Discover Lafayette: Senator Brach Myers on Public Service, Family, and Revitalizing the Oil Center of Lafayette

Louisiana State Senator Brach Myers, who began serving Senate District 23 in March 2025 after representing House District 45, joined Discover Lafayette to reflect on his deep-rooted commitment to public service, his childhood journey, and his ongoing mission to uplift Lafayette and the state of Louisiana.

A Lafayette transplant by way of Palmetto and New Iberia, Brach shared, “Lafayette was always the big city to us. I joked and said that many days in the back of a hatchback car ride in the back to Lafayette.” He shared his love of Lafayette: “Lafayette has unmatched culture. You can see the most beautiful parts of the U.S., but there’s nothing like coming home.”

His upbringing was a blend of blue-collar life and entrepreneurial ambition, split between a trailer park in New Iberia and the early days of LHC Group, the home health care giant his father and stepmother, Ginger and Keith Myers, started in Palmetto, Louisiana.

“My mom worked at the General Mill. She was a seamstress. My stepfather was a railroad engineer. She still is a hard worker. She owns a small embroidery business here in Lafayette.”

Brach moved to Lafayette in 1999 to attend UL, where he met his wife Carly. They were married just six months into dating. “She’s my absolute soul mate… We’re residents of Bendel Gardens right here by the Oil Center.”

Brach’s day job is as Senior VP of Corporate Development at LHC Group, which provides care in over 40 states and employs more than 30,000 people. A humble public servant, he brings his business acumen, heart for his fellow man, and a drive to make things better in his position as State Senator.

His son, Emile, shares the family’s spirit of service. After seeing the mob of traffic each year at their neighbor’s “Christmas Light House” (owned by Dr. Andy Blalock), Emile started selling hot chocolate to people stuck in line, to benefit local nonprofits. “He raised over $2,000 in one night the first year. Last year, he raised over $30,000.” It’s now a full-scale community event with music, food trucks, and hundreds of visitors to Bendel Gardens. “He chooses a different charity every year. It’s all on him.”

Brach brings a deeply thoughtful and humble approach to public service. “I never thought I’d be in the legislature… but I felt called to do it.” Inspired by conversations with his wife during long walks, he felt compelled to act: “I can sit on the sideline and complain about it, or I can roll up my sleeves and jump into the pit.”

His campaign mantra has been to lead with transparency and openness. “I said, I’m going to contact everybody back. I’m going to give everybody a fair ear, even if we vehemently disagree.” His legislative office “looks more like a counseling office… People can come and sit down.”

As a Senator, Brach now represents three times the constituents he did as a State Senator and works with six mayors instead of one. “It’s a lot busier…but I don’t take it lightly.”

One of his legislative focuses has been health care, drawing from best practices across the nation. His H.E.R.O. (Healthcare Employment Reinvestment Opportunity) Healthcare Workforce bill, modeled after Kentucky and Florida legislation, aimed to reverse Louisiana’s healthcare staffing crisis by broadening the program’s scope and provide educational grants to reach as many people and institutions as possible. “We picked the things that worked and got rid of the things that didn’t.”

He’s also worked to streamline access to services through a “one door” policy for DCFS and Department of Health programs. “Trying to consolidate services and eliminate duplication is how we improve lives efficiently.”

In response to Louisiana’s insurance crisis, he filed Senate Concurrent Resolution 60 to study whether recent legislative reforms are working. “People are literally having to make decisions between buying food or paying their car insurance. That’s not a place that we can have our constituents in.” Although the resolution failed to pass, Sen. Myers has vowed to bring it up until his initiative to study the issue is successful.

Sen. Myers has championed safety bills targeting nitrous oxide and new synthetic drugs. “We’ve had friends…who had family members lose their lives. It can cause nerve damage, brain damage. But it has still been readily accessible via the internet.”

SB 78 and SB 98 were signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry in 2025. “I authored these critical measures to help stop drug overdose deaths and keep harmful inhalants out of the hands of our children.”

On the challenges of policymaking, he reflects: “When you touch that red or green button on your desk, somebody’s life is changing… Even if it’s a bad bill, I can’t abstain. I have to vote.”

Brach is passionate about revitalizing the Oil Center in Lafayette. “It has the bones—big wide streets, the park, the university. We’ve gotten funding to support beautification, signage, and investment.” His work this past legislative session has helped secure appropriations for new boulevard work and infrastructure improvements in the Oil Center.

His perspective on lawmaking is grounded in humility and practical understanding: “You can’t be an expert on everything, but you have to know a lot about everything. This morning I had a call about pompano nets… I didn’t even know what a pompano net was. I had to go Google it.”

Despite the intense demands of legislative life, Brach remains grounded. “During session, I leave Sundays and come home Fridays… I FaceTime with my wife and son in the evenings. I’m usually one of the last to leave the Capitol. If I can do this—have a family, have a job, and serve—then so can others. We need more people stepping up.”

He takes pride in the mutual respect among legislators. “We can disagree. We always will. But at the end of the day, we have a mutual respect… We love each other. We take care of each other.”

