Highlighting your project The ABCs of service Formula for Momentum

Covering the Industry’s News
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South
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CONSTRUCTION
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Volume 4
Number 1
H
H
JANUARY 2016
The ABCs of service
Formula for Momentum
David Blair, Ashley Delagarza and David Jackson work together as a team.
The Momentum staff recently moved into the company’s new building in Port Lavaca.
BC Supply Co Inc. in Corpus Christi
may be just one of 500 stores
nationwide, but the staff and
management work hard to make sure
their store is unique in its customer
satisfaction.
Isaac Martinez is a managing
partner and David Jackson is the
delivery service manager.
The company prides itself on its
rooftop delivery option.
“We deliver roofing supplies in South
Texas – and we put the delivery on the
roof,” Jackson says. “We consider our
customers as part of our team. When we
pull up to a job site, we not only load the
roof, the customer usually helps. It’s not
required, but its appreciated!”
Besides roofing materials and
supplies, the company also doors,
windows and siding.
Jackson says the company is the
best company he has ever worked for.
“For 10 years in a row, we’ve been
voted the best company to work for by
the employees who take a Gallup Poll,”
he says. “We are family here. It’s a family
environment. Anything we can do for
each other to make the day go better, we
do.”
Jackson said the company provides
excellent benefits and bonuses based on
how well the store is doing. He says the
corporate office calls customers every
three months to survey their satisfaction
continued on Page 7
M
omentum Rental and Sales was
formed in 2013 by CEO Joey
Barrett, and the company has
already expanded to three locations with
plans for a fourth to open in the second
quarter of 2016.
Momentum has locations in Port
Lavaca, Richwood and Corpus Christi –
and a location planned for Baytown.
“We opened two locations at the
same time, in Port Lavaca and Corpus
Christi, and our Richwood location will
have a grand opening on Jan. 28,” says
Hilary Garcia, human resource and
marketing manager. “What separates the
company from the competition is we
want every customer to feel they are the
only customer,” she said. “We have 24/7
customer service – you will never get an
answering machine.”
Barrett has worked in equipment
rental for 15 years and Garcia says the
business is a one-stop shop.
“We have everything you need for
your construction job and if we don’t
have it, our team will work diligently to
get it,” she says.
That includes options ranging from
safety and industrial supplies to a
sophisticated rental fleet. According to
Garcia, Momentum has a family-oriented
atmosphere.
“We are a team,” she says. “Many of
our employees have been working
together for years and many of them
continued on Page 7
Highlighting your project
E
Dealership by D. Wilson Construction Company
Pioneer Natural Resources Pumping Services
by Weaver & Jacobs Constructors Inc.
ach month we reserve this premium space in our
publication to feature a recently completed project by a South Texas general contractor.
Our goal is to vary the project and contractor size to
afford everyone the opportunity to participate. We feel
a small- or medium-sized project constructed by a smallor medium-sized contractor is just as important as the
high profile projects that seem to receive all the attention by other media.
Finding those small to medium projects can be difficult at times. Some contractors might think we would
not be interested in their project because it may be a
modest one. Some may think because they are not a
huge company with a full-time marketing staff they
don’t have a chance to make the front page of our paper.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Since we began our first paper, the San Antonio Construction News in October 1998, we have always reached
out to everyone big and small.
In this tough economy we want to highlight our
Texas-based general contractors who are in the game
and competing with the out-of-state contractors who
have come to our great state.
continued on Page 7
Shooting range by South Texas Tactical
Fire station by Safenet Services LLC
Page 2
South Texas Construction News • Jan 2016
Designing the Valley
A busy time
of year
N
ational Association of
Women in Construction
(NAWIC) Corpus Christi
has had a busy season. Lisa
Huerta CBT, Kendall Erosion,
and Cathy Beaudin, CCA, CIT, attended the first planning conference for the newly-formed
South Central Region and Beaudin picked up an award for
recruitment for Patrica Livas,
Turner Industries. . –cw
The coastal bend ladies had a Christmas party
with a wine and ornament exchange.
L-R: Sergio Láinez, Ana Luksa, Juan Mujica and Charlie Garcia enjoy working in the two Valley
offices of Gignac Architects.
T
he Valley offices of Gignac Architects have four staff members between two offices – one in Harlingen and one in McAllen – but between
those four people, the firm usually has
between 10 to 20 projects going on at
any one time.
According to office manager Juan
Mujica – who has been with Gignac for
16 years and opened both Valley offices
– the firm shares the same philosophy
with the Corpus Christi office, but serves
as a liaison for the local clients.
“What separates us is that we serve
as liaisons with the Valley clientele,” Mujica says. “We work as one office and collaborate. The corporate office responds
to requests for RFQ’s. If we make the
short list, we interview together.”
The Harlingen office opened in 2004
and the McAllen office opened in 2014.
Charlie Garcia, AIA, is at the McAllen office and Ana Luksa and Sergio Láinez,
AIA, are at the Harlingen office.
“It’s a good environment to work in
and the projects are very interesting and
diverse,” says Garcia. “We all work at the
micro level in our firm. The work allows
us to all see the full spectrum of the projects.”
The firm’s business is mostly public
architecture, with a focus on K-12 educational, municipal and county work.
Láinez, who was born in Nicaragua,
but grew up in Brownsville, says the
company’s respect for its clients has
served it well.
“Most of the work we get is repeat
clients,” he says.
As a group, the four spend time with
each other and their families during special events, like births – for example, Láinez just welcomed home his first child
and the group bought a high chair as a
gift. Luksa says that closeness helps
them all develop as professionals, as
well.
“You are not pigeonholed here,” she
says. “It’s full development for each of
us.” –cw
The South-Central Region NAWIC gals posed for a group photo.
A successful open house
T
estengeer’s Corpus Christi office had a successful 5th annual Open House on
Nov. 12. Employees and clients enjoyed a shrimp boil and good company. –cw
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.
L-R: Adrian Cantu, piping designer, and Rick Reyna, electrical designer
L-R: Ram Garcia, I & E designer, Vimal Patel, civil structural engineer
and Wayne Nobbie, mechanical engineer
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
L-R: Rene Riojas, construction, Ram Sanchez and John Richard Sr., pipe designers
Page 3
South Texas Construction News • Jan 2016
Business is a game! Play to win!
