Hill & Wilkinson Awarded Healthiest Employer in North Texas
DALLAS, TX, April 12, 2012 – Richardson-based construction company Hill & Wilkinson received the Dallas Business Journal’s top Healthiest Employers in North Texas Award today at the second annual Healthiest Employers in North Texas luncheon. Hill & Wilkinson ranked number one in the medium-sized business category.
Says Paul Driscoll, CEO of Hill & Wilkinson, “As a general contractor, we believe that the health of our employees is vital to our success as a firm. Great health and safety programs make us one of the safest and best places to work. Winning this award is a bonus and reflects our team’s commitment to get fit and stay fit.”
Dallas Business Journal's Healthiest Employers in North Texas event and publication recognizes those companies that proactively shape the health of their employees. These businesses have committed to a positive impact on the health of their workplace. Scores for participants in the program — small, midsize and large companies — generally trended upward in the program’s second year.
Hill & Wilkinson started their corporate wellness program five years ago with Viverae, a health management company. Viverae ranked third Healthiest Employers in North Texas.
“It is an honor to see our client receive the top award. We strive to implement effective wellness programs for our clients, and it’s exciting to see them excel,” said Michael Nadeau, president and chief executive officer of Viverae.
Buford-Thompson Announces New Location and Management Team Changes
April, 2012 — Thirty three years ago, Buford-Thompson Company (BTC) was established. In 1979 the first job bid was put together on Rick Thompson’s kitchen table at home. There was no office. The first real office was a small three room location off of Avenue E in Arlington, Texas.
The majority of work from 1980 through 1986 was building shopping centers. A 6,000 square foot office building was built for the company in Arlington in 1987 on Medlin Drive. At that time BTC entered the school market at a very competitive time and became proficient at building schools. The company was growing, new employees were added and profits were reinvested in the company.
Beginning in 2000 and to this day, BTC’s single goal is being the Construction Manager for School Districts. BTC is a service provider to the District, the Community, the Design Team, and the Subcontractors. Their management style keeps communication flowing among everyone involved.
In February 2012, BTC completed the move to the new office building in Fort Worth. The office is located on the Westside of Fort Worth at 1450 N. Jim Wright Freeway. The new BTC sign can be seen from the Freeway.
Along with the new office, BTC is pleased to announce changes in the management team: Rick Thompson, previously the President of the company, is now the Chief Executive Officer; Sammy Martin, previously the Vice President has been promoted to President; and Dave Davenport has joined BTC as the Chief Financial Officer.
BTC is committed to its long standing client relationships and looks forward to the continued success of the company.
C.T. and S. Metalworks of Irving, TX Wins Award in International Metalcraft Competition
FAYETTEVILLE, GA — C.T. and S. Metalworks of 1513 Maryland Dr., Irving has won an award(s) for outstanding craftsmanship in an international competition sponsored by the National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA). The event was open to nearly 600 member firms throughout the U.S. and in 7 foreign countries.
C.T. and S. Metalworks received the following award(s): SILVER – Structures
The presentation was made at a special banquet in Orlando, FL, March 3, during NOMMA's 54th annual conference. The Ernest Wiemann Top Job Awards Competition is an annual contest that recognizes outstanding work in the ornamental and miscellaneous metals industry.
To win an award, entrants must submit photos and a description of their work. This material is then publicly displayed in a gallery where NOMMA member firms then vote. Winning a Top Job award has special meaning, since it represents a "voice of approval" from industry peers.
Jason Haisler, P.E. Joins JQ Fort Worth as Structural Project Manager
Fort Worth, TX, February 10, 2012 – Jason Haisler, P.E. has joined the Fort Worth offices of JQ, one of Texas’ leading structural and civil engineering firms, as a structural project manager, according to JQ Fort Worth principal R. Rene Avila, P.E., LEED ®AP.
“Jason Haisler brings outstanding credentials to our team that will support our growth in this region. We are very pleased to have him on board to serve our clients with his expertise and track record,” says Avila.
In his role as project manager, Haisler will be working closely with JQ’s architectural clients overseeing the structural design of their projects. He is currently working on projects for Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas and the Petroleum Engineering Building at Texas Tech University.
Prior to joining JQ, Haisler served as project manager for an Addison-based consulting structural engineering firm. He has been involved in a wide variety of projects, including the Traxxas auditorium in McKinney; the DFW Airport Terminal A TRIP connector bridge; Parkland Hospital in Dallas; and the Center for Neurological Disorders in Fort Worth.
During his more than 7 years, Haisler has also been involved in projects in hospitality and mixed-use development, including The Residences of the Ritz-Carlton, Crescent in Dallas; the Villas at Grand Dunes in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Palisades West office park in Austin.
A graduate of The University of Texas with a Bachelor’s degree cum laude and Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in structural, Haisler is a licensed P.E. in the state of Texas.