“Some legislation doesn’t get the headlines, but it changes lives. That’s what I care about.””

Visit brachmyers.com to learn more about Senator Brach Myers, his legislative priorities, and ways to get involved.

“I want to inspire more talented kids to stay here and get involved. They are the future of our state.”

Thank you, Sen. Brach Myers, for your service to our community and state!

Jacoby Landry, the new owner of Lafayette’s oldest indoor shopping center, Northgate Mall, shares his vision to bring hope, commerce, and fresh energy to North Lafayette. Jacoby’s energy and can-do attitude is a beacon of light for a community waiting to see how he will transform the mall into “The Hub.”

Jacoby, owner of JL Construction and Pont Breaux Plaza in Breaux Bridge, is the first local owner of Northgate Mall in years. Originally developed by Isan Fontenot, Dr. Daniel Voorheis and Joseph Angelle who opened it in August 1969, Jacoby paid $2.8 million for the property.

His journey started under the wing of his grandfather, a framer, and his father, who ran dirt construction, trucking businesses, and in the oil field industry. “My entrepreneurial skills came from my dad. He’s always been a business owner.”

After studying engineering at UL Lafayette, Jacoby discovered his love for business and numbers, opening a tax office in his early twenties. Real estate soon became his passion, with his first major commercial property purchased from cousin Dominick Williams (formerly Dominick Davis of LSU and the Houston Texans). “There’s nothing that I didn’t try,” Jacoby shared, reflecting on his entrepreneurial spirit.

In 2016, Jacoby earned his residential contractor’s license, followed by obtaining his commercial license a year later. “I went from building custom homes to developing my own lots and building spec homes and selling them.”

His interest in North Lafayette grew when he purchased seven acres on Louisiana Avenue at Butcher Switch Road in 2020 with plans for a med spa and gym. Facing zoning challenges, Jacoby joined LEDA’s Elevate North Lafayette program, where he connected with Monte Anderson, a Dallas-based developer. Monte’s advice led Jacoby to consider revitalizing existing properties, prompting Jacoby to set his sights on Northgate Mall. “I was always infatuated with the I-10 and I-49 crossing. I just always had it in my mind that it (development) was going to come to the North one day.”

“Before I started the program, I had goals of doing something bigger, but they really pushed me to actually go do it. They gave me the courage and knowledge to do it.”

Once Jacoby walked the property, he couldn’t sleep at night thinking about its potential. “Ever since the day I walked on the property, I couldn’t sleep at night, thinking about it. I think I want to do it.” Despite initial nerves, Jacoby embraced the risk, saying, “I’m a risk taker. I could do this.”

Jacoby is rebranding Northgate Mall as “The Hub,” inspired by Lafayette’s nickname, Hub City, and the I-10/I-49 cloverleaf, which will be reflected in its new logo. The redevelopment will focus on mixed-use commerce, green spaces, and lighting to ensure safety and create a welcoming atmosphere.

“I want to change the whole theme of the mall. I want to have trees, green space, make it nice, have a lot of lighting and make it feel safe.”

Contrary to negative perceptions, Jacoby says, “Statistically, there’s no crime at the mall. There’s more crime in other places. The mall’s been dead for so long, there’s nothing to steal.”

Jacoby’s vision includes a grocery store, children’s entertainment options, and a health club and spa in the former Planet Fitness space in partnership with his sister, Rachel McCorvey of BeLuxxe Health and Wellness Center. “Our whole motto is to add ten years to your life.” The facility will feature a nutritionist, weight management services, Botox, IV drips, sauna, hot tub, salt room, cold plunge, a health bar, and two indoor pickleball courts. Pilates and boxing fitness will also be offered, bringing Red’s Health Club-like amenities to North Lafayette on a smaller, community-focused scale.

Jacoby emphasized his commitment to supporting current tenants, saying, “They’ve been a blessing… I came to introduce myself to them, let them know that I was local, and that I was nothing like the old owners. I told them that I’ll be on the ground every day and trying to help the businesses succeed.”

Reflecting on the emotional impact of the project, Jacoby shared, “Never in a million years did I think I would impact the whole North Side. I had people come and talk to me, cry about it, and it’s like everybody has a story about the Northgate Mall.”

Jacoby also views this project as an inspiration for other local developers: “I give a lot of developers hope… they reached out to me and said, ‘You gave us hope to do it also.’”

Currently in pre-planning and permitting, Jacoby anticipates interior work on the health club to finish in about six months, followed by exterior upgrades and phased development, with preliminary renderings coming soon.

When he isn’t working, Jacoby finds balance in tennis. “I play tennis probably four times a week… I call it my therapy. It’s the only time I can turn my phone off and free my mind from business.”

With Jacoby’s leadership, The Hub promises to become a cornerstone of revitalization and pride for the Northside, blending commerce, community, and hope in Lafayette’s oldest shopping center.

Discover Lafayette wishes Jacoby Landry the best of success and thanks him for his commitment to our community.

