (Houston)
Henry C. Leighton, PE (Bastrop)
Professional Service to Students
Award Alexis A. Clark (Austin)
Sean P. Merrell, PE (Dallas) Service to People Award Joe R. Zimmerman, PE (Houston)
John A. Focht Jr.
hree days didn’t seem like nearly
enough time. But somehow it was,
and hundreds crammed their social
calendars full of parties, tours, educational sessions, a 200-exhibit design expo, an
awards ceremony and even a TEXOsponsored after party.
“STORIES,” the Texas Society of Architects’ (TSA) Convention & Design
Expo, was held at Dallas’ Kay Bailey
Hutchison Convention Center (and at
various landmarks throughout the city)
Nov. 5-7. Design professionals from the
Lone Star State and beyond came to network and stay current on the latest in architectural products and services.
Attendees were also treated to delights only the BIG D could deliver. TSA
arranged for tours of several prominent
landmarks, including the Sixth Floor Museum and Old Courthouse, the Nasher
Sculpture Center and Reunion Tower.
-mjm
Citizen Engineer Award William Todd Thurber, PE (Houston)
Outstanding
Civil
Engineering
Achievement Award
2015 OCEA
West 7th Street Bridge City of Fort Worth – TxDOT
2015 Award of Merit
Manor Expressway Toll Road Phase II
Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority SpawGlass
Armko Inc.
Professional Flooring Supply
Brian Bresler, Freese and Nichols, Corpus Christi, and a friend figure out the dance steps.
South Texas
CONSTRUCTION NEWS
Cyndi Wright, South Texas Editor: [email protected] 210-308-5800
Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buddy Doebbler
Editorial/Production . . . . . . Reesa Doebbler
Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cyndi Wright
Admin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lacie Cortez
Production Manager . . . . . . . . . Sue Johnson
Marketing Director . . . . . . Leslye Hernandez
Sales Representative . . . . . . . . Kent Gerstner
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San Antonio • Austin • Dallas/Fort Worth
Houston • South Texas
If you are a construction-related company
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Hylda Rodriguez
The South Texas Construction News (ISSN
#2327-4670) is published monthly by
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©2015 Construction News, Ltd.
Texas Masonry Council
DuPont Tyvek
Acme Brick
Page 4
Year-end tax planning
includes keeping fingers crossed
for Extenders Bill
William M. Gerhardt III, J.D., LL.M.
Padgett, Stratemann & Co., L.L.P.
San Antonio, TX
B
usinesses and their tax advisors are once again
gazing into a crystal ball and pondering whether to
make certain year-end business decisions based on
their tax consequence. Congress has hampered tax
planning for individuals and businesses since 2010 when it began extending expiring
tax cuts and deductions for one or two-year periods, sometimes even retroactively.
This year is no different as many tax
provisions are currently expired, but
there has been some progress in
Congress on an Extenders Bill for 2015. If
passed, popular business deductions
such as 50% bonus depreciation
(currently expired) and Section 179
expensing limits of $500,000 (currently at
$25,000) with a $2 million overall
investment limit would be extended to
the 2015 taxable year. Although nothing
is certain, an Extenders Bill is expected,
so keep your fingers crossed.
In any event, traditional tax planning
practices continue and start with looking
at the big picture. How is 2015 going to
end up and what kind of growth or
revenue is expected in 2016? Your answer
will determine whether to accelerate
income or deductions before year-end or
defer the same into next year. If a high tax
bill is expected for 2015, accelerate
deductible expenses, purchase supplies,
and consider repairing equipment and
vehicles before year-end. To lower
current taxable income and shift it into
2016, delay billing notices so that
payment won’t be received until early
next year (cash method businesses), or
delay product shipments or providing
services until next year (accrual method
businesses). Alternatively, if a higher tax
bill in 2016 is anticipated, a business
should consider strategies to accelerate
income and defer its deductible
expenses.
Fixed asset strategies should be
reviewed to estimate how year-end
purchases may increase deductions.
Generally, a full half-year’s depreciation is
available on depreciable property
purchased and placed into service during
the tax year. However, if more than 40%
of the year’s purchases are placed into
service in the last three months of the
year, the mid-year convention is triggered
and less depreciation deductions can be
taken on these end of the year purchases.
A de minimus safe harbor exists for
expensing small purchases that cost no
more than $500 or $5,000 per item or
invoice, with the higher threshold only
available to businesses that have certified
audited financial statements.
Of particular interest to property
construction companies and engineering
or architecture firms performing services
for real property projects is the Section
199 deduction for production activities.
The deduction equals 9% of the lower of
qualified production activities income or
taxable income without regard to the
deduction. The deduction is capped at
50% of W-2 wages allocable to the
domestic production gross receipts.
Businesses and their owners have
also learned that the additional 3.8% net
investment income tax applies not only
to personal investment income or gain,
but also to income from a business in
which the tax payer is a passive
participant, i.e. members of a LLC or
shareholders of a S corporation who do
materially participate in the business
activities.
Looking into the future, there
appears to be little appetite for wholesale
changes to the Internal Revenue Code
prior to the presidential election.
However, some legislation in 2015 did
impact future tax preparation and
compliance. The Surface Transportation
Act of 2015 will move up the deadline to
file partnership returns to March 15 and
move back the deadline to file C
corporation returns to April 15 starting
for 2016 taxable year returns that are due
in the spring of 2017.
The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015
contained a couple of important tax
provisions. The most far-reaching tax
change eliminates the TEFRA unified
partnership audit rules and the electing
large partnership rules effective for
returns filed for partnership tax years
beginning after Dec. 31, 2017 (but
generally electable earlier) and replaces
them with streamlined partnership audit
rules.
Businesses should consult with their
tax advisors early and often to make sure
tax strategy is part of their year-end
planning.
William M. Gerhardt III, J.D., LL.M.
Taxation, is a tax consultant at Padgett
Stratemann & Co., L.L.P. He can be reached
at 210-253-1670 or at william.gerhardt@
padgett-cpa.com.
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& Container Service
We buy Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Iron, Stainless Steel,
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2300 Frio City Rd.
210-927-2727
www.monterreyiron.com
Smart-money use of
non-business time
Kirk Quaschnick, President
Mogul Wealth Strategies LLC
McKinney, TX
S
uccess in the construction industry often depends
on the ability to manage our time well. Whether
scheduling meetings, doing the books, or training new
people, successful business owners know that every day
is a calculated race against the clock.
But what about non-business time?
That has a dollar value, too. How you use
your free time is a determining factor in
the quality of life you enjoy. That’s why
some people can work 70 or 80 hours a
week, yet still manage to participate in a
highly rewarding home life. Meanwhile,
others see leisure time as an opportunity
to channel surf the television and fall
asleep on the couch.
We spend time, just like we spend
money
We can waste time, just like we can
waste money. Ask yourself, “How can you
get the best value from your nonworking time?” Evaluate how to best use
time from the following:
• The pleasure factor. This can
override all other considerations. If you
enjoy planting shrubs or building a new
kennel for the dog, go ahead. If not, you
might be better off hiring someone to do
the work for you, and instead put in a few
extra hours in the business or spend
more time with your family.
