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INSIDE THE
INDUSTRY 2018 Edition
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Every December, Biz New Orleans closes out the year with a look at top local businesses in a wide variety of industries. In the following pages, we invite you to learn more about the past, present and future of these industry standouts as each continues to make their mark in the Greater New Orleans marketplace.
Carubba Engineering Cox Communications Dupuy Storage First American Bank and Trust HR NOLA Lalla Real Estate Lambeth House Live Nation Mullin RICHARD CPAs RYCARS
Sensible Meals Southern Oaks Stewart Lodges at Steelwood Thibodaux Regional Medical Center Triton Stone University of Holy Cross What You Give Will Grow Woodward Design+Build Xplore Federal Credit Union DMG Design + Build
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engineering Carubba Engineering, Inc.
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Since Carubba Engineering, Inc. (CEI) was founded in 1993, it has successfully completed projects ranging from small residential additions to high-rise towers. Thanks to CEI’s comprehensive capabilities as a full-service civil, structural and marine engineering firm, and thanks to its 25 years of experience, CEI has completed over 6,000 projects throughout coastal regions of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Texas. CEI’s expertise ranges from deep foundation design for industrial, commercial, marine and residential projects, to site development and comprehensive drainage studies, including hydrologic analysis, storm water detention and biological treatment. CEI also provides expertise in structural steel design (industrial,
commercial and marine) along with analysis of special materials, including aluminum and carbon fiber. CEI is also acutely aware of project time lines and budgets—while always maintaining the required technical accuracy. CEI prides itself on providing the most cost-effective designs while maintaining the technical integrity of the project. CEI stewards its clients’ money as its own. This extensive body of experience and business acumen contributed to CEI’s role as the principal engineering firm retained to develop the first permitted petrochemical liquids terminal on the lower Mississippi River since 1971. The project, which will represent a $750,000,000 capital investment, will create many permanent
jobs for the region, as well as be the catalyst for the revitalization of the lower Mississippi River region, driving an industrial renaissance of the lower Mississippi River. CEI is proud of its role in the development, design and construction of this project and the prolific impact it will have on the region. (seated, left to right) Matthew Dauphin, Cherie Callaghan, Roy M. Carubba, R. Alan Harris Standing, left to right: Patrick Ruiz, John Lambertson, Emma Taylor, Remy Rehage 3400 Hessmer Avenue Metairie, LA 70002 504-888-1490 · carubbaengineering.com
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telecommunications Cox Communications, Southeast
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For Cox Senior Vice President and Region Manager Anthony Pope, “smart city” isn’t just a tech buzzword—it’s a phrase that promises new and exciting ways to use physical and digital infrastructure to bring together people and places and to improve the health and well-being of residents while enabling commercial growth. “To create a smart city and region, municipalities, schools, community partners and businesses must work together,” Pope said. Cox is already working to deliver the cutting-edge technologies of tomorrow. By the end of this year, Cox’s 1 gig residential internet service (G1GABLAST) will be available for 85 percent of the Metropolitan New Orleans service area. And Cox won’t stop there—they’ve pledged to make G1GABLAST available to all residential customers.
