By Nancy Correro
Editor, The Times of SWLA
The 14th Annual Ranking of the Southwest Louisiana’s Largest Privately Held Businesses
Staying strong, positive and moving foreword is the attitude of the Top 50 businesses of Imperial Calcasieu this year. As the effects of the recession, Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, and spikes in fuel have adversely affected most businesses and benefitted some, there is still strong optimism when talking to the Top 50 businesses. Some of the businesses incomes were boosted by the hurricanes and maintained a stable bottom line. Skyrocketing fuel prices have put some businesses in a crunch.
Once again, Central Crude leads the pack—$776.5 million, which is up from $662.5 million in 2007. Two of the new entries, Louisiana Institute of Massage Therapy and SOS Staffing, are in good company sharing the $150 million plus section with Superior Supply and Steel, Pumpelly Oil, and Stine Lumber. Navarre Chevrolet is still going strong—noting that ownership of their facilities and floorplan is one solid aspect that has kept them ahead of the pack in automotive sells. Many service industries in the top 50 maintain that repeat business through top-notch customer service ensures their continued success.
Several companies made their Top 50 debut this year. We welcome Louisiana Institute of Massage Therapy, French Market Foods, Signatures Salon, SOS Staffing, Harlow Lawnmower Services, Granger Implement Co., and Insignia Hotel Mgmt. Congratulations!
We offer the Top 50 nominees the option of reporting a range for 2008 gross revenue or actual revenue figures. The Top 10 are based on actual revenue figures. All other companies are alpha-ordered within all ranges (#11 to #50) whether or not they reported actual revenues or ranges.
As in all past surveys, The Top 50 ranking is based solely on research by The Times and reports submitted by area privately held businesses that wished to be included in the survey. Some of the companies that were previously in the Top 50 chose not to participate this year. Other businesses decided to submit information for the first time. The most fundamental barometer of business success ranks the Top 50—gross revenues in the past calendar year. Businesses must be headquartered in the Imperial Calcasieu parishes of Calcasieu, Cameron, Allen, Beauregard or Jeff Davis, and all are private companies.
While many area companies serve the petrochemical or timber industries, large regional plants and refineries are owned by national or international concerns. Similarly, many financial institutions are either owned by larger companies elsewhere, or—in the case of locally headquartered banks—there is a public market, however limited, in the stock of the banks. Savings and loans are mutual associations and thus are also ineligible.
The keynote speaker for this years Top 50 luncheon will be Adam Knapp, CEO of the Baton Rouge Chamber, a native of Lake Charles, LA., and son of Lynn and Ann Knapp.
Jeff Davis Bank generously sponsors the Top 50 issue and the July 18 luncheon at the Lake Charles Country Club this year.
600+ Million
Central Crude, Inc.
$776,496,314 Million
Employees: 90
www.centralcrude.com
Once again, Central Crude, Inc. has managed quite an encore. Central Crude, Louisiana’s largest privately-held crude purchaser, reported a profit of $776.5 million, which is up from $662.5 million in 2007. “It’s up 140 million from last year. We were on track to do a billion before the hurricanes hit. When the hurricanes hit our volumes went down and simultaneously the prices of crude and natural gas went down dramatically,” said Steve Jordan, CEO of Central Crude, Inc. “Next year I think our business will go down because of the oil and gas prices going down. I think this may be a high water mark for our companies unfortunately—for the foreseeable future, but it was a good ride while it lasted and we’ve enjoyed it.” The hurricanes cost the company money. “I know that’s hard to believe, we lost more because we spent more on our exploratory budget—and then when these hurricanes came in all of our productions in Calcasieu and Cameron Parish went off-line. You have to spend a lot of money to get them back on,” said Jordan.
Jordan Oil, the exploratory portion of the company, has completed two wells in Lake Charles. “There isn’t a whole lot of drilling going on in Lake Charles. We’ve drilled and completed two wells and I have at least two more planned between now,” said Jordan. “One of the wells I hit was on my own land, South of town. So Jordan Oil Company has its first well, that’s the first well named after me because it’s on my land—S.M. Jordan—we’ve done more recently with the exploratory wells than we ever have.” His father, George, was a risk-taker, who succeeded in the complex and competitive world of oil and natural gas exploration. His mother, Marcie, worked in business administration at Kilgore College, in Kilgore, Texas. Jordan’s father got his start as a wildcatter in Kilgore, forming Jordan drilling and working with American oil tycoon H.L. Hunt – perhaps one of the most well known figures in the energy industry. Jordan’s family eventually settled in Southwest Louisiana. His father founded Central Crude in 1974, headquartered on Old Town Road in Lake Charles. Jordan’s father asked him to join the company, but he had other plans. “I planned on becoming an attorney,” he says. Jordan went to work for his father and never looked back, even when times were tough. A series of events happened threatening the company, including the plants converting to natural gas as a cheaper source of energy. Jordan converted the business to crude oil purchasing. The plan worked and the timing was right. Jordan shares the success with his wife, Sandie, and his children, Courtney Jordan-James, and George.
More than $150 Million
LOUISIANA INSTITUTE OF MASSAGE THERAPY
$150 Million Plus
Employees: 300
www.lamassageschool.com
New to the list this year is Louisiana Institute of Massage Therapy. There are many massage schools on the Gulf Coast, but only one has a best selling national textbook author on staff. Susan Salvo, the director, has written two massage textbooks that are used nationwide. “The outlook is very good. The recession has hurt colleges by causing tuition increases and hurt students by causing cash shortfalls, but our massage school remains a great value. A student can learn a trade in less than a year with an out of pocket expense of about $6,000.00 including equipment.” The extravagances of the banking industry have killed student loans, even for those with excellent credit. “Fortunately, our low tuition rates enable us to carry a note for the student while they are in school with no credit check.” Last year they started in-house clinics that are open to the public. It provides the students with real workday practice and gives the public access to a $25 hour massage. Clinics are scheduled 3 times a year and the income is used to defray operation expenses and keep the cost of tuition down.
