harnessing technology

Issue 4, 2015
Information for Zachry Corporation Employees, Families and Friends
INSIDE
CAPITOL AGGREGATES’
CUSTOMERS WORKING TOGETHER
P. 4
HARNESSING
TECHNOLOGY
TO WORK SMARTER
P. 8
HILTON PALACIO DEL RIO
EMBRACES “SOCIAL” ENGAGEMENT
P. 10
DEAR READERS,
A spirit of innovation is one of the
most powerful forces that any organization can possess or create. Innovation
can be in the form of new products or
services or processes, or it can be in the
very culture of the company itself. Great
organizations find ways to be respectful
of their past while also showing a proper
enthusiasm and respect for their future.
Doe Zantamata, a modern inspirational author, once said “Don’t let the
fear of what could happen make nothing happen.” An unwillingness to try
new things inevitably results in organizations becoming mired in their own
history. For all of us, the inertia of an
unwillingness to try new things is more
crippling than any mistakes.
When I began my career, I was disheartened when I would hear someone
say “that’s how we’ve always done it.”
That statement was not an acceptable
reason or excuse then any more than
it is today. Our company has a long
history of innovation. From special purpose rock saws to plant conversions
to critical path scheduling to modular
construction to digital technology, new
ideas are a part of our DNA. Those innovations all came when a particular
COVER: Zachry Construction employees Steven Hall (left) and Rey Rosado
Gonzales (right) are looking at drawings for the Henry B. Gonzalez
Convention Center. Photo was taken in front of the Staybridge Hotel at
Sunset Station across the street. Photo/R.C. French Photography
need arose and a solution needed to be
found. But the culture of our tomorrow
is to embolden and seek innovative opportunities and respond quickly. I have
heard it said that the solutions to problems of the past will not fix the problems
we face in the future. We need to innovate. We need to try new things, learn
from our mistakes and keep pushing.
Sustaining a culture of innovation
also requires leadership. British author
Samuel Johnson once said, “Nothing
will ever be attempted if all possible
objections must first be overcome.” Our
leaders will be adaptable and inclusive.
They will encourage everyone to bring
ideas forward and to establish an environment that frees the mind and the
imagination to look for better solutions
to the problems of today and tomorrow.
We will make some mistakes, of
course, but as hockey great Wayne
Gretzky noted “you miss 100 percent
of the shots you don’t take.” Our company will never improve if our culture
is intolerant of failure or even the possibility of failure. Unless we want the
best we will ever be to have already
happened, we must encourage change
and innovation.
My personal goal has always been to
live up to my family’s name and history,
not off of it. A large part of that history
is the adaptability and innovation that
came from changing times and the
many people who built our company.
I see the same kind of creativity and
problem-solving and innovation still
happening today. Insuring that it remains a core part of our culture is how
we will be certain of our future.
YOU!
Zachry Advantage is your magazine. It is designed to keep employees
informed on company happenings and we want to hear from you.
Please send your story ideas, suggestions for improvement
or maybe a cool photo taken on the job to Public Affairs at
public.affairs@zachrycorp.com or by calling (210) 871-3366.
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ZACHRY ADVANTAGE
ISSUE 4, 2015
2
3
4
5
6/7
8/9
10
11
David S. Zachry, President and CEO
WE WANT TO
HEAR FROM
CONTENTS
12
13
14/15
EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS
Christie Boubel
Robert Chapa
John Farrow
Ben Fox
Joel Galassini
Chris Jaworski
Nancy Lopez
Gerry McKervey
Connie Norton
16
Dear Readers
Values Spotlight:
This is More than a Job
Capitol Aggregates Provides Value
for Customers Through Business
Knowledge Sharing
Innovating by the Book
The Zachry Scene
COVER STORY:
Harnessing Technology to
Work Smarter, Better and More
Efficiently
Hilton Palacio del Rio Embraces
“Social” Engagement
Value
Spotlight
THIS IS MORE THAN A JOB
2015
Zachry Corporation
Family Event
WORK HARD, PLAY HARD.
Zachry values commitment and over the past year
employees have dedicated their time to making
Zachry not only a successful company but a wonderful place to work. As a thank you, Zachry Corporation hosted the 8th annual employee picnic on
Sept. 28. Zachry families spent quality time with one
another at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and were encouraged to take full advantage of the park with rides,
door prizes, face painting, karaoke, bingo and a barbecue lunch. The annual event was a great success
and Zachry is already planning for next year.
Investing in the Company’s Most
Valued Resources
SAWS Desalination Plant on Tap
for Late 2016
ARTBA Elects David Zachry
for National Chair
The Zachry Way
Through the Lens
Wendy Parker
TJ Pritchard
Lee Scheel
Tonya Settles
Tara Snowden
Marie Surls
Kevin Walters
Patti Webber
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ZACHRY ADVANTAGE
ISSUE 4, 2015
Capitol Aggregates’ Customers
Working Together
Capitol Aggregates held its Third Annual Customer Appreciation Seminar in San Antonio last August for more than 100
customers to share business knowledge and insights relating
to the local construction materials markets.
“Leaders and decision-makers at our customers’ organizations attend this event because it provides value to their
businesses, and the information they take away from it helps
shape their business decisions and forecasts,” said Capitol’s
Vice President for Sales and Marketing Joel Galassini.
The 2015 roster of speakers featured noted economist
Dr. Ray Perryman, founder and president of The Perryman
Group and generational workforce speaker and BridgeWorks
content manager Kim Lear, along with Galassini.
