dallas/fort worth construction news july 2016

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™CONSTRUCTIONCONSTRUCTIONDallas/Fort Worth

The renovation doctor is in

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After years of working in the com-mercial construction industry, Brad Bryant and Craig Hunt had

an idea they wanted to test. What if they formed a company that would use both the drywall and plaster divisions equally to build a business? Would it succeed? Bryant and Hunt established Trinity Drywall & Plastering Systems in July of 2006 to find out if it could. “We were excited to try out our ideas and see if we could have a compa-ny that actually worked together in the drywall and plastering business rather than working against each other,” Bry-ant, Trinity’s president and CEO, says. “We felt like this would be a better way to do it; we had to go to market and maxi-

mize both fully. That way, we could com-plement each other and be successful.” They aced the test. With the compa-ny celebrating its 10th anniversary this month, Bryant and Hunt, now the com-pany’s vice-president of business devel-opment, are humbled by Trinity’s success and steady growth. “We’ve been at our Fort Worth loca-tion all 10 years,” Bryant says. “There were just three of us the first day we started; currently, we’re up to approximately 450 to 500 employees. The same services we started with are the same services we of-fer today. It’s important to stay with what you know, and try to become excellent at it.”

Trinity’s Brad Bryant says “great people,” like Esmeralda Rodriguez in HR and office manager Zaira Maldonado, contribute to the company’s 10-year success.

Miland Home Construction may be known for its residential proj-ects throughout the Metroplex,

but it is gaining notice for its commercial work as well. In fact, the doctor who hired Doug Miland and his team to fin-ish out the The Balch Interventional Pain Clinic at 4319 Camp Bowie in Fort Worth was a previous residential client. “We had done a pretty deep remod-el to Dr. Balch’s house a couple of years ago, and he liked us enough to bring us into doing this building once he bought it,” Miland says. “We’ve done other inte-rior finish out work for doctor offices, and so we felt like we knew that end of the business pretty well. I guess you would call it a combination of many other jobs that we’ve done before. This was our largest job to date, so we’re excited about that.” The project was nine months in the making as Miland and the architect, a

family member of the client, zeroed in on the building’s architectural style. They also deliberated the clinic project’s scope: Connecting and renovating the former two-story art gallery with the ad-jacent one-story building, a former jew-elry store. It turned out the project would consist of more than tearing down walls between the two spaces. “I believe the two-story part was built in the 1940s; it was a poured-in-place concrete wall building,” Miland says. “We were leaving as much of the original building there as we could, basi-cally gutting the entire interior and add-ing new roof lines. It was a pretty exten-sive project.” Although the one-story building contained asbestos, it was limited to the drywall that was slated for removal. The glue underneath the floor caused a mi-nor delay on the project’s front end, but

The Balch Interventional Pain Clinic in Fort Worth is ready for business, thanks to a renovation that included new rooflines, ADA-compliant additions and a ventilation system.

How did The Hooker Company Inc. survive more than three decades in an ever-evolving construction

industry? “We’ve evolved over the years,” pres-ident Gary Hooker says. “We’ve been in business 35 years so we’ve proven that we can survive, but that has required changes involving restructuring and fo-cusing in different directions.” Gary and wife Jan Hooker estab-lished The Hooker Company Inc. in 1981 as a residential builder in East Texas. They soon shifted focus to commercial renova-tion, specializing in demolition and re-construction of asbestos abatement proj-ects and medical construction. In 1999, Hooker expanded into wireless commu-

nication infrastructure construction, cel-lular towers and microwave installations, which is currently the business’ bulk. Now it is time for another evolution. Under its HCI Equipment Services divi-sion, Hooker is providing mobile on-site equipment maintenance and repair. “We have done both preventative and repair maintenance for generators for approximately six years,” Gary says. “We felt there was a need for someone to provide maintenance to smaller contrac-tors who don’t have their own facilities for preventative maintenance and minor to moderate repairs, things that might not necessarily require a dealer or a full-scale shop. We now provide that on the

When it comes to business, The Hooker Company Inc. embraces the theory of evolution.

Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News • July 2016


Blue crew

On May 25, Halff Associates Inc. employees in the Fort Worth (above) and Richardson (below) locations wore blue to support Texas Flood Awareness Week. –cw

Fort Worth

Richardson

Joe Meuse of Clay Structures, a Dallas-based company that specializes in brick andstone sales, enjoys observing his customers’ different tastes in brick and stone

colors based on where they work and live in the metroplex. –mjm

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Ken MorrisonFounder/President

StoneCoat

For Ken Morrison, there is a thrill in finding the “next big thing” – the thing that no one knows about that

is destined to become a staple in peo-ple’s lives. That’s why he was so excited to stumble upon StoneCoat, a sprayable stone that he hopes will become the next big thing in construction. But even if he succeeds, will it tame his entrepreneurial spirit? Even if it doesn’t, he can always count on his family to thrill him.

Tell me a little bit about your back-ground.

I was born in Texas and was raised mostly in Oklahoma. I went to the Univer-sity of Oklahoma; my degree is in psy-chology and communications. I moved back to Texas right after college, so I’ve been in Texas longer than I’ve been any-where, but it makes me a little schizo-phrenic during OU/Texas weekend!

I’m sure! What path did you take after college graduation?

After college, I took off a year and went backpacking through most of Eu-rope and the Middle East; I wanted to do everything that I could before I was locked down in a job. I did everything I wanted to do, from sleeping on top of Mt. Sinai to visiting the pyramids and seeing all of the great works of art in the differ-ent museums all over the world. I proba-bly would have kept going beyond the year but I ran out of money. It was a very inexpensive trip, sleeping on beaches and just going by myself, so I was able to make it for a long time.

Did seeing other parts of the world make a lasting impression on you? It really did. Even today, that trip and consequent trips come into play in busi-ness conversations and has served me well throughout business. Within the past hour, I spoke to someone who just returned from Greece and was able to talk to him about places that he had seen. I think people should always travel as much as they can and broaden their hori-zons beyond their own hometown.

I’m impressed that you traveled ex-tensively by yourself for an entire year. Have you always been indepen-dent? I think so; I think that comes from be-ing raised by a single mom. I’ve often heard that boys who grow up without a father tend to be very independent. I wonder how much of an influence it had on me.

What spurred your interest in psychol-ogy and communications? I think I was always raised conserva-tive and spiritual in the church. Out of college, I worked in a psychological treat-ment center for a year. My initial desire

was to get my Masters in counseling at Dallas Theological Seminary, which I came back to Texas to do. I wanted to fol-low through to do some sort of Christian counseling or something in ministry. It’s probably one of my biggest re-grets that I pursued a career path rather than finishing my Masters. But it was the ‘80s, and there was a lot of money to be made in Dallas at the time. I started mak-ing a lot of money in business, finance and sales in the automotive industry for a company called Aon. I ended up making more money in one month than I did the previous year working in my degree. I spent a lot of my early 20s learning busi-ness. At the top of my game, I quit because I realized there was more than making money. I saw myself working so long and so hard and losing my faith and all of the things that were important to me. I took a year off and started moving into business consulting.

Where did that decision lead you? I ended up becoming a producer for the event production at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games. There are pro-ducers that do the opening and closing Olympic ceremonies, producers that do the Olympic events, and then there is the entire city celebration outside of the timed venues, like concerts, which is what I did. It was right after 9/11, and someone basically tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Hey, we’d like you to do this.” It was kind of an odd thing, but it was a very pa-triotic thing to do because we weren’t even sure if we were going to have an Olympics due to corruption within the U.S. Olympic Committee. It usually takes about four years to prepare it, but we had eight months to pull everything off and we pulled it off without a hitch. Even though it wasn’t very profitable, it was a great experience and it was an exciting time to be able to do something to keep the Olympics going.

How do you follow up an experience like that? Since I already had the entrepreneur-ial bug, after I did that 60-ring circus I thought, “I basically just ran 60 small businesses.” At that point, I felt like I could at least do one. I set out to help do the “Tribute in Lights” [a searchlight-based art installa-tion placed next to the World Trade Cen-ter] because the lighting company that we worked with was going to New York to do the two twin lights, which we did. The idea was to take it to Afghanistan and Kabul and to say, “In your face, we’re still here!” and to places like the Penta-gon to give people a place to mourn. But when I realized that wasn’t going to be a sustainable business, I began a business based on the 3-D laser and face scanner that was an attraction at the Olympics. We had on display there all of this new technology, rapid prototyping machines that were also doing subsur-face laser engraving and rapid prototyp-ing of people being scanned in the full-size 3-D scanner. By August 2002, I start-ed a 3-D engraved crystal company, Crys-tal Capture Inc., and by the end of the year, we had locations all over the coun-try – Las Vegas, SeaWorld, Six Flags, in Sam’s Club, malls, drug store chains and retailers for corporate gifts. We scanned Gene Simmons with his tongue hanging out. We scanned Ross Perot’s ears. But when you’re a serial en-trepreneur, you get bored with things. There were three of us in the world doing it and we had taken it as far as we could go. So the three of us merged, and I took some time off. I decided I would flip some houses and relax for another year, and that’s when I found StoneCoat and be-

gan in this business in 2009.

It’s interesting that even though you were successful, you decided to pur-sue something completely different. There is a saying: Pioneers get the ar-rows and settlers take the land. I’m more geared to be the pioneer who wants to see a new product get out into the mar-ket, succeed and become a staple where it was once unknown. If the settlers take the land, I get bored just sitting around the fireplace. I would rather go through the forest, but you get a lot of arrows. Once in a while, you will see a game changer in the construction industry, and StoneCoat is a game changer for our tra-ditional view of stone. Our product is 66-lbs of stone in a bag and when you add water, you have real stone that can be blown onto almost any surface, whether it’s an interior wall or an outdated build-ing or house. It creates a seamless, beau-tiful wall of limestone. I mean, how amaz-ing is that? StoneCoat’s mission statement is to become recognized as a building materi-al choice by architects, builders and homeowners. If we can get it out there so that people recognize it the same way people recognize Crystal Capture now, we’d be taking a small bite out of the $20 billion market.

What are your plans for StoneCoat? We’re focusing on expanding this company nationally and internationally. We felt the best way to do that would be to use the franchise model to franchise the StoneCoat opportunity. For the past year, we’ve prepared to launch and launched finally in January. I wanted to give people the opportunity to do what I’ve done in Dallas/Fort Worth with a more StoneCoat-to-box opportunity. We’ve already had tremendous suc-cess after two or three months. We’ve ex-panded our facilities and we’re seeing people calling from all over the place right now because it’s a very unique start-up. In less than two months, we have secured franchises in Abilene, Tyler and Lubbock and are already doing proj-ects and are looking to expand in Austin, Houston and San Antonio.

