Longevity a matter of passion, flexibility and a bit of luck

What does it take to achieve business longevity in the Tri-parish area?

Certainly Allen Marcel, the retired owner of the Houma Bridgestone Firestone dealer G.G. Marcel & Sons, would know. Allen Marcel’s father, Gibb, started the business in 1925 in downtown Houma. G.G. Marcel & Sons (757 Grand Caillou Road) is the second-oldest, continuously-operating Firestone dealer in the U.S.

The key to business longevity is “you have to be fair to your customers, keep good employees and cover all the bases,” said Allen Marcel, who owned G.G. Marcel & Sons for 54 years before passing the business to his sons in 2004.

The store has two employees who have been with G.G. Marcel & Sons for 30 years and 25 years, respectively.

“It was very tough,” Marcel said. “I kept my nose to the grindstone.”

Louis Blum Jr., co-operator of the nearly 100-year-old dried shrimp processor Blum & Bergeron on Main Street in downtown Houma, attributes his company’s longevity to good customers, determination and good luck. Blum’s grandfather ran the business for more than 50 years until 1968.

“We just know the business real well,” Louis Blum said.

South Central Industrial Association Executive Director Jane Arnette said the key to a long life for local businesses is “passion.”

Most area business is grass roots, started by local entrepreneurs, she said.

Katherine Gilbert, Terrebonne Economic Development Authority business retention and expansion director, offered more technical advice on remaining in business a long time.

“You have to start with your market,” she said. “Define your company so that you’re meeting a need in the community.”

Flexibilty is crucial.

“If you can’t diversify, you’ll pigeonhole yourself,” she said. “If you tie yourself to oil and gas and it takes a downturn, you’re at risk. You need to shore up your operation to change with market conditions.”

And hiring the right people is key.

J. Ray McDermott President and CEO?Bob Deason hailed his staff on the 60th anniversary of its marine division last fall.

“Our people are the reason that J. Ray continues to be a dominant force in the industry,”?he said. The offshore construction company has over 428 active Marine Division employees in the Americas.

“Almost 40 percent of these have over 10 years of service with the company, and six have been with J. Ray for more than 40 years,” he added. “These employees represent what makes J.?Ray such an exceptional place to work, and their knowledge and experience serve as inspirations to the entire company.