LaBatteries has been a family-owned and operated business in Shreveport, Louisiana since 1961. Our story starts with our founder, Carl Hawkins, DBA Southland Batteries. He entered the battery business primarily by selling and servicing used car dealers in the area and especially Texas Avenue. Southland Batteries was the name of the business and also the brand of new batteries sold, manufactured by GBC (General Battery Corporation). In the early years, it was just mom and pop working out of a small building shared by a barber shop. By 1970, the business had two employees and also rebuilt alternators and starters. As the business grew, more locations were opened in Baton Rouge, Alexandria, West Monroe, and new warehouse in Shreveport. Southland Batteries was incorporated in Louisiana as Louisiana Battery Company Inc. and began buying factory direct truckloads as a distributor for GBC.