Saints & Pelicans Team President Dennis Lausha: Short-Term Life in the Big Rentals What You Leagues pg. 68 Should Know pg. 62

New Opioid Laws Perspectives Cres Gardner, from a Pain VP of Beau Box New Orleans, Medicine commercial Doctor pg. 66 real estate’s big winner this year

TOP 10 INFLUENCERS New Orleans’ top real estate professionals share what excites and challenges them about the upcoming year. pg. 72

october 2017

BizNewOrleans.com 1

4 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 5

8 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 9 10 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 11 Publisher Todd Matherne Editorial Editor-in-Chief Errol Laborde Managing Editor Kimberley Singletary Art Director Sarah George Web Editor Kelly Massicot Assoc. Multimedia News Editor Leslie T. Snadowsky Contributors Julia Carcamo, Maria Clark, Pamela Marquis, Chris Price, Kim Roberts, Jessica Rosgaard, Jennifer Gibson Schecter, Poppy Tooker, Keith Twitchell, Patrick Waring, Melanie Warner Spencer Advertising Vice President of Sales Colleen Monaghan (504) 830-7215 [email protected] Sales Manager Maegan O’Brien (504) 830-7219 [email protected] Senior Account Executive Caitlin Sistrunk (504) 830-7252 [email protected] Senior Account Executive Carly Goldman (504) 830-7225 [email protected] Marketing

Director of Marketing & Events Cheryl Lemoine Event Coordinator Whitney Weathers Digital Media Associate Mallary Matherne For event information, call (504) 830-7264 Production

Production Manager Jessica DeBold Traffic Coordinator Topher Balfer Production Designers Emily Andras, Demi Schaffer, Molly Tullier Administration Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne President Alan Campell Executive Vice President Errol Laborde Office Manager Mallary Matherne Distribution Manager John Holzer Subscription Manager Brittanie Bryant For subscriptions, call (504) 830-7231

AABP 2016 Award of Excellence Bronze: Best Feature Layout

110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123 Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380

Biz New Orleans is published monthly by Renaissance Publishing, LLC, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005; (504) 828-1380. Subscription rate: one year $24.95, two year $39.95, three year $49.95 — foreign rates vary call for pricing. Postage paid at Metairie, LA, and additional mailing entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Biz New Orleans, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005. Copyright 2016 Biz New Orleans. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The trademark Biz New Orleans is registered. Biz New Orleans is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork, even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The opinions expressed in Biz New Orleans are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine or owner. 12 Biz October 2017 featurestop stories this month

68 72 Living the Dream Top 10 Influencers Q&A with Dennis Lauscha, New Orleans’ top real estate professionals share what president of the New Orleans excites and challenges them about the upcoming year. Saints and New Orleans Pelicans BizNewOrleans.com 15 contents october 2017 | V olume 4 | Issue 1

18 | Editor’s note The State of Real Estate

20 | publisher’s note Time to Give

24 | Calendar

26 | industry news 44 | entertainment Film Fest More 28 | recent openings Diverse Than Ever: perspectives With a new executive 30 | Ev ents director comes a mission update for 54 | education the New Orleans Film The Business of Charter Society. Schools: A post-Katrina boom has changed the way children in 46 | entrepreneurship Southeast Louisiana are educated. The First Entrepreneur: Who was it? A rundown of the contenders. from the lens

86 | gr eat workspaces Opening Up: AOS expands its downtown offices, transforming the space into a sleek and functional showroom.

in the biz 58 | h ealthcare 94 | making a match: businesses and nonprofits Oh Say Can You See?: Vision Hope for the Holidays: With Thanksgiving and Christmas 38 | dining problems become more common just around the corner, now is the perfect time to make The Rebirth of for those over 40. A look at plans to join the New Orleans Mission in caring for the least Dixie Beer: The New some of the most common fortunate among us. Orleans brew comes causes of vision loss and local home. resources that can help. 104 | on the job 48 | etiquette Rollin’ Along 40 | tourism Mr. Telephone 62 | law Get Your Motor Man: The basics Short-term Rentals: What You Runnin’: StarBike of cellphone use Should Know: A look at the rules brings a new twist on at the office and in governing this newly legal income on the cover vacation rentals and meetings. opportunity. New Orleans dining. Cres Gardner, VP of Beau Box New Orleans, was the 50 | marketing big winner at this year’s CID Achievement Awards, 66 | guest viewpoint bringing home the Overall Top Producer and F. Poche 42 | sports Lessons From Louisiana Needed New Opioid Waguespack Award as well as Top Landlord Office Titletown, U.S.A.: Casinos: Five winning Laws: Non-narcotic pain relief Lease, Top Tenant Rep Office Lease, Overall Top Office Make the leap to strategies you can options exist, and need to be Producer and Highest Volume 1st Time Recipient. Lambeau, Green Bay. adopt today. considered. Photograph by Romero & Romero photography BizNewOrleans.com 17 Editor’s Note

On the Web Be yond the magazine

But wait, there’s more! Visit BizNewOrleans.com to watch videos from this month’s issue, including:

The State of Real Estate

ctober is our annual real estate issue and I’m excited to share what we’ve learned from local O professionals that live this industry every day — from those working to revitalize neighbor- hoods and provide affordable housing, to those closing the biggest commercial deals of the year. If you’d like to learn more, I encourage you to attend the 7th annual Economic & Real Estate Forecast Symposium, presented by Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company on Tuesday Oct. 10 from 12:30 to 5 p.m. at Loyola University’s Roussel Hall. At the symposium, top industry experts examine “New Perspectives on the Changing Economy.” Among the guest speakers scheduled this year is the Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research for the National Association of Realtors, Dr. Lawrence Yun. The event will be followed by a business networking social from 5 to 7 p.m. In this issue we’re also excited to have a chat with Saints and Pelicans President, Dennis Lauscha — who, among other things, shares his personal pregame ritual — as well as an interesting piece by Dr. Patrick Waring, founder of the Pain Intervention Center in Metairie, who shares his thoughts on Louisiana’s new opioid laws. Finally, as we look toward the holidays, I encourage you — if you haven’t started already — to begin thinking about how your company will be giving back this year. Every month we profile a different nonprofit in need of your assistance in our “Making a Match” feature. This month it’s the New Orleans Mission, a very worthy cause indeed and a great way to get employees out in the community and making an immediate difference in the lives of others.

Happy Reading,

Helping Hands for Harvey [email protected] On Sept. 5 and 6, Second Harvest Food Bank’s Community Kitchen brought together a group of local chefs and volunteers to its 8,500-square-foot production kitchen in Harahan to prepare food for those affected by Hurricane Harvey. For information on how you can help, visit no-hunger.org

18 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 19 Publisher’s Note

Time to Give

s we roll into October and look back on the A events of the past months, there is a great need for support for those who’ve lost so much. I find myself actively giving to charities and people more than ever. With the disastrous events occurring so close to home, and looking around at some of the biggest problems New Orleans is facing, it seems that help is needed everywhere. So now is our time to step up to the plate and give back for all that we received 12 years ago. I’ve nicknamed October 2017, “Donation Month.” This month, focus on supporting a cause, lending a hand and helping someone in need. Whether through financial or human capital, you can make a difference in various and creative ways according to your distinct style and passion. Here at Renaissance Publishing, we have formed a foundation — Renaissance Foundation — to give back via company events. You will begin to see our events with a new logo and tag line, “A Renaissance Foundation Event.” We host nearly 50 events a year, and now ticket proceeds will go to help a deserving cause. To me, giving is rewarding, so this month reward yourself and give.

Todd Matherne

20 Biz October 2017

Meet the Sales Team

Maegan O’Brien Sales Manager (504) 830-7219 [email protected]

Caitlin Sistrunk Senior Account Executive (504) 830-7252 [email protected]

Carly Goldman Senior Account Executive (504) 830-7225 [email protected]

Colleen Monaghan Vice President of Sales (504) 830-7215 [email protected]

22 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 23 Calendar

October

4 17 New Orleans Chamber of Commerce New Orleans Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Alliance Young Professionals Networking Event 5 to 7 p.m. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Ruby Slipper Central City BBQ 2802 Magazine St. 1201 S. Rampart St. NewOrleansChamber.org NewOrleansChamber.org

5 18 Jefferson Chamber of Commerce Jefferson Chamber of Commerce Mayoral Luncheon Chamber 101 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. Hilton New Orleans Airport 3421 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 203, 901 Airline Hwy., Kenner Metairie JeffersonChamber.org JeffersonChamber.org

7 19 St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce ABWA Crescent City Connections 5th Blues, Brews and BBQ in da Parish Monthly Luncheon 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring Dima Ghawi, motivational Docville Farm speaker and leadership coach 5124 E. St. Bernard Hwy, Violet 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. StBernardChamber.org Ralph Brennan’s Heritage Grill ABWANewOrleans.org 11 New Orleans Chamber of Commerce 25 Power Lunch Jefferson Chamber of Commerce 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Prosper Jefferson Seminar Series: 1515 Poydras St. Customer Service 5th Floor Auditorium 9 to 10:30 a.m. NewOrleansChamber.org JEDCO Conference Center 700 Churchill Pkwy., Avondale JeffersonChamber.org 11 Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Lunch & Learn Series: What Keeps You 27 Up At Night? Jefferson Chamber of Commerce 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Business & Breakfast Colmex Construction 7:45 to 9:45 a.m. 4334 Earhart Blvd., New Orleans Copeland’s of New Orleans HCCL.biz 1319 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner JeffersonChamber.org 12 St. Bernard Parish Economic 30-Nov. 3 Development Foundation World Trade Center New Orleans Grow St. Bernard Lunch & Learn Series Louisiana International Trade Week & Master Your Presentation! Learn Some Jubilee Tips and Public Speaking Strategies WTCNO.org Nunez Community College Entrepreneur Center Second floor, Computer Lab 218 SBEDF.org

16 St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce For a more complete list of events visit Louisiana Economic Outlook 2018/2019 BizNewOrleans.com. We’d love to include Featuring Dr. Loren C. Scott your business-related event in next 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. month’s calendar. Please email details to Northshore Harbor Center [email protected]. 100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell StTammanyChamber.org

24 Biz October 2017 ADVERTISEMENT

Close your next deal at one of these business-friendly bistros.

Riccobono’s Peppermill Restaurant Tommy’s Cuisine 3524 Severn Ave., Metairie • (504) 455-2266 746 Tchoupitoulas St. • (504) 581-1103 riccobonospeppermill.com tommysneworleans.com Enjoy The flavors of Germany the whole month of October. Dinner only... Tommy’s Cuisine is a locally-owned and operated restaurant located in German wines, beers and authentic cuisine. Wiener Schnitzel, Wiener a la the Warehouse District. Famous for its inspired upscale Creole-Italian Holstein, Sauerbraten, Bratwurst and more! 3-9 Wednesday –Saturday cuisine, all perfectly served in an old-world atmosphere, Tommy’s has been the place to meet, eat, and drink for over a decade. Experience a world-class wine menu along with the finest dishes in the city at Tommy’s Cuisine.

Sala Restaurant + Bar Tsunami Sushi 124 Lake Marina Avenue • (504) 513-2670 601 Poydras St Suite B, New Orleans • (504) 608-3474 salanola.com servingsushi.com/neworleans In the line up of Riccobono family establishments, Sala is the newest to With the opening of Tsunami in the Pan American Building, edible art has open. Sala,designed after its name, is a modernly comfortable space to come to the CBD! Talented, trendsetting chefs serve up fresh and diverse make guests feel at home. The menu focuses on delicious cocktails and sushi rolls, nigiri and sashimi along with mouth-watering grilled fish, wines paired with delectable small plates and entrees.Happy Hour on steaks and top shelf creations to round out the menu. Open all day Mon- Tuesdays through Fridays from 4 to 7pm, and late night Thursdays from Sat, plus Saints Game Sundays! 10pm to 12am, pours $5 house wines by the glass, $5 classic cocktails, half- priced draft beers and $3 off other wines and sparkling by the glass.

BizNewOrleans.com 25 Industry News

Ne w at MSY Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to Reach 150 Daily Departures by Spring British Airways, Spirit Airlines and Southwest Airlines will all be adding new flights at MSY in the coming months, bringing the airport’s total to 59 nonstop destinations and approximately 150 daily departures this coming April. Starting in October —British Airways will add a fifth day to its non-stop route to London.

Education November — Spirit Airlines will add four UNO Sees Largest Increase In Undergraduates in 8 Years nonstop routes to International The fall 2017 semester at the University of New Orleans has brought a 15 percent New Orleans from customers have increase in enrollment of new freshmen and graduate students — the best year-to-year Boston; Newwark, New percentage change in enrollment at the university in eight years. Jersey; Minneapolis/ a taste for New St. Paul and Tampa. “These enrollment figures indicate strong progress in reversing a far too long history of Orleans cuisine. declines,” said President John Nicklow. “It means we are nearly stabilized and poised for April 2018 — Yes, there can future growth.” Southwest Airlines will add its first be logistics international flight and regulatory from New Orleans awards challenges, but People Making Headlines to Cancun. EO Louisiana New CEO for Louisiana Names St. Bernard companies willing Entrepreneur Chamber of of the Year Commerce A pply Now to invest the effort, LABI Free Enter- taking their food At its annual meeting Cathy Juarez has prise Awards on Aug. 25, EO been named the products global Louisiana honored new CEO of the St. Nominations are due Erik Frank, president Bernard Chamber by October 15 for LABI’s can result in of Your Nutrition of Commerce. Most Free Enterprise Awards, delicious profits. Delivered, with this recently the director an annual event year’s Marshall of admissions for designed to honor LABI Klein Award for Archbishop Chapelle member businesses Entrepreneur of the High School, Juarez who demonstrate ex- Year. The award was also previously emplary commitment Erin Butler, director of U.S. created in 2006 to and contributions to worked for Visit Baton Commercial Service New Orleans honor one of the Louisiana’s business Rouge and the New — one of the panelists at Going organization’s past climate and play an Orleans Convention Global: Food and Beverage Export members, Marshall integral role in their & Visitors Bureau. She Strategies,” a panel discussion Klein, who was local communities’ has already crafted a that was co-hosted by JEDCO president and CEO growth and sustain- 100-day action plan, and the World Trade Center of Mandeville-based ability. Award winners citing that community of New Orleans on Sept. 25. iBusiness.com before involvement is one of will be recognized at a his death in 2004. her biggest passions. ceremony on Nov. 16.