PUMPELLY OIL COMPANY
$150 Million Plus
Employees: 100
www.pumpelly.com
Pumpelly Oil moves up each year on the Top 50 roster. With revenues for 2008 up 40%, the future looks bright as the economic outlook for Pumpelly’s service area continues to be strong. “Storm response provided enhanced revenue opportunity.” Pumpelly Oil has been serving the Southern states since 1937. Bob Pumpelly came to Lake Charles in the fall of 1930 from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the age of 17 ready to make his fortune. He ran a station for Louisiana’s first Conoco Jobbership. Within a few months he was asked to move into the jobbership and drive a truck delivering gas and oil. After serving in WWII, Conoco offered Pumpelly the Commission agency and R.J Pumpelly Inc., was on its way. Pumpelly Oil has become one of the largest petroleum products distributors (chemicals, thinners, solvents, diesel, gasoline and kerosene, etc.,) along the Gulf Coast. It serves customers in Louisiana, Mississippi, East Texas, and has recently expanded into the Eunice/Crowley market.
SOS STAFFING SERVICES, INC.
$150 Million Plus
Employees: 499
www.sosstaffing.com
SOS Staffing Services, Inc. began providing quality temporary associates in 1973. The business grew quickly during its first years in Utah, and established a reputation for doing its utmost to satisfy customers and create opportunities for its associates. By 1975 SOS had expanded to multiple locations in Utah and became one of the largest staffing services in the western United States. In 1981 SOS opened its first specialty division, supplying customers with talented engineers and drafting personnel. SOS expanded into Colorado in 1984 and has since entered markets throughout the West. After eight years as a public company, SOS is now a privately owned corporation and with its branches and affiliates operates offices in 19 states. SOS now serves a diverse range of customers from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. “We provide employment for more than 70,000 temporary, temp-to-hire and direct hire job seekers for more than 9,000 clients every year. Our goal is still just as simple as it was more than 35 years ago.” The shrinking job market as a result of the recent recession has had an impact on our overall business. But with our continual diversification into emerging industries (i.e. renewable energy), organizational agility and strategic corporate footprint, we are able to meet customer needs and find new ways to increase our market share. As past history has shown, periods of high unemployment are inevitably followed by recovery and stabilization of the job market. Traditionally, our industry is viewed as an economic indicator of the job market as a whole. As a proactive company that utilizes creative and flexible solutions, we are well-equipped to weather these storms and are currently seeing positive hiring trends within our diverse client base.
STINE LUMBER COMPANY
$150 million Plus
Employees 680
www.stinelumber.com
Stine was founded in 1946, by J.W. Stine. Stine, and his partner, J.C. Carlin, established the "Starlin Lumber Company" in Sulphur to supply their needs as residential building contractors. J.W. and J.C. met when both were bomber pilots in Europe during WWII. Their business partnership began after the war, and the competition was fierce, as many contractors also established "stick yards" to buy their materials. It is said that, at its height, the small town of Sulphur had nine such yards. Beginning in 1966, the first of all six Stine sons joined Starlin. In 1974, six of Starlin’s 10 employees were Stines, and the name was changed to "Stine Lumber.” In the 1970s, the company opened new stores in DeRidder and Lake Charles. Acquisitions brought new opportunities with stores in Jennings, Iowa, Alexandria, Crowley, Natchitoches, Natchez (Mississippi), Abbeville, and Breaux Bridge. Also, new stores are planned for Jennings, Lafayette and Alexandria. Revenue is up as compared to last year. Hurricane’s Gustav and Ike affected sales. The Future economic outlook is expected to be slower for 2009 than in 2008.
SUPERIOR SUPPLY & STEEL
$150 Million Plus
Employees: 300
www.supstl.com
Superior Steel continues to hold steady and improve. The international steel market is strong. President Steve Mitchell established Superior Supply & Steel over 25 years ago. From the beginning, he made customer service the corporate directive, by making “Quality with a personal touch,” the company’s mission statement. Today, he makes sure that mission continues to be foremost. “To deliver personal attention consistently, Superior hires only the most experienced and dedicated employees,” says Mitchell. In addition, the company maintains a huge array of its own equipment and its own fleet of trucks, which gives Superior more control over plate loading, travel and delivery times. “Whether we’re talking product range, customer service, or locations, it’s all Superior…we take our name very seriously,” he says. The 13-acre Sulphur facility carries a full line of structural steel and a full inventory of pipe and fittings. It services all industries, particularly oil, gas, agricultural, paper milling, tank farm, and petrochemical throughout Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, and Mexico, Venezuela, Western Africa and the Middle East.
$75 million to $149.9 million
NAVARRE CHEVROLET, INC.
$148 Million
Employees: 250
www.billynavarreauto.com
Starting from scratch in 1982, Billy Navarre opened the Chevrolet dealership in Sulphur, Louisiana, after being approached by GM, then later purchased the Lake Charles dealership in 1986, and the Honda dealership in 1996. Billy Navarre is now one of the largest automobile dealers in America. In the last 25 out of 27 years, Billy Navarre was the #1 volume selling dealer in the Lake Charles area, and over the last 27 years, Billy Navarre has paid off his facilities and floorplan, allowing him to be more secure and price competitive than ever. Last year, many of the small volume brands have left Lake Charles or they have announced that they are leaving Lake Charles, which eliminated many small dealers and some of our competition. The new Traverse is out, selling like hotcakes. The new Camaro is sold out 5 months ahead. The all new Equinox will be out this month, and Chevrolet is going to get more new models than any other brand ever in the history of GM. Chevrolet represents 62% of all GM sales, and that number will go way up with this new consolidation. Chevrolet will be the dominant brand of General Motors. We are tremendously excited about the future!
