San Antonio Construction News February 2026

CONSTRUCTION NEWS

Dream Team Breaking Ground, Building the Community

Behind every fence, gate, and steel beam Quality Fence & Welding build, there’s a team committed to protecting and strengthening the greater San Antonio community. At Quality Fence, their story is rooted in hard work, craftsmanship, and a passion for building things that last.

It all began in 1980, when their CEO, Craig Noto,

launched this company at just 19 years old. Job by job, year by year, he built a business that has stood the test of time. As a familyfocused leader, Craig believes in honest work, quality results, and treating employees and customers with fairness and respect. Of course, no leader stands alone. Craig has assembled a skilled team, many with a decade or more of tenure, who share the same mission:

CORE Construction was proud to join Lockhart ISD for the groundbreaking of Seawillow Middle School. This milestone marks an exciting step forward in expanding educational facilities to support the District’s growing community. Core is honored to partner on a project that will provide students and staff with a modern learning environment for years to come.

deliver 100% customer satisfaction. Together, they’ve grown, innovated, and helped shape their community.

In line with helping the community, in 2023, they proudly became part of VelocityTX, strengthening their presence and expanding the ability to support the San Antonio area. When you support Quality Fence, you are supporting progress through VelocityTX.

Wall Cutting Core Drilling Flat Saw Cutting Selective Demolition

124 Pendleton Ave San Antonio, TX 78204

210-848-6271 • 210-848-8601 www.concretecutouts.com

High-Energy Kickoff

TCapaci t ies

Association’s (ASA) Young Professionals Group (ASA YPG) officially launched with a dynamic and well-attended inaugural meeting, setting a strong foundation for the future of emerging leaders in the construction industry. The kickoff event drew a packed room of motivated young professionals eager to connect, collaborate, and shape the direction of the new group.

From the outset, the meeting was marked by enthusiastic participation and meaningful dialogue. Attendees actively shared ideas, discussed industry challenges, and brainstormed future programs and events designed to foster professional growth, expand industry connections, and strengthen engagement within the association. The energy and collaboration in the room underscored a shared commitment to building a vibrant and impactful network.

ASA YPG was created to support and

connect emerging leaders in the construction industry through networking, professional development, and community involvement. The group offers a welcoming and energetic environment where young professionals can build lasting relationships, learn from peers, and develop leadership skills that contribute to both personal and career advancement. Through social events, educational initiatives, and volunteer opportunities, YPG members are encouraged to grow, lead, and give back to the industry and their community.

ASA extends its appreciation to everyone who participated and helped make the first YPG meeting such a success. This kickoff event marks the beginning of an exciting journey, with additional programs and opportunities already in development. Young professionals interested in connecting, growing, and becoming part of a forwardthinking community are encouraged to get involved with ASA YPG.

Plenty of Options Changing of the Guard

One of the first items Associated Builders & Contractors South Texas Chapter (ABC) encourage new members to do when they become a member of ABC South Texas is to join a committee and/or affinity group. ABC South Texas Chapter has 5 different committees and 2 affinity groups. Whether your area of interest is in Workforce Development, Apprenticeship, Government Affairs, Safety or Membership, there is a way

for you to get involved. The two affinity groups, LOGIC (Ladies Operating for Growth In Construction) and FLI (Future Leaders Initiative) pride themselves on incorporating networking, education and community service into all they do.

The committee meetings and group gatherings for 2026 have started off strong and the leadership within those looks to capitalize on this energy throughout the whole year.

The Hispanic Contractors Association (HCA de SA) would like everyone to help them welcome the 2026 Board of directors. On Jan. 14, they proudly swore in their new 2026 Board of Directors at Maggiano’s, administered by Rey Feo 77, Dr. Damaso A. Oliva, Jr. HCA de SA is grateful for their commitment to serving members and advancing their mission. Photos courtesy of Mary C. Haskin Photography

HCA de SA looks forward to their most successful and impactful year yet!

President- Angie Gonzalez, J.R.’s Plumbing

Vice President - Alejandro Gonzalez, Satterfield & Pontikes Construction

Treasurer - Angie Mojica, Floor & Decor

Secretary - Simran Gill-Tirado, Silverback Financial, LLC

Ex-Oficio-Lisa Casarez, TCRC Tri-County Water Restoration and Construction

Stephanie Alvarado, SpawGlass

Ramiro Casiano, Turner Texas

Luis Vallejo, The Vallejo Group

Eddie Mata, Joeris General Contractors

Darrell Hastings, Four Seasons Disposal

Jon-Michael Paul, Central Builders, Inc.

Jorge Mora, AKJ Group

Latifah Jackson, University Health

Tracey Ferguson, H-E-B (not pictured)

Esteban Rodriguez, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors (not pictured)

Women in Plumbing Holiday Mixer

From Hardhat to Red Cap

Another Texas-sized travel center is rising along Interstate 35 in San Marcos, and the shape of something unmistakable is starting to emerge. The city’s long-awaited Buc-ee’s is no longer just a promise, it’s climbing skyward, drawing the attention of commuters and road-trippers passing between Austin and San Antonio.

The San Marcos site is one of three Buc-ee’s locations officially confirmed to open in 2026, putting it at the center of the company’s next wave of growth, the company confirmed to USA Today. While the massive travel center is already

Tgenerating buzz as construction moves into a visible vertical phase, it also signals that Buc-ee’s isn’t slowing down, it’s carefully expanding, one site at a time. The new site will also mark one of the shortest distances between existing stores, with the New Braunfels Buc-ee’s situated just 19 miles south of the upcoming location.

San Marcos will join Huber Heights, Ohio and Goodyear, Arizona as the Bucee’s openings locked in for 2026. The San Marcos store is expected to pull in commuters, tourists and long-distance travelers, reinforcing Central Texas as a cornerstone of Buc-ee’s’ identity.

Always Safe. Never Sorry.

he Alterman Safety Team hosted a lunch to recognize the hard and safe work of their electricians at one of Alterman’s South Texas projects.

Earning Blue Status reflects the highest level of safety excellence — from complete and accessible safety documentation to clean work areas, proper PPE, and crews who look out for one another and speak up when it matters most.

Wasteful thinkin’

After selling their first waste disposal company, Cecily and Cody Byrom knew they wanted to start another waste hauling company. Afterall, they had over 30 years of experience in the waste hauling industry and had already created one very successful waste hauling business.

“The Byroms owned and ran River City Waste for many years and very successfully,” says General Manager Brett Barnett

In 2021, the Byroms started Four Seasons Disposal LLC., a small business, woman-owned, HUB certified waste hauling business which specializes in providing waste solutions for any business, regardless of size.

President and CEO Cecily Byrom and Vice President Cody Byrom are dedicated to serving their customers with integrity and professionalism. Their dedication to their customers is the secret to their success. They believe in providing that personal touch that is not typically found in the waste hauling business.

“We provide commercial front load, waste and recycling services,” adds Barnett. “We have roll-off and compacter services, as well as, a full compacter and bailer repair

team which can repair and maintain customers’ compacters and bailers.”

Four Seasons Disposal’s roll-off and front load dumpsters vary in size from 20, 30, to 40-yard containers. Their front-end dumpster sizes range in size from two, three, four, six and eight yards. Other services include concrete haul and concrete wash out boxes.

Family-owned and operated, Four Seasons Disposal LLC is San Antonio owned and operated.

“We are big enough that we can handle any kind of waste and collection service you may need, but we are also small enough that we still have and maintain that personal connection, knowledge and touch with every one of our customers,” Barnett says.

In its short four years of operation, Four Seasons Disposal has grown to employ 19 dedicated employees. Their coverage area includes San Antonio and the surrounding counites. For commercial front load, Four Seasons Disposal also covers all of San Antonio and the surrounding counties of Atascosa, Bexar, Media, and Wilson. -cwr

Kicking off the New Year

The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association San Antonio (PHCC) held their January Membership meeting on Jan. 8, featuring Jason Nelson, CPA with ADKF. He gave a very informative presentation on President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” at the Barn Door. As the first meeting of the year, PHCC would like to thank all their new and returning associate members, Alamo Partners, and Contractors for their continued participation and support.

