Our Team
Explore Lightspeed Restoration of Covington
As a locally owned and operated business we take pride in servicing our community. Learn more about our credentials and community involvement.
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Caserta, Fernandez, Wilkie Families
Owners
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The Lightspeed Restoration of Covington Team
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Todd Fernandez
Owner
Born and raised in Covington, Louisiana, I cherish the unique culture of south Louisiana and my own upbringing in Isleño traditions. My passion for helping people recover from disasters stems from my family's experience with Hurricane Ida, and the destruction of our home. This taught me the value of support during difficult times as well as how to be wise in the recovery process.
I also enjoy exploring art, particularly music and drawing, as forms of creativity. Family time is important to me, often spent cooking or enjoying classic movies. Reading is another pastime, with books like "The Count of Monte Cristo" being a favorite for its intricate plot. Guided by the mantra that perfect practice makes perfect, I continually strive for growth and improvement in all areas of life through habit.
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Jay Caserta
Owner
Growing up in Southeast Louisiana, I was always surrounded by a strong sense of community. It's this same sense of community that has driven me to pursue a career in the restoration industry.
I’ve been in the insurance industry for the last 20 years and have seen people‘s lives be turned upside down- whether it be from fire, water or winds from hurricanes- and I’ve always felt like I needed to do more to help restore these people‘s homes and lives. This was one of the main driving forces that drove me to get into the restoration business, it has allowed me to be a critical piece in helping restore people’s lives.
My wife and I have always enjoyed renovating and restoring homes, which led us to buying and flipping real estate for the past 12 years. One of my most memorable experiences in this industry was when an elderly woman's home was severely damaged by a fallen oak tree after Hurricane Ida. We were able to restore her home in just six weeks, and the joy on her face when she was able to return to her home was incredibly fulfilling.
Aside from my work in restoration, I also have a love for playing golf and hunting. When I'm not working or spending time with my family, you can often find me on the golf course or out in the woods.
In terms of entertainment, I enjoy feel-good movies and action films. Denzel Washington is one of my favorite actors, and I always find his performances to be incredibly captivating.
If I had to choose a favorite book, it would have to be "In the Sanctuary of Outcasts". It's a powerful memoir that teaches valuable lessons about compassion and resilience.
Throughout my life, I've been given plenty of advice but the best piece I've ever received is to set goals and work hard towards achieving them, while also being open to "pivoting" if needed. And most importantly, maintaining a positive outlook no matter what challenges may arise. This mindset has helped me navigate both personal and professional obstacles throughout my career in the restoration industry. So, in essence, it all comes full circle - growing up in Southeast Louisiana instilled a strong sense of community within me, which ultimately led me to this fulfilling career where I can be a critical piece in helping restore people's homes and lives.
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Larry Wilkie
Owner / Managing Partner
I believe that where we are born and raised plays a significant role in shaping who we become as individuals. Growing up in different states, I was able to experience various cultures and lifestyles, which has broadened my perspective on life. However, it wasn't until I moved to New Orleans that I truly felt like I found my home. The people here have a deep love for their community, and their passion for food and music is infectious. It's one of the things I love most about living in Southeast Louisiana.
Working in the restoration industry has allowed me to combine my love for helping people with my passion for project management. Seeing the impact that our work has on improving someone's situation is incredibly fulfilling. And having the opportunity to play a role in making their days a little better is what drives me to do my best every day.
I have spent many years in various industries, from painting to sales and marketing, but working in construction and restoration has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Each project brings new challenges and opportunities for growth, which keeps me engaged and motivated.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my twin 8-year-old boys. We love exploring all that Southeast Louisiana has to offer- from music festivals to delicious food. When I have some downtime, you can find me curled up with a good book or watching a sci-fi movie or TV show. Some say it's an escape from reality, but I think it expands our imagination and opens our minds to new possibilities.
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Jennifer Green
Production Administrator
Born in New Orleans, raised in Chalmette. What do you like best about Southeast Louisiana? The food! There's nothing quite like the flavors of Cajun and Creole cuisine found in this region.
What do you like best about working in the restoration industry? The ever-changing days. No two days are ever the same, which keeps things interesting and challenging. Plus, being able to help people during difficult times is incredibly rewarding. It's a great feeling to know that you are making a positive impact in someone's life.
What's your favorite food? That's a tough one, but if I had to choose, I would say roasted chicken and gravy over a baked potato that my wife makes. There's just something comforting about a home-cooked meal made with love.
What's your favorite hobby? When I'm not working, you can find me either playing video games or tending to my yard. Both activities allow me to relax and unwind in different ways.
What type of movies or TV shows do you like? I'm a big fan of crime and mystery shows. Anything that keeps me guessing and on the edge of my seat is right up my alley.
Do you have a favorite book? My favorite genre is post-apocalyptic fiction. There's something intriguing about exploring a world that has drastically changed and seeing how people adapt to survive.
Best advice anyone ever gave you? "Who honors those we love for the very life we live? Who sends monsters to kill us, and at the same time sings that we will never die? Who teaches us what's real and how to laugh at lies? Who decides why we live and what we'll die to defend? Who chains us? And who holds the key that can set us free... It's you. You have all the weapons you need. Now fight!" This quote from Suzanne Collins' book Mockingjay reminds me that I have the strength and power within myself to overcome any challenge or obstacle in life. It's a powerful reminder to never give up and always fight for what I believe in.