This work is part of a commitment by Cox to continue to serve as the leader in providing broadband services to the region. The company plans to invest $10 billion over the next five years, with a focus on enhancing and refining customers’ experiences both inside the outside the home. “This means continuously upgrading our Louisiana infrastructure and delivering the best in voice, video, high-speed internet and home security and automation services to homes and businesses,” said Pope. The plan includes continued growth from Cox Media, a full-service provider of multiscreen advertising solutions to clients across Louisiana and Cox Business, which provides superfast internet speeds of up to 100 gigabits, to commercial clients. Cox Business’ commitment to speed for any size of
business, coupled with their cutting-edge technology and business-class support, reflects its dedication to enhancing commercial development in the Metropolitan New Orleans area. With Cox’s commercial and residential drive, next year promises truly amazing, smarter possibilities. (left to right) Cox Southeast Region Senior Vice President and Region Manager Anthony Pope; Vice President of Government and Public Affairs Fran Gladden; and Cox Media Vice President Scott Burton Cox Communications, Southeast Acadiana | Baton Rouge | New Orleans | Florida’s Gulf Coast | Central Florida | Middle Georgia 504-304-8444 · cox.com
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warehousing Dupuy Storage and Forwarding
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When John Dupuy founded his storage and warehousing company in 1936, he may not have known that he was founding a New Orleans shipping institution—but eighty years and four generations of family ownership later, it’s become clear that that is precisely what he did. Dupuy Storage, which is currently owned and operated by the third and fourth generations of the Dupuy family, has operated in New Orleans for decades—and has expanded its operations to incorporate other Southern port cities, including Miami, Houston, Charleston and Jacksonville. But they remain a valuable partner to the Port of New Orleans, as well as a traditional service provider for the local coffee industry. Dupuy’s history doesn’t stop the company from making cutting-edge advancements; they’re currently making a complete change to a new, state-of-the-art software system to allow the company to offer more complete, informative and timely reports to their customers. This is part of a core Dupuy principle: value-added service. Dupuy consistently goes above and beyond, which has been key in establishing the company as a valuable, even necessary part in many clients’ supply chain. Thanks to their commitment to staffing knowledgeable people, investing in equipment and shoring up infrastructure, Dupuy is showing no signs of slowing down, even after 80 years. They remain committed to their presence in New Orleans—they’re very aware they occupy a piece of New Orleans’ shipping history, and they plan on maintaining and growing that legacy for years to come.
Allan Colley, President Janet Colley Morse, Vice President (504) 245-7621 dupuygroup.com
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banking
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First American Bank and Trust
First American Bank and Trust is a community bank with 25 locations across Southeast Louisiana. For over 100 years, First American Bank has served the financial needs of its communities. Operations began in St. James Parish in 1910 and have expanded to 11 parishes including Jefferson and St. Tammany. Today, First American Bank has total assets of $890 million. The size of the bank puts First American in a unique position to help both consumers and small businesses. We handle a large amount of construction loans for individuals, as well as contractors. After construction is complete, a large percentage of those residential loans are maintained in our loan portfolio, providing our customers with exceptional service from local employees. Additionally, we provide the small businesses in our community with loans as high as $20 million. Through the first 9 months of 2018 First American Bank originated $164 million in loans for its customers. Besides being a great source of loan funding, First American Bank maintains a strong capital base for its customers to deposit their funds. From online bill pay to mobile check deposits, First American Bank offers the latest in banking technology to provide the best possible services for its customers. Let First American Bank take you where you want to go. We are here to assist you with your construction loan, home purchase, business loan, or whatever financial service that you need while providing you with the latest in banking technology from knowledgeable and customer-friendly employees. First American Bank and Trust, A Banking Tradition Since 1910 — Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.
Ronald J. Falgoust, President and CEO
2785 Highway 20 West, PO Box 550 Vacherie, LA 70090 225-265-2265
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Human resources
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“The best time for HR is before you think you need it.” So goes the mantra for HR NOLA, a locallyfounded firm that provides access to HR services for companies of all sizes. Amy Bakay, SHRM-SCP, founded HR NOLA after a career spanning more than 20 years in the HR field, during which she provided services to a variety of companies and industries. Bakay saw a need for a custom, quality HR services provider after her board leadership roles with the local nonprofit NOLA SHRM. She identified a particular niche: a company that could provide much-needed HR services while avoiding the fulltime overhead burden that was too much for small companies. Since HR NOLA’s inception in 2017, the company has blossomed to fill that niche and to explore the market beyond—they now service clients locally and nation-wide with remote and on-site help. HR NOLA’s initial intention was to provide small to midsize markets (employers with 25-100 employees) with crucial access to HR services, but they soon realized that New Orleans’ entrepreneurial mindset and startup culture also had need of their services. Their full-level compliance and culture risks audit allows them to create a unique tactical and strategic business plan for startups and midsize companies alike. The company, which is staffed with consultants whose primary backgrounds are in human resources and business management (and who are SHRM certified), focuses less on traditional HR of managing rules and policies, and more on creating a work environment that encourages employees to want to come to work each day—while also avoiding the non-compliance and toxicity that can cost a company millions. Amy Bakay, Owner/Founder
