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www.constructionnews.net  (210) 308-5800  PO Box 791290  San Antonio TX 78279  MARCH 2012  Vol. 10  No. 3 A ‘paws-itive’ influence A concrete family

L-R: Kristin Valdez, Mama Dog, and Jennifer Lout L-R: Administrative Vice President Kellie Vazquez, Vice President of Construction Pat Stepanski, CEO Susan Hollingsworth and President Darlene East. very dog may have its day, but not erson, who handles architectural sales, oles Incorporated in Houston has been here for over 20 years. every dog has an official title at a promotion and marketing for the com- been a family affair since its cre- “It just makes a difference when you Especialty construction company. pany. “We noticed these two feral dogs – Hation 40 years ago by Susan Hol- have that kind of loyalty. We have such That’s where “Mama Dog” sepa- a mama dog and a papa dog. We decided lingsworth and her late husband, Ken hard-working and dedicated people.” rates herself from the pack. The beloved to put out food for them to see if they Major. Both East and her sister, Administra- mutt is celebrating her fifth year with would come a bit closer. They did, but Today, Hollingsworth still presides as tive Vice President Kellie Vazquez, have New Caney company J.M. Maly Inc., would wait until you would leave to come CEO with her daughter, Darlene East, been involved with the company since which thinks highly enough of her to give eat.” running the show as president and chief they were tykes. her the title “office dog,” and include her The two dogs were content largely operating officer. “My mom didn’t believe in leaving us on the “Our Team” page of its website. to fend for themselves – Dickerson re- However, as the old Beatles song at home to get into trouble, so we came Don’t confuse this for a tale about a called once seeing Mama Dog walking goes, East and the concrete-cutting com- in to work,” East said. “I started working company adopting a dog. Autumn Dick- proudly up the road with a deer antler in pany get by with a little help from their here as an adult about 22 years ago.” erson says that really, it was the other her mouth – but the tables turned for the friends. Vazquez and Vice President of Con- way around. canine couple when Papa Dog was hit “I just have to say it’s our employees,” struction Pat Stepanski manage opera- “When we moved into our new and killed by a parcel delivery truck. East explains. “We’re very fortunate to tions and take care of the company’s cli- building, we were the first company to have employees that have been with us ents. move into this industrial park,” says Dick- for a long time. Many of our people have continued on Page 13 continued on Page 14 Moving forward

he Harris County Flood Control Dis- The project manager for the basin is trict recently launched the final con- Naser Salem with N & Z Contracting. He Tstruction phase of a 150-acre storm- says the company is installing new drain- water detention basin project in north- age pipes and the weir structure. west Harris County. “The weir structure serves as a spill- According to Heather Saucier, Har- way whereby stormwater rising in a chan- ris County Flood Control District spokes- nel, in this case, Horsepen Creek – can woman, the general contractor for the spill into the detention basin during project is N & Z Contracting Inc. and the times of heavy rain where it will be tem- majority of the stormwater detention porarily stored and slowly released back basin was excavated by Sprint, Sand & into the creek,” he said. Clay LLC. “After construction of the weir struc- “The Sprint, Sand & Clay crew exca- ture and regrading of the detention ba- vated and removed the soil from the sin’s slopes, the basin will retain approxi- site,” Saucier said. “We are currently mately 360 million gallons of stormwater working on the final phases of the proj- that otherwise might flood homes and ect, which will complete the excavation businesses. In addition, the basin will and ensure that the stormwater deten- help reduce flooding risks for those who tion basin is fully operational.” live downstream along the creek’s The basin is located at the upstream banks.” end of Horsepen Creek, approximately 0.5 miles east of Barker-Cypress Road, she said. An aerial view of the Horsepen Creek stormwater detention basin continued on Page 14 Page 2 Houston Construction News • Mar 2012 Fasten up Reaching the top epresentatives from An- slow Bryant Construction RLtd. recently attended a traditional topping out ceremony at the Nexen Petroleum U.S.A. jobsite in West Houston. The ceremony was carried out at the 14-story, 333,000sf office building. According to project manager Steve Thomas, An- slow Bryant Construction topped out the structure in three months and 28 days. “By working seven days a week since the beginning, we were able to complete the pre- cast concrete skin before the structure was complete and The Mobile Fasteners Mardi Gras float poured concrete at a rate of one obile Fasteners, a division of Big H party takes place at the Hobby Hilton. In and a half floors per week,” he Corp., began in 1964 as a small addition, we also help with a Mardi Gras said. “We have a great team and The Nexen Petroleum U.S.A. project Mpop rivet distributorship operated float every year.” everything is clicking.” from the home of H.F. “Buddy” Beaman. According to Polasek, all of the folks Founded in 1995, Anslow Bry- tractor, design-builder and construction manager The business is still family owned at the company are Houston sports fans ant Construction is a general con- in Houston. –ab and located in South Houston. Beaman is and support the Astros, Texans, Rockets the president and CEO and Josie Bea- and Dynamo. man is the secretary and treasurer. Rob “My main hobby these days is play- Polasek has been the sales manager ing golf,” he said. “I play at River Terrace since 1985. Golf Course in Channelview, TX. Buddy’s Polasek says that Mobile Fasteners favorite hobby is fishing. He likes to go has company dinners throughout the saltwater fishing at Tiki Island.” year. Mobile Fasteners is a distributor of fas- “For the Fourth of July, we have hot teners, directed to selling to the construc- dogs and around Thanksgiving we have tion, industrial, oilfield and chemical indus- pizza,” he said. “Our annual Christmas tries. –ab

Anslow Bryant Construction held a catered lunch for the subcontractors. The company has expanded 10 times the original size since 1964. Houston Construction News • Mar 2012 Page 3

What’s your favorite Going international lunchtime restaurant?

nternational Stoneworks opened its Las Carretas and I eat the steak ala Mexi- My favorite place for lunch in the Hous- doors in 1982 and is celebrating 30 cana. Absolutely! Since I left San Antonio, ton metro area is Mel’s Country Café in Iyears in business in March. I really miss it. In Houston, it’s Miyako Tomball. My favorite meal there is the President Rawi Tabbah says he be- Sushi Bar, right next door to our office. hamburger steak. A close second to that gan his business by introducing one They do a rib eye sushi roll. It has crab and would be their fried mushrooms. Mel’s product to maintain natural stone with- onion and it’s wrapped in a really rare Country Café is absolutely the No. 1 res- out wax. steak and you just can’t beat it. It’s just taurant in the state of Texas. In fact, they “After I was given the opportunity to perfect. have a lot of construction people that restore one marble bathroom floor with Joshua Meyer, meet there for lunch. this new technique in a major Houston Builders Exchange Houston Dan Rowlen, Triangle Reproductions hotel, I expanded the business by per- forming stone restoration, maintenance One of my favorite restaurants is Pap- There are so many good restaurants, but work and selling various stone care prod- padeaux’s. I like their pan-grilled Tilapia. I would have to say Ouisie’s on San Felipe ucts,” he said. Debbie Wadlington, Briggs Equipment St. I love their shrimp and grits. Also Ki- “It is quite an accomplishment for ran’s Indian Restaurant in Highland Vil- any company to successfully stay in busi- lage. I eat the combo plate. It has several ness for 30 years and I am very proud of My favorite restaurant is Pappas and I like different foods that represent well. International Stoneworks and its employ- their lump crab and shrimp salad. Janice Peters, Build Houston ees. I am always looking for ways for our Mark Johnson, Briggs Equipment business to improve and grow and I enjoy Veronas Flying Pizza and I get the babe teaching my daughter, Jacqueline, who Rawi Tabbah says he is grateful for his ziti with Italian sausage. It’s fantastic! joined us in 2009, about the services pro- dedicated employees and clientele. My favorite lunchtime restaurant is the Amber Hobbs, HG Fire Systems vided by our company. I look forward to Red Onion Café and my favorite entree is celebrating another 30 years!” the Mayan Chicken. It’s very good. My favorite lunchtime spot is Which Tabbah says at Christmas time, the Tabbah says the company now sells Valerie Delafosse, Wich. I like the chicken pesto sandwich. company has any annual party for em- its products nationally and internationally. Women Contractors Association Sandi Hinson, ployees and their families. Everyone “While typically we perform stone Northstar Fire Protection cooks and brings in a dish to share. and tile restoration in residences and ma- Java Java on 11th street has fantastic “My hobbies today are listening to jor buildings in Texas, we have traveled as chicken salad. I love it. That’s my favorite. music and traveling with my wife,” he far as California, Florida and New Jersey.” Lenora Sorola-Pohlman, Koto Japanese Restaurant and it is their said. “We enjoy exploring places that we International Stoneworks is a natural Navarro Insurance Sushi special. have never been to before. We have seen stone restoration and maintenance busi- Amber Mavridis, the Pyramids in Egypt and ancient build- ness. –ab My favorite place to eat during lunch Northstar Fire Protection ings in Turkey.” would be Pappadeaux’s. I always get their specialty salad. It’s a great salad! My favorite lunch is at Panera Bread and I Chrysanthie Pappas, do their pick two: soup and sandwich. Construction News ON LOCATION Triangle Reproductions Cindy Wade, Simplex Grinnell Take two My favorite place would be Jimmy Johns My favorite place for business clients is because they deliver. Houston’s on Kirby Drive. Beckye Manzel, Energy Waterproofing Cathy McDow, RLI Insurance and Roofing Systems

