Baton Rouge Business Report

Founded in 1927, Gallagher has grown into a global enterprise with nearly 71,000 employees, more than 1,300 offices and clients in over 130 countries. This sustained growth reflects the company’s expansive capabilities, consistent client focus and long-standing commitment to supporting organizations worldwide with responsive, insight‑driven solutions.  As one of the world’s largest insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting firms, Gallagher...

“This is our 65th year in business, which is pretty remarkable when you look at the rate in which industry changes,” says Forte & Tablada President and CEO Joey Coco. “We’ve completed many thousands of projects through two generations of ownership before me. The age, the legacy of this firm, it’s something to respect and to be immensely proud...

While the name is new, JRE is built on more than three decades of experience in commercial real estate. Today, the Baton Rouge–based firm has evolved into a full-service company offering brokerage, property management, development and capital investment services. The firm traces its roots to 1989, when Donnie Jarreau founded Donnie Jarreau Real Estate. Over the following decades, the company...

Embarking on 65 years of providing trusted communications systems, Executone of Louisiana embraces its past while looking forward to a promising future with new management at the helm. “As a locally owned and operated company in Baton Rouge, we’ve developed a reputation for reliable, innovative communication solutions backed by exceptional service,” says Chad Coppola, Executone’s new owner, president and...

At the end of every tax season, the CPAs and advisors at EisnerAmper take a break from crunching numbers to peel some crawfish. Hundreds of team members, some flying in from out of state to experience their first boil, gather to share over 1,000 pounds of mudbugs, corn and potatoes. The annual crawfish boil started over three decades ago, when...

There's a new bank in town, and it’s 102 years old. First National Bank of Louisiana, which opened in Crowley in 1924, has expanded into Baton Rouge as part of its long history of steady and consistent growth. “The Capital Region has so much to offer,” says Jordan Hultberg, Capital Market President. “With Louisiana State University, the seat of state government,...

  This year marks a milestone for Investar Bank, as the institution celebrates its 20th anniversary while also completing the largest acquisition in its history. The combination of growth, innovation and community commitment reflects the bank’s ongoing mission to deliver strong financial services while maintaining the personal relationships that have defined it since the beginning. One of the most significant developments...

It's easy to find Deep South Equipment’s Lafayette location; just look for the gorilla. The Louisiana-based equipment dealer and service provider opened at 122 Southpark Road in late 2024 and decided to keep the well-known gorilla statue from the previous owner, George’s Lift Trucks. CONNECT WITH US Top executives: John Parsons, Owner & President; Patrick Parsons, VP of Used Truck Sales...

At 19 years old, Floyd Degueyter became one of CLM Equipment’s first five employees, quickly moving up the ranks to parts manager. With a goal of moving into sales, Floyd got permission to take the company’s tractor-trailer after hours and on weekends to demonstrate how their tractor and bush hog could meet potential customers’ needs. “I saw some tall grass...

Celebrating 75 years in business is a reflection of the trust this community has placed in us for generations “I never wanted to be the biggest car wash, I wanted to be the best-run car wash,” reflected Benny’s co-owner, Benny Alford. “When my father started this business in Pensacola, Florida, we couldn’t imagine what it would one day become. After...

The West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce uses its strategic plan as a guide to create a robust business environment, promoting smart growth and development that attracts businesses and investors. “By narrowing our focus, reinforcing our position, and being more selective about the type of work we take on, we are able to work with more people,” says Executive Director...

John Parsons has a motto: “If you don’t take care of your customers, they won’t be your customers for long.” As the owner, president and CEO of Deep South Equipment, Parsons’ customer-first approach has paid off—taking the company from humble beginnings to a premier materials handling equipment dealer that has won national accolades and maintained a diverse portfolio of loyal...

With a longtime athletic background and coaching career, Jay Marks knows firsthand that teamwork is essential. In 2017, he and his wife Chabry invested in two properties and provided safe homes for others, as their interest in larger projects and establishing a business for their children grew. Hurricane Ida brought requests for roof replacements and renovations along with stories about...

For nearly 80 years, JD Bank has combined community-driven service with industry-leading banking solutions. Established in Jennings in 1947, the Louisiana-based bank has a strong presence along the I-10 corridor, from Lake Charles to Lafayette, with 22 full-service branches and two loan production offices, including one in Baton Rouge that opened in 2022. AT A GLANCE Top executives: Paul Brummett, CEO;...