Scott Stagner Joins Mullis Newby Hurst as Vice President for surety and insurance for construction-related risks
ADDISON, Texas (January 23, 2012) - Mullis Newby Hurst, L.P., (MNH), one of the largest writers of construction insurance and surety bonds in the Southwest, recently hired Scott Stagner to fill the role of vice president in charge of development of insurance and surety accounts. The 55-year old manager moved to MNH from Allied North America Insurance Brokerage of Texas, LLC/Aon Risk Services.
Sam Mullis, president of Mullis Newby Hurst said, “We are excited to have Scott Stagner and his long time customers join MNH. Scott’s addition continues our commitment to be one of the leaders in the insurance and surety business in the Southwest.”
Stagner earned a BBA in Real Estate Finance from University of North Texas, and comes to Mullis Newby Hurst with a following of many loyal customers.
“I’m pleased to join Mullis Newby Hurst who is one of the few independently owned agencies in the Dallas Metroplex specializing in construction with an excellent reputation both with clients and carriers,” said Stagner.
TDIndustries Celebrates 15 Years on FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” List; Employee and Customer Satisfaction Keys to Success
Dallas, TX, January 19, 2012 – For the 15 th consecutive year, TDIndustries has been named to FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list with a ranking of number 64. TDIndustries is one of only 13 companies to have made the list every year since its inception in 1998, earning the firm the distinction of being a FORTUNE “All Star.”
“This annual recognition always sheds light on TDIndustries’ great culture,” says CEO Harold MacDowell. “Our focus on continuous, aggressive improvement, exceeding our customers’ expectations and ensuring a healthy, work-life balance for our employees, continues to drive our success. We are honored to be on FORTUNE’s list for the past 15 years.”
One of TDIndustries’ defining qualities, recognized by FORTUNE in its selection, is the opportunity to identify and develop each employee’s career path. According to Maureen Underwood, Executive Vice President of TD’s People Department, “We are often asked: How does a construction company become a best place to work? We offer our employees careers, not just jobs. We treat each other with respect for their skills and talents. We truly believe putting employees first will drive better business results. And we know how to have fun!”
In the past 15 years, TDIndustries has helped to build some of Dallas/Fort Worth’s most recognizable projects. Among these are Cowboys Stadium, Gables Park 17 and 17 Seventeen McKinney, and Forest Park Medical Center.
MEDCO Employee of the Year 2011: Steve Eppler
This is Steve’s second time to be Employee of the Year, he was first chosen in 1998. Steve is the Sr. Project Manager of MEDCO’s Service Group.
What better example of Steve’s character is there, than being chosen, not once, but twice as Employee of the Year? Steve has integrity, loyalty, dedication and a caring spirit, which are all related to his Christian faith. Steve is truly a man of God and the love he has for the Lord is evident the moment you meet him. It shows in many ways, including his leadership of the service department. MEDCO President, Denward Freeman, states, “Steve is a born leader, he leads by example. He expects excellence and achieves it in a firm, but fair manner.”
He has a passion for the Spanish speaking people, and he was instrumental in creating our “English as a Second Language” program at MEDCO.
His success at MEDCO is summed up in a statement by one of his team members, “Steve challenges us to ALWAYS be the best that we can be in doing our Jobs. His expectation for the Service Group is nothing short of perfection as Steve wants us to follow Company policies and procedures to the letter. This is good because it pushes us to always be better with the utmost integrity.”
Steve was born in Texas, and spent his early youth moving between Texas and Oklahoma. In 1969, his parents, with the family in tow, moved to Edinburgh, Texas to learn Spanish in preparation for the mission field. In 1970, they relocated to Uruguay, South America to dedicate themselves to working in the mission field spreading the Gospel of Christ. Steve left Uruguay in 1976 returning to the United States to attend Hyles-Anderson Bible College, but his parents stayed in Uruguay for 30 years. Steve graduated college in 1981 and returned to Texas as a teacher at Miller Road Christian Academy. He later transferred to Lavon Drive Baptist – Garland Christian Academy, which is still his home church today.
1989 was a busy year for Steve, he became engaged to the love of his life, Miss Joy Lambert, in May, then went to work for MEDCO in June, last but, not least, he was married in August 1989. He and Joy have 7 children, 4 boys and 3 girls. They did it right, they had the boys before they started having girls. When asked what his hobbies are, he just rolled his eyes and said, “Keeping up with the girls’ activities!” At this time Steve has 3 children in college, in 3 different states, one in Texas, one in Virginia and one in Florida. Has it been mentioned that he has the patience of Job?