The Great Outdoors

Ken Milam’s Fishing Line

Since 1981,

Q1: The Best Time for Construction Crews to Lock In Their Big Fishing Trips

For construction companies, the first quarter of the year is more than planning season — it’s the smartest window to secure the kind of teamteambuilding trip your crew will talk about all year. As workloads ramp up and schedules tighten, getting your people out on the water becomes one of the most effective ways to recharge morale, reward hard work, and strengthen the bond that keeps a jobsite running smoothly.

But here’s the part many companies overlook: Q1 is the best time of year to book those large group fishing trips. Not because it’s trendy, but because it’s the only time you can still grab the prime dates with the right guides before the calendar fills and the good guys get booked solid.

Guide services across Texas see the same pattern every year. As spring approaches, demand spikes. By the time summer hits, the top guides — the ones who know the water, know the fish, and know how to run a smooth, safe, productive day for a big crew — are already locked in by the companies who planned ahead. For construction groups needing multiple boats and coordinated schedules, early booking isn’t just helpful. It’s essential.

Booking in the first quarter gives you:

• First pick of the calendar, including the most

productive fishing windows

• Access to the right guides, not just whoever is left

• Flexibility if your project timelines shift

• A morale boost your crew can look forward to during the toughest stretch of the year.

And when it comes to putting your team on the water with confidence, Ken Milam Guide Service has been the trusted name in the Hill Country for decades. From large corporate groups to hardworking construction crews, we specialize in delivering a smooth, organized, memorable day on the lake — the kind of trip that brings people together and sends them back to the jobsite recharged.

If you want your crew on the best dates, with the right guides, now is the time to move. Q1 is wide open, but it won’t stay that way for long. Once the season kicks in, the prime spots disappear fast.

Make this the year you plan ahead. Get your crew on the water. Lock in your dates before the good guys get booked up.

Book your large group trip with Ken Milam Guide Service today and secure your place on the calendar while the best dates are still available.

Texas anglers enjoying ‘extremely healthy’ red snapper numbers, officials say

Texas anglers’ love affair with red snapper shows no signs of slowing down, but perhaps the better news is that they’re catching the popular fish at more responsible and manageable levels.

Dr. Tiffany Hopper, science and policy resources manager for Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Coastal Fisheries Division, called the snapper population in the state’s offshore fisheries “extremely healthy.”

“The bulk of the red snapper biomass in the Gulf is over here in the western Gulf,” Hopper told Chron Friday. “We hear from our anglers that they are seeing large numbers of this snapper when they are offshore.”

According to Hopper, preliminary data indicate that Texas anglers caught just over 286,000 pounds during the 2025 federal season, or 72 percent of the quota assigned to the state by the National Marine Fisheries Service. (The total includes catches in both state and federal waters.) Although the final totals have yet to be released, Hopper added that early indications are that the official count will be lower than the 2024 total.

But at 173 days, 2025 was the longest season since the state’s agreement with the U.S. Commerce Department (which administers the NMFS) took effect in 2018, Hopper said. The agreement allows Texas Parks and Wildlife to manage the section of federally controlled waters in the Gulf assigned to Texas, which begins about 10 miles offshore. It also permits recreational anglers to fish the state-controlled waters closer to shore year-round.

Hopper admitted she wasn’t quite sure why the season wound up being so long, beginning June 1 and ending just before Thanksgiving, but said a range of factors—including fuel prices and especially the weather—were in play.

“We’ve certainly seen a shift in the mentality, because these seasons have gotten longer,” she said. “We see anglers looking for optimal times to go offshore, so they will wait for the best possible weather.”

All recreational anglers in Texas must have a valid fishing license and saltwater endorsement to land snapper (or any other fish) in state or federal waters. Hopper encouraged them to log their catches using the department’s Texas Hunt and Fish mobile app, which “helps us to monitor those landings and make sure that we’re able to keep those federal waters open as long as we are able to, and manage within that quota,” she said.

The department hasn’t set an opening date for the 2026 federal season, Hopper said, but reiterated that state waters stay open year-round. There, the daily bag limit is four fish of at least 15 inches in length.

“Folks could go out this weekend,” she said. “I don’t know that they want to with the weather, but they could.”

The Great Outdoors

Weird waterfowl – Hunters chase hybrids and anomalies each season

While the pinnacle for most waterfowlers is an ancient bird with a leg band, or an exotic species from some far corner of the globe, most agree in having a particular interest in waterfowl anomalies.

Tanner Neill, Wildlife Manager/Hunting Guide out of Johnson City, struck waterfowl gold this year on a pond in deep south Texas.

“I had a group of hunters coming in soon, so I made the rounds scouting for the coming week. When I found the bird, I could tell he was something special but didn’t know what exactly. I went in the next morning with my shotgun looking for one bird and left with one bird,” Neill said.

Neill’s drake dabbling duck sported a green head, chestnut chest, pointed tail, and blue bill. Seemingly a combination of most every dabbling duck species.

Tanner assumed it was a potential hybrid so sought out the insight of Ben Pierce, an industry leader in hybrid waterfowl with more than 30 years of firsthand experimentation hybridizing captive wild waterfowl in controlled licensed aviaries. Pierce confirmed Neill’s assumption and identified the hybrid as a mallard/ wigeon cross.

Pierce began working with hybrid waterfowl when he was just 12 years old. Now 43, he has worked with at least 47 confirmed hybridized waterfowl combinations in his controlled aviaries. Institutions such as the University of Washington recruited Ben and his work to act as the control for their own hybrid duck study.

“When I first got started, I read Handbook of Waterfowl Identification by Frank S. Todd.’ That book became my holy grail.” said Pierce.

Since 2013 he has become one of, if not, the most respected expert for hybrid waterfowl research and

Hwill be coming out with his own book on the topic soon. Pierce urges anyone with a potential hybrid to send him a photo and he will identify the pairing.

One hybrid is rare, but three blue wing/cinnamon teal hybrids within a span of five years and all within a ten-mile radius is something more than rare.

Devin Cryer is a duck hunting guide, boat captain, ranch manager, and all around avid waterfowler from Southeast Texas. Cryer’s knack for adding an anomaly to the duck strap could be luck, or it could be the result of passion, knowledge and anecdotal experience.

“I have been part of 30-plus bands with 11 being mine personally. In all my hunting I have taken five hybrids, with three of those being blue wing teal/ cinnamon teal. The teal have all come from within 10 miles of one another,” said Cryer

Freezer Burnt Fish

opefully everyone made it out of the snowstorm of 2026 alright.

Fortunately, it did not hang around long enough to wreak havoc like the last one did to the coast. Going into February, I can’t help but think about corky’s, and slow sinkers while we wait on this water to warm back up.

Skinny water on a sunny day will be warming up first and if there’s no bait I

From professional to recreational Cryer’s whole world revolves around habitat, conservation and his love for duck hunting.

“All of those birds came from almost the exact same type of habitat and, as awesome as they are, my favorite duck is the next duck. I stole that saying from Ramsey Russel.” said Cryer with a chuckle.

As fascinating and rare as hybrids are, there is little information about the actual number of hybrid waterfowl compared to the general population. However, some outfitters claim to see and/or harvest about the same number of banded birds per year as hybridized, suggesting comparable frequency within the population. Leucism, on the other hand, is a different story.

In mid-December of 2025 Will Riddle of Crooked Wing Outfitters out of Lubbock, harvested a leucistic lesser Canada goose — 1 in 30,000 odds, according to biologists.

“It was a bright sunny day, and we had the sun at our backs that really lit up the spin. When the sun hit him, he looked like a ghost among his buddies,” Riddle said. “That’s the first I have ever seen in the field or on the wing. Special bird.”

Leucism is a genetic anomaly resulting in a lighter colored individual than what is typical within the species, similar to albinism. Crooked Wing specializes in goose hunting around Lubbock, and it is no stretch for each of the seven guides to encounter thousands of birds in a day. With the one and only Riddle has seen, to say a leucistic goose is a waterfowl anomaly may not encompass the rarity.