“The seminar shows our customers that we do more than
sell rocks,” said Galassini. “It is another way we provide tangible value to our customers—by being technical experts in the
industry. Over the years, we have tried to position ourselves
to be thought leaders in the industry and solution providers for
our customers’ businesses. By going beyond simply fulfilling
an order and entertaining our customers, we help differentiate
ourselves from our competitors.”
While the cornerstone of the seminar has traditionally been
the economic aspects of the industry and Texas economy,
this year’s seminar also focused on the interaction of multiple
generations in the workplace.
“We want to bring our customers’ information on topics that
have an impact on their businesses and the industry—and on
topics that are part of the world we live in today,” said Galassini.
The seminar is also valuable for attendees through the
networking opportunities it provides.
“It is also a great opportunity for our customers to learn
from each other,” explained Galassini. “They hear from each
other what their business challenges are and that feedback
can spark an idea, or at the very least let them know they’re
not alone in terms of the issues they face.”
The Fourth Annual Customer Appreciation Seminar is being
planned for fall 2016. In addition, plans are underway for a
new technical seminar slated for the spring of 2016 designed
to help customers better understand how to use Capitol’s
materials more effectively.
Marketing Makeover
The Capitol Aggregates Sales and Marketing
team continues to flex its digital muscles through
implementation of leading-edge technology tools to
manage customer relationships.
Five years ago, Capitol’s Sales team adopted the
Salesforce.com software as an electronic customer
relationship system. After attending a Salesforce.
com workshop the next year, Vice President of Sales
and Marketing Joel Galassini began leveraging the
full spectrum of the software’s capabilities, including
leads tracking, quote building, automated approval
and work flow processes.
Galassini also took advantage of the software’s
ability to update the company’s products and pricing
in its database and then upload this information to
the company’s website where customers can easily
access it.
In addition, Galassini recently implemented Cvent,
an online event management and invitation system,
that integrates with Salesforce.com by being able
to access, build, store and manage a customer’s
contact information. These integrated systems were
used to invite customers and manage RSVP confirmation information for Capitol’s recent customer appreciation seminar. The approach provided efficient
event management and a user-friendly invitation and
RSVP confirmation process.
“These tools have helped standardize and automate our approach, which has made our business
processes more streamlined,” Galassini said. “These
enhancements are ultimately a win-win for both
Capitol and our customers.”
Capturing What Works
ZACHRY IS COMMITTED TO CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVING WHAT WE DO AND HOW WE DO IT.
To further cultivate that culture, a new online Process
Manual is currently being developed to give all employees
a complete guide to all things Zachry. The project was initiated by Zachry Construction Corporation President and
Chief Operations Officer Jean Abiassi.
“As Zachry continues to grow in markets, both geographically and technically, standardized business processes
and procedures will be essential in moving forward,” said
Abiassi. “Standardized processes take the guesswork out
of a job and promote continuous learning. It helps us stay
safe, keeps the company competitive and allows employee
innovation to be shared among all Zachry job sites.”
A steering committee was formed in September led by
Employee Development & Training Manager Abel Luna
and Project Sponsor Jason Estes. Department leaders
are on the committee providing the latest information and
ensuring a list of comprehensive subjects is covered.
“One of the goals for the manual is to leverage what we
do well to provide guidance for consistency throughout
Business
Process
Increasing
Detail
Standard Operating
Procedures
Supplemental
Documents
Zachry,” said Estes. “In this growth environment, Zachry
will face challenges in retaining our core skills and culture.
This manual will be the tool to drive continual, required
training for all employees as they transfer between departments and project teams and as we hire new employees.
By having a manual that formalizes processes and procedures, employees can more easily adapt to change.”
Zachry is making commitments to ensure that Every Person Matters. “We all have a big responsibility as employees
to identify areas of improvement and pass it on to others,”
said Luna. “This manual will help point everyone in the best
direction and share lessons learned across all projects.”
When completed, the manual will include business processes for each major element of work, directed at executives, clients and joint venture partners. These processes will
be further defined in detailed procedures, geared toward department leads with supplemental documents providing more
specific information and guidance to aid employees.
Process defines the “big picture”
and identifies the main elements of
a business or system topic
Procedures supplement the business
process with detailed information including
step-by-step instructions and flowcharts
Flowcharts / Diagrams
Dr. Ray Perryman (left) and Capitol’s Joel Galassini
(right) address attendees at the 2015 Capitol
Aggregates’ Customer Appreciation Seminar
held in San Antonio. Photo/Capitol Aggregates
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ZACHRY ADVANTAGE
ISSUE 4, 2015
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ZACHRY ADVANTAGE
ISSUE 4, 2015
the
ZACHRY
SCENE
Jason Westenskow Has Strategic Plans for HR
The core values of “Every Person Matters,” “Together We
Can Do Great Things” and “This Is More Than a Job” are the
foundation upon which Zachry Corporation is built. Never has
it been more evident how much value the company places on
its people than now, with its creation of the position of Vice
President of Human Resources for Zachry Corporation.
Zachry recently tapped Jason Westenskow to fill this new
position and to elevate HR from a functional to a strategic role
within the company. A 21-year human resources veteran, he
brings extensive experience in the international operations,
consumer packaged goods, and healthcare industries,
including more than 10 years with Frito-Lay / PepsiCo,
to this position.
