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INFLUENCERS | SPONSORED CONTENT
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS/AWARDS:
MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE OF 100 FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN LOUISIANA
LEADERSHIP LOUISIANA GRADUATE
LEADERSHIP TERREBONNE GRADUATE
GOLDMAN SACHS 10000 SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM
LOUISIANA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CEO ROUNDTABLES GRADUATE
TILMAN ESTEVE AWARD OUTSTANDING
MEMBER BY SOUTH CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION
CHAMBER STAR AWARD FROM HOUMA-TERREBONNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INC MAGAZINE TOP 5000 FASTEST GROWING COMPANIES IN AMERICA
LLC,
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
• EVENT CHAIR FOR RELAY FOR LIFE TERREBONNE
• CREATOR OF THE LIP SYNC TERREBONNE FUNDRAISER FOR RELAY FOR LIFE
• TREASURER FOR THE HACHE GRANT ASSOCIATION
• MEMBER AND PAST PRESIDENT OF THE SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB OF HOUMA
• MEMBER AND PAST CHAIRPERSON OF THE HOUMATERREBONNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
• MEMBER OF THE SOUTH-CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION
• ESPORTS PROGRAM ADVISORY BOARD CHAIR AT NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY
BUSINESS SUCCESSES/ACHIEVEMENTS:
• NAMED MENTOR FOR LOUISIANA BUSINESSES IN THE AMERICAN ACADEMY PROGRAM BY LOUISIANA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (LED)
LLC,
WHAT LED YOU TO THE ROLE YOU CURRENTLY HOLD IN YOUR COMPANY?
When I graduated high school in May of 1993, the yearbook asked us the question of “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” My answer was, “I will own my own business in 10 years.” In February of 2003 (almost 10 years to the date), my first technology company was started. It is interesting when you ask the question of the role of my company because I am in the leadership role of 4 companies currently. I have become a serial entrepreneur. Having high expectations of myself combined with a hard-working, dedicated, and a “don’t take no for an answer” attitude, set me on a path to success.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE FACED OVER THE YEARS AND HOW DID YOU MEET IT?
It is hard to pick one, so I have to provide two. One of my challenges was trying to maintain a healthy work/life balance. It is easy to get caught up in my work. The other challenge was not having empathy for my employees when they did not perform to a level of expectation I set.
When it came to working all the time, I had to set boundaries like not staying at work past 6:00pm for non-emergencies. I learned that the work will always be there. I also always felt that if I worked all the time it was my way of providing for my family when it was quite the opposite. When it came to empathy, it is very common for leaders who build a business from nothing to think that people are lazy when don’t hustle. I learned to evolve as a manager to help employees be successful but also be held accountable.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB AND WHAT LESSON DID YOU LEARN FROM THIS JOB?
My first job was working at United Diesel in their warehouse. This job included tearing things down, putting things together, sweeping the floor, and managing inventory, shipping and receiving. I learned that you could earn money from hard work.
WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE DO YOU SHARE WITH YOUR TEAM REGULARLY?
There is a mantra I share with my team regularly. First is that communication is key. I am a firm believer in the power of the ask. You don’t know the answer to a question unless you ask. The worst thing someone can say to a question is no. It is your responsibility to provide information to people so they can make informed decisions. If the answer you get is a no, did you present enough information to get the yes? You can’t blame the answering being no on the person that gave you the no. It is your responsibility to get the yes. You must also realize that a no can mean not now.
WHO ARE YOUR GREATEST INFLUENCERS?
When it comes to being an overall great person, it is my grandpa. He was an Assembly of God pastor for over 60 years. When it comes to my work ethic, it is my dad. I have also had some great friends and mentors along the way. Besides my grandpa, dad, and my mentors, I have always been inspired by stories about people who started at the bottom and achieved success through hard work and dedication especially when they were the underdog.
HOW ARE YOU GOING TO IMPACT THE BAYOU REGION IN 2023?
I am going to continue to give back to my community. At this point in my life, I feel the best way to do this is to run for Parish President. It has been 100 years since the oil and gas boom started to build Terrebonne Parish into what it is today. The opportunities available with technology and a shift into the energy industry from primarily oil and gas coupled with the advances in the medical industry provide us with an opportunity to grow for the next 100 years. Everything from automation to autonomy and rethinking the way things are done with technology can propel our region into leading the charge for the next boom. POV
WHAT LED YOU TO THE ROLE YOU CURRENTLY HOLD ON THE BOARD?