Another great piece of advice that has stuck with me is "If you make a mistake and learn something from it, then it was worth it." This reminds me to not be afraid of making mistakes or taking risks, because they can lead to valuable lessons and personal growth. Overall, these words of wisdom encourage me to embrace challenges and strive for continuous self-improvement. So whether it's in my personal life or professional career, I remember these words and keep pushing forward. Because at the end of the day, every experience - good or bad - helps shape who we are.
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Paul Ernest
Construction / Rebuild Supervisor
One of the main reasons why I love living in New Orleans is because of the abundance of fishing spots. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, there's always a perfect spot for you to cast your line and reel in some fish.
My favorite thing about working in the restoration industry is helping people achieve their goals. Whether it's helping a homeowner restore their property after a disaster or assisting a business owner in revamping their space, being able to make a positive impact on someone's life is extremely fulfilling.
I have over 38 years in the construction industry with a focus on home building. I have a passion for design and creating beautiful spaces that people can call home. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, from small renovations to large custom homes.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being in this industry is seeing a project come to life from start to finish. From the initial concept and design phase to the final finishing touches, it's incredibly satisfying to see all the hard work and planning result in a beautiful and functional space.
My favorite food is Red Beans and Rice. It's a staple dish in New Orleans and is often served on Mondays as it was traditionally made with leftover ham bones from Sunday dinner. But regardless of the day, you can always find a delicious bowl of red beans and rice at any local restaurant or home kitchen.
My favorite hobby is working in my garden or fishing or watching the football. I find peace and relaxation in being surrounded by nature and enjoying the fruits of my labor. In my garden, I grow a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. There's something special about growing your own food and being able to enjoy it fresh from the garden.
My favorite book is the most popular one, the Bible. It's a guidebook for life that offers wisdom, comfort, and guidance. Through its pages, I find inspiration, hope, and strength to navigate through the ups and downs of life.
Best advice I recieved is invest in yourself at a young age. My parents always stressed the importance of education and personal growth. They encouraged me to pursue my interests, try new things, and continuously learn and improve myself and looking back now, I realize that
investing in myself has been one of the best decisions I've made. It has opened opportunities, allowed me to discover my passions, and given me the confidence to take on challenges.
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Jennifer Marks
WRT
Growing up in a military family allowed me to experience different cultures and lifestyles from a young age. It also taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience. I have always been fascinated by the idea of traveling and exploring new places. Growing up with a father in the Navy, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to see different parts of America at a young age. From bustling cities to small towns, each place had its own unique charm and culture. But out of all the places I've been, Louisiana holds a special place in my heart. The vibrant energy and rich history of New Orleans during Mardi Gras is something that can't be replicated anywhere else. It truly is a one-of-a-kind celebration that captures the essence of the city.
Aside from traveling, another passion of mine is working in the restoration business. There's something incredibly satisfying about taking something broken or damaged and putting it back together again. Not only does it require skill and patience, but knowing that you are helping others in the process is a rewarding feeling.
In my free time, I love to spend quality time with my children. Whether it's exploring new places or simply enjoying a local festival, being around them always brings joy to my life. And when I need some downtime, you can often find me binge-watching my favorite series, Outlander.
But when it comes to reading, I like to keep an open mind and explore different genres. From biographies that offer insights into real-life experiences to fantasy worlds that allow me to escape reality, there's no limit to what I enjoy. And let's not forget about self-help books that provide valuable lessons and perspectives on life. After all, learning and growing should never stop.
So in the end, I believe in keeping things simple and not limiting myself to just one thing. Life is full of possibilities and it's important to embrace them all.
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Joshua Hammond
WRT / ODOR
I feel lucky to have been raised in a small town like Foxworth, Mississippi. The sense of community and the friendly people here make it a wonderful place to call home. It's true what they say, you never know who you might meet daily. Whether it's a new neighbor or an old friend, there's always someone willing to lend a hand or share a smile.
One of the reasons I enjoy working in this industry is because I am constantly learning new things. With each project, I can refine my skills and techniques, making each restoration job even more satisfying. Being able to see the transformation of a damaged home into something beautiful and functional again brings me great joy.
As for my personal interests, I have always been a fan of Red Beans and Rice with fried pork chops. It's a comfort food that reminds me of home. In my free time, you can usually find me working on cars, spending quality time with my family, or unwinding with some video games. These hobbies allow me to channel my creativity and relax after a long day at work.
One piece of advice that has stuck with me throughout the years is "your attitude reflects your altitude." This phrase serves as a reminder to always maintain a positive attitude and strive for success in all aspects of life. And I strongly believe that this mindset has played a huge role in shaping who I am today.
In conclusion, I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have led me to where I am today.
From growing up in a small town to working in an industry that allows me to constantly learn and improve, each aspect has contributed to my personal and professional growth. And I look forward to what the future holds as I continue this journey. No matter where life takes me, one thing is for sure - I will always hold onto the lessons and values instilled in me by my upbringing and experiences.