houston construction news april 2015

The Industry’s Newspaper

™CONSTRUCTIONCONSTRUCTIONHouston

Delivered on time

continued on 3 continued on Page 13

continued on Page 13

Making a difference Strong as stone

PRSRT. STD.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDDALLAS, TX

PERMIT #1451

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

Change Service Requested

San AntonioDallas/Fort WorthAustin Houston South Texas

TexasStyle

Covering the Industry’s News

www.constructionnews.net H (210) 308-5800 H Volume 13 H Number 4 H APRIL 2015

The Retail Center at Pearland Park-way is the first major retail center for the residents in Pearland. The

retail development includes 165,000sf of anchor and junior-anchor, inline and pad site space. PepperLawson Construction pro-vided the general contracting services. Scott Thetford, Stream Realty Partners, is the owner. “This was our first time to work with Stream Realty Partners and architect CDA Architects,” said Project Manager Mitch Davis, PepperLawson Construc-tion. “Everyone was cooperative and in-terested in getting the project complet-ed on time.” According to Davis, Stream Realty Partners wanted to give the nearby resi-dents of Pearland convenient access to the shops, restaurants and services ex-pected by a growing city. Pearland was

recently ranked as the 15th fastest grow-ing city in the country. “Unusual wet conditions were a chal-lenge the construction team met and overcame to keep the project moving and delivered on time,” Davis said. “Major tenants were able to open for the 2014 holiday season.” Primary interior construction materi-als used were drywall, ceramic tile, VCT and wood slat walls and exterior con-struction materials included plaster, stone and glass. The Retail Center at Pearland Park-way now has a line-up of tenants, includ-ing T.J. Maxx, Ross Dress for Less, Petco, Palais Royal, Five Below, Rack Room, Rue 21, Salons by JC, Payless, America’s Best Contacts & Eyewear, MOD Pizza, Mattress Firm, Massage Envy, European Wax Cen-ter, Paris Nails & Spa, Sprint and Menchies Yogurt.

Aerial view of The Retail Center at Pearland Parkway

President Matt Diffendal, Diffco, has worked in the construction in-dustry since he was 16.

“In the early days, when I first started my company, I had a crew and we began working on a small project,” Diffendal said. “Things have progressed well for us since that time.” Diffendal says the company has ex-perienced growth in the commercial, in-dustrial and railroad industries over the past few years. According to Diffendal, he began the company in Cypress, TX and moved to the Tomball, TX area in 2012. Diffco now has an office and a shop on a few acres. “My favorite part about working in

the construction industry is working with the people,” he said. “It is always good when the owners are happy and they call you back for more business. “We have never done just one proj-ect for a customer, whether it be an own-er or a general contractor. Repeat busi-ness is our number one business.” A few commercial jobs the company has completed include a tanker lot reno-vation for Texas Petroleum Co., jobs at Champion Chemical and Conoco Phillips, and a Kinder Morgan facility in Galena Park. “Our safety record has been very good," he said. "No task, schedule or situ-ation is worth an accident or injury. We

Matt Diffendal and his family at a Shooting for a Cure event

Father and daughter team Rawi and Jacqueline Tabbah, International Stoneworks Inc., recently traveled

to Las Vegas for the International Surface event. They gave an educational presenta-tion called, “Is Dad Always Right? A Fa-ther/Daughter Team Share their Insights on Successfully Managing a Family Busi-ness.” In addition, Jacqueline moderated a “Women In Stone Panel Discussion” ses-sion and she was a stone and tile restora-tion and maintenance panel member. President Rawi Tabbah established International Stoneworks in Houston in 1982. “In the early days, we were mostly in

the equipment business related to the stone industry,” Tabbah said. “Within five years, we became a natural stone resto-ration and maintenance business.” Today the company sells products nationally and internationally. “While typically we perform stone and tile restoration in residences and ma-jor buildings in Texas, we have traveled as far as California, Florida and New Jer-sey,” he said. Tabbah says he is grateful his daugh-ter helps him operate the business these days. “Jacqueline joined International Stoneworks in Oct. 2009,” he said. “She handles the sales and marketing and she

L-R: Jacqueline and Rawi Tabbah in Las Vegas

Houston Construction News • Apr 2015

LJA Engineering Inc. (LJA) has ac-quired Frank J. Dillard & Associ-ates Inc. (FJD&A) and its partner

firm Design Support Solutions Inc. (DSSI). Calvin Ladner, LJA president, says the addition of FJD&A and DSSI adds to LJA’s service offerings in the areas of spe-cialization in the planning, design and construction phase supervision of elec-trical, instrumentation and control (EIC) related projects. Frank J. Dillard, PE, will lead the electrical department of the midstream infrastructure division headed by Robert C. Hickman, vice president. “FJD&A brings almost four decades of specialized electrical expertise,” Lad-ner said. “Their inclusion in the LJA family company greatly strengthens our ability to provide EIC-related support to proj-ects across disciplines.” FJD&A has been involved in the de-

Better together

sign and successful construction imple-mentation of EIC systems for water and wastewater related facilities, large indus-trial EIC projects, transportation related fueling systems, lighting projects related to illumination of water, wastewater, and industrial processes, design, integration, installation and field testing of both natu-ral gas and diesel engine generators and the design of closed circuit television (CCTV) and associated security/access systems. “We are excited about this opportu-nity to fully integrate electrical design services into the plate of offerings avail-able to our midstream clients,” Hickman added. LJA is a full-service consulting engi-neering firm serving the public and private sectors in Texas. The firm has offices in Houston, Spring, Katy, The Woodlands, Galveston, Deer Park, Beaumont, Austin, Cedar Park and San Antonio. –ab

L-R: (seated) Frank Dillard, FJD&A; Nannette Dillard, DSSI and (standing) Robert Hickman, LJA vice president; Calvin Ladner, LJA president and Jeff Collins, LJA executive vice president

IBTX Risk Services has expanded into the Houston market. The new Houston office is located at 2500 City West Blvd.

Suite 300. “This strategic move into the Hous-ton market further expands our Texas presence as we continue to expand our insurance, employee benefits, bonding, risk management services and wealth management capabilities,” said IBTX President Stephen Smith. “Being an in-dependent agency, our new Houston of-fice will allow us to continue delivering innovative strategies and relationships to manage risk and improve profitability for our clients and prospects in Houston.” Tim Aguilar, risk advisor, and Kathy Havey, account executive, are the first two employees in the Houston office. Aguilar will assist leadership to en-gage clients and prospects. He has more

Managing risks

than 30 years of experience in the insur-ance industry. “I look forward to establishing IBTX in this area, gaining new clients across the Houston metro area, the state of the Texas and nationwide,” Aguilar said. Havey has more than 30 years expe-rience in her industry. She will work with business owners to identify their insur-ance needs and offer options to manage risk and help to grow a book of business from the ground floor in Houston. She will work closely with the resources in place in the San Antonio and Dallas of-fices. “My passion is to help fill the role of risk manager for my clients and provide constant communication between cli-ents and carriers,” Havey said. IBTX provides risk management ser-vices across the state of Texas. –ab

Tim Aguilar Kathy Havey

Making friendsSubmitted to Construction News

Owner and manager Josh Clements rings up a customer at the counter at Texas Paint Supply in Houston. –ab

Three for the teamSubmitted to Construction News

L-R: Glad it is finally springtime, Junior, Chuck and Aaron assist air conditioning contractor customers at the Century A/C Supply Humble store. –ab


If you are a construction-related company in Harris, Galveston, Fort Bend 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.

CONSTRUCTION NEWS

©2015 Construction News, Ltd.

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 DoebblerEditorial/Production . . . . . . . Reesa Doebbler Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cyndi WrightProduction Manager. . . . . . . . . . Sue JohnsonSales Representative. . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim ReillySales Representative. . . . . . . . . Kent Gerstner

Houston

Houston Editor — Abby BeMent — [email protected] — 832-595-0091

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.

