2024 Archives - SB Magazine

WATER TOWER: ART PROJECT

SB Magazine — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 21:43:55 +0000

In mid-2023, the mayor’s office suggested elevating some of Shreveport’s water towers when the First lady of Shreveport, Mrs. Elizabeth Arceneaux, recommended a contest involving artists with a connection to Shreveport. The Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) was brought in to discuss ideas. In March 2024, the mayor called for artists to give their own unique perspectives.

There were three water towers selected for this project. The St. Vincent Elevated Storage Tank was built in 1946µand is adjacent to I-49 near the Pierremont Road. Hollywood Ave. Exit 203, adjacent to the Caddo Heights Park. The West Shreveport Elevated Storage Tank was built in 1979µand is adjacent to I-20, west of US 80/LA 526 Industrial Loop Exit 8, next to Wonder Oasis Waterpark. The Linwood Elevated Storage Tank was built in 1994 and is adjacent to I-49, south of Bert Kouns Industrial Loop Exit 199 near Flournoy Lucas Rd.

The project will include structural repairs, painting and coating the tanks’ exterior and interior, electrical upgrades, disinfection system upgrades, and site restoration. The total duration of the efforts will be approximately three years, and the estimated cost is $7 million. The specific cost of the artwork is to be determined.

There were two artists selected for the highly anticipated project. The finalists were selected in May 2024 by a panel including the Mayor, First Lady, SRAC representatives, and the Director and Deputy Director of Shreveport’s Water and Sewer Department. Final selections were made on July 11, 2024.

Terri Rhodes White was selected for her concept art of “Celebrating All” for the St. Vincent Elevated Storage Tank and “City on the Red” for the Linwood Elevated Storage Tank. Margaret Smith was selected for her concept of “The Rose Tower” for the West Shreveport Elevated Storage Tank.

Terri Rhodes White expressed her vision for St. Vincent and Linwood tanks in an official press release from the City of Shreveport: “When one wants to convey a message of ‘love’ or ‘welcome,’ a gift of flowers often comes to mind. The rounded top of a water tower resting on linear supports reminds me of a floral bouquet. My designs, ‘Celebrating All’ and ‘City on the Red,’ are straightforward: Three towers, three flowers. Shreveport deserves a statement piece, and a striking bouquet of flowers will convey a message of ‘welcome’ and ‘love’ for and from the city. My designs are simple, with limited color palettes and minimal flower variations, complemented by warm messages following the Shreveport signature.

Margaret Smith also shared her excitement about winning the contest and her deep connection to Shreveport:

“I feel very fortunate to have grown up in Shreveport. The rich history, the culture, the natural and man-made beauty—what wonderful childhood memories I have! Although there is a lot to love about the city, it is the neighborhoods full of beautiful old homes that I adore the most. As a child, I studied and drew my favorites while imagining what they must be like inside. Whenever I visit, my brother always drives me around so that I may continue to gaze in awe of them. I have no doubt that being surrounded by such grand structures inspired me to study interior design and architecture in college. Participating in this competition is my way of saying ‘thank you’ to a city that gave me so much. My design, ‘The Rose Tower,’ is inspired by Shreveport’s natural beauty, featuring the rose, the southern magnolia, and the Louisiana iris. A striking bouquet of flowers rising above the neighborhoods will undoubtedly convey a message of ‘welcome’ and ‘love’ for and from the city.”

The total project duration is three years, with construction at each site taking approximately six months. The staggered schedule ensures that only one tank is out of service at a time to maintain water pressure across the city. The detailed schedule is as follows:

St. Vincent Tank: Start in November 2024, exterior painting in early 2025. Linwood Tank: Start in Fall 2025, exterior painting in early 2026. West Shreveport Tank: Start in Fall 2026, exterior painting in early 2027

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RED BALL OXYGEN

SB Magazine — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 15:19:16 +0000

Red Ball Oxigen

Since 1930, Red Ball Oxygen has supplied the SBC and surrounding areas with a stellar selection of industrial, medical, and specialty gases. They offer various industrial supplies, safety supplies, construction site services, welding equipment, and technical services to several industries nationally and internationally.

Over the years, they’ve expanded to 21 locations, four-cylinder fill plants, and two specialty gas labs with 250 employees across four states. They strive to offer each customer the perfect order on time and with accurate delivery every time.

In 1969, Craig Kennedy bought Red Ball Oxygen and passed the company down to his sons, Larry and Gary Kennedy, in 1987. Today, Larry and Gary’s sons have begun the company’s 3rd generation of family ownership. Alex and Quinn Kennedy, 39 and 29, respectively, grew up in the Red Ball business.

Alex began running the Shreveport location in 2008, and Quinn began working there in 2013. They’ve both worked in multiple capacities with Red Ball since their beginnings. In 2015, Alex took over his father’s, Gary, shares of the company and became CEO of Red Ball Oxygen. This year, Quinn, Business Development Manager for Red Ball, took over his father’s, Larry, shares, making the cousins owners of the family business.