I was nominated by the South Central Chapter of the Louisiana CPA Society and approved by the Terrebonne Parish Council in July 2013. I was elected as Board Chair in April of 2022.
DID YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THIS POSITION WHEN YOU STARTED OUT ON THE BOARD?
I have served as Chair of the Finance Committee and Board Vice Chair, so Board Chair was a natural progression.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE FACED OVER THE YEARS AND HOW DID YOU MEET IT?
The Board and Administration are very progressive and always striving and strategizing to improve the facilities and healthcare for our community, so there are a lot of moving parts to keep up with.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
I had great role models with both of my parents, who worked hard and were professionals. My dad is an Architect, and my mom was a classroom teacher until she got her master ’s and then became a principal for over 20 years. So I guess I always knew I was pretty good at math, and accounting seemed
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS/AWARDS:
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT SINCE 1985
MEMBER OF AICPA
MEMBER OF LOUISIANA SOCIETY OF CPAS – SOUTH CENTRAL CHAPTER
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX FINANCE COMMITTEE
VANDEBILT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL ADVISORY BOARD
VANDEBILT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI BOARD
MEMBER OF THE LADIES CARNIVAL CLUB (HYACINTHIANS)
CHARTER MEMBER OF LEGATUS – AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST IN THE MARKETPLACE to be the profession for me.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB, AND WHAT LESSON DID YOU LEARN FROM THIS JOB?
When I graduated from Nicholls in 1983, I started working in the accounting department at the City of Houma–before it became Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government. I had some great role models who taught me about governmental accounting and dealing with the public. After I passed the CPA exam in 1985, I left the City and went to work in public accounting at Stagni & Company, who needed someone with governmental experience–and that’s what I am still doing today!
WHAT'S THE ONE THING YOU CAN'T LEAVE YOUR HOUSE WITHOUT EACH MORNING?
My cell phone & iPad.
WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE DO YOU SHARE WITH YOUR TEAM REGULARLY?
Every experience is a learning experience – even if it is a bad experience – learn something from it!
WHAT WAS YOUR MOST FULFILLING CAREER MOMENT?
I feel like I was always blessed to work with great people, and thanks to the ever-evolving technological advances, this career has been flexible for a woman raising a family that didn't want to miss a thing my kids did! I had the privilege to work around my social life.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF WORKING HERE IN THE BAYOU REGION?
The people, for sure! We are so warm and friendly, and supportive. That is how I feel about our current Terrebonne General Board – all of us are honored to support the Administration and do whatever we can for our Community.
WHO ARE YOUR GREATEST INFLUENCERS?
Besides my parents, my husband (Mike Barker) is one of my greatest influencers – he leads by example, cares about his employees and Community, and donates a lot of time to giving back. Of course, my three wonderful children and their families keep me striving always to be my best.
HOW ARE YOU GOING TO IMPACT THE BAYOU REGION IN 2023?
I hope to continue contributing and volunteering to make the Bayou Region thrive – my term on the Board will end in a couple of years, but I plan to stay involved in other projects and organizations to better the Region I love so much! POV
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS/ AWARDS:
STATE REPRESENTATIVE (1976-2004), SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE (1988-1992), SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (1996-2000)
LOUISIANA POLITICAL HALL OF FAME
LOUISIANA JUSTICE HALL OF FAME CENTER FOR DIGITAL GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY AWARD GOVERNING MAGAZINE PUBLIC OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY CADETS OF THE OLE WAR SKULE, HALL OF HONOR FOUNDATION FOR HISTORICAL LOUISIANA PRESERVATION AWARD
Hunt Downer
ATTORNEY | WAITZ AND DOWNER
WHAT LED YOU TO THE ROLE YOU CURRENTLY HOLD IN YOUR COMPANY?
