Pipe & Steel President, Kylie Sparks Announced as Keynote Speaker

The Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce recently announced its Keynote Speaker for their 15^th Annual Meeting & Awards luncheon. The event which also recognizes Livingston Parish’s Best in the Biz, is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 2026.

The Keynote will be presented by President of Pipe & Steel Industrial, Kylie Sparks. Sparks built his career from the ground up — beginning with military service, formal welding training, and years of hands-on experience as a specialty welder in the Baton Rouge area. With the support of mentors, family, and early industry partners, he launched his own business with a single welding rig and a strong work ethic rooted in craftsmanship, safety, and reinvestment in people. Today, Pipe and Steel is a thriving company known for its skilled team, commitment to quality, and dedication to workforce development and community involvement.

In addition, winners for the Livingston Parish Businesses of the Year, as well as Women’s Leadership Awards, Livingston Future 5 and Community Impact will be announced. These awards seek to recognize outstanding businesses and business professionals which are excelling in their industry or career.

A pre-event reception will also feature music from The King Creole Orchestra with special guest, Ashton Gill, Livingston Parish native and former American Idol contestant.

For more information, or to register for the event, contact the Livingston Parish Chamber at 225-665-8155. Online registration can be found on the website at https://www.business.livingstonparishchamber.org/events.
 

Kylie Sparks, President - Pipe & Steel Industrial

Kylie Sparks, the President of Pipe and Steel, embarked on a remarkable journey that began with graduating from high school, serving in the army, and acquiring welding skills at ABC school urged by his Uncle Wayne Temple to become a welder and learn a craft, while attending college at Southeastern. He was grateful to be able to weld and be mentored by Andy David, Ricky Morse, Daryl David, Robin Hood, Mike Jarreau starting out and was extremely thankful to Larry Henderson and Danny Venable for the help he received with welding testing labs as he started his business. Subsequently, he honed his craft as a specialty welder in the Baton Rouge region for approximately seven years. In 1996, his grandmother, Eunice Fisher, extended a $3,000 loan to facilitate his first welding rig purchase. During this time, he ventured into weekend work and undertook side projects with the rig truck he purchased. The transaction took place with Daryl David, coinciding with their tenure at Harmony within Exxon Chemical.

His Uncle from Melville La,  Jerry Phillips, helped him secure work from Helmerich and Payne, Parker Drilling, and OXY. His reputation in welding attracted the attention of Bernhard Brothers for various assignments in Baton Rouge and engagements with multiple firms. Noteworthy projects included contributions to the Blue Bayou water park and collaborations with boiler and furnace companies. Gradually, Kylie expanded his team by recruiting skilled artisans like himself, fostering the company's growth.

A fundamental principle guiding Kylie's path has been reinvesting the company's earnings into the team and the organization itself. He consistently attributes the company's achievements to the collective effort of those who have supported his vision. Pipe and Steel has since flourished into a thriving enterprise, distinguished by its proficient team dedicated to delivering safety and quality to clients daily. Emphasizing community engagement, Pipe and Steel actively participates in workforce development initiatives and numerous community projects, underscoring its commitment to giving back as it progresses — a principle that resonates deeply with Kylie.