26 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 27 Recent Openings

COMING SOON B on Canal B on Canal, the latest hotel from national brand B Hotels & Resorts, is set to open in the first quarter of 2018 at 1300 Canal St. The hotel will include 157 guestrooms and suites, full service food and beverage options including a signature restaurant and bar, along with 1,600 square feet of COMING SOON banquet and meeting Hancock Whitney Center space boasting city In 2018 Whitney Bank will relocate views. Alder Hotel its regional headquarters at 228 St. Following a two-year renovation, the historic Bristow Tower next to Ochsner Baptist Charles Ave. to One Shell Square opened at the Alder Hotel on Sept. 12. The mid-century modern-style 90-room hotel at 4545 (701 Poydras St.) The tallest office Magnolia St. is owned by the Valentino Hotel Group of New Orleans, along with the Place building in Louisiana is being d’Armes Hotel, Prince Conti, Hotel St. Marie, French Market Inn and the Lafayette Hotel. renamed the Hancock Whitney Center. The bank’s 400 employees will occupy seven floors of the building.

COMING SOON CrescentCare Pin Oak CrescentCare, a Terminals nonprofit provider On August 14, two of community-based years after breaking wellness services ground, Pin Oak for the Greater New Terminals announced Orleans area for the beginning of more than 30 years, operations of a new broke ground on a petroleum liquid new health center at storage terminal 1631 Elysian Fields in the Port of South Ave. on August 15. At Louisiana district. ASI Federal Credit Union 65,000 square feet, Created through a ASI Federal Credit Union held the the new $23 million $600 million capital grand opening of its newly designed comprehensive investment, the Mid-City Marketplace branch at campus will triple terminal is expected 411 N. Carrollton Ave., Suite 3 on Ochsner Baptist Women’s Clinic the organization’s to create 70 new August 24. Noting findings from the In August Ochsner Baptist, a campus of Ochsner Medical capacity to provide on-site, full-time and 2016 National Report Card on Adult Center located at 2700 Napoleon Ave., announced it had primary care, contractor jobs and Financial Literacy that Louisiana is opened a new clinic designed to provide urgent obstetric and pediatric care, dental, an additional 81 one of the least financially literate gynecological services called Ochsner Baptist Women’s Walk- HIV services, case indirect jobs. At peak states, the branch is hosting a series In Care. The clinic offers same-day access to a wide array of management and construction, the of financial workshops for the public. female issues with no appointment needed. behavioral services to project created 440 The first of which, “Financial Fitness all in need. construction jobs. Bootcamp,” was held Sept. 13.

28 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 29 Events

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United Way of Southeast Louisiana- Northshore Flood AMA New Orleans and New Orleans Chamber Recovery Anniversary “Protecting Your Brand Through a Crisis”

Friday, August 11 Wednesday, August 23

On the former Daily Star property in Hammond — site of last year’s UWSELA Speakers from Gambel Communications, Sarah Chambless Federer and flood warehouse — an event was held to honor those that helped with the Renee Lebouef spoke about how to handle crisis communication at this rebuilding process following last year’s flooding. UWSELA and its partners event open to both members and non-members of AMA New Orleans. were responsible for over 1.55 million items distributed, valued at more than $1.4 million and 5,400 hours of volunteer service.

1. Jamene Dahmer, Michael Otkins, Kenneth Johnston and Cammie 1. Elizabeth Frost, Ashley Falkenstein, Haley Pegg and Dorothy Hills 2. Proctor 2. Michael Williamson 3. Jim Fatic, Daniel Edwards, Beth Speakers Renee Lebouef and Sarah Chambless Federer 3. Matt Pruett, Lafargue and Tamara Danel Ben Johnson and Brett Napier

30 Biz October 2017 photographs by cheryl gerber BizNewOrleans.com 31 Events

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JEDCO 30th Anniversary Celebration 3rd Annual ABWA Leadership Conference

Wednesday, September 13 | Jefferson Performing Arts Center Thursday, September 14 | NOLA Motorsports

JEDCO celebrated 30 years in business at a free event packed with food, The American Business Women’s Association held its annual leadership drinks and live music by The Benchwarmers. conference at NOLA Motorsports this year. The conference included speakers, a panel, an awards ceremony, networking, and kart races.

1. Jay Lapeyre, Henry Shane, Joan Davis and Sen. Conrad Appel 2. Jerry 1. Amanda Polkey, Shawntele Green and Casey Blasiar 2. Christi Felder, Bologna 3. Mike Yenni, Tom Gennaro and Ryan Daul Laura Thomas, Katie Kunstler and Edna Cooper 3. Daya Naef, Desiree Young and Michelle Cullison

32 Biz October 2017 photographs by cheryl gerber BizNewOrleans.com 33 34 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 35 inBiz columnis ts speakthe out biz

DINING • TOURISM • SPORTS • ENTERTAINMENT • ENTREPRENEURSHIP • ETIQUETTE • MARKETING

dining Dixie Comes Home The Bensons tackle a new project.

More on page 38

BizNewOrleans.com 37 In the Biz dining

The Rebirth of Dixie Beer The New Orleans brew comes home.

By Poppy Tooker

A native New Orleanian, Poppy Tooker has spent her life devoted to the cultural essence o you remember your first cold that food brings to Louisiana, a topic she explores weekly D beer? Tom Benson does. It was on her NPR-affiliated radio a Dixie, but he’s hardly alone in that! show, Louisiana Eats! From farmers markets to the homes Anyone who grew up in New Orleans and restaurants where our during the 20th century has their own culinary traditions are revered Dixie beer story to tell. and renewed, Poppy lends the voice of an insider to interested Dixie beer is much like the city itself readers everywhere. — a survivor. New Orleans in the 1890s was considered the “Brewing Capital and children with casual dining from of the South.” food trucks or restaurant pop-ups. Thirty breweries produced sudsy, But where will Dixie fit in the current golden lagers for the thirsty populace. brewery scene? For over a decade, In the late 20th century, Budweiser, Avenue Pub owner Polly Watts has Miller and Coors, the industry giants, been the dynamic force behind the made it increasingly difficult for small burgeoning craft beer movement in breweries to survive until finally, in 2005, New Orleans. Her carefully curated Hurricane Katrina wiped out the city’s selection of local and international last brewery, Dixie Beer. brews has made the pub a destination As the city rebuilt after the storm, location for beer lovers, catering to the Tom and Gayle Benson participated best educated of connoisseurs. in the revitalization through new What’s Watts’ take on Dixie’s rebirth? projects like Benson Tower, the Hornets commitment to Dixie. Kendra Bruno’s making Dixie on Tulane Avenue for Both she and her customers are thrilled. and Fox 8. Seeing the positive effect family was the original makers of Barq’s 20 years before Katrina. “Once upon a time in America, every each brought to the city, they tasked Root Beer, so she knew what it was like First the brewing operation was big city had a brewery making a local their management team with finding to see a local product lose its cultural moved from Wisconsin downriver to lager,” Watts says. “The rebirth of Dixie businesses that perhaps were dwindling identity, something she and her husband, Memphis, where Kevin meticulously brings us back to our post-Prohibition or already “ain’t there no more.” As Joseph, were determined would never recreated the original taste, but by place.” they investigated possibilities, “and we happen to Dixie Beer. Over the past 2018 the brewery will move home to She adds that the “vast majority talked with just about everyone you can decade, the Brunos received over 80 New Orleans. of Americans still prefer a beer with think of!” says Ben Hales, Benson’s buyout offers, but were not willing to sell. The first kegs were delivered to a clean, crisp taste that’s not alcohol senior vice president of marketing and All that changed once they saw the local establishments in late July and packed. Dixie is our version of that. business development, “one name that passion for the brand the Bensons the reaction was unanimous. Dixie It’s the guilt-free beer to pop after kept coming up was Dixie.” brought to the table. It was clear they drinkers proclaimed, “This is the beer cutting the lawn!” After the iconic Tulane Avenue understood that to New Orleans, Dixie I fell in love with!” What a wonderful Now is the time to pop the top brewery became a casualty of Hurricane was so much more than just beer. way for an iconic brand to celebrate on a Dixie and toast Tom Benson’s Katrina, Dixie beer owners Joseph and Once the deal was struck, the first its 110th anniversary! commitment to preserving the history Kendra Bruno resorted to contract priority was to restore the beer’s quality. Today, almost every New Orleans of New Orleans. n brewing the product in Wisconsin. But to Luckily, the original 1907 recipe for neighborhood has a brewery nearby. loyal beer drinkers, it seemed something Dixie had been carefully preserved Instead of industrial sites, today’s Catch Poppy Tooker on her radio was missing when it came to taste. and Kevin Stuart, Dixie’s longtime breweries are cozy affairs, most with show, Louisiana Eats! Saturdays at Despite flagging quality, brand loyalty brewmaster, was ready and willing a tasting room to sample the wares. 11 a.m. and Wednesdays at 1 p.m. remained strong – as strong as the Brunos’ to take on the project. He had been Outdoor seating areas welcome dogs on WWNO 89.9 FM.

38 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 39 In The Biz tom uris

Get Your Motor Runnin’ StarBike brings a new twist on vacation rentals and New Orleans dining Jennifer Gibson Schecter Bnny Je ifer Gibson Schecter was once a tourist in New Orleans herself and is now proud to call NOLA home. She also writes the Wednesday Tourism Blog on ew Orleans has been an overnight BizNewOrleans.com. N destination since its founding, which means we’ve had nearly 300 years to perfect the hotel stay. From rowdy taverns to modern-day sophistica- tion, this city has met travelers’ needs and even surprised them a time or two. Enter StarBike Café and Guest Quarters, a new addition to both the her nearly 30 years of motorcycle experi- New Orleans dining and overnight ence, she also plans to create a map rental scene. One part vacation rental, specifically for motorcycle riders for one part community café, StarBike is destinations and day trips beyond the a hybrid business in the hospitality immediate New Orleans area. and tourism industry with particular Her love of all things motorcycle appeal for any motorcycle aficionado. has been intertwined with her business Amanda Frank, owner of the estab- model. lishment, created StarBike with a vision StarBike, the namesake of her busi- of health, service and fun. ness, was Frank’s first motorcycle and “I was on a health kick a few years ago a painting of it adorns an exterior wall. and I had a hard time finding healthy The original gas tank will also serve as places to eat for breakfast and lunch,” part of the interior décor in the café. explained Frank. “I also have my love While StarBike by no means caters for motorcycles and I kept thinking specifically to motorcycle enthusiasts, to myself, ‘Why can’t I do something special amenities like secure off-street I love?’ One day I just figured out a parking for motorcycles and easy access way to combine the two and start a watching at Hansen’s Sno-Bliz in the with a focus on healthy, fun dining to the highway are draws. motorcycle-influenced café. Based summer months. options, but is also open to bringing “I’m doing this because it’s something on the property, I was also able to add The accommodations at StarBike in food trucks for dinner choices and I enjoy and I think we need it,” Frank vacation rentals to the business.” include four apartments, with a fifth to special events. said. “Not just the motorcycle commu- Located at 4737 Tchoupitoulas St. be added in early 2018. Housing single “I want tourists to feel a sense of nity, but for all locals and tourists to at Bordeaux Street, StarBike is situated people or entire families, the property community,” said Frank. “I want locals feel at home at StarBike and in New near amenities that appeal to a variety can be rented to suit any tourist’s needs. to feel comfortable too, and for them Orleans.” of customers. The nearby Rosie’s Jazz Frank said she has already had repeat to be here to help tourists see and do It’s definitely a passion project for Hall brings in wedding guests who need customers in less than a year of operation things in New Orleans outside of the Frank. She quipped, “I want to make accommodations, the Rouses is an easy and is booked for major events like French Quarter and see a different enough money so I can stay open, but place for renters to stock their kitchens Voodoo Experience and Mardi Gras. view of the city.” I’m not looking to become a millionaire.” and Tchoup 45 bar is a well-regarded The café is scheduled to open for To that end, Frank is happy to provide To book a StarBike rental or learn watering hole an easy walk away. Not daily breakfast and lunch service in suggestions of things to do and places the latest news about the café, visit to mention the tasty treats and people late October. Frank will hire a chef to eat, even beyond her own café. Using starbikenola.com. n

