Month: December 2020

Ramon Gutierrez Hired as Sales/PM

Posted on by Sara Bequette
Ramon Gutierrez
Ramon Gutierrez

(St. Louis, MO, Dec. 9, 2020) Western Specialty Contractors proudly announces the hiring of Ramon Gutierrez as Sales Project Manager at its Fort Lauderdale, FL branch.

In his new position, Gutierrez is responsible for fostering relationships with existing and potential new clients, estimating and providing proposals for work, and closing deals with clients.

Gutierrez has four years of industry experience, having previously worked as a Project Manager for Concrete Protection and Restoration in Oakland Park, FL. He has a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a Specialization in Biochemistry from Barry University in Miami, FL. Residing in Fort Lauderdale, Gutierrez is a single father to his rescue dog, a Siberian Husky named Argo. He also volunteers at the Feeding South Florida food bank and enjoys drawing and painting portraits during his spare time.

About Western Specialty Contractors

Family-owned and operated for more than 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing, and specialty roofing. Western offers a nationwide network of expertise that building owners, engineers, architects, and property managers can count on to develop cost-effective, corrective measures that can add years of useful life to a variety of structures including industrial, commercial, healthcare, historic, educational, and government buildings, parking structures, and sports stadiums. Western is headquartered in St. Louis, MO with 30 branch offices nationwide and employs more than 1,200 salaried and hourly professionals who offer the best, time-tested techniques and innovative technology. For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, visit https://WesternSpecialtyContractors.com.

Media Contact

Jennifer Beidle
314-607-9459
jennifer@jbeidlepr.com

Snow Removal 101 | Parking Structures

Posted on by Sara Bequette

Chemical deicers and snowplows are commonly used in winter to eliminate hazardous ice and snow from parking decks and structures. While deicers are doing their job melting away snow and ice, some may actually be corroding the parking structure’s concrete and reinforcing steel, and some snow removal techniques may actually be doing more damage than good.

Western Specialty Contractors, experts in parking garage restoration and maintenance, offers several tips to minimize unnecessary damage to parking structures during the winter months and keep drivers safe.

Snow Removal Tips:

  • Clearly mark expansion joints in a way that will be visible to the equipment operator when the deck is covered with snow.
  • Establish a snow removal pattern so that the plow blade approaches expansion joints, control joints, and tee-to-tee joints at an angle no greater than 75 degrees.
  • Equip snowplow blades and bucket loaders with shoes or rubber guards that prevent direct contact with the deck surface.
  • Do not pile snow on the deck surface. Piles of snow can exceed the rated load capacity and cause cracking in the concrete deck surface.

Deicing/Salting Tips:

Using chemical deicers to control ice and snow buildup is common. However, these chemicals can have a negative effect on concrete and reinforcing steel and should be used sparingly. There are several different types of deicers on the market that can be used, however, only those approved by the American Concrete Institute are recommended.

  • Sodium Chloride – (Road Salt, Table Salt) This is the most commonly used salt deicer, it has little effect on concrete however it promotes corrosion in reinforcing steel and other metals. It is not recommended to use this type of deicer.
  • Calcium Chloride – This is a major ingredient in most commercial deicers, it has little effect on concrete but promotes corrosion in reinforcing steel and other metals. It is not recommended to use this type of deicer.
  • Ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate – Use of this deicer will lead to serious concrete deterioration due to a direct chemical attack on the reinforcing steel. It is not recommended to use this type of deicer.
  • Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) – Its deicing effects are similar to salt, but it requires more time to melt ice.  It has no adverse effects on concrete or steel reinforcement. If a deicer is required, CMA is the recommended type to be used.

It is important to minimize the amount of deicing chemicals applied during the first two years of the concrete being installed. During this time, the concrete has an increased permeability which can allow the deicing chemicals to migrate into the concrete more rapidly. As concrete ages and cures, it will become less permeable and chemicals will not penetrate as easily.