• The dollar-value-of your-time
factor. This is a hard-cash tangible based
on how much your time is worth. If your
work time is worth $120 an hour, your
leisure time is worth the same. So, if you
don’t really enjoy the task of cutting the
lawn, hire the neighbor kid to do it for
$25, and go to a ball game or take the
dog for a walk in the park.
• The convenience factor. In spite of
the cost, it is sometimes better to hand
over the receipt shoe box to a CPA rather
than do your own taxes; to call the
plumber rather than fix that leaky faucet
yourself; or to tote home carry-out rather
than spend an hour making dinner.
• The guilt factor. This is perhaps the
most powerful reason we end up doing
things we’d really rather not do. Since
you are in this industry, you are talented
enough to do most tasks by yourself. The
tendency to feel guilty because someone
is mowing your lawn while you are out
playing ball is natural. Prioritize what’s
most important to you and be a good
steward of your time - let others help you
with that.
Beyond dollars
We are often so caught up in what we do
that it consumes us. If we don’t learn how
to break away, we risk never fully enjoying
the fruits of our labors. So:
• Learn how to relax. Many in the
construction
industry
don’t
feel
comfortable out of “business mode.” So
we try to do work at home. Try learning to
be more than just a businessperson; it
will be fun and will make you fresher and
more focused at work.
• Plan your leisure activities, just as
you do with business. Map out your day
off to include a little yard work, watching
your daughter’s softball game, and an
hour pure relaxation.
• Don’t bring work home or on
vacations. Leave the briefcase in the car.
Encourage customers not to contact you
at home. If you force yourself to get all
your work done before you leave, you’ll
get more done on business time, like
getting ice cream if you finish your
veggies. One of Zig Ziglar’s most famous
quotes is, “Treat every day like it’s the day
before vacation…” I believe this quote, if
taken to heart, can make you more
productive than ever before.
If you’re like most business owners in
the construction world today, you work
hard putting in long hours each day
doing what you do best. One of the
rewards should be a comfortable lifestyle;
make sure you take the time to enjoy it.
Kirk G. Quaschnick, CLU, ChFC, ARPC, is
the president and co-founder of Mogul
Wealth Strategies, LLC in McKinney, TX.
Since 1992, Kirk has helped his clients in
financial, business, and estate planning, as
well as financial advising, investment
advisory and wealth management services
to business owner executives and
individuals. For additional information on
the information or topic discussed, please
contact Kirk at 214-420-7152, or email him
at [email protected].
Extending a hand
Alfonso Soto of Terracon and his wife Veronica attended South Texas College’s A Night
with the Stars Fundraiser at the Corinthian Banquet & Special Event Center in Mission.
The event raises funds for the Valley Scholars Program, which provides educational
opportunities, mentoring and scholarships to academically talented students. –cw
Page 5
King of safety
Can a GC sue an architect
for bad plans?
Kyle Zunker, Associate
Cokinos, Bosien & Young
San Antonio, TX
A
general contractor wins a bid and starts on a project
only to find that the architect or engineer’s plans
and specifications contain numerous errors. The plans
require 50, 60, or 70% revision and the general
contractor’s costs skyrocket. Can the general contractor
recover from the architect? Last summer the Texas Supreme Court said no. After this
summer, it is not so clear.
In Martin K. Eby Construction Co. v. CCE sued PBS & J for negligent
The trial court
LAN/STV (350 S.W.3d 675), Dallas Area misrepresentation.
Rapid Transit (“DART”) awarded Eby awarded judgment in favor of PBS & J.
Construction Co. (“Eby”) a contract to CCE appealed.
construct a portion of a light rail. LAN/ The Houston Court of Appeals held
STV, a joint venture, prepared the plans that CCE’s costs in hiring a subcontractor
and specifications for the bid documents. to complete the road were out-of-pocket
not
benefit-of-the-bargain
After encountering delays and increased costs,
costs, Eby sued LAN/STV for negligence damages. Therefore, CCE’s costs were
and negligent misrepresentation. The not precluded by the economic loss rule.
jury and court awarded Eby $2.25 million. As such, the court reversed the trial
court’s judgment.
LAN/STV appealed.
LAN/STV argued the economic loss The facts of CCE and Eby appear
rule prevented Eby from recovering similar. Given that the Texas Supreme
against LAN/STV. LAN/STV’s argument Court overturned Eby, one would think
was that Eby’s damages were benefit-of- the Court would overturn CCE. However,
the-bargain damages (i.e. lost profits on the Court did not. Instead, the Court
its construction contract), instead of out- withheld judgment. The Court first
of-pocket costs (which are not precluded explained the Eby holding: “the economic
by the economic loss rule). The Dallas loss rule barred a general contractor from
Court of Appeals rejected LAN/STV’s recovering delay damages from a project
argument, and held that Eby’s delay architect with which it did not contract.”
damages were out-of-pocket costs. The Then the Court said that the arguments
economic loss rule does not prevent in CCE are “best addressed by the trial
recovery of out-of-pocket costs, so Eby court on remand.”
It is unclear why the Texas Supreme
could recover against LAN/STV.
Court
handled the CCE case differently
The Texas Supreme Court took up
than
the
Eby case. One interpretation is
the case and said the true issue was
“whether the [economic loss] rule that CCE shows contractors can still have
permits a general contractor to recover claims against architects for negligent
the increased costs of performing its misrepresentation, if the damages are
construction contract with the owner in a out-of-pocket expenses. Eby makes it
tort action against the project architect clear that delay damages are not
for negligent misrepresentations― considered out-of-pocket expenses and
cannot be recovered. However, following
errors―in the plans and specifications.”
The Court held the economic loss rule CCE, it is not clear which costs would be
prevented Eby’s recovery and the Court considered out-of-pocket costs that a
reversed. The Court noted that on contractor could recover from an
construction projects there are many architect under a negligent misrepresparties involved, and that the parties entation cause of action. Stay tuned for
should rely only on their contracts and clarification from the courts as to which
insurance to recover their economic losses. costs, if any, a contractor can recover
Meanwhile, there was a similar case from an architect for negligent
in the Texas courts. In CCE, Inc. v. PBS & J misrepresentation―i.e. errors―in plans
Construction Services, Inc. (461 S.W.3d and specifications.
Kyle Zunker is an associate of Cokinos,
542), the Texas Department of Bosien
&Young, a full service law firm with
Transportation (“TxDot”) hired PBS & J
offices
in
Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and
Construction Services, Inc. (“PBS & J”) to
draft engineering plans and specifications Austin. For more information on our
for a new road. TxDot awarded the services, please visit www.cbylaw.com\
general contractor work to CCE, Inc. 1____________________________
Special thanks to G. Stewart Whitehead,
(“CCE”). After an erosion problem arose
William R. Allensworth, Matthew J.
due to alleged defects in the plans and Sullivan and Will W. Allensworth for their
specifications, TxDot placed CCE in presentation and paper on this topic at
default and CCE incurred costs in hiring a the Basic Course in Construction Law,
subcontractor to complete the project. Nov. 12-13, 2015, Austin, Texas.
