build houston magazine

Build Houston Magazine • June / July 2014 1www.buildhoustononline.com

2 Build Houston Magazine • June / July 2014 www.buildhoustononline.com


Build Houston Magazine 3910 Kirby Drive, Suite 131

Houston, Texas 77098(713)523-6222

www.buildhoustononline.com

Publisher/Owner: Associated Builders & Contractors of Greater Houston Executive Editor: Jennifer WoodruffAssistant Editors: Katy Driver, Megan BrannAccount Manager: Janice PetersGraphic Design: Jennifer Woodruff, Robert Chevis

EDITORIAL FEATURES:COVER FEATUREW.T. Byler Co. Celebrates Equipment MilestoneW.T. Byler Co. recently acquired its 1000th piece of equipment marking a large milestone for the company and its decades of award winning achievements. (P16)

DEPARTMENTS:LEGAL 6 NLRB Keeps Employers Guessing About Legality of Work Rules

FINANCIAL NEWS10 ImproveYourSuccessinGettingInsurance

14 To Rent, Lease or Buy: Get the Best Bang For Your Buck

18 TheFivePillarsofaRetirementPlan

SAFETY NEWS

20 What Kind of General Contractor Are You, Anyway?

22 Safety:Activityvs.Achievement

INDUSTRY NEWS

25 HighSchoolStudentsGet“Hands-On”ExperienceatConstructionCareersExpo

IN THE KNOW28 PeopleOnTheMove;SpecialRecognition;ProjectNews&CompanyNews

Frontcoverphotocredit:DonHoffman

INDEX OF ADVERTISERSAggregate Technologies Inc. ....................26All American Screening .............................19AmericanMat&TimberCo. ....................21ArchitecturalMetalCraftsInc. ..................13Baker Triangle ...........................................12Briggs Equipment .....................................27Brookside Equipment ...............................15ChannelBiorefinery&Terminals ..............27Coastal Ice ................................................11 Cokinos,Bosien,&Young .........................30ComplianceSafetyConsulting ..................27Cool Hard Hat ...........................................27

Craig&Heidt,Inc ......................................19EfficiencyShoringandSupply .....................5Enviro-Barrier ...........................................13Gulf Coast Stabilized Materials .................13Gray Mechanical .......................................13HG Fire Systems, LP ..................................13FordNassen&Baldwin ............................29Houston Barricade ....................................27InterfaceConsultingInternational,Inc. ....23ISC Constructors, LLC ..................................5LockeSolutionsPrecastDivision .................8Marek Brothers Systems, Inc. ...................25

www.buildhoustononline.com | June / July 2014ABC LEADERSHIPChair

Tim RickettsChannel BioRefinery & Terminals

Chair ElectDarlene East

Holes Inc.

Vice ChairMike Holland

Marek Brothers Systems, Inc.

SecretaryWarren Adamson

S&B Engineers and Constructors

TreasurerLeonard Bedell

Mobil Steel International

2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Neil AdamsGilbane Building Company

Brian AndersonG.R. Birdwell Construction

Kerry BennettISC Constructors, LLC

Kevin BordelonZachry Industrial

Robert BurelsmithE. E. Reed Construction, L. P.

Sam CraigCraig & Heidt, Inc.

Matt DanielKBR Building Group

Marcus DealCB&I

Matt ElliottSpawGlass Construction Corp.

John GolasheskyTurner Industries Group, LLC

Brandon Mabile Performance Contractors, Inc.

John MarshallSatterfield & Pontikes Constr. Inc.

Rod Molyneau JACOBS

Bob NussmeierKiewit/TIC

Joe Orr Baker Concrete Construction, Ind.

Rodney Page Ref-Chem L.P.

Frank RusichTellepsen Industrial

Wendell RychlikW.T. Byler Company

William SanchezOxford Builders Inc.

Billy SpiesKBR

Christina StoneGaughan, Stone & Thiagarajan

Henry Villarreal Turner Construction

Ben WestcottAndrews Myers

Mark WilliamsFoster Wheeler USA Corp.

Ronnie WillsAggregate Technologies Inc.

Lohn ZyliczD.E. Harvey Builders, Inc.

MartonRoofingIndustries .......................27MeritProfessionalCoatings......................23Pavecon ......................................................2Porter Hedges LLP ....................................21Romco Equipment ......................................9Scott-MaconEquipment ...........................26Skillforce .....................................................7TCA/The Compliance Alliance L.P. ............31Total CAD Systems, Inc..............................32Von Younger Landscaping .........................13W.T. Byler Co. ............................................16


Dear Reader,

Well,wedidit!AsIwroteinthelastedition,theABCFacilitiesCommitteehasbeenperformingduediligence on the purchase of a new home for ABC Greater Houston. On April 11, we closed on the newpropertyat4910Dacoma.Nowtherealworkbegins.Therehavebeenthreecommitteessetuptoensurethatwecanmoveinbythetargeteddate,whichisFebruaryof2015.Thecommitteesinclude Planning, Construction, and Financial. The Planning Committee, which will develop thebuilding space and actual plans for permit, has already met and expects to be prepared for permit applicationinJune.Itsnottoolatetogetinvolvedwithoneofthesecommitteesifyouwouldliketohave input!

Theownershipofthisbuildinghasbeenthedreamofmanymembersformanyyearsasitwillofferpermanency to the chapter location without worrying—from lease to lease—where we will belocatedorwhatthecostwillbe.Manymembershavespentagreatdealoftimeandefforttothis

end but probably none more than John Golashesky with Turner Industries. He has been at this for over 10 years! The only thing I can say is THANKS JOHN and to all who helped make this happen.

TherearemanythingshappeningrightnowinWashington,D.C.,particularlywiththeNationalLaborRelationsBoard(NLRB),andABCNationalisworkingtofendoffmanyofthepotentialrulingsthatwilladverselyaffecttheMeritShopphilosophy.YoucanparticipateinthiseffortbysubscribingtotheABCActionAlertsifyouhavenotalready.Itonlytakesaminutetosubscribeandlessthanthattorespondwhenyoureceiveanalert.Andtheywork!Subscribingisaseasyasgoingtothe“PoliticsandPolicy”sectionattheABCwebsite(www.abc.org),clickingonthemostcurrentActionAlert,andfollowingtheinstructions.IencourageALLmemberstotakethetimetoparticipate.

SpeakingofWashington,D.C.,theannualLegislativeConference(LegCon)iscomingupJune11th-13th.Inadditiontovisitingwithlegislators, there will be a host of great speakers such as Dr. Ben Carson. This is one of the more important events that is held during the year and is my favorite.

Remember,“Getintopoliticsorgetoutofbusiness”!Thanksforallyoudoandstaybusymyfriend.

Tim RickettsABC Greater Houston ChairmanDirector of Projects, Channel BioRefinery & Terminals

Mark Your Calendar For The Following Events and Training Opportunities!

