26th Annual Torch Awards

The 26th Annual Torch Awards: A Celebration of Excellence, hosted by April Tolbert and Elton Hollis, marked another year of honoring outstanding individuals and businesses across Southeast Texas. Held at the Beaumont Civic Center, the event showcased the region's commitment to excellence, community engagement, and industry leadership.

The evening began with a sumptuous dinner catered by Bando’s Catering, accompanied by the melodious tunes of the Andre Harness Quintet. As attendees raised their glasses in a Toast to Excellence, to honor and recognize past Torch and Spark Award winners, the spirit of celebration and appreciation filled the room.

The Torch Awards Program, a cornerstone event for the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Education Foundation, a 501c3, not only recognizes excellence but also serves as a platform to raise funds for the Foundation. Through generous donations, event sponsorships, and funds raised, the BBB Education Foundation provides scholarships to local students through its’ Students of Integrity program, educational programming and initiatives, and endowments at Lamar University and Lamar State College Port Arthur. The BBB Education Foundation further announced two additional endowments would be placed at Lamar Institute of Technology and Lamar State College Orange this year.

“Southeast Texas is blessed with some of the most generous businesses. We are extremely grateful for the support we receive to fulfill our mission and programs.” stated Darren Erwin, BBB President & CEO. “Our Torch Awards program is designed to recognize and celebrate local businesses that demonstrate a consistent commitment to excellence. We honor the semi-finalists, finalists and winners of each category for their efforts to ensure honesty and integrity remain a top priority in the ever-changing marketplace.”

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious John L. Bell Jr., Friend of the BBB Award by daughter of John L Bell Jr., Jean Moncla. Sponsored by Hancock Whitney in Beaumont, this award pays tribute to individuals, businesses, or organizations that have demonstrated unwavering support and commitment to the BBB's mission over the years, in John L. Bell Jr’s honor. This year, the award was presented to Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas in recognition of their longstanding dedication to BBB, through volunteerism, financial support, and community engagement.

In addition to honoring outstanding businesses, the event recognized the vital role of industry in the region's economic landscape with the Leaders of Industry Awards. Six honorees were celebrated for their exemplary contributions to the industrial sector, their involvement in the community, and their demonstration of integrity and character. Each honoree received recognition and appreciation from their peers and sponsors, underscoring the importance of industry leadership in driving progress and prosperity in Southeast Texas. 

The six honorees included: Mark Givens, Site Capital Projects Construction Manager at Motiva Port Arthur Manufacturing Complex, sponsored and presented by Mason Construction, LLC.  Keith Jeffreys, Operations Manager at PCL Industrial Construction Co., sponsored and presented by Tubal-Cain Industries. Dawanna Jones, Community Engagement Specialist at Bechtel Energy Inc., sponsored and presented by RT Technical Solutions. Damien Okun, Owner of Nuko Enterprises, LLC., sponsored and presented by Coastal Industrial Solutions. Travis Woods, Co-Owner of T & L Solutions, sponsored and presented by H.B. Neild Construction. Kristie Young, Liaison for Local First in Orange County, sponsored and presented by A.G.Y. Enterprises.

The event featured a live auction, sponsored in part by Best Hospice Care of Texas, Cat5 Resources, Mason Construction, J Solutions, Inc., Courville’s Catering, Giglio Distributing, K.A.T. Excavation and Construction, and RT Technical Solutions. Part of the program included a Fund the Scholarship Fund segment, where attendees had the opportunity to contribute directly to the BBB Education Foundation Scholarship Program.

Furthermore, the evening highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of emerging businesses through the Spark Awards, which honors business owners under the age of 35 or in operation less than 3 years. The Spark Award was sponsored by Exit Realty Property Pros in Lumberton. Finalists named in the Spark Award category were Erica Cheshire and Jennifer Sigler - Beaumont WELLness for Women in Beaumont, Hailey Trest - The Shave Shack in Sour Lake, and Tania Castelan - TJ Castelan Real Estate Team in Beaumont. The winner of the 2024 Spark Award was Hailey Trest of The Shave Shack.

“Congratulations to all the incredible businesses who were part of this remarkable event. To be nominated and receive the prestigious Spark Award is truly an honor.” stated Hailey Trest, Owner of The Shave Shack. “I am grateful for the ongoing love, support, and the exceptional team that makes these achievements possible. Wishing all the Nominees and finalists continued blessings in the years ahead. Thank you again Southeast Texas BBB!”

The coveted Torch Awards were presented in the Micro-Small, Small, Medium, and Large Business Categories. 

The Micro-Small Business Category was sponsored by Triangle Real Estate in Silsbee. Finalists included Cobb Family Chiropractic in Beaumont, Cruz Events in Nederland, and Harris Consulting in Beaumont. The winner of the 2024 Micro-Small Business Category Award was Cobb Family Chiropractic.