Steve would love to travel to Alaska and would consider an Alaskan cruise for his upcoming 25th anniversary except for one small problem, his lovely wife, Joy, doesn’t want to go on a cruise and hates the cold! Steve says he may still get his dream because his son is dating a young lady from Alaska and they may eventually travel there for a wedding. Congratulations Steve, on your selection as MEDCO Employee of the Year! |
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Education Design Showcase awards Green Judges' Choice Winner to Hill & Wilkinson for its construction of the LEED Platinum certified UT Dallas Student Services Building
Richardson, TX, February 10, 2012 – Hill & Wilkinson has received the top green building award from Education Design Showcase for the LEED Platinum-certified UT Dallas Student Services Building, according to Greg Wilkinson, co-chairman of the Board of the firm. Only three university projects were selected as 2011 Green Judges’ Choice Winners, among submittals from throughout the U.S.
“We are very pleased to have earned this recognition on behalf of the owner and the project team,” says Greg Wilkinson. “Being the only Texas project also makes us proud of our team’s accomplishments.” In the past 5 years, Hill & Wilkinson has completed nearly $300 MM in LEED-certified projects.
The recognition is one of many bestowed upon the University’s project. Most recently, the project was recognized with The Accessibility Award, presented by the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities and the Accessibility Professionals Association.
Last year, the Dallas Business Journal named the UT Dallas Student Services Building the Best Public Green Deal of the Year, bringing the total to six sustainability awards for this four story, 74,000-square-foot, eco-friendly facility. “Of course, this recognition reflects UT Dallas’ commitment to sustainability and the talents of an outstanding project team, including Perkins + Will, the design architects,” says Wilkinson.
According to Rick Dempsey, associate vice president for facilities management, “What is most gratifying to me is the fact that this building, which was constructed as an initiative of the University’s student body, has garnered such a significant number of awards.”
McCarthy’s Texas Division Breaks Ground on Electra Memorial Hospital
DALLAS, Jan. 19, 2012 – McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., a Texas builder for 30 years and one of the nation’s leading healthcare builders, recently broke ground on the renovation and expansion of Electra Memorial Hospital in Electra, Texas, near Wichita Falls.
Essentially doubling the size of the hospital, the 20,890-square-foot addition to the hospital will create nine private and five semi-private patient rooms, a new rehabilitation department and a new computed tomography (CT) imaging area. This $11-million project will also include renovations of 15,000 square feet of the existing hospital that will improve work flow for outpatient services, imaging and cardiology, update the existing mechanical and electrical systems and provide various other new systems within the renovated areas.
McCarthy was pleased to be chosen by Electra Memorial for the additions to the hospital. Our team is already on-site working hard to ensure we complete this project on time and on budget and exceed both the hospital’s and the city of Electra’s expectations,” said McCarthy’s Texas Division President Mike McWay. “We look forward to helping Electra Memorial achieve its long term goals for expansion and become the healthcare pulse for the community, providing an exceptional facility for doctors, patients and the community.”
The multi-phased renovation project is designed to minimize impacts to the daily operations of the existing facility during construction. In addition to daily coordination and communication with hospital staff, McCarthy will utilize temporary partitions and various infection control methods to protect public spaces and minimize disruptions to hospital operations.
McCarthy is one of the most experienced builders of healthcare facilities in Texas. In addition to the Electra Memorial Hospital project, McCarthy’s roster of healthcare projects includes work for The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Midland Memorial Hospital in Midland, United Regional Health Care System in Wichita Falls and Carillion Senior LifeCare™ Community in Lubbock. The Balfour Beatty | McCarthy joint venture team is also underway on the $534-million hospital replacement project for the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood, Texas.
Hill & Wilkinson Enters Multi-Family Market in North Texas; Names Jay Graham as Senior Group Manager over Region
Richardson, TX, January 18, 2012 – Hill & Wilkinson has entered the multi-family housing market in the North Texas region and hired industry veteran Jay Graham to lead its new group, according to co-chairman of the Board Greg Wilkinson. “We are excited that Jay Graham will be leading our multi-family group. His expertise in this market niche, as well as our firm’s construction portfolio, will enable us to deliver an outstanding product to both public and private owners throughout Texas,” says Wilkinson.
Graham, who has held senior leadership positions within the multi-family housing industry, will be responsible for building the firm’s multi-family housing portfolio and strategically positioning the firm’s capabilities in this sector. During his nearly 30-year career, Graham has successfully developed and delivered more than 12,000 multi-unit projects. According to Graham, “Hill & Wilkinson has the reputation, balance sheet and leadership team that makes entering this market a great ‘fit’ for both of us.”
Graham also believes the timing is excellent as demand for rental housing has accelerated in the North Texas region. “With the projected population growth for Texas, there will be an explosion in multi-family construction,” says Graham. “Since we currently work in Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Tyler, Odessa and Oklahoma City, we are positioned to capitalize on this growth. In many sub-markets, such as Celina, Prosper, Melissa, Anna and Forney, there is already pent up demand for multi-family housing.”