Datesabovearetentative.Visitwww.abchouston.orgformoreinformation.

JUNE June 4: Wrongful Contract Termination Seminar June 5: CMEF Graduation June 11: ABC Legislative Convention June 20: Fishing Tournament

JULY July 11: Membership Breakfast July 23: PAC Summer Event @ Top Golf

AUGUST Aug 7: ABC Casino Night Aug 21: Fall Clay Shoot

RICKETTS

ABC is on the Move... | FROM THE CHAIR


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Employer work rules and conduct policies remain under attackbythecurrentNLRBanditsadministrativelawjudges.TheBoard’sattackonthesepoliciesfocusesonwhetherthe

workplace rules “explicitly restrict” an employee’s exercise of Section7rightstoengageinprotectedconcertedactivityundertheNationalLaborRelationsAct.Evenworkplacerulesthatdonotexplicitly limit employees’ rights may be illegal according to the current NLRB Board if employees reasonably would understand therulestoprohibitsuchactivity.

The Board’s current composition has led to unpredictabledeterminationsonlawfulemployerworkrules.Forexample,theBoard in First Transit, Inc. 360 NLRB No. 72 (2014) decided that a policy prohibiting “discourteous and inappropriate attitude”

was unlawful because it could inhibit employees from speaking to co-workers about employment-related matters. Inthis same case, the Board upheld a rule prohibiting loitering because it waslimited to an employee’s failure to remain productive during work hours (since therule referred to “poor work habits”). The Board concluded employees would not reasonably construe the “no loitering” rule toforbidthemfromengaginginSection7activitiesduringnon-worktimewhentheywerenotrequiredtobeactivelyperformingtheirjobs.

In Flex Frac Logistics, LLC,358NLRBNo.127 (2012), theBoardfoundtheemployer’sconfidentialityruleunlawfulsinceitdefinedconfidentialinformationtoinclude“personnelinformation.”TheBoard concluded the rule interfered with the rights of employees todiscusswagesandothertermsandconditionsofemploymentunderSection7oftheNLRA.TheU.S.CourtofAppealsfortheFifthCircuitrecentlyupheldtheBoard’sdecisiononthisissue.

In Copper River of Boiling Springs, LLC, 360 NLRB No. 60 (2014), theNLRBupheldanemployer’sruleprohibiting“[i]nsubordinationto a manager or lack of respect and cooperation with fellowemployeesor guests,” including, “displaying anegativeattitude

NLRB Keeps Employers Guessing About Legality

of Work Rules

The Board’s current composition has led to unpredictable determinations

on lawful employer work rules. For example, the Board in First

Transit, Inc. 360 NLRB No. 72 (2014) decided that a policy prohibiting “discourteous and inappropriate attitude” was unlawful because it could inhibit employees from speaking to co-workers about employment-related matters.

(Continued on page 8)

JODON


NLRB Keeps Employers Guessing | LEGAL NEWS


thatisdisruptivetootherstafforhasanegativeimpactonguests.”The Board concluded that the rule banned only unprotected conductharmfultotheemployer’slegitimatebusinessconcerns.The dissenting opinion stated: “an employeewould reasonablyinterpret a ‘negative attitude’ as one that is critical of theemployer, and that the rule would thereby reasonably inhibit employees from discussing controversial topics, including terms andconditionsofemployment.”

In California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory,360 NLRB No. 63 (2014), the NLRB unanimously upheld an ALJ’s determination that the employer violated the Act bydiscriminatorily reprimanding five employees who used theemployer’s email system to communicate with their coworkers about a new background check requirement. The ALJ found that theemployees’emailswereprotected,concertedactivitybecausethe employees were discussing their working conditions. TheemployeesdidnotlosetheprotectionoftheActmerelybecausethey used their work computers and email accounts to send the emails. Although under the Board’s Register Guard decision, employeesdonotcurrentlyhaveaSection7righttousecompanycomputers toengage inprotected, concertedactivityorunion-related activity; an employermay not allow employees to usecomputersforsomenon-workactivitiesanddiscriminateagainstemployeesusingcomputersforSection7activities.Becausetheemployer here had a practice of allowing use of its computersand email for a wide range of non-work purposes, such as social

LEGAL NEWS | NLRB Keeps Employers Guessing

events, lost and found, and birth announcements, it could not lawfully discipline employees for their similar use in sending the emails at issue.

In the same case, the NLRB upheld the employer’s ethics and business conduct policy, which required employees to “avoid any actionswhichcouldreasonablybeexpectedto...discredit[theemployer].” The NLRB seemingly ignored its recent decisionsinvalidatingsimilarrulesandreliedonolderprecedentupholdingemployerpoliciesthatspecificallyprohibited“discredit[ing]”theemployer.

These decisions illustrate challenges employers face when promulgating work rules governing employee attitude andconduct. Based on the growing body of NLRB decisions on these subjects, employers are left to make educated guesseswhether a specific employee conduct policy restrict employeesintheexerciseoftheirSection7rights.Employersshouldtreadcautiouslyandconsultlegalcounseltodeterminethebestcourseofactiontomeettheirspecificgoals.

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Anybody who has been paying insurance premiums over the last few years has noticed that there has been ashiftintheproperty/casualtyinsuranceworld.Obtaining

insurance today has a few more hurdles, but there are ways to increase your chances of success.

Market changes: “Hard Market” Vs. “Soft Market”Insurance agents undoubtedly have talked to you about the “hard market” cycle– theflip sideof the “softmarket” cycle.Duringthe soft market years, from around 2000 to 2011, insurancecompanies wanted your business – and worked hard to get it.

Insurance companies offered lower premiums to attract newbusiness and reduced premiums on renewals to keep the account.Underwritersweren’taskingtoomanyquestionsaboutyourbusiness,either.Youdidn’thavetojumpthroughhoopstocome up with the dates that you had your roof replaced. No one wanted to see the contents page of your safety manual or insist thatyouhaveacentralstationalarmtogetyourcontentscoveredfortheft.

Understand How Market Changes May Impact YouWiththeshifttoahardermarket,thingshavechangedsignificantly.Premiums have increased 3 to 5 percent, and companies seeking insurance are under more scrutiny. Additionally, insurancecompanies have narrowed their “appetite guides,” the list that

they give their agents about the types of businesses they want to insure.

If you are a plumbing company doing residential work,good luck. Very few markets will insure thatexposure.Grading lots fora residential sub-division?Youareahotpotato!Insurancecarriersdon’twantanypartofapotentialclassactionlawsuit.It’stheirworstnightmare.

Asalways,thereareexceptions.Ifyouarealargeenoughcompany,carriersmightbend the rules inexchange foraheftypremium.There are also surplus lines insurance carriers in business to write the accounts that the standard markets avoid.

