Recycling for Christ

For Mr. Can Man owner LaDonna Thibodeaux, her life in the recycling business has been about more than just recycling metals. The 50-year old woman has used her business to build relationships with people in the community so that she can share the love of Jesus Christ and her Cajun culture with each individual that walks into her shop.
At the age of 13, Thibodeaux began working at the Ville Platte business that her dad Don, and his two brothers John and Horace opened in 1973.
Thibodeaux said, “This is what I love. I get to take something people are throwing away and recycle it so that it can be used over and over again.”
Her love and passion for what she does is what fueled Thibodeaux’s desire to never let her business go, even when the economy was bad in 2008.
“In 2008, when the market was so bad, people told me this business wouldn’t make it, but I told them ‘Jesus Christ writes my checks,’” said Thibodeaux. “It was hard, but my mother Joyce, who passed away three weeks ago, taught me how to pray and have faith in Christ, because he is the only one that can save us.”
When the oil field started to decline in Louisiana, Thibodeaux’s business was once again struggling to stay alive.
After many prayers, an opportunity was presented to Thibodeaux that according to her is one major reason why Mr. Can Man is still standing.
“The economy is horrible right now, and there is no money in the metal market,” said Thibodeaux. “Not that long ago, I didn’t know how I was going to be able to keep this place open. I prayed and prayed, and Jesus’ love provided.”
Thibodeaux was given the opportunity to purchase a restaurant in the city she grew up in.
Thibodeaux said, “When I purchased Ronnie’s Cajun Cafe in Eunice, I was able to make enough there to be able to survive financially. It is amazing how Jesus Christ can make things happen in your time of need, because without that restaurant I couldn’t have kept Mr. Can Man open.”
According to Thibodeaux, Jesus’ love has not been her only saving grace, though. The love of the community has also played a major role in allowing Thibodeaux’s business to succeed.
“When things were difficult there were people that would come just to give me metals for free. They would say, ‘You will catch me later,’” said Thibodeaux. “It’s the Cajun culture that has made people so friendly, caring, and kind like that.”
With a big smile on her face, Thibodeaux then said, “Those people are Cajun Christians, and nothing gets better than that. Cajuns are taught to be hard working people that are kind, and Christians are taught to love like Jesus does, so there really is nothing better than a Cajun Christian.”
Most of Thibodeaux’s metals are bundled and sold to Louisiana Scrap Metal Recycling in Lafayette, however, there are a some items that come through her shop that she just can’t let go. She likes to put the pieces that she keeps on display for customers to see when they stop by.
“I have kept a lot of things over the years because when older people come in and see that I have something in here that you just don’t see being used today, I get to hear all kinds of stories,” said Thibodeaux. “I love hearing those stories, and that’s why I choose not to sell those items.”
She has been propositioned before by an individual that drove all the way from Texas to try and purchase some of Thibodeaux’s treasures, but she couldn’t let her trinkets go.
From an entire blacksmith shop to a 1920’s high chair, Thibodeaux has kept unique items that she has come across over the years, and allows people to check them out if they are ever passing by.
“Everything in here has a story to me, so I don’t want to let those things go,” said Thibodeaux. “But when someone comes in here and really likes something, I’ll usually just give it to them.”
While some people would want to make more money by selling the neat items Thibodeaux has acquired, the Mr. Can Man’s Cajun Christian owner would rather keep those items and use them to spread the word and love of God. She spread’s that love through conversations that the unique items spark between her and her customers.
Between collecting interesting metal items and purchasing items like refrigerators and cans from people, Thibodeaux has also collected people throughout the years.
Robert Lacroix, a current employee at Mr. Can Man, said, “I had been laid off about two and a half years ago, and was forced to move my wife and kids into a motel. When I met LaDonna, she gave me a little money for me and my family to get by, and she told me about Jesus. I have been working for her for over two years now.”
According to Thibodeaux, the scrap metal business will never make her wealthy by money standards, but it will always make her happy. Thibodeaux said, “If the market crashed tomorrow, I’d be okay because I serve Jesus Christ. I’ll never be rich financially, but I’ll always have my faith and will continue to share Christ’s love. That’s what matters most.”