L-R : Devin Flato and Doug Lowe are friendly surveyors at Halff Associates Inc., a full-service engineering, surveying and architecture firm. –ab

Houston CONSTRUCTION NEWS Houston Editor — Abby BeMent — [email protected] — 713-599-1774

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What sparked your interest to get into the heating and air conditioning business? I started out doing automotive air conditioning and then I started reading about heating and air conditioning at the vocational training school in San Marcos. After that, I eventually got into residential and commercial air conditioning and heating. I worked for several different heating and cooling contractors, where I gained valuable experience in estimating, sched- Ted Garcia uling, purchasing, inventory control, labor management, and running the day- A Pro Air to-day operations of an HVAC contractor. I am still learning so much about the Heating and A/C Inc. business, especially the commercial side. Things have constantly changed since I earned my apprenticeship license.

Have you ever lived anywhere besides Texas? Yes, I did sheet metal work in Kansas ed Garcia has worked in the heating at one time. I did a lot of bending and and air conditioning business for 37 forming sheet metal at my job there. I Tyears. He says he likes to simply be also gained experience in duct design L-R: Ted Garcia and his helper Eboeio “Boyo” Moreno called “Mr. Garcia”. and installation. A Pro Air Heating and A/C is a heat- During that time, I sold a variety of ing and air conditioning company focus- HVAC related products into the new resi- ing on both service and installations for dential construction market. The prod- There is so much going on now in Why do you enjoy your job? new construction projects. ucts included heat pumps, sheet metal the industry. It would be best for a young My favorite part of my job is every fabrication, thermostat wiring, start-ups, person to learn the business in a trade single project is different. There is always Where are you from, Mr. Garcia? flexible ductwork and floor furnaces. school for a few years. something new to learn. I have done this I grew up in the Rio Grande Valley in Then, get experience in the field. type of work for 37 years. I am never McAllen, TX. I remember it was really hot Did you have any mentors along the bored because I am always learning in the summers. way that taught you the business? Have there been any positive happen- something new. Football was my biggest interest I had to learn the business the hard ings recently at the company? when I was a kid. I played football on the way. There was no one back then who Yes, right now we are doing a lot of What are your favorite hobbies these elementary and junior high school teams. wanted to teach me how to make money. bids with the Blue Book. days? I had to teach myself. As a matter of fact, we just got some When I get the chance, I like to go What did your parents do when you new software that we bought last year fishing in the Pearland area and Galves- were growing up? What does a typical day look like for that we are implementing for all the new ton Bay. I go crabbing in Galveston too. My parents were good folks and al- you nowadays? commercial jobs. My family and I enjoy going swim- ways worked hard. I oversee the commercial projects We are in the works on that and we ming at the beach in the summertime. I My father was a delivery guy when I and I do all the estimates. I have done are about a year away from finishing it. I usually don’t go to far from the Gulf Coast was growing up. He delivered anything this for the past 15 years. am still doing a lot of training. area because I want to stay dedicated to from eggs to pies to chickens. I go out to the jobsites on a daily ba- my customers. I’m available for my cus- My mother grew up in a large family sis. Have you always operated at your cur- tomers to call 24 hours a day, seven days with 12 kids. They lived and worked on a rent location? a week. big ranch in South Texas. How many employees do you have? We were at a different location for My wife and I have three children Depending on the economy, we about seven years. that keep us busy. Two of them can play Did you have a part-time job as a teen- have had as many as 17 employees. Right We moved to our current location the guitar and drums. We all like to spend ager? now, I have four employees. We are still a about three years ago. I bought three time as a family on the weekends. The first job I had as a teenager was small company. acres of land and put up a shop. In addition, I love to cook when I get working at a bus barn at McAllen School We try not to hire subcontractors, I have added an office to the shop. I home from work. My wife likes when I District. I did mechanic work at the time. but we do when we have to. When we do eventually want to double our office cook healthy foods such as rice, beans I actually worked on the buses and that, we only hire the people who are space. We have a total of 4,000sf of shop and pasta. also did lawn mower repairs. I went to qualified and good workers. You don’t space and I think it is too small. I want to work after school and on the weekends. want to hire just anybody. add more shop space in the future. Are you a sports fan? In addition, I had one of the largest Eboeio “Boyo” Moreno is my helper Yes, my favorite football teams are paper routes in McAllen. I started off sell- and Tammy Ferguson is the secretary. What are a few commercial jobs you the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Tex- ing newspapers on the streets and then I have worked on lately? ans. went on to deliver papers. What does it take to be successful at We have completed jobs for Holiday My father was a big Dallas Cowboys I started out with one route and then what you do? Inn Express and Hilton Garden Inn and fan. I used to watch the Cowboys all the the owner of the newspaper wanted me I think you have to have drive and other hotel and motel projects. time as a kid. The Texans are a great team to work six routes. I woke up early in the you have to like what you do for a living. We also had a job at a Department of too! morning to deliver papers in the local You also have to be versatile and Public Safety (DPS) office in Pasadena, neighborhoods. I tried to have nickels in wear different hats on the job. TX. We converted the office into a dance Do you ever have company events my pocket all the time. There is always something going on hall. during the year? in this business and it is never the same We will do commercial and residen- On occasion, we have an annual What did you do after school? thing every day. tial work within a 50-mile radius of Hous- event. What we normally do in the sum- I actually dropped out of school It is important to provide the highest ton. mer is go to a Holiday Inn by the beach in when I was in the 10th grade. I did even- quality service for a reasonable price. Galveston and go fishing. It is nice to get tually finish my education with a GED. It takes dedication to get the job Are you a member of any local associa- away from the norm every now and then. I wanted to get into the trades and done right. tions? there really weren’t any good vocational Yes, we are members of the Air Con- What are your plans for the company? training schools in the area. What if a young person wants to get ditioning Contractors Association of In the future, I look forward to grow- So, I decided to go to a school in San into the trade? What advice would Greater Houston, the Air Conditioning ing the company and staying on top of Marcos, TX and take a two and half hour you give him or her? Contractors of America, the Pearland everything going on in the industry! –ab class in automotive air conditioning. At I would say the best thing to do is to Chamber of Commerce and the National first, I wanted to do mechanic work. stay in school. Balancing Institute.