Your Contracts MatterManyofthelargercarriers—CNA,FCCI,Travelers,andothers—arebeginningtoevaluatethesubcontractsutilizedbyaprospectiveinsured. In the good ole’ “soft market” days, carriers rarelyrequestedthistypeofdocumentation,andevenlessfrequentlymadewavesabouthowitwaswritten.Nowcarrierswanttosee

Improve Your Success In Getting Insurance


DAVIS O’HARA


Getting Insurance Successfully | FINANCIAL NEWS


subcontractsthatarewelldrafted,up-to-date,andincompliancewith applicable rules and statutes governing constructioncontracts. Indeed, a bad subcontract can put you at risk of losing or being denied coverage. For example, an HVAC contractor in Central Texas recently had its subcontract agreement sent back for revisions by its insurance company not once, but twice, with the threat of non-renewal!

At the end of the day, carriers want to see subcontracts that they can defend in the event of a loss. While there is no hard-and-fast rule (i.e., lessmay suffice), awell drafted subcontract thatincludes at least the following key items should be considered defensible and is likely to garner the blessing of any insurance company: (1) an indemnity/hold harmless clause that complies with the “express negligence” rule as well as Chapter 151 of the Texas InsuranceCode; (2)anadditional insuredprovisionwhichcomplies with Chapter 151 of the Texas Insurance Code; (3) a waiverof subrogation clause; (4) aflowdownclause; (5) ano-damages for delay provision; (6) a cross-default provision; (7) a timeisoftheessenceprovision;and(8)amergerclause.

Summary: Our Best Advice In Your Quest For InsuranceFollow the tried and true Boy Scouts’ creed and BE PREPARED!•Bepreparedtoanswerquestionsaboutyourbusiness

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Bob Baker, Founder

acoustical | drywall | eifs | plaster | prefab | stone systems | stucco | bakertriangle.com

Bob Baker founded BakerTriangle 40 years ago and had a deep desire to provide the highest quality workmanship in the drywall and plaster industry. His legacy continues today as a third-generation company dedicated to continuing the values and standards he began so many years ago.

BakerTriangle is structured for quality.

build houston 2014.indd 1 1/15/2014 8:35:43 AM

•Be prepared to provide detailed information about yourbusiness

•Bepreparedtoacceptconditionstoobtainthecoverageyoudesire

•Beprepared for additional cost – higher premiumsare thenorm

• Be prepared to provide contract documents that are well drafted, up-to-date, and comply with applicable rules andstatutes

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:Gina O’Hara is vice president of Anco Insurance and program manager of the Texas Construction Association endorsed insurance program. O’Hara is acommercial insurance veteran who specializes in insurance for construction-relatedbusinesses.Tenyearsago,shelaunchedtheTCAWorkers’CompensationSafety Group through Texas Mutual, an innovative solution designed to helpTexas contractors improve safety in the workplace while lowering their workers’ compensationinsurancepremiums.

William B. “Billy” Davis is an attorney with the law firm of Andrews Myers,P.C. His practice focuses on the dispute resolution and transactional aspectsof construction law. His experience includes theprosecutionanddefenseof avarietyof construction-relateddisputesbefore stateand federal courts,aswellastheAmericanArbitrationAssociation.Billyalsohassignificantexperiencewithinsurancecoverageanalysisandinsurancelitigation.

FINANCIAL NEWS | Getting Insurance Successfully


TO RENT, LEASE OR BUY: Get the Best Bang for Your Buck

Proper equipment is essential for performing your workand delivering on your contracts. However, the high cost of equipment can hamper your bottom line in the long-

termifyouhaven’tchosentherightavenueoffinancingforyoursituation.Don’tbecomeconsumedwiththeoldconceptofbuyingall of your equipment upfront. There are a variety of rental and leasingoptionsavailabletoday,eachwithitsownfinancialperks.

Leasing EquipmentWith today’s lower interest rates, leasing has evolved as a favorable option. Leasing is an interval-based payment option,usually lasting at least one year and offering incentives andbenefitssuchas:

• No down payment requirements• No direct debts •Flexibilitytopurchaseequipmentinfullatthecompletionof

the lease or return equipment, commonly referred to as an “open-end lease”

Accounting For Your LeaseWhen considering leasing equipment, it is important to know that there are two types of leases that can be recognized for accountingpurposes:

1. A capital lease is similar to a purchase, although not legally deemed as such. It has the economic attributes of ownedassets,thusforaccountingpurposes,consideritapurchase.As part of this lease, you are viewed as the owner of the equipment, meaning your equipment will be accounted for

as an “on the balance sheet” asset on your financial statement.Tax deductions are made regularlyuntil the leasing period is completeor the lease has been paid in full. These deductions for the equipmentarelimitedtothedepreciationoftheequipmentandtheinterestportionofthe lease payments.

2. Anoperatingleaseactsasarentalagreement–acontractthatallows you to use equipment without conveying ownership rights.Itisaccountedforasan“offthebalancesheet”assetforfinancialstatements.Sinceitisnotheldasaliability,youcanmaintain a low debt-to-equity ratio and increase yourability to borrow more equipment with ease. Payments on equipmentunderanoperatingleaseareeligibleforannualtaxdeductions.

Standards have been established by the Financial AccountingStandards Board (FASB) that qualify equipment under a capital leaseoranoperatinglease.Eachofthesetypesofleasesrequiredifferentaccountingtreatments,sobesureyouunderstandthequalificationsofeach.

Renting EquipmentFor those not intending to use equipment for a long period of time,orsimplywantingtocutcosts,rentingisanotheralternative

KUCHAR


providingseveralincentives,including:• Short-term agreements, i.e., monthly, weekly or daily •Fewerfinancialconstraints• Moreoptionsifyouhavepoorcredit• Ability to test out machinery in advance

Accounting For Rented EquipmentAsopposedtotakingoutaloantobuyequipmentandaffectingyour credit-to-debt ratio, renting is considered a separatetransactionandwillnotcountagainstcurrentdebt.Itenablesyouto expense costs immediately and is applied against your taxable income.Inadditiontonotaxonrentalequipment,therearenoheftyguidelinesalignedwithaccountingforequipment.

Buying EquipmentIf you are convinced that having complete control of your equipmentistheonlywaytogo,thenbuyingisthebestalternativefor you for a few reasons:

• Ability to manage how equipment is maintained• A cost savings of 20 percent to 30 percent over leasing in the longrun,sincetherearenorelatedfeesattachedtobuying

•Taxbreaks–bydeductingsomeofthepurchasepriceonatax return, some of the payment can be reimbursed

EXPECT MORE FROM YOUR WORKFORCE.

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With John Deere, you can expect tough equipment with the power to perform. In fact, customer input has led to design innovation that makes John Deere equipment more accommodating to operator comfort and more accommodating to the wide variety of work that your job sites require. Plus, over 100 Worksite Pro Attachments are available for increased productivity.

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Rent, Lease or Buy | FINANCIAL NEWSAccounting For Purchased EquipmentTax advantages of buying equipment aren’t as great as in recent yearsthankstotheexpirationoftwofavorabletaxprovisions:

• Special 50 percent first-year bonus depreciation availablebefore 2014 for certain qualified property is no longeravailable for most types of property.