What do you do when you aren’t work-ing? If I’m not here at work, then I’m spending time with my family. Quite hon-estly, I think I was a late-starter with the family. I’m 54, and my wife Gina and I have four kids that are in high school all the way down to elementary school. It’s fun though. I really get to enjoy being a dad because I didn’t sacrifice my early ambitious career years by sacrificing my family. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I just don’t want to live with any re-

grets. I do balance trying to make sure I have time with my family and working in a very competitive business world. I’ve had to shun a lot of things that have tak-en up a lot of time, like golf and network-ing; I leave that to other people. I make time for the important things with them, and then go make extra time for work. Every night, we have dinner to-gether, we say prayers together, my wife and kids go to bed and then I’ll work until 1 or 2 in the morning. Then I get up and I’m back to work at about 7:30. Luckily, I can’t sleep much more than five hours. I want to make sure I don’t hurt my family or my faith; that’s a lesson I learned when it was just me by myself. It’s not worth it. You can make all of the money in the world but it’s not worth it if you’re not able to enjoy it or you don’t value the things that are important in life. Do you think Stonecoat will be the thing you do for the rest of your life or do you think your entrepreneurial spirit will lead you to other things? That’s a good question. As a serial entrepreneur, I do see challenges and I want to grow them. The crystal company took about six or seven years before it was cooked and I was done, so it’s about a six-year cycle before I get bored after it comes to fruition. I’ve been doing Stone-coat for almost nine years and I’m ready to see it go off to college now! At some point, StoneCoat is going to be nationally recognized as a building material of choice, and when that hap-pens, I’ll be ready to pass it on to people within the company who want to carry on with it and let them succeed.

What is the next “big never-been-do-ne-before thing” on your radar then? I have some ideas, but it’s too early to share all of that!

Fair enough! Do you think you’ll work until the very end, or will you sneak off to a beach with a Mai Tai in your hand? I don’t think I am an “on-the-beach” guy. My mind never stops working. It’s like six or seven radio stations I’m listen-ing to at the same time in my head. I mul-titask a lot. I don’t think I will ever turn it off. I always want to learn more and do more, but at the same time, I stay very fo-cused on one thing. What I would like to do is circle back to the time I almost went to seminary and get more involved with things that will last. The things that really matter are peo-ple and our faith, so I will probably end up being involved in a ministry or non-profit that gives back. Dallas-based StoneCoat offers a “Blown Stone” system that allows contrac-tors to resurface most vertical surfaces with a real stone finish. –mjm

1: L-R: StoneCoat general manager Rick Adams, president Sam Hance and Ken Morrison.


Turning in school projects

School may be out for the summer, but some construction companies are just starting to work on their

school projects. Construction Zone project superin-tendent Rick Parton has worked on school job sites since 1998 and can speak to the tight deadlines, labor challenges, stresses and satisfaction this “summer break” work entails. “It all starts when you’re awarded the contract that you even know how to proceed,” Parton explains. “Before, you were informed how to plan in January for the work you were going to do in the summer, which gave us enough time to plan. Now, schools are let out at the be-ginning of June and we usually don’t know how to proceed with a project until the middle of May. Also, many contrac-

tors won’t commit to ordering materials, like long-lead items, until they have a signed contract with a general contrac-tor.“ With weeks to finish construction before students return to class, it’s all hands on deck, except it’s often hard to find enough hands. “It’s not just a labor shortage mat-ter,” he says. “Badging requirements to work on some schools are extremely thorough. Workers go through extensive background checks. One mark will pre-vent them from getting a badge.” The hours are changing, too. Before, contractors worked during the day and blocked off parts of the building to limit access, but Parton says night hours are the new normal. Construction Zone’s Rick Parton

A bedroom suite. I just transferred up here from San Antonio back in February with the same company, National Trench Safety. I sold my bedroom suite down there so I had to buy a new one.

Brad Wavrusa, National Trench Safety

Twelve tickets for this raffle [at the Buyers Barricades’ event]! I want to [win this prize and] go fishing, and I also entered to win a pistol.

Ryan Turton, Lane Construction

My wife and I just bought a house and we bought a bunch of furniture, so one if not both of those was my last splurge. She bought all of the furniture though; that was a true splurge because I had no say in it.

Matt Miller, Lamb-Star

I would have to say make-up. It’s actually a new line for me; it’s called Beauty Coun-ter. It’s more focused on natural ingredi-ents. I don’t normally spend much on make-up, but I felt it was a good invest-ment because I believe in their products.

Kerri Embry, Hugh Cunningham

Last weekend, I went out and ate and drank decadently. I went to a couple of cocktail bars in uptown Dallas and I went to a really cool little speakeasy called Truth & Alibi. It was very nice, but I got a little crazy with bottle service. You can’t be old and wise without being young and foolish.

Micah Pack, ReCapCo

I bought a boat, a BassCat. It was one of those things where it came up and it was a good deal so I bought it.

Marlan Franklin, Morrison Supply

I indulge in my music, especially my Christian music. I listen day and night. When I’m in my car, I’m always listening to my Christian music. That’s one of my biggest indulgences, I think.

James Jimenez, Terra Testing LLC

I splurged on two paddleboards for my wife and I for our lake house, so we can spend some time together in the water and try to get a little more exercise in.

Thomas Holland, Corporate Floors

My mom just died, and I inherited her gold jewelry. I had it [combined and re-designed] with my jewelry – her wed-ding band and my diamond.

Jan Hooker, Hooker Company Inc.

One of the things that I splurged on be-cause I’m traveling back and forth from San Antonio to Dallas/Fort Worth is an awesome Braun electric teakettle. It was $70, but I needed this! It was totally worth it. I have it in my hotel room and then

Even with these challenges, Parton enjoys school projects, like the Flex Lab at Innovation, Design, Entrepreneurship Academy, which is in a building con-structed in the early 1900s. “The school’s principal and the vice principal walked up to the construction area where we did our demolition,” he says. “Just seeing the smiles on their faces and hearing them say, ‘Wow! I can’t be-lieve you’ve done this! We’re so happy to see this!’ is why I enjoy what I do. Working on schools during the summer can be in-credibly stressful and very time consum-ing but, in the end, it’s really worth it.” Aubrey-based Construction Zone is a full-service general contractor specializing in design/build, open remodels, new con-struction and tenant finish-out. –mjm

What was your last splurge?

leave it in the truck when I go to San An-tonio and then I bring it back when I trav-el to Dallas/Fort Worth.

Roberta Hassele, BETCO Scaffold

We indulged in doing absolutely nothing over Father’s Day weekend. We sat in the pool all day and did nothing – no chores, no social media – which is a true indul-gence for us. We spent the time with our son, who moved out a couple of months ago and was home for the weekend.

Dana Calonge, Construction News

I splurged on a surprise birthday party for my wife to celebrate her 40th birthday!

James Logue,Eastridge Workforce Solutions


The road to this graduation wasn’t an easy one: 8,000 on-the-job training hours, 576 classroom hours – not to

mention the balance act of working dur-ing the day and attending night classes. Happily, on Jun. 9, 51 fourth-year gradu-ates finally reached their destination. The Independent Electrical Contrac-tors Association’s (IEC) Fort Worth chap-ter’s graduation ceremony, held at Ar-lington’s Bob Duncan Community Cen-ter, recognized the apprentices who fol-lowed through with the four-year plan to become certified electricians. The dedi-cation ran deep: 31 of the graduates had perfect attendance this year and 15 ap-prentices had perfect attendance all four years. Chas Putnam of Cable Electric was awarded with the Outstanding Appren-tice Award and Roberto Villavicencio received the Gary Dalrymple Award for Overall Achievement. First, second and third year outstanding apprentices were Morgan Electric’s Thomas Graham II, Cable Electric’s Travis Childers and JMEG LP’s Kelly Sustaire, respectively. IEC National‘s Bruce Seilhammer served as speaker at the ceremony. –mjm

IEC Fort Worth 4th Year Graduates

Fully charged

Some college roommates become best friends, some become worst nightmares – and some become life

changing. Solaray Engineering Inc. owner Ja-vier Chavira was studying to become an architect at the University of Texas at Ar-lington when he found himself drawn to the mechanical engineering path his roommate was taking. “I found myself more interested in the sciences and the technical courses he was taking, so I made the decision that engineering was probably the better choice for me,” Chavira says. Chavira wanted to design buildings, but his roommate steered him toward a civil engineering degree. Although Cha-vira did roadway design for 15 years, he had a chance early on to design utilities for county and city municipal work. He continued pursuing utility design upon opening his business in 2009 and now se-cures work through design/build, infra-structure and major highway-widening projects. Solaray Engineering Inc. has grown to 18 employees who work in the com-pany’s civil, telecom and construction management groups, and Chavira plans for more growth. “I plan to continue to expand and try to conquer Texas,” he says. “I’ve been able to open an Austin office last year. I’m looking to open a Fort Worth office in the next month or so. We’ve done well for ourselves in our relationships with our current clients, the quality of work that we do and the expertise that we offer. I’ve been invited to other parts of the country to join pursuits. What I tell them is that I’m not taking baby steps; let me get Texas taken care of and then I’ll con-

A career engineered

sider looking toward the west and the east.” Now it’s Chavira’s turn to encourage others to consider engineering careers. “I enjoy the interaction with people and watching them grow in their ca-reers,” he says. “I love to see the excite-ment, especially the young engineers and employees here who want to thrive and have that desire to learn. I like to reach out to the community; I have one summer intern who is a young lady from a Dallas Independent School District magnet school. I’m the type of engineer that loves to teach. I wish I could do the things I need to do on a daily basis and spend more time teaching our engineers. If it were my choice, I would be designing all of the time.” Dallas-based Solaray Engineering Inc. is a DBE/MBE HUB certified professional civil engineering firm. –mjm

Solaray Engineering Inc.’s Javier Chavira

L-R: Hundreds celebrated One Legacy West’s topping out on May 26, including Austin Commercial’s Christopher Andrews, Morrison Dilworth & Walls’ Joanna Hampton and Mark Dilworth, Gaedeke Group’s Belinda Dabliz, Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere,

Gaedeke Group’s Sabine Stener, Andres Construction’s Warren Andres, Austin Commercial’s Claude Collins and Gaedeke Group’s Glenn Lickstein.

Submitted to Construction News

Party of One


Manage ability

Several companies were recently recognized for their outstanding achievement in the practice of construction management. The Construction Management Association of America’s (CMAA) North Texas chapter hosted its 2016 Project Achievement Awards Banquet on May 26 at Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel. Awards are given to construction management practitioners for projects and programs in Texas that reflect CMAA’s mission. –mjm

Public Works – Between $5-$15 Million, The Marq, Adolfson & Peterson ConstructionTransportation – Less than $50 MillionSouth Colony Boulevard Overpass at Sam Rayburn Tollway, VRX Global

New Construction – Greater than $25 MillionAlcon Data Center, StructureTone

New Construction – Less than $15 MillionGillespie County Jail, Vanir

New Construction – Between $15-$25 MillionMary Couts Burnett Library, Linbeck

Renovation/Modernization – Greater than $10 MillionChurch of the Incarnation, Lee Lewis Construction

Renovation/Modernization – Less than $10 MillionNorton Rose Fulbright, StructureTone

Transportation – Between $50- $100 MillionLove Field Modernization, Huitt-Zollars

Transportation – Greater than $100 MillionLBJ Express Managed Lanes, AECOM

Public Works – Greater than $15 MillionBachman Interceptor, CH2M

Program Management – BuildingsEd & Rae Schollmaier ArenaHoar Program Management

International BuildingsAfghanistan National Security Force

Facilities, HDR


Heat-related illness Wes PittsUSI Southwest Austin, TX

Summer heat can be more than uncomfortable; it can be DEADLY. Every year thousands of workers become

sick or worse from heat exposure. Heat illness is preventable, and many corporate safety policies and/or employee manuals do not address heat related illness.

