The People Project:
Ragan Kofoed
By Ashley & Andrew LeSaicherre | August 18, 2021
Meet Ragan Kofoed!
Ragan was born and raised in Hammond (the 4th generation!). She comes from a blended family full of love with a brother and step siblings. She attended St. Thomas Aquinas then LSU. She got her degree in Journalism and Photography. After graduation, she worked in the mortgage lending business for many years until she decided to attend Nursing school at SLU in her thirties (which she says was the hardest thing she has ever done with a family!) Speaking of family, she met her husband after Hurricane Katrina. She was working in the tree removal business and he came from Minnesota with an environmental company. They met in the field, and the rest is history. "The way we met was sweet. During all the sadness and devastation from Katrina, we found each other. " Together they have Ben (12) and Sam (9). Ragan is also a member of Junior Auxiliary of Tangipahoa where she serves as Treasurer.
We want to thank Ragan for spending some time with us and letting us get to know about her life and her love of the area.
Q: What led you to your current career?
A: I feel like I was called to be a nurse. I was very close to my grandmother who had dementia, and seeing how the nurses cared for her was such an inspiration. I was a general surgery nurse at North Oaks before COVID, and now I am a COVID nurse.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the area, and what do you like to get there?
A: I cannot choose one location! For breakfast we like University Donuts, and I like any donut-like items they have. For lunch I would get the salmon salad from Blackened Brew. And for dinner, definitely Cena, and anything on the menu. It is our favorite.
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: Sailing. We grew up on the water. One memory I cherish is when we anchored at Cat Island and went swimming under a full moon. The bioluminescence looked like pixie dust in the water.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: Back to Central America, maybe Costa Rica or Panama. The atmosphere, people and food are awesome.
Q: What is your favorite movie? What is the first movie you saw in a theater?
A: My favorite movie is Spider-man: Into the Spider-Verse. It is so cool. I remember seeing Goonies in the theater.
Q: What advice would you give a group of people?
A: Especially during COVID- this too shall pass. That has been my mantra during the pandemic.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: We are going to swim with manatees in Florida soon! That has always been something I wanted to do. I would love to sail and island-hop in the Caribbean.
Q: What is your favorite music or an artist/band that you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: I love Trombone Shorty. Nothing gets you dancing and tapping your foot like him. We were supposed to see Vampire Weekend, but it was canceled. I'd like to make that happen!
Q: What current or former business makes you the most nostalgic about the area?
A: The Crescent! It is a great place to hang out with friends. You always see someone you know there. Also, Mariners Inn. They have great live music and a fun place to visit with friends.
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 would love to eat with Aretha Franklin at The Camellia Grill.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique that you love about the area?
A: love downtown Hammond. It is a statement piece, and I like how it has evolved over the years.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: Sailing somewhere lovely.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you (even friends or family)?
A: I was the kayak champion at summer camp when I was 9 or 10 years old!
Q: What is a word or phrase that comes to mind when you think of the word “Home”?
A: Cast iron skillet and pork chops being cooked!
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: I would hire the Cena chef to cook all my meals.
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: Seafood, it is delicious!
Q: What do you do when you are alone in your car?
A: Sing! I have a private concert daily. I do the lead vocals, back up vocals and sometimes some instruments.
Q: What is the last gift you gave and received?
A: Last gift I gave was Tupelo honey and fresh granola to my mom. Last gift I received was a bracelet from my mom's recent Arizona vacation.
Q: What are you known for?
A: Being laid back.
Q: What is your favorite 90’s jam?
A: Luscious Jackson's song Naked Eye.
Q: Most commonly used emoji?
A: The hug one.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
A: I would like to fly.
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: Sailing, paddle boarding, walking and jogging with my dogs, and anything with my kids.
Q: What is something you are most proud of?
A: My sons. They are the best!
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: Paddle board and a cast iron skillet.
Q: If you won the lottery, what would be the first 3 things you would purchase or spend money on?
A: Buy a big boat, take my family around the world. We would have a chef and captain on board. I would save the rest if there was any!
Who would YOU like for us to get to know?
We love meeting, knowing, and working with our community, and we love working with homes and all types of properties. Helping our community achieve their goals through buying and selling property is something we consider ourselves very fortunate to get to do. Contact one of our REALTORS® if we can help!
