CONSTRUCTION. Miller Electrical Construction. Dmac Construction & Development. Reaching a milestone Expansion mode. A grand mission

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Covering the Industry’s News

Texas Style

P.O. Box 791290 San Antonio, Texas 78279-1290

PRSRT. STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID DALLAS, TX PERMIT #1451

Change Service Requested

San Antonio Dallas/Fort Worth Austin Houston South Texas

Houston

CONSTRUCTION



The Industry’s Newspaper Bay Town Bridge

www.constructionnews.net



(210) 308-5800



Volume 12



Number 7



JULY 2014

Reaching a milestone

Expansion mode

Tony Miller

The Redding Linden Burr (RLB) staff

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iller Electrical Construction Inc. is celebrating 30 years in Houston this year. “I remember when we first got started in 1984, it was the beginning of a tough economic time,” said owner Tony Miller. “My wife and co-founder Karen and I had to work hard and watch ourselves by not taking on too much work, do a good job and retain the customers. “Over the years, I have really enjoyed working with people and helping them accomplish improvements for their buildings and property.” Miller says these days the company is staying diversified by securing new projects. When the folks at the company have free time, Miller says they enjoy going

hunting and fishing. “In addition, we have many years of amateur and professional motorcycle racing experience and have raced with AMA Roadracing, Flat Track, ArenaCross, Motocross and Supercross teams. We accomplished two AMA National Championships in 1997 and 1998,” he said. What has Miller found to be the keys for staying in business for 30 years? “Provide quality work, be fair and honest with your customers and collect your money. Electrical work is a very interesting and technical industry providing a great opportunity for a young family,” he said. “My advice to a new electrician is to get started and learn the mecontinued on Page 13

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CI Technologies Inc., an engineering firm with offices throughout the eastern and central United States, has acquired Redding Linden Burr (RLB), a Houston-based engineering company specializing in mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) and energy services. “Following our successful acquisition of ESPA CORP in 2012, KCI has been looking to build up our presence and offer integrated multi-discipline services in the city to better serve the Houston market,” said KCI Technologies Vice President and Discipline Head Jeffrey B. Lookup, PE. “RLB is an established, well run organization that will complement our civil and construction management services we are known for in the area.”

RLB’s employees will continue to operate out of the firm’s existing offices in downtown Houston. “Together, we can offer our existing clients a more complete range of engineering, planning and construction management services,” said RLB President Stephen M. Redding, PE, LEED AP. “With KCI’s companywide resources behind us, we also hope to expand into new markets and geographies in Texas.” Redding says RLB participates in the Canstruction and AIA Sandcastle Competition and is also involved in the Art Car Parade and Via Colori events. “We have several “in-house team” sports, including bowling, basketball continued on Page 13

A grand mission

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mac Construction & Development Inc. has completed the Grand Oaks Business Park (GOBP) project (Phases I, II and III) on 24 acres in Richmond, TX. AMDT LLC is the owner. Phase I included the site development, roads and infrastructure for the 24 acres, as well as Building No. 6. Phase II included Texas One Athletics build to suit. Phase III included Building No. 4. “The remaining phases include Buildings 1, 2 and 3 on the south end of the tract, as well as development of a sixacre commercial reserve on the north end of the property,” said President and Project Manager Lance McIntyre. McIntyre says, when completed, the Grand Oaks Business Park will have up to 10 buildings totaling 200k+ sf of space. The scope of the project included the GOBP site development, 24-acres of grading, storm sewer, detention pond and utility infrastructure to serve entire

development, the installation of First Oaks Street concrete drive which was subsequently dedicated to the county for maintenance, and front entrance signs and landscaping. GOBP #6 has 30,000sf, six lease spaces with attached warehouse. Texas One Athletics is a 27,000sf volleyball facility (four courts), with batting cages and administrative offices, and GOBP #4 has 27,000sf, six lease spaces with attached warehouse. According to McIntyre, the primary construction materials used were tiltwall concrete, veneer limestone and galvanized metal canopies. “The property had an existing unoccupied residence, pond and several barn structures that had to be removed during the site development, but those went down without much fanfare,” he said. The Grand Oaks Business Park

continued on Page 13

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Houston Construction News • July 2014

One “Big” party

A lesson in concrete

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tamped Artistry recently held a SureCrete Demo Day at the Pasadena, TX location. Folks attended the training seminar to learn how to create the appearance of natural materials, such as slate, brick and tile with concrete.

Owner Robert Salinas says the event was a success and the company plans to host similar events in the future. Stamped Artistry provides decorative concrete services in the Gulf Coast area. –ab

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ames Evanicky, sales manager, says between 900 to 1,000 people attended the recent 12th annual Crawfish Boil at the Big City Access Inc. Houston location. Big City Access invited commercial general contractors and subcontractor customers to the event. “Our customers are very important to us,” Evanicky said. “The crawfish boil is held in their honor.” Big City Access rents, sells and services swing stages, scaffolding, overhead protection material hoist and trash chutes. –ab

Attendees see the possibilities of decorative concrete. James Evanicky (right) and friends

An attendee seals concrete at the event.

A SureCrete representative does a demonstration.

President Barbara Roberts, Big City Access and friends.

 Location  Location  Location  Location  Location Dallas/Fort. Worth Austin San Antonio

Houston South Texas

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Houston Construction News • July 2014

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Brushing up on trends

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uyers, manufacturers, suppliers and service providers networked and gained knowledge at the Houston Build Expo held at the NRG Park Jun. 11-12. During the building and construction show, exhibitors provided product demonstrations and attendees learned new techniques. Seminars and workshops were also held during the event. –ab

Houston

Houston

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CONSTRUCTION NEWS

Houston Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abby BeMent [email protected] 832-595-0091 Construction News Ltd. Home Office P.O. Box 791290 • San Antonio, Tx 78279 210-308-5800 Fax 210-308-5960 www.constructionnews.net

Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buddy Doebbler Editorial/Production . . . . . . Reesa Doebbler Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cyndi Wright Production Mgr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sue Johnson Sales Representative . . . . . . . . Kent Gerstner Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin Hughes If you are a construction-related company in Harris, Ft. Bend, Galveston or Montgomery counties and are not receiving a free copy of the Houston Construction News, please call for a Requester Form, or visit our website. The Houston Construction News (ISSN 1547-7630) is published monthly by Construction News LTD., dba Houston Construction News, and distributed by mail to construction-related companies in Houston and surrounding counties. All submissions should be mailed to our editorial offices. We reserve the right to edit any materials submitted. No fees for materials, copy or photographs submitted will be due unless agreed upon in advance in writing. Submissions will be published at our discretion on a space available basis. Construction News, Ltd. , dba Houston Construction News, will not be liable for errors in copy or in advertisements beyond the actual cost of space occupied by the error. Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement at any time. © 2014 Construction News, Ltd.

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Houston Construction News • July 2014

Leonard Bedell President & CEO

Mobil Steel International Inc.