318 Harrison Avenue # 101 New Orleans, LA 70124 833-HRNOLA-1 · hrnola.com
HR NOLA
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real estate
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Lalla Real Estate focuses on transparency and compassion for their clients and a love for real estate—and the friendships and referrals that those values generate? Well, that’s all lagniappe. Leo Lalla honed his real estate skills working with an international real estate firm in the Pacific Northwest, but his New Orleans roots (as they do to so many) called him home. Lalla returned to New Orleans after Katrina to be closer to his parents and siblings—and to play a part in revitalizing the city he will always call home first. Lalla’s father, who owned and ran the family business, Natco, also had a true passion for real estate—a passion he passed on to his namesake. Lalla and his agents are dedicated to the personal interactions that are necessary but often absent from many real estate transactions—listening, guidance, support and compassion, particularly one-on-one, face-to-face. It’s a winning combination in a unique area like New Orleans, where personal relationships and providing that extra time are foundational to residents both new and existing. Lalla Real Estate doesn’t ignore the value or convenience of the internet or contemporary selling tools, but each agent understands that their focus is ultimately on the people and families they help navigate the market. For Lalla’s agency, finding a house is far beyond an internet transaction: they’re helping people find their homes. And after the storm and family called Lalla back home, he’s again proud to help the city continue to rebuild toward its Tricentennial this year. In his own words, “I’m happy every day I wake up because I love helping people and I love real estate. Otherwise, what’s the damn point?”
Leo Lalla, Broker/Owner Louisiana Real Estate Commission Equal Housing Opportunity
734 Amethyst St., New Orleans, LA 70124 (C) 504.975.2554 · (O) 504-324-9515 leo@lallarealestate.com · LallaRealEstate.com
Lalla Real Estate
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Aging services
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Since opening its doors as a registered continuous care retirement center in 1998, Lambeth House has grown considerably. What was once a center that offered both independent and assisted living spaces along with nursing care has now grown into a community encompassing a Wellness Center, service expansion and cutting-edge technological service and study. After 2011, when Lambeth House combined with St. Anna’s Residence in the lower Garden District, and 2013, when it underwent a $17 million expansion to increase its capacity for assisted living and nursing care, the organization has strived to grow their mission: to provide high-quality care for seniors and to help bridge the generational gap. The Wellness Center, a 20,000 square foot complex that embraces a holistic approach to aging, is one way that Lambeth House has expanded its services. The Center provides an art studio, interfaith chapel, meditation room and a fitness center with an indoor salt-water pool. The Fitness Center is free to Lambeth House residents and memberships are available to nonresidents age 55 and over. The Center even added a casual dining café to serve residents and the public while building intergenerational relationships. Lambeth House’s relationships stretch beyond personal and into professional. They recently began a 12-month pilot study in partnership with Ochsner Health System to learn more about how telehealth can effectively help seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia while also potentially reducing care burnout on a staff level. Equipped with iPads and FitBits to help staff communicate with and understand each individual’s unique challenges, health workers are able to provide medical services to their patients more efficiently—and, potentially, more effectively.
Lynn Swetland, Chief Financial Officer; Scott Crabtree, Chief Executive Officer; Jere Hales, Chief Operating Officer 504-865-1960 · lambethhouse.com
Lambeth House
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entertainment Live Nation
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Live Nation Entertainment is, by the numbers, a massive, sprawling enterprise. The global entertainment company is the single largest producer of live concerts in the world. They operate 222 venues in 12 countries; manage over 500 artists; produce over 29,500 concerts across 40 countries; and maintain and grow a network of 86,000,000 fans across the globe. The company produces film documentaries and movies (such as the recent hit A Star is Born), manages artist careers, creates and builds music venues and drives economic impact for cities and regions. But despite their size, Live Nation is focused on investing in specific cities and regions around the
country—including New Orleans. Live Nation New Orleans was established in 2014 with a goal: to increase entertainment content in the city and the region. One of the Live Nation staffers helping to promote that development is Madison Saltalamacchia, Venue Sales Manager, who said it’s her job to provide exceptional customer experiences. “My clients know they can come to me at any time for a smooth, VIP and hassle-free process to acquire the best Premium Seat and Luxury Suite experience for the greatest shows in the city,” said Saltalamacchia. That attention to the client and exceptional service for the customer is on display at Live Nation’s new
venue The Fillmore. Housed in Harrah’s Casino in downtown New Orleans, The Fillmore is already booked to play host to several marquee acts, including the Foo Fighters and the Avett Brothers (among many more). The Fillmore represents one of the continual and evolving ways that Live Nation is investing in New Orleans and the region.
