HR Execs on the Move

In 1926 21 year old Clyde Bel Sr. decided to open an awning co. on Jena St by Magazine located in New Orleans, Louisiana. His new bride Carmelita, came up with the name C. Bel for Awnings, a catchy slogan. Clyde would measure, and cut the awning and have it sewn, then he would install it. During WWII they were asked to start making tents for Uncle Sam. They worked so many hours that the seamstresses fingerprints would wear down. It put the capital in the bank to move to the current location, 3139 Tchoupitoulas St. where ...

In 1926 21 year old Clyde Bel Sr. decided to open an awning co. on Jena St by Magazine located in New Orleans, Louisiana. His new bride Carmelita, came up with the name C. Bel for Awnings, a catchy slogan. Clyde would measure, and cut the awning and have it sewn, then he would install it. During WWII they were asked to start making tents for Uncle Sam. They worked so many hours that the seamstresses fingerprints would wear down. It put the capital in the bank to move to the current location, 3139 Tchoupitoulas St. where it once was again an awning business. Bel Sr. also became a State Representative, then a State Senator and ended his political career after 35 years as Constable of the First City Court of New Orleans. He would start his days off in the factory, change to a suit and take on his political responsibilities and then end the day at the factory back in his khakis cutting awnings. Back then we also manufactured wooden blinds, 1″ metal Venetian blinds, & made drapes for most of the hotels in the city. Clyde`s children Doris Buchert and Clyde Bel Jr. (4 term State Rep) ran the business for years, followed by granddaughter, Jeanne Durning after Hurricane Katrina. It is now owned by Doris Buchert and Patricia “Patty” Bel-Ponthieux. In 2012 granddaughter Patty Bel (Textile Engineer PhD) and her Civil Engineer husband, Tom Ponthieux began running the business have new ideas focusing on awnings, shade sails, marine covers and cushions for the home and businesses. Once Patricia and her husband, Tom Ponthieux, took over the company, they went to work on bringing this great company up to date by creating a new website and bringing new products like shade sails, mosquito curtains, cushions, and marine covers on board. They also have an interactive feature, Awning Composer, which allows them to upload a photo of the customer`s home or business and view how particular awnings look once installed. They expanded the inventory to include an array of fabrics, designs, copper and metal awnings and custom fit marine covers.

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