“It is an honor to have won the BBB Torch Award in the micro size category this year. This award is a reflection of my promise to run my office with integrity, ethical business practices, and customer service.” says Dr. Michele Cobb, Owner of Cobb Family Chiropractic. “I want to thank the Southeast Texas community for their support. I had a dream of opening my own chiropractic office and was able to do so in July 2014. My office has been an A+ Accredited business since January 2015. I’m looking forward to many more years of business within our local community.”

The Small Business Category was sponsored by The Daws Law Firm in Beaumont. Finalists included Festus Plumbing LLC in Dayton, J Solutions Inc. in Beaumont, and YAD Cleaning Services in Vidor.  The winner of the 2024 Small Business Category Award was Festus Plumbing LLC.

"We are honored to have the privilege of serving the community of Southeast Texas. This recognition marks a significant milestone in our journey, transforming us from a humble plumbing company into a respected and influential entity within the industry.” stated Haley Kelley, Part-Owner and Administrative Director. “We express our profound gratitude to our loyal customers for their unwavering trust and support throughout our growth. Furthermore, we extend our deepest appreciation to our dedicated employees, whose unwavering commitment have been instrumental in achieving these remarkable accomplishments."

The Medium Business Category was sponsored by American Air Systems in Beaumont. Finalists included First Security Bank in Beaumont, Main Street Veterinary Clinic in Lumberton, and RT Technical Solutions in Nederland. The winner of the 2024 Medium Business Category Award was First Security Bank.

“We are so grateful and excited for this amazing honor,” stated Clint Walters, Chairman & CEO of First Security Bank. “Being recognized for the values, commitments, and characteristics that embody the BBB and this esteemed award is truly overwhelming. This award is a testament to the shared vision and hard work of our staff, and the support of our shareholders," remarked Walters. "Our goal at First Security Bank is to be the preferred local bank in Southeast Texas, which means being more than a financial institution; we are committed to being a dependable and proactive partner within our community.”

The Large Business Category was sponsored by Bo-Mac Contractors, Ltd., in Beaumont.  Finalists included Coastal Industrial Services, Inc. in Port Arthur, Mason Construction, LLC in Beaumont, and Valero Port Arthur Refinery in Port Athur. The winner of the 2024 Large Business Category Award was Mason Construction.

“I really just want to say how much even being nominated for this award means to us as a family and multi-generational company.  Holding that award on stage and knowing that our parents and the team that served alongside them received this same award with pride 25 years ago was incredibly humbling.” Stated Le Short, Vice President of Mason Construction. “It speaks volumes for the strength and dedication of our team and business partners, as well as the members of the industry and community we serve.”

In a testament to the region's diversity and inclusivity, two new awards were introduced this year to recognize Minority-Owned and Veteran-Owned Businesses. Cat5 Resources in Beaumont was named the winner of the 2024 Minority-Owned Torch Award.

"We are incredibly grateful to the BBB Southeast Texas for honoring us with the Torch Award for being a Minority Owned Business in Southeast Texas.” stated Cindy Perez, Chief Executive Officer of Cat5 Resources. “This recognition is such an honor! I am immensely proud of our team and inspired by the support we have received. Thank you for your continued encouragement and belief in our mission.".

The Venue at Belle Oaks in Beaumont was named the winner of the 2024 Veteran-Owned Torch Award.

These recipients reflect the rich tapestry of businesses contributing to Southeast Texas' economic landscape.

The 26th Annual Torch Awards: A Celebration of Excellence was a resounding success, showcasing the best of Southeast Texas' entrepreneurial spirit, industry leadership, and commitment to excellence. As the region continues to thrive and grow, events like these serve as beacons of inspiration and motivation for future generations of leaders and businesses.

For more information about the Torch Awards and the Better Business Bureau serving Southeast Texas, please visit https://www.bbb.org/local/0845/setx-torch.

About the Sponsors:
The 2024 program was sponsored in part by

Integrity Sponsors: First State Bank of Texas, J Solutions, Inc., Lamar Advertising Beaumont, and Sweet Southern Sound

Leader of Industry Sponsors: A.G.Y. Enterprises, Coastal Industrial Services, Inc., H.B. Neild & Sons, Inc., Mason Construction, LLC, RT Technical Solutions, LLC, Tubal-Cain Industries, Inc.

Honesty Sponsors: Beaumont Emergency Hospital, Bolton Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, Century Tower, Cruz Events, Coastal Roofing Specialists, Exit Realty Property Pros, Howell Furniture/Ashley HomeStore, Universal Coin & Bullion, Function4, Entergy, Lamar Institute of Technology

Special thanks to all sponsors, attendees, and volunteers for their contributions to a tremendous event.

Save the date for the 27th Annual Torch Awards: A Celebration of Excellence on June 5, 2025.