By Jennifer Holmes

Contributing Writer

LAPLACE – Professional attire, bold demeanor and a blue tooth headset attached to her right ear, Raj Pannu is strictly business and a born leader. Acting president of the Belle Terre Civic Association, Rotary Club member and the owner of seven Subway restaurants, she lives a very high-speed, demanding lifestyle.

“In my stores, I’m there,” said Pannu.

With a soft endearing voice and empathetic eyes, Pannu’s gentleness becomes clearly visible.

“I treat my employees like family,” she said.

Suddenly, she is not just an owner of a Subway or president of the BTCA — she’s a mother, a grandmother, a friend, a mentor.

“Some of my employees, when you ask who are your parents, some of them have been neglected,” Pannu said. “My family is very supportive, and one of the main reasons I am so successful … so I think families should stay together. Unfortunately, drugs and crime have hampered that.”

Accordingly, Pannu has taken personal responsibility for her employees and tries to guide them to success.

“Employees need work ethic,” she said. “They need to understand that they need to build a good foundation and work hard. Success comes with hard work ,and only then you can build up an empire.”

The positive influence Pannu established in her work environment is extremely visible. Her employees possess an upbeat, positive attitude that is noticeable as soon as you enter. Smiles and activity fill the building. Each employee is friendly, confident in their abilities and prides himself or herself on providing excellent customer service. They show a high level of comfort with Pannu, asking her for help and support without hesitation.

“Mrs. Raj, her husband and son are always in the store,” said Briana Jackson, a Subway employee. “They help whenever you need it and make sure everything runs smoothly. They definitely bring a family atmosphere to work.”

The impact Pannu has on the community is not limited to personal endeavors. As a resident of Belle Terre for 25 years, Pannu became disturbed when she noticed an increase in crime and felt the community was in danger. So it is no surprise that she began to voice her opinion and work tirelessly with members of the BTCA, the St. John Parish Sheriff‘s Office and the Parish President‘s Office to promote events such as the Night Out Against Crime in an effort to raise social awareness, promote family activities, keep the community safe and promote volunteerism.

“Residents are very supportive of what we are doing,” said Pannu. “They look up to us.”

She continued, “I’ve always had the passion to help others. I‘m always trying to help the community when I see things, you know, when I can stick my two cents in and help out. I think volunteerism is very important. For us to survive and make this a good community, we all need to pitch in.”