Many aspects of Red Ball Oxygen allow them to shine brighter than the rest. They service over 5,000 customers and supply most of the nuclear power plants in this region, in addition to hospitals, construction sites, and refineries. This technologically capable, customer-driven, open-books company is one of the largest hydrogen providers in the area. Red Ball offered oxygen services to hospitals during the trying times of COVID.

When the snowstorm of 2021 hit our area, Red Ball delivered hydrogen with the assistance of state police and the National Guard. Their three ISO accreditations are a testament to their dedication to unsurpassed service. In addition, the Red Ball Oxygen specialty gas division is growing by leaps and bounds. “We have a whole division that makes incredibly technical specialty gases and sells EPA protocol gases. We send These emissions monitoring gases to power plants and refineries to monitor greenhouse gas emissions to help keep our climate goals in mind, “says Alex.

April 2024 marked the opening of a new customer service location in Port Arthur, TX. Red Ball is also completing construction on a 10-acre, state-of-the-art industrial and specialty gas plant in Friendswood, TX, and adding another liquid hydrogen facility in Grand Prairie, TX. The opening of the new hydrogen facility, in addition to the existing hydrogen facility in Shreveport, cements Red Ball as one of the leading hydrogen providers in the area. Alex says, “The estate planning that we’ve done and transitioning to the 3rd generation solidifies our position. It gives us a long-term, big-picture outlook for the company now that we’re firmly solidified into the 3rd generation of young owners”.

609 N Market St, Shreveport, LA 71107

318-425-3211

redballoxygen.com

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LOCALLY OWNED: LINE AVENUE COLLISION

SB Magazine — Fri, 17 May 2024 19:08:41 +0000

Line Avenue Collision is not just an ordinary auto repair shop; it’s a place where customers are welcomed like family from the moment they step in. Founded two years ago by Bubba Guerra, a seasoned expert with over 35 years of experience in the auto collision field, and his wife Brandie, Line Avenue Collision took flight. Together with their skilled team, the company boasts a combined century of auto collision knowledge. At Line Avenue Collision, their focus is on providing outstanding service to customers, making sure they feel appreciated and esteemed.

Specializing in repairing all vehicle makes and models, the team utilizes their extensive expertise to deliver top-tier service. Going the extra mile is Line Avenue Collision’s standard practice to surpass customer expectations. Any concerns that may arise are promptly addressed to guarantee complete customer satisfaction. They take pride in assembling a fantastic team of employees within just two years of operation, a feat that can be challenging in today’s automotive industry.

Line Avenue Collision
6815 Line Ave.
Shreveport, LA 71106
(318) 865-7580
Cell: 773-4651

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LOCALLY OWNED: NOVUS GLASS

SB Magazine — Fri, 17 May 2024 18:49:49 +0000

Tim and Jamie Kochakian, owners of ‘Novus Glass, know how stressful windshield damage can be on your lifestyle. For over 17 years, they have been making things easier for you and your family. When you need a windshield replacement, Novus Glass can come to you, or you can go to them. They specialize in windshield repair for auto, heavy equipment, motorhomes, and big trucks.

They also do automotive tint, residential tint, and state inspection stickers. Novus Glass will work with all insurance companies for individuals and fleet management companies. With two convenient locations, give Novus Glass a call and let them handle the hassle!

9210 Wallace Lake and 6161 Financial Plaza
Shreveport, Louisiana
318.562.3229 or 318.603.9122

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LOCALLY OWNED: ARGENT FINANCIAL GROUP

SB Magazine — Thu, 16 May 2024 19:10:23 +0000

Serving with excellence. Cultivating deeply personal reatonsnips. rroviang custom soutions Ior wean

protection and prosperity. These are the values that have been ingrained in Argent from day one. And it’s why year after year, our clients turn to us for the strength to not just weather the storm, but to keep growing stronger.

Argent Financial Group is a leading, independent client asset services firm supporting individuals, families, businesses and institutions. Formed in 1990 in Ruston, Louisiana, Argent can trace its roots back to 1930. Today, Argent is responsible for more than $75 billion in client assets.

Argent’s Shreveport office opened in 1990 and is located in the Regions Tower. The office is staffed with 25 professionals serving all manner of clients.