We welcome UL – Lafayette Football Head Coach Michael Desormeaux, a graduate of Catholic High in New Iberia and standout UL Lafayette quarterback, who became the eighth quarterback in NCAA history to post back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons.

He joined the UL coaching staff in 2016, helping lead the Ragin’ Cajuns to four consecutive Sunbelt West Division titles and their first outright Sunbelt Championship before being named head coach.

Joining us to guide the conversation is John Bordelon, a 1977 graduate of USL, former football player, and current President and CEO of Home Bank. John has worked with Home Bank for over 44 years and loves beng a part of this community along with his wife, Suzanne. Jan Swift, the host of Discover Lafayette, knew she needed a football voice on this episode.

Coach Desormeaux reflected on growing up in New Iberia: “New Iberia was a really good place to grow up. Catholic High has been great for us… my whole family’s life revolved around sports and chasing kids around and watching them play. We grew up in ballparks.”

“When we were young, our whole life revolved around sports and we grew up in ballparks. Catholic High in New Iberia was a cool place because we went from football to basketball to baseball. When I got to middle school, I started track. Our coaches made it easy for us to be able to do all four. For me, it was just part of the way that we did it. My parents expected us to do well in school. They expected us to play sports. was really just what I grew up doing. I realized after the fact how unique it was to be able to do all four sports in high school. I was always grateful for that.”

Coach Desormeaux shared how recruiting has changed dramatically since his high school years: “When I was coming out, I didn’t hear from UL or other colleges. or meet anyone on the staff, until probably week five of my senior high school year season. They came and watched us play… I had a really good game, and the next week they called back and offered me a scholarship. That was the beginning of my recruiting.”

John Bordelon shared how relationships drew him to UL: “My brother was seven years older and came to USL to play football, and I fell in love with the people… my heart was set on being part of this community.”

An injury in high school changed John Bordelon’s recruitment experience: “My senior year, I actually had an injury, so I missed five ball games… LSU, Tulane, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss dropped me. One of my coaches from high school played at UL and helped me get an interview, and they offered me a scholarship.”

Reflecting on how UL shaped his life, Coach Desormeaux noted: “Coaches have always been people I really admired. My dad was my first coach. When I got to Catholic High, Coach David Comeaux got the head job, and I saw the impact he had on our school.” Coach Des’s experience with three different offensive coordinators while playing at UL turned out to be a blessing: “At the time, we had several coaching turnorvers, and it wasn’t what I expected. But I got to learn three different systems and three different offenses… the coaching experience was really good for me.”

“I’d love to tell you that I’ve created anything. But football coaches are thieves. I mean, we just take things from different people and make it our own. The whole journey and all these coaches are people that I’ve always admired. I tell our staff all the time, if you got into coaching for anything other than to help kids and for anything other than to help them achieve their goals, you’re in the wrong place.”

Coach Des spoke honestly about the challenges of NIL and the transfer portal: “We believe in building relationships… I wish it wasn’t personal to me when they leave, but it is. You spend so much time with them. The NIL combined with the portal, that’s where most people’s frustration comes from… but we double down on relationships.”

“We still prefer to sign high school kids because you can build meaningful relationships with them. You get to recruit their families. They choose to come here because they see the value of living in Lafayette and getting a UL education….a big part of what I have to do now is build relationships with these kids where it’s not just about money, it’s about being in a place where they’re being taking care of. We have 20 seniors again this year. That means that we’re doing a great job in retention. That’s the name of the game for us, keeping the bulk of our roster. Fortunately we’ve been able to do that.”

Coach noted: “We’ve been able to keep 95% of the ones we want, which is the key.”

John Bordelon, CEO of Home Bank, recalled how different it was during his footbll era in the 1970s: “We had to sit out a year if we transferred, and looking back, I really appreciate that rule. The same nucleus of our team that didn’t win a game in 1973 came back to have the winningest record in school history at 9-2. We may not have if we had the opportunity to leave.”

Both men discussed injuries and the toughness of football. John Bordelon shared a story about injuring himself by stepping into his helmet while playing “fudge” with a roommate, while Coach Desormeaux listed several injuries, including a separated sternum and torn ACLs, noting: “That’s just kind of par for the course.”

Discussing the upcoming season, Coach Des emphasized the value of continuity: “We have a ton of returning experience this year… our staff did a great job last year, and we feel really good about the production we have coming back.”

He highlighted the team’s speed this season: “At receiver, this will be the fastest group we’ve ever had… adding Shelton Sampson was a huge get for us.”

On quarterback Walker Howard being on Ul Lafayette’s team, Coach Des shared: “Everyone in Lafayette asks about Walker. He’s right in the middle of it, competing really well, and had a great spring.”

Discussing leadership on the team, Coach Desormeaux said: “The key is finding guys that love to compete and love to play. It’s about people, not just positions. There’s a lot of things that go into building chemistry. I think chemistry and leadership and belief in each other matters in team sports. It’s not just about having talent. It’s about having those things along with enough talent.”