The Louisiana Public Facilities Authority (LPFA) is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of supporting economic development, healthcare and education in Louisiana through bond financing and job creation initiatives. AT A GLANCE Top executives: Tricia A. Dubroc, President & CEO; Martin Walke, CLEcD, Vice President; Joni M. Leggio, Vice President Phone: 225.923.0020 / 800.228.4755 Address: 2237 S. Acadian Thruway, Suite 650, Baton...

It would be a challenge to find another contractor with as much skill, knowledge and experience as Post Tension of Louisiana. The seasoned team has more than 100 years of combined experience and is already making waves in the post tension foundation market. AT A GLANCE Top executives: Jack Pou, Joseph Myhand, Alex Derouselle, Connor Clouatre Phone: 337.852.6313 Address: 9142 Castille Road, Baton...

As Werco Building Specialties Inc. celebrates its 50th anniversary, the company has solidified its position as a leading distributor in Division 10 Specialties. Supplying a wide range of construction items—including toilet partitions and accessories, fire extinguishers/cabinets, visual display boards, flagpoles and much more— Werco caters to a vast network of general contractors nationwide. AT A GLANCE Top executives: Eric Rowzee, Owner/President;...

After more than 140 years of growing and adapting to meet changing needs in Louisiana and beyond, Northwestern State University is continuing its tradition of academic excellence with innovative initiatives that educate and prepare students for success in life, in their careers and as citizens. AT A GLANCE Top executives: James T. Genovese, President Phone: 318.357.6011  Address: 175 Sam Sibley Dr. Natchitoches, Louisiana...

It’s simply ingrained in Campus Federal’s culture to be member focused. For the past 90 years, they’ve wanted nothing more than to be a trusted financial partner for every stage of life. AT A GLANCE Top executives: Jane Verret, President & CEO; Ryan Blauvelt, Chief Financial Officer; Jay Noel, Chief Lending Officer; Kristie Daspit, Chief Operating Officer; Ron Moreau, Chief Member...

Does your company struggle with a lack of team collaboration, or do you feel that your once-agile company has become mired with ineffective communication and inconsistent project implementation? AT A GLANCE Top executives: Maurice Velasquez, CEO and President Phone: 225.772.4674 (operations); 225.505.2823 (mobile Address: 17321 S. Harrell’s Ferry Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 Website: mauricetraining.com With his “Collaboration Accelerator” program, Maurice Velasquez, CEO and president...

Downtown Baton Rouge’s gaming, hotel and entertainment scene is getting a major boost! The area’s two casinos—the Belle of Baton Rouge and the Queen Baton Rouge have undergone extensive upgrades with more changes coming soon. Following the Queen’s debut as Baton Rouge’s first landside casino in 2023, the Belle of Baton Rouge moved into a temporary landside casino space in 2024...

If you’re searching for a place to call home, Lewis Companies is the answer. With an extensive portfolio and customer service that exceeds expectations, the licensed agents and brokers at Lewis Companies specialize in connecting tenants with the perfect living space and buyers with their dream home. AT A GLANCE Top executives: Valerie and Lanny Lewis, Owners; Luke Lewis, Broker Phone: 225.766.8802 Address: 9613...

When Barbara Auten moved to Baton Rouge from New Orleans and joined Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area (Alzheimer’s Services) part-time after Katrina, she had no idea that one day she would become the unique organization’s Executive Director. Although her grandmother passed away from Alzheimer’s when she was a teenager, she had no idea that during her now 19-year...

Since their founding in 2013 Next Level Solutions has spent years helping small to medium-sized businesses strengthen their business operations through finance, accounting, human resources and technology services with the goal of bridging the gap between small businesses and the resources they need to compete with larger companies. AT A GLANCE Top executives: Chris King, Managing Partner Phone:225.330.8347 Address: 7330 Highland Road, Suite...

