History of Guaranty Corp. - A Century of Service in Louisiana

George Foster Sr. sits at a desk, holding a pen. His signature and the title

From Humble Beginnings

The storied history of Guaranty is firmly rooted in the entrepreneurial vision of its founder, George A. Foster, Sr.

Established in 1926, Guaranty Income Life Insurance Company (GILICO) filled an essential community need for a Louisiana-based insurance company, as expressed in a letter signed by Governor Henry L. Fuqua in 1924. Guaranty evolved over the following decades by embracing change with agility and foresight, such as the founding of Baton Rouge Bank & Trust in 1967. A pivotal moment came in 1964 when Guaranty expanded into media, with the purchase of WAFB-TV Ch 9 and an undeveloped radio signal for WAFB -FM 98.1. In 1968, WAFB-FM 98.1 was launched, establishing a radio station that would eventually become the flagship radio station for LSU sports, showing a commitment to local culture and entertainment.

The Fosters pose together in a room with floral curtains and a lamp, capturing a moment at what seems to be the Baton Rouge Radio Station.

Guided by Generations, Driven by Purpose

Guaranty’s journey is marked by significant milestones and influential leaders, including our founder George, Sr., his son, George A. Foster Jr., and his son, Flynn. George Jr., joining the company in 1949, became president in 1961, guiding the firm through significant changes over the decades and setting the stage for future growth. Flynn, embracing his family legacy, returned to the company in 2010 and in 2011 became its President and CEO. Under his leadership, Guaranty acquired Gatorworks, a digital media agency, in 2017, marking a strategic shift towards digital media amid a rapidly changing industry landscape. This adaptability and innovative spirit has allowed Guaranty to not only thrive but also to continually give back through its mission of enriching lives and serving others.

Our Presidents

George A. Foster Sr.

As the founder of Guaranty, George A. Foster, Sr.’s ambition, commitment, and keen entrepreneurial sense laid the foundation for what…

George A. Foster Jr.

Organizations & Achievements Our other Presidents

Flynn Foster

Organizations & Achievements Our other Presidents

A Century of Service

1879

George A Foster, Sr was born in Pollock, La.

Two framed vintage photographs of George A. Foster Sr.: left, a baby lying on its stomach; right, a young child standing against a brick wall, wearing a hat and holding an object.

1924

George A Foster Jr was Born

Born to George A. Foster Sr and Claudia Pardue Foster in 1924. Delivery was in his parents bedroom

A historical petition from residents of Louisiana supporting Guaranty Income Life Insurance Company, featuring signatures and a typed message.

1924

A pivotal year marked by a letter from Governor Henry L. Fuqua

Governor Fuqua expressed the need for a Louisiana-based insurance company, which would become Guaranty Income Life Insurance Company (GILICO). Foster, his friend and business partner, CO Groves, begin raising money to open the insurance company.

1925

Foster Chooses Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce convinces Foster to headquarter in Baton Rouge instead of the original plan which was New Orleans.

1926

Guaranty Founded

Guaranty Bond & Finance (now known as Guaranty Corporation) and Guaranty Income Life Insurance Company were founded on January 19, 1926, fulfilling a vital community need.

A photocopy of Guaranty Income Life Insurance Company's 1932 Outlook

1929 – 1941

Great Depression

The Great Depression begins and lasts until the beginning of America’s entrance into World War II. The world’s financial and banking industries collapse. George, Sr. forgoes salary to help keep Guaranty afloat.

Black and white portrait of a young person, George Foster, wearing a formal suit and tie, smiling at the camera, capturing the essence of Baton Rouge Radio Station's vibrant spirit.

1946

George A. Foster JR. Enrolls at LSU

After his return from World War II, where he served in the Pacific Theater of Operations, George A. Foster Jr. enrolls at LSU in 1946.

1949

George, Jr. Joins Guaranty

George, Jr. joins Guaranty, beginning a journey that lasted 69 years and would see him shape the company for decades to come.

Illustration of the Guaranty Media Headquarters, a brick building with people in front, celebrating Baton Rouge Radio Station's 25th Anniversary. Text at the bottom reads

1951

Guaranty celebrates 25th Anniversary

Guaranty celebrates 25th anniversary in new headquarters on Government Street in the former Baton Rouge General Hospital building

1961

George A. Foster Passes Away

Guaranty’s founder, George A. Foster, passes away on March 11. George A. Foster Jr. becomes President of Guaranty.

1964

A New Name Reflecting Growth

Guaranty Bond & Finance becomes Guaranty Corporation, reflecting its growth and diversification. Guaranty Broadcasting, a new subsidiary of Guaranty Corp, founded with the purchase of WAFB TV Ch 9 and FCC permitted but unbuilt WAFB-FM 98.1.

Three men in suits stand beside a small airplane. One man in a short-sleeved shirt is in the foreground, while two others, wearing sunglasses.

1965

Houston American Life Insurance Company Acquired

Guaranty, through GILICO, acquires Houston American Life Insurance Company, marking its entry into broader markets. When asked by Texas Insurance regulators “why they should approve the sale”, Guaranty’s reply was, “Because it’s Christmas.” It was Christmas time and the sale was approved.

A page from Southern Insurance magazine, December 1968, features a black-and-white photo of George A. Foster Jr. with text about acquisitions, shedding light on the strategic moves that paved the way for future endeavors like those of Flynn Foster in Guaranty Broadcasting and Media.

1966

GILICO purchases General Life of Missouri Investment Company.

