The Imperial Calcasieu
Top 50
The annual ranking of Southwest Louisiana's largest privatley held businesses

This is the 10th Annual Times of SWLA list of the Imperial Calcasieu Top 50. Last year, in an effort to encourage more businesses to participate in our Top 50 survey, we asked business leaders if they were reluctant to give out specific revenue figures for 2004, to indicate their range of revenue on a chart. This year, to our surprise, many companies, especially those in the top ranges, opted for actual revenue figures indicating they wanted to return to a numeric ranking.

This posed a slight problem for the Times. Last year we merely listed companies within each range in alpha order. This year, especially in the top revenue ranges, the majority of companies gave revenue figures and wanted to be ranked. So we have revised this year's rankings to reflect the Top 10, based on actual revenue figures. Then we continued the report in revenue ranges with companies listed in alpha order. We hope this compromise is agreeable to all.

The Top 50 ranking is based solely on research by The Times and reports submitted by area privately held businesses who wished to be included in the survey. Some companies who were previously among the Top 50 opted to not participate this year. Other businesses decided to submit information for the first time. The Top 50 are ranked by the most fundamental barometer of business success -- gross revenues in the past calendar year. Revenues in every case were reported by the owner or principal in the business, which must be headquartered in the Imperial Calcasieu parishes of Calcasieu, Cameron, Allen, Beauregard or Jeff Davis.

All of these businesses are private companies. While a number of the companies serve the petrochemical or timber industries in the area, many of the plants themselves 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 also ineligible.

Because of the sky-rocketing price of oil, petrochemical related industries posted large gains this year. Very few of the Top 50 took big hits, although once the numbers were in, there was quite a bit of shuffling among the top 20 companies, reflecting the increase in oil prices. Also of interest is the number of companies that increased not only revenue, but numbers of employees - another economic indicator with significant impact on the five-parish area.

The Top 50 issue of the Times and an August luncheon at the Lake Charles Country Club honoring the Top 50 is sponsored each year by Whitney Bank.

MORE THAN $150 MILLION

 

CENTRAL CRUDE, INC.
Employees: 85
Last year, Steve Jordan, CEO of Central Crude, predicted that the company would gross $240 to $250 million. He was only off by $13 million. With gross revenues in 2004 of $263 million, Central Crude easily stepped up to the number one spot on our list. With crude oil prices skyrocketing, companies like Central Crude are in the right place at the right time. According to Jordan, "We are the tail that wags the dog! As independents, we can go into areas that are considered 'marginal producers.' The big companies don't find those areas viable to continue drilling in because of economies of scale. But we can go into smaller, partially depleted fields and get the last drop out of the barrel!" They've found producers in 4 new wells in Cameron Parish in the last three years. Additional explorations west of Denton, Texas have also paid off. Central Crude, Inc. was founded in 1974 and now includes sister companies Louisiana Tank and Jordan Oil.

AMERISAFE, INC.
Employees: 460
DeRidder-based insurance company, Amerisafe, reported revenues of $249 million and a stable employment level for 2004. Their service area spans 31 states. The company was founded in 1985, expects continued steady growth. Amerisafe emphasizes working with their clients to prevent workplace injuries. Technology allows for efficient and competitive provisioning of information and services to their clients.

BILLY NAVARRE CHEVROLET HONDA HYUNDAI
Employees: 280
Navarre Chevrolet came in as the top car dealer in Southwest Louisiana again this year, with revenues at $150,000,000. With GM cutting back on GMC, Pontiac and Buick dealerships, Chevrolet looks to grow even stronger in 05-06. Navarre says the future looks bright. Chevrolet is introducing new products, including the HHR, Impala, Monte Carlo, SS Trailblazer, SS Malibu, and Z06 Corvette. Hyundai has been setting records the last 5 years and has eight new products premiering in the next 18 months. Honda just introduced a new truck and the all-new Civic will arrive in showrooms in September. Navarre says that 2005 may just turn out to be the best year ever in their 23 years in business.

$100 MILLION TO $150 MILLION

 

SUPERIOR SUPPLY & STEEL
Employees: 170
Revenue at Superior Supply & Steel was up 40% in 2004, kicking it up to a whole new level on the Top 50 list. What changed? According to Paul Lancaster, VP of Business at Superior Supply & Steel, the "very robust economic conditions...There are many, many large capital projects under construction not only locally but all over our entire marketing area...Rig day rates are at an all-time high, many new projects are already announced for future years - LNG plants, new ship and barge builds, rig upgrades, etc." Superior Supply & Steel is headquartered in Sulphur and services the Gulf Coast, Midwest and Central United States as well as Nigeria, Venezuela, Brazil and Mexico.