Reaching the Summit

Creating a new position within the company, Summit Electric Supply announced that Paul Jeffries has

joined the company and stepped into the new role of president and COO. Before accepting the position with Summit, Jeffries was a group vice presi-dent and general manager for a publicly traded international distributor. Summit, a privately held indepen-dent electrical distributor is headquar-tered in Albuquerque, NM, but Jeffries will be based in the Houston office where the EP&C Division is located. He will re-port to the chairman and CEO, Victor Jury Jr. “Paul’s perspective and skills will sig-nificantly contribute to Summit’s next phase of growth,” states Jury. “Adding Paul to the Summit team reflects our commitment to planning for Summit’s future success as part of a broadly imple-mented, companywide succession plan-ning process.” In Jeffries’ new position, he will over-see sales, operations, corporate credit, marketing and talent management. He will be involved with several divisions, in-cluding the international sales and ma-rine divisions, engineering, procurement, construction and the strategic accounts team. “Summit is well-respected in every market it serves and across the industry,” comments Jeffries. “As a private compa-ny, it operates strategically and has a pro-gressive, forward-thinking vision that gives it the ability to drive complete solu-tions. I knew Summit and the values the company represents would be a natural fit for me. I’m eager to use my experience and business knowledge to deliver value-added solutions to our customers and

further the company’s growth.” With nearly 25 years of experience running various businesses ranging in size from $10 million to $800 million in annual sales, Jeffries’ background is con-centrated in sales, marketing, operations and technologies. Last year, Summit had $421 million in sales. For nine years, he was owner and president of his own electrical supply company. He earned his bachelor’s de-gree in engineering sciences from the United States Air Force Academy and his MBA from the Air Force Institute of Tech-nology. Founded in 1977, Summit covers 27 markets across the United States and in Dubai, U.A.E. The company has the most locations in Texas, including Abilene, Austin, Beaumont, Bryan/College Sta-tion, Clute, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Kenedy, La Porte, Midland, Pearsall, Pecos, San Antonio, Victoria, Waco, and of course, Houston. –mh

Paul Jeffries, president and COO

James Blummer, Nationwide Tools & Supplies, helps where he is needed on a daily basis, especially with sales. He also does information technology (IT) work for the company. –ab

All the right toolsConstruction News ON LOCATION

Making an impact

Houston Engineers Week, Feb. 22-28, rec-ognized the profession

of engineering as a social and economic influence vital to the local community. The kickoff event was the Run of Pi at the University of Houston. Other events includ-ed the Young Engineers Rec-ognition Dinner Feb. 23, Out-standing Engineering Student Luncheon Feb. 24 and the Greater Houston Chapter Aux-iliary Luncheon Feb. 25. The Engineer of the Year Gala took place at the Hilton – Houston Westchase Feb. 27. This year’s honoree, Michael Talbott, director of the Harris County Flood Control Dis-trict, was named the 2015 En-gineer of the Year. Talbott has been with the district for 33 years. Under his direction, the district carries out its mission to devise county-

Engineers and guests at the Engineer of the Year Gala

2015 Engineer of the Year: Michael Talbott, director of the Harris County Flood Control District (left)

wide flood damage reduction plans, im-plement those plans and maintain the infrastructure. –ab

Did youknow ?

85.7% ofour readers

aredecisionmakers


Take steps to protectyour family businessJesse AbercrombieEdward JonesDallas, TX

There’s nothing more important in the world to you than your family. How-

ever, your family-owned business proba-bly helps support your family. So, when it comes to protecting both your family and your business, you need to carefully consider your moves.

As you know, you face plenty of chal-lenges to keep your business running smoothly — but it can be even more dif-ficult to pass the family business on to your children or other relatives. In fact, according to the Small Business Adminis-tration, only 33% of family owned busi-nesses survive the transition from first generation ownership to the next gener-ation.

Why is it so hard to keep a family business intact? Sometimes, it’s because no one in the family is interested in run-ning the business — but family business-es frequently disintegrate because of the lack of a succession plan.

To create a succession plan, your first step — and possibly the most important one — is to collect the thoughts and preferences of family members on their future involvement with your business. It’s essential that you know who wants to really do the day-to-day work and who is capable. During these conversations, you’ll also want to discuss other key busi-ness-succession issues, such as the retire-ment goals and cash flow needs of retir-ing family owners and the personal and financial goals of the next generation of management.

In developing a plan for the future of your business, you will need to deter-mine who will control and manage the business, and who will eventually own it. These decisions will depend on a variety of factors, such as the time horizon, goals and financial needs of the family mem-bers involved.

Your succession plan could be based on a family limited partnership. Under this arrangement, you, as general partner,

would maintain control over the day-to-day operation of your business, but, over time, you could gift or sell limited part-nership shares to your family members. And eventually, you would also relinquish control of the business to whoever is go-ing to run it.

Another component of your succes-sion plan might be a “buy-sell” agreement, which allows you to name the buyer for your business — such as one of your chil-dren — and establish methods to deter-mine the sale price. Your child could then purchase a life insurance policy on your life and eventually use the proceeds to buy the business, according to the terms established in the buy-sell agreement.

We’ve just skimmed the surface of techniques that might be used alone or in combination to carry out your business succession. The transfer can be complex, so you will certainly need to consult with your legal and financial professionals. It’s important that you fully understand the business and tax implications of any suc-cession plan, as well as the financial ef-fects of a plan on all your family mem-bers.

In any case, once you’ve created your succession plan, you’ll need to work with your legal advisor to put it in writing and communicate it clearly to all family mem-bers. Surprises are welcome in many parts of life — but not when it comes to transferring a family business.

You want to leave your family a lega-cy. And if that legacy is the family busi-ness, do whatever it takes to pass it on in a manner that benefits everyone in-volved. This will take time and planning — but it can be well worth the effort.

Jesse Abercrombie, financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments, works closely with business owners and executives in the construction industry. For any questions or comments, please contact him at:[email protected] 972-239-0852.

Taxable fringe benefits andself-employed health insuranceLynda LandRidout, Barret & Co. PCSan Antonio, TX

Every day, in the ordinary course of business, employ-ers provide benefits to their employees. Some are

taxable; others are not. For instance, did you know gift cards and prepaid credit cards are taxable benefits re-

gardless of the amount on the card? That personal use of a company vehicle is tax-able? What about group term life insurance in excess of $50,000? And let’s not forget health insurance. The IRS addresses these and other fringe benefits in Publication 15-B, Employer’s Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits.

Of the many benefits discussed in Pub 15-B, health insurance is the most of-ten misreported and misunderstood. This is due, in part, because benefits are treated differently depending on wheth-er the recipient is an employee or an owner/shareholder, and the entity is an S corporation or partnership. This article focuses primarily on health insurance for shareholders of S Corporations who own greater than 2% of their corporation’s stock. Health insurance premiums paid on behalf of a 2% shareholder through a company group health plan are taxable fringe benefits to the shareholder. The company cannot deduct premiums paid on behalf of the 2% shareholder, his spouse or dependents; nor can the 2% shareholder participate in a cafeteria plan, treating the premiums as pre-tax health insurance. Instead, the company must include the cost of health insurance in the shareholder’s wages, subject to in-come tax withholding; exempt from so-cial security, Medicare and FUTA taxes. Including these benefits in the 2% share-holder’s wages allows him to deduct the cost as an adjustment to gross income on Form 1040. For S corporations with one share-holder who is also the sole employee, the policy can be in the name of the compa-ny or the shareholder. If the policy is in the name of the company and it pays the premiums, it must include them in Box 1 of the shareholder’s W-2. If the 2% share-holder owns the policy and pays the pre-miums personally, he can only deduct the premiums as self-employed health insurance if the company reimburses him and includes the premiums on his W-2. The company’s plan will not be a quali-fied health plan if the premiums are not paid or reimbursed by the company and included on the shareholder’s Form W2. Prior to the Affordable Care Act, small employers (less than 50 full-time equivalent employees) were allowed to reimburse their employees and share-