John Bordelon and Coach Desormeaux discussed team-building despite athletes living off campus, with Coach Des describing the teams they draft in the summer: “We challenge them to do things together, do community service, and get extra work. We try to create teams within the team to make them interact with others that they normally wouldn’t. We tell them, ‘You’re never too young to start leading. Add value to this team now.”

On the game’s evolution, Coach Des noted: “The game changes constantly… offenses evolve, defenses chase them, and then offenses come back around to older concepts.”

He discussed the new coach-to-player communication through helmet headsets: “It allows us to be more detailed in the run game… it’s a good thing, and it’s helped with the signal-stealing issues.”

John Bordelon noted the correlation between sports discipline and business leadership: “Athletics carry it into the business world. You need people looking to correct themselves and improve every single day.”

When asked by Jan Swift how do athletes cope with wins and losses, Coach Desormeaux reinforced that the urgency and discipline learned through sports translates into life: “We work on a different timeline than most people… there’s never enough time, so you’re always trying to maximize the time you have.”

The discussion closed on how building a successful program requires focusing on people: Coach Desormeaux said, “There’s a saying: ‘It’s not about the ones (players) you don’t get. It’s about the ones you do get. Just make sure the one that we sign is the right one.’”

Real estate expert Bill Bacque of Market Scope Consulting, whose career has spanned over 53 years in the housing industry, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss real estate trends.

Formerly with Van Eaton & Romero—later acquired by Latter & Blum—Bill is now retired, but his passion for tracking housing statistics and analyzing market trends remains strong. In this episode, Bill shares a data-rich, thoughtful overview of how the housing market in Lafayette has evolved and what lies ahead.

“If you look at average sales price over the last 50 years, the overall trend has been up,” Bill began. “That being said, there have been periods… where sales and average prices actually drifted downward. But values were always recouped.”

Bill dug into what he called the “Covid years,” pointing out the extraordinary surge in home sales from 2018 to 2021. “In Lafayette Parish, we went from 3,380 transactions in 2018 to 4,830 in 2021—a 43% increase.” Much of this, he explained, was driven by families realizing during the lockdown that they needed more space, “after six months of living together with your wife and three children, working out of your house, eating at your house, living in your house. People began to say, I need a bigger place. Maybe double the size.” And this phenomenon was coupled with historically low interest rates. “By January of 2021, the interest rate was 2.65%.”

But as quickly as the boom came, it corrected. From 2021 to 2024, Lafayette experienced a 34% drop in sales. “We literally gave it all back,” Bill said. “Sales are back to 2018 levels. Statistics through May of 2025 show that we are about equal to where we were in May of 2018.”

Bill broke down the dramatic rise in average sales prices during COVID, noting that from 2018 to 2022, the average price of a home rose from $223,500 to $285,000, a $50,000 increase in the average cost of a home in four years. However, from 2022 to 2025, the average price has only nudged upward 2.6%, reaching $292,200. “So the average sales price is beginning to stabilize.”

He further explained the numbers shared: “I would put some clarification that the average sales price takes into consideration the upper income properties as well as the lower ones. This average sales price includes new construction sales and existing sales. If you back out the new construction sales, the average sales price in Lafayette Parish is about $275,000.00.”

One big issue affecting today’s buyers? Affordability. “There’s been a significant erosion,” Bill noted, citing both rising home prices and higher interest rates. He shared that the average age for a first-time homebuyer in the U.S. is now 38 to 39 years old—compared to 22 when he bought his first home for under $10,000 in Lake Charles.

“What we’re seeing on a national standard basis is that the average age now for a first time buyer is 38 to 39 years old. When I bought my first house in 1973, I was 22 years old. That was the thing that happened then. I can’t remember what the first house cost, but it was less than $10,000. It was a little bitty house. It was about the size of an apartment.“

Homeowners insurance is now a major wildcard. “My son found a home under $300,000, qualified, but the deal fell through because insurance added another $500 a month,” Bill shared. This isn’t a unique story—buyers across South Louisiana are finding it harder to afford not just a mortgage but the added costs of ownership.

We also talked about the evolving design of homes. Post-Covid, people want dedicated workspaces, and Bill said square footage is being used more efficiently. Yet affordability challenges persist. “In 2018, homes under $150,000 made up 24% of our sales. Today, it’s 12.3%,” he said. Meanwhile, homes over $300,000 have grown from 16% of sales to 31%.

Another key point Bill raised: “The companies are not the brand anymore. The agents are the brand.” Technology has reshaped the real estate profession, and today’s top producers build their own personal brand—something Bill said wasn’t possible back when listings came via mimeographed sheets once a week.

Bill also addressed the shortage of available homes, particularly in affordable price points. “There are currently 69 homes listed at $1 million or more in Lafayette Parish. But only 12 have sold so far this year. At that rate, we have a 28- to 29-month supply.” In contrast, homes under $150,000 are in high demand but low supply.

We also touched on long-term housing trends. Many Baby Boomers are choosing to “age in place,” creating tighter inventory. “We’ve always thought the ‘silver tsunami’ would flood the market with homes,” Bill said. “But they’re living longer, and they don’t want to move.”

