10/06/2026
When you go on a journey it’s always fun to pick up some keepsakes along the way. My momma is FAMOUS for this…we never just came back with memories…we came back with nature trinkets…rocks, sand, or flowers. They were found, appreciated, and treasured as part of our story.
Looking back on the last 39 years of Cajun Cutters we have had the opportunity to pick up a few of these treasures. Treasures that become part of your DNA, part of the fabric that makes us The Super Service Team. There have been many of these over the years, some were so close to us that we called them Aunt or Uncle, although there was no relation. As we mentioned a few weeks back, Melissa was my big sister, and our only tie was Cajun Cutters. Some of them were brothers and although they weren’t related, they were seen as Tommy’s Boys. This will forever be an honor to a handful of guys who over the years were just that, his boys. Men who, in some cases, had great parents, but in other cases had near zero upbringing. Daddy would always see the best in people, even when others could not. Like a beautiful rock taken from a creek in Tennessee, Daddy would put his name on these people and call them his own.
There have been a handful of Tommy’s boys over the years, but on journeys of this magnitude there are many stops, bumps in the road, and directional changes. Considering the tune-ups and oil-changes while heading towards our goals there have been some of things left behind and others have been pulled in even closer. The Tommy’s Boys that have left over the years have not been forgotten, they are not despised, they are part of our history and will always be part of us.
Between 2002 and 2007 we walked in a target rich environment, the opportunity to pick up young talent was high and we were able to “scoop up” a few great hands. I know what your thinking, we were able to get some hands from another shop in town that were trained-up and ready to go…well, that is not the case. These boys started as welding helpers, office painters, and machinist apprentices. These boys were built at Cajun. These boys are part of Cajun. They are some of Tommy’s Boys. They are my brothers. They are not the only ones at Cajun Cutters today, but they are some of the longest standing men of DNA.
Looking back 10-15 years ago I remember saying “we are the youngest management crew in town” and we were. We were all born at Cajun Cutters and were given the reigns at an early age, because Dad knew we could handle it. He had faith in his boys, all of them. We didn’t always do things the best way, but we always did it the right way. We put the Customer first and made service our credo. These guys are family, their wives and kids are family, and I appreciate them for being Tommy’s Boys.
Mitch Thibodaux started off working in the shop as a welder helper and over the years has worked his way through many positions including purchaser, office manager, Director of Administration, and is currently on the board of directors of Cajun Cutters. He is married and has two wonderful children, and within two weeks will have a new son-in-law as his daughter is getting married. Mitch is always professional, even when he is being carried into the car after breaking his foot on the stairs at work. All kidding aside, he is a serious asset to our Team and we appreciate his efforts.
Ryan Plaisance started as a welder helper in the fabrication shop, and it didn’t take him long to become a welder, then top welder, fitter, shop leader-man, shop foreman, and then inside salesman/project manager. He is married, has two sons, and as long as his wife is around, he will always kill the second biggest deer on his property. Ryan is very intelligent and in addition to being a great project manager he can also speak “in skin tones”. You know his general attitude based on the redness of his cheeks. In addition to these great traits, he is also highly professional, and a solid player in our organization.
Derek Dupre began his career painting walls in our old offices. He was part of a small crew we hired out of South Terrebonne High School when they were seniors. His initiative and drive were apparent and Dad hired him to be a machinist helper soon after. After becoming a machinist, machine shop manager, and inside salesman/project manager he has also become part of our board of directors. Derek is married, has five children, and has recently become a proud PawPaw to a beautiful granddaughter. Derek is highly motivated and loves to have a hobby, these include more than we can accurately discuss. One thing is for certain, when he decides to change hobbies, someone is bound to make a good deal on the equipment for the old hobby because he needs things for the new hobby. No matter what hobby-mood he is in, he has always been a leader in our business.
Then there was one…
Derek Authement began his career as a machinist apprentice and has also held positions including machinist, machine shop leader-man, and inside salesman/project manager. He is married and has two beautiful daughters who have both inherited his large personality that is full of love and comedic character. Derek has the ability to really lock in on a project and hustle through it, something that doesn’t come naturally to most individuals. He is also very bald, which in my opinion makes him extremely handsome…maybe I’m bias…considering we share this haircut, but nonetheless we are the best-looking guys at the shop. In addition to the handsomeness, Derek is honest, hardworking, and an asset to our crew.
So, to my brothers, to these Tommy’s Boys, we appreciate you guys for being part of the Super Service Team. I appreciate you making my Daddy proud. I’m excited for what the future holds for us, and I look forward to continuing this journey with y’all.
Love You Guys,
Christoher Aston
