Zachry Corporation and its affiliates and subsidiaries stand independently to continue the Zachry legacy guided by Mr. Pat’s personal Philosophy of “seeking opportunity – not security.” ​Zachry Jr. was known throughout the world as a visionary executive in the engineering and construction industry. Born in Laredo in 1933, Bartell served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He then joined the H.B. Zachry Company, started by his father, H.B. “Pat” Zachry Sr., and privately held to this day. Within seven years, Bartell took over as president, and the company developed projects around the world, from U.S. embassies to power plants to highways.Bartell ensured customers were provided a quality product, to employ good people, and to help them provide for their families with enough left over to support community needs. Collecting material possessions or gaining political influence was never his goal."Together we continue the legacy of my grandfather, who, in seven decades of leadership demonstrated initiative, innovative thinking, and passion for his work. His willingness to take calculated risks contributed to his success, he was committed to doing the right thing, and he was dedicated to our people. We continue to follow his example and do the right thing in all of our endeavors."Zachry Company receives a contract from the United States Air Force to rebuild runways at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas. Rather than purchase materials from another supplier, the company determines it would be more efficient to start its own sand, gravel, and ready-mix operations. Capitol Aggregates is incorporated on March 27, 1957, as a subsidiary of the H.B. Zachry Company.​Capitol begins dredging the Colorado River in Austin, Texas to increase the river’s depth and width. It took 12 years to complete.Zachry wins largest single contract in U.S. history. Zachry and five other contracts are awarded the largest, single contract in U.S. history to develop the Yuba River in California. The Yuba River project was one of the first great successes of the post H.B. “Pat Zachry era.Zachry is named president of the Civil Group.Zachry Construction builds the Staybridge Suites Downtown Convention Center Hotel in San Antonio’s Historic Sunset Station. Zachry Hospitality adds another property to its ownership portfolio.Zachry becomes American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) chairman. In December, testified on highway program consolidation and project delivery reform at a House Oversight & Government Reform Committee hearing. ​Zachry Hospitality acquires Embassy Suites Airport Hotel by Hilton in San Antonio, Texas. The 261-room hotel is located adjacent to the San Antonio International Airport and is 7.5 miles from downtown.Zachry resigns from the Texas Highway Department in 1924 to pursue his own business. His first contract was a series of four concrete-reinforced bridges in Laredo, Texas, aided in part by mule-drawn wagons. This project gave birth to H.B. Zachry Company. ​