In his new role, Westenskow is responsible for
strategic oversight and development of human
resources for the entire enterprise, including Zachry
Construction Corporation, Capitol Aggregates
and Zachry Hospitality. His top priority is to attract,
develop and engage top-caliber employees for
these companies as they continue to grow.
“I am honored and excited to work for Zachry,”
said Westenskow. “There are not many companies like Zachry Corporation, where the values
they espouse are specific to the company and
so clearly demonstrated in everything they do.”
Upon coming on board this past September,
Westenskow’s first order of business was to immerse himself
in the company, soak up the culture and start exploring and
learning the construction, aggregates and hospitality industries.
“Wherever possible, I will be looking for common areas
where it makes sense to collaborate in recruiting new talent;
training and developing talent; and strengthening the unique
Zachry culture that is key to retaining and engaging employees. As I work with the outstanding HR team to find that common ground, I must first get to know the people as well as
each business’s unique operations,” he explained.
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ZACHRY ADVANTAGE
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Shoe on the Right Foot
In September, Zachry Corporation employees helped the Salvation Army fit over 2,000 San
Antonio children with new shoes at the annual Shoe-In. Photo/Frankie Arguello
Westenskow is adamant that his task is not to come in and
“sweep clean” or fix what isn’t broken, but rather to take what
makes Zachry great and harness it across all the businesses
to make it even greater.
“In my first couple of weeks at Zachry I was particularly impressed by the enormous pride people have in working for
Zachry. The company has such a rich heritage and culture, and
in my opinion it is HR’s privilege and challenge to assist in nurturing and sustaining that culture,” concluded Westenskow.
Safe General Contractor of the Year
ZCC was awarded 2015 Safe General Contractor of the Year – Category 1 by the San
Antonio Chapter of The Associated General Contractors (AGC) at the annual Safety
Fair and BBQ Cook-off in Helotes, Texas. ZCC has won this award for the past seven
consecutive years!
Pictured left to right: AGC Safety Committee Chair Sean Moran, Zachry employees:
Victor Saunders, Jake Arevalo (Darrell’s son), Darrell Arevalo, Trish Benavides, Todd
Sutton, Dave Roberson, and AGC President Kristian Pearson.
Photo/Mary Haskin
Simply the Best
Last August, the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau named
Zachry Hospitality Senior Event Manager Ronda Roe Services
Manager of the Year at the Fifth Annual “National Celebrate
Services Day” celebration held at the DoSeum. The award was
established to honor and recognize outstanding services, catering
and event professionals at hotels, convention facilities and venues.
Photo/Robert Chapa
Zachry Corporation Vice President of Human Resources Jason Westenskow is
responsible for strategic oversight and development of human resources for the
entire enterprise. Photo/Louis Scott, Scott Photography
“Jason brings a wealth of knowledge including particular
strengths around creating strong craft and professional training and development programs, and implementing employee engagement processes,” said President and CEO David
Zachry. “He is also fluent in Spanish and is eager to get to
all of our locations to meet the wonderful people who make
Zachry extraordinary.”
Star Power
Rita Phillip, business diversity senior manager, competed as a “Star Dancer”
with professional dancer Alexis Banguero Obregon at the Renaissance With
The Stars Gala at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts on Aug. 29. The
event was a fundraiser for the San Antonio African American Community
Fund and Phillip raised $8,435 of the total $36,148 raised by all participants.
Photo/Rod Henney
Significant Milestones Recognized
Zachry Corporation CEO David Zachry recognized two longtime retiring
employees at the Second Quarter Service Awards Reception on Aug. 14.
(left) Project Director John Walsh retired with 49 years of service to the company
and Building Superintendent Billy Hartwick retired with 28 years of service
Photo/Frank Arguello
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ZACHRY ADVANTAGE
ISSUE 4, 2015
“Without change there is no innovation,
creativity, or incentive for improvement.
Those who initiate change will have a
better opportunity to manage the change
that is inevitable.”
Harnessing Technology to Work
Smarter, Better and More Efficiently
-William Pollard,
physicist and Episcopal priest
Technology and innovation are at the forefront of change at
Zachry. Employees are harnessing multiple technologies to
not only work more efficiently but revolutionize the construction industry. The goal is to create a spirit of innovation for
all employees, invigorate the company and be competitive
in an evolving market place. The investments the company
is making in technological advances today will change the
construction industry forever.
“We are using technology at a rate we never dreamed of
five years ago, and this will make us immensely competitive
in the future,” said Information Technology (IT) Director Kevin
Walters. “Our new SAP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
platform and other technologies are visibly benefitting Zachry
and increasing our ability to continue to attract the best talent.”
Tapping Into Time and Money
Previously, employees had to fill out their timesheets on
paper which were passed around the office for review before
being scanned and sent to headquarters to be input into the
system. Now, employees not only enter their hours electronically but valuable project information as well thanks to the
Mobile Time Capture application.
Previously, project managers would have to wait five to 10
days before they would have access to the actual costs on a
project. “This app now allows foremen to electronically capture labor and equipment hours as well as quantities, reducing
the number of hands that touch that information,” said Project Controls Manager Skip Norton. “This improves accuracy
while making information instantly visible and available to others who need it.”
“We made the technology so user-friendly that foremen
who used the paper-based system for 40 years have had no
trouble using the new technology,” explained Project Controls
Manager Ranjeet Gadhoke. “This is the most visible component of our ERP rollout, and its implementation has been
virtually seamless.”
