In the world of Louisiana business and LSU football, few names bridge the gap between corporate leadership and viral pop culture quite like Gemi Bordelon. For years, she was known primarily within industry circles as a powerful executive in the maritime sector. But in 2020, a single dance video catapulted her onto smartphones across the country, leaving millions asking, “Who is that woman dancing with the LSU football team?”
Her story isn’t just about a viral moment, though. It’s a tale of deep Louisiana roots, a partnership that spans the NFL and major industry, and a mother who manages to balance privacy with unexpected public attention. Whether you are here for the business insights or the backstory behind the “Get the Gat” video, understanding Gemi Bordelon means looking past the headlines and into the life of a woman who has quietly become a pillar of her community.
Early Life and Background
To understand Gemi Bordelon, you have to start where she did: Louisiana. Born on February 1, 1975, her story is deeply entwined with the culture of the South.
Childhood and Louisiana Roots
Growing up in Louisiana offers a unique kind of education. It’s a place where community ties are tight, and traditions run deep. Gemi’s upbringing in the state gave her a strong foundation in these values. While she keeps the specific details of her parents and early childhood private, friends and associates often describe her as embodying that classic Southern hospitality mixed with a steely resolve.
This background didn’t just shape her personality; it prepared her for the roles she would later take on. In Louisiana, business is often personal, and relationships matter as much as contracts. Gemi learned early on that your reputation is your most valuable asset.
Education and LSU Connection
Like many successful figures in the state, Gemi’s path led her to Louisiana State University (LSU). She graduated from Glenbrook High School in 1994 and headed to Baton Rouge to pursue business studies.
LSU is more than just a university in this part of the world; it’s a cultural institution. For Gemi, it was the training ground where she honed the business acumen that would later serve her at Bollinger Shipyards. But perhaps more importantly, LSU is where her life began to intersect with the world of elite athletics—a connection that would define much of her future public identity.
Career and Professional Achievements
It is easy to get distracted by the viral fame, but Gemi Bordelon is, first and foremost, a formidable businesswoman. Her career trajectory is a testament to steady growth and leadership in a sector that doesn’t often see women at the helm.
Leadership at Bollinger Shipyards
Bollinger Shipyards is a titan in the maritime industry. Based in Lockport, Louisiana, the company is a leading provider of vessels for the U.S. Coast Guard, the Navy, and commercial clients. Gemi Bordelon has served as a key figure in this organization, recognized alongside her husband in leadership roles.
The maritime industry is historically male-dominated. Walking into a boardroom or a shipyard in this sector requires not just knowledge, but a commanding presence. Gemi’s involvement has been crucial in maintaining the company’s reputation for quality and reliability. Her role involves high-stakes decision-making that impacts hundreds of employees and national defense contracts. She isn’t just a figurehead; she is a steward of a massive industrial legacy.
Business Acumen and Net Worth
What does success look like on paper? As of 2025, estimates place Gemi Bordelon’s net worth between $750,000 and $3 million. However, net worth in the world of private industrial business is often harder to pin down than celebrity earnings.
This wealth isn’t just from a salary; it comes from decades of smart family investments and business holdings. The stability of the shipbuilding industry, combined with her family’s strategic management, has ensured long-term financial health. Her approach to business mirrors her approach to life: focused, private, and built for the long haul rather than short-term flashiness.
Family Life and Personal Connections
Behind the business titles and the viral videos lies the core of Gemi’s world: her family.
Marriage to Ben Bordelon
Gemi’s life partner is Ben Bordelon, a name that rings bells for both football fans and business insiders. They married in 1999, creating a partnership that has lasted over two decades.
Ben is a former offensive tackle for the LSU Tigers who went on to play professionally in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers. After hanging up his cleats, he didn’t just retire to a quiet life; he pivoted to the family business, eventually becoming the President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards.
Their marriage is a true partnership. Navigating the transition from professional sports to high-level corporate management is difficult, and doing it while raising a family requires a strong team at home. Gemi has been that constant support system, managing the complexities of their dual high-profile lives.
Children and Family Dynamics
The Bordelons have three children, and their family dynamic is tight-knit.