holders for health insurance via the “em-ployee payment plan,” or EPP, rather than go to the expense of setting up and pay-ing for a group health plan. Under an EPP, the employee would purchase an indi-vidual policy, submit proof of payment and be reimbursed by the employer for the premiums. The reimbursement was treated as pre-tax health insurance, ex-empt from payroll taxes. Today, with federal and state ex-changes in place, EPPs are no longer per-mitted. In fact, continuing this practice will result in penalties of $100 per day per employee. That’s $36,500 per year, per employee. These penalties are punitive in nature and aimed at employers who di-rectly pay or reimburse individual health insurance premiums. Because guidance on this penalty was not issued until late in 2014, the IRS recently issued Notice 2015-17. This notice provides retroactive relief from penalties for small employers who have or will have reimbursed employee paid premiums between Jan.1, 2014 and June 30, 2015. Relief is also available for S corporations that reimburse or directly pay individual health insurance premi-ums on behalf of their 2% shareholders between Jan. 1, 2014 and Dec. 31, 2015. It appears the self-employed health deduc-tion for 2% shareholders will no longer be available after Dec. 31, 2015, unless the premiums are paid through a company-sponsored group health plan. The health insurance debate will continue for many years. It is imperative that business owners and employees un-derstand the rules to maximize their ben-efits and minimize potential penalties. If you have questions about self-employed health insurance or other fringe benefits, contact your CPA. We are here to help you.

Lynda Land is the Manager of the Small Business Services department of Ridout, Barrett & Co., P.C. and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Ac-countants and Texas Society of CPA’s.

The Associated Builders and Contractors Houston Chapter (ABC) held a Texas Hold’em Tournament at Marek Brothers Systems in late February. Card carrying colleagues had a

great night of fast play and friendly competition. –ab

Know when to hold em’Submitted to Construction News

Fasten upConstruction News ON LOCATION

L-R: Bill Maidlow, Jason Abbott, Lisa Rodriguez and Josh Velasquez are ready to assist customers at United Tool & Fastener. The construction supply company provides

supplies, tools and equipment. –ab


Legislation–we are under waySewell C. “Spike” Cutler, PrincipalCutler-Smith PCDallas, TX

The 2015 legislative session (the “84th Legislature”) has already produced a number of filed bills that

directly affect the construction industry. Here are some highlights (bill status is as of the date of writing):

Consolidated Insurance Programs HB 1206, Representative Dan Huber-ty (R-Humble), provides modest regula-tion of “CIPs,” Owner-Controlled and Contractor-Controlled Insurance Pro-grams, requires disclosure of the exis-tence, terms and required participation in Controlled Insurance Programs before bid time, and allows regulation by the Texas Department of Insurance. Referred to the House Insurance Committee. Notice of Lender Default HB 1208, Representative Cecil Bell (R-Magnolia), Representative Jeff Leach (R-Plano) and Representative Ron Sim-mons (R-Louisville), requires notice of Owner default on construction loans to contractors, allowing suspension of per-formance upon default. Referred to House Business & Industry Committee. Retainage Trust Fund HB 1966, Representative Jim Keffer (R-Eastland), amends Texas Construction Trust Fund law, requiring retainage be es-crowed for the life of a project to protect retainage for contractors and subcon-tractors. Alternatively, a bond could serve as security. Referred to House Busi-ness & Industry Committee.Worker Misclassification This is a hot issue - when employers do not classify workers properly as em-ployees or independent contractors, many contend that they gain an unfair competitive advantage in bidding for jobs. Current penalties for not classifying properly are limited to payment of back taxes owed, plus nominal interest and a tiny penalty – not enough to deter em-ployers from not classifying properly. HB 434, Representative Senfronia Thomp-son (D-Houston), provides greater penal-ties for misclassification as a deterrent. Referred to House Business and Industry Committee.Mandatory Workers’ Compensation Insurance HB 689, Representative Armando Walle (D-Houston) and Representative Terry Canales (D - Edinburg), referred to the House Business & Industry Commit-tee, and Senate companion, SB 155 by Sen. Jose Rodriguez (D-El Paso), referred to Senate Business and Commerce Com-mittee. These bills mandate workers’ compensation coverage be provided by all building and construction contractors. Mandatory e-Verify Participation Companion bills require contractors or subcontractors on state contracts to use the federally-administered “E-verify” program to verify employee information during the term of the contract with the agency. HB 889, Rep. Tony Dale (R-Cedar Park), referred to House State Affairs Committee. Companion Bill SB 401, Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown), re-ferred to Senate Business and Commerce Committee.Reduced Construction-Defect Liability Rep. Paul Workman’s (R-Austin) HB1784 reduces contractor liability for construction defects ten percent for each year after project completion. This

should reduce claims of “construction de-fects” asserted immediately before expi-ration of the 10-year Statute of Repose. Referred to House Judiciary & Civil Juris-prudence Committee.Union Contracts Senate Bill 303, Senator Kelly Han-cock (R-Tarrant County), outlaws requir-ing or precluding collective bargaining (union) contracts as conditions of con-tracting on publicly-funded higher-edu-cation institutions. Referred to Senate Business & Commerce Committee.Made in the Good Ol’ USA HB1007, Rep. Yvonne Davis (D-Dun-canville), provides that iron, steel and manufactured products to be used in state-fund the construction projects must be manufactured in the United States, unless they are not reasonably available or increase the cost of the proj-ect by more than 15%. This bill has been referred to the House Economic & Small Business Development Committee.Sovereign Immunity Modification Representative Paul Workman’s HB1124 limits sovereign immunity in con-tract claims on state projects. This bill re-moves the $250,000 floor for state claims, improves claims for increased costs and simplifies attorneys’ fee recovery. Re-ferred to the House Judiciary & Civil Juris-prudence Committee for Hearing.Contractor Licensing The last bill I will mention is a real doozy – Rep. Eddie Rodriguez (D-Travis County) has filed HB3148, a modest little proposal requiring that all construction contractors be licensed, under the control of the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation, and for TDLR to develop rules for the enforcement and penalties for their violation. This bill, just filed, should provide plenty of controversy in the regu-lation-averse Texas political arena. There is much to be watched in this year’s legislative session and, as always, most of the action will come in the last “run to the gavel.” Watch these pages! Cutler-Smith PC focuses on representa-tion of construction trade contractors and the commercial construction industry. For more information on the firm and its indus-try advocacy, see the web site atwww.TexasConstructionLaw.com,or call 214-219-0800.

A passion for building

Construction, architecture and engi-neering professionals from the greater Houston area gathered at

the Building Blocks Breakfast event in late February. ACE Mentor Houston held the event. More than 85 guests, including men-tors, family, friends and educators at-tended the annual breakfast event. “The intent of breakfast is to cele-brate the mentors who are giving back to the students in our city,” said Angela Co-tie, ACE Mentor Houston chairman. “We have more than 100 mentors serving more than 300 students, and there are never enough ways to celebrate their hard work, their dedication and passion for what we do.” Highlighted at the event was a young man that was the very first ACE Mentor Houston Scholarship recipient, Pedro Gonzalez. After receiving his scholarship from ACE Mentor Houston and graduating high school, he went on to the University of Houston to pursue a degree in engi-neering. Gonzalez celebrated his graduation in December, and is now working for LJA Engineering Inc. The entire room erupt-ed in applause that he continued to pur-sue his passion and completed school. ACE Mentor Houston gave out awards in the categories of Mentor of the Year, Rookie Mentor of the Year and the Carrie Arnold-Gutierrez Leadership

award. In conjunction with the awards, there was panel discussion concerning the impact “Generation Y” is having on the architecture, construction and engi-neering industries. Speakers included Dilip Choudhuri, CEO, Walter P Moore; Gerald Gehm, managing director, Gensler and James Springer, southwestern region district manager, Gilbane Building Co. A selection of participating compa-nies were Bechtel Corp., Walter P Moore, Gensler, Gilbane Building Co., Pinnacle Structural Engineers, Turner Construction, HOK, Kirksey, Constello, Inc.; Skanska, Benchmark Houston, HOAR Construction, All Phase, Ameri-can Marble Mosaic, Arch-Con, FSG, HILTI, Kenmor Electric, Lakey Electric Inc., Treadwell Electric, Ward, Getz & Associates, LLP, Terracon, I.A. Naman + Associates Inc., Shah Smith, Triangle and Marek Bros. –ab Congrats to the winners!