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hen Leonard Bedell, president and CEO at Mobil Steel for nine years, joined the company, there was some hard work to be done. “When I came to the company there was another partner, CEO and management team that had to be bought out and terminated,” he explains. “The existing majority partner hired me to help turn around the company. “We had a huge backlog that included unprofitable business and I had to help change attitudes and performance, raise additional capital and negotiate new terms with our bank.” Bedell says the Mobil Steel team was able to turn things around within six months. “This year Mobil Steel celebrates 45 years as a steel fabricator in Houston,” Bedell said. “We have been able to return Mobil Steel to the way it was in the early days – a dedicated, small work force that is like family with loyal customers, vendors, suppliers and our partners.” Who started the company? Having a relationship with the family who founded the company helps, Bedell says. “Mobil Steel has a very good relationship with the founder’s wife, Dottie Manhart,” he says. “The Manhart’s sold Mobil Steel to another management team before I became involved. Mrs. Manhart still visits. It is such a great feeling to see employees that were here in the early days embrace her.” Mobil Steel is a full-service structural steel fabricator that fabricates steel needed in essential industries, such as petrochemical, refining, clean fuels, manufacturing, power and utilities, as well as commercial buildings. What is rewarding about your job, Leonard? Due to an increase in business, we have been able to add quality folks to our management and production teams. Our top management team averages eight years under my time with Mobil Steel. I am blessed with a great team. They are very loyal, dedicated employees.

It is rewarding for me to see our employees working on project after project that are providing energy independence and national security for this great country. I have always enjoyed working to improve conditions for the employees, our stockholders and customers. My career has spanned large public companies, several companies that became public companies, and some private companies like Mobil Steel. I enjoy the challenge of building a team to win our customers’ respect and business in a highly professional and accommodating manner. I am blessed with having great business partners-vendors, advisors, marketing professionals and sound leadership from our board. The joy and satisfaction of giving customers great service is invigorating. Watching our Mobil Steel employees grow in their talents and skills gives me a great deal of pride and satisfaction. Witnessing our employees make a better life for themselves, using the pay and benefit programs they earn here to start a family or buy a first home. It is like watching your own children grow and become successful. Where were you born and where did you grow up? I was born in Beeville, TX and raised in Corpus Christi, where I went to public school and junior college. What was your very first job? My first job started in the 5th grade as a server at Weber's Root Beer Stand and I worked part time through high school at progressively harder jobs, including a large paper route and unloading grocery, produce and meat trucks on the weekends. After high school, I first worked at a wholesale refrigeration supplier and then worked for a Corpus Christi refinery full time while attending college. Where did you attend college? I graduated from Texas A&I University, now Texas A&M University-Kingsville. What did you do after college? After I graduated college, I came to Houston with a large international consulting firm. What sparked your interest to get into the steel fabrication business? The ownership was referred to me by a mutual friend that had other dealings with the ownership of Mobil Steel and some other Houston companies. My whole career has been about growing entities through organic and acquisition growth. The steel fabrication business is a precise business involved in building and constructing things that help produce and service our community, create jobs, and provide infrastructure to Texas and the U.S. I have always believed a challenge provides more satisfaction of accom-

ret. My friends tell me all the time that I really “married up”. She puts up with me when I work too hard and too long, and she picks me up when times get difficult or challenging. I talked about partnerships earlier. Margaret is my greatest partner. We have four children, with seven grandchildren. We have three graduated from college, one entering college, one studying nursing and two still in high school. Have you traveled anywhere lately? My only travels lately have been to South Texas where I serve on a university foundation board and to Galveston where I love to fish, when possible. Leonard Bedell says long-term success in the steel fabrication business takes a dedicated, proficient team.

plishment, when successful, then taking on a routine task. It was a personal challenge to take over a struggling steel fabrication operation and implement solid business principles, processes and good financial discipline, as well as to improve the skills and quality of the workforce. Did you have a mentor in the industry when you first got started? When I started with Mobil Steel I called some of our competitors, met with those that took the time for me, and listened to their perspective of Mobil Steel and the industry. I had tremendous support from our two major owners at the time, and spent time with Dottie Manhart, the founder's widow. Additionally, Richard Friel, a senior executive and relative of the majority owner, who had been in the steel industry for over 50 years, helped me tremendously with the history of Mobil Steel and the day-to-day quality control perspectives. Unfortunately, Richard passed away in July 2013. All of us at Mobil Steel miss him. Richard left a great legacy that still helps carry us today. What does it take to be successful in your industry? Long-term success in the steel fabrication business takes a dedicated, proficient team. Everyone at Mobil Steel is important to having a satisfied customer. Additionally, treating customers, employees, vendors and professionals in a way that respects their interests pays great dividends. This is a volatile business and there has to be staying power for the tough times, which we have had a couple since I joined Mobil Steel. Most important, in my opinion, is to continue to invest in your production facilities, training your people and planning for the future. The example set by the founder 45 years ago gave our current Mobil Steel team the opportunity to continue to produce quality steel fabrication made right here in Harris County, USA. The two majority partners in Mobil Steel have taken little out of the company over the last nine years, choosing to continue to reinvest in Mobil Steel's future. Are you married today? I am married to a great lady, Marga-

What is the best part about working and living in the Houston area? Houston is a great place to live and work. I came to Houston not knowing anyone and have managed to thrive on our openness to all types of people, with varying degrees of social and economic status. Like Mobil Steel, we have a very diverse employment base and Houston provides opportunity and a "can do" spirit that we try to bring to work each day. Describe a few of your favorite hobbies these days. My hobbies include anything outdoors - fishing, working in the yard, boating and sports. I like to read and enjoy good mysteries and biographies. I am also active in several charitable organizations and grassroots political involvement. Does the company have any annual events? Mobil Steel has a tradition of celebrating employees’ birthdays and work anniversaries each month. We have quarterly lunches for everyone, including the shop and have traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas luncheons. Our managers serve the employees before we sit down to a holiday meal. It is important to share with your employees and give thanks for all the blessings we have in our lives. Throughout the year, our employees are active in community organizations. Our charity partners assist children, disadvantaged families and provide scholarships and opportunities to improve people’s lives. We support Little League, Special Olympics and Boys & Girls Country. We also work with Sagemont Church’s Helping Hands ministry where we have hired employees from the church who are overcoming challenges in their lives. We find these employees to be a good cultural fit with Mobil Steel. We will have something special this year for our 45th Mobil Steel anniversary. What are your future goals for the company? I want Mobil Steel to continue to grow and prosper. More importantly, we are going to work hard to position Mobil Steel and its team to be a major supplier/ contributor in rebuilding the energy infrastructure and all of the related building that will accompany this extremely significant phase of the American rebirth of manufacturing. –ab

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Mobil Steel wins an ABC Greater Houston Chapter Business Excellence Award in 2012.

