2. Letter From the Chair
Dear Reader,
I am happy to say that 2011 has been a very successful year for the ABC Greater Houston Chapter!
This success is due to the outstanding participation of our members and the dedication of the ABC
staff. In the beginning of the year, we were expecting some challenges that would make it difficult to
reach the 2011 goals set before the association. Despite a dire economic outlook for the construction
industry, the hard work and efforts of our members helped the association not only achieve but
exceed our goals.
During the planning session for 2011, we wanted to make some changes to events and committees.
One of the committee changes was the creation of the Young Professionals Committee, which attracts
new leaders into active roles within the association to ensure continued growth and energy. We
also implemented some changes in our speaker line up this year and attendance for these events
was outstanding. The ABC National Economist, Anirban Basu, gave a presentation on the economic
adams outlook for the construction industry in which he stated that Houston remains one of the brightest
areas of the country for the construction industry. This year, the Excellence In Construction Awards
drew over 400 attendees who recognized 46 projects that demonstrated the abilities of ABC members in building the best and highest
quality projects in the Houston area.
The Greater Houston Chapter, ABC of Texas and ABC National have been working to influence the political arena to benefit our members
in conducting business in a fair market. This year was a year that demonstrated these efforts with the success ABC had on the State
level—passing 9 bills that ABC supported which made changes favorable to our members. Also, in this previous Texas Legislature, ABC
of Texas passed two bills that originated from the Greater Houston Chapter. ABC National, along with the Free Enterprise Alliance
(FEA) and Political Action Committee (PAC), influenced the elections of Congressional members, nationwide, who have views that are
aligned with free enterprise. I urge ABC members to stay active in the 2012 political year because our organization can and has made
a difference on Election Day.
For me, this year has been very fulfilling and I have enjoyed my time as Chairman of ABC. It has been an honor to serve as the 2011
Chairman of ABC Greater Houston. I truly enjoyed getting to know all the individuals and companies that are active within ABC during
my term. I want to welcome Dwayne Boudreaux as the 2012 Chairman and will give him all the support that he requests.
Neil Adams
2011 ABC Greater Houston Chairman
Senior Project Executive
Gilbane Building Company
Mark Your Calendar For The Following Events and Training Opportunities!
December 7 - ABC Membership Orientation January 11 - Inaugural Dinner
December 8 - 4 Hour Electrical Renewal January 12 - 2012 Construction Leadership Form Begins
December 10 - Rigger Performance Verification (hands on) February 6 - CMEF Board Meeting/Planning Conference
December 13 - PAC Holiday Party March 12 - Spring Golf Tournament
January 10 - Lee College Registration
Visit www.abchouston.org or scan the Quick Reference Code with
2 • Build Houston Magazine • Decemberyour Smart Phone for more information.
2011 / January 2012 www.buildhoustononline.com
3. aBC Leadership
Chairman
Neil adams
Gilbane Building Company
Chairman Elect
december 2011/January 2012
turner industries Group, LLC
Vice Chairman
Lohn Zylicz
d.e. harvey Builders
FEATURES: Secretary
tim ricketts
Cajun Constructors, Inc.
Pave Today, Drive Today: Satterfield and Pontikes provides an Treasurer
alternative to traditional paving through Rollcon, LLC tasos Banos
TDIndustries
Learn how Satterfield and Pontikes’ subsidiary Rollcon LLC is cutting days
Past Chairman
and even weeks off of projects with their roller-compacted concrete Wayne Navarro
process. (P15) S&B Engineers & Constructors
2011 Board oF direCtors
Mike Abshire
Fugro Consultants, Inc.
DEPARTMENTS:
Brian Anderson
G.R. Birdwell Construction
Barry Babyak
Austin Industrial, Inc.
Roger Berry
LEgaL NEws SpawGlass Construction Corp.
Kevin Bordelon
4 IRS Offers Amnesty to Employers Who Misclassify Employees as Independent Contractors Zachry Industrial, Inc.
Jeff Burnett
Marsh & McLennan Agency
6 New Enforcement Procedures For Investigating Workplace Violence Art Canales
Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing
Matt Daniel
INDusTRY NEws Skanska USA Building Inc.
Darlene East
Holes Inc.
10 2012 and Beyond: Houston’s Economy Remains Among the Nation’s Best Performers John Golashesky
Turner Industries Group, LLC
FINaNCIaL NEws Tom Kramer
Manhattan Construction Company
Tad Lewis
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
16 Soothing the Health Care Cost Headache
Bruce Marek
Marek Brothers Systems, Inc.
18 Fleet Management: Warranty & Responsibility John Marshall
Satterfield & Pontikes Constr. Inc.
Joe Mendyk
saFETY NEws Turner Construction
James Morris
Jacobs
20 Party Time! Safety Concerns to Think About During the Holiday Season Bob Nussmeier
Baker Concrete Construction, Ind.
Jim Owrey
22 Do You Have a Vitamin C Safety Deficiency? E. E. Reed Construction, L. P.
Rodney Page
Ref-Chem L.P.
assOCIaTION NEws Pat Pollard
Tellepsen Industrial
24 ABC Members Recruit 27 New Members Using Social Media Campaign Wendell Rychlik
W.T. Byler Company
Billy Spies
IN ThE KNOw KBR
Christina Stone
Gaughan, Stone & Thiagarajan
26 People On The Move; Special Recognition; Project News & Company News Jody Vowell
Accurate Comfort Systems USA
Mark Williams
INDEx OF ADVERTISERS Foster Wheeler USA Corp.