40 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 41 In The Biz sports

Titletown, U.S.A. Make the leap to Lambeau, Green Bay

Bry ch is price

Chris Price is an award- winning journalist and public anton, Ohio, may be the birth- relations principal. When he’s C place of professional football, not writing, he’s avid about but Green Bay, Wisconsin, is definitely music, the outdoors, and Saints, Ole Miss and Chelsea its spiritual home. Many of the NFL’s football. Price also authors iconic moments and legends are Green the Friday Sports Column at BizNewOrleans.com. Bay Packer iconic moments and legends. The city celebrates its team like no other. If you have the chance to follow the Saints later this month for their tilt against the Packers, GO! Even if foot Kohler Waters Spa, and Taverne you can’t make it up for the game, put in the Sky, with its panoramic view of Green Bay on your sports bucket list. Lambeau Field and a sky terrace outside You won’t be disappointed. with couches, club chairs, and fire pits to With a population just north of keep warm. A unique feature of Lodge 105,000, about 250,000 in the metro Kohler’s suites is Weber propane grills area and 600,000 in its television market, and concierge service that will provide Green Bay is by far the smallest home your choice of meats for cooking right city in top-level American professional outside your hotel room in the thick sports; but it is one of the sporting of tailgating action. world’s most respected. Founded Hinterland owner Bill Tressler in 1919. By Earl “Curly” Lambeau, slyly grins when someone tells him the team has won a record 13 NFL he’s going to be able to mint money Championships, including four Super on game day. He relocated to the Bowls, and is unique as the only publicly Titletown District from downtown owned team in any of the country’s Green Bay after his brewery reached major professional sports leagues, which max production and the Packers shared makes it the only franchise to release Last year, Forbes estimated the Atrium, with a terrazzo floor looks like their idea for the development with its financial balance sheet every year. Packers’ market value at $2.35 billion, a football field, is home to the Packers him. Hinterland now brews 25 kinds of “We know we are very blessed to have with revenues of $391 million and Hall of Fame, ProShop, 1919 brewpub, beer in 15,000 31-gallon barrels each an NFL franchise,” said Jim Schmitt, an operating income of $101 million. and fast-food options. With it, the year in a 24,000 square-foot facility Green Bay’s mayor since 2003. “There However, financial success wasn’t Packers went from among the bottom split between restaurant and brewery. are cities much larger than us that always in the Packers’ grasp. of league in revenue to the top 10. While Tressler says his heart is in the don’t have the recognition nationally “The fact that this team has survived This fall, the Packers will unveil brewery, the move has meant a greater or internationally that we have, and it’s in this city is the most remarkable in the Titletown District, a $125 million, focus on cuisine. He’s combining some because of the Green Bay Packers. We sports,” said Cliff Christl, the Packers’ 45-acre mixed-use tract across the street traditional Wisconsin plates with items know that. We never take it for granted.” official historian. from Lambeau. Phase one, anchored from the Pacific Rim. Homages to the Packers are all over The team had to sell stock thrice to by Lodge Kohler, a AAA-rated four- He’s anticipating up to 2,000 Green Bay, from the Packers Heritage stay solvent, first in 1923, then 1935, diamond hotel and spa, Hinterland customers to come inside on game Trail Downtown, which covers the team’s and 1950. Brewery & Restaurant, a snow tubing days and many more in the beer garden history from the Lambeau through In 2003, the Packers opened the $295 hill, ice skating rink, and athletic outside. With 18-hour days preparing Lombardi eras, to the Oneida Nation million Atrium at Lambeau Field to field is expected to be completed by for football season, Tressler said the Walk of Legends, a display of 24 monu- solidify finances by making the stadium Thanksgiving. hardest part of the move has been hiring ments celebrating Packers history and a year-round attraction rather than only Lodge Kohler features 144 rooms, enough workers to meet expected legends, just outside of Lambeau Field. used 10 times a year on game days. The including 10 suites, the 6,000 square- demand. n

42 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 43 In The Biz entertainment

Film Fest More Diverse Than Ever With a new executive director comes a mission update for the New Kimberley Singletary is Orleans Film Society. the managing editor of Biz New Orleans magazine. A By Kim Singletary 20-year Southern Califor- nia veteran, she has been surrounded by the film industry for most of her life.

eld October 11 to 19, this year H marks the 28th year of the New Orleans Film Festival and it’s a year where you’ll be seeing more diversity than ever before. This will be the first and brought in more than $130 million festival to be helmed worldwide this year — the same year (Top) This by Fallon Young, who year’s NOFF another black, female dominated movie, stepped in this past centerpiece “Hidden Figures,” topped over $229 film, February as the new “Mudbound.” million worldwide. executive director of (Bottom) Then of course there’s “Wonder the New Orleans Film Fallon Young Woman,” which officially destroyed became Society. the new the Hollywood male, white action star “Not long after I came executive mold and blew away the competition director of in, we were doing some the New to become the top-selling movie of the strategic planning and Orleans Film summer domestically, grossing over that included redoing Society in February. $400 million. our mission statement,” With all three of these successes says Young. “We wrote in diversity as occurring within less than a year, it’s a priority and as an organization we’re clear that the market for more diverse investing in that focus heavier than ever.” films that break the usual Hollywood Fifty-three percent of this year’s formula for success is there, and it’s selections are by female directors and 45 far from small. percent are by directors of color — the The New Orleans Film Festival is a most diverse lineup in the festival’s treasure trove for those looking to see history. mixer and head of makeup. If you miss percent of the films being showcased quality films that challenge, inspire This year’s centerpiece film appears “Mudbound” at the festival, it will be were made in Louisiana. and educate that they may otherwise to be the perfect choice — ticking all available on Netflix starting Nov. 17. Given recent box office news, the never get a chance to see — whether the boxes. Filmed in and around New “This is a story of racial tension that effort to make the festival more diverse that’s with a thoughtful documentary Orleans, the film takes place during is very timely,” Young says. “It may take makes good business sense. on climate change, a film on female World War II and focuses on two place decades ago, but it hits on a lot “It’s about reaching a broader audience boxers in India, or the story of the war families — one black and one white — of contemporary issues.” that’s hungry to see their experiences for electricity fought between Edison, in the middle of the Jim Crow South. The festival continues to grow, seeing on screen,” says Young. “Just look at Westinghouse and Tesla. It was also directed by a woman, with a 20 percent increase in submissions this ‘Girls Trip.’” Tickets for the New Orleans Festival women also filling the roles of producer, year over last. Nearly 5,000 entries were A box office success, the film “Girls go on sale Oct. 2. For more information, writer, cinematographer, editor, sound received from 109 countries, but still 29 Trip” starred an all black female cast visit NewOrleansFilmFestival.org. n

44 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 45 In The Biz entrepreneurship

The First Entrepre- neur Who was it? A rundown of the contenders.

By keith twitchell

Keith Twitchell spent 16 years running his own business before becoming his column has recently featured president of the Committee for a Better New Orleans. T a number of profiles of some of He has observed, supported our newest and most interesting entre- and participated in preneurs. While I hope our loyal readers entrepreneurial ventures at the street, neighborhood, have enjoyed these stories, I thought nonprofit, micro- and it might be interesting to look at the macro-business levels. other end of the timeline this month and pose the question, “Who was the first entrepreneur?” Though there will never be a defini- with inventing money. Not surprisingly, tive answer, read on for a look at some this made him very wealthy, hence candidates and their stories. the still-used phrase “rich as Croesus.” We’ll start our search in the Bible. Marco Polo, and his father, Niccolo, Some argue that God was the original are often cited as the first global entre- entrepreneur, having created the earth preneurs. Not only did they envision — by hand. A case could be made for the and to no small degree launch — a vast serpent, who definitely sold Adam trade network from western Europe to and Eve a bill of goods. But I would eastern Asia, Marco’s famous writings propose Noah, whose reward for inspired countless others. Among them building the ark, and populating it was Christopher Columbus (himself with every animal on the planet, was quite the entrepreneur), who found the to have the whole world for himself American continent while searching and his family once the flood waters for a western trade route to India. receded. According to the Bible, he Indians were of course the first promptly planted a vineyard, American entrepreneurs. Though much which gets him some bonus maligned for selling Manhattan to the points. All very impressive for and given it to humans. Not too short for the bed, he would stretch Dutch for the equivalent of $24, in King Croesus a 600-year-old man! of Lydia — only is the ability to cook and them to fit; and if they were too tall, he retrospect they may well have gotten Thinking more along evolu- credited with eat meat considered to have would cut off their feet. Procrustes’ run the better end of that deal. issuing the tionary lines, probably the real first true gold been the catalyst for major as an innovative hotelier was put to an I personally have to give a shout- first entrepreneur was some coins with a evolutionary advances in our end by the hero Theseus, who wrote a out to whomever sold the first oyster. proto-human who managed standardized species, Prometheus’ gift of fire terrible review of his palace in the 11th Getting anyone to pay anything for a purity for to knock off two animals general sparked the entire restaurant century BC equivalent to TripAdvisor. gray, gelatinous bivalve strikes me as in one day’s hunt. With no circulation. industry. One final hospitality industry note: epic entrepreneurship. freezer available back then, Sticking with Greek myth- if prostitution is the oldest profession, The history of entrepreneurship this enterprising individual traded the ology, another candidate would be the first prostitute could certainly lay is replete with creative, innovative spare carcass for a couple of spears and Procrustes. This son of the sea god claim to being the first entrepreneur. firsts. What makes entrepreneurism a cooking pot, thereby establishing Poseidon had a palace in a choice location Though the barter system has not truly remarkable is that enterprising the barter system. along the sacred road from Athens to disappeared completely, most entrepre- individuals are still breaking new ground. Speaking of cooking, the titan Eleusis. Limited to one bed, Procrustes neurs today operate on a cash basis, thus Next month we’ll get back to the Prometheus deserves a place on our nonetheless welcomed visitors to spend a key progenitor of entrepreneurship more recent end of the entrepreneurial list for having stolen fire from the gods the night. The catch was that if they were was King Croesus of Lydia — credited timeline. n

46 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 47 In The Biz et iqueTTE

Mr. Telephone Man The basics of cellphone use at the office and in meetings Melanie Warner Spencer is B y MeLANie Warner Spencer editor of New Orleans Bride and New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles and managing editor of Louisiana Life and Acadiana Profile. Spencer’s hile not ideal, it’s generally ever-expanding library of acceptable to have laptops and etiquette books is rivaled only W by her ever-ready stash of cellphones out during a presentation blank thank-you notes. Submit at a conference (but not in the confer- business etiquette questions to [email protected]. ence room). It’s of course considered a rule of thumb, however, to turn off alerts and other sound effects. This is just one of many cellphone etiquette points to consider when at the office, in meetings or during conference Simply state, “My apologies in advance, presentations and workshops. This but I’m awaiting an important call that month I will dispel any ambiguity couldn’t be rescheduled and I may about when, where and how to use have to step out during the meeting.” this essential business tool. Excuse yourself quietly and with as little disruption as possible, keep your absence At your desk: Whether you have a brief and return with the same lack of private office or a shared space, turn commotion. This courtesy notice goes off your phone’s ringer. If possible, use a long way, but don’t abuse it by using silent mode without vibration. Even it every time you are in a meeting. Use a faint buzz can be a distraction to the same strategy if you are awaiting coworkers with sensitive ears. If you an urgent text or email. Leave, answer are expecting an important call, simply it and come back. keep it in a spot where you will see it light up. Also, remember to take Cellphones have revolutionized the personal calls outside a shared office with phone in hand, at least follow the becoming the norm. I encourage you way we do business, but if used unwisely, space and into a private or outdoor advice of Peter Post, managing director to fight this trend in an effort to stand they can do more harm than good. area where your conversation won’t of the Emily Post Institute, who writes out from the crowd. Keep these simple rules in mind when interrupt work and those around you in his Boston Globe column, “Act in a Whether it’s a formal meeting around using yours and enjoy the all-too-rare can’t overhear personal details. way that both solves the situation and the conference table, a casual lunch opportunity to focus on the person or is best for the relationship between meeting, or something in-between, people in front of you. When face-to-face: It’s important in the people involved. Sometimes that cellphones should be left in your office The benefits of deeper communica- all of our interpersonal relationships, not is hard to do. If I am talking to you, I or tucked away in a pocket or purse. tion are sure to outweigh the instant just those in our business life, to give know I’ll want to answer my cellphone By having it out, you are potentially gratification of immediately responding the people in front of us our undivided if it rings, but the better choice, the sending an unwanted message that to a text, email or call that most likely attention. When communicating in harder choice for me, is to send the you aren’t invested in the people or can wait until you are free. The added person at work, either leave your phone call to voicemail so I continue to focus subject matter in front of you. There bonus is that later you can turn your at your desk or in your pocket. This on you and our interaction.” is an exception to the rule: if you truly full attention to the person on the eliminates the temptation to glance are awaiting an urgent call or message. other end of that communiqué and at it, text or take a call in the middle During meetings: Cellphones on the If so, inform the other party or parties. avoid a potentially costly text or email of a conversation. If caught off guard table during meetings is unfortunately It isn’t necessary to go into specifics. faux pas. n

48 Biz October 2017 illustration by jason raish BizNewOrleans.com 49 In The Biz marketing

Lessons From Casinos Five winning strategies you can adopt today.

Buy J lia carcamo

Julia Carcamo is president and chief brand strategist ne of my favorite things to talk at J Carcamo & Associates, O about is strategy, specifically specializing in brand and marketing strategy. She marketing strategy. A solid strategy is also the co-founder unveils a path to success because it of espNOLA, a Hispanic marketing and engagement identifies where you want to end up. agency. Learn more at It differs from your marketing plan, jcarcamoassociates.com which is the collection of steps you’ll and espnola.com. take on that path and the tools you’ll need to get further.