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Houston Construction News • July 2014

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Website construction and design Lee Ann Collins, CPA Gorman Trubitt, PLLC Dallas, TX

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e all know the various, obvious forms of construction, but there is one that is often over looked that plays an important role in today’s business. Website construction and design is crucial when determining the authenticity of a company. Today, the majority of people will look up a company before deciding to do business with them. It is important to know who you work with, before working with them. Constructing a website that accurately reflects a business’ experience, mission, clients, employees and level of work it provides can be the making or breaking point in gaining new clients. Being that website creation and renovation is now a common, constant thing a company needs to maintain, it is considered a business investment that can be tax deductible. The IRS has established rules in the past that are considered as pertaining to software costs being applied to web design. In a recent article conducted by Thomson Reuters/Tax & Accounting, it was stated that the “sophisticated programming languages will qualify as software,” meaning that it will fall under “software guidelines” and considered deductible under “safe harbor” rules. This is only one of the several ways that web design and upkeep can be deducted or amortized (ratably deducted), but it is important to know which route the company is eligible for. If the website has been purchased by the company or an individual the design costs can be amortized over a three year period. Another option to consider if the website was purchased is when the software was put into service, if it was before 2013 it becomes section 197 property, therefore, eligible for Code Sec. 179. For companies who have designed the website “in-house” there is the option of

claiming the costs as either “currently deducting,” subtracting the costs in the same year they are paid, or using the three year rule. However, if the web design costs are not considered as software, the costs can be deducted under “useful life.” The company may deduct these “non-software portions” over the expected time the design will be used. Thomson Reuter/Tax & Accounting’s article continues to explain the variances for the portions of the website that are advertisements, the company can use the currently deductible claim over a “multi-tax period, depending on its useful life.” For more information on how to correctly deduct your company’s website costs, please visit http://cpa-services.com/ Special%20Articles/Deducting%20Business%20Website%20Costs.pdf or get professional help and advice by visiting www.lgt-cpa.com. For more information about this article or any other items, please contact Lee Ann Collins, Partner at Lane Gorman Trubitt PLLC at (214) 461-1466.

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[email protected] (832) 595-0091 Submitted to Construction News

Taking the reins

The 2014-2015 National Association of Women in Construction Houston Chapter (NAWIC) officers and directors were announced in June. Back L-R: President Becky Richter; Vice President Jennifer Black; Treasurer Natalie Gonzales; Recording Secretary Kate Grix; Corresponding Secretary Danielle Spake; Directors Elizabeth Underwood, Morgan King, Elizabeth LeTourneau and Maribel Lujan. Seated L-R: Immediate Past President Laurie Jimenez and Directors Debbie Savage and Jody Richwine. –ab

Retirement readiness Joe Carroll Rust, Jr., Risk Advisor, Wealth Management Insurance and Bonds Agency of Texas P.L.L.C. San Antonio, TX

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he last time I wrote an article on 401(K)’s in July of 2009 we discussed Retirement Plans and being a Fiduciary. Since then, 408(b) (2) and 404(a) (5) were added to the list of responsibilities to assure your plan has “reasonable expenses and performance” in the push for transparency. The deadlines for distributing some of the disclosures were pushed back multiple times and we had to jump through hoops getting ready for them. This article isn’t about regulations, fee disclosures, or fiduciary issues because sometimes that’s not the most important thing to a plan and its participants. In the Summer of 2010, I was at Port Aransas trying to enjoy a family vacation. We had just been through the Flash Crash that May when the Dow dropped 1000 points, and the market reacted again when the US Treasury was downgraded in August by S&P. I fielded over 20 calls in 2 days. Not one 401(k) participant could care less about paying .15 % more or less in fees, performance versus their peer group, or how their plan was benchmarked to other plans. They wanted to know if their retirement nest egg was going to be OK, and if they were invested properly. A majority of them were over 55. As a firm we have done hundreds of enrollment and education meetings. Prior to these events, we sent a risk tolerance and diversification questionnaire out to plan sponsors, knowing people were nervous. Realistically, it’s all but impossible to get participants to spend as much time planning for retirement, or even filling out this simple 5 minute risk tolerance and diversification questionnaire, as they would for a summer vacation. The fact is, more of an emphasis should be placed on participant retirement readiness and education by plan sponsors. According to Mutual Fund Company Fidelity, the average retiree will spend more than $220,000 on health care costs alone. A recent social security letter dated May 13, 2013 stated without changes, in 2033, unless the system changes the Social Security Trust Fund will be able to pay only 77 cents for each dollar of scheduled benefits. Without a plan to address this, can anyone really expect someone to answer the question, “Is my nest Egg going to be OK?” In life it’s

hard to build anything without a plan and your retirement isn’t any different. The good news is that many 401(k) providers now spent capital on built-in Retirement Planning Software that can be customized and saved through their participant site. The plan sponsor with some of these companies can see what percent of employees have completed a plan using the software and even measure what percent of the employees are, in fact, ready for retirement. Many 401(K) providers are starting to have this planning program on their landing page. Another important point of emphasis is Education. Some of your employees may be tech savvy and some may not. That shouldn’t stop you from developing an education plan for your participants. Providers now have campaigns that can be built that include utilizing education workshops, Payroll Stuffers, e-mail campaigns, and workbooks. Some companies have even developed an Education Policy Statement to aid administrators in implementing these plans based on a needs assessment. A combination of utilizing new retirement readiness tools and education available through providers and advisors can help your employees be active in their plan and appreciate what they have. The most successful and profitable companies we deal with realize that there can be a significant return on their investment in Human Capital. Their retirement plan should be a large part of this. In summary, if you are looking at plan options, focus on the tools that help your employees participate and reach their goals. If they don’t participate or have a goal and plan to meet that goal, then fees and performance really don’t matter. A fund earning 8% or 9% doesn’t help an employee contributing nothing or not enough. Joe Carroll Rust, Jr. covers the San Antonio and DFW offices for Insurance and Bonds Agency of Texas. He can be reached at: 210-697-2251 or emailed at: [email protected]

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Houston Construction News • July 2014

A new direction Protect yourself with Certificates of Insurance Jason Wagner, Partner Wagner Saenz Dority, L.L.P. Houston TX

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SHW Group’s Houston office will now be known as Stantec.

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he idea of future growth is always a topic during strategic planning. As part of the process, the partners at SHW Group look at growth from both a mergers and acquisitions perspective. The question is posed: What if SHW Group were to merge with another world-class architecture firm such as Stantec? Aligning with such a firm could certainly help SHW achieve their goal of becoming a global leader in education. The idea was an intriguing one. SHW then met Stantec, a $2.2 billion design juggernaut with more than 13,000 specialists in 200 locations, that could offer what many mid-size firms couldn’t – vast resources, research grants and advanced technology. In return, it could bolster its Texas and Michigan presence by bringing the 65-year-old SHW Group, a nearly 300-person firm respected for its architectural, interior design, planning and engineering services for higher education

and K-12 clients into the organization. “A major component of our 2011 strategic plan was geographic and market sector expansion. The merger was a way for SHW Group to achieve our strategic goals, bringing significant market sector expertise to our offices throughout Texas. As well, Stantec provides us with a large platform across North America to pursue our geographic expansion in education,” Tom Oehler says. Oehler and Don Hensley, both SHW Group principals, board directors and Texas sector leaders, witnessed the firms’ compatibility when the companies worked together on two University of Houston projects. The collaboration proved to be the turning point. “We experienced a strong cultural fit – how Stantec operated and treated their people and their commitment to education – were all key factors in the decision,” Oehler says. –mjm

