After the original salvage store burned to the ground in 1967, the facility was demolished and remodeled into a brand new home center, which laid the groundwork for the company you see today. Under the current leadership of father-son duo, John and Matthew Holmes, Holmes Building Materials has expanded its reach and services to include two full-line hardware stores, three showrooms, a specialized contractor division, a fleet numbering 100 strong, a Do it Best seal of approval and a staff who is trained, committed and ready to help with all of your building needs.

Diane started the Baum Environmental in 1995 after leaving the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) with a vision to assist small businesses with the maze of new environmental regulations with lowered costs and better procedures. Diane is a licensed residential and commercial contractor and has credentials in LEED AP, Accredited Green Verifier, Certified Professional in Municipal Stormwater Management (CPMSM) and a Third-Party IECC/Energy Code inspector.

Brandon is a Baton Rouge native, grew up in Central and attended Victory Christian Academy, Central High School and LSU. Brandon, his lovely wife Andria, and their five precious children are members of Victory Harvest Church. With over 12 years new construction and reconstruction experience, reaching from Baton Rouge to North Carolina, Brandon moved back to his hometown in 2013 to launch Ivey Construction, LLC to serve the people in his community and state. The place he’s proud to call home.

Karen brings a wealth of experience to HBA|GBR, having previously served in various leadership roles within non-profit organizations. Her notable positions include CEO of the Capital Area United Way, Vice President/Executive Director of the Audubon Society/Audubon Louisiana, and Executive Director of the Louisiana Seafood Marketing and Promotion Board. Additionally, she has served as Senior Vice President with International Children’s Miracle Network and is a real estate professional and REALTOR®.

Karen holds a master’s degree in Health Services Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Business/Marketing from Louisiana State University (LSU). Her extensive network of contacts and her experience in building donor relationships will be invaluable assets to HBA|GBR. Furthermore, Karen owns a small consulting business, giving her unique insights into managing diverse responsibilities.

Michelle has more than 24 years of experience in communications and organizational management. Prior to joining HBAIGBR, she served as a Senior Account Manager for Feigley Communications, where she led creative projects and marketing campaigns. Her notable communications roles include managing client communications for the Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana and the LSU Dean of Students.

Michelle’s experience at LSU also includes serving as the Staff Senate president, advising Student Government, managing more than 400 registered student organizations and coordinating a variety of campus events and traditions. After leaving LSU, she worked at The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and supported 149 chapters and 1,400 faculty officers.

Michelle holds a master’s degree in Higher Education with a focus in Student Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations from the University of Mississippi. Her knowledge and experience coupled with her focus on client service and ability to interpret complex data will be invaluable assets to HBAIGBR.