Rookie Mentor of the Year: Tarek Ayoubi, Walter P Moore Associates Inc.

Mentor of the Year: Joseph Greco – Woodhouse Day Spa

Carrie Arnold-Gutierrez Leadership Award: Carrie Arnold-Gutierrez, formally of the Bechtel Corporation

ACE Mentor Houston students build storage benches together.

Give us a call, oremail your editorif you would like

your company and/orpersonnel to be

in an upcoming issue.Abby BeMenthoustoneditor

@constructionnews.net713-599-1774

San Antonio home office210-308-5800


Javier ZavalaOwner

Universal BuildingMaterials LLC

After working for a lumber company for 30 years, Javier Zavala opened Universal Building Materials LLC in

Houston. The company has operated since 2012. “The early days were tough,” Zavala said. “I was the only employee in the be- ginning and I did deliveries in my broth-ers 16-ft. trailer with only one warehouse available for the lumber.” Within a month, Zavala hired his first employee and, six months later, he hired his first sales representative and three warehouse employees. Today there are four sales represen-tatives, 11 warehouse employees, ware-houses for the lumber and multiple trail-ers to transport the materials. Materials Building Materials LLC pro-vides construction materials, building materials, long framing lumber and hard-ware.

Where were you born, Javier? I was born in Mexico and moved to the United States when I was 14. At first, I couldn’t get a job because I was so young. I went to East Texas in 1979 to work at a lumber company. Within six months, I had my own car and I didn’t even know how to drive. I worked hard and saved my money. I have been very blessed living in this country. I have everything I need. I have

the opportunity to succeed. I love the United States of America. When did you move to Houston? I moved to Houston in 1981. I worked for a Houston area lumber company and the owner was my mentor in the ‘80s. Ronald Reagan was the president at the time. The owner taught me everything I know today about the lumber business. I had so much respect for him. He was a very generous man and he always gave back to the community when he could. I saw him help people all the time, even strangers. I am grateful he took me under his wing.

It sounds like the owner really helped you. I started out at the bottom at the lumber company. I was the second Span-ish man to work at the entire company out of 50 employees. One of my first jobs was picking up trash around the building. Then, when the owner knew I could work, I jumped on the forklift and began driving the trucks. Next, I started helping customers and worked in shipping and receiving. I always tried to move myself to the posi-tion where I knew I could do the work. The owner observed what I could do and continued to give me opportunities to succeed. After he saw me interact with customers, I soon became his right hand man. He treated me like I was his own kid. I grew up with his kids. About 15 years later, the owner passed away and I had to decide what do next. I made my decision to go out on my own and established Universal Building Materials. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. I took a leap. I am so happy my family encouraged me during that time.

In your opinion, what does it take to be successful in the construction in-dustry? I believe to be successful in the con-struction industry, you need to be dedi-cated and see the positive side in every situation. You have to work hard and work a lot of hours.

Why do you enjoy what you do today? I grew up in the building supply busi-ness. I love it. I love the people. I like get-ting jobs and keeping people busy.

Are you married? Yes, I met my met wife in Humble in the early ‘80s. She has operated our cleaning company for 20 years. The com-pany provides post construction clean-ing services. My wife has stood by me through it all. During the time I left the other com-pany, we kept the cleaning company go-ing to make it through the challenging times.

Do you have children? Yes, I have a son Jhanz and Bertha Dina is my daughter. My son is in college and he works with me on Saturdays. Sometimes, if one of our customers needs materials, we will go to the office on Sundays. Bertha Dina used to work for the cleaning company and at a computer company. I don’t want to push my kids to work with me. I am okay with whatever they decide to do as long as they are both happy. They both work hard and they are intelligent.

What do you like to do when you aren’t at work? I am Houston Texans and Rockets fan. Every once in a while I will go see a game. During the year, employees and I participate in the St. Leo the Great Catho-lic Church Bazaar. We set up a booth at the event and give out caps, coffee mugs, pens, lunch bags and T-shirts. Every once in a while, I like to visit the Saltgrass Steakhouse to enjoy a T-bone steak with my family.

What are the keys to success in your business? Dedication. If you find something you really like to do, you have to put a lot of hours into it. It is important to have a really good team, too. Do you enjoy traveling? I love to travel whenever I get the chance. My wife and I and her family members had a wonderful time in Malay-sia in November. It was a great trip. My wife and I can’t wait to go back again. One of the highlights during the trip was visiting the skyscrapers called Petro-

nas Twin Towers. The inside of the build-ing was similar to the Houston Galleria. I thought the landmarks in Malaysia were so interesting. Next, we traveled to Thailand and spent time on the beach. The water was so beautiful. I got on the shore and jumped in the water like a kid. When we left Houston in November it was cold and windy so it was nice to en-joy the warm, calm weather in Thailand. It was about 70 to 80 degrees every day on our trip. My wife and I plan to travel more of-ten in the future, at a minimum once a year. It is nice to get away and recharge so we can go back to work with a refreshed mind. Where is a place you and your wife would like to visit one day? I know my wife wants to visit Paris and see the Eiffel Tower one day. It is my goal to take her there soon.

What is the best part about living and working in Houston? Everything you need, you can find in Houston. It seems just like in any country, there are good people and bad people. I am blessed I always seem to run into the good people. I think it helps to know how to take care of the situation and how to talk to people.

What are your plans for the company in the future? Right now, I want to keep the com-pany growing at a steady pace. We have purchased land where I plan to build a warehouse. My dream is to have a good sized place close to the freeway. It would be nice if folks could see our building from the freeway. We are doing fine now because peo-ple visit our website and find us. Sales have gone up like crazy this year. We get customers from all over the Houston area. I don’t want the company to get too big though. It would be nice to have 30 or 40 employees working with me. I am grateful for all my staff, custom-ers and suppliers that believed in me and give Universal Building Materials the op-portunity to expand in the lumber indus-try. –ab

Javier Zavala (right) and the Universal Building Supply team

Javier Zavala is grateful for his staff, customers and suppliers.


BAFFIN BAY –– LAGUNA MADRE –– LAND CUTSPECKLED TROUT –– REDFISH –– FLOUN DER

FISHING AND HUNTING TRIPS

STEVE SCHULTZ OUTDOORS, LLC

(361) 813-3716(361) 334-3105

www.baffi [email protected]

U.S. Coast Guard &Texas Parks and Wildlife Licensed

First time for everythingSubmitted to Construction News

Michael Kent Coopwood III (Trey), 8, went deer hunting at a family ranch with his dad Kent, Coop-wood’s Air

Conditioning Inc., and Papa C (Mike) this past

deer season. Trey took his

first buck. –ab

Heart-stoppingaction on topwaters

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, Simms Products, Pure Fishing, Mirr-O-Lure,

ForEverlast Hunting and Fishing Products and Columbia Sportswear.

Spring fishing is one of this writ-er’s most exciting time of the year to be on the water for sev-

eral reasons. The first reason is we as-sociate spring with warming condi-tions and the end of cold winter mornings. The second reason is wa-ter temperatures are reaching that magical point that most look forward to throw top water lures. Top water lures or surface plugs are by far my fa-vorite types of lure to throw. They’re the only artificial lure that provides a

Hill Ojeda caught this 28-inch redfish that stretched the boga grip over the 8-lb mark alongthe King Ranch Shoreline last week fishing with Steve Schultz Outdoors.

visual sight when a fish attacks it. This type of fishing is by far the most excit-ing for me because of the heart stop-ping explosion that occurs when a fish attacks your plug. When a fish at-tacks your lure it can be at the end of your cast or five feet from your rod tip, either way it will surprise you even if you think you’re expecting it. For me every hit is as exciting as the first.