Whether a mallard/wigeon hybrid, blue wing teal/ cinnamon teal hybrid, or leucistic lesser Canada goose they hold a special place in a waterfowler’s heart.

wouldn’t stop. Same goes with grass, no cover, no ambush! This big winter storm had a lot of north wind that will have eaten whatever amount of grass that may be along shorelines that don’t have protection from the wind. So top the boat off and run around to find a new spot. Skinny running boats I would run across thin water with a mud bottom in search of roving schools of reds

that are trying to warm up. Depending on what you like to throw, lures or bait, the classic winter flavors are still in. Shrimp and cut mullet for the bait guys and pinks, bone, chartreuse tails, silver streaks, all should be on the menu for trout and reds. Just slow that retrieve way down and get ready for a take on the drop.

Good luck out there and tight lines!

TThe Great Outdoors

20th Annual Texas-National Archery in the Schools Championship to Draw Thousands of Students to San Antonio March 20–21

exas Parks and Wildlife Department

(TPWD) will celebrate a major milestone in 2026 as it hosts the 20th anniversary of the Texas State National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Bullseye & 3D Tournament. The event will take place March 20 –21, at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, bringing together thousands of young archers from across the state for two days of competition, scholarships and state pride.

More than 5,000 students representing nearly 200 schools are expected to participate this year in both the Bullseye and 3D archery disciplines. Students will have the chance to earn scholarships, awards and qualification slots for the NASP National Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky.

“Reaching the 20-year mark is a testament to the dedication of our students, educators, coaches, and partners across Texas,” said Kendrick Gray, Outreach and Recruitment Manager for

TPWD. “We are especially grateful to the Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation and the Texas Wildlife Association- Texas Youth Hunting Program for many years of successful partnership in expanding school-based outdoor education. Together with NASP, these partnerships continue to strengthen pathways for young people to discover archery, outdoor recreation, and conservation.”

The Texas NASP (TX-NASP) program plays a significant role in the state’s hunter and bowhunter education efforts. NASP teams are co-ed and create inclusive opportunities for students of all backgrounds and skill levels. Participating schools represent a wide range of communities and campus types, from small rural districts to large metropolitan campuses, private campuses and homeschools programs – reflecting the broad reach and accessibility of the program.

NASP also serves as an excellent

Wexample of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation in action. Beyond sportsmanship, archery directly supports conservation in Texas. A federal excise tax placed on archery equipment is returned to TPWD in the form of dedicated federal grants, and these funds help support many of the programs Texans value most – wildlife conservation, habitat management, public access and recreation, law enforcement, outdoor education and more. Through archery, students are not only learning skills and confidence, but they are also helping sustain the natural resources they enjoy.

The TX-NASP will award more than $50,000 in continuing education scholarships at this year’s tournament. Since the inaugural event in 2006, the program has awarded more than $180,000 to top-performing student archers.

Scholarships will be presented to the top five male and top five female high school archers, along with trophies, medals,

and new equipment for top performers in all divisions. First-place male and female archers in each division will receive Genesis bows, and the highest-scoring male and female archers overall will each take home a limited-edition Genesis bow. Prize drawings will be held throughout the tournament.

Students participating in the state finals first qualified during the January statewide virtual qualifying event, which featured thousands of archers from campuses offering TX-NASP as part of their in-school curriculum.

The first-place team in each division automatically advances to the NASP National Tournament. Additional teams may qualify based on score, and the top 1st – 10th place male and female individuals in each division will also earn a spot at nationals.

NASP is a non-profit foundation supported by generous sponsors and partners who help make youth archery programs possible nationwide.

A Mild Winter, Strong Fishing

Dylan Mendoza - DM Fly Fishing - Rockport, TX

inter fishing along the Texas coast is often underestimated, but January has once again shown why it can be one of the most productive times of the year. Out of Rockport and Port Aransas, this winter has been relatively mild so far, and the fishing has benefited greatly from it.

Water temperatures throughout the area have generally hovered in the mid to upper 50s, occasionally reaching the low 60s during warming trends. For January, those are favorable conditions. We haven’t experienced prolonged hard freezes or extended cold snaps that typically shut fish down. Instead, we’ve seen manageable cold fronts followed by sunny, stable days that allow fish to recover quickly and resume feeding.

Redfish have been the main highlight. The pattern has been consistent: a front moves through, temperatures dip briefly, and strong north winds blow for a day or two. Once the wind subsides and the sun returns, fish slide shallow to warm up and feed. These post-frontal windows have produced some excellent sight fishing, especially during the late morning and afternoon hours.

Low winter tides have played a major role as well. With water levels drawn down, fish are pushed into predictable areas—edges of flats, shorelines adjacent to deeper water, potholes, and darker bottom that holds heat. This concentration makes fish easier to locate and pattern. Combine low water with hungry fish, and it creates some of the most consistent opportunities of the season.

One of the biggest advantages of winter fishing is the lack of pressure. Fewer boats on the water mean calmer fish and quieter flats. This allows anglers to slow down, focus on presentation, and truly study fish behavior. Winter is also a time when larger-than-average redfish are commonly encountered, adding to the appeal.

The biggest challenge this time of year isn’t finding fish—it’s dealing with the weather. Strong north winds following major fronts can be bonechilling and difficult to fish effectively. Those are the days best avoided. The key to winter success is flexibility. Waiting for sunny days with lighter winds and warming trends is often the difference between a tough outing and an exceptional one.

As we move deeper into winter and toward February, this pattern should continue. As long as we avoid prolonged freezes, fishing should remain productive. Even a single warm afternoon after a cool morning can trigger fish to move shallow and feed aggressively. Watching the forecast and planning trips around these windows is the best strategy.

Other inshore species have remained active as well. Trout, black drum, and flounder are being found around deeper channels, guts, and structure during periods of stable weather. With bait still present for this time of year, predators haven’t completely shut down—a benefit of a mild winter.

January has been a reminder of how good winter fishing on the Texas coast can be. While there may be fewer fishable days compared to spring or fall, the quality of those days is often exceptional. Clear water, cooperative fish, larger average size, and minimal crowds make winter one of the most rewarding seasons for those willing to pick their days.

Self-performing contractor

Fresh out of high school, Dustin Stanush knew construction was going to be his chosen path. From welding to plumbing to glass work and everything in between, Stanush went to work as a general laborer learning everything he could to become a good hands-on contractor.

“I started right out of high school in 1999 with a company that did welding and industrial maintenance,” says Stanush. “I’ve been in a lot of different trades getting as much hands-on experience as possible. Throughout my career, I’ve learned from all the trades and can personally perform the majority of the work myself, if needed. This has given me a keen eye for detail that helps my jobs run smoothly and efficiently.”

In the early 2000s, Stanush began flipping houses in Alamo Heights. After that adventure was complete, he and his business partner ventured out to begin

doing interior finish outs to retail spaces. In 2008, Stanush went to work for a commercial general contractor as a superintendent in San Antonio. This is where his experience with building ground up commercial projects began.

From 2008 to 2021, Stanush oversaw and managed numerous ground up projects and major renovations on commercial buildings. “I built around 3040 ground up projects and 40-50 remodels or tenant finish-outs as a superintendent during that time. In 2022, I accepted a position with another general contractor as a project manager/ estimator and learned the whole other side of the business.”

For 13 years, Stanush learned about the construction industry and how the field operates, incorporating all the skills and trades he learned as a general laborer. He spent three years as a project manager/estimator running multi-

million-dollar projects between San Antonio and Austin, cementing his skillset as general contractor.

In the midst of working for commercial general contractors, Stanush continued doing residential work on the side so as not to create a conflict of interest. Stanush established Constructovate, a full-service general contracting firm in 2014 to broaden his experience and supplement his wife’s income to allow his wife to stay home with their children.

Primarily a general contracting company, with over 18 years of experience, Constructovate self-performs the majority of its work with the exceptions of electrical, plumbing, and mechanical.

After its conception, Stanush slowly transitioned Constructovate to specialize in commercial projects focusing primarily on manufacturing and large facilities.

“Our niche is facilities, maintenance,

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repair, residential and commercial remodeling, and commercial interior finish-outs. We’ve developed this niche working in a lot of factories, hotels, big facilities, auto dealerships, and RV dealerships. We strive to become their goto-contractor for anything and everything they need. We can handle projects from concrete work to metal buildings to framing to doors, drywall, paint, and more. We can act as a full-service general contractor or we can act as a hybrid of both where we subcontract some services and self-perform some services.”