Part 1 of a 3 part series
Carrie D. Bradshaw, C.P.A.
Brown, Graham & Company P.C.
Georgetown, TX
K
now your score
Business is a game and your financial statements are
your scoreboard. Do you know your score? Are you
winning or losing the game? In order to answer this
question, you must first understand the financial
management of your company and the story your financial statements tell about your
company. Consider your monthly balance sheet as the score at the end of a period; a
quarterly balance is your score at the end of the game; and an annual balance is your
score at the end of the season. You can make adjustments to the game plan during the
quarter if you are paying attention during the game. When you get to the end of the
game you will see if your strategic adjustments worked to win the game. If it worked,
maintain that strategy for the next game. If it did not work, the strategy needs to be
adjusted for the next game to have a winning season.
In a nutshell, your balance sheet is Association
(RMA),
Construction
composed of assets, liabilities and equity. Financial Managers Association’s annual
Assets are what you own. Liabilities are survey, and many others. Compare the
what you owe. Net worth is what is left ratios you calculated on your balance
over.
sheet to your peers and see how you
measure up. Are you consistent with
Ratio analysis – understanding your your peers?
scoreboard
A word of caution in using industry
Financial
managers
use
a benchmarking: You cannot be sure the
methodology referred to as ratio analysis comparison is “apples to apples”. There is
to understand the scoreboard. You are no standardization of information
probably familiar with some of these submitted to the groups gathering this
ratios as you have been in conversation information. You also do not know the
with your bonding agent or banker. level of success of the companies
When you evaluate your ratios related to submitting this information. We
your balance sheet, consider the recommend finding industry publications
following:
that publish “Best in Class” benchmarks
Current working capital: This ratio as well. The purpose of benchmarking is
measures your solvency - the number of to identify potential targets at which to
dollars in current assets for every $1 in aim.
current liabilities. In other words, can you
pay your bills today?
Internal financial trends
Debt-to-worth: This ratio measures Another important aspect of
your financial risk - the number of dollars understanding your score is monitoring
of debt owed for every dollar of net your internal performance over time. Is
worth. In other words, does the bank your business seasonal? How does that
own more of your company than you do? seasonality impact your score (and more
Accounts
receivable
turnover: importantly your cash!)? Perform your
Measures the rate at which accounts ratio analysis on a monthly, quarterly and
receivable are collected on an annual annual basis to help you identify trends
basis. How many days from the time an within your company.
invoice is generated until it becomes a Part 2: Know your costs
deposit in the bank?
We will discuss a break-even analysis
Accounts
payable
turnover: tool.
Measures the rate at which accounts Part 3: Know your cash flow model
payable are paid on an annual basis. Is every dollar of revenue created the
How many days from the time an invoice same?
is received until the bill is paid?
By beginning to implement a
Something to consider: Should you disciplined system of monitoring your
be paying accounts payable at a slower score, you can develop the strategy to
rate than you collect accounts receivable coach your team to greater success!
to conserve cash? Maybe. That question Carrie D. Bradshaw, CPA and CCIFP
will be addressed in part 3 of this series.
with over 20 years of construction
contractor coaching experience, is the
Industry benchmarking
Managing Shareholder of the Brown,
Now that you understand your Graham & Company, P.C.’s Georgetown
score, how do you measure up against office. You can contact Carrie at
the competition? There are many sources [email protected] or call 512-930for obtaining industry benchmarks: 4090.
industry associations, Risk Management
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
Construction News Ltd. Home Office
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San Antonio • Austin • Dallas/Fort Worth
Houston • South Texas
If you are a construction-related company
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©2016 Construction News, Ltd.
Product Recall Insurance should
be part of your Product Risk
Management Plan
Julie Davis, CIC
IBTX
San Antonio, TX
here may be no word that strikes greater fear in the
hearts of individuals in the manufacturing/
processing industry than “recall.” Mere consideration of
the term may mean that someone has been made ill or
possibly died from consumption of or exposure to a product. The response must be
inordinately fast and include coordination with federal government agencies, and
state governmental agencies, as well as other companies who sit both upstream and
downstream of your position in the distribution chain of the product at issue. The
aftermath can leave injured consumers and damaged reputations. The monetary
costs may include lost profits, recall expenses, civil damages and potential criminal
action. Despite excellent quality control, you may find yourself swept into a recall.
Advance planning for recalls can make the difference in the survival of your company.
While a written recall plan has long different than another.
been a regulatory requirement, planning Coverage details
for a recall should include much more The following are key issues of the
than a template form in a file. Recall policy, and policies may differ on the
planning should include record-keeping definitions. Each policy must be carefully
steps to be taken well in advance of any read and understood by policyholders to
concerns, but which will make any recall insure they are purchasing what they
effort more effective. A team of advisors need.
who will serve in various roles in the
• Loss of sales revenues
planning, execution and post-recall
• Customer loss of gross profits
process is also a necessity. It should also
• Government recall
include Product Recall insurance
• Voluntary recall
coverage.
• Adverse publicity
Cost of Recall
• Rehabilitation expenses
The next step to consider after
• Extra expense
internal procedures are consistently
• Defense costs
implemented is how much will this cost
• 3rd Party coverage
the company? Loss of sales, not only the
• “Pay on behalf” or reimburse
company’s lost profit, but that of your
language
customers should be considered. Also Depending on who you speak with,
consider the damage to the company’s the chance of having a serious product
reputation and possible effect on future recall occurrence is not a matter of if, but
sales, the added expense for disposal, when. Serious consideration of a proper
replacement product, time and mental game plan in the event could be crucial
anguish by management and employees; for the company’s survival. Is this a cost
these are all part of the cost.
that the company can absorb or is it more
Many companies look at funding this cost effective to purchase an insurance
possible exposure with an insurance policy for the risk? Recently, many large
policy, but in today’s market, most distributors and retail corporations are
Commercial General Liability (CGL) requiring Product Recall/Contamination
policies will not cover a loss in a Product coverage in their contracts. In any event,
Recall scenario. Do not mistake Product as part of your company’s recall
Liability coverage for Product Recall procedure, add an insurance policy
coverage, they are not the same. Some review by a competent insurance
insurance carriers may offer a sub-limit to professional and review all contracts with
cover the expense of removal and suppliers and clients regarding the
disposal of the product as part of the insurance expectations.
