Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth) : This week is Gene Fortier

Gene Fortier is a state farm agent, and is often referred to as “The Mayor of River Ranch” – he is a gentleman, a motivator and someone who loves his work and his life (and he doesn’t hide it very well). He tells stories easily and smiles more than the average man. He has plenty of lessons to share – listen to this man. Gene has that air of success, and he carries it well.

What was your first job? 
Assistant Vice President, of the wash rack at my dad’s Lincoln/ Mercury dealership.

Describe a typical day in your life.
Up at 5am, coffee and Daily Advertiser, 3 miles and the gym at 6am, back at the house for breakfast on the patio with Morning Advocate and Wall Street journal enjoying the sunrise, in the office for 9am; visiting with the “A” team, lunch and USA today, nap, back in the office for 3:30pm, leave at 6pm for Merlot and dinner on the patio enjoying the sunset at home, and in bed for 10pm.

What advice would you give the younger you?
QUIT procrastinating GET motivated.

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
Marrying Peggy.

What values do you live by?
Smelling the roses and thinking learn term

What do you most appreciate?
My blessing; family, friends and health

What is your favorite journey?
Dreaming

Where is your favorite place to be alone?
Our camp at Cypremort Point

What living figure most inspires you?
My two sons, GFIII and Blaise.

What was the best advice you were ever given?
Pay yourself first and you will always be wealthy

What book would you tell everyone to read?
Not a book, but the editorial page of the Wall Street Journal.

What is the best thing about where you live?
The Sweet Smell of Success

How do you “let the good times roll” ?
Enjoying life, doing what I am doing

What did u want to be when you grew up?
Businessmen

What is your motto?
“How are you going to have your dreams come true if you don’t dream?”

How would you like to be remembered?
His dreams came true!!!

What do you say to yourself when you doubt yourself?
This too shall pass

What three things are vital to being YOU?
Smelling the roses
Being blessed with luck
Realizing that life is a gift

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
NO FREE LUNCH
EVERYTHING IS RELATIVE

What is your favorite word?
Blessed

What do you collect?
$$$$

What food could you live on for a month?
Chicken salad

What would you change about yourself?
Nothing

What literary, movie or cartoon character do you most identify with?
DILBERT and ARLO

Describe yourself in five words.
Dreamer, Lucky, Blessed, Optimist, Thinker

What is your idea of happiness?
Sunset at our Camp with a glass of Merlot

What is your favorite movie?
Gone with the Wind

What music defines who you are?
Nat King Cole

What do you most regret?
No regrets

What question do you wish I’d asked?
What promise did you make to your wife when you proposed to her?

What would the answer be?
The promise was on our 25th wedding anniversary we would take The Concorde and go to Europe.  So in 1994, when we celebrated our 25th anniversary by taking The Concorde for a 3 hours and 12 minutes flight to Europe.