He’s a winner
L-R: Raymond Risk, president and CEO of the TCA Safety Group; Gina O’Hara, vice president
of Anco Insurance and master agent of the TCA Safety Group; Rick Segura (holding award),
senior safety manager at D.E. Harvey Builders; Jason Beers, director, D.E. Harvey Builders and
Brian Chester, executive vice president of United Mechanical and TCA chairman.
I
magine you are a painting subcontractor arriving at a job site to find that a
drywall subcontractor left a mess the
previous day. This could be dangerous
for your crew that must now, for example,
set up ladders on top of drywall dust, but
you don’t have the authority to order the
drywall subcontractor to clean up the
site. Only the general contractor can do
that. If this were you, you might be appreciative of a general contractor that
strives to keep construction sites safe and
clean to avoid incidents like this one.
When 2,400 subcontractors in Texas
were asked by the Texas Construction Association (TCA) Safety Group which general contractor does the most to keep job
sites safe, they chose D.E. Harvey, a division of Harvey-Cleary. As a result, the
company was honored with the first-ever
General Contractor Job Site Safety Award,
which was awarded at a meeting of the
TCA Board of Directors on Oct. 28.
“I’m honored that we received this
award from our contractors, but I’m not
surprised because our safety program is
second to none,” says Jason Beers, director of Harvey Builders. “We want every
individual worker to go home safe to
their families so they can come back the
next day and provide for them.”
The TCA Safety Group is a workers’
compensation insurance safety group
written by Texas Mutual Insurance Company. This is the first General Contractor
Job Site Safety Award ever presented by
the group. Gina O’Hara, a vice president
at Anco Insurance and master agent of
the TCA Safety Group, said she wants to
see it become a coveted annual award.
“We want to bring focus to messy
worksites because subcontractors were
having lots of trips, slips and falls stemming from poor cleanup of job sites,” she
said. “It falls back on the general contractors to monitor their own work sites and
the subcontractors who voted to honor
Harvey with this award felt that they do it
better than most.” –cw
Fore fun!
A
First Place, Nestor Martinez and Benny DeLeon, Martinez Drywall
ssociated General Contractors
(AGC) Rio Grande Valley Chapter
finally got to head out to the
greens after two weather delays for the
2015 Fall Classic Golf Tournament. The
games were played at Treasure Hills Golf
Course on Nov. 3. –cw
Winners:
1st place – Nestor Martinez and Benny
DeLeon, Martinez Drywall
2nd place – Alfonso Soto and Caleb Garcia, Terracon Consultants
3rd place – Raymond Givilancz and Noel
DeLeon, TNT Crane & Rigging
Blind Draw – Ramiro Garza, TNT Crane &
Rigging
DAL – Edward Ramirez and Albert Garcia,
CAPA
Closest to the Pin
#7 – Humberto Garcia Sr.
#17 – Sam Uribe
Longest Drive
#8 – Albert Salinas
#16 – Jeff Scoggins
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Debbie Montez, executive director of American Institute of Architects (AIA) Corpus
Christi stands with Aaron Jarrett, the chapter’s scholarship winner. –cw
Page 6
still a close family.
My mother had an independent pioneer spirit that she passed onto me. My
brother had people skills, which I learned
from him.
Danny Boultinghouse
AIA, Principal
Boultinghouse, Simpson,
Gates Architects
McAllen, Texas
D
anny Boultinghouse was raised to
believe he could accomplish
whatever he set out to do.
With a quirky view of the world and a
great sense of humor, Boultinghouse’s
advice to future possible architects is
pretty straightforward: If you are going
into architecture for the money or ego…
forget it. If you want to make a difference
and leave this earth better than when
you came into it and feel good about it…
go for it. But be prepared for a long journey, it is a test of endurance.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small rural community,
Calallen, Texas. Now, it’s large and part of
Corpus Christi.
I graduated from Calallen High
School. There were 28 in my senior class. I
said it was small!
In high school, did you play sports?
I was a four-sport letterman. I played
basketball, baseball and tennis, ran track
and was in FFA (Future Farmers of America).
Tell me about your home life and family.
While I was growing up, my father
worked in a refinery, before that, agriculture. Mom stayed home and took care of
me.
I was raised to believe that I could accomplish anything if I wanted it bad
enough. No boundaries.
I had two older brothers, the closest
was 15 years older than me, which means
I had three fathers watching out for me!
We were a very close family.
Both of my brothers are deceased, as
well as my parents - leaving me the patriarch over nieces and nephews. We are
When did you know you wanted to be
an architect?
I didn’t think about being an architect until my second year in Junior College. I found that the typical read, listen,
memorize and regurgitate the answers
on an exam required of most degree
paths was boring.
And for me, 2+2 shouldn’t always
have to equal 4. In architecture, the creative side says that 2+2 can equal 6 or 8
or anything my imagination wants it to
be. It just seemed to fit my persona better.
As has been said: not coloring between the lines. I have always subscribed
to “think and question everything” and
as Robert Frost put it: ”Take the road less
traveled by…”
So, I traveled through five more years
in architecture school and graduated
from the University of Texas – Austin.
Were you involved in any sports or
other activities in college?
No outside activities, Architecture
school was (is) a full time job.
Architecture is one of those fields that
are called “over-populated,” as far as
job options and opportunities. That
didn’t stop you - why?
Cheeez, no one told me that until it
was too late!
What did you do after you graduated?
After graduation, I joined a small firm
in Corpus Christi that had an office in Laredo. Three years later, I was dispatched to
McAllen to establish the third office for
that group. I stayed with the firm for 14
years, got the itch, resigned, went into
seven years of sole proprietor private
practice.
In 1990, I merged with Bob Simpson
who was in a similar practice.
In those years, what had you learned
about your career?
My career path taught me that to be
successful, you should surround yourself
with folks better than you and treat them
like family.
I still find it somewhat interesting
that in 1972, three years out of architecture school, very new to the profession,
married only four years with a 1-year-old
kid, that I made the decision to move to
an area that I knew very little about to
start a regional office for an established
firm. What were those guys thinking?
What was I thinking?
If Danny Boultinghouse goes missing, he will probably be in Belize. Pictured there with
Wanza, his daughter, Sierra, his granddaughter, and Nancy, his wife.
It seems to have worked! Tell me about
your family.
My wife of 47 years, Nancy, is retired
as the marketing director for the McAllen
Economic Development Corporation.
We have one daughter, Wanza, married, living in Leander. She is Director of
Technology Services for a merchandise
marketing firm.
We have one granddaughter, Sierra,
who is a recent graduate of Texas State.
She has a degree in wildlife biology, and
is working as a vet tech in Colorado.
No one is following in my architectural footsteps. My daughter was a theatre major (at least was in the arts)!
Tell me about BSG Architects and how
it got started.
After surviving seven years as a sole
practitioner and Bob Simpson doing similar, it seemed reasonable to merge compatible talents, goals and interests. It was
a great decision. Recently bringing John
Gates into the mix as a principal has elevated our firm with new energy and a
continued long future.
Explain your interest and passion in
“community sensitive” design. What
does that mean?
My definition of “community sensitive” design is design that fits the cultural,
historical and environmental fabric of the
area. The challenge is to maintain that
sensitivity and still create new progressive solutions to architectural problems
that keep pace with new technology and
trends. It involves a delicate balance of
blending the old and the new that still
maintains that sense of appropriateness.
