Katrina at 20: A Personal Reflection

Randy Thompson, CEO of Building Damage Consultants 

As we approach the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, I find myself reflecting on how that storm shaped my life and career. Sometimes catastrophic events play significant roles in shaping our future—and Katrina was that turning point for me. 

From Art Sales to Disaster Recovery 

One week, I was selling art for an artist in New Orleans. The next, I was living out of a FEMA trailer, gutting homes, and doing mold remediation. I remember duct taping refrigerators that had sat rotting in the heat—doors never opened because inside were spoiled food, maggots, and strange liquids seeping out. The smell was unforgettable. 

From those early days of mold remediation, I moved into restoration, and eventually, I began working as an insurance adjuster. But over time, I felt called to step away from that side of the industry and dedicate myself to serving the public as a public adjuster. 

Lessons from Katrina 

Katrina left haunting memories—not just of homes destroyed, but of lives forever changed. I hope New Orleans never experiences devastation like that again. 

Some may use anniversaries like this to revisit blame. That’s not the purpose of this reflection. The point is to remember what a devastating event it was and to carry forward the lessons learned: 

• How do we prepare ourselves for the future?
• How can we be present to assist others who go through something similar?
• How do we ensure we don’t waste the hardship but instead press forward with resilience?

Moving Forward 

At Building Damage Consultants, we’ve lived through these experiences ourselves. That’s why we serve with compassion, professionalism, and a deep understanding of what it feels like to lose so much. 

If you’ve found yourself in the middle of a devastating, life-altering event and need help with property damage, please consider Building Damage Consultants. We’ve been there. And we’ll be there. 

There’s no shame in the claim.