Ben Bordelon
Ben Bordelon is a name synonymous with maritime innovation, leadership, and family tradition. As the President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, he continues to steer one of the most respected shipbuilding companies in the United States, while carrying forward the legacy of his family in the maritime industry. His journey from the football field to the boardroom is a testament to his resilience, vision, and commitment to both his business and community.
Early Life and Education: A Strong Foundation
Ben Bordelon was born on April 9, 1974, in Mathews, Louisiana, into a family deeply entrenched in the maritime industry. His grandfather, Donald G. Bollinger, founded Bollinger Shipyards in 1946, laying the groundwork for a company that would become a key player in the shipbuilding sector. Growing up in this environment, Ben was exposed to the world of shipbuilding from a young age, instilling in him a deep respect for craftsmanship, tradition, and leadership.
Ben Bordelon attended Louisiana State University (LSU), where he played football for the LSU Tigers. As an offensive lineman, he was a standout player and served as team captain in 1996. His athleticism and leadership on the field earned him recognition and set the stage for his ability to lead teams in the business world later in life. After graduating with a Ben Bordelon degree in Business, Bordelon briefly pursued a career in the NFL, joining the San Diego Chargers in 1997 as an undrafted free agent. While his professional football career was short-lived, the discipline and teamwork he learned on the field would serve him well in his future endeavors.
Transitioning to Shipbuilding: A Legacy of Leadership
After retiring from football, Ben Bordelon returned to Louisiana, where he joined Bollinger Shipyards in 2000 as a project manager. The shift from football to shipbuilding may seem like a dramatic change, but for Ben, it was a natural progression. With his family’s legacy tied to the success of the shipyards, it wasn’t just a job — it was a responsibility to uphold the values and commitment to excellence that had defined Bollinger for generations.
Over the years, Ben Bordelon moved up through the ranks, holding positions such as Executive Vice President of Repair, Chief Operating Officer, and eventually, in 2014, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. As CEO, he has overseen significant expansions, including the construction of military vessels for the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy. Under his leadership, Bollinger Shipyards has remained a leader in the shipbuilding industry, known for its high-performance vessels and dedication to quality.
Bollinger Shipyards today is one of the largest privately owned shipbuilding companies in the United States, with a strong presence in Louisiana and Texas. The company specializes in building and repairing high-performance vessels, including patrol boats, tugboats, barges, and offshore support vessels. With contracts from the U.S. government, Bollinger Shipyards plays a critical role in maintaining the nation’s maritime defense infrastructure.
Leadership Style: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Ben Bordelon leadership style is shaped by the core values of his family’s legacy in shipbuilding. He is known for his hands-on approach, his focus on quality, and his commitment to maintaining the values that have made Bollinger Shipyards successful for decades. At the same time, he embraces innovation and modernity, recognizing the need for constant evolution in a competitive and fast-changing industry.
Bordelon emphasizes safety, efficiency, and employee development, all while fostering a workplace culture of respect and collaboration. His time as a football player taught him the importance of teamwork and leadership under pressure — qualities that are essential in the demanding shipbuilding industry. He’s also committed to workforce development, ensuring that Bollinger Shipyards invests in its employees and provides opportunities for advancement.
A Commitment to Family and Community
Despite his high-profile career, Ben Bordelon is a family man who values the importance of community and personal connections. He is married to Gemi Bordelon, and the couple has three children. Together, they reside in Raceland, Louisiana, where Ben remains actively involved in both his family life and his local community.
In addition to his work at Bollinger, Ben Bordelon is dedicated to supporting various charitable initiatives in Louisiana and beyond. His leadership extends beyond business, and he is a well-respected figure in the maritime and local communities. He is also involved in organizations like the Shipbuilders Council of America, where he has played a role in advocating for the interests of the U.S. shipbuilding industry.
Bordelon’s community involvement reflects his understanding that leadership is not just about running a company, but also about giving back and creating opportunities for others. He has been recognized for his efforts to improve the lives of those in his community and is an active supporter of education, youth sports, and veterans’ causes.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Ben Bordelon financial success is largely tied to his role at Bollinger Shipyards, which continues to thrive under his leadership. While his exact net worth is not publicly available, estimates suggest he has a multi-million-dollar fortune derived from his position as the head of one of the largest and most successful privately held shipbuilding companies in the United States. His leadership has driven Bollinger Shipyards to secure lucrative government contracts, particularly with the U.S. Coast Guard, ensuring a steady revenue stream.
As an executive, Bordelon’s compensation is tied to the performance of the company, which continues to experience growth due to his ability to innovate and secure major contracts. Bollinger’s standing as a leader in the maritime industry solidifies his place as one of the most influential figures in Louisiana’s business world.
Personal Life: A Family-Oriented Leader
Ben Bordelon’s personal life is just as grounded as his professional one. He and his wife, Gemi Bordelon, are active in their local community, particularly in supporting LSU athletics and other regional initiatives. Their three children are an integral part of their lives, and Ben has always been vocal about how his family keeps him grounded and motivated.
The Bordelon family’s commitment to Louisiana and the shipbuilding community is a testament to their enduring legacy in the state. Ben’s leadership extends beyond the workplace, making him a respected figure not just in the business world, but in the wider Louisiana community as well.
Legacy and Impact
Ben Bordelon leadership of Bollinger Shipyards has ensured that the company remains a cornerstone of American shipbuilding. His commitment to quality, innovation, and safety has positioned Bollinger as a leader in the industry, and his efforts to keep the family legacy alive have been instrumental in the company’s continued success.
Bordelon’s journey from LSU football star to NFL hopeful, to CEO of a major American shipbuilding company, is a story of perseverance, commitment, and dedication to family and community. He has proven that success is not only measured by financial wealth but by the positive impact one can have on the people and industries around them.
As he continues to guide Bollinger Shipyards to new heights, Ben Bordelon’s story is one of legacy, leadership, and a commitment to the values that have made his family’s business a beacon of success in Louisiana and beyond.
Conclusion
Ben Bordelon leadership of Bollinger Shipyards reflects a successful blend of family legacy, innovation, and commitment to community. From his roots as an LSU football star to his role as CEO, he has ensured Bollinger remains a leader in American shipbuilding. Bordelon’s story is a testament to the power of dedication and legacy, as he continues to shape the future of shipbuilding while staying true to his family’s values and Louisiana roots.
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