James B. Pepper Rultand's Company MMR Named Eleventh Largest Electrical Contractor in Nation by Engineering News-Record

BATON ROUGE, La.— MMR is recognized by Engineering-News Record (ENR) as the 11th largest electrical contractor in the nation, ranking among the nation’s top 50 electrical firms. MMR has positioned itself as an industry leader by Engineering-News Record, remaining on its list for the 28th consecutive year.

“At MMR, we strive to succeed in an ever-changing industrial construction landscape and are proud to uphold the core values of safety and quality to consistently remain on top,” said MMR President/CEO James B. “Pepper” Rutland.

MMR was also named the 32nd largest contractor in the nation on ENR’s 2022 Top 600 Specialty Contractors List. The prestigious list identifies the nation’s top 600 firms who have overcome industry challenges like “volatile” supply chain disruptions and lingering COVID-19-related obstacles. ENR ranks companies according to year-end construction-specific revenue, categorized by the type of construction services provided. In 2021, MMR earned $768 million in revenue.

ABOUT JAMES B. PEPPER RUTLAND

Pepper’s journey started at Louisiana State University, where he gained a football scholarship. Pepper was the defensive team captain and also played as an outside linebacker. In addition to playing for the LSU Tigers, Rutland was a member of the All Southeastern Conference (SEC) Academic Team from 1971 to 1972. He was elected team captain in 1972. Rutland excelled in academia, gaining a Bachelor of Science in Construction Technology & Engineering. He takes pride in being a member of the first graduating class from LSU’s Construction Technology program, which is now called the Construction Management program. He was also Vice President of Sigma Lambda Chi, the National Construction Scholastic Society.

It is no surprise that with his passionate involvement in the field of construction, Pepper would build his career in this very industry. Few people have the motivation and determination to build their own company, which is what Rutland did 19 years after gaining his Bachelor’s degree.

In 1991, James B. Pepper Rutland founded MMR Group Inc., an electrical and instrumentation firm that went on to gain immense success. MMR currently holds the title of the largest privately-owned merit shop electrical and instrumentation contractor in the United States. This success is largely due to the company’s extremely wide skill set. MMR is consistently recognized at the top of ENR’s (Engineering News-Record) Specialty Contractors List.

Currently, Pepper Rutland attended the 2022 Business Awards Hall, held at the Crowne Plaza Executive Center, which included a special video tribute to Pepper’s life and legacy, highlighting his upbringing in the Capital City, his journey through academics and athletics, and how lessons learned that have been key ingredients to maintaining a successful business for the last 30 years. That night he was honored by Business Report and Junior Achievement at the 2022 Business Awards Hall of Fame Gala for his contributions in leading the MMR Group, one of the largest privately-owned electrical and instrumentation contractors in the US. Rutland’s passion and entrepreneurial spirit have without a doubt shaped the industrial construction industry and provided thousands of careers for families across the globe.

ABOUT MMR

MMR is committed to providing their clients with the highest quality service and value while working in an environment that is safe and efficient. This is done through the development of our employees' skills and qualifications. As a company, they are committed to continuously improving procedures and policies to protect employees, clients, and communities. In today's competitive environment, effective systems are important to ensure that we can provide their clients with the best possible service.

Recently, the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance (GBRIA) honored MMR with the Division II Specialty Trade (Hard Craft) Award of Excellence at its 15th Annual Craft Workforce Development Awards Banquet.

The GBRIA Craft Workforce Development Awards program recognizes contractors, member plants, schools, educators and individuals who display a strong investment in workforce development programs. GBRIA also serves as a benchmarking program designed to influence local and national best practices as well as enhance the skills and retention of regional craft personnel.

MMR remains dedicated to training and developing a highly-skilled craft workforce. Through the establishment of its one-of-a-kind Craft Training Center, MMR has propelled its certified craft ahead of projected industry manpower shortages. MMR offers an Electrical Journeyworker Apprenticeship training program, recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and the State of Louisiana, NCCER “Knowledge” and “Performance” verified certifications as well as MMR and vendor certifications.