If you’ve spotted a golf cart cruising by with a stylish gentleman and a small pup perched confidently beside him, chances are you’ve already met Dailey Thibeaux—and his beloved dog, Charley. A recent addition to the River Ranch neighborhood, Dailey has quickly settled into the rhythms of the community, embracing everything from spontaneous chats with neighbors to laid-back weekends spent poolside or strolling to his favorite coffee spot.

A Lafayette native, Dailey is no stranger to the local charm of Acadiana, but he says River Ranch has something extra special. “I was lucky enough to find my dream home right next door to my best friends Andre and Jonathan,” Dailey shared. “When their neighbor’s house went up for sale, I knew it was meant to be. Now I’m living in a beautiful home, surrounded by some of the people I love most—and the walkability of the neighborhood is just the cherry on top.”

Dailey is a Private Client Advisor with Hub International, a role he stepped into after founding and running his own insurance brokerage, Thibeaux Insurance Group, in 2017. After selling his business to Hub in 2021, Dailey continued in the same capacity, helping clients protect what matters most to them. “I love how personal my work is,” he explains. “Everyone has a different lifestyle and set of values, and my job is to create an insurance plan that reflects that. It’s not just about policies—it’s about people.”

When he’s not working, Dailey finds creative escape in oil painting—a passion he’s nurtured since the age of 12. With inspiration from his artist uncle, Kirby Rogere, and his cousin, acclaimed portrait painter Carl Groh, Dailey has developed his own vibrant style using a palette knife to add texture and movement to his work. “I’m drawn to color,” he says. “Painting allows me to express whatever’s inspiring me at that moment. It’s therapeutic and expressive in a way that nothing else is.”

Another favorite pastime? Antiquing. Dailey loves the thrill of discovering unique pieces and incorporating them into his home. “I’m always rearranging or adding something new—it keeps my space evolving,” he says with a laugh.

You’ll also find Dailey dining at some of Lafayette’s best local spots. His Friday lunch tradition is a tuna salad sandwich and wine (or two) at Wild Child Wines, and he often dines at Park Bistro or grabs a margarita and fried chicken wings at the ever-iconic LaFonda. “The food scene here is unbeatable,” he says. “There’s always somewhere fun to go and something delicious to eat.”

Dailey’s interests extend far beyond Lafayette, though. He’s a seasoned traveler who loves big cities—Chicago tops his list for food and nightlife, and London has captured his heart for its history, art, and impeccable fashion. “London’s public transportation is a dream,” he adds. “Plus, the shopping is next level.”

At home, Dailey finds comfort in simple pleasures. “If it’s leftover night, I’m happy,” he jokes. “I didn’t even use my kitchen for the first four months I lived here!” Still, he enjoys grilling when the mood strikes and can whip up a solid spaghetti and meatballs when needed.

His weekends often include trips to Reve for coffee with Charley, and of course, plenty of time cruising the neighborhood by golf cart. Charley, a 10-year-old Papillon mix, is a neighborhood celebrity in his own right. “He loves chasing squirrels and cats in the park and takes his daily walks very seriously,” Dailey says. “We get out twice a day, minimum!”

When it’s time to unwind, Dailey turns to his favorite shows: Frasier, Will & Grace, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Absolutely Fabulous, and just about any Real Housewives franchise. He also rarely misses an episode of CBS Sunday Morning, calling it “the perfect way to ease into the day.” And when his AirPods are in? There’s a good chance Troye Sivan is playing. “His music just speaks to me—it’s my soundtrack,” he says.

In addition to work, art, and fun, Dailey is also proud to give back to the community as a member of the Mystic Krewe of Apollo de Lafayette. “We throw one of the best Mardi Gras balls in town,” he says with a smile, “but we also take time throughout the year to give back through outreach and service. It’s about having fun, but also making an impact.”

As Dailey continues to settle into River Ranch, he says it’s the community that makes the biggest difference. “I’ve felt so welcomed here,” he shares. “The neighbors are friendly, the events are fun, and there’s such a strong sense of connection. It already feels like home.”

Be sure to wave if you see Dailey and Charley on their next stroll—or better yet, say hello. You might just find yourself chatting over coffee, swapping antique finds, or bonding over Bravo shows.