Based in New Braunfels, Texas, Constructovate is a family-owned and operated company serving San Antonio and its surrounding areas. “At the end of the day, our goal is simple. Create winwin situations for our clients. Whey they succeed, we succeed and that mindset guides every decision we make,” Stanush concludes. -cwr

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Twenty-five and going strong

In February of 2001, George and Diana Zurita took a leap of faith that has proved to be the dream of a lifetime. A dream that allowed them to be a part of San Antonio’s footprint and the creation of Z&L Concrete Contractors

Before starting Z&L Concrete Contractors, George had a rewarding 13year career working in HB Zachry’s heavy civil division where he learned the ins and outs of doing civil work including budgeting, costs, scheduling, and most importantly, working with TxDOT. His extensive experience and knowledge helped him propel forward on his own and make his dream a reality.

With a small crew, George Zurita started out with small dbe projects and before long he was the sole concrete contractor for a general contractor. Yet, nothing lasts forever, and that relationship ended when the general contractor closed his doors.

Strong in faith and determination as hard as concrete, Zurita forged ahead continuing to do work as a dbe contractor. His company grew from a small crew of six to 40 highly-skilled workers and now, back in the trenches performing work as a major concrete contractor on many

TxDOT projects.

“All of our work is with TxDOT,” says George. “But we are a subcontractor for the general contractor doing the work with TxDOT.”

Now celebrating 25 years in business, the Zuritas are grateful for all the ups and downs that come with running a business. Reflecting on his 25-year journey, Zurita recalls the dbe projects. “Getting our dbe and targeting those projects helped us get going. Those jobs showed our ability to perform the work as needed. And those relationships, along with our work ethic have enabled us to continue getting work despite the fact that a lot of these jobs are no longer part of a dbe goal. That’s what separates us now and it’s great because that shows our ability first.”

With the company’s 25th anniversary on the horizon, the Zuritas plan to celebrate with their employees. “We’ll probably do something at the shop. Our guys like to barbeque,” adds Diana.

Family-owned and operated, Z&L Concrete Contractors primarily performs work in and around San Antonio. “Occasionally,” says George, “we go outside of San Antonio like to Houston or Corpus for the general contractors when they need us.”

Specializing in project planning, materials procurement, site preparation, concrete formwork, pouring, finishing, repair and maintenance. Z&L Concrete Contractors work closely with the general contractors they perform work for, as well with architects, engineers, and project managers to ensure that the concrete structures meet all necessary safety and quality standards.

As for the next 25 years, while happy and grateful for doing what they do, the Zuritas hope to graduate to a prime contractor and target small contracts that they can start working on from start to finish on their own. -cwr

Ken Bishop: A Career Built on Safety, Integrity, and Experience

As a haul truck driver at HOLT Industrial Rentals, Ken Bishop has built a career rooted in safe practices, consistency, and trust earned over more than 30 years in the heavy equipment transportation industry.

Safety is the accomplishment Ken is most proud of throughout his career. With more than three decades of experience transporting heavy equipment, he has maintained a flawless safety record without a single incident. That record reflects a disciplined approach to his work, a strong attention to detail, and a commitment to following procedures every time. Ken also values the opportunity to share his knowledge, helping teach others how to perform their work safely and responsibly.

Values-Based Leadership plays an important role in how Ken approaches his job each day. Honesty and integrity guide how he works with coworkers and customers, and he leads by example through safe work habits and respect for those around him. Listening is just as important as leading, whether it involves learning from teammates or understanding customer needs on a jobsite. By demonstrating proper equipment and accessories and assisting with safe delivery and pickup planning, Ken helps create safer job environments

from start to finish.

What Ken enjoys most about his role at HOLT Industrial Rentals is the variety. Travelling to different jobsites, interacting directly with customers, and meeting new people keeps the work engaging and rewarding. Each site brings new challenges and opportunities to build trust through dependable service and a strong commitment to safety.

Outside of work, Ken values time with family. He and his wife, Mary, are enjoying life as empty nesters and cherish time spent with their three children and three granddaughters – Lanie, Riley, and Charlie Grace. His oldest daughter, Jessica, holds a finance degree and is currently focused on being a stay-at-home mom. Frankie owns and operates his own hair studio, and Eddie is actively serving in the U.S. Army on the Operation Lone Star mission, a source of great pride for the entire family. When he’s not working or spending time with family, Ken enjoys fishing on his boat, riding his Harley Road King, and restoring a classic 1965 Ford Mustang.

Ken’s experience, dedication to safety, and values-driven mindset make him a trusted member of the HOLT Industrial Rentals team. His approach to his work reflects the standards the company is built on and the people who help move their customers forward every day.

AExpanding Healthy Spaces

dolfson & Peterson Construction (AP), a national, family-owned construction management and contracting company, recently completed the expansion of the Emergency Room (ER) at northwest San Antonio’s Methodist Landmark Hospital.

“Expanding the Methodist Landmark Hospital emergency department aligns with our commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare spaces,” said Taylor Starr, Senior Project Manager at AP. “This project enhances the hospital’s ability to respond to a growing community while creating a more efficient, supportive environment for patients and clinical teams.”

AP broke ground on the project in April 2025. Designed by LK Design Group, the expansion adds 1,850 square feet to the existing ER, creating space for six additional patient beds, restrooms and secure holding to support the hospital’s increased demand for emergency care.

Located at 5510 Presidio Parkway, the expanded ER will help Methodist Landmark Hospital manage higher patient volumes, improve flow and reduce overcrowding, enhancing the experience for patients and staff. The $2.3 million project underscores AP’s continued investment in strengthening Texas’ healthcare infrastructure.

Altogether, AP delivered improvements across 3,500 square feet, including interior structural upgrades and the installation of advanced medical

equipment to increase patient capacity.

Construction efforts focused on expanding the ER footprint, repurposing underutilized space and upgrading essential systems such as plumbing, electrical and HVAC.

AP brings decades of healthcare construction experience across Texas, including current work on the Heritage Oaks Medical Office in Marble Falls, the Cross Creek Behavioral Health Hospital in Austin and the Cook Children’s clinic in Arlington. Completed projects include multiple Reunion Rehabilitation facilities across the country, including Arlington and Plano, Texas, Phoenix and Peoria, Arizona, and Inverness, Colorado, as well as El Paso’s Rio Vista Behavioral Health Hospital.

Marking 25 years of operations in Texas, AP continues to expand its footprint across Texas with several notable projects. AP’s Central Texas office recently broke ground on two Austin ISD high schools, as well as completed Round Rock’s Sunrise Commerce Center. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, AP is working on the new KDFW studio and office facility, as well as phase two of the Santander Tower adaptive reuse project in downtown Dallas. Other notable completed projects include the PGA of America headquarters in Frisco, Vari’s global headquarters, with VariSpace Coppell and Buildings 17 and 18 at Billingsley Company’s International Business Park in Plano.

2026 Under New Leadership

METRO, a leading Texas-based commercial construction firm with offices in San Antonio and Austin, today announced that Fernando Diego will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer and Taylor Jordan will become President starting in January 2026, marking a seamless leadership transition that reflects the company’s long-term vision for stability and growth.

The new leadership team follows the retirement of current CEO Jane Feigenbaum, effective December 31, 2025. Feigenbaum will continue serving in a board-level, part-time advisory role, ensuring continuity in leadership and strategy. Founders Tim Swan and Steve Schuetze remain active on the board, continuing to guide METRO’s values and direction.

METRO’s transition is a steady, “business as usual” evolution. Both Diego and Jordan are homegrown leaders who have spent much of their careers at METRO, each beginning as project managers and steadily advancing through the company’s ranks. This approach underscores the company’s commitment to operational continuity, client relationships, and long-term stability.

“This transition ensures no interruption in service or strategy, it’s a natural next step for METRO,” said Jane Feigenbaum. “Fernando and Taylor have been instrumental in driving our success and embody the company’s culture of collaboration and trust.”

“Our founders built a company rooted in integrity and teamwork,” said Fernando Diego. “That foundation remains unchanged as we continue to grow in both San Antonio and Austin. METRO’s strength has always come from its people.”