Ronnie Wills
Aggregate Technologies Inc. ................................ 12 Memorial Hermann Southeast ............................ 25 Aggregate Technologies, Inc.
BIC Alliance .......................................................... 9 Mobil Steel International, Inc. ............................. 8
Cokinos, Bosien & Young ..................................... 16 Porter Hedges LLP ............................................... 13 Build Houston Magazine
3910 Kirby Drive, Suite 131
Craig & Heidt, Inc................................................. 17 Professional Shoring & Supply............................. 11 Houston, Texas 77098
Digitex Corporation ............................................. Insert Rig-Up Services, Inc. ............................................ 7 (713)523-6222
www.buildhoustononline.com
E3 Electric, Ltd. .................................................... 5 Safety By Design .................................................. 13 Publisher/Owner: Associated Builders
ExperTox .............................................................. 17 Satterfield & Pontikes Construction .................... 15 & Contractors of Greater Houston
Executive Editor: Jennifer Woodruff
Holes Incorporated .............................................. 14 Scott-Macon, Ltd. ................................................ 6 Assistant Editor: Diem Le
ISC Constructors, LLC ........................................... 28 TCA/The Compliance Alliance L.P. ....................... 19 Account Manager: Janice Peters
Graphic Design: Woodruff / Le
Marek Brothers Systems, Inc. .............................. 12 Texas Mutual Insurance Co. ................................. 7
Interested in Residential Construction
News? Call the Greater Houston Builders
www.buildhoustononline.com Build Houston Magazine • December 2011 / January 2012 • 3
Association and ask about Houston Builder
Magazine at (281) 970-8970.
4. LeGaL NeWs
IRS Offers Amnesty
to Employers Who
Misclassify Employees as
Independent Contractors
T
he Internal Revenue Service (IRS) launched a new Voluntary
Compliance Settlement Program (VCSP) to enable
employers to resolve worker misclassification issues by
paying a small amount of tax in exchange for reclassification of
independent contractors as employees on a forward-going basis.
See IRS Announcement 2011-64. To be eligible for the VCSP, an
employer must:
• Consistently have treated the workers in the past as
nonemployees;
• Have filed all required Forms 1099 for the workers for the
previous three years; and
• Not currently be under audit by the IRS, the Department of
Labor, or a state agency concerning the classification of the
workers at issue.
Eligible employers may apply by filing Form 8952, Application
for Voluntary Classification Settlement Program, at least 60 days “Eligible employers may apply by
before they want to begin treating the workers as employees. The
IRS will first determine whether the employer is eligible, and, if
filing Form 8952, Application for
so, contact the employer to complete the process. The IRS retains Voluntary Classification Settlement
discretion to reject any employer from the VCSP, even if the Program, at least 60 days before
employer otherwise meets the basic eligibility criteria.
they want to begin treating the
The Benefit
workers as employees.”
Employers who participate in the VCSP must agree to prospectively
• Will not be subject to an employment tax audit with
treat the class or classes of workers as employees for future tax
respect to the previous classification of the workers being
periods. In exchange, the employer:
reclassified under the VCSP.
• Will pay only 10% of the employment tax liability that
would otherwise have been due on compensation paid
Participating employers will, for the first three years under the
to the workers for the most recent tax year, determined
program, also be subject to a special six-year statute of limitations,
under the reduced rates of section 3509(a) of the Internal
rather than the three-year limitation period that generally applies
Revenue Code (IRC);
to payroll taxes. In addition, while no payment is due with the
• Will not be liable for any interest and penalties on the
application, full and complete payment will be due at the time the
amount; and
VCSP closing agreement is returned to the IRS.
4 • Build Houston Magazine • December 2011 / January 2012 www.buildhoustononline.com
5. LeGaL NeWs
Potential Drawbacks
Employers currently undergoing any audit regarding questionable workforce development agency into a claim for unemployment
classes of workers should think carefully about participating in the benefits would constitute an audit for purposes of the VCSP. The
VCSP. By applying for the VCSP, employers forego their rights to IRS will likely provide further clarification of how the VCSP will
assert “safe harbor” relief under Section 530 of the Revenue Act work, such as whether unemployment benefits audits constitute
of 1978 in the future, and thus potentially maintain independent an audit or whether the three year statute extension applies to
contractor status for the workers. Also, if the IRS does not accept all employment taxes or only the particular classification at issue.
the employer’s application to participate in the VCSP, a roadmap
has been provided to the IRS for a future audit. Of further Firmwide:104497828.1 800000.1000
concern, however, is that the three-year extension of the statute
of limitations appears to apply to employment taxes generally,
and not merely the classification of workers subject to the VCSP, aBOuT ThE auThOR:
which may be a deterrent to employers agreeing to apply for the G. Mark Jodon, a shareholder in Littler
Mendelson’s Houston office, is board-
VCSP. certified in labor and employment law by
the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Mark can be reached at (713) 652-4739 and
In addition, if an employer is not currently under audit but has mjodon@littler.com.
