Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaun Leonard.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have a background in Printing and Business management and we took advantage of an opportunity to travel and explore an overseas adventure. We moved to the USA back in 2003 in the hope of a better life for our family. We arrived here with nothing more than five suitcases and three boxes. Its been a real and exciting journey. In a nut shell it has taken us 14 years to become proud Americans.
My first year was spent with a construction company where I was responsible for project estimation. An environmental company persuaded me to move over and help them in their environmental division. I was to concentrate on the Mold and Asbestos inspections, and protocols.
In 2004 I attended the Environmental Institute in Marietta to complete the course on “Mold Assessments and Remediation in Buildings”. I have also completed the “Asbestos in Buildings: Inspection and Assessment course at the same Institute. Since then I have completed many online furthering education programs mostly conducted by EM lab P& K. This is a vital part of keeping up to date. I think it is important to keep abreast of any ideas and changes within the trade. EM Lab is a Very Reputable Lab and possibly the best in the country.
In this industry you gain a tremendous amount of “knowledge” through actually being hands on with each and every project. Every job is different as you are dealing with clients in various forms of health. After almost 8 years I decided to open my own business. In 2012 Enviro Health Services llc was established and we have been very fortunate over the last few years. We have diversified into Preventative Maintenance Inspections along with Water, Mold and general Indoor Air Quality. We have also produced and are busy marketing “Contain-it” , a package designed for the handy man, Insurance adjuster or remediation company. “ Contain –It” simplifies the process of area isolation due to mold, paint, construction contaminates and is extremely quick and easy to use. The best part of my job is being able to help people and give them a better quality of life. Customer satisfaction is a priority and we pride ourselves on an honest and practical approach to every project we are involved in.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The industry itself is a rocky road due to limited governance / guidelines. Mold in general has no Laws controlling the industry. We work off guidelines and professional insight. Organizations like EPA, CDC and New York health Department have scripted certain guidelines and directions but there are a lot in the industry who interpret things differently and thus sometimes over compensate or do not see the health implications at all. To this end Insurance companies have a tough time deciding what is legitimate and what is not.
Some in the industry have done an online , pay per class certification, which may give you the basics but does not have the practical approach. On site job evaluations and working with the people one on one is extremely important . I also believe that compassion and the right personality play a big part in your success. You are constantly dealing with people’s health and you need to take cognizance of that every day.
Sampling for mold on its own is futile unless you do a thorough visual inspection at the same time. We often have clients call us with lab results in front of them but have no idea how to interpret them. Their inspector just samples and leaves them with Lab reports that they do not know how to interpret.
Another problem is that there are some Labs around that are not compliant and not accredited. Currently there are only five AIHA ( American Industrial Hygiene Association ) certified Labs in GA. We always encourage people to ask for the inspector and Laboratory’s certifications.
We also have the issues of Social media and the press giving mold an unfair rap . Many people will have heard of so called “Black Mold” which is a term the press have used for some time now to describe the mold type Stachybotrys. Its also called the killer mold but the truth be told Stachybotrys can give off the same or similar toxis as Penacillium or Aspergillus. We have a huge task in calming people’s fears and explaining the truth. A lot of “inspectors” use the object of fear to procure work.
There is also a conflict of interest when an inspector performs the remediation work as well. That is a big No No in the industry but many do it anyway.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Enviro Health Services llc is an Environmental Consulting Company, based in the Atlanta GA area. EHS is dedicated in providing a professional approach to all your environmental issues no matter their complexity. Enviro Health Services is an independent, non-affiliated third party company who pride themselves on an honest and practical approach to all projects. EHS concentrates on Preventative Maintenance Inspections, Mold Investigations / Inspections and Protocols, IAQ and Water sampling. Our clients consist of Residential homes, Commercial buildings, Schools, Churches and Hospitals. We cover Georgia, South and North Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee.
What sets us apart I believe is that we take genuine personal interest in our clients concerns and have a practical approach to finding a solution rather than just considering it another job. I am personally out on every project and that makes a difference.
What were you like growing up?
I enjoy company and find i get on with people of all ages. Growing up I always had friends of various age groups. I am outgoing and enjoy travel and different cultures. Interests are wide and sport is big part of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.envirohs.com
- Phone: 6787990008
- Email: shaun@envirohs.com
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