Billy Navarre wants to thank the people of SWLA for allowing us to be their #1 choice when it comes to selling and servicing their automobiles. It is our goal to be here another 27 years, and the only way that will happen is if our customers allow us to be here.
PORT AGGREGATES
$75 Million to $99.9 Million
Employees: 135
www.portaggregates.com
Port Aggregates, Inc. in Jennings started in 1979 as a subsidiary of Guinn Bros. Inc., and became an independent company in 1985, when Andrew Guinn, Sr., took over as president. The company sold limestone as its primary product until 2001, when it opened its precast yard in Jennings and its first ready-mix concrete plant. Since then, the company has opened five additional ready-mix concrete plants and four limestone yards. It provides limestone, concrete, precast and ready mix throughout Southwest Louisiana, from many to the Gulf Coast and from the Atchafalaya Basin to East Texas. The company’s expansion substantially increased the sale of ready-mix concrete and boosted the company’s aggregate sales. Sales in 2008 are up from 2007 and down in 2009 from 2008. “With current Presidential administration and congress our future outlook is not good.”
SOLAR SUPPLY
$75 Million to $99.9 Million
Employees: 225
www.solarsupply.us
Founded in 1954, Solar Supply currently employees more than 200 people in 55 sales offices located in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. With revenues that exceed $75 million in 2008, the company distributes equipment, parts and supplies to more than 6,700 mechanical contractors in the HVAC industry and supports its local communities by participating in Luxaire’s partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation ® Luxaire Heating and Air Conditioning recently honored Solar Supply with two prestigious awards, its 2007 Highest Sales Volume Award and a special Ten Years of Outstanding Performance Award. Both awards were presented to Solar Supply president Ronald R. Dingler on June 3, 2008. Dingler credited his company’s success to the hard work and dedication of its employees. Revenue is up this year and the economic future looks good.
$50 million to $74.9 Million
AEROFRAME SERVICES, LLC
$50 Million to 74.9 Million
Employees: 550
www.aeroframe.com
Aeroframe Services was founded in 2000 by EADS and Northrop Grumman with initial employment of less than 100 employees. In 2002, Aeroframe landed its largest customer, Federal Express, and by 2005, employment grew to 350. In 2005, Roger Porter purchased the company from EADS after they decided to close the facility and reduce the workforce from 350 to 150.
2008 began with a fast start. The demand for aircraft maintenance was high and the company turned away business because they could not find skilled workers fast enough to keep up with demand. In response, Aeroframe established a new training facility and staff to train local citizens on aircraft maintenance and it proved to be a huge success in addressing short term labor shortages. By late summer, the spike in fuel prices and the economic recession began to take its toll on the airlines. In response, airlines began to park aircraft and delay heavy maintenance as much as possible to cut costs. In turn, this did impact Aeroframe. Nonetheless, the company was able to end the year with an all-time high in sales and employment. The demand for aircraft maintenance in the short term is expected to remain soft and 2009 sales and employment will be down as a result. However, the good news is that all the major airlines are in the market place in 2009 shopping their maintenance requirements. Aeroframe is currently a front runner on several projects that, if awarded, would result in tremendous growth in 2010.
ALL STAR PONTIAC/GMC
$50 Million to $74.9 Million
Employees: 75
www.allstar-pontiac-gmc.com
Founded in 1988, All Star is a family-run, hands-on operation that continues to grow, year after year. They serve a 60 mile radius. Making there way up the Top 50 chart, All Star Pontiac GMC is having a good year. They opened a new dealership facility in December of last year at its current location, 1180 E. Napoleon Street in Sulphur. Expansion helped the company and the future economic outlook is very good.
CAMERON COMMUNICATIONS
$50 Million to $74.9 Million
Employees: 136
www.camtel.com
Cameron Communications opened the lines of communication in 1928 by stringing telephone lines into the marshes of Cameron Parish, where other phone companies would not venture. This was William T. Henning’s launch of Cameron Telephone Company, which was to serve the booming oil industry in Cameron Parish. His philosophy was to “always do the most you can for your customers.” Through expansion and acquisition, today we serve businesses and residents in 13 service territories. “We are more than a telephone company, we are a broadband company.” Like most businesses in the area, Cameron Communications was affected by the downturn in the national economy, but they reacted quickly by adjusting their operations to attain a favorable outcome. “With consumer appetite continuing to grow for faster internet speeds, and array of TV entertainment options and reliable communication services, we envision a positive future outlook. In a time when many businesses were cutting back, we continued expanding our fiber-to-the-home footprint in our newest service territory of Moss Bluff.”
LEEVAC INDUSTRIES, LLC
$50 Million to 74.9 Million
Employees: 350
www.leevac.com
It was another good year for Jennings-based LEEVAC Industries, LLC. as they move up the Top 50 chart this year. “Oil prices moved downward and had a pause effect on our customers, but all in all we are in good shape through 2010.” Finding skilled laborers is still the biggest obstacle, however. The company builds and repairs new steel-hulled offshore supply vessels, ocean-going barges, and casino and other specialty vessels. The company was founded in 1913, as Zigler Shipyards and was purchased by the Vaccari family in 1965, then changed its name to LEEVAC Shipyards. LEEVAC is a full service shipyard engaged in the design and fabrication of steel hulled vessels. In addition to extensive new construction capabilities, LEEVAC is a recognized provider of high quality repair and construction services to the Maritime industry.