ertificates of Insurance are critical to the construction industry, whether you are a general contractor, an independent contractor, a subcontractor, a landowner, or an equipment lessor. Brokers and agents issue Certificates so that you can win the bid, begin your work, or deliver equipment. However, numerous pitfalls exist when you receive Certificates without ensuring you’ve actually been named as an additional insured or the referenced policy actually covers you. As a holder of a Certificate, you should never rely on a Certificate to define or confirm insurance coverage. While some courts consider Certificates “worthless documents,” they are simply snapshots of the basics of insurance coverage and, on their face, do not grant any rights to the holder. Even the Texas Supreme Court made it clear to holders that, if they accept the Certificate at face value without investigating coverage exclusions and limitations, they do so at their own risk. Under state law, Certificates can no longer quote contract terms, attach an insurance policy endorsement, or contain any language that could be considered as amending the policy itself. Rather, Certificates can only use language actually included in the insurance policy. This requirement will lessen -- but not eliminate -- the possibility of agents and brokers misrepresenting the extent of insurance coverage. When that does happen, however, the defrauding actors will not escape liability to the holder, even if their fraud or misrepresentation directly contradicts the coverage. Relatedly, if you want to be named as an additional insured, a general statement on the Certificate indicating you have been named as one is insufficient if the policy doesn’t specifically identify you as an additional insured. To protect you from phantom coverage, brokers and agents are prohibited from checking the “Additional Insured” box unless the holder is specifically endorsed as an additional insured on the insurance policy itself. Insurance companies must only send out cancellation notices in accordance with the terms of the policy, which rarely require notice to be sent to additional insureds or Certificate holders. Since insurance policies can be cancelled at any time for non-payment of premiums, a sudden and un-informed cancellation can create major problems for the holder. What are your options to reduce your risk? These five steps are a good start:

• You should make sure your correct name is placed in the “Certificate Holder” section and the correct name of the party who purchased the insurance is identified in the “Insured” box and correlates to the named insured. • Rather than being satisfied with issuance of a Certificate, you should require a copy of the full insurance policy, including endorsements, to verify you are specifically named as an additional insured. If you cannot get the full policy, you should secure at least the additional insured endorsement from the policy. • You must keep in mind that “named insured” is not the same as “additional insured” and that endorsements that may appear to add coverage can be rendered meaningless by exclusions in the main policy. If you are unfamiliar with insurance policies, you should have someone who fully understands insurance coverage (either your risk management department or your attorney) review the entire policy for common exclusions such as “completed operations,” “your work,” and “contractual liability.” • You should be aware of the cancellation provisions in the policy. Your risk management department or your attorney should insist on having the additional insured endorsement state that the additional insured gets the same rights as the named insured, in the event of a cancellation. Alternatively, you should have the party from whom you’re seeking the Certificate contractually agree to provide notice of cancellation to you. • You should retain full policies and endorsements for two years past the policy period’s ending date. Being an active participant in the Certificate process, rather than passively accepting them, will ensure that you are protected to the fullest extent possible. Jason Wagner, a partner at Wagner Saenz Dority, L.L.P., in Houston, provides litigation and consulting services to individuals and businesses in the construction industry throughout Texas. He can be reached at (713) 554-8450 or at [email protected].

Submitted to Construction News

Fun for all

More than 60 engineers mingled at a social event at Top Golf in Houston in May. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Houston Branch hosted the event. –ab

Houston Construction News • July 2014

Page 7

Summertime action heating up by Capt. Steve Schultz Sponsored by: Premier Yamaha Boating Center, Majek Boats, E-Z Bel Construction, Power Pole Shallow Water Anchor, Aggregate Haulers, Interstate Batteries, Pure Fishing, Mirr-O-Lure and Columbia Sportswear.

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ne of the most anticipated holidays of the summer is upon us, and no doubt the bays and beaches will be packed with families in search of making memories of a lifetime. The 4th of July is probably my favorite holiday of the year, marking our Independence. It is also one of the hottest times to be on the water. This year things just might be better than the previous years. Fishing has really picked up since my last column and reports from fellow guides and customers who have been on the water say conditions have improved drastically in the last several weeks. Reports of cleaner water conditions down south and lighter winds have made catching fish somewhat more consistent. One thing you must remember about

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this time of the year is that it’s going to be crowded on the water so you best get an early start. With water temperatures starting out in the upper seventies and reaching the mid to upper eighties by mid afternoon, one must adjust to these changing conditions. I’d concentrate on fishing quiet shallow areas at first light and move deeper as the day progresses. Many areas along the King Ranch shoreline can be reached very early in the morning by prepared anglers who have planned their trip the night before. Most anglers wait till the morning of their fishing trips to gas and oil the boat, prepare snacks and lunch, and rig their favorite rod and reel. This is wasting the most valuable fishing time of the day. By the time you get the boat launched and to your favorite fishing hole, most likely some-

one has fished that area or has run through it. One must have some sort of plan before you even leave the dock. Always have a secondary location planned out in case someone has beat you to your first spot. Early morning areas to start out include the King Ranch Shoreline from the CPL Power Plant to Compuerta Pass heading into Baffin Bay. If you get a real early start and want to fish further south, try fishing the South Shore of Baffin Bay from Los Corrallos to White Bluff. This area offers a vast amount of shoreline, which can be fished shallow over sand and grass, or deeper later in the day over rock structures. It is a great shoreline to wade fish if the winds get up later in the day. Another area, which is holding fish lately, is the spoil islands south of Bird Island. This stretch of small chains of submerged

and exposed islands are excellent habitat for both specks and reds. Continuous miles of grass beds and scattered sand pockets help keep this water filtered and clear even when the winds reach peak gusts. The update on my injury remains the same as last month. I’m still doing therapy three days a week and pool therapy four days a week. By my next column I should have an update from my doctor and a better idea on when I will be back on the water. Until then, I will still be booking trips thru other guides so don’t hesitate to call with all your fishing needs. I can be reached at 361-949-7359 or 361-8133716 or e-mail me: [email protected]. Good luck and Good Fishing.

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Houston Construction News • July 2014

Ken Milam’s Fishing Line Since 1981, Ken Milam has been guiding fishing trips for striped bass on Lake Buchanan in the Texas Hill Country,. You can hear Ken on radio on Saturday and Sunday mornings, 6-8 AM on AM 1300, The Zone – Austin, or http://www.am1300the zone.com

Is that rain?