Symptoms vary in intensity but can include: • Dizziness, weakness, nausea, headache, and possibly vomiting • Blurry vision • Body temperature rising to 100 to 104.9°F • Sweaty skin • Feeling hot and thirsty • Difficulty speaking A person suffering from heat exhaustion must move to a cool place and drink plenty of water.

Heat Stroke Heat stroke is the result of untreated heat exhaustion. Symptoms include: • Ceasing of sweating • Body temperature rising rapidly to above 104.9°F • Confusion or delirium • Loss of consciousness, seizure Call 911 or seek medical professionals. Keep the person cool until help arrives. Place cold compresses on the neck, armpits and groin (where blood vessels run close to the skin). If the person is awake and able to swallow, administer fluids. Normally, the main source of heat is generated internally by your body. The body exchanges heat with its surroundings mainly through radiation, convection, and evaporation of sweat. Radiation is the process by which the body gains heat from surrounding hot objects, such as hot metal, furnaces, or steam pipes, and loses heat to cold objects, such as chilled metallic surfaces, without contact with them. Convection is the process by which the body exchanges heat with the surrounding air. The body gains heat from hot air and loses heat to cold air, which comes in contact with the skin. Evaporation of sweat from the skin cools the body. Evaporation occurs more quickly, and the cooling effect is more noticeable with high wind speeds and low relative humidity. In hot and humid workplaces, the cooling of the body, due to sweat evaporation, is limited because the air cannot accept more moisture. In hot and dry workplaces, the cooling, due to sweat evaporation, is limited by the amount of sweat produced by the body. Heat related illnesses occur when at-risk workers build up metabolic heat faster than their bodies can release it and

cool down. In a limited study of 20 cases investigated by OSHA, in which 13 deaths occurred, it was found that four of the deaths occurred on the first day of work in a new job, or after returning from time away from the job. Three deaths occurred on the second day, and two on the third day (9 deaths within the first three days). Long-term workers made up the other 4 deaths. In cases that involved heat illness but not death, the number of days on the job did not appear to have an effect. Studies have found that the failure to support acclimatization appears to be the most common deficiency for employers that have employees at-risk, and the factor most clearly associated with death. Employers need to provide time for workers to acclimate when they have been absent from work more than a few days (for new workers or workers returning to a job, where exposure to heat related illness may occur). Important elements for employers to consider when addressing heat related illness include assigning a responsible person for developing and executing a heat related illness prevention program within the company. Goals for the program should include plans for: 1. Gradual acclimatizing of workers; 2. Monitoring the temperature (e.g., heat index and wet bulb globe temperature) of their worksite; 3. Worker hydration (water) before, during, and after work; 4. Providing shaded and cool areas for rest breaks; 5. Modifying work schedules to reduce workers’ exposure to heat; 6. Training workers on the signs and symptoms of heat illness; 7. Monitoring workers for signs of heat stress; 8. Planning for emergencies and response; and9. Documenting the above with Safety Training Sign-In Log Discuss ideas with your agent about creating a customizable Heat Illness Prevention Program that can be easily incorporated into your safety and employee manual. Wes Pitts is a Sr. vice president and Southwest Regional Construction Practice Leader for USI Southwest - Austin, TX, USA. Wes can be contacted at 512-651-4107 or [email protected]

Internal fraud and controlsCari Takao, shareholderFisher Herbst & Kemble PCSan Antonio, TX

“Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we prac-tice to deceive. But once we’ve practiced for a while,

oh my, how we have improved our style.” – Unknown per-petrator

Occupational fraud is a deception deliberately practiced in order to secure unfair or unlawful gain by employees, managers and/or executives/owners.The main ingredients for fraud is best il-lustrated as a triangle with three sides known as opportunity, pressure and ra-tionalization. Some common mistakes an owner or manager make in relation to fraud: • Trusting an employee implicitly with no oversight of their activities; • Not requiring approval on signifi-cant transactions; • Having an over reliance on outside auditors or tax accountants to catch fraud; and/or • Giving complete control with no segregation of duties or review process-es put in place. Most fraudsters are long time em-ployees that are well trusted, well liked and have had no prior criminal history. Anyone can commit fraud! No business is immune to fraud! Some common types of fraud to be on the lookout for: • Skimming (taking money and nev-er recording) • Check-tampering (forgery) • Billing schemes (creating and pay-ing fictitious vendors) • Payroll schemes (paying fictitious em-ployees or giving unauthorized pay rates) • Inappropriate expense reimburse-ments • Non-cash and other schemes (steal-ing tangible equipment or inventory) • Collusion or management overrideSo you know why, how and who, now what can you do? Opportunity is the only thing a busi-ness owner or management can control in the fraud triangle. However, they should try to be alert for pressures and perceived rationalizations an employee might be experiencing. Opportunity is mainly controlled through internal and compensating controls. Owners should understand the perception of deterrence and prevention. Controls are developed to deter fraud and to keep honest people honest! Remember power perceived is power achieved. Controls should be im-plemented at any size organization. Internal Controls are defined as the process by which management struc-tures an organization to provide assur-ance that an entity operates effectively and efficiently, has a reliable financial re-porting system and complies with appli-cable laws and regulations. A successful system of internal control is not built

overnight, but is an ongoing process of fine tuning the inner workings of an or-ganization. Many organizations summa-rize internal control systems in opera-tional handbooks and manuals so it can be an easy referral point. A system of internal control is neces-sary to help employees and other part-ners understand the attitude and objec-tives of the organization as a whole. In-ternal controls provide reasonable assur-ance to customers and other parties that transactions are recorded properly in a timely manner. Internal controls help provide a “trust but verify” environment. Some basic controls that should be con-sidered are as follows: • Establish communications on the importance of controls starting at the top; • Conduct monthly reviews of bank statements (with images) by owner or governance group ensuring timely bank reconciliations are completed; • Establish employee educational programs and incentives to proactively reduce fraud by: Establishing a “fraud hotline” using a professional service firm; and having a Code of Conduct policy with all employees required to adhere to the requirements therein. • Ensure computer access controls are implemented on the accounting sys-tem and bank cash management system at a minimum. Administrative rights should be limited to just a few. • Conduct background checks prior to starting work for all employees in sen-sitive positions (controller, CFO, high lev-el managers, etc.); • Conduct analytical reviews of finan-cial reports by owner/governance group within 30 days of the month end selected searching for anomalies or unexpected budget variances; • Conduct monthly reviews of manu-al adjustments to financial records by an independent person; • Ensure segregation between pre-parer and signer of checks/payments. Additionally, upon check signing, the signer should review invoices for reason-ableness in relation to the business; and • Ensure segregation between de-posit money into the bank and recording the receipts in the accounting system. Hopefully, this gives you some sim-ple and efficient ways to manage the op-portunity that is present in your compa-ny. Cari Takao, CPA is an assurance share-holder for FHK. Contact her at 210-477-2712 or at [email protected]


Teen workersJoann NatarajanCompliance Assistance SpecialistOSHAAustin, TX

Youth who are under 18 years old can be an asset to your workforce. They are enthusiastic and eager to

learn. However, like other new and inexperienced work-ers, these young workers can be injured on the job when they don’t receive adequate safety training and

supervision. Some injuries have a lifelong impact, and some are even fatal. Further-more, on-the-job injuries to young workers can be costly.

Young workers get hurt when: • They take on jobs for which they’re not trained — sometimes without being asked • They don’t have appropriate supervi-sion • They work with dangerous tools or equipment • They perform tasks that violate youth employment laws

Work on a construction site is especially hazardous. In fact, the construction in-dustry, which employs less than 3% of all young workers, ranks 3rd in the number of work-related fatalities to youth — at 14% of all occupational deaths to youth under 18.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) The federal FLSA establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, record keeping, and child labor standards affecting certain full-time and part-time workers in the pri-vate sector and in federal, state, and local governments.

Age and Hour Restrictions under FLSA Youth under 16 years of age may only perform office or sales work in the con-struction industry. The federal rules also limit the number of hours and times of day that such youth may be employed. Youth age 16 and 17 may work in the con-struction industry and on construction sites, but there are several tasks or jobs that are too hazardous for them to per-

form. There are no federal laws that re-strict the number of work hours per day or per week. However, several states do restrict the number of hours and times of day that this age group may be em-ployed. Be sure to check with your State Department of Labor.

FLSA Exemptions If certain conditions are met, 16- and 17-year-old apprentices and student learners may be allowed to perform some of the above prohibited jobs. Youth enrolled in such programs are trained in occupational safety and health. You may wish to consider recruiting these young workers — you’ll be providing them with work experience and may be rewarded with a safety-conscious employee.

Some other young workers are not fully covered by FLSA. For example, youth of any age are generally allowed to work for businesses entirely owned by their par-ents, except no one under 18 may be em-ployed in the prohibited jobs that are partially listed above.

Even if FLSA doesn’t apply, if you employ workers under 18 years old, be sure that: • Tasks are appropriate for a worker’s age • Young workers are properly trained • Young workers are supervised •You know what tasks are prohibited for youth

[email protected] x232

Are attorneys’ fees stillrecoverable in successfulcontract actions?Bethany F. Thompson, shareholderGardner LawSan Antonio, TX

Construction lawyers in Texas have been relying on certain statutes to recover attorney fees and expens-

es for their clients in contract claims for decades. How-ever, within the last couple of years two courts have issued decisions that substantially narrow the application of one of the most frequently used attorney fee recovery stat-utes regarding contract claims.

The first of the two cases is Fleming & Assocs. LLP v. Barton, 425 S.W.3d 560 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2014) and the second case is Hoffman v. L&M Arts LLC, 3:10-CV-0953-D, 2015 WL 1000838, (N.D. Tex. Mar. 6, 2015). This shift is significant, as an important part of the decision by subcontractors and suppliers on whether to pursue legal action is whether or not they can recoup their attorneys’ fees.

In Texas, a party cannot recover their attorneys’ fees unless a statute or con-tract expressly gives them that right. Many times, parties rely on Section 38.001 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code which states that if there is a recov-ery of a claim based on an oral or written contract, “a person may recover reason-able attorneys’ fees from an individual or corporation.” Previously, the statute re-ferred to “any person or corporation” where “person” is defined to include “partnerships, among others.” See sec-tion 1.002 of the TCPRC providing the Code Construction Act applies to the TCPRC. However, the word “person” was changed to “individual” in 1985 when the statute was recodified. Both of these re-cent cases turn on the use of the word “individual” as opposed to “person.”