Prior to joining Hill & Wilkinson, Graham was responsible for evaluating and supervising site acquisitions, land purchases, sale negotiations and agreements throughout the Southwest for Encore Multi-Family, LLC. He also spearheaded real estate acquisitions and expansion operations into new markets for Erickson Retirement Communities in the Southwest.
Graham holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Building Construction from Texas A&M University, formerly served on the founding board of the Construction Industry Advisory Council for TAMU, and currently serves on the Plano Family YMCA Board.
BakerTriangle Founder Bob Baker Dies
Dallas, Texas (October 2011) – Bob Baker, founder of Baker Drywall and Triangle Plastering passed away October 14, 2011 after a yearlong battle with bladder cancer. Bob began working as a hod carrier (carried plaster mud before plaster pumps) for Storbeck and Gregory plastering company in 1948. It was at Storbeck and Gregory that Bob learned how to do quantity takeoffs for lath and plastering. Later he established several partnerships across Texas before settling down in Dallas to establish Baker and Triangle. Mr. Baker focused most of his energy on the plastering division, while passing the drywall torch to his oldest son Steve - now BT CEO. Bob was able to grow his plastering company to one of the largest in Texas, completing such signifi cant projects as: Myerson Symphony Hall, Bass Performance Hall and Lone Star Park. Baker had few peers in the industry with his knowledge of the lath and plastering trade and remained involved in the business until the age of 82.
Bob was especially proud of the work done on Lone Star Park because he was able to see many of his thoroughbred race horses perform there. He loved animals, however horses were especially satisfying to him. Bob’s wife of 58 years, Frances, proceeded him and death. He is survived by three sons, six grandchildren and a very special great-grandchild Luke.
Willox promoted to regional position, Cunningham hired at division for Balfour Beatty Construction
Balfour Beatty Construction has promoted Lori Willox to Chief Financial Officer of its South Central region and hired Jim Cunningham as the new North Texas Division Director of Business Development for Interiors and Special Projects.
In her new role, Willox will help develop and drive the strategic direction of the South Central region, which serves clients in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arkansas, and includes a satellite office in Tennessee.
“Lori will leverage her knowledge and expertise across the region, helping facilitate the continued integration of SpawMaxwell into Balfour Beatty Construction’s processes and tools,” said Doug Jones, CEO for Balfour Beatty Construction’s South Central region. “She will also provide coaching and support to the division finance teams.”
Willox has worked at Balfour Beatty Construction for more than 5 years, most recently holding the position of Senior Vice President of Finance in the North Texas division. Willox has 20 years of professional experience in finance, risk management, strategic planning, operations and financial auditing within the construction management industry. She earned a B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. She is also a certified public accountant, and a member of the Construction Financial Management Association.
Also in the South Central Region, Jim Cunningham has been appointed the new North Texas Division Director of Business Development for Interiors and Special Projects. In this role, Cunningham will lead business development efforts and assist Balfour Beatty in expanding its market share of interiors projects and special projects in North Texas.
“The addition of SpawMaxwell’s Dallas operations and Charter Builders’ K-12 business into our North Texas division gives us a broader capacity for both base building and interiors projects than ever before,” explains Charles DeVoe, Division President for Balfour Beatty Construction’s North Texas Division.
Cunningham has 23 years of experience in the construction industry. He has held leadership positions at Parsons Brinkerhoff, a division of Balfour Beatty, and most recently, at Lasco Acoustics and Drywall. Cunningham holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Service and Development from Tarleton State University.
Matthew D. Beshara Named Vice President, General Counsel of Hill & Wilkinson
Richardson, TX, November 28, 2011 – Hill & Wilkinson announced today that Matthew D. Beshara has been appointed as vice president and general counsel of the $250 MM firm. Beshara is a former equity shareholder at one of the premier construction law firms in Texas and has served as Hill & Wilkinson’s outside legal counsel for several years.
Says Doug Talley, president of Hill & Wilkinson, “Matt Beshara is a great addition to our firm. His construction knowledge, legal experience and our shared values make him a good match for our company. We look forward to Matt’s contributions as we continue to grow our leadership team.”
Prior to joining Hill & Wilkinson, Beshara was responsible for representing clients in the construction industry, including owners and developers, general contractors, specialty trade contractors and sureties, over a 10-year period at Ford Nassen & Baldwin P.C. Before entering the legal profession, Beshara managed multi-million dollar installations of mechanical systems for a national mechanical contractor, specializing in commercial and high technology projects.
In his new role, Beshara will be responsible for the oversight of all legal activities of Hill & Wilkinson, including the risk management, safety and contract administration departments with direct reporting to the executive management team and board of directors of the company. |