Database Marketing. Like 1 any other business, casinos com- pete for the disposable dollars of adults, price certain food venues to appeal to specifically disposable dollars that that need for value. Value is not a dollar adults may choose to use for entertain- amount; it’s the relationship to your ment. Casino marketers are asking customer’s wallet. for a not-so-insignificant part of that As you look at your offerings and entertainment budget. While a trip customer experience, think about those to the movies with popcorn and soda moments you add value and where you could easily top $50 for two people, take it away. Sometimes, something casinos are looking for that amount as easy as using a POS system that from one adult. So, how they identify primary functions of the casino host But what about freebies? When easily emails a receipt can add value and target is worth a look. are to create experiences for high-worth 7-Eleven gives away free Slurpees, to a checkout. In my opinion, few companies customers by providing the compli- people line up by the hundreds and leverage a database quite like a casino. mentary perks that make their visit thousands. Whether it be free or a Community. Let’s be honest, They have been collecting information truly personal. gamble, people want a chance to win 5 when casinos came to the area, about customers for years and are now At the core of this function is the something. Casinos understand this many looked forward to the fun and able to leverage that information to understanding that casino customers and build calendars of events that use excitement but few really believed the determine who the most valuable cus- (indeed all of us) want the businesses drawings, free spins and tournaments operations would enhance the commu- tomers are today and will be tomorrow. we patronize to know who we are and to create multiple chances to win. nity. At the last company I worked for, They have learned to understand the what we like. The lesson here? It’s the employees performed over 14,000 triggers that drive visits during tar- little touches that matter. Value. Anyone with a dollar to hours of community service in only geted times. And, given the explosion 4 spend wants to feel they are getting one year. Perform a simple search on of technology, they continue to use A Chance to Win. Ever wonder something of value for that dollar. the American Gaming Association snail mail in successful ways. You 3 what makes people buy lottery Casinos understand pricing and value site and you’ll see example after example can do this too! CRM and sales tools tickets when the odds are stacked like few other businesses. Thousands of how the communities were enriched abound, from free starters great for against them? Psychologists will tell of focus groups have repeated the same by the hard work of casino employees. small businesses to rock star business you that our brains can’t really compute feeling. Gamblers know the odds of intelligence tools. probabilities that are that high. They winning are not in their favor, but they The message here is simple: get might also argue we mere humans fall want to be able to play a sufficient involved. There are too many needs, Personalization. Today’s casino into a trap of “near miss.” In other amount of time with the budget they and I bet that given the opportunity, 2 host is part salesperson, part words, “If I was that close this time, have. That’s how they interpret value your employees would love to join customer service representative. The I could be the winner next time.” on the casino floor. Additionally, casinos together and do some good.n

50 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 51 perspectives hot topics in southeast Louisiana industries education • healthcare • law • GUEST VIEWPOINT

healthcare Oh Say Can You See? A look at common vision problems for those over 40

More on page 58

BizNewOrleans.com 53 Perspectives ed ucATion

The Business of Charter Schools A post-Katrina boom

has changed the way how to children in Southeast S tart a Louisiana are educated. Charter

By Kim Roberts School

In Louisiana, charter schools may ince Hurricane Katrina — a starting be approved S point for a lot of things in New Orleans by local school — charter schools have exploded throughout boards or the the city, popping up in one neighborhood State Board after the next. of Elementary Essentially public schools that are indepen- and Secondary dently run, charter schools are granted more Education flexibility in terms of operations but are held to (BESE). different accountability and benchmark levels. The term “charter” refers to the terms that The Louisiana each school agrees to in their performance Department of Education publishes contract, which details the school’s mission, on its website a set program, students served, performance goals of common eligibility and methods of assessment. requirements that In the broadest sense, charter schools are charter school applicants must really public schools that are chosen, meaning complete in order that parents choose a particular school for to be considered for their children other than just attending the opening a charter school in the neighborhood. school in the state, along with the According to the Louisiana Association common charter of Public Charter Schools, charter schools school application. operate with freedom from some of the Local school boards regulations that are imposed upon local may elect to impose additional eligibility district schools. They are accountable for the requirements, which same academic results as traditional district “Before Katrina, there were a handful of “After Katrina…all of the political indica- must be published schools, and for upholding the promises charter schools in Orleans Parish, and it tions pointed to the schools not reopening on their websites. made in their charters. Additionally, these has grown and mushroomed from there,” anytime soon, so school leaders got together Charter school schools must demonstrate performance in says Ken Ducote, executive director of the and got organized and utilized the charter applicants may academic achievement, financial management Greater New Orleans Collaborative of Charter system to rebuild the schools and the commu- submit their application to one or and organizational stability. If a charter Schools (GNOCCS). “At first there were nity,” he says. “Chartering was a way to get more authorizers. school does not meet performance goals, regular charter schools, then the state had a things to happen in a timely fashion so the For more information it may be closed. few school takeovers that were faltering and students could get back to school.” on the charter As a public school, charters do not charge they chartered those.” Since charter schools are public schools, they application process fees for attendance; instead, each is funded Ducote says that Greater New Orleans receive their funding through the Minimum and relevant according to enrollment levels and receives schools were struggling with a lot of confu- Foundation program in the same way the state deadlines, please visit the Louisiana public funds on a per-pupil basis. Charters sion pre-Katrina. distributes public funds to all kindergarten Department of are entitled to federal categorical funding “There were 12 superintendents, no consis- through 12th grade public school programs, Education website at for which their students are eligible, such as tency and the decisions being made were on a per-student basis. Also, like other public louisianabelieves.com. Title I and special education money. moving further away from the school,” he said. schools in Louisiana, charter schools must

54 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 55 comply with state laws governing public entities, including the Code of Ethics, Open Meetings Law, Local Government Budget Act, Public Records Act and Public Bid Law. Charter schools must also comply with poli- cies set by their authorizer. Like other public schools in Louisiana, charter schools receive letter grades through the state accountability system and take the same state tests. Unlike other public schools, however, a charter school may be closed by its authorizers if it does not meet its academic, financial and operational obligations by the end of its charter contract (usually five years). “Charters have the ability to be more specialized; for example a school can focus on STEM, foreign languages, international business, public service or leadership,” Ducote says. “There is a parish in Louisiana that has a charter school specifically for students with dyslexia. Charter schools have the ability to look at the underserved community and help them out through a new, fresh approach. There is autonomy in the curriculum.” Kathy Reidlinger, CEO of Lusher Charter to go to help the students. Now we have the the federal money that is received, as well School, says there are no public schools in ability to have niches and to better serve the as have a CFO on staff. You always have to New Orleans any more, only charter schools. community.” know what is going on in the school on the “After Katrina, little by little, all the schools Jenkins adds that charter schools provide business side and be accountable. But, we converted to the charter system,” she said. more transparency in the education system are still governed by state laws and there are “Charter schools do not always have a traditional and more accountability. layers of rules and regulations that have to office staff, they operate under new policies “This is a matter of necessity and allows be followed to maintain our charter. Overall, to meet the needs of their students. Most us to focus without all the bureaucracy,” she we feel a commitment to the community and have their own nonprofit boards that govern.” says. “It’s hard work to become a charter we believe that we can help any student that The change, she says, has been a positive one. school. It’s a business and you have to pay comes in, and meets our criteria, to find a “Since the implementation of charter schools, attention to budgets and payroll and manage place in our school.” n we are seeing more public and community There involvement in schools,” she said. “Achievement test scores are up and there is more account- are good ability because of the governing board. There school are good school choices for parents to send choices for numbers their kids to in New Orleans, and it will just parents Wt ho At ends Charters in Louisiana? continue to get better. New Orleans has done a remarkable job of creating places for students to send Charter school students have similar demographic characteristics to to go to school, and the momentum will keep their kids students in all public schools in Louisiana, but charter schools serve a larger going to continue to bring quality education to in New percentage of economically disadvantaged students and black students. to the students of our city.”

While tuition is not charged to attend a Orleans, Economically special Ed English Learners Disadvantaged charter school, parents may be asked to pay and it 78% 11% 6% for school uniforms, school supplies, extracur- will just Charters ricular activities, enrichment or supplemental State 69% 13% <5% fees and before and after school care. continue “For us, the biggest reason we became a to get Asian Black Hispanic white charter was as a response to an emergency better. Multiracial — Katrina — and knowing we would not Charters 1% 72% 5% 20% 1% reopen if we did not do something,” says State 1% 44% 6% 45% 2% Ben Franklin High School Administrative Director Lynn Jenkins. “As far as schools go, *Data is based on 2015 student enrollment counts from the Louisiana Department of Education. a one-size-fits-all model was not working in Kathy Reidlinger, CEO of Lusher this city anymore and charters were the way Charter School

56 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 57 Perspectives healthcare

Oh Say Can By the Numbers You See? Vision problems Vision problems become in the U.S. more common for those over 40. A look at some of 14 million Americans age 12 the most common causes and older have of vision loss and local self-reported visual impairment resources that can help. (defined as distance visual acuity of 20/50 By Maria Clark or worse). 3.4 million (3%) Americans age 40 and older are either blind (having ver had to hold a menu out at arm’s visual acuity [VA] of E length? Struggled to read small print? 20/200 or less or a Among the many changes people typically visual field of less than 20 degrees) notice as they age are changes in vision, the or are visually most common being something called pres- impaired (VA of byopia — problems seeing clearly at close 20/40 or less). distances. 1.6 million While presbyopia is nothing serious — Americans 50 and likely requiring nothing more than maybe older have age- switching to bifocals or picking up a pair related macular of cheap reading glasses — there are more degeneration. serious eye conditions that can threaten 5.3 million vision in older adults. For this reason, it’s (about 2.5% of all recommended that those over 40 make sure people) age 18 and to schedule a comprehensive eye exam at older have diabetic retinopathy. least every two years. There are four leading causes for vision 20.5 million loss as people age. The first is age-related people (about 16% of Americans) age macular degeneration, the leading cause of 40 and older have severe vision loss in those over the age of cataracts. 50. This condition results in blurred vision or no central vision, which can make it hard 2.2 million Americans age 40 to recognize faces, drive or perform other and older have activities of daily life. glaucoma. Another common problem is glaucoma, about 20.5 million Americans according to the the lens with more flexibility, resulting in 50% which is actually a group of ailments that Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. improved vision. of an estimated 61 occur due to pressure buildup within the “At age 40 the lens in the eye starts to get “The technology has improved tremen- million adults in the eye, which can lead to damage to the optic firmer, making it harder to see objects distant dously from what it used to be,” said Dr. Ron United States who nerve. The condition affects nearly 2.2 million and near,” said Dr. Delmar Caldwell, director Landry, director of Eyecare Associates in are classified as being at high risk Americans over the age of 40. of the Department of Ophthalmology at Metairie. The center employs ophthalmolo- for serious vision Diabetic retinopathy, also known as Tulane University. gists and optometrists and offers a wide range loss visited an eye diabetic eye disease, is a condition caused The condition can also cause patients to of clinical and surgical procedures for eye care. doctor in the past 12 by diabetes that can lead to damage to the stop seeing shades of blue, which means In the past, patients have had to wait months. retina. Symptoms include loss of central they must be especially careful driving at until a cataract was advanced to the point Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. vision, blurry vision and holes or black sunset and sunrise. of near blindness to have surgery, which (Numbers are based on data from NHANES, NHIS and a spots in vision. Treatment for cataracts has advanced required general anesthesia. Now, cataract compilation of population- The most common eye condition for people significantly over the years, with cataract surgery only requires localized anesthetic based studies.) age 40 and older is cataracts, which affect surgery becoming focused on providing and is normally an outpatient procedure.

58 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 59 It is recommended nearly as soon as “For example, we train some people “I can say many people come to us feeling hopeless because we are wired to cataracts begin to affect general activity so that they can see around the spots technology and offers an almost 99 percent success in their vision,” said Heck. “When we use our vision,” said Heck. “The reality rate, according to Landry. are born, our brain chooses to take in is we were designed to get information Top Mobile “People are living longer and living images through our central vision. from all of our senses.” Apps much more actively,” he said. “They When we lose it, our brains pick a Deborah Barrett, an occupational for the rely so much on their eyesight that second point, and we train people to therapist at Lighthouse for the Blind, Visually when it starts to fail them they are focus on it.” says her clients suffer from different Impaired much more proactive about having it The training is not a procedure but degrees of vision loss, and range from remedied if possible.” more like physical therapy, she says. toddlers to a patient who at 103 years BARD Mobile: Offers over 80,000 For New Orleanians struggling with Additionally, the organization is up to of age learned to use a CCT reader, books, magazines vision loss, Lighthouse for the Blind date with a variety of mobile apps and a video magnification aid to help her and music scores can be an invaluable resource. This gadgets that make simple activities a lot read the newspaper. in braille and audio nonprofit organization, based Uptown easier, such as Tap Tap See, a mobile New technology is constantly being format near Children’s Hospital, serves patients application that uses any smartphone developed to aid those suffering from Nant Mobile of all ages, as well as provides in-services camera to photograph and audibly vision loss. Therapists at the Lighthouse Money Reader: Instantly recognizes at several nursing homes, including identify items for the user. for the Blind work with patients to currency and Poydras House. help them use devices that aid with speaks the Jenice Heck is vice president basic tasks such as the EZ Pour, a denomination of vision rehabilitation services device that connects to the top of Tap Tap See: at Lighthouse for the Blind. The a mug and beeps when the liquid Photographs the organization provides a range is an inch from spilling. items and audibly tells the user what of services from the point of At age 40 the lens in the “It’s simple devices like this the item is diagnosis to offering ways to that take away the frustration eye starts to get firmer, VO Tutorial: help retain independence. Loss of being visually impaired,” said VoiceOver Tutorial of central vision is a common making it harder to see Barrett. “If I can give a patient provides an symptom among several of their objects distant and near. one thing that they are able to overview of how to patients. do when I leave, it gives them use iOS using Voice Over At Lighthouse’s low-vision a renewed sense of hope. I have clinic, occupational therapists seen them open up and grow from Visor (electronic magnifier): Also just a small change.” n help patients train to use their Dr. Delmar Caldwell, director of the Department known as CCT or a secondary vision. of Ophthalmology at Tulane University video magnifier, it allows the user to magnify text to help them read Around Me: Allows users to quickly find information about their surroundings W arning Signs to Watch For Blindfold Games: The following symptoms could be the early warning signs of a serous Fully accessible eye health problem: games with audio cues for the visually Fluctuating vision. Frequent of particles floating in the be treated immediately to your vision could be signs impaired prevent serious loss of vision. changes in how clearly you fluid that fills the inside of of age-related macular KNFB Reader: can see may be a sign of the eye. Although they can degeneration. The disease Loss of side vision. Losing Take a picture of a diabetes or hypertension be bothersome, spots and peripheral or side vision affects the macula, which is document and the (high blood pressure). floaters typically don’t harm may be a sign of glaucoma. the part of your retina that is app will read the These chronic conditions vision. They are a natural Glaucoma occurs when responsible for central vision. print can damage the tiny blood part of the eye’s aging The disease causes a blind the optic nerve is damaged Color ID Free: vessels in the retina, the light- process. spot in the middle of your and no longer transmits all Color identifier uses sensitive layer at the back of field of vision. But if you suddenly see visual images to the brain. It a smartphone to the eye. This vision loss can often has no symptoms until more floaters than normal, Regular eye examinations identify colors sometimes be permanent. damage to your vision has along with bright, flashing and early diagnosis and begun. Goggles: Enables Seeing floaters and lights, see your optometrist treatment of eye diseases users to make flashes. Occasionally, you immediately. This could Seeing distorted images. can help you preserve good searches using may see spots or floaters be a sign that you have a Straight lines that appear vision throughout your life. pictures in your eyes. In most cases, tear in your retina, and it distorted or wavy or an Source: American Optometric Association Source: the staff at these are shadowy images could detach. This should empty area in the center of – AOA.org Lighthouse for the Blind

60 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 61 Perspectives law

Short-term Rentals: What You Should Know A look at the rules governing this newly legal income opportunity.

