Baton Rouge Business Report

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...

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...

The flood of 2016 was a pivotal moment for the City of Central, when some 60 percent of the homes and businesses in the city were inundated with water. It’s what ultimately persuaded Wade Evans to run for city council. “I felt like our elected leaders weren’t listening or paying attention,” says Evans, who is now mayor of the city....

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...

Founded in 1950, Perkins-McKenzie Insurance Agency has built a distinguished reputation for exceptional service, long standing client relationships, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. As the industry evolves, Perkins-McKenzie is embracing a proactive strategy for growth while maintaining the integrity and personal touch that have defined its success. Debra Landry, President of Perkins-McKenzie, has dedicated 45 years to the firm,...

Baton Rouge area residents don’t have to look far to find relief from a wide range of debilitating conditions. Over the past five years, Capitol Wellness Solutions’ accessibility, convenience and exhaustive product knowledge have turned it into an indispensable resource for all ages and genders. Randy Mire, CEO and founder of the only dispensary in the area licensed to sell...

Through workforce, economic and community development, the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance (GBRIA) is shaping a strong, sustainable future for south Louisiana. Established in 1970, GBRIA represents more than 80 industrial manufacturing sites across 11 parishes. Developing a skilled, competitive workforce has been a consistent priority for GBRIA. Several current initiatives focus on engaging students, educators and professionals to expand...

It’s been an interesting journey for Danielle Brecheen who has spent 40 years in a male-dominated industry and now leads the only locally woman-owned and operated steel distributor in the region. Her father Don founded Brecheen Pipe and Steel in 1980, and she began working there five years later. In time, her responsibilities increased from generating orders, to purchasing, to...

The Spine Hospital of Louisiana is a five-star physician-owned hospital that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of all spine related conditions. While the hospital’s specializations are innovative and tailored to each patient’s needs, it is the personalized care each patient receives from both the physicians and The Spine Hospital of Louisiana’s staff that truly sets it apart...

As the East Baton Rouge Parish Library looks back on another year of service, the focus remains squarely on delivering unparalleled value and meaningful impact to the community it serves. Through strategic investments in facilities, resources and programming, the library has solidified its position as an essential hub of learning, discovery and enrichment. AT A GLANCE Top executives: Katrina Stokes, Library...

Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, under the leadership of Gordon McKernan, stands as a testament to the power of family, dedication and a deep-seated commitment to justice. More than just a successful law firm, it’s a legacy built on the principles of hard work, integrity, compassion and justice—values inherited from Gordon’s father, Jerry McKernan. AT A GLANCE Top executives: Gordon McKernan, Owner,...

In business as in sports, there’s no resting on your laurels. One good year, whether it’s measured in revenue or championships, doesn’t necessarily guarantee another. That’s why Gulf Coast Office Products is laser focused on continuous improvement. It’s a mindset that has kept them at the top of their game for nearly 50 years now. “Everyone has a voice here,”...