At Your Service

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WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

I specialize in creating unique, showstopping works of art for residential, hospitality and commercial clients.

HOW DID YOUR COMPANY GET ITS START?

I began hand-painting tiles in 1989 as a hobby while employed in the medical management field. As popularity of my craft escalated, I left my real job to pursue my passion. Decorative tile work transitioned into decorative wall finishes and murals and I have been doing commissioned artwork nonstop for 37 years since. Recently I trained with a worldrenowned Bas Relief artist, Ellie Ellis, and have discovered a passion for this ancient art form that is not of this world.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR WORK DO YOU FIND THE MOST REWARDING?

I was born to do this. It’s in my DNA. I’m self-taught except for the Bas Relief training. Seeing my clients jump for joy at the completion of their commissions is what it’s all about.

DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING PLANS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

My Bas Relief work continues to be displayed all over Europe and Asia. My work is in several restaurants in New Orleans, Covington, Mandeville, Baton Rouge, West Palm Beach, Atlanta—which is really exciting. But residential work—art walls, murals, decorative finishes—is so much more personal and gratifying. I will continue to do both.

Connie Harris at her studio with a magnolia bas relief sculpture commissioned for a residence in Biloxi
PHOTO BY COLLIN RICHIE
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WHAT IS SPECIAL OR UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

Synergy One Lending is 100% committed to not only providing financing assistance for the American Dream of home ownership or financing, but to educating homeowners about the process so that they can make the best decision for them. Everyone’s situation is different, and a lending partner who knows how to structure your loan and listens to your needs is the most important part of the process.

HOW DID YOUR COMPANY GET ITS START?

Our success is rooted in more than 25 years of building a team of like-minded experts who thrive on a common goal of delivering excellence in every aspect in the process of home ownership.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR WORK DO YOU FIND THE MOST REWARDING?

Our team is passionate about helping others achieve financial success through home ownership. One of the most rewarding parts of our work is assisting a first-time home buyer with a plan to make their first purchase by assisting with a budget and goals that align with their specific situation.

DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING PLANS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

We are focused on growing and expanding our footprint by offering coaching, mentoring and training for a new generation of leaders in the mortgage industry. At the same time, we’re providing a platform for existing team members to thrive and join a team of like-minded experts who thrive from helping others.

NMLS #1907235

Synergy One team leaders, from left, Bickley Team Sales Manager Doug Bickley (NMLS #96576), VP Production Toby Arceneaux (NMLS #96596), Producing Sales Manager Ryan LaRussa (NMLS #96565) and Production Manager Grant Faul (NMLS #93462)
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WHAT IS SPECIAL OR UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

Our dependability, quality, and customer service make us unique. Cutting and polishing stone is really an art form, and we have invested in the latest cutting-edge technology paired with highly skilled craftsmen. This ensures our customers receive quality finished products with unrelenting customer service in a timely manner.

HOW DID YOUR COMPANY GET ITS START?

Menzie Stone has been around since the 1950s and we acquired the business in 2008. Prior to this we specialized in mainly flooring so countertops was a logical addition to our mix.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR WORK DO YOU FIND THE MOST REWARDING?

Knowing that we are providing a beautiful focal point to someone’s construction project is very rewarding, especially when we are the piece of the design puzzle that enhances the look of everything surrounding the countertops.

DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING PLANS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

We are constantly looking for new ways to stand out in the industry, whether it’s with a new product or application that may be difficult for others to provide. One new product we are excited about is a wireless charging station called FreePower that is integrated into your countertops. Imagine charging your phone by just setting it on your countertop, with no bulky device or wires cluttering up your countertop!

From left, Ryan Kennedy, Jeremy Blackstock and Van Washington

WHAT IS SPECIAL OR UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

Jarreau Construction combines a high degree of client personalization with exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and service. Unlike mass-market or even standard custom home builders, we focus on creating one-of-a-kind, bespoke residences that reflect the specific taste and lifestyles of our affluent clients.

HOW DID YOUR COMPANY GET ITS START?