With the arrival of warmer conditions to the Laguna Madre and surround-

ing bay it means the arrival of live shrimp at local marinas. I have al-ready seen those white flags flying periodically at several of the marinas along the JFK Causeway. Live shrimp are by far the most popular of live baits along the Gulf coast. Using these little crustaceans under an Al-ameda Rattling cork can produce some constant action when drifting over grass beds with scattered pot-holes. As shrimp migrate through the bay systems, so do the many species

of fish that feed on them. If you’re op-posed to using live bait, a soft plastic tied 18-inch behind a mauler can be just as effective. Gambler lures makes a 4-inch flap-n-shad that has become one of my favorite choices when choosing this method. Colors can vary depending on water clarity, but pumpkinseed/chartreuse and plum/chartreuse can always be relied on.

In our product section this month, we are going to put our equipment through some pretty rough condi-tions. Windy days are not uncommon during spring months and you can be sure there will be some days that you wished you would have stayed home. One piece of equipment that I will not have to worry about in the platform of my business is my boat. My 25-ft Majek Xtreme is by far the most reli-able part of my operation and my of-fice day after day. The folks at Majek boats have been around these waters for decades and know what it takes to build a boat to get you home safe. If you’re looking for a boat that will out perform the competition day in and day out, look no further than Majek Boats. The folks at Premier Yamaha have the full line of Majek’s to look at and test ride.

To schedule your next bay fishing trip give Capt. Steve Schultz a call at 361-813-3716 or 361-334-3105 or e-mail him at [email protected]. Still have several days open in April although summer is filling up quick. Good luck and Good Fishing.

DID YOU KNOW . . . .

The Industry’s Newspaper

™CONSTRUCTIONCONSTRUCTIONLargest circulation

constructionnewspaper

in Texas


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

Have an outdoor photo you’d like to share?

Send to: [email protected]

or call Abby at 832-595-0091

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

For a lot of fishing guides, Spring Break is the fishing season opener. This is when we get to spend a lot of

time on the water and get a good pre-view of the kind of fish we will be fishing in the coming months. After being on the water almost daily for the last couple of weeks, I can say that this is going to be a real good year! The only bad thing about Spring Break is that it comes a little too early in the year for us to have nice settled weather in place. You never know when it will feel like a frosty winter morning or a balmy summer afternoon when you go fishing this time of year. All you can do is make do with whatever weather you get and hope the fish don’t react too badly to the swings in the weather. We did have a little rain splashing around Lake Buchanan to keep us guess-ing, and a temperamental north wind that teased us and slowed down the catching. But when the weather be-haved we did well. One afternoon trip pulled two new Youth Water Body Records for Lake Bu-chanan! Logan Wiggins visiting from Midland with friends caught an 11.2-lb., 30.25-inch striper AND a 6.8-lb.,24.75- inch hybrid on the same trip. Two days later, Barbara McPherson on a fishing trip with her husband Bryan, caught her first fish ever – a 46-lb. hump-back blue cat just like a pro! While the fishing might not have been consistent over Spring Break, I sure do like the trend I see here. We are mark-ing lots of fish here on Lake Buchanan and larger fish too. The bait population

is good and healthy and that’s what all the fishing revolves around. I think the increase in the general size of the fish we are seeing is largely due to the decrease of fishing pressure our lake has seen because of the bad press we get concerning the drought. If people are cautious of running their boats on a low lake, that’s less people fishing and more fish having the time to grow to a larger size. That just makes fishing with a guide an even better proposition. We can put you on those fish and you don’t have to risk your boat. From what I hear from people who usually fish the white bass run on the Colorado River at Bend, the white bass once again have not been able to make their run due to low wa-

Spring Break fishing results

McPherson 46-pounder

Wiggins’ record striper. New youth record striper

Fishing boats just before setting out in the morning

ter. So I guess we will have to catch up with them around the is-lands this year. Crappie fishing is getting good, especially on the nicer sunny days. We are looking forward to good fishing and good times here on Lake Buchanan. We are going to be chasing the stripers and hybrids and going to focus a little more on those catfish too. I hope you can get the chance to come and join us this year! Tight lines!

The Harris County Flood Control District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers construct the Brays Bay-ou flood damage reduction project. Brays Bayou will be widened be-tween Lidstone Street and Calhoun Road near the City of Houston's MacGregor Park. –ab

Bayou boundConstruction News JOB SIGHT

TexasStyle

San Antonio Austin Dallas/Fort Worth Houston South Texas

www.constructionnews.netpublishing the industry’s news


Live to rideSubmitted to Construction News

Eric Maier, business development, Dynamic Industries International LLC, was the lucky winner of a Harley Davidson at the recent Topsides Conference in Galveston. –ab

Green spaceSubmitted to Construction News

Kirksey Architecture employees recently volunteered to plant 300 trees in Houston. –ab

First signs of spring

If you take any bluebonnet photos in March or April, email your favorite one to Abby [email protected]. We can include the photo in Great Out-doors section the May issue. –ab


What’s your favorite local hidden gem?

Ever since Fortune Magazine created its “100 Best Companies to Work For” list in 1998, construction com-

panies have jockeyed for a position among the various industries represent-ed. This year, six construction companies with a Texas presence have been recog-nized with the distinctive honor. Dallas-headquartered TDIndustries (TDI), which has secured “All-Star” status because it has made the list every year, was ranked #83. With offices in Austin, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Weslaco, the company, which offers facil-ity services and mechanical construction, earned #82 last year. For the ninth year, upscale home-builder David Weekly Homes has been included in the Top 100, and was named #14 for the 2015 list. Last year, the com-pany, which is headquartered in Houston and includes offices in Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth and San Antonio, held the #13 po-sition. Employee-owned engineering and architecture firm Burns & McDonnell has

“All-Star” TDIndustries has ranked on the list every year.

The gist of the “List”

enjoyed five years (four of them consecu-tive) on the Top 100 list; this year, the firm, which has offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston, took the #15 spot after holding 14th place in 2014. Design consulting firm Kimley-Horn and Associates skyrocketed to #25 from the 73rd slot this year. This is the eighth year on the list for the national firm, which also has Texas locations in Austin, Bryan/College Station, Collin County, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Las Colinas, Lubbock and San Antonio. The nation’s sixth largest contractor, PCL Construction, was named #67 after holding the #59 spot in 2014. The group of independent construction insurance companies with Dallas and Houston of-fices has enjoyed 10 consecutive years on the list. Fortune Magazine welcomed a new-comer to the 2015 “100 Best Companies to Work For” list: specialized construction toolmaker Hilti. Breaking in at #89, the company has Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth and San Antonio offices. –mjm

Here comes the sunConstruction News JOB SIGHT

After a brief rain, the Hassell Construction crew gets ready to begin road work on the Williams Way expansion project in Richmond. –ab

Ramshur Canal near Hitchcock. I like to go fishing there at high tide.W.C. Bill Blayney, Blayney & Associates

I always like playing golf at Tour 18.John Juzswik, Building Specialties Inc.

Trinity Bay. Jimmy Norman, Hart Plumbing

I enjoy taking my daughter Elliana fishing at a lake near our neighborhood in Tom-ball. Tim Snow, The Nut Place

My husband and I love to go fishing at Galveston Bay. It is one of our favorite spots. Bonnie Webb, One Stop Hardware

The Ship Channel, NASA, the Medical Center, the Metro Light Rail and the Dis-covery Green downtown.Perry Seeberger, Seeberger Architecture

Galveston. Garlon Evans, Mid-West Electric Co.

The Toyota Center. I love attending the Houston Rockets basketball games when I get the chance. Sam Ramirez, The Zerimar Corp.

Memorial Park.Christopher Arnold,

Northwest Roof Tile and Metal

Every once in a while, I like to visit the Saltgrass Steakhouse to enjoy a T-bone steak with my family.Javier Zavala, Universal Building Materials

Lake Livingston! I go there as much as possible with my family and friends. Stephen Guerro, Binswanger Glass

Galveston.Leonard Bedell,

Mobil Steel International Inc.