MARK DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP
$50 Million to $74.9 Million
Employees: 65
www.markdodge.net
Mark Boniol, owner of Mark Dodge Chrysler Jeep. The revenue is down compared to last year due to the recession and the credit freeze. The economic outlook for the future will be better in the latter 3rd and 4th quarters. Mark Dodge is a Five Star Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep dealership; the highest recognition DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation can award a dealership for excellence in customer service. Five Star dealerships follow a strict set of training, facility and process requirements, and DaimlerChrysler only grants this status to dealerships that consistently meet Five Star score standards on customer surveys. Mark Dodge has served the five-parish Imperial Calcasieu area since 1997.
$35 Million to $49.9 Million
ALFRED PALMA, INC.
$35 Million to $49.9 Million
Employees: 90 to 120
www.apalmainc.com
Alfred Palma, Inc. was founded in 1986 when construction was at its worst due to oil prices and high interest rates. Working through that period gave the company the confidence that it is here to stay. It does strictly commercial jobs, usually within a 100-mile radius of Lake Charles. General contractor Alfred Palma, Inc, reports that revenues in 2008 are “slightly up” compared to the year before. “We have been in business for over 23 years. It is our goal to continue to expand in all areas and keep our company very competitive,” says Alfred Palma, chief executive. Although fuel costs and out-of-town general contractors have affected the company in the past year, “we have been able to grow, and we feel we are able to continue to grow.”
BUBBA OUSTALET AUTOMOTIVE GROUP
$50 Million to $74.9 Million
Employees: 90
www.bubbaoustalet.com
Business has remained steady in spite of fuel costs, and the economic future looks “good”. The revenue is “slightly down” due to the “auto business turmoil.” The company sells and services new and used Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Toyota, Chevrolet, and Cadillac products to customers in 10 parishes. Bubba Oustalet Automotive Group prides itself on its attention to customer satisfaction. The family owned and operated business has offered quality service from their headquarters in Jefferson Davis Parish since 1952.
THERMOPLASTIC SERVICES GROUP
$36 Million to $49.9 Million
Employees: 102
www.paragonplasticsheet.com
Thermoplastic Services Group is reporting that their outlook for the future economy is “finally better.” The group formerly consisted of Thermoplastic Services, Inc. and Paragon Plastic Sheet, Inc., both located in DeQuincy. In a bold move, the group purchased controlling interest of longtime client Global Thermoplastic Compounding located in Houston. The cornerstone of the group’s success continues to be Thermoplastic Services, Inc. (TSI) founded by Eddie Wade in 1993. It purchases, recycles or processes and re-sells plastic raw materials from producers such as ExxonMobil, Total (Fina), ChevronPhillips and Pinnacle Polymers, to name a few. Paragon Plastic Sheet, Inc. is the group’s plastic sheet manufacturing arm. Paragon was founded in 2000 when CEO Ashley Wade and his father Eddie purchased a longterm client in Florida and moved the operation to DeQuincy. New projects in 2008 helped break away from those markets. One-inch- thick slabs of plastic for bathroom partitions and Polyethylene lockers are now the core. “The antimicrobial lockers are my current favorite,” says Wade. “We have a niche in this market for gyms and hospitals. Our products are able to kill E-Coli and MRSA on contact. These niche items, like our hurricane shutters, are our best fit.” The newcomer to the group is Global Thermoplastic Compounding. This former TSI client joined the group in 2007 when the Wades bought controlling interest in the firm. Father and son then bought additional shares for two long-term TSI employees, making them minority partners along with previous owners Charles McDonald and Joe Dally. The new alliance allowed financially strapped Global to refurbish its existing equipment and to purchase a massive new processing line.
R & R CONSTRUCTION
$35 Million to $49.9 Million
Employees: 350
R & R Construction is an industrial construction company that operates out of Sulphur. According to Andre Buisson, vice president and general manager, the company’s revenues remain consistent. R&R has expanded its client base and services and the future looks excellent. The impact of the general economic downturn was balanced by expansion of client base and diversification of projects. The future economic outlook is bright. Established in 1995, the company started out in industrial civil construction and then expanded in 2002 to mechanical construction. R & R serves clients in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana, offering industrial, commercial, municipal, highway and bridge construction.
$25 Million to $34.9 Million
BESSETTE DEVELOPMENT CORP.
$25 Million to 34.9 Million
Employees: 85
Revenue was stable in 2008 for Bessette Development, but “we have noticed a slow down in private work in early 2009—we attribute that to changes of credit and fears about the economy.” The economic forecast for the future looks very good. There are a lot of new projects coming up towards the end of 2009 and early 2010. Locally owned and operated, Bessette Development has been in business for over 27 years. Starting out as a residential contractor many years ago, they now primarily perform commercial building construction. In 2004, they built an asphalt plant in Sulphur and opened their asphalt paving division. Employing over 80 people, they have the ability to self-perform the site work, asphalt and concrete paving, foundations, steel erection, metal buildings, and finish work. This allows the company more control over the project schedule and translates into huge cost savings for clients.
BRASK, INC., IEE
$25 Million to $34.9 Million
Employees: 111
www.ieeinc.net
Headquartered in Sulphur, Brask, Inc., IEE has a dynamic, knowledgeable and project oriented team with a state of art fabrication facility that provides efficient and stream lined manufacturing processes for the customer. The company is recognized as a leader in the design, repair and manufacturing of heat exchangers, and other heat transfer equipment. Its service area incorporates all of the United States and Canada as well as South America. Bal Sareen, president, reports the economy is stabilizing in their field and taking an upturn compared to the beginning of the year.
LEE DEE WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTING CO. INC.