CGL, but these amounts may only cover a Julie Davis, CIC has worked with the
fraction of total cost.
food processing industry for over 15 years,
Product Recall/Contamination
coordinating risk management plans and
Insurance
insurance policies to reflect the food
There are insurance carriers that industries’ changes to new exposure and
have policies that pertain specifically to heightened responsibility. IBTX understands
the issue of product recall, contamination your potential risk exposure and stands
and/or tampering. These stand-alone ready to help you make informed decision
policies may also include crisis about how to protect your customers, your
management consultants.
Product supply chain, and your bottom line. Contact
Recall/Contamination policies are not us at 800-880-6689 or visit us at www.ib-tx.
standardized policies, so one insurance com for more information or to setup your
company’s coverage may look drastically policy today.
T
South Texas Construction News • Jan 2016
Page 4
Holiday shine
Texas Mechanic’s and
Materialman’s Liens on
private projects in Texas
Janet Townsley, Senior Associate
The Cromeens Law Firm
Dallas, TX
T
he Associated General Contractors
(AGC) South Texas Chapter had its
annual holiday celebration with the
lovely backdrop of Ferguson Bath, Kitchen
& Lighting Gallery in Corpus Christi. Attendees enjoyed Hors d'oeuvres amid
twinkling displays of crystal and glass. –cw
C
redit is the lifeblood of the construction industry. By
the nature of a construction contract, the contractor
extends credit to the owner to the extent the contractor
performs labor or services and supplies materials before being paid. When
construction funds are withheld, the impact is felt throughout the construction chain.
On even a small project, a payment default by an owner can have disastrous
consequences for dozens of contractors, subcontractors and suppliers (and their
employees). Just as most lenders will not loan money without adequate security for
payment, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers need security when they extend
credit on a construction project. Such security is the right to secure and enforce a lien
on real property for the value of work performed. Mechanic’s and Materialman’s Liens
(M & M Liens), when executed properly, elevate a subcontractor or material supplier
from an unsecured creditor to a secured creditor. 1
Because the M&M lien operates like with the owner, you may have the right to
an involuntary mortgage on the, Texas lien the owner’s property. To perfect a
law requires specific steps to create a lien, certain notices must be sent prior to
valid lien. One misstep in complying with filing the lien. This gives the owner and
strict notice deadlines or omission of a general contractor a chance to resolve
sentence required in the notice letter, your claim prior to filing the lien.
invalidates the M & M Lien.
All notices must be sent Certified
Anyone who provides labor or Mail Return Receipt Requested to comply
supplies materials for the construction, with statutory notice timelines. These
repair of a house, building or timelines are strictly enforced and
improvement is entitled to an M& M lien. missing a timeline date even by one day,
After recent changes in Texas law, invalidates the lien. Therefore, do not let
architects,
engineers,
surveyors, anyone stall or push you past outside
landscapers, demolition trades that your deadlines.
provide temporary workers may have an The notice timelines differ between
M&M lien when not paid.
a commercial and residential project, and
on whether you have a contract with the
The Homestead Pitfall
General Contractor. Thus, it is good
One of the great things about Texas practice to calendar a deadline for
is the protection of homesteads found in sending notice of unpaid invoices for the
Article 16, §50 of our Texas Constitution. 15th day of the second month after the
This means you cannot have a lien against labor was performed or materials
a property unless there is a construction supplied, as in many instances, this is the
contract signed and notarized by the first deadline you will have to meet. An
homeowner(s) and filed in the real attorney should be consulted to address
property records prior to any work. deadline and notice requirements in
Typically, this means you cannot file a lien specific instances.
for a small repair. This is because it is Janet Townsley is a Senior Associate at
unlikely a contract has been filed of The Cromeens Law Firm.
For more
record unless you filed one. But, if you’re information on our services, please visit
doing a large repair or remodel, it would www.thecromeenslawfirm.com or call
be worth the investment to hire an (713) 715-7334.
attorney to draft and file the contract to
1
ensure you will be protected!
Public property is not subject to lien, and
A homestead is regarded as a is beyond the scope of this article.
residence owned by an individual that is 2A spec home is one owned and being
being OCCUPIED by that individual. A built by a company. It is not a homestead
person and spouse may have only one and is considered commercial conhomestead. Hence, an owner building a construction.
residence while currently living in a
homestead, cannot call the new
residence a homestead. However, if the
individual does not currently have a
homestead and is building a new
residence intended as a homestead, the
new residence is considered a homestead
although the individual does not live in
it.2
Notice, Notice, Notice
M&M liens are an involuntary lien
against someone’s property and
although you may not have a contract
L-R: Rick Haley, Armstrong Lumber Co. and
Stephanie and Lawrence Wilcox, McKinney
Drilling Company
Mark Williams and Malek, Monique Ahlers,
Caldwell Banker
L-R: Frank Malone, Fulton-Coastcon and
Patrick Farquhar, Kocurek Land Improvement
Esther and Trent Hoffman, Bay Area Nursery
and Carrie Larza, Best Structural Fabricators
David Blair, Ashley DeLaGraza, David Jackson and Colette Rye, AGC executive director
Mike Munoz, Beecroft Construction; Tommie Lee, TL Electric; Wendy Ginan and Bud O’Brien,
Gentry Company; and Mike Johnson, Ram Tool Supply
South Texas Construction News • Jan 2016
Page 5
ship I look forward to being a part of with
the staff at Waypoint Marine in Corpus
Christi. I’ve known owners Jim and Jared
Poole for many years now. I also know
many of the pro-staff and guides that
they have established relationships with
them throughout the years, and really
look forward to a long working relationship with them and the entire staff at
Waypoint Marine. They are a full service
marine dealership that services all of the
major brand outboards and have an array
of new and used boats to choose from.
Stop by and see them at 3033 S.P.I.D. in
Corpus for all your marine needs.
New changes for
a New Year
For the past several weeks I have been in
a hunting mode, traveling all over South
and West Texas hunting and guiding
white tail and mule deer hunts. I must
say it’s been a good break from the salt
life I live on the water. There is something
about the South Texas brush country, the
mountains in West Texas and the serenity
of the Laguna Madre that make my job so
enjoyable. I can’t think of anything else
that I would enjoy doing.
by Capt. Steve Schultz
Sponsored by:
Waypoint Marine, Majek Boats, E-Z Bel
Construction, Power Pole Shallow Water
Anchor, Aggregate Haulers, ­­­ForEverlast
Hunting and Fishing Products and
Columbia Sportswear.