Was there a particular person that acted as a mentor while you were learning your craft? Is that person still active in your life? How did they help
you?
The person that made the most difference was Johnny Cotten, an architect
in the Corpus Christi firm. Johnny’s optimistic encouragement and confidence in
me at the right time in my career made
the difference. I still consider him one of
the most gifted architects that I have
been associated with. He is now retired
from practice and still a friend.
What do you like to do when you are
not working?
Hunt, fish, backpacking, kayaking…
being active outside. I have an interest in
South Texas history, archeology and have
a large collection of Native American artifacts that I have found over the years
while stumbling through the outback.
Has your family (or you) been on any
vacations that were awesome?
Belize…clean white beaches, crystal
clear water, unlimited rum punch, English
speaking and logical currency. If I disappear you can look for me there. (no,
don’t). –cw
A real ghoul time
Associated General Contractors South Txeas Chapter’s (AGC-ST) Young Contractor’s
Council hosted its first Halloween Mixer on Oct. 29 at Rockit’s Whiskey Bar & Saloon. It
was a great turnout and networking opportunity. Front row, L-R: Derek Buck, Ram Tool
& Supply; Charlie Rutherford, CMC Construction Services; Mandi Sauve and Colette
Rye, South Texas AGC; Robert Morris, STBP Inc.; Mike Munoz, Beecroft Construction;
back row, L-R: Jason Skrobarczyk, Fulton Coastcon Construction; Chris Cuellar, Cherish
Ruddick and Chris Ramsey, Pinnacle Roofing; and Sean Walker, Fulton Coastcon
Construction. –cw
Page 7
Ken Milam’s Fishing Line
Since 1981, Ken Milam has been guiding fishing trips for striped bass on Lake Buchanan in
the Texas Hill Country,. You can hear Ken on radio on Saturday and Sunday mornings, 6-8
AM on AM 1300, The Zone – Austin, or http://www.am1300the zone.com
Merry Catfish!
I
can hardly believe it’s almost Christmas time. Summer took so long to
end this year I think it messed with my
internal calendar! It just seemed kind of
cool to slide straight from striper fishing
into the deer blind. At least I’m finally not
having a heat stroke trying to stand wearing my camo hunting clothes!
Catfish love to move around and feed
this time of year. You can bait you up a
catfish hole with some old smelly soured
maize, or just chunk them some cattle
cubes to get them interested and coming
in to check on what’s for lunch. Then all
you need is a hook with something stinky
on it or some good worms to serve up
the blue plate special and start reeling
them in.
If you have talked to any hunters or been
hunting you then you know that we are
having a really good deer season. We
have plenty of nice healthy deer to hunt
and there are some truly amazing antlers
on the bucks this year. We are seeing
racks on some of our low fence deer to
rival their high fence cousins. They can
definitely get your blood pumping!
Don’t forget to consider donating any
surplus venison you may have to Hunters
for the Hungry so we can make this season a little better for someone else too.
If that sounds like too much trouble, just
call your favorite fishing guide and let
him do the dirty work and clean your
catch for you when you are done. That
way you can pick yourself up a nice barbeque supper and see some Christmas
lights on the way home with your catfish.
After all man doesn’t live on turkey and
ham alone this time of year, and maybe a
fish fry would be a welcome addition to
your holiday party. You might just load
up the whole crew and bring them fishing with you and start a whole new holiday tradition.
The recent rains have brought the countryside into a welcome time of renewal
after all the old dusty remains of summer.
Where there was bare dirt and crispy vegetation now there is plenty of tender
green stuff growing. Trees that were just
barely staying alive are even putting on
new growth and regaining health before
winter sets in. Sometimes it almost looks
like a false spring!
Another thing that I love about these
cooler months is CATFISH. I know, fa-lala-la-la and Happy Holidays and all that
stuff is this time of year, but it is a wellkept secret that we have a heck of a catfish season this time of year that nobody
seems to notice. Any angler that can tear
himself away (or escape) from the holiday rush to go catfishing will usually be
well rewarded.
On blue cat, on yeller cat and on humpback blue! Merry Catfish to all and to all a
fish fry!
Thank you to everyone who turned out
to vote to pass Proposition 6 and protect
our right to hunt and fish in Texas for ours
and future generations! It is a privilege
we can continue to cherish thanks to you.
McPherson catfish
Half or Full Day Fishing Trips
All Bait, Tackle & Equipment
Furnished
Your catch Filleted and
Bagged for You
Furnish your TPWD Fishing
License & Refreshments,
and WE DO THE REST!
Ken Milam Guide Service
(325) 379-2051
www.striperfever.com
publishing the industry’s news
Texas
Style
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Page 8
Fore a good cause
Helping Kalyssa
Terracon’s Pharr location employees Rita Stanage, Lupe Torres and Armando Galvan
took part in the 7th annual City Manager’s Golf Classic in Brownsville on Nov. 7. –cw
Music scene
Testengeer was one of the sponsors of the RUN for Kalyssa 5K event on Oct. 25 at
Emmanual Lutheran Church in Inez, TX. Kalyssa Kitchens, diagnosed with leukemia in
August 2015, led the RUN while riding on a pink fire truck. Testengeer employee Kevin
Schaefer won second place and presented his medal to Kalyssa. All of the proceeds
were donated to the Kitchens family for medical and travel expenses. –cw
Great day
Terracon’s Stephanie Rendon attended Austin City Limits music
festival in Austin in October. –cw
Fore-runners
Ken Biggs shows off a nice covey of quail he took while hunting with his friend,
Ken Faires III, Faires Plumbing Company, Edinburg. –cw
Testengeer-Taurus teams participated in Formosa Plastics’ United Way Charity Golf
Tournament on Oct. 2. L-R: Gerald Dickey, Ramon Verduzco, Ray Pucciarello and
Randy Pilsner were on the Testengeer-Taurus 1st place team. –cw
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS . . .
fishing, hunting, skiing,
biking, racing, or
any outdoor activity or sport.
There is no charge to you.
Email to:
[email protected]
or call 210-308-5800(home office)
Ask for Cyndi
Page 9
Think pink
Peace, man
Pictured, Fabrication Division participants: Yvette Santos and family, Marissa Mendez and
son, Lori Flores Garza and family, Joshua Barnett, Martin Mata, John Deanda and daughter;
Construction Division participants: Mayra Romero Garcia, Michelle Cervantes and family,
Debra Ramos, Patricia Livas, Wendy Pena and family (not pictured); personnel: Ninfa Alaniz,
Dora San Miguel, not pictured; security: Julie Leija and family.
O
n Sept. 23, TEAM TURNER CORPUS
CHRISTI began their participation
in the Making Strides Against
Breast Cancer campaign. In doing so,
$2,052 was raised with participation from
Turner Industries Group LLC. employees, friends, family and many other donors. The team’s fundraising ended on
Oct. 17 with the Making Strides Against
Breast Cancer walk, in which several employees and their families participated.
“I had an awesome time with Team
Turner,” said Joshua Barnett, logistics
foreman in the Pipe Fabrication Division.