“METRO’s future is bright because we’ve always looked inward to lead forward,” added Taylor Jordan. “We’re proud to continue serving our clients in the cities we call home, building something better for the next generation.”

The announcement builds on four decades of growth and innovation. Since opening its doors in 1986, METRO has been a cornerstone of the San Antonio construction community and has steadily expanded its operations to Austin, serving the entire region with the same commitment to service and quality that defined its founding vision.

When METRO was established, the founders envisioned a general contracting company with a heart for building strong, lasting relationships with clients and trade-partners. Forty years later, METRO continues to uphold its commitment to clients, employees, and the cities it calls home because, just like its work, METRO is built to last.

Today, METRO’s leadership team represents that same philosophy: a succession plan that ensures continuity, preserves institutional knowledge, and keeps the company focused on delivering quality projects while building long-term partnerships across Central Texas.

What’s Next for Central Texas Construction: A 2026 Outlook

By Chris Hillyer, Senior Vice President & Regional Director of Pre-Construction Services, Skanska USA Building

As 2025 draws to a close, the construction industry across Central Texas finds itself at an inflection point. In fast-growing markets like San Antonio and Austin, demand for new and modernized facilities remains strong. Still, a complex mix of persistent challenges and emerging opportunities is shaping the path forward.

For owners, developers and public entities planning projects in 2026 and beyond, success will hinge on early planning, realistic budgeting, creative procurement and strategic partnerships.

Challenges Every Owner Should Know

Project delivery in 2026 will continue to be influenced by three interconnected factors – cost volatility, schedule risk and labor shortages.

Getting materials is still a challenge, especially for complex systems and specialized equipment. Supplier capacity has increased since the pandemic, but schedule risk must be embedded into every project’s DNA.

Tariffs may not dominate headlines like they did earlier this year, but their impact is still working its way through complex supply chains, and that means projects could face additional cost increases down the line. One thing we know for certain: construction costs rarely go down. So, plan with that reality in mind.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your project approach. Potential risksharing options, unique procurement scenarios and flexibility in material sourcing will serve the owner well in

navigating some of today’s market challenges.

Skilled trades such as mechanical, electrical and HVAC remain in short supply nationwide, and Texas is no exception. As experienced workers retire and more people shift to other sectors, attracting talent has become one of our industry’s toughest battles. The solution starts with changing perceptions about construction careers and connecting with future workers early, starting in high school and continuing beyond. That’s how we’ll begin to close the gap.

Here’s Why We’re Optimistic

Despite these headwinds, Central Texas remains a region of tremendous opportunity.

Higher education remains a consistent engine of activity. Institutions in both San Antonio and Austin are expanding labs, classrooms and student life facilities to support research, evolving schools/ trainings and enrollment growth. We’re also seeing design innovations that reflect hybrid learning, collaborative spaces and amenities that attract and retain students in competitive markets.

Similarly, health care development remains strong, driven by aging infrastructure and population growth. We’re seeing significant investment in new hospitals, outpatient campuses and specialized facilities. These projects demand early coordination, thoughtful budgeting and a deep understanding of technical complexity to deliver predictable outcomes.

Beyond traditional sectors, Central

Texas is experiencing strategic growth in life sciences, mission critical and aviation facilities, sectors that bring sophisticated requirements and higher performance expectations. Life sciences, in particular, are gaining momentum as San Antonio positions itself as a hub for research, biotech and innovation. Meanwhile, mission critical work, including data centers and resilient infrastructure, is becoming increasingly prevalent across the state and a staple in a world where speed to market and uptime are everything.

Industrial and Joint Ventures — Strategic Growth Paths

Light industrial remains one of the most resilient sectors regionally. Fueled by e-commerce, distribution and manufacturing growth along major transportation corridors, demand for flex space is high. These facilities often allow for faster delivery and scalable design, helping owners manage risk and time to occupancy.

We’re also seeing more joint ventures on large, complex projects, especially in health care and aviation. As projects grow in scale and technical complexity, joint ventures allow contractors to combine resources, expand capacity and mitigate risk, delivering mega-projects that might otherwise stall in a more traditional delivery model.

How Technology and Data Are Changing Construction

One of the most exciting changes we’ve seen in recent years is the way technology and data are reshaping how

projects are planned and delivered. Digital tools that were once add-ons are now becoming essential. AI, for example, can pull together research in seconds, speed up cost modeling and take routine tasks off the table so teams can focus on solving the big challenges. We’re even starting to see predictive analytics built on historical project data, giving owners more accurate early estimates than ever before.

Tools like laser scanning, drone-based imaging and integrated data platforms enhance our ability to understand existing conditions and risk before breaking ground, which reduces surprises and improves coordination throughout design and construction.

Looking Ahead

As owners and developers step into 2026 with plans for new facilities, success will depend on early collaboration, realistic risk planning, strategic procurement and a willingness to embrace innovation. Central Texas offers tremendous opportunity, but navigating market volatility, workforce challenges and complex sectors requires a thoughtful, data-informed approach.

HOLT CAT Sees Up to 25% Jump in Generator Demand as Central Texas Data Center Construction Accelerates

Asurge in data center construction across Central Texas is driving a significant increase in demand for on-site power generation, with HOLT CAT reporting up to a 25% rise in generator demand tied to new and expanding facilities.

HOLT CAT, the Texas-based Caterpillar dealer serving the Central Texas region, says the growth is being fueled by data center projects under development along the Austin–San Antonio corridor, including sites in Travis, Williamson, Hays, Comal, and Bexar counties. As developers scale up capacity for cloud computing and artificial intelligence workloads, reliable backup power has become a core part of construction planning.

Power Systems Now Central to Project Scope

For contractors, generator systems are no longer a late-stage add-on. Large data center projects increasingly include multimegawatt generator packages as part of the initial construction scope, requiring early coordination among civil, electrical, mechanical, and fuel-system contractors.

Generator installations often involve:

contractors and subcontractors, including electrical firms, concrete contractors, steel fabricators, and specialty trades. Generator packages can represent a significant portion of total project cost, making them a key driver of construction budgets and schedules.

and enclosures

• Electrical infrastructure, including switchgear and transfer systems

• Fuel storage and delivery systems

• Emissions controls and sound attenuation

• Local and state permitting coordination

HOLT CAT supplies Caterpillar generator systems that can be configured in redundant or parallel setups, allowing facilities to meet strict uptime and reliability standards demanded by data center operators.

Grid Constraints Drive On-Site Generation

Central Texas’ rapid growth has placed increasing pressure on regional grid infrastructure, particularly during peak summer demand. Developers are responding by designing projects with robust on-site generation to mitigate construction delays, future grid constraints, and outage risks.

Construction teams report that backup generation is now being specified earlier in design, influencing site layout, utility coordination, and construction sequencing.

Economic Impact on Central Texas Construction

The increase in generator demand is creating additional work for regional

Industry sources say the trend mirrors broader growth in mission-critical construction, with lessons learned from data center projects increasingly applied to hospitals, manufacturing plants, and logistics hubs across Central Texas.

Continued Growth Ahead

HOLT CAT expects demand for generator systems tied to data center construction to remain strong as new projects are announced and existing campuses expand capacity. With AI and cloud infrastructure driving larger power loads, construction teams should expect backup power systems to remain a defining feature of Central Texas data center projects.

“As long as data center construction continues at this pace, on-site generation will remain a critical component of project design and execution,” HOLT CAT said.

INSURANCE LEGAL

CentralLEGAL LEGAL

Protecting Prosperity: The Critical Role of Commercial Insurance in Central Texas

Kevin Donnally Freelance Writer Tyler, TX

Texas is booming. From the burgeoning tech corridors of Austin to the dynamic manufacturing hubs around San Antonio and the robust service industries in Waco and New Braunfels, economic growth here isn’t just a story — it’s a movement. Yet with opportunity comes risk, and in a region defined by entrepreneurial spirit and rapid expansion, commercial insurance is more than a line item on a balance sheet — it’s a cornerstone of sustainable success.

Understanding Local Risks in a Rapidly Evolving Market

Central Texas businesses face a unique blend of exposures:

• Property Risks: Severe thunderstorms, hail, occasional tornadoes, and even flooding pose real threats to brick-and-mortar operations. Standard property policies must be tailored to account for these weather dynamics.

