Don Boudreaux is the second-generation CEO of Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers. Gilmore Joseph Boudreaux, Don’s father, founded the business in 1933. At the original location on Baronne Street in New Orleans, he designed and manufactured fine jewelry for stores in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. When the retail store opened in the early ’50s as a small part of the operation, the customers were mainly good friends and family. However, with the firm’s reputation for quality and honesty as a foundation, the family enterprise quickly grew.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

Having a family. With eight children, you have to help. I was really good at changing diapers — the cloth-and-pin ones. I wanted twelve kids, but things were different then. It is much tougher to have a large family today.

Why did you move Boudreaux’s to Old Metairie in 1985?

It was an influential area. Downtown New Orleans was expanding, with the construction of large office buildings and retail centers. Much of our business was done on lunch hours. As people moved their offices farther away, they would not walk to the store to shop.

How did you get a second location on the northshore?

I moved my residence from Metairie Club Gardens to the riverfront in Covington. In 1995, I had the opportunity to buy this property on Highway 22. Originally, it was a bank. The northshore was really growing, and I was ready to open another store. Both stores are identical in design and nature.

What makes your life significant?

Setting a Christ-like example.

Who are your heroes?

Local sports figures. I went to Loyola on a basketball scholarship. I would love to have been a professional player, but I did not have the height to make it. Nick Revon was the greatest small player from the city.

What is your favorite vacation?

Sand and sun!

How do you stay so young?

I work out everyday. I run one mile, play one hour of tennis and nine holes of golf. I also drink Hawaiian noni juice everyday. I have a tremendous amount of energy.

When was your most difficult moment?

When my son, David, was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia at the age of eight. Things came pretty easy to me; it made me take a good look at my inner self. I thought I had done something wrong. I felt helpless, and I wanted the doctor to fix it. Looking back, that time was a blessing. David is productive in every area of his life.

What is your favorite restaurant?

You know I like Artesia, but my parents lived in Slidell, and I remember eating at Sal & Judy’s twice a week. Sal is a great cook. I go there often.

Who do you believe in?

God. I am very religious. You have to make God a part of your life. I am also a member of Legatus. It is the Latin word for ambassador. It was founded by the CEO of Domino’s Pizza. All the members are CEOs. Our purpose is to keep Godliness in the workplace.

Do you have a prominent characteristic?

I do everything fast. I communicate by action more than words.

What is the most important thing you taught your children?

Be nice. Give 100 percent always. Do the best you can do and things will always work out.

Copyright 2003, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved.