Episode 106- Ryan Foret

Episode 106- Ryan Foret

On Episode 106 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Ryan Foret, co-owner of Foret Group, one of South Louisiana's leading companies specializing in construction, landscaping, waste management, and facility services. Ryan shares the story of how Foret Group grew from humble beginnings into a respected regional business built on hard work, faith, relationships, and a commitment to serving communities across the Bayou Region. He discusses the company's entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of growing a business, scaling operations while maintaining quality, and the importance of building trust with customers, employees, and partners. We also discuss launching a company at a young age, hiring the right people, investing back into the community, and what leadership looks like in today's business environment. Whether you're a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, student, or someone passionate about economic growth in South Louisiana, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, perseverance, and creating opportunities that make a lasting impact. In this episode, you'll hear about: • Building a successful business in South Louisiana • The entrepreneurial journey behind Foret Group • Leadership and company culture • Growing a construction and facility services company • Hiring, teamwork, and organizational growth • The Bayou Region Incubator's impact on local businesses • Community investment and economic development • Business relationships and customer trust • Entrepreneurship lessons for the next generation • Defining success beyond the bottom line Follow Foret Group on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/foretgroup/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/foretgroup/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/foret-group] For more information on Foret Group, click here [https://www.foretgroup.com/]! SPONSOR FOR JULY: * Rouses Markets Visit GATR Coolers at gatrcoolers.com [https://gatrcoolers.com/] and use the code GRANTO at checkout to receive 10% off on your entire order. For more information on the Bayou Region Incubator, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bayouregionincubator.org/]! Music by Waylon Thibodeaux Connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Grant O Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://linktr.ee/grantoshow]! _____________________________________________ Send mail to: The Grant O Show Podcast 203 West Second Street Suite 19 Thibodaux, LA 70301

Episode 105- Matt & Karlie Theriot

On Episode 105 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Matt and Karlie Theriot, co-owners of Southern Scoop Co., a family-owned pet waste removal business serving the Houma-Thibodaux area of South Louisiana. Like many entrepreneurs, Matt and Karlie identified a need in their community and decided to take action. What started as an idea has quickly grown into a business focused on helping pet owners save time, enjoy cleaner yards, and simplify their lives through reliable and professional service. In this episode, the husband-and-wife team discusses the realities of launching a startup, the challenges of entrepreneurship, building a business together as spouses, overcoming fear and uncertainty, and the importance of taking that first step toward your goals. They also share how the Bayou Region Incubator helped support their journey, what they've learned about customer service and business growth, and their vision for Southern Scoop Co. in the years ahead. Whether you're a current business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, dog lover, or someone looking for motivation to pursue a dream, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration from two local entrepreneurs who decided to bet on themselves. Topics covered in this episode include: • Entrepreneurship in South Louisiana • Starting a small business • Husband-and-wife business owners • Building a startup from the ground up • Customer service and business growth • Bayou Region Incubator • Small business leadership • Pet waste removal services • Local entrepreneurship success stories • Houma and Thibodaux business community Follow Southern Scoop Co. on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Southernscoopco/] To learn more about Southern Scoop Co., click here [https://southernscoop.co/]! SPONSOR FOR JUNE: * Rouses Markets For more information on the Bayou Region Incubator, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bayouregionincubator.org/]! Music by Waylon Thibodeaux Connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Grant O Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://linktr.ee/grantoshow]! _____________________________________________ Send mail to: The Grant O Show Podcast 203 West Second Street Suite 19 Thibodaux, LA 70301

Episode 104- Shane Kliebert

On Episode 104 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Shane Kliebert, Director of the Colonel Athletic Association at Nicholls State University, for a powerful conversation about leadership, student-athlete development, and the deep connection between Nicholls Athletics and the South Louisiana community. A former Colonel football player himself, Shane brings a unique perspective to his role supporting and shaping the future of Nicholls Athletics. In this episode, we discuss his journey from student-athlete to athletic administrator, what Nicholls means to him personally, and how his playing days helped shape his understanding of resilience, teamwork, and leadership. Shane also breaks down the mission and impact of the Colonel Athletic Association (CAA), highlighting how it directly supports Nicholls student-athletes through resources, engagement, and community involvement. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of college athletics, the challenges facing smaller Division I programs, and why local and alumni support is critical to long-term success. Listeners will also hear insights into what makes Nicholls State University unique, how the institution reflects the identity of the Bayou Region, and why staying rooted in South Louisiana has been central to Shane’s personal and professional journey. Topics covered in this episode include: * Nicholls State University Athletics * Colonel Athletic Association (CAA) * Student-athlete development and support * College football and leadership lessons * South Louisiana community and culture * Evolution of college athletics * Alumni and donor engagement * Building successful athletic programs * Leadership in higher education and sports Whether you’re a Nicholls alum, a Colonel fan, a student-athlete, or someone passionate about leadership and community impact, this episode highlights the importance of investing in people and building something that lasts beyond the game. Follow the Colonel Athletic Association on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/Colonel-Athletic-Association/61555554664666/] X [https://x.com/NichollsCAA] For more information on the Colonel Athletic Association, click here [https://www.nicholls.edu/caa/]! SPONSOR FOR JUNE: * Rouses Markets For more information on the Bayou Region Incubator, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bayouregionincubator.org/]! Music by Waylon Thibodeaux Connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Grant O Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://linktr.ee/grantoshow]! _____________________________________________ Send mail to: The Grant O Show Podcast 203 West Second Street Suite 19 Thibodaux, LA 70301