“It was my first event and it was a blast. I
enjoyed being part of the team, making
the hot dog plates for the fab shop and
construction guys’ lunch. We raised a lot
of money that day! Also the walk on Saturday was really fun. Meeting others
from Turner that enjoyed giving back to
the community was very gratifying. I feel
this is the start to some great relationships and a lot of fun.” –cw
Vickie Thompson, NAWIC treasurer, and Ana Shaffer both work at Dixie
Pipe Sales and got in the Halloween spirit this year. –cw
Pink out
Daniel Pena and children, L-R: Bianca I. Pena, Daniel I. Pena, Nadia Pena and Ariana Pena
(family of Wendy Pena-Turner, employee)
L-R: Josua Barnett (Turner Ind GrpFabrication Division); Martin Mata
(Turner Ind Grp-Fabrication Division);
Patricia Livas (Turner Ind. Grp-Corporate
Procurement); Marissa Mendez (Turner
Ind. Grp. Fabrication Division)
Corpus Christi Chapter NAWIC members wore pink at the October meeting for Breast
Cancer Awareness. Back, L-R: Cathy Beaudin, Teresa Salman-Smith, Darlene Lee
Omana, Virginia Llanas, and Michell Patton; front, L-R: Vickie Thompson, Vanessa
and Dominic Garcia, Patricia Livas and Julia Smith. –cw
Page 10
Ringing Singing Tree coming to Austin
The Ringing Singing Tree
H
ouston-based JK Welding is constructing the Western Hemisphere's first Ringing Singing Tree.
The company serves clients throughout Houston, San Antonio, Austin and
Dallas.
"We are thrilled to be a part of this
art project, which will be installed in Austin," said owner John King, JK Welding.
"Our staff considers it a great honor to be
a part of the project.”
King says JK Welding became involved with the project when an attorney from Austin contacted the company
to build this for him based off some
prints provided by Tonkin Liu from the
United Kingdom.
According to King, the Ringing Singing Tree is estimated to stand nearly 17
feet tall and weighs 20 tons, incorporating 22 levels of precision piping.
“This is a wind-powered musical
sculpture that takes its cue from two likedesigned sculptures in Britain and Saudi
Arabia,” King said. “Its galvanized steel
pipes are arranged in a stacked swirl formation mimicking a tree bent as it's
blown by the wind.”
As the wind whispers through these
pipes, a haunting and melodious hum
covering several octaves ushers out. Every time a guest sits underneath this fantastic art and music-based sculpture, they
will hear a different song.
King added that the steel pipes are
fabricated both for aesthetical qualities
and toning. Specific narrow slits are added on the underside of certain, expertly
placed pipes to produce their desired
sound.
The Austin Ringing Singing Tree will
be on public display at 18433 FM 529 in
Cypress for six months to a year before its
moved to Austin. “This project is so unique what fabrication welding shop wouldn’t want to be
a part of it,” King said. “JK Welding wants
to be a part of making history as this giant wind chime becomes a part of history
here in Texas and the rest of the world.”
The JK Welding team
JK Welding provides welding, custom fabrication, design and installation for jobs and
projects of all sizes and scope. –ab
Page 11
Construction Equipment
Equipment dealers association evolves to better serve its members
Rick Lawhun, President/CEO
Equipment Dealers Association
St. Louis, MO
O
ver the past several months, the
Equipment Dealers Association
(EDA), formerly known as the North
American Equipment Dealers Association, has undergone significant change in
an effort to better serve its members. The
association’s evolution has included development of a new brand, which includes a new name, logo, vision, and mission, as well as a new governance model
and membership model.
The new brand was created to communicate that the association is evolving
and engage positive perceptions, while
drawing attention to the renewed focus of
the organization – government relations,
manufacturer relations, and regulatory
compliance. After careful consideration,
the 2014-15 board of directors determined
that dropping the geographic descriptor
better aligned the organization with the
regional equipment dealers associations
and strengthened the organization’s position as the largest international organization for equipment dealers.
Throughout its 115-year history, the
association has had a few different
names, but its purpose has remained unchanged – to help dealers succeed. The
new name and brand will continue that
purpose by raising the association’s visibility and making it more effective in pursuing its primary focus areas.
As of Oct. 1 of this year, the association’s governance model changed from a
17-person appointed board to a 9-person
elected board. The 2014-15 board felt a
need to create a leaner structure that can
react more quickly in addressing industry
issues and influences. The new model
also allows dealer members to directly
determine the board member who will
represent their interests and speak on
their behalf at the national level. The August 2015 election of board members
was the first such event in the history of
the organization and members responded by returning more than 1,000 ballots.
Also as of Oct. 1 of this year, the association’s membership model changed
from a federation structure, where the
regional associations were the members
of the national organization, to a direct
membership model, where the dealers
are the national members. In approving
the new model, the 2014-15 board determined that the new structure facilitates
direct communication with dealer members and positions the organization as
the unified voice representing the interests and needs of the dealer. Not only
have the dealer members positively embraced the change, but industry entities
as well, including manufacturers, vendors, and other associations having similar missions and goals.
As president and CEO of the Equip-
ment Dealers Association, I am fortunate
to have played a small part in implementing these significant changes. The 201415 board of directors had the wisdom,
foresight, and courage to implement
change when status quo would have
been acceptable. They can be proud of
their accomplishments knowing that the
future of the Equipment Dealers Association is bright.
About Us
Founded in 1900, the Equipment
Dealers Association (EDA), formerly
known as the North American Equipment Dealers Association, is a non-profit
trade organization representing 4,500 retail dealers extensively engaged in the
sale and service of agricultural, construction, industrial, forestry, outdoor power,
lawn and garden, and/or turf equipment.
EDA provides essential value to its members by enhancing the dealer-manufacturer relationship and advocating for a
positive legislative and regulatory environment. EDA is headquartered in St.
Louis, MO and is affiliated with regional
associations located throughout the
United States and Canada. For additional
information, visit www.naeda.com.
Deere
Snorkel
T
he new Snorkel S3219E provides 19feet of platform height from a 32-inch
wide chassis and can lift 550 lbs. Nonmarking tires and saloon-style entry
gates are fitted as standard. It is part of
the new Snorkel hydraulic drive electric
slab scissor lift family that was launched
earlier this year. The family includes four
models: S3219E, S3226E, S4726E, and
S4732E.
Designed for the rental industry, the
S3219E is packed with innovative features
that benefit both the rental company and
the operator. The new dual shear design
scissor stack features oversized pins to increase stack rigidity and increase the life
of the machine. The platform is made
from 12-gauge diamond plate, eliminating the need for grip tape. The S3219E’s
36-inch roll-out deck extension has telescopic rails meaning that the operator can
utilize the maximum floor space of the
platform whether stowed or extended.
Upper controls are hard mounted to
reduce theft and the lower controls are
positioned in the rear of the chassis, allowing easy access when machines are parked
side-by-side. A control panel for loading is
located on the external toe board of the
machine, allowing the operator to ‘walk’
the machine onto a truck without needing
to be inside the platform.
The lifts have a gravity-actuated,
over-center active pothole protection
system that does not rely on springs or
hydraulics. The kingpins have been enhanced by a factor of eight, to eliminate
breakage, especially from forklifts when
moving the machines. The S3219E has a
90° steering design.