 San Antonio Texas  Austin www.constructionnews.net  Dallas/Fort Worth Houston publishing the industry’s news Style  Houston Construction News • Mar 2012 Page 5

The payroll tax cut Don’t fall into OSHA’s top extension safety problem

Wayne Snelson, CPA Michael Abcarian, Managing Partner Partner and Head of the Construction Industry Line Fisher & Phillips LLP Gainer Donnelly & Desroches, LLP Dallas, TX Houston, TX t’s no secret that construction is a high-risk industry for ave you noticed that the Social Security tax withheld Iworkers, with fall hazards at the top of the list. In fact, Hfrom your employees’ paychecks is less than the falls are the most frequent cause of fatalities at construc- amount you have to match as an employer? That is due tion sites and annually account for one out of every to the Payroll Tax Cut Extension that Congress passed at three construction-related deaths. the end of 2011. The 2 percent Social Security Tax Cut, which originated in 2011, means In 2011, problems associated with have a comprehensive safety manage- that employees pay 4.2 percent toward Social Security while employers pay 6.2 percent employees falling from scaffolds, roofs, ment program that identifies safety haz- toward that same program. The two month extension was set to expire in February, ladders, and other high places topped ards, even if there is not an applicable however on February 17th, Congress passed an extension of the payroll tax cut. The OSHA’s list of workplace safe concerns. OSHA standard. Under this program, measure was approved in a 293-132 vote that split both parties. The vote was 146-91 Indeed, federal inspectors discovered OSHA may cite employers for failure to among Republicans, and 147-41 among Democrats. The Senate acted less than an hour about 17,200 violations of OSHA stan- prevent injury or illness. Use your data to later and approved the bill in a 60-36 vote. The $143 billion package extends the 2 per- dards pertaining to workers who fell from focus on training, supervisory involve- centage point cut in the 6.2 percent Social Security payroll tax for the rest of 2012, es- elevated areas; 7,035 violations of OSHA’s ment, and safety oversight to stay ahead sentially saving around $80 monthly for someone earning $50,000 a year. scaffolding standard; 6,984 violations of of the curve on this evolving area of safe- the fall prevention standard; and 3,179 ty responsibility. Without this extension, the tax rate that will ensure the correct tax rate is ap- violations of the standard for use of lad- Solve Safety Problems to Prevent would have reverted to 6.2 percent on plied for the rest of the year. This delay ders. The penalties assessed to these em- Other Problems the first $110,100 of wages earned in may result in added time and cost to ployers were significant to say the least, Showing employees you care about 2012. For some lawmakers, the vote was manually calculate the 1st payroll in and in many instances, were probably involving them in safety management an obvious choice, as they cited the 160 March. Our advice is to update your soft- avoidable. may actually reduce or altogether elimi- million workers who would benefit from ware as soon as possible. If you have any After years of somewhat less rigor- nate other problems. For example, sur- the payroll tax cut. But for others, the questions in regard to the payroll tax cut, ous enforcement, the pendulum is swing- veys have shown that when safety be- package was a bitter pill. Lawmakers on or need assistance with your payroll cal- ing back toward more stringent enforce- comes a primary issue during union orga- both sides of the aisle were upset that the culations, please feel free to contact our ment of OSHA fall protection standards. nizing attempts, the union success rate in measure would add to the federal deficit office at 713.621.8090. As most employers know, the OSH Act of those efforts is approximately 68 percent, and doubted that it would do much to 1970 requires every employer to furnish a the highest for any single issue. Not sur- boost the economy. However, President safe place of employment and to comply prisingly, safety problems can become Obama was quoted as saying that Con- For further information on Personal or Busi- with all applicable workplace safety stan- very public during labor union organiz- gress “did the right thing” by extending ness tax issues, please contact our office on dards. ing and labor disputes. the payroll tax cut, and he urged lawmak- 713-621-8090. Gainer, Donnelly & Des- While it is the rare employer who is Use safety compliance efforts to cre- ers to “keep taking the action that people roches, LLP, the tenth largest certified public immune from workplace accidents and ate a workplace where employees do not are calling for to keep this economy accounting firm in Houston, provides high- injuries, implementation of safety poli- experience problems that lead to law- growing”. ly personalized tax, audit, business plan- cies should be a top priorities for con- suits, union organizing, or conflict in an ning and advisory services to businesses struction industry employers and makes already unionized setting. Training and So politics aside, how will the payroll tax and individuals across all industries with a big difference when it comes to meet- audits can correct a wide range of legal cut extension impact your company? special expertise in construction, wholesale ing OSHA standards. and human resources vulnerability. & distribution, manufacturing, not-for- For example, by simply looking at With the lives of construction work- Well, employers who use computer soft- profit, employee benefit plans, high net data from OSHA, employers can identify ers on the line, fall prevention and overall ware to prepare their payroll should worth and real estate. The Firm has a di- hot spots for danger and ramp up poli- safety precautions are not to be taken watch out for updates from their soft- verse clientele from individuals and small cies that may prevent future accidents, lightly. OSHA is ramping up enforcement ware providers. Employers who have business owners to multi-national corpora- thus limiting jobsite safety violations and to ensure that everyone takes job safety software that is not connected to the in- tions. For additional information, please liabilities. seriously. With employers now facing ternet may have to wait for CD updates visit www.gddcpa.com Although there are commonly avail- more severe fines, an increased number able methods for preventing falls, atten- of safety inspections and bad publicity if tion to the following should help you de- they fail to meet required safety responsi- crease the number of tumbles taken by bilities, now is the time to beef-up safety employees and the amount of costly policies and practices that will keep both Moving on up OSHA fines doled out by the agency. you and your workers out of harm’s way. Examine safety hazards often Michael Abcarian is the Managing Employers must assess jobsites to Partner of the Dallas office of Fisher & Phil- ommy Laskowski has owned determine whether working surfaces lips, a national labor and employment law firm. He has experience advising and de- Houston-based A & T Plumbing Co. have the strength and structural integrity Inc. since 1987. He says he got his fending employers in all phases of labor T to support worker safely. Once employ- and employment law, including occupa- start in the business as a plumber’s helpers determine surface safety, they must tional safety and health. He can be reached er when he was a teenager. install and maintain proper fall protec- at [email protected]. “I was told at an early age that the tion systems, supervise employees, and more you learn, the faster you move up train everyone about proper use of fall the ladder,” he said. “When I first opened protection. my company, I worked out of a small After taking the proper safety pre- lease space building. It was tough at first. cautions to prevent violations, it’s time to I put in a lot of hours and there were prepare for the possibility of an OSHA in- some “no paycheck” weeks. spection. OSHA looks for “low-hanging “I had two plumbers and a couple of fruit” – common safety violations – such helpers working with me at the time. I as: unprotected sides and edges of work- had a couple of trucks. I am still working sites, wall openings, or floor holes during with the same general contractors that I construction. Preventing these condi- did the day I started the company. tions can be challenging, and for employ- “Problem solving is what I like most ers with many locations, the possibility of about the business. I do a little bit of it all. OSHA citations for repeat violations is a I estimate and I go get materials. I’ll go to significant concern. the jobsites and meet with customers. OSHA’s focus on routine items, as “I think you get out of something well use of its “egregious” policy (by issu- what you put into it. If you give 100 per- ing multiple citations when an employer cent, you get 100 percent back.” has high rates of fatalities, violations, or Laskowski says A & T Plumbing has a has shown disregard for safety) is now Christmas party every year and the em- Tommy Laskowski likes the problem solving sometimes generating six-figure penal- ployees also attend an annual plumber’s aspect of the plumbing business. ties. OSHA’s proposed penalty calcula- fishing tournament. tion guidance is intended to raise the av- “My favorite hobbies these days are erage penalty by approximately 300 per- going fishing and flying airplanes,” he Every year, Laskowski says he travels cent. Multi-location employers are espe- said. “I usually go fishing in Sargent, TX to Las Vegas, NV to go to the National Ro- cially at risk, but improved and consis- and Galveston. I’ll catch bass, catfish, deo Finals. tently enforced safety rules, self-audits, trout, reds and flounder. “The top 15 people of the world and supervisor accountability can signifi- “In addition, I have been a pilot for compete in a different category at the ro- cantly reduce exposure. more than 20 years. I have flown all over. deo,” he said. “It is a lot of fun!” Develop a Comprehensive Train- Besides Texas, I have been to California, A & T Plumbing is a commercial, resi- ing Program New Mexico, Arizona, Oklahoma, Arkan- dential and industrial plumbing contractor. OSHA has proposed development of sas, Louisiana and Mississippi.” –ab a standard requiring that employees Page 6 Houston Construction News • Mar 2012 Reaching 115 years Obtaining competitive proposals

