Ask the Expert

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 Restoration and Remediation (R&R) magazine, bringing nearly 10 years of marketing and communications experience in the restoration sector. With a solid foundation in content creation, editing, and social media strategy, Kayla respects the vital work of the industry. At R&R, she develops content that engages and informs restoration professionals and manages content strategy for The Experience Events, bridging the cleaning and restoration industries. Outside of work, Kayla is an avid foodie who loves exploring new culinary experiences. She enjoys spending time with her family and embracing the outdoors. Kayla is excited to connect with industry professionals and contribute to R&R’s ongoing success. Reach her at mcgowank@bnpmedia.com or 757-849-2461.