• The elective Section 179 expense deduction has beenreducedfrom$500,000to$25,000ayearstartingthisyear.

Congressmayextendthesetaxbreaksandmakethemretroactiveto Jan. 1, 2014, but it’s currently too early to tell.

A hasty equipment purchase can lead to a lengthy financialburden,sotakethetimetoevaluateandgetthemostbangforyour buck.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Michael Kuchar is a Shareholder and leader of Doeren Mayhew’s dedicated ConstructionGroupinHouston.Atop100U.S.firmservingHoustonfor30years,Doeren Mayhew provides CPA and advisory services to more than 500 suppliers andgeneralandspecialtycontractorsdoingbusinessdomesticallyandabroad.Formoreinformation,visitwww.doeren.com.


This year marks several special milestones for W.T. Byler Co. Not only is the family-owned and operated company celebrating 41 years in business, but they are also

celebratinganoutstandingachievement:therecentpurchaseofits 1000th unit of earth moving equipment!

Mr. Rick Johnson, General Superintendent for W.T. Byler Co. was pleased to hand off the newmachine toMr. Larry Henderson,Senior Operator. Both gentlemen recently celebrated over three decades of service with W.T. Byler Co. With such an outstanding milestone in mind, Wendell Rychlik, DirectorofBusinessDevelopmentandMarketing,saysthatW.T.BylerCo.staystruetotheirmotto,“ourworkismorethanearthmoving”—ensuringemployeesaresafe,creatingthe best possible product while providing the best possible service. They are a heavy and civil engineering construction firm specializing inlargesite-workandrailroadconstruction.

From humble beginnings, the original forces included a backhoe, tractor-mower and four field personnel. Working primarily for therailroads, W.T. Byler built the company with the inherent values centered on people with commitment to building the job right the firsttime.Thesecorevalues,constructedbyfounderTroyBylerandmaintainedbyBillByler,arestilltrue today.

W.T. Byler Co. continues to lead the fieldinto new and exciting areas of growth—transforming,oftendifficult,and largeprojectsinto reality. Even after the 2008 economic

downtown, W.T. Byler C o . , like many companies, faced difficultdecisions. However, by maintaining strict efficiency and downsizing theirfleettolessthan500units,thecompanywas able to grow at a sustainable rate.

“Make no mistake, the company has had many years of success, but during the downturn of 2008, Bill Byler had the foresight to create the DBD&Marketing position andgavemethecharge.Myeffortsbecomingafaceofthecompanywerefocusedontheindustrialcomplex—manufacturing,oil,gas,chemicalandpower,” saysRychlik. “Relationshipshavebeensovery vital in our growth. We have new friends from Japan, Austria,

Celebrating a History of Determination and Hard Work with the Acquisition of a

Milestone 1000th Piece of Equipment

Heavy-equipment, including dozers, loaders and 11 excavators, is mobilized on a Friday night. The following Saturday, W.T. Byler Co.’s 40-personnel team, led by Bear Hebert and Roger Nichols, with employeesofUnionPacificRailroad,placeoutofservicetheexistingtrackandremove,andinonesingle-lift,liftandwalkintoplace620track-feetofpre-constructedrailroadincludingacrossoverorpairofswitchescombinedconnectingtwoparallelrailtracks,allowingonetracktocrossovertotheother. The system was surfaced and placed back into service that Sunday night. Photo by: Wendell Rychlik


Argentinaandotherpartsoftheworldandstillmaintainourrelationshipswithourfriendsthathave been here all along: UP Railroad, PTRA, KTN,CPChem,Kinder-Morgan,HFO—tonamea few, and our commercial contractor friends and developers.”

“Yes,”admittedlysaidJeremyPerkins–SeniorProject Executive for the company, “Safety ismore stringent in the industrial market, but the owners have been good to us.”

W.T.BylerCo.hassincemultipliedrevenueoverthreetimessince2009,and thefleet sizehasmore than doubled to an impressive 1000+ units of heavy equipment and transport trucks.

Thecompanyproducesmajorprojectsincluding infrastructure for mining, grass-root refineries & power plants, petroleum liquidstorage facilities,K-12& institutionsofhighereducation, professional sports arenas, roadsystems, airports, railroads, and manufacturing, pipe mill and steel-pellet producers.

Evenwithanimpressivefleet,W.T.BylerCo.’soutlookisnotonlyinits equipment, but more importantly, in the quality of its people. Theprofessionalswhomakeupthisefficientteamincludestaff,superintendents, mechanics and operators, who have decades of service to the company and to the community.

Thecompanyoffersnotonlysubstantialconstructionexperienceand integrity to clients, but continues to have a genuinecommitmenttoeveryprojectthatissupportedbyafoundationofworkplace safety and quality. W.T. Byler Co. was honored In 2012 with Associated Builders and Contractors ABC National SafetyExcellence Award, and in 2013with the ABCNational Pinnacle

TogetherwiththeforcesoftheGilbane-HarveyExxonMobilCampusproject,WTByler Company spells out their commitment to safety and felt privileged to take thisveryimportantphotograph,foraveryimportantclient,complementingavery important owner. Photo by: Wendell Rychlik

Getting to a 41 year anniversary milestone is no accident. It takes teamwork and dedication. The WT Byler Co team is composed of some of the best and brightest professionals in the industry. Troy and Bill Byler entrust the company to team members like Rick Johnson, Cliff Atteberry, Jeremy Perkins, James Heath, Carol Erwin, Geoff Pospisil, Bobby Posinski, Bill Miller, Steven Ehler, Bubba Campbell and many others who contribute to the company’s success.

Award. Most recently in 2014, Associated General Contractors ofAmerica(AGC)awardedW.T.BylerCo.aNationalConstructionSafetyExcellenceAward.In2010,thefirmwasrecognizedforanunheardofconstructioncompany0.19EMR. When asked regarding the future, Rychlik stated, “The shale plays area gamechangerandnot just theEagle Ford in Texas.WehaveprojectsthatwerecreatedfromthePermianbasinandthe Bakken. Manpower will continue to be an issue, but alsokeepingupwithtechnologyisessential—workplans,accountablyplans,rapidreporting—weneedtoknowspecificallywhatweareachievingtohedgeanyshortfalls.Thesearekeyfactors—adapttoanysituation, controlhumanandequipmentassets,achievehi-end results and company wide transparency. We will remain committed to continuousimprovement, the protectionof our employees and sustainable relationships withour ever-growing clients and subcontractors.”

To learn more, or discover how W.T. Byler Co. can assist you with your next project, contact WendellRychlik - Director of Business Development and [email protected].