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he last few weeks I do believe it has remembered how to rain! Over and over during the first part of the year the forecasts for the Colorado River watershed would indicate the possibility of showers, but those rains seemed to dry up and blow away before they could arrive. Finally we were blessed with sneaky rain showers that turned out to be much more productive than the weatherman dreamed and we are seeing Lake Buchanan begin to rise! We have come up a little over 3.5 feet! That may not sound like a lot considering we still have over 29 feet go to get full again, but this time of year it is a miracle to see the water level rise instead of fall. The rain came at just the right time too. I know we have several trees on our place that have died and a bunch more that seem to just be barely hanging on. Already they have better color and are putting on new growth. The deer will be able to manage better too. Now there is tall, soft green grass for the does to lay their fawns down in and the trek to find food and water for them won’t be so long and dangerous. The farmers and ranchers are breathing a sigh of relief too. Whether it continues to become a more normal rainfall pattern or goes back to dry again, at least this has been some moisture in the plus column and that buys time for us to get through the drought. It sure does get me to looking forward to the lake coming on up. With all the trees and brush that have grown up in the lake bed since the lake dried up we will get to see Lake Buchanan and any other lake that has been dry become fisheries like we haven’t seen in years. There will be a period of time when vegetation

Raining at Lake Buchanan

will have to decay under water and while that can be a smelly process, it puts a lot of nutrients in the lake. Algae will bloom, shad will spawn and everything else that feeds on them will have plenty to eat while they spawn their young. There will be an abundance of new structure in the lake for fry and fingerlings to hide and grow in and quicker than you imagine we will have more fish than you can shake a rod at! Meanwhile, while the lake is still low we are seeing the best fishing we have had in years. The stripers and hybrids that are stocked yearly because they won’t reproduce naturally here are getting up to good keeper size and they don’t have near as far to run before we can catch up with them. The same holds true for the rest of the fish too. I can’t remember a crappie fishing season as good as we have had this year and I bet the humpback bluecats will be a lot of fun this summer too. If you haven’t made the trip yet to get in on some great fishing in an unusual setting, you might want to make a point of getting here. I bet you wouldn’t want to miss it!

Half or Full Day Fishing Trips All Bait, Tackle & Equipment Furnished Your catch Filleted and Bagged for You Furnish your TPWD Fishing License & Refreshments, and WE DO THE REST!

Submitted to Construction News

Down by the bay

Regency Plumbing employee Steve Profaizer caught an 8-lb. trout in Galveston in May. –ab

Houston Construction News • July 2014

Page 9

Have an outdoor photo you’d like to share?

Submitted to Construction News

Having a ball

Send to:

[email protected] or call Abby at 832-595-0091

A “reel” fish story

Melissa Dutton Holden (third from left), Billy Castillo (center) and Michele Castillo (next to Billy), Gemstar Construction, enjoyed playing in a Third Coast Volleyball Tournament in Houston this spring. –ab Submitted to Construction News

Great expectations

L-R: Jeremy Waterman, Able Paving; Terry Bynum, Able Paving; Pope, Andrew and Jose, A&E Construction and James Marshall, Able Paving

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ouston based Able Paving and A&E Construction held a 2nd annual fishing trip, charted by 3G Fishing Charters in Galveston, Jun. 1. Terry Bynum, Able Paving owner, says the trip was a success. He says fishermen caught lots of red snapper and one fisherman caught a 40-lb. kingfish. “It was our best fishing trip yet,” Bynum said. “We all caught larger fish than we did last year.” –ab

Pope catches a red snapper.

Jeremy Waterman, Able Paving, reels in a red snapper.

Terry Bynum and the kingfish

Ruppel Construction took 1st and 3rd place in the bull reds category at a recent fishing tournament at the Gulf Coast. L-R: Marc Taylor, Pat Millon, Mike Ruppel and Raul Wong –ab

Page 10

Houston Construction News • July 2014

Continuing traditions

Submitted to Construction News

D is for DaRam

Technician Steven Soza (right) won 4th place in the IEC 7th annual Apprentice Short Story Contest.

L-R: Jerry Bilski, Luis Parody, Jorge Vergara, Eduardo Barbeiro Kirk Countryman, Barry Adkins, Christina Haywood, Christian Mora and Thanh Pham have a productive day at DaRam Construction & Commercial Services Inc. –ab

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wner Jim Wood, J L Wood Electric Co Inc., is semi-retired and his sons T.J. and Jason Wood are continuing to run the company. “I don’t think my dad wants to fully retire,” said T.J. Wood. “He doesn’t have an office here anymore, so we got him that far out of the door! “Nowadays he works from home at his computer to keep in touch. We keep him in the loop, but the day-to-day operations are run between me, my brother Jason and Kim, the office manager. “My dad still has a house in Galveston and he loves to go fishing on the weekends. We go down there all the time during the summer.” Wood has been an electrician since 1995 and says he and his brother learned a great deal about the business from their father. “We are staying very busy nowadays,” he said. “We have a lot of design

build work coming down the pipe.” According to Wood, the company recently completed work at the Goya Foods project in Brookshire, TX. Expanding their own warehouse is a current project. “We want to have more inventory in our shop area,” he said. Additionally, the company is proud that one of its technicians, Steven Soza, recently placed 4th place in the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) 7th annual Apprentice Short Story Contest. “The future is looking great with design work,” Wood says. “The business is really on an uptick. It is a good time to be in the Houston construction industry. “My dad is currently building a house these days, so he is staying busy. He looks forward to playing with the grandkids more and going fishing more.” - ab J L Wood Electric is an electrical contractor specializing in commercial projects.

Houston Construction News • July 2014

Page 11

Electrical Industry Opportunities await Sandra Johnson, President Edge Electric Austin, TX

What does it take to be successful in your industry? Persistence was the first thing that came to mind, persistence and patience. In order to gain the trust and respect of customers, you must repeatedly demonstrate that your team is capable of completing projects within budget and in accordance with the schedule. Building that trust takes time, but eventually your customers will know they can count on you for anything! In your opinion, what are a few challenges in the electrical industry? The construction industry is saturated with electricians and the competition is tough. You have to do your research, be resourceful and create a unique image for

your business in order to be noticed above others. This is an important factor in building new relationships and preserving the relationships you have already built. What is rewarding about working in the electrical industry? Due to the risk and dangerous nature of the trade, electricians are highly respected. Safely completing projects, large or small, requires expertise and attention to detail. Our team takes great pride in obtaining the skill set to do so - feeling that pride and respect is so very rewarding! My husband and I fully enjoy owning the company because our team is like family and family is very important to us.

Although there are times of high stress and arguments and disagreements, when we come together there is this understanding that it’s all going to be OK, because when it all boils down, we all really care about one another and the welfare of this company. We come into this office every day with a sense of pride and achievement for building a company that has supported our family and many other families for 5 years. We are always pushing ourselves toward that next goal, and that keeps it exciting! No risk, no reward, right? What advice would you give a young person interested in working in the electrical contracting industry? The advice that I have for every young person, no matter what industry they are in, is that you always have to start at the bottom, but you have to stick it out, work your way to the top, and earn success. What is your opinion about the current state of the Austin construction industry?

