New Year, Same Mission, New Goals

Shawn Folks • January 6, 2021

Hello 2021! I know I speak for not only myself, but my entire team at Guarantee Restoration Services when I say we are happy to see a new year. Last year certainly brought its challenges for everyone. Not a single individual was not in some way affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which, of course, continues to greatly impact our world.


Although 2020 brought many adversities, our team adjusted its “normal” practices and pivoted our services in order to surpass many of last year’s goals. It set the foundation to improve even more upon our goals for this new year. We are look forward to expanding our service areas soon, moving into our new corporate facility, further educating our team members, among other objectives this year.


STARTING THIS NEW YEAR OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT, MONTHLY MEETINGS IN BATON ROUGE & KENNER

If you missed it, our marketing team shared our “GRS Year in Review” during the last week of the year. Check them out on our Facebook page!


NEW YEAR: GROWING GUARANTEE

In 2019, our company purchased land on Perkins Road near Pecue Lane in Baton Rouge. Once the land was cleared, the construction started. In April 2020, we started following the construction and updating our friends and partners on the building progress. A couple months later, we dubbed the series “Growing Guarantee,” and we share these videos to our social media pages monthly. Currently, the walls are going up and the electrical wiring is being installed. At the earliest, our Baton Rouge team members will move to the new facility in May or June 2021. We are so thrilled for the big move!


NEW YEAR: OUR TEAM’S RESOLUTIONS

Have you ever seen the phrase, “New Year, New Me”? It safe to say that everyone expects to see this statement ad nauseam when a new year rolls around. At this point, it has even become a cliché. Instead, focusing on goals and resolutions that will better what you have done to improve in the past is more important than changing completely. Oftentimes, resolutions are made, but actions are left out or fall to wayside. This year, our team will strive to put actions behind our goals to fully achieve them.


To end the aforementioned GRS Year in Review, our marketing staff asked our team members across our four branches to submit videos of their aspirations for 2021. Here is a snippet of their responses!


Our Team’s Resolutions:


  • Mine – To continue on this great company my parents started over 47 years ago. Personally, I’d like to work a little harder at balancing my personal time and business time, so I have more time to spend with my family.
  • Shelby C. (New Orleans) – To learn how to handle stress better and to work on her fitness every single day (and not flake out on it!)
  • Marcie R. (Baton Rouge) – To live a life with purpose, each and every day, whether I’m at work, at home, I want to wake up and know I’m doing everything to achieve my goals.
  • Bill B. (Baton Rouge) – To learn to sing better for next year’s Christmas song…figaro, FIGARO!
  • Peggy F. (Baton Rouge) – It’s the same as it is every year, that is to go on a diet and loose weight…hold on a second…here’s hoping it works!
  • Jeremy S. (Gulfport) – My resolution is to take Gulfport to the EXTREME next year. This is gonna be the branch to beat!
  • Rebecca B. (Baton Rouge) – To focus on the positive and continue to grow!
  • Rob C. (Lafayette) – To continue on the fitness journey that I started this past year and I hope to remain healthy. I also hope to continue to contribute to the phenomenal growth of this organization. We look forward to a great 2021!
  • Kristi R. (Baton Rouge) – My New Year’s Resolution is to loose a couple holiday pounds and to learn more patience.
  • James F. (Baton Rouge) – To make a resolution next year!
  • Adrianne H. (Gulfport) – One of my goals for 2021 is to keep learning, so I can have a successful year.
  • Chris E. (New Orleans) – My New Year’s Resolution for this year is to get a “WOWZER” every Wednesday.
  • Conner P. (Baton Rouge) – In 2021, I want to go for a run twice a week and read a new book each month!
  • Christina R. (Baton Rouge) – I want to use the opportunities I have at work to learn, continue working out frequently and finally learn how to cook.
  • Zack K. (Baton Rouge) – My New Year’s Resolution is to loose some weight, so I fit into my tux come wedding season.
  • Kristen S. (Gulfport) – To live each day to the fullest, to make memories, to encourage and help others daily and love my family fiercely!
  • Quentin C. (Baton Rouge) – In 2021, my New Year’s Resolution is to be the best father to my newborn daughter.
  • Jordan S. (Baton Rouge) – To stay humble, happy and healthy.
  • Jessicah R. (Baton Rouge) – To fold my laundry as soon as it comes out of the dryer!
  • Adam P. (Lafayette) – My resolution is to be the best Adam I can be. I want to be 1% better every day as a father, husband, leader and employee. And I am looking forward to another great year at Guarantee!


NEW YEAR: SAME QUALITY SERVICE AND MISSION

Since 1974, our team of dedicated professionals has provided the same quality water, fire and mold services. With four convenient offices along the I-10 corridor, we can quickly respond to property emergencies at your home or business. At GRS, our mission is to serve friends, family and partners by delivering effective solutions, providing honest and dependable services while ensuring continuity for their lives and businesses.


24/7 IS NOT JUST A NUMBER

As we start this new year, we know that property damage does not have “office hours.” That’s why we’re available 24/7, which is not just a number, it’s a GUARANTEE. For immediate assistance, contact Guarantee Restoration Services by calling 800-349-HELP (4357).


