PYSK: Patrick Theriot
Cassius Clay may not be a name recognizable right away, but Muhammed Ali’s name is now reverberated all over the world. Norma Jeane Mortenson sounds like a vanilla so-and-so, but Marilyn Monroe with her white dress skirt blowing in the breeze from a subway grate is still one of the most popular images to this day.
Different names, but they are one and the same.
Now, take Covington-native Patrick Theriot who helps run a successful business that I bet you’ve heard of – See-Hear Productions.
Though indistinguishable as he may be apart from his success, it’s time to learn a little bit about the man behind the company.
Known for its flash and pizzazz, See-Hear Productions was founded in 2002 and started off modestly with a goal of helping pharmaceutical and oil field industries with educational conferences by producing necessities, such as audio and visual support. Fast forward to 2021, and its resume has seen quite the glitzy boost.
See-Hear has transitioned and now specializes in high-end experiences for the social and brand activation markets. It provides custom tailored production solutions like audio video and lighting needs as well a custom fabrication of scenic elements.
In short, these team members work on very lavish events, some that cost millions of dollars to produce.
“The goal is to find out what’s going to make the most impact on the end user or the guest in the seat. What’s the experience at the event? And then, try to heighten that piece of the puzzle,” explains Patrick. “It starts with a theme and brainstorming with a collaborative team whether that’s a planner or producer. Maybe it’s a Christmas event, but with an artistic spin on it. Then, I grab a pencil and a piece of paper. Most of the time it begins with rough sketches that turn into 3D renderings and then get brought to life.”
From Serena Williams’ Wedding, to Drew Brees’ surprise 40th Birthday party, to private parties with entertainment by Drake, Michael Bublé, Rihanna and more, Patrick has certainly left his mark when it comes to helping transform a space into an enchanting and memorable event.
“I never imagined myself in this role. I feel like I fell into this. I can’t imagine doing anything else. But I never knew this type of career would’ve existed,” says Patrick. “My kids think what I do is insanely fun. They don’t necessarily know the hard work involved, but they want to know who the next headliner is.”
When he’s not traveling the country as a visionary for the elite, Patrick spends his valuable free timeat home with his wife of almost 20 years, Misty, and two daughters, Skylar and Camden.
Skylar is 19 years old and a sophomore at University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she is a member of the Tri Delta sorority. Like her father, she showcases her creative skills through photography and owns her own successful business. Camden, who’s 15 and a sophomore Mandeville High School, also has the talent gene with her love of dance. She’s also passionate about her church, St. Timothy on the Northshore.
With events that stretch from NYC to L.A., Patrick makes sure to also show the love close to home by getting involved with local fundraisers, like this year’s Mutts to Models.
“Recently, we started collaborating on a fundraising event called Mutts to Models that will be held here on the Northshore,” says Patrick. “This is a combination of a friendship with one of my very first clients, Denise Gutnisky, and a passion to give back. I have been on the President’s Council and involved in fundraising for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center for 8 years. This year MB wasn’t scheduled to have a signature fundraising event, so when Denise approached me with the idea of Mutts to Models benefitting Mary Bird and St. Tammany Parish’s open admission animal shelter, of course, we were all in.”
Creative director, father, and entrepreneur only scratches the surface of what friends and family consider Patrick Theriot to be. He, the man that wears many hats, desires to first and foremost be known as a proud Northshore resident.