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ZACHRY ADVANTAGE
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Gadhoke noted that between December 2014 and September 2015, Zachry successfully rolled out Mobile Time Capture
to all existing Zachry job sites. All new Zachry-led projects will
use this technology from the start. They also expect to roll out
the Mobile Time Capture app to Zachry Underground Utility
Services (ZUUS) by the end of 2015.
Palm-Sized Solutions
Business Object Dashboards (BOBJ) uses the information
employees enter in the Mobile Time Card Application and
provides valuable project information on a mobile device.
“BOBJs provide real-time performance indicators, charts,
trends and other reports to end users who can make decisions and change the outcome of a situation proactively.”
said Gadhoke.
The goal for this application is to provide a tool for executives and managers to check the status of any project
from anywhere in the world.
“While designing this, we imagined management waiting to
board a flight, pull up data on a given project and have the
ability to discuss current
project costs and trends in
an instant,” said Gadhoke.
Screen shots of the BOBJ Project Dashboard - Project Charts
on an iPad and an iPhone.
Photo/ZCC
Personal Portal
Zachry employees have a new tool to view and update
their own personal and payroll information. By logging on to
the Employee Self Service (ESS) portal, they can change
contact information; add or delete dependents; view and
amend benefit selections; access historical pay statements;
update or create a new W-4; and view their W-2 online.
“The ability to update personal information online without
filling out paperwork increases the efficiency and speed with
which changes can be made,” explained SAP Business Analyst Leroy Leven. “With the recent rollout of our new login
system, employees and their families can now access the
portal from home.”
The Changing Role of IT
Zachry is fostering an environment of innovation by providing the latest technology solutions to employees. This has
a big effect for the Information Technology (IT) Department
at Zachry.
“We are taking a mobile-first approach to technology in
all areas of our operations. This includes providing apps
for mobile devices, offering suggestions about those we
believe are useful and allowing employees the freedom to
pick and choose the ones they like best,” said Walters.
“The role of IT has changed dramatically. It’s no longer
an entity unto itself, but an expediter of technologies that
facilitate business practices.”
Apps Making an Impact
Here’s a quick look at some of the apps proving
most useful for Zachry employees.
BLUE BEAM REVU: A tool for engineers, estimators,
managers and fieldworkers to edit and access PDF (portable
document format) and CAD (computer aided design) files
with real-time access to the most current versions available
as an iPad app or desktop software.
ELO DIGITAL: The latest tool for Zachry employees to
store and access scanned images of their documents on a
mobile device from anywhere in the world with an Internet
connection. This app also allows managers to approve tasks
such as invoices, leave requests, etc. on a mobile device.
iHANDY CARPENTER: Foreman can use their iPhones and
iPads as the equivalent to the trusty old level.
THEODOLITE HD: A surveying tool that uses the mobile
device’s sensors to pull accurate information about position,
altitude, bearing, range and inclination that can be overlayed
on a location map or a photograph taken in real time.
CONCUR: A travel receipt application that uses the camera
phone to scan and store receipts to minimize the paperload
and keep track of expenses.
EVERNOTE: A note-recording tool that comes in mobile and
desktop versions, allowing the user to record voice notes on
the fly and review the transcribed notes on their desktop later.
EVERNOTE SCANNABLE: Solves the age-old business
card storage dilemma. The app scans business cards and
saves that information to Exchange contacts, but only after
automatically referencing LinkedIn for the individual’s most
up-to-date information.
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ZACHRY ADVANTAGE
ISSUE 4, 2015
Hilton Palacio del Rio Embraces
“Social” Engagement
As Zachry Hospitality’s Hilton Palacio del Rio positions itself
to become the hotel of choice among business and leisure
travelers making their way to the River Walk in San Antonio,
its marketing team is implementing a social media strategy
that creates a personal connection with customers and potential customers, and keeps them coming back.
“The River Walk is one of the top travel destinations in the
United States,” said Zain Bidiwala, Hilton Palacio del Rio
marketing manager. “When our customers are reminded of
the beauty of the River Walk through photos shared in their
Facebook or Instagram feed, they are reminded of their stay
with us and, perhaps, how much they would like to return.”
Bidiwala joined the Hilton Palacio del Rio marketing team
in December 2014, and brought with him a social media panache that is helping the property become more visible among
social media channels like Facebook and
Instagram, as well creating opportunities within the hotel to communicate to guests.
Hilton Palacio del Rio Marketing
Manager Zain Bidiwala is
spearheading a social media
marketing strategy for the
hotel. Photo/Louis Scott, Scott
Photography
Through Instagram, Bidiwala recognizes he is reaching a younger demographic,
and through interaction with this
cohort of San Antonio visitors, he’s
hoping to make a memorable connection for Hilton Palacio del Rio.
“A recent Instagram update allows you to search San
Antonio River Walk, The Alamo and other local attractions
to see images posted from our city’s visitors,” he explained.
“I comment on their images, thank them for visiting our city and
compliment their photography skills. I use #HiltonPalacio in the
comment to keep our hotel top-of-mind for their next visit.”
In the spring of 2015, the Hilton Palacio del Rio installed a
webcam on the River Walk in an effort to communicate real
time with visitors on weather conditions.
