At Velvet Pines, we pride ourselves on being innovative planners and managers possessing over 35 years of professional experience in successfully coordinating and implementing construction projects. Adept at managing cross-functional teams and accomplished at establishing and communicating organizational performance based upon information from disparate sources.
We are skilled at initiating a collaborative approach to conceptual and on-site and in-the-moment problem solving, project management, and on-time delivery. We are well versed in satisfying the many permitting, specification, and selection details required for unique concepts. As a company, we are small enough to be able to infuse a touch of personal care and flexibility into every project. Velvet Pines is here to answer your questions and make the process easier and transparent.
Our Mission
A resolute commitment to excellence, honesty, reliability, and strong client relationships. Velvet Pines strives to exceed expectations and deliver innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective results for every client. We are staunchly dedicated to superior standards and a collaborative team approach that results in consistently surpassing project goals.
Our Approach
At Velvet Pines Developers, we believe in a collaborative approac, working closely with clients to understand their needs and offer comprehensive solutions. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized service, ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned and executed as a part of your vision.
Principals
Sandy Barry, Chief Executive Officer
- 10 years experience in Executive Management, including capital improvement projects at 2 locations, Marriott International; Front Office Manager, Opening Team, Hilton Times Square, New York, New York.
- 15 years experience in commercial/residential construction office and project management.
- Notary Public, State of Louisiana
John Barry, Chief Operating Officer
General Contractor, licensed in commercial and residential construction, land development, and municipal public works with 35 years experience. Served as President of the Northshore Home Builders Association of St. Tammany in 2008; served two 3-year terms on the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council.
- Licensed in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas as a Commercial, Residential, and Municipal Public Works Contractor.
- Continuing Education for all licenses
- Certified as a Lead Abatement Supervisor
- Certified VA Builder
- Past President of The Children’s Advocacy Center of Covington
- Board member of The Children’s Advocacy Center (2008 to 2022)
- Traveled to Jakarta as a Petrochemical Construction Consultant
- Habitat for Humanity (1998 –2018)
- Sam.Gov Registration
Velvet Pines Management Team
Project Engineer - Edward Carrick, P.E., PTOE, RSP2I
Experience and qualifications relevant to the C-Store/Gas Station market, i.e., “designed drainage,” “designed girders,” “designed intersection,” etc.
Estimator/Lead Project Manager - Jill Lerille
Jill has been with Velvet Pines for 13 years and has a complementary background in utilities management as well as commercial and residential surveying.
As an Estimator and Lead Project Manager, Jill has a good overall perspective of all facets of commercial construction. She is well versed in value engineering, staying within budget, anticipating potential delays and costs, and coordinating the field with administration.
Project Manager - Kyle Nash, P.E.
Kyle has more than 15 years of experience in commercial and residential project management with most of that time focused on Design/Build of apartment complexes and multi-unit commercial storefront projects (12M value) with phases lasting several years.
In-house CPA/Business Development - Jean Ann Turner
Jean has been with Velvet Pines for 11 years, acting as an overseer of all facets of bookkeeping, taxes, licensing, insurance, and payroll compliance.
Velvet Pines Experience
Design/Build Projects in the Last Three (3) Years:
Dawn Express, LLC
- 25064 Hwy 22, Ponchatoula, LA, Jagjit (Jay) Singh
- Total Value: $2,749,893.59
- 5,100 sq ft convenience store and gas station, including DOTD turning lanes.
Cheema Landmark, LLC
- Usama Cheema, Days Inn, Total value $4,020,908.70
- 100% Renovation following Hurricane Ida damage. IN PROGRESS. Fully renovate 167 guest rooms - Roof Replacement, Asbestos Abatement, Mold remediation, fully renovated interior, each exterior wall design built with new structure, insulation, and windows for better soundproofing, reduced loss of energy, and up to code for storm loss in the future.
City of Covington Firehouse (Historic) Complete Renovation
- City of Covington, Total value $ 795,953.00
- Demolition with Historic salvage for the reconstruction process to convert this historic firehouse into an event center for the City of Covington.
City of Covington Pulbic Work - Emergency Control Building
- City of Covington, Total value $1,495,853.00.
- Demolition of the existing Public Works and reconstruction of a new 9,500 Sq ft space functional space to service the public, several private offices for top personnel, conference room, training room, large break room, and large (4) bay maintenance area for City Public Works fleet.
