One can say Michael Baudry, a New Orleans native, fell in love with both Coastal Mississippi and home building during many family visits. On his days off as a firefighter in the New Orleans area, Baudry worked alongside his uncle, Richard Baudry, owner of Acadian Homes. Through these experiences and visits, his passion for building homes grew.
“There was something magical about being a home builder,” Michael says. “I still wake up every morning excited for the day ahead as we turn empty lots into beautiful houses for families to call home.”
‘THE PERFECT PLACE TO CALL HOME’
As he inched further toward retiring from the fire department, Michael continued building homes with his uncle at Acadian Homes. He and his wife, Chanon, decided it would be a wonderful place to raise their family once he could fully transition to home building.
“There’s something about the serene, laid-back vibe that instantly puts us at ease,” Chanon says. “The slower pace and friendly neighbors made it the perfect place to call home. Whether we’re lounging on the beach, shopping or dining, we always feel a sense of tranquility that is hard to find anywhere else.”
As outdoor enthusiasts, Michael says that Coastal Mississippi’s natural beauty also was a major draw for his family. The Coast offers abundant opportunities for the family to indulge in outdoor activities, and their favorites include fishing, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and dolphin-watching. Of course, the kids love family time together at the Mississippi Aquarium and other fun attractions along the Coast.
Another reason Coastal Mississippi won the family’s hearts was its rich history and cultural heritage. Mississippi’s coastal towns are dotted with charming historic buildings and museums showcasing the area’s past. You can always find something interesting to discover, from the Biloxi lighthouse to the Beauvoir estate, former home of President Jefferson Davis.
FINDING THEIR PEACE
Fast-forward five years, and today you will find Michael building homes in Gulfport’s prestigious Oak Landing community. Here, he has an opportunity to impact people’s lives positively.
“It’s exciting to see the blueprint on paper finally taking shape and becoming a functional, safe and beautiful home,” Michael says. “Knowing my work contributes to providing a safe and secure environment for individuals and their loved ones fills me with a sense of purpose.”
Another aspect Michael loves about being a home builder is the varied nature of the job.
“No two houses are the same, which keeps me on my toes,” he says. “From the design phase to coordinating with subcontractors and ensuring everything meets building codes, I constantly learn and grow as a professional. It’s a dynamic field that keeps me engaged and excited.”
The Baudrys’ love for Coastal Mississippi is not just an emotional connection, but a physical one. Michael and his wife have noticed their stress levels decrease when they spend time by the water, and they feel more relaxed and at peace. There is something about the natural beauty of Coastal Mississippi that profoundly affects their wellbeing and helps them seem more connected to the world around them. Years later, they are still happy they came home to the Coast.
