Our
Jeff Torrance
President- Sales Since 1972
Jeff started dating Carolyn Salvaggio when they were juniors at Redemptorist High School in Baton Rouge in 1967. When Carolyn’s parents founded Salco two years later it came as no surprise that Jeff was offered a summer job on the steel erection crew. He literally learned the business from the ground up. When he graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology in 1972, he was offered a position in sales under Tony. For 37 years, Jeff was trained under and worked beside his mentor and friend. Jeff and Carolyn have led the construction firm together since Tony’s death in 2009. Through it all, he has taken great care in learning Salco’s clients’ needs and desires, and has successfully communicated them to his design/build team, qualified superintendents and trusted subcontractors.
I look forward to the next call whether it’s from a potential client or a return client. Both are exciting for us. One lets us know that our reputation stands firm; the other lets us know our client is calling us back because he was satisfied with our work the first time.
Matthew Torrance
Vice President- Purchasing Since 1998
After graduating from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Matthew chose to enter the family business becoming the third generation. His grandparents, Tony and Chris Salvaggio, founded the company, and now he helps run the construction firm with his parents, Jeff and Carolyn Torrance. Once the contract is signed, Matthew takes care of the day-to-day details making sure the proposed budget stays within the promised parameters. He is in daily communication with sales, the project manager and all superintendents to help assure each project stays on schedule and that quality materials are on the jobsites. As Salco’s safety manager, he oversees the safety training of the field employees on each project site and enforces the firm’s written safety guidelines which are in compliance with state and federal laws.
I find it rewarding to be able to accomplish so much for our clients as I work side-by-side with my wife and family.
Carolyn Salvaggio Torrance
Secretary/Treasurer Since 1969
Carolyn has a natural artist’s eye whether on canvas or in an interior space. She completed studies at Louisiana Interior Design Institute, a private design school in Baton Rouge, and worked part-time helping her parents in their fledgling construction company in 1969. She, too, learned about permits, codes and zoning one job at a time. “On the job training” is one way of describing Carolyn’s career experience at Salco. From being the company’s first draftsperson, to overseeing the design/drafting department and securing the construction permits, she followed her parents’ philosophy of work with diligence and attention to details. Now that she and her husband, Jeff, are leading the design/build firm into the 21st century she stands firm on those points.
Being a second-generation family member myself I appreciate the fact that my children are continuing the legacy that my parents started in 1969. It is a blessing to work side-by-side with my children as I did with my mother for 27 years and with my father for 40 years.
Emily Torrance Berthelot
Designer Since 2004
Before earning her Bachelor of Interior Design from Louisiana State University, Emily interned at Kugler Tillotson Associates in New York City and worked as a visual merchandiser at Bassett Furniture in Baton Rouge. Today she helps clients transition from their initial vision to paper and then ultimately to reality by working with them on floor plan design as well as interior and exterior material selections. Emily stays current with design and construction trends by attending continuing education courses.
Like many of their clients, Salco is a business based strongly on family. Emily grew up at Salco with her parents, Jeff and Carolyn Torrance, and her grandparents, Tony and Chris Salvaggio. Because of this upbringing, she enjoys working with other family businesses but her passion is to exceed all of their clients’ expectations.
It is a unique and rewarding experience to have a career in interior design while working alongside my family. I am proud that we have helped build Baton Rouge since my grandparents founded Salco in 1969.
Andy Boniol
Senior Estimator Since 2020
Growing up in Port Allen, Louisiana, Andy enjoyed playing sports and learned the importance of being a team player. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from LSU, he combined his education, his team skills and his passion for construction in the office. In his 20 years in commercial and industrial construction, he continues to appreciate the many details needed to come together to see a client’s ideas become a reality. He especially appreciates the interaction and communication involved in being part of Salco’s team to make this happen. Andy is a member of the American Society of Professional Estimators; LEED Green Associates from US Green Building Council and ABC Young Professionals.
With Salco’s team concept, I can use my communication and estimating skills to develop and build upon relationships with our existing subcontractors and vendors in the pre-construction phase. I enjoy working through challenges and contributing to the overall success of a project from start to finish.