previously undergone an audit, the company may still be eligible
for the VCSP if it has followed the results of the audit. It is unclear, JodoN
however, whether a cursory investigation such as one by a state
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www.buildhoustononline.com Build Houston Magazine • December 2011 / January 2012 • 5
6. LeGaL NeWs
New Enforcement Procedures For
Investigating Workplace Violence
O
n September 8, 2011, the federal Occupational Safety at employees by customers,
and Health Administration (OSHA) issued its inaugural clients, patients, etc.); (3) co-
written enforcement directive for incidents of workplace worker (violence against
violence. The directive will be used by OSHA in evaluating whether co-workers by a current
to conduct an investigation into allegations of workplace violence. or former employee);
Moreover, the directive lists inspection procedures to be followed and (4) personal
by compliance officers while conducting inspections as well as (violence in workplace by
potential methods of abatement available to employers. a non-employee who has
a relationship with an
“Violence” Defined employee).
The directive defines “workplace violence” as “violent acts
(including physical assaults and threats of assaults) directed high-Risk Industries
towards persons at work or on duty.” The directive lists four The directive details
categories of workplace violence based upon the relationship numerous risk factors that
between the perpetrator and the target of the workplace indicate the potential for
violence. These include: (1) criminal intent (violent acts by people workplace violence, including:
who enter the workplace to commit a robbery or crime or current (1) working alone or in small numbers; (2) working late at night
or former employees who enter the workplace with the intent to or during early morning hours; (3) working in high crime areas;
commit a crime); (2) customer/client/patient (violence directed (4) guarding valuable property or possessions; and (5) mobile
workplaces.
The directive advises that inspections “generally shall not be
Founded 1973
considered” based solely upon threats by co-workers, but further
states that such incidents may be referred by OSHA to the
“BUILT ON A TRADITION OF SERVICE EXCELLENCE”
appropriate criminal enforcement agency, the Equal Employment
SALES ● RENTALS ● SERVICE ● PARTS Opportunity Commission, or the National Labor Relations Board.
Inspections may be initiated following a complaint, referral, fatality
or catastrophic event (hospitalization of three or more employees)
involving an incident of workplace violence. Inspections are more
likely in high-risk industries or workplace settings that include the
DEMAG
cited “risk factors.” Employers also may face citations for potential
AMERICAN
ROUGH TERRAIN CRANES workplace violence issues during programmed inspections.
Controls
The directive lists potential engineering or administrative
controls available to employers to minimize or eliminate the risk
of workplace violence. A few of the more obvious engineering
controls include alarm systems, panic buttons and hand-held
alarms. Employers with such devices also need to arrange for a
reliable response system. Other engineering controls include
metal detectors, closed-circuit recordings on a 24-hour basis,
www.smequipment.com curved mirrors at hallway intersections or concealed areas, and
locking of doors (in accordance with fire codes).
The directive states that administrative controls include changing
management practices and procedures to reduce hazards,
establishing liaisons with local police and state prosecutors,
6 • Build Houston Magazine • December 2011 / January 2012 www.buildhoustononline.com
8. LeGaL NeWs
in the event of a violent incident; and
From High-rises to Historic Bridges (8) development of a response team to
provide immediate care for victims, re-
M
establishment of safe work areas, and
debriefing sessions with victims and co-
workers.
It is also important to immediately retain
counsel following any act of workplace
MOBILSTEEL violence. To prove a violation of the
General Duty Clause, OSHA is required
to show that workplace violence was
a recognized hazard in the industry
and that there are feasible means of
abatement. The extent and manner in
which a workplace violence inspection
is managed by the employer will directly
impact its ability to defend against OSHA
citations and other potential civil or
criminal proceedings.
Reliable • Flexible • Quality
Steel Fabrication
When a Texas grocery chain needed steel fabricated
for floor-to-ceiling platform racks in their new state-
of-the-art refrigerated warehouse, Mobil Steel was up
to the tall task. When Galveston‘s railroad needed to
remain open to critical rail traffic, Mobil Steel rapidly southerLaNd
supplied the fabricated steel foundation structure,
aBOuT ThE auThOR:
stairs and supports. Mobil Steel is proud to be part J. Alfred Southerland’s practice at Ogletree
of an innovative industry to grow the Texas economy, Deakins focuses on labor and employment-
related litigation before state and federal
rebuild historic Galveston Island, and reconstruct courts and agencies, including claims involving
America’s infrastructure and economy through equal employment opportunity laws, unfair
labor practices, wage and hour issues,
quality steel fabrication capability. unemployment compensation, wrongful
discharge, state law tort and contract claims,
www.mobilsteel.com
occupational safety and health matters,
and immigration. He also counsels clients
regarding developments in the areas of
counseling and discharge issues, workers’
U.S. Small Business Administration compensation, family and medical leave,
wrongful discharge, restrictive employment
covenants, and compliance with the
Yo u r S m a l l B u s i n e s s R e s o u r c e immigration laws. To reach Alf Southerland,
call 713-655-0855.
