He attended Edgar Martin Middle School andgraduated from Cathedral Carmel High School. With the successful combination of engineering, construction, service, and finance, Bernhard continues to create opportunities to serve our clients with the hard work, quality service, and innovative solutions they have come to expect. Bernhard was born in Baton Rouge, but his family moved to Lafayette when he was young. All Rights Reserved. Former LSU football player Drake Davis, who recently pleaded guilty to a series of domestic violence charges, was arrested early Sunday after . One Richmond staffer, who is not listed on the congressmans website, was convicted of wire fraud before joining the team. Long-time LUS Director Terry Huval, upon his retirement in July, questioned the wisdom of selling, leasing or outsourcing management of the city-owned utility. He earned a bachelor's degree in construction management from LSUin 1976. Bernhard stepped down as CEO of The Shaw Group in the wake of that companys 2013 acquisition by CB&I. Today, Bernhards mission is to deliver innovative engineering, construction, and energy solutions that empower our clients and promote a sustainable future. With the FBI, Treasury Dept and the NCAA sniffing through his financial dealings and ties to the University, is it any wonder LSU is in such a quandary? See Photos. Although Bernhard lives in Baton Rouge, his parents and siblings call Lafayette home. As a result, Shaw a minority owner of Westinghouse won all of Westinghouse's contracts. When LSU Police investigated allegations in 2018 that a football player was abusing the tennis player he was dating, multiple witnesses told officers they were afraid of coming forward because In. Founded as a traditional MEP consulting engineering company, the firm quickly added energy service offerings focused on helping clients reduce costs and conserve energy. Between 2014 and 2015, Jim Bernhard and Bernhard Capital Partners strategically purchased Bernhard Mechanical, TME, E.P. Police documents refer to Bernhard as a "legal guardian" and "dad" to Davis, although there is no official documentation of adoption. Our long-standing relationship with LSU gives our team deep insight into the universitys facilities and their energy systems, said Bernhards CEO, Ed Tinsley, in a news release. Gov. Former state Sen. Mike Michot of Lafayette, a long-time friend of Robideaux who served in the state legislature with the mayor-president, works at The Picard Group. Breaux, Bernhard Brothers, and MCC. The firm completed their first project in North Carolina in 1985, worked on a large-scale gaming expansion in Mississippi in 1990, and constructed the Orlando Airport in 1991. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota on May 5th, 1940 (Cinco de Mayo), he spent his days enjoying his life and friend In This Article. In 2019, Bernhard achieved a major milestone with the passing of its 100th year in the engineering and contracting business. Bernhard is also the former state Democratic Party chairman, and is a major donor and supporter to an array of Democratic candidates in Louisiana, including Edwards and East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. What began as a small, family-owned company is now one of the countrys largest mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering, construction and service firms that provides Energy-as-a-Service solutions. In LSU's Drake Davis case, witnesses said they feared wealthy businessman's retaliation. How much money Enwave makes off the deal will fluctuate annually based on natural gas prices and the price of the energy Enwave produces for LSU, said LSU spokesman Ernie Ballard. The centennial celebration offered an avenue to reflect on the principles and values that have enabled the firms success: hard work, passion, and client-focused solutions. Two cities Lafayette and one from another state are in the running to host NextGen's headquarters where 1,000 people, most local, would be employed. Peggy was the youngest of four born on Mother's Day on May 12, 1957 to James "Jimmy" and Barbara Bernhard.. Some speculated he might dabble in politics. Baton Rouge leaders urge caution about coronavirus as city reopens, Bernhard Capital Partners acquires Ascension Wastewater; providing $1.5M rebate to customers, Louisiana's new deal with Bernhard, Johnson Controls could lead to widespread energy privatization, Joint venture including Baton Rouge's Jim Bernhard strikes energy privatization deal with Louisiana, 'We are here for you': Hundreds of LSU students protest in wake of sexual assault scandals, Former student who accused Derrius Guice of misconduct to take on LSU in records lawsuit, Should ex-LSU star Derrius Guice's name be redacted from police report? And that Mr. Davis will take me to court for ruining his reputation, deport me from the country, my dad is the king of Louisiana, according to Ms.