W
ell I can’t tell you how excited I
am to announce the changes
that are in store for the 2016 season for Steve Schultz Outdoors. For those
of you that have fished with me in the
past five years, you already know that the
Majek Xtreme is the boat that got us to
and from our fishing spots in comfort and
style. I consider the 25-ft. Xtreme the
best hull on the water for the everyday
guide and recreational angler. One
change that most people will notice immediately will be the new Evinrude E-TEC
G2 300hp outboard on the back of my
2016 Majek. Evinrude has stepped up
their game recently on the introduction
of the E-TEC G2 and I have spoken with
several guides that have run the outboard, and they are extremely happy
Fishing remains good in the Laguna
Madre/Baffin Bay complex. Both trout
and redfish are still being caught on live
shrimp and lures along the King Ranch
shoreline and rocks of Baffin Bay. Best
bet this time of year is still wade fishing
with artificial lures.
David Wyatt shows off his 26-inch redfish caught on live shrimp under
a popping cork with Steve Schultz Outdoors.
with the performance, fuel efficiency and
speed not to mention the savings of
maintenance. Here is a statement from
Evinrude: “The new Evinrude E-TEC G2
isn’t just built to last. It’s built to outlast.
Run it right out of the box for 500 hours
with no dealer scheduled maintenance.
Less time in the shop means lower ownership cost, less hassle and much, much
more value over the lifetime of your engine.”
I have already started to fill the calendar
for the upcoming 2016 season. Don’t
wait until all the good dates are gone! To
schedule your next bay fishing trip give
Capt. Steve Schultz a call at 361-813-3716
or 361-334-3105 or e-mail him at [email protected]. Good luck
and Good Fishing.
Along with the change of the new Evinrude E-TEC G2 will be the new relation-
Valley hunting
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Above, hog hunting will never go out of style with the Faires family, Faires Plumbing Co., in
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some venison jerky in the future. –cw
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BAFFIN BAY –– LAGUNA MADRE –– LAND CUT
SPECKLED TROUT –– REDFISH –– FLOUNDER
FISHING AND HUNTING TRIPS
(361) 813-3716
www.baffinbaycharters.com
[email protected]
U.S. Coast Guard &
Texas Parks and Wildlife Licensed
Page 6
South Texas Construction News • Jan 2016
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
Fishing Calendar
of Events!
cooler weather. Catching catfish is still
steady over baited holes and will come in
to chum. The white bass begin to migrate upstream again. Stripers can be
slow when it’s still hot because they find
our water temperatures in Texas to be excessive. Once the shorter days and cooler
nights start to cool off the water, they
turn back on and feed like crazy because
they don’t feed much in the heat. You
will catch a lot of smaller stripers, lots of
action. Larger stripers begin their swim
upstream.
T
he water has finally made it back to
our lake and several others! For the
first time in years we get to look forward to all the fishing and catching the
New Year will bring. Last year we were
trying to clean and clear up the scary wild
lake bed to protect ourselves from wildfires, rattlesnakes and cactus. This year
its all about the fish!
Winter sees all the fish staging for next
year, heading upstream to spawn. We
get some really nice fishing days mixed in
with the winter chill. It’s worth checking
out if only to take a break from hunting
and get out of the house.
Just in case you have forgotten what our
lakes have to offer, or are new to the area
of a recently returning lake, here is an
idea of what you can expect.
In the Spring the catfish are loving the
cold water. If you want a trophy cat, now
is the time. White bass are running up
the rivers to spawn again. For several
years this hasn’t been possible, but now
they are back, and catching them is a lot
like eating popcorn. Their big cousins
the stripers also can be found upriver trying to spawn. Look for crappie to be
moving up river in their pre-spawn pattern. Warm, sunny afternoons draw them
up into shallow murky water around
brush and trees because this water
warms up first.
As spring warms into summer, smaller
catfish become easier to find in shallow
water. White bass begin moving back
down the river channel after spawning
and all they want to do is chase shad and
eat anything they can catch. Stripers are
moving back down stream forming big
schools of fish that form feeding frenzies
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS . . .
fishing, hunting, skiing,
biking, racing, or
any outdoor activity or sport.
that anglers dream of in early to mid
summer. Once it gets hot they begin to
slip into deeper cooler water, but still like
to feed on top on cool mornings. Crappie
go back to being their elusive selves once
it warms up. I have always thought that is
why we consider them so delicious, they
can play hard to get. A good crappie
guide can still get you on them though.
Fall comes in with a mix of blazing leftover summer heat and the promise of
I think we are in for exciting times on the
water in these returning lakes. We have
lots of new trees and vegetation improving our fisheries now, plus there are plenty of fish out there that haven’t been exposed to human fishing pressure or as
long as five years in some places. That
means they have had plenty of time to
get big and bold. I can’t wait!
Let’s Go!
Submitted to Construction News
Panda Christmas
Email to:
[email protected]
or call 210-308-5800(home office)
Raba Kistner helped to underwrite the McAllen Holiday Parade and then managed
the Kung Fu Panda balloon. The handlers were Eloy Arredondo, Sr. CME tech, Rene
Gonzales, GEO tech, Victor Salinas, CME tech, Manuel de Santiago, lab tech, and
Orlando Loya, lab tech. –cw
Half or Full Day Fishing Trips
All Bait, Tackle & Equipment
Furnished
Your catch Filleted and
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(325) 379-2051
www.striperfever.com
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License & Refreshments,
and WE DO THE REST!
South Texas Construction News • Jan 2016
Page 7
to Texas A&I, but during the summer
Nueces Electric Co-op hired me to work
for them. It was only going to be for the
summer, but I stayed.
Three years later I married Gilbert.
Evelyn Martini
Martini Brick
Corpus Christi
E
velyn Sablatura Martini has lived in
the South Texas area her entire life.
And when her husband, Gilbert
Martini, passed away in December 1978
– 21 years after building Martini Brick
with hard work and perseverance – Evelyn and their children kept the business
going and growing. Martini Brick is now
celebrating 58 years in business – and a
lot has changed.
