Team Building In The Workplace

Marcie Richardson • January 27, 2021

The definition of the word building is the process of shaping, developing, and forming a particular thing. Team building is a way of life for us here at Guarantee Restoration Services. We are constantly placing the building blocks we need to grow. Team building in the workplace begins on solid foundations. Since 1974, we have been dedicated to rebuilding lives and businesses along the Gulf Coast. This starts with creating a workplace where employees enjoy the culture and can advance their skills along the way.


TEAM BUILDING IN THE WORKPLACE: COMPANY CULTURE

Our strong team starts with a strong company culture. Strong cultures begin with our solid values that are put into action each day. Team building shapes, develops, and forms strong teams. Successful team building is not an activity you do occasionally, but it is something you do daily. We are constantly shaping and developing our team members.



When an employee chooses to work for Guarantee Restoration Services, it is an honor that we never want to take for granted. Everyone wants to be a part of something that is making a difference, and something bigger than themselves, so that is what we strive to do here at GRS.



TEAM BUILDING IN THE WORKPLACE: HOW WE DO IT

Team building happens with something as small as a smile and asking, “how are you doing today?” When people know they are a part of a team, individuals feel a sense of comfort and belonging. We encourage showing appreciation through our daily Morning Sprinkle emails, Wednesday Wowzer emails and Shoutout Time at our monthly company meetings.

A huge part of my job is to ensure we are continuously growing from the inside out. This also includes the implementation of the GRS Employee Council, which meets once a month. We have also initiated the GRS Book Club, as well as Women of GRS. These groups give our team members the opportunity to meet with each other outside of work hours, which builds morale for each working day.


In addition, we host company-wide events like our annual crawfish boil and family day. Before Christmas, we have a “Thanksmas” potluck meal, where team members each volunteer to bring a dish and we eat together. There are also days throughout the year where our team members are treated to donuts, muffins, snowballs, king cake and other foods.



TEAM BUILDING IN THE WORKPLACE: CONTINUING EDUCATION & GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

Another important aspect of team building in the workplace is giving your employees growing opportunities. In 2021, we would like to completely carry our employee advancement track. This means that each position will have a growth plan. Our team members will have the opportunity to take applicable course to learn and advance in the company. When you invest in your team members, it not only helps them to grow, but also expands your company’s ability to grow.



JOIN OUR GROWING TEAM

At Guarantee Restoration Services, we have almost 150 dedicated professionals who serve 4 locations along the I-10 corridor. From Lafayette, Louisiana to Gulfport, Mississippi, our team is there when you need us most. We are available 24/7, which is not just a number, it’s a GUARANTEE! We are focused on team building in the workplace and are excited for our continued growth.


For current job openings and to apply to join our team, visit our careers website.

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!
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!
By Christina Mullins May 13, 2026
Behind every successful project at Guarantee Restoration Services is a team member dedicated to making a difference. This month, we’re proud to feature Brian McCaughan, Mitigation Manager at our Gulfport Branch. With more than two decades of industry experience and a strong belief in teamwork, Brian continues to lead by example both in and out of the field.
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