W.T. Byler Co. Celebrates Company Milestones | COVER STORY

Rychlik


Our country has experienced some of the most difficultconditionsindecades–severemarketdownturn,economicand credit crisis, the Madoff scandal, an uncertain

regulatory and legislative environment–which has threatenedthe futurefinancial securityofmostemployees. TheAmericanworkforce is aging – from 2010 to 2020, 65 to 74 year olds will occupythefastest-growingsegmentofthepopulation,while55to 64 year olds will be the largest segment of the population.Manynear-retireesarenowpostponingretirementorfacingtheprospectofaloweredstandardoflivingduringretirement.

InlightoftheagingpopulationandCongress’recentfocusontheintegrityofretirementplanadministration,designandinvestmentmonitoring, it’s more important than ever for your company to haveacompetitive,compliantretirementplan.

Anemployeeretirementplancanhelpinmultipleways:• Recruit and retain valuable employees

• Bridge the gap between Social Security and retirement income needs,whichareestimatedtobe85percent of current income

• Reduce tax liability – contributions to employeeaccounts are tax deductiblefrom business income

As a decision-maker, it’s important to understand how a successful retirementplancanhelpbenefityouandyouremployees.Therearefivepillars uponwhich a successful retirement plan canbebuilt:

1) The Plan Fiduciary – The named fiduciary is primarilyresponsiblefortheoveralloperationsandadministrationoftheplan.Understandingtheroleandresponsibilitiesofafiduciarynecessary for establishing and maintaining a successful retirement plan can be a daunting task, therefore relying onthe guidance and expertise of a plan consultant is common.Theyhelpfiduciarieslimitandmanagepersonalandcorporatefinancialliabilitywhileenhancinginvestmentopportunitiesandimproving overall plan value.

2) Plan Design and Compliance – Each company has individual needsandaretirementplanneedstoberesponsivetothemin selecting the appropriate plan type and design, as wellasensuringplan compliance. Key issues suchas cashflow,organizationalstructureandsizefactorintothetypeofplanyou

The Five Pillars of a Retirement Plan

In light of the aging population and Congress’ recent focus on

the integrity of retirement plan administration, design and

investment monitoring, it’s more important than ever for your

company to have a competitive, compliant retirement plan.

CHRIST TAYLOR

INSURANCE


select (401(k),Roth IRA,Profit-SharingPlan,SEP IRA,SIMPLE,etc.).Withineachplantypearedifferentdesignoptionstohelpmaintaintheplan’staxadvantagedstatus.Onesizedoesnotfitall, and your advisor can help determine the design to maximize contributions,minimizetaxliabilitiesandremaincompliant.

3) Selection and Monitoring of Plan Investments – Develop an investment policy statement, select a balanced investment lineup and designate a default investment option for yourplan. A retirement plan must provide a balanced selectionof investment options that have a track record of strongperformance when compared to benchmarks. Consider those providers that offer a variety of investment options withindifferentassetclasseswhichallowsdiversityofinvestmentmix.Ibbotson and Kaplan’s 2000 study supports the conclusion that assetallocationisbyfarthebiggestdeterminingfactor(91.5%)ofportfolioperformance.

4) Plan Participation and Education – Implement strategies that can help your employees meet their retirement goals. Asemployees struggle to make their own retirement decisionswithlesssupportfromSocialSecurityandtraditionalpensionplans,theydependonemployerstosponsorretirementplansthatcanhelpthemmeettheirfinancialgoals.Helpmaximizeyourplan’seffectivenessbytakingactionssuchasbenchmarkingyour current results against industry averages, implementingautomatic features such as deferral increases, designingan education strategy that helps ensure your employeesunderstand the value of the plan, and giving them access to the plan consultant who can help them make informed investment decisions.

5) Service, Technology and Day-to-Day Administration – Select a provider whose plan administration capabilities and levelof service fits best with your organizational needs. Yourretirement plan should help minimize the burdens on yourorganization,notbogyoudownwithday-to-dayadministrativeissues.Considerationscanincludehowmuchtimeyouspendmanaging your plan, access to participant resources andtools, dedicated client contact, efficiency of payroll and loanprocessing,andreasonablefeesrelativetootherproviders.

Individuals are being asked to assume greater responsibility for the planning of their retirement needs. Now more than everbefore, and it is important touse thesefivepillars tohelp youbuildandmaintainasuccessfulretirementplanforyourcompany,and your employees.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Christ Taylor Insurance is an Employee Benefits and Insurance Brokerage firmdoingbusinessforover50yearsinsoutheastTexas,andlong-timeABCmember.We provide solutions to small and medium size companies in the areas ofHealthcareandotherBenefitprograms,aswellasLifeInsuranceandRetirementPlans.ContacttheChristTaylorteamat713-850-7747orwww.christtaylor.com.

Five Pillars of a Retirement Plan | FINANCIAL NEWS


From Color Personality quizzes, Type A and Type B personality profiles,andtheMeyers-BriggspersonalitystandardtotheMatch.comanalyses thatpromises tocreateromanticbliss

for you by matching you up with “your type”, Americans love to identifywhat“type”theyareandseekout“like-minded”people.And, interestingly enough, according to W. Edwards Deming,author of Out of The Crisis, TheEssentialDemingonLeadershipPrinciples from the Father of Quality, and many, many more books, companies also have “personality types”.

Inmyalmost30yearsofexperienceinconstructionsafety,Ihavewitnessedfirsthandthattherearedistinct“SafetyPersonalities”inconstruction.Here’salistofthemostcommontypes.Whichone are you?

1) The Rhett Butler: Basically, you really don’t give a damn. These contractors have told me that safety is a waste of money because “I’m going to pick them up on one corner and iftheygethurt,dropthemoffonthenext.”

2) The Kim Kardashian: Your safety personality is “no experience needed”. You “get” that you have to have someone with a title“safetycoordinator”butyouwon’tbegivingthemanypowerorauthority.Soitcanbeanyone—aprojectassistant,an admin or clerical person elevated to the duty, or even a laborer who can run errands and be a “project safetycoordinator”, too.

3) The Clint Eastwood: Youfocusonthelaw—yoursandmaybeOSHA’s. If the workers make mistakes, no worries. Your

team immediately turns into either Harry Callahan in Sudden Impact with a threatening “Make My Day” or a menacing Walt Kowalski in Gran Torinoyelling“GetOffMyLawn”.ZeroTolerance, control and intimidation,that’s the way to get things done.

4) The Bernie Madoff: You are all about making safety look good, really good, and gaining the trust of some very majorplayersandglobalowners.Butbehindthescenes,it’sadifferentstory. Your“safety”personneldowhatyoutellthemtodoand100%ComplianceAuditReportsarecommon.But,asoneoftheTop20globaloil&gascompaniesrecentlyand publicly announced at a citywide contractor meeting,“We have good news and bad news…the good news is our reportedunsafeactsandconditionsarewaydown.Thebadnewsisourinjuries,majorandminor,arenot.”Ifwearetobelieve the insurance companies when they say it takes 30 unsafe acts for a first aid, 300unsafe acts for a recordableinjury,upto30,000unsafeactsforafatality,howdoyou,“Mr.Madoff”,reconcileyour“A+”safetyauditswithallthepeoplegettinghurt?