Tell me about your early years.
We moved to Robstown when I was
six years old. My father, Louie Sablatura,
came as a Ford salesperson.
I think he sold every farmer in Robstown a pickup truck! He was so friendly.
When the war came, they weren’t
making pickups for a while, so we moved
to Banquete where he leased a farm. He
really reminded you of Green Acres! He
made really good crops. We always took
a trip every July after the grain was harvested.
He also had the Polka Party show on
KROB.
I had one sister and one brother.
Tell me about your mother.
Her name was Minnie. She’s a saint.
She sewed – she made all eight bridesmaids dresses for my wedding. She made
all of our clothes.
She was very talented and very good
at cooking. She made her own bread and
kolaches.
Her favorite place to visit was her
church. At St. Peters Church in Annaville,
they called her the Rosary Grandmmother.
Where did you go to high school?
I went to Incarnate Word High School
and I graduated in 1947. I was all set to go
What happened after your family
lived in Banquete?
We moved from there to Annaville
(Annaville was a town before being annexed by Corpus Christi in the mid1960s).
My daddy and my husband bought a
lumber company, S&M Lumber. I worked
there in the office and Gilbert also worked
at another brick and lumber company, as
well.
We all started working on building a
Catholic church, since there was not one
there. We had Mass in different places
until the church, St. Peter, Prince of the
Apostles, was built.
The first Christmas we were there, I
played the piano in an elementary school
where we had services. I remember that
so well.
I’ve been playing the organ at St. Peter’s since it was built. I started playing at
church at St. John’s Catholic Church in
Robstown.
My daddy was so musical – we had a
family band.
Tell me about Martini Brick.
Gilbert began his business by getting hand-made brick from Reynosa,
Mexico. He drove himself, leaving at 3
a.m. each morning. He would get back to
Corpus Christi about noon and deliver to
his customers. After making deliveries,
he would call on builders to see what
they needed. After awhile, he was able to
get more trucks and drivers, plus forklifts.
He was diagnosed with cancer at age
43 and died in 1978.
After my husband passed away, I had
six children – the baby was 11. The kids
were great – we kept the business going.
It has changed a lot with all the technology and my son, Jim, my daughter,
Linda Sanders and her husband Jimmy,
and my nephew, Les Hoelscher, are running the business now.
How has Martini Brick changed?
We don’t do Mexican brick anymore
for construction. It has become too risky
to drive down there. We may get one
load now and then – mostly to do repair
work on buildings we did during the first
25 years we were here.
I used to pain the bricks and put designs on them – or all the houses would
have looked the same!
Now we get brick in every day from
different plants around the country. We
are also selling lots of rock and cultured
stone.
continued from Page 1 — The ABCs of service
with the store.
“In the last period, 99.2 percent of
our customers surveyed were happy,” he
says.
Jackson is from Corpus Christi and
wanted to move back. He was hired by
ABC Supply five years ago. He says the
company looks for employees who want
to grow within the company.
“All of us train everybody we work
with to be able to do our job,” he says.
“We provide excellent customer service.
Most of our customers are our friends. We
know the names of their companies, but
we also know the names of their kids.”
He said being well spoken and
knowing the products are also good
assets for employees to have. –cw
Evelyn Martini and her daughter, Linda Sanders.
We’ve been really busy. On the recent Veterans Memorial High School
project, we supplied 500,000 bricks.
We still have two men in the warehouse, Rudy and Manuel, who have been
here for 35 years. They are really good –
we are just like family.
The building is certainly a beautiful
design.
Les designed the building. He’s been
working here since he was in high school.
You still come into the office on a regular basis, don’t you?
I come in Monday through Friday. I
recently started taking off Fridays.
My Fridays begin with an 8 a.m. Mass,
then the beauty shop, visit the homebound, and visit the retirement home. I
go shopping for groceries for the following week, to cook for the children at their
noon meal. I enjoy that. I cook lunch here
for them every day, except Friday. The
kitchen is the biggest room in the building!
On Friday, they go out to eat. They
visit restaurants all over the city and they
enjoy that, too.
What else do you like to do?
I Love to play the organ at my church
three to four times a week. I loved to
bowl, and square dance, but I can’t do
that anymore.
I love to waltz and polka. My favorite
pastime is the polka dance. I belong to
the Czech Heritage Society and help
where I can.
I enjoy cooking, but more than that, I
like to feed people. I take food to people
in need and I bake a lot of cookies and
pecan pies. The cookies are for everyone
– even the UPS man.
People often come by at lunch to eat
– they’ll say “The bricks smell like pork
roast today!”
Our customers feel like family.
I also write letters to my grandchildren (16) and my great-grandchildren (21
and another on the way).
Everybody gets a card and a gift for
their birthday, but the only ones I wrap
presents for at Christmas are the greatgrandchildren.
Have you ever traveled?
I used to take bus tours. I went to
places like Disney World, Disneyland,
Nashville…
My favorite place was AstroWorld
and it isn’t there anymore.
You had a milestone birthday this
year, right?
Yes! My children gave me a big party
at Moravian Hall when I turned 85 in
March. The children got it all together. It
was fantastic! I think they fed 150 people.
There was a lot of visiting, and lots of
happy faces. After the great, catered barbecue dinner by St. Thomas Knights of
Columbus, the dance began with a Grand
March, led by my youngest son, Ricky. It
was fun time. The photo booth brought a
lot of laughter and funny people.
One of my favorite guests was Msgr.
Michael Howell, who prayed over us,
blessed the food and joined me at my
table.
I have six wonderful children, full of
love and companionship. They all have
beautiful families. I am very blessed. –cw
continued from Page 1 — Highlighting your project
Do you have a recently completed
project you would be proud to see on
our cover?
Give me a call or send me an email
and let’s get you covered.
Cyndi Wright, Editor
[email protected]
210-308-5800
Specializing in Industrial Scrap Metal
& Container Service
continued from Page 1 — Formula for Momentum
have grown up together.”
When hiring, they look for hard
working, eager to learn people.
“We like to keep the same people
and promote from within,” Garcia said.
“Everyone represents the company and
they are responsible for representing
what we stand for.”