Easy maintenance
Efficient maintenance is an important factor for rental companies, and the
Snorkel scissor lifts feature an ‘inside-out’
twin door tray design which makes servicing the equipment light work. The
T
smaller door trays also carry less weight,
meaning less strain on the door hinges.
The tray is housed in heavy-duty ¼ steel
that provides additional protection to
the machine’s electrics.
Durability
The chassis features a solid plate underneath it to protect the undercarriage
and a flat top to ensure that any debris
falls onto the ground during power washing and does not remain within the machine.
With 25% gradeability and a long
duty cycle per charge, the new Snorkel series of electric slab scissor lifts are designed
to deliver a long working life with minimal
downtime and low maintenance costs.
The lifts are now in production and
are available to order.
To find out more about the Snorkel
S3219E, contact Ahern Rentals on 800400-1610 or visit www.ahern.com.
he John Deere 1050K was designed
and built with state-of-the art tools
and techniques. Boasting more power
and weight than the J-Series model it replaces, the 1050K Dozer delivers the performance you need for mining, quarrying, road building, and other large-scale
applications. When you compare it to
other crawlers in its class, the John Deere
1050K is the obvious choice.
From the ground up, the completely
redesigned 1050K features a John Deere
PowerTechTM engine with the superior
power-to-weight ratio to provide the
traction needed to push more material.
Dual-path hydrostatic transmission allows you to push a full load through turns
without losing material, unlike torqueconverter transmissions on competitor
machines. Other enhancements include
an EPA Final Tier 4 (FT4)/EU Stage IV die-
sel engine for work in nonattainment areas. And a new EcoMode that regulates
engine rpm to burn up to 25-percent less
fuel. Plus the unsurpassed visibility, operating ease, responsiveness, and reliability
you've come to expect from our crawlers.
This dozer is loaded with all the fatiguebeating amenities an operator needs to
get “in the zone” and become more productive.
Maintaining big iron doesn’t have to
be a big deal. Backed by the RDO Promise
– Uptime GuaranteedTM, you get a level of
guarantee that no other John Deere or
competitive brand dealer offers – a commitment to providing the ultimate in service and care when you purchase your
equipment from RDO Equipment Co.
Stack the deck in your favor — learn
more by contacting your local RDO
Equipment Co. store today.
Page 12
Construction Equipment
Leica
Wacker
L
T
his mid size dumper features a 6,600
lb (3-metric ton) payload capacity,
power swivel material handling and hydrostatic permanent four-wheel drive as
standard. The hydrostatic drive system
offers user-friendly controls, eliminating
the need to change gears. The 3001 offers superior performance, the drive system automatically provides torque when
and where it is needed. With no clutch to
wear or gears to grind, hydrostatic drive
eliminates the high parts and labor costs
associated with replacing these components. ROPS and heated cab versions are
available.
• Operator station is easily accessible
from both sides for added convenience.
• Swivel bucket allows material to be unloaded on either side of the unit for ultimate versatility.
• Four-wheel drive provides perfect traction in difficult terrain. Articulated steering with central hose routing allows for
tight turning radius and protection of the
hoses.
• Dashboard displays a full range of dials/
indicator lights such as fuel gauge, low
fuel warning light and parking brake
light for operator convenience.
• Engine cover lifts high giving excellent
access to all the service points
For more information, contact Tejas
Equipment Rental at 956-535-2752
eica Geosystem has introduced the world’s
first self-learning MultiStation Robotic Total Station. The Leica Nova MS60
brings together all available measurement technologies in one instrument, including precision
3D scanning, robotic total
station capabilities, and
GPS connectivity. To further meet the demands of
ever-changing work sites;
the MS60 multistation
combines the latest measurement
technology
with the world’s first selflearning targeting recognition
environment,
ATRplus.
With the use of dynamic laser control, history logs of reflected laser targets
and tighter sensor synchronization, Leica’s ATRplus technology ushers in the latest generation of robotic total stations
and the one and only MultiStation capable of continuously adapting to a changing environment.
For more information contact Easy
Drive at (210) 491-9449.
Xtreme
Caterpillar
X
T
he Cat® 415F2 Backhoe Loader delivers performance, increased fuel efficiency, superior hydraulic system and an
all new operator station.
• Ergonomic Operator Station – Ample
legroom inside the cab makes rotating
the seat simple. The air suspension seat
provides operator comfort.
• Load Sensing Hydraulics – The Cat Backhoe Loader’s load sensing piston pump
provides full hydraulic lifting and digging
forces at any engine speed. Variable flow
pump matches hydraulic power to work
demands.
• Machine Performance – The proven Cat
C3.4B engine delivers solid performance,
meets Tier 4 Final/Stage IV emission standards, and requires no diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).
• Machine Versatility – A broad range of
performance matched Cat Work Tools
make the Cat Backhoe Loader the most
versatile machine on the job site. All
backhoe loaders have standard thumb
ready sticks.
For more information, contact HOLT
CAT at 877-714-0978 or visit HoltCat.
com/BHL
treme
Manufacturing’s
XR4030
heavy-duty rough terrain telehandler
can lift up to 40,000 lbs.
Designed for lifting large loads, the
XR4030 also boasts up to 30 ft. of lift
height and a forward reach of up to 16 ft.
4 in., maximizing its use for many applications across the jobsite.
Built to last, Xtreme Manufacturing
telehandlers’ feature a solid steel plate
chassis, high quality components and a
reliable Perkins engine, making them
ideal for working in tough conditions,
such as large construction sites, as well as
oil and gas, utilities and mining applications.
The XR4030, like all Xtreme telehandlers, is designed to get the job done
safely and efficiently. Innovative standard features, such as 360° operator visibility from the cab, and an integrated
boom lift point to support suspended
loads, help to minimize the risk of acci-
dents. Long life boom rollers are maintenance free, and reduce boom chatter for
smoother operation when positioning a
load. Xtreme operator boom controls are
specially designed to permit the operator
to keep one hand on the steering wheel
at all times.
The Xtreme XR4030 is designed to be
the ‘swiss army knife’ of the jobsite, with
its lift capacity and reach providing a solution for most jobsite lifting applications. The XR4030 can further be customized with a range of attachments,
which now includes a new pipe & pole
grapple attachment that can lift pipes
and poles up to 7 ft. diameter, with a lift
capacity of up to 35,000 lbs.
The Xtreme XR4030 is available to order.
To find out more about the Xtreme
XR4030, contact Ahern Rentals on 800400-1610 or visit www.ahern.com.
NEXT MONTH
January 2016
Construction Forecast
Support Your Industry’s Feature Issue
Call for Ad Space
Reservations
•
•
•
•
San Antonio
Austin • Houston
Dallas/Fort Worth
South Texas
(210) 308-5800
Page 13
Association Calendar
Round-Up
Content submitted by Associations to Construction News
Associated General Contractors
American Society of Safety Engineers
Dec. 10: Christmas Party, beginning at
5:30pm, at Ferguson Show Room, 5513
Saratoga Blvd. Call 361-289-0996 for
more information.
Dec. 8: Monthly meeting at Railroad Seafood Station in Corpus Christi from
11:30am to 1pm. Speaker is Paul English
discussing higher education, distance
learning and what it all means to the safety professional.
