James B. Pepper Rutland Announces an MMR Featured in Business Report’s 40th Anniversary Edition ‘Celebrating the Past While Casting a Vision of the Baton Rouge Future’

BATON ROUGE, La.— The Greater Baton Rouge Business Report spotlighted MMR in its 40th Anniversary special issue, which recognized people, companies and organizations creating a lasting legacy in the Capital Region.

The feature highlights MMR’s organizational growth over the past three decades as well as its commitment to enhancing the Baton Rouge community. The anniversary edition explores Baton Rouge’s future trajectory while also recalling significant news and trends of the past 40 years, dating back to Business Report’s inception. Read the feature below to learn more about MMR’s role in shaping Baton Rouge’s industrial landscape.

How MMR Got Here Today

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.

Under the Leadership of James B. Pepper Rutland

Early this year, James B. Pepper Rutland, the founder and president of Metro Mechanical Services, was named as a 2022 Hall of Fame Laureate by the Baton Rouge Business Report. Through his entrepreneurial spirit and determination, Rutland has been able to create thousands of jobs in the construction industry.

The Business Report published a special issue about James B. Pepper Rutland in March 2022. He was also recognized at the 38th annual Hall of Fame and Business Awards Gala dinner held on March 9, which was held at the Hilton Baton Rouge. A video tribute to Pepper was presented during the event, which highlighted his life and achievements. It also talked about the lessons he learned from his experiences growing up in the Capital City and how these have helped him maintain a successful business for the last three decades.

“The most important lesson of success was given to me by my mother before her passing,” said MMR President/CEO James B. “Pepper” Rutland, as he addressed the audience. “Be understanding with the young, compassionate to the aged, sympathetic to the striving and tolerant of the weak because during your lifetime, you will have been all of these.”

Throughout his career and life, James B. Pepper Rutland has experienced various obstacles that have constantly pushed him to reach his goals. He noted that failure has also been a major factor that has helped him overcome his various challenges.

More About James B. Rutland

Jame B. Pepper Rutland is passionate about engineering, the electrical business, sports, and giving back to his community. All of these passions have been instrumental to his life and career. While Pepper is best known for his work in the electrical and engineering fields, he takes great pride in being able to help others through community outreach. His great successes in business and his excellence in academics have been able to open many doors for philanthropic and career advances.