Mike Abelow, Senior Account Executive GuarantyInsurica Insurance Services San Antonio, TX

fter seven years of declining rates tailed explanation of any large claims or Aand minimal underwriting the insur- open reserves. ance markets are at the beginning stag- es of change. Rates are starting to trend 4. Market assignment is very important. upward and companies are being more Your incumbent agent gets first choice selective in their underwriting. Many of of companies. Ask each agent to pro- L-R: Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing partners Art Canales, John Kafka and David Neal the contractors I talk with are confused vide a list of the markets they would ohn Kafka, President and CEO of have further embraced technology to about the process of obtaining compet- prefer in order of priority. To be fair to Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproof- improve communication, reduce costs itive proposals. The best results can the competing agent, you should limit Jing, admits his company has had a and better analyze our business.” only be obtained when certain proce- the incumbent to his/her top three mar- little help in reaching its 115th anniversa- The 600-employee company is led dures are followed. Should you elect to kets and then let the competing agents ry. by Kafka and partners Art Canales and obtain quotes the best results can be have the highest three remaining mar- “By the grace of God,” Kafka replied Doug Neal. A new senior vice president, obtained by following the procedures kets on his/her list. when asked how his company has kept Doug Combes, recently joined the man- outlined below: going since the nineteenth century. agement team. 5. Provide a detailed description of The company founded in 1897 in De- The award-winning company’s work 1. When selecting an agent, be selec- your operations, scope of work, type troit was originally named Chamberlin in Texas includes such projects as Minute tive. Interview the agent prior to agree- and amount of work subcontracted. If Metal Weather Strip Company. The com- Maid Park, Texas A&M Bright Football ing to let him/her provide a proposal. you subcontract work to others, your pany manufactured and installed some Complex, Reliant NFL Stadium and the Make sure he/she has experience with subcontract agreement is very impor- of the nation’s first weatherproofing DFW International Airport. writing contractors. Contracting ac- tant as it should contain both an indem- products. Maintaining a focus on teamwork counts require more services and spe- nification clause and insurance require- Today, with locations in Dallas, San has helped the company keep employ- cialized knowledge about construction ments. Antonio, Houston, Austin and Oklahoma, ees happy and productivity up, Kafka contracts and law. Select only the the company continues to grow and is said. agents with whom you feel most com- Following these simple steps will re- still looking at ways to stay ahead of the “Foundational to our culture is re- fortable. Test each ones knowledge duce your time in obtaining the best game. spect,” he said. “At Chamberlin, we be- with select questions. Choose no more value for your dollar and will put you in “It is a combination of a lot of things, lieve in getting problems on the table, than three agents, including the incum- control of the bidding process. but I think our real commitment to in- discussing them, making a decision, sup- bent. stalling our work at the best possible porting the decision and moving on. Unfortunately, the bids may have wide quality along with a can-do spirit of co- Treating others in all situations as one 2. Prepare detailed specifications variances. Allow each bidder who pres- operation on each project is the founda- would like to be treated is the underpin- sheets. This should include property ents a reasonable bid an opportunity to tion of our growth,” Kafka explained. “We ning of a great place to work.” –ms values, equipment schedules, auto explain his/her coverages and premi- schedule, payrolls per code, required ums. Make certain each bid has the cor- additional insured clause, blanket waiv- rect/required coverages that conform er of subrogation and any other specific to your specificationsand that the carri- Want Reprints? coverages you carry or desire. Ask the ers have acceptable financialratings. competing agent to recommend cover- Full Color, Press Quality Digital Reprints available on age that is not in the specifications as separate line items. Provide the same any item in Construction News – $42 includes tax information to all agents. Mike Abelow is Senior Account Executive Perfect for framing in the office, a promo Guaranty/lnsurica Insurance Services, item, for the website or as a gift. 3. Provide loss runs for five (5) years. San Antonio, Tx. He is a 25-year construc- Digital Press Quality PDF is emailed to you. Print as many Provide each agent a copy of your mas- tion specialist and can be reached at: as you like. Can also be printed by any graphics ter subcontractor contract agreement, a [email protected] service provider, on any paper selection, size, or finish. copy of your drivers list and a contrac- 210-805-5910 To request a reprint . . . tor’s questionnaire (this can be obtained • Email to: [email protected] from your current agent). Provide a de- • Indicate you would like to purchase a reprint, and a credit card form will be emailed for you to complete and return. If you have any questions, contact the SA home office at (210) 308-5800 www.constructionnews.net Houston Construction News • Mar 2012 Page 7

getting hypothermia. Take things very slow and be sure of your next step before you commit your weight to your lead foot. Weather conditions should careful- ly be considered before venturing out on a wading trip. Changing weather conditions can develop very quickly and can catch you off guard and possibly far from the boat. Determine not where you should fish, but instead where you shouldn’t. Key on protected shorelines and structure that you know might hold baitfish and have reasonably clear water. Observations like these will definitely improve your odds in landing the big one. Wading the bay When wade fishing, look beyond what’s immediately apparent. Constantly exam- step by step ine both the surface and feel what’s un- by Capt. Steve Schultz der your feet. Keep your eyes peeled for jumping mullet and shrimp or nervous Sponsored by: water. Slick spots appearing on the wa- Trans Sport Boats, Mercury Outboards, ter’s surface are sure signs of feeding fish. Chris’s Marine, Motorguide Trolling Mo- When people read a book, many of them tors, Power Pole Shallow Water Anchor, need a pair of reading glasses. The same Pure Fishing, Pflueger Reels, All-Star goes for reading the water. A good pair Rods, Mirr-O-Lure, Bass Assassin, of polarized sunglasses by Maui Jim or and Columbia Sportswear. Oakley are a must for water penetration and contrast. When selecting your sun- rophy trout fishing in the Laguna glasses, pick lenses that are green, ver- Madre/Baffin Bay complex is in full milion or amber for bay fishing and blue Tswing. For the past month most of or gray for offshore waters. A good pair my charters have consisted of long hours of these glasses can cost anywhere from wading the shallow flats and shoreline of $150 to $400. our bay system, in search of every coastal angler’s dream. Thousands of casts ev- Make sure all your reels are tuned up with eryday with my 6½-ft. “FTU” Green rod new line and a fluorocarbon leader. Dull and chronarch reel have made this set-up hooks can make for a frustrating day as Chase Clark of Floresville tricked this Baffin speck using a white soft plastic wading seem like an extension to my right arm. fish typically shake loose on the way to near the mouth of the bay with Steve Schultz Outdoors. Our trout bite has been consistently the end of the rod. Lately, most of the yielding reasonable numbers and a fish caught have come off of soft plastics handful of fish over the 5-lb. mark on the like the Gambler Flapp-n-Shad and Bass Boga. However, the best fishing is yet to Assassin with several of the bigger trout come. Typically we start seeing the falling to Topdogs and Corky’s. Light heavier sow trout in March and into April winds have allowed anglers to fan their Did you know? that will reach double digits numbers on cast nearly 360 degrees covering every the scale. square foot around them. All these tips Advertising in Dallas/Fort. Worth should better your odds on catching your Wade fishing the next few months will be fish of a lifetime. Construction News means you Austin the preferred method for pursuing mon- are in front of the industry's ster trout. When wading, please exercise For more information or to schedule your extreme caution. Often our water tem- next bay fishing trip, give Capt. Steve decision makers every month? San Antonio Houston peratures are in the low 50- to 70-degree Schultz a call at 361-949-7359 or 361-813- range. If you’re wading soft mud on the 3716 or email him at SteveSchultzOut- Publishing the Industry’s News . . . TEXAS Style rocks down in Baffin Bay you can loose [email protected]. www.steveschult- Home Office: (210) 308-5800 www.constructionnews.net your balance causing you to fall and fill zoutdoors.com Good Luck and Good your waders with cold water and possibly Fishing.

SEND IN YOUR PHOTOS! fishing, hunting, skiing, biking, racing, or any outdoor activity or sport.

STEVE SCHULTZ OUTDOORS, LLC

BAFFIN BAY –– LAGUNA MADRE –– LAND CUT SPECKLED TROUT –– REDFISH –– FLOUNDER FISHING AND HUNTING TRIPS (361) 949-7359 www.baffinbaycharters.com [email protected] U.S. Coast Guard & Texas Parks and Wildlife Licensed Page 8 Houston Construction News • Mar 2012

Ken Milam’s Fishing Line Sponsored by Tropical Marine and Honda Marine

My name is Ken Milam and, for the past 26 years, I have been guiding fishing trips for striped bass on Lake Buchanan in the Texas Hill Country. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity of getting to know a good many folks in the construction trade. Get outta here

here I was, pulling out of the Wal- ers, spelunking, biking, swimming, sight- Mart parking lot and down the road seeing or archeology – there is some- Tcomes a truck pulling a nice looking thing for any taste. These parks are our bass boat, piled high with fresh cut cedar precious gift to ourselves and our chil- branches. That can only mean one dren, but we need to get out and use thing…spring is just about here and the them. Money is tight for the state too, crappie are biting! I bet those fellows and it would be a great investment both spend all weekend tempting those crap- in our parks and our kids to get them ac- pie with nice brush to hide in. quainted with each other.

