Looks Great Services Praised for Helene Recovery Efforts
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene left Toombs County and its cities of Vidalia and Lyons in a state of widespread devastation. The storm brought historic levels of debris, severed communication networks, and dramatically altered the local landscape. In response, city and county officials had to act quickly.
One of their first macontinued from page
jor decisions was awarding an emergency contract to Looks Great Services, a disaster removal company based in Columbia, Mississippi.
Within six days of Hurricane Helene’s landfall, Looks Great Services was on the ground, mobilizing cleanup crews and becoming a critical partner in the region’s recovery.
Toombs County Manager John Jones explained that the decision to bring Looks Great Services on board came shortly after the storm passed. “After the storm, we had an emergency operations center (EOC) meeting, and that’s when Jacob Harrison from Looks Great Services introduced himself. We were connected through a recommendation from a state senator. By Sunday following the storm, we awarded them an emergency contract, and within six days, we were mobilized for cleanup efforts,” Jones said.
The amount of debris cleared in Toombs County was staggering—3.5 million cubic yards, equivalent to 700,000 washing machines, or 25 washing machines per resident, including every man, woman, and child in the county. “Looks Great Services made a tremendous impact. We are ahead of other regions in our cleanup efforts, and this is thanks to their hard work and guidance,” Jones added.
Jones praised the company for its role in organizing and executing the cleanup. They helped us communicate with the public, handled debris removal, and made everything easier for us. They truly were a guiding force throughout this process.
Despite the challenges posed by the storm, including continued debris in waterways and long-term housing issues, Jones emphasized that the county is making progress. “There’s still more work ahead, but the teamwork between the county, cities, and Looks Great Services has been invaluable.”
Sean Hunt, Vice President of Emergency and Disaster Response for Looks Great Services, reflected on the company’s experience in Toombs County. Hunt, who has overseen response efforts for over 200 disasters, called Toombs County’s recovery efforts the best he’s ever seen.
“Toombs County, Vidalia, and Lyons worked together in a way I’ve never witnessed before,” Hunt said. “In many places, communities struggle with coordination during disasters, but here, the decision-making was swift, thoughtful, and incredibly effective.”
Hunt also appreciated the kindness shown by the local community. “The people in Toombs County made us feel at home. We’ve worked in many places, but I can honestly say that Toombs County was the most welcoming and cooperative,” Hunt said, recalling how the community organized meals for workers and hosted a parade to welcome incoming linemen.
Joshua Beck, City Manager of Vidalia, noted that the arrival of Looks Great Services was a “Godsend.” In the days following the storm, communications were down, and the city had no way of contacting outside help. “We reached out to Looks Great Services, and they were right outside the county. It was truly divine intervention,” Beck explained.
Beck emphasized that the partnership with Looks Great Services went beyond cleanup. “They are not just a debris removal company. They are true community partners. They invest in our community, from sponsoring events to participating in local festivals,” he said.
Beck also expressed gratitude for the company’s high integrity and commitment to serving the community.
As for the city’s next steps, Beck explained that the hardest part of recovery is still ahead. “We’ve completed the initial cleanup, but the next phase—hazard mitigation—is where things get more complicated. It involves rebuilding stronger infrastructure, including road repairs and sewer systems. It’s a slow process, and we’re still waiting for reimbursements for many of our expenses,” Beck said.
Lyons City Manager Jason Hall echoed similar sentiments about Looks Great Services’ positive impact. “They’ve been an amazing partner. Not only did they bring in quality contractors, but they also hired local businesses and worked closely with our government officials to ensure a smooth recovery process,” Hall said.
Hall highlighted the company's philanthropic efforts, noting that Looks Great Services contributed to the community beyond their contracted work. Hall stated, “They reinvested in our community, donating and participating in local events. It’s clear that their commitment to Toombs County goes beyond just the job—they genuinely care about the people here.'
Lyons is now back to its normal debris removal schedule, but Hall acknowledged that recovery is far from over. “We still have several road projects to fund, buildings to rebuild, and flooded areas to address. It will take three to four years to fully recover,” the City Manager explained.
As the recovery efforts continue, all leaders expressed deep gratitude for Looks Great Services’ contributions. “The job was made easier because of them,” said Hall. Beck added, “Thank you for pouring into our community. Your help inspired us all.”
For Jones, the impact of Looks Great Services on Toombs County cannot be overstated.
“They’ll always be part of our community. We’ve created a bond that will last for years to come,” he said.
As Toombs County, Vidalia, and Lyons continue to rebuild, the partnership formed with Looks Great Services stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, community, and the invaluable support that can arise in times of crisis.
“The people in Toombs County made us feel at home. We’ve worked in many places, but I can honestly say that Toombs County was the most welcoming and cooperative.”
— Sean Hunt
LOOKS GREAT EQUIPMENT – in action during Hurricane Helene debris cleanup in Toombs County. The company cleared over 3.5 million cubic yards of debris, playing a key role in the Toombs County’s recovery.