13830 South Wayside • Houston, Texas 77048 • (713) 991-0450
8 • Build Houston Magazine • December 2011 / January 2012 www.buildhoustononline.com
9. BIC Alliance: One-stop shop to run a “dual-path” when representing
sellers, maximizing value for its clients.
helps your company grow BIC Recruiting
Since BIC Recruiting’s first placement
A family-owned and operated company
since 1984, BIC Alliance’s mission is
to “connect people in business and industry
keting plan, hiring the right people and ac-
quiring businesses (or obtaining capital for
expansion). BIC Alliance Founder and CEO
in 1999, its focus has been on sales and
marketing management, general manage-
ment with P&L expertise and mid- and
with one another for the betterment of all.” Earl Heard and his partner and son-in-law, senior-level sales executives. By working
In a business setting, better usually means Thomas Brinsko, have developed a unique with its investment banking affiliate, BIC
growth. When a company looks to grow, it business model to help businesses accom- Recruiting has expertise in the placement
can do so in three ways: an aggressive mar- plish all of these growth opportunities. of C-level executives for employers in ex-
isting as well as new positions where merg-
BIC Magazine ers and acquisitions have occurred. BIC
BIC Alliance publishes the “BIC Mag- Recruiting has grown tenfold since 2009.
azine” (Business & Industry Connection)
10 times a year. BIC reaches 120,000 mid- BIC Media Solutions
and upper-level managers and executives BIC Media Solutions is a communi-
in the refining/petrochemical, drilling and cation, training and event planning divi-
exploration, pipeline, marine, terminal, sion within BIC Alliance. It offers custom
pulp and paper, power generation and publishing of books about individuals and
heavy construction industries. organizations and sales and marketing
training manuals. It also provides turnkey
IVS Investment Banking event planning services and training via
IVS Investment Banking is the merger seminars and keynote presentations.
BIC Alliance Founder and CEO Earl Heard, left, and acquisition matchmaking, investment For more information on BIC
and his partner and son-in-law, Thomas Brinsko, banking and recapitalization affiliate of Alliance, contact Earl Heard in Baton
have developed a unique business model to help
businesses accomplish growth opportunities. BIC BIC Alliance. Through relationships and Rouge, La., at (800) 460-4242 or
Alliance, along with its sister companies — IVS In- interest from strategic buyers such as BIC Thomas Brinsko or Jeremy Osterberger
vestment Banking and BIC Recruiting — has recently Alliance members and the limited uni-
begun to expand its presence in the upstream, mid-
in Houston at (281) 538-9996 or visit
stream, heavy construction and maritime industries. verse of private equity groups, IVS is able www.bicalliance.com.
Great things happen when
business and industry connect
Your Connection for Business Connecting Buyers and Sellers Your Talent Acquisition Connecting Buyers and
and Industry News of Energy Related Companies Connection Suppliers through Marketing,
Communication and Training
With over 120,000 readers, IVS Investment Banking offers BIC Recruiting finds the most
BIC (Business & Industry complete investment banking qualified candidates for our BIC Media Solutions offers custom
Connection) Magazine is the services to help buy, sell or clients’ open positions including book publishing; training manual
Western Hemisphere’s largest grow companies in the upstream, executive management, sales development; management,
multi-industry, multi-departmental midstream and downstream and marketing, plus other key sales and marketing training;
energy publication. BIC Magazine energy sectors, as well as the positions in the upstream, creative services; event planning;
targets key decision makers in power generation and pulp midstream and downstream and keynote presentations on
the upstream, midstream and & paper industries. IVS has energy sectors. BIC Recruiting leadership, entrepreneurship,
downstream energy sectors, as completed over $180 million has grown tenfold since 2009. thinking outside-the-box,
well as the power generation in transactions since 2008. the “people secret”, the art
and pulp & paper industries. of listening, and more.
For more information, contact Earl Heard in Baton Rouge at 800.460.4242
or Thomas Brinsko or Jeremy Osterberger in Houston at 281.538.9996.
www.bicalliance.com
www.buildhoustononline.com Build Houston Magazine • December 2011 / January 2012 • 9
10. iNdustry NeWs
Houston’s Economy
Remains Among the
Nation’s Best Performers
Houston’s Performance Part of a
Broader Lone Star Story
T
exas’ ability to add jobs more rapidly than the balance of rates below 8 percent. In contrast, communities such as El Paso,
the country has attracted national attention for at least Beaumont, Brownsville, and McAllen wrestle with unemployment
two reasons. The first is political, since one of the major rates still in double-digits.
presidential contenders hails (again) from the Lone Star State.
The second is economic, with many people from other parts As one of the first major metropolitan areas to emerge from
of the nation attempting to determine why Texas has been the recession, Houston continues to be one of the nation’s
disproportionately successful and whether this success can be and Texas’ strongest economies. According to the U.S. Labor
replicated. Department Bureau of Labor Statistics, from September 2010
to September 2011, nonfarm employment rose 2.7 percent
To a certain extent, much of Texas’ good fortune cannot be in the region compared to the national increase of 1.1 percent
mimicked. Various analysts are now terming the next major and the statewide increase of 2.4 percent. Among the 12 largest
growth industry in America as Energy Technology or ET, a play metropolitan areas in the country, Houston ranked second both
on the concept of Internet Technology (IT). Texas for reasons of in terms of year-over-year percentage job growth and net jobs
history, corporate presence and geology is able to play a larger added, trailing only Dallas along both dimensions. Houstonians
role in the ET industry than perhaps any place in the nation, can take heart, however, in the fact that their football team is
with Houston serving as a major center of innovation within this much better. Unemployment in Houston stood at 8.6 percent in
industry category.
