Heritage, History and Milestones
Billeaud Companies has a long, proud history as a family-owned and family-operated business.
What began more than 140 years ago as a sugar mill and plantation has evolved into one of South Louisiana’s most respected commercial real estate development firms. Along the way, many generations of Billeaud family members have shown an unwavering commitment to the responsible use of land resources and personal involvement in building a better community.
1840
Pierre Jean Billeaud arrives from France to Louisiana.
1872
Martial Billeaud, Pierre’s son, brings new stalks of sugar cane to the area, builds a mill and begins buying land to start a sugar cane business.
1914
Martial Billeaud sells the business to his children, which they incorporate into Billeaud Sugar Factory Inc.
1943
Company restructures as stakeholders contribute their farmland into Billeaud Planters Inc.
1974
Protective federal legislation for sugar cane ends, forcing Billeaud Planters Inc to downsize.
Mid-1970s
Company explores commercial real estate, where company leaders felt sure they would one day reap benefits in Lafayette Parish.
1978
Company reaps last sugar harvest. Charles Henri Billeaud is last general manger to run the sugar mill before transitioning into a real estate company.
1979
Stockholders vote to discontinue mill operations and develop sugar properties. Company refocuses efforts on commercial real estate.
1981
Billeaud Companies develops its first of many Residential Subdivisions on Sugar Factory Property, Sundown Place in Broussard.
1984
Billeaud Companies develops “Sugar Mill Industrial Park” near the intersection of US Hwy 90 and St Nazaire Rd.
1984
Bayou Tortue Oil Well Blow Out and oil discovery on Billeaud Sugar Factory Property.
1985
James “Tex” Plumley begins service as president of Billeaud Companies. Company breaks into the Lafayette office real estate market.
1985
Billeaud Companies Purchases its first Commercial Office Building Complex, Pinhook Office Courts in Lafayette.
1990
Billeaud Companies purchases one of the most premier properties in its commercial real estate portfolio, 900 South College.
1997
Billeaud Companies purchases Saloom III office building on Kaliste Saloom Rd, adding another premier office property to its growing commercial real estate portfolio.
2004
In partnership, Celebrity Theatres locates on land owned by Billeaud Companies, Broussard’s first multi-screen theater complex. This development contributed to the quick development of the Broussard Retail Corridor along US Hwy 90.
2007
Billeaud Companies sells acreage for the location of Walmart and Home Depot and develops ourparcels for Raising Canes, Smoothie King, Verizon, Rotolo’s and others. This large scale commercial development dramatically transforms the economic footprint of Broussard and puts the US Hwy 90 and St Nazaire Retail Corridor on the map.
May 17, 2014
Billeaud Companies celebrates 100 years in business.
2015
Steven P. Hebert takes over as CEO of Billeaud Companies.