Kimberly Chauvin: Shrimp business no small thing

The first thing Kim Chauvin wants people to understand about the shrimp business is that it is not what is depicted on so-called reality television. The second is the importance of keeping abreast with laws that impact the industry. The third is that there is something new to learn every day.

Kim and David Chauvin wed out of high school in 1986 and decided to one day build a business of their own. With a used boat David was buying from his father, the couple began their venture and saved start-up money they knew they would need. In 1993 they began AJ Horizons, but knew they still had a way to go before feeling they were really in business.

By 2001, Kim and David were ready to fully launch what has become a flagship name with Mariah Jade Shrimp Co., regardless of product dumping from foreign countries that was taking place and creating cut rate for American shrimpers at the time.

Today the company is comprised of three new vessels, each one named after one of their three children, David, Dustin and Mariah, two docks, an invoicing company and a drill instructor company. Mariah Jade is a small business with a corporate design that grosses approximately $8 million a year. “It is what it is,” Kim Chauvin said with a laugh.

Along with running the business end of this shrimping operation, Chauvin is also a commercial fishing and marine safety drill instructor.

She belongs to various industrial associations, but most publically has been an advocate for the shrimping industry, even speaking before a Congressional committee regarding a lack of compensation being delivered by the Golf Coastal Claims Facility following the April 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil release. She has also taken stands regarding tax and trade policies and how domestic enterprise is impacted.

“We have some laws coming down soon for the commercial fishing industry,” Chauvin said. “One of the things I’ve learned is, if you have a business and you aren’t into the politics side of it n close shop. You have to understand what is going on when they are making laws against business.”

As for her secret to success, Chauvin said it is all about knowledge and showed books representing business and law courses she has taken. “You have to have knowledge before you can spout off on what is going on, but never think you know it all,” she said.

Chauvin admits to being aggressive, but warns that it should not be confused with being in another person’s face. “Aggressiveness is getting the task done. Humbleness is knowing that you may have to ask for help.”

NAME: Kim Chauvin

TITLE: Owner/Operator

COMPANY: Mariah Jade Shrimp Co.

ESTABLISHED: 2001

ADDRESS: 5248 Bayouside Drive, Chauvin

TELEPHONE: (800) 445-6119

WEBSITE: mariahjadeshrimp.com

AGE: 44

EDUCATION: South Terrebonne High School

FAMILY: Married, three children

FIRST JOB: Burger King

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Children because with a job like this the kids can understand that nothing comes for free, but requires a lot of work

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE SELF: Aggressive

ADVICE TO OTHERS: Never think you know everything, make every day a learning experience and keep yourself humble

WOMAN IN BUSINESS YOU ADMIRE: Her grandmother, Lillian

Belanger, because in a time when women were expected to be quiet she spoke her mind and never took much flack from anybody.

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