On a year-over-year basis through September, Texas added
248,500 jobs, or 2.4 percent to job totals, ranking the state 5th
in the nation in terms of percentage job growth and second in
absolute terms (California; 250,700). Sectors experiencing the
largest year-over-year increases were professional and business
services (+68,200); mining and logging (+38,800); construction
(+35,400); and leisure and hospitality (+21,500). The biggest
losses occurred in government (-33,700) and information (-5,700).
The state’s construction industry now supports nearly 6.3 percent
more jobs than it did a year ago, strong indication that the broader
economic recovery is increasingly translating into construction
opportunities.
Unemployment in Texas stood at 8.5 percent in September, or
0.5 percentage points below the national rate of 9 percent. The
unemployment rate in Texas would be even lower but for the
fact that many jobseekers are relocating to Texas to take part
in what is perceived by many to be the deepest labor market
in the country. The communities of Midland, Amarillo, Odessa,
Lubbock, San Angelo, College Station, Victoria, Abilene, Longview,
Austin, Wichita Falls and San Antonio each boast unemployment
(Continued on Page 12)
10 • Build Houston Magazine • December 2011 / January 2012 www.buildhoustononline.com
11. PROFESSIONAL
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www.buildhoustononline.com Build Houston Magazine • December 2011 / January 2012 • 11
12. iNdustry NeWs
September 2011, or half a percentage point below the national
average.
The steadily growing regional economy is increasingly apparent
in local real estate data. During the third quarter of 2011, net
office space absorption in the Houston area totaled 1,598,223
square feet and the regional office vacancy rate has fallen for a
third consecutive quarter to 15.4 percent. Demand in the West
Houston submarkets is unrelenting. According to CB Richard Ellis,
several large leases were signed in the Energy Corridor and Katy
Freeway submarkets during the third quarter, including BP, Nexen
and General Electric.
Looking ahead
For now, the pace of recovery for the nation’s construction industry
remains soft. According to McGraw-Hill Construction’s Dodge
Report, new construction starts are forecast to be approximately
$412 billion in 2012, essentially the same as in 2011. Growing
private construction continues to barely offset shrinking public
construction. In fact, in September, nonresidential construction in
the United States slipped 0.1 percent on a monthly basis.
However, certain segments are better poised for stronger growth.
Leading the way in recent months has been construction related
to the nation’s power industry, which expanded more than 21
percent over a recent twelve-month period. The energy of
America appears to be in energy, and the growth of this economic
segment has been particularly impactful in a number of states,
Commercial Interior Specialists including Texas.
Helping General Contractors meet Healthcare represents another likely candidate for economic
today’s challenges with a trained and expansion. This is true for a number of reasons, including thawing
credit markets, the nation’s demographics and healthcare reform,
qualified workforce. which will continue to increase the number of Americans with
Setting the standard for insurance and therefore enhance utilization.
workforce development
in the commercial
construction industry:
On the Job
Standardized
Training
aBOuT ThE auThOR:
NCCER Journeymen Anirban Basu was named Associated Builders
Certification and Contractors (ABC) chief economist in
February 2008. His primary responsibility is
Program to provide ABC with timely, comprehensive
Career Pathways analyses of important trends in the U.S.
commercial and industrial construction
English on the industry. Basu produces ABC’s electronic
Jobsite Initiative economic news report, Construction
Economic Update, which includes an analysis
2115 Judiway Drive of the following federal government economic
Houston, Texas 77018 indicators upon their release: construction
713-681-2626 spending, employment, producer price index
www.marekbros.com Basu and gross domestic product.
12 • Build Houston Magazine • December 2011 / January 2012 www.buildhoustononline.com
13. Our construction team relationshipsbuilds
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www.buildhoustononline.com Build Houston Magazine • December 2011 / January 2012 • 13
14. 14 • Build Houston Magazine • December 2011 / January 2012 www.buildhoustononline.com
15. Cover story
CEMENt, WAtER, ROCk ANd ROllCON
Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Introduces the
Perfect Alternative to Traditional Paving
P aved today…you can drive on it today. Concrete paving
without the concrete price. With roller-compacted concrete,
you enjoy these impressive benefits and many more.
A subsidiary of Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, Inc. (S&P),
Rollcon LLC offers complete planning, design and construction
solutions for roller-compacted concrete (RCC) paving projects,
and Rollcon’s ability to self-perform provides greater project
control and more competitive pricing.
“RCC is not a complicated process,” Rollcon’s managing partner
Chris Gwyn explains. “We mix aggregate, cement and water in an
on-site continuous portable pugmill. The mixture is transported
by dump truck to a high-density paving machine. The mix is
placed with a screed from the back of the machine, then is further
compacted with a roller to obtain the proper density.” Continuous portable pugmill used to mix
aggregate, cement and water.
“Any time that we can cut even days or
of the recent RCC Symposium.
weeks off a project, it makes a huge positive Among the many attendees
RCC advantages Over
impact on the community.” Traditional Concrete and was Ken Norsworthy, Asst.