Madison Saltalamacchia, Venue Sales Manager
504-561-7011 · LiveNation.com
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landscaping Mullin
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Chase Mullin’s small weekend business was booming. “I was fortunate enough to work for someone who quickly became my mentor,” said Chase Mullin, founder and President of Mullin. “He really helped me to develop in my career, spending countless hours imparting his horticultural knowledge to me.” But when Chase realized he was booked for ten weekends in advance, even with a friend helping full-time, he knew he was on to something big. That weekend business grew into Mullin, a sprawling residential and commercial award-winning landscaping business—but one that never lost touch with its roots. “One of the things that stuck with me from the early days was a client who told me how different
I was from anybody she’d ever used—I showed up when I said I would, called when I said I’d call, did what I said I was going to,” Mullin said. That consistency remains a hallmark of Mullin today. Mullin has found a sweet spot: large enough to handle a range of projects, but focused enough that no project gets lost. The company focuses on maintaining a level of attention for each of their clients (and employees), bringing the sophistication and professionalism of a larger company down to a personal level of detail a client would expect from a smaller operation. As Mullin expands their commercial operations, Chase Mullin has emphasized that residential projects remain an area of dedication for them. “We’re going to grow our commercial business but also stay committed to where we started,”
said Mullin. “We’re going to continue providing high-end, high-value projects to every client we work with.”
(front row) Wheeler Graf; Kelly Casey; Martin Romero; Leah Temple; Mycah Schexnayder; Lindsey Mayo; Laura Mullin; Chase Mullin; Nubia Gutierrez; Cecilia McNab; Caitlin Gagliano; Eric Tournet (back row) Ryan Graffagnini; Matthew Quitzau; Stephen Rust; Jonathan Swanson; Devin Mullin; Christina Simpson; Kurt Garris; Mathew Dreiling
10356 River Road St. Rose, LA 70087 504-275-6617 · mullinlandscape.com
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CPA RICHARD CPAs
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Personal service never goes out of style when conducting business. That philosophy is a cornerstone for RICHARD CPAS. Founded in 2017, RICHARD CPAS offers a wealth of skills, thanks to the partners’ depth of experience – Staci brings more than 15 years to the table, Todd more than 20 and Joey more than 40. They each have experience in public accounting and commercial company work, including financial services, insurance, manufacturing and governmental and non-profit organizations. RICHARD CPAS provides financial statement audits, reviews, and, compilation services in addition to client accounting services, and outsourced CFO/ Controller services. The Company is growing the
latter two services in particular, which allows the partners to fully immerse themselves in their client’s business. They can offer professional services with the background and experience of a larger firm and business combined with the environment of a smaller firm. Their clients work directly with the partners, who are the decision makers. Staci, Todd and Joey focus on complementing their depth of experience with a strong customer service approach. Each client works with a RICHARD CPAS professional who has a blend of expertise, allowing the partners to propose solutions for their commercial and nonprofit clients while taking their day-to-day responsibilities into account.
The partners focus on translating their long-term, in-depth experience to serve clients in a specialized, focused fashion. RICHARD CPAS remains committed to supporting their community through participation in non-profit events, support of the local chambers of commerce and involvement as a volunteer board member for several nonprofit organizations within the metro New Orleans region. Todd Tournillon CPA, Joey Richard CPA and Staci Richie CPA 3421 N. Causeway Blvd., Ste. 403 Metairie, LA 70002 504-289-8125 · richardcpas.com
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commercial roofing RYCARS Construction
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RYCARS Construction, LLC, is a prime example of homegrown entrepreneurship. The company, which today is a locally-owned multi-state commercial roofing enterprise, began in the Burks’ family home. Presently, RYCARS is capable of responding to any commercial roofing project task set before them. They’ve created their own fabrication facility for sheet metal with expert craftsmen. Their workers are skilled in carpentry, commercial roofing, sheet metal fabrication and installation, along with other abilities. The company takes its position as a family business in the Greater New Orleans area seriously. Aside from the jobs created by their company, they support several charitable non-profits around the city. Son of a Saint, an organization that focuses on mentoring
and developing fatherless boys, is a particular focus for them—and in 2018, Ryan Burks was appointed as one of the nonprofit’s board members. Stephanie Burks is the President of the Ballet Resource and Volunteer Organization (BRAVO), which is the main and largest fundraising contributor to the New Orleans Ballet Association. RYCARS is committed to the community, a value that is exhibited through their quarterly volunteering in and around New Orleans. The company focuses on community service efforts that create the most good for the city. RYCARS works to serve the local community in partnership with volunteer organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank and Ozanam Inn.