$25 Million to $34.9Million
Employees: 23
Lee Dee Wholesale Distributing Co. Inc., supplies automotive, paper, tobacco, candy, soft drinks and snack goods to convenience stores throughout Southwest and Central Louisiana. It is with great sadness that Robert T. Hale, President of Lee Dee Wholesale, passed away in September 2008. Mr. Hale and his family have kept Lee Dee running for years. It is a great tribute to Robert (Bob) and his family that Lee Dee is still here today. Lee Dee has been in business since 1946. Revenue is up compared to last year. Fuel costs and federal tax on cigarettes have hurt the tobacco industry this year. Insurance and utilities continue to increase. The future economic outlook is to expand our territory and to look into a better product mix.
RECON MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.
$33 Million
Employees: 350
www.recon-group.com
ReCon Management Services, Inc., ended 2008 with a “15% increase” and a “record breaking year,” says CEO Roger Boyette. ReCon was founded in 1995 by Roger Boyette, Reggy Saxon and Bob Lyons as a project management company. Expanded to include engineering and design in October, 1995, the company has grown from three to 350 employees. “We expanded our business by the development of a commercial design group. Our normal client base had been the industrial plants” says Boyette.
ReCon Management Services provides professional project management, engineering and design services for area industrial plant facilities in southwest Louisiana and the Golden Triangle of southeast Texas.
$15 Million to $24.9 Million
HENDERSON IMPLEMENT & MARINE, LLC
$15 Million to $24.9 Million
Employees: 71
The Times presents Henderson Implement & Marine, LLC, reintroduced to the Top 50 after an eight year departure. In 1967, Charles Henderson purchased ownership in Taylor Implement in Welsh, LA, an International Farm equipment dealer. In1969, the name changed to Henderson Implement Co. and a Lake Charles, LA location was added in 1973. The Kubota tractor line was added in 1985. In 2002, the company purchased Lanier Implement in Abbeville, LA. The company continued to diversify and became a Hunt Brother Pizza Distributor in 1999, now serving over 450 retail outlets from Corpus Christi to New Orleans. “As far as diversification, we distribute Hunt Brothers Pizza to Louisiana and Texas. We’ve just added hot wings to our menu. We have a good presence in the Lake Charles area with the Hunt Brother’s Pizza in the convenience stores,” said Charles R. “Chuck” Henderson, CEO of Henderson Implement & Marine, LLC. In 2007, they became a Tracker Marine dealer. In 2008, the company’s name changed to Henderson Implement & Marine. “We have got a lot of local banks helping with the financing of boats. Right now the retail market is still being controlled by the available finance and that is keeping the sales and the economy wheels turning. So the boating business is not bad at all. Obviously, it’s not where we want it to be, but it’s pretty good,” said Henderson. The down turn in the economy has hindered the equipment retail sales in 2009. Expansion into Marine sales in 2008 benefited the company by diversifying the customer base. Recently, the company acquired Kioti compact tractor line to meet market needs for quality products with economical pricing.
“Our business is good now, but we just started consolidating. We are basically servicing the same customer,” said Henderson.
CENTURY GROUP, INC.
$15,530,789 Million
Employees: 92
www.centurygrp.com
Transportation costs of the precast concrete products are still a major factor in being competitive in certain markets, according to Rusty Vincent, Secretary/Treasurer. The future economic outlook is “stable.” Century Group will be placing its new product line of precast concrete stair treads for commercial construction markets nationwide.
Century Group was organized in 1946 as a backyard operation manufacturing concrete steps. Over the years, the family owned business has expanded to five locations and product lines for residential, commercial, and industrial construction industries. Over the past two decades Century has become the leading manufacturer of railroad environmental spill containment systems for the railroads, industry, and light rail transit industries.
GULF ISLAND SHRIMP AND SEAFOOD
$15 Million to $24.9 Million
Employees: 68
www.fmfoods.com
Managing partners Mark Abraham and Larry Avery merged both of their companies, French Market Foods and Gulf Island Shrimp, into one very profitable company. They felt there were some synergies of marketing and management they could take advantage of by being one company. Revenue is up 2% as compared to last year. Hurricanes Gustav and Ike flooded the plants and destroyed inventory. Shrimp production was very low. As for the future economic outlook, there has been an improvement in the last few weeks as the economy improves. The merger company continues to process and distribute Tony Chachere's products. “Branding our shrimp Tony Chachere’s and offering it in stores across the Gulf Coast has been very successful and growth appears strong,” say the owners.
HEALTH SYSTEMS 2000
$15 to $24.9 Million
Employees: 300
www.hhc2000.com
The future economic outlook is good and the revenue is up from last year. Due to the advancement of new technology, revenues for Health Systems 2000 went up in 2008. The health care management company was founded in 1994 by Lisa Walker. It provides home health, hospice care and medical equipment services throughout South Louisiana. With improved care and technology, health care in the home continues to be both an efficient and cost-effective means to treat the aging population.
KENNISON FOREST PRODUCTS
$15,011,216 Million
Employees: 7
www.kennisonforest.com
Kennison Forest Products, based in Sulphur, distributes wholesale lumber and plywood throughout the U.S. and Canada. Kennison began in 1980 as a wholesale lumber supplier and is now in its second generation of management. Revenue is down from last year, CEO Dick Kennison states that rising fuel costs, housing crash, and the national recession has hurt the company. “We think by the fourth quarter of 2009 we should see sales increase,” he says. However, the company has the sole distributorship in North America for Z-Plank, a laminated veneer scaffold plank manufactured in New Zealand. The demand for this product has kept business steady. Ownership changed in 1997, they formerly had a corporate partner. The sons joined the business in 1998 and 2001 and sales tripled in the past 8 years.
