It's Acadiana: Out to Lunch
It's Acadiana: Out to Lunch
OUT TO LUNCH Business over lunch. Each week Christiaan Mader invites guests from Acadiana's business community to join him. Beyond the foundations of the Acadiana economy - oil, cuisine, music - there is a vast network of entrepreneurs, small businesses, and even some of the country's largest companies who call Acadiana home. Out to Lunch is the cafeteria of the wider Acadiana business community. …Social links:
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Bigger Isn't Always Better
It was once conventional wisdom in business that bigger was better. Economies of scale weren’t just preferable, they were inevitable, like a law of nature. But, while big-box stores and corporate franchises do have advantages in cost and efficiency, small businesses are proving they can thrive b…
32:40
Frontierland
Frontiers aren’t just about the Wild West or outer space. They’re about discovery—whether it’s navigating a bayou or reshaping industry. Some frontiers lead us into nature, others to the grocery store aisle. For Janeene DeClouet, she seeks out frontiers for peace. She is the owner of Duc in Altum …
29:40
Lena et Lucia
In Acadiana, food has a way of carrying history with it—whether it’s a family recipe passed down for generations or a classic technique reinvented for today’s tastes. For Ryan Jannise, keeping a family tradition alive meant growing and scaling it. Ryan owns Lena’s Cajun Seafood Dishes, a company …
30:30
The Built & Unbuilt Environment
Architecture is more than just buildings—it’s about creating spaces that inspire, connect, and serve communities. That’s something Wes Thiele understands well. Originally from Atlanta, Wes moved to Lafayette in 2009, drawn by the steady opportunities in construction. Career prospects took Wes to …
34:30
The Care Economy Stupid
In 1992 during Bill Clinton's presidential campaign, LSU grad and Clinton Chief Strategist James Carville came up with two slogans for Clinton to focus on: "The economy, stupid" and "Don't forget about healthcare." Today, politicians and citizens alike are very aware of both of these issues, which…
31:30
Helping Hand
Some people build businesses on big ideas—others on big hearts. Sometimes, the best business plan is just knowing how to help people. Music might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to helping people, but for Vanessa Lomas, it’s her love language…or maybe help language. Vanessa is th…
28:20
Chocolate Chip Happiness On A Stick
When you hear the word "franchise" you probably think golden arches or a pepperoni pizza. But franchises can be as creative and personal as any small business. Today we’re diving into two different ways of running a business. On one side, you’ve got a franchisee — a business owner who taps into a…
30:50
Gen Z Biz
When you hear the words "Gen Z," what word comes to mind? If you’re over 40, the answer is more than likely dismissive. When you look at the data, though, there’s one word that should come to mind: entrepreneurial. In 2023, a record 5 million new businesses were started in the United States. A ma…
30:30
Swingin'
There’s always something to do in Acadiana. That’s great if you’re a consumer. Options for lifestyle and entertainment are a big part of your quality of life. But if you’re on the business side of the equation, an endless supply of activities makes for a crowded and competitive market. Throw in L…
31:40
It's The Law
There’s a saying in show business: Every musician wants to be an actor. And every actor wants to be a musician. For a lot of people, either option would be a dream job. Especially if they grow up to be doctors or lawyers instead. But do lawyers want to be doctors? Do doctors want to be lawyers? M…
32:15