Being an entrepreneur wasn’t something he picked up after college, it’s why Holden LeBlanc went to college. And, ultimately…it’s why he came to Rytech where he’s now the 28 year old owner of two prosperous Pelican State franchises.
Owning his own business, managing his future and succeeding, is a lifestyle for Holden LeBlanc. It’s in his blood. At 28, with two profitable Rytech franchises, he considers it just a start in an entrepreneurial journey that began when he was twelve. “I had a lawn care company and employed older kids in school to drive me to jobs and work for me.”
It was a feeling he would never forget even while attending the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, earning a bachelor’s degree in Finance and a minor in Real Estate. Both degree’s would serve him well. “I have a real estate license now and worked in real estate even before graduating” he recalled.
Holdens’ bucket list is proceeding quite nicely:
♦ “My lifetime goal is to become a successful entrepreneur.”
♦ “I would like to become more well-rounded in disaster restoration and real estate development.”
After graduation he took a job with a Rytech competitor in Slidell, Louisiana. It piqued his interest in the science of water and mold remediation and, of course, the long term earnings potential and freedom of owning his own firm to control his own destiny.
“I heard about Rytech while taking a WRT/ASD class in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. I loved the family atmosphere and culture of the company as well as the business model.” In fact, like most Rytech owners, there’s always a family member involved. With Holden it’s his mom who meticulously handles the bookkeeping.
Of course, it’s always about people and Holden is quick to credit the unusual dedication and hard work of those around him: Operations Manager for Baton Rouge, Kyle Williams and his wife and technician Christine, and; New Orleans Technician, Daniel Betz.
Holden’s most unusual jobsite was when his team had to tackle an office building with four different businesses that all had different needs during the dry out. “This was also one of the most expensive jobs I’ve ever had to mitigate.” he said.
Pride is all part of the process for most business owners and Holden recalls the feeling when “We had a homeowner write a letter to Safeco insurance as well as Rytech ranting about the service me and my crew performed on their property.”
But, any entrepreneur knows that you’ve got to have your priorities in order. “I spend most of my spare time with my family, girlfriend, and goldendoodle named Bentley.” And, much of that time is spent at a family summer home in Bay St. Louis, where there’s lots of water.
Holden grew up on the water. “I enjoy going out on the boat as well as riding my jet ski” he says, so he and his small entourage spend most of the weekend at the Bay St. Louis complex.
But, not every weekend is about water. In a state that’s the former home of Louis Armstrong and Britney Spears, music is a large part of its history, but…there’s always got to be some time for football.
“I am a big Who Dat fan!” say Holden, referring to the chant honoring his beloved Saints after they won the NFC Championship game in 2010. “I Enjoy most Sundays tailgating at the Superdome.”
And, of course he understands the opportunity the Rytech team has provided him, especially the backroom support and the people who make up the whole Rytech corporation. “I feel it’s like a family” he says “… and everyone is working together for the same goals.”
Holden LeBlanc— “My most satisfying job was drying out a dental center while keeping the business open the entire time with no loss of income. To do so, we mobilized a desiccant dehumidifier, portable AC and a 175 kw generator to get them dried out in four days. Out of the 12 doctors, all were able to perform their day to day activities without any interruption.”