STINE LUMBER COMPANY
Employees 660
Stine Lumber Company, Louisiana's largest independent building materials dealer, just opened a 140,000 square foot building in Lake Charles - the largest of their ten stores in Louisiana and Mississippi. They are now in the process of replacing their Abbeville facility with a 120,000 square-foot drive-through lumber yard. To staff their new facilities, 120 new employees were hired this past year. An eleven million dollar increase in gross revenues also moved them up a level on our Top 50 list. Truly a local success story, Stine's has remained family owned and operated since J. W. Stine started his little lumber company in Sulphur in 1952.

$75 MILLION TO $99.9 MILLION

 

TALEN'S MARINE & FUEL
Employees: 148
Founded in 1970, this Lake Arthur-based company is becoming a major player along the Gulf coast from Mississippi to Texas. Talen's delivers fuel, lubricant and services to the oil and gas industry, and marine and inland fuel consumers at convenience stores, aviation-oriented businesses, utility companies, and inland oilfield drilling rigs. Talen's reputation for customer service has also increased their customer base and sales volume.
In one year revenues increased by $35 million and their workforce grew from 112 to 135 and the company is expanding to include 2 new docks and additional service lines.

MARTIN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP
Employees: 110
Revenues were up for Martin Automotive Group last year. A rapidly growing commercial business is what Martin Automotive credits with their growth in the highly competitive new car and light truck market. Large orders for vehicles for national clients are boosting their commercial business along with the national economy. Martin Automotive sells and services not only Pontiac and GMC vehicles, but also Freightliner and Sterling. Martin Automotive Group, locally known as Martin GMC Pontiac, the oldest GMC dealer in Southwest Louisiana, established in 1966 by patriarch and board chairman Ed Martin.

$50 MILLION TO $74.9 MILLION

 

SOUTHWEST BEVERAGE CO., INC.
Employees: 158
Malt beverage distributor Southwest Beverage posts steady growth each year, keeping them in the top ten. They now serve 11 Louisiana Parishes; the Imperial Calcasieu plus Vernon, Sabine, Avoyelles, Rapides, Evangeline, Grant and the City of Eunice. According to Ben Marriner, President of Southwest Beverage, "The near-term future looks good for our trade area. Lake Charles and Alexandria areas expect employment growth...Leesville area is secure due to Fort Polk." Although delivery costs are increasing (fuel and labor) in a stagnant marketing, Southwest Beverage is countering with efforts to bring efficiencies into their delivery service system. The company was founded in 1954.

SOLAR SUPPLY
Employees: 205
Solar Supply is an air conditioning and heating distribution company that operates over 50 branch locations in the five-state area of Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas and Alabama. They opened three new sites in 2003 and two more in 2004. Revenue is up five percent over last year and business is up 10 percent, because of a good economy, said Ron Dingler, President of Solar Supply. Solar Supply began 51 years ago and their corporate offices are in Lake Charles.

PUMPELLY OIL
Employees: 95
Pumpelly Oil moved up a range to round out our Top 10 this year. Their revenues for 2004 were $54 million and they took on 20 new employees. According to Glenn Pumpelly, president, revenues were up, in part, due to higher prices of petroleum products. Pumpelly Oil also acquired two neighboring distributors toward the end of 2004, which further increased their volume which was already up 10%. "High prices of our products are our biggest concerns," said Pumpelly. "Further consolidation and reorganization among petroleum distributors will continue to benefit us," he states. Pumpelly Oil, headquartered in Westlake, was founded in 1937 and serves customers in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

CAMERON COMMUNICATIONS
Employees: 136
Cameron Communications is a family-owned local exchange carrier providing telecommunications to over 13,000 residents and businesses in southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas. Changes in technology, government regulations and market conditions affect the telecom industry daily, but Cameron has added to their revenue stream by pursuing data and video in new and existing markets, bundling services for cost effectiveness. In 2004, Cameron Communications deployed a large-scale fiber optic network in Grand Lake, providing high-speed internet, digital television and telephone services all over fiber optic cable, contributing to their continued growth in revenue. Headquartered in Carlyss, Cameron Communications was founded in 1928 as Cameron Telephone Company.

