Shawn folks grew up in the carpet cleaning and repair business. As the child of parents who had started a small company out of their one-bedroom apartment on College Drive, Folks often accompanied them on visits to job sites.
“I can remember when I was 5 years old going out with my dad to clean carpets at a gym,” he recalls. “I saw how my parents always liked helping people and making things look better.”
Today, Folks is the CEO of Guarantee Restoration Services, the company his parents launched back in 1974. Carpet services are no longer its focus, with the company transforming itself over the years into a regional leader in water and fire damage restoration and mold and asbestos abatement. The company marks its 50th anniversary in March.
AT A GLANCE
Top executives: Shawn Folks, CEO
Phone: 225.753.8682
Address: 16248 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Website: guaranteerestoration.com
“Over the past 10 years, we’ve opened up a new office just about every two years,” Folks says. “We have offices in Lafayette, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Gulfport, Jackson and our newest office in Mobile. We have a growth trajectory plan over the next 20 years to grow to 15 offices along the Gulf Coast. We have a pretty awesome system and product that we’re excited to provide to more clients.”
Guarantee is also planning to open new buildings at its New Orleans and Gulfport locations, which have outgrown their existing facilities due to client demand. The new buildings will be three times the size of the old ones with more parking space and the addition of onsite, climate-controlled storage units where customers can store their belongings while their home or business is being repaired.