(redacted) he further said., A nonprofit foundation founded by Jim Bernhard and his wife, Dana, is donating $60,000 to pay for home internet for six months for 1,000 stude, Police also wrote that Davis told his girlfriend he would take you to court because in Louisiana you'll never win and in any other state you will.. Acquiring Stone & Webster gave The Shaw Group the credibility it lacked in the nuclear power construction business. The Shaw Group, Bernhard said, was an aggressive company and he wouldn't apologize for that. A spokesman for Denka said the company had received no correspondence from the congressman. Together, they formed Bernhard, bringing the Energy-as-a-Service vision to light for clients across the nation. She took office in January 2004. Police documents refer to Bernhard as both a legal guardian and dad to Davis, though a search through Baton Rouge courts records did not turn up official paperwork of an adoption. He was among roughly two dozen Democrats to side with Republicans and vote for the Keystone XL pipeline in 2015. For over 25 years, Jim led the growth of The Shaw Group as the CEO, President and Chairman of the Board. But the police reports make clear that Bernhards wide-reaching influence cast a long shadow over their investigation. The two entities vying for a lucrative, long-term contract to power LSUs energy systems both lack a contractor's license, the Louisiana State. His full brother Air Force Blue was a superstar juvenile overseas, wining the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (G1), Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes (G1), and Dubai Dewhurst Stakes (G1). Shaw continued to grow through the 2000s, entering joint ventures with construction companies in Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Enwave will pay Louisiana Energy Partners the name of the joint venture between Bernhard LLC and Johnson Controls directly, instead of LSU paying both entities, Ballard said. BERNHARD, James Casper May 5, 1940 - October 17, 2018 Jim's original obituary included much information and many relatives that survived him. Notwithstanding what the police reports indicate these witnesses may have said, I did not discourage Jade Lewis from reporting nor threaten retaliation against anyone.. 39 11 & family. His duties included helping. In September 2011, Shaw announced it would sell its 20 percent share in Westinghouse back to Toshiba. Jim Bernhard Jr. of Bernhard Capital Partners made his pitch to manage Lafayette Utilities System to the Lafayette Rotary Club Aug. 23, 218. Jim Bernhard, a partner in Bernhard Capital, said the ranking is "a testament to the great work of our dedicated team." The company's investments include Ascension Wastewater, the state's. While a proposed massive expansion of a plastics factory in his district could almost double the amount of toxic air pollution in the parish it will be constructed in. Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. W.A. Bernhard is mentioned by name in seven separate instances in police reports about former LSU wide receiver Drake Davis abuse of LSU tennis player Jade Lewis, who has recently spoken out publicly for the first time. But the congressman, one of the highest recipients of donations from the oil, gas and chemicals industries in the Democratic House caucus, has paid little public attention to perhaps the most internationally pressing issue in Louisianas second congressional district the continuing proliferation of polluting petrochemical and fossil fuel plants in the region. Silas Lee, a Democratic pollster in Louisiana also working with the Biden campaign, argued that the fact that Richmond has been re-elected over five cycles is indicative of delivering for his constituents and responding to the needs of the congressional district. His grandfather started Bernhard Mechanical in Lafayette in 1919. In 2018, Bernhards innovative work saved clients more than $14 million in energy costs. He sits atop Bernhard Capital Partners, which oversees a sprawling network of companies, including Epic Piping and Brown & Root Industrial Services, and the firm often seeks to land no-bid government contracts. It started with a failed quiz, Drake Davis avoids jail time again as judge terminates probation despite second abuse case. Albaugh said at the time he was not involved in securing the contracts for Shaw. Bernhard was president, CEO and chairman of the board. Shortly after receiving the Guardians questions, Richmonds communications director, Jalina Porter, blocked both authors of this article on social media. The Bernhards live on a sprawling setup behind gates near the Country Club of Louisiana. What we are fighting for is real. Since then, the company also isreviewing the water and sewer operations, too. We reached out to him [Richmond] when we first started this fight three years ago, said Taylor, who has lost his mother, sister and nephews to cancer, while his wife is currently fighting the disease, and his daughter battling a rare intestinal disease linked to chloroprene. At one point, she was punched hard enough to fracture a rib. Jim played a leading role