Jason Bruce
Erection Superintendent Since 1987
From an early age, Jason’s affinity for building was evident and his more than 30 years at Salco helped him hone his natural talent. Jason was hired to work on an erection crew when he first came to Salco. His knowledge of all things metal building related as well as his competence as a leader landed him the erection superintendent position. Once the building is delivered on site, Jason and his crew inventory all components and begin mapping out how the building will go up by reading the erection drawings. He and his crew ensure the pre-engineered metal building systems are installed correctly and efficiently to the manufacturer’s and company’s specifications.
Mr. Tony (Salvaggio) always fussed at me because I never wrote anything down when we discussed a new project. He wrote on napkins, but I could visualize what the building would look like even before the straps were pulled off the metal beams on the delivery truck.
Monique Butler
Receptionist Since 2019
After graduating from Baker High School, Monique furthered her education wanting to be a medical assistant. After a couple of years in that industry, she changed directions and decided on construction. In the varied world of construction, she learned there is always something new to look forward to, seeing the communities grow and being a part of it as well. At Salco, she plays an integral part for the firm by keeping communications flowing with greeting guests, answering the phone and distributing subcontracts. She assists Mary Katherine, the sales secretary, and is available to support anyone else in the office who might call on her.
At Salco, there is a common level of respect amongst the office and field employees, the subcontractors, vendors and our clients. Everyone is treated equally, just like family.
Billy Cannon
General Superintendent Since 1995
Billy Cannon played football for the Texas A & M Aggies, while studying to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Building Construction. Following college, he played professional football for the Dallas Cowboys. Before coming to Salco, Billy worked many years as a project superintendent at other local construction companies. Billy was first hired on at Salco as a project superintendent and was recently promoted to general superintendent. Billy oversees the construction work on all current projects being performed by Salco’s project superintendents, erection superintendents, field employees and subcontractors by utilizing his leadership skills and past years’ experience as well as current technology.
The leadership of Tony Salvaggio and Jeff Torrance has been like no other. Due to their dedication and devotion to both the client and employees this company is still flying high like our mascot the Bald Eagle. That’s what we try to reproduce on each jobsite every day.
Kory Clardy
Estimator Since 2019
With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from Southeastern Louisiana University, Kory began his career in estimating in 2005. Through the years, he furthered his knowledge of construction at other construction firms. Today, as part of the Salco team, Kory works daily with our subcontractors and metal building representatives integrating plans, materials and man hours to provide detailed, accurate estimates for our clients to move forward.
With Salco, I have an opportunity to, not only see, but be a part of the entire process. Estimators work closely with the sales and design teams to complete the right package for our clients.
Dean Everett
Project Superintendent Since 2014
Before he came to Salco, Dean’s work experience in the construction industry was extensive and impressive. At Salco, he was hired as a project superintendent where he oversees all phases of construction from site work through to completion. He works closely with the project salesman as well as the design department in order to see the 2D paper vision of a building come to life. He is also responsible to communicate and schedule all city/parish and state inspections as well as coordinate with subcontractors in order to complete his assigned project within the allocated schedule.
I enjoy getting to start a job coming out of the ground and staying with it until it is a finished building. It’s a joy for me.
Lisa Salvaggio Gilbert
Public Relations Since 1981
Lisa is one of Tony and Chris Salvaggio’s five children who grew up in the business. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Louisiana Tech University. She incorporates what she learned from her parents, her education, and previous work experiences into helping promote her family’s business in the community.
My parents instilled in each one of us the significance of quality customer service. One of our long-time slogans is, ‘Our Reputation is Built on Your Satisfaction.’ This still holds true today.
Heather Madden
Draftsman Since 2007
After receiving her Associate’s degree in Drafting from Louisiana Technical College, Heather Madden joined Salco’s family as a draftsperson. She works with Salco’s sales team at the initial client meetings to learn the details of the project. That’s when her skills are needed – to capture the dreams and details, and to create the plans for the site, floor layout, elevations, mechanical and electrical. Heather also works closely with Salco’s subcontractors, making sure they have the necessary plans from preliminary to final construction phases. In order to stay informed with the current design/construction information, she attends annual continuing education classes.
My team and I trust one another to accomplish the different aspects of each project.