• Liability Exposure: As the economy grows, so does interaction with customers, vendors, and the public. General liability, employment practices liability insurance, and umbrella coverage have become essential to protect against lawsuits that can arise from even routine operations.

• Workforce Dynamics: With labor markets tight and talent in high demand, workers’ compensation strategies must evolve — not just to cover injury claims, but to support return-to-work programs and mitigate rising medical costs.

• Cyber & Tech Risks: Central Texas is rapidly becoming a tech hotspot. With innovation comes data — and with data comes vulnerability. Cyber liability insurance is no longer optional; it’s a business safeguard.

Insurance as an Enabler, Not a Cost Center

Too often, commercial insurance is viewed as a regulatory burden or unavoidable expense. But savvy business leaders understand that the right coverage is a strategic asset. In Central Texas, commercial insurance:

• Stabilizes Growth: Lenders and investors routinely require robust insurance portfolios before financing expansion — from real estate development to equipment financing.

• Builds Trust: Clients and partners

feel more secure working with companies that demonstrate financial responsibility and risk preparedness.

• Enhances Workforce Confidence: A comprehensive benefits and safety program decreases turnover and fosters a culture of security.

Tailored Solutions for Diverse Industries

No two Central Texas businesses are the same, and neither should their insurance programs be. Consider how insurance needs differ across sectors:

• Construction & Trades: High liability risk coupled with mobile work sites requires builders’ risk, inland marine, workers’ compensation, and bonded contractor solutions.

• Retail & Hospitality: From slipand-fall exposure to inventory protection, these businesses need a blend of property, liability, and business interruption coverage.

• Manufacturing & Distribution: Equipment breakdown, product liability, and supply chain disruptions highlight the need for comprehensive, integrated risk strategies.

The Human Factor: Agents Who Know Central Texas

One of the region’s greatest advantages is its community-based insurance market. Local agents and brokers understand the nuances of Central Texas risk in ways national call centers never can. They walk job sites, visit facilities, understand zoning, and speak the language of local lenders and regulators — turning abstract policies into practical protection.

Looking Ahead: Resilience Through Preparedness

As Central Texas continues to grow — fueled by innovation, diversity, and entrepreneurial energy — the businesses that thrive won’t be those that ignore risk, but those that manage it intelligently. Commercial insurance should be viewed as a strategic partner in risk management, enabling companies to bounce back from loss faster, secure capital for growth, protect reputation and customer trust, and plan with confidence in uncertain times.

In a region this vibrant, prosperity isn’t accidental — it’s protected.

TThe Future is Now: The AAA AI Arbitrator Arrives

R. Carson Fisk

Construction Attorney Andrews Myers, P.C. Austin, TX

exas law has some unique statutes that apply to construction. One of those is Chapter 162 of the Texas Property Code, which partly concerns the downstream payment of funds on construction projects. In essence, Chapter 162 imposes criminal penalties if a contractor (or upstream subcontractor) fails to pay downstream parties amounts received by the upstream party.

Under the statute, “[c]onstruction payments are trust funds … if the payments are made to a contractor or subcontractor or to an officer, director, or agent of a contractor or subcontractor, under a construction contract….”

Further, “[a] contractor, subcontractor, or owner or an officer, director, or agent of a contractor, subcontractor, or owner, who receives trust funds or who has control or direction of trust funds, is a trustee of the trust funds,” while “[a] person who is an artisan, laborer, mechanic, contractor, subcontractor, or materialman who labors or who furnishes labor or material for the construction or repair of an improvement … is a beneficiary of any trust funds paid or received in connection with the improvement.”

Regarding the requirement of payment, “[a] trustee who, intentionally or knowingly or with intent to defraud, directly or indirectly retains, uses, disburses, or otherwise diverts trust funds without first fully paying all current or past due obligations incurred by the trustee to the beneficiaries of the trust funds, has misapplied the trust funds.” If a party misapplies the funds, that party may have committed a Class A misdemeanor or a felony of the third degree, depending on the amount involved.

There is not an implied claim for civil relief under Chapter 162, is what a county court in Williamson County, Texas recently determined. A secondtier subcontractor had sued a first-tier subcontractor and its owners (effectively trying to make the owners de facto personal guarantors of the alleged debt and dispensing with concepts of contractual privity) in connection with a payment dispute, alleging misapplication of trust funds. The first-tier subcontractor and its owners filed a plea to the jurisdiction, challenging the notion that there was an implied claim for civil relief under Chapter 162.

They argued that Texas law has evolved over the decades, given the Texas Supreme Court’s 2004 decision in Brown v. De La Cruz and, more recently, the Texas Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Texas Medicine Resources, L.L.P. v. Molina Healthcare of Texas, Inc. In those cases, the Texas Supreme Court rejected an “intended-beneficiaries” analysis for determining whether implied claims exist under statutes in favor of applying the “textual-mandate rule.” In sum, the county court was requested to reconcile the divergent logic presented by these competing lines of cases: (1) those that permitted a civil claim stemming from an intended beneficiaries analysis and (2) those that flatly rejected an intended beneficiaries analysis and embraced the textualmandate rule. The court granted the first-tier subcontractor’s and its owners’ plea to the jurisdiction, finding that the plaintiff lacked standing to assert a civil claim/private cause of action under Chapter 162, because the statute did not provide for one.

Though a claim for civil relief is not expressly or directly addressed, Texas appellate courts have permitted an implied civil claim, allowing downstream parties another legal avenue to seek payment. Other common claims include breach of contract and equitable claims, along with lien and payment bond claims. But with the claim for misapplication of trust funds, an unpaid party may avoid contractual privity (e.g., a second-tier subcontractor sues a general contractor) or even corporate protections for the upstream party (e.g., suing the individual officers, directors, or agents of an upstream party). This amplifies the risk, and can complicate a case—if the claim can survive legal scrutiny.

For civil case defendants facing a claim of misapplication of trust funds under Chapter 162—particularly those who are not in contractual privity with the plaintiff and those whose potential individual liability arises merely due to their role at the applicable business— the ruling presents an interesting development in supporting a legal defense to the claim. For civil case plaintiffs asserting such a claim, the ruling and underlying logic may add a layer of legal complexity to certain claims, increasing time and adding costs to litigation. In any event, the ruling presents an interesting development to support the harmonization of decisions offering differing views on whether such a claim should still be permitted in Texas.

OSHA INSURANCE ACCOUNTING

I

n March the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released its 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, awarding an overall grade of C—an improvement from a C-minus in 2021, but an indication that the U.S. still has barely scratched the surface of what is needed to effectively maintain and improve the nation’s infrastructure.

ASCE evaluated 18 infrastructure categories based on factors such as current and future capacity, physical condition, funding levels and gaps, regulatory compliance, public safety, resilience, and innovation. The findings paint a picture of strained systems, aging assets and limited investment. The organization estimates a funding gap totaling $3.7 trillion from 2024 to 2033 if federal funding remains flat.

Condition and funding needs of U.S. transportation infrastructure

State and local governments accounted for 79% of transportation and water infrastructure spending in 2023, according to the U.S. Congressional Budget Office, yet many are not prepared to meet the challenge of keeping roads and bridges in good repair.

A July 2025 report by The Pew Charitable Trusts found that 33 states expect to miss at least some of their targets for roadway and bridge conditions or maintenance funding over the next decade. Only 11 states are on track to meet both goals. The rest lack sufficient data for a clear outlook, which is an issue in itself. For example, much of the data focuses only on federally funded National Highway System assets, excluding non-NHS infrastructure.

Public spending on transportation and water infrastructure, 1956−2023

Merriam-Webster defines infrastructure as the system of public works of a country, state or region—a definition that speaks directly to its role as the backbone of the economy. That connection has real consequences: U.S. underinvestment in infrastructure will cost the average household $3,300 a year by 2039, according to ASCE.

Poor infrastructure doesn’t just mean potholes and delays. It erodes productivity, restricts the movement of goods and people, increases risk, and limits competitiveness. Aged electrical grids, fragile water systems, and constrained port and transit capacity all hamper economic performance and national security. Infrastructure also affects the pace of artificial intelligence adoption, limiting energy scalability and data center deployment.