Convenience Store/Gas Stations-New Construction
- Pilot Travel Plaza 802 Ave. G, Kentwood, LA-UNDER CONSTRUCTION
- Pilot Travel Plaza 65583 Pump Slough Road, Pearl River, LA-UNDER CONSTRUCTION
- Dawn Express 2, LLC 51659 Hwy 443, Loranger, LA-UNDER CONSTRUCTION
- 6556 Airline Property LLC 6556 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA
- Star Mart 3915 Williams Blvd, Kenner, LA
- Diaz, Inc Demo and reconstruct new gas station & convenience store, 4400 Clearview, Metairie, LA
- Diaz Mart, LLC 71313 Hwy 1077, Covington, LA
- Diaz Mart, LLC 820 Elise Ave., Metairie, LA
Convenience Store/Gas Stations-Remodels
- Shell Station 2727 S. Claiborne Ave., New Orleans, LA
- Sunny Times Exxon 68083 Hwy 59, Mandeville, LA 70471
- Sunny Times-Texaco 71011 Hwy 59, Abita Springs, LA
- Sunny Times 4, LLC 28165 Hwy 190, Lacombe, LA
- Sunny Times 5, LLC 28010 Hwy 190, Lacombe, LA
- Friends Quick Stop 27466 Hwy 22, Ponchatoula, LA
- Star Gas 2023 Williams Blvd, Kenner, LA
Additional Projects
- Little Caesars 24020 Hwy 22, Ponchatoula, LA
- Little Caesars Hwy 190, Covington, LA
- Ruby Slipper Café-Flagship Location 1001 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA
- Sandstone Lakes Resort 1,000 Acre Subdivision that includes 446 acres of lakes, designed to support 600 homes. Developed by Velvet Pines which included roadways, sewer treatment plants, fresh water drinking wells, fire support systems, and street lighting. It is a functioning subdivision and houses are still being built to date.
- St. Tammany Recreation District No 4 John Davis Park and Community Center a 12,400 sq ft Basketball gym and Community Center in Lacombe LA.
- Moss and Associates 2101 N. Andrews Ave., Suite 300, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311. Velvet Pines worked on the Knauf “Chinese Drywall” remediation program that affected 20,000 homes in this region after Hurricane Katrina. Velvet Pines Contracted with Moss & Associates and remediated 233 homes from 2012-2014.
- Research Depot 70239 Caleb Lane, Abita Springs, LA 70420. Construction of Sports Gym and office space.
- Trackable Lead Generation, LLC 73100 E. Stadium Drive, Covington, LA 70433. 2 Phases of remodeling of interior office space.
- Abita View, LLC Site work and construction for approx. 30,000 SQFT Commercial Complex of Villa Style Offices.
- JB Divisions LLC 1950 A. HWY 190 COVINGTON, LA 70433. 6,274 SQ. FT BUILDING, Adjacent to the Abita River. Five subsequent renovations since its initial construction.
- Barry Management LLC 69160 HWY 59 MANDEVILLE, LA 70471, 7,500 SQ. FT BUILDING, Strip Mall, Renovation to accommodate a pet groomer, boarder/daycare and retail store.
- Entergy Center Highrise 1100 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 9100 sq. ft. renovation of the 32nd Floor.
- Municipal Work-Louisiana
o City of Covington-Asbestos Abatement
o City of Covington-Police Department Renovation
o Hwy 1077 X Hwy 1085, Covington, LA -Declaration Lanes and Merge Lanes
o City of Covington-Historic Firehouse Renovation-Converted into an Event Center
o City of Covington-Public Works Admin and Maintenance Barn building, 9200 Sq. Ft.
Associations
Northshore Home Builder’s Association: The NHBA mission is to support legislative, economic, and educational initiatives that promote and protect the American dream of homeownership.
Member since: 2002, President 2008, PAC Member 2018-present,
Awards: Builder of the Year 2009, 2017, Spike Awards 2009,2010, Lifetime Membership Award 2009
NFIB is a small business federation with a mission to promote and protect your rights to own, operate, and grow your small business.
Member since: 2011
Hope House is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to ending the cycle of child abuse in our communities. It provides a path to justice and a bridge to healing for child victims of abuse.
Board Member 2010-2022, Board President 2015, Chair of Men Who Cook 2016-2021
Awards: Board Member of the Year 2019
Sophisticated Woman Magazine highlights Enterprising Women and local businesses on New Orleans' Northshore, including St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington Parishes.
Best Builder 2017