“This past spring, when national news sources were reporting on the tragic flooding in our neighboring cities and towns,
visitors thought the San Antonio River was impacted—which
it was not,” said Bidiwala. “I now use video and photos from
the webcam that’s along the River Walk in front of our hotel to
showcase our crown jewel.”
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ZACHRY ADVANTAGE
ISSUE 4, 2015
In a 12-week case study, Hilton Palacio
del Rio used Instagram to engage
guests and potential guests.
The results were impressive:
• 300 percent growth in audience
start: 225; current: 800
• Fourfold increase in likes per picture
start average: 15; current average: 55
• 350 percent increase in pictures tagged at the
hotel’s location or utilizing the property hashtag
• Twelve times the number of comments
per month start: 3; current: 35
Hilton Palacio del Rio is one of the only hotels that is using
the webcam for continued outreach, and it’s made an impact,
increasing followers along all of Hilton Palacio del Rio’s social
media channels.
“Zain has been a breath of fresh air for us,” said Brian
Getman, director of sales and marketing for Hilton Palacio
del Rio. “Communicating to guests via social media takes
time and thought, and Zain is dedicating both to this effort.
It’s creating a personal connection and establishing our
brand—and allowing us to become the hotel of choice over
and over again.”
@HiltonPalacio
Investing in the Company’s
Most Valued Resources
Long before the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) was created in the early ‘70s, Zachry
employees were already adhering to stringent in-house
safety standards. It is one of the many reasons the company is regarded as a pioneer in the construction industry.
Today, Zachry continues to make safety a priority with the
addition of a new safety school to its Zachry Academy for
continuing education.
The Zachry Academy Safety School, which will make its
debut in Dallas, is giving employees a better understanding
of company safety practices and why they exist. With this program, participating Zachry Construction Corporation (ZCC)
employees will take an eight-hour course that is dedicated to
safety each year.
“This is one of the most important schools we
offer at the Zachry Academy,” said Jean Abiassi,
President and COO. “This school will not only train
our supervision to recognize unsafe acts or unsafe
conditions, but it also trains our people to plan the
work and execute it in a safe and efficient manner.”
“Regardless of their level of knowledge, they will walk away
with something new that they have learned,” said Zachry Employee Development and Training Manager Abel Luna. “It is
an investment in our employees.”
Employees who are at a foreman level and above will be
required to take the course. Luna says employees will learn
more about OSHA standards and how those regulations apply
to their jobs. In November, the first class of Zachry employees
successfully graduated from the Safety Academy.
“From a safety perspective we want them to follow the
advice of our company’s founder, H.B. Zachry,” said Luna.
He liked to say, ‘plan your work and work your plan.’”
Changing Behavior Yields Safer Outcomes
Hilton Palacio del Rio
@HiltonPalacio
Link to live webcam
bit.ly/hiltoncam
Fifty-six-year-old Raymundo Gonzales who works in utilities at Capitol Aggregates applied safety precautions he
learned at Captiol. “We learned how to properly install berms
on high walls during excavation,” said Gonzales. “Using the
correct installation process definitely prevented an accident.”
This year at Capitol, the “Danger Zone Academy” was held
with focus on seeing safety and observing safety behavior
of others. During the observations, an employee’s actions
are analyzed. When a behavior, such as incorrect body positioning or using the wrong tool is observed, suggestions are
made and the behavior is corrected.
“The most valuable resource to come out of our mining
facilities is what goes into our mining facilities each day, and
that is the miners themselves,” said Capitol’s Director of
Safety Chuck Ross. “Continuous improvement of our most
valuable resource requires both safety and job-skill training.”
Each year, miners at Capitol are also required to complete
eight hours of safety refresher education. Some employees
have decided to take their skills to a higher level by becoming certified. In addition, after a recent training for electricians
and welders, seven Capitol employees passed the American
Welding Society certified welder test.
Zachry Employees are Industry Leaders
ZCC Senior Project Controls Manager Todd Sutton believes the outstanding education provided by Zachry Academy allows employees to take courses outside the company
with ease. The Association of General Contractors (AGC)
offers continuing education,
which also benefits Zachry
employees.
“It’s an opportunity for employees to learn from others in
the same industry,” explained
Sutton.
Some ZCC employees are
also instructors for various
AGC training classes. Sutton is a nationally certified
instructor and leads courses
in Lean Construction for the
association.
Zachry employees have
Plant Mechanic III George Moreno determines
a number of opportunities
the correct chain and sprocket arrangement
to enhance their skills and
to get the RPM of the system he calculated in
a recent Capitol training program.
become industry leaders.
Photo/Capitol Aggregates
Whether they are gathering
around a toolbox learning a new procedure, taking a Zachry
Academy course, or participating in training and certification
offered through professional organizations, Zachry employees continue to build the extraordinary.
For more information on the training schools offered at the Zachry Academy check out:
http://www.zachryconstructioncorp.com/Careers/Training-Development/Zachry-Academy
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ZACHRY ADVANTAGE
ISSUE 4, 2015
SAWS Desalination Plant
on Tap for Late 2016
Zachry and its joint venture partner,
Parsons Corp., are now more than halfway to completing Phase One of the
first-ever San Antonio Water System
(SAWS) Desalination Plant near San
Antonio.
When finished in late October 2016,
the plant will provide 12 million gallons per day of drinking water for the
fast-growing South Texas region.