Chief Construction Manager
asphalt Paving
– Clinton Bailey, City Engineer • Faster construction
for the Port of Houston
Authority. “Our first project
City of San Angelo • Economical and cost- of RCC started in 2006,” he
effective states. “Currently, Rollcon
• Less maintenance and S&P are going to place
Roller-compacted concrete is a fast, economical construction the next phase of the project,
system that is typically less expensive than conventional concrete • High strength and
durability, longer- which is Gate 3.”
and more durable than asphalt. RCC requires no forms, finishing,
texturing, reinforcing, joint sawing and sealing. RCC is perfectly lasting Clinton Bailey, City Engineer
suited for paving large expanses, such as truck yards, military • Minimal manpower for the City of San Angelo,
and maintenance facilities, parking lots, container terminals and required also attended Rollcon’s
aircraft parking areas. It is also becoming more widely used on demonstration. “We’re looking
city and residential streets. for long-term paving options,
something other than asphalt. Lower maintenance, better
Rollcon was asked to conduct an RCC demonstration at the Port of longevity, ease of construction, competitive pricing. Any time
Houston Bayport Container Terminal for more than 100 attendees that we can cut even days or weeks off a project, it makes a huge
positive impact on the community.”
David Pittman of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers adds: “The
Corps of Engineers needs it. The public agencies need it.”
Rollcon, LLC is on a roll. Its client list continues to steadily grow
along with its geographical reach. Though local to Houston,
Rollcon’s crews and equipment stand ready to travel to locations
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www.buildhoustononline.com Build Houston Magazine • December 2011 / January 2012 • 15
16. FiNaNCiaL NeWs
Soothing the Health
Care Cost Headache
W
hatever your view on the recent passage of the Health
Care Reform Bill (PPACA), there can be no argument
that health care in America is expensive.
With the cost of health insurance on the rise, businesses big and
small are struggling to provide a decent plan for their employees;
and a good benefits program is vital for companies who are trying
to recruit skilled talent and retain key employees.
The issue of health care has become a real headache. What is a
budget strapped employer to do to maintain this benefit? hospital information, doing your research before making decisions
can increase your chances of lowering your health care costs.
Solutions to reduce the cost of health care should be considered,
and there are several ways you can cut your health insurance costs LOwER YOuR LEVEL OF hEaLTh INsuRaNCE COVERagE wITh
for yourself and your employees without giving up your coverage. hIgh DEDuCTIBLE PLaNs
Here are a few tips. By increasing your plan’s deductible amount, your monthly
premiums will be lower and the savings in monthly premiums
BE aN INFORMED CONsuMER could end up being more than what you spend out of your pocket.
Whether choosing an experienced benefits professional, shopping
CBY ABC ad-Oct.Nov.issue:Layout 4 8/31/11 12:47 PM Page 1
for the lowest health insurance rates or looking up medical and sET uP a hEaLTh saVINgs aCCOuNT
An H.S.A. is tax-free savings accounts
for medical expenses. Both employees
COKINOS, BOSIEN & YOUNG
and employers can contribute to the
CONSTRUCTION LAW and REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
account, and it must be coupled with
a high-deductible health plan. With
Cokinos, Bosien & Young this method, the policy holder gets the
once again places at the top of necessary insurance coverage, while
Texas construction law firms the H.S.A. provides the means to fund
according to Chambers USA–
the leading publisher of the additional out-of-pocket costs on a
directories and rankings for the pretax basis. The money in H.S.A.’s can
legal profession.
be carried over from year to year and is
In addition to recognition for portable.
the firm, select attorneys
have also been named in the
Chambers 2011 rankings. EXPLORE MINI-MEDICaL PLaNs
CONGRATULATIONS TO Gap Plans offer a viable low cost
alternative to expensive, comprehensive
Gregory Cokinos, Richard Flake,
Patrick Wielinski and major medical insurance. Unlike major
Stan Curry for being honored medical insurance, many Gap Plan
in Chambers USA 2011
CBY
designs do not base their benefits on
Again. actual charges incurred and actually
& pay based on a fixed benefit indemnity
amount when various health care
COKINOS, BOSIEN & YOUNG
Attorneys at Law services are utilized.
FOUR HOUSTON CENTER • 1221 LAMAR ST., 16th Floor
HOUSTON, TX 77010
sELF FuNDED hEaLTh INsuRaNCE
713-535-5500 • Fax: 713-535-5533 • www.cbylaw.com
This is one method to save dollars
HOUSTON • DALLAS-FT. WORTH • SAN ANTONIO
on insurance premiums if you have a
16 • Build Houston Magazine • December 2011 / January 2012 www.buildhoustononline.com
17. FiNaNCiaL NeWs
healthy group. The self funded program utilizes high deductible
catastrophic insurance to offset large claims, and the smaller
claims are paid from a fund for claims by an administrator who
receives fees. It is important to do a present program need
analysis and review your claims history prior to making the
decision to self fund.
“The self funded program utilizes
high deductible catastrophic
insurance to offset large claims,
and the smaller claims are paid
from a fund for claims by an
administrator who receives fees.”
