Meet Our Executive Leadership Team
Brian Laborde
President and CEO
Brian Laborde joined Laborde Products after several years at Martin Gas, bringing a fresh perspective and extensive industry experience. As an experienced business leader in the Maritime, Energy, and Industrial Power Equipment industries, Brian is well-positioned to steer Laborde Products towards greater growth.
Brian employs a strategic leadership approach, focusing on developing and improving business performance through well-defined systems, procedures, and an effective team of professionals. His analytical approach to business management is based on effective goal setting and a strong commitment to personal and group accountability. Skilled in business reorganization and turnaround, Brian uses a structured approach to achieve desired results.
Brian leverages his interpersonal skills to develop strong, lasting relationships. He has extensive international business experience throughout Europe and Asia, representing multiple foreign companies in the U.S. market and selling products internationally.
Outside of work, Brian spends time with his wife and two children. He is also a member of Vistage, the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize business leaders.
Trace Laborde
Vice President of Business Development
Trace Laborde brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to his role as Vice President of Business Operations at Laborde Products. Influenced by a legacy of strong mentorship, Trace values teamwork, overcoming limitations, and approaching challenges from multiple angles. These principles foster continuous personal and professional growth within his team.
Trace's diverse background includes offshore work on lift boats and years with a family-owned propulsion distributor, focusing on operations. This experience gave him a deep understanding of the market. At Laborde Products, he has held various roles over seven years, including marine and industrial sales, branch management, and sales management. His broad experience enriches the executive team's collective intelligence.
As the former VP of Sales, Trace brought fresh perspectives and encouraged collaborative decision-making. Now, as VP of Business Operations, he continues to drive the company’s evolution to meet client needs effectively.
Outside of work, Trace is dedicated to his family, spending most of his free time with his wife and sons. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, and traveling.
Robbye Rapp
CPA - Executive Vice President
Robbye Rapp serves as the Controller and Vice President of Finance at Laborde Products, having joined the company in February 2011. With a Bachelor of Accounting degree from Loyola New Orleans (2005) and a CPA license obtained in September 2016, Robbye brings a wealth of financial expertise to his role. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and hanging out with his dog, Ollie.
Jared Legendre
Vice President of Operations
Jared Legendre has been with Laborde Products since October 2016, currently serving as the Vice President of Operations. He brings over 18 years of experience in customer service, sales, and the service industry, along with 14-plus years of team management and introducing new products and services. Outside of work, Jared enjoys spending time with his wife and children, watching his kids compete in various sports, and playing golf whenever his schedule allows.
Nicole Alphonso
Team Member Development
Nicole Alphonso oversees the Human Resources function at Laborde Products, managing recruitment, onboarding, training, benefits, employee engagement, and company culture. With 17 years of HR and recruiting experience, including 11 years in the maritime industry, she has been with the company for more than four years. Nicole holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of New Orleans, earned in 2006. She loves spending time with her husband and sons, watching her oldest play basketball, gardening, painting, and enjoying the outdoors.
Christopher Lichtenstein
Parts Director
Christopher Lichtenstein has been an integral part of Laborde Products since November 2019, bringing over two decades of expertise in diesel parts to the company. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, cycling, and cooking, blending his professional skills with a passion for outdoor activities and culinary adventures