Lifestyle

Galen M. Hair is Helping Make Homeowners and Communities Whole

Published

5 years ago

June 15, 2021

Galen M. Hair has always been a person of action. But don’t take his word for it; talk to the hundreds of families he’s helped navigate the confusing world of insurance as a property casualty attorney and owner at Insurance Claim HQ. By working directly with them in the wake of natural disasters in the Southeastern U.S., Galen holds insurance companies accountable for making good on their policyholders’ claims.

Experience Inspires Professional Expertise

Advocating for clients and modeling for them how to advocate for themselves is a hallmark of Galen’s approach to practicing law. This National Trial Lawyers Top 100 attorney doesn’t just make suggestions or offer platitudes. He knows what it’s like to dig deep and draw on reserves just to keep going. Despite working since age 13, Galen and his family couldn’t afford college. Not resigned to let circumstances hold him back, he capitalized on his gift for vocal talent and decided to major in opera to finance his studies through scholarships. Galen’s initial plan was to study music in preparation for a career in the arts but then as his studies drew to a close, he decided to enroll in Tulane University’s law school.

After being moved by the heartache and loss experienced by New Orleans residents in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Galen joined fellow students in providing on-the-ground assistance through the Student Hurricane Network (SHN). He wanted to be a positive force for change for his fellow Americans, and in the process, Galen was changed, too. He gained a real-world understanding of the insurance industry as it functions for policyholders facing deep-pocketed insurance companies that appeared to be focused on profits over people.

Success and Awards

With a few years of property damage experience after the BP oil spill in the Gulf, Galen and a colleague started their own firm in 2011. That firm grew quickly and soon, cases took up most of his time, leaving little opportunity for the advocacy in his heart. The firm earned Inc 500 and Goldman Sachs 10000 business awards, and Galen has been named to Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars list every year since 2016. But Galen knew something was missing.

In August 2020, Galen launched a new firm with fellow attorney Alexander Shunnarah. And while many new businesses took a hit in 2020, Insurance Claim HQ experienced a near-immediate rush as an active hurricane season pummeled the Gulf States. Galen took a direct role in assisting clients in Louisiana and Texas by viewing their homes and assessing the issues they were having with their insurance companies.

Today, his firm represents more than 800 households and 6 churches and is actively participating in the rebuilding of southwest Louisiana. They’re committed to driving systemic change that empowers homeowners and reflects Galen’s commitment to the area after witnessing firsthand the devastation of storm after storm in New Orleans’ neighborhoods.

Big Firm Results, Small Firm Relationships

While there are certainly similar firms carrying out post-disaster work, what sets Galen’s apart is a commitment to on-the-ground services, directing resources to front-line teams. Galen actively supports families and business owners to help them recover property losses. After a disaster, he’ll be found on the front lines, giving out water to those in need. With a proven, collaborative spirit, he works well with others on the same team, including contractors, to provide comprehensive and compassionate assistance to his clients.

How You Can Take Action Right Now

Galen’s firm provides a holistic service to help homeowners in rebuilding their houses and businesses in a personal way, and shares this advice for insurance policyholders facing their own challenges after a disaster: He stresses how important it is to record everything. Avoid relying on verbal communication alone, he recommends; document conversations, who you spoke to, and what they said. Get your own professionals involved for an independent assessment of your damages and what it will take to make you whole.

His final takeaway for homeowners is a reminder that insurance companies are not looking out for you–their business model is to pay out as little as possible to retain profits. If you’ve paid your premiums and now your insurance company is going back on their promises to make you whole after an affecting event, you don’t have to fight them alone.

Do You Need Help Holding Your Insurance Company Accountable?

Put your trust in a partner: Insurance Claim HQ. Galen is not just a man of word but of action. He and his team are working in your best interest. And if there was ever any doubt, you only need to know where Galen was when Hurricane Zeta hit in 2020, just as he launched his company: out among those he feels compelled to assist, taking action. “Picking up the pieces is something that shouldn’t have to be done alone,” he says. Right after Zeta passed through, Galen threw a tarp on his now missing front slope of his roof and loaded his team right back up to go help existing clients remove trees from their homes. Later that night, his wife called to ask if he had a plan for the hole in his house.

But that’s Galen’s way. Helping others before helping himself.