- Brooke Bordelon: Their daughter, who often acts as the bridge between the family’s private nature and the public’s curiosity.
- Bo Bordelon: Following in his father’s footsteps, Bo committed to play for LSU, keeping the family legacy on the field alive.
- A second son: Who remains largely out of the spotlight.
This connection to LSU football through Bo brings the story full circle. It’s not just that Gemi is an alum or a fan; she is a “football mom” in the truest sense, deeply invested in the program that has given so much to her family.
The Viral “Get the Gat” Moment
In early 2020, Gemi Bordelon went from a respected business figure to a viral sensation overnight. It was a moment that no one, least of all her, could have planned.
The White House Dance Video
The setting was prestigious: The White House. The LSU Tigers had just won the National Championship and were in Washington D.C. to meet the President. The mood was electric.
In a video that surfaced on social media, players were celebrating to the New Orleans bounce track “Get the Gat.” Suddenly, a blonde woman in a stylish dress stepped into the frame. Instead of standing awkwardly to the side, she jumped right in, matching the players’ energy and dance moves perfectly.
She didn’t miss a beat. The confidence, the rhythm, and the sheer unexpectedness of seeing a CEO’s wife getting down with college athletes made the clip instant internet gold.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
The internet reaction was swift. “Who is she?” trended alongside the video. People loved the authenticity of the moment. It shattered the stereotype of the “stiff corporate wife.”
Her daughter, Brooke, eventually took to Twitter (now X) to confirm what locals already knew: “That’s my mom.” The confirmation only added to the charm. Gemi wasn’t trying to be an influencer; she was just having genuine fun in a moment of celebration. It humanized the entire visit and gave fans a glimpse of the personality behind the Bordelon name.
Public Perception and Social Media Presence
Despite the massive spike in attention, Gemi didn’t pivot to becoming a social media star. Her handling of the fame speaks volumes about her character.
Balancing Privacy and Public Attention
If you search for Gemi Bordelon on Instagram today (@realgemibordelon), you will find a private account. She didn’t use her 15 minutes of fame to sell products or launch a reality show. She retreated back to her normal life.
This conscious choice to maintain privacy is rare. It suggests that she values her real-world relationships over digital validation. She engages with the public on her own terms, usually only when it intersects with her family’s achievements or her business interests.
Legacy and Influence
Gemi represents a modern archetype of success: a woman who leads in business, supports high-level athletics, and isn’t afraid to let her hair down.
Her legacy is one of duality. On one hand, she is a serious industry leader helping steer a major shipyard. On the other, she is the “cool mom” who can dance with national champions. This mix makes her relatable. She shows that professionalism doesn’t require losing your personality or your connection to your culture.
FAQs About Gemi Bordelon
Who is Gemi Bordelon?
Gemi Bordelon is a Louisiana businesswoman and the wife of former NFL player and Bollinger Shipyards CEO Ben Bordelon. She gained viral fame for dancing with the LSU football team during their White House visit in 2020.
Why did Gemi Bordelon go viral?
She went viral after appearing in a TikTok/social media video dancing to the song “Get the Gat” with LSU football players (including Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase) during their National Championship celebration visit to the White House.
What is her role at Bollinger Shipyards?
Gemi has been recognized as a Chair and executive within the company, working alongside her husband to manage the family-owned shipbuilding business, which is a major defense contractor.
How is she connected to LSU football?
Her connection is three-fold: she is an LSU graduate, her husband Ben is a former LSU offensive tackle, and her son Bo Bordelon plays for the LSU football team.
What is her estimated net worth?
While public figures vary, her net worth is estimated to be between $750,000 and $3 million, largely derived from her executive roles and the family’s shipbuilding enterprise.
Final Thoughts
Gemi Bordelon’s story is a reminder that people are rarely just one thing. You can be a CEO and a dancer; a private person and a viral star; a traditionalist and a modern icon.
For those searching for her, the interest often starts with a funny video, but it ends with respect for a woman who has built a substantial life. She navigates the high-pressure worlds of defense contracting and SEC football with grace, proving that you can command a boardroom without losing the ability to celebrate a win. In a world of curated online personas, Gemi Bordelon remains refreshingly, authentically herself.