Ben Bordelon is a name that resonates in both the world of professional sports and the world of business leadership, a rare dual legacy that showcases how determination, resilience, and adaptability can shape a person’s journey. Many people first recognize him as a talented offensive lineman who played college football at Louisiana State University (LSU) and later took his skills to the NFL as a member of the San Diego Chargers. Others know him as a prominent Louisiana businessman who today serves as the President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, a third-generation family-owned company that has become a vital part of the Gulf Coast’s maritime economy.
What makes Ben Bordelon’s life story truly inspiring is the way he has seamlessly transitioned from the high-intensity world of professional football into the equally demanding realm of corporate leadership, balancing family values, community service, and business innovation along the way. His biography is not just about titles and positions; it reflects the story of a man who embodies leadership, perseverance, and loyalty to his roots.
Early Life and Background
Born on April 9, 1974, in Louisiana, Ben Bordelon grew up in a family environment that instilled deep values of discipline, faith, and hard work. Louisiana, with its unique Southern culture and strong sense of community, played an essential role in shaping his outlook on life. From a young age, Bordelon showed a passion for both academics and sports, a balance that would later become a defining aspect of his career. His upbringing in a close-knit family helped him develop a strong foundation of respect for tradition while also nurturing the determination needed to carve his own path.
The lessons he learned during his early years—whether from family, church, or local mentors—equipped him with the tools he would need for both his athletic and professional journeys. It was evident from childhood that he was driven not just by ambition, but by a genuine commitment to living up to his family’s legacy and values.
Education and College Years
When it came time for higher education, Ben Bordelon chose Louisiana State University, where he became both a dedicated student and an accomplished athlete. His years at LSU were filled with growth, opportunity, and the beginning of his rise to prominence. As a student, he managed to strike an impressive balance between academics and athletics, showing the discipline needed to succeed in two challenging arenas. On the football field, he quickly established himself as a reliable and powerful offensive lineman for the LSU Tigers, earning respect from both teammates and coaches.
His leadership qualities stood out, as he not only excelled in his own position but also motivated others to perform at their best. The combination of his athletic achievements and academic focus provided a well-rounded college experience that laid the groundwork for his professional career, both in football and later in business.
Ben Bordelon’s Football Career
At LSU, Ben Bordelon’s football career flourished as he became known for his strength, endurance, and leadership on the offensive line. His role was critical to the team’s overall performance, and his consistent reliability made him an asset during his college years. His hard work and dedication paid off when he earned the opportunity to play professional football, achieving a dream that many young athletes share but few realize. Bordelon joined the NFL with the San Diego Chargers, taking on the demanding role of offensive tackle.
Although his NFL career was relatively brief, it was a significant chapter in his life that taught him valuable lessons about perseverance, competition, and teamwork. Playing at the highest level of football exposed him to new challenges and pressures, but it also reinforced the importance of discipline and focus, qualities that would later become the cornerstone of his business success.
Transition From Football to Business
For many athletes, the end of a professional sports career is a difficult period filled with uncertainty, but Ben Bordelon managed the transition with remarkable resilience. After leaving the NFL, he returned to his roots in Louisiana and chose to dedicate himself to his family’s company, Bollinger Shipyards. Unlike some who rely on fame, Bordelon approached his new career with humility, beginning as a Project Manager in 2000. His decision to start at the ground level allowed him to fully understand the operations of the company rather than simply stepping into leadership due to his family’s history.
This period of hands-on experience helped him develop a deep knowledge of shipbuilding and repair, and it also gave him credibility with employees and industry peers. The same discipline and teamwork he had relied upon in football now became essential tools as he worked to prove himself in an entirely different field.
Business Career at Bollinger Shipyards
Bollinger Shipyards has long been a cornerstone of Louisiana’s maritime industry, founded in 1946 by Ben’s grandfather, Donald Bollinger. As a third-generation leader, Ben Bordelon took on the responsibility of continuing this family legacy while also preparing the company for future challenges. His career trajectory within Bollinger was steady and earned: from Project Manager, he became Executive Vice President of Repair in 2002, where he oversaw vital aspects of the business for over a decade. In 2013, he advanced to Chief Operating Officer, a role that expanded his leadership responsibilities and strategic involvement.