Pictured above from left to right:

Not pictured:
Chris Shankle | CPA, CGMA, Jodi Penn Rives

LOCALLY, WE OFFER

Wealth Management:

Financial planning
Wealth transfer planning
Charitable giving planning
Legacy & succession planning
Estate planning advice & settlement
Tax & risk planning for complex situations
Fiduciary trust administraiton

Asset Management:

Customized equity and fixed income portfolios
Asset allocation models
Alternative assets
Foundation & endowment management
OCIO for non-profits & foundations

Asset Servicing:

Corporate trust, custody & escrow
Governmental services, including Municipal Advisory
Retirement plan consultation & administration:

Argent Financial Group
ArgentFinancial.com
333 Texas Street, Suite 699,
Shreveport, LA 71101

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LOCALLY OWNED: DOWN HOME MEATS

SB Magazine — Thu, 16 May 2024 17:00:14 +0000

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1982

Down Home Meats has been serving the good folks of Stonewall, Louisiana and surrounding areas for over 36 years. We’re dedicated to creating sausage the way it was made 100 years ago, focusing on using 4 main ingredients and natural casings to give you the very best, old school smoke flavored sausage.

Top Selling Sausage Smoked to Perfection

Whether you’re grilling outdoors, looking for some hearty and flavorful sausages for breakfast, or preparing a gumbo platter, Down Home Meats has the perfect sausage for all occasions.

Featured in The Food Network’s BBQ America, highlighted in the Houston Live Stock and Rodeo Show World Championship Cook-Off and known as the top selling sausage item in all of your favorite grocery stores. We can be found within a 250-mile radius of Stonewall, LA.

“OLD SCHOOL SAUSAGE DONE RIGHT”

Down Home Meats Inc | 5236 State Hwy 3276,

Stonewall, LA, USA | 318-925-6915

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LOCALLY OWNED: WEED MAN

SB Magazine — Thu, 16 May 2024 15:45:48 +0000

Weed Man is a locally owned and operated lawn care company, providing environmentally responsible lawn fertilization, weed control, and integrated pest management services in the Shreveport Bossier area. We know what it takes to make your lawn look its best. We live and work in this community and take pride in the fact that we’ve built our business one customer at a time. It is with devotion to quality and service that we can proudly meet your lawn care needs and stake our claim as the best lawn care company in the area.

One major reason to hire Weed Man Lawn Care is that you’re hiring a local expert who can diagnose problems when they arise, and they will. We can tell you whether the issue on your lawn is related to turf disease, an insect, compaction, excessive thatch, or simply lack of water. Diagnosing these issues can be challenging for you, the homeowner, to do on your own. Your lawn should be mowed weekly with a sharp blade at the proper height for your grass type. Dull blades create a jagged wound that can be more difficult to heal and make grass more prone to disease. We recommend mowing often enough so that you prevent removing more than 1/3 of the leaf blade per cutting as this will put stress on the grass plant and cause it to go brown.

For more than 50 years, Weed Man Lawn Care has created outdoor yards and landscapes that our customers are proud to call home. Lawn care is a partnership, and Weed Man has a lawn care program for every lawn!

SERVICES:

Fertilization

Weed Control

Surface Insect Control

Crabgrass Control

Mechanical Core Aeration

Grub Prevention & Control

Lawn Disease Control

Fire Ant Management

Nutsedge Control

Soil Revitalizer

Mosquito Control Services

318-828-2872

4770 Southern Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71106

www.shreveport.weedman.com

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QUALITY LANDSCAPE

SB Magazine — Tue, 07 May 2024 17:58:21 +0000

QUALITY LANDSCAPE SAYS

“NOW IS THE TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR ENVIRONMENT”

Spring is considered the prime landscape planting season in Louisiana, offering an ideal time for gardening enthusiasts to enhance their outdoor spaces. The mild temperatures, rain, and increased daylight hours during spring provide optimal conditions for plants to establish strong root systems and thrive. This period, typically spanning March through May, allows for the selection and planting of a variety of flora that can withstand the hot southern summers characteristic of Louisiana. Quality Landscape, in Shreveport, Louisiana, suggests taking advantage of the spring planting season in order to lay the foundation for a vibrant and flourishing landscape.

There are numerous benefits associated with planting in spring, particularly in the context of Louisiana’s climate. The moderate temperatures and ample rainfall during this season create an environment conducive to plant growth and development. Additionally, spring planting allows plants to acclimate gradually to the increasing temperatures, reducing the risk of heat stress and promoting robust growth. By selecting plants that are well-suited to Louisiana’s climate and planting them in the spring, individuals can establish a resilient and thriving landscape that will continue to bloom and flourish even as the summer heat intensifies.

When considering popular plants for Louisiana’s spring landscapes, it is essential to choose species that can tolerate the hot southern summers, while adding beauty to your outdoor living spaces. Steven of Quality Landscape has a few favorites that are his go-to plants, including Zinnias, a heat and drought–tolerant annual that is resistant to pests. Another is Mexican Heather, which is also drought-tolerant and perfect for hot, dry summers. Japanese Maples, Encore Azaleas and roses are also great choices for adding beauty and color. Some other drought-tolerant plants that can beat the summer heat and add color to your outdoor living space include the Butterfly Bush, Sunshine Ligustrum, Lantana, and Dwarf Vitex.