By Jessica Rosgaard

t’s a debate that pits neighbor against I neighbor — literally. a little help “I have not talked to many people who are The Host not hosts, who are not making money from it, who really like Airbnb,” says Andrew Legrand, Local company founder of Spera Law, a firm focusing on offers tailored small businesses. services And while the existence of short-term specifically rentals isn’t historically new to New Orleans, for short-term advances in technology have made the rentals. practice of advertising, scheduling and operating a short-term rental widely accessible. For those looking to jump into the short- The number of short-term rental hosts in term rental business, New Orleans grew rapidly starting around local entrepreneur “The basic idea is that if you’re the landlord, 2010. By the end of 2015, Airbnb estimated Brittney Greene runs allowing the activity that was disallowed it had about 2,400 hosts in New Orleans. a company called before,” Legrand said. if you’re the owner of the property, you’re Residents complained about excessive The Host designed going to be there all the time, watching over to make your life your guests and hopefully being a responsible partying and the loss of their neighborhoods, easier. Three Types of Short-Term while concerns grew about the impact on Rentals host,” adds Legrand. The company offers For a temporary STR, the owner does the city’s limited residential market. everything from “The city government started having discus- how to get started, The ordinance divides short-term rentals not need to be on the premises while a sions in 2015 and that generated proposals for help with licensing (STRs) into three categories: accessory, guest rents out the house. You can rent out ordinances,” says David Groome, partner at and getting online, temporary (for residential properties) and up to five bedrooms with a limit of two to a designer to guests per bedroom, or up to 10 people for Deutsch Kerrigan. “There was the idea that furnish a rental and commercial. For each one, the owner must stuff like this had to be regulated, or it was service providers obtain the appropriate license — which the property. The catch is that a temporary going to be pushed underground — so why for maintenance, comes with different rules and fees. STR can only be rented for a maximum of not regulate, tax it and control it?” housekeeping and An accessory STR is one where the owner 90 nights per year. lawn care. For In December 2016, the New Orleans City a fee of $35 per lives on the property full-time and rents out This limitation prohibits investors from Council passed a series of zoning ordinances reservation, owners a spare bedroom, or, for example, the other buying residentially zoned properties and to establish rules, regulations and taxation also have the option side of their double. running them solely as short-term rentals of short-term rentals. of offering their There is no limit to the number of nights — responding to a concern of homeowners renters access to Before the new ordinance went into effect a guest concierge you can rent out the space, but there are in especially popular neighborhoods like on April 1, 2017, short-term rentals in New who will meet them other restrictions. the Marigny and Bywater. Orleans weren’t just unregulated, they were at the unit and help “You can’t rent out more than three bedrooms, “That was certainly the intent of the ordi- illegal. Legrand sees the new ordinance as an plan all the activities and you can’t have more than two people in nance, to help preserve neighborhoods,” says during their trip. For expansion, rather than a restriction. more information, each bedroom, or a maximum of six people Chalker. “They’re trying to strike a balance “The ordinance that the council passed in visit TheHost.com. for the rental,” says Yvonne Chalker, a real between the ability of property owners to use the spring actually made the rules broader, estate lawyer with Elkins PLC. their property in a way they see fit and, in

62 Biz October 2017 Best Lawyers in America© 2012-2017 in Mediation

BizNewOrleans.com 63 Things to Consider

some instances, could supplement their income, Enforcement — Airbnb Would Short-term but to balance that with the concerns of the Partnership Renting Work for residents that don’t want their neighborhoods You? to turn into hotel districts.” The licensing fees and taxes collected on The ordinance The third category is a commercial STR registered short-term rentals have allowed Andrew Legrand special- that the izes in licensing and — unrestricted by the number of units or the city to hire six enforcement agents. The council passed nights rented, the property has to be in a Short-Term Rental Administration works zoning at Spera Law. commercially zoned area. under the Department of Safety and Permits, in the spring He says there are a few For example, “If you’re a property owner and is responsible for licensing of short-term actually things people need to and you have an apartment building with rentals, along with enforcing standards and made the think about when they 20 units, and it’s in the CBD, you can have regulations. consider becoming a the entire building be short-term rentals and STR applicants must show that they have rules broader, short-term rental owner/ you can rent it out every night of the year,” $500,000 in liability insurance on the property, allowing the operator. says Chalker. working smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, activity that First, do the math. People may posted emergency contact information and think they can make more money The French Quarter compliance with all city building codes. was disallowed off a short-term rental with a New Orleans actually has an interesting before. higher nightly rate than a monthly tenant, but “what people don’t The French Quarter is the exception to ally in the regulation effort: Airbnb. The realize is that a long-term renter all of the rules: there are no short-term company has signed an agreement with the pays utilities, and in a short term rentals allowed in the French Quarter, save city to provide certain data — like permit rental situation you’re going be for a few blocks of Bourbon Street, which numbers and number of nights rented — to stuck with $200 a month in utilities Andrew Legrand, — so that’s another $2,000 to is considered to be an entertainment district help with enforcement. Airbnb now also founder of Spera Law $3,000 per year that you’re going and allows commercial STRs. collects and remits taxes to the city of New to wind up paying as a short term Legrand says one reason for this restriction Orleans on behalf of its users. rental host that you don’t think is a decades-long hotel ban in the French As for non-compliance, the city can hit about.” Quarter and a concern that STRs would get owners with a fine of up to $500 per day Next, consider your insurance. around that ban. for a violation, and if the violations persist, If you’re planning to have a short-term rental, make sure your He says the other reason is history. they can revoke your license, put a lien on homeowners insurance covers “For centuries it’s been a residential area, your property, or have your utilities cut off. that use. Also, consider insuring a neighborhood, and I think the city feared All in all, the consensus seems to be that the contents of the home. “If you’re that if they allowed short-term rentals into things are moving along fairly smoothly so far. a short-term rental host you’ve The French Quarter is the got some money invested in the that area all you would see is people who “This is a brand new industry, not just for exception to all of the rules: furniture in the house, so contents had vacation homes and short-term rentals New Orleans, but every city across the globe,” there are no short-term insurance might be something rentals allowed in the you typically expect a tenant to and it would become a giant tourist area as Legrand says. “So I think they’re all trying French Quarter, save for pay for, but that a landlord may opposed to an area where people actually to figure it out, and looking at what other a few blocks of Bourbon want to pay for, too.” live in and work,” he says. cities have done, I think New Orleans has Street. Finally, determine your tax Groome says the French Quarter restric- done a pretty good job.” n implications. Rental income is tion has left some property subject to self-employment tax. owners having to foot the bill When you rent on Airbnb, the for renovations they hoped company sends hosts a 1099, would be offset by short-term the tax form used to report self-employment income. “When rental income. people are comparing the “I personally saw a couple of numbers of this is how many properties that had wood and nights I can rent a year, this is dirt floors because they hadn’t what I can get on a monthly basis, they’re usually not been kept up in years,” he said. considering the additional income “They were renovated, put tax burden on that.” into commerce as an Airbnb “Figure out what you can earn, or VRBO, and then the city and include things like taxes and came out with this ordinance. utilities, cleaning, maintenance, So some of those people had furniture, etcetera. Compare that, and that’ll give you a to go ahead and sell some more accurate picture of if your of their holdings” to cover property’s worth more as a short- renovation costs. term rental or if it’s worth more as a long-term rental.”

64 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 65 Perspectives gV uest IEWPOINT

Louisiana Needed New Opioid Laws Non-narcotic pain relief options exist, and need to be considered.

Btry Pa ick H. Waring, M.D.

n August 1, recently passed Louisiana O legislation regulating the prescription of opioid medication became effective law. While the new legislation is an important step, we physicians must do our part and educate our patients both about opioid risks and about non-narcotic treatment options. But let’s back up and look at what caused this crisis in the first place. The seeds of Louisiana’s current opioid epidemic were actually sown in the mid- 1990s. Before then, most local physicians were concerned about the widespread use of opioids for chronic, non-cancer pain. They believed that these powerful agents were for severe acute pain (a bone fracture or kidney stone) or for end-of-life and cancer pain. They worried about patient addiction and about sanctions from federal and state authorities and so generally avoided the use of opioids for chronic pain. In the mid-1990s, the consensus opinion regarding opioids suddenly reversed. In 1996, Purdue Pharma introduced OxyContin, a powerful opioid used mainly for cancer pain. Shortly thereafter, Purdue began an aggressive physician marketing strategy that promoted OxyContin for non-cancer pain despite a lack of evidence of its safety and efficacy. Their marketing strategy was, however, effective. By 2001, OxyContin prescriptions increased 1,800 percent and sales skyrocketed from $48 million to $1.1 billion. Large physician pain advocacy groups went along and opined that opioids were safe and effective for chronic, non-cancer pain. However, an emerging opioid crisis quickly appeared in Louisiana and elsewhere. By 2007, the U.S. was consuming 99 percent of the world’s supply of hydrocodone, despite accounting for only 5 percent of the world’s

66 Biz October 2017 population. By 2012, enough opioid standardization of care appeared prescriptions were written for every a laudable goal, the fertile ground adult to have a bottle of pills. In 2013, for catastrophic “group think” also drug overdose was the leading cause of developed. In 2003, early in the opioid accidental deaths, surpassing car acci- epidemic, a dissenting group of inter- dents. For every death, there were many ventional pain physicians outlined the more prescription opioid overdoses, hazards of opioids and called for state and even more reports of recreational and national prescription monitoring misuse. In Louisiana, authorities started programs. However, the majority of to prosecute healthcare providers who pain societies continued to insist that prescribed opioids recklessly. When opioids were safe and effective despite the crackdown created difficulty for overwhelming evidence to the contrary. users to obtain prescription opioids, For the past 20 years, interven- they turned to a widely available and tional pain specialist physicians have cheaper option, heroin. been effectively treating chronic pain As concerning as opioid addiction and conditions without opioids. Minimally deaths were, evidence soon appeared invasive interventional strategies were that opioids might not even be effective largely ignored by the medical establish- for chronic pain. Opioids apparently ment. Failed medical consensus, fueled cause “central hyperalgesia,” a condition by pharmaceutical profits, led to the in which a patient’s natural endorphin solitary application of opioid therapy production decreases to a point where and the denial of viable alternatives. their pain paradoxically worsens with With the recently passed Louisiana increasing doses. legislation, we are reminded that only Finally, in 2016, the CDC labeled Louisiana healthcare providers, not prescription opioid abuse as an “epidemic.” national drug companies, prescribe And so, 20 years later, after countless opioids. Following our pledge to do lives were destroyed, officials finally no harm, we need to consider real acknowledged that erroneous medical non-narcotic alternatives and prescribe consensus had essentially created a fewer opioids. n public health disaster — the opioid addiction epidemic. In the late 1990s, when I was starting my own interventional pain practice in the Greater New Orleans area, I met with the Purdue Pharma representa- tive and prescribed OxyContin to a few chronic pain patients. I quickly discovered a high incidence of misuse and addiction. I decided then that I would offer primarily non-narcotic pain alternatives. I found that not only did most of my patients want a non-opioid solution, but that I often was able to achieve effective pain relief using interventional strategies alone. While I realized that there were indications for opioids, intuition told me that their indiscriminate use would prove disastrous. Patrick H. Waring, M.D., founder of the Pain Intervention Center The development of evidence-based in Metairie, is board certified in medicine and practice guidelines anesthesiology and pain medicine regarding opioids directly conflicted and also serves as a senior spine intervention society instructor. with my clinical experience. While

BizNewOrleans.com 67 68 Biz October 2017 Dennis Lauscha, president of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans, shares his personal pregame rituals, discusses his biggest pet peeve, and talks about the future of both teams and their stadiums.