Momentum belongs to several
associations, such as Associated Builders
and Contractors (ABC), as well as the
Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce.
Employees collected toys this year for
the sheriff department’s Brown Santa
program. They also will enjoy a Christmas
party and celebrated a Thanksgiving
brunch. They plan on taking part in the
fishing tournaments and other ABC
events.
“We have big goals for the future,”
Garcia said. “By the second quarter of
2016, we will have four location open.
Our plan is to continue to expand along
the Gulf Coast and eventually develop a
national footprint.” –cw
We buy Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Iron, Stainless Steel,
Steel, Brass & Radiators
2300 Frio City Rd.
210-927-2727
www.monterreyiron.com
Page 8
South Texas Construction News • Jan 2016
Designs of note
E
veryone was on the nice list at the
American Institute of Architects
(AIA) Lower Rio Grande Valley Chapter’s Design Awards Gala and End-of-Year
Celebration Dec. 16 at Nuevo Santender
Gallery in McAllen. Glass awards of recognition were distributed and guests enjoyed perusing the art gallery’s many fine
pieces of art, while enjoying a dinner
from Fusions Restaurant. –cw
25-year-award presented to architect John
York for the Wilson R. Palmer House (built in
1950), owned by Nydia Tapia-Gonzalez and
Lupe Gonzalez.
100-year-award presented to ERO Architects
for the Thomas Jefferson Early College High
School (built in 1915) renovation project.
Merit Award to Megamorphosis Inc. for the
Bailey H. Dunlap Memorial Library addition.
Honor Award to Elevate Architecture for the
Escamilla Law Firm.
Citation Award to Building Community
Workshop, Brent Brown AIA, for Rapido.
Spark Award presented to student Elizabeth
Lopez for her project entitled La Dona.
Merit Award to ROFA Architects Inc. for the Harlingen School of Health Professions.
Merit Award presented to Frank Architects Inc. for the VMT School of Communications and
Fine Arts in Laredo.
Citation Award to Sam Garcia AIA, Sam Garcia Architect/Claudia Chanin, Noma Studio for the
Cavazos Sports Complex.
Honor Award to Megamorphosis Inc. Design and Architecture for the Harlingen CISD
Performing Arts Center.
Incoming LRGV-AIA board of directors, L-R: Manuel Hinojosa AIA, president; Sergio Lainez,
AIA; Humberto Rodriguez AIA; Cesar Roque Assoc. AIA; Charlie Garcia AIA, outgoing
president
South Texas Construction News • Jan 2016
Page 9
Construction Forecast
Construction Outlook:
Sweet (and Sour) ‘16
Ken
Simonson,
AGC of America
Chief
Economist
Arlington, VA
T
exas contractors are facing a varied landscape in
2016. Overall, the outlook is favorable, but the slump
in oil and gas drilling will be a major drag.
The state continues to benefit from
one of the highest population growth
rates in the nation. That keeps demand
high for both single - and multifamily
housing, schools, stores and many other
categories of construction.
The U.S. Census Bureau reported in
March, “Two Texas metro areas -- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land and Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington -- were the only
ones in the country to add more than
100,000 residents over the 2013-2014 period. Within the Houston metro area, Harris County alone gained almost 89,000
people, more than any other county in
the nation. The Lone Star State also had
four metro areas among the nation's 20
fastest growing by rate of change: Austin-Round Rock (third), Odessa (fourth),
Midland (ninth) and Houston (11th).”
For 2016, population growth is likely
to remain especially strong around Dallas, as three major national firms relocate
thousands of employees to new office
space there: Toyota and Liberty Mutual in
Plano, and State Farm in Richardson. Even
in areas of the state where population
growth is slowing, there will be a lot of
school construction to accommodate recent inflows of students.
The planning for an expanded Panama Canal, currently expected to open
sometime in 2016, has already triggered
billions of dollars of investment in ports,
pipelines and other transportation infrastructure, natural gas liquefaction plants,
and storage and distribution facilities.
More such investments will occur in the
coming year. In contrast, railroads are expected to cut back on construction, after
years of investing in new track and yards
to serve ports and to haul crude oil from
drilling areas without enough pipeline
capacity to refineries and terminals.
Low natural gas prices may encourage construction of more petrochemical
plants and gas-fired power plants. But
those same prices will hold down drilling,
related service and materials supply businesses, and investment in wind and solar
Lending small business
owners a hand
Debra Ruiz, Vice President - Construction Loan
Manager
Wells Fargo
San Antonio, TX
P
art of Debra Ruiz’s job at Wells Fargo is to assist the
small business owner by working with them on
loans to purchase or build a space for their operations. These small business owners
are the clients of the construction companies and contractors who build or renovate
those spaces. So, we asked her what she sees in the construction loan forecast for
small business borrowers in 2016.
What does your position as construction loan manager of the SBA Lending
Group in San Antonio entail?
I manage and oversee an SBA portfolio of close to $40 million in construction-related loan volume. While overseeing this portfolio, I am maintaining excellent customer service to both my internal
and external clients of Wells Fargo Bank. I
have the entire State of Texas under my
management.
My specialty is in Small Business Administration, working with various general contractors, architects and the small
business borrower on a day-to-day basis.
We like to say that we are making dreams
come true in the small business world.
What do you expect will be the biggest changes to construction lending
in 2016?
On my desk and what I have seen approved in our Texas market are more and
more ground up construction projects.
We have a lot of land in Texas, so building
and owning your own building is key.
With the year’s end wrapping up and
winding down, I already have approxi-
generation—all of which had contributed
to construction in Texas in recent years.
With the enactment in early December of a five-year federal highway and
transit funding bill, Texas and other states
will see a slight boost in federal dollars
for transportation infrastructure. State
funds also will be more abundant for
highways and universities.
Healthcare spending has picked up
nationally in 2015 after lagging ever since
the 2008-09 recession. Compared with
earlier periods, fewer patients are being
admitted overnight to a hospital, and
they are staying for fewer days. Consequently, hospitals are building more
emergency, diagnostic and treatment
rooms, and fewer recovery rooms. A larger share of healthcare construction
spending is going into standalone urgent-care facilities, outpatient surgical
centers and clinics in stores and shopping centers. These trends appear likely
to continue in 2016 in Texas as elsewhere.