Like many of our clients, my own journey to a dream home was frustrating. The market was full of houses that were either beautiful on the outside but dysfunctional on the inside, or vice-versa. After years spent as a residential electrical subcontractor, I founded this company to get back to the basics. To build with integrity, to communicate transparently, and to craft every home as if it were my own.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR WORK DO YOU FIND THE MOST REWARDING?

There is a profound pride in creating something that will last for generations. We are motivated to construct homes that are durable and structurally sound, which ensures lasting value for their clients. Seeing a complex vision come together from a blueprint to a breathtaking, high-end residence is a deeply fulfilling experience.

DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING PLANS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

We’re starting one of the first homes in the highly anticipated Benton at Magnolia Woods off Highland Road in the next few weeks. It will be featured in the 2026 Parade of Homes. We were also the 2025 Parade of Homes People’s Choice winner for our home in Greystone Golf and Country Club.

Jarreau Construction owner Chase Jarreau
PHOTO BY DON KADAIR

WHAT IS SPECIAL OR UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

We have over 35 years of construction experience as a family-owned and operated business. My two sons, Kyle (Project Manager) and Cameron (Accounts Payable/ Receivable), manage key functions during all phases of construction. As a familyowned builder, I take a hands-on approach that ensures every client receives personal attention throughout the entire process. You’re never just another number—I take the time to understand your vision and tailor each detail to fit your lifestyle. This commitment creates a truly customized experience, giving you a home that feels as unique as you are.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR WORK DO YOU FIND THE MOST REWARDING?

I love what I do and the product we deliver for our customers. I build every home like I’m building a personal home for my family. We do not sacrifice quality by cutting corners to increase profits. We pride ourselves on the fact that we deliver a solid, well-built home using top-notch materials and quality labor.

DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING PLANS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

We just completed the first home in a 68-home development by Ty Gose called Benton at Magnolia Woods. I’m also an approved builder in another new Ty Gose

development called Highlake, and currently building the third home in Inniswold Park, a gated nine-lot development by Chuck Oliver.

WHAT DO HOMEOWNERS BUILDING A CUSTOM HOME NEED TO KNOW?

Building a custom home is an exciting journey, and our goal is to make the process as seamless as possible. We understand that your family has a busy schedule with careers, kids, and other commitments, which is why we prioritize clear and consistent communication every step of the way. Our dedicated team is here to assist you from the initial concept to the final move-in, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition into your new home.

Nick Yesbik, Owner, Yesbik Properties, LLC
PHOTO BY DON KADAIR

WHAT IS SPECIAL OR UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

Our company started as an incredibly small family business, beginning with only four mixer trucks. Today, we are the leading concrete company in south Louisiana. We now have a fleet of more than 60 mixer trucks and over 8 million cubic yards of concrete poured.

HOW DID YOUR COMPANY GET ITS START?

In 1999, Lenny Johnson and Gary Dowdy Sr. started Ascension Ready Mix. Lenny and Gary’s focus was to put customer satisfaction, relationships and the quality of their concrete ahead of profits. After Gary’s passing, Ascension Ready Mix, Inc. merged with Quality Concrete Group, LLC, creating Quality Concrete, An Ascension Ready Mix Company. The merger resulted in Joseph Pizzuto becoming a partner in 2020.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR WORK DO YOU FIND THE MOST REWARDING?

Our passion comes from knowing we play a large part in making improvements in south Louisiana. We take great pride in knowing our ready-mix is high quality. Almost every single person in south Louisiana drives, walks, works, or lives on our concrete every day!

DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING PLANS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

We are excited to be a part of in the I-10 interstate Expansion. This will benefit East Baton Rouge traffic tremendously for years to come.

