Ned Guilbeau

Ned Guilbeau – A Man of the People

The resume of Ned Guilbeau spans a lifetime of accomplishments, of giving to others and reads like a who’s who in the millwork industry. After retiring from Lafayette Woodworks in 2003 after 48 – yes, 48 years of service to the millwork industry – he continues as a consultant to both Lafayette Woodworks and Woodware Systems!

Ned truly connects with people, is fearless and tenacious in his commitment and contributions to any endeavor and without a doubt makes an impression on you for life. With strong beginnings, serving his country in both the US Army and the Louisiana National Guard, he was awarded the Louisiana Distinguished service Medal for Meritorious Service of Great Responsibility.

He “retired” at the Lieutenant Colonel rank after 24 years of services. He demonstrated his leadership abilities as a long time member of the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and served on the Chamber board. He was president of the Acadiana Building Materials Dealers Association, an association vice president on the AMD Executive Committee and as AMD’s Membership Committee chair.

Ned was active on the Louisiana Home Builders board of Directors and was a member so the State Associate Council. He received the Acadian Home Builders Association Associate of the Year award, the Associate of the Year award for the State of Louisiana Home Builders Association and served four years on the Home Builders Association National Board of Directors.

From 1996-2001 Ned was a member of the Louisiana Product Laboratory Steering Committee and served on USL Interior Design Advisory Board.

Ned is married to the former Shirley Melancon and has three children, Merlin, Charles Jr. and Annette.

Eugene & Ned

Ned Guilbeau’s management style over the years has included praise, recognition and encouragement for employees. From the Lafayette Woodworks photo archives, employee Eugene Lavergne (left) is shown receiving an award from Ned.

Ned Guilbeau has actively served in leadership roles throughout the millwork industry, including a term on the Woodware Systems Customer Advisory Council. Shown here in 1998 from the left with Toni Stewart, Louisiana Millwork; Chip Wilby, Cleary Millwork; Dan Barber, Barnett Millworks, and George Buzard, Gates Lumber.


	“Everyone hated to do inventory! And at the beginning of each one - held just once a year, I remember Ned saying, “Welcome to the biggest party of the year!” — Mike Tacker, Lafayette Wood Works
“I will always remember the words “Code Red”, that meant that either the inspectors were in the building or a customer was placed on hold and was waiting for an answer - that was a “Code Red” to hurry up and find the right answer. — Velma Faul, Lafayette Wood Works
		Left to right: John Mier, Shirley Guilbeau, Nick Carter, Ned Guilbeau and Sylvia Mier.
			Ned & Shirley’s 50th wedding anniversary. They have three children, four grand-daughters and two great-grandsons.

About the Award :: 2004 Recipients :: Darrell Rice :: Contributors :: PDF version