Over all it has been a pretty mild winter, Don’t overlook all the spring festivals ei- but I’m ready for spring too. Longer days ther. Just about every town has some and milder weather make me want to kind of shindig going on in the next few root around in the garden and start weeks. I’m sure there is one coming to a planting. Time to get out of the house town near you. Just go online and check and see what all we can find to get into. out the local Chambers of Commerce or check out www.texashighways.com and The fish are starting to get more active look at their current event search feature. also. White bass are running up river and You can know what’s happening any- the fishing docks are seeing good crap- where in Texas at any time of the year. pie fishing under the lights at night. Stripers and hybrids and, I guess catfish, Personally, I hear that something big is on are all beginning to feed better in order the horizon just west of here in the tiny to be ready to spawn in the coming little riverside town of Castell. It will be weeks. before their annual kayak race on the Llano River, and the wild rumors I’ve Landon Glass of Jarrell caught this 13.03-lb. bass, Toyota ShareLunker 528, from Lake Austin February 14. The fish was 25.75 inches long and 21.75 inches in girth. Have you heard about the three Share- heard so far sound like a whole lot of fun. Ryan Fontana, © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Lunkers that have already come out of Keep your ears open, I’ll tell you more Lady Bird Lake in Austin this year? One of about it later on. them was caught for her second time around as a ShareLunker. Now that is a Come on now – just load up Momma and successful breeding program! the kids and Granny and Grandpa too. We are going to have bluebonnets this Spring break is upon us too. Don’t panic year, thanks to the nice little rain show- though, there is plenty to go and do and ers. You know you have to get some of explore that is inexpensive and close to those precious bluebonnet pictures, and home. who knows, maybe some good barbeque while you are on the road too! Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. has 93 state parks for your next adventure. It Kick the door open and let’s get outta doesn’t matter what you are into – fish- here! ing, birding, paddling, hiking, wildflow-

Lake bottom bluebonnets - half the blue in the lake bed is fields of bluebonnets

Spring in the hill country - historic oak tree with a thunderstorm in the background Houston Construction News • Mar 2012 Page 9

A few things to consider From exhibits to dinosaurs rofessionals from across the before riding United States involved with Submitted by Bruce Blanks Pthe decorative concrete in- San Antonio Powersports dustry came together under one San Antonio, TX roof in San Antonio Feb. 20-24. Companies from the San An- tonio, Austin, Houston and Dallas/ Fort Worth areas represented the Lone Star State at the five-day event, which included exhibits, training sessions, seminars, mix- ers, awards presentations and even a project to participate in sculpting a concrete large-scale Jurassic-era dinosaur. – ms

L-R: Brian Borchardt and Bruce Blanks major safety factor that is com- be careful as to the type of oil you choose. monly overlooked by a large num- Some oils are not suited for use in motor- Aber of riders is tire air pressure. Im- cycle due to being too slippery for the proper air pressure greatly affects the clutch. stability of the motorcycle. In a hard stop Cable activated clutches require pe- or collision avoidance, proper air pres- riodic adjustment. Most of the time the sure could be the difference of staying adjustment can be made at the handle- upright or not. Additionally improper air bar without the use of tools. Improper pressure also causes premature tire wear. adjustment of the cable of course will I recommend checking tire air pressure at cause premature wear or improper disen- least weekly. gagement of the clutch. Motorcycles equipped with drive Don’t take for granted that all of your chains require more attention and main- lights will be working. You should check tenance than rubber drive belts or shaft the turn signals, brake lights and tail drive. Drive chains require lubrication on lights prior to riding. It is not uncommon a regular basis. The frequency depends for the brake lights not to work due to the on the type of lubricant used and riding rear brake light switch needing adjust- conditions. The more gooey and thicker ment or a failed front brake light switch the lube the better it is for the chain. in need of replacement. Remember that However, the down side to the gooey unlike automobiles and trucks, the con- lube is it tends to leave a mess on the rear trols and switches on motorcycles are wheel. An alternative to this is a product subjected to moisture and weather. Cor- known as Chain Wax that is a paraffin rosion and/or oxidation can be a factor in based lubricant. Chain wax does not have lights and horn not always working. the same lubricating ability and should Check your horn for proper operation as be applied more frequently. The only well. benefit to the chain wax is that it does Mirrors are important items and they not leave as big a mess on the rear wheel. should be kept clean. Dirty mirrors re- Chains wear faster than the rubber drive quire too much time looking at to make belts and require adjustment more fre- distance judgments. And this additional quently. Rubber drive belts last a long, time looking backwards distracts you long time and require little adjustment in from the direction you are going, which its serviceable life span. Shaft drive mo- of course is where your undivided atten- torcycles require practically no mainte- tion should be focused. This large-scale concrete dinosaur comes to life with the addition of paint. nance for the final drive, but I do recom- These checks do require a few min- mend changing the gear oil with every utes of your time but the time spent is engine oil change. well worth it. Safety is the main issue, Engine oil should be checked at least which means that these checks could weekly but daily would be better. Some save your life as well as some money. Ride particular models of motorcycles have a safely and stay alert. reputation of consuming oil, so check it San Antonio Powersports provides Backﬂ ow Enclosures frequently in case you may by chance motorcycle and ATV sales, parts, accesso- have such a model. I recommend that ries and service. ECONOMY BACKFLOW ENCLOSURES AT A COST YOU CAN AFFORD you change the oil every 3,000 miles and DEALERS WANTED SALE $290.00 SEND IN YOUR PHOTOS . . . INCLUDES CONCRETE fishing, hunting, skiing, FORM IN PRICE biking, racing, or SALE MODEL EC-26-PVB $329.00 any outdoor activity or sport. 26” L x 15” W x 35” T

MODEL EC-50-RPZ 713-467-6777 42.5” L x 18” W x 35” T [email protected] WWW.SAFE-FLOW.COM Page 10 Houston Construction News • Mar 2012 Food, festivities and fellowship

nviting friends and col- leagues in the industry, IBalfour Beatty Con- struction held the 2012 Trade Partner Barbecue Cook-off at 4321 Directors Row Feb. 10. The cook-off took place all day and folks from the competition booths served barbecue until 6pm. This year’s event benefited the Wounded Warriors Proj- ect. Bud Griffin Associates Balfour Beatty Construction is a commercial construction contractor. –ab

A large crowd gathers at the Balfour Beatty Construction office.

J.M. Maly Inc.

 San Antonio Texas  Austin www.constructionnews.net  Dallas/Fort Worth publishing the industry’s news Style  Houston

A sensible move

The team at Door King in Houston has moved to Hurfus Dr.

oor King recently relocated, trad- “It’s usually slow at the beginning of ing in its Channelview address for the year, but we’ve got a lot of work com- Da venue close to the west side of ing up, and we’re looking to have a ban- town – a move President Harry Heit- ner year.” kamp said “just makes sense.” While small commercial jobs are the The seller and installer of commercial company’s bread and butter, Heitkamp doors and frames, which got its start in said a couple of noteworthy projects 1983, is now located near US 290 and were either nearing completion or about I-610 at 2209 Hurfus Dr. to be underway. “We moved into an area where our “We’re just now wrapping up our customers are,” Heitkamp explained. “It’s work on the baseball stadium in Sugar kind of a more sensible location for our Land,” he said. “That’s the biggest thing customer base and our suppliers. we’ve had on hand lately. “The reality of it was everything “We’re about to do a renovation over we’re doing, and everyone we’re doing it at Houston Christian High School, too.” for is located over here (in this part of Heitkamp, an avid angler, joined town).” Door King in 2009. He says the move was Heitkamp said business had been a lucky one. good lately for the company, which has “I had recently gotten out of school 19 employees. and was just living in Galveston and fish- “Through the last couple of years, ing a lot when this popped up,” said the we’ve continued to grow,” he noted. Texas State grad who studied construc- “That’s a good thing. The way I see it, this tion technology. “I’m the everyday oper- means there’s room to grow up in this ations guy – just kind of the guy who town. makes sure everything happens.” –ms Houston Construction News • Mar 2012 Page 11