In the Fleming case, the court con-sidered whether 38.001 allowed for re-covery of fees against a limited partner-ship. Unlike the previous term, “person,” the court noted the term “individual” is not defined in the Code Construction Act and determined the ordinary meaning did not include a limited partnership. Based on this, the appellate court con-cluded the trial court erred in awarding attorneys’ fees.

In the Hoffman case, the court con-sidered whether 38.001 allowed for re-covery of fees against an LLC. Defen-dants challenged the application of this

statute based on their status as an LLC, as opposed to a corporation. The terms “in-dividual” and “corporation” are unde-fined within the statute. After consider-ing the legislative history of the statute and various applicable arguments, the Court concluded an LLC is an “other legal entity” not within the scope of Section 38.001 and denied the request for fees.

In the 2015 legislative session HB 230 was introduced and passed by the Texas House of Representatives which would have modified the statute to include the terms “or other legal entity” however the bill did not make it through the Senate. As a practice point, construction industry parties need to remember that attorneys’ fees in Texas can also be recovered if a contract provision allows for them. Par-ties who typically furnish labor or materi-als pursuant to contracts, should be es-pecially vigilant to always include terms allowing for the prevailing party to re-cover their fees.

Bethany F. Thompson is a Shareholder with Gardner Law in San Antonio, Texas, and her practice focuses on construction litigation. In a time when many cases settle before trial, she has first chair state court jury trial experience, arbitration experience, and bench trial experience in federal court. Ms. Thompson represents general contrac-tors, subcontractors, and suppliers on a va-riety of issues including contract drafting and negotiation, lien and bond payment claims, delay and defect claims, and con-tract default and terminations. She has pre-sented seminars for a variety of organiza-tions throughout the state, guest lectured on construction contracts at Texas A&M, and is active in both her local chapter of the American Subcontractors Association and the Attorney Council for the national level of ASA. Contact: [email protected].

Brewskis were poured and business cards traded at Dallas’ Community Beer Co. on Jun. 9. The Regional

Hispanic Contractors Association (RHCA) and Equify LLC hosted a Client Apprecia-tion Networking Reception for more than 200 RHCA members and their cli-ents for a night of networking and build-ing business relationships. –mjm

Beer throng

L-R: RHCA President John Martinez; RHCA Past Chairman Chris Escobedo, Phillips/May Corp.; guest; City of Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Monica R. Alonzo; RHCA Chairman Juan Rodriguez,

Balfour Beatty Construction; Equify LLC’s CEO Patrick E. Hoiby and president C.E. Vaughan

L-R: RHCA corporate partner Michael Arrambide of BAR Constructors and Equify

LLC’s Michael Culverhouse

Making their moveSubmitted to Construction News

General contractor Brasfield & Gorrie LLC has relocated its Dallas office to 8350 N. Central Expressway, Suite 1000, in the Campbell Centre. The new office will provide increased

space for the company’s growing Dallas workforce and allow for future expansion. –mjm


With state, county and local digni-taries in attendance, HOLT CAT hosted a groundbreaking cere-

mony Jun. 14 for a new state-of-the-art headquarters building at its San Antonio campus. The expansion represents more than a $20 million property investment. Dave Harris, HOLT president and COO; Peter J. Holt, HOLT executive vice president and general manager; and San Antonio’s Mayor Ivy Taylor were among the speakers who addressed more than 200 attendees at the groundbreaking. The three-story, 84,000-sf building will include integrated technology, tradi-tional offices and multi-functional con-ference facilities. RVK Architects de-signed the new headquarters, and Joeris General Contractors is the GC for the project. The new building will also feature a large lunchroom with a fresh food vend-ing area and a connected outdoor patio, and an employee fitness center with full locker rooms and shower facilities. Ex-

Investing in the future

pected to open in the third quarter of 2017, once completed, the new head-quarters building will consolidate admin-istrative and corporate functions. With 39 locations across North, Northeast, Central and South Texas and more than 2,300 employees, the San An-tonio campus is home to more than 700 of the company’s employees. While the heavy equipment and Caterpillar dealer has a presence statewide, HOLT is based in San Antonio. “The HOLT organization has been part of San Antonio since 1933, and this groundbreaking ceremony was in cele-bration of the last 83 years,” says Joe Carreon, corporate marketing manager for HOLT CAT. “Our investment in this new facility marks the company’s com-mitment to the community and to the southeast side of San Antonio. We are very excited about this new facility, as it will include state-of-the-art amenities to accommodate the needs of our employ-ees and our customers.”–mh

Photo by Steve HuedepohlAmong HOLT’s leadership and members of the local government present for a significant moment in HOLT CAT history were L-R: Dave Harris, president and COO, HOLT CAT; Tommy Calvert, Bexar County Commissioner; San Antonio Councilwoman Rebecca Villagran, Dist.

3; Hazel Holt, Peter’s older daughter; Peter J. Holt, executive vice president and general manager, HOLT CAT; Penny Holt, Peter’s younger daughter; Lauren Kate Holt; San Antonio

Mayor Ivy Taylor; Judge Nelson Wolff; Holt Richter, Corinna’s son; Corinna Holt Richter, executive vice president and chief administrative officer; J.B. Richter

Don’t get James Logue wrong: The Eastridge Workforce Solutions vice president of the construction

staffing division says staffing firms offer-ing construction businesses day labor are a great and sorely-needed service. “But that’s not what we do,” Logue explains. “We’re more of a solutions and HR business partner to our clients, and that’s really how we want to be under-stood in the industry.” Logue, who works in the company’s Irving office, explains that Eastridge’s core business falls under skilled trades solutions such as apprentices, journeymen and lead capacity tradespeople for both short- and long-term projects. Eastridge also supplies construction clients with office and admin-istrative support experienced in construc-tion within various specialties like accounts payable, accounts receivable, administra-tive assistant, office manager, project coor-dinator, service coordinator and many more. Eastridge also has a direct hire con-struction management division for posi-tions, including superintendents, project managers, estimators, and engineers and sales positions, as well. In addition to providing employees with 401K and direct deposit, Eastridge

Hiring squad

does all phases of the hiring process in-cluding reference checks, drug testing, background checks, skill testing and tool inventory assessments. “Many clients interview potential em-ployees that they like but they don’t have the budget capacity or the project back-log and can’t bring that person on full-time,” Logue says. “We work with clients on payrolling employee solutions who refer them to us to put them through our hiring process and screening. If every-thing checks out on them, we’ll send them back to that client that referred them to start working with them. It’s a so-lution that many clients find beneficial for their business. “I think that any type of hiring that a construction company needs to do, we have the ability to support that business,” he says. “In having clients who under-stand the different solutions, we can work with them to understand their business needs and expectations. We can imple-ment one or all of those solutions within their business.” Eastridge Workforce Solutions sup-ports the construction industry with differ-ent hiring solutions for their businesses. –mjm

Eastridge Workforce Solutions’ James Logue


Grinning and bearing itSubmitted to Construction News

David Riddle, president of Dave Riddle Electric Company, scored

this nearly 400-lb. grizzly bear on his seventh trip to the Canadian Yukon with Ceaser Lake Outfitters. His guide informed him that this bear, which was around 30 years old, was the oldest grizzly bear they had ever taken. –mjm

Cautions whilewading

by Capt. Steve Schultz

Sponsored by:Waypoint Marine, Majek Boats, Evinrude

Outboards, E-Z Bel Construction,Power Pole Shallow Water Anchor,

Aggregate Haulers, ForEverlast Hunting and Fishing Products, MirrOlure, and

Columbia Sportswear.

Summertime has arrived folks, and you will start to see larger crowds on the water through Labor Day

weekend. Fishing has remained consis-tent throughout the month of May even with all the rains and inconsistent wind directions throughout the month. June finds us continuing with the same weath-er patterns we had last month, even with a little more bizarre weather patterns. I always welcome Texas summer rains, but it seems this season we’ve had more than our share, especially central and northern parts of the state.

I would like to share an incident that hap-pen to me the last week of May while wade fishing with some clients. I woke

up on a Saturday morning with a burning sensation on a spot near my ankle after a day of wading the King Ranch shoreline a few days prior. Thinking it was a spider bite or some other insect bite, I dismissed the irritated foot and went on my day’s charter with my clients. Shortly into the morning I started to feel chilled and ach-ing all over my body. I knew something

Flounder have been showing up in good numbers. Randy Wyatt of San Antonio

caught this 5-lb. flounder last month while fishing with Steve Schultz Outdoors.

was not right but was determined to fin-ish my day with my clients. As the day progressed, so did the pain in my leg un-til I had had enough. By the time I got back to the dock, my leg was swollen and the redness had spread from my an-kle to my calf. That afternoon I went to the Physicians Premier ER to get checked out. After explaining to the doctor that I had been wading in the Laguna Madre, he didn’t take any chances and started me on an IV antibiotic. He then informed me that I was being transferred to the hospital. Later that evening I went to Bay Area Hospital where they continued with the antibiotics intravenously. Doctors were not sure where the infection start-ed because I had no open wounds on my leg and I was sure that I had not been poked by a fish or anything else.

After a few days in the hospital with con-tinuous antibotics being run through my body, they determined that it was a bad case of “Cellulitis”. Cellulitis is a common but potentially serious bacterial (strepto-coccus or staphylococcus) infection of the skin and underlying skin tissue. Cel-lulitis develops when bacteria invade the skin, often when skin is broken or open. When bacteria spread under the skin and into the soft tissues, the body reacts by creating inflammation. I was released after four nights in the hospital and put on oral ABX. After several days I went to

see my family physician and he immedi-ately took one look and admitted me back to the hospital. Long story short, I spend a total of 12 days in the hospital continuously receiving ABX through an IV. What started as a small irritation on my leg turned into a major infection in my leg that I wouldn’t wish on my worse enemy.

I am sharing this info with you so that ev-eryone that fishes or is exposed to the water in ours or any bay system need to be aware of the dangers that can occur. This infection probably started with a wading boot that rubbed my skin raw and infection set in after that. Things can progress so quickly, you really have to keep an eye on any open cut or wound you have. If there is the slightest sign of irritation, don’t hesitate getting it checked out by your physician.

Summer schedule is filling quickly but fall dates are still available. Don’t wait until the last minute to book your dates.

To schedule your next bay fishing trip give Capt. Steve Schultz a call or text at 361-813-3716 or 361-334-3105 or e-mail him at [email protected].

Good luck and Good Fishing.