Owners Lenny Johnson and Joseph Pizzuto, center, with members of the Quality Concrete team at their Prairieville facility
PHOTO BY DON KADAIR SCAN

WHAT IS SPECIAL OR UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

Stone is actually three businesses offering one solution for beautifying your home or business. We started Stone in 2009, specializing in countertops—marble, quartz, quartzite, granite, soapstone—and wood, tile, carpet and LVT flooring. We added Cocreham Brick in 2019, featuring new and antique brick, pavers, fireplaces, gas logs and outdoor kitchen appliances. And we added Wilton & Company in 2023, focused on fabric draperies and other window coverings, wall coverings, gas lanterns, lighting, door and cabinet hardware, furniture and rugs.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR WORK DO YOU FIND THE MOST REWARDING?

I am passionate about having so many options to complete your home or business in one space and a great group of people to help the customer pull it all together.

DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING PLANS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

We are always expanding our product offerings. One of the latest is Turnstyle Designs, individually handcrafted cabinet and door hardware from England.

WHAT ELSE DO PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

We have an upscale feel, but with extremely competitive prices.

From left, Cocreham Brick President Steven Cheatham; Wilton & Company founder Carly Wilton; and Stone owner Kris Klar
PHOTO BY DON KADAIR
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WHAT IS SPECIAL OR UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

From space-saving cocktail pools to elaborate lagoons with rockwork waterfalls, we ensure that your custom gunite swimming pool fulfills your every desire and truly brings your backyard to life. We are present throughout the entire process from sales and design to construction, startup and beyond.

HOW DID YOUR COMPANY GET ITS START?

I have spent my entire life around gunite pools, from summers helping out with pool construction, to swimming in my own backyard. I opened this business upon moving back to Ascension Parish and getting my pool building license.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR WORK DO YOU FIND THE MOST REWARDING?

l love to see the joy on clients faces when the vision comes to life and the sun shines down on their sparkling new backyard oasis. When I get photos of family parties and backyard BBQs where everyone is enjoying their new space, it makes every long night and weather obstacle worth it!

DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING PLANS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

We have recently had more clients looking for a total backyard vision with outdoor kitchens, living areas, and landscaping projects. We are more than happy to provide a complete transformation for you and your family and help you maximize your outdoor space on every level.

Artesian Pools owner Ryan Rachal
PHOTO BY DON KADAIR
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WHAT IS SPECIAL OR UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

Our uniqueness is our combination of true turnkey interior architecture and design plus exterior design consulting. We can begin from exploring goals and objectives, through design development and creating visualization using advanced technology. We also have a service we call “Interior Sprucing” for the folks that are struggling to have that completed or finished look or are just bored with their interiors and want a refresh.

HOW DID YOUR COMPANY GET ITS START?

Proud to say we completed 22 years of operation in July and there is no slowing down! I received my Bachelor of Interior Design at LSU, passed my NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualifications) in 2001 and became a certified Louisiana State Professional in the Design & Construction Industry in 2002. The next year, I made the scary but exciting jump into starting my own interior design firm and never looked back.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR WORK DO YOU FIND THE MOST REWARDING?

The passion I have for the design and construction industry is off the charts! The most rewarding part is when I stand back and have clients walk into their newly developed spaces and see their genuine joy and happiness. Those moments truly make it worth all the blood, sweat and tears!

DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING PLANS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

We are working on multi-family projects in Jackson, Miss., Las Vegas and Lake Charles. We are finishing up a high-rise condo in Sarasota, Fla., that is going to be breathtaking. Several interior-sprucing projects are keeping us busy here in Baton Rouge. Another area of business that is keeping us super busy is interior staging – a sister-company to The Design Studio, called TDS Staging, has taken off. Truly so blessed!

THE DESIGN STUDIO

TURNKEY INTERIOR DESIGN
Senior designer Isabel Oatley, left, and owner/principal designer Becky Walker
PHOTO BY EMILY GREEN
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HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DESIGNER FOR YOU (YES, YOU!)

Here in Baton Rouge, we are lucky to have a ton of incredibly talented designers. Some went to LSU Design School, some studied out of state. Some come from commercial design backgrounds, while others have been kneedeep in residential projects since the day they graduated. There are designers who specialize in ground up construction, furniture and styling, and others who prefer fast-paced renovation projects. So, with all these amazing options, how do you actually choose who’s the right fit for you? Because let’s be honest— depending on the size of your project, you could be working with your designer for a year... or even two! It’s a relationship that matters. You want someone whose style you admire and whose personality feels like a great match. Here are a few tips to help you find “the one.”