By 2014, he was named President and CEO, a position he continues to hold today. Under his leadership, Bollinger Shipyards has not only maintained its reputation but also expanded its reach, securing government contracts and strengthening its presence as a leader in shipbuilding and repair. Bordelon’s ability to modernize the company while respecting its heritage is a hallmark of his leadership.
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Leadership Style and Philosophy
One of the most defining aspects of Ben Bordelon’s success at Bollinger Shipyards is his leadership style, which blends accountability, teamwork, and long-term vision. Drawing from his background in sports, he understands the value of collaboration and the necessity of every team member feeling valued and empowered. At the same time, he sets high expectations, encouraging employees to strive for excellence in their work.
His philosophy focuses on balancing tradition with innovation—respecting the methods that have sustained the company for decades while also embracing new technologies and strategies to remain competitive in a global industry. Bordelon’s leadership emphasizes that success is not about quick wins but about sustainable growth and collective achievement, a philosophy that reflects both his football roots and his business mindset.
Achievements and Recognition in Business
Since becoming CEO, Ben Bordelon has overseen significant achievements at Bollinger Shipyards, particularly in securing important contracts with the U.S. Coast Guard and other federal agencies. These contracts not only strengthen the company’s financial standing but also contribute to national security and the economy of Louisiana. His emphasis on innovation, quality, and workforce development has helped Bollinger remain a trusted name in the maritime industry.
Furthermore, his commitment to investing in the local community through job creation has had a positive impact on the region. National recognition for the company’s reliability and excellence under his leadership highlights the effectiveness of his approach. His career serves as a model for how family-owned companies can thrive under new generations of leadership while still staying true to their foundational values.
Personal Life and Family
While Ben Bordelon’s professional life is filled with responsibility and public visibility, his personal life remains centered on family. He is married to Gemi Bordelon, who became widely recognized after her appearance in a viral LSU celebration video known as the “Get the Gat” dance at the White House. Together, they live in Raceland, Louisiana, where they raise their three children.
Although details about their children are kept private, it is clear that family plays a central role in Bordelon’s life. His ability to balance the demands of being a CEO with his responsibilities as a husband and father underscores his dedication to maintaining strong personal foundations alongside his professional commitments.
Gemi Bordelon: A Supportive Partner
Gemi Bordelon, born reportedly on February 1, 1975, is more than just the wife of Ben Bordelon; she is his partner in every sense of the word. Her viral dance moment brought unexpected attention, but in truth, she has long been an integral part of her husband’s journey, offering encouragement and stability through the various transitions of his career.
Known for her lively personality and deep Louisiana roots, she represents the strength and resilience of the Bordelon family. Together, Ben and Gemi demonstrate how shared values and mutual support can create a strong partnership that contributes to both personal happiness and professional success.
Community Involvement and Philanthropy
Beyond his responsibilities at Bollinger Shipyards, Ben Bordelon is also deeply involved in community service and professional organizations. He serves as Chairman of the Shipbuilders Council of America and has been an active board member of the Offshore Marine Service Association, Tiger Athletic Foundation, Young Presidents’ Organization, and Delta Waterfowl.
He is also a former board member of Marucci Sports. His charitable contributions and support for local schools, churches, and organizations highlight his commitment to giving back to the community that has supported him throughout his life. His philanthropic work demonstrates that he views success not only as personal achievement but also as an opportunity to uplift others.
Legacy in Football
Although his NFL career was short, Ben Bordelon’s legacy in football remains important, particularly for LSU fans who remember his contributions to the Tigers’ offensive line. His time with the Chargers, though limited, represented the culmination of years of dedication and hard work.