CONTACT US

The Dangers of Hidden Water Damage in Commercial Properties

By Adrianne Hungerford • June 3, 2026
Hidden moisture can damage commercial buildings long before it's visible. Learn the risks, warning signs, and importance of professional mitigation.

Why Pre-Loss Planning Matters for Lafayette Properties on the Gulf Coast

By Jeremy Cryer • May 27, 2026
On the Gulf Coast, preparation isn’t optional. It’s simply a part of doing business. From hurricane season to heavy rain events and everything in between, properties in Lafayette face a different level of risk than most. And when something does happen, the difference between a smooth recovery and a stressful situation often comes down to one thing: having a plan in place with the right team. Why Pre-Loss Planning Looks Different in Lafayette Pre-loss planning looks a little different here because the risks are different. It’s not just about knowing where your shutoffs are or having a list of contacts. It’s about understanding how quickly a storm can shift, how water can move through a property, and how to respond when multiple buildings or locations are impacted at once. That kind of preparation requires more than a template. It requires local knowledge. At Guarantee Restoration Services, our Lafayette team builds pre-loss plans with that in mind. We take into account the specific challenges that come with properties in Acadiana, including wind-driven rain, tornado threats, and the potential for widespread damage across an entire area. That allows us to create a plan that is realistic, not just theoretical. The Importance of Having a Clear Path Forward “We’ve seen how quickly things can escalate during a storm event. Having a pre-loss plan in place gives our clients a clear path forward instead of trying to figure it out in the middle of the chaos,” said Craig Rose, Mitigation Manager at our Lafayette Branch. That “clear path forward” is what makes the biggest difference. When a storm hits, response times are everything, but so is access. Roads can be blocked, power can be out, and communication can be limited. A strong pre-loss plan accounts for those variables and ensures that response efforts can begin as soon as it is safe to do so. Protecting Operations, Employees, and Tenants It also helps property teams stay focused on what matters most. Instead of trying to coordinate vendors, track down information, or make high-pressure decisions, they can follow a plan that has already been built around their property and their priorities. From a business standpoint, that level of preparation protects more than just the building. It protects operations, tenants, employees, and timelines. Building Trust Before Disaster Strikes “Pre-loss planning is about building trust before there’s ever a problem. Our clients know who to call, what to expect, and how we’re going to support them when something happens,” said Paige Hebert, Business Development Representative in Lafayette. That trust and familiarity matter, especially in a region where large-scale events can impact entire communities at once. You are not just calling a company, you are calling a team that already understands your property, your risks, and your expectations. Be Realistic. Be Ready. Pre-loss planning on the Gulf Coast is not about over-preparing. It is about being realistic and ready. Because when the next storm comes through Lafayette, it is not a matter of if you will need a plan—it is a matter of how well that plan works when it is put to the test. Call us today to schedule your Pre-Loss Planning meeting where 24/7 is not just a number… it’s a GUARANTEE!

How to Respond to Property Damage in the First 24 Hours

By Shawn Folks • May 20, 2026
When a disaster strikes and a loss happens, the clock starts immediately. The first 24 hours after a storm event or a fire loss are the most critical for any property. It is at this time that major decisions need to be made, the damage is either controlled or spreads, and the path to recovery is determined. These decisions are often rushed, unclear, and reactive without a plan in place. This is where having a pre-loss plan makes a measurable and meaningful difference. A pre-loss plan creates a clear starting point for you and your team instead of scrambling to figure out who to call, what steps to take, or how to protect the property. It removes reactive hesitation and replaces it with action to recover. Everyone involved knows their role and understands the process, allowing them to move quickly without second guessing. Speed matters in restoration. Water continues to spread; materials continue to deteriorate, and secondary damage, like mold, can begin in as little as 24 to 48 hours. The faster a response is initiated, the more damage can be contained. Pre-loss planning allows that response to begin immediately, not hours or days later. Other than fast action, it also brings clarity during a very chaotic and challenging moment. Property managers, facility teams, and business owners are not left out in the dark trying to make high-pressure decisions on the spot. Instead, they are following a plan that has already been thoroughly thought through, discussed, and tailored to their specific property’s needs. Communication can become fragmented without a plan. Another advantage to pre-loss planning is coordination. There are several moving parts including emergency services, restoration teams, and insurance carriers. Having a plan streamlines communication ensuring that everyone involved is aligned from the start. At Guarantee Restoration Services, pre-loss planning is designed to support the exact moment the dust settles. It’s not just about preparing documents to sign ahead of time; it’s about setting up our partners and clients to respond with confidence when it matters the most. From established points of contact to documented site conditions and response protocols, everything is built to protect time, reduce damage, and maintain control.  Many people think preparation is about preventing the worst from happening. Rather, it is about being ready when it happens. Because when those first 24 hours hit, you do not want to be figuring things out. You want to be executing a well-formulated, personalized plan for recovery. Call us today...where 24/7 isn’t just a number, it’s a GUARANTEE!
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