Half or Full Day Fishing Trips

All Bait, Tackle & EquipmentFurnished

Your catch Filleted andBagged for You

Furnish your TPWD FishingLicense & Refreshments,

and WE DO THE REST!Ken Milam Guide Service(325) 379-2051

www.striperfever.com

For her 16th wedding anniversary in March, Dallas/Fort Worth Construction News editor Melissa

Jones-Meyer was gifted with a handmade wooden birdcage with origami birds made from money perched inside it. The gifts, crafted by her husband Steve, were to encourage her to purchase the parakeets she’d always wanted. When she selected the birds and brought them home, Jones-Meyer, an 80’s movie and “Frasier” fan, wanted to name the birds “Ferris” and “Cameron” or “Frasier” and “Niles.” Her son’s pleading won out, however, and the birds were finally christened “Wilbur and Orville, The Flight Brothers.” The lighter-colored Wilbur is definitely boss bird and a promising cage

Meet the parakeets

Wilbur Flight Orville Flight

fighter. The first to do – and destroy – everything, Wilbur is quick to voice displeasure when the dining is not five-star. Orville, who is a brighter blue, is nicknamed “Karaoke” because he sings sweetly along with the Pandora app all day long (he prefers the vocal stylings of George Michael and Michael Jackson). None too bright, Orville must be directed to food, water and any new perches with neon signs and lots of pointing. It hasn’t been determined for certain (or disclosed to her son), but Jones-Meyer suspects that Wilbur might actually be female. She calls the birds “Ferris” and “Sloan” or “Niles” and “Daphne” when her son is out of earshot. –mjm

Ken Milam’s Fishing LineSince 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

Here I sit in my lawn chair with my toes in the water at the edge of the lake trying to type this in. Fishing

is all done for the day. I have a cold beverage at hand, the beginning of a nice sunset before me and a cool breeze on my face. My little laptop computer is waiting on my thoughts and all I can think about is I hope some mad little nesting perch doesn’t take a swipe at my toes and make me jump, upsetting the whole apple cart. Such is the relationship of a sportsman and his electronics. Our whole way of looking at the outdoors we love so much can be greatly enhanced by our new technology…as long as we can keep it working. Don’t drop it, wet it, run over it or forget where you left it (Heaven help you if it was camo colored!). Most importantly though, don’t become overly dependent on whatever the gizmo is. When I started striper guiding on Lake Buchanan in 1981, my first piece of electronic fishing equipment was a Lowrance X-15 chart recorder. For the first time in my whole fishing life I could finally see beneath the waves, look at the contours of the lake bottom and even see fish! (Even if they didn’t really look like fish!) Next were the electronic downriggers and learning the process of combining the downriggers ability to deliver the baits to the fish I could see down there without getting all tangled in the treetops the fish love to lurk in. I still

think there was no better way to learn the bottom of the lake you fish because every time you make a mistake and get hung up, it costs you money in lost tackle and lost time. I still remember the first time I watched a big fish make a run at my bait! I really resisted giving up my X-15s with all their rolls of paper and stylus replacements. I finally changed over to the new fish-finders with display screens and gps. I never looked back because now I could see things in color and with more detail. No more on the water maintenance of the graph and no more having to remember my fishing spots by visually triangulating with landmarks. I love that I can dependably find my favorite places, but that is balanced by knowing that if it fails for any reason, all I have to do is look around me and get home the low tech way like my grandpa did. I never used to take my cell phone fishing because I didn’t want the distraction. Now I always have my phone on me. I like to be able to pull up real time weather radar when I need it, but it doesn’t replace the good weather sense passed down to me by my Dad from his father. Now days my son Max runs the charter trips. He has added a big trolling motor with gps that can keep up with where you are, put you where you want to be and hold your spot without having to throw an anchor. That sure beats hauling in anchor lines, but you couldn’t appreciate how nice it is unless you’d done it the hard way! I love how far we’ve come, but it’s nice to always know the way back!

Technology and the fisherman

D & W Painting

Ferguson


Fishing cackle

There are no small fish, just small fishermen, which is why every catch that Equipment Depot territory

account managers (and top-notch fishermen) Caleb Benton, Eric Tucker and Jeff Tucker pulled out of Lake Texoma deserves to be celebrated. At their company fishing trip in April, Eric caught a 5.5-lb. smallmouth bass, Benton landed a 4-lb. striper and, least but not last, Jeff hauled in a wee catfish that was in a class of its own. –mjm

Eric Tucker’s smallmouth bass

Caleb Benton’s striper

Jeff Tucker’s catfish

Cajun catchingSubmitted to Construction News

On a recent trip to Buras, LA, eight JMEG Electrical Contractors co-workersenjoyed the sights and sounds of the Mississippi River bayous and back bays. Under

the guidance of Captain Ryan Lambert and the Cajun Fishing Adventures team,Jason Fagan and Michael DeVault (pictured) limited out on redfish and were

declared the “Big Fish Pot” winners. –mjm

First lieutenant Talmage Hansen enjoys a moment with his daughter Hannah Hansen at Dyess Air Force Base, TX. Talmage, who works for BIG RED DOG Engineering in Dallas,

is a civil engineer officer in the United States Air Force. –mjm

Plane-ly a daddy’s girl

No trout pout here!Submitted to Construction News

Marshall Clarke, son of McCarthy’s Matthew Clarke, recently participated in the Longhorn Council’s annual Trout-O-Rees tournament, which is held at Camp Tahauya

south of Killeen, TX. Although Marshall didn’t take home the top prize, he still had a blast at the event and a belly full of delicious trout to show for his efforts. –mjm


Sizing it up

It’s o-fish-al: There are some big fish to be had out there. Buyers Barricades’ Marie Rhom and her husband, Robby Rhom of Ferguson Enterprises, above, enjoyed an off shore fishing trip

while in Cancun, Mexico during Memorial Day weekend. Marie caught a gigantic Grouper, and Robby scored a massive Amber Jack. May also brought some good fishing for North Texas Contracting’s Zach Fusilier, Fortline’s Jason Wieser and Hill & Wilkinson’s Matt Davis.

Below, the friends caught a whopper fish in the waters of Costa Rica.

Rod actionFishing got reel for two Action Gypsum Supply employees, who cast their lines in nearby waters in April. Outside sales

employee Carson Chambers caught a 28-in. speckled trout that weighed in at 7.5 lbs. at San Luis Pass, TX and operation manager

Jerry Hamilton caught the limit of crappie at Ray Roberts Lake in Pilot Point, TX. –mjm

Right: Carson Chambers

Below:Jerry Hamilton

Victory lapDallas/Fort Worth Construction News • July 2016

Subs and GC’s lapped up the recogni-tion at the American Subcontrac-tors Association’s (ASA) North Texas

chapter’s 38th annual awards night. Host-ed Jun. 9 at Omni Dallas Hotel at Park West, the event honored companies and individuals whose projects and achieve-ments landed them in ASA’s “Winner’s Circle.” Miss Sprint Cup 2016 Madison Martin cheered on the award recipients and a Home Depot-sponsored race car made for a photo finish backdrop. –mjm

Excellence in Ethics: Kent Companies

Beacon Award:Doug Olson, EyeSite Surveillance

General Contractor Award: Under $2 MillionStructureTone, Southwest Toyota Commercial Finance

Subcontractor Award: $10-15 MillionTDIndustries, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center (MMMC)

GC: The Beck Group

Impact Award: Corgan

Engineer of the Year: Purdy-McGuire Mechanical Electrical Engineers

National ASA Board Member Recognition Haley-Greer’s Tish Barker, 2015-2016 ASA President and Walker Engineering’s Mike

McAdams 2015-2016 ASA Director

General Contractor Award: $2-$20 MMEDCO Construction

Canine Companions for Independence

Subcontractor Award: $15+ MillionPrism Electric

DFW TRIP Terminal A, Phase 3GC: Balfour/Azteca/Russell/Carcon

2016 Safety Award: Division I and Gold Award Winner for TCU Schollmaier Arena in the $15 Million Category, GMi

General Contractor Award: $20-$40 MillionStructureTone Southwest, Novartis Data Center

General Contractor Award: $40+ Million AGUIRRE RODENDowntown Dallas Westin – One Main Place

Subcontractor Award: $5-$10 MillionStriland Commercial Concrete Formwork

Dallas Airmotive Test Cell FacilityGC: Hillwood Construction Services

Photos by Jesse Abercrombie


[Big] Easy geauxing

Laissez les bons temps rouler! NOLA re-cently set the scene for the National Association of Women in Construc-

tion’s (NAWIC) South Central Region Fo-rum. Hosted May 20-21 at the Astor Crowne Plaza in New Orleans’ French Quarter, the event offered NAWIC mem-bers beau coup professional develop-ment, networking and N’awlins fun.

Friday was filled with NEF testing, a Crescent City cooking class, workshops, meetings and an evening Quarter tour. The meetings and workshops continued Saturday, and topped off with a “Takin’ It to the Streets”-themed dinner, awards ceremony and Mardi Gras Ball where NA-WIC Dallas and Fort Worth members passed a good time! –mjm

NAWIC Fort Worth chapter’s Karolene Pittman, Tammy Crooks, Lisa McDonald, Sharon Murphy, Kathryn Oestricher, Samentha Tiller, Martina Wisherd, Dena Rowland, Diane Mike,

Sandy Strevel, VaLissa Padgett, Traci Robinson, Lara Siegel and Julia Campbell

NAWIC Dallas chapter’s Kim Gibbons, Ann McCullough, Jennifer VanBreda, Jill Melancon, Carolyn Sams, Ginny Horrell, Mary Prey and MaryAnne Doss

All-star tee-ms

Morning winners – ABC Team 20 (score 51):Chris Jackson, Tres Yonkin, Colson Rowley and Jerod Niles

Afternoon winners – ABC Team 9 (score 55): Steven Newton, Brian Baccus, Trent Feenker and Danny Suges

The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Texas annual meeting was held Jun. 10 at St. Philip’s College in San Antonio, and the new PHCC Texas board was elected

and installed. L-R: Tony Dixon, Ferguson; Craig Lewis, R.E.C. Industries; Greg Bolin, Bolin Plumbing; Sam Dowdy, S&D Plumbing; Randy Hunter, R.E.C. Industries; Rick Shelton, Shelton Plumbing; Patrick Freund, Primo Plumbing; Dickie McCurdy, MMM Plumbing, Heating, A/C; Chris Sproles, Central Texas Plumbing Solutions; Jessica Burden, Milton Frank Plumbing; Stephen Cox, Cox Plumbing; Carter Ramzel, Benchmark Plumbing;

Milton Frank, Milton Frank Plumbing –mh

Meet the new boardSubmitted to Construction News

Fire protection contractors from across the state played golf and went fishing at the Skins & Fins Tour-

nament held at South Shore Harbour Re-sort in League City in Jun. 9-12. Folks also attended continued edu-cation classes, a table top vendor show, a buffet style dinner and a pool party. The Fire Sprinklers Contractors Asso-ciation of Texas (FSCATX) hosted the event. –ab

Making waves

The table top vendor show

Impact Fire ServicesCarol McCain won the Champion of the

Industry Achievement Award

North Texas Roofing Contractors Association (NTRCA) members went out clubbing at the associa-

tion’s Golf Tournament. Held Jun. 7 at Grapevine’s Cowboys Golf Club, the

event ended with a morning and after-noon team celebrating their win. The morning team walked of the green with a sore of 51, while the afternoon team fin-ished with a score of 55. –mjm


Electrical Industry

Competition stiff,eye on economy

Blake Combs, President and OwnerPrism ElectricFort Worth and Garland, TX

As the voice of the $130 billion electri-cal construction industry that brings

power, light, and communication tech-nology to buildings and communities across the U.S., the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is tasked with finding solutions to the problems facing the industry. There are always challenges to address, but we’ve man-aged to make tremendous progress on several fronts in the past year. I’m opti-mistic NECA will continue to be a leader moving forward. Two of the biggest issues impacting the industry today are dealing with the shortage of workers at both the crafts-person and management levels and keeping up with technology. NECA has made inroads in both areas. First, we’re addressing the shortage of workers in several ways. Through the jointly sponsored National Labor Man-agement Cooperation Committee (NLMCC), NECA and the International

Dealing with challenges in electrical industry

John M. Grau, CEONational Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)Milwaukee, WI

Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, there has been more than $1.75 million com-mitted in the past 16 months to the man-power development effort through job fairs and recruiting events. The Electrical Training ALLIANCE, a joint training program sponsored by NECA and the IBEW, has been ramping up its efforts at the local level in both growing and diversifying its student population. This year alone, NECA employers have brought in more than 8,000 new employees (more than a 30% increase) from outside the construction industry into apprentice and other entry-level programs. NECA and the IBEW contribute almost $180 million annually to deliver training through their local joint appren-tice programs. The NECA/IBEW partner-ship is currently training more than 30,000 apprentices nationwide. NECA is reaching out to two groups in particular: young people and women.