AIA - Corpus Christi
American Institute of Architects
Dec. 8: Holiday Party, honors and awards
at 6pm at Hester’s at the South Texas Museum of Art, 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd.
SCTMC
Safety Council of the Texas Mid-Coast
Dec. 8-11: OSHA #5810 Hazard Recognition and Standards
Dec. 8-10: DOT Hazardous Materials
Training
For more information go online
to UTA contact Betty Birdwell, SCTMC
Business Outreach and Instructor Leader
at 361-552-7823 x 1207 or via email at
[email protected]
Include your
Association Calendar
events by submitting
to:
STeditor@
constructionnews.net
There is no charge
Thomas Burr has joined Raba Kistner as chief operating officer
and senior vice president of Raba Kistner Environmental (RKE).
Burr has 21 years of experience in the environmental field, including most recently with Chicago Bridge & Iron (CB&I), where
he was office director and environmental and infrastructure operations manager. Burr received his MS in Environmental Science
from Baylor University in 1994 and his BS in Biology from the University of Oregon in 1992.
Submissions
ASSE - Coastal Bend
Round-Up
AGC- Corpus Christi
This is a monthly section for brief company announcements of new or
recently promoted personnel, free of charge, as space allows.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Email (w/digital photo, if available) by the 15th of any month,
for the next month’s issue (published 1st of each month).
Email info to appropriate city issue, with “Round-Up” in the subject line:
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
San Antonio:
[email protected]
Austin:
[email protected]
Dallas/Ft. Worth: [email protected]
Houston: [email protected]
South Texas:
[email protected]
Promoting an electric future
Celebrating the Department of Labor’s inaugural National Apprenticeship Week Nov.
2-6, Jesse Gatewood, the training director for Texas Gulf Coast IBEW Local 278 based in
Corpus Christi, represented the electrical apprenticeship program in San Antonio
on Nov. 5 at the UA Local 142 Open House. –mh
Page 14
The spark of something big
The IEC National Convention included the Platinum Partner Party, an event that brought out
everyone’s inner superhero.
T
his year’s 58th annual Independent
Electrical Contractors (IEC) National
Convention got a spark of new life,
rebranded as the IEC Con 2015. The convention and expo was held Oct. 21-24 in
Tampa, FL.
Other changes, which included
streamlining the educational sessions
and focusing on more interactive and
peer-to-peer programs, drew significantly more guests to this year’s convention.
Joseph Cephas, vice president of
public affairs for IEC National, notes that
one of the biggest sessions was the Great
Idea Swap, where attendees came in with
one great idea, wrote them down, shared
them and voted on the best ones. He says,
“With that, there are just so many different
ideas floating around the room that it
would be difficult for somebody not to
have an idea that impacts their business.”
Overall attendance was 1,572, a 23
percent increase from the previous year.
The number of registrants from electrical
contracting companies who took advantage of the entire convention, signing up
for every event, was 285, a 32 percent increase in their primary target market
from the previous year. The expo also
grew with more than 100 exhibitors from
a wide variety of industry vendors.
The 2016 IEC Con will be held in San
Antonio. –mh
continued from Page 1 — Buildings are for people
ongoing work to the UT Rio Grande Valley University campus in the past few
years.
“The nature of our work with all
these entities is 65 percent repurposing,
renovating and adding on to existing
properties,” Negrete says.
The firm is both a state-certified HUB
(Historically Underutilized Business) firm,
as well as a certified MBE (MinorityOwned Business) and DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) firm, which
Negrete says helps with bigger projects.
Repeat business plays a large part of
the firm’s mission, although Negrete says
he is always open for new opportunities.
“Our philosophy is to listen, interpret
and define their needs so we can provide
them appropriate and durable solutions,”
he says. “It’s very important with smaller
municipalities and school districts. They
look to us to analyze property and existing buildings and work in their key categories, whether financial or operational.
They look to us to provide the solutions.”
The firm’s employees don’t spend a
lot of time together outside of work.
“We try not to,” Negrete says. “The
thing is, we spend all this time together
already. We may have the occasional
business lunch, or the occasional holiday
dinner, but everybody has their personal
interests and lives. I’ve never felt very
comfortable having to attend an obligatory company event. Team building is
best done in the workplace.” –cw
continued from Page 1 — Innovative indeed
high quality product,” he says. “We figured if we did all that the business would
take care of itself.”
Employees are a valued asset at innovative Block. There are roughly 40 employees, with some working for Innovative Supply, a trucking company under
the umbrella of Innovative Block.
“We tend to keep people for years
and years,” Mueller said. “Many are still
here from beginning. We were providing
health care before it was required. We
take care of them, so they’ll take good
care of us.”
Recently, the company had a customer and employee appreciation open
house and Mueller says that every once
in a while, the company will have a party
and let everyone take home fajitas.
As part of Innovative Block’s recycling efforts, the company sends special
recycling containers to help keep jobsites
clean and then recycles the concrete.
“We were one of the first in the state
to do a lot of concrete recycling,” Muller
said. “We take back. For example, when
you do a school, about 10% of the block
ends up being scrap where windows
doors are. We grind it up and stick it right
back into the plant.”
As an additional bonus, contractors
and building owners can get LEED credits
when they use the concrete recycling on
their jobs.
The company works closely with UT
Rio Grande Valley – which has ongoing
projects.
“Whenever they tear a building
down, we try to collect all the concrete
and send it back to them to use,” Muller
says.
Innovative Block works in South Texas from Corpus Christi to Laredo and
south to the Rio Grande Valley. –cw
continued from Page 1 — Getting in The Groove
Ken Schmidt, former director of communications for Harley-Davidson Motor Company, was
the keynote speaker at the IEC National Convention.
Terracon achievements
A
lfonso Soto, Terracon principal
and manager of Geotechnical and
Construction Materials Testing
Services, received his Diplomate, Geotechnical Engineering (D.GE) certification.
This professional certification is offered through the Academy of Geo-Professionals and ensures that geotechnical
engineers have specialized knowledge
and skills in their field of practice.
Soto's official title is now Alfonso A.
Soto, P.E., D.GE, F.ASCE. Stephanie M. Rendon, MBA, received an Employee Excellence Award in
Terracon’s South Central West Division
(this division includes the Terracon Pharr,
Laredo, San Antonio, El Paso, Midland,
Lubbock, Austin, Dallas, Dallas North, and
Fort Worth offices). Rendon was awarded the Client Service Award - an award
given for exceptional service provided to
Terracon’s clients, extraordinary client
development efforts, and leadership in
the four primary service lines: Environmental, Geotechnical Engineering, Materials Testing, and Facilities. The Terracon Excellence Awards
were established to give company-wide
recognition to these outstanding employees. Rendon has worked for Terracon for 11 years, beginning in the San
Antonio office and relocating to Pharr in
2009. –cw
editions can be
Did you Pastdownloaded
at
know? www.ConstructionNews.net
Menendez says the restaurant floor
joists are supported on standard pier and
beam. It was a bit of a challenge to, not
only get the oven in the building, but to
support the 5,000-lbs that came with it. “The solution there really wasn't that
difficult,” he says. “While the existing
floor was exposed, we created a massive
engineered footing using rebar and concrete. We then had to temporarily support the roof where the exterior wall
needed to be opened in order to bring
the wood fired oven in the building. A
forklift handled the rest.”
