D'Argent Companies has come a long ways since 2004 when it got its first big commercial deal when it was tasked with constructing a Dollar General in Mansura.

Since then, the Alexandria-based company has built over 50 Dollar Generals throughout the U.S. and has been a leader and innovator in commercial real estate and construction for over 25 years with over 200 projects spanning 10 states.

One of the company’s most recent projects is remodeling and expanding the Place du Marche Shopping Center in Marksville to relocate and enlarge the city’s current Dollar General.

The family-owned company will celebrate its silver anniversary, or as it is known in French, "anniversaire d'argent," on Oct. 3. D'Argent founder Thomas “Tom” Giallonardo chose the name while taking a French-immersion class at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. The name means “silver.”

One of the company's recent projects included remodeling and expanding the Place du Marche Shopping Center in Marksville to relocate and enlarge the city’s current Dollar General.

At the Johnny Downs Sports Complex, the company outfitted the eight softball and baseball fields with artificial turf and repaired and upgraded other parts of the facility damaged by a tornado in 2019. The complex hosts tournaments, such as the Dixie Softball World Series, that bring in 5,000 or more people from across the South to the Alexandria area and with them an economic boost to the area.

D'Argent recently expanded a shopping center across from the Walmart at 6354 Coliseum Blvd. by 6,000 square feet to accommodate about four spaces for additional businesses.

It also purchased the 45,000-square-foot Centerpiece Shopping Center, at the intersection of Johnson Street and Ambassador Caffery Parkway in Lafayette for $6.3 million.

“Our services span the entire project life cycle, positioning us to provide a comprehensive turnkey solution for our clients,” Giallonardo said. “Our ability to control a project from start to finish allows us to meet high quality standards while providing reliable service and innovative solutions.”

Giallonardo owns the business with his two sons; Tommy, president of construction, and Justin, president of real estate. Both have been working with him for the past 15 years.

With daily operations handled by Tommy and Justin, Giallonardo said he is confident of the company's continuing growth and success.

"D’Argent has new life and vitality. It is more poised for bigger and better things than ever before,” he said.

“My dad taught me the value of hard work," Justin said. "There is absolutely nothing in this world you cannot accomplish if you work hard at it. This gave me the confidence to tackle any task no matter how daunting it seemed, knowing you cannot fail if you work your tail off.”

ng in his sleep," he said. "This was a key part of my evolution as a businessman that I will always look back at fondly.”