LIVE a hEaLThY LIFEsTYLE
Seek free or low cost advice on maintaining a healthy diet and
following an exercise plan. Encourage your employees to attend
wellness seminars, take advantage of free health screenings at
local clinics or health fairs. Wellness programs have been proven
to effectively reduce healthcare costs, help cut down on employee
turnover and decrease absenteeism.
Considering any of these tips just may alleviate your rising health
care cost headache!
Christ tayLor
aBOuT ThE auThOR:
Christ Taylor Insurance is a 50 year old Houston-based Employee Benefits
andIinsurance brokerage firm and member of ABC. We provide solutions
to small and medium size companies in the areas of healthcare and other
benefit packages, as well as life insurance and retirement plans. Contact
the Christ Taylor team at 713-850-7747 or www.christtaylor.com.
www.buildhoustononline.com Build Houston Magazine • December 2011 / January 2012 • 17
18. FiNaNCiaL NeWs
Warranty & Responsibility
B
usinesses with a fleet of vehicles could save thousands
of dollars each year in repair expenses just by reading
and following the recommendations spelled out in the
warranty booklet that comes with every vehicle. But all too often
the warranty booklet stays tucked away unopened in the glove
compartment until the business finds out that the warranty will
not be honored by the manufacturer due to negligence or lack
of required preventative maintenance. And, by then it’s too late.
Each manufacturer’s warranty is different and even the same components, including air conditioning, but not maintenance and
manufacturer’s warranty can vary year to year, so it’s important wear-and-tear items such as brake pads, alignments and fluid
to stay up-to-date especially as new vehicles are added to a replacement services; powertrain covers everything from the
company’s fleet. What may have been covered previously may engine and transmission-transaxle-transfer case to front-wheel
either no longer be covered or required intervals for preventative and rear-wheel drive assemblies.
maintenance may have changed.
In addition to other warranties that may cover emissions and
“Each manufacturer’s warranty safety components, sheet metal corrosion and rust-through,
there may be provisions for roadside assistance, towing for
is different and even the same mechanical breakdown, and transportation assistance if a vehicle
manufacturer’s warranty is not operable and must be kept overnight for warranty repairs.
can vary year to year, so it’s However, coverage can be denied if the manufacturer’s
important to stay up-to-date recommended maintenance is not completed or if there are other
signs of neglect or abuse. For example, in addition to regular
especially as new vehicles are oil changes, it’s just as important to check the oil level in your
added to a company’s fleet.” vehicle’s engine on a regular basis. Similarly, it’s important to
understand that a vehicle with extended idle times requires oil
changes at much shorter intervals than generally recommended.
If the vehicle’s warranty booklet is lost or misplaced, it may be
possible to access the information on the manufacturer’s website. The bottom line is that the quickest and easiest way for a business
Most, if not all, manufacturers also have a toll free number that to avoid paying for unnecessary repairs or those that may already
you can call to order an additional booklet. Although there may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty is to be familiar with
be a small charge for the booklet, it is a lot less expensive than not the warranty coverage for every vehicle in its fleet, require drivers
qualifying for warranty coverage on an expensive repair. to adhere to all recommended maintenance schedules, and
document with receipts work done on every vehicle.
Working with a professional fleet management company that is
familiar with every manufacturer’s warranty can help a business
stay up-to-date with required maintenance schedules that
aBOuT ThE auThOR:
comply with the manufacturer’s recommendations. In addition, Stephen McNair is Vice President for Enterprise
because each and every receipt for work done on a vehicle may be Fleet Management in Houston and can be reached
at 713-465-7800, ext. 131. He is supported by
documented and recorded by the fleet management company, if an experienced team of veteran mechanics and
a dispute arises over warranty coverage, having a comprehensive accredited Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
technicians to serve the fleet maintenance needs
detailed record makes a huge difference. of businesses with mid-size fleets.
The most common warranties are bumper-to-bumper and
powertrain. Bumper to bumper covers a majority of the vehicle’s mCNair
18 • Build Houston Magazine • December 2011 / January 2012 www.buildhoustononline.com
20. saFety NeWs
Party time!
L
ast holiday season, the manager of the maintenance
department of a major airline received a call from her upper
line manager that one of her workers had been found in
coma conditions in the tail of the airplane. He had sequestered
himself off in the tail before takeoff and flown that way for over
a thousand miles. The skin of the airplane at normal cruising
altitude is about -40 Fahrenheit. He had hoped to die. He didn’t.
The worker had been quiet but in no way under-performing so the
manager never suspected a thing.
typically more expensive distilled spirits and off premises drinking
November marks the beginning of the holiday season and, no went down in 1970.
matter your faith, this is a festive time of year. But even with all
the festivities, holidays are riddled with tensions, too. Sometimes Further, there are other studies, only one of which is quoted
this is a very lonely time of year for those who have suffered losses herein, which suggest that other forms of inexpensive pleasure
or setbacks or increased financial stressors. Further, with workers seeking and self-medication rise during times of social stressors
and employers alike struggling with the effects of a seriously including recessions and holidays. These include everything
crippled economy, everyone is likely facing a leaner holiday table from simple entertainment like going to the movies, to cosmetic
this year. procedures to make one feel better, to workplace affairsii, or the
illegal use of other types of substances to self-medicate. These all
While the authors of two reports I will quote hereini conclude add to the typical holiday stress.