1967

Baton Rouge Bank & Trust Founded

Guaranty Corp founded Baton Rouge Bank & Trust as a 25% owner. George A Foster Jr. serves as Chairman of the Board.

Framed display of a long vertical poster labeled

1968

Expansion into Broadcasting

Guaranty expands into broadcasting by building the 1,749 foot WAFB-FM/98.1 tower, integrating FM radio into its business model.

1975

GILICO acquires Petroleum State Insurance Co

1984

New Call Letters

WAFB-FM changes its call letters to WGGZ. Z-98 pivots to a new emphasis on rock music.

1988

Selling of WAFB-TV

Guaranty Corporation sells WAFB-TV to AFLAC. Guaranty purchases radio stations in markets across the country including some in Ohio, California and multiple markets in Louisiana.

1996

New Call Letters

WGGZ changes call letters and formats with a shift to classic rock as WDGL, The Eagle 98.1. Guaranty also initiated several strategic acquisitions to enhance the company’s portfolio of radio stations in Louisiana including Cat Country 100.7 (today 100.7 The Tiger) a current country music radio station.

A newspaper page displaying an article about WDGL-FM becoming the new voice of LSU sports, with photos of a radio producer and a football game.

1998

Flagship Radio Station for LSU Sports

Guaranty Corporation becomes flagship radio station for LSU Sports. Guaranty is the first radio company in America to broadcast all football, men’s basketball, baseball, women’s basketball and softball games on FM stations. Guaranty hires long-time insurance executive, John Lancaster, as President of GILICO. Under Mr. Lancaster, GILICO will triple asset size over the next 18 years as it expands to 31 states. Guaranty Senior Living was founded with the opening of Innisfree Senior Living in Rogers, Arkansas and Phase I of Windsor Senior Living in Mandeville, LA.

1999

Annuicare Launches

GILICO launches Annuicare, the first combination long term care/annuity product sold in America.

Two men in matching shirts and ties pose in front of a display board at an event.

2001

Gatorworks Founded

Brian Rodriguez founds Gatorworks while a senior at Archibishop Rummel High School in Metairie, Louisiana.

Gordy Rush in a navy suit and yellow tie is seated and smiling, exuding confidence, against a room with a brick wall and blurry background, reflecting the professionalism often associated with Guaranty Broadcasting.

2009

Louisiana Association of Broadcasters Golden Mic Award – Gordy Rush

Longtime Guaranty Corporation VP/General Manager, Gordy Rush, wins the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters Golden Mic Award.

2010

104.5 ESPN Launched

Guaranty launches 104.5 ESPN radio in Baton Rouge. ESPN Baton Rouge has gone on to become the premier sports radio station in Louisiana and considered one of the premier locally focused sports stations in America.

Three men in suits and ties stand together. A text header reads

2011

Louisiana Broadcaster of the Year – George A. Foster Jr.

George A. Foster Jr. is named Louisiana Broadcaster of the Year, highlighting his influence and impact in the broadcasting industry. Flynn Foster becomes third generation President/CEO of Guaranty Corporation. Baton Rouge’s only local talk radio station goes on the air as Talk 107.3.

A person stands holding a plaque in front of a wall with radio station logos and

2013

Broadcaster of the Year – Gordy Rush

Gordy Rush is named Louisiana Broadcaster of the Year becoming the first broadcaster in Louisiana history to win this award and the Golden Mic.

2016

GILICO Sold

GILICO is sold to Kuvare after 90 years of family ownership, marking a significant period of transition and transformation for Guaranty.

In an office setting buzzing with energy, people clink champagne glasses, celebrating another successful year at Baton Rouge Radio Station. The team, part of Guaranty Broadcasting's vibrant community, toasts to future achievements and cherished memories.

2017

Gatorworks Acquired

Guaranty acquires Gatorworks, strategically moving into digital media to adapt to evolving industry landscapes.

2018

George A. Foster Jr. passes away

George A. Foster Jr. passes away on April 19, leaving behind a legacy of honesty, integrity visionary leadership and innovation.

Man in a tan blazer holds a vintage-style microphone, standing in front of a wall with historical photos and text saying

2019

Louisiana Broadcaster of the Year – Flynn Foster

Flynn Foster is named Louisiana Broadcaster of the Year, continuing the family’s tradition of excellence. Guaranty becomes the only Louisiana media company with three winners of the Broadcaster of the Year award.

Black and white image of a man in a suit standing near a display case. Microphone graphic and text:

2020

George A. Foster Jr. elected to Louisiana’s Broadcasting Hall of Fame

George A. Foster Jr. is posthumously elected to Louisiana’s inaugural Broadcasting Hall of Fame Class, cementing his status as an industry icon.

Flynn Foster speaks at a podium on a stage with a

2023

National Association of Broadcasters Service to America Community Award

Guaranty receives the National Association of Broadcasters Service to America Community Award, recognizing its enduring commitment to social responsibility and community service.

Two crystal awards on a table: one tall and pointed, the other shaped like an eagle with wings spread.

2024

Baton Rouge Business Hall of Fame – George A. Foster, Jr.

George A Foster, Jr. is posthumously inducted into the Baton Rouge Business Hall of Fame, honoring his generational impact on the region’s business landscape.

A smiling man in a suit sits at a wooden table, with a framed portrait hanging on the wooden wall behind him, celebrating Guaranty Media's 100th Anniversary.

2026

A Century of Giving

Guaranty celebrates 100th anniversary on January 19th with continued commitment to the community including its charitable partners ALS and Dreams Come True. In the words of its former CEO, George Jr., “Onward and Upward.”