Construction Education Making education work riculum, research for future trends, con- lenge for our country and throughout tinuing education for graduates and sup- the world. Parents who see in the press port for the program, which is needed as that construction unemployment is high- Michael M. Holland, CPC, AIC the universities’ financial support is al- er than many segments of our economy American Council for Construction Education ways under attack from the state legisla- have impacted student enrollment in San Antonio, TX tures and other funding sources. It is im- construction programs. Though that is portant local construction professionals true, it has little affect on a student be- be involved with the program to contrib- ginning his or her college career. We hen most people think about education for the ute to the community and the quality of know with certainty the construction in- Wconstruction industry, they have in mind training the college program. dustry cannot be exported to another for the skilled trades – plumbing, painting, electrical Industry collaboration between country, and the employment picture work, etc. In addition to the skilled trades, there is another segment which is also the A+C+E students. Construction manage- will be better as a new student graduates future of the industry – professionals who will become the owners and senior man- ment, design-build, integrated project four or five years from now. This short- agement of construction companies of all kinds – Construction Management profes- delivery and other project delivery meth- term perspectives unfortunate and will sionals who have a college degree in one of the technical/management degrees ods are being developed to find the impact the future management of con- which provides the foundation to lead a company with a special focus in construction. strengths of each of the design/construc- struction companies for years to come. tion professionals and build on the syn- University funding. State funding At the high school level, the Archi- United States. With over 65 four-year ergy that is developed by working to- of universities as a whole has been re- tecture Construction and Engineering programs and 11 two-year programs ac- gether. The desired result is to have a duced from 70 percent in 1970s to 5-15 (ACE) Mentor Program is focused on in- credited, there is a wide range of choices. higher quality project with no (or fewer) percent today. Student tuition has risen troducing students to construction pro- Accredited programs meet the high level conflicts/lawsuits coming out of the con- tremendously over the last 30 years. fessions. By linking mentors with stu- of standards developed by industry and struction process, resulting in a lower More recently tuition has been a larger dents, students develop an understand- academic professionals and are a guide cost to the project owner and a project restriction to the ability of a student to ing of career paths and the knowledge for quality education for students, par- that is of higher quality and more fun to begin their college career. Governments and skills that will lead them toward a ents, employers and owners of construc- build. have not dealt with the lack of funding to successful profession. Students also work tion projects alike. University programs which have con- our higher education system. As a coun- on a design project, working in teams to As the members of ACCE look into struction science within an institution try, not just in the construction science develop the design, engineering and the the future of construction management having architecture and/or engineering world, it’s our higher educated popula- construction plan, budget and schedule. education, there are several elements would be progressive and benefit their tion that will set us apart from others in Making a presentation to a panel of pro- that provide challenges and opportuni- students if they would find ways for their the world. fessionals, students develop experience ties: students to work together. A+C+E stu- As the Executive Vice President and in teamwork, verbal and presentation Industry involvement is impor- dents need to learn to respect each oth- CEO of ACCE, Mike Holland leads the coun- skills, while working on their project. The tant for a quality program. The council ers’ knowledge and skills and to under- cil in promoting quality education for con- ACE Mentor Programs are locally orga- requires an accredited program have an stand that it takes all three groups to have struction management at colleges and uni- nized with the support of the national active Industry Advisory Board. Industry a strong base and to support the impor- versities across the country. Prior to organization. Scholarships are made practitioners assure the academic pro- tant elements of the total project. There joining ACCE, Holland was president of available to students who are both de- gram has a strong connection to real is resistance in the academic world, just Southern Steel Co. as well as vice president serving and needing financial support. world practices. They also provide insight like in the real world for this collaboration at Hensel Phelps Construction Company. The American Council for Construc- into what is needed to provide a quality to take place. It is greatly important to fa- He has a Bachelors of Mechanical Engineer- tion Education (ACCE) is the accrediting construction education for the graduates cilitate the students to learn to collabo- ing from Texas Tech, and a Masters in Con- body for college and university construc- they will hire. This connection and bal- rate and respect the other professions. struction Science and Management from tion management (CM) programs in the ance allows both groups to work on cur- The economy has been a chal- Clemson University. –dn

Electrical apprenticeship in the Lone Star state affordable career? grams all across the country can expect “Students are realizing they need a to see a steady hike in applicants. As Tex- Laurie Montanus, career,” explains Julie Howard, executive as remains one of the country’s most Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) director of IEC San Antonio Chapter. At flourishing states in terms of job growth, Alexandria, VA IEC San Antonio, apprentice applicants apprentice training programs for all must be employed through a member trades should be prepared to educate company of IEC San Antonio to be placed the future generation of electricians, me- in the program. Although applicants chanics, carpenters, construction craft have increased, not all applicants can be laborers, and more. There are hundreds ensured a spot in the program without a of electrical apprenticeship and training job. That’s why Howard provides a list of programs in the state of Texas, whether it efore the Great Recession hit Ameri- stream of applicants. On average, the De- her applicants to contractors in the area is through a community college, an IEC Bca, most severely in the construction partment of Labor reports that 10,000- looking for new employees. Not every chapter, or any other apprentice training sector, there was wide-spread concern 20,000 Texans join an apprenticeship IEC Chapter operates like this. IEC Fort center throughout the state. There has for the health of the trades. The work- program each year. The reason for such Worth/Tarrant County does not require also been an increase in both state and force was graying, yet there wasn’t a an increase of apprentices, most specifi- applicants to have a set job and actually federal funding aimed at helping ap- steady flow of young apprentices and la- cally in the electrical industry, is not all offers an employment placement pro- prentices afford schooling and providing borers replacing the aging workforce. just the economy. “When Texas changed gram for their students, to help them state programs with the necessary tools This fear was replaced by another, the re- to State Licensing and grandfathered in start their careers once their schooling is to advance the next generation of skilled cession. Businesses were closing, con- some other laws, we saw that there con- finished. tradesmen. struction projects were dwindling, and tinued to be a steady flow of applicants There is no “one size fits all” defini- The conversation has changed dras- virtually everybody in the country was for our apprentice training program, tion of the average Texan electrical ap- tically from five years ago, when there tightening their belts. Another thing which is a good sign in this economy,” prentice. Some apprenticeship programs was a shortage of skilled laborers enter- changed: a renewed interest in the trades said IEC Texas Gulf Coast Chapter long see younger, right out of high school ap- ing the trades market. Workforce devel- and apprenticeship programs. time Executive Director Bob Wilkinson. plicants, while others are seeing an in- opment has taken center stage, especial- Although the construction industry “We usually have 600 students go creased number of applicants in their late ly within the Federal Government, and as a whole is still lagging, the Bureau of through the program each year, and that 20’s and 30’s. focus on the construction trades will be Labor Statistics (BLS) believes employ- number hasn’t dropped at all.” “A majority of my apprentices al- an increased topic of conversation. ment for electricians will actually increase The industry is aware that the num- ready had some experience in the field by 12 percent between 2008 and 2018. bers are steadily increasing for electrical and they want to take that extra step to Laurie Montanus is the Director of Out of the top 10 cities that have the apprentices in Texas, but another impor- advance their career,” explains Lloyd Communications for the Independent Elec- highest employment numbers of electri- tant question to ask is why these num- Quinney, of Quinney Electric Company trical Contractors (IEC). IEC is a trade asso- cians, the great state of Texas occupies bers are on the rise. Is it because of the based in San Antonio, Texas. Because his ciation for the nation’s merit shop electrical two of those slots: Houston ranks third in new state licensing procedures? Maybe shop encourages those who already have and systems contractors, with nearly 3,000 the country, while Dallas ranks eighth. there’s been a greater emphasis on math some experience to pursue apprentice members and 60 chapters nationwide. She With such a large growth rate in elec- and science in schools, leading young training, drop-out rates of his apprentic- is also the Managing Editor for the associa- trical employment projected across the students to enter the trades. Perhaps, the es are very low. tion’s trade publication, Insights. Feel free country, and especially in Texas, appren- younger generations are starting to see With a national growing emphasis to contact her at [email protected]. –dn ticeship programs have seen a stable the trades as an attractive, flexible, and on pursuing a career in the trades, pro- Page 12 Houston Construction News • Mar 2012