By Chris Price photosgraphs by michael c. hebert

LIVING THE DREAM

BizNewOrleans.com 69 weekend trips to come and see the team Dennis Lauscha in New Orleans. at a glance Age: 45 The beauty of this market is that we have Hometown: New Orleans a tremendous amount of support, not just Family: Wife, Jennifer; Dennis Lauscha has a dream job, and from the fans, but from the leaders, too. son, Patrick, 14; daughter, All of us have a great working relationship. Evy, 11 We’re all working together to make sports Education: Jesuit High he knows it. The New Orleans native is a viable industry in this city. We’ve come School, New Orleans; to the agreement and understanding that University of Alabama, we all have to pull in the same direction; bachelor’s degree in busi- president of the New Orleans Saints that includes the tourism and convention ness; Loyola University of New Orleans, master’s of business, the leadership in New Orleans business administration; and the leadership in Louisiana. All of us the NFL Managers Program and New Orleans Pelicans, and as such have to pull in the same direction in order at Stanford University’s to be successful. Executive Education Gradu- ate School of Business; he oversees the business interests of How do you manage what could be licensed CertifiedP ublic an especially intense schedule from Accountant mid-July to, possibly, late June? First the two franchises, as well as those of all, you manage it by having outstanding people around you. Our staff, bottom to Favorites top, is really good. We joke a lot of the time Favorite book? “The Mean- of team owners Tom and Gayle Benson. that this isn’t a profession, it’s a vocation. ing of Sports” by Michael If you want to get into sports, you really Mandelbaum – A must read have to want to do it. You really have to for anyone in the sports be dedicated – particularly with us because business or a sports fan Favorite TV Show? Of In the three years since Biz New Orleans What are your thoughts on New Or- we have two sports. Having great people course Fox 8’s 9 & 10 p.m. last featured Lauscha in a Q&A, the leans as a sports town? New Orleans is around you is the most important thing. newscast. Also “Informed teams’ combined estimated value has the best sports town in America. The city Also, if you’re having fun or if it’s some- Sources” and “Frontline” increased by $1 billion. According to is very passionate about its teams, and the thing that you really like to do, then it’s not Who do you look up to? Forbes, New Orleans’ two major league teams are very passionate about the citizens work. Sure, there are a lot of late hours, and Tom Benson sports franchises are worth a combined and the culture that we have here. For me there’s a lot to do, but at the end of the day, Biggest life lesson $2.5 billion. The Saints are appraised growing up, the New Orleans Saints were there’s still a passion for it. Fortunately, or learned? Continuous im- at $1.75 billion, with $358 million in No. 1. The Jazz were very important to unfortunately, a lot of our executives and provement and education revenue ($77 million last year), and the me when I was a kid. A lot of kids, when managers here do not have many hobbies is a daily endeavor. Best advice ever received? Pelicans are valued at $750 million, with you ask them their favorite team, you’re outside of work. Their hobby is football, It’s amazing what we can $156 million in annual revenue and $16.7 expecting them to name a college team. basketball, horse racing or some of the accomplish if no one cares million in operating income. Not in this city. It’s one of the professional other business ventures we’re into. who gets the credit. Lauscha has also overseen the Bensons’ teams. You hear it over and over again, but Hobbies? Louisiana and venture into horse racing since 2014, as the teams are absolutely woven into the How do you balance work and family New Orleans history, art well as the purchase and return of Dixie fabric of New Orleans. If ever there has life? I don’t have many hobbies. When I and culture Beer to New Orleans over the beginning been a team that has been defined more leave here I spend all of my time with my Daily habits? Bedtime of this year. by its city and culture than the Saints, I family. My wife is outstanding. My kids are prayers with my kids Lauscha has worked for Benson for 21 don’t know what team that is. great. They enjoy sports and coming to Pet peeve(s)? People be- ing late or ill-prepared for a years and has held several positions and the games. They’re big fans. I spend a lot meeting responsibilities in that time. He is part Can the city support two pro teams? of quality time with my children through What are you most excited of the team that represents the Saints at Some people say perhaps there shouldn’t work. I’ve been blessed in that way. about for the upcoming NFL owners meetings and develops bids be two teams in this small city. But we look Saints season? We have to bring Super Bowls and NBA All-Star at it a bit differently. First of all, when we How do you manage stress? It may an exciting new group of Games to town. look at the Saints, our fan base is not just sound funny, but I don’t feel very stressed. players and coaches. I Lauscha helped negotiate the Super- in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish. It There have been times over the last decade have been a Saints fan my dome lease that keeps the Saints in New truly is throughout the southeast United or so, particularly going through Katrina, entire life, so like any other Orleans through 2025, as well as the deals States. If you look at the population of the ‘Bountygate’ issue, and the crush of year I of course expect a 16-0 season followed by a to name the Mercedes-Benz Superdome Louisiana, Mississippi, southern Alabama the Super Bowl — those could be stress- Super Bowl win! and the Smoothie King Center. Prior to and the panhandle of Florida, you’re talk- ful times. But we have a great team and joining the Saints, Lauscha worked as ing about roughly 7 million people. That’s a great owner in Tom Benson and Mrs. the club’s auditor for four years while really where our fan base is. Over a third of Benson. A lot of the noise that you would I think we have working for national accounting firm our fans come from the southeastern part think would come along with being the a good relation- ship with the Arthur Andersen. of the United States, not just New Orleans. president really is eliminated because of state. We’ve learned that we Lauscha recently sat down with Biz As it relates to basketball, it’s a little the good people that we have here. They can get a lot New Orleans to discuss the Saints as they bit more difficult. With 42 home games make it much easier for me. accomplished if we both enter the 2017 season, his views on the and some on Tuesday nights, we won’t can recognize the business Pelicans as a second fiddle franchise, and see people commute from, say, Jackson, How have the Saints and Pelicans aspects, further renovations to the Mercedes-Benz Mississippi. But it’s important that they feel embraced technology? We’ve spent a lot limitations and aspirations of Superdome, Smoothie King Center and engaged, that they’re watching on televi- of time and effort embracing technology what both sides are trying to their external campus. sion, listening on the radio and making both on the football field and basketball accomplish.”

70 Biz October 2017 What will be needed to get the That means we have to break down every- proposed Superdome updates ac- thing on the football side of the business, complished? At the end of the day, it’s pack it up, ship it to London, and set it always money and the will to get it done. up there. That includes technology pieces, There certainly is a recognition from our weights and equipment. It’s a tough deal standpoint that the state is having some logistically, but it’s one that we’re used to, issues right now. There’s no question about and we’ve had success playing there as well. it. Money is going to be an issue. We have to understand what issues are in play with Have the Saints’ offseason additions the state. The state has to understand what affected sales and marketing efforts? issues are in play with the team. Then we’ll Yes. I preach this a lot. There are three have to make our way and figure out the things that sell tickets: you have to be priced best way to accomplish it. We always have. right, the team has to be headed in the right direction, and the fans have to like Will Mercedes-Benz keep its sponsor- the players, coaches and owner. I think ship of Superdome? First, let me say that a lot of people think we’re headed Mercedes has been a great partner with us, in the right direction with the people we and they have every intent to honor the brought in, and the emphasis on defense, contract that we currently have. It’s a little the draft and our free agent acquisitions. difficult to speculate whether they’ll be back or not after their term is up considering What do you think of the perception the Atlanta stadium. I’d hope that they’d some have that the Pelicans are the court, as well as behind the scenes. We have International stay forever, but the realist in me tells me little brother franchise? It’s a pet peeve Interest five full-time analytics people here on staff there might be a change there. If there is, of mine. I’d say two thirds of my time We have a great The NFL and NBA have who are constantly managing databases team and a I’m comfortable with making a change, and is focused on basketball. We’re invested great owner in gone global. This fall, the involved with the sports and business sides. Tom Benson New Orleans Saints will I’m sure we’ll find someone as iconic as the significantly on the Pelicans’ side of the With the NFL and NBA, we are always and Mrs. building. It’s got a number of big events organization. When we bought the Pelicans Benson. A lot of play the Miami Dolphins pushing the envelope with regard to which the noise that in London on Oct. 1. The that it will be hosting well into the next we made promises in regard to rebranding you would think technologies we can embrace to make would come game will give the league decade. As long as big events continue to the team. We did that. We said we wanted our on-field and off-field products better. along with being and both teams interna- come, there will always be someone who to be a playoff team. We did that. Now the president tional exposure. The big push for us over the last year really is elimi- is looking at the naming rights. we need to improve on it. We’re investing. has been innovation. We’re working on nated because Dennis Lauscha, presi- We invested in DeMarcus Cousins this of the good dent of the New Orleans an artificial intelligence project, which is people that we The Saints seem to be in their best year. We said we were going to get a new have here. They Saints and New Orleans cutting edge. We’re also using it on the make it much position competitively in a few sea- radio deal and TV deal, and we’ve been easier for me.” Pelicans, said both teams health side with recovery technology and have a growing interna- sons. Has it affected sales and mar- able to check all of those boxes on things nutrition. I know we’re doing things that tional market that they are keting efforts? For the Saints, sales and we wanted to accomplish. We’re also help- other organizations aren’t doing or even hoping to expand. marketing have been outstanding. We had ing with educating about coastal erosion. attempting. “The top (global) markets a couple of big renewals this year. There’s We’ve partnered with Biddy Basketball, for us, in many ways, also a good flow of new business that’s which no one in the NBA has done. We How do you feel about the teams’ reflect where (expatriate coming in. We once again this year had have 40,000 kids participating in youth relationship with the state and pre- and overseas) U.S. citizens (season ticket) renewal percentage rates basketball through the Biddy program. are to a certain degree,” paring for the next round of lease in the high 90s. When we see people not Lauscha said. “We have negotiations? I think we have a good very large fan bases who renewing it’s either they’re moving away Do the Pelicans have any updates in relationship with the state. We’ve learned watch both the Saints and or someone in the family has died or, quite mind for the Smoothie King Center? that we can get a lot accomplished if we Pelicans in Brazil, France, recently, there have been some folks af- Sure. The master plan that we have coming both can recognize the business aspects, Germany, England, Japan, fected by (the downturn in) oil and gas. But is primarily focused on the Superdome, but limitations and aspirations of what both Canada, Mexico and The for the most part, everyone has renewed. it covers the entire campus. We’re looking sides are trying to accomplish. If you go Philippines.” We haven’t raised ticket prices in a while. at extending Howard Avenue, putting back to the ugliness of 2000 and through “From a basketball stand- We’ve seen the base stay pretty steady. The more connections between the arena and Katrina there were some very confronta- point, China is very big for waiting list is approaching 60,000, which the Superdome. us. We played in China last tional times for us and the state as it related is remarkable. We’re very proud of that. A big complaint that we get on the year, and the reception was to a long-term agreement. We were really very, very good. They love basketball side is that when we do pregame able to put that behind us and focus on Anthony Davis. But who What does the London game against things in the street outside of the Smoothie what’s best for the buildings, what’s best doesn’t?” the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 1 mean King Center, it’s next to the trash and for the organizations, and how we can But not all of the teams’ for the franchise? More than anything, it’s loading dock at the Superdome. So we’re move forward with what’s best for the state. global fans wait for them what it means for the city and the exposure looking at ways to rearrange that, possibly I think as we continue, as we start to to come overseas to see the city is getting. We’re viewing it as a great move those areas to other places to benefit look toward what’s next for the Super- their team. opportunity to increase exposure and tour- the Smoothie King Center. dome, the question is should it be an evo- “We actually have a ism for the city. That’s what our big focus Saints season ticket holder lution or a revolution. Some of the things is from a business perspective in going over How is Mr. Benson doing? He’s doing from Germany who makes being talked about are revolutionary. We it to a bunch of games there. If you look at who are some of our great. He’s constantly pushing us to look at have an architect who is currently working each year, which we’re biggest fans globally, England is in the top new ways to invest in the community, how on a long-term master plan. Everything is really proud of. So, we five for us. England is a big market for us. we can be better as teams and businesses. on the table. The No. 1 focus is to improve truly are a global team, From a football standpoint, it’s a very He’s been busy with football, basketball, the building for the fans for the next 25, and we’re trying to become difficult trip logistically. We’re going to be horse racing and now he’s taking on Dixie 30, 50 years. We’ll see where we can go. more global every year.” there for a week leading up to the game. Beer, too.

BizNewOrleans.com 71 photographs by romero & romero New Orleans’ top real estate professionals share what excites and challenges them about the upcoming year. Top 10 Influencers 72 Biz October 2017 Real estate is an important force There’s a lot on the minds of today’s real and a much-needed recognition that a lack in our national, state and local economy — last estate professionals — both those focused of affordable housing remains a dominant year it made up 6 percent of our country’s on residential and commercial — so in our citywide issue. G.D.P. third-annual real estate issue, Biz brought While we celebrate our accomplishments, National trends like slower rising home together some of the area’s key players in a challenges lay ahead and they range from prices and an increase in movement away wide array of real estate specialties and asked ever-present flooding and storm water issues from the suburbs and into urban centers are them to share their celebrations and their to uncertainties over increasing interest rates. on display here in New Orleans. Local home concerns heading into a new year. In those problems, however, lie opportunities. sale price increases have gone from double Among their answers are a celebration For some companies that means branching digit increases annually just a few years ago of recent accomplishments like the Lafitte out from slowing or saturated markets like to now the low single digits. They’re still Greenway, the growth of the historic district multifamily housing or malls, for others it increasing, albeit much more slowly. The and an increase in options for shared work- may mean working together to draw new condo market downtown, meanwhile has spaces. The city is seeing an increased focus business to our region or embracing sustainable exploded, causing some to question if we’re on sustainability in an era where talks of technologies in an effort to lead our region reaching a saturation point. climate change dominate national conversation into the future. Influencers BizNewOrleans.com 73 Cullan Maumus Development Director, New Orleans Redevelopment Fund

New Orleans Redevelopment developments. I’m curious Fund is a private company to see how efficiently the focused on redeveloping New market absorbs these units. Orleans neighborhoods. For our company, the biggest challenge will be to accurately Upcoming project: identify trends and data while $4 million mixed-use maintaining our ability to development of former respond to market changes. Times Picayune warehouse With local elections on the in Mid-City expected to be horizon, I believe the biggest completed in early 2018. challenge for the city’s real estate market will be the Most excited about… timing of any potential Personally, we have a number housing or development of projects that will be regulations advanced by the coming online in the next new council or mayor. We are year that I believe will “move beginning to see a leveling the needle” in Mid-City. In in the market, with many addition to a few adaptive new units starting to correct re-use projects, where we are the imbalance of supply and converting historic buildings demand. Certain regulations into apartments and office — while well intentioned space, we hope our mixed- — could severely impact use/ condo project priced the market in the city if not to target teachers, nurses enacted without considering and first responders will the downward pressure be transformative for the already being experienced. immediate area. We are constantly looking for opportunities to help address the city’s issues with blight and affordability, and believe we are honing in on scalable models that can successfully address both. I believe the Banks Street corridor between S. Jefferson Davis Parkway and Broad Street will be a dramatically different place for the better in the next year or two and I am extremely excited to be a part of the transformation.