More importantly, the lessons he learned on the field—discipline, teamwork, resilience—continue to define his character and leadership style. His journey is a reminder that even a brief professional sports career can leave a lasting impact when the lessons learned are carried into other parts of life.
Legacy in Business
In the business world, Ben Bordelon’s legacy is equally significant. By leading Bollinger Shipyards into a new era, he has preserved the vision of his grandfather while ensuring the company’s relevance in the modern economy.
His ability to balance innovation with tradition has set an example for family business succession, proving that with the right leadership, heritage companies can remain powerful players in their industries. His work not only secures the future of Bollinger Shipyards but also strengthens Louisiana’s role in the national maritime sector.
Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
No great career is without challenges, and Ben Bordelon’s journey has been no exception. Transitioning from professional football to corporate leadership required humility, constant learning, and resilience. Leading a historic company like Bollinger also came with the responsibility of maintaining its legacy while facing the pressures of a competitive and evolving industry.
Yet, rather than being overwhelmed by these obstacles, Bordelon used them as opportunities for growth. His story reflects how determination and adaptability can transform challenges into stepping stones for success.
Recognition and Public Image
Over the years, Ben Bordelon has built a reputation as a disciplined, grounded, and respected leader. Admired by sports fans, employees, business leaders, and Louisiana residents, his public image reflects his integrity and authenticity.
He has managed to maintain an approachable personality despite his high-profile positions, making him a figure of pride for both LSU athletics and the Louisiana business community. His ability to earn recognition without seeking the spotlight is a testament to his character.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Although the exact figure of Ben Bordelon’s net worth is not publicly disclosed, it is widely believed to be in the multi-million-dollar range. His earnings stem from both his brief NFL career and his long-standing leadership role at Bollinger Shipyards, a company that secures major contracts and plays a vital role in national defense and commercial shipbuilding. His financial stability reflects not only professional success but also smart decision-making and adaptability across different fields.
Hobbies, Interests, and Lifestyle
Outside of his demanding career, Ben Bordelon enjoys spending time with his family, supporting LSU athletics, and participating in Louisiana’s rich cultural traditions. Whether attending LSU football games, engaging in community events, or enjoying time with loved ones, he maintains a strong connection to his roots. His lifestyle reflects the balance between high-level leadership and the enjoyment of simple, meaningful experiences rooted in family and community life.
Conclusion
The story of Ben Bordelon is one of resilience, adaptability, and vision. From his early years in Louisiana to his time as an LSU athlete, his brief but valuable NFL career, and his eventual rise to CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, he has consistently shown the determination to succeed while staying true to his values. His life represents a balance between athletics and business, ambition and family, tradition and innovation.
For athletes seeking to transition into new careers, for entrepreneurs leading family businesses, and for individuals dedicated to serving their communities, Ben Bordelon’s biography offers an inspiring example of what it means to lead with integrity and purpose.
FAQs
1. Who is Ben Bordelon?
Ben Bordelon is a former NFL offensive tackle who played for the San Diego Chargers after his college career at LSU. Today, he is best known as the President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, a family-owned shipbuilding and repair company in Louisiana.
2. What NFL team did Ben Bordelon play for?
After a standout career at LSU, Ben Bordelon joined the San Diego Chargers in the NFL, where he played as an offensive lineman before transitioning into business.
3. What is Ben Bordelon’s role at Bollinger Shipyards?
Ben Bordelon currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Bollinger Shipyards, where he leads the third-generation family business, overseeing modernization, innovation, and large-scale contracts with government and commercial clients.
4. Who is Ben Bordelon married to?
He is married to Gemi (Gremillion) Bordelon, a Louisiana native who became widely recognized after appearing in the viral “Get the Gat” dance video during LSU’s White House celebration. Together, they have three children and reside in Raceland, Louisiana.
5. What is Ben Bordelon’s estimated net worth?
While the exact figure is not publicly disclosed, Ben Bordelon’s net worth is believed to be in the multi-million-dollar range, stemming from his time in the NFL and his leadership of Bollinger Shipyards, which secures major federal and private contracts.