D RYCARS strives to remain true to its mission— and to its commitment to future growth. In 2019, the company plans to expand its office operations to Texas and Florida. After sixteen successful years, RYCARS has laid a solid foundation that will keep them around for decades to come.
(left to right) Arielle Burks- PR & Marketing Manager/ Project Manager, Ryan Burks-President, Stephanie Burks- Vice President 503 Coleman Place Kenner, LA 70062 504-305-5309 · rycars.com
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Meal prep/weight loss
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“Diet is about doing it right most of the time and having fun some of the time.” So says Ingrid Rinck—and she should know. Rinck is the creator of Sensible Meals, the largest meal prep company in the country. Based in Mandeville, Rinck built an eight-figure business from her home. She worked as a personal trainer for twenty years, but her emphasis on nutrition came from her family: in 2014, her son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Rinck pored over every fact she could find on nutrition. Out of that dedication came Sensible Meals, a company focused on helping its clients reach optimal health. Sensible Meals has grown from a one-kitchen operation to a six-kitchen business with a preparation facility and over 1200 employees. The packaged meals created there are freshly prepared and preservative-free. The food produced is healthy and good fuel for bodies. Rinck is a socially-conscious woman—both her business and philanthropy focus on helping others. Rinck founded the Leading Ladies League, two groups of “ladies that lunch,” located in Mandeville and New Orleans. The women dress up to a theme set for a once-monthly lunch, and all proceeds generated by the group’s lunch are donated to a women’s charity. Last but not least, Rinck teaches at her studio, Built by Ingrid Rinck, where the classes of free of charge but donations are encouraged. The money raised at the studio goes to Type 1 diabetes-based charities, as well as funds to send children to diabetes camps each summer.
Ingrid Rinck, CEO
Eatsensiblemeals.com Contact on Facebook, Instagram
Sensible Meals
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wedding venue
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Southern Oaks Plantation
Southern Oaks Plantation doesn’t fall short on accolades—they’ve been named a top wedding venue and placed in “Best of Weddings” for several consecutive years across several industry publications. But Bobby Asaro doesn’t let the awards make him complacent. According to Asaro, a one-time radiologic technologist and wedding photographer, the industry is ever-changing, and he and his wife, Sue, along with the cast at Southern Oaks Plantation, are adapting to the changes day to day. Southern Oaks began as Asaro’s goal, thanks to his time as a wedding photographer. He knew there was a niche market for elegant, high-end reception venues that needed to be filled, and he had just the plan to fill it. He got Sue involved from their first date, drawing his plans out on a napkin and dreaming of Southern Oaks. Between his strong attention to detail (developed when he was working in radiology) and Sue’s innovative thinking and impeccable taste, Asaro knew that they were on to something big. After 31 years in the venue market, Southern Oaks is bigger and better than ever, thanks to the Asaros’ continuous drive for improvement. Asaro’s high standards for every aspect of his business play a huge role in Southern Oaks’ success. According to Asaro, he treats each client as though they’re the most important person that has ever walked through the door. Between raising the bar for customer service, crafting strong vendor relationships and elevating exceptional cuisine, Asaro and his wife have created an experience that leaves only happy customers in its wake.
