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DOCTORS LEON WATKINS AND MARIA MARKIEWICZ Gulf South Foot & Ankle
Doctors Leon Watkins and Maria Markiewicz have the world at their feet — literally ! The dynamic couple operates the successful podiatry practice , Gulf South Foot and Ankle , while raising two sons ( 11-year-old Max and 8-year-old Oliver ) and running a 30- acre working farm teeming with chickens , emu , guinea hen , ostrich , alpaca , pigs , goats , ponies , cats , and more . And if that ’ s not enough to keep them on their toes , there ’ s Apollo , the family ’ s 90-pound , 9-month-old German Shepard puppy , and the Pooky , a beautiful Manx they rescued from Big Sky Ranch .
Originally from Los Angeles , Dr . Leon moved to New Orleans for a surgical residency position at East Jefferson General Hospital . “ Growing up we had dogs and cats , but living in the inner-city even that was considered exotic . When I moved to Louisiana and people had all of these neat , exotic animals , I totally embraced it . I developed a passion for animals of all kinds . They are a great distraction from our hectic work life and very relaxing ,” he said . On the other foot , Dr . Markiewicz , who hails from Loranger , a small rural community in Tangipahoa Parish , grew up around farm animals . “ I was raised surrounded by farm animals , then later developed a fondness for cats . It ’ s really nice having a cat curl up on your lap ,” said Maria .
Founded by Dr . Watkins in 1997 , Gulf South Foot and Ankle has grown to encompass three thriving locations in Metairie , Covington , and Prairieville . Dr . Watkins focuses on general conditions of the foot with an emphasis on reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery . Dr . Markiewicz is passionate about podiatric care and preventative medicine . “ Podiatry is a little gem of the medical world . You get to have a family life , own a business , and help people live a healthier , happier life ,” she said .
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MICHAEL AND VICTOR COGGINS ServiceMaster - Commercial and Residential Restoration Services
Brothers Michael and Victor Coggins may be in different places in life and dig different things — Michael is married with a nine-year-old son and enjoys boating , cooking , and traveling , while younger brother Victor is single and fond of golf and Hey Dude Shoes — but both adore dogs . As co-owners of ServiceMaster , they are passionate about helping people get back on their feet .
Michael has two pups : Fancy , a seven-yearold Pomeranian , adopted from Zeus ’ Place , and Max , a two-year-old Yorkie from Southern Animal Foundation . “ Fancy is sweet , but she does have the typical Pom personality and temper ,” said Michael . “ Max wouldn ’ t hurt a fly and loves to cuddle . Dogs bring companionship and teach our son Nicholas responsibility ,” added Michael . Victor ’ s fur pal is a two-year-old , 100-pound Goldendoodle named Champ , who “ always has to be at your side and is afraid of everything ,” said Victor . “ Champ ’ s favorite pastime is laying next to the grill just in case something hits the floor ,” he quipped .
Before joining the family business full-time in 2008 , Michael spent summers and holidays learning it from the ground up since his father purchased the company in 2002 . Victor also lent a hand during school downtime before jumping in full-time in 2018 . “ We truly enjoy working together ,” said Michael . “ We sometimes see situations differently , which is a positive because it helps us reach the best decision ,” he added .
Whether dealing with water or fire damage , mold remediation , or a natural disaster , ServiceMaster helps restore homes and businesses to pre-loss conditions . “ What I find most gratifying is helping people at a time of loss and seeing the joy on their faces when the job is done ,” said Victor . in S
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