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Discover Lafayette welcomes Paul Eason, founder of Eason Advertising, a marketing and public relations firm based in Lafayette, to share his family history as a member of the Billeaud family. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Billeaud Companies.
A native of Lafayette, Paul graduated from Cathedral-Carmel High School and USL. He has built a successful career in advertising and PR since launching his firm in 1999, representing clients across industries ranging from banks to automotive dealerships.
Paul’s story, however, is deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Billeaud family. As a descendant of this influential family, Paul has served on the board of Billeaud Companies since 2013 and has chaired the board since 2021. He is the first chairman in the company’s history who does not carry the Billeaud name, a point of pride and responsibility.
The Billeaud Family Legacy
The company’s origins began when Pierre Jean Billeaud (1806-1877) and his wife, Rosalie Felicite Grizeau, immigrated to Louisiana with their son, Martial Francois, from Bourgneuf, France in 1840. Pierre made his living as a wheelwright (blacksmith). When Martial was 16 in 1852, he followed in his father’s footsteps and established a blacksmith shop near the Vermilion River, on the site presently occupied by the DoubleTree Hotel.
In 1872, Martial brought new stalks of sugar cane to the area, purchased a mule driven-cane crushing machine, built a mill and began buying land to start a sugar cane business. The endeavor evolved into Billeaud buying more land and building up the sugar company. Martial Billeaud was the first in his family to begin the history of the Billeaud family’s commitment to responsible use of land resources and active involvement in the community.
Billeaud Companies can be traced back to 1914, when Martial F. Billeaud, Sr. sold the business to his children. who originally incorporated it into the Billeaud Sugar Factory, Inc. Built upon earlier cane-crushing operations started in the late 19th century, the enterprise grew into a powerhouse of sugar production. Over time, multiple plantations—including Comeaux and Broussard—were consolidated under the umbrella of the company, reflecting its family-driven nature.
Martial F. Billeaud, Sr. (1836 – 1916) was the driving force behind the current family-owned Billeaud Companies. The family is proud to have facilitated the building of Martial F. Billeaud Elementary School at 500 E Fairfield Dr, Broussard, LA, on property formerly owned by the company.
Paul recalls childhood visits to the factory in Broussard, where the machinery left lasting impressions. The sugar factory had been part of the daily life of his family for generations.
“Popie Billeaud jokes that I’m the first chairman of Billeaud Companies that doesn’t carry the Billeaud name. As a child, I went to the sugar factory a bunch. In those days, my uncle was running the sugar factory, and as I remember we’d go there to see the them crushing the cane and bringing the cane in and the smokestacks. It was a big operation, located about where Mike’s Marine is in Broussard. I knew that I was always going to be involved with Billeaud Companies. We have a swing set in my backyard that was made at the sugar factory and syrup bowl in the front yard. It was always a part of my life.”
As time went on, and Lafayette and Broussard expanded, economic realities, environmental issues, and federal policy shifts made sugar production less sustainable. In 1979, the sugar factory closed. The company pivoted to land development, real estate, and commercial property investment. This strategic shift—guided in part by longtime CEO James L. “Tex” Plumley—allowed the company to prosper through oil discoveries, building acquisitions, and commercial development.
Growth Into Real Estate Development
Today, the Billeaud Companies own and manage more than 800,000 square feet of developed property, along with hundreds of acres of significant undeveloped land. Their portfolio includes shopping centers in Broussard, office complexes such as 900 South College Road and 218 Rue Beauregard in Lafayette, and other key commercial properties throughout Lafayette Parish.
The company has also been instrumental in community growth. From donating the road to our locally beloved zoo, Zoosiana, to facilitating the land deal for Martial F. Billeaud Elementary School, the family has consistently invested in projects that benefit the public while preserving long-term value for shareholders.
Family and Community Connections
With more than 200 stockholders—spread across Louisiana and beyond—the Billeaud Companies remains a true family enterprise. Annual stockholders’ meetings are as much a reunion and celebration as they are business affairs, often featuring crawfish boils, live music, and fellowship under the oak trees of the historic family headquarters, once the Paul Billeaud home and later Chez Marcelle Restaurant.
The Billeaud Foundation, which Paul previously chaired, reflects the family’s commitment to philanthropy. Scholarships in music, science, French, nursing, and in honor of fallen family members continue to impact UL students and the wider Acadiana community. The foundation also supports local churches and civic projects. The Martial F. Billeaud, Sr. Foundation provides funds to be used exclusively for charitable, educational and scientific purposes, with grants being provided to deserving organizations within these criteria. Any organization that fits the criteria stated above may apply for funds by filling out our online grant application. Visit https://billeaudcompanies.com/about/martial-f-billeaud-sr-foundation/ for more information.
Carrying the Torch
For Paul, being chairman means balancing tradition with innovation. He oversees a diverse board that includes lawyers, bankers, IT specialists, and construction experts, all working toward the goal of preserving the Billeaud legacy while preparing for Lafayette’s future.
As he reflects on both his personal career and his family’s 111-year history in business, Paul emphasizes stewardship, adaptability, and optimism about the opportunities ahead in Lafayette and Broussard.
To learn more about the company, visit https://billeaudcompanies.com/.