Bobby Asaro, Owner/Operator
7816 Hayne Blvd New Orleans, LA 70126 504-230-0556 · southernoaksplantation.com
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strategic planning
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Stewart Lodges at Steelwood
Business is connection. Business is people. The Stewart Lodges took these concepts to heart when they created their unique environment— an environment built to create “the customized experience” for their clients, particularly those clients in New Orleans. “As business owners, the most cost-effective and profit-driven decision a CEO can make is to invest in their people,” said Jennie M. Campbell, CEO/ President. Campbell, along with investor Frank B. Stewart, Jr. created the Stewart Lodges to help other organizations experience the value of the connections between their employees and their business. The Stewart Lodges, located just 15 minutes from Mobile, Alabama, provides a luxurious environment full of natural pleasures that allow clients to unwind and connect with each other in a stress-free environment. The Lodges cultivate this atmosphere in myriad ways, beginning with their 200-acre stocked fresh water lake. They also offer a pool, cabana and entertainment space—all connected to the two fully-furnished lodges with private rooms and baths, complete with screened-in porches, TVs, fiber-optic Internet and rooms with pool tables and games. Guests are also invited to take advantage of exclusive private amenities, including a driving range, fishing, fitness center, tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course. The Lodges have worked with leading businesses throughout the Greater New Orleans area, providing services to help grow the leadership teams contributing to the city. Campbell recognizes the importance and effectiveness of a natural environment. “The value the Stewart Lodges creates for our customers is an experiential environment that allows a leader to create a meaningful connection with the people that are responsible for implementing the company’s vision, values and culture,” said Campbell. Jennie M. Campbell, CMP, CMM, PMP, CEO, President 251-602-1300 · 866-580-4343 (toll free) StewartSteelwood.com
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HOSPITAL Thibodaux Regional Medical Center
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Thibodaux Regional Medical Center is an award-winning healthcare facility with more than 250 physicians on the medical staff, 1,300 employees and 180 beds. It’s come a long way from St. Joseph Hospital, founded in 1929, with 26 beds in an old rectory building—but it serves the same purpose today as it did then: to provide service, help and healing for the people who come through its doors. It may have begun as a rural local hospital for Thibodaux, LA, but as it stands now, Thibodaux Regional is a state-of-the-art medical center that serves people from all around the region. One of the newer expansions at Thibodaux is more focused on preventative care: the Wellness Center,
which focuses on improving health and wellbeing through prevention, fitness, education, rehabilitation and focused sports and wellness services. More than 5,000 people have already begun to reap the benefits of the Center’s Fitness Center. Thibodaux Regional has carefully integrated a significant amount of health care services within the Wellness Center, resulting in complementary care and a real clinical-based orientation toward health and wellness. Thibodaux is also preparing to break ground on a brand new, state-of-the-art cancer facility that can accommodate the growth that Thibodaux is experiencing while furthering the hospital’s status as a leader in the field of cancer care. The new Cancer
Institute, a five-story 100,000 square foot building, will allow the hospital to continue providing exemplary care and service and explore more treatment options, arming the region in the fight against cancer for years to come. (standing) Katie Richard, MA, BSN, RN; Laura Chauvin, MD; Ellen Matthews, BSN, RN-BC, MBA; Eric Greber, MD; Dori Murphy, PT, DPT (seated) Darius Coleman, Greg Stock, CEO, Elyse Pitre, RN, PCCN 602 N. Acadia Road Thibodaux, LA 70301 985-447-5500 · thibodaux.com
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Stone/marble distributor Triton Stone
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Creativity, quality and service—these three assets have lifted up Triton Stone, a family company opened in 2006, and built a brand that currently operates 16 branches and three distribution yards. The female-owned company has consistently grown through the years since its founding, staying on top of changing market trends and introducing new and innovative products to their customers. Triton, a staple in the New Orleans community, has work that ranges from Julia Street to the Westbank to the Northshore. Thanks to their numerous customer sales representatives, they’re able to tackle a wide variety of projects while still ensuring that each client is worked with on a detailed and personal level.
Client service and satisfaction is a cornerstone of the Triton Stone brand; for Triton, customers are a part of the corporate family from the moment they enter a Triton store. Triton’s position as a locallyowned family company allows them to form tight bonds with their customers—and this bond, in addition to their reputation for excellent product quality, has ensured that Triton Stone is the first stop for New Orleanians working on any stone project, large or small. This supportive mentality also encourages a culture of outreach and giving back within Triton. Through internal initiatives and their community outreach program, Triton Cares, the company chooses a cause or project for each branch to focus on for a quarter
of the year. For the fourth quarter this year, the company is focusing on donations for the homeless community in the area. The company stays true to its local small-business roots through its philanthropy— they remain dedicated to lifting up the community in which they work.