The Miller Outdoor Theater. Sandra Bauder, Bailey Architects

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands. I love going to concerts there on the weekend. Ryan Schoultz, Johnson Supply

Lake Conroe!Chris Payne,

Consolidated Electrical Distributors

The San Jacinto River. I catch bass, catfish and anything else that gets on the hook. Robert Bowers, Superior Fork Lift Inc.

I like going fishing anywhere on the Tex-as Gulf Coast.

Hank Taylor, Epoxy Design Systems

19th Hole in the Woodlands. I play the rhythmic guitar during open mike night. I love that place! Justin Tracy, Tracy Drywall

I like catching largemouth bass at Lake Sam Rayburn. David Chapman, AC Plumbing Supply

I like to go hiking through the woods or bike riding on trails in Houston.

James Green,G & H Air Conditioning & Heating


Women in Construction

Good communication is key

Michelle Rossomando, AIA, Principal McKinney York ArchitectsAustin, TX

NEXT MONTHMay 2015 Support Your Industry’s Feature Issue

Call for Ad SpaceReservations

• San Antonio• Austin • Houston• Dallas/Fort Worth• South Texas

(210) 308-5800

Jan: Construction ForecastFeb: Construction SafetyMar: Construction Education

Apr: Women in ConstructionMay: Concrete IndustryJun: HVAC & Plumbing

July: Electrical IndustryAug: Service ProvidersSep: Green Building Trends

Oct: Specialty ContractorsNov: Architecture & EngineeringDec: Construction Equipment

2015Schedule

Concrete Industry

Women can achieve a career in construction

Sandy Field, presidentNational Association of Womenin Construction (NAWIC)Ft. Worth, TX

My career in the construction industry began as an accountant/bookkeep-

er for a homebuilder. I found the indus-try to be a very good career choice for me and I spent about 20 years in residential construction. Approximately 10 of those years I was a custom homebuilder build-ing only custom homes. For the past 13 years I have worked for general contrac-tors focusing mainly on commercial con-struction. I have to admit that I really didn’t choose construction as a career path at first; I chose a position with an estab-lished company/homebuilder that of-fered stability with a competitive salary and benefits. Only after working for this firm for a few years and having the op-portunity to learn construction and move up within the company, did I realize that the construction industry was a very good career choice for me. The chal-

lenge of completing a project on time, within budget, meeting the owner’s specifications and expectations, and de-livering a beautiful custom home that a family could be proud of is why I chose a career in construction. Seeing a lot or home site become someone’s dream home gave me satisfaction in my career choice. Part of my success in the industry has been due to mentors that, over the years, have shared their knowledge and en-couraged and inspired me to pursue a career in a non-traditional field. My con-struction education was not from a col-lege degree in construction science or management, but from on the job train-ing and from mentors willing to invest in me. The first homebuilder I worked for was a great mentor. He encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone in the

office and get out in the field in a non-traditional role. I became vice president, general manager for this firm, not only selling new homes, but overseeing the construction of every home I sold. There were also two female homebuilders in the area that were good mentors and en-couraged me not only as a homebuilder, but as an industry leader in the commu-nity. Some of my best mentors and advi-sors are women I have come to know and respect who are members of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). Taking advantage of the men-toring and professional development of-fered the members of this association, I have grown professionally and personal-ly; gaining knowledge and skills that have helped me become a respected leader in my company, in the community, and in NAWIC. Over the past few years there defi-nitely seems to be more opportunities for women in the construction industry than when I started. Corporations, large and small alike, are promoting diversity in the workplace, including in the trades. The construction industry is experienc-ing a labor shortage at all levels. Add to that the fact that more and more baby boomers are leaving the workforce, there is an even greater shortage with addi-

tional positions needing to be filled. Women make good candidates for positions in construction because of their attention to details. Whether it be in ar-chitecture, engineering, project manage-ment, administration, welding, electrical or some other trade or position, there are opportunities for women in construction. My advice to women who want to pursue a construction career would be you can achieve anything you set your mind to and are willing to work for. Women truly are more readily accepted today than when I started in the industry over 30 years ago. I would also share NA-WIC’s core values: BELIEVE in yourself; PERSEVERE with the strength of your con-victions; and DARE to move into new ho-rizons. According to some reports, discrimi-nation is still a major barrier for women and one of the key reasons why the num-ber of women employed in construction has not changed much in three decades. Education and awareness can help over-come some of the barriers we face today. One of my goals is to continue working with NAWIC, other organizations and ed-ucational institutions to create a greater awareness of career opportunities for women in the construction industry.

Outside the studio, Rossomando is ac-tive in organizations that promote

quality of life in the community. She serves on the board of YouthLaunch, a non-profit focusing on the empower-ment of young people. She also works with Urban Roots and sits on the Hyde Park Neighborhood As-sociation’s Design Review Committee. Rossomando earned her Master of Archi-tecture from The University of Texas at Austin and her Bachelor of Science from Tufts University.

What does it take to be a successful in your profession? It takes vision and the ability to turn that vision into reality. You need to have original ideas and be creative. Perhaps one of the most underesti-mated skills needed to be successful is good communication - being able to lis-ten closely and hear what is said and what is not said, relaying accurate infor-mation to all team members and express-ing abstract ideas with clarity.

What is rewarding about working in your industry? Happy clients! It is extremely reward-ing to receive positive feedback from our clients. I like seeing my drawings con-verted into actual buildings.

What is your opinion about the cur-rent state of the Austin construction industry? Construction in Austin is back on track. It’s not just the cranes visible in the sky over downtown, it’s the drawings on the boards in architecture offices. It feels healthy and vibrant, and it looks like construction will continue at this pace for a few years.

What advice would you give a young woman interested in what you do to-day? Attend a summer academy at an ar-chitecture school like the University of Texas in Austin to see if you like the stu-dio. If possible, get an internship in an ar-chitect’s office to give you exposure to the daily tasks of a young designer. Educate yourself about how much money we make, how many hours we work, and how long and hard the road is to become a registered architect. Try to assess what you like and don’t like about the profession through the ex-perience of an internship before jumping in, because there are also many jobs in-volving architecture in other related fields that might be worth exploring and be a better fit. –ab


Round-Up

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] South Texas: [email protected]

Rou

nd-U

pSu

bm

issi

on

s

General contractor Rogers-O’Brien has hired Graham Mer-riman as vice presi-dent, director of Cli-ent Development. He is responsible for developing new business with cor-porate, retail, mission critical, industrial, healthcare and senior living clients state-wide. Merriman most recently managed a general contractor’s Houston office, oversaw senior living projects and devel-oped a statewide mission critical/data center division. Merriman holds a Bach-elor of Business Administration in Mar-keting from Texas Christian University.

Celebrating women in construction

The Houston Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construc-tion (NAWIC) had fun-filled Women

in Construction (WIC) Week Mar. 1-7. The ladies kicked off WIC Week by networking at St. Arnold’s Brewery Mar. 2. Next, they toured the Way Engineer-ing Ltd. fabrication facilities Mar. 3. Lunch & Learn events took place at Fluor Mar. 4

NAWIC Houston and Home Depot hosted a tile installation class.

L-R: Pamela Washington and Jennifer Black speak about safety challenges for women in

construction in honor of WIC Week.

L-R: Sandy Field and friends at the wine tasting.

Laurie Jimenez (left) and a tile installation class participant

and at On Center Software Mar. 5. NAWIC members enjoyed wine tast-ings and more networking at Water-2Wine Houston Mar. 6. To end the week, NAWIC members, along with Home Depot, presented “How to Install Tile” – a do-it-yourself workshop Mar. 7. Attendees had a chance to learn how to cut, set, grout and seal tile. –ab

The boots were made for walkin’Submitted to Construction News

Women Contractors Association (WCA) members practiced their painting skills at at mixer held at Pinot’s Palette Feb. 24. –ab

Surveying and engi-neering firm West-wood Professional Services Inc. re-cently named Don-ald “Bubba” Britt, Houston office leader/basin man-ager, an associate.