It is important to remember that the use of deicing chemicals in general are not recommended. The safest way to remove ice and snow is to use a plow. Sand can also be used to increase tire traction on the deck, but be sure to protect the drainage system when washing down the deck after its use.

Greg Aenchbacher Hired as Senior Sales/PM

Posted on by Sara Bequette
Greg Aenchbacher

(St. Louis, MO, Dec. 3, 2020) Western Specialty Contractors proudly announces the hiring of Greg Aenchbacher as Senior Sales/Project Manager at its Atlanta, GA branch office.

In his new position, Aenchbacher is responsible for business development/sales, project management, estimating, and serving as a subject matter expert.

Aenchbacher has enjoyed a successful career in construction for over 27 years. Prior to Western, he worked as a Project Manager for Southeast Restoration & Fireproofing in Stone Mountain, GA; as a Division Manager/Commercial Waterproofing and Restoration for DACA Specialty Services in Norcross, GA; and as a Project Manager/Regional Manager for Metro Waterproofing Inc. in Scottdale, GA.

He is a member of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI), Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), and Sealant, Waterproofing, Restoration Institute (SWRI).

Residing in Covington, GA, Aenchbacher has two daughters. The oldest is a senior at Augusta Medical College where she will graduate in May with a degree in nursing. His youngest is a senior at Social Circle High School.

During his spare time, he is a sports announcer for Social Circle High School and a coach for Academy Girls Soccer. He enjoys sky diving, scuba diving, boating, college football, and the outdoors. He also volunteers for the Great Dane Rescue.

About Western Specialty Contractors

Family-owned and operated for more than 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing, and specialty roofing. Western offers a nationwide network of expertise that building owners, engineers, architects, and property managers can count on to develop cost-effective, corrective measures that can add years of useful life to a variety of structures including industrial, commercial, healthcare, historic, educational and government buildings, parking structures, and sports stadiums. Western is headquartered in St. Louis, MO with 30 branch offices nationwide and employs more than 1,200 salaried and hourly professionals who offer the best, time-tested techniques and innovative technology. For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, visit https://WesternSpecialtyContractors.com.

Media Contact

Jennifer Beidle
314-607-9459
jennifer@jbeidlepr.com

Employee Spotlight | Taeko Lemke

Posted on by Sara Bequette
Taeko Lemke, this month's Employee Spotlight

Western would like to recognize Taeko Lemke as this month's Employee Spotlight.

Kudos, Taeko—and thank you for being a valued member of the Western team!

Q&A with Taeko West

01

What is your role at Western?

My title is Branch Administrator, but my role is to wear many hats that help the team to work together to accomplish our goals. I assist the team members both in the field and in the office by taking care of tasks that allow them to be more productive and efficient which then makes all of us more profitable.

02

What do you like most about Western?

Without a doubt, it is the people I work with daily at Western, including Western ALL, our Customers, and even my Vendors. I have come to treasure the friendships I have developed over the years with many within the organization, missing them as they move on. Even though miles may separate the Branch from the Home Office, I have always felt a part of the Western Family. Our Customers and even our vendors have become friends who I miss seeing socially outside of work events, due to COVID-19, and I look forward to gathering again.

03

What are three words to describe Western?

Family, Integrity & Quality. From day one, there was a feeling of family, being part of the team not just at the branch level but within the whole company. It became more evident when traveling to the home office for “Welcome to Western.” I saw it not as just a training session but truly an opportunity to meet the folks I would be working with regularly. I am also proud to be with a company where integrity and quality are core values. We stand behind our word and our work and it is a blessing to know I work for such a company.

04

What is your proudest moment at Western?

My proudest moment came just last week with the announcement that our project, FUMC, partnered with Sika, has been awarded the Special Project Category Award for ICRI and the project will be featured in the Nov/Dec 2020 issue of Concrete Repair Bulletin.

05

What has been your favorite project at Western?

FUMC has been a favorite restoration project. Watching the teamwork together to come up with solutions to overcome obstacles and deliver professionalism and craftsmanship throughout the project was very rewarding. At the end of the project, I was able to create a presentation that was shown to the congregation during a Sunday service which showed the transformation of the Sanctuary. Once the presentation was concluded they invited Western to come before the congregation so that they could show their appreciation to us.

