Oysterman continues tradition for region’s future

Mike Voisin considers himself an optimist. After having the oyster industry hit with the BP oil spill in April 2010, and again by flooding from the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers in May, Voisin said that a good freshwater washing of the system, 50 percent of oyster production was lost two seasons in a row because of freshwater, should offer a bountiful shellfish return in a couple of years.

Voisin represents the seventh generation of his family that has made a living off Louisiana seafood since 1770.

His father, Ernest, left the region and moved to southern California in 1946, but returned 25 years later with a wife and children when Voisin was 18.

In 1971, Motivatit Seafoods was founded by Ernest Voisin. During the next 40 years, it grew to become one of the nation’s predominant oyster producers and distributors.

Today, Mike Voisin not only orchestrates a successful business, but is a member of several industrial and civic organizations. He has also served under various government and educational appointments to enhance the seafood industry and Louisiana business.

“Our biggest success has come from being able to survive all the ups and downs,” Voisin said. “Success is a journey, not a destination. We’ve been on a journey for 40 years now and carried on a family tradition.”

Even with manmade and natural strikes against it, Voisin insisted that the oyster industry is headed in a positive direction. “I think we are going to see value added products with it. As people learn the health benefits [including scientific connections between oysters and fighting certain forms of cancer] we will see increased demand.”

When asked about his biggest challenges, Voisin noted that he views challenges as opportunities to grow. “You deal with them,” he said. “In time you learn how to understand challenges.”

NAME: Michael C. Voisin

TITLE: CEO

COMPANY: Motivatit Seafoods LLC

ESTABLISHED: 1971

ADDRESS: Box 3916, Houma, La.

TELEPHONE: (985) 868-7191

WEBSITE: theperfectoyster.com

BIOGRAPHY

DOB: April 10, 1953

EDUCATION: Nicholls State University, studied business

FAMILY: Married, five children

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

FIRST JOB: Cook and counter worker at Orange Julius

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Involvement in public service

PERSONAL THOUGHTS

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE SELF: Integrity

ADVICE TO OTHERS: Be involved

CEOs YOU ADMIRE: Morris Hebert, Morris Hebert Inc., Houma, for his ability to work with others

Motivatit Seafood CEO Mike Voisin knows the oyster business. He also knows people and says that leading others with integrity and being involved in the community are among the secrets to realizing success. MIKE NIXON