Construction downshifted in Texas in
2015 while accelerating nationally. From
November 2014 to November 2015, U.S.
contractors increased their employee
count by 4.2%, whereas construction job
growth in Texas slowed to 1.6% from a
7.7% growth rate a year earlier. In the latest 12 months, the state tied for 36th out
of 50 states and the District of Columbia.
For 2016, national construction employment and spending growth should
continue, albeit slightly less robustly than
in 2015. Texas also will add construction
activity, but the growth will vary widely
by region and sector, with the totals
again falling short of the nation.
In the Austin-Round Rock metro area,
construction employment grew by 5%
from November 2014 to November 2015.
That rate outpaced the state and the nation but was less robust than the 8% increase a year earlier. (Data for Austin and
most other metro areas includes mining
and logging with construction.) Thanks
to population growth, tourism, government and university spending, construction in the capital area should continue to
outperform the state as a whole in 2016.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington
metro area, construction employment
has plummeted from some of the highest
growth in the nation—a gain of 11,500
jobs between November 2013 and November 2014—to among the largest declines—a loss of 2,800 jobs between November 2014 and November 2015. (Because the data actually combine mining
and logging with construction, the gains
and losses to construction employment
alone are probably overstated.) In 2016,
Dallas and its immediate suburbs are likely to experience moderate-to-strong construction growth but construction
around Fort Worth will be dragged down
by oil-industry woes.
In the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro area, construction employment growth slowed dramatically in the
past year, from 16,600 jobs added between November 2013 and November
2014 to 4,000 in the following 12 months.
Continuing population growth, expanded school construction and the windup
of some office and industrial projects
be purchased quickly with cash to a seller
versus waiting on financing.
spot and proactive on their end in providing the paperwork the bank has required.
Then, the longer processed loans can
take up to six months-plus. Keep in mind,
this is based on all of the replatting, zoning and permitting processes involved.
The loan approval process is the first step
of a long process. The six months estimate
is the beginning phase of loan application
up to the close date. And the close date is
based on when the building permit is issued. So, the overall process is truly up to
the borrower and how fast they really
want to close their overall project.
Do you expect any increases or decreases in business or interest rates?
They have been stable. I do not think
they will go up. You hear about it from
the Fed, but nothing has happened. I
think since we are in an election season,
that will come down the road. Lenders
are being very aggressive and competitive in rates to secure deals. So, it is the
time for a small business to request a
loan, if they plan to expand, purchase a
building or build a new building for their
small business.
mately $20 million in approved loan volume, all awaiting on their architects’
plans, zoning, replatting, permits, and
just construction bids from their selected
general contractor.
These are already in the closing
group and just waiting. This does not account for the new loans being approved
[in December], and this is just the one
month forecast in January 2016. I forecast
we are just going to get busier in the construction industry in 2016.
With that said, I foresee an increase
in construction material and costs, as this
happens every year. With activity in the
market and throughout Texas, I would
also hope for an increase in overall appraisal values for the small business customer/client.
What should clients expect when applying for construction loans?
With my job role as a construction
loan manager-SBA lending, I am working
with the borrower on their approved
loan to get them to the closing table as
well as making sure their selected general contractor has met the bank’s and SBA
requirement to minimize the construction risk.
The contractors are not applying for
the loan, but once I ask for their financials
for bank review, they feel like they are applying themselves. The overall goal is to
waive the payment and performance
bond fee for the small business owner.
This is the fee the contractors pass over
to the borrower/owner on the contract.
My goal is to try to eliminate this fee, to
benefit the small business.
Are there any expected shifts in the
market that would affect construction
loans next year?
I have seen historically the overall vacancies rates in existing real estate/condos improve a great deal. I know some of
our Texas cities do not have enough inventory to sell, or the real estate seems to
What does the process involve and
how long does it take?
The SBA-Small Business Lending process is not fast. So, that is a very openended question. We have some small
leaseholder deals that have historically
closed as quick as 10 days or less. But
keep in mind, the borrower has to be on
continued on Page 10
What changes have you seen in construction lending, as a market or in
terms of business, over the last five
years? And what would you like to see
change?
Projects are getting bigger and busier.
As I stated earlier, if the inventory for real estate is scarce, then small businesses are
wanting and needing to purchase their own
building or building a new one for business
expansion. So, it will only get busier.
The overall appraisal values have
bounced back since the lull we had back in
2008-2009. So again, I have to repeat that
it is the time to borrow, especially for the
small business. And keep in mind, the
small business has to be profitable and not
in the red or negative (net losses). I forecast more and more borrowers want to be
their own boss, and then be a small business owner themselves versus working for
a big corporate company. And I believe
the city fees will increase year after year.
I would like to see the building permit process throughout the major cities
of Texas move a bit faster to benefit the
small business owner.
Debra Ruiz began her banking career in
1996 and has been working with small businesses since 1999. She has been with Wells
Fargo Bank, NA-SBA Lending for 12 years. –mh
Page 10
South Texas Construction News • Jan 2016
Community service
T
he American Institute of Architects
(AIA) Corpus Christi Chapter had its
Holiday Party/Honor Awards on
Dec. 8 at Hester’s Café at the Art Museum
of South Texas. David E. Lewis, AIA, won
the Award for Community Service for his
dedication to the community through
volunteerism and extended service. The
Honorary Membership Award went to
Trey McCampbell who has been a champion of the arts, architecture and city development since early in his career. Ray
Torno, AIA, was named the Outstanding
Member for his many years of service to
AIA Corpus Christi and the city.
Congrats to the winners! –cw
Jacqueline Carlson, 2015 AIA CC president,
awarding David Lewis, AIA, with the
Community Service Award.
Trey McCampbell receiving the
Honorary Membership Award.
Glen Ray Torno, AIA, receiving the
Outstanding Member Award.
Submitted to Construction News
Submitted to Construction News
Keeping it safe
Special gift
Joni Brown, executive director of Safety Council of the Texas Mid-Coast Inc., works with
Noelia Camacho, staff specialist, to help a customer at the Port Lavaca facility. –cw
continued from Page 9 — Focus
may keep construction from losing jobs
overall in 2016, but further expansion is
unlikely for the time being.
Construction activity expanded
sharply in the San Antonio-New Braunfels
metro area in 2015. Construction employment jumped by 10% from November 2014 to November 2015, more than
double the national rate or the local rate
a year earlier. In 2016, growth is likely to
continue but at a more subdued pace.
