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Jillian Blanchard Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Editor's note: In partnership with The Acadiana Advocate, the705 is recognizing its annual Top 20 Under 40 Acadiana Leadership Award honorees, presented by Advancial Federal Credit Union. Honorees will be recognized at a May 2 banquet. For tickets, visit bit.
ly/20under40for2025 . Jillian Blanchard is senior marketing manager for Rudick Construction. Tell me about your life growing up.
Where are you from, and who were your biggest influences on your life? I am fortunate to be from Lafayette. My biggest influences, first and foremost, are my parents. Being the youngest of three, with a decade of age difference between myself and my siblings, I got lucky with veteran parents who always showed up to show their support of me.
This also meant higher expectations and more accountability, but their goals for me were never just about one area of life. They always wished for me to be well-rounded. My siblings come in second, which they’d happily accept.
They had different ways of being influential. Witnessing their accomplishments was such a gift for me in my younger years. They set the bar.
I’m just trying to raise it. You and 19 others are being recognized for your professional accomplishments. What’s one thing you have learned as a professional that you wish you knew when you were younger? James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, wrote, “Life rarely changes in a positive way without an increase in responsibility.
” I thought I understood this in my early 20s, but my perspective of responsibility has evolved. Priorities shift, goals change and new paths emerge. I've learned that growth often comes from embracing unexpected opportunities, even when they don’t align with the original plan.
By doing so, I’ve achieved my professional goals in ways I never anticipated. While I’m incredibly grateful and fulfilled, I’m also excited for the next chapter and the opportunities ahead. Your mentioned how your father’s death impacted your time at UL while pursuing your MBA.
Could you tell me more about him and your relationship, and how much of an accomplishment was that MBA for you despite the adversity? My dad has always been my hero. He was the hardest-working person I knew. He was my confidant, always supporting my career aspirations.
After nearly 40 years as a landman and business owner, he was on the verge of retirement when he was diagnosed with cancer. When he fell ill, I had just started my MBA after graduating with my bachelor’s early. As his youngest, I know it pained him to know he wouldn’t see me complete my master’s.
Though determined to continue, I chose to pause and focus on our final moments together. Three months later, I resumed and graduated on time in 2021 on the two-year anniversary of his passing. That bittersweet moment, seeing the date on my diploma, made it all worth it.
Tell me more about your role with Rudick and the projects they do. What makes them a brand that you noted you “truly believe in”? As the senior marketing manager, I oversee marketing and branding strategy across our Lafayette, Dallas, Austin and Houston offices. Our firm prioritizes client relationships first with expertise in commercial, health care, institutional, manufacturing and infrastructure construction.
Since opening our Dallas office in 2017 under CEO Clay Rudick’s leadership, we have seen significant growth in Texas. However, our roots in Lafayette run deep and stand firm, dating back to 1983 when Clay’s father, Gary, founded the company. In a constantly evolving — and sometimes unrelenting — industry, our decades of dedicated leadership and ambitious vision are what have steered growth.
For that reason, I am so proud to be part of a company that remains committed to quality always for our people, partnerships and projects. What keeps you here in Lafayette? How can Lafayette make itself more attractive to young professionals to want to move here? Lafayette’s people are what keep me here. Our community is vibrant, welcoming and full of support.
Beyond my family, I can count on so many people — both personally and professionally — who make this place truly special. When people move here, they feel that immediately. I’m excited about the city’s infrastructure growth and park expansions under Mayor-President Monique Boulet’s leadership.
They are game-changers for attracting young professionals. Also, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve met someone who landed in Lafayette because of love. I often joke that I should create a marketing campaign that goes beyond targeting boomerangs to include those who moved here after marrying a Cajun.
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