February 10, 2025 • 43 mins
Lane Montz, President-CEO of BBB of Northwest Ohio/Southeast Michigan interviews two local business owners about the passion they have for what they do. This week he speaks with Crystal Brown of Smith Family Homes LLC a home health care providing company based in Walbridge. Our second guest is Ashley Chick-Massie of Mold Medics a mold removal/remediation company working in Northwest Ohio/Southeast Michigan.
Smith Family Homes - https://smithfamilyhomesllc.com
Mold Medics - https://www.moldmedics.com/areas-served/toledo/
Smith Family Homes - https://smithfamilyhomesllc.com
Mold Medics - https://www.moldmedics.com/areas-served/toledo/
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:07):
Welcome to a Heart for Business. I'm Fred Lafever and
along with Lane Months, President CEO the Better Business Bureau
of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, we'll highlight a local
business weekly. You'll discover why these small local business owners
have a passion for what they do and why the
(00:28):
Better Business Bureau has a Heart for Business. Now here's
Lane Months.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Well, hello everyone, and welcome to the show. This is
Lane Months from the BB and B and I'm here
in the studio today with Crystal Brown from Smith Family Homes.
Welcome Crystal, thanks for having me all right. How do
you feel being the very first guest on A Heart
for Business?
Speaker 3 (00:50):
Oh my goodness.
Speaker 4 (00:51):
I am extremely grateful to be here. It's a complete honor,
but I am nervous.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
Yeah, no pressure, but you we'll set the tone for
every single podcast episode that comes from here on out.
Speaker 1 (01:04):
Don't let them scary, all right. You're only talking to
the the You're talking to us too. That's it. Don't
worry about anybody else at this point.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
Well, Crystal, welcome, And so you know I scheduled your
first for a reason because when I called you, when
you showed some interest and we we had a little discussion.
Your story really touched me, so I'm really looking forward
to hearing it.
Speaker 5 (01:23):
I think the audience will enjoy it.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
So tell us a little bit about Crystal Brown and
Smith family homes and where you came from and why.
Speaker 3 (01:32):
Well, I am.
Speaker 4 (01:34):
Up from Camden, Arkansas and that's a small town outside
of Little Rock.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
Do they have ice storms down in Camden?
Speaker 4 (01:40):
They have lately they have? Oh okay, yeah, they've been
having ice storms. But you know, growing up there, it
was always nice. Okay, So when I was sorry, So yeah,
born and raised in in Arkansas, and you know, all
(02:03):
of my family on my father's side is from Arkansas.
My grandmother she was ill and she came to live
with us after being sent home from.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
The hospital, and we were her caregivers, you know, and
the family took care of her.
Speaker 4 (02:19):
Yes, the family took care of her. I was eleven
years old and you know, just seeing her there and
she ended up passing away at our home. But you know,
at eleven years old and seeing your grandmother, you know,
passed away, and wanting to do more and not being
able to do that as eleven year old, a young
you know girl, That's where my heart of desiring to
(02:41):
help people stemmed from and so you know, everything that
I did after that, it kind of brought me to
where I am today.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
What path did that follow when you got to high school?
And then if you followed education after that secondary, what
path did you take to get to hear?
Speaker 3 (03:02):
Well, we moved here.
Speaker 4 (03:06):
Let me see, my grandmother passed away in ninety five
and my father and mother were you know, led here
after that, and as eleven year old girl, I don't
have a choice. So you know, I came here with
my parents and we've been here ever since.
Speaker 3 (03:23):
I did not.
Speaker 4 (03:26):
I went to high school, but I did not graduate
high school. I dropped out in eleventh grade. And I later,
you know, I had all of these you know, passions
within and I couldn't do anything because I didn't have
a high school diploma or GED, you know, and so
I worked under agencies and I you know, I I
(03:53):
know I was in the right spot and I wanted
to do more. However, I couldn't advance because of you know,
the lack of education. So that's when I you know,
I started branching off and I said, you know what,
I'm going to go back and get my GED. I
was supposed to graduate in twenty and twenty fifteen, went
and got my GED and that was partner through Owen's
(04:16):
Community College, so I was able to walk across the
stage and do all of that. And after I got
my GED.
Speaker 5 (04:24):
How old were you when you did that, Crystal?