Episode 103- Laura Sanders

On Episode 103 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Laura Sanders, Director of the Lafourche Parish Public Library, for a conversation centered on leadership, education, community service, and the modern role of public libraries in South Louisiana. While libraries are often associated with books and quiet study, the Lafourche Parish Public Library system has evolved into a vital community hub offering technology access, educational programming, cultural preservation, workforce support, and outreach services across the parish. In this episode, we explore how libraries continue to adapt to meet the changing needs of residents while staying rooted in their mission of service and learning. Laura shares her personal journey into library leadership, what inspired her passion for education and lifelong learning, and what it means to serve the people of Lafourche Parish. The conversation highlights how public libraries bridge gaps in access, support digital inclusion, and provide critical resources for individuals and families across all stages of life. We also discuss the library’s response during major community challenges, including disaster recovery efforts and mobile outreach services such as Library-2-Go, as well as the importance of accessibility and preserving local history and culture. A portion of the conversation also touches on public awareness around library funding, how local support sustains daily operations and services, and what many people may not realize about how parish library systems function and evolve over time. Topics covered in this episode include: * Lafourche Parish Public Library system * Modern role of public libraries * Education and lifelong learning * Digital access and technology services * Community outreach and disaster response * Cultural and historical preservation in South Louisiana * Public service leadership * Library funding and community support * Accessibility and educational equity * Leadership in public institutions Whether you are a lifelong library user or someone who hasn’t visited a library in years, this episode offers a deeper understanding of how libraries continue to serve as essential pillars of community life. Follow the Lafourche Parish Public Library on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/lafourchelib/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lafourchelib/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@lafourchelibrary9774/featured] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@lafourchelib] To learn more about the Lafourche Parish Public Library, click here [https://www.lafourche.org/]! For more information on the LPPL Events Schedule, click here [https://lafourche.librarycalendar.com/events/upcoming]! SPONSOR FOR JUNE: * Rouses Markets For more information on the Bayou Region Incubator, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bayouregionincubator.org/]! Music by Waylon Thibodeaux Connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Grant O Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://linktr.ee/grantoshow]! _____________________________________________ Send mail to: The Grant O Show Podcast 203 West Second Street Suite 19 Thibodaux, LA 70301

Episode 102- Ryan Page

On Episode 102 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Ryan Page, Chief Marketing Officer of CCA Louisiana, for a conversation centered around conservation, storytelling, leadership, and preserving the South Louisiana way of life. Growing up surrounded by Louisiana’s rich outdoor and coastal culture, Ryan understands firsthand the importance of protecting the waters, fisheries, and traditions that generations of Louisianians have cherished. In this episode, we discuss the mission of CCA Louisiana, the challenges facing the Louisiana coast, and why conservation efforts are about far more than fishing — they’re about preserving culture, community, and future generations. As the first-ever Chief Marketing Officer for CCA Louisiana, Ryan also shares insights into mission-driven marketing, the power of storytelling, and how organizations can use social media and authentic connection to inspire action and bring communities together. Throughout the conversation, listeners will hear about leadership, volunteerism, protecting Louisiana’s fisheries and wildlife, and the importance of leaving things better than you found them. Topics covered in this episode include: * CCA Louisiana and coastal conservation * Louisiana fisheries and wildlife protection * South Louisiana culture and traditions * Coastal restoration and environmental challenges * Storytelling and mission-driven marketing * Leadership and community impact * Social media and nonprofit branding * Louisiana fishing culture * Protecting the Louisiana coast * Building purpose-driven careers Whether you’re passionate about conservation, the outdoors, Louisiana culture, or leadership rooted in service, this episode highlights why protecting our coast means protecting the identity of South Louisiana itself. Follow CCA Louisiana on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ci5jhxSDv/?mibextid=wwXIfr] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ccalouisiana/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@CCALouisiana] Follow the CCA STAR Tournament on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/share/1C7ZxnmWdb/?mibextid=wwXIfr] Follow the Ride The Bull Kayak Fishing Tournament on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/share/14cCjf8Gmqq/?mibextid=wwXIfr] To learn more about CCA Louisiana, click here [www.CCAlouisiana.com]! To learn more about the CCA Louisiana STAR Tournament, click here [www.CCASTAR.com]! SPONSOR FOR JUNE: * Rouses Markets For more information on the Bayou Region Incubator, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bayouregionincubator.org/]! Music by Waylon Thibodeaux Connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Grant O Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://linktr.ee/grantoshow]! _____________________________________________ Send mail to: The Grant O Show Podcast 203 West Second Street Suite 19 Thibodaux, LA 70301