in every major decision of the company from its founding until its sale. Bernhard departed the companywith more than $20 million in cash,$15 million in equity, more than $18 million from a senior executive retirement plan and, according to several sources, use of a private plane for 10 years. The university budgets $30 million annually for utilities, operations and maintenance. Bernhards influence in Louisiana is undeniable. Bernhard co-chaired Blanco's transition team and, according to a Jan. 24, 2005, Gambit story, "hired her campaign manager and political protg, attorney Jeff Jenkins" to work at Shaw. Instead, board members voted five months ago to conduct a 90-day negotiation period with the two outfits that already have existing cooperative endeavor agreements with LSU. The Hoggs of Texas: Letters and Memoirs of an Extraordinary Family, 1887-1906 . We are fighting for our lives. Bernhard Capital Partners is a service and infrastructure-focused private equity management firm established in 2013 by Jim Bernhard, Jeff Jenkins and . In January 2005, Bernhard was elected chairman of the Louisiana Democratic State Central Committeewith Blanco's support. After that, Bernhard, Jeff Jenkins and a handful of other top executives from The Shaw Group founded BCP, a private equity firm that promised to invest in companies that operate in the energy services industry. "I have not seen the police reports and do not know the identity of the witnesses to whom you refer," Bernhard wrote in an email. Ballard said that the $27 million annual payments to Enwave position LSU to save $3 million annually over 30 years or a $90 million cost savings total. During the negotiation process, Bernhard's companies filed a complaint against Enwave with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, alleging Enwave did not have a contractor's license. Some feared they would face consequences for reporting that Davis was abusing his girlfriend in ways that included choking her, punching her hard enough to fracture a rib and more. As a new report shines light on LSU's failures to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct and Title IX violations, The Advocate | Times-P, I have not seen the police reports and do not know the identity of the witnesses to whom you refer, Bernhard wrote in an email. In 2019, he voted to allow oil drillers to explore the Atlantic coast including by using seismic airgun blasting. Jim Bernhard. 2023 Brown & Root. Since 2015,Bernhard and his new private equity firm, Bernhard Capital Partners, have been gathering investors and acquiring energy-related companies across the country. John Bel Edwards offered Jim Bernhard an appointment to the LSU Board of Supervisors. Our teams continue to design and create hospitals, classrooms, offices, hotels, and more. Blanco was governor at the time. Bernhard said the company exited the nuclear field after the Fukushima, Japan, disaster in March 2011. Several of Shaw's senior executivesleft with Bernhard. She denied that Bernhard had threatened her, and said her contact with him had been minimal. The company manages several billion dollars, making it the largest private equity firm in Louisiana, Bernhard said. BCPis interested in managing and operating Lafayette's city-owned electrical system, and possibly the sewer and water systems, too. Reserve, a majority African American working-class neighbourhood, is the centre of a year-long Guardian series, Cancer Town, examining local residents fight for environmental justice in an area where the risk of cancer is 50 times the national average, according to the EPA. Davis told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune in 2015 that he moved into the Bernhard household in sixth grade and at that point Bernhard and his wife became his permanent guardians. But they only got two minutes. When an LSU football player admitted to hitting his girlfriend in a text he sent to executive deputy director of athletics Verge Ausberry, bot. Brentwood, TN 37027, 2023 Bernhard Capital Partners. He said board members used their expertise to help negotiate with the two companies and to bring the deal over the finish line. In the same year, Bernhard opened the first of its integrated offices in Nashville, Tennessee. You have permission to edit this article. There was a problem saving your notification. Staff Writer Sam Karlin contributed to this report. Its simply not on their radar. said Anne Rolfes, executive director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, a not-for-profit environmental justice organization. Jim Bernhard Jr. may not be a household name in Lafayette, but lots of people in Baton Rouge and around the globe know his former company, The Shaw Group, which he founded and grew into a Fortune 500 company. Davis was arrested in August 2018 due to his abuse of Lewis. by Paulick Report Staff | 11.08.2022 . Game Changers is a documentary series profiling some of the world's most influential, determined, hard-working visionaries who are disrupting their industries. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. ", Police wrote that Davis reportedly told his girlfriend he would "take [her] to court because in Louisiana [she'll] never win and in any other state [she] will.". Baton Rouge businessman Jim Bernhard accused of intimidating witnesses in LSU abuse case, "I have not seen the police reports and do not know the identity of the witnesses to whom you refer," Bernhard wrote in an email. Bernhard Capital Partners ("Bernhard Capital") is a services-focused private equity management firm established in 2013 by Jim Bernhard, Jeff Jenkins and a team of experienced private-equity . Bernhard, who founded the company 25 years ago, is expected to leave Shaw when Chicago Bridge buys the company.Sep 20, 2012. Instead, multiple witnesses told police they were worried about their identities becoming known because of Bernhards broad influence. LSU held no public talks with either contractor during their negotiations, and the university also never publicly released its criteria for awarding the contract despite taxpayers and students footing the bill. Joseph told officers that Bernhard had told him on one of the calls that police had an arrest warrant out for Davis. Richmond declined to comment on why he missed those votes. Blanco's husband, Raymond, in January 2005, stirred controversy when heflew to the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Florida, on The Shaw Group's private jet. "It's no secret the governor and I have a relationship," Bernhard told the Advertiser at the time. The process for awarding the contract has been steeped in both secrecy and controversy for several months. Bernhard stepped down as CEO of The Shaw Group in the wake of that companys 2013 acquisition by CB&I. When police interviewed her on Aug. 17, 2018, Lewis told them about several times that Davis had attacked her. People named Jim Bernhard. 400 Convention Street, 10th Floor But the references to Bernhard in the police reports about Davis do not concern the wide receivers upbringing. She told them she was also worried that the Bernhard family had gotten police to target a specific vehicle after one of her friends received a citation for being a minor in possession of alcohol, but the police assured her that was not the case. Want to share an anonymous news tip? Those two outfits were Enwave and Louisiana Energy Partners. Earlier this year, Bernhard Capital Partners acquired electrical contractor W.A. BCP will create a new utility management company, NextGen, to oversee their new acquisitions. Jim received his B.A. RELATED: Bernhard says LUS management proposal two weeks away. The company employs about 100 people in Lafayette and 2,500 across the country. The Shaw Group sued, alleging the Bernhard group was trying to capitalize on the Shaw name, The Advocate reported. Bobby J. Were not making it up. Structural Info Known for movies The Saber 2007 as The Voice The Trust 1993 as Mr. Swenson Source IMDB In the early 1980s, New Orleans saw a spike in construction activity centered around the Worlds Fair. BCP recently raised more than $1 billion in investments after an initial $750 million offering in 2015-16. Tres Bernhard, who is a senior aide who directs special projects from Baton Rouge, was in 2013 sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for committing wire fraud and diverting nearly $500,000 from his former law firm to himself. Receive the latest news and updates from Bernhard, directly to your inbox. In 2015, according to records on social media, Richmond hired James M Tres Bernhard III, son of Jim Bernhard, the founder of Louisianas influential Shaw Group and the former chair of the Louisiana Democratic party, who has reportedly considered a bid for governor. Residents: Don't give up management of LUS. Although Bernhard lives in Baton Rouge, his parents and siblings call Lafayette home. Davis told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune in 2015 that he moved into the Bernhard home in sixth grade and that Jim Bernhard and his wife, Dana, became his permanent guardians. Ive been working in his district every year that hes been a congressman, and Ive never seen his face or any of his staff members in the communities working on these [industrial pollution] issues. LUS is not regulated by the Public Service Commission because it is owned by the city. Founded in 1994 as a small, family-owned, . LSU board awards massive energy deal after secretive negotiations without public bid. Rolfes said Richmond could lobby for stricter regulation and enforcement and push federal agencies to conduct more environmental reviews on new polluting projects, but instead hes missing in action.. Chester installs, maintains and repairs underground high voltage electric transmission lines and distribution systems. The congressman receives moderate marks from one environment group that scores lawmakers he has a 74% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters. During an LSU investigation in 2018 regarding football