$35 MILLION TO $49.9 MILLION

 

ALLSTAR PONTIAC/GMC
Employees: 79
Loyalty has been the key to success for Allstar Pontiac GMC since they opened on Hwy 90 in Sulphur back in 1987. This family-run business continues to grow steadily, year after year. Their body shop now covers 35,000 square feet and is equipped to handle any make and model from the family vehicle to heavy-duty 18 wheelers and buses. Allstar purchased and blacktopped 30,000 square feet of property for a truck lot for their expanding inventory. The "Hometown Dealer" is set to offer customer incentives from General Motors, offering five new models from Pontiac and GMC in 2006.

BUBBA OUSTALET AUTOMOTIVE GROUP
Employees: 95
Bubba Oustalet Automotive Group experienced moderate growth in 2004, selling and servicing Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Toyota, Chevrolet, and Cadillac products. The family-operated business offers the same quality service which has come to be associated with the Oustalet name for 109 years. In 1896, family patriarch Emile Oustalet opened a wagon manufacturing plant in New Orleans and built his success on customer satisfaction. Today, Bubba Oustalet Automotive Group credits their success to that same attention to customer service. Oustalet Automotive has serviced a five-parish area from their headquarters in Jennings since 1952.

LEE DEE WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTING CO. INC.
Employees: 27
Lee Dee is a wholesale convenience store supplier serving southwest and central Louisiana and southeast Texas. Company president Robert Hale notes that, "The economy should be good in SWLA...Hopefully our future economy should be good. Industry work drives convenience store business." Hale notes that technology is getting better while competition is driving prices and profits down. Fuel costs and insurance are key factors and good employees are a real issue for their business.

LEEVAC INDUSTRIES, LLC
Employees: 219
Last year LEEVAC Industries completed the vessel for Pinnacle Gaming, which would become the L'Auberge casino. Described by Pinnacle President Dan Lee as "a huge triple-wide" the project was the biggest -- from a financial standpoint that LEEVAC ever tackled. They also constructed a 135,000-barrel barge -- the biggest boat they have ever built. Founded in 1998, LEEVAC is headquartered in Jennings, but considers the entire nation their service area. W. F. Stokes, LEE VAC company president, cautions that high inflation on steel and the high cost of fuel can slow their work considerably.

MARK DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP
Employees: 65
Although Mark Dodge (formerly Roundtree Dodge) on Highway 14 saw a slight dip in revenues in 2004, they still had a solid year. Mark Dodge is a Five Star Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep dealership; a designation that is 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 been serving the five-parish area since 1997.

R & R CONSTRUCTION
Employees: 600
New to the Top 50 list, R & R Construction debuts at the $35 to $49 million range. The construction company was founded in 1995 to serve all of southwest Louisiana, and they are now expanding into sites outside of the area. The future looks good for R & R Construction with new LNG projects opening up and the federally mandated guidelines for cleanup for the refineries spell more business ahead. The only downside that R & R sees on the horizon - the rising prices of natural gas.

$25 MILLION TO $34.9 MILLION

 

ALFRED PALMA, INC.
Employees: 75
Revenues are up again this year for general contractor Alfred Palma, Inc. So much so that they moved up a range. Alfred Palma, president said the lack of money available to state, local and industrial entities can affect the amount of work that is available, he thinks the outlook for this year looks fair, with a number of commercial construction projects in the works. Founded in 1986, Alfred Palma does strictly commercial jobs, usually within a 100-mile radius of Lake Charles.

BESSETTE DEVELOPMENT CORP.
Employees: 165
In the past year, Bessette Development expanded into the Hotmix asphalt business and opened their plant location on Bayou D'Inde which has allowed them to move into the manufacture and installation of asphalt on city, parish and state roads. All this expansion increased their employee count - up 45 in one year. According to Harvey Bessette, president of the company, the future continues to look bright and positive with 34 active projects ongoing. The construction firm opened in 1982 and serves eight southwest Louisiana parishes.

DUNHAM PRICE GROUP LLC
Employees: 125
Dunham Price reports a great year last year. According to Ted Price, Sr., Chairman of the Board, big jobs like Pinnacle and the Highway 27 overpass kept this manufacturer of ready-mix concrete and concrete pipe and pilings very busy. And, says Price, the outlook for the future is very positive. Dunham Price also has a waterfront ship and barge unloading facility. In business since 1939, Dunham Price, serves Louisiana and east Texas out of their headquarters in Westlake.

