Published July 21, 2014
John “J.P.” Pierce began his education at the University of Louisiana at Monroe in
the fall of 1972 by pursuing a degree in pre-law. After one year in the program, Pierce
realized that he wanted to take a different path.
Soon after, the ULM School of Construction Management became the first program of
its kind to be accredited by the American Council for Construction Education. It was
at this time that Pierce decided to make a life-changing decision.
Pierce said, “I had worked every summer in construction since I was 13 years old,
and I was very excited about changing my major to building construction.”
Pierce has been in the waterproofing and building restoration business for nearly
40 years. In 2005, J.P. and his wife of nearly 40 years, Lynette, purchased a then
33-year-old specialty commercial construction company in Fort Worth, Texas, called
Mobile Enterprises Incorporated (MEI).
The company specializes in structural concrete repairs, carbon fiber strengthening,
waterproofing, flooring, and protective lining installations.
Some of his most recent restoration work includes The Chalmette Levee project in New
Orleans, The Mercantile Tower in Dallas, Texas, Parkland Health and Hospital in Dallas,
and the New Orleans Street Car Expansion.
One of Pierce’s most treasured projects was a restoration project for the historic
Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas. Pierce and his team installed a multi-coat epoxy/urethane
flooring system, along with two iconic logos in the concourse walkways and concession
areas on both sides of the stadium.
The 82 year old stadium required special care.
“We are extremely proud to have been selected by Balfour Beatty Construction Company
to install the epoxy floor coating systems and iconic logos at the Cotton Bowl Stadium
renovations project this past year,” said Pierce.
Pierce was born in Bismarck, N.D., but grew up in Houston, Texas, and Shreveport.
He said he was drawn to the natural beauty of the ULM campus.
Pierce has remained close to the university by serving as president of the ULM Alumni
Association, and he also emceed ULM's Envision 2004—a kickoff to the university’s
75th anniversary.
He credits the university with giving him a solid foundation.
“Earning a degree in building construction was a big boost,” he said. “I also credit
my other associations on campus and in the city, along with the lifelong friends that
I met there, to any successes I have enjoyed.”
After his time at ULM, Pierce received a Juris Doctor degree in 1998 from Texas Wesleyan
University School of Law, now Texas A&M University School of Law.
Next, MEI will embark on a restoration project closer to home—the I-20 Bridge over
the Ouachita River. Pierce urges the public to, “Look for an upcoming billboard on
I-20 designed in concert with ULM’s Office of Public Information.”
For more information about MEI, visit mobileenterprises.com
