Knightly News

In the quiet hours of an early morning, Episcopal graduate Flynn Foster ’85 can often be found sipping coffee and discussing life in the south Louisiana marsh. Foster has been an avid duck hunter since he first entered a blind at the age of five. “I like the fellowship of it,” he says of his passion. Foster learned how to duck hunt from his father. He also learned life lessons and the business principles and values that he still employs today as President of Guaranty Corporation.
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Guaranty was founded in 1926 by Foster’s grandfather George Foster Sr. Later, George Foster Jr. took over the company and served as an example for his son on how to do business. “He was a steadfast, stoic businessman who never wavered from his principles and stuck to his values,” says Foster. Foster says his dad was larger than life and is still an inspiration for him as he leads the family business. Under Foster’s leadership, Guaranty continues to thrive. A recent article in the Baton Rouge Business Report highlights the ability of Foster and his team to adapt in an ever-evolving business climate. In addition to Guaranty’s four local radio stations (including the LSU flagship station Eagle 98.1), the company also includes a digital media company named Gatorworks, a senior living facility in Mandeville, a restaurant founded by Food Network Star, Jay Ducote, called Gov’t Taco and a real estate development in Lafayette named Cotè Gelee. The ability to modify the business model is critical for success. However, even in a modern, corporate environment, some traditions remain.

Foster’s focus on relationships doesn’t only apply to his personal life. Inspired by Spaulding’s writings, Foster leads Guaranty in a way that shows an appreciation for and a connection to the company workforce. In a podcast on Talk 107.3FM, Foster spoke about his leadership style saying he wants his colleagues to know that he supports them and believes in them.

Under Foster’s leadership, Guaranty also has a positive relationship with the community. “I’m blessed beyond reason so I should give back,” says Foster, who says his mother modeled for him what it means to be involved in the community. “We have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives,” he says. Dreams Come True, the American Cancer Society, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area are just a few of the organizations that Guaranty supports. Personally, Foster has long been involved with the Louisiana/Mississippi ALS chapter. His sister, Felisha ’88, passed away as a result of ALS making this commitment his most meaningful. In 2017, Foster and his family commemorated his sister’s legacy in a special way by naming the Episcopal basketball court in her honor.

As Foster sits in that duck blind contemplating life, he has much for which to be thankful. He is carrying on the family legacy by ensuring that Guaranty is prepared for the future. He is serving others and maintaining relationships with people he has known for decades. He is building on the foundation laid out for him by his grandfather, his father and even his alma mater.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2024-2025 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.