By 2019, it is estimated that the projected shortage of skilled workers in the U.S. will number 1.5 million, and part of that gap can be made up by bringing more quali-fied women and young people into the fold. Women In NECA, also known as WIN, was established in 2009 to provide a col-laborative forum for women affiliated with NECA-member companies, chapters and LMCCs. WIN works to make NECA – and the industry as a whole – stronger by advancing women’s goals for profession-al growth. NECA also supports student chapters at universities that that promote working in electrical contracting, and we regularly host Industry Nights for job seekers as well. Our apprentices – and apprentices across the board – have embraced the technological advances occurring in re-cent years. We see members starting to adopt many new technologies, such as drones, and experimenting with aug-mented reality devices, tracking devices and 3D printing. The construction indus-try is being greatly impacted by aug-mented reality with real-time visualiza-tion of projects, better collaboration and communication, increased safety, greater implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM), and projects being de-livered on time and within budget. Augmented reality technology and research is providing exciting solutions to improve overall construction quality and efficiency. Cloud-based document

management for improved real-time communication and mobile solutions for punch lists and subcontractor manage-ment are being enhanced by augmented reality overlays. Technology in this area is enhancing the world of construction in many ways. As integrating technology into busi-ness operations is one our members’ ma-jor concerns, we have launched NECA Technology, the Project for Applied and Disruptive Technology, as a new initiative. It explores the world of technology and keeps members informed of what is hap-pening today and what will be launched in the not-too-distant future. It is spear-headed by Joey Shorter, NECA director of research, who has an extensive back-ground in education and experience in translating the work of academics into understandable, practical ideas. NECA remains focused on finding the nation’s top talent for the electrical con-tracting industry and equipping them with the skills they need to succeed. Tech-nology will always be a part of the equa-tion, and I look forward to opportunities that allow us to expand our reach and continue to grow.

Mr. Grau became NECA’s chief staff of-ficer in April 1986. Previously, he was execu-tive vice president of the Milwaukee Chap-ter, NECA, and served as a field representa-tive associate with the NECA Western Re-gion. –cw

How would you describe the state of the construction industry in gen-

eral terms? Have you heard of an in-crease or slowdown in business? It’s certainly no secret that the mar-ket is booming right now with all the cor-porate relocations and the resulting housing needs. With that said, we con-tinue to see stiff competition for every project we pursue, from the smaller ones to the giant corporate effort ongoing in the Plano/Frisco area. Our colleagues are all out there doing the same things we are to try and win every project we can. In spite of the number of projects out there, the margins remain extremely competi-tive.

What is on the horizon for your indus-try? The biggest change we see coming down the pike are the increasing oppor-tunities trades get to have on the design process. This is a change that we wel-come. We love being able to help an owner get the greatest number of op-tions within the project budget. Because trade contractors have such buying pow-er, we can provide more choices and op-tions to an owner and design team and still help our general contractor friends stick to the budget. It’s our hope this trend becomes the norm for all projects.

With the recent emphasis on green

building, what is the most environ-mentally friendly change relating to your industry? The most environmentally friendly change we’ve seen to impact our trade has been the advent of the paperless pro-cess. We love it! In addition to saving reams of paper by not printing drawings, we’ve found it to be so much more effi-cient. Our field teams carry iPads and get the latest drawings in real time and install by the latest information. It’s had a huge impact on our ability to reduce questions and rework in the field. Our first project to go this way was the DFW Terminal A proj-ect and we’ve applied it to every project where we’ve had the opportunity since.

What is the most significant challenge your industry faces? With the upcoming election, volatili-ty is probably our biggest challenge in terms of pricing, demand … you name it. Construction is in high demand currently, but we’re all aware of what happened in 2008 and mindful to keep an eye out for signs it might happen again. Keeping an eye on architectural billings is always a wise strategy. Right now, they’re on an

upswing both nationally and regionally. As a leading industry indicator, if those figures take a tumble, we pay attention.

What are the rewards of the industry? For me, this is what I’ve always want-ed to do and I’ve been lucky enough to surround myself with a terrific team of professionals who are just as dedicated to Prism’s success as I am. As far as [re-wards] industry-wide go, I think the built industry is unique in that we leave con-crete evidence of our work. These build-ings and projects we build bear testa-ment to the work we do. Looking back at the projects we’ve been involved in, from our very first project at Presbyterian Hos-pital of Allen to the New Parkland Hospi-tal to DFW Terminal A to the upcoming Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children North Campus, I feel very proud of what Prism has accomplished. With Texas offices in Fort Worth, Gar-land, Austin and Houston, Prism Electric Inc. is a full-service electrical contractor with more than two decades of experience. The company specializes in commercial, health-care, industrial, institutional, and high tech industry projects. –mjm

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Service Providers

Electrical IndustryFacing the eye of the stormChris Martinez, PresidentCentral ElectricSan Antonio, TX

While the oil boom in the Eagle Ford Shale and the bonds for local municipalities and independent

school districts have taken the construction industry by storm over the last few years, Chris Martinez, president of Central Electric, believes we’re in the eye of that storm

now, waiting for the whirlwind to pick up again.

Two or three years ago, Martinez re-calls that San Antonio, Northeast and Northside ISDs had projects out for bid every month, spinning out about 15 to 20 projects. Now, in the last quarter, he ob-serves that the only schools that went out for bid were in New Braunfels. Mu-nicipalities are concluding their bonds from a few years ago, also. Citing the projects that are under construction, such as hospital work in San Antonio that is currently on the road to completion, Methodist Stone Oak for example, Martinez says that while every-one sees work going on, those projects are wrapping up or already under con-tract. It’s the new opportunities, he points out, that are few and far between as contractors look to the horizon in search of work for the future. “We are approaching a lull, and we’re

waiting for that next wave to come through,” says Martinez. “I’ve heard that from designers to manufacturers that study the market to general contractors and to our trade contractors. “For the current industry trends, needless to say, I think the oil money has impacted various industries through a ripple effect. We’re in a unique situation where multiple things are affecting the market, and so it’s not just oil. I think oil is one piece, and investors now are going to get tighter with their money.” Along with the funds that drive pub-lic, private and government projects dry-ing up, construction companies that fo-cused on doing work south of San Anto-nio in Pleasanton and other outlying ar-eas are coming back because work in their niche in the Eagle Ford Shale is dry-ing up, too. With competition returning,

there are more fishing poles in the local waters and fewer fish. “You’ve got all these construction-related markets,” he says. “You’ve got the private sector, which is, some people say, driven by oil and gas money, but also the banks determine when they release funding for projects to go through. Then, you’ve got all these buckets, and they’re not drying up, but the opportunities in them have decreased, and that impacts every trade in the construction industry.” Injecting some hope for the future, Martinez notes that some local school districts are looking at launching upcom-ing bond initiatives, and everyone is wait-ing for the next wave to come along. Meanwhile, what can a contractor do to keep up the pace until the lull passes? At Central, Martinez says the solution has been shifting focus to other niches and markets. “Three years ago probably, my com-petitors and I could see the opportunities on the horizon,” he says. “Where we stand today, the opportunities on the ho-rizon are few and far between. So then, you need to strategize your approach on what you pursue and don’t pursue, and you evaluate – how far outside your niche do you go? Because you’re stepping into somebody else’s niche. You’ve got to evaluate that and make the best decision for your team.”

Continuing to beat the path and overturn the rocks in search of opportu-nities, Martinez notes that Central is still in the same markets that have made up its portfolio over the last five years, but the share of the pie its niches account for is shifting. As one slice shrinks, another grows to fill in the gap. As the industry has transitioned into the eye of the storm, Central Electric has shifted its workload from being approxi-mately 50-percent government to around 50-percent private. “Our design-assist, design-build portfolio, which was the majority govern-ment, has given us the opportunity to open doors on the private side doing de-sign-assist, design-build,” he explains. “That has probably helped the ship con-tinue to move forward. Having those ca-pabilities that we’ve really done well in the government world, we now do very well in the private world.” Being able to translate the skills Cen-tral honed working in its government niche to the private market has now al-lowed them to do design-build for hotels and design-assist for high-rise living com-plexes. Fred Martinez founded Central Electric in 1975. Today, his sons, Chris Martinez and Ernie Martinez run the company as presi-dent and vice president, respectively. –mh

High tech, customer savings in electrical industryTyler Cannon, Branch ManagerCity Electric SupplyKyle, TX

A second annual survey by Klein Tools that found higher percentages of electricians who prefer to

work on high-tech installations, and home technology remains the most widely viewed residential trend by

electricians. The survey included results from 400 union and non-union electricians.

