Meet Brinkley Maginnis
Occupation: Business Developer
Organization: United Fire & Water Damage of Louisiana, LLC
When and why did you get involved with BRAC?
About three years ago I attended a BRAC event as a guest at the Baton Rouge Airport Hanger. I remember thinking, “What an incredible event this is, and the venue is spectacularly cool!” I ended up running into several people I knew and meeting new people as well. My friend Jessie Gerace said, “Brinkley, you need to be a BRAC Ambassador! You will love it. It is so you!” She excitedly pulled me by my arm through the large crowd to meet Michelle Mahaffey … and the rest is history!
Tell us more about how you are involved in Baton Rouge (job or organizations).
I am involved in Baton Rouge in a few different ways. First, I am the business developer for United Fire & Water Damage of Louisiana, LLC (UFW). UFW is a family-owned restoration company that has been in business in the Baton Rouge area for over 15 years. Our restoration company is different from most in that we are not only a family-owned company, we also work directly for the client and not the carrier. We make sure every one of our clients is covered in full, and their home (or office) is restored back to its pre-existing (or better) loss condition. Knowing I am part of such an ethical restoration company, and one that will not stop working for a client until their property is 100% dried out, makes me know I am serving the Baton Rouge community on a deeper, more meaningful level.
Besides being a BRAC Ambassador, I am also a long-time member of Sales and Marketing Executives (SME), Baton Rouge Lodging Association (BRLA), Baton Rouge Event Association (BREA), American Subcontractors Association of Baton Rouge (ASA), and The Arts Council Creative Relief Fund.
Why do you stay involved with BRAC?
I stay involved with BRAC because I absolutely love it, its members, and the city of Baton Rouge! I am a Baton Rouge girl through and through (born and raised), and I love knowing that I not only have a full-time job located in our capital city, but I can also serve Baton Rouge and its economy on a much larger scale through the Chamber.
What would you tell someone considering becoming a BRAC investor?
Do it! Do it especially if you are a go-getter, love meeting new people, expanding your networks and social circles, and want to grow/motivate yourself both professionally and personally!
What do you see for the future of Baton Rouge? How will we get there?
For the future of Baton Rouge, I see growth, prosperity, and unity! I also see more people coming (moving/retiring) to Baton Rouge and less graduates leaving the Red Stick. I also see major growth and transformation coming to the Mid-City and Garden District areas of Baton Rouge. We will get there by our Greater Baton Rouge community becoming more connected and progressive!
What’s one of the most exciting things you see happening in the Baton Rouge Area today?
I think one of the most exciting things happening in the Baton Rouge area today is definitely the major growth and transformation of the Mid-City and Garden District areas! They are growing in not only businesses but also residents – of all ages and demographics. I love how quaint, diverse, and welcoming both of these areas are becoming, especially since these are the areas of town I grew up in in Baton Rouge.
What is your Baton Rouge favorite?
- Place to eat: BLDG 5
- Place to hang out: Bin77
- Place to capture the perfect Instagram pic: All the precious streets and sides of buildings in downtown Baton Rouge that have been painted by local artists!
- Place to people watch: Baton Rouge Airport
- Place to network: ALL BRAC AMBASSADOR EVENTS!
- Way to give back: Going that extra mile for every one of my clients that have been affected by a flood or hurricane
- Event: Southdowns Ball