KITE BROTHERS RV
Employees: 31
The luxury market has not rebounded for Kite Brothers RV, but the company is holding on as one of the nation's top RV suppliers. Alan Kite, secretary-treasurer of the business, said that 2004 was little slow. He attributed this to higher gas prices, the stock market and the continued war in Iraq. "People don't have a sense of wealth as they have in prior years," Kite said. Several years ago, RV sales were strong and new companies selling RVs began to crop up everywhere. "Now because of the economy, many of those companies have started to drop out. Kite Brothers is committed to remaining strong in the RV industry." Kite Brothers RV was founded in 1961 and serves customers in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Arkansas.

PORT AGGREGATES
Employees: 93
New to our list this year, Port Aggregates joins the Top 50 with revenues in 2004 at $18.95 million. Founded in 1979, Port Aggregates provides limestone, concrete, precast and concrete supplies to 11 Louisiana Parishes; Acadia, Beauregard, Vermillion, Lafayette, Allen, Jeff Davis, Cameron, Calcasieu, Sabine, St. Landry, and St. Martin. Port Aggregates reports that in the past year, new employee were hired, and more business and expansion resulted in an increase in earnings.

$15 MILLION TO $24.9 MILLION

 

GRAY NISSAN FORD MERCURY
Employees: 47
In 2004 Gray Nissan Ford Mercury in DeRidder saw a 2 percent increase in sales. Troy Blackmon, general sale manager, attributes the increase to the stability of Ft. Polk and the company's effort to be more customer friendly. The company sends out newsletters targeting specific zip codes through Louisiana and Texas, letting potential customers know that they are a home grown business that spans three generations, committed to service. "It's a full time job to stay competitive," Blackmon said. "You have to be about service and that's what customers want. We're putting an emphasis on service whether it is in the sales or service department." Blackmon said their outlook for 2005 is promising, which attributes to the stability of Fort Polk. "As people move into the area, it will be good for the economy," Blackmon said. "We plan to be as big a part of that as possible." Gray Nissan will celebrate its 40th anniversary this September.

LAKE CHARLES AUTO AUCTION
Employees: 19
Lake Charles Auto Auction, in its 14th year of operation, is owned and operated by Mike Pedersen, with assistance from his two sons, Matt and Ben. Their service area stretches from Houston to Shreveport and east to New Orleans. When buyers go into a dealership to buy a new car and trade in their vehicle, the dealers send the traded vehicle to the Pedersen's at Lake Charles Auto Auction. Pedersen reports that their weekly run of cars is down a little from last year, but they are still very busy. Mike Pedersen is well-know for his skill as an auctioneer. In 1988 he was Louisiana State Champion Auctioneer and this June he placed 2nd in the United States Horse Auctioneers Championship.

LAKE CHARLES DIESEL, INC.
Employee: 56
This home-town company, founded in 1946, now supplies an international market in the sales and service of diesel engines and the manufacturing, sales and service of marine transmissions. According to Art Cooling, president of Lake Charles Diesel and son of the founder, Art Cooling, "We see our market much more positive compared to the past two years. More of our customer growth is coming from international rater than domestic business. Most of our growth is internal. The more product we put in place, the stronger our after market becomes."

MCDONALD'S INC.
Employees: 625
McDonald's of Calcasieu Parish moved up one tier this year in our Top 50, with revenues at $18.8 million. Doug Gehrig reports that revenues are up 23% and 2004 brought remodeling, internet connectivity and new menu products. The outlook for the Golden Arches is good, according to Gehrig. "More competition hurt and the employee market is tightening, but a good economy helps," Gehrig reports. Gehrig is president of McDonald's. His late father, Mel, began the local eateries in 1972. Through the decades, the Gehrigs added locations, and now have restaurants in Lake Charles, Iowa, DeQuincy, Westlake, Moss Bluff, and Sulphur.

MILLER LIVESTOCK MARKETS, INC.
Employees: 35
Since 1962 Miller Livestock Markets have sold goats, sheep, hogs, cattle and horses for seven Louisiana parishes and three Texas counties out of its headquarters in DeQuincy. According to Jim Miller, revenues are up compared to last year with higher beef prices causing more demand and higher prices for feeder cattle. Government regulations on beef imports have had a direct impact on their business. Sales start each Saturday morning at 10, with special horse sales the first and third Monday of each month. Additionally, Miller Livestock Markets is open Monday through Friday because they also sell livestock trailers, equipment, veterinary medicine and supplies.