Biggest anticipated challenge… There are hundreds (if not thousands) of residential units scheduled to be placed in service over the next year in various multi-family

74 Biz October 2017 Nicole Webre Owner, Webre Consulting, Owner & Developer, Livewell Properties, LLC

N otable Project: Bakery Village — residential subdivision in New Orleans’ Irish Channel

Most excited about… My niche in the real estate industry is a very unique one in that I advise clients on zoning and permitting and I also use my knowledge in my own real estate developments. I like to say I practice what I preach. I am most excited about the growth of historic districts in Orleans Parish and the implementation of building design guidelines that require the use of more sustainable and appropriate building materials. The result is that New Orleans will have quality, not just quantity, when it comes to new or redeveloped properties. More thought and care in construction equals longer lasting buildings and homes which promotes stronger communities.

Biggest anticipated challenge… The biggest challenge in the next year for the Gulf Coast is learning to live with water and plan for water. As we have seen in Houston and Baton Rouge, flooding is not just for low-lying areas but a fact of life for Gulf Coast cities and towns. We must think long term and plan for future events. The responsibility is not just on government, but also on land owners and developers to utilize best practices for storm water management and build responsibly so that green space is maximized and new developments do not burden surrounding properties.

BizNewOrleans.com 75 Cres Gardner Vice President, Beau Box Real Estate

Winner of Overall Top Biggest anticipated Producer of 2016 and F. challenge… Poche Waguespack Award, There is a natural real estate Top Landlord Office Lease, cycle that consistently plays Top Tenant Representative out across the country, and Office Lease and Overall as a market recovers, existing Top Office Sale at the New properties become full, Orleans Metropolitan spurring new development. Association of Realtors As that new development (NOMAR) Commercial succeeds, more projects are Investment Division (CID) built that ultimately increase 24th Annual Achievement supply beyond demand. Awards ceremony. This is certainly playing out in multifamily and Most excited about… condo development in The New Orleans Central metro New Orleans and Business District (CBD) has will create opportunities for experienced an incredible savvy operators to pick up transition over the past 10 failing condo and apartment years. A significant increase projects for only a fraction in apartments, hotel rooms of their construction costs. It and condos spurred retail will be our job as brokers to and restaurant development encourage our clients to look creating a true “live, work, past the negative headlines play” environment. and seize opportunities New Orleans has the where others are retreating. environment large companies are looking for to please the growing millennial workforce. Companies that left years ago for the suburbs are now looking to relocate back into the CBD as employees seek to walk to the plentiful dining and entertainment venues. Marketing the re- emergence of the New Orleans CBD will be critical to translating our progress into jobs. The commercial real estate community must work with economic developers to create enticing incentives to draw new business in the city. Our dynamic environment is what “corporate America” is looking for, and we need to let them know we are here and open for business.

76 Biz October 2017 Jeffrey Schwartz Executive Director, Broad Community Connections

Broad Community the hard work of the Greater Connections develops real New Orleans Housing estate projects in service Alliance, Mayor Landrieu’s of larger community administration, the New development and Orleans Redevelopment public policy goals. The Authority, the Fair Housing organization’s focus is Action Center and other reavitalizing Broad Street partners and leaders. There from Tulane Avenue to are a number of imminent Bayou Road as a vibrant policy and financial tools and equitable commercial that will be coming online district. over the coming year that will make high-impact Most excited about… and affordable real estate I am really excited about development an especially the dramatic increase in dynamic and fun part of the recognition of the the real estate market to be importance of affordability working in, not just over the for both residential and next year, but for the next commercial real estate in decade or more. New Orleans — a result of Biggest anticipated challenge… Over the coming year, one of our biggest challenges is going to be sustaining momentum that will actually create financial tools, public policies and the right partnerships in order to be able to tackle the issues of affordability and the widening gap between rich and poor. In order to make sure everyone has access to quality and affordable real estate — whether a renter, a prospective homeowner, or a small business owner — we need to be really innovative and resourceful in how we use our limited resources to create real estate projects that benefit not just developers, but communities and the city as a whole. But I am optimistic we can do it!

BizNewOrleans.com 77 Michael Merideth & Andre Lewis CEO & Co-Founder, VPG Enterprise COO & Co-Founder, VPG Enterprise

VPG Enterprise is a real Managing these estate development, conditions, along with construction and creating solutions for the management group with a overall affordability crisis portfolio that includes over in our city, will be a major $12 million in residential real strategic item for VPG over estate assets. the next year. It will be our charge to look at creative Upcoming Project: 37 development solutions Hundred, a luxury townhome around construction development in Mid-City. methods, deal structures and financing mechanisms Most excited about… to continue to provide high We are extremely excited quality housing. to see how the continued development of the Lafitte Greenway will affect Mid-City and the landscape of New Orleans. We are thrilled to see the affect it will have on New Orleans based on previous case studies of other cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston and Atlanta. With the addition of rental housing, luxury condominiums, retail, and simply the elimination of blight that is slated over the next year in this corridor, we have no doubt Mid-City will continue to be one of the most desirable neighborhoods in New Orleans.

Biggest anticipated challenge… One of the biggest challenges is going to be managing affordability and market correction. New Orleans has been blessed over the last several years with record breaking real estate trends on both the rental and sales market; however, we are starting to see a correction in sales, rental rates and occupancy. Even with this correction, there has not been a decrease in development costs, i.e. construction costs, insurance premiums and infrastructure implementation.

78 Biz October 2017 Susan Brennan President/CEO, Second Line Stages Developer

N otable Projects: Second Line Stages, 300 Girod St. condos, 401 Girod St. apartments, 425 Notre Dame condos, 1530 Constance St. offices

Most excited about… My business is renting to films and television productions, and recently I have seen the film industry picking up quite a bit. The tax credits do not have a sunset, so the productions should start coming back to Louisiana. That means the rental market should increase as we get back the several hundreds of people who left for Georgia. I am working on a small rental property with hopefully 14 units with my two son-in- laws and my daughter, which I feel very bullish about. I’m also bullish on the shared workspaces, which I do not think have maxed out. As the entrepreneurial community continues to grow, many are looking toward collaboration. The concept of shared conference rooms, copy rooms and top- of-the-line fiber optics seems like a no-brainer for the small business.

Biggest anticipated challenge… I think the biggest challenge will be the amount of high-end condos coming online in 2018 in the CBD. I counted over 250 and I hope New Orleans will appeal to enough people (locals and frequent visitors) to absorb all of those condos. I live in the CBD and I love it! Downtown is the new Uptown!

BizNewOrleans.com 79 Marcel Wisznia President, Wisznia | Architecture + Development

Wisznia | Architecture + The typical apartment Development specializes will be a four-bedroom, in repurposing midrise and four-bathroom unit and high-rise buildings into individuals or couples will mixed-use / multifamily rent on a per-bedroom basis. developments using design- Two Saints will be one of driven development. a kind in New Orleans and will give many people who Notable Projects: don’t have the financial Union Lofts, The Maritime ability to live downtown and The Saratoga. the ability to do so.

Most excited about… Biggest anticipated I’m really excited about challenge… our next two Downtown As a community, we need New Orleans developments to give our residents the as they represent a confidence that dramatic departure for us. changes in weather The first is Stephens patterns will not sink New Garage — the repurposing Orleans. We need to learn of a historic 1951 vintage to live with global climate car dealership and parking change, not ignore it. We garage into 21,000 square cannot continue to bury feet of ground floor our heads in the sand. retail, 51 apartments and 11 condominiums. The uniqueness is that we are removing the existing car ramps, and replacing them with two automobile elevators. Tenants and owners will be able to park their cars on the same floor that they live on, virtually right in front of their dwelling units. Construction is slated to begin at the end of September, with completion by the end of 2018. Backing up to this site, at the corner of St. Charles and St. Joseph streets is a surface parking lot with two small historic buildings on one corner. This project, which we have nicknamed “Two Saints” will focus on affordable housing, but not in a traditional manner. The housing type is known as co-living, and rents will be based on 100 percent of the area median income.

80 Biz October 2017 Paul Richard Senior Associate, NAI Latter & Blum

Richard is past president in a tax-deferred exchange. of the CID (Commercial A commercial realtor today Investment Division of the can add value by facilitating New Orleans Metropolitan complex transactions and Association of Realtors), by identifying required president of the LACDB replacement properties, (Louisiana Commercial even those that may never Database), commercial hit the market. In most director of the Louisiana instances, investors will not Realtor Association and sell unless a replacement program manager for the property can be identified. Economic Real Estate and As such, the currency of Forecast Symposium. today’s market and for 2018 is access to information Most excited about… and available replacement One exciting aspect of the properties. market is the 1031 real estate exchange. As a result Biggest anticipated of the long recovery and run challenge… up in value, many investors We are now entering a are sitting on substantial “post-peak” period. The property equity that can be value grid line is beginning converted and reinvested to flatten and there is a higher perception of risk, particularly interest rate risk in the market. In response, banks have begun tightening their underwriting for commercial real estate. Lower loan-to values (LTV’s), shorter loan terms, and higher debt coverage ratios are now baked into most deals. The big unknown is the trajectory of interest rates. Of course, the “X” factor is what’s going to happen with tax reform, particularly relating to 1031 exchanges. What we do know is that for every uptick in interest rates, there is a resulting increase in capitalization (CAP) rates, which will result in value compression. Absorption rates are slowing, and days-on-market are getting longer. The deals of tomorrow will have to be well researched and layered with financing that will sustain any increase in interest rates at term, or stay within a debt coverage range that contemplates flattening or even decreases in rent.

BizNewOrleans.com 81 Johann L. Palacios P.E, SECB, LEED AP

President / CEO, PACE Group, LLC

Pace Group LLC is a recent revelation that the structural, foundation and pumps weren’t operable civil engineering firm out of when needed was the most New Orleans that Palacios discouraging. Since Aug. 12, founded in 2016. 2015, our clients on many projects have been forced Recent project: to comply with stormwater Homewood Suites by management guidelines Hilton New Orleans French which add on average $5 a Quarter, 618, 640 and 700 square foot over the entire Magazine St. and Iberville property area in Orleans phase 5,6 and 7. Parish. I understand that Most excited about… the city needs to start Affordable housing needs somewhere with slowing are at an all-time high, and down the rate of water that with former affordable enters the drainage system; housing units being however, the system is converted to 100 percent broken since no revenue is market rates now after collected from the use of the five years, they need to be drainage system. In recent replaced with new ones. days this entire system is As an engineering firm being reviewed with good who routinely designs intentions and suggestions. I multifamily housing hope that our infrastructure projects, we get to be on the does not become an Achilles front end of the projects. heel to development interests. Biggest anticipated challenge… There are two challenges I foresee. The first is that with more multifamily projects becoming available, a saturation point is inevitable, and that point will become obvious once units begin to sell for closer to what it costs to design and construct. This challenge is typical of any real estate segment. The second is how good infrastructure, or rather the lack of it, can adversely affect the city and its perception of viability over the long term. The

82 Biz October 2017 Will Bradshaw Co-Founder & President, Green Coast Enterprises

Since its founding in 2007, Biggest anticipated Green Coast Enterprises challenge… has focused on urban and The development industry coastal areas in need of has an enormous impact community renewal. on our energy use and, by extension, human impact Notable project: The on climate change. Where Pythian — the renovation we put buildings and how of a historical downtown we build them can do more building (opened May 12) to help or hurt man-made into apartments, dining and climate change than just shopping. about any other human endeavor. For the last 10 Most excited about… years, Green Coast has We are now completing been here in New Orleans the commercial interiors of working in a small way to The Pythian, which include model better choices on this a food hall, a lounge/venue, front. We continue breathing and an event space operated new life into blighted, urban by a new venture Green core sites, helping shorten Coast is partnering in called commute times and make Pythian Market. These three neighborhoods thrive. We spaces will be a cultural help 15 charter schools and showcase for the building the Recovery School District and our city, building on our operate their buildings traditions in food, music and more effectively. We have celebration. also been one of the most aggressive adopters of low-impact development practices that help store and recharge rainwater on development sites, both small and large. And yet, for all these successful efforts, the choices we make as a public, especially our political choices, far outweigh what we can do as one small business. We all have a responsibility to our children to leave this planet in better condition than we found it. We are failing in that responsibility now in Louisiana and Texas (the two states I have called home for most of my life) and we are paying a dear price for it.

BizNewOrleans.com 83 84 Biz October 2017 fromSheastout louisiana businesses in fullthe color lens

GREAT WORKSPACES • MAKING A MATCH • ON THE JOB

making a match Giving Hope Fall is the perfect time to partner with the New Orleans Mission.

More on page 94

BizNewOrleans.com 85 From the Lens great workspaces

Opening Up AOS expands its downtown offices, transforming the space into a sleek and functional showroom.

