Builders Supply honored with 2015 J. Pat Beaird Award

The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce annually presents one deserving corporate entity the prestigious J. Pat Beaird Award. In 2015, the coveted Industry of the Year Award goes to Builders Supply Company Inc.

For more than a century, Builders Supply Company Inc. has been a true pioneer in the concrete industry. Owned and operated by the Golden family in Shreveport, the company serves all of Northwest Louisiana, producing and supplying ready-mixed concrete and building materials for commercial and industrial buildings, homes, apartments, Barksdale Air Force Base, bridges, streets, highways and a variety of other types of construction projects.

Interestingly enough, Builders Supply began delivering building materials with mules and wagons in 1913.

President Carlton Golden said the business had the first readymixed concrete trucks in North Louisiana in 1932, and Builders Supply continues to pioneer new and stronger, more efficient ways to serve its customers and provide for the safety and comfort of its team who deliver the service.

Seeing the impact of the use of locally produced fuel, compressed natural gas for its community’s economy, the industry and the environment, the Builders Supply leadership and team went to work to start replacing their fleet to CNG. With this industry breakthrough, Builders Supply became among the first in the country to design placement of specialty tanks on industrial concrete trucks for the safe use of CNG. This innovation has since been adopted by manufacturers as a model for other companies, all across the country.

Carlton said part of the reason for their success is that safety remains the company’s top priority. Builders Supply has been honored with numerous national safety awards over the years of business. All of the company’s trucks and concrete plans in Shreveport, Bossier, Minden, Natchitoches, Mansfield, Winnfield, Springhill, Coushatta and Homer are state-certified, as are all of the technicians and sales staff employed at Builders Supply.

Carlton said just as important to Builders Supply is being an industry leader and pioneer is its familybased approach to business.

He said the professionalism of the staff, who are extension of the company’s personal family and who are the very best at what they do, is a great source of pride for the company. The staff works tirelessly daily to take the best care possible of its customers. Providing a safe and respectful environment for all employees is at the core of the quality, professional and toplevel customer service extended by the Builders Supply team, Carlton said.

The Golden family has been involved in Builders Supply for over 80 years. H.W.G. Golden started working at the business right out of college and continued his career there for 64 years. His sons, Grady and Bill, joined him after they graduated from college. They are now currently serving as senior vice president and vice president, respectively. G. Carlton Golden Jr., Grady’s son, is president and chief financial officer, while the fourth generation of the family is also involved in the business.

The Goldens have served in leadership and board positions for many national, state and local industry and community organizations, including National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, which focuses on helping the industry strengthen communities nationwide; the Concrete and Aggregates Association of Louisiana; Home Builders Association of Northwest Louisiana (charter member); Associated General Contractors; Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce (since 1921); Bossier Chamber of Commerce (Charter Member – 1947); Greater Bossier Economic Foundation (charter member); Bossier Public Trust; Shreveport Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau; Rotary Club of Shreveport and Bossier Rotary Club; Ambassadors Club; Committee of 100; Better Business Bureau and others.

Carlton said Builders Supply is honored to be a part of the history and growth of the local community for over 100 years now.

Some of the many notable projects the company has furnished as the first of their kind in the area include Regions Tower, Cyber Innovation Center, Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center, Louisiana Boardwalk, and the Shreveport Convention Center and parking garage.

Over the last several years, Builders Supply and its leadership team has been honored with the Better Business Bureau’s highest honor, the Torch Award. The business has also been awarded the Bossier Chamber of Commerce’s 2013 Business of the Year and in 2006, The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce honored Grady Golden as the Business Leader of the Year.

Carlton said Builders Supply has a long history of service and supporting organizations to help strengthen the lives of individuals, the community, the environment and the industry around them. Considering the opportunity to give back to the community an honor and a blessing, Builders Supply has actively supported Volunteers of America, Junior Achievement, YMCA, United Way of Northwest Louisiana, Northwest Louisiana Food Bank, Holy Angels, Salvation Army, Providence House, American Red Cross, Shreveport Green, Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude’s Dream Home, Habitat for Humanity, Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission, Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home and the Independence Bowl.

Carlton said Builders Supply continues to be a leader in the industry among the Ark-La-Tex and beyond, providing a constant and solid example of heart, teamwork, dedication, values and quality service.