Interviewer(s): J. Sell. Houma, LA

Affiliation: University of Arizona

Bobby Bergeron is the Parish President of Terrebonne Parish. As such, he was someone I wanted to interview to gain his perspective on oil and community development. Other people also recommended him because he also represents something of a success story in oil service business.

Bobby Bergeron worked in the oil fields as a floor hand during summer vacations from high school. After graduation from high school in 1956, he began working for Heldenbrand Incorporated, a tool service company, rising to president. When Heldenbrand was sold to Chromalloy American, he was made vice president in charge of the former Heldenbrand, then a division of Chromalloy. After a rough time, the tool company was later bought by a group of local investors, including himself. So now he is president and part owner of Surbo-Tubular, which continues the tool joint rebuilding and repair work started by Heldenbrand in the 1950's. After serving on the Parish Council, he was elected Parish President in 1998.