Executive Spotlight: Donnie Jarreau

Jarreau, Donnie
Friday, September 12, 2008

Full name: Donnie Jarreau

Title: CEO, Broker

Company: Donnie Jarreau Companies

Why do you do what you do?

To attempt to change and inspire the way real estate development is done, and simultaneously challenge our employees to compete against ourselves not other companies.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

That our companies have been able to hire people that love going to work every day and challenge each other and seek to change the "status quo" business models.

What was your first job?

16 years old - Sears pet department

What is the best advice you've ever received?

To identify "Why you do what you do" and "not what you do".

Who do you most admire in the local business community and why?

Real Estate Leaders - the "Big 3": Mike Wampold, Steve Keller and Tommy Spinosa - for their vision and execution of extraordinary developments. Community & Civic Leader - Charles Valuzzo-for his continued comittment to community service

If you could have any job other than your own, what would it be?

I am truly blessed to believe there isn't a single profession I know of that I would rather be in than real estate.

What is the greatest personal or professional obstacle you've overcome?

In 1989 I lost a dear friend in a car wreck, lost my job, and my four restaurants closed down. Through God's grace, I was lifted through it all.

If you started over, what would you do differently?

I would have finished college at LSU. I would also attempt to be more patient and more carefully consider my decisions - not be so quick to say 'yes' to everything.

What is your prescription for life?

Placing God first, loving and spending quality time with family, and simply treat everyone like you want to be treated.

What book are you currently reading?

The Shack by William P. Young

If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would they be? (Authors? Leaders?)

Rick Warren, Bill Gates and President Bush

Who would play you in a movie?

Cary Grant

What do you do to unwind?

Travel to Gulf Shores with family.

What is the most expensive purchase you've made for yourself?

A failed food franchise.

What is your favorite weekend activity?

Spending time with my family and getting in a good workout.

What's your theme song?

"Take it Easy" by the Eagles

What's your favorite spot in Baton Rouge?

Spectrum Fitness Clubs

How do you take your coffee/tea?

Green Tea, straight up

What is your favorite movie? TV show? Band?

Movie - The Godfather, TV show - The Wire, band - The Eagles

What is your favorite gadget?

HP 12c

What is something that you can't live without?

F-T-3 Calloway Driver

If you could change one thing about Baton Rouge, what would it be?

Hot climate

What is your greatest hope for Baton Rouge?

That we trust our bright young people - they are helping to make this a progressive city through diversity and smart community planning.

What is your greatest fear for Baton Rouge?

That we will never be able to overcome the racial and ethnic barriers. We cannot let Baton Rouge become (or remain, depending on who you ask) a typically segregated Southern city. Baton Rouge MUST be an integrated city, for all people, regardless of race, social and financial status, for it to flourish and thrive

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