BATON ROUGE, Louisiana (November 18, 2025) – Loadstar announced today that it has been recognized as a Certified Evergreen® company, the first Louisiana company to achieve this distinction.
The designation was granted by The Tugboat Institute® based in Sun Valley, Idaho. Certified Evergreen is the highest standard for privately held businesses committed to purpose-driven, people-first growth. Evergreen companies pledge to remain privately held for 100 years or more, and to lead with the Evergreen 7Ps® Principles: Purpose, Perseverance, People First, Private, Profit, Paced Growth, and Pragmatic Innovation.
Loadstar was founded in 2021 by Baton Rouge business leader Brian Haymon. The company provides product handling and site logistics services to the refining, chemical, and marine industries. Loadstar has been recognized for award-winning safety performance and has twice been named by The Greater Baton Rouge Business Report as a Best Place to Work. The company was also a recent finalist for the inaugural Louisiana Energy Company of the Year.
The Evergreen movement was spawned in the early 2010’s when Tugboat Institute Founder and CEO Dave Whorton, a former venture capitalist, became disillusioned with companies focused on short-term “cash-out” exits. In his recently released book, Another Way, he describes the journey that led him to discover that many highly successful companies are purposefully built to last for generations. These businesses focus on their Purpose, the success of their people, long-term profitable growth, and making a positive difference in their communities.
“Earning Certified Evergreen status is a significant achievement that reflects a company’s current performance against, and ongoing commitment to, enduring values and practices,” said Whorton. “We congratulate Brian and the Loadstar team on this recognition and celebrate their leadership in Louisiana’s business community.”
Whorton founded Tugboat Institute to be a community and resource for Evergreen leaders. Today, Tugboat Institute has about 300 members, the largest of which has annual revenue of $35 billion. The oldest member company was founded in 1720 and once sold paper used by Ben Franklin for his printing presses.
“I learned of Tugboat Institute in 2023 from Paul Danos, CEO of the Danos Group in Houma,” said Brian Haymon. “Paul knew I had recently started a new company, and he thought the Evergreen philosophy would align with my vision for Loadstar.”
Loadstar is one of about 50 companies to achieve the Certified Evergreen designation. The rigorous, nearly yearlong process included a comprehensive assessment of Loadstar’s business practices as well as an extensive employee survey.
“We are building Loadstar for the long term,” says Brian Haymon. “This mindset guides our thinking about innovation, investment, risk, and doing the right things for our employees and customers. It also strengthens our ability to attract talent, inspire customer confidence, and serve as a trusted community partner.”
About Loadstar
Loadstar Product Handling Services, LLC (Loadstar) provides product handling and site logistics services to refineries, chemical plants, barge lines, and terminals. Launched in 2021, the company has been recognized for award-winning safety and operating performance and has twice been named as a Best Place to Work. The company was also a recent finalist for the inaugural Louisiana Energy Company of the Year. Based in Baton Rouge, Loadstar also has offices in Houston and operations throughout the U.S. Gulf Coast. For additional information, please contact in**@******ar.com or visit www.loadstar.com.