The upside is that the scale of these infrastructure challenges presents a massive opportunity for construction contractors that are prepared to meet them. As federal, state and local governments stretch limited resources across mounting needs, successful contractors will be those that bring sophistication, compliance and productivity to the table and excel in a variety of areas.

LEGAL

Incident Investigation

OSHA strongly encourages employers to investigate all incidents in which a worker was hurt, as well as close calls (sometimes called “near misses”), in which a worker might have been hurt if the circumstances had been slightly different.

In the past, the term “accident” was often used when referring to an unplanned, unwanted event. To many, “accident” suggests an event that was random, and could not have been prevented. Since nearly all worksite fatalities, injuries, and illnesses are preventable, OSHA suggests using the term “incident” investigation.

Investigating a Worksite Incident

Investigating a worksite incident- a fatality, injury, illness, or close callprovides employers and workers the opportunity to identify hazards in their operations and shortcomings in their safety and health programs. Most importantly, it enables employers and workers to identify and implement the corrective actions necessary to prevent future incidents.

Incident investigations that focus on identifying and correcting root causes, not on finding fault or blame, also improve workplace morale and increase productivity, by demonstrating an employer’s commitment to a safe and healthful workplace.

Incident investigations are often conducted by a supervisor, but to be most effective, these investigations should include managers and employees working together, since each bring different knowledge, understanding and

perspectives to the investigation.

In conducting an incident investigation, the team must look beyond the immediate causes of an incident. It is far too easy, and often misleading, to conclude that carelessness or failure to follow a procedure alone was the cause of an incident. To do so fails to discover the underlying or root causes of the incident, and therefore fails to identify the systemic changes and measures needed to prevent future incidents. When a shortcoming is identified, it is important to ask why it existed and why it was not previously addressed.

For example:

• If a procedure or safety rule was not followed, why was the procedure or rule not followed?

• Did production pressures play a role, and, if so, why were production pressures permitted to jeopardize safety?

• Was the procedure out-of-date or safety training inadequate? If so, why had the problem not been previously identified, or, if it had been identified, why had it not been addressed?

These examples illustrate that it is essential to discover and correct all the factors contributing to an incident, which nearly always involve equipment, procedural, training, and other safety and health program deficiency.

Addressing underlying or root causes is necessary to truly understand why an incident occurred, to develop truly effective corrective actions, and to minimize or eliminate serious consequences from similar future incidents.

Association Calendar

Content submitted by Associations to Construction News

ABC

Associated Builders & Contractors South Texas Chapter

Feb. 5: Membership Happy Hour

Feb. 17: Lunch & Learn: Construction Economic & Tax Update

Feb. 18: Update with City of SA, CPS, SAWS and DDS

Feb. 19: Leadership Forum Kick-off

AGC

Associated General Contractors San Antonio

Feb. 12: CLC Speed Networking Mixer, 4-6pm, Dos Sirenos Brewing, 231 E. Cevallos St., San Antonio

Feb. 19: Winter Member Mixer, 4-6pm, Karnes Courtyard @ Pullman Market, 221 Newell Ave., San Antonio

ASA

American Subcontractors Association San Antonio

Feb. 5: Free Safety Update, 11:30am, Joeris’ Office

Feb. 10: Free Webinar: Tax Savings for Subcontractors under the OBBBA (From R&D Tax Credits to 179D and More) 11am, Webinar

Feb. 24: Free Webinar: National Family Business Forum

12pm, Webinar

Feb. 25: ASA Young Professionals Lunch Meeting

GSABA

Greater San Antonio Builders Association

Feb. 10: Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30am-1pm, 3625 Paesanos Parkway, Suite 100, San Antonio

Feb. 12: Membership Mixer, 4-7pm, Encore Stone Studio, 12134 Valliant St., San Antonio

HCA de SA

Hispanic Contractors Association

Feb. 4: Roundtable with Noble Texas Builders, 11:30am-12:30pm, HCA de SA office, 2391 NE Loop 410, #206, San Antonio

Feb. 12: Café Y Conchas Con El Board –Nobel Texas Builders, 8-11am, Aggie Park, 6025 West Ave, San Antonio. Free/ Registration encouraged

IEC

Independent Electrical Contractors

Feb. 10: A&T Committee, 11am

Feb. 17: Continuing Education Class –5-9pm, $35 Member - $45 Non Member

Feb. 18: Board of Directors Meeting, 11am

Feb. 21: Electrical Maintenance Technician Class – 8am-5pm, $150 Per Person

MCA-SMACNA INC

Mechanical Contractors Association

Sheet Metal & A/C Nat’l Association

Feb. 11: Regular & Associates Meeting, 11:30am, The Petroleum Club, 8620 N New Braunfels Ave # 700, San Antonio

Feb. 25: Joint Industry Fund Meeting, 11:30am, MCA-SMACNA Office, 206 E. Nakoma, San Antonio

NAWIC

National Association of Women in Construction San Antonio

Feb. 4: Lunch meeting – Tree

Preservation, Byrne Construction Services, 5851 Sebastian Pl, San Antonio

Feb. 27: Friendship Friday Dinner, Alterman San Antonio Headquarters, 7805 N Loop 1604 E, Live Oak

PHCC

Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association

Feb. 10: Monthly Member Meeting, 11am-1pm, The Barn Door, 8400 N. New Braunfels Ave., San Antonio

Feb. 26: “The Plumber Protects the Health of the Nation” Sporting Clay Tournament, 11am-1pm, National Shooting Complex, 5931 Roft Rd., San Antonio. Last day to pay for and register teams, February 13, 2026, email brittany@phcc-sanantonio.org to register

A Well Deserved Honor

Masters Electrical Services LTD was proud to be named January Member of the Month by the Sequin Area Chamber of Commerce!

Masters Electrical Services is an electrical contractor proudly based in Seguin. While much of their work involves large-scale construction projects throughout the San Antonio & Austin areas, their favorite projects are those right here at home in Seguin.

Masters is deeply committed to the

Seguin community and believe in giving back through local engagement, including volunteering electrical training with Seguin High School construction classes, reserving employment opportunities for graduating seniors, and participating in community traditions such as the annual Christmas parade. Being involved locally is at the heart of who they are, and are honored to serve the community that supports them.

Supporting Small Business

Robinson General Contractors, Inc. is proud to have their very own Kurt Robinson representing small business as the Vice Chair of The Maestro Entrepreneur Center. The Maestro Entrepreneur Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers small businesses through mentorship, resources, and community. Helping San Antonio entrepreneurs grow, connect, and thrive.

Congratulations to the new leadership team:

Crystal Royal, Board Chair Kurt Robinson, Vice Chair Carlos Camacho, Treasurer Jacqueline Hernandez, MA, LPC-S, Secretary

PDL Sports & Social Club

PDL Sports Group recently kicked off construction on its flagship entertainment destination, PDL Sports & Social Club, at 13735 W. Interstate 10 off UTSA Boulevard, with Disruptive Construction serving as the lead contractor on the project.

The new development will redefine sports and social entertainment in San Antonio, combining world-class padel and pickleball courts with a chef-driven grill, a full-service sports bar, and a rooftop nightclub and event space.

Disruptive Construction is overseeing site work, vertical construction, and coordination of specialty trades for the multi-faceted venue.

“PDL Sports & Social Club is more than a venue — it’s a lifestyle,” said Alberto Mosqueda , CEO of PDL Sports Group. “With Disruptive Construction leading the build, we’re creating a destination that embodies the energy of competition and the spirit of community. From the courts to the rooftop, every

detail is designed to connect people through sport, culture, and design.”

Project Highlights

• 16 world-class courts, including padel and pickleball

• Chef-driven grill and dining experience

• Full-service sports bar designed for game-day viewing

• Rooftop nightclub and event venue

The venue is expected to open in summer 2026, serving as a year-round sports, entertainment, and hospitality hub for Northwest San Antonio.

Economic & Community Impact

In addition to creating a new recreational and social destination, the project is generating construction and hospitality jobs while contributing to continued development along the UTSA Boulevard / I-10 corridor. Disruptive Construction’s involvement reflects growing demand for experienced local contractors on complex entertainment and hospitality builds.