06

How did you first learn about Western?

Back in 2008, during the recession, my hubby asked if I could find a job that would pay for the time I gave volunteering many hours at my kid’s school and my church. So, of course, I looked for a job on Craigslist and came across the ad for a Branch Administrator for Western. From there, I went to the website to learn about the company and was pleased to see that my interest in historical buildings was a discipline listed in projects performed by Western. I quickly sent in my resume.

0I7

Before working at Western, what was the most unusual or interesting job you've ever had?

I worked as a house cleaner for my High School Orchestra Leader in my junior and senior years. Not very glamourous but it did give me a little spending money.

08

What advice do you have for prospective Western candidates?

Give yourself time to learn the culture, language, and the responsibilities of your position. If you allow the time to absorb the knowledge, expertise, and passion of the team members, great things can happen.

09

What have you gained from Working at Western?

A lifetime of stories and experiences of overcoming challenges, rejoicing in the victories, and becoming stronger together even through the losses. Basically “family.”

10

What is on your wish list for the next 10 years with Western?

To continue to learn, innovate, and grow in ways that would help my team to be more efficient, effective, and profitable.

11

If you could switch your job with anyone else within Western, whose job would you want?

Western has given me the opportunity to work beyond my traditional admin role and help in Marketing, IT, and even Operations throughout the years. That being said, I would not want to switch jobs for I have already had the freedom to serve the branch in many capacities, first because it was needed to fill in the gaps and now because I am allowed to be part of the innovation and collaboration of my team.

12

What about you? What do you personally enjoy?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, whether it is dining together, doing a group project together, or just sitting by a fire and watching the sunset. I also enjoy a good walk or hike in the forest or by any body of water. Basically, spending time outside and soaking in all that I have been blessed with.

Click here to view all of our Employee Spotlights.

Taeko sets the standard for exceptional Administrators. Nothing happens at her branch without her knowing. In addition to all of her daily administrative responsibilities, Taeko also contributes to the marketing efforts, customer relationships, and keeping Jon Carden from losing his mind. Taeko has been with Western for more than 13 years. A huge thank you to Taeko and all she has done for Team San Francisco!

Tom Brooks
Chief Operating Officer
Western Specialty Contractors

Tanya Shepherd Promoted to Sr. BD Manager

Posted on by Sara Bequette
Tanya Shepherd

(St. Louis, MO, Dec. 1, 2020) Western Specialty Contractors has promoted Tanya Shepherd to Senior Business Development Manager, effective Jan. 1, 2021. Shepherd was hired in 2016 as Regional Business Development Manager in Western’s St. Louis, MO headquarters.

As Senior Business Development Manager, Shepherd will be responsible for mentoring and training the business team, as well as developing standardization, compliance, and measurability within the department.

Tanya's promotion epitomizes the outstanding work she did during her four years at Western. We are looking forward to many more successful years to come from Tanya as a leader in business development.
Bill Hohmeier, Vice President of East Operations
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In addition to her experience at Western, she also has eight years of property management experience, having previously worked as a Property Manager at Cushman & Wakefield in St. Louis, MO.

She has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Missouri Baptist University and a real estate license. Shepherd resides in Hillsboro, MO with her husband of 22 years and two daughters.

About Western Specialty Contractors

Family-owned and operated for more than 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing, and specialty roofing. Western offers a nationwide network of expertise that building owners, engineers, architects, and property managers can count on to develop cost-effective, corrective measures that can add years of useful life to a variety of structures including industrial, commercial, healthcare, historic, educational and government buildings, parking structures, and sports stadiums. Western is headquartered in St. Louis, MO with 30 branch offices nationwide and employs more than 1,200 salaried and hourly professionals who offer the best, time-tested techniques and innovative technology. 

Media Contact

Jennifer Beidle
314-607-9459
jennifer@jbeidlepr.com