MCDONALD'S OF CALCASIEU PARISH
$15Million to $24.9 Million
Employees: 550
Sales are up at McDonald’s of Calcasieu Parish, even though the increase in costs for all goods and employees are on the increase. The company formed in 1972 with its first location. In 1983, with five locations, the company was split among five family members. In 2001, all entities were purchased and operated by Doug Gehrig. There are currently eleven locations with two more on the horizon. The organization has grown steadily to eleven locations over the past 35 years.
SOUTHLAND COINS & COLLECTIBLES
$15 Million to $24.9 Million
Employees: 2
www.southlandcoins.net
The company was founded in 1985 out of Malcolm Self’s house. “In 1987, I was able to quit my job to do this full time. In 2008, we built our own office and moved to our present location at 4670 Lake St.,” says Malcolm Self, CEO of Southland Coins and Collectibles. This is the eighth year Southland Coins has made the Times Top 50 and they moved up the chart this year. “Economic fears benefit my business. People buy gold when they think there is inflation, and/or stock market turmoil,” says Self. “It appears that my business will continue to grow due to the low value of the dollar, and an increase in inflation,” he says.
THE RUSH COMPANIES
$15 Million to $24.9 Million
Employees: 35
Howard J. Rush, Sr., founded The Rush Companies in 1966. Headquartered in Oakdale in Allen Parish, they include Great Central Life Insurance Co., Great Central Fire Insurance Co, nine Rush Funeral Home locations, The Rush Center, and Rush Mortgage Investment Co. The companies are approximately the same as last year, but looking for growth in 2010, according to Kelly Rush, company president. “The companies have had continued growth throughout the years and have a bright future ahead.” The companies are second generation and are now managed by Kelly Rush.
$10 million to $14.9 million
FRENCH MARKET FOODS
$12.8 Million
Employees: 58
Managing partners Mark Abraham and Larry Avery merged both of their companies, French Market Foods and Gulf Island Shrimp, into one very profitable company. They felt there were some synergies of marketing and management they could take advantage of by being one company. Revenue is up 30% as compared to last year. Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, fuel costs, and commodities (pork, chicken) cost have affected the company. As for the future economic outlook, there has been an improvement in the last few weeks as the economy improves. The merger company continues to process and distribute Tony Chachere's products. “Formed a strategic alliance with Tony Chachere’s company in 2003 and that has accelerated the growth,” says Larry Avery.
LAKE CHARLES AUTO AUCTION
$10 Million to $14.9
Employees: 12
www.lcautoauction.com
Mike Pedersen's Lake Charles Auto Auction is independently owned and family operated. The company strives to apply the values of fair and honest treatment to all. Members of the National Auto Auction Association and the National and Louisiana Auctioneer’s Associations, the auctions are fully computerized to efficiently handle each vehicle from check-in through final sale. Pederson reports that sales are steady—a result of good customer service. “We pride ourselves on a professional, yet personal and friendly atmosphere,” says Pedersen. “The care of our employees, and dealer relations, are our priorities. We have fair arbitration personnel, and the best automobile auctioneers in the country. Here, you can break away from the big-city hassle and cut through the corporate red tape.” Founded in 1991, the service area covers 400 miles.
$5 million to $9.9 million
CALCASIEU MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS, INC.
$6.1 Million
Employees: 67
www.calmech.net
Calcasieu Mechanical Contractors is a commercial air conditioning installation and plumbing company serving southwest Louisiana, East Texas and Lafayette. Founded in 1988 by Ray J. Blanchard, Sr., it now has 61 employees, but still maintains a small, family-type atmosphere. CEO Jim Blanchard says, “We increased Service business and formed a new retrofit division in January of 2009 to handle small specialized projects tailored for customer’s individual needs.” The future economic outlook is “cautiously optimistic.” Revenue is “slightly up” as compared to last year. Aspects of last year’s economy that hurt: “fuel costs were terrible.” Calcasieu Mechanical Contractors is committed to the highest standards of quality in the HVAC industry. They’re determined to be the premier company of its kind in the geographical markets it serves through quality workmanship, environmental friendliness, fairness and loyalty to employees and a good neighbor to the communities it serves.
EAGLE ELECTRIC MACHINERY
$5 Million to $9.99 Million
Employees: 26
www.eagleelectricinc.net
Established in 1989, Eagle Electric Machinery in Sulphur has built its success on electric motor repair and sales. Business has increased with an expanding client base despite rising fuel costs. The company offers a diversified scope of service benefits. The motor shop repairs electric motors from fractional to 10,000 horsepower. The Eagle Electric Machine Shop is a full-service machine shop specializing in pump, gearbox, compressor, and electric motor-related repair items. Citgo, Louisiana Pigment, Firestone, Entergy, and W.R. Grace are among the major companies in the area serviced by Eagle Electric Machinery. The economic outlook for the future looks very good.
FRESHKO FOODSERVICE, INC.
$5.5 Million to $9.9 Million
Employees: 20
www.freshko.com
Revenue is up compared to last year. “Continued expansion of our product line benefited our company the most last year,” said Homer Rubin, CEO of Freshko Foodservice, Inc. The company was founded in 1988 when Robin, a buyer for a local produce firm, was laid off. With his friend, Jim “Jimbeaux” Guilbeaux, Sr., they decided to start their own business in the George Theriot warehouse on Church Street north of Lake Charles. Freshko Foodservice is a distributor of a full line of food products within a 150-mile radius of its headquarters in Lake Charles. Produce was their only product mix and Rubin said “we will always sell only produce.” Never say never because as the big companies added produce to their broad mix of food, Freshko was forced to do the same. In 2004, they broadened their product mix and today they have become a broadline company delivering produce, dry goods, diary, seafood and more.