Austin rocks! The fast-paced growth offers ample opportunity to us, here at Edge Electric, and for every other contractor in Austin. This is a great time for small businesses to grow and for established businesses to prosper. What do you think is on the horizon for your industry? Our generation is becoming aware aware of the need to conserve, aware of the need for renewable resources, aware of the need to protect our earth. The electrical trade has the potential to be a significant contributor to this need. Solar paneling and high efficiency lighting are two of the most well known eco-friendly products on the market today. Installation of these products can help lessen the use of power plants, as well as reduce or eliminate monthly electricity bills. In addition, the City of Austin offers rebates to customers who install specific items in an effort to decrease the use of electricity. –ab

Times are getting better for electrical contractors John M. Grau, CEO National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Bethesda, MD

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he pragmatic optimism that gets electrical contractors through good times and bad has given way to even more positive perceptions. The times are good and getting better. The need to rebuild America’s power infrastructure and make it smarter, coupled with growing demands for all types of construction services, places us at the precipice of a major boom. In fact, the biggest concern in our industry right now is attaining enough qualified electricians to do the work ahead. But I don’t have any worries about electrical contractors’ ability to satisfy increasingly demanding customers. In recent years, ECs have become not only more diversified, adding more and more high-tech services to the mix they offer, but also more sophisticated as true energy contractors. The lean times handed us a blessing in disguise by inspiring a new appreciation of the “bid less, sell more” concept. It is gaining acceptance as contractors reap the benefits of building relationships with existing customers, actively pursuing new customers, and promoting long-term benefits rather than

low contract price in either case. This approach to business development is reflected in the wide diversity of work electrical contractors are doing currently. The majority — 92 percent — still perform electrical/power distribution work that provides a big chunk of their revenue. But the chunk has been eroding since 2004, when it accounted for 69 percent of annual sales. Recent research commissioned by NECA found that, on average, electrical contractors derive only about 44 percent of their revenue from traditional power and lighting services. The rest comes from work involving power quality, communications and systems connectivity, and all types of energy solutions. Expanded participation in energyefficiency projects and electric vehicle charging stations is particularly dramatic and can be linked to the contractor’s increasing sophistication. About 20 percent of EC firms have a separate person or department responsible for business development. About 12 percent offer performance contracting services by providing customers with flexible financing so-

lutions and performance guarantees, just like an energy service company. NECA is providing its members with special assistance in these areas, and the percentages are growing. Those sophisticated contractors also have a healthy appreciation for learning. In particular, they are expressing more interest in acquiring training for their workers in such “hot-button” areas as automation controls, commercial automation systems, and green and sustainable electrical construction as a prerequisite to growing their services into new markets. Fortunately, such training is offered at NECA-IBEW facilities all across the nation, often with leading electrical manufacturers as training partners. Contractors are also interested in learning more about topics addressed through NECA’s educational services, including estimating, financial management, developing new business opportunities and increasing productivity. However, the most popular topic among those who plan to take training in the next 12 months is still the National Electrical Code. Electrical contractors are also interested in learning about the new edition of NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace — and teaching their customers! Successful ECs create a “culture of safety” within their com-

panies that defines responsibilities for all project stakeholders. It’s all about improving information exchange and building better relationships between contractors and customers, including mutually beneficial relationships that extend beyond the duration of the project. In fact, today’s electrical contractors are distinguished for taking on new roles, working more closely with customers, and assuming more responsibilities for project delivery. Electrical contractors can be building information modeling (BIM) experts/modelers, energy management solutions (EMS) providers, master systems integrators (MSI), building energy modeling experts, commissioning agents, energy solutions providers or auditors, energy service companies, all of the above, or something else altogether. The common core is membership in an industry where increasing diversification, business sophistication, and — yes, optimism — matches their own. John M. Grau is the Chief Executive Officer for the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Mr. Grau became NECA’s chief staff officer in April 1986. Previously, he was Executive Vice President of the Milwaukee Chapter, NECA, and served as a field representative associate with the NECA Western Region.

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Page 12

Houston Construction News • July 2014

Wired for success

Industry FOLKS Sandra Bauder Sustainability Director

Bailey Architects

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Attendees watch the wireoff competition.

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lectricians and apprentices attended the 2014 Independent Electrical Contractors Texas Gulf Coast (IEC) Wireoff Competition & Trade Show at the SPJST Lodge 88 May 28. Six apprentices competed for the top prize: A chance to represent IEC at the upcoming National Apprentice of the Year Competition.–ab

Crawford

andra Bauder says her interest in sustainability started long before her interest in architecture. “When I was a teenager I was exposed to an intensive and very strict recycling routine,” Bauder said. “My family and I went from living in a place where environmental awareness was not part of everyday life, to living in a small town in Germany where the regular household had seven main categories of garbage, plus some sub-categories! “It was a place where passers-by frowned if you dropped your blue glass in the green glass bin; where drivers were fined if they left their vehicles running while not in active use and where there was a very deep and wide-spread concern for ecology as a whole.” Bauder says the three years she and her family lived in Germany had a very profound and long-lasting impact on her life and her concern for the environment. “It was not until many years later, while studying architecture, when a direct link was made between this interest and sustainable design,” she said. “It is extremely rewarding for me to see a sustainable project completed and built.” Bauder recently received her Green

Globes Professional (GGP) Accreditation. Green Globes is an efficient and low-cost alternative to LEED. It is the first web-enabled, fully interactive green building assessment certification program which advances the overall environmental performance and sustainability of commercial buildings. Bauder was the 26th person in Texas to achieve this new GGP accreditation from the Green Building Initiative. As the sustainability director for Bailey Architects, she develops green design goals appropriate for each client, site, building type and budget ranging from utilizing recycled materials to improving energy efficiency. “In my free time, I love to spend time outdoors, so an afternoon in the park with my husband and my two little ones is a great afternoon for me,” she said. “I also like attending shows at the Miller Outdoor Theater. “I enjoy jogging in the park, biking, and most of all horseback riding. Sculpture is my “regular” hobby, though, the one around which the rest of my schedule has to fit and the one that keeps me in balance!” –ab

Casting a line

Eaton

Absolute Testing Services Inc.

Local contractors met at Topwater Grill before participating in the Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Houston (ABC) 2014 Fishing Tournament Jun. 6. –ab

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Houston Construction News • July 2014

Page 13

continued from Page 1 — A grand mission The property was originally used as a horse ranch and had a full track on the south side of the property for training horses. Grand Oaks Business Park is designed with a Hill Country look utilizing real veneer limestone quarried from the hill country in Central Texas. McIntyre said the developers wanted to emphasize landscaping as an amenity, so there is an abundance of it compared to similar developments in the Houston area. “The owner, design team and Dmac were pulling in the same direction from the start, so it allowed us to push hard and get the first building completed and leased up quickly and without many obstacles,” he said. “The property has proven to be an attractive and welcomed addition to the rapidly expanding area just south of Cinco Ranch.” Dmac Construction & Development, Inc. provides commercial construction

continued from Page 1 — Reaching a milestone

and development. The company has completed several sports-related facilities over the last several years and has two more presently under construction, with another slated to start in the fourth quarter of 2014. The second-generation, familyowned company has been in business since the late 70s. Don McIntyre is the founder and chairman. –ab Key Professional Team: Project Manager: Jason Stavinoha Project Superintendents: Doug Meadows and Craig Voelkel Architect: Tomorrow Planning Inc. (Phases I & II) Architect: Three Square Design Group Jake Donaldson (Phase III) Landscape Architect: Wong & Associates - Ed Wong Leasing Agent: Terry Nehls