R & R AUTO SALES
Employees: 12
R & R Auto Sales had a good year in 2004. Revenues were over $16 million and once again, they were voted "Best Used Car Dealer" by the Times readers, an honor that R & R is very grateful to receive since they value customer service. Rory Hollingsworth notes that, "We give our commitment to keep this reputation." Location is a big plus for R & R; they are very quite visible at the corner of Prien Lake Road and Ryan Street, adding to convenience. R & R has been in business since 1984 and serves all of southwest Louisiana.

THE RUSH COMPANIES
Employees: 137
Headquartered in Oakdale in Allen Parish, the Rush Companies includes a variety of enterprises; furniture, finance, funeral homes, cemeteries, insurance and floor coverings. Founded in 1946 by Howard J. Rush, Sr., his singe furniture store grew into the diversified businesses that are today run by his daughter, Kelly Rush Williams, president of the Rush Companies. In 2003 the Rush Companies acquired four funeral homes in Oakdale, Glenmora, Oberlin and Pitkin, bringing their total to nine funeral homes in central Louisiana. The outlook for Rush Companies, according to Rush Williams, is continued business expansion into areas with the greatest sustainable profitable growth potential. She credits the loyalty and strong support of employees and customers for past and future successes.

THERMOPLASTIC SERVICES GROUP
Employees: 75
Thermoplastic Services Group in DeQuincy, family-owned businesses, has enjoyed a tremendous amount of growth, hitting $23 million in revenues in 2004. Thermoplastic Services, Inc., founded by Eddie Wade in 1993, is a worldwide supplier of commodity grade plastic products, and houses its manufacturing operations in two locations in the DeQuincy Industrial Air Park. Paragon Plastic Sheet, Inc. was founded by Ashley Wade in 2000, and represents "vertical integration" with TSI which processes raw materials. Paragon purchases them and converts them to its patented High Density Polyethylene sheets used in various industries, including poultry producers, transportation and hurricane panels and skylight panels. The demand for Thermoplastic and Paragon products is so great according to President Ashley Wade, "An expansion is currently underway to double production and -- you guessed it -- more jobs for DeQuincy!"

INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT ENGINEERING
Employees: 100
New to the Top 50 this year is Brask Inc, dba, Industrial Equipment Engineering. Headquartered in Sulphur, they manufacture and repair heat exchangers. Their service area incorporates all of the United States and Canada as well as Aruba and South America. Bal Sareen, CEO of Industrial Equipment Engineering, reports they experienced over 20% growth in 2004 and they expect to grow 15 to 20% a year for the next three years as demands for their services increases. So watch for Industrial Equipment Engineering to remain on the Top 50 and move up!

$10 MILLION TO $14.9 MILLION

 

CENTURY GROUP INC.
Employees: 88
It started in 1942 when Alma Como, despite his blindness, created a mold to pour concrete steps. Now Century Group in Sulphur is the leading manufacturer and supplier of precast concrete steps, concrete railroad grade crossings, railroad spill collection systems and other precast concrete products, servicing customers throughout North America and Europe. Revenues are up due to spending in the petrochemical and light rail transit industries. Century's new line of architectural precast concrete products is also contributing to growth. Their economic outlook is positive although increasing fuel costs, truck shortages and cement costs will be critical factors in shaping the immediate future for Century Group.

GULF ISLAND SHRIMP AND SEAFOOD
Employees: 90
Gulf Island Shrimp & Seafood, a seafood processing, marketing, and distributing company, began operating in 1999. Headquartered in Lake Charles, they have two shrimp processing plants in Dulac, La., and sell wild-caught Gulf shrimp to restaurants and distributors throughout the United States and Canada. They anticipate sales increases for their "Wild American Shrimp" to continue as the "natural, better tasting choice of consumers," according to managing partners Mark Abraham and Larry Avery. Although high fuel prices are hurting shrimpers, the successful trade action suit against foreign imports should help shrimp prices rise, make a brighter future for the American shrimping industry.

HEALTH SYSTEMS 2000
Employees: 255
Health Systems 2000 was founded in Lake Charles in 1994 by Jonald and Lisa Walker. Now the company serves south Louisiana out of 11 branch offices. They experienced an increase in revenue last year and added hospice care services at the end of 2004. Although changes in Medicare may impact the industry as a whole, but for the most part, they see continued growth for Health Systems 2000 because of our aging population and a shift from hospital stays to home healthcare and hospice care.