HONDA OF LAKE CHARLES
$5.5 million to $9.9 million
Employees: 18
www.hondaoflakecharles.com
High gas prices increased the demand for secondary transportation so motorcycle sales increased for Honda of Lake Charles; however, ATV and PWC sales decreased 2008. Honda of Lake Charles offers a full line of Honda ATV's, motorcycles, scooters, and generators, and an expanded service department from its "Honda Powerhouse" showroom building on College Street. “Sales have been up and down, but we seem to be working more towards an upward swing lately,” said David Hardy, CEO of Honda of Lake Charles. Its signature “concept store” was designed by Honda Corporation. This is Honda’s fifth year on the Top 50 list. This has been a family owned and operated business for 3 generations and it has been one of the Top 50 Honda dealers for the past 23 years. Honda of Lake Charles is an L5 "Powerhouse Dealership."
INSIGNIA HOTEL MGMT., HOLIDAY INN
$5.5 Million to $9.9 Million
Employees: 100
Nick Zaver, the founder and CEO of this locally owned Holiday Inn is a 2nd generation hotelier. He built his first property in Kinder, LA in 1998. Since then, Zaver has owned and managed six properties. He opened his seventh property this month and is breaking ground on the eighth property in a couple of weeks. Revenue is up as compared to last year. Because of Hurricane Ike business has improved. The future economic outlook is great and they are expanding.
JOHNSON FUNERAL HOME
$5.5 Million to $9.9 Million
Employees: 35
www.johnsonfuneralhome.net
Johnson Funeral Home opened its doors to the Southwest Louisiana community in October of 1976, with Zeb Johnson as managing partner and sole funeral director. The funeral home began with one chapel and two staterooms, with a small residence attached for the Johnson family. As the market for cremations grew, the Johnson family built Lake Charles Crematory, LLC, in close proximity to the funeral home. Today, the crematory services funeral homes in the six-parish area. In the early 1990s, the Johnson family moved to other quarters and the former residence became its business office. In 2000, the entire funeral home was renovated. In 2003, Johnson Funeral Home enhanced its technology so that today, its services are more meaningful. Johnson Funeral Home is still directed by Zeb Johnson, with the capable assistance of nine funeral directors and an ancillary staff of fifteen. Revenue is up as compared to last year.
LEVINGSTON ENGINEERS, INC.
$19, 200,000 Million
Employees: 145
www.levingston.com
Levingston Engineers, Inc., is located in Sulphur and was founded in 1961 by Earnest Levingston. Current management has been in place since 2000. Levingston provides engineering services and professional staffing to the industrial, municipal, and commercial sectors. CEO Mark Nixon says, “Expansions within the oil and gas industries were a large part of our services rendered in 2008. The company considers quality to be its highest priority, and prides itself on keeping costs within budget, getting the work out on time, and producing results that will meet or exceed the expectations of the clients. “2009 presents business challenges due to reduced project loads in a slow economy. Our outlook remains positive for maintaining our current work levels and working toward growth in the 4th quarter of 2009,” said Nixon. The company participates in and supports organizations such as the United Way, Partners in Education, the Chamber of Commerce and several baseball and soccer teams. Levingston Engineers services Texas, Southwest Louisiana and the Gulf Coast with civil, mechanical and electrical engineering projects.
NORTHFORK ENTERPRISES, LLC
$5 Million to $9.99 Million
Employees: 75
www.lakecharleselectric.com
A highly skilled workforce and team of committed individuals have contributed to the longevity and success of this local electrical contractor. Lake Charles Electric Company, LLC, is the cornerstone of Northfork Enterprises, which also encompasses Lake Charles Mechanical, LLC and Ins-Trol, LLC. The company’s main office is in Westlake and specializes in industrial and large commercial projects. According to CEO Earl O’Quinn III, rising fuel costs has their revenue down compared to last year. Lake Charles Electric has provided quality workmanship with high safety standards for over 50 years.
OASIS FOOD, INC.
$5 Million to $9.99 Million
Employees: 12
www.angelfire.com/la2/oasisfoods/
Oasis Foods of Lake Charles is a retail and wholesale food distributor. The company has been supplying groceries to Lake Area businesses and residents for 16 years. Eddie and Wedad Abrusley started their business in 1983. “My husband and I started our business right out of the garage of our home, and over the years our business has grouwn more and more. My children have always worked with us in our business, and they have helped make our business what it is today,” says Mrs. Wedad Abrusely. They’re a full-line distributor that carries over 2,000 quality products such as frozen foods, dry goods, paper products, cleaning supplies, disposables, and produce. They have a steady business selling primarily to casinos. “We have always strived for the best customer service, and we believe in ‘Service Plus Performance’,” said Mrs. Abrusely. As for the future economy Mrs. Abrusley had this to say, “I hope that we will not be in this recession much longer. Hopefully things will get better so that new businesses will form here in Southwest Louisiana which would be a benefit to everyone.”
SABINE POOLS & SPAS
$5 Million to $9.99 Million
Employees: 72
www.sabinepools.com
The success of Sabine Pools is a clear indicator that backyard fun in Southwest Louisiana will always be a big priority for its residents. “Backyards never go out of style!” says Joey Tassin, CEO of Sabine Pools and Spas. “Last year's fourth quarter was affected by national economic uncertainty, but we’re happy to be moving away from the gloom and doom of national news.” In business since 1975, Sabine serves the five Parish area plus Lafayette and Gonzales (additional stores). Founded by Houston Tassin, it’s now owned by his three sons: Joey, Dean and David. Specializing in custom designed gunite and vinyl liner pools, as well as hot tubs, patio furniture and pool supplies. We're grateful to our many loyal customers in South Louisiana who have named us "Best Pool Company" (The Times) and allowed us to serve them and grow as a Top 50 Company (The Times) as well as a member of the Top 100 Pool Companies in the Nation (Aqua Magazine).
