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E EL
B R AT I N G
60
LEGACY OF
YEARS
1961- 2021
Cutline
[ FORTE & TABLADA ] Transitions for Tomorrow AT 60 YEARS of age, Forte & Tablada Inc. of Baton Rouge is in the middle of a transformation. The ownership of the consulting, engineering and land surveying firm changed hands in fall 2020 in a move that will position it for growth— even while it remains anchored to the past. President Ann Forte Trappey named Joey Coco as chief executive officer in August, while also completing the sale of the firm to Coco and longtime vice president Chad Bacas. By making the move, they’ve ensured the sustainability of the company as it transitions to a younger generation. Trappey remains on staff in an outreach capacity and is leading a team focused on clients, strategic pursuits, proposals and marketing events. Of course, many things will remain the same. Perhaps most importantly, the organization formed by engineers Vincent A. Forte and Julian Tablada in 1961 will retain the Forte & Tablada name. That’s essential, since the firm has been part of the local and state landscape for decades, while main-
taining its brand as a leader in both the industry and community. Coco says an appreciation for F&T ’s long and storied history as a “pure” engineering design firm will be important going forward, particularly for the younger staff members. That’s why the firm’s leaders constantly strive to share older photos through an internal social media platform in an effort to “turn back time” with the younger
generation. They also share monumental engineering projects such as the Sydney Murray Hydroelectric Station in Vidalia, La., and significant community contributions such as the Vincent A. Forte River Model (the predecessor facility to the world class LSU Center for River Studies Model). “Our young staff doesn’t have an understanding of how deep and rich our history actually
is, so they’re inspired by these projects,” Coco says. “As for myself, I’ve spent a good deal of time trying to gain a deeper appreciation for what I’m leading so I can effectively carry the torch.” That stability and longevity is important to F&T ’s clients, as it gives them confidence that the firm will see their projects to the end. “We’re down in the trenches doing pure engineering and surveying work,” Coco says. “That’s a precious resource these days—to be the ones actually producing the plans and specifications. We hold true to that principle.” Of course, it’s just as important to stay focused on the future, so F&T plans to continue investing heavily in leading edge technology to foster a culture of innovation. Their computer and software systems are second to none, which enables them to efficiently manipulate large data sets. “R&D is a vital part of our history,” Coco adds. “We always ensure that we invest in the right tools, or develop them ourselves, to keep that edge.”
AT A GLANCE PRIMARY PRODUCT/SERVICE: Engineering, Surveying, R&D TOP EXECUTIVES: Joey Coco, President; Chad Bacas, Senior VP; Brad Holleman, Senior VP; Jordan Pearson, Senior VP; Ann Trappey, Vice President; Kristen Crane, Vice President; Cris Weinnig, Vice President YEAR FOUNDED: 1961 • PHONE: 225.927.9321 • WEBSITE: forteandtablada.com 20
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 | AnnualReportBR.com
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