Originally Published as: Hercules Sheet Metal & Metal Buildings: 80 Years of Innovation and Community Impact
“At 68 years old, my grandfather literally dug the company out by hand after Hurricane Katrina. That determination is woven into everything we do at Hercules.”
— Sara Bell, Owner, CEO & CFO
In 2025, Hercules Sheet Metal & Metal Buildings celebrates a milestone few companies reach: 80 years of continuous operation, innovation, and service. Spanning the entire United States, the company has earned a reputation for quality, resilience, and customer care that has been passed down through generations. Today, it is led by Owner, CEO, and CFO Sara Bell, whose vision is carrying the company into new markets while staying true to the values established by her grandfather.
Hercules Sheet Metal began as the dream of William LeBouef Sr., a sheet metal worker who honed his craft under the guidance of his father-in-law. In 1945, LeBouef Sr. founded Hercules Sheet Metal in New Orleans, Louisiana, with a simple but ambitious goal: to build a business grounded in quality craftsmanship and innovation. By November 21, 1961, his ingenuity transformed the industry when he received a patent for the first continuous roll form machine. This groundbreaking technology allowed custom sheet metal to be produced at any desired length, revolutionizing the sheet metal fabrication industry.
As the company grew, LeBouef Sr. expanded the product line to include complete metal building packages, and in 1979, he relocated the company to its current facility in Chalmette, Louisiana. That same year, he passed away, and ownership transitioned to his eldest son, William LeBouef Jr. Under his leadership, Hercules Sheet Metal continued to thrive, demonstrating resilience that would define the company’s culture.
That resilience was put to the ultimate test in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina inundated the Chalmette facility with three feet of mud. At 68 years old, LeBouef Jr. literally dug the company out by hand, working tirelessly to restore operations. His determination, coupled with the superior products and services offered by Hercules Sheet Metal, played a pivotal role in helping rebuild the New Orleans community and surrounding Gulf Coast areas. This commitment to community and quality remains a cornerstone of the company today.
Following the passing of LeBouef Jr. in 2017, Sara Bell, his granddaughter, assumed ownership and executive leadership of the company. Raised by her grandparents from childhood, Bell, alongside her husband Tommy, oversees day-to-day operations and strategic expansion efforts. With new product lines like Pole Barns and Post-Frame Buildings, Hercules is broadening its footprint across the Gulf South, responding to growing demand in regions previously unserved by the company.
Hercules’ product offerings have evolved alongside the business. While many roll-forming companies begin with a limited range of products, Hercules’ growth reflects a commitment to meeting customer needs at every level. From individuals seeking sheet metal for a backyard fence to large-scale commercial construction projects, the company maintains an even balance across residential, industrial, commercial, and agricultural markets. Bell notes that Pole Barns have emerged as an area of growing interest, reflecting the company’s ability to innovate and respond to market trends.
Signature products help define Hercules’ brand in the marketplace. The company offers seven different panel types, with two standing out as customer favorites. The Low Profile Panel offers a clean, minimalist aesthetic reminiscent of a smaller version of the R Panel, while the Hercules Rib Panel has historically been used on all metal building projects. Custom-made flashing, fabricated by highly skilled artisans, sets Hercules apart from competitors, allowing the company to deliver precisely what customers need.
Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMB) are another hallmark of the company, earning praise from erectors who insist on the Hercules brand before assembling a structure. Bell emphasizes that all materials for secondary members, such as purlins, are sourced in the U.S. and roll-formed in-house on their ASC roll former.
Customer loyalty is a defining feature of Hercules’ success. The company prides itself on delivering a superior product and personalized service, fostering relationships that span generations. Customers frequently return, and in some cases, their children and grandchildren follow in their footsteps, continuing the tradition of trust and satisfaction. Bell underscores that if a required product is not currently fabricated by Hercules, the company either sources it or begins offering it to better serve the customer.
Hercules’ current offerings reflect both traditional demand and innovative approaches. The company reports strong sales of 30×40 to 40×80 PEMB shops, as well as R Panel commercial roofs. Whether for residential garages, agricultural structures, or commercial buildings, Hercules continues to meet a broad spectrum of customer needs with precision and reliability.
Sara Bell and her husband Tommy oversee day-to-day operation and expansion efforts of Hercules Sheet Metal & Metal Buildings, Chalmette, Louisiana.
The company’s team has grown alongside its capabilities. Today, Hercules employs 25 people, with plans to double that number within the next five years. Bell emphasizes a culture rooted in collaboration, respect, and excellence, noting that employees are viewed as integral partners in delivering the company’s promise of quality and service.
Competition in the industry is approached differently at Hercules. Bell describes competitors not as threats, but as trade partners, collaborating when mutually beneficial and sharing products to ensure customers receive the solutions they need. This cooperative approach is paired with a customer-centric philosophy that differentiates Hercules from larger corporate entities. “No matter our growth, we vow to never skimp on customer-deserved care,” Bell affirms.
Hercules’ dedication to quality is mirrored in its choice of equipment and suppliers. The company uses top-tier machinery, including ASC Machine Tools, Metal Rollforming Systems, and Bradbury roll formers, and even maintains the original Hercules Corrugated Roll Former invented by LeBouef Sr. Coil, coatings, fasteners, and condensation control products are sourced from trusted suppliers like United Steel Supply, Flack Global Metals, Dallas Fasteners, and Sealtite, ensuring that every component meets the company’s exacting standards.
Looking back, Bell reflects on lessons learned and future ambitions. While she admires her grandfather’s focus on the local community, she acknowledges that Hercules could have expanded nationally sooner. Today, she envisions taking the company beyond regional markets, potentially even globally, building on a reputation established over eight decades.
The current Chalmette, Louisiana, facility, equipped with ASC Machine Tools, Metal Rollforming Systems, and Bradbury roll formers, along with American-made purlins — demonstrating Hercules’ commitment to quality and precision.
The current business climate presents challenges tied to the unpredictability of storms, which influence demand for metal buildings and roofing. Bell notes that expansion into new territories is a strategy to stabilize the business and ensure consistent growth, independent of localized events.
As Hercules celebrates its 80th anniversary, the company is honoring its legacy with both reflection and community engagement. On December 13, 2025, the celebration will take place at Carolyn Park in Arabi, Louisiana, where Hercules recently donated four dugouts to support rebuilding efforts after a devastating tornado. The gesture exemplifies the company’s enduring commitment to its community — a hallmark that has been evident from the earliest days of LeBouef Sr.’s leadership.
Beyond products and community involvement, Hercules is recognized for its rigorous approach to design and quality. Bell stresses that the company’s panels are engineered for both performance and longevity, supported by extensive testing and one of the industry’s highest warranties. “There is a reason why Hercules will only sell and deliver a superior product and service,” Bell says. “You don’t stay open for 80 years by good luck alone. Hercules stands for strength and resilience.”
Sara Bell stands by the roll forming machine William LeBouef Sr., her grandfather, patented. She is holding a photo of him.
As Hercules Sheet Metal & Metal Buildings looks toward the future, it’s clear that the company’s combination of history, innovation, and customer-focused service will continue to guide its growth. With new product lines, expanding markets, and a team committed to excellence, the company honors its past while positioning itself to remain a leader in the metal building and roll-forming industry for decades to come.