Tyler Cannon, branch manager of a local Klein dealer, City Electric Supply, says the trend is reflected in sales. “We’ve seen an increase of 30 per-cent in sales over the last 12 months,” Cannon says. He attributes that to the economy and the current construction climate in the Austin area, with hotels and gear and lighting packages. “The construction environment has had an impact on sales,” he said. “But our product line has pretty much stayed the same.” The Klein Tools’ State of the Industry survey found preferences towards work-ing on industrial projects, office buildings and commercial properties have stayed relatively the same since last year. There was a noticeable increase, however, in the number of union electricians, and electricians with 10 to 19 years’ experi-

ence, indicating they prefer to work on high-tech installations. · This year, 42 percent of union elec-tricians say they prefer working on high-tech installations, up from 31 percent in 2015. · The survey also found 51 percent of electricians with 10 to 19 years of industry experience said they prefer working on high-tech installations, a significant in-crease from 24 percent in 2015. In com-parison, 29 percent of electricians with less than 10 years’ experience said they prefer working on high-tech installations, and only 24 percent of electricians with more than 20 years’ experience said they prefer working on high-tech installations. “We’re seeing increased interest from younger electricians and apprentic-es in high-tech systems. They see oppor-tunities to work on the latest technology as a way to gain experience in an area of

future growth and like the challenge as-sociated with learning a complicated skill,” said Mark Klein, president of Klein Tools. “It’s great to also learn many expe-rienced electricians are taking a fondness to more advanced systems and want to keep up-to-date on their craft. This allows electricians with varying levels of exper-tise to learn from each other on the job-site and advance the entire industry as technology continues changing the way we operate.” The Klein Tools’ State of the Industry survey also found electricians are seeing more smart or “connected” homes in resi-dential areas. Technology in homes is the most popular trend viewed amongst electricians - over open living spaces, home additions and multi-family homes. However, multi-family homes have sig-nificantly increased since 2015. · Nearly one-half of electricians, 48 percent, are seeing more smart or con-nected homes in the residential area—just slightly down from 56 percent in 2015. One-third of electricians, or 31 per-cent, are seeing more multi-family homes in the residential area, up significantly from 25 percent in 2015.

“This tech-focused residential data aligns with what we’re seeing in the in-dustry,” Klein says. “Contractors are call-ing for more technicians who are skilled in newer, more digital-tech focused sys-tems, and technicians are doing their best to keep up with this developing trend. Klein Tools is working with its part-ners to ensure younger electricians are trained in the old and new news models so they are prepared for all types of sce-narios on the job site.” Cannon, who has been with City Electric Service for four years, says one change is in LED lighting. “LED has been around for 15 years, but it really started taking off in the last three to four years,” he says. He says the benefits of working in the electrical supply business include seeing the end result of the electrical ma-terials supplied and seeing people save money on LED lighting and other high-tech installations. City Electric Supply is a family-owned electrical wholesale business dedicated to providing service and support for custom-ers in the residential, commercial, and in-dustrial markets since 1983. –cw


Grad you made it!

It was a proud moment for 112 graduates at the Construction Education Foundation’s (CEF) 2016 Graduation & Awards Banquet. Hosted Jun. 17 at The Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport Hotel, the event honored graduates of the foundation’s nine construction trade programs. –mjm

Plumbing PHCC HVAC

PHCC Plumbing Sheet Metal Welding

Supervisory Training (STP) Electrical

Pipefitting

Three Texas-based chapters – North Texas, Houston and South Central Texas – gathered in The Colony Jun.

9-10 for the International Concrete Repair Institute’s (ICRI) 3rd annual Texas State Conference. The fun began Thursday with a Topgolf competition, followed by

Good state of repair

a happy hour, an awards presentation and dinner at Hard Eight BBQ. Members kept a busy schedule Friday at the Cas-cades Event Center at Fairfield Inn & Suites, where they attended technical sessions, exhibitor presentations and an all-chapters board meeting. –mjm

ICRI members enjoyed activities such as TopGolf.

CTLGroup’s Toy Poole presented at the convention.


continued from Page 1 — Ever evolving

continued from Page 1 — Acing the test

continued from Page 1 — The renovation doctor is in

Talent times three

Ascension Group Architects in Ar-lington is now known as Ascen-sion Group Environments for

Health, thanks to its June merger with architectural firms MorrisSwitzer Envi-ronments for Health in Vermont and Boston and daSilva Architects in New York City. The three operate under newly formed design firm Environments for Health Architecture (E4H), offering comprehensive architectural services fo-cused exclusively on health care design. The merger makes E4H one of the largest architectural firms exclusively de-voted to health care projects. E4H man-aging partner Dan Morris says three rea-sons motivated the merger. “The first is really about geography,” he explains. “We’re seeing a lot of con-solidations in the health care market, and as [those consolidations occur] some of those health care systems are expanding into multiple geographies. In order to be able to serve them, we needed to be able to serve a broader geography as well. “The second thing is that with hospi-tal consolidation, as systems become larger, some of the projects are becom-ing larger as well. In order to be able to meet their needs, we needed a larger platform; they’re reaching out to bigger firms, so we needed to have the horse-power to be able to support them. “Third, we’ve been in business long enough that we felt that we were not go-ing to create opportunities for our staff if we do not continue to grow; that was also a very significant driver.” Ascension Group Environments for Health partner Rod Booze expressed his excitement about the merger, saying the only difference clients will notice about the Arlington office’s operations is its greater access to resources. Ascension designed Dallas’ Forest Park Medical Center, Fort Worth’s Park Hill Medical Pa-vilion and Arlington’s Urology Associates

of North Texas. With more resources available, Booze plans to embrace more of the nonprofit health care market. “It’s interesting; we’ve had many healthcare-based clients in the past that took us all over the United States, even all over the world,” he says. “We went as far as Ireland, Turkey, Istanbul and built new campuses in Alaska. We had a lot of con-fidence placed in us with a lot of big healthcare firms that were for-profit. We have a unique skillset, but we’ve never tapped fully into resources and opportu-nities that existed in the not-for-profit side. One of our targets is going to be deeper on the not-for-profit side. I think the timing is right because the not-for-profits want to explore a little bit more of a leaner approach, and a little more pos-sibly aggressive approach to streamline these facilities.” E4H is an architecture firm exclusively focused on the healthcare industry. –mjm

Rod Booze

Dan Morris

While the trying to become excel-lent has been somewhat trying at times, Bryant says the challenges were not any-thing unusual in this industry. “It’s been gratifying to see every-thing come together and actually work as a unit and to avoid as much internal conflict as possible,” he says. “We stay focused on a continuous improvement mindset. I think that’s been the most fun for me – to get a group of people all go-ing in the same direction together. I think if you can do that, you’re hard to stop.” It is this kind of teamwork that has earned his company the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry’s Excellence in Safety Award in the category of 500,000 man-hours, and a TLPCA Pinna-cle Award. The past decade hasn’t all been work, however. To show his appre-ciation to his employees, Bryant has tak-en them on fishing trips, treated them to

skeet shooting or invited them to a Loui-siana ranch for some R&R. He plans to show them his appreciation at the up-coming anniversary party as well. “We’re planning a big 10-year cele-bration at a Texas Ranger ballgame early in July,” Bryant says. “We’re renting a big suite out there, and we’ll probably have 100 people including some vendors that have helped us. “It’s a people business. We’ve got great people, and I’m really proud of what everyone has done. It’s a lot of fun to come to work each day and work with people that care about their craft and about the work they put in place. We have great people doing great work on great jobs for great clients, and we’re very excited about where we’re going.” Trinity Drywall & Plastering Systems of-fers drywall/acoustical, EIFS/lath and plas-ter and thin veneer masonry services. –mjm

was minimal. Also, despite the building’s age, no lead paint was found anywhere on the site. That is as far as the luck held out, however. A rainstorm hit before the two-story building’s roof could be in-stalled, washing away the city-approved set of plans. The team also had to unex-pectedly tear out the center part of the two-story building’s dilapidated ground floor and hire an engineer to redesign it. The biggest complication, though, was ventilation. “We had to create 18 inches of space below the floor joists, so we had to haul out a bunch of dirt,” Miland explains. “We had to dig down and fortunately we were able to get it down just to the bot-tom of the walls. We also found that there was no venting originally and we had to vent that area just to keep it dry. There’s no way to do it other than to put in a venting system, which was some-thing that we didn’t anticipate.” The building also needed updating to become ADA-compliant. “There is a change in elevation from one building to the other,” Miland says. “There was no way for a person in a wheelchair to enter into the two-story part of the building and its doctors offic-es without going outside and entering in through another part of the building. We had to delete one of the exam rooms to accommodate a wheelchair lift to meet ADA standards before we started, which meant plans needed to be changed. Also, the room that the wheelchair lift emptied out into would be considered a corridor and not a waiting room, so we

deleted a waiting room to accommodate it. We also poured concrete ramps out-side of the building.” Two different buildings with differ-ent rooflines would also call the team’s creativity into play. “We put in some trusses for the roof rafters and ceiling on both buildings,” Mi-land says. “The walls of the single story were 8 ft. tall, but the owner wanted 10 ft. tall walls. We built special trusses with legs on them so that once we set them in place they would pop the roofline and the ceiling up another two feet. We had to do that on both sides of the building; that was a unique engineering challenge for everybody.” The final result is a light-filled and in-viting space with beautiful and durable sealed concrete floors, practically ap-pointed exam rooms and accessible of-fices for both staff and patients. “We want to do a good job for peo-ple so they will recommend us,” Miland says. “That’s part of who we are, and we want to keep that referral process going. This project is an example of that; be-cause of our work on this project, we now have a meeting with another building owner down the street. “There were a lot of challenges along the way and there were a few things add-ed to the project which made it more ex-pensive,” he says, “but in the end it turned out exactly as I would have wanted it.” Hurst-based Miland Home Construc-tion’s commercial division specializes in general construction and renovation. –mjm

job site or at a customer’s location and provide quality service that we felt fits that need.” The idea was the brainchild of John Martin, director of field operations, who has serviced machines since 1997 and experienced and witnessed machine fail-ure during critical moments, costing companies time and money. “Because of technology, our indus-try is more mobile, so we all tend to spread ourselves thin,” Martin says. “When we do, things happen. One ex-ample of this is when we had a piece of equipment break down on a site when I was 600 miles away on another project. Because we couldn’t locate an available dealer or other mobile repair service and the machine could not be loaded and transported, I was forced to drive to the jobsite to repair the machine to get the crew productive again. That put us in a huge bind and we are sure other compa-nies experience similar situations.” The company has a history of jump-ing into action after recognizing a need. When Gary realized in the 1990s that Hooker needed to beef up its safety training, he installed a cellular tower on company property to train employees.

“It’s good when an owner doesn’t just say that safety is first and foremost in everything we do, but backs it up,” gen-eral and safety manager Rodney Hooker says. “We’re going to train everybody and make sure they’re certified in what they’re tasked to do.” As much as Hooker embraces change, one thing stays the same: Gary makes sure that his ten employees know how much he values their journey with the company, whether it’s an email on a work anniversary or a birthday party. “Gary will go out of his way to make sure it’s done,” Martin says. “He’s not only running a business, but he takes the time to do that.” That’s likely the only thing that will stay the same at The Hooker Company Inc. “As a company, my goal is to diversify our revenue stream with four primary market areas,” he says. “I want to concen-trate on those areas to create stability for the company’s employees and to allow us to give back more to our community.” Contractor The Hooker Company Inc. is located in Dallas. –mjm


Round-UpAssociation CalendarContent submitted by Associations to Construction News

AIA - DallasAmerican Institute of Architects

Jul. 21: AIA/TEXO Bark + Build Kick Off Party, SPCA, 2400 Lone Star Dr., Dallas, 6pmJul. 28: AIA Dallas/CSI Dallas/USGBC Tex-as North Texas Sustainable Showcase 2016, The Laurel, 2040 Enchanted Way, Grapevine. Visit www.ntxsustainable-showcase.com for details.