Mastering compliance and funding

Contractors that want to bid on government contracts must navigate a maze of evolving regulations and funding requirements. Projects tied to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act require prevailing-wage adherence, workforce development and domestic material sourcing. The U.S. Department of Defense now mandates that certain contractors comply with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification.

And new initiatives such as the White House’s American AI Action Plan signal the availability of more funding, as well as more complexity and urgency. Staying competitive means participating in trade associations that offer up-to-date guidance, hiring attorneys and consultants who are familiar with these regulations and developing systems to track regulatory changes.

Closing the labor gap

Associated Builders and Contractors forecasts the need for 439,000 net new construction workers in 2025 and 499,000 in 2026. It warns that failing to meet that need may accelerate already high construction costs and reduce the volume of financially feasible work. Contractors should consider establishing internship programs, workforce development programs, employee ownership models and flexible benefits to attract and retain talent.

Managing materials and costs

Tariffs and supply chain disruptions have made materials sourcing more critical than ever. Contractors must develop robust procurement strategies and adopt best practices for navigating price and availability fluctuations.

Leveraging data and technology

Data is the engine of effective technology use. When properly accessed, governed and protected, it enables faster, smarter decisions. Technology helps contractors manage compliance, boost labor productivity and safety, and optimize materials and other limited resources. A smart starting point is to evaluate the effectiveness of enterprise resource planning systems and project management software in assessing business planning and profitability.

These systems and software facilitate a more financially healthy and nimble construction firm. With this foundation in place, firms can build a culture of innovation that uses AI, wearables, drones and robotics to solve specific challenges and drive measurable growth.

The outlook

The U.S. infrastructure challenge is as daunting as it is urgent. But for construction firms, it is also a moment of unprecedented opportunity. Prepared and innovative firms that invest in people, process, data and technology can thrive amid continued uncertainty and play a pivotal role in revitalizing the U.S. economy.

Appreciating Volunteers

The American Subcontractors

Association San Antonio (ASA) Annual Volunteer Appreciation Party at Pinstack was nothing short of incredible, and a perfect way to celebrate the people who make everything we do possible. Our volunteers are the heart of ASA, and this special evening was dedicated entirely to recognizing their hard work, commitment, and passion throughout

Ithe year.

The night was packed with great food, drinks, bowling, arcade games, and nonstop fun, creating the perfect atmosphere to relax, connect, and celebrate together. One of the most exciting highlights of the evening was our door prize giveaways, where volunteers were rewarded based on the number of hours they dedicated to ASA. The more time volunteered, the

Teeing Off To Start 2026

n early January, over 70 women members of Associated Builders & Contractors South Texas Chapter (ABC) gathered together for networking, fun and to learn how they can support each other. The mission of Ladies Operating for Growth In Construction (LOGIC), at ABC South Texas is to assist women through various endeavors. This is done through education, development, empowerment, outreach, building relationships and networking. Led by Heather Osborn of MEMCO Staffing and

Karin Wasyliw of ADKF, these two passionate women are determined to build on the strong energy that was felt at their kickoff event and carry this same enthusiasm all year long.

ABC South Texas would like to thank its sponsors for supporting this event: Turner Construction Company, MEMCO, Joeris General Contractors, Structure Tone Southwest, Safety Mojo, Quarter Moon Plumbing, TorcSill Foundations, MK Marlow, Harvey Cleary, Alert 360, and Trimble-Batjer.

more prize tickets earned, resulting in big wins, lots of cheers, and even bigger smiles.

Beyond the games and prizes, the evening was about gratitude and community. It was an opportunity for volunteers from different committees to come together, share laughs, and see the impact of their collective efforts. Every successful ASA event throughout the year, many of them

sold out, happened because of these dedicated individuals who give their time behind the scenes to support our mission and our members.

ASA is incredibly thankful for each and every volunteer who showed up, stepped up, and helped make this year such a success. Their energy, leadership, and willingness to serve truly make a difference. Photos courtesy of Mary

SELL TO YOUR EMPLOYEES

Many Owners are unaware of the benefits of an employee sale.

• Get full market value

• Choose your time frame

• Maintain control until you leave

• Partial, staged or full transfer at your option

If you are thinking about selling in 3 to 10 years, and have employees who could run the business, a Management Buy Out or Employee -Owned Trust can provide flexibility and control. A Worker Co-op or ESOP may also create substantial tax benefits.

Preserve your legacy while creating liquidity. We specialize in helping construction related companies navigate the path to a new generation of ownership.

Take our 15-minute Assessment and we will schedule a complimentary video interview to help you understand your options. There is no obligation.

Zachry Construction Corporation Introduces New Branding

Zachry Construction Corporation , a leading heavy civil, roadways, and infrastructure construction company for public and private customers, today introduced a new logo and brand identity. The evolution marks more than a century as a family-owned business delivering complex, largescale infrastructure and ingenuity making communities stronger, and signals the next phase of growth across its markets.

The updated identity underscores Zachry’s leadership in safety and operational excellence while aligning the company’s specialty areas in heavy + highway, underground utilities, water infrastructure, and civil sitework.

“Zachry Construction has an established reputation for disciplined execution on complex work,” said Travis Mross , executive vice president of Zachry Construction Corporation. “Our new look reflects the momentum and energy our teams bring to every job. It signals how we leverage technical expertise from complex highways and bridges into specialty areas in underground utilities, water infrastructure, and civil sitework. The look is new; our quality, grit, commitment to safety, and our long-term value to our customers remains unchanged.”

Zachry Construction’s parent company, Zachry Corporation, sets a vision to create, build, and reimagine environments that enhance people’s lives and shape tomorrow. These are foundational elements that set the tone for Zachry Construction’s rebrand. Anchored by the tagline, “Unearth Opportunity,” the updated identity reflects Zachry’s continued focus on serving public and private customers with heavy construction, site development, and infrastructure ingenuity, delivering enduring quality.

Zachry Construction has a long, proven history serving both government and private customers. For public customers, the company delivers best-value solutions, not just the lowest cost, through imaginative approaches that simplify complexity and disciplined, datadriven project controls that keep work on track. For private-sector customers, Zachry specialists apply sophisticated,

transparent planning to reduce risk, strengthen original vision, and deliver enduring quality at the lowest total cost.

Zachry is instrumental in the implementation of facilities that serve multiple facets of the water treatment and infrastructure industry and has delivered projects for customers including Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA), Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD), and Red Bluff Water Power Control District. In the past year, Zachry Construction expanded its water and wastewater treatment plants expertise, adding extensive water infrastructure capabilities through its acquisition of Crescent Constructors. The company has also advanced its mission-critical and heavy civil across its footprint in South Texas, North Texas, Gulf Coast, and the Southeast, delivering more than 350 bridges in the last ten years and two marquee heavy civil projects totaling $2.1 billion.

The company’s heavy-civil and underground expertise has grown with added talent from Crescent Constructors . Together with Zachry Underground Utilities Services (ZUUS), these strengths extend Zachry’s reach across Texas while maintaining a consistent culture of safety, quality, and schedule discipline.

Since 1924, Zachry Construction has built a reputation for delivering complex infrastructure with predictability, supported by layered scheduling, data-driven project controls and a safety culture that empowers every employee to speak up and stop work when needed. The updated identity brings those strengths forward in a clearer story for customers and partners in public and private sectors.

Reflecting the company’s commitment to being a responsible neighbor, Zachry will continue targeted community engagement around active projects in 2026, including neighborhood touchpoints and workforce development activities in key markets. The rebrand will also extend to a redesigned website launching later this year to showcase project expertise and career opportunities.

Hitting the Greens for the Great Outdoors

The SpawGlass San Antonio team was thrilled to present a donation of $50,000 to Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) from proceeds raised during their 2025 Golf Tournament. This brings their total donation amount for the year to $110,000 - an incredible contribution made possible by the many sponsors and participants of their fundraising events.

TPWF works with Texas Parks and

Wildlife Department and other vital conservation partners throughout the state to achieve their vision for all Texans to have access to the wild things and wild places in our state, both now and for generations to come.

SpawGlass is honored to support this amazing cause and thankful for their business partners who share the #PurposeDriven vision to build flourishing communities across our beautiful state.