And what advice does Bill give to people thinking about buying their first home today? “Well, probably don’t talk to me—I know too much,” he laughed. “Talk to someone like my son, Joel Bacque, who’s in the business today. He says, ‘If you want a home, we’ll find a way to get you in.’ It might not be your dream home, but it’ll be a start.”

As affordability challenges grow, Bill believes it’s time to revisit old assumptions. “What if we had 50-year mortgages?” he asked. “Just like we’ve extended auto loans to 72 months. Who lives in a house for 50 years anyway?”

Bill’s data-driven approach gives a clear picture of the local market—its cycles, its pressures, and its future. He leaves us with a reminder: “Real estate is first and foremost about satisfying a need. Yes, it’s an investment. But it’s primarily about having a place to live.”

Discover Lafayette thanks Bill Bacque for sharing his expertise, insights, and analysis. He is a true outlier in the real estate industry, someone who has dedicated his whole professional career to helping others while freely sharing his knowledge with all.

In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we shine a light on a unique community tucked away in South Louisiana: veterans who find healing, camaraderie, and fun on the ice rink.

Our guests, Eric Iorio and Danielle (“Dani”) Francis, share their inspiring journeys from military service to building a new mission at home — through Acadiana Veterans Hockey.

“I was born here in Lafayette, Louisiana. Graduated from Teurlings back in 2008, which seems like forever ago,” Eric begins. After joining the 101st Airborne in 2013 and deploying to Afghanistan, he recounts how life changed on July 28, 2013, when his base came under attack and he took two rounds from a sniper. “I always say it could have been a lot worse. I have all my digits,” he says humbly, remembering the buddy he lost that day. Eric was the recipient of the Purple Heart in honor of his service to our country and sustaining injuries due to enemy action.

For Dani, the path started in Illinois. “I actually went into the military right out of high school. I did a bunch of sports in high school and then didn’t know what I wanted to do,” she shares. Inspired by her older brother, she became a military police officer, serving in Guantanamo Bay and later alongside Joint Special Operations Command in Iraq where she was one of four females selected. “It was truly incredible because it was the sense of I was actually doing something with a purpose. There was a bigger purpose at the end of that mission.”

Both Eric and Dani’s stories highlight the resilience and discipline they built in uniform — and how they carried that into civilian life.

Now, they channel that same spirit into Acadiana Veterans Hockey — an open-arms, non-contact league for veterans of all ages and skill levels. “For us as an organization, being able to play hockey together is absolutely amazing, for physical reasons and mental health,” Eric explains. “If they didn’t have hockey here… they don’t know where they would be at this point.”

Dani laughs about how she was pulled onto the ice by Courtney Dugas, who along with her husband, Max, are active with the team: “I said, Courtney, I’ve never played hockey before. She goes, it’s okay, come on out. Next thing I knew, I was meeting her and the team at the rink on a Tuesday night and they were giving me all the gear.”

Eric also recounted how fun it is to play with his dad, Angelo (“Pops”) Iorio, who is retired from the Lafayette Police Department. “He is known as a Goon, someone that is like an enforcer. They go out and hit people on the ice. He’s not meaning to do it. He just can’t stop. So he uses other people to stop for him. We’ll have to let the other teams know, hey, he didn’t mean that, you know? It’s just he’s learning.”

More than just a game, Acadiana Veterans Hockey is a lifeline. The group connects veterans to resources, benefits, and — most importantly — each other. They help with VA ratings, build wheelchair ramps for local VFWs, and make sure no one feels alone. “We want everyone to feel included… call us at two, three in the morning if you’re having something wrong and someone’s going to be there,” says Eric.

But ice time and equipment aren’t free. The team welcomes local support — whether you can sponsor a practice, donate gear, or come cheer them on at their next scrimmage. “Hockey is very expensive, from just the ice alone to the gear involved,” Dani points out. “Any donation or sponsorship truly helps.”

Save the Date:
📅 June 28th, 10 a.m. — Acadiana Veterans Hockey vs. the A-Team
📍 Planet Ice, Johnston Street, Lafayette
Expect Robby’s famous jambalaya, a 50/50 raffle with a growing pot (drawing July 5th), and the warmest welcome from veterans who invite you to be part of their family on and off the ice. The event is free to all. As is the opportunity to go by and visit the team anytime they are playing and practicing.

Want to help or join?
No experience? No problem. “As long as you can get up, put your skates on, and get out there — that’s the hardest part,” Danielle smiles.

Acadiana Veterans Hockey is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Visit the team’s website at https://acadianaveteranshockey.com/, follow them on Facebook or Instagram, or come out and watch. Acadiana Veterans Hockey is more than a team — it’s a reminder that service never stops, and community makes it all worthwhile.

