Disaster Response, Community Impact and Restoration Leadership

Rinea Blanchard shares lessons from large-scale disaster recovery and building a resilient restoration business

On this episode of Ask The Expert, we’re joined by Rinea Blanchard, Founder of Superior Contract Cleaning. She founded the business in 1997, has an extensive background in local building supplies, an advocate for building strong relationships with contractors and the community and she made her way into the industry because she saw the value in specialized cleaning and restoration services. We dive into the importance of disaster response and large-scale restoration efforts.

Key discussion points include:

How Superior Contract Cleaning was able to help restore over 50-70 homes after a "thousand-year flood" event in Louisiana.
Recovery efforts for Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, and the challenges they faced like language barriers, lack of materials/supplies and power grid issues.
The importance of preparedness for hurricane/disaster season, having standard operating procedures, pre-established partnerships, equipment/resources ready to go and being familiar with restoration companies in your area.
Similarities and differences between hurricane/flood response in different regions like Louisiana, the Carolinas and Puerto Rico.
The importance of adaptability in our industry for disaster response.

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Kayla McGowan is the Editor-in-Chief of R&R Magazine, with 10 years of experience in marketing and communications in the restoration and cleaning industry. She leads the editorial strategy for R&R and The Experience Events, creating content that informs and connects industry professionals.

Kayla holds a B.S. in Criminal Science and M.S. in Public Safety and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University. She serves as Co-Chair on the RIA’s Marketing Committee.

Kayla is a Microbial Warrior®, a Certified Forensic Operator® and a High Risk/ High Level Decontamination Specialist™. Kayla is passionate about elevating the industry, is a food lover, enjoys spending time with her family, and embracing the outdoors.