Construction Education Importance of education and training in training programs and conferences projects. sponsored by the Associated General How important is “hands on” Contractors (AGC) and other organiza- training? Dave Muehlbauer, tions. We also utilize these associations to I believe application of learning is Sundt provide apprenticeship training for our critical. Even the best formal training Tempe, AZ craft employees. class can only provide a few opportuni- How has construction education ties to practice and apply new knowl- hat in-house training is available at Sundt? changed over the years? edge and skills. The real application and W We have a broad range of training courses and I think the biggest change is the in- refinement occurs in the workplace. We programs, driven by our business priorities and a set of crease emphasis on business manage- strongly encourage employees and their competencies we have identified for employees. Some training is focused on meeting ment and leadership skills. Contractors supervisor to make sure that employees legal or other requirements, but most is based on the skills and processes associated have always provided training on techni- get opportunities to practice what they with our business. We do offer internships, primarily for college students in construc- cal skills, but construction is also a busi- have learned on-the-job, and to receive tion management or civil engineering programs. We also partner with several con- ness and our project teams need to have feedback and coaching to improve their struction associations to provide apprenticeship programs for our craft employees. a good understanding of business prin- performance. ciples as well. We are also a 100% em- What are some success stories re- How has employee training im- ing costs over the last few years? ployee owned company, so our employ- lated to education and the workforce? pacted employee performance and The cost of some services has in- ees have a special interest in the financial There are many, but I think one of the productivity? creased, but that has not been a major performance of the company. most successful programs we have had at Our company’s performance has im- factor for us. The largest category of ex- What areas of education need to be Sundt is a leadership development pro- proved dramatically over the past 10-12 penses for our training function, like improved to better serve the industry? gram that we started in 2000 called LEAP. years, and while there are a number of most other companies, is payroll for If you are talking about education in This program was designed to ensure factors that have contributed to that our training staff. Our company has contin- general, we believe that the K-12 system that we had individuals well prepared to senior leadership sincerely believes that ued to give employees annual increases needs to provide better preparation for lead the company into its second centu- our commitment to training and devel- and that does drive training costs up. the world of work and not just for college. ry. Today, about one-half of the senior opment has played a key role in that im- What is your company’s strategy A large percentage of the good paying managers in the company are graduates provement. to control rising costs? jobs in America do not require a four-year of that program. What training is your company fo- Travel for employees to live, instruc- degree but they do require a solid high David Muehlbauer is the Director of cusing on since the downturn in the tor-led training is a cost that the company school education and some post-second- Learning at Sundt. Prior to joining Sundt he economy? is trying to reduce. For that reason, we ary education. Most schools place so spent more than 20 years in career and Like many companies, we have in- are offering more of our training courses much emphasis on college preparation technical education as a teacher, staff de- creased our focus on business develop- either through remote (webinar) training that they have reduced the opportunities velopment specialist and administrator. He ment. We have always had a strong cul- or online training courses. This helps us for students to participate in high-quality has a master's degree in secondary educa- ture of customer service, but with greater make classes available to employees career and technical education pro- tion, and holds the Certified Professional in competition among contractors it has more often, and in the various geograph- grams. We actively support education at Learning and Performance (CPLP) designa- become even more important for us to ic areas where we operate. all levels (K-12, community college, uni- tion from the American Society for Training make sure our employees have the tools Does Sundt utilize other sources versity), and participate in a variety of and Development and Human Capital and skills needed to get new work also. of training? programs in Texas, Arizona, California Strategist designation from the Human Have you seen an increase in train- Many of our employees participate and all states where we have offices and Capital Institute. –dn NEXT MONTH April 2012 Support Your Industry’s Feature Issue • San Antonio Call for Ad Space • Austin Women in Construction • Dallas/Ft. Worth (210) 308-5800 Reservations • Houston

Know when to hold ‘em

Submitted to Construction News arek Brothers Systems had a decidedly Vegas feel Feb. 16, Mixing it up Mwhen it played host to the ABC Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament. More than 100 poker players com- peted to win an assortment of prizes ranging from out of town vacation rent- als to local sporting event tickets. ABC also raffled two Apple iPads during the event. –ms

L-R: Russell Hamley, ABC Greater Houston President, congratulates Bruce Kenner with Mobile Steel International on his win.

Knudson’s Traci Koenig, Spawglass’s Carol Banowsky, Ferguson Enterprises’ Ashley Sundstrom and Melton & Melton’s Stacy Cardenas enjoy a few laughs and each others company at a recent More than 100 players put on their poker faces. Womens Contractors Association, (WCA) mixer. –ms Houston Construction News • Mar 2012 Page 13 Still going strong Round-Up

Warwick Construction has recently promoted four employees. Lilie Myers was promoted from accounts payable to accounts payable manager and Frank Myers was promoted from estimator to chief estimator. Walt Watzinger was promoted from director business development to vice president operations and Matt Sanford was promoted from senior project manager to vice president construction.

Myers Myers Watzinger Sanford

William T. Ehler, Dustin O’Brien, PE, has been pro- AIA, has recently been appointed a L-R: Jim Jamail and Greg Smith head Jamail & Smith Construction, moted to vice presi- which is celebrating its 30th anniversary. dent in LJA Engi- shareholder and neering’s Houston principal of Wilson amail & Smith Construction is cele- with helping Jamail & Smith stay the land development Architectural brating 30 years in business. course through both booming and lean division. During the Group. O’Brien The general contracting company is economic times. J 14 years Ehler has joined the firm in led by equal partners Jim Jamail and “Our people are our advantage,” said been with LJA, he 2003 and was Gregory Smith, PE., who joined the firm Smith. “Not only have we attracted some has provided engi- named an associate in 2001, bringing with him 20 years of en- of the most talented professionals in the neering leadership for the development in 2009. He has managed numerous gineering experience he gained during industry, but we also invest in our em- of numerous master planned communi- projects for healthcare and higher educa- his time as Navy Civil Engineer Corps Of- ployees to instill and refresh the perfor- ties. During this time, his responsibilities tion clients in the Houston area. O’Brien ficer and Corporate Construction Execu- mance capabilities of our team and en- have included both the design and con- received his Master of Architecture from tive. sure successful outcomes for our clients.” struction of water, sanitary sewer, drain- Texas Tech University. Founded in 1982, the company cur- Providing a fun environment for em- age, levee and stormwater protection rently operates offices in Austin, Dallas, ployees is something the company also and paving facilities related to both resi- Houston, Killeen and San Antonio, and believes to be important. Each location dential and commercial projects, in addi- Sean Wolfe has plans to soon expand into Oklahoma, organizes individual office events like tion to working closely with clients and been named as company representatives said. crawfish boils, barbecues, picnics, governmental agencies in the develop- shareholder of Jamail founded the company – monthly cookouts and Friday morning ment of projects. Ehler has degrees in Cobb, Fendley & which primarily focuses on Job Order breakfasts. Civil Engineering and Microbiology from Associates Inc. Contracting (JOC) – immediately after “The Friday breakfasts are the high- Texas A&M University. Wolfe is responsible graduating college. With more than 30 light of my week,” said Kim Holmes, Risk for subsurface utili- years in the industry, the company has Management and Insurance Manager in ty engineering and tipped the $100-million mark in construc- the Austin office. “It’s a great time for us regional develop- tion for diverse project types. to … get to know one another as some- HOLT Crane & ment. “We approach every project with a thing more than just coworkers.” Equipment has unique perspective that allows us to tai- Jamail & Smith Construction also named Chuck lor our services to each client’s needs,” supports foundations for school districts, Wehring as a new Jamail said. makes charitable contributions, and sales representative Submissions To date, they have served more than sponsor events for local organizations for central, north, 55 public agencies and more than 35 and non-profits. For the past four years, east and parts of This is a section for brief company school districts using JOC, traditional bid, Jamail & Smith Construction employees west Texas. Weh- announcements of new or recently design build and CM at Risk. have participated in the Big Brothers Big ring brings a wide promoted personnel, free of charge Smith credited his firm’s workers – Sisters Bowl for Kids’ Sake event with fel- as space allows. range of industry –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– and his company’s investment in them – low A/E/C industry supporters.–ms experience including 30 years with com- Email with “Round-Up” in the subject panies that represent Grove, Link Belt, line (w/digital photo, if available) Manitowoc and P&H cranes throughout by the 15th of any month, for the South Texas. Wehring grew up in San An- next month’s issue to: tonio and graduated from the University [email protected] of Houston.