Speaker 4 (04:26):
When I got my GED, that was in twenty fifteen,
so let's see, I was, Yeah, I was about thirty.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
Yeah, So that was always in your mind though, because
of what you watched your grandmother go through, and there
was always a drive in you to do something about that,
wasn't there. That's what you told me?
Speaker 4 (04:50):
Well, yes, and ultimately the care that I would have
liked to provide for her, and what I'm doing now
you know with the agency is an extension of that.
So I'm able to you know, care the individuals that
are under the Smith Family Homes. I'm able to you know,
(05:11):
that keeps me grounded and it also allows me to
honor her through the care that you know, my staff
that I hire provide.
Speaker 1 (05:21):
So is the home and actual home where you're caring
for people who need your services then, and it's located
in Wilbridge on Guy Street.
Speaker 4 (05:28):
But well, Walbridge is the office and yes, the individuals
that are under Smith Family Homes, they have their own homes,
and so I hire staff in home care.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
Yes, yes, Now what kind of home care is it, Crystal,
Because I know there are different.
Speaker 4 (05:44):
Kinds there are right now, we cater to individuals with
developmental disabilities. But I don't want to just limit myself there,
you know, because Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities are partnered
with are your Office of Aging, Ohio Department of Medicaid.
So I don't want to limit myself to just individuals
(06:06):
well with disabilities. But I like to say capabilities, you know,
because they are capable.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
Well, and those people do age just like the rest
of us. And the problem that a lot of us notices.
You know, you see a young man or a young
woman with developmental disabilities with an aged parent, and you know,
at some point when that parent passes away, I thought
has always gone through my head. I wonder who's going
to take care of that kid. It's going to be
(06:32):
thirty or forty by the time as parents die, and
that's kind of where a Smith Family Home steps in.
Speaker 4 (06:38):
Yes, this is it's not only a job to me,
you know, it's personal.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
I see that, and it's.
Speaker 4 (06:49):
It's also a calling, it's a mission, you know, because
you know, I come in contact with so many different
people from all over you know, Ohio and not just
here's specifically in Toledo. There's different counties and we can
you know, service throughout the different counties. But you know,
when I meet people, I meet them for a reason,
(07:12):
you know, because like I said, this is not only
a job, it's not a career. It's a calling. It's
a mission. And so you know, it's important to me
to build relationships. It's important to me to be to
meet the family and be hands on with the family
because I am considered a link to connect the right
person to the families that we serve.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
You're talking about the people that you put in their
homes to take care of them, and does that all
go through you before a final assignment is made.
Speaker 3 (07:41):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
I want to circle back for a minute, Crystal, because
you know you talked about getting your GED. But if
I'm not mistaken, home healthcare in Ohio is now a
licensed profession.
Speaker 5 (07:51):
Is that correct?
Speaker 3 (07:52):
It is?
Speaker 2 (07:52):
So that requires something more than a high school GED.
I don't know if people understand that.
Speaker 4 (07:57):
It does require more, you know, But of course in
order for me to get more education, you have to
have a high school diplomba GED.
Speaker 5 (08:03):
That's a starting So I.
Speaker 3 (08:04):
Started with my GED.
Speaker 4 (08:07):
And you know when I when I did that, I
was able to become an independent provider.
Speaker 3 (08:12):
Okay.
Speaker 4 (08:13):
And so when I became an independent provider, I did
that for seven years.
Speaker 1 (08:18):
So you're doing the work yourself as an independent provider.
Speaker 4 (08:21):
I was an independent provider for seven years and then
I knew I wanted to own an agency. One day,
I was actually working under an agency and I remember,
you know, during the interview process, the lady of that
that owned that agency, she asked me, she said, hey,
you know, what is it that you desired to do?
(08:42):
You know later on and I told her, well, I said, well,
I desired to own my own healthcare agency. One day
and you know, I remember her, uh I was she was.
She asked me to be a team leader, and she
asked me to if I could oversee a home where
there was an individual who was blind and there was
an individual who had a feeding tube. And you know,
(09:04):
I remember like, oh, you know, let me think about
this because I'm I'm a young woman, right and so
but obviously she as a woman of experience. Knew that,
and with me desiring to own my own home health care,
you have to have individualized care, you have to have
that experience in many different areas. So she was setting
(09:26):
me up for that and I went home and I
thought about it. I ended up taking that position and
I ran multiple homes under her, and then you know,
that's when I branched off.