“This is an exciting project that helps
us further diversify our water portfolio,” said Esther Harrah, SAWS manager - Desalination Engineering. “The
technology in place here allows us to
tap into an ocean of brackish water underground and help further secure San
months preparing the plant for operations, conducting tests and training
SAWS staff to operate the plant before
water begins flowing into the SAWS
distribution system.
This first phase also includes building the infrastructure for two additional
phases in the future. For example, half
of a 60,000-square-foot building will
house the process area for producing
the initial 12 million gallons a day, with
the other half left for processing more
water in future phases. At full capacity, the plant could process up to 30
million gallons a day, making it the
largest inland desalination facility in
the United States.
Construction began in June 2014
with a focus on underground work, including trenching pipeline and installing underground duct banks. However,
heavy rains in the spring of 2015--including May, the wettest month in Texas
history—impacted the work schedule.
“We are working to mitigate some of
these delays by working weekends and
longer hours to accelerate the pace of
the project,” said Construction
40 For 100 Manager
Brian Lennard.
To meet the demands of such a complex project, Zachry has assembled a
team of more than 175 employees, including 14 management professionals
on site.
The plant is not only a first for SAWS,
but also a first for Zachry. It’s an opportunity for Zachry to build on its construction expertise and be more competitive in the growing water treatment
industry in the future. The company
anticipates this project will lead to similar work in other parts of Texas and
around the country.
“Water treatment is absolutely a
target for our business plan, whether
it’s desalination, waste water or other
types of water treatment systems,” said
Zachry and Parsons Corp. are constructing a
60,000-square-foot building to house the process
area for producing the desalinated water. Photo/ZCC
Darrell Arevalo, director of operations,
Building Division. “This is a high-profile
project that strengthens our resume
and makes us more attractive in other
emerging markets. Our goal is to be the
contractor of choice when the markets
demand construction in this field.”
FPO
C O M M E M O R AT I O
Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub Creates
When finished in late October 2016, the plant will
provide 12 million gallons per day of drinking water
for the fast-growing South Texas region. Photo/ZCC
Antonio’s water future.”
The plant will desalinate brackish water pumped from the Wilcox Aquifer in
south Bexar County. Through reverse
osmosis, 90 percent of the water will be
converted into fresh, drinkable water,
with the remaining brine injected up to
5,000 feet underground.
Several months of construction remain ahead, including the building of
well sites, underground piping and
post-treatment structures. When that
process is complete in March 2016,
Zachry and Parsons will spend several
12
ZACHRY ADVANTAGE
ISSUE 4, 2015
Moving Celebration
When Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub
opened 48 hours of their loss.
The agency
on the San Antonio River Walk
on Sept. continues to support
the fami11, 1974, no one could have
ever imagined lies by placing
any dependent
how significant that 9/11 anniversary
would children into The 100
Club
become in 2001, or how it would
be com- Survivor Fund to
provide
memorated in 2014.
for their education.
The San Antonio Durty Nelly’s,
a rep“That is a heartbreaklica of the original erected in
1620 as part ing time for
a family,
of the Bunratty Castle in Limerick,
Ireland, having just lost a loved
was the brainchild of Bill Hunter,
general one, and we do not
manager of the Hilton Palacio
del Rio in want them to have
to
the 1970s. After visiting the original
Durty worry about any finanNelly’s in Ireland, he thought
it would be a cial issues,”
said The
good addition in what was then
a seldom- 100 Club President
used corner of the hotel.
Richard Miller. “We
“We opened on Sept. 11, back
in ’74,” ex- rely on corporate
citizens
to
plained Brian Getman, director
of sales and support our mission
and Zachry has been
marketing for Zachry Hospitality,
which very generous to us.
Without them, we
manages both Durty Nelly’s and
the Hilton would not be able
to support families who
Palacio del Rio. “It is just a coincidence,
but have lost a loved one in a
tragic situation.”
a meaningful one. You do not
want to celebrate the day but we certainly
wanted to
honor it.”
The result was a more-than-$1
0,000 donation to San Antonio’s 100
Club, a nonprofit organization dedicated
to supporting
the families of Bexar County
law enforcement officers and firefighters
killed in the
line of duty.
Durty Nelly’s donated more than
$4,000,
roughly 10 percent of all food
and beverage
sales for the entire week of September
8, to
the organization. Another $6,000
was raised
in the “40 for 100” raffle for a 10-day
trip for
two to Ireland, which was underwritten
by
the Palacio del Rio. Tuscon,
Ariz., resident
Robert Scott Hulstrom, who
discovered
Durty Nelly’s while stationed
at Fort Sam
Houston in 1984, was the raffle’s
winner.
“It seems like one of those things
that was
just meant to be,” said Getman.
“When I
first contacted The 100 Club,
the president,
Richard Miller, put me in touch
with their
director of public relations, Rina
Grona. Her
husband, Sgt. Gary Grona, is a
San Antonio
police officer. As it turns out,
they met at
Durty Nelly’s. How perfect is
that?”
The 100 Club of San Antonio’s
mission is
San Antonio’s
to deliver funds to the families
of fallen law Photo/Zachry Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub marked its 40th anniversary on Sept. 11,
2014.
Hospitality
enforcement officers and firefighters
within
4
ZACHRY ADVANTAGE ISSUE
4, 2014
Elects David Zachry for National Chair
N
C
Tapping the Water of the Future
South Texas Desalination
Plant Projected to Open
RESOURCE
C O N S E R VAT I O N
in 4th Quarter of 2016
When phase one of the desalination
facility is completed in late 2016,
SAWS expects to deliver an average
12 million gallons of water per
day to customers in its service
of
area.