Steve Raggio, co-owner of Bayou State Pawn & Jewelry, joins Discover Lafayette to share the remarkable story of his dual life as a successful business owner and newly published poet. His book, Heart Talking, Inspiring Poems for the Soul, has quickly become a best-seller in its category and has touched hearts across the country. “If I can touch just one person in getting closer to God by reading the poems…it’s worth it to bring joy into their life,” Steve shared.

Steve’s journey into the pawn business started unexpectedly. “I was two years into college…and I was looking at ads in the paper and it said manager trainee, no experience necessary…so I pull up to it and it was Big State Pawnshops back then…so I pulled up and I said, uh oh. What? Pawn shop? I said, what the hell? But I used to trade marbles and stuff when I was a kid. Let’s try this out.”

Eventually, Steve and his brother Jeff opened Bayou State Pawn in 1986 on Johnston Street in Lafayette, later adding a location in New Iberia. “We opened the first store on Johnson Street. Our family members were all supportive. My father cosigned the loan for us to get it started.” Over the years, they built inventory from garage sales, electronics from other pawn shops, and sheer hustle. “We built it up from ground one.”

Bayou State Pawn serves everyone: “There are two aspects of the business. You either buy stuff or sell, or you can do a pawn loan, which is where you bring in your merchandise and borrow money, and you come back and pick it up. Jewelry, musical instruments, guns, lawnmowers, bicycles, everything.”

Yet it’s his book of poems that is stealing the show. Inspired during a time of personal healing while staying at his camp on False River, Steve found that poetry offered him a way to let his emotions out. “These poems just started hitting me in the head. It was like I’d be looking at the water or something, and it would just come to me and I’d write a poem in 3 to 5 minutes.”

He adds, “A lot of them have ‘start a new day, make a new start.’ I end up with a lot of them because a lot of people are looking for a new start. It’s never too late.”

One short and powerful verse reads:
“The sun has come to brighten your day,
to shed light as you make your way.
Start your path to touch someone’s heart.
Bring joy to their life so they can make a new start.”

Steve’s reflections on the value of expressing emotions are powerful: “We all hold a lot of stuff in…you just have to get it out, you know, whether it be journaling, whether it be writing…or talking to somebody…once you get it out…it frees you up.”

He encourages aspiring writers: “I’ll say go for it…any avenue like this to get what you feel or what you want to say out…it’s a big healing process, because everybody’s going through a struggle or they’re going to go through some kind of struggle.”

Heart Talking, Inspiring Poems for the Soul features 175 short poems and is available at https://www.steveraggio.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.

And for those wondering about pawn shop curiosities he has seen through the years? “Elephant tusk. And they came back and picked those up…we had an old Egyptian parchment that came through, and they picked that up, too.”

Ultimately, Steve hopes his work leads others toward peace and faith. “If it helps some people get closer to God and then make everybody more kind and compassionate towards each other, this world will be a better place.”

On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome Jude David, managing partner of Final Ascent, a mergers and acquisitions advisory firm that helps mid-market business owners—typically with $5 million or more in annual revenue—prepare their companies for sale and successfully transition for maximum value.

But Jude’s passion goes far beyond business mechanics. He’s also a philanthropist and one of the founders of the Catholic Legacy Foundation of Acadiana, a donor-advised fund that enables people of all faiths to support charitable causes in perpetuity—while enjoying significant tax advantages in the process.

“People don’t want to plan their succession in life, and they don’t want to plan their succession in business. It’s emotional. It’s scary. And it’s always something they plan to think about ‘one day.'”

Jude shares stories of helping longtime business owners who’ve spent decades building their companies and are now looking to exit—but often haven’t thought about what comes next. He draws clear parallels between business transition and end-of-life planning, noting that in both areas, far too many people fail to prepare.

“It’s shocking how many successful people don’t have wills or estate plans. Even people of great means often haven’t taken the time to protect what they’ve built—or considered how to give back.”

That’s where Jude’s second passion comes into play: philanthropic giving as part of a business exit strategy. Through smart planning, owners can donate a portion of their company prior to selling, reducing capital gains taxes and simultaneously funding charitable initiatives through a donor-advised fund.

“When you’re selling a mid market business, there’s going to be a substantial amount of taxes to pay. So our clients are constantly looking for ways to avoid those taxes or defer those taxes. There are several strategies you can use if you have ways of offsetting losses against those gains. It can be very helpful if you can write off new assets that you’re acquiring against the old assets that you’ve sold. For instance, if you sell one business and buy a new one in the same year, you can depreciate the assets on the new business against the old business that you sold. There are several other strategies. One that I really like for owners that are charitably inclined is to give to a foundation or other charities. Why does that matter? Well, if you can structure that kind of transaction appropriately, it saves you significant taxes on your sale. That’s why I’m involved with Catholic Legacy Foundation.”

Jude walks us through real-world examples of how this works, explaining how the Catholic Legacy Foundation is helping build endowments that will support Catholic ministries, seminarian education, pro-life efforts, and poverty alleviation—whether the recipient organization is Catholic or simply aligned with Catholic values.

