The year 2020 has tested our strength in more ways than one. On top of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States faced a devastating hurricane season this year, particularly in the state of Louisiana. Those who call Louisiana home were hit with five named storms this year, one of the worst being Hurricane Laura. One of those affected by Hurricane Laura was Mosquito Authority franchisee and Lake Charles, LA resident Steve McNeal. In an article for ValueWalk.com, Mosquito Authority president Chris Buitron tells McNeal’s story of overcoming the devastation of Hurricane Laura with the support of his franchise community.
McNeal’s home and business were both severely damaged from the storm and his community was devastated. “We had several areas of our territory affected differently, and some homes were destroyed. Our team spent many hours getting messages to our customers,” says McNeal. That’s when the Mosquito Authority franchise community stepped in to support one of their own.
According to McNeal, “From the first conversation with the corporate office, it was clear they were committed to helping us get back on our feet. Whatever it took and whatever we needed – financial help, equipment, personnel supplies – they delivered to make sure we were taken care of.”
From driving hundreds of miles to help out in-person to raising money through GoFundMe, Mosquito Authority franchisees did everything they could to aid in McNeal’s and the Lake Charles community’s recovery from the storm. McNeal was overwhelmed with appreciation for his fellow franchisees and their support in the midst of unthinkable circumstances.
“My family and I are so blessed to be part of this company that has so many people willing to go out of their way to help. We wouldn’t have made it through to where we are today without the support of all these wonderful people,” says McNeal.
To read the full story on McNeal and the Mosquito Authority franchise community, click here.
Read more about the Mosquito Authority franchise community here.