$3 million to 5.49 million
DUBOIS SHEET METAL WORKS, INC.
$3.3 Million to 5.49 Million
Employees: 40-45
The second year in the Top 50, Dubois Sheet Metal “We are, as of right now, forecasting a much better year next year,” says Carl Dubois, CEO. Revenue is down as compared to last year. Fuel costs and plants (Citgo/ Conoco) cutting back have hurt the company the most. Dubois Sheet Metal Works was started over 55 years ago by Junius Dubois. It was taken over by his son Carl Dubois in 1988. At that time it employed about 10 people. Carl is seeking retirement and he is in the process of training his two sons, B.J. and Nic, to take over the business. Today they employ more than 40 employees and do more than sheet metal work.
GRANGER IMPLEMENT CO, INC.
$3.3 Million to 5.49 Million
Employees: 6
“The company was purchased in 2003 and sales tripled within three years. Since 2003 we have grown in revenue every year,” says Damon Granger, CEO of Granger Implement Co. The revenue is up as compared to last year. The hurricane’s helped the business. Economic outlook is good for the future. Granger Implement serves the five parish and East Texas area.
J&J EXTERMINATING CO, INC.
$5,252,916 million
Employees: 190
jjext.com
J & J Exterminating Co., Inc. is celebrating 50 years in business. The founders of the company, Robert John and his brother Harry started the business. Tim Broussard became a partner 21 years ago in the Lake Charles, DeRidder, and Natchitoches offices. Revenue is up from last year. “We definitely notice a rise in fuel, having about 180 vehicles statewide,” says CEO Tim Broussard. J & J Exterminating is the largest independent pest control company in Louisiana.
LLOYD LAUW COLLISION REPAIR CENTER
$3.3 Million
Employees: 21
lloydlauw.com
This is the second year Lloyd Lauw Collision Repair Center of Sulphur made the Top 50 list. It’s one of the largest collision repair facilities in the area. The business opened in June of 2001 with five employees, and hit the ground running. They moved to the current 22,000 square foot facility in 2003. The company broke 3 million in 2006. The business has continued its steady growth. CEO Lloyd Lauw says revenue is the “same” as compared to last year. “Improvements in technology and additional services have benefited the business.” The economic outlook for the future is “very good.” The company prides itself on quality and timeliness. In addition, the company offers a lifetime guarantee on all repairs and paint jobs.
S&M FAMILY OUTLET
$3,682,154 Million
Employees: 35
www.sandmfamilyoutlet.com
In its third year on the Top 50, S&M Family Outlet is one of the most popular and oldest discounters in the Lake area. In 1956, Joe Stoma opened a small weekend-only warehouse full of deeply discounted clothes and shoes bought from department and specialty stores. The business soon moved to 814 Third Avenue in Lake Charles, where a wholesale business was established. After graduating from McNeese, Stoma’s son, Steve, took over the reins, opening stores in Beaumont and Port Arthur. Revenue is up compared to last year. The future economic outlook is positive. Incredible buys and great inventory keep the customers coming in, says Steve Stoma, now CEO of S&M.
TULCO II, LLC
$3 million to 5.49 million
Employees: 26
www.tulcostorage.com
Tulco has been providing industrial storage services to industries involving petrochemical, chemical, paper, wood products, power generation, and many others. Tulco was established by Eagle Electric Machinery, Inc. in 1997 to provide its customers with a climate controlled/dehumidified environment to store spare motors, pumps, and other rotating equipment after being repaired by Eagle. Over the last 10 years, Tulco has grown from approximately 12,000 to 94,000 sq. ft. It stores rotating equipment, catalyst, exchanger bundles, transformers, switchgears, and other industrial items. Tulco’s cranes have a lift capacity of up to 20 tons / 40,000 lbs and forklifts with a lift capacity of up to 8,000 lbs. The outlook for the future economy is very good.
Below $3 Million
HARLOW LAWNMOWER SALES
Under $3 Million
Employees: 11
In 1953, Mr. Harlow started repairing small motors in his garage. Mr. O’Neil and Mr. Harlow together built the building. Both men died leaving Colleen O’Neil and her sister Mary Belle to run the store for about 20 years. John and Cindy Palma took over the business in 2004 carrying on the tradition of personal service the Harlow’s had in place. Revenue is down from last year. The hurricanes increased chainsaw and generator sales and parts and services. When fuel costs rose last year it hurt, but “with the steady growth of Lake Charles our future looks great,” says Cindy Palma. The business is now has EETC certified mechanics and they are the largest Exmark Dealer in Southwest Louisiana. You can now order parts on their website.
SIGNATURES SALON
Under $3 Million
Employees: 16
Signatures Salon was founded 13 years ago. “The goal of our dedicated team has been to provide a personalized, artistic service in a positive atmosphere using only the best products the industry has to offer and honor God while doing it,” says Wendy White McCown, CEO of Signatures Salon. Over the past couple of years, they have transitioned into a "green" salon by recycling and now offering wellness to the people of SW Louisiana with Dr Eric Snow, DC. They see the future of Signatures Salon growing exponentially. “We have added a component to our business that we see people are having a growing need for—wellness,” says McCown. They have a local chiropractor/nutritionist within the salon who is offering wellness consultations. “The economy hurt us for a short while, however we bounced right back. I think it was the same for a majority of businesses here in SW Louisiana,” says McCown. Revenue is up compared to last year.
