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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; Cindy Slay, Vice President/Project Manager; Angela Minton, Accounting Manager
Phone: 225.927.8376
Address: 9445 Lindale Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70815; P.O. 15763, Baton Rouge, LA 70895
Website: wercospecs.com
Owner and President Eric Rowzee attributes the company’s success to strong relationships with manufacturers, enabling them to offer competitive pricing. “Our long-term partnerships help us secure excellent costs for our contractors,” Rowzee says. “We pride ourselves on not just delivering the best prices but also combining that with unmatched expertise and customer service.”
Rowzee joined Werco in 1999 at the request of his father, Earl Rowzee, who founded the company. “I learned a lot from my father,” he says. “He was a hard worker and he instilled that in me.” This philosophy influences Rowzee’s meticulous hiring process, as he seeks out individuals who exhibit the same dedication.
The culture at Werco is marked by a familial atmosphere among project managers, estimators and office staff, which is essential for effectively managing the many projects that the team handles simultaneously. Among the current workforce are seasoned veterans such as Vice President Cindy Slay, who has dedicated 20 years to Werco, and newer talents who bring fresh perspectives. “The camaraderie here is unique,” says Shannon Ryan, a project manager. “We’re a diverse group with a variety of experiences that complement each other. We openly share our talents.”
Initially focused on Louisiana and Mississippi, Werco began exploring new opportunities about a decade ago. “I decided to try something different and submitted bids outside of our area when tornadoes ravaged a small community in Joplin, MO,” says Rowzee. “I found there was a strong need for the items we bid on, and it really took off from there.” This strategic move sparked a significant expansion, and the company now bids on projects in 22 states, including a recent $250,000 job secured in Guam.
Today, Werco stands as the largest distributor for many of its Division 10 manufacturers, allowing them significant leverage that directly benefits their contractor clients. “Other companies don’t have the buying power or reputation we have,” says Rowzee. “We cultivate those relationships to ensure we can effectively manage challenges.”
In times of difficulty, “our contractor clients know they can just send me an email, and it’s my responsibility to ensure that a replacement arrives,” Ryan adds. “We excel at moving something from point A to point B and making sure the process goes smoothly.”
Looking ahead, Rowzee is optimistic about the future. “I believe 2025 is set to be another record year,” he predicts, crediting the dedicated workforce behind Werco’s continued success. As they celebrate this golden milestone, Werco Building Specialties Inc. exemplifies the power of hard work, community and innovation in an ever-evolving industry