that there is no definitive trend proving an increase in alcohol
consumption during recessions, these “conclusions” are in direct Please raise awareness among your workers this holiday season
contradiction to the statistics quoted within the authors’ own for the common holiday-related hazards so that the festive spirit
articles. So, I’ll ignore their conclusions and share just the facts need not be marred by tragedy in your workplace:
with you from the Gallup poll and the BOE (Bureau of Equalization)
studies which they used as their source documents. • Conduct training sessions about the hazards of drinking
and driving and encourage your employees to plan NOW
“According to these studies, for a designated driver and a safe approach to their holiday
beginning in 2010—as arguably parties
• Remind those who plan to host parties, whether employers or
the worst recession of modern employees, that providing unchecked access to alcohol and
times hit our country—alcohol then allowing your attendees to drive away in that condition
has often caused the liability to fall back onto the hosting
consumption in America hit an all- employer or individual when it came to criminal negligence,
time high and has continued.” should it be determined that an accident occurred due in
whole or in part to the alcohol consumption.
• Be alert to signs that your workers or loved ones may be
According to these studies, beginning in 2010—as arguably suffering from the holiday blues, especially for those who
the worst recession of modern times hit our country—alcohol have had recent setbacks such as loss of jobs, reduction of
consumption in America hit an all-time high and has continued. pay due to economic conditions, illness, divorce, or loss of
Further, students of American history will note that during 1970, loved ones.
which contained serious recession conditions in all four quarters,
alcohol consumption of wine and beer was up in the public and Finally, let’s remember to circulate this good old YouTube reminder
private sectors throughout the year. Only consumption of the about the fire hazards of the holiday season whether they are
20 • Build Houston Magazine • December 2011 / January 2012 www.buildhoustononline.com
22. saFety NeWs
do you have
Vitamin C Safety deficiency?
L
ots of people have ailments in life; some because of life
style and some because of neglect. Many of life’s problems
may be due to vitamin, mineral or nutritional deficiencies.
Would you believe that companies can have the same problems?
Well almost the same. Let’s discover some of the problems. A
healthy dose of Vitamin C Safety might be the remedy.
Vitamin C Safety Deficiency
No. 1: Effective communications
Years ago when teaching a course for ABC, Effective
Communications was the topic. For communications between
the home office and the various field locations, e-mails, faxes and
telephone messages may not be effective. For employees and
staff in the field, phones and computers may not be the best tools
to get constant and consistent messages. For that reason, a direct concrete pours. It is hazardous work with many known hazards
message from one person to another is needed. As we say in the and many more unknown. When the foreman was asked how
field, “straight from the horse’s mouth”. Direct talk usually clears the record was accomplished, he gave some unusual answers.
the air and gets issues on a level playing field. The first thing he did when a new crewman was assigned to him
was to sit down in a quiet place and in one-on-one discussion
For fun at a meeting, try playing the game of ‘gossip’. It will teach discover all about the new worker. The talk would cover where
the group about effective communications. Just whisper to one the person was from, about his family, hobbies and interests,
person your message and ask them to whisper it the next person; where he had previously worked and other personal questions.
then the next and next until the message has gone around the Next the foreman would pull a photo of his family out of his wallet
room and is repeated to the original sender. This will show the and show the new crewman his loved ones, explaining that this
whole group how things become out of context and confusing. is the reason he works: to provide and care for his family. The
Normal communications or lack thereof needs some continuous conversation went on revealing much more about both parties.
improvement. Effective communications works when you give a Near the end of the conversation, the foreman explained to
message to a hearer and then you ask the hearer what was said. the worker that this crew was a “Zero Injury Crew”. Further he
When giving safety tool box instructions, I used to tell the crew, explained that they did not permit at-risk work or at-risk behavior
“Now, tell me what I told you”. Use of this method takes all the and that if the new worker did not believe that he could work
guess work out of instruction. safely from the first moment in the crew, the foreman needed to
know it before work began. If the worker declared that he could
No. 2: Caring not work safely, he was not allowed in the crew. Mr. Foreman
A wise mechanical engineer friend once told me: “Until employees never accepted a worker that could not, by his own admission,
know how much you care, they don’t care how much you know”. work safely. Showing that you care for each person so much that
That statement has resonated with me for many years in the you will not allow them to work is vitally important at the jobsite.
construction business. I’ve found it to be truer and more useful
than many other profound gimmicks and quotations used in the No. 3: Commitment
field. A true follower of supervision on a jobsite is one who has Who can commit at-risk behavior? Workers? Yes, of course.
determined that the boss cares about the workers. In 2010, What about management? Can leaders commit at-risk behavior?
during a training session at a large construction work site, it was Yes, again. How is that you might ask? Well, delay in purchasing
discovered that a civil foreman had worked for over ten years the correct personal protective equipment is one way. Failure to
without any of his crew experiencing an injury of any type. That approve a certain training class is another. Failure to support the
phenomenon extended for over 100,000 work hours. The crew field is another. So yes, management can be the ones committing
performed work in trenches and excavations building forms for at-risk behavior.
22 • Build Houston Magazine • December 2011 / January 2012 www.buildhoustononline.com