J & J EXTERMINATING
Employees: 180
J & J Exterminating services the majority of Louisiana as well as part of east Texas as the largest independently owned pest control business in the state. Founded in 1959, they consider their success is due "to putting customers and employees first," according to owners Robert John, Jr. "We are always willing and ready to give back to the community." They have locations throughout Louisiana including Lafayette, New Iberia, DeRidder, Crowley, Ville Platte, Natchitoches, Shreveport, Alexandria and New Orleans.

KENNISON FOREST PRODUCTS
Employees: 7
Kennison Forest Products, based in Sulphur, is a nationwide distributor of forest products. They have a branch office in Riverside, California and distributors in Columbus, Ohio; Chicago, and Louisville, Kentucky. Kennison is a wholesale lumber supplier that serves the continental United States, Canada and Mexico. Business is up 30% and, according to President Dick Kennison, they foresee an excellent outlook for the next two years with new product expansion and a rising economy.

LEVINGSTON ENGINEERS, INC.
Employees: 185
This Sulphur-based company grows each year. This past year they added 30 employees and revenues increased to push them up a range on our Top 50 list. They experienced a 26% increase in gross revenues last year reflecting the petrochemical industry's continuous work toward higher production requirements. Their outlook for 2005-2006 is one of continued growth, says Executive Vice President, Mark Nixon. "The expanding energy sector along with refining demands and chemical industry needs should warrant engineering services," said Nixon, which will contribute to future growth. Founded in1961, Levingston Engineers services the Gulf South of Texas and Louisiana will civil, mechanical and electrical engineering projects.

OILQUIP, INC.
Employees: 45
OilQuip debuted on the Times Top 50 last year. This year it's up one tier with revenues increasing into the $10 to 14 million range and with ten additional employees. OilQuip is growing with help from an upturn in spending projects by industries. Founded in 1963, OilQuip builds and fabricates hydraulic systems, servicing paper, lumber, rubber and petrochemical industries in Louisiana, east Texas, southern Arkansas and west Mississippi. OilQuip has offices in Lake Charles, Beaumont, Baton Rouge and Shreveport.

O'NEAL'S FEEDERS SUPPLY
Employees: 60
O'Neal's Feeder Supply in DeRidder had a good year, according to Ed O'Neal, vice president, "But a little more challenging than expected." The challenges have been caused by relatively dry weather. Limited rain means farmers, who buy from the company, don't buy as much feed and fertilizers. "The weather, and increase energy cost have hurt the business, but overall it's pretty good," said O'Neal. The company generated just over 11 million in revenue during 2004. They are a wholesale and retail feed and fertilizer facility. O'Neal's has over 200 dealers in Louisiana and east Texas. The outlook for 2005 is promising, and O'Neal's is looking toward the future, expanding by adding automated bagging equipment and a robot to palletize their bagged feeds. O'Neal's is the only feed manufacture in Southwest Louisiana.

$5.5 MILLION TO $9.9 MILLION

 

CALCASIEU MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS, INC.
Employees: 60
Calcasieu Mechanical Contractors is a commercial air conditioning and plumbing company serving southwest Louisiana, east Texas and Lafayette. Service volume was up 10% last year although construction was down due to more competitive market conditions. But their business outlook remains very good, according to Ray Blanchard, president of Calcasieu Mechanical Contractors. With the opening of L'Auberge, a boost in local economy should translate into more jobs for area contractors, says Blanchard.

EAGLE ELECTRIC MACHINERY
Employees: 26
Eagle Electric Machinery in Sulphur has built success on electric motor repair and sales and climate control storage. Because the business and industries they service are doing better this past year, it's reflected in Eagle Electric's volume. Citgo, Louisiana Pigment, Firestone, Entergy, and W.R. Grace are among the major companies in the area serviced by Eagle Electric Machinery. Business demands remain good, according to Gerry Weldon, general manager, adding to their growth.