Construction activity was mixed in
South Texas in 2015. Year-over-year employment growth had matched or exceeded the national average through
early 2015 in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metro area but stalled beginning in
April. Employment has been nearly flat in
the Brownsville-Harlingen area after slipping throughout 2014 and 2015. (Data for
these and most other metro areas includes mining and logging with construction.) In 2016, both areas are likely to
record small increases in construction.
L-R: Vimal Patel, who won the Tacky Sweater contest, and Vic DeLeon are showing
off one of the White Elephant gifts at the Testengeer Corpus Christi office’s Holiday
Party on Dec. 17. –cw
Association Calendar
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Electrical Contracting • Commercial/Industrial
Special Projects
San Antonio, TX
Weslaco, TX
210 494 7100
956 969 5703
ABC- Coastal Bend
NAWIC - Corpus Christi
Associated Builders & Contractors
Nat’l Assn. of Women in Construction
January 27-General Membership Luncheon, 11:30am-1:00pm, Solomon P. Ortiz Center. For more information contact
Venessa Spencer at (361) 289-5311.
Jan 19: National Association of Women
in Construction Dinner Business Meeting,
public welcome, at The BBQ Man Restaurant, 5:30pm networking, 6pm meeting,
Program-TBA. $20. Contact Vickie
Thompson at 361-299-6278 or 361-4380593 for more information or check out
nawic.org or nawiccorpuschristi.org
ABC - Mid Coast
Associated Builders & Contractors
Jan. 21: Installation of Officers & Awards
Banquet, Victoria Country Club, 6:30pm
SCTMC
AIA - Corpus Christi
Safety Council of the Texas Mid-Coast
American Institute of Architects
Jan. 5-8: OSHA 511 Occupational Safety
and Health Standards for General Industry
Jan. 26-29: OSHA 501 Trainer Course in
OSHA Standards got General Industry
To enroll, go directly to UTA OSHA Education Center at https://web-ded.uta.edu/
wconnect/CourseStatus.
awp?&Course+oshhom
Jan. 14: Lunch CEU sponsored by Griesenbeck. Silverado Steakhouse.
Jan. 19: Chapter meeting sponsored by
Allison Flooring at Water Street Seafood
Company, 309 N. Water St. Corpus Christi.
5:30pm Social; 6pm meeting/presentation of CEU.
AIA - Laredo
American Institute of Architects
Jan. 27: Walk the Talk: Cities Are for People, a special lecture and book signing by
Jeff Speck, author of Walkable City. 7 pm
at TAMIU Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theatre. For more information, contact 956-326-4483.
Include your calendar events
Send to
[email protected]
South Texas Construction News • Jan 2016
Construction News ON LOCATION
Ready for Santa
Page 11
Industry FOLKS
Juan Borjon, PE
Materials Project Manager
Terracon
Pharr, TX
J
Melissa Lester and Diane Scales, Lester Contracting in Port Lavaca, are wearing
their Christmas gear and getting in the holiday spirit. –cw
Construction News JOB SIGHT
Patching it up
Justin Golla, Friesenhahn Paving of San Antonio, says the crew is patching
up the HEB parking lot in Harlingen. –cw
uan Borjon, an Edinburg native, decided to become an engineer in
high school. He was gifted at math and
had counselors and teachers advising
him of the career path.
He went to UT Austin and graduated in 2009 with a BS in civil engineering. Unfortunately, that was the same
year the recession was making its biggest impact.
“It took me a whole year to find a
job,” he says.
However, he persevered and
worked for two engineering companies in the Valley before joining Terracon in 2014.
And now, he has achieved the designation of licensed professional engineer.
“It means that all the hard work
and the push from family members has
come to fruition,” Borjon says. “I feel
that I have accomplished this and I’m
proud of it and of the help I received
from family and friends.”
The designation comes after two
exams – one before graduation and
one taken after four years of working
under a professional engineer.
“Both tests are hard!” he says.
Borjon is a materials project manager for Terracon in the Pharr office.
His responsibilities include overseeing
daily operations on several CMET projects, including recording data and preparing daily reports of construction
materials engineering and testing. He
also directs the efforts of technicians
and subcontractors on projects and
ensures all services are responsive to
client needs.
Borjon says his biggest mentor is
his mother.
“My mom is strong and she perseveres,” he says. “She has showed me
that you keep fighting regardless of
what life throws at you. She raised us
with dedication and hard work.”
Borjon is still single and is looking
forward to his new status as something
that will help him in his professional, as
well as his personal, life.
When he’s not hard at work, he enjoys watching sports, going to the
movies and hanging out with friends.
–cw
Construction News ON LOCATION
Busy days
Construction News ON LOCATION
It’s this high
Caroline Teliska, showroom consultant for Moore Supply Co. in Corpus Christi, helps
customer Donny Anderson get the right measurements. –cw
Submitted to Construction News
Reason for the season
The Loving Spoonful made its annual Christmas shopping trip for 114 children infected
or affected by HIV/AIDS. Pictured: Loving Spoonful's Darlene Lee Omana, president and
owner of Gill Roofing Co.; Jerry Ysaguirre, Raymond Pokorny, Loving Spoonful board;
and volunteers Alfred Blancas, Minnie Perez Melinda Garza, Kathryn Kerr,
Kristin Mosley and Carmel Calway. –cw
Mason with Wolfenson Electric Inc. in Wolfenson, TX., is visiting clients. –cw
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South Texas Construction News • Jan 2016
Construction News JOB SIGHT
Construction News ON LOCATION
Have some lime with that
Share a smile!
Diamond 8 Industries shows how lime stabilization is done at a job site in Edinburg. –cw
Lisa Champion and Shirley Porter share big smiles at Factory Builder Stores
in Corpus Christi. –cw
Construction News ON LOCATION
Construction News ON LOCATION
Good buds
Ready, set, rent!
Daniel Martinez, Jennifer McBroom and Kyle Budd of Budd Electric in Corpus Christi
take a second from their busy day for a picture. –cw
Jack Groom, branch manager, and Lucio del Fierro, inside sales coordinator, with
BlueLine Rental are ready to help customers with all of their rental needs in Pharr. –cw