Katie Peralta and Rachel Jones
6131 River Road Harahan, LA 70123 504-738-2228 · tritonstone.com
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Higher education University of Holy Cross
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The University of Holy Cross encourages students to do good and to do well. The fully-accredited Catholic university, which serves more than 1,200 students with over 154 faculty members spread across more than 50 graduate and undergraduate programs, was founded in 1916. The Marianites, the founding order of Holy Cross, believed that it is the commitment of the University to enlighten the “whole person”—to ensure that their students were educated in their hearts and their minds, carrying the goodness of their education out into the community around them. Thanks to their smaller class sizes, students receive more personal attention from a team of professionals across the university, which fosters an environment
of collaboration, entrepreneurship and excellence. Students are encouraged to explore their spiritual values and expand their knowledge and skills through both classwork and service opportunities. The university is also launching a new program for Fall 2019: The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. The demanding course of study will produce medical practitioners who deliver exceptional healthcare in a complex and evolving healthcare system. The (PA) program allows the university to build on the robust platforms provided by its distinctive programs in Nursing, Health Sciences, Business, Education and Counseling. But the student body’s expansion isn’t only in their minds. Thanks to an influx of students, the
University is expanding its campus this fall with the addition of a newly-finished residence hall on campus that will house both local and out-of-state students. The hall will accommodate up to 150 students when fully occupied and is the first university residence hall on the West Bank.
Gerry Keenan, PA-C, Professor and Director of Physician Assistant Studies and David M. “Buck” Landry, PhD, President 4123 Woodland Dr. New Orleans, LA 70131 504-394-7744 · uhcno.edu
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NON-profit What You Give Will Grow
W What You Give Will Grow began in 2014 thanks to Thomas and Lauren Morstead and their dedication to helping the New Orleans community and beyond. The organization, which has to date given over $2,500,000 to a myriad of causes and encouraged countless volunteer efforts, has spread through the city and the Gulf South community and hopes to spread further. What You Give Will Grow excels at inspiring excellence and generosity in the people around them, and then turning to a charity in need—of funds or volunteers—and giving an answer to that need. Thanks to a high level of expertise among the leadership team, all of whom donate their time, the
organization sees a titanic rate of return on their work with only a 4% administration cost. The foundation plans to continue their annual event, Prom of Hope, which provides teens with cancer, blood disorders or both with a prom night that they’ll never forget. What You Give Will Grow, which already has a relationship with Louisiana’s nine pediatrics hospitals and Child Life departments, also plans to expand their mission to areas where they see a need for assistance. After Morstead’s on-field actions led to national attention and a donation surge in 2017, the organization sees it as their mission to grow their services and reach in a meaningful way to allow them
to create the largest impact they can—and to inspire people to give in as many ways as they can. What You Give Will Grow will help any donation, whether financial or a donation of time and effort, find the perfect way to grow and blossom.
Thomas Morstead and other volunteers visit and deliver gifts to patients in the hospital for the holidays
1340 Poydras, Suite 1720 New Orleans, LA 70112 wygwg.org
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commercial contracting Woodward Design + Build
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Woodward Design+Build was founded in 1923 on the principle that to achieve the best result, architect and builder must have a meaningful partnership. Nearly one hundred years later, the firm, named after its founder Carl E. Woodward, remains an industry innovator dedicated to collaboration and new ways of thinking throughout the building process. To maintain their reputation of delivering the best results for their clients, Woodward’s team is of paramount importance. This team is built and fostered by CEO Paul Flower and President Ken Flower. Since 2016, Ken has focused on improving his team and the firm’s delivery to customers. He led the firm through a leadership reorganization, which developed the roles of Vice President of Pre-Construction Services and Senior Vice President of Operations. They work to ensure each project is designed, planned and executed in a detailed and efficient style that has come to be a Woodward hallmark. The firm, which includes design, engineering, construction managers and craftspeople, is deeply invested in developing its current staff as well as recruiting high-potential talent through various local workforce development initiatives, internships, local universities and HBCUs. Woodward leaders believe encouraging diverse perspectives in both the office and the field is key to providing high-quality start-to-finish service for their clients. Currently, Woodward’s largest project is renovating the World Trade Center into the Four Seasons New Orleans Hotel & Residences. This project provides the opportunity for Woodward to engage with local, minority and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) in an innovative, meaningful way. Woodward will continue to partner with qualified DBE subcontractors, ensuring these vital businesses access to opportunities for growth.