player Drake Davis' abuse of his then-girlfriend, tennis player Jade Lewis, multiple witnesses informed officers they were afraid of coming forward because of potential repercussions from Baton Rouge businessman Jim Bernhard, according to the Advocate. When they asked Joseph if he thought Davis was violent, Joseph called him a softie.. They built their first milestone project, the Louisiana National Bank Tower, in downtown Baton Rouge. Were always looking for talented individuals with a passion for creating new ideas and delivering quality service. You have permission to edit this article. BATON ROUGE, LAThe United States Attorney's Office announced that today JAMES M. BERNHARD, III, age 37, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Brian A. Jackson to twenty-seven (27) months of imprisonment. Robert Taylor, Mary Hampton and Cedric Richmond in Washington DC. Jade Lewis' troubles speak to all parents who send their children to LSU, columnist says, Law firm begins probe of LSU's handlings of sexual misconduct; public report expected in February, In Derrius Guice case, LSU ordered to release unredacted police records to the public, In Drake Davis abuse case, SEC and LSU president were warned two years ago about school's inaction, LSU to pay up to $100,000 for law firm's review of past sexual assault cases, LSU Board hears about sexual assault response, LSU sends 60 files to attorneys overseeing investigation into sexual assault on campus, Another woman alleges LSU inaction after she disclosed Drake Davis abuse: report, LSU athletic official resigns from presidential search committee amid controversy, 'A huge emotional toll': Victims detail LSU's weak punishments for sexual misconduct, How an LSU energy contract has spurred licensing complaints, political pressure and more, Both contenders for major LSU energy deal lack contractor's license, board says, LSU under federal investigation for 'safety practices' after sexual assault complaints, Amid LSU sexual assault investigation, law firm invites students to share experiences, LSU board set to approve huge energy deal next week as two companies negotiate to share it, LSU board awards massive energy deal after secretive negotiations without public bid. The three are working together under the name Louisiana Energy Partners. In a time of need, the project provided LSU a location to serve the community and operate as a triage center during Hurricane Katrina. Under his stewardship, Shaw became one of the fastest growing companies in the Fortune 500, offering a broad range of engineering, construction, equipment, environmental and manufacturing services across the energy spectrum. Bernhard and Jenkins now are turning their attention to the electric power sector, with plans to invest $15 billion in coming years to purchase or manage utility companies such as LUS throughout the Southeast. Log In. Each company brought an expertise and culture that complemented one another. WEST FRANKFORT - James "Jim" Bernhard, 73, passed away at 11:44 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, at his residence.He was born June 6, 1935, in West Frankfort, to Stephen and Regina (Harr) Bernhard.He marrie However, in the fog of grief, sleep deprivation and illnes In 1919, William Bernhard founded Bernhard Plumbing and Sheet Metal Works in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (redacted) explained that Mr. Davis' family was quite powerful in Baton Rouge and that Drake's dad is really powerful which makes her feel uneasy, but added that no threats were made to her, police wrote. He is survived and lovingly remembered by his children: daughter Shannon and sons Dean . When The Advocate sent excerpts of the police reports about Bernhard to Lewis the woman who Davis abused she said she did not want to comment on them. Bernhard's ties to Robideaux have raised questions about the motive behind entertaining an offer to enter into a long-term at least 20-30 years contract to manage LUS, which is considered the golden goose of city operations. Alexandra Reyes thought she had an airtight case of sexual misconduct for LSU to investigate. BCP's Energy Services Fund closed its initial equity sale in Spring 2016 having raised more than $750 million in capital commitments, SEC filings show. Game Changers. The cogeneration plant led to a major lawsuit between LSU and Bernhard Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Both Mary Hampton and Robert Taylor described their recent interaction with Richmond as another moment they have felt let down by their elected officials. Continuing its expansion, MCC opened mechanical construction offices in Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina. But he has also kept the states Democratic establishment firmly onside. MCC mobilized and began to expand outside of the state to serve clients across the Gulf South. (2011), A DURABLE FIRE . The congressman has partly kept hold of power due to his ability to vastly outspend his rivals, thanks in large part to corporate donations.