Photo/ZCC
R
This project has been dubbed “cutting
edge,”
a progressive and proactive effort
to conserve
water resources in an area experiencing
the simultaneous challenges of a population
boom
and the effects of a prolonged drought.
In addition to the new water treatment
facility using reverse osmosis treatment,
the scope of
work also includes drilling of four
production
wells, fit-out of 12 production
wells, fit-out of
six monitoring wells, a raw water
conveyance
system, a treated water conveyance
system, a
residuals disposal conveyance system,
pre-injection facilities, drilling of one injection
well and
fit-out of two injection wells.
“This plant is a first-of-its-kind
project for
Zachry and a first for SAWS,” said
Lennard. “It
is exciting to be on the forefront
of water conservation efforts in South Texas.”
The SAWS desalination plant also
will serve
as an education center, allowing
residents and
students from across the region
to witness the
process of desalination.
SAWS is planning an additional
two phases
of the desalination plant. When
the third and
final phase is complete in 2026,
the desalination plant will be the largest inland
plant in the
United States with an estimated
25 million gallons of water per day to customers.
Faced with an ongoing drought
and a rap“Crews mobilized in the middle
idly increasing population in South
of June and
Texas, the have recently completed
the mass earthwork,
San Antonio Water System (SAWS)
is em- treatment plant building
pad, site storm drainbracing non-traditional water sources
to supply age, drilled shafts and
This plant is a first-of-itsare currently constructing
the region in the future and diversify
its water the concrete foundation,”
said Brian Lennard,
sources. With the development
kind project for Zachry,
of one of the Zachry construction
manager of the SAWS
United States’ largest inland desalination
and a first for SAWS.”
plants, desalination plant. “In
November, we began
the utility is taking water conservation
to the installing the raw water
-- Brian Lennard
conveyance pipeline
next level.
and drilling of the first production
Construction Manager
In December 2012, SAWS selected
well into the
Zachry Wilcox Aquifer– the
well is at an estimated toZachry
and Parsons Corporation to build
phase one tal well depth of
over 1,700 feet.”
of the desalination facility. When
phase one is
complete in late 2016, SAWS intends
to deliver
an average of 12 million gallons of
water per day
to customers in its service area.
Located near Elmendorf, Texas,
the plant
will pump brackish water from
the Wilcox
Aquifer and use reverse osmosis
to convert up
to 90 percent of the water into
drinking water,
returning 10 percent of the intake
back using
injection wells, to a highly brackish
zone of the
Edwards Aquifer at an approximate
depth in
When complete, the South Texas
excess of 4,200 feet.
facility will be one of the largest
Photo/ZCC
inland desalination plants in the
United States.
ISSUE 4, 2014 ZACHRY ADVANTAGE
LOOK BACK
The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) elected President and CEO David Zachry,
P.E. as the 2015-2016 National Chairman at its national convention in Philadelphia. ARTBA is the “consensus
voice” of the United States transportation design and construction industry before Congress, federal agencies, the
White House, news media and the general public.
Zachry previously served as senior vice chairman, first
vice chairman and vice chairman at-large for ARTBA. He
holds several positions with important organizations that help define Zachry as a leader
in the construction industry. Currently,
he is the chairman of the steering
committee for the Construction
Industry Ethics and Compliance
initiative, serves on the Texas
A&M Civil Engineering Advisory Council, and is a board
member of both the Southwest Research Institute
and the Associated General
Contractors of America.
Like
his
grandfather,
founder H.B. “Pat” Zachry,
David is passionate about the
construction industry and ensuring his leadership with ARTBA
will have a lasting effect. During the
convention, he outlined several key
goals for the year ahead as chairman.
“Most importantly,” he said, “ARTBA will remain laser-focused on its mission of ensuring a longterm Highway Trust Fund fix and congressional approval of a
multi-year bill that boosts federal surface transportation investment. The association will also advocate for increased federal
investment in airport construction as part of the reauthorization
of the nation’s aviation programs.”
Zachry pledged to build the number of firms and organizations supporting the “Transportation Makes America Work”
lobbying and advocacy communications program to help ensure the industry has the financial muscle to achieve its legislative goals.
Second, Zachry said the association will expand the scope of
its training initiatives with development of new accredited, national road and bridge safety certification programs.
Third, he plans to implement the recommendations in the
report put forward in Philadelphia by the ARTBA
Young Executive Leadership Task Force that
are aimed at more fully engaging the next
generation of industry leaders in supporting the association’s advocacy
mission and providing them with
new leadership opportunities.
Fourth, Zachry stressed the
importance of ARTBA’s ongoing efforts to support the
professional development of
women in the industry, and to
recruit more women and students to consider transportation construction careers.
Finally, Zachry will initiate a
new wave of outreach to expand
ARTBA’s membership, build its
grassroots army and get members
more involved.
This next year will be a busy but important one for Zachry. The company’s dedication to furthering the construction industry not
only promotes the Zachry brand, but further establishes the
company as a national leader in infrastructure construction.
Zachry’s leadership with ARTBA will help protect the company’s future and lead to additional challenging projects for
employees that allow us to build the extraordinary.
Learn more at www.artba.org and check out the introduction video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/mgVBj0B01Zs.