5) The Kevin Costner: With you, safety is for real even when no one else can see or hear it the way you do. You don’t care aboutflyinginthefaceoftraditionalsafety—youknowthatwhetherits30,or300,or3000,or30,000—unsafeactsAREhappening and you want people to help you root every one of

What Kind of General Contractor

Are You, Anyway?

AMAVI


What Kind of GC Are You? | SAFETY NEWSthemoutsoyoucaninterrupttheflowandpreventinjuries.Yourefusetolieaboutsafetynowandtrytoexplaininjurieslater. Like Costner’s character, Ray Kinsella, in the movie Field of Dreams,youaregoingtoputtogetheraplayingfieldof people who believe authentic safety, administered withprofessionalintegrity,isnotonlypossiblebutprofitableandworthy…even when other people don’t agree or can’t “see it”.Youwillattractlike-mindedpeopleandthemajorowners.You know that if you build it, they will come.

Now that you know the main Safety Personality Types for general contractors,askyourselfthesetwoquestions:

a) What type of safety personality am I teaching workers on myjobsitetogetalongwith?

b) Is the answer to (a) good news?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:TaraMariaAmavi,(formerlyTaraTempletonHart,namechangedduetoidentitytheft)istheFounderandPresidentofTCA/TheComplianceAllianceL.P.TCAhasprovided services to almost 1000 companies nationwide and TCA’s proprietarytools, methods and means have been ranked #1 in the world for managing contractor safety. The TCA Safety System® is peer acknowledged as a method baseduponTCA’sowntradesecretswhichgetbetterresultsthantraditionalsafetymethods and, therefore, saves lives. Ms. Amavi has been named one of Houston’s 50MostInfluentialWomenfor2012byHoustonWomanmagazine,andhasalsobeen named one of the Who’s Who in Safety by Compliance Magazine (2007). Ms. Amaviisasoughtafterpublicspeaker,hasappearedonlocal&nationalradioandtelevisionprograms includingfiveappearancesonTheBusinessMakers, a radioshowhostedbyJohnBeddow&RussCapper.Ms.Amavimaybecontactedattara.amavi@tcamembers.comor713.263.7661.

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A fewyearsagoaprojectmanagerturnedtomeandsaid;“Don’tmistakeactivityforachievement.”Hesaidthisafterobserving employees in a work area. When his employees

knew he was looking, they appeared to be working and engaged. Butwhentheythoughtthebosswasnotpayingattention,theyworkedatacompletelydifferentpaceordidnoworkatall.So,myquestionisthis:whydoemployeesthinkthatappearanceofactivityisthesameasachievement?

Can You See Me Now?Whileperformingsafetyauditsonarecentproject,Iencounteredsome workers who appeared to be complying with the applicable safety rules. They were working near a grinding activity. Withsparks and metal bits flying through the air, I placed gogglesover my safety glasses to protect my eyes. The workers, on the otherhand,hadnoprotectionbeyondtheirsafetyglasses.Theythought only the person doing the grinding was required to wear doubleeyeprotection.Iwasnotcomfortablewiththesituation,and knew these workers were at-risk, so I called for their foreman. Hewasn’twearingtheappropriateeyeprotectioneither,anddidnot see things my way. He explained that their JSA did not call for goggles or a face shield therefore he wasn’t going to make his employees wear them. He pointed out that the workers were wearingtherequiredpersonalprotectiveequipmentandhewasgoing no further to protect them as that might be inconvenient. I explained that they were in a hazardous area and those near the grinding area could be harmed. My words were in vain. The

employees continued to work under thepretense of safety.

Gravity WorksArecentvisittoahighrisebuildingprojectbrought back horrible memories of a fall incidentwhereamanwasseverelyinjured.The incident occurred a few years ago, but it’s as vivid in my mind as though it wereyesterday.Workersremovedsomeflooringnearascaffoldladder. They thought their crew was the only work group on that level.Itappearedthattheflooringhadbeenproperlyandsafelyremoved,buttheyfailedtoputupsubstantialbarricadestowarnother workers before they moved on to another work area. Later, aworker descending the scaffold ladder stepped into theflooropening and fell a short distance. This could have been prevented with proper barricading instead of merely going through the motions—orappearances—ofbeingsafe.

It’s Been Said Howmany times havewe heard someone say, “You can countonme.” I’msure it’sbeensaida jilliontimes.But lipservice isnot commitment. Only doing proves commitment. In the safety business,activelyshowingcareprovesyoucanbecountedon.

A safety manager assured me that he’d stay the course and continue on-site until the project was done. However, he

GHORMLEY

SAFETY:Activity vs. Achievement


disappearedwithoutnoticeduringacriticaltime of the project and never returned.His absence became a situation that leftmany workers without safety or medical coverage. Later, I learned that the so-called safetyprofessionalsimplytookanotherjobleavinghisco-workersinat-risksituations.Could I replace him? Yes. Did I replace him? Yes. Did he harm his career by leaving the job in mid-project? Yes. He proved thatwhen the going got tough, he couldn’t be counted upon. Although he appeared to be apersonwithintegrity,hisactionsprovedotherwise.Heneednotre-applyfora jobwith me. His dependability as well as his characterwasseeninhisactions.

Real or pretend?The real safety professionals are those supervisors, craft leaders and safety prosthat achieve safety excellence. They aren’t the ones that look busy only when the boss is around. They are the ones who do their work diligently without prompting,coercing or begging. They do their jobsright because it is the right thing to do and becausetheyhavetakenanunwrittenoathto protect and preserve lives. Those who are pretenders do neither. I’ve seen pretenders at all levels of operations from craftsmento executives. It’s never fun dealing withthem. Overcoming and learning to deal with pretenders is a challenge, but the true safety professional must protect pretenders as well. Like the project manager said,“Don’tmistakeactivityforachievement.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: BennettGhormley has over 35 years of experiencein safety, training and construction administration.He isexperienced in implementingsafetyprogramsinvolving commercial, industrial and municipal industries. Mr. Ghormley has conducted audits, investigationsandinspectionsinrefineries,chemicaland petrochemical plants, for pipelines, water and wastefacilities,manufacturingplantsandfabricationfacilities. Mr. Ghormley has served as an expertwitness in litigation cases and appeared beforethe Workers’ Compensation Commission, EEOC,Employment Commission and civil courts. Contact [email protected].

