A University graduate recently took a break from his pecan company to pursue the manufacturing of something no one else in the country makes.
Jady Regard is owner and founder of The Little Bandman Company — a company that makes and sells small figurines of various college marching bands across the country.
“The first school we chose was Texas A&M and second LSU,” Regard said. “LSU was a top choice for me because I went to school there.”
Regard, a 1992 University graduate, also owns a pecan company in south Louisiana. He started forming his Little Bandman Co. during the off-season.
He was working in Chicago when he saw some figurines at a toy store and came up with the idea of manufacturing college band figurines.
“As far as I know, I am the only officially licensed miniature band figurines manufacturer in the country,” Regard said.
He said one main reason he chose LSU is because of the strong game-day tradition and the passion for sports and the band.
“The LSU band set has done very well because of the National Championship — plus people love them regardless,” Regard said. “I am very happy with the amount we have sold.”
The collectable sets have 17 pieces including 12 different musicians, one drum major, two Golden Girls and two Flag Girls. All instruments are represented in the set.
Regard said he worked hard to make sure the figurine’s uniforms and instruments were correct.
The band figurines are available on the company’s Web site as well at both Tiger Mania store locations in Baton Rouge.
“We have only been carrying them for a few months,” said John Crochet, assistant manager at the Tiger Mania Highland location. “Hopefully their popularity will begin to take off like at Texas A&M.”
Although Tiger Mania is the only place that sells the figurines locally, Regard said he hopes the LSU Union will begin carrying them soon.
The figurines are manufactured in England, where they go through three different people who do sculpting, molding and casting, and painting and decorating.
Each figurine is hand-made and painted. They are the same height as classic English toy soldiers, Regard said.
“If these do well enough, maybe Mr. Regard will come out with some individual pieces that are less expensive,” Crochet said. “Current band members and alumni might want to just buy their instrument.”
Regard said he hopes to have band sets for Ohio State University, Notre Dame and the University of Southern California by September.
“I like to go after schools with lots of tradition,” Regard said.
The 17-piece LSU set costs $375. The company’s Web site is littlebandman.com.