EP Breaux Utility Services Expands With Rising Demand
Former LSU basketball standout and entrepreneur Collis Temple III joined Haggai Davis and Trey Godfrey on Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss business, workforce development and the future of Louisiana’s economy.
Temple serves as majority owner and CEO of EP Breaux Utility Services, a company that builds electrical substations. He said the company has experienced significant growth since he acquired a majority stake about five and a half years ago.
Temple sees major opportunities ahead as Louisiana attracts data centers, advanced manufacturing facilities and other large-scale economic development projects. Because those projects require significant power infrastructure, demand for electrical substation work continues to rise.
Skilled Workers Remain a Critical Need
Temple said his biggest challenge involves finding enough skilled workers to meet demand. EP Breaux needs experienced employees who can begin working immediately, but the company also trains people who enter the industry without a background in electrical work.
He believes Louisiana can strengthen its workforce by introducing students to electrical careers while they are still in high school. Temple also supports apprenticeship programs that combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience.
Building Careers Without Student Debt
Temple emphasized the financial opportunities available in the skilled trades. Experienced electrical journeymen can earn strong incomes without taking on traditional college debt.
His approach also includes financial literacy. Temple said he wants employees to understand how to manage their money, use retirement benefits and build long-term financial security.
Temple Weighs In on LSU Basketball
The conversation also turned to LSU basketball. Temple said he is encouraged by head coach Will Wade’s vision and believes Wade understands what it will take to restore LSU basketball to a winning level.
And despite his busy business career, Temple still finds time for basketball—including occasional games with his 11-year-old son.