While I was at Nicholls, I was a part-time sales person at Saadi’s Haberdashery in downtown Houma. Upon graduation from Nicholls, I did my active duty with the Army Reserve. When I returned, I went back to Saadi’s while trying to find a job in agriculture. While I was there, I met Mr. Joe Waitz Sr. and several other local attorneys who said I should try law school. After applying to law school, with the assistance of the late Senator Harvey Peltier and his father Mr. Harvey Peltier Sr., I was admitted to Loyola Law School in 1969. While in law school I would return to Houma on weekends and holidays and work at Saadi’s to pay for my clothing. In my senior year of law school, I was a law clerk for a law firm in New Orleans and for Mr. Waitz in Houma. Upon gradating from law school, I had an offer from both the New Orleans firm and Mr. Waitz. I wanted to return to Houma, so I accepted Mr. Waitz’s offer and started to work with him in 1972. Eventually, continuing to work with Mr. Waitz over the years, the firm ultimately became Waitz and Downer. Today, I continue to practice with Mr. Waitz’s children: Joe Waitz Jr., and Mary Waitz Riviere. The next generation includes Joe Jr.’s son, Joseph Waitz III. As the old saying goes, the rest is history. 2022 marked my 50th year as a practicing attorney.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE FACED OVER THE YEARS AND HOW DID YOU MEET IT?
My greatest challenge has been balancing all of my professional roles. Simultaneously
• LOUISIANA ARCHITECTURAL FOUNDATION, PATRON OF ARCHITECTURE AWARD
• OVER 35 FEDERAL AND STATE MILITARY AWARDS
• LOUISIANA SPIRIT OF MAIN STREET AWARD
• LOUISIANA’S FIRST SECRETARY OF THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
• STARTING AS A PRIVATE AND RETIRING AS A MAJOR GENERAL IN THE US ARMY
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
• BOARD MEMBER FOR NICHOLLS FOUNDATION
• ADVISOR TO THE REGIONAL MILITARY MUSEUM
• PAST BOARD MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM IN NEW ORLEANS
• LSU CADETS OF THE OLE WAR SKULE beginning the practice of law and continuing in the Army Reserve, I ultimately transferred to the Louisiana National Guard, retiring from that role as the Assistant Adjutant General and Joint Force Commander as a Major General in 2010. Also, simultaneously, with the practice of law and military service, I was elected in 1975 to the Louisiana House of Representatives from Terrebonne Parish and served in that capacity for 28 years, leaving the House in 2004. While in the legislature, I served as both Speaker Pro Tempore and Speaker of the House. Upon leaving the House, I simultaneously served as Louisiana’s first Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs and on-duty with the Louisiana National Guard overseeing training of our troops who were being deployed. I was then redirected to Hurricane Katrina duties, ultimately concluding that service with the main focus on overseeing the rebuilding of historic Jackson Barracks, the Headquarters of the Louisiana National Guard and its 100+ structures. Upon release from National Guard duty and retirement, I returned to full time practice with Waitz & Downer.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
In college, I wanted to be an Air Force pilot but the Air Force said I had a depth perception issue and they wanted to make me a navigator. So I joined the Army.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB AND WHAT LESSON DID YOU LEARN FROM THIS JOB?
My first jobs were cutting grass and selling Christmas cards. From cutting grass I learned hard work and attention to detail. In selling Christmas cards, I learned how to treat and talk to people.
WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE DO YOU SHARE WITH YOUR TEAM REGULARLY?
There are two things I regularly share with my team. Do the right thing, even when no one is looking! Second, I stress verbal communication over electronics, such as an email. Meet and talk with the person, or pick up the phone and call them.
WHAT WAS YOUR MOST FULFILLING CAREER MOMENT?
My next one. I enjoy law because I get an opportunity to help people and I am thankful for my broad and vast experiences and exposures to a vast array of legal issues, people and places. All of which in one way or another add to my ability, and our firm’s ability to respond.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF WORKING HERE IN THE BAYOU REGION?
I am working with folks I grew up with whose parents, grandparents, I knew, worked with and maybe served with in the military or legislature or whom I represented over the years. I love the community and the culture.
WHO ARE YOUR GREATEST INFLUENCERS?
My family, especially my wife and children.
HOW ARE YOU GOING TO IMPACT THE BAYOU REGION IN 2023?
I throughly enjoy the practice of law because I enjoy helping people and serving. I plan to continue practicing law and to lead by example. POV
