Executive Spotlight: Bryan Naquin
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Position: President and CEO
Company: Acadian Home Theater & Automation
Age: 42
Family: Wife, Stacey, and son, Cade (20)
Hometown: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Education: Attended high school (didn’t graduate)
In the news:
In the May issue of CE Pro, a trade magazine for home technology pros, installers and integrators, Acadian Home Theatre & Automation is ranked No. 68 among the top 100 Audio/Video Integrators in the U.S., based on annual revenue, up from No. 78 the year previous. It marks the eighth straight year the Baton Rouge firm has been ranked on the list, and Naquin says it’s the only Louisiana based company to ever be ranked.
The Q&A:
What was your very first job, how old were you and what was the biggest takeaway from the experience?
My first job was cutting grass around my neighborhood for $5 a yard. My grandfather, who raised me, always told me, “If you want something in this life you have to go take it and be willing to out work everyone—no one is going to give you anything.”
What time do you typically get up on a workday, and what’s your ideal morning routine to get it off to a great start?
5:30 a.m. I like to start my day by spending 30 minutes reading my Bible and devotional. I then have a quick breakfast and I am out the door by 6:30 a.m.
Since you founded Acadian Home Theater & Automation nearly 16 years ago, the technology your company specializes in has evolved and advanced dramatically. What are the greatest challenges those changes present and what are the greatest opportunities?
Technology moves so fast today and there is so much information out there—or noise as I call it—that you have to be a student of our industry. You have to constantly be reading up on latest trends, going to conferences with industry peers, and polling your existing client base to see what has worked and what hasn’t. There in also lies are greatest opportunity. Our clients, or people in general, are too busy and do not have time to research everything that is out there. Our job is to educate them, to be their technology experts.
What’s something about your industry you know today that you wish you’d have known back when you started your company?
It’s all about people. The people I work with are the backbone of our company. Without highly skilled technical people, that are loyal and dedicated, we wouldn’t be where we are today.
What do you think will be the next big innovation in your industry?
Circadian rhythm lighting. The ability to tune the lights in a home or business to follow the color temperature of the sun. The health benefits of proper lighting in your home or business is amazing, and we are just scratching the surface of our understanding and usage.
What’s a leadership skill you’ve learned the hard way?
Trusting your team. You have to trust the people you put in positions to execute. Just because they don’t do it exactly how you would doesn’t make it wrong. Being flexible to let them learn and make mistakes used to be very challenging for me.
What’s something about your job or company that might surprise people?
Our company was founded a Bible scripture Proverbs 22:1. A good name is more desirable than great riches; loving favor rather than silver or gold. This means we care more about people than money, and that our name or reputation is more valuable than any dollar amount.
What are some of your hobbies or favorite things to do in your free time?
Spending time with my wife on our boat is at the very top of my list. I also enjoy working out and playing golf. And who doesn’t love a Saturday night in Death Valley?
You’re taking me out to a business lunch in Baton Rouge. Where are you most likely to take me and what do you recommend I order?
Stab’s Prime. The fish of the day with grilled veggies.
What’s one of the smartest purchases you’ve ever made?
What’s one of the dumbest? Our back end project management software, I don’t how you run a business effectively without it. Probably one of my watches, but I love them.
What kind of vehicle do you drive and what do you think it says about your personality?
I drive a GMC truck. The truck says, I’m sensible and reliable.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be in the NBA, but I’m 5’10.
What’s one of the luckiest things that has ever happened to you?
Meeting my wife, Stacy, nearly 25 years ago. She is my biggest cheerleader, my support system, and has pushed my to go farther in business than I ever thought possible. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.
Can you name someone who has had a great impact on you as a leader, or someone who has been a mentor to you in your life or career? How have they changed your outlook?
Jack Ortego. He has been a father figure to me, he taught me that people are the most important thing, to care for their needs above business, and to treat them with honor and respect. I’ve always cared about people, but I expected them to do their job without any acknowledge meant of a job well done. Now l always praise my team for a job well done, I give them all the credit for our success and growth. I would be nothing without my unbelievable team!
What is something you are absolutely determined to do in life?
Leave a legacy beyond Acadian Home Theater. I want my life to be a life of service and impact for Jesus.