“We house the seminarian bursary (scholarship) funds for the Diocese. You can give to support a specific seminarian or the entire class. It’s one of the most direct ways to impact the future of the Church. To get the foundation off the ground, we are taking donations for a Founder’s Circle. So we’re looking for donations of a minimum of $15,000 for Founder’s Circle members. That’s $5,000 a year for three years, and the goal is for us to get the foundation to a size in three years so that it never needs another donation again.”

Jude also reflects on the importance of reducing business owner dependence before sale—a common value driver in M&A. He explains how owner involvement, earnings growth, and recurring revenue models (like those used in HVAC and plumbing industries) all affect valuation multiples.

“If a business is built around the owner and you can’t pluck the owner from the business, it makes the business a lot less valuable. So if we deal with a business 3 or 4 years before sale, we’ll help them to identify all of their roles in the business and the hats that they wear, and help them to find other people to hand those roles off to. And if they do that appropriately, by the time the sales come, the sale of the business comes, they should be irrelevant to the business. And a buyer is going to ask, well, who has the customer relationships? Is that the owner? Are they calling the owner’s cell phone or are they calling the owner’s number two or the owner’s number three who works in the company. That’ll make a really big difference. And the vendor relationships and all the different things that make the business run, if those are being done by somebody else and that somebody else is going to stay with the company after closing, it makes it a whole lot more valuable.”

For Jude, helping people prepare for their next chapter isn’t just a professional mission—it’s personal. From his own business ventures, including Stately Doors and Windows, to his family life rooted in South Louisiana and Maine, he brings both pragmatism and heart to the conversation.

“Business owners often don’t know what they’ll do next. They lose a sense of purpose after the sale. But if you’ve created a charitable foundation, you now have something new to pour your passion into.”

Whether you’re a business owner eyeing retirement, a professional navigating succession planning, or someone simply interested in how faith and finance can align, Jude David brings clarity, inspiration, and practical tools for moving forward with intention.

Learn more about Jude’s work at https://www.famergers.com/ or email him at [email protected].
Explore charitable giving and legacy planning at CatholicLegacyFoundation.org.

In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we dive into Lafayette’s emerging role as a major player in the regional and national tech ecosystem with Ben Johnson and Marcus Brown of the newly formed Lafayette Regional Technology Council. This dynamic group of volunteer leaders are working hard to ensure Lafayette’s deep well of tech talent is recognized and nurtured.

Ben Johnson, CEO of Techneaux Technology Services and Chair of the Council, shares his local roots—born in Eunice, raised in Scott and Lafayette—and how his passion for computers and community led him to start Techneaux in his garage in 2010. “We started the company with a unique business model: people over profits,” Ben shares. The company now employs about 180 people across Louisiana, Colorado, and Texas, operating on what Ben calls a model of “distributed capitalism.” Techneaux recently relocated to the old Fontana Center on Kaliste Saloom, which they’ve repurposed into a cutting-edge tech hub.

Marcus Brown, a returning guest to Discover Lafayette, brings his entertainment industry background and policy insight to the Council. As the founder of Believe Entertainment and partner in Digital Twin Studios, Marcus has worked to build Lafayette’s capabilities in immersive technology and virtual production. “We want to define what technology is—and who is a tech person,” he notes. His work has also included integrating immersive technologies in local education through the Do It Greener Foundation.

The Council was born from a leadership exchange trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan, which inspired local leaders to create a similar tech initiative back home. “We realized Lafayette has world-class tech companies that even we weren’t fully aware of,” Ben said. Early supporters include One Acadiana, LEDA, UL Lafayette, LFT Fiber, and leaders from companies like VieMed, Noble Plastics, SchoolMint, and S1 Technology.

The Council organizes its work into “GEARS”—Get Everything Accelerated and Ready—subcommittees that focus on workforce and talent, marketing and recruitment, networking and knowledge sharing, and policy advocacy. Their first community-wide event, the Idea Collider, will launch in late June, with the goal of gathering ideas and input from the public and then from business leaders to shape actionable initiatives.

One of the Council’s major goals is to retain the exceptional talent emerging from UL Lafayette and other local schools. “When I graduated in 2001, there weren’t real tech jobs here,” Ben said. “Now, we’re working to create a pipeline and make sure the talent knows they can build a career here.”

Marcus emphasizes the community’s history of rising to the occasion: “When Disney filmed Secretariat here, our people showed up. The same thing is happening in tech—people want to step up and lead.”

As Marcus explains, “We’re trying to reach students early, even before college, to show them they can create tech—not just consume it.” Both men spoke about the importance of giving young people a sense of purpose and place in the tech world, and commended the Louisiana Department of Education for starting the process of recognizing computer science as a foreign language—a powerful shift in thinking.

When asked about the fear of AI taking jobs, both men provided thoughtful perspectives. “AI doesn’t take jobs,” Ben said. “It removes roles so humans can be more creative and impactful elsewhere.” Marcus added, “AI is like a calculator. It’s a tool, and with proper understanding, it can democratize opportunity.”

