Multiple generations of Colmeneros have worked at this family-owned operation, including the ones shown here (left to right): Augie Colmenero III, Quality Control; Augie Colmenero Jr., Owner/President; Gabriel Colmenero, Plaster Foreman; Isaac Colmenero, Scaffolding Foreman; and Joe Colmenero, Plaster Foreman.

A. Colmenero Plastering, Inc. used an upgraded combination of traditional plaster cement and an Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) for the Dave & Buster’s in Fresno, California.

Plastering must be in the Colmenero family’s DNA—four generations have labored in the industry. “My grandfather worked for the union as a hod carrier, also known as a plaster tender, carrying heavy loads of mud to the plasterers,” says Augustine “Augie” Colmenero Jr., President of A. Colmenero Plastering, Inc. “At an early age, my brothers and I would go to a job site with my grandfather and help him load the hod and clean up. We were too little to carry it for him, of course, as hods can hold up to 200 pounds of mud.”

Augie also worked for his father and Uncle Manuel Colmenero before forming A. Colmenero Plastering in 1992. Headquartered in Fresno, California, the company provides plastering services to residential and commercial clients across Southern California.

“I helped my dad until the age of 9 or 10 when he went to work for the state as a contracting investigator. My dad still kept his hand in the plastering trade by joining his brother Manuel on weekends and holidays,” he says. After that, Augie spent summers during his school years working for his Uncle Manuel, joining him full time after graduating from high school. “I worked for my uncle for a couple of years. When his business folded and he went to a union shop, I worked for another entity for about 14 years.”

Those years of experience gave Augie the solid foundation he needed to obtain his license as a plastering contractor. In 1992, Augie started A. Colmenero Plastering out of his garage in Fresno with the help of his father, Augustine Sr. As the firm grew, brothers Joseph, Randy and Kevin and Augie’s sons, Gabriel, Isaac and Augie III, joined the company. “After 27 years, my aspirations of creating a prominent plastering company have come to fruition,” Augie says. The business now averages between 30 and 50 employees. Augie tries to extend the family atmosphere to everyone by having picnics and water park outings suited for employees and their families.

His Sons Follow Suit

“My sons have been working practically since they started walking,” Augie says with a laugh. “Unfortunately, the industry had a hold on them. I mean, it was there for them. Although I wanted them to try other professions too, they came back.” His brother Joseph and son Gabriel run the commercial end and the residential plastering and stucco work, while scaffolding is taken care of by son Isaac. “My son Augie III serves as our quality control person,” Augie says. “He oversees everything—looking at details and making sure projects are finished to specifications.” All family members have the same vision and drive for a quality-centered organization.

“Right now I have three sons and one brother working with me. One brother is taking time off to care for my mom, who has cancer, and my other brother is disabled,” Augie says. Though not technically family, long-term and valuable employee Ruben Arredondo has been with the company for 24 years. Ruben is in charge of all the smaller project repairs. Another longtime employee, Hector Molina, has been with the business for 20 years. He runs all the lathing, including the paper, wire and metal that go on prior to the stucco. “Ruben and Hector have been with us since pretty close to the beginning,” Augie adds.

Plaster Finishes Defined

Of the five finishes A. Colmenero Plastering offers clients, the three-coat stucco system is the most popular. This system includes a weather-resistant barrier and metal lath, followed by a scratch coat, a brown coat and a color coat. The final step is a 1-inch layer of cement, providing water resistance and making the structure sound.

Another finish the company provides is a one-coat stucco system that features a modified Portland-cement plaster applied over insulating foam. This technique speeds up the application process, reducing labor costs and resulting in a finish that is low maintenance and long-lasting.

A popular alternative to a traditional stucco finish is an acrylic finish. Acrylic offers the benefit of less hairline cracking compared with traditional stucco and has a greater variety of color options. Additionally, the technique resists fading and tends to hold its appearance over time.

Architectural foam, another finish, provides the ability to add embellishments to a home or building, according to Augie. This finish can be applied to windowsills, cornices, columns, medallions and other foam shapes.

Finally, the Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) is a lightweight synthetic wall cladding that includes foam sheeting insulation and thin synthetic coatings. “We provide a wide array of finishes and services to meet a variety of client needs,” Augie says.

To the list of plastering services offered, A. Colmenero Plastering has added design and build, kitchen remodeling, tiling and painting, condo remodeling and hardwood flooring.

Projects of Exceptional Quality

One of the company’s major projects, the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, California, required 20,000 to 30,000 square feet or more of its EIFS. “Everything that we do comes out great, but Tachi Palace is one of the prettiest projects that we’ve done. It was exceptional,” Augie says.

On another project, this time at a Dave & Buster’s location, the company added an EIFS to the traditional plaster cement. “Dave & Buster’s was more of an upgraded combination of both finishes and that is rare in the stucco industry. It’s usually one or the other,” Augie says.

He adds, “No job is too small. And ‘no job is too big’ usually follows, but the truth is we try to stay within reason—we won’t sacrifice quality for quantity. Whether we’re doing small patches on a $250 project or a major million-dollar undertaking, we strive to keep our customers happy.”

Education Is Key

The firm endeavors to educate every staff member to keep them up to speed on product updates and the latest industry developments. “Sharing information with all employees and office personnel is paramount when it comes to new products, new proposed legislation, new Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements and new safety issues,” Augie says. In addition, everyone attends CPR classes.

“We also educate consumers quite a bit on all the products available and the various requirements associated with each one,” Augie says.

Above and Beyond

A. Colmenero Plastering has been very fortunate to have repeat business and new customers as it grows. “Our quality is extraordinary. I’ve heard clients say that we go above and beyond what other companies do. People keep coming back to us even though we’re not the cheapest,” Augie says. “Comments from previous clients confirm that everyone is comfortable and at ease while we complete their projects.”

He adds that a new client was so impressed with the company’s work that the client gave the plastering company a bonus. “The owners were impressed by how my son handled the assignment,” Augie says. “They said they’ve never had anyone keep up with the schedule and even go ahead of schedule in all the years they’ve worked with subcontractors.”

According to Augie, the key is being there for customers and exceeding expectations. “That will keep you out front in the industry. Sometimes you’re going to have hard knocks where things don’t work out the way you planned. But hold on; it’s only a momentary setback,” he says.

The Makings of a Superior Company

Augie believes a superior company works with the customer and tries to resolve issues without having to do change orders and add extra expenses. “Obviously there are unforeseen occurrences that emerge, and I might give up $500 in profit to avoid a change order. But I’ll wind up getting that $500 back on a future venture. Owners come back to you for the next job, because they appreciate when you don’t charge for everything possible,” he says. Augie attributes the corporation’s growth to this business practice.

“I dreamed of having a leading plastering enterprise and here we stand. We are passionate, we are honest and dependable, and we are always improving,” Augie says.