The Independent Electrical Contractors Texas Gulf Coast Chapter (IEC) met in March with construction trade students at Career & Technical High School (CTHS) Pasadena

ISD about careers in the electrical trade and apprenticeship training. –ab

Finding a tradeSubmitted to Construction News


continued from Page 1 — Making a difference

continued from Page 1 — Delivered on time

continued from Page 1 — Strong as stone

Founded in 1983 by Paul Lawson, PepperLawson Construction is a Hous-ton based, full-service construction firm providing construction management, general contracting and design-build services. Over the years, the company has completed light industrial projects, man-ufacturing facilities, distribution centers, corporate headquarters, offices, religious

and institutional facilities, medical office buildings, high-rise multifamily, retail centers, K-12 schools, university facilities, restaurants and entertainment, hotel and hospitality and water/ wastewater treat-ment facilities. –ab

Key Professional TeamProject Superintendent: Don Murphy, PepperLawson Construction

It’s cookoff time again!

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America Greater Houston Chapter (ACCA-GH) hosted its annual BBQ

Cook Off at Billy’s Hall in Pearland Mar. 6-7. –ab

Congrats to the winners!Bloody Mary1st: Masters Smoke N Air - Master Air2nd: EASI Cookers 3rd: Young Guns - M&M ManufacturingBeans1st: Masters Smoke N Air - Master Air) 2nd: Turn Key Cookers - Aces Supply3rd: EASI CookersChili1st: EASI Cookers2nd: Turn Key Cookers - Aces Supply3rd: Young Guns - M&M ManufacturingChicken1st: Turn Key Cookers - Aces Supply2nd: EASI Cookers 3rd: Young Guns - M&M Manufacturing

Pork Ribs1st: Young Guns - M&M Manufacturing2nd: Turn Key Cookers - Aces Supply 3rd: EASI CookersCocktail1st: Young Guns - M&M Manufacturing2nd: Turn Key Cookers - Aces Supply3rd: EASI CookersOpen1st: EASI Cookers2nd: Young Guns - M&M Manufacturing3rd: Turn Key Cookers - Aces SupplyBrisket1st Place: EASI Cookers2nd Place: The Tin Men - ADMP3rd Place: Turn Key Cookers - Aces SupplyDessert1st: EASI Cookers2nd: Turn Key Cookers - Aces Supply 3rd: Masters Smoke N Air

Overall Grand Champion: EASI Cookers

take measures through planning and time management to prevent mishaps.” When Diffendal isn’t busy at the of-fice, he enjoys spending time with his two sons and going bird and deer hunt-ing with family and friends. “My kids like to go hunting with me too,” he said. “We usually go to a proper-ty about 60 miles east of Lubbock.”

Diffendal has also participated in an annual Shooting for a Cure event benefit-ting the Ric Summers Appendiceal Can-cer Research Fund at MD Anderson. Diffco handles concrete, earthwork storm water runoff, land clearing and un-derground and demolition work. Diffco is licensed to work in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. –ab

Education is keySubmitted to Construction News

The PBK Architects Inc. staff members attended a Klein ISD Education Foundation luncheon in early March. –ab

does all the social media and advertising for us. She stays very busy. “It is nice my daughter works with me because it gives me a sense of conti-nuity. If one day I have to retire, Jacque-line can continue here or she can do whatever she wants to do.” When Tabbah has free time, he en-joys listening to music and traveling with his wife. “My wife and I like to discover and explore places that we have never been before. We have seen the Pyramids in Egypt and ancient buildings in Turkey.” Tabbah says he is always looking for ways to improve and grow the company and he enjoys teaching his daughter all he knows about the business. International Stoneworks is a source for all restoration and maintenance prod-ucts needed for marble, travertine, lime-stone, terrazzo, granite, slate, basalt, blue-stone, ceramic, porcelain and quarry tiles and other natural stone surfaces. –ab

Jacqueline Tabbah gives a presentation about stone restoration.

Visit our Website at:www.constructionnews.net

Select “Rack Locations”

for a complete list of allrack locations where newspapers

can be picked up.

We do not mail additional newspapers.

If you would like apersonal subscription($35 per year, per city)

select “Subscribe.”

Extra Papers?


Association CalendarContent submitted by Associations to Construction News

ABCAssociated Builders & Contractors

Apr. 6-9: OSHA 511Apr. 10: Breakfast; Negotiation Skills WorkshopApr. 14: HC 200 OSHA/Joint Commission Healthcare Safety Overview & CrosswalkApr. 15: HC 301 Trainer Course for Health-care Employee Safety and Health; Re-sponding to OSHA InspectionsApr. 16: State of the CityApr. 20: STEP Lunch & Learn; Clay ShootApr. 21: Grand OpeningApr. 24: Leadership ForumApr. 28: AST 190 Curriculum and Instruc-tion in Adult EducationApr. 30: Geotechnical Considerations SeminarFor more information call 713-523-6222

ACCAAir Conditioning Contractors of Amer.

Apr. 10: Shoot Out, Registration opens at 8:30am; Games at 9am and Shoot Out starts at 10:00am, American Shooting Center, 16500 Westheimer ParkwayApril 21: Monthly meeting, 5:30pm-8pm, Crowne Plaza, 8686 Kirby Drive. Topic: Social MediaFor more information call 713-781-4822

AGCAssociated General Contractors

Apr. 6-15: Introduction to Construc-tion Plan Reading & Specification Docu-mentsApr. 7-10: OSHA 2225: Respiratory Pro-tectionApr. 9: 2015 AGC Houston Patrick J. Kiley Excellence in Leadership Scholarship Awards BreakfastApr. 14-16: OSHA 2264: Permit-Required Confined SpaceApr. 16: OSHA 30-Hour CourseApr. 21-24: OSHA 510: Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Con-struction IndustryApr. 23: AGC Houston New Member Ori-entationApr. 24: Texas Sales and Use Taxes for ContractorsApr. 27: AGC/AIA Houston Golf Tourna-mentApr. 28: BIM Unit 4: Process, Adoption and IntegrationApr. 28-30: SH 601: Intermediate Acci-dent Investigation and PhotographyApr. 30: Contract Law 101For more information call 713-843-3700

AIAAmerican Institute of Architects

Apr. 4: Bayou Greenway DayApr. 9: Archizines Panel Discussion: De-layed GratificationApr. 11: UH Art & Architecture TourApr. 14: Programming, Planning, and Practice Vignette WorkshopApr. 16: Small Firm RoundtableApr. 18: Montrose Walking TourApr. 25: Towers and Trees Walking TourApr. 27: 20th Annual AGC/AIA Golf Tour-namentFor more information call 713-520-0155

ASAAmerican Subcontractors Association

Apr. 1: Membership Committee meetingApr. 10: Annual Golf TournamentApr. 14: 60 Minutes with an Industry Ex-pert: How to Successfully Improve Your Company Safety CultureApr. 15: Safety Professional Peer Group: Insurance and Trending Safety Items; Golf Committee Wrap-Up; Risk Manager/Contract Admin Peer Group

Apr. 16: BPI Session; General Lunch meetingApr. 22: 60 Minutes With An Industry Ex-pert: Immigration Law & Compliance Up-date: What You Need to Know to Protect Your BusinessApr. 23: Contract Language SeminarApr. 28: Safety Committee meetingApr. 30: Lien & Bond Claim SeminarFor more information call 281- 679-1877

FPAFoundation Performance Assoc.

