There are some people whose roots run so deep in a place that leaving never really feels permanent. For Jeremy Aydell, French Settlement has always been home, even during the years he spent building a life and career beyond its borders. Born and raised in the village, a graduate of French Settlement High School, and shaped by the rhythms of small-town life, Aydell carries his hometown with him in everything he does.
After graduating high school, he went on to Louisiana State University, earning his master’s degree in accounting and becoming a Certified Public Accountant. What followed was a career marked by discipline, ambition, and an unmistakable entrepreneurial drive. Today, Aydell is the CEO and owner of 27 Sport Clips locations across Louisiana and Mississippi, employing more than 200 people. Yet despite professional success that could have kept him anywhere, French Settlement remained the place he was drawn back to.
That pull toward home eventually led him to public service. Now in his first official full year as Mayor of French Settlement, Aydell brings the same team-focused mindset and business acumen that guided his private-sector career into his role at Town Hall. Before being elected, he served as Mayor Pro Tem and unofficially stepped into leadership when needed, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges and potential of the village he loves.
What may surprise some residents is that public speaking was once a real fear for him. Over time, through education, business leadership, and community involvement, that fear transformed into confidence. Today, he approaches leadership with clarity, humility, and a strong belief in showing up prepared.
Ask Aydell what Livingston Parish means to him, and his answer is deeply personal. Growing up, he remembers hearing outsiders speak poorly of the parish, comments that stuck with him and ultimately fueled his desire to invest back into the place that raised him. To him, Livingston Parish represents resilience, pride, and possibility. It is a community positioned for thoughtful growth while still honoring its roots.
French Settlement itself holds a special kind of charm. Small, close-knit, and steeped in tradition, it is a place where neighbors still know one another and visitors are welcomed easily. Whether it is a quiet afternoon on the river, a visit to the Creole House Museum, or a weekend spent enjoying local food and conversation, the village offers a slower pace that feels increasingly rare.
Some of Aydell’s favorite moments happen in the simplest places. Bringing his children to the playground behind Town Hall is especially meaningful, knowing he played a role in helping bring it to life. Watching families gather there reminds him why community projects matter.
Another favorite spot is Marlie’s, a restaurant that now serves as a gathering place within the village. Located in a building he once lived across from as a child, the space was restored after Hurricane Ida and brought back to life as the only restaurant within village limits. Today, it draws both locals and visitors, creating connection one meal at a time.
Service was not always part of Aydell’s long-term plan, but witnessing division and uncertainty within local government changed that. He knew that if he was going to call French Settlement home, he could not stand by without offering his best effort. Since stepping into leadership, one of the most rewarding changes has been seeing pride and trust return to the community.
He speaks often about teamwork, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among staff, elected officials, and local law enforcement. Much like the businesses he oversees, Aydell believes culture matters. When people work together with a shared purpose, meaningful progress follows.
Looking ahead, his vision for French Settlement is hopeful and grounded. He sees opportunity in becoming a welcoming destination while remaining a safe, family-oriented bedroom community. The goal is balance, growth that strengthens rather than overwhelms, and a future that honors the village’s identity.
If asked to describe the next chapter of French Settlement in one word, Aydell chooses “opportunity.” Opportunity to grow thoughtfully, to build sustainably, and to ensure that future generations can experience the same sense of belonging that first shaped him.
At the end of the day, Jeremy Aydell is guided by a simple belief: strong communities are built by people who care deeply, show up consistently, and never forget where they came from. For French Settlement, that story feels just right.