Galen M. Hair, Owner of Insurance Claim HQ, is a property insurance attorney. His firm operates in more than seven states including Alabama, Louisiana, Texas and Georgia among others. Galen and his team have helped over 800 families rebuild their homes and businesses. He has been rated a Super Lawyers Rising Star, and voted one of National Trial Lawyers Top 100. To learn more about how Galen and his partner, Alexander Shunnarah, can help protect property from disaster, please visit: https://insuranceclaimhq.com

Lifestyle

The Breakroom Reset: Small Changes That Improve the Workday

Published

1 week ago

February 11, 2026

Michelle Langton

The office breakroom is a space that’s often neglected and can sometimes feel more like an afterthought than a key feature of the workplace. This is unfortunate, especially since employees typically visit the breakroom to rest and recuperate before finishing their shift. Considering its intended function, the breakroom should be viewed as one of the most important spaces in the entire office.

Having a welcoming and rejuvenating breakroom can promote social interaction, enhance workplace culture, and reduce stress. Employees who feel restored after visiting the breakroom are more likely to feel happy at work and be more productive the rest of the day. If your workplace breakroom leaves a lot to be desired, here are some small changes you can make to totally reset it.

Small Breakroom Changes That Improve the Workday

Unless your breakroom is in shambles and needs major reconstruction, you don’t have to spend a fortune on it to make it more inviting. In many cases, small and simple changes can make a big impact on the overall vibe of any space.

Whether you’re working with a limited budget or limited space, there are still plenty of things you can do to reset your boring breakroom. Here are some small breakroom changes that can improve the workday and give you maximum bang for your buck.

Convenient Hydration Options

Employees need to stay hydrated to keep their health and energy levels high. Unfortunately, many employees are chronically dehydrated because they don’t have access to tasty beverages at work. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to install a soda machine in the breakroom. Giving workers unlimited access to sugary drinks could backfire in the long run by contributing to illnesses and increased sick days.

Instead of offering sugary beverages (that can actually contribute to dehydration in the long run), make it easier for your employees to stay hydrated with pure water. Providing a filtered office drinking water system is one of the best ways to encourage optimal hydration. Most employees will appreciate the clean, tasty alternative to standard office tap water.

Comfy Seating

When was the last time you took a look at the seating arrangements in your breakroom? If it’s been a while, take a walk over there and give it a good look. Is there sufficient space for multiple employees to sit at the same time? Are the seats comfortable and rearrangeable so employees can interact with others or achieve greater privacy as desired? If not, you might benefit from a breakroom seating reset.

Seating arrangements in breakrooms should be both comfortable and flexible. You might want to bring in some modular furniture because it’s easy to move and rearrange as needed. For maximum versatility, seating arrangements should include a mix of traditional breakroom chairs and tables, lounge chairs, and even bean bags. Making the space as open as possible will also help it look more roomy and inviting.

Nutritious Snack Options

Most employers don’t provide full meals for their employees. It’s perfectly reasonable to expect workers to make their own lunch or dinner arrangements. However, if you want to support your employees’ energy levels, keep healthy snacks in your breakroom. Nutritious snacks can enhance employee performance throughout the day, so workers find it easier to get more done.

Instead of investing in chips, candy bars, and other sugary sweets, opt for snack options that won’t cause sugar spikes and inevitable crashes. Some great options include trail mixes, protein bars, fresh fruit, popcorn, and veggie trays. Instant oatmeal cups can also be a convenient source of energy for those who don’t have time to grab breakfast before heading to work. You might want to send out an employee survey to see what types of healthy snacks your workers prefer.

Optimal Lighting

Did you know that poor lighting can negatively impact your employees’ psychological and emotional well-being? Improving workplace lighting (including in the breakroom) can make a huge difference in worker morale and energy levels. Warm white light may be a great choice for the breakroom because it creates a soothing, calm atmosphere. Cool white light might be a better fit for conference rooms and cubicle areas because it enhances focus and energy.

Of course, natural light is arguably the best option for the office whenever it’s available. If your breakroom has windows, try to keep the shades open during working hours. That way, employees can experience the mood- and health-boosting benefits of natural light exposure.

Entertainment Options

Some office managers and CEOs mistakenly think that a breakroom should be boring to serve its purpose well. However, the terms “boring” and “relaxing” are not synonymous. Employees may find a boring breakroom to be surprisingly non-restorative. On the flip side, a room equipped for entertainment can be very relaxing and rejuvenating.

To make your breakroom a more enjoyable place to spend time, you might want to install a corner television. That way, workers can watch their favorite sitcom while they relax. You might also keep a few card or board games stocked in a cupboard for employees who prefer to interact in fun ways during their lunch breaks.

Reset Your Breakroom Today

Your employee breakroom can reveal a lot about your overall workplace environment. If it’s not lit well, or if it’s boring and unwelcoming, workers are more likely to feel underappreciated and discontented. The good news is that you don’t have to sink a lot of money or effort into resetting your breakroom and getting a fresh start. Use these simple tips to revamp your breakroom and make it a place where workers can go to feel truly cared for and relaxed.