About Us

PHILOSOPHY
Don M. Barron founded his company in 1964 on a sound philosophy: give the customer a quality job at a fair price and everything else will take care of itself. True to form this philosophy has paid off.

HISTORY
     The company originated as an outgrowth of Don Barron’s painting business, Farmerville Paint & Decorating. Eager to get in to the general construction market, Don took advantage of the opportunities afforded by the growing demand for commercial construction in the late sixties and early seventies. Working hand in hand with four dedicated employees, Don M. Barron Construction Co. began working all over north Louisiana. During this time the company built schools, churches, banks, courthouses, and other public buildings. In 1971, Don M. Barron Construction Co. became Don M. Barron Contractor, Inc., taking on larger and more demanding projects.
     Always seeking new opportunities, the company looked to the telecommunications industry. In the mid-seventies, a relationship began building and remodeling facilities for South Central Bell and AT&T, which continued for over 20 years.
     With the increased demand for municipalities to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s guidelines in the 1980’s, Don M. Barron Contractor, Inc. saw an opportunity in the construction of wastewater and freshwater treatment facilities, as well as cross-country and municipal pipelines. Since that time, the company has been successful in these areas. These projects, always on tight timetables, challenge the professionalism and creativity of the supervisory personnel, most of who have been with the company for over fifteen years.
     In the late 1980’s, the company saw a developing area in the modernization of housing projects for the U.S. Department of Housing and urban Development. Once again, the company was successful in entering this market. The 1990’s saw an increase in commercial and institutional construction that has continued into the new millennium. Negotiated work, especially in the retail and banking markets, has attributed to an increase in revenue. This along with competitive, winning bids for state and local government projects has resulted in continued growth of the company.
     As evidenced by the diversity of the company’s range of operations, it is apparent that Don M. Barron Contractor, Inc. is capable of adapting to the needs of the market.

OPERATIONS
     Don M. Barron Contractor, Inc. owns its office building and storage facilities. Its Famerville location consists of a 2500 square foot main office, two 4000 square foot warehouses and one acre lay-down yard. The company maintains a substantial heavy equipment inventory, which is supplemented on an as-needed basis with leased and/or rented equipment from area equipment dealers and rental companies.
     Currently, the company serves clients in the commercial, institutional, municipal and public works markets within a 300-mile radius of its Farmerville base of operations. The company maintains field offices on its larger projects with project managers, superintendents and support personnel.
     Don M. Barron Contractor, Inc., utilizes its own personnel in the performance of structural concrete and foundations, rough and finish carpentry, equipment installation and mechanical work (exclusive of plumbing and HVAC). Specialty subcontractors are utilized for mass excavations and hauling, masonry, steel fabrication and erection, plumbing, HVAC, painting, electrical and special systems. Most subcontractors work with the company on a continuing basis. The criteria for selection of subcontractors includes solid performance, stable financial condition and adequate insurance coverage. Similar standards are required of material vendors. Only vendors with proven track records are encourage to participate in the bid process.

CREDENTIALS

     Don M. Barron Contractor, Inc. has conducted business in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The corporation holds licenses for building construction in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi as well as highway, street and bridge construction; heavy construction; mechanical work and electrical work classifications in Louisiana and Mississippi.
     Don M. Barron Contractor, Inc. has been actively involved in the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), the premier construction association for many years. Having been a longtime member of the Northeast Louisiana Contractors Association-AGC, Inc., Don Barron has served this organization as President for two terms, as well as other positions of leadership during his 25-year affiliation. On the national level, Don has served on numerous committees and as a board member. Currently, Don M. Barron Contractor, Inc. is a home chapter member of the Shreveport Chapter of the AGC. Ron Barron, Don’s son, is continuing the company’s involvement with the AGC, by serving on the membership and legislative affairs committees of the Shreveport chapter.
     Through its association with the AGC, the company is aware of the latest news and ideas in the construction industry. Key personnel attend seminars and conventions to keep abreast of developments in construction equipment and products. The company also participates in AGC sponsored programs on safety and environmental concerns as well as construction techniques, estimating procedures and workforce development.

SAFETY     Don M. Barron Contractor, Inc. is committed to maintaining a safe workplace. We cooperate with our worker’s compensation and general liability carriers as well as OSHA to minimize the possibility of workplace accidents and injuries. Our goal is to develop a culture of safety. A copy of the introduction to our safety manual is included in this brochure. It provides that each person in a supervisory capacity is responsible for the safety of those under their control as well as requiring every employee to monitor their actions for possible safety issues. One of the best ways in which to foster safe work practices are by weekly tool box meetings, which occur on all projects. At these meetings, the project supervisor and employees discuss a different safety topic each week.
     As statement of the commitment to safety, Don M. Barron Contractor has been awarded the Louisiana Workers Compensation Company’s Partners in Safety Award and the Associated General Contractor’s Certificate of Commendation for Safety Excellence. Our excellent safety record translates into savings for the client through reduced insurance premiums and no contingencies for OSHA fines.

INSURANCE
     Insurance and bonding are a very important part of a contractor’s business, especially when working with public entities. Since such a large percentage of Don M. Barron Contractor, Inc. contracts have been in this sector, the relationship with its bonding company in one of mutual confidence and respect. The Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company represented by Cory, Tucker & Larrowe, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, handles this critical aspect of the business, as well as liability and worker’s compensation coverage.

CONCLUSION
     Over the past thirty-five years, Don M. Barron Contractor, Inc., has become a well-respected member of the construction community. Its longevity is attributable to its loyal employees who willing tackle new projects
     By working together with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors and suppliers, the company has developed and outstanding reputation which has resulted in repeat business with many nationally recognized owners. The company’s ability to adapt to ever changing business condition has been key to its success.