Sound Fighter Systems, L.L.C. named 2006 Small Business of the Year

Sound Fighter Systems (SFS) was named Shreveport-Bossier "2006 Small Business of the Year," and honored at an awards luncheon at the new Shreveport Convention Center on May 24th. Citing steady growth, increasing sales and expanding market-share, the Chambers of Commerce commended SFS as a prototypical small business success model.

The company has been in business since 1973 but was purchased by current owners Patrick Harrison and Rand Falbaum in 2001. At the time, Harrison had been working for the company for five years. With a degree in agricultural economics and agricultural business from LSU, Harrison pursued a career in product management in the agricultural business in North Carolina before coming back to his hometown to work for SFS. Since returning, he has also earned a master’s in business administration from Centenary College.

SFS manufactures the LSE Absorptive Noise Barrier System, which is designed to absorb and mitigate noise no matter what the source of the noise is. "A block and concrete wall will reflect noise," Harrison said, "but our product absorbs and diffuses that noise."

Features of the LSE System include:
• Fully sound absorptive, with an NRC of 1.05 and an STC of 33
• SFS can custom engineer and design enclosures for any size application.
• The LSE System can be designed for any configuration and wind load.
• All structural steel is engineered and custom fabricated in SFS’ own plant.
• LSE Barriers are maintenance free, impervious to the elements, and can be made in any color.

Harrison said he and Falbaum attribute their success to accomplishing short-term goals to achieve their long-term business plan. "We take an aggressive approach to expanding through marketing and development. We put a lot of effort into identifying new markets."
Harrison is president of the Manufacturers Managers Council in Shreveport – demonstrating, he said, his passion for manufacturing, making something from scratch. "This award is a huge honor." Harrison adds. "Working as hard as we do, it’s nice to be recognized."

About Sound Fighter Systems, L.L.C.:
Sound Fighter Systems, LLC has been researching, designing and manufacturing highly efficient absorptive noise barrier walls since 1973, making it the oldest established manufacturer of such products in America. Sound Fighter walls have been produced for unique noise mitigation applications around the world. Some of the many applications for Sound Fighter walls include Highways & Interstates, Bridges, Truck Turnarounds and Loading Docks, Shopping Centers, Industrial and Commercial Sites, Residential Developments, Race Tracks, Schools, Chillers, Transformers, Compressors, HVAC Equipment, Gas Processing and Transmission Stations, Utility Stations and Manufacturing Plants.
The company is headquartered in Shreveport, LA.