VIP Profile: India Blankenship
Story by Aubrey Reynolds
When you meet India Blankenship, it becomes clear that her life is rooted in two things: unwavering compassion and a drive to show up for others. Whether coordinating community events for Guarantee Pest Control, cheering on students from her church’s student ministry or navigating life with her energetic two-year-old son Maverick, India brings a contagious spirit of joy and purpose to everything she touches.
A native of Cumberland County, India graduated in 2006 before moving to Lakeland, Florida, to study social work at Southeastern University. Her path shifted after returning to Kentucky when she joined Guarantee Pest Control in 2013—what she assumed would be a quick part-time job. “I came in for three days and never left,” she laughs. That temporary role quickly grew into something far bigger.
Now the Office Manager, India wears many hats—including marketing, community outreach and event coordination—and helped shape the company’s mission: create a culture of caring. “We wanted people to know we care about them as humans, not just customers,” she says. For India, whose heart for service is second nature, this mission became more than a statement—it became her passion.
One of her earliest initiatives was the annual cereal drive, inspired by local Family Resource Centers noting that cereal was one of the hardest items to keep stocked. “Kids can eat it without milk if they have to,” India explains. “It’s something they can make on their own.” What began as a 1,300-box collection has grown to over 13,000 boxes in recent years, with businesses, volunteers and families rallying to meet the need.
From there, the team dreamed bigger. What began as a small trunk-or-treat in their company parking lot with 12 participating businesses quickly grew into one of Bowling Green’s most beloved annual events. After moving the event to the National Corvette Museum, attendance soared past 10,000. “The lines were crazy, but everyone was so happy,” India recalls. “That’s when we thought—what if we make Bowling Green the happiest place on earth for one day?”
With Disney-themed decorations and costumed characters brought to life by local volunteers, families experienced a bit of magic close to home—especially children who may never travel to Disney. “We can bring that joy here,” she says. “We can create a space where they feel loved and seen.” This year, 74 businesses participated at the event’s new home at the fairgrounds.
Another passion of theirs is serving others as student pastors at Victory Hill Church, where Darren also serves as Coordinator at the Victory Hill Dream Center. They support addiction recovery and provide resources for individuals and families facing life’s toughest challenges. Together, they invest deeply in teenagers—attending games, celebrating milestones and creating safe spaces for students to be themselves. “They look for you even when you don’t think they do,” India says. “Those kids are part of our family.”
Outside of their work and community outreach, their greatest blessing is their son, Maverick. "He is our joyful miracle we weren’t sure we’d have," India says, "He is the center of our world."
Professionally, one of India’s proudest accomplishments is becoming the only female certified technician at Guarantee Pest Control. “It meant a lot,” she says. “It’s a family business, and taking that step felt meaningful.”
Still, her long-term goal is balance. “I love being involved in our outreach work,” she says. “That’s where my heart is. But I also want to make sure I’m showing up as a mom in the ways that matter most.” Every day she juggles community events, office responsibilities, and motherhood with grace, humor, and a commitment to impact both at home and in Bowling Green.
India’s greatest influences include her husband Darren—steady, calm, and endlessly supportive—as well as her in-laws Jimmy and Terry, who have encouraged her from day one. She also credits her childhood pastors, Tim and Beth Nickels, who taught her to live boldly in her faith and to show love freely.
At the core of everything India does is a quote from her hero Rachel Joy Scott, a victim of the Columbine tragedy: “If you can go out of your way to show compassion, maybe it will create a chain reaction.”
“That’s how we try to live,” India says. “We show up, we love people and we hope it inspires others to do the same.”