Shade-loving plants thrive in partial to full shade, making them perfect for creating cool and inviting spaces in your garden. Some shade-loving plants that are well-suited for Louisiana’s warm season include: – Impatiens – Caladium – Coleus (that also comes in a sun-loving variety) – Dianellas. These plants not only offer respite from the heat but also add texture, color and visual interest to shaded areas of your outdoor living space. By carefully selecting a combination of plants, you can create a diverse and resilient landscape that flourishes throughout Louisiana’s prime spring landscape planting season and into the hot summer months.

Quality Landscape offers some additional tips for incorporating aesthetically pleasing elements, including:

Using a variety of plant heights, colors, and textures to create visual interest.

Incorporating water features, such as fountains or ponds, adds a calming and tranquil element to the outdoor space.

Mixing native pollinator-friendly plants to attract wildlife and promote biodiversity within the outdoor environment.

By carefully selecting and arranging plants and features that complement the surroundings, outdoor living spaces in Louisiana can become inviting retreats that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, offering both beauty and functionality to residents and visitors alike.

“When creating an outdoor living space in Louisiana, it is essential to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality,” says Steven. “We all know how hot it can get during the summer months, and nothing is more relaxing than spending time on the patio, enjoying s’mores on your outdoor fire pit, relaxing by the pool, or taking a stroll along a beautiful walkway—just enjoying life.”

There is one last thing that is crucial to consider. In Louisiana, ensuring your plants get adequate water is vital, especially when the summer months approach. If you don’t plan on watering your plants and sod every day, an irrigation system is a must. Quality Landscape can install, maintain,and repair your irrigation system.

Let Quality Landscape show you how they will incorporate elements such as sustainable landscaping practices, outdoor kitchens for entertaining, water features for relaxation, and shade-providing trees to enhance both the visual appeal and usability of your outdoor area.

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LOCALLY OWNED: Jayroe’s Hardware & Garden

SB Magazine — Wed, 01 May 2024 16:27:26 +0000

Nestled in the heart of Benton, Jayroe’s Hardware & Garden center is a haven for both seasoned gardeners and budding enthusiasts alike. Jayroe’s, established in 1985, is a family-owned and locally owned business that values quality products and service. Founded by Steve and Debbie Jayroe, the store has expanded alongside Benton’s growth. Their focus is on everyday hardware essentials, such as plumbing and electrical parts, fasteners, and more, to make your DIY projects more manageable. Step into the Garden Center for seasonal plants, mixed pots, hanging baskets, trees, pottery, soil, mulch, and fertilizers. They also offer an exquisite selection of high-quality plants and shrubs, carefully nurtured to thrive in Louisiana weather. From vibrant blooms to lush foliage, each specimen is handpicked to ensure lasting beauty and vitality in your garden.

Jayroe’s Hardware & Garden Center stands out from larger stores with its dedication to customer satisfaction and providing a delightful shopping experience. Their success is thanks to community support and a committed team. Steve and Debbie Jayroe have passed the torch to new owners, Drew and Alicia Andre, who, along with their family, are carrying on Jayroe’s legacy in Benton, Louisiana. Their love for of the town is their driving force behind making Jayroe’s Hardware & Garden Center a north Louisiana staple for many more years to come.

207 5th St, Benton, Louisiana

318-965-0956

www.jayroes.com

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LOCALLY OWNED: GLASS SERVICES

SB Magazine — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:55:16 +0000

Glass Services began serving northwest Louisiana 21 years ago when the first location opened in Bossier City and now maintains locations in Shreveport and Mansfield. Charlie Pippin moved to Shreveport 18 years ago and took over the business from Mike Rose when he retired. Pippin welcomes you to stop by Glass Services, give him a call or visit the website if you need glass for your vehicle, home or business.

Windshield glass repair and replacement, calibration of camera systems that control Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems, shower glass, windows and mirrors for your home, and commercial glazing are just some of the specialized services offered by Glass Services. With its three locations, they offer mobile service as well as 24-hour emergency service, seven days a week.

1118 E. Bert Kouns. Shreveport, LA 318.524.9980

2803 E. Texas St. Bossier City, LA 318.747.6700

1009-A Polk St. Mansfield, LA 318.872.0017

Glassservices.org

Glass Services offers high-quality glass products and services and utilizes trained technicians for installations and repairs. On average, their technicians have over 15 years of experience, and many of the employees have over 30 years in the business. All auto glass technicians are certified by the Auto Glass Safety Council.

If you want to know how Glass Services treats their customers, read testimonials on their website or Facebook page from both residential and commercial clients. Fast, competent, amazing, and even awesome, are some of the words repeated along with “highly recommend!” Pippin and his team appreciate the support of their customers in the past and they look forward to serving the people of northwest Louisiana for many years to come.

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