1. DO A LITTLE HOMEWORK.

Start with their portfolio, website, and Instagram. Does their style resonate with you? Maybe you’re not copying an exact room, but you’re drawn to how they mix textures, or you love the vibe of their spaces. Even little details in an Instagram story can give you clues about their aesthetic.

2. PICK UP THE PHONE.

Seriously—have a chat! A quick phone call can tell you a lot. You’ll start to get a feel for their personality, their process, and whether there’s an easy rapport between you. And trust me, that vibe matters more than you think!

3. INTERVIEW THEM (AND LET THEM INTERVIEW YOU!)

Yes, this is your project—but the best designer-client relationships are mutual. We’re looking for a good fit, too! Designers get to see their clients in both their happiest and most stressful moments, so we want to make sure we’re a great team. I recently had a couple come in after a fun phone call—we ended up laughing through the entire interview. When they left, I honestly thought, “I really hope I get their job!” That kind of connection? That’s where the design magic happens. At the end of the day, choosing the right designer is part style, part personality, and part gut instinct. Trust yourself. You’re not just hiring someone to make things look pretty— you’re inviting someone into your home, your vision, and your day-to-day life for a while. Make sure it’s someone you’re excited to work with.

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PHASED PERFECTION:

CREATING THE ULTIMATE ENTERTAINER’S OASIS

When it comes to creating the ultimate outdoor living experience, few can match the expertise and vision of Chris Sanderson, owner of both Russell Pool Company and EcoRegions Landscape Architecture + Outdoor Construction.

This custom-designed outdoor entertaining haven in University Club stands as a testament to Sanderson’s ability to bring together design, construction and client dreams into a seamless, year-round entertaining space – while also offering clients the flexibility to work in phases that suit their budget.

The project began with a simple yet ambitious goal: to create an outdoor area perfect for hosting gatherings, cooking, relaxing and enjoying every season.

The client envisioned a space where family and friends could come together for football games, parties and casual get-togethers, all in the comfort of a beautifully designed backyard. Sanderson and his team started by designing and building a spacious outdoor kitchen and cabana.

Measuring an impressive 18 by 36 feet, the area features a large island with bar seating

on two sides, multiple refrigerators, a grill, a Green Egg, and a custom ice bin for parties. These features allow for versatile cooking options, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy winter gathering.

The pool itself is a standout feature, designed as a classic, modified rectangle with a raised spa and overflow, elegant brick and bluestone finishes, a tanning ledge for lounging, in-pool seating, and a state-ofthe-art in-floor cleaning system that keeps maintenance effortless – even with the surrounding trees.

Entertainment is at the heart of the design, with a TV over the fireplace and another positioned for easy viewing from both the bar and the pool. The layout ensures that guests can enjoy the big game or a movie night from anywhere in the outdoor space.

One of the standout features of this project is its phased approach. The kitchen and cabana were completed first, with the pool and spa added a few years later. This strategy allowed

the client to spread out investments over time, making the dream of a comprehensive outdoor living area more accessible and manageable.

Sanderson’s thoughtful approach to project planning ensures that every element is designed with future phases in mind. Utilities, access and aesthetics are all considered from the outset, so each addition feels intentional and cohesive. This thoughtful planning means clients never have to compromise on quality or vision, even if they choose to build in stages. By working with Sanderson and his dual companies, clients benefit from a single point of contact for every aspect of their outdoor project.

From initial design to final construction, Sanderson and his team handle it all –eliminating the headaches of coordinating between multiple contractors and designers. This integrated approach not only streamlines communication but also ensures that every detail aligns with the client’s vision and the project’s overall aesthetic.

The University Club project is more than just a backyard transformation; it’s a showcase of how expert planning, phased construction and unified project management can turn any outdoor space into a year-round haven for entertaining and relaxation. Visit russellpools.com to learn more.

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At Your Service by Baton Rouge Business Report - Issuu