(clockwise from top) Lauren Marshall (Director of Diversity and Inclusion), Ken Flower (President), Riley Kennedy (Director of Organizational Development), Lane Louque (Sr. Vice President of Operations), Sean Tynan (Chief Financial Officer), and Chris Michel (Vice President of Preconstruction) 1000 South Jefferson Davis Parkway New Orleans, LA 70125 504-822-6443 · woodwarddesignbuild.com
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federal credit union Xplore Federal Credit Union
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Xplore Federal Credit Union, rich in a more than 70-year tradition of personable banking service, continues to stay progressive in the Grater New Orleans financial institution marketplace. With an increased portfolio of commercial banking services, an entire range of commercial lending products, and the recent hire of a commercial lending director, Xplore is well-positioned to be the local source of financing for Orleans and Jefferson Parish businesses. “For the last two years, we have been adding to our credit union’s foundational hallmark of personable service by introducing a robust commercial department that fully meets the needs of business owners,” said Rafael Rondon, President/CEO.
With more than 15 years of leadership in the industry, Rondon was hired to lead Xplore in February 2017. Six months later, Rondon brought on Chuck Romano as director of commercial lending. Romano previously offered consulting services to more than 1,400 commercial clients for close to 30 years. “Xplore has opened the doors of tremendous flexibility for our corporate clients,” Rondon said, “We have low competitive rates, extremely flexible terms and conditions, and an experienced consultation team to help business owners better compete, thrive, and grow.” Federally chartered in 1947, Xplore serves more than 9,000 members in the Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. Xplore offers a full gamut of consumer and
business financial products. Credit cards, Checking, Savings, Mortgages, Home Equity loans, Auto loans, Boat loans, Personal loans, and e-services are all part of the extensive list of products that Xplore offers. Through share branching, our members have access to over 80,000 surcharge free ATMs and over 4000 branches nationwide. (from left to right) Rocio Cuevas; Todd E. Pereira; Rafael Rondon; Amethyst Craft; Pany Taylor
5500 Veterans Memorial Blvd Metairie, LA 70003 888-U-Xplore · xplorefcu.com
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residential contracting DMG Design+Build
Ryan McCroskey, CEO / Lead Project Manager
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The customer’s contractor” is a label DMG Design+Build has worked hard to earn. Ryan McCroskey, the company’s founder, saw a need for what he described as a “boutique experience” in the Greater New Orleans area—a single place where a team of professionals can take a customer’s vision from conception to completion. Thanks to years of carefully selecting the right professionals for their team, DMG has fulfilled that need. “We understand our customer’s desires, needs and the value of their time,” said McCroskey. He defines a project’s success based on how happy and satisfied a family is with their final product.To that end, DMG offers a 24/7 remotely-accessible Customer Portal, which allows clients to view and track photos of the construction progress, check on their build schedule and daily logs and access important documents—
all at the click of a button. The portal offers not only a layer of transparency but also a way for customers to communicate with DMG whether the client is at work, on vacation or at home. DMG’s values— communication, teamwork and accountability—all came to bear on the portal, which provides clients with a true sense of satisfaction thanks to the collaborative nature of any renovation, remodel or new construction project from beginning to end. As the CEO of DMG, McCroskey knows that investing in qualified and professional local craftsmen is critical. New Orleans, like many markets, is facing a decline of quality craftsmen across construction trades. Because of this, DMG has been and will continue to actively pursue ways to promote, train and retain quality craftsman for the benefit of generations to come.
504-275-6664 · DMGNOLA.com
(facing page, left to right) Casey Neely, Operations Manager; Aren McCroskey, General Manager; Ryan McCroskey, CEO / Lead Project Manager; Justin Fredricks, Lead Designer / Estimator; Maureen Donahue, Controller
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