Apr. 8: Presentation, 5pm – Concrete Sealing, Speaker: Stephen Powell, Kryton International Inc.For more information visit www.founda- tionperformance.org

HAGAHouston Area Glass Association

Apr. 8: Quarterly Dinner meeting, 5:30pm Check in/Social/Cash Bar/Net-working, 6:15pm Dinner Buffet, 6:30pm Presentation – Topic: OSHA Update and Houston Area Trends, Speaker: James Shelton, Compliance Assistance Special-ist, Crowne Plaza Northwest, 12801 NW FreewayFor info visit www.houstonglass.org

IECIndependent Electrical Contractors

Apr. 8: State Residential Appliance In-staller & State Maintenance Exam (202), Weds 6pm-9pm, Contractor members $240/Non members $290Apr. 9: State Journeyman Exam Prep Class (302), Thurs 6pm-9pm, Contractor members $240/Non members $290Apr. 11: State Masters Exam Prep Class (402), Sat 8am – noon, Contractor mem-bers $325/Non-members $390Apr. 22: Monthly meetingFor more information call 713-869-1976

NAWICNat’l Assn. of Women in Construction

Apr. 14: General Dinner meeting, Topic: CAD competition winners presentation and lesson on how to read technical drawings, Hilton Garden Inn Houston/Sugarland, 722 Bonaventure Way, mem-bership is not a requirement for atten-dance, guests are always welcomeFor info visit www.nawic-houston.org

NECANational Electrical Contractor Assn.

Apr. 2: Coastal Sabine Division meeting Apr. 20: Houston Affiliate Golf Tourna-mentApr. 28: Houston Division meetingFor more information call 713-977-2522

PHCC Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors

Apr. 22: Member Dinner, Brady’s Land-ingFor info visit www.gulfcoastphcc.org

TSPETexas Society of Professional Engineers

Apr. 14: Monthly meeting – Global Off-shore Energy Prospects, 11:30am, HESS ClubFor info visit www.tspehouston.org

WCAWomen Contractors Association

Apr. 2: Monthly Luncheon, 11:30am, Maggiano’s Little Italy, 2019 Post Oak Blvd.For more information visitwww.womencontractors.org

Salvador PerezSalesmanHouston Hardwoods

Industry FOLKS

Whether it is stacking up bundles of wood or interacting with cus-

tomers, Salvador Perez stays active during the work week. “I get up in the mornings and I am ready to get to work,” Perez said. “I have a passion for wood. It is always good to have a job you look forward to working at every day.” Perez started out at Houston Hardwoods 10 years ago. In the begin-ning, he cleaned up the warehouse and worked his way up. These days, he mostly handles sales, does deliveries and works on the machines. Perez says he has two awesome bosses and enjoys working with all the people at the company. “No day is ever the same around here,” he said. “It is a great company to work for.” Growing up in San Antonio, Perez says he used to watch his father build cabinets after school. “My dad made a living as a carpen-ter, so I learned quite a bit about wood-working from him,” he said. “I think my experience as a kid led me to get a job at Houston Hardwoods. My dad taught

me how to use a measuring tape and all about the different types of wood. He also taught me a good work ethic.” Perez began working in Houston after he finished high school in San Antonio at 17. “I have two jobs today,” he said. “I also work at a ranch out in the coun-try. I raise horses and cattle.” When he has free time, Perez en-joys boxing for fun with his friends and co-workers. “Once in a while we will go to a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event,” he said. “I am not sure when another event is coming to Houston. I look forward to going again soon.” In the future, Perez says he plans to continue working at Houston Hard-woods and at the ranch out in the country. “I love both my jobs,” he said. “I am always learning something new and that is a good thing!” –ab

Training daySubmitted to Construction News

The Construction & Maintenance Education Foundation (CMEF), Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) of Greater Houston’s educational affiliate, held a State of the

Foundation Breakfast at the Houston Area Safety Council Feb. 26. Training opportunities were discussed at the breakfast. –ab

Past editions can bedownloaded at

www.ConstructionNews.net

Did youknow?


When HOLT CAT needs to capture the image of the company, that’s when multimedia com-

munications manager, Steve Huede-pohl, grabs his equipment. At 61, Huedepohl has been with the company for more than 16 years, joining the equipment dealer as Power Systems marketing manager in December 1998. Named multimedia communications manager in January 2006, he is HOLT’s of-ficial photographer and filmmaker. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with his bachelor’s de-gree in mechanical engineering in 1977, Huedepohl and a good friend embarked upon a month-long backpacking adven-ture through nine countries in Europe. Before leaving, Huedepohl bought his first camera for the trip, and he devel-oped his passion on that journey. He cultivated his interest on the side while working at jobs for Gulf Oil Com-pany in Houston, designing compressor packages at HOLT Machinery, and evalu-ating oil reserves for Alamo National Bank. When the oil industry tanked and Alamo National Bank shut down his depart-ment in 1987, Huedepohl had been doing photography and videography for wed-dings and other events on the side for four years. So, he became self-employed and took his hobby on as a full-time endeavor. Two years later at church, he met Gary Stone, a market-ing manager at HOLT at the time, and Huedepohl started doing photography and vid-eo jobs for the company and transitioned to working for HOLT in 1998. Today, Huedepohl cre-ates primarily brand-building films for the company, as well

The man behind the camera

as photographing people and events at various locations across 118 counties in Texas. One of his latest projects showed the teardown and rebuild of a CAT 777D mining truck at the Fort Worth facility over a period of two months – in a three-minute video, which can be seen on Vimeo. “I’m so blessed to get paid to do what I love to do,” says Huedepohl. “And I’m very grateful for HOLT.” Huedepohl is not the only member of his family to make a career behind the eye of a lens. His paternal grandfather worked at Studer’s Photos in San Antonio for 45 years. Not one to sit still, when he’s not at work, Huedepohl sings and plays guitar at his church, plays in a sand volleyball league, goes snow skiing and rides dirt bikes. He also used to race motocross. His 32-year-old son, Erik, was a professional motocross racer before he started his own remodeling company in 2012. He also has a daughter, Stephanie, 22, who lives in Denver. –mh

Steve Huedepohl creates films and takes photos for HOLT CAT.

Representing HOLT CAT at the Spike MS Volleyball Tournament at Sideliners in 2012, Huedepohl and his son,

Erik, won the championship that day.

OwnerJames Warren

arrives toKaty-based

Capital Care Plumbing bright and early. –ab

The early birdSubmitted to Construction News

Wayne Klotz, PE, Klotz Associates (left), attended the West Houston Association Technical Issues Forum Breakfast in February. Bill Bertera, executive director of the

Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (right), spoke about incorporating sustainability in projects. –ab

Sustainable solutionsSubmitted to Construction News


Bohar Mechanical is located on sev-eral acres of pasturelands in Crosby that were once home to a small

herd of thoroughbred horses. In this relaxed setting on the out-skirts of Houston, the pace seems slower and working conditions right for produc-tivity. “Old fashioned honesty, integrity and small town pride in one's work is what we are all about,” said Linda Har-vey, CEO. “My experience in pipefitting comes from working ten years in the of-fice and out in the field as a pipe fitter's helper with my father and brother, for-mer owners of Dan-Mar Construction.” Harvey is a registered air condition-ing and refrigeration technician with the State of Texas and works out in the field when the need arises. The secretary and office manager is Helen Rountree and Roger Bowen is a certified welder, project manager and pipe department supervisor.

B is for Bohar

Donnie Harvey is project manager, pipe department supervisor and estima-tor. Brent Bowen is the company’s new-est estimator. Bohar Mechanial is a minority owned WBEA and HUB certified organization. On the side, Harvey is a member of Women in HVAC, the Baytown Hispanic Chamber and the Highlands Chamber of Commerce. Harvey is also currently a member of Los Bexarenos Genealogy Society of San Antonio, past vice president of the Adae-sanos Foundation of Robeline, LA; cur-rent member of the Natchitoches Louisi-ana Genealogical and Historical Society and a life member of the Founders of Natchitoches. Bohar Mechanical provides heating, ventilation and air-condition systems, in-cluding ductwork installation, systems ser-vice and repair to commercial customers. –ab

The Bohar Mechanical staff listens to live music at a barbecue event in Crosby.

The Sugar Land Home and Garden Show recently took place at the Stafford Centre in Stafford.

Contractors and subcontractors from the Stafford and Houston areas set up booths at the event. Attendees had the chance to learn about latest products and services on the market. –ab

Ready to learn

Wonderful Windows & Siding

Tim’s Fences

Final Touch Roofing

Hamres Floors and Remodeling

houston construction news april 2015

Documents