Brian Rushing

PUBLISHER brian@houmaweekly.com Walking into a hotel room and seeing one more awesome city magazine sitting on the desk I’d had enough. “The people of Houma needed one of these,” I told myself, “and we were going to be the company to bring it to them.” So after months of late nights and pulling our hair out, we unleashed PoV on the public. Now, many mistakes and a few smart decisions later, I feel like we are finally on the right track. Doing the best we can to deliver the best magazine possible to our readers. Just consider PoV as one of the ways we give back to the community that made Rushing Media what we are.

Favorite quote: “If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time.”

Hidden talents: What good are talents if you hide them.

My tombstone will read: He lived, every day.

Terry Trahan Jr.

EDITOR editor@povhouma.com In the beginning, PoV existed. I didn’t. A year and a half later, the powers that be assigned me to cover my first freelance writing job for what has become the Houma-Thibodaux area’s premier lifestyle magazine. About a year later, I sat in a big-boy chair as an editorial intern. Those same powers were so impressed that they welcomed me back for round two the following summer. In June, I became a diploma-totin’ journalism fiend and returned to the same chair I left a year ago, with an upgrade in rank. Actually, it’s not the same chair, but the seat was still warm.

When I’m not diving into the Linguistic Sea, I put my listening skills to good use by playing music. (I don’t actually play; I just push play.) You can also find me sippin’ on a grande, 2 percent, no whip white mocha Frappuccino, or indulging my 14 orange goldfish with fish pellets. (They think it’s a delicacy.)

Favorite quote: “Life is good.”

Hidden talents: Kermit, Satchmo and that creepy voice-over movie guy kidnap my vocal cords when they feel like it. At least they always bring them back.

My tombstone will read: He saw the light. Fo’ real? Yes. Fo’ real.

Jacqueline Weimer

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT jacqueline@povhouma.com It’s hard to stray from your roots. After graduating from Southeastern with a bachelor’s degree in English, I was a little lost as to what I would do next. So I moved back to my hometown of Thibodaux. When I heard about the position at Rushing Media, I knew it was where I wanted to be. When Terry told me to keep my “snarky edge,” I realized this was a perfect fit. I’m going to run with that. Good luck, readers.

Favorite quote: “A day without laughter is a day wasted”

Hidden talents: Although exceptionally uncoordinated, I can juggle.

My tombstone will read: I knew this was going to happen.

Debbie Rushing

ADVISOR debbie@weeklywantads.com Sweet home Alabama is where I was born. World’s Whitest Beaches, Florida, is where I was raised. Cajun Country, South Louisiana, is where my family has been raised. Banking was my first real job. Publishing is now my career.

Gardening, monogramming, decorating and doodling in photography are my passions.

My grandson is my “take away my breath” vice. Just watching him explore, learn, laugh and sleep is pure heaven. His sweet hugs and kisses are straight from the heart.

My black lab, Mr. B, really makes me mad when he opens the gate to the back yard and goes swimming in the pond and then goes swimming in the pool. He’s getting really good at opening the gate. But how can you be mad at a dog with such great talent?

Favorite quote: I read in a Nicholas Sparks book once, “The more you own, the more it owns you.” I’m at the “less is more” stage of my life. SIMPLIFY, SIMPLIFY, SIMPLIFY!

Hidden talents: They’re hidden so well, I haven’t been able to locate them yet!

My tombstone will read: My body is in this box but my spirit will always be with you.

Gavin Stevens

CREATIVE DIRECTOR gavin@houmaweekly.com Gavin’s origins are said to be nothing less than legendary.

After graduating from Nicholls in graphic design, I prepared for Hurricane Katrina by working at an ad agency in New Orleans. After losing this epic battle of wills, I joined Rushing Media just in time to help launch Kidsville News. Soon after, plans for an ambitious, ground-breaking and possibly gravity-defying publication began to take shape.

In April 2007, I helped launch Point of Vue magazine, immediately improving your quality of life. You’re welcome.

In the five years since, I’ve helped refine, direct and influence each publication produced by Rushing Media.

Since you’re wondering what a superior being such as myself finds interesting, here is a short list: discovering new music, logo and web design, grilling, reading, documentaries, tech stuff and incredible TV shows. Scientists say it’s impossible to know my dislikes. When coming down from my high-horse, I can be found hanging out with my incredible wife, Dawn and my too-cute-for-school daughter, Belen.

Favorite quote: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

Hidden talents: levitation

My tombstone will read: If I owe you money, it’s too late.

Mariella Jimenez

GRAPHIC DESIGNER mariella@houmaweekly.com My life should be a musical. How magical, right?! I’m 150% sassy and dramatic all day every day (it’s all part of my charm); however, the rest of the world’s sassiness must begin after lunch.

I spend most of my time being a raging shopaholic. If I don’t have the latest and greatest, i’m affected. I might as well be the next spokesmodel for Urban Outfitters. Booyah! Please send your condolences to my bank account.

With a love for creativity in any form it comes, I believe it is important to find the perfect balance between work and play. Once this balance is met, graphic design bliss will be sure to follow.

Favorite quote: “The streets are rough”

Hidden talents: Dance Dance Revolution

My tombstone will read: This is tragic.

Linda Pontiff

MARKETING CONSULTANT lindap@houmaweekly.com Born and raised in Houma, this South Louisiana community is where I have called home my entire life. It’s also where I met my loving husband of almost 45 years and raised my three beautiful children. My husband, three children, seven grandchildren, great-grandchild and close-knit family have made my life very fulfilling.

