Southern Nights Gala

Kathy LeBlanc and Maxie LeBlanc

Vanessa Schneider and Ron Blitch

Jamie and Daniel Gabourel Jessica Hester, David Landry, and Laurie Landry Shawn Potter and Chloe Potter

Vicky Talley and Matthew Borne

Celeste Istre and Adam Istre

PRESENTED BY

Photos by Melissa Calico OnPath Federal Credit Union and the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce presented their annual Southern Nights Gala fundraiser at the beautifully renovated Inn at La Provence in Lacombe. It featured both silent and live auctions, samples from fine dining restaurants, an open bar, and even casino games.

Alan and Katie Case Chelsea Chaney, Hunter Chaney, and Elizabeth Hampton Ellie Schroder and Larry Graham

Eric Weller, Morgan Weller, Marilyn Weller, and Zachary Wood Rebecca Morrison, Melissa Ferrer, and Mark Ferrer

Gerald Kunkle, Ginger Kunkle, Miranda Parker, and Jeff Lindsay Senator Sharon Hewitt, Stan Hewitt, and Donna O’Daniels

TAKE IT FROM OUR CLIENTS... Really Works!

“Our partnership with Social Magazine has helped us to build a strong connection with the community.”

John and Sherrell Griffin Ruta Thibodeau and Kayla Forjet Tanya and Trevor Walker

Melissa LeBlanc and Erin Caronna George Lovecchio, Nathan Fouquet, Brian Cook, Jen Lovecchio, and Tammy O’Shea

Erica Moreau, Joe Eagan, and Katie Farris Paul LeBlanc, Missy LeBlanc, Erin Caronna, and Cenzo Caronna

TAKE IT FROM OUR CLIENTS... Really Works!

“Social Magazine always makes the process so easy each month. Thank you for being a joy to work with! ”

SHELLEY RICHARDSON

Senior Financial Advisor

R.K. HODDINOTT III

Senior Vice President

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management The Hoddinott/Richardson Group Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. 601 POYDRAS ST, 25TH FLOOR | NEW ORLEANS, LA 504.586.7786

HOW WOULD YOU BEST DESCRIBE YOUR INDUSTRY?

Our industry helps individuals, businesses, and everyone in between make informed financial decisions, big and small. WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE FOR YOUR CLIENTS?

In a nutshell, we provide services for anything that involves a dollar sign and more. Whether you are about to enter retirement, interested in selling your business, or recently inherited an estate, we are here to help answer any questions and help guide you to make the best decision to meet your goals. WHAT IS IT YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY?

I love hearing the words “thank you” from our clients. There is no “one size fits all” in our industry. We enjoy getting to know every client, their family dynamic, and tailoring their financial decisions to help achieve their goals. WHO INFLUENCED YOU EARLY IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL CAREER AND HOW DID THEY INFLUENCE YOU?

Well this is an easy question - my dad. My dad has been a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch since before I was born. It wasn't until I was a senior in high school that we discussed the possibility of me joining the “family business”. Upon graduation, I began an internship. 12 years later, I am a Senior Financial Advisor.

WHAT IS SOMETHING, SUCH AS A MOTTO OR BIT OF PHILOSOPHY, THAT DRIVES YOU EVERY DAY?

Enjoy life, don’t just endure it. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT HELPING YOUR CUSTOMERS OR CLIENTS?

Over the years, we have had the pleasure to watch first hand how our services help not only our clients, but the generations that follow them. Being able to help one of our clients grandchildren the same way we helped them simply warms our hearts.

WHAT ORGANIZATIONS OR CHARITIES ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT, AND WHY?

While there are many charities I am passionate about, New Heights Therapy Center located in Folsom, La holds a special place in my heart. I was raised around horses and understand how joyful and beneficial they can be to those seeking therapy through riding.

OF NORTHSHORE

“Over the years, we have had the pleasure to watch first hand how our services help not only our clients, but the generations that follow them.”

ALEXIS ADAMS

Senior Loan Originator Outside Sales | NMLS 1598351

M: (985) 888-9854 | WWW.ALEXISLENDS.COM 633 LOTUS DRIVE N UNIT B, MANDEVILLE, LA 70471

HOW WOULD YOU BEST DESCRIBE YOUR INDUSTRY?

Exciting. Ever Changing. Dynamic. Mortgage lending is always exciting because each and every situation is different. It is my duty to navigate and guide each new homeowner to the ultimate goal of home ownership. Everyone has a different path and goal which keeps me on my toes. My purpose is to help find the best loan to fit the needs of the home buyer, and guide those looking to refinance and meet their financial goals. WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE YOUR CLIENTS?

I focus mainly on residential mortgage lending. However, with this main focus comes other things such as budgeting, working on credit repair, and also being a mentor and friend throughout the process. I help clients determine what mortgage payment will fit into their budget and not over extend them. When I have new buyers who have never gone through the home buying process before, I make them feel comfortable about the process and let them know it is ok to ask me questions! I want them to feel like they are a friend, not just a client. I pride myself in always being available. WHAT IS IT YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY?

Buying a home is typically one of the most exciting things you may experience in your lifetime. I am thrilled to be able to be part of that experience over and over again! Sometimes people may think they are unable to be homeowners due to circumstances they are in, but when I help them reach their goal it is one of the most rewarding feelings ever! I love that my buyers keep in touch - send me photos of projects they have finished in the home, send me family members and friends that need help, it is just the most fulfilling job. It is honestly my dream job! WHO INFLUENCED YOU EARLY IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL CAREER AND HOW DID THEY INFLUENCE YOU?

My branch manager Bill Walker was probably the most impactful person when I started in mortgage lending. He was the first person I ever worked for in this industry and I still work with him today! He saw potential in me and knew that I would be successful. I appreciate that since I came from a completely different career as I was formerly in Hotel Sales at Hyatt Regency New Orleans. Bill has over 30 years experience in the real estate industry, and his knowledge and passion is unmatched. He always helps to find a way to make loans work out even in the most difficult situations. Bill remains calm in every situation and I admire the way he treats every single person that walks through in need of a home loan.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNGER VERSION OF YOURSELF JUST STARTING OUT IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

You don’t have to have everything figured out! When I got out of college I thought I needed to know exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life! I would say - “trust the path that you’re on, and eventually you will end up right where you need to be!” And that is exactly what happened.

OF NORTHSHORE

“Trust the path that you’re on, and eventually you will end up right where you need to be!”