MANUFACTURING
MARITIME
JAMES MARTIN
JAMES W. PELLERIN
BEN BORDELON
CEO Gulf Wind Technology
Chairman and CEO Pellerin Milnor
President and CEO Bollinger
Martin aims to develop technologies that will “de-risk wind power in complex wind environments, through innovations in safety, rotor design and system operation in peak wind events such as hurricanes.” He moved from the United Kingdom in 2010 to establish a manufacturing center for wind turbine blades based at the NASA campus in New Orleans. He has led innovation in the field of large rotors.
Founded in 1947 by W.A. Pellerin, his wife Mildred, son Norvin, and brother-in-law A.W. “Jack” Walsdorf, Pellerin Milnor (name derived from MILdred and NORvin) began by manufacturing commercial “extractors” — essentially large-scale versions of top-loading washing machines. In 1982, Pellerin took the reins of a business that today manufactures a variety of laundry equipment.
Bordelon is the grandson of Donald Bollinger, who founded Bollinger Shipyards in 1946, and the third generation to lead the company. Before his career in the maritime industry, he played football for the LSU Tigers and the San Diego Chargers. He retired from the NFL in 1999, and started as a project manager at Bollinger in 2000, eventually taking the helm in 2014.
Education: Tulane University (MBA), University of Plymouth (BS) Hidden Gem: “JB’s Fuel Dock out at West End is the best place for a top-dog pizza and a brew.” On the Horizon: “The emerging offshore wind market has the potential to bring over 10,000 manufacturing jobs back to the region by 2030.” Hobby: “I am a passionate kite foiler.”
Education: University of Virginia (BSME) First Job: Storeroom parts picker Advice: “Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” Go-to Restaurant: GW Fins Hidden Gem: Ciro’s Coté Sud Hero: Jordan Peterson Nonprofit Cause: Harry Tompson Center
Education: Louisiana State University (BS) On the Horizon: Expanding our footprint across the Gulf Coast Advice: “Know your business and ask questions when you don’t know the answer.” Hobby/Passion: Hunting, fishing, and football Hero: “My grandfather, he was my mentor and friend.”
MARITIME
MARITIME
MARITIME
BRANDY D. CHRISTIAN
EDDIE COMPASS IV
SHANE GUIDRY
President and CEO Port of New Orleans
CEO Next Generation Logistics (NGL)
Chairman of the Board and CEO Harvey Gulf International Marine
Christian leads both the port and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, which have combined revenues of $100 million, nearly 500 employees, and many millions in capital projects. In her port role, Christian oversees all cargo, cruise and industrial real estate operations. At the Public Belt, she sets strategic direction and oversees rail holdings.
At age 25, this master mariner became one of the youngest captains in the American merchant fleet. In 2015, he bought two vessels and started NGL, a marine transportation company that has delivered cargo for Fortune 500 companies including Shell, Chevron and ExxonMobil. NGL also works in dredging, hydrographic surveying and maritime construction.
Guidry is credited with transforming Harvey Gulf from an inland and offshore towing vessel operator to a successful provider of supply vessel services for the offshore oil and gas industry. The company claims to be the first owner/operator of LNG-powered offshore supply vessels in the U.S. Guidry leads business development, M&A activity, client management, design and sales.
Education: University of Southern California (MPA), University of Arizona (BS) Go-to Restaurant: Shaya Hidden Gem: “All the boutique stores particularly on Old Metairie Road and Magazine Street” Advice: “Always stay persistent to the vision.” Best Fest: Jazz Fest Nonprofit Cause: American Cancer Society
Education: Texas A&M University (BS) Best Fest: Po-Boy Festival Go-to Restaurant: Neyow’s Creole Cafe Hidden Gem: 11.22 Restaurant, Bar & Grill Nonprofit Cause: Son of a Saint Best Part of Job: “It’s incredible when the people on my team truly feel like they are a part of it, because they are!”
Education: Holy Cross College, Nicholls State University Nonprofit Cause: Sunshine Kids Advice: “If you can’t pay cash, don’t do it.” Poboy Pick: Fried shrimp and oyster from Bear’s Poboys at Gennaro’s Go-to Restaurant: “Rizzuto’s Ristorante & Chop House — best steaks in town”
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MANUFACTURING
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