Round-Up The Skanska Houston office has hired Boris Hornjak vice president of operations and Raylena Browning has been promoted to preconstruction executive director. Hornjak, a 30-year industry veteran, has overseen projects in the United States, Asia and Europe. In his new role, he will be responsible for operations and execution of large-scale projects, primarily commercial high-rise buildings in Houston. Prior to joining Skanska, his employment included tenure with Graycor and Turner. Hornjak received a B.S. in Architectural Engineering from Waseda Univ. in Tokyo, Japan and a master’s in Civil Engineering from Stanford University. Browning will be responsible for oversight of the company’s preconstruction efforts in the Houston market. She graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Civil Engineering Technology and Construction Management. LJA Engineering Inc. has hired John K. Penewitt, CPA, as controller in the firm’s accounting department. Penewitt has more than 20 years of accounting leadership positions including a diversified background in corporate administration. Most recently, he was the CFO for West Engineering. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.B.A. degree in Accounting and Business Analysis and Research (MIS). HOLT CAT has named Edward Craner senior vice president, strategy and marketing. Craner has been with HOLT since 2008, most recently serving as vice president of strategy and marketing. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media Communications from Eastern Washington University and a Master of Business Administration in Strategy and Marketing from Saint Mary’s College of California.  

The Trevino Group Inc. has promoted Justin Kelly to chief estimator based out of the Houston corporate office. Kelly will be responsible for estimating all capital projects originating out of the corporate office as well as providing estimating support to Dallas/Ft. Worth, San Antonio and Galveston divisions. He has more than 15 years experience as a project estimator in the higher education, institutional and health care fields. The TBG Partners has promoted Yan Wang to associate. Wang joined TBG’s Houston office in 2008 She is currently working on Linyi Sugarland Garden in Shandong, China, and is also helping TBG pursue opportunities to collaborate with a firm based in China. Wang received her Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture from Dalian University of Technology in China before receiving her Master of Landscape Architecture from Texas A&M University. Firetron recently welcomed its newest partner, Mario Moya. Moya, with more than 20 years of experience in the industry, joined Firetron as the sprinkler division manager. He will be responsible for launching Firetron’s in house sprinkler division. In addition, the company promoted Steve Guyer to vice president of operations. Guyer has worked at Firetron for the past 10 years.

Submissions This is a section for brief company announcements of new or recently promoted personnel, free of charge as space allows. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Email with “Round-Up” in the subject line (w/digital photo, if available) by the 15th of any month, for the next month’s issue to: [email protected]

chanics while studying the National Electrical Code. “We are thankful for our great customer base for the past three decades and we hope that we may continue for many more years.” Miller Electrical Construction is a commercial electrical contractor, providing design build services, new and remodel construction, service, maintenance, repairs and exterior lighting repairs. –ab continued from Page 1 — Expansion mode and softball,” Redding said. “And, of course, we are huge fans of the Houston Texans, Rockets and Astros! Golf tournaments are a major hit we enjoy with our clients, as well. “Additionally, we support the Boy Scouts of America organization with several from our team having served on the

local board of the Sam Houston Area Council. “We have had a great 2014 so far. We are enjoying lots of growth within our Houston office, due to a generous amount of current and upcoming projects.” –ab

Finding a balance

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rowing up in the construction industry, Whitney Wright decided to start her own striping company The Wright Striping in 2006. “It was just me in the beginning,” she said. “My father does asphalt and concrete work and has worked in the construction industry for more than 30 years. I remember going to construction jobsites and helping my dad do concrete work during the summertime when I was younger. “When I first opened my company, I started doing business with businesses that my dad knew and trusted,” she said. Wright says things slowed down at her company for a couple of years during the economic downturn. “Business picked back up about two years ago,” she said. “I have been staying busy ever since.” The Wright Striping is still a very small company. “I continue to do the work myself,” Wright explains. “I handle the office work and the physical labor part of the business. I balance everything very carefully! “I have several large jobs coming up soon. I am excited about the rest of 2014.” When she has free time, Wright says she likes to visit her friends and family in Massachusetts and California.

Wright says construction is in her blood.

“In the future, I want to keep my business small and manageable,” Wright said. “I don’t want the business to grow too much because I like to maintain the business myself. “I love my job because I get to meet new people all the time. Construction is in my blood. I like to be outdoors. It gives me a lot of energy!” The Wright Striping provides striping, seal coating, signage, speed bumps and parking lot repairs. –ab

Taking a stand

Anslow Bryant Construction Ltd.

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he Associated General Contractors Houston Chapter (AGC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) partnered for the Safety Stand Down June 2-6. Multiple construction organizations demonstrated their commitment to jobsite safety during the Safety Stand Down across the nation. The week-long event was dedicated to fall protection and provided participating companies the flexibility of scheduling Safety Stand Down demonstrations on their jobsites. “We are always very happy to see

safety numbers trending in the right direction, but our members’ commitment to safety is not so much on the movement of rates, but simply that every individual on a job site goes home safely each day to his or her family,” AGC Houston President Jerry Nevlud stated. According to numbers released from AGC, the injury rate on construction sites in Texas over the last decade has fallen 50 percent. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Texas construction industry continues to see a decline in both injury and fatality rates. –ab

Page 14

Houston Construction News • July 2014

Association Calendar

Never stop learning

Content submitted by Associations to Construction News ABC

ASA

Associated Builders & Contractors

American Subcontractors Association

Jul.11: OSHA 30 Hour Construction Course Jul. 17: Breakfast Jul. 24: Top Golf Tournament Jul. 24: EIC How to Submit Seminar For more information call 713-523-6222

Jul. 9: Board of Directors meeting, 9am, Marek Brothers Systems; Membership Committee meeting, 10:30am, Marek Brothers Systems Jul. 22: Safety Committee meeting, 10am, T.A.S. Commercial Concrete Construction; Marketing to GC’s Committee, 1pm, Marek Brothers Systems For more information call 281- 679-1877

AGC Associated General Contractors

Jul. 7-11: MC 101 - Management System Design Jul. 8-10: SH 245 - HAZWOPER First Responder Operations Level Jul. 10: OSHA 30-Hour Course Jul. 11: Certificate of Management-BIM Credentialing Exam Jul. 15-18: OSHA 2015 - Hazardous Materials Jul. 16: First Aid/CPR/AED Training Jul. 18: Lock Out/ Tag Out; Texas Lien Laws Jul. 21: OSHA 7845 - Record-keeping Rule Seminar Jul. 22: 2013 Midyear meeting Jul. 22-24: OSHA 3115 - Fall Protection Jul. 25: Advanced Lien & Payment Issues Seminar; Aerial/Boom Lifts Jul. 29: Confined Space Awareness Jul 29-31: OSHA 2264 - Permit-Required Confined Space Jul. 29-31: SH 300 - Safety Standards For Scaffolding For more information call 713-843-3700

AIA

FPA Foundation Performance Assn.