B y MeLANie Warner Spencer Photos by Sara Essex Bradley

rior to a recent renovation and expansion, P visitors to the 7,000-square-foot AOS offices at 400 Poydras St. would likely have described the space as polished and modern with design elements emphasizing creativity and collaboration. Post six-week renovation and now topping out at 10,280 square feet, however, it’s all of that and more. AOS works with architectural and design companies to create office systems, storage solutions and serve as a resource for products and furniture. For its own renovation and expansion, the company teamed up with Eskew + Dumez + Ripple and Verges Rome Architects. “The average employee spends approxi- mately half of their waking life in the work environment, and I don’t think most spaces are designed with that concept in mind,” says Shelby Russ Jr., president and CEO of AOS. “As employers and owners, we owe them the right tools and technology to get the job done, but we also owe them an environment worthy of that type of time Much like investment.” in a home, It’s with this philosophy the central gathering in mind that the team set space in out to not only expand the the newly space to accommodate the renovated and expanded AOS current size of the company offices is the and allow room to grow, but kitchen and great room. build into it a functional showroom to showcase the company’s myriad office systems and furniture and storage solutions. The most notable change is the color palate. While red and black dominated the former design scheme, white and lighter colors are

86 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 87 the order of the day in the new space, which is further enhanced by the flood of natural light filtering through

A variety of seating expansive windows lining the outer wall which offer areas are placed stunning views of New Orleans. throughout the offices One of the design solutions AOS offers clients is so employees can get a much-needed DIRTT (Doing It Right This Time) custom, pre- change of scenery. fabricated interior construction. AOS showcases the DIRTT system to great effect throughout its space via multiple meeting rooms, private offices and seating areas. The majority of the DIRTT walls are glass and wood, while various metal finishes alternately add warmth and visual variety. Modern, clean-lined Knoll furniture is used throughout the space. “It was time,” says Suzanne Dumez, vice presi- dent of business development for AOS. “The space was 16 years old. We kept it fresh by rotating out different furniture pieces and adapting where we

88 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 89 90 Biz October 2017 The DIRTT system allows for easy- to-reconfigure space and the flexibility of open, semi-private and private offices.

could with DIRTT changes, but we needed more meeting space, dedicated space for the prefab construction team and to bring the accounting department back.” Dumez says it was challenging to work through the renovation but doing so gave everyone a better sense of what the company’s clients experience during similar projects. They were, however, able to cut down on the renovation timeline by several months. “Doing the prefab interior construction ultimately gave us less down time than most, so we were only displaced for six weeks, as opposed to what would normally be a four month process,” says Dumez. Despite considerable openness throughout the space, the “java center” and “living room” area is so open and well lit, it makes every other spot around the office seem slightly less open. This pièce de résistance of design incorporates a residential look with a long coffee station, sink, counter and cabinet unit facing a high top bar. The great-room-style living or lounge area includes a sofa, benches and chairs grouped around a coffee table. The other side of the “java station” houses the more functional kitchen appliances, including the refrigerator and a wine cooler. A lower portion of the plate glass windows

BizNewOrleans.com 91 The renovation included an expansion, taking the space from 7,000 to 10,280 square feet. Natural light from the exterior wall of windows floods the space.

in the living room was removed to continue the view, despite being seated in the low-slung furniture. This area is designed for breaks, casual meetings and networking events, as well as more festive gatherings. “That great room is probably my favorite spot,” says Russ. “We had an internal meeting there about two weeks ago and we discussed some of the space and how we’d use it. I encouraged everyone to use that space and sit there with their shoes off.” The staff conducts meetings with nonprofit groups with which they work or volunteer and the space is also used for other company perks, such as yoga classes. Visually opening up the space went hand-in-hand with physically opening it up. “It’s almost as if we are suspended above the city and that openness reflects our very open and collaborative culture here,” says Russ. “Our team is made up mostly of creatives, and this type of environment is a must for them.”n

92 Biz October 2017 Design elements like the entry signage block some of the natural light in the entry and reception area so the designers incorporated lighting that mimics daylight.

at a glance AOS Interior Environments

Address: 400 Poydras St., Suite 1700 Office completed: August 2017 Architect: Eskew + Dumez + Ripple and Verges Rome Architects (The two firms teamed together) Interior Designer: Eskew + Dumez + Ripple and Verges Rome Architects Furnishings: Knoll Studio, Nucraft, Alias, Coalesse and misc. other pieces Square footage: 10,280 Primary goal: To expand the space and freshen up the interior of the office, as well as create a functional DIRTT showroom Biggest challenges: Conducting business during the renovation and expansion Standout feature: The “great room” with expansive views of the city, “java center” and chic, comfortable seating area

BizNewOrleans.com 93 From the Lens makg in a match: businesses and nonprofits

Hope for the Holidays With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, now is the perfect time to make plans to join the New Orleans Mission in caring for the least fortunate among us.

B y PamELA Marquis Photos by cheryl gerber

ixteen hundred and twenty-six — that’s S how many men, women and children are living on the streets of New Orleans on any given night according to 2016 data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In 2010, that number was much higher — closer to 5,000 — but while significant strides have been made to reduce the number of homeless in the city, they remain a population desperately in need of help, and the New Orleans Mission represents a vital lifeline. “Many of the efforts to help the homeless focus on simply rescuing them,” said David Bottner, CEO of the New Orleans Mission. Lunch at “We, however, are also about helping them the New Orleans recover and reengaging them to the life they Mission were created for by God.” Founded in 1989, the New Orleans Mission is the largest Did You Know? care provider for New Orleans’ D ying homeless community. The non- profit organization provides the Young on city’s homeless with shelter, the Streets clothing, access to free medical According to an services, job training and spiri- article in The Times- tual guidance. Picayune published “Food and clothing are the this past February, 44 homeless people tools, the means for survival, so died on the streets then the real change can happen in 2016, the first time and positive futures can be lived,” data of this kind said Bottner. “Our core value is had been tracked. The average age at about changing lives and leading death was 47 years people to a loving relationship old; the youngest with Jesus Christ. We do this was 28. through a variety of programs

94 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 95 and services that are designed New Orleans to holistically meet the mental, physical, social and spiritual David Mission Boettner, SUCCESS needs of the individuals we CEO of By the serve.” the New The mission itself, however, Orleans Mission numbers is having some issues with its home. Headquartered at the former 2015-2016 A. Levitan Furniture Store on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard in Central City, 2,342+ the 30,000-square-foot building was built unique individuals helped in the early 1900s and has long been in need of repair and renovation. To answer 361 this need, the mission began a $6.6 million of whom were “Raise the Roof” campaign last summer to veterans address many of the building’s problems. There have already been improvements to the 276,000 + roof and to the building’s structure, and the meals served next phase includes new interior walls, paint, ceilings, flooring, lighting fixtures, offices, security cameras and a key entry system. The 371,091 bottles of water contractor for the project is Robert Wolfe given out Construction with architectural plans by Blitch Knevel Architects. “This project will improve our ability to 5,594 hygiene kits offer assistance to our city’s least fortunate distributed while enhancing the four-block area around our facility,” explained Bottner. The New Orleans Mission’s services 14,849 INDUSTRY STEPS UP articles of clothing include “Road to Recovery,” a rehabilitation distributed program for those struggling with substance A Home For Everyone abuse or mental illness, veteran assistance, case management, a women’s center, a The New Orleans Mission is a favorite cause for local realtors. 500 discipleship program that allows guests to annual eye exams The New Orleans Metropolitan help others and comprehensive transitional Division (CID) of NOMAR again. The last time I was offered Association of Realtors will assist the New Orleans there, we served a man who counseling services for the formerly incarcer- (NOMAR) recently launched its Mission with the development that day got a great job offer. ated through the “Ex-Offender Re-Entry” homeless initiative, “Hope to of housing units for homeless It was so good to see him so 570 program. Home.” The organization plans women with children in happy and proud.” pairs of eyeglasses to match its more than 5,000 cooperation with the Open Gardener also recently provided Two years ago, the mission moved its members of the residential Architecture Collaborative. purchased a building, now men’s 24/7 discipleship program to Lacombe. and commercial real estate The project is focused on named The Gardner Cottage, The Giving Hope Retreat sits on 58 acres community with homeless mission-owned land on which expanded the mission’s 700 providers around the city. Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. at of rural land and provides spiritual and women’s center from 16 beds Christmas presents Clio Street. given out to children vocational programs to about 40 men now “We want to become an to 32. advocate for the homeless Gardner Realtors has also living at the facility. Working to eradicate by partnering with existing been lending its support to homelessness in the city is a In all, the organization includes 25 paid homeless providers dedicated the New Orleans Mission 1,274 natural fit for the real estate staff and 10,000 volunteers. As the mission’s to supporting homeless for some time. Through the patients treated by industry, said Richard. clinics offered by LSU website states, “You don’t need to leave the people with children, and to company’s Gardner LOVE and Tulane U.S. to lend a helping hand to hurting people.” advocate and assist in the program, volunteers set “The Realtor community is development of permanent tables and serve dinner to the all about housing,” he said. “We could not function without our supportive housing in New mission’s clients. “We should all care enough volunteers’ efforts,” said Bottner. “Many Orleans,” said Paul Richard, to help the homeless find 30,000 “I’ve never seen the dining NAI Latter & Blum. a home, to build a better men and of the people we serve have felt unworthy room empty,” said Mary life and to again become a women aided in and have felt shame. If you only knew what Of particular note is the work Spivey, who works in Gardner contributing member of our transitioning from a their hearts have been through. By being NOMAR will be doing with Realtor’s home relocation life of hopelessness community.” involved, you can set in motion a wave of the New Orleans Mission and department. “Sometimes we to one of hope Grace House Bridge House. even serve two meals. We compassion that will touch many lives. You The Commercial Investment clean up and start it all over can change the world.”

96 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 97 Success Stories

Devon Black is an important part of the mission’s team as he oversees its successful media department. THE BASICS Black came to the mission in 2015. “I had no The NEw Orleans job, no network of support, I’d burned every single bridge,” he said. Black said coming to the Mission Mission was a turning point in his life. “I saw that I was finally Mission: The purpose of the going to make the right change because I was in the New Orleans Mission is to “help right place and it was the right time.” hurting people” see that there is Black was one of the first of the mission’s clients to hope, whether they struggle with addiction, homelessness, hunger, begin using videos and social media to get the word health concerns, mental illness or out about the organization’s mission. a lack of education. “Our goal is to engage our funders and we also Website: neworleansmission.org reach out to potential funders,” he said. “We didn’t Location: 1130 Oretha Castle know how to even work the video camera Haley Blvd., New Orleans back then but we just turned it on and Phone: (504) 523-2116 began learning on the job.” Black says he has greatly enhanced his resume (Top) Giving Hope Retreat Christina 31294 Hwy 190 with valuable skills and strengthened Kosinski Lacombe his network of support. For the first (Bottom) 985-218-9599 Devon time in a long time, he plans to have Black Annual Budget: Thanksgiving with his family this year. $2 million Christina Kosinski’s young son had just Major Fundraising Event: passed away and she’d lost custody of her daughter The New Orleans Mission’s 5th when she hit rock bottom. Annual Gala, “Changing the Face “I was very lost and broken and beaten down by of Homelessness” life,” she said. One night, after having her drink December 8, 2017 | Hyatt spiked, she says she somehow ended up at the bus Regency station without a phone and it was then that she broke The event’s special guest this down, “I just said, ‘I’m just done. God, now what?’” year will be nationally acclaimed Christian music artist Jonny Diaz, Someone suggested that the mission might be known for his top-20 hit single, able to help, so she took the chance. “Breathe.” It will also feature Ron “I just knew there was more to life,” she said. Hall, author of The New York Times best selling novel and soon-to- Kosinski has since received her GED and is building be-released movie, “Same Kind of a firm foundation for her new life. She’s now working Different as Me.” full-time as the mission’s development coordinator The mission also has a and also runs the children’s ministry for her church. wide variety of fundraising “I see what God is painting for me and I’m letting opportunities throughout the God make my decisions,” she said. She hopes to be year, from custom car shows to motorcycle runs. reunited with her daughter soon. n

A GOOD MATCH During the New Companies can also day of food, clothing and 10-oz. and 16-oz. Sanitary napkins and Orleans mission’s Great invite customers or shelter. Styrofoam cups tampons FOR Thanksgiving Banquet, clients to support the For more information, Laundry detergent Allergy and cold companies are welcome mission by displaying COMPANIES contact Lulu Peterson 55-gallon and 30-gallon medication to help serve 700 to 1,000 one of the mission’s WHO… at (504) 914-3474 trash bags Plates, forks, spoons and Thanksgiving meals to table tents in their or volunteer@ Fabuloso, Pinesol and napkins hungry men, women establishment. The Are looking for an op- neworleansmission.org. bleach Unwrapped toys for boys and children, as well display offers the portunity to volunteer as a and girls ages 1 to 13 as assist with outreach opportunity to make a Latex gloves group and make a differ- Current Needs: to the community. A contribution and receive Carryout containers They also have an ence. Groups are welcome The mission’s most Christmas dinner will a “Card of Hope.” The ongoing need for G.E.D. to help organize and serve pressing need is raising Dish washing liquid also be served. For card can be given to a instructors, data entry dinner at the mission $1.4 million to finish its Heavy-duty foil dates of upcoming homeless person in lieu and phone help. year-round, but the holiday “Raise the Roof” project. Plastic wrap holiday dinners, visit of cash to be redeemed season is an especially Ongoing needs include NewOrleansMission.org. at the mission for one Body wash popular time to give. the following:

98 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 99 100 Biz October 2017 BizNewOrleans.com 101 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Ace and the Louisiana Open Housing Act, which make it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. For more information, call the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-273-5718. luxury

102 Biz October 2017 real estate

BizNewOrleans.com 103 From the Lens ON THE JOB

Rollin’ Along

“ n two minutes less than two hours I Tuesday afternoon the five-story brick white female ward building at Charity hospital was moved 162 feet without spilling a brick or a piece of cornice.” That was the first paragraph of an article published in The Times Picayune on June 5, 1935. The story covered the hospital’s move to make way for Louisiana State University’s planned 15-story dental and pharmacy school. Following the successful move, “there was a two minute din made up of applause from the crowd and the pounding of workmen’s hammers on steelwork.” n

The Charles L. F ranck Studio Collection at The 104 Biz October 2017 Historic New Orleans Collection Acc. no. 1994.94.2.353