Speaker 3 (09:39):
I became an independent provider. And you know, I knew
I wanted to.
Speaker 4 (09:47):
Become an agency provider one day, but I had to.
I had to get my bachelor's churt well.
Speaker 1 (09:51):
And I like the idea that you're not asking anybody
who works for you to do anything that you haven't
already done yourself. Right, you have the experience that can
teach them and help them along career.
Speaker 4 (10:04):
I'm very hands on. I'm very hands on now, and
to me, that's very important because how can you be
the link to get the right person in the home
if you don't know the individuals that you're caring for,
if you don't know their family.
Speaker 2 (10:20):
And I got to believe that's a tough that's a
tough business to be and there's an emotional price to
be paid caring for people like that. There's no doubt
about it, and if you don't have a.
Speaker 5 (10:30):
Heart for it.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
And crystal story really spoke to me, Fred And when
she told me her story, coming from where she did
in Arkansas, moving up here and making a life and
owning a business, that's not easy to do what you did.
Speaker 5 (10:43):
And you kept saying, you know your heart. You were
led through your heart.
Speaker 1 (10:46):
So what's the reward for you at this point? Because
you've gotten part of your dream? You said part of
your dream was owning your own agency, and you have
that now Smith Family Homes on Wallbridge. Is there a
place to expand, to get bigger, to hire more people?
Speaker 3 (11:03):
Yes, you know.
Speaker 4 (11:05):
I remember when I told her that I desired to
own my own home care agency one day, right and
I told her, I said, you know, I don't want
to get big.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
I told her.
Speaker 4 (11:17):
She said, you know, it's not about getting big, it's
about having quality people. You know, because you can't help
what is in store for you. You know, you can't help
what God has for you. And you know, and so
I can't believe where I am two years, two years
in business. I can't believe where I am today.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
How many employees do you have? Sixteen that's really good
for two years. Yeah. Now they all go through some
kind of vetting process and everything.
Speaker 4 (11:45):
What's that like, Yes, everyone has to go through a
vetting process because I have to be in compliance with
the State of Ohio Board of Developmental Disability. Okay, so
we have a process that we have to do, and
you know that requires background checks. It requires a number
of things in order for those staff to be able
(12:05):
to be put in the home and care for those individuals.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
Sure, and let me just weigh in for a second.
So we get a lot of businesses applying to join
the bb and B, and if they have a competency
license like your business requires, we have to check that
and we have to verify that, and many do not
because that law is somewhat recent. It's not particularly old
to have that license. And so when you see a
company as the nice as Crystal's here, we're super happy
(12:30):
to have them.
Speaker 1 (12:31):
Well, I'm really curious because I've talked to a lot
of business people over the years and they talk about
those first steps and all the hoops that they have
to jump through. So you drop out of high school,
you get your deed, you go to Owens, you get
your certification, there and decide to start your business and
then everything hits you. Oh, the state wants me to
do this, the county wants me to do this, this
(12:52):
agency wants me to do that. Was there ever a
point when you said, you know what, I'm just going
to continue on by myself, I'm not going to start
my own agency, or what made you push through all
of that?
Speaker 4 (13:05):
Well, actually, that is a very good question. Yeah, that's
a very good question. Three years ago, my father passed away. Okay,
my father was a pastor, and you know, I remember
sharing with him my dream of wanting to you know,
(13:27):
start this this agency. You know. He was my biggest supporter.
And I remember, you know, going to school for my
bachelor's degree because I'm working towards trying to open this agency,
you know. And then he ended up passing and you know,
I remember taking two academic leaves and I was almost
(13:49):
at the finish line, but you know I had just
when he passed away, it just it I was unmotivated.
Speaker 3 (13:56):
I wasn't driven anymore.
Speaker 4 (13:58):
And at that point I did I felt like everything
that I you know, was leading up to I wanted.
Speaker 1 (14:03):
To give up, you know, But gon't you the prize.
Speaker 4 (14:07):
What got my eyes back on the prize is you know,
number one, honoring my grandmother, honoring him, you know, because again,
this is not just a job. It's a it's a calling,
it's a mission, you know, and you have to have
a heart to do it because there's so many things
that you know comes with the territory and you know,
(14:30):
you can't be sensitive to everything. Everybody cannot be in
this position because you have to. I mean, it's so
many different things that come my way on a daily basis.
