Page 162 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2025

FINAL SAY
JOHNNY
FAYARD, Jr.
President & Owner, John Fayard Moving & Warehousing
In 1982, with two used trucks and a head full of ambition, I launched what would become John Fayard Moving & Warehousing in Gulfport, Mississippi. I didn’t know then how deeply our company would become embedded in the movement and growth of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, but I knew I wanted to be part of something bigger.
Coastal Commerce means many things, but at its core, it’s about movement—of goods, services, people, and opportunity. I’ve been lucky to witness firsthand how this region thrives through that movement, and how our company plays a small but meaningful part in the bigger picture.
We handle local, interstate, and international relocations for residential and commercial clients. We’re the official moving partner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans. Our drayage services
help connect the Port of Gulfport to inland destinations across
the Southeast and Midwest. With over 1.2 million square feet of commercial warehouse space—including rail access—we help
keep goods flowing and businesses running. We also offer container and trailer rentals, self-storage, document storage and shredding, and transloading. Across these services, we support many of the industries that drive our coastal economy.
But we’re just one piece of a much larger ecosystem. The Port of Gulfport is a key engine, supporting thousands of jobs directly and indirectly. Our military bases and NASA’s Stennis Space Center contribute research, workforce development, and long-term stability. Litton Shipbuilding continues to be a cornerstone of industry
and employment, building vessels we can all be proud of. Our casino and tourism sectors bring in visitors and create year-round opportunities for hospitality and entertainment workers.
We’re also anchored by legacy industries like seafood and commercial fishing, offering not only world-class products but deep cultural roots. Add to that thriving construction firms, locally-owned businesses, and an expanding service sector, and it’s easy to see how diverse and resilient our economy truly is.
One shining example of how passion fuels progress on the Coast is Cruisin’ the Coast, the nation’s largest block party and a major economic driver. Thanks to the vision and leadership of Woody Bailey, this annual event brings in tens of thousands of visitors, fills hotels and restaurants, and showcases the best of our culture. It’s not just a celebration of classic cars—it’s a celebration of our creativity, hospitality, and spirit.
We are fortunate to live in communities with white sand beaches, excellent schools, and exceptional colleges. These are the things that make the Coast not just a place to work, but a place to call home.
At John Fayard Moving & Warehousing, we’re proud to serve many of the organizations that power our region. Coastal Commerce is about connection, growth, and shared purpose. As the Coast moves forward, we’re honored to help carry the load—literally and figuratively.
162 | August 2025
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