2021 Bayou Region Influencers | Ryan Page

Page Insurance

Charles A. Page & Sons Insurance Agency Inc. has been a staple in the insurance business in Houma for the past 75 years. With the ability to write commercial and personal lines, they are known for making sure you receive the best insurance to match your budget and your needs. Ryan Page, a fourth generation agent in the business, didn’t start out his career path as a professional in Houma, but after deciding to settle down with his family here, he joined Page Insurance as the next generation to help those in need.

What led you to make the decision to travel down the career path you have selected? Did you see yourself in this position when you began dreaming of your future? 

“For the past four generations, the insurance business has always been part of my family; however, I was never interested in the business when growing up. Looking back on it now, I was just being stubborn, and wanting to carve my own path. I started my career in a totally different field (art & design) which allowed me to explore, learn, and gain valuable life skills along the way. My father, Robert Page really did a great job allowing me to find my interests outside of the family business and pursue them. After spending a decade or so in the marketing and advertising industry across Southern Louisiana, my wife Lauren and I were ready to settle down with a family when a position at Page Insurance simultaneously opened up. We figured it was, “now or never” and was worth a shot to see if this career path would be a good fit. So far, so good—moving home to Houma was a great decision for me as a professional, and more importantly for my family.“

What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it? 

“One of my biggest challenges has been to constantly overcome my fear of underperforming in the spotlight. It’s a hard lesson to fully learn and accept, but fear of failure should not be a reason to not try something. Another big challenge I’ve faced is the general resistance to change. I’ve learned that it takes much more time and energy to resist change than to accept it; and sometimes (if appropriate) change can actually be a great thing!”

What’s the one thing you can’t leave your house without each morning? 

“An “I Love You” from my wife and kids. Also: coffee. I try leaving without keys and my phone every now and again, but I don’t get too far. “

What skill do you feel all successful leaders must possess?

“I can make a whole list of skills that I think are needed in order to be a successful leader. Although strong communication skills, empathy, and creativity are all attributes of a successful leader, in my opinion, the main role of a leader is to (positively) empower others.”

What has been your greatest accomplishment? 

“My biggest accomplishment was obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, which has helped lay the foundation of who I am today. I definitely appreciate the importance of this achievement now more than when I earned it at the time.”

Who are your greatest influencers?

“I would say my greatest influencer was my late grandfather, Richard Gibbens. I am inspired quite often remembering the simple but accurate life lessons he taught me from a young age. He embraced the fact that the good life was the simple life and I think that we can all learn a thing or two from that philosophy. In addition, he was a patented inventor and an avid collector of steam engines, antique wooden boats, antique cars and machinery so there was always something interesting going on in his shed that we could tinker with together. 

Although I didn’t quite inherit his mechanical skillset, I do enjoy tinkering around with other hobbies such as homebrewing and fishing. Homebrewing has become a passion of mine and I enjoy following some really cool movers and shakers in the craft beer industry. Karlos and Stephanie Knott and their team at Bayou Teche Brewing in Arnaudville are doing things right, and have been ambassadors for great beer, great food, and cajun culture in Louisiana. Other times I draw in inspiration from other greats such as Anthony Bourdain (particularly during his Cajun Country episode of No Reservations), or Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation, and even sometimes George Carlin, but as of late, Noah Lirette at Bayou Terrebonne Distillers.”

How are you going to impact the Bayou Region in 2021? 

“It is my goal to continue to work with others to bring positive change and enhance our quality of life in Terrebonne Parish. A few things that I’m personally interested in are recreation, the arts, entertainment and coastal conservation. I think that if we continue to have community leaders step up and work alongside with the Parish, we can successfully develop ways for us to enhance our community.  Specifically, I would like to advance our natural surrounding landscape by developing more public nature and bike trails, bank fishing and paddlecraft opportunities, disc golf courses, and overall Parish-wide beautification.” •