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Activity vs. Achievement | SAFETY NEWS


We’re on the MoveThe ABC Board of Directors recently approved the purchase of a building at 4910 Dacoma (77092) to serve as the new ABC office and north-side CMEF training facility. There is a lot of work to do to make this space move in ready for 2015 – but with your help we can make it happen! This is a great opportunity to get involved with ABC while showcasing your knowledge and talents. Here’s how:

VolunteerThe ABC Board of Directors has assembled three task forces to specifically address needed renovation of the 4910 Dacoma building – the Planning and Design Task Force, the Facility Fund Raising Task Force, and the Construction Task Force. The Planning and Design Task Force will study and make decisions on the facility needs of the association and it’s members. Working with an architect, they will determine the space requirements, layout and level of building finishes. The Facility Fund Raising Task Force will create a fundraising campaign to solicit contributions and in-kind donations and determine how donors will be recognized. The Construction Task Force will select contractors, schedule, coordinate and monitor construction progress through completion and move-in.

In-Kind and Monetary DonationsMembers who have material assets and labor resources available to donate will play a valuable role in the success of the 4910 Dacoma build out. With your expertise and quick access to materials, the vision for this new office building will quickly become a reality. Blueprints and take offs will be made available by the Planning and Design Task Force.

For those materials and tasks that cannot be met by in-kind donations, ABC will solicit monetary donations to help offset the cost. Your pledge of monetary support and in-kind donations will be recognized as part of a permanent, on-site contributor display.

Contact us to get involved and learn more about this exciting new chapter for ABC Greater Houston!

LIKEFOLLOW

/ABCHouston@ABCHouston

WebsitePhone

www.abchouston.org(713) 523-6222

Associated Builders & Contractors - Greater Houston Chapter


Withtheblastingsoundofanairhorn,approximately360highschoolstudentsmovedfromstationtostationtoparticipateinhands-onconstructiondemonstrationsat

the2014ConstructionCareersExpoonThursday,May1st.

The event hosted students from 20 Houston-Metropolitan Area high schools who demonstrate interest in a career in the construction industry. Thirty-eight CTE teachers/administratorsalso attended to connect with professionals and learn aboutcurrenttrendsintheindustry.TheExpowasheldbyConstructionandMaintenanceEducationFoundation (CMEF)andAssociatedBuilders and Contractors of Greater Houston (ABC).

Students enthusiastically got to try their hand at pipefitting,welding, scaffolding, painting, insulating, drywall, carpentry,rigging, instrumentation, and electrical. They also had theopportunity to operate crane and excavator simulators. All of theseactivitiestookplacewithanemphasisonthe importanceof safety in the workplace. CMEF Schools Program Director Dr. StevenHortonsaidstudentsnotonlybenefitfromthehands-ondemonstrations,butalsocommunicatingwiththe35respectivecontractors, owners, colleges, and suppliers who helped sponsor the event.

“The students really enjoyed speaking one-on-one with theindustry professionals at the Career Information Boothswherethevolunteersspokeabout their respectivecompaniesandthenumerous Construction Industry career opportunities as wellas having the opportunity to see and participate in the hands-on activities that construction professionals performon a dailybasis,” Horton said.

Aaron,18,wantstostarthiscareerinpipefittingaftergraduatingfrom Ross Sterling High School. He said most of his peers in his CTE class were interested in a career that was discussed at the Expo.

“Ithinkthisisveryhelpful,”Aaronsaid.“It’shelpingmefindajobthat I am already interested in. I think we all found something that wecoulddolateroninlife,aftercollegeorhighschool.”

Aftercuttingtile,AlvinHighSchoolStudentJohn,17,saidthathelikedtheactivity,buthewouldhavetobrushuponhismathskills.

Construction Careers Expo | INDUSTRY NEWS

High School Students Get “Hands On” Experience At Construction Careers Expo

By Megan Brann

Construction Careers Expo student attendees used virtual simulators to experience heavy-equipment operation.

Construction Careers Expo students get real hands on experience as electricians as they learn how to correctly - and safely - wire an electrical outlet.



Alvin High School CTE Teacher Sergio Cantu said the Expo gave his students a look beyond the textbook.

“The textbook only takes them so far. I can only teach them so much in a classroom. Today, the students got to see and take part in what they read about,” Cantu said.

Each student had approximately 30 minutes at each station,ampletime toeitherpractice their skillsordiscuss their careeroptions.Oneof the“stations”wasa fullauditoriumofvendorsandprofessionalsreadytoanswerallofthestudents’questions.From colleges to companies, the students walked from booth toboothparticipating in thevendors’activitiesand informativesessions.

Nostonewasleftunturnedwiththehelpofnearly200volunteerswhodonatedtheirresources,servicesandtimetomaketheExpohappen. Horton said he wanted these students to walk away knowingthatconstructionisaviablecareeroptionforthem.Withthat,hethankedthevolunteers,staffandstudentsfortakingpartin this important event.

“Iwant to thank the CMEFBoardMembers for supporting theevent,allofthecompaniesthatparticipateintheCMEFTrainingContributorAgreementwhosecontributionshelpedsupporttheevent,thecompaniesthatallowedtheirrespectiveemployeestoparticipate, and each of the nearly 200 volunteerswho sharedtheir time and expertise to make a positive difference in thelives of the close to 360 students and 38 school chaperones who attendedthe2014ConstructionCareersExpo.”-MB

No stone was left unturned with the help of nearly 200 volunteers who donated their resources, services

and time to make the Expo happen.

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Construction Careers Expo students are treated to live demonstrations of how scaffolding works and how scaffold builders erect the structures.


PEOPLE ON THE MOVECoats Rose is pleased to announce that J.P. B. VogelhasjoinedasOfCounselintheirDallasOffice.JPisatrustedcounselorandlitigatortoclientsthroughoutTexasandtheU.S.particularlyrepresentingbusinessesand individuals involved intheconstruction industryincluding owners, general contractors, specialty sub-contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers.

Mobil Steel International, Inc. announced that Mike Wamsley joinedthelocalsteelfabricatorasproductionmanager.Wamsleybrings 35 years experience in the structural steel industry to MobilSteel,mostasproductionorplantmanagerinAISCqualitycertifiedfabricationshops.HehasexperiencebuildingindustrialplantswhichwillhelpashemanagesanabundanceofprojectsMobilSteelisfabricatingasaresultofarefiningandpetrochemicalrenaissance.

Bendel Tank and Heat Exchanger is pleased to announce the recent addition of Greg Stobaugh to their Quality Assurance/Quality Control team. Mr. Stobaugh brings over 20 years of experienceasanAWSQC-1CertifiedWeldingInspector.Heisalsocertified inmultiple NDE procedures and is proficient in ASMESectionVIII,Division1.

Bilfinger Tepsco has named Freddy D. Grimland as the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). Mr. Grimland has 40 years ofindustrialexperiencethroughoutNorthAmerica.PriortojoiningBilfingerTepscoheservedasexecutivedirectorofU.S.operationsforamajorengineeringandconstructionfirm.Inhisnewrole,hewillbe responsible for theday-to-dayoperationsofallBilfingerTepscoconstructionactivities.

ODIN Industrial, Inc. announced today COO Mike Mitchum was elected to serve on the Investment Recovery Association’sBoardofDirectors. The InvestmentRecoveryAssociation istheprofessionalorganizationformanagersofsurplusandidleassetsand industry suppliers. Theyareknown for setting thehigheststandards for the investment recovery profession worldwide.