Stacie Mayer
Accounting Manager Since 1998
Before joining Salco’s team, Stacie worked in the construction industry as an accounting manager for over 20 years. Today, she manages the financial accounting aspects of the design/build construction firm which includes accounts receivables, accounts payables, project invoicing and works closely with the firm’s CPA for fiscal year end.
In a small family business, you can have close and personal relationships with the people you work for and with. I have enjoyed this aspect of my position at Salco.
Donald Russell
Project Superintendent Since 1997
Donald began his construction career as a carpenter’s helper at a local construction firm. The knowledge and experience he gained from that entry level position helped him acquire a superintendent spot with another firm. Donald came to Salco in 1997 as a project superintendent and has proved an invaluable team member as his critical thinking skills allow him to map out the projects at every stage. He schedules all city/parish and state inspections and closely works with the project subcontractors on his assigned jobs as he also oversees all phases of the construction process. Donald works closely with clients and the Salco design team, pouring over the details so that another quality project is turned over to a pleased customer.
I wasn’t sure at first what it would be like working in a family business. Jeff and Carolyn (Torrance) are really good people. They care about their employees. That encourages us to focus on our jobs so we can provide quality projects for our clients.
Don Sanders
Project Superintendent Since 1980
Don lends his years of experience in the construction industry to each Salco project he is assigned. He is able to keep our clients happy whether it’s a small office, a warehouse or one of the large churches by paying close attention to the details of each building. Overseeing all phases of the project and working closely with Salco’s project manager and erection superintendents he is able to turn over his projects within the allocated time limits. He is responsible to establish communications with all city/parish and state inspections in order to schedule project inspections. Don also works with and schedules all subcontract work on his projects.
I enjoy being hands-on during a project and appreciate the challenges that each day a construction project provides my crew and me.
Mary Katherine Torrance
Sales Secretary Since 1999
Every odd job she had by the time she was 21 helped her secure the receptionist position at Salco. Now, after many years at the design/build construction firm, many know her as the sales secretary. She works closely with all departments during the preliminary stages, but especially with the sales team. Together, they compose personalized, comprehensive proposals to present to our clients. She maintains liaison between the clients and sales throughout the business relationship. She also works with Matthew, her husband, to coordinate the IT details of the firm which includes keeping the technology of the office and field functioning and current.
I enjoy meeting the clients, and find it interesting as I get to know them how their personalities influence their building design preferences.
James Vassal
Erection Superintendent Since 2018
James has been with Salco since October 2018, but his experience in metal building erection has spanned more than two decades from Texas to Louisiana. The position as one of Salco’s erection superintendents allows he and his crew to ensure the pre-engineered metal building systems are installed per the manufacturer’s and the company’s specifications.
I find much satisfaction of seeing the end result of a job well done. At Salco, I appreciate the work ethic in my crew and throughout the entire company. Working at CrossPoint Baptist Church was memorable because of its unique design and a 8:12 roof pitch. This made it challenging, but also made it that much more satisfying when we completed the project.
David Watts
Project Superintendent Since 2019
David was 12 years old when he began working alongside his father and grandfather learning the construction trade from the ground up in Livingston, Louisiana. His 22-year-career in both residential and commercial construction has prepared him for the position as one of Salco’s project superintendents.The focus of overseeing the entire turnkey project is to complete the job as promised to our clients. This includes working closely with Salco’s project manager and erection superintendents, establishing communications with all city/parish and state inspections for timely project inspections. He also works with and schedules all subcontract work on his projects.
I started working at Salco a couple of months before Thanksgiving and had the opportunity to celebrate the holiday with the entire Salco family. It was great! I have never worked anywhere that I was so welcomed in such a short period of time. This solid relationship shows on the jobsite too. I know what to expect and what’s expected of me.
Ed Young
Equipment and Shop Foreman Since 1996
Ed’s former experience as a bull rider, truck driver and plant operator taught him some things about hard work and perseverance. Yet, he continues to appreciate the full days of the construction world as he supplies Salco’s projects with the heavy equipment necessary to move forward on each jobsite. He also keeps this same equipment in top working order for the next request. His goal – No down time on a Salco job due to equipment complications. In addition to his equipment responsibilities, Ed is in charge of stocking and keeping the material in the Salco yard organized and readily available.
When I first applied at Salco I needed a job desperately, and Mr. Tony (Salvaggio) gave me one. It was one of the best things to happen to me.