FRENCH MARKET FOODS
Employees: 60
Since 2003, French Market Foods of Lake Charles has been manufacturing and distributing Tony Chachere's sausage, boneless stuffed chickens, turduchens and single serving entrees. They have seen a 50% increases in sales in the past year. To prepare for continued growth, they hired 15 new employees and are constructing a new office and freezer. According to managing partners Mark Abraham and Larry Avery, "We believe there is good business growth for the next few years with consumers wanting more convenient, value added, easy to prepare foods. That is why we expect our distribution to increase from 5 states to 9 states...we want people all over the country to have a taste of our great culture."

HONDA OF LAKE CHARLES
Employees: 17
After many years in the rice drying business in Lacassine, the Hardy family decided to diversify their business interests. In 1986, they bought Honda of Lake Charles and now offer a full line of Honda ATV's, motorcycles, scooters, and generators, and an expanded service department from their "Honda Powerhouse" showroom building on College Street. Designed by Honda Corporation for their powerhouse branded dealers, the 25,000 square foot building is one of Honda's new 'Concept Stores' for their top dealerships, said David Hardy, General Manager and co-owner. Honda of Lake Charles has remained in the top 100 in sales in the United States for Honda Corporation for the past several years, certifying them as a powerhouse dealer.

NORTHFORK ENTERPRISES
Employees: 50
Lake Charles Electric Company is the cornerstone of Northfork Enterprises, Inc., which also encompasses Lake Charles Mechanical, Inc. and Ins-Trol. Headquartered in Westlake, Lake Charles Electric specializes in industrial and large commercial projects, providing quality workmanship with the high safety standards to Southwest Louisiana for over 50 years. President Earl O'Quinn Jr. attributes the longevity and success of the company to a skilled workforce and a team of dedicated individuals. The volume of work has increased over the past few years as Lake Charles Electric diversified its customer base.

RUSSELL I. STUTES CONSTRUCTION
Employees: 40
The husband and wife team of Russell and Cissy Stutes started their home and light commercial construction business in Lake Charles in 1979. Last year was another successful season for Russell Stutes Construction and now son-in-law Patrick Milligan is taking on more responsibility in management of day-to-day operations. The economy appears to be growing and Russell Stutes intends to grow with it. "This year promises to be even better than last," says Cissy Stutes.

SABINE POOLS & SPAS
Employees: 72
Sabine Pools and Spas saw continued growth in all sectors of its business last year. Custom pool building and their new outdoor furniture lines experienced the biggest growth. They were named, for the second year in a row, as one of the top 100 pool companies in the nation (Aqua Magazine, April 2005). Joey Tassin, President, expects good results in 2005 as they stay on top of market trends and advancing technology. "From our new 3-D design software to our exquisite craftsmanship and materials to our unique offerings of fine outdoor furniture, we strive every day to meet and exceed customer expectations," says Tassin.

SOUTHLAND COINS & COLLECTIBLES
Employees: 3
For the fourth year in a row, Southland Coins & Collectibles has made the Top 50. According to Malcolm Self, president, "Last year we decided to pursue international sales. This proved to be difficult but ultimately profitable since international sales have increased by over 1200%." Total sales for the year were up 38%, mainly due to internet sales. Southland Coins & Collectibles restructured their operation to aggressively pursue Internet sales. Southland specializes in the wholesale and retail rare coin and bullion markets. "I'm excited about the future," says Self. "People will always be buying or selling in good times or bad."

UNIBILL
Employees: 19
Unibill does nationwide billing services for telecommunications firms including U.S. Unwired and Cameron Communications. Additionally, Unibill offers outsourced billing solutions. They experienced employee downsizing in 2004 through attrition and are currently using contract labor for software development. Additionally, Unibill expanded their product offerings for voice, data, video and wireless billing solutions. Unibill was founded in 1997 and is based in the former Calcasieu-Marine National Bank building.

$3 MILLION TO $5.4 MILLION

 

CYCLES AND MORE
Employees: 11
Making their debut on the Top 50 list is Cycles and More in Lake Charles. Wes McFadden notes that their family-run business has grown steadily since 2001. "Our new neighbor, Lake Charles Honda, has actually brought more traffic to the area! Rising gas prices have motorcycle sales up and so we've hired more employees." He forecasts high fuel prices will continue to bring in customers and they plan to add to their facility and may pick up more products to offer to the public next year.

JOHNSON FUNERAL HOME
Employees: 28
Rounding out our 2005 Top 50 list is newcomer, Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles. They've been at the service of bereaved families in Calcasieu Parish, as well as south Beauregard, north Cameron and west Jefferson Davis parishes since 1975. They pride themselves on continually upgrading their services and technology.