The Lafayette Regional Technology Council isn’t charging membership dues yet—they want to first prove their value and build momentum. “We want companies and individuals to contribute time, talent, or treasure,” said Ben. “Let’s build this together, and then figure out the right structure.” A more formal membership structure will be launched in 2026.

Whether you’re a business leader, student, educator, or simply someone curious about Lafayette’s future, the Council wants to hear from you. This is a moment of transformation for our region—and it’s being driven by local passion, collaboration, and innovation.

To get involved or learn more about the Lafayette Regional Technology Council:

📍 Visit: https://www.lafayetteregionaltechnologycouncil.org/ or follow it on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lafayette-regional-technology-council/
📅 Watch for their first event: The Idea Collider, coming June 2025

Robert Daigle on Why He Invested in Upper Lafayette
Originally recorded in October 2013 /Aired on Upper Lafayette On the Move

This episode of Discover Lafayette takes us back to an insightful conversation with the late Robert Daigle, the visionary managing partner of River Ranch Development Company and the developer of the Village of River Ranch, a 320-acre traditional neighborhood development that reshaped residential life in Lafayette.

In October 2013, Robert addressed an Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation meeting to share why he and his team chose to invest in the northern part of Lafayette Parish—an area traditionally overlooked but ripe with potential. His message, filled with clarity and foresight, remains strikingly relevant today as growth continues to expand beyond I-10.

Robert’s personal connection to Upper Lafayette, having grown up on Louisiana Avenue across from the municipal golf course, sparked his early interest. But sentiment alone didn’t drive his decision. He outlined six strategic reasons that led to the launch of Couret Farms, a smart growth community designed to meet the needs of a modern workforce and lifestyle needs in the northern part of Lafayette Parish:

Robert closed his talk by urging the community to prioritize education reform, emphasizing that the future of Upper Lafayette hinged on the success of its schools. His legacy continues to inspire development rooted in thoughtful planning, civic cooperation, and long-term community investment.

This timeless interview reminds us that true visionaries see not just what is, but what could be—and are willing to take the arrows that come with being pioneers.

Discover Lafayette welcomes Justin Bennett, the new owner of Artmosphere, and Anthony Daniels—known to many as Moose Harris—who serves as booking agent and sound engineer for the venue.

Located at 902 Johnston Street in downtown Lafayette, Artmosphere has long been known as a cultural hub where music, art, and community converge. Now, with Justin at the helm and Moose helping steer the ship, this iconic space is entering a bold new chapter.

Justin, originally from Brooklyn by way of Seattle, and his wife Marcela, a talented chef, made their way to Lafayette after the early waves of the pandemic. A former journalist and public information officer for New York City Emergency Management, Justin brings a rare blend of communication savvy and passion for grassroots music culture. His wife, Marcela, runs Lana’s Empanadas food truck—named after their dog!—and previously helped launch the kitchen at Mercy Kitchen. Together, they’ve embraced Lafayette as home and are now pouring their heart and soul into revitalizing Artmosphere.

Moose Harris, born and raised in New Iberia and a seasoned music producer, performer, and radio personality, has deep roots in the Louisiana music scene. From his classical and jazz studies under legends like Ellis Marsalis to his frontman days in the Reggae Ska Conspiracy, Moose brings both creative insight and a wealth of experience to the table. Having worked with Artmosphere under its previous ownership, he already knew the venue inside and out—literally holding the keys before Justin ever stepped through the door.

What they’re creating together is something special. Gone are the days of Artmosphere being an undefined multipurpose space. “As Justin clearly puts it, this is first and foremost a music venue.” A place for curated, intentional nights of music that make sense together—no more scattershot open mic lineups. Under their guidance, Artmosphere is becoming a home for touring artists and a launching pad for local talent. And while the name is slated to change soon, the vision is clear: create a sustainable, artist-respecting space with good music, good food, and good drinks.

And about that food—Justin’s East Coast roots are making their mark. From his Italian grandmother’s Sunday sauce to a hearty Irish shepherd’s pie and the promise of Lafayette’s best-poured Guinness, the kitchen is set to impress. Marcela is helping build out the kitchen and train staff, sourcing from local farms to ensure seasonal, delicious offerings. It’s all about quality—from the music to the meatballs.

During Festival International, the team soft-launched Artmosphere with eight wildly different events in five days, showcasing everything from hip hop and zydeco to burlesque and R&B. Every act was carefully chosen, every night was intentional. And it’s just the beginning. Moose is already booking shows into the fall, and together they’re building a community around the venue, one great night of music at a time.

Soon, a new name will be unveiled along with a new website, including a music blog produced in collaboration with UL Lafayette journalism students. It’s all part of a bigger mission: to make Lafayette a must-stop destination for national touring acts and to elevate the local scene with the respect and support it deserves.

We’re grateful for what Justin and Moose are doing—for their commitment to musicians, to our cultural economy, and to downtown Lafayette. It’s time for this. And we’re lucky to have them here.

For more, visit Artmosphere’s Facebook page or email [email protected] if you’re interested in performing or getting involved. Stay tuned for the name reveal—we’ll be the first to share it!