continued from Page 1 A ‘paws-itive’ influence

“I think that’s when Mama Dog real- ized Papa Dog wasn’t going to be around anymore,” Dickerson noted. “That’s why she started to adopt us.” Gradually, the matronly mutt inched her way up to the J.M. Maly crew. She followed people on walks and finally worked up the courage to let a project estimator pet her. “It was really all over after that,” Dick- erson chuckled. “She got close to all of us. She became the warehouse dog after she started running through the door. She proved to be a really good dog, and we let her in the office.” She’s also a favorite houseguest of owner Jan M. Maly and his daughter and successor Kristin Valdez. The dog frequently goes home with them on holi- days and weekends. And of course, she’s the life of the party. “When we have a company picnic, she definitely comes along,” Dickerson said. “She’s a shoo-in!” –ms Page 14 Houston Construction News • Mar 2012 ASA 6-9pm, Contractor Members $386/Non- Members $450 American Subcontractors Association Association Calendar For more information call 713-869-1976 Content submitted by Associations to Construction News Mar. 1-3: ASA Business Forum & Conven- tion, San Antonio, TX NAWIC Mar. 7: Membership Committee meet- Mar. 13-16: OSHA 510 Standards for the Nat’l Assn. of Women in Construction ABC ing, 11:30am, Bowen, Miclette & Britt, Construction Industry Mar. 3: Habitat for Humanity build Associated Builders & Contractors 1111 Nor th Loop West Mar. 20: Unit 3: BIM Contract Negotia- Mar. 13: General meeting, 5:30pm, HESS Mar. 8: S.A.C.K. Lunch, noon, What Sub- Mar. 7: Marketing 101 Seminar tion and Risk Allocation Club, 5430 Westheimer, Cost $35, Speak- contractors Need to Know About the Mar. 12: Spring Golf Tournament Mar. 23-24: Annual Fair and BBQ Cook er: Pat Kiley – Houston’s Economic Out- New Indemnity & Consolidated Insur- Mar. 14: Seminar Off look and the Economic Climate for 2012, ance Program Law Mar. 23: Win-Win Negotiations Mar. 27-30: OSHA 500 Trainer Course for Reservations required, guests welcome Mar. 14: Board of Directors meeting, Mar. 27: CMEF State of the Foundation the Construction Industry For more information call 713-961-1300 X 9am, Marek Brother Systems; Govern- Mar. 28: Seminar Mar. 28: First Aid/CPR/AED 128 or visit www.nawic-houston.com ment Advocacy Committee meeting, For more information call 713-523-6222 For more information call 713-843-3700 10:30am, Marek Brothers Systems NECA ACCA AIA Mar. 15: BPI Session, 11am; General National Electrical Contractors Assn. Air Conditioning Contractors of Amer. Lunch Meeting, 11:30am American Institute of Architects Mar. 1-2: Association Executives Insti- Mar. 27: Safety Committee meeting, Mar. 7: NATE Heat Pump Prep, 3–7pm Mar. 3: Towers and Trees Downtown tute, San Diego, CA 10am, T.A.S. Commercial Concrete, 19319 Mar. 17: 8-Hour Continuing Education, Walking Tour, 10am, City Hall/Herman Mar. 6: Electrical Medical Trust meeting, Oil Center Blvd. 8am-5pm Square Reflecting Pool 10am For more information call 281-679-1877 Mar. 30: Annual Cook Off Mar. 10: Montrose Walking Tour, 10am, Mar. 6-8: NECA Labor Relations Confer- For more info: www.accagh.org Menil Collection Bookstore ASPE ence, New Orleans, LA AGC Mar. 17: Musuem District Walking Tour, American Society of Professional Estimators Mar. 13: Houston JATC meeting, 9am 10am, MFAH Sculpture Garden Mar. 15: CoSab Division meeting, Associated General Contractors Mar. 12: Chapter meeting, Spagetti Mar 21: Authors in Architecture 11:30am, Pappadeaux Seafood; CSLMCC Westerns, 1608 N. Shepherd, 6pm dinner, Mar. 1: 1st Thursday Monthly Mixer Mar. 24: Buffalo Bayou Walking Tour, Annual meeting, 12:30pm 7pm program, contact Dennis Maale, Mar. 2: Certificate of Management – 10am, Market Square Park Mar. 20: Local Union 527 Pension meet- 832-351-7210, [email protected] Building Information Modeling Mar. 31: Texas Medical Center Walking ing, 9am Mar. 6-8: OSHA 2225 Respiratory Protec- Tour, 10am, John P. McGovern TMC Com- FPA Mar. 22: Board of Directors meeting, tion 10:30am, Antonio’s Italian Grill mons Building Foundation Performance Assn. Mar. 7: OSHA 30 Hour For more information call 713-520-0155 Mar. 27: Houston Division meeting, Mar. 14: Presentation “Drainage Guide- 11:30am, Goode Co. Seafood lines”, 5pm-6:30pm, The HESS Club For more information call 713-977-2522 For more information call 713-699-4000 PHCC IEC Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Independent Electrical Contractors Mar. 14: Member Lunch, 11:30am-1pm Mar. 1: State Journeyman Exam Prep For more info: www.gulfcoastphcc.org Class (300), 6-9pm, Contractor Members $230/Non-Members $320 WCA Mar. 1,8, 15, 22, 29: Motor Controls Lev- Women Contractors Association el 1 Class, 6-9pm, Contractor Members Mar. 1: Monthly Luncheon, 11:30am- $386/Non-Members $450 1pm, The HESS Club, 5340 Westheimer, Mar. 6, 14, 21, 28: Motor Controls Class $30 Members/$35 Non-members – PLCs (600) (Wednesdays in February) For more information call 713-807-9977

continued from Page 1 — A concrete family

Vazquez has also been instrumental important to the company, East noted. in ramping up the company’s green prac- “We’ve had a fishing tournament the tices since coming on board in 2002. The past couple of years for our employees, company hauls old concrete to concrete and we have a Christmas party for them recycling centers and recycles, tires, mo- and their families,” she said. “We give tor oil, and paper and plastic. away rings for service starting at 10 years. The family atmosphere has contin- There’s a lot of demand being put on our ued at Holes Incorporated. Stepanski’s employees, so we try to do special things son, Cory, has worked for the business for them.” for several years during summers and on East believes good times are ahead school breaks, and is set to graduate with for the company, which she said has tak- a construction degree from Sam Houston en a conservative approach to weather- State University. ing slow economic times. East’s youngest daughter, a high “I’m a glass-half-full kind of person,” school senior, has been known to come she said. “I am optimistic things are going in and help with administrative tasks, too. to improve in Houston and in our sur- Taking care of its workers remains rounding greater Gulf Coast area.” –ms

continued from Page 1 — Moving forward

Salem says N & Z Contracting has planning to do. There is also an inspector worked on 12 projects so far for the Harris at the jobsite every day who signs daily County Flood Control District. reports.” “We have had very good communi- N & Z Contracting is a general con- cation with the Harris County Flood Con- tracting company in Houston. The compa- trol District along the way,” he said. “We ny focuses construction of sidewalks and have meetings all the time to discuss detention ponds. –ab what we have done and what we are

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Capp Electric Co. is the electrical contractor at a Class A office building project The MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Main Building charges are set off on Post Oak Blvd. The GC is Skanska USA. –ab n 17 seconds, MD Anderson Cancer “This 17-second event was successful Center’s 21-story Houston Main Build- because of the high degree of profes- Iing (HMD) was recently demolished. sionalism and cooperation by all the The 500,000sf skyscraper was built in team members and participants in the 1952. Texas Medical Center,” said Lana Coble, Vaughn Construction was the over- Broaddus & Associates, senior executive. all firm responsible for the project. Sabre Coble says the coordination effort Demolition was the wrecking demolition took four months to complete and oc- subcontractor and Controlled Demoli- curred concurrently with building prepa- tion was the implosion subcontractor. ration, which included stripping the inte- Walter P. Moore and Haynes Whal- rior and removing windows. ey were involved to analyze seismic and “The short-term plan for the site is to structural reactions. Broaddus & Associ- build a park for patients and employees ates was responsible for coordinating with the long-term goal of constructing a the process with adjacent property own- new clinical building,” he said. –ab ers and regulatory agencies.

STI LLC is the concrete contractor at the 3788 Richmond project near the Galleria area. Morgan Group is the GC. –ab

The implosion

Submitted to Construction News Gather ‘round Gamma Construction is the GC at the 2630 Gulf Freeway project in League City, TX. –ab

Folks from the metal building company NCI Building Systems attended the NCI National Erectors Advisory Council inaugural meeting in Houston Jan 25- Hardin Construction is the GC at the Tanger Factory Outlet Center project in Texas City, TX. 26. The council is comprised of erectors from across the U.S. and Canada. –ab –ab Page 16 Houston Construction News • Mar 2012 Plenty of traffic he construction industry was out in struction seminars as well as information force Feb. 1-2 to view products and and displays for Houston Construction Tservices offered at BuildExpo Hous- Industry Car Show and Operation Finally ton 2012. Home. The two charitable operations Held at Houston Reliant Center, the support our veterans. –bd show also included 25 building and con-