TNT's Taeubel honored by AGC

Fred Taeubel, the founder of TNT Construction in Reno, was honored with the SIR Award of the Nevada Chapter Associated General Contractors.

The award's name stands for skill, integrity and responsibility.

Taeubel, who fled his native Yugoslavia in advance of the German invasion more than 60 years ago, learned the sheet metal trade in Los Angeles.

After coming to Reno as a sheet metal worker and later founding TNT, he became involved in construction of some of the region's signature buildings casinos, structures on the University of Nevada, Reno, campus, and the Rose of Lima Church.

He also spearheaded community projects including construction of facilities for the Boys and Girls Club and the Step 2 program for families working to beat drug and alcohol dependencies.

"Despite his success, Fred Taeubel still lives by the creed: Be humble, never expect too much and learn to live without," said construction veteran Lud Corrao, who presented the award.

Other construction industry awards by the AGC chapter included:

* Q&D Construction Inc.

as contractor of the year.

* RHP Mechanical Systems as subcontractor of the year.

* Gribben Hartman & Associates LLC as design professional of the year.

* Rilite Aggregate as supplier of the year.

Among community leaders honored by the AGC were:

* Dr.

Noah Smernoff, a physician whose career in northern Nevada has spanned some 75 years.

* Bernice Mathews, a state senator who is a veteran of the Reno City Council.

She also worked as a nurse, teacher and owner of the Reno Airport Skycap service.

The awards were presented at the AGC's annual convention in Reno.