Jul. 9 Presentation - Standard of Care for Engineers and Other Professionals Working in Texas, Speaker: William E. Morfey Zimmerman, Axelrad, Meyer, Stern & Wise PC, 5pm. For more info visit: www.foundationperformance.org

IEC Independent Electrical Contractors

Jul. 7,14,21&28: MC PLCs – Mondays 6pm-9pm, Saturdays 8am-noon, Contractor Members $400/Non-Members $475 Jul. 16: Monthly meeting For more information call 713-869-1976

MCA

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orty four students in millwright, instrumentation, pipefitting, industrial painting and sheet metal received a certificate of completion at a graduation ceremony Jun. 5. Ceremony guest speakers offered industry advice and also praised the students in their career choice. “Every facet of construction is on fire,” said Pat Kiley, Kiley Advisors, when he referred to the volume of career options the graduates have before them. Scott Lemoine, manager of maintenance, turnarounds and capital projects at LyondellBasell Houston Refinery, fol-

lowed with remarks for the graduates, stating that he too was once in their shoes. He urged the graduates to never stop learning and aspiring to be the best they can be. Most, if not all, of the students are already employed and will be promoted due to the completion of their training class. The Construction & Maintenance Education Foundation (CMEF) - Training Affiliate of Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Houston held the event. –­ab

Mechanical Contractors Association

Jul. 9-13: Annual Meeting and Products Show, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort, San Antonio For more information call 281-440-4380

American Institute of Architects

PHCC

Jul. 1: Buffalo Bayou Sabine to Shepherd Bike Tour Jul. 10: Alternatives to the Traditional Lawn Jul. 16: Victor Lundy: Sculptor of Space Jul. 23: Design Awards Jul. 24: Full Day CE Jul. 31: 2014 Student Biennial For more information call 713-520-0155

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors

Subcontractor leaders

Jul. 9: Member Lunch, Saltgrass Steakhouse For more info: www.gulfcoastphcc.org

What is one thing you’d like to be good at? I’d like to be good at staying diversified in the electrical contracting business. Tony Miller, Miller Electrical Construction Inc. Showing people the possibilities of decorative concrete. Robert Salinas, Stamped Artistry Finding a balance! Sandra Bauder, Bailey Architects

I’d like to be good at enjoying life! Karina Gomez, Mundo Tile Helping people. Brad Flack, Storm-Tex Services LLC I’d like to be good at several trades in the construction industry. Justin Blackmon, Bluestone Contracting

I’d like to be good at doing both office work and the physical labor on a daily basis. Whitney Wright, The Wright Striping

I’d like to be a good dad. I have two boys ages 4 and 8. Rigo Sanchez, Commercial Tenant Construction Co.

I’d like to be a good at architecture. Don Meeks, Meeks + Partners

I’d like to be a good salesman. Andrew Garcia, Texas Tool Traders

Designing complex buildings in Houston. Perry Seeberger, Seeberger Architecture

Building cabinets. Woodworking is what I know best. Ronny Smith, Cabinets and More

Finishing races! Chris Blanchard, Wildcat Electric Supply

I’d like to be good at building computers. Chuy Mata, JQ Doors

Effectively communicating with people. Christine Medlin, Envirotest Ltd.

Staying organized. Colby Long, Long Air Conditioning Inc.

Making deliveries on time every day. Joe Rios, Quality Equipment

Running my company. Dwayne Whitehead, Whitehead Paint & Supply

Growing my air conditioning and heating company. James Warren, Capital Care Plumbing

Helping customers. Angel Chavez, Clinton Electric

Balancing my family life, work life and staying physically fit. Robert Garrett, R.M.G. Electrical

I’d like to be good at welding. Billy Kutta, Magnum Welding & Fabricating Inc.

I’d like to be a good engineer. Lianne Lami, Bocci Engineering

L-R: Andrew Harman, Andy Adams, Tyler Althouse, John Glaze, and Ron LaRicci

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he election of six members to the American Subcontractor Association Houston Chapter (ASA) board of directors and three chapter officers took place at the HESS Club in May. –ab 2014-2015 Officers President: Andrew Harman, Texas Metal Equipment Vice President: Bud Walters, Pieper Houston Electric

Secretary/Treasurer: Ron LaRicci, Camarata Masonry Systems Past President: Shannon MacArthur, MEMCO 2014-2016 Directors Andy Adams, Adams Insurance Service; Tyler Althouse, Texas Moisture Protection; John Glaze, Fast Track Specialties; Mark Johnson, Briggs Equipmen; Ron LaRicci, Camarata Masonry Systems; Bud Walters, Pieper Houston Electric

Submitted to Construction News

Long drive

Augusta Pine Golf Club was the place to be Jun. 3 for the Independent Electrical Contractors Texas Gulf Coast (IEC) 20th annual golf tournament. –ab

Houston Construction News • July 2014

Page 15

Castles in the sand

Gold Bucket Winner (1st Prize): Matrix Design Inc. Enter the Dragon

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rchitects, designers, engineers and contractors took their tools to East Beach in Galveston May 31 for the annual sandcastle competition. The Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) hosted this year’s contest. On the day of the event, the teams stretched along the beach, sculpted their sand piles and worked non-stop for five hours. The judging of the sandcastles was rated on originality of concept, artistic execution of the concept, technical difficulty, carving technique and utilization of the site. –ab

Honorable Mention (6th Place) and Best Architectural Theme: PGAL - A Kool-House Warming Sydney Lenior Public Favorite: HDR-HPCC - Silly Sculptors, Sand is for Kids Best Traditional: Gensler - A Very Merry Un-Birthday Most Lifelike: CDA Architects - Sand-trifugal Force Annual AIA College Challenge: Prairie View A&M University School of Architecture - WHO MOVED MY BUILDING Best Team T-Shirt: Curry Boudreaux Architect - Whac-aMinion

Silver Shovel Winner (2nd Place): Gensler A Very Merry Un-Birthday

Honorable Mention (5th Place): Cardno Haynes Whaley The Original Hunger Game

“That’s Entertainment”: Brown & Gay Engineers Inc. The Swimming Dead

Bronze Shovel Winner (3rd Place): The Dow Chemical Co. Super Sand Bros.

Most Complex: Pfluger Architects – Sandknot

Most Hilarious: University of Houston Recent Graduates Sasq-Watching

Honorable Mention (4th Place), Stars and Stripes and Best Signage: Kirksey Muppet Rushmore

The Dow Chemical Co. team (Bronze Shovel Winner) The Gensler team (Silver Shovel Winner)

The Matrix Design Inc. team (Golden Bucket Winner)

Best Costume: English + Associates Architects We Like Big Bundts

Page 16

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Houston Construction News • July 2014

Open hi’s

he evening of Jun. 5 wasn’t just another late night at the office. Cadence McShane Construction opened the doors of its new Addison headquar ters and welcomed industry guests L-R: Cadence McShane Construction’s to an open Director of Field Operations Carl D. house. In be- Stanfield made a new friend in Freedom tween sips of Concrete Services’ Daniel Harris cocktails and bites of hors d’oeuvres, guests congratulated the company’s leadership, raved about the new space at 5057 Keller Springs Road and promised to update their address books. –mjm

L-R: Cadence McShane Construction’s Vice President – Finance M. Shawn Pyatt, President Will Hodges and CEO James McShane

L-R: Cadence McShane Construction’s Vice President – Division Manager (Houston office) Bob Bedrich, Vice President Michael Geach and Vice President – Estimating Bill Brady