KBR Building GroupispleasedtoannouncetheadditionofRandy Shepherd asDirectorofPreconstructionforTexas.Withmorethan33yearsofconstructionindustryexperience,Randyhasfocusedhis careeronachieving themostproject for clientbudgets.His

expertisehasbenefitedthefullrangeofclientsincludinghighereducation,healthcare,oilandgasandaviationindustries.Heiscurrently working with Houston Independent School District on severalnewhighschoolprojectsandwithTexasStateUniversitySystem on a new academic building at Lamar University.

KBR Services Business Group recentlyannouncedthepromotionof Mark ParsonstoVicePresident,U.S.Construction.MarkwillbesupportingEPCprojectsintheU.S.withdirect-hireconstructionexecution while growing KBR’s construction-only business. Athird-generationemployee,MarkstartedwithBrown&Root in1989 as an entry-level helper. Since then, he has held increasingly progressive responsibilities, including Director of Constructionoverseeing the successful execution ofmore than $1 billion inconstructionprojects.

Merit Professional Coatings – Houston is proud to announce that Andrew Parrish has come aboard asOperationsManager.AndrewisanativeHoustonianandgraduatedwithaBAinBusinessMarketing Management from Hillsdale College in southernMichigan.HewasformerlywithSummitElectricSupplyandjoinsMerit bringing prior experience in construction,management,and customer service.

SPECIAL AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONTDIndustries wasselectedfromentriesacrossthenationfortheABCNationalDiversityExcellenceAwardforsubcontractorsover$14million.Companieswerejudgedbasedonthediversityofthecompany;theirfocusondiversityinhiringpractices,trainingandretention;andtheircontractor/vendorrelationships.Awardswerepresented in four categories: Associate, Supplier, Subcontractor, and General Contractor.

W.T. Byler Co. ispleasedtoannounceMr.JamesHeath—havingservedwiththecompanyforover40years—washonoredwitha building dedication in his name for recognition and sincereappreciation for fourdecadesof loyal anddedicated service tothe company.

The Houston office of Camarata Masonry Systems, Ltd. was awardedthefirstannualCoveringsInstallationandDesign(CID)GrandPrizeAwardforCommercialConstructionattheCoverings

VOGEL STOBAUGH GRIMLAND SHEPHERD PARRISH

IN THE KNOW |People, Companies, Projects and Awards


It’s Where We Hang Our Hat.

Construction law. Build on our experience.

At Ford Nassen & Baldwin, P.C., we dedicate our practice to the legal needs of the construction industry. As one of the largest construction law firms in Texas, we represent owners, general contractors, EPC contractors, specialty contractors, major suppliers, and sureties in both the public and private sectors.

We are proud to represent the builders of the world in virtually every sector of the construction industry including commercial, infrastructure and energy.

Dallas • Austin • Houston

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Convention in Las Vegas for its tileand stone work on the restoration ofthe Harris County 1910 Courthouse in Houston, Texas. The award combines the Tile Letter andNational Tile CouncilofAmericainstallationawards.Camaratapreviously garnered an ABC Eagle award foritsworkonthisproject.

PROJECT NEWSTheFloridaofficeofCamarata Masonry Systems, Ltd. recently secured contracts for the masonry scope on the Citrus Bowl renovationinOrlando,Floridaaswellastwo of the three towers on the $1 billion mixeduseBrickellCityCentreproject inMiami, Florida.

Cherry Companies has begun the demolition of Houston MethodistHospital’s Favrot Hall, located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center. Specialized demolitionequipmentandtrainedcrewswill continue to work throughout thenext few months to remove the thirteen-story building. The structure once housed apartment units for extended-stay patient’sfamiliesandresidencystudents.

E.E. Reed Construction recently started construction on 3831 Technology ForestBlvd. for The Woodlands Development Company. The project consists of a100,000 square foot, four-story, shell office building in The Woodlands.Collaborating with PGAL Architects, thisproject is scheduled to be completed inlate 2014.

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FOUR HOUSTON CENTER • 1221 LAMAR STREET • 16th Floor • HOUSTON, TX 77010 • Tel: 713-535-5500

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TheTexasA&MUniversitySystemselectedSatterfield & Pontikes Construction (S&P) to lead the expansion of the Student RecreationCenterontheCollegeStationcampus.Theexpansionandrenovationworkwillbecompleteinfall2015.The$46millionprojectwilladdmorethan113,000squarefeetofnewspaceandamenities and will renovate 55,000 square feet of the currentnatatorium,activityspacesandofficeareas.

American Commercial Contractors is pleased to announce the startofconstructionforadesign-build,three-level,57,000squarefootmedicalofficebuildingandathree-level,79,000squarefootparking garage. The$12Millionproject is located in theTelfairEastBusinessParkneartheintersectionofUS59andUniversityBoulevard in Sugar Land. The building will be completed in August 2014 and is 80 percent pre-leased. The twin of this building, Phase 2, is expected to break ground in August 2014.

Saxon Construction, a division of Primoris Energy Services, is responsiblefortheturnkeyinstallationofatwenty-fourhundredtonsperdayair separationunit inLaPorte,Texas. Theprojectscope includes civil, structural, mechanical and E&I, and hasrecently passed the two-hundred thousand safe man-hour milestone.Thebuildrequiresmultipleheavylifts,includingthreecoldboxes,aswellasallconcretefoundations.

COMPANY NEWSOn March 24th, Holes Incorporated Vice President Kellie VazqueztestifiedinfrontofOSHAand industrypeersonbehalfof the Construction Industry Safety Coalition on the ProposedRulemakingonOccupationalExposuretoCrystallineSilica.Holesnot only provided OSHA comments on the Proposed Rulemaking butcontributedtestimonyandsentPostHearingComments.

Conestoga‐Rovers & Associates (CRA) and GHD announced that they have entered into an agreement to merge the two companies. A key feature of the merger is that all ongoing employee shareholders in CRA will become shareholders of GHD.Once complete, this merger will be one of the largest true mergers to have occurred in the engineering and environmental industry.

KBR Building Group’s Houston officerecently participated in “Dinner withthe Experts,” a youth mentoring event organized by the Spring Independent School District and co-sponsored by Learning for Life – a division of the Sam Houston Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The event aims to inspire and motivatestudentstosucceedanddevelopapositiveself-image.

Comfort Systems USA South Central hosted their annual Client AppreciationCrawfishBoilonApril17,2014.Eachyearthe company hosts this event to show appreciationtotheirclients.Thecrawfishwere hot, the beer was cold and the eveningwasfestive.

CHERRY COMPANIES E.E. REED CONSTRUCTION SATTERFIELD & PONTIKES AMERICAN COMMERCIAL CONTRACTORS

IN THE KNOW |People, Companies, Projects and Awards


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