With a foundation built on its people-first culture and commitment to fostering authentic, lasting relationships, LEMOINE is celebrating 50 years of business in 2025. AT A GLANCE Top executives: Leonard “Lenny” Lemoine, Chief Executive Officer; Seth Lemoine, Chief Operating Officer, Disaster Services; William Lemoine, Chief Operating Officer, Construction Services; Leon Foster, Chief Performance Officer; Will McCulloch, Chief Financial Officer; Greg Landry,...

Since 1987, the Tiger Athletic Foundation (TAF) has been a cornerstone of LSU Athletics, helping fuel countless student athletes’ dreams and achievements. For more than 35 years, TAF supporters have impacted every win and every student-athlete’s graduation. From alumni to community members and fans, TAF supporters are united by a shared commitment to excellence in competition, in the classroom...

Gulf South Technology Solutions is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, a testament to its ability to evolve and innovate alongside the ever-changing landscape of business technology. Founded in 2005 by James Moak, Gulf South Technology Solutions began as a small break-fix operation, responding to the technology needs of local businesses. “In those early days, we were essentially on-call technicians,...

Opening its doors in 1999, Horizon Financial Group was founded with a clear mission: to help others achieve greater confidence, clarity, and direction in their lives. Through wealth planning, investment management, and retirement plans, Horizon’s professional team provides the guidance and support clients need to plan for a better financial future. “What sets us apart from other firms is our...

In 1942, Alton Ochsner led a group of five New Orleans physicians in forming Ochsner Clinic. More than 80 years later, Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South with more than 4,900 employed and affiliated physicians at 46 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. AT A GLANCE Top executives: Chuck Daigle, CEO;...

Southern University, now celebrating its 145th anniversary, has a storied history deeply intertwined with the evolution of education in the United States. The university’s mission is rooted in providing high-quality, equitable education to students of all backgrounds, particularly Black Americans, and preparing them for leadership in a global society. As one of the nation’s leading Historically Black Colleges and...

Although much has changed at the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank since it opened 40 years ago, its mission has never wavered. In his 21 years with the organization, President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Manning’s top priority has been to feed the hungry in Baton Rouge and its surrounding parishes. “The continuous support from our generous donors and dedicated...

“Slow and steady wins the race” could be the current motto of the Port of Greater Baton Rouge. Strategic partnerships, innovative initiatives and a keen focus on emerging markets are positioning the Port for significant growth over the next decade. A new report by the World Trade Center in New Orleans and Martin & Associates on five of the...

The West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce uses its strategic plan as a guide to create a robust business environment, promoting smart growth and development that attracts businesses and investors. “By narrowing our focus, reinforcing our position, and being more selective about the type of work we take on, we are able to work with more people,” says Executive Director...

When Chris Gendusa started Future Fitness in 1990, he set out on a mission to help people approach exercise and wellness in a different way. Instead of joining a crowded gym and having to figure out how to use equipment on their own, Gendusa wanted to make sure his clients had personalized guidance and a tailored plan for improving...

Until recently, adult adopted individuals in Louisiana faced significant hurdles obtaining their original birth certificates. However, since lawmakers approved updates to the state’s vital records law in 2022, more than 1,200 adopted adults have successfully received these documents. AT A GLANCE Top executives: Scott Kirkpatrick and Cary Koch, principals Phone: 225.420.8920 Address: 633 Lakeland Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Website: www.k2advocacy.com This monumental change was...

For over 60 years, Dearman’s Diner has been a beloved institution in Baton Rouge, serving up classic diner fare and fostering a tight-knit community of loyal customers. Now, under the ownership of longtime General Manager Casey Evans, the restaurant is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the launch of its first ever food truck. AT A GLANCE Top executives: Casey...

With extensive experience managing successful multimillion-dollar maintenance, construction and IT projects throughout the country, Genesis 360 has evolved into a world-class management company, offering seamless solutions for complex business operations. AT A GLANCE Top executives: Craig Stevens, Founder & President Phone: 225.304.6657 Address: 8352 Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge LA 70810 Website: genesis360llc.com Founded by Craig Stevens in 2011, Genesis 360 offers a host of services...

When Kantrow Spaht Weaver & Blitzer combined with Butler Snow five years ago, the two law firms’ shared commitment to putting clients first was at the heart of their decision to join forces. Today, that commitment remains strong—and the firms’ combined expertise is helping them serve more clients even better than before. Butler Snow provides a wide range of business...