Plumbing contractors, supply houses and manufacturers reps were among the victims of the floods that ravaged the area around Baton Rouge, La., in mid-August. More than 12 in. of rain fell on the area within 48 hours with the Amite River just east of Baton Rouge rising more than 30 ft., according to www.climate.gov, breaking by 6 ft. flood records going back to 1921.
The rising waters flooded more than 146,000 homes and 200 churches, at last count, along with retail stores and other commercial buildings, says Mike Mullen, co-owner of Baton Rouge-based A.H. Deveney, PM’s 2016 Manufacturers Rep of the Year. And while rebuilding and restoring all these properties will mean new business for contractors, supply houses and reps, it will come at a terrible price.