We truly take pride in our unique employee culture at Cenac. We operate as one big family. In this blog series, we will be highlighting employees at every level and position at the company so that you can see exactly why Cenac is as successful as it continues to be, and that’s in large part because of i
ts amazing people.
Today we’re highlighting our awesome Operations Manager, Jeramy Carroll. Jeramy calls Houma his hometown and has worked for Cenac for nine years. Over the years, Jeramy has worked his way up to this position. He is a true embodiment of what hard work and dedication can do, and he truly takes pride in his work
What’s a normal day on the job for like for you?
When I am not traveling for visits with customers or boats, the day starts off with a crew change briefing, discussing operational and safety concerns with the crews. I visit with them before they depart for their assigned boats. Then, I sit in with the dispatch department as they call each boat for morning positions, job activities and any other information to be shared between the boat and shore side departments. After morning traffic and a briefing with dispatch, attending managers, safety/compliance, maintenance and personnel, I head over to the sales persons office or phone him to get the scoop on customer and market activity. As the morning settles, I visit with Mr. Cenac on operational and marketing activity to get his direction and feedback on all ongoing and upcoming activity. The remainder of the day is spent differently every day. Though always available and serving the operations department and our boats, my attention might be diverted to special customer requests, marketing and contracts activity, safety/compliance needs, company audits, etc.
What’s your favorite aspect of your job?
A job well done. Defining an objective, working with our team to create a plan for success and watching that plan come together.
Do you have a favorite company tradition or celebration that you like to partake in?
I enjoy our company gatherings out in the yard. When Mr. Cenac has a big announcement to make, everyone will muster in one of the fab shops on the yard. Usually this is at lunchtime and he has a big meal prepared. He will not divulge his secret recipes, but the way he cooks duck is perfection!
Can you share one of your favorite memories from your time working with Benny Cenac?
I was just starting out as a dispatcher for Cenac. It was the end of the day. I was on call and everyone else had gone home, except for Mr. Cenac. I received a phone call from a boat with a rigging issue in an area with little options for assistance. Mr. Cenac listened over my shoulder as I went back and forth for a half hour with this captain and different services in the area in finding a resolve. We finally came up with what we thought was a good solution, and it would have worked, but it would have caused a delay. Then, Mr. Cenac picked up the phone and within five minutes set in place an alternate rigging plan with this Captain, keeping the job going without downtime. As he hung up the phone with encouraging words to that Captain, he then turned to me. I remember being very impressed with the know-how and display of talent for his profession, but I was at the same time disappointed in myself. He was not upset with me or at all condescending. To my surprise, he commended me on being able to “think on my feet”. Within the first few minutes of that phone call, he knew what needed to be done. His patience that day in watching how we were working through that issue in setting up a lesson learned was something many people do not have. From the beginning, he has been and still remains an incredible mentor to me, and to many of us here at Cenac.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Anything enjoyed with my family and being outdoors makes me smile. I enjoy working with my labradors, hunting and/or competing in hunt tests. I also enjoy competing in physical endurance events, though my wife would say it doesn’t seem so with the lack of training as of recent. I have competed in several half marathons and triathlons including two Half Ironman events.