The S.E.R.T. Story
The origins of Swadley’s Emergency Relief Team (S.E.R.T.) stretch back to 1999
A massive ice storm had blanketed central and northwest Oklahoma in a sheet of ice. Tree limbs and transformers could be heard exploding under the strain of ice throughout the dark of night. The electricity was out, and Swadley’s BBQ owner Brent Swadley was fast asleep.
Until the phone rang.
Brent picked it up. “Is this Swadley’s Catering?” the voice on the other end asked. He sounded desperate. “I need 700 meals by 7AM in Enid, Oklahoma.” It was Oklahoma Gas and Electric (OG+E). They were sending hundreds of linemen to Enid, OK to get the power back on.
Never say “No.”
Many men would’ve politely declined this difficult challenge, but not Brent Swadley. He said, “You bet,” wiped the sleep from his eyes and got on the phone to suppliers and trusted team members across town.
In a matter of minutes, Brent was loading eggs, biscuits and other breakfast classics at foodservice supplier Ben E. Keith, then hit the road for Enid, through ice, snow and darkness. He cooked with a flashlight in the dark, and at 7:30 sharp, he was ready to serve.
Brent was beaming with pride, having pulled off the impossible. That’s when the OG+E client approached, looked at the miracle Brent had managed, and said, “This is the last time you’ll be late!”
Harsh, perhaps, but the client was right.
That was the last time S.E.R.T. was late.
The S.E.R.T. Team
“My name is Brent Swadley.”
“Great Bar-B-Q and southern hospitality are in my blood.”
The Swadley’s Emergency Relief Team is made up of seasoned experts from both the emergency response industry as well as the world of restaurant, foodservice and catering. We are driven, caring, hardworking people who don’t rest until the job is done – and done right.
Koltan Swadley,
Vice President of Operations
Aaron Palacios,
Vice President of Organizational Development
Jared Salisbury,
Chief Financial Officer
Cara Ledoux,
Director of Training and Restaurant Systems
Responding to Major Disasters
Since that humble beginning, S.E.R.T. has grown, learned and become a well-oiled machine, responding to disasters and helping manage emergency relief efforts across the country. S.E.R.T. provides clients with customized, strategic plans to meet the challenges of logistics presented during emergency restoration operations. Our on-site coordinator (OSC) will work closely with you to ensure your every logistical need is met.
Our mission is to UNemploy our services by returning the client to a state of normalcy
Swadley’s Emergency Relief Team Disaster Response Services
We’re here to provide for every conceivable need in the midst of disaster relief efforts. Whether it’s after a torrential storm, natural disaster or any other massive event, S.E.R.T. is equipped with the equipment, full-time staff of 600 and time-tested know-how to get the job done and oversee your emergency response site with 25 years of expertise.
Coast-to-Coast Disaster Response Services
Since S.E.R.T.’s origins in 1999, we have traveled across the continental United States, providing mission-critical support at a moment’s notice.
Nationwide Assistance
S.E.R.T. Disaster Recovery you can Rely on
Swadley’s S.E.R.T.
Our Competitors
600+ Employees
Dedicated employees ready to mobilize when you need us.
Temporary Workers
Most other companies hire unvetted, unknown temps to fill crucial roles.
2 Hour Mobilization
We can load up and be on the road in under two hours.
Slow Setup
We’ve heard horror stories of setups that took multiple days.
25+ Years’ Experience
Providing emergency relief logistics for a quarter-century.
New to the Industry
Many companies are new to this, and make promises they simply can’t keep.
Reasonable Pricing
Services at a fair, reasonable rate.
Unfair Markups
Some opportunistic companies charge whatever they can get away with.
Swadley’s S.E.R.T.
600+ Employees
Dedicated employees ready to mobilize when you need us.
2 Hour Mobilization
We can load up and be on the road in under two hours.
25+ Years’ Experience
Providing emergency relief logistics for a quarter-century.
Reasonable Pricing
Services at a fair, reasonable rate.
Our Competitors
Temporary Workers
Most other companies hire unvetted, unknown temps to fill crucial roles.
Slow Setup
We’ve heard horror stories of setups that took multiple days.
New to the Industry
Many companies are new to this, and make promises they simply can’t keep.
Unfair Markups
Some opportunistic companies charge whatever they can get away with.
Proven Partnerships
When disaster strikes, local communities launch into recovery mode. Those first responders – whether linemen, utility workers or the cities themselves – need support. In S.E.R.T.’s 25+ years of experience, we have partnered with a variety of institutions to provide fast, reliable, comprehensive disaster relief services, including comprehensive camps, infrastructure, lodging and excellent food.
- Municipalities
- Public Utility Companies
- FEMA
- Operations Managers
Get Started
S.E.R.T. is always poised to launch into action. When you reach out, we can be on the road, ready to help within two hours.
Past Operations
Over the past quarter-century, Swadley's Emergency Relief Team has conducted disaster relief operations across the United States and beyond. See a few select stories here.