Leadership Starts with Vision

Craig Schreiner • June 9, 2021

Most often, having great leadership success generally starts with a vision. Throughout my career, I’ve been privileged to work with many great leaders and have always tried hard to learn exactly what it is that makes them so effective. Usually, it comes down to a few fundamental traits. At the forefront of those, is vision.


Vision Comes from Goals

With all the leaders I’ve spent time with, time and time again, I have noticed that vision is always one of their finest characteristics. The very best leaders give real thought and consideration to the values, ideas and activities they are most passionate about. They dedicate time to all the things that they pursue. Their focus is on these things rather than money, prestige, or options forced on them by someone else. In most cases, the visions of leaders can be and should be challenging to put into action.


Leaders realize their visions only by setting realistic, demanding goals. Then, they go after them relentlessly. Oftentimes, they achieve their visions with the help of other talented individuals, who are equally as committed to striving for the same ultimate vision.


Keeping your vision alive is a daily commitment. Realistically though, life, work and business get busy and stressful. Many times, even the best leaders’ visions get to be a bit out of focus. Other times, visions can be very clear, and then they become overwhelming to us.


One of Two Choices

When our visions seem overwhelming, we have one of two choices. One is to accept that it will take much effort and uncertainty, which often sends us into areas outside our comfort zone. The other option is that we go back to the time when this vision became clear and worth the effort, energy and sacrifice. Remembering this instance helps us refocus and keep going!


Our vision must be examined in the daily activities we engage in, as well as our weekly and monthly strategies and tactics. No matter how difficult it gets, keep faith in yourself and the others around you. As you continue to work hard, your vision will become a reality. Having a compelling vision can change your career and personal life for the better. It will make you a stronger leader. Even more broadly, working toward your vision can ultimately change the world.


Mission to Serve You

Since its founding in 1974, Guarantee Restoration Services has had a very similar mindset when it comes to its core values. Today, our mission is to serve our community by delivering effective solutions, providing honest and dependable services while ensuring continuity for their lives and businesses.


Our team at GRS is there when you need us most. We are available 24/7, which is not just a number, it’s a GUARANTEE.


Craig Schreiner serves as our Healthcare Division Manager. He has been with Guarantee Restoration Services since 2019. To connect with him, send him an email.

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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