ASCE - DallasAmerican Society of Civil Engineers

Jul. 11: ASCE Dallas/Ft. Worth joint branch meeting, Arlington Hilton Hotel, 2401 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, 8:30amJul. 11: Dallas branch meeting, 11am

ASA North TexasAmerican Subcontractors Association

Jul. 14: ASA Split Happens Bowling Tour-nament, AMF Euless Lanes, 1901 Airport Fwy. Euless, 5:30pm registration, 6pm team bowling and 8:30pm awards.Jul. 27: Lunch meeting, Las Colinas Country Club

CSI – DallasConstruction Specifications Institute

Jul. 28: AIA Dallas/CSI Dallas/USGBC Tex-as North Texas Sustainable Showcase 2016, The Laurel, 2040 Enchanted Way, Grapevine. Visit www.ntxsustainable-showcase.com for details.

DACA - DFWDrywall & Acoustical Contractors Assn.

Jul. 20: Membership meeting, Courtyard Marriott TownePlace Suites, 2200 Bass Pro Court, Grapevine, 11am.

ECATEarthmoving Contractors Assn. of Tx.

Jul. 15-16: 58th Annual Membership Meeting, The Hilton Garden, Duncanville. Event includes annual skeet and trap shoot contest, Cummins Diesel Engine Plant tour, summary of past and next state legislative session coming in Janu-ary, the ECAT-BITCO Safety Insurance Pro-gram, and the annual meeting awards and banquet. Second quarter board meeting will be on Jul. 16 in the Cedar Hill meeting room; event is open to all mem-bers and anyone having business with the board should contact the office to get on the agenda. For more info, visit www.earthmovingcontractors.com; late registration can be submitted by phone to ECAT office by Jul. 8; to register call (830) 629-1620.

ICRI - NTInt’l Concrete Repair Institute

Jul. 14: 2nd Annual Sporting Clay Event, Dallas Gun Club, 3601 S. Stemmons Fwy. at Hwy. 121, Lewisville, 8am

IEC - Fort Worth Independent Electrical Contractors

Jul. 13: Lunch and Learn meeting, IEC training facility, 5811 E. Berry St., Fort Worth, 11:45. Cost is $15 per person.

NARI - DallasNat’l Assn. of the Remodeling Industry

Jul. 12: Meeting, The Kitchen Source, 1544 Slocum St., Dallas, 6pm

NAWIC - DallasNat’l Assn. of Women in Construction

Jul. 18: Speed Networking Night, Uncle Bucks, 2501 Bass Pro Dr., Grapevine, 6pmJul. 21: Block Kids, Girls Inc., 350 N. Zang Blvd., Dallas, 12:30pm

NAWIC - Fort WorthNat’l Assn. of Women in Construction

Jul. 21: Industry Appreciation Night/business meeting, Diamond Oaks Coun-try Club, 5821 Diamond Oaks Dr. N, Fort Worth, 5:30pm

NTRCAN. Tx Roofing Contractors Assn.

Jul. 13: Lunch and Learn, International Bowling Museum Arlington, 621 Six Flags Dr., Arlington, 11:30am

NUCAN. Tx. Utility Contractors Assn.

Jul. 21: Happy hour, Brickhouse Tavern + Tap, 700 W. State Hwy. 114, Grapevine, 4:30pm.

PMI – DallasProject Management Institute

Jul. 14: Dinner meeting, 3333 Golfing Green Dr., Farmers Branch, 6:30pm.

PMI – Fort WorthProject Management Institute

Jul. 21: Meeting, DFW Marriott South, 4151 Centreport Dr., Fort Worth, 6pm

RCATRoofing Contractors Assn. of Tx.

Jul. 20-22: Quarterly Membership Meet-ing/Licensing Boot Camp, exams, Hotel Indigo, 325 N. Kansas St., El Paso; licens-ing boot camp, Border chapter network-ing event, educational seminars and RCAT licensing exams; to reserve, call (915) 532-5200 or visit www.rooftex.com

SAMSubcontractors Assn. of the Metroplex

Jul. 7: Dinner Meeting, MCM Elegante Hotel, 2330 W. Northwest Hwy., Dallas, 6pm

TEXOThe Construction Association

Jul. 21: AIA/TEXO Bark + Build Kick Off Party, SPCA, 2400 Lone Star Dr., Dallas, 6pmJul. 28: IMPACT Networking Series, The Collective Brewing Project, 112 St. Louis Ave., Fort Worth, 5pm

TSPSTexas Society of Professional Surveyors

Jul. 16: 11th Annual Hook, Line & Survey-or Fishing Tournament, Redfish Bay & Boathouse, 322 Huff St., Aransas Pass, TX

USGBCU.S. Green Building Council

Jul. 28: AIA Dallas/CSI Dallas/USGBC Tex-as North Texas Sustainable Showcase 2016, The Laurel, 2040 Enchanted Way, Grapevine. Visit www.ntxsustainable-showcase.com for details.

This is a monthly section for brief company announcements of new orrecently promoted personnel, free of charge, as space allows.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Email (w/digital photo, if available) by the 15th of any month,

for the next month’s issue (published 1st of each month).Email info to appropriate city issue, with “Round-Up” in the subject line:––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

San Antonio: [email protected] Austin: [email protected] Dallas/Ft. Worth: [email protected] Houston: [email protected]

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-Up

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Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors promoted Steve Doyle to vice president business operations. Doyle will serve as the firm’s general counsel and oversee all legal activities of the company including risk management and contracts. Doyle previously served as corporate counsel for Austin Industries. He earned a bachelor of Science in architectural engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and his juris doctor degree from the University of Texas School of Law.

Weatherization Partners Ltd. (WPL) announces the following:

Jason Moyer of Grapevine has been promoted to senior vice president of sales and marketing. Since joining WPL in 1998, Moyer has been promoted twice in the past for his role in leading several strategic sales and marketing initiatives that resulted in multi-million dollar sales growth throughout the 12 Southwest states the company serves. Moyer has more than 25 years experience in the construction industry and is a graduate of Texas Tech University.

Danny Stanphill of Celina has been promoted to vice president of residential business for the Texas market. Stanphill joined the company in 2005 as a DuPont Tyvek Specialist and since has contributed to market growth in North Texas. In 2011, he was awarded DuPont Tyvek Specialist of the Year. Until recently, Stanphill was North Texas Regional Manager leading a sales team that served the Dallas/Fort Worth market. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University.

Phil Armstrong PE has rejoined HNTB Corporation as central division bus-iness development officer and senior vice president. He returns to HNTB’s Dallas office, where he previously spent 13 years. Armstrong has more than 37 years of industry experience, most recently serving as a senior vice-president and senior program manager for another consulting firm. His focus includes expanding HNTB’s client service in multiple markets across central and western states. Armstrong earned a bachelors degree in civil engineering from the University of Kansas.

Worth the tassel

Nearly 500 attendees cheered as 55 student graduates turned their tassels at the Dallas Wyndham ho-

tel on Jun. 7. The graduates, who all com-pleted four years of the Independent Electrical Contractors Association (IEC) Dallas chapter’s apprentice program, were honored at the evening ceremony. Cummings Electrical’s Terence Trammell won Outstanding Apprentice for all four years at IEC Dallas. His employ-er, Tim Cummings, was presented with the recognition award for employing Trammel. Tim Samuels, executive Dean of Business, Information Technology and Workforce Development at Northlake College, delivered the commencement address. –mjm

Four-year Outstanding ApprenticeTerence Trammel

Fourth-year graduating class spokesperson Mark Innis

Cummings Electrical president Tim Cummings and Walker Engineering’s Mike

McAdams


L-R: McCarthy’s Michael Schulte presented a $25,000 check to Mi Escuelita Preschool president and CEO Gayle Nave with the help of McCarthy Texas region president Ray Sedey. The money was raised at the 16th annual McCarthy Dallas Charity Golf Classic

May 13 at The Tribute at the Colony. –mjm

Six-tee-n years of givingSubmitted to Construction News

Full-service professional engineering and construction firm C1S Group has been named one of Inc. Magazine’s “50 Best Places to Work.” Chosen from among 500 entrants based

on employee financial security, recognition of employee performance and employee feedback, C1S Group is the only North Texas company on the list. –mjm

Submitted to Construction News

Working to be the best Manhattan Construction Group should change its name to “Man-battin’” because the com-

pany’s bats were hot at TEXO’s Softball Tournament, held June 11 at the Hurst Athletic Complex. The team won what is regarded as the most competitive of all of TEXO’s Challenge Cup events. This year saw substantial competition between heavy hitters like Burleson Electric, Humphrey & Associates, Prime Con-trols, Ridgemont Commercial, Austin Commercial, TDIndustries, Polk Me-chanical, SEDALCO and last year’s tour-nament champ BakerTriangle. It was a hard fought day and just af-ter 11pm when the final two teams, Man-hattan and Humphrey & Associates, played the deciding game. After estab-lishing an early lead, Manhattan finally overtook the competition to be declared the 2016 TEXO Softball Champions. –mjm

Bats all, folks!

2016 TEXO Softball Tournament champs Manhattan Construction Group

A Manhattan player runs for home as Humphrey & Associates tries to catch the

ball.


Uptown whirl

Drizzle didn’t dampen the dazzle of Dallas’ One Uptown topping out on June 2. The 20-story mixed-

use luxury high-rise apartment tower was celebrated with an evening outdoor party held along Routh Street, where guests could get a sneak peek at the property. Designed by Dallas architect Phil Shepard and architect of record Hum-phreys & Partners and built by Hunt Construction Group, One Uptown is slat-

ed for opening in the fall. The property will feature 198 apartments, 18,800sf of restaurant space, and a 480-car parking garage. Rick Cavenaugh, CEO of One Uptown developer Stoneleigh Companies wel-comed guests to the event, which show-cased the the high rise’s marketing cen-ter’s unveiling, live music and specialties provided by the property’s two new res-taurants, Fogo De Chao Brazilian Steak-house and Style & Grace. –mjm

L-R: Stoneleigh Companies’ Rick Cavenaugh, architect/principal designer of One UptownPhil Shepard, Humphreys and Partners Architects’ Mark Humphreys and USAI Investments’ Paul Cheng

Aceremonial

beam is hoisted to

commemorate One Uptown’s topping out.

The customers are al-ways bright at Sun-belt Rentals, and

were especially so on “Customer Day”, which was held Jun. 23 at the Dallas office’s “Contractor Tool Tailgate” event. Cus-tomers learned about Sunbelt’s Command Cen-ter website rollout and ToolFlex program which allows them access to 160 tools for one package price. –mjm

Sun seekers

Sunbelt’s Sean Gorse, Matt Phillips, Billy King and Sean Larkin

Hilti’s Misha Golden and Valdis Sustko

Tennant’s Rachel Maxwell, Adam McCullough, Ryan Johme and Sunbelt’s Matthew Sullivan

dallas/fort worth construction news july 2016

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