The People Project:
Ryan Barker
By Ashley & Andrew LeSaicherre | November 3, 2021
Meet Ryan Barker!
Ryan was born and raised in Hammond, Louisiana. He attended Holy Ghost Catholic School and Hammond High School and played sports his whole life. After graduation, he went to Delta State University to play college football. He played for 4 years while attending school. He received his undergraduate degree in 2005 in International Business and his master’s degree in Health, Physical Education, Recreation in 2008. In 2013, he moved back to Hammond and met Celine through mutual friends. Together they have Reid (6) and reside in the Hammond area.
We want to thank Ryan 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: While attending college, I knew I wanted to do something with sports, as it has given me so many opportunities in my life. I had a variety of jobs coaching and working with the youth of the area. The Executive Director position at Chappapeela Sports Park became available, and I knew it was where I needed to be. Celine and I took a walk around the facility, and thought, how do I make this happen? That was about 6 years ago, and I love my job.
While creating many new programs and events here, my business partner and I started Tanzania Adventure Tours.
When I was growing up, my Dad would always have National Geographic on TV and was interested in nature. I remember him calling me from another room to watch a scene of a lion hunting a zebra. Between my undergrad and master’s, I told him I wanted to go on a safari in Africa, but I had no idea of how to plan that or book it. He came back a few days later with a long itinerary. We booked it and were there for 23 days. We traveled to Tanzania for a safari in 2006. We loved it, and Said was our guide. We kept in touch with him, and would always talk about him coming to the US to visit. Well, he came and it was on that trip that we decided to go into business together. We were on our way to an LSU baseball game, and I didn't watch any of the game because I was just taking notes on napkins. Some of the ideas we had that day, we actually did. I still have the napkins. We were so excited. Years later, here we are, doing what I had no idea of what to do all those years ago. We have customized itineraries and we are with you during your time in Africa. We have safaris booking now, our website really explains the process. We also have a non-profit arm of the business, Enrich Tanzania. We will be building a school, the Kimble Academy, for early childhood education. It is named after my late father. I know he would be so proud of everything we are doing. We are excited to get that going.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the area, and what do you like to get there?
A: The Steakhouse has a good filet with crabmeat and creamed spinach. Their fried crab claws are good, too. I also love the Kickin' Chicken dish at The Mariner's Inn.
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: White water rafting down the Snake River of the Grand Canyon with my family. We would go on these adventure trips during the summers.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: Tanzania, Africa!
Q: What is your favorite movie? What is the first movie you saw in the theater?
A: The Sandlot or The Christmas Story are two of my all time favorites. First movie I remember seeing in a theater was Milo and Otis with my Grandma Dot. My cousins and I spent the day with her one day over the summer, and we tie dyed shirts for the movie.
Q: What advice would you give a group of people?
A: Just worry about yourself. Live your own best life.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: I would like to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro! I have set the goal to do it in 2023.
Q: What is your favorite music or an artist/band that you would like to see?
A: I love classic 70's music Motown hits. I would have liked to see Bob Marley perform.
Q: What current or former business makes you the most nostalgic about the area?
A: Zemurray Park, I played there a lot. Also the old mall, seeing movies in there and eating at Cuco’s.
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: Michael Jordan. I would take him to Tarangire Safari Lodge, they have the best food and view.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique that you love about the area?
A: The people here. Also the fairs and festivals are great.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: Happily married, training Reid to take over the business. Still working with sports; it really taught me everything.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you (even friends or family)?
A: I have a hitchhikers thumb! I learned that in Mrs. Gautier's 5th grade science class. Apparently it is rare! Also, I am left handed, so was my Dad.
Q: What is a word or phrase that comes to mind when you think of the word “Home”?
A: Happy.
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: Chef AND a housekeeper.
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: My Maw Maw's Italian.
Q: What do you do when you are alone in your car?
A: I give myself pep talks. May sound odd, but I believe you have to get your mind right before you enter a room or a situation. So I get myself mentally prepared by talking or screaming to get pumped up.
Q: What is the last gift you gave and received?
A: Last gift I gave was money to a kid for their birthday or flowers to Celine for a volleyball game. Last gift I received was from Celine. She made a huge family breakfast Saturday before I was even out of bed. It was the best.
Q: What are you known for?
A: I'd like to think it was for exhibiting a positive, happy attitude while working hard.
Q: What is your favorite 90’s jam?
A: It has to be Back That Thang Up by Juvenile.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
A: Teleport, so I could be in Africa for lunch or for a few hours here and there.
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: We like spending time with friends and family. We like going to Gnarly Barley. We love to travel. We go to games in different football venues across the country. Our next trip is to Chicago to see the Bears vs the Vikings.
Q: What is your most commonly used emoji?
A: Either the mind-blown one, laughing with tears, or the food salivating one.
Q: What is something you are most proud of?
A: My family, especially my son.
Q: What two items would you take with you if you shipwrecked on a deserted island where food and water were taken care of?
A: Assuming my family was there, a dart board and a raft.
Q: What is the funniest thing that happened to you recently?
A: I like to play jokes on Celine and Reid all the time. I hide behind the couch and jump out and scare them. They hate it and love it.
Q: If you won the lottery, what would be the first 3 things you would purchase or spend money on?
A: I would buy stocks to keep making me money, I would get a jet and I would pay off the house.
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!