The Venetian style warm wall finish
adds that old-world charm that gives customers that calm and inviting feel. All of
the lighting is from the 1960s or 1970s
circa. “I started collecting them and repurposing them many years ago as a hobby,”
Menendez says. “All of them have original style Edison lamps for that soft romantic glow. Some of the above kitchen
counter lighting was made from potato
mashers, cheese graters and mason
jars. I purchased a vintage Texas neon
sign and had the electrician rewire it with
LEDs and boy, do people love to take
photos by it! Three antique gas lamps
were also converted to line voltage and
add an additional glow to the dining
room.”
Warm distressed hickory flooring enhanced the rest of the interior.
Two 5-ton a/c units were also a must
in order to keep the building cool from
the wood fired oven.
“Music being a hobby of mine all my
life, I wanted to also incorporate a small
quaint radius stage in the corner of the
dining room,” Menendez says. “The mahogany halo that mimics the stage radius
gives the effect of a much larger appearance. This enabled us to bring performers in every night of the week that we are
open. Our customers enjoy listening to
the soft background music that they perform.”
For the exterior work, Menendez
again wanted that vintage original look
that would set the restaurant apart from
anyone or anything else anybody had. “The vision was to have that wow
factor and from what our customers tell
us, we achieved that goal as well,” he
says. A large 4' deep and 2' high concrete
porch the length of the building was removed so that smaller inviting stairs with
railings - made from an antique head and
footboard - could be built. There's even
an antique horse tie-up station similar to
what New Orleans has on their sidewalks. “You never know when a Texan
might ride up on his or her horse for a
great meal!” Menendez says. “Overall,
the outcome of my entire vision exceeded even my expectations. Customers
thank us on a daily basis, saying thank
you for opening this, we needed this in
Rockport. They also tell us that don't feel
like they are in Rockport when they dine
here.” Menendez was in the construction
industry for 35 years. As a licensed California general contractor in the early
years and a licensed cabinet and millwork
contractor, he focused on residential,
commercial and retail with the majority
being retail the later part of his career. His
last position for almost 20 years was the
VP of Real Estate and Construction for
Samuels Jewelers, where he enhanced
the company’s portfolio from 119 units to
209 units in the first couple of years
there. Responsibilities included space
planning, design and development, procurement, FF&E, maintenance, site selections, lease negotiations, lease executions and lease renewals.
“I just would like to add that the final
results of the project have been highly
successful,” Menendez says. “Our goal
has gone above and beyond our expectations.” –cw
Page 15
Spooky in South Texas
F
olks in the construction industry in South Texas took advantage of October’s Halloween festivities to carve pumpkins or come to work as an alter ego! –cw
Evins Glass Service employees got caught up in the Halloween spirit in Corpus Christi.
L-R: Sonjia Peterson, Darren Vera, Sharon Sutter and Megan Johnson
The Raba Kistner McAllen office put together some great costumes. Above, “Kat in the Hat” is
Katrin Leonard, PE, accompanied by Marianna Alvarado (Thing One) and Delia Vasquez (Thing
Two). They were a top contest winner in the firm, taking the “Most Creative” award.
L-R: Jorge L. Perez; Mary Ann Alvarado; Katrin Leonard, PE; Delia Vasquez; Osvaldo Ochoa;
Isidoro Arjona, PE and VP of office; Kristina Leal; and Byanka Moreno
Ana and Sergio from Gignac Architects.
Esteban from Negrete Kolar LLC took on a Star Wars theme pumpkin!
The folks at S.S. Smith & Sons Masonry Inc. in Corpus Christi didn’t hold out when it came
time to use their imaginations for some creative costumes.
L-R: Brenda Justice, administrative assistant; Sid Smith Jr., owner; Vicki Brunks, office manager;
and Richard Valenzuela, yard foreman.
John Gates from BSG Architects
Jerry from PSJA school district
Juan Martinez and Mirtha Uranga from Milnet Architectural
Services
South Texas Construction News editor Cyndi Wright
channeled Carol from The Walking Dead.
Page 16
LNV catches the holiday spirit
L
Skeet peek
On Nov. 17, Corpus Christi employees got together for a Thanksgiving dinner.
NV, a local engineering, architecture, surveying and construction
company has donated to organizations that help children in the region in
lieu of its annual holiday party.
“The shared enthusiasm within our
company in preparing gifts for others
has brought us back to the true reason
for the season,” said Robert Viera, senior
vice president/principal at LNV.
This year, the engineering, architectural, surveying and construction company is celebrating 15 years after Dan
Leyendecker, Derek Naiser and Viera
acquired the 38-year-old architectural
and engineering firm Smith & Russo in
April 2000.
The firm started with seven employees in one office and has grown to more
than 140 employees in seven Texas locations, including Austin, Corpus Christi
(headquarters), Dallas/Fort Worth, Harlingen, Laredo, McAllen and San Antonio.
Four of the five donations were made
during the Coastal Bend Day of Giving
held in November. Those included Women’s Shelter of South Texas, Boys and Girls
Club of Corpus Christi/Robstown, Wesley
Community Center and the Ark Assessment Center and Emergency Shelter for
Youth. A fifth donation was made to
Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus
Christi through its personal donation system.
Employees at the company don’t
only work together, they play together
and now – they give together. –cw
First place winners (not listed in order) Hanks Team: Duane Muncrief, Ron Liemke, Hank
Sharper, Wesley Hawkins, Kenny Boeder and Master of Ceremonies Mark Roach
A
ssociated Builders & Contractors
Texas Coastal Bend Chapter (ABC)
had its 14th annual Skeet & Trap
Shoot in September at the Corpus Christi
Pistol and Rifle Club. –cw
Winners
1st place – Hanks Team
2nd place: Sprint Waste Services
3rd place: Repcon Inc Team #2
Celebrating 250 years
Would you like to be in Construction News?
Call or Email us!
There is no charge for stories or photos.
[email protected]
(210) 308-5800 (home office)
Alamo Crane is equipped to handle
any petroleum related work
in the Eagle Ford Shale.
Setting storage
tanks at quarry
site. Getting
ready for the
big highway boom.
Terracon Office Manager Jorge A. Flores, P.G., (pictured with his mother Maria Ramona
Flores) attended the City of Roma’s 250th Anniversary Celebration on Nov. 14.
Roma is Flores’s hometown and Terracon was proud to be a sponsor at
this once-in-a-lifetime event. –cw
Pink link
From El Paso
to Beaumont,
Amarillo to
Brownsville
36 Years of
Service
to Texas
www.alamocrane.com
San Antonio (210) 344-7370
Austin
(512) 282-6866
Toll Free
(800) 880-0134
ABC Painting & Drywall LLC in Corpus Christi donated its time and painted
chairs pink for breast cancer awareness in October. Sherwin Williams donated
the paint. ABC owner Joe Solis Jr. says the chairs are for Project Empty Chair,
sponsored by Radiology Associates, who strategically place empty chairs around
the Coastal Bend to remind people of lives lost to the disease.
Pictured: Fred Moreno of ABC Painting & Drywall. –cw

South Texas - Construction News

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