The People Project:
Barrett Berard
By Ashley & Andrew LeSaicherre | October 24, 2021
Meet Barrett Berard!
Barrett was born and raised in Loreauville in New Iberia Parish. He is the oldest of two boys and graduated from Loreauville High School in 2000. He grew up in a theater family and his family has been in a variety of plays at the local theater. While in college, he did the Walt Disney World College Program where he worked at The Magic Kingdom at Fantasyland Attractions. He worked at Peter Pan, Small World, Cinderella's Carousel and parade/firework crowd control. He graduated from University of Louisiana in Lafayette with a degree in Communications and a minor in Business. He later got his MBA from Louisiana State University in Shreveport in 2019. He met his wife, Irene, through a mutual friend and they reside in Ascension Parish.
We want to thank Barrett for spending some time with us and letting us get to know about his life and his love of the area.
Q: What led you to your current career?
A: After graduating, my goal was to be a news analyst. I got a job as a videographer and photographer for Channel 3 in Lafayette. A few weeks after starting, Katrina hit, so I went to New Orleans to cover that. I worked there for about 3 years and then moved to the Baton Rouge news market. During that time, I realized the news industry wasn’t for me. So, I applied for a position in communications at a hospital. I did in-house videos, worked on the website, did brochures, and so many other projects. I really liked filming surgeries, that was so cool. After 10 years in that department, I decided to move to the Accounting Department. I have been there for 4 years, and I am always learning something new.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the area, and what do you like to get there?
A: Back home, I would say Alesi Pizza in Lafayette. So many memories there with my family. In Baton Rouge, I would have to say Chick-fil-a!
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: A trip to Disney World when I was about 7 or 8 years old. We couldn't go often for various reasons, but when we were there it was like a different world. I remember when we were riding the ferry boat, we saw Goofy water skiing. That was the only time I have ever seen a character water-ski!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: I would usually say Disney World, but thinking bigger I would like to see The Holy Land. I definitely am interested in seeing where Jesus lived his daily life.
Q: What is your favorite movie? What is the first movie you saw in the theater?
A: My favorites are The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Robin Hood. The first movie I remember seeing in the theater was with my Dad seeing the re-release of Snow White. I thought that was the first time it came out and he had to explain what a re-release was.
Q: What advice would you give a group of people?
A: In life, make sure you are running towards something and not away from something.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: Read more books on my bookshelf! Also, to be more assertive.
Q: What is your favorite music or an artist/band that you would like to see?
A: I like music from the 50's and 80's. I would have liked to see The Bee Gees perform. I love the 80’s Bee Gees more than the 70’s Bee Gees. I would have liked to see Elvis perform in is early days, too.
Q: What current or former business makes you the most nostalgic about the area?
A: La Fonda of Lafayette. It was my family Christmas Eve gathering spot for so many years. Family, food and plenty margaritas!
Q: If you could choose one person to go to lunch with that you’ve never met and is alive today, who is it and where would you go?
A: I'd like to have lunch with Thomas Sowell. He is my favorite author and economist. I would want to go to a bar or lounge with him, somewhere where we can sit and chat for hours. I would also like to go to lunch with Donald Trump. Depending on who was paying would determine where we went! If I was paying I would bring him to Chick-fil-a! If he was paying we would go to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique that you love about the area?
A: I'd say the food. The food is unique here and I have a Cajun mother and an Italian mother-in-law, so there is always food around. My mom makes an awesome heavenly hash cake, and my mother-in-law makes great seafood gumbo and potato salad.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: Happily married to my beautiful bride with kids. Hopefully our parents will be closer, so we can spend time together. I want a simple life in a cozy house. Just enjoying the people we love and appreciating the simple things in life.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you (even friends or family)?
A: I am extremely shy, and I have a hard time making small talk.
Q: What is a word or phrase that comes to mind when you think of the word “Home”?
A: Love. And chocolate. We always have a stash somewhere.
Q: If you could have a full-time staff member that is fully paid for, what would that be? (Chef, housekeeper, driver, coach, personal trainer, etc.)
A: A personal trainer. I love to exercise!
Q: If you had to choose one type of cuisine to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
A: I would do the carnivore diet! I love a nice steak.
Q: What do you do when you are alone in your car?
A: Listen to podcasts. My favorites are Catholic Answers, The Counsel of Trent, and Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World.
Q: What is the last gift you gave and received?
A: Last gift I gave was a cookie and t-shirt to Irene. Last gift I received was some Thomas Sowell books on my birthday.
Q: What are you known for?
A: Teaching self defense or martial arts. Also being a friendly, caring person. I like making people feel welcome and making them laugh.
Q: What is your favorite 90’s jam?
A: I'm going to say MMMBop just so it will be stuck in everyone's head now…
Q: Most commonly used emoji?
A: Either the regular smiley face or the laughing face.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
A: I would like to fly. I would be able to see the world and feel free.
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: I like to read a variety of subjects and learn. I have studied martial arts for 29 years and enjoy teaching self defense classes to groups of people. I like video editing and photography for family events and trips.
Q: What is something you are most proud of?
A: My relationship with my little brother. I feel like I was able to be a good role model for him growing up. Also, that I didn't rush marriage. I waited until I was completely sure I was with the right person.
Q: What two items would you take with you if you were shipwrecked on a deserted island where food and water were taken care of?
A: Provided I have cell service, I would bring my cell phone so I could read and learn things. I would also have a jet ski.
Q: If you won the lottery, what would be the first 3 things you would purchase or spend money on?
A: I would give some to a variety of charities. I would still live the same lifestyle, just maybe go on a big trip to Rome. I would also get a nicer house closer to Disney.
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