I started working for the Quik Quarter (the original name of The Weekly) 24 years ago. What started out as a job has turned into a career. I’ve been very fortunate to have worked for a great company that has helped me to get where I am today. Great employers and talented employees have made this company succeed and a great place to work. Throughout these years, I have met many great customers who have also become my friends.

I enjoy attending pageants and country concerts, going to the hunting camp, and spending time with my family.

Favorite quote: “Live your life to its fullest every day!”

Hidden talents: Let me know when you find one.

My tombstone will read: Loving wife, mom, grandmother and friend!

Lesley Bonvillain

MARKETING CONSULTANT lesley@povhouma.com After graduating from Nicholls with a marketing degree I landed a job at PoV. My title is “Marketing Consultant,” not “Sales Rep.” When promoting your business I go the extra step. I’ll do my best to represent you, but don’t forget I’m human too. Thibodaux is where I call home, but all over Lafourche and Terrebonne I roam. I love LSU and fleur de lis and of course the Saints with Drew Brees. Shopping and spending time with family and friends is how I enjoy spending my weekends.

Favorite quote: “You can do anything, but not everything.”

Hidden talents: I am a tornado that turns houses upside down but have a way of making everything land just right.

My tombstone will read: She lived and enjoyed each day putting a smile on everyone’s face.

Erica Seely

MARKETING CONSULTANT erica@houmaweekly.com I was born and raised down-da-bayou in Dularge and wouldn’t have it any other way. I love this community with all it’s history and culture.

Working at Point of Vue gives me the opportunity to meet new people and learn even more about this place that I love. I am proud to be a part of this great publication. Everyday that I come to work is a new adventure, whether it be putting together beautiful ads for my clients or goofing around with my AWESOME co-workers!

Outside of working I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, fishing with my husband in MY new boat, playing with my Great Dane, Saadi, and taking pictures. I try to live everyday to the fullest so that every moment counts!

Favorite quote: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Hidden talents: Juggling

My tombstone will read: Here lies Erica Seely, loving wife, mother, daughter, etc. She was very loved

Kenneth Lasseigne

MARKETING CONSULTANT kenneth@povhouma.com I come to Rushing Media after a career in nursing, pharmaceutical sales and owning a small business. My journey through life has led me down many wonderful paths, and this path is just one more to add. I truly love the fact that I am always working with different people from all different businesses in the area. Having owned my own small business has given me the opportunity to learn first-hand about marketing a business as well as budgeting to be able to afford great advertising. This is how I first came to know about PoV, as a customer. Ever since then I have sold the magazine to other business owners, whether or not I was employed by Rushing Media at the time. I am thankful to be able to market such a great publication as well as be part of this family. I am one lucky man.

I am the proud papa of two of the most beautiful dogs in the world, Rex and Elsie. Rex is a Maltipoo and Elsie is a Party Poodle, which means she is spotted black and white, hence the name Elsie like Elsie the Cow for those of you who can remember that.

Favorite quote: “When praying remember to thank God for your faith, your family, your friends, your finances, and most of all your future.”

Hidden talents: I have tried really hard to find different talents buried deep inside throughout my life, some I have excelled at and others not so much, but I will keep looking. Maybe macramé is in my future.

My tombstone will read: I told ya’ll to burn me!

Darlene Mott

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE darlene@houmaweekly.com When I started working at Rushing Media almost 7 years ago they treated me like family. What an awesome feeling! So when we get new employees I treat them the same way and literally toot a horn.

My motto is “It takes a team to get the job done. What a great team we have!” Now you know why Ashley and Lacey are always laughing… they’re having TOO much fun with ME!

I love my job, husband of over 30 years, great kids and my precious grandbabies that will tell you in a heartbeat that they love some Maw Maw Darlene. And of course I love Buddy Paul, my dog, and my fantastic friends. If you are lucky enough to have all of this, what more could a person need?

Favorite quote: “When is enough, enough? How much money does it take? Money is not everything.” Karl Mott

Hidden talents: I can do aqualight swimming.

My tombstone will read: Because you came to see me I know I made a difference. Now show me them pearly whites and shake ya tail feather girlfriend or baby daddy.

Lacey LeBlanc

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE lacey@houmaweekly.com I joined Rushing Media a little over a year ago because I was fresh out of college and needed a job. My job rocks simply because of the people I get to spend all day with. There is never a dull moment in our office.

When I’m not working I love to travel and hope to one day visit Italy. My idle time at home is spent playing CityVille these days. I love to cook and spend time with my babies as much as possible.

Favorite quote: “No one can start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. I live for the moments you can’t put into words.”

Hidden talents: I have an ability to memorize numbers like you wouldn’t believe. I can read a phone number once and it is forever engraved into my memory.

My tombstone will read: BRB LOL =P

Elizabeth Savoie

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE elizabeth@houmaweekly.com After working in the medical field for about five years, I decided I wanted a change. I saw a “want” ad on The Weekly’s Facebook page for office help. So I applied and here I am! I have never been able to say that I love my job; well, I do now and I love the people I work with.

I enjoy spending my spare time with my family and my wonderful husband, Corey. We are always in New Orleans, walking through the Quarter or shopping at the malls. I also love love love going to Saints games!

I’m a twin, so make sure you don’t get us confused!

Favorite quote: “Everything happens for a reason.”

Hidden talents: I can be in two places at one time

My tombstone will read: Bye