5
ISSUE 4, 2014
13
ZACHRY ADVANTAGE
ISSUE 4, 2015
the
ZACHRY
Employee
Births
WAY
Samuel and Lucius to Leroy Leven, SAP HR/Payroll
Analyst with Heavy Division, and Edie Denise on
Oct. 3, 2015.
Have some joyful news to share?
Joseph Richard Alliy to Kelly Alliy, Quality Control
with Heavy Division on Grand Parkway, and Jennifer
Alliy on Sept. 29, 2015.
Let us know!
Send announcements to:
public.affairs@zachrycorp.com
Caleb Michael Wilbraham to Ryan Wilbraham,
IT Department at the home office, and Krissy
Wilbraham on Nov. 10, 2015.
Unexpected Find Reveals Unique Fossil
One day last April, as a Capitol Aggregates Equipment Operator was performing work on Capitol property, he spied an isolated, curved, bony object protruding
from an outcropping of dirt. Digging it out of the dirt, he took it back to the property’s office where personnel speculated it was an elephant tusk.
The find was transported to San Antonio, where Witte Museum representatives
positively identified it as a portion of a tusk from a large Columbian Mammoth
(the southern relative of the Wooly Mammoth) that lived about 12,500 years ago.
Capitol Aggregates loaned the tusk to the Witte Museum, where it was
displayed as part of the “Discover the Ice Age” exhibit, which ran late May
through early September.
ZACHRY MILEMARKERS
Congratulations
Columbian Mammoths are extinct animals and are relatives of today’s elephants. These large
mammals lived during the last ice age and may have died off when the weather became warmer and their food
supply changed. There were several species of mammoths worldwide, including the Columbian Mammoth, which
lived in North America and as far south as Costa Rica.
Photo/SAYL
Justin Allred
Felipe Salinas
Jose L. Arriaga
Simon T. Soto
Manuel Badillo
Americo S. Vazquez
The San Antonio Youth Literacy
organization has named Zachry
Construction Corporation
employee, Rachael Ferrera
November’s Reading Buddy of
the month. Rachael has been a
Reading Buddy for the past eight
school years and continues to be
an advocate for literacy. Thank
you to all the Larkspur volunteers
who spend critical time each
week helping our youth improve
their reading.
Martin Benitez Pina
Rodney E. Young
Esteban Garcia
Juan Zacarias
Lucio G. Gonzalez
35 Years
James Bocanegra
Eulogio Lambardia
15 Years
Angel Olvera
30 Years
John Owens
John Cardenas
Alberto G. Castellanos
Rogelio De La Cruz
Chris R. Weehler
Juan F. Santa Cruz
Mallory Deanne Velasquez
Wesley A. Walker
John E. Wedgworth II
10 Years
Robert Fernandez
Jose Baez
Maggie Morin
Joel L. Galassini
John Y. Stewart
Raul Ramos-Rivas
Karla L. Sutton
25 Years
Gustavo L. Castaneda
Malcolm C. Fischer
David W. Tidwell
Matthew C. White
Maria G. Gomez
Maribel Barron Luna
Julia F. Martinez
Did you know...
JO KES
Zachry Construction is currently building
the largest ballroom in Texas?
Q: What is a
snowman’s
favorite breakfast?
A: Frosted
Flakes
ISSUE 4, 2015
William A. Aiken
Jaime Juarez
Michael Labau
KID ZONE
AIRPORT
CASINO
14CONVENTION
ZACHRYCENTER
ADVANTAGE
EXPANSION
GUEST
5 Years
Jimmy L. Delagarza
Omar S. Castro
ZACHRY
AIRPORT
CASINO
CONVENTION CENTER
EXPANSION
GUEST
HIGH RISE
HOTEL
MINI BAR
OCCUPANCY
REFURBISHMENT
RESIDENCE
RESORT
RESTAURANT
ROOM SERVICE
SUITE
SUSTAINABILITY
TRANSFER
20 Years
Pamela A. Fleming
40 Years
Doing Right by Reading
DID YOU KNOW?
45 Years
Yes. The largest ballroom is located at the Henry B.
Gonzalez Convention Center in the heart of downtown
San Antonio. When completed, the room will measure
54,000 square feet. The ballroom will have a new modern
look and be ready for use in spring 2016.
Photo/ZCC
15
ZACHRY ADVANTAGE
ISSUE 4, 2015
SAN ANTONIO,TX
SA
PERMIT #1517
PE
PRSRT. STD.
U.S. POSTAGE
PA I D
2330 North Loop 1604 West | San Antonio, TX 78248
P.O. Box 33240 | San Antonio, TX 78265
zachrycorp.com
P
SAN
PERMIT #1517
PER
Submitted by:
San Antonio Water System (SAWS)
Brackish Groundwater Desalination Project
U.S
SAN ANTONIO,TX
Through
the Lens
PROJECT:
FIRS
Project Manager
Patrick Wolfe
The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) Desalination Project, a
Zachry-led joint venture, will transform brackish water into millions of
gallons of drinkable water. The once-overlooked pool of groundwater will be made drinkable using a planned reverse-osmosis
water treatment facility — located at the existing SAWS Twin
Oaks Aquifer Storage and Recovery site (3,000 acres) —
drawing brackish water from production wells more than
1,700 feet deep.
Give us a peek at a
day in your shoes!
Send us your best shot! Send an email with
a photo attachment at least 1MB in size
and a description of what it depicts to
public.affairs@zachrycorp.com.
Include your name, job title and contact
information in case we need more information.