I'm dealing with so many different personality. Yes, it's very emotional,
but you know, I don't think I would be here
(14:52):
if I if it wasn't for me to do you know,
I don't think I would be in this position.
Speaker 1 (14:57):
But there's some faith involved in this too.
Speaker 3 (14:58):
I Smith Family Homes is a faith based organization, you know.
Speaker 2 (15:03):
So because of that, I can say this. You said
you didn't want to become big, You weren't sure you
wanted to grow. You can make all the plans you want, Crystal,
but if God has a different plan in it, you're
going to be following his plan.
Speaker 4 (15:14):
He absolutely does have a bigger plan, and every and
my growth right now has simply been through word of mouth,
you know, and it has you know, I have gotten
in there myself and I have given my alle to
my clients are like they're like family to me, you know.
And my staff is just as equally as important, because
(15:38):
if you don't have quality staff, you don't have an agency.
And that's just what it is. And so you know,
it is very important to me that you know, I
remember just the basic human connection to people.
Speaker 1 (15:51):
Yeah, you know, and that's all it is. I've dealt
with that with when my mother in law was suffering
from dementia. You have to find that right person to
go with the person that needs the care because maybe
you'll pick out, you know, lucretia and she's just not
the right one to deal with this lady. So you
have to know a bunch of personalities and a bunch
(16:12):
of emotional I do sensitivity.
Speaker 4 (16:14):
And sometimes you know, I'm not perfect. You know, I
don't have a crystal ball to see, you know what
I mean. And so the reason why I love this,
my the agency Smith Family Homes is because of what
it's rooted in. And I wholeheardly believe that, you know,
based on this being a faith based organization and what
(16:37):
it is that this agency represents. I just wholeheardly believe
that if the right person is is the wrong person
is there, they won't they'll they'll fall off. And that's
just what it is. You know, if I if I
hire someone that is not you know, seem to be
(16:58):
working out, because I pray for excellence, I pray for growth,
you know, under the agency. And if it's not working out,
let's say, if they come because it's very structured, you know,
and I have I get people coming from you know,
agencies in the past and it's like, okay, well I
did this here, and it's like, well, not here.
Speaker 1 (17:20):
This is how this is how Smith Family Homes does it.
Speaker 4 (17:23):
Absolutely absolutely, So you're either going to come up to
that or you're gonna You're not gonna be there FORENDS.
Speaker 2 (17:29):
My original the original name of the podcast was going
to be the Voice of Business, right, And then I
talked to Crystal and I realized I was sorely mistaken
and that it had to be a heart for business
because of her story.
Speaker 1 (17:41):
You certainly do have a heart for it. And the
thing I love about your story is that you have
persevered through all of this because There's a lot of
people who, after watching their grandmother die at home, would
just say, Okay, I'm not gonna have anything to do
with this. That was just too emotional wrenching for me.
You took the different path and said, you know, rather
than allow other people to deal with that, I'm going
(18:03):
to see if I can help them get past that. Now,
if people want to get a hold of you, it's
the Smith Family Homes in Walbridge, Ohio. You have a
number or a website or Facebook that you can share
with us, Yes.
Speaker 6 (18:14):
I do.
Speaker 3 (18:15):
I have.
Speaker 4 (18:15):
My phone number is five six seven two one eight
zero nine zero three. I do have a Facebook page
Smith Family Homes, LLC. And also a website Smith familyhomesllc
dot com.
Speaker 1 (18:28):
All right, and then whatso we mentioned your plans for expansion.
You're headed to Swanton at some point.
Speaker 4 (18:35):
Actually, I'm actually working on that now. And this is
actually through my neighbor. My neighbor that I live next
door to. He inherited you know property, you know, excellent.
Speaker 3 (18:51):
Yeah, and so.
Speaker 1 (18:53):
See somebody saw you were doing something good.
Speaker 4 (18:55):
Yes, yes, and so this has been divine in nature,
and it's just you know, when this opportunity came about
this is a property.
Speaker 3 (19:05):
Out in Swanton that sits on just a little under
five acres.
Speaker 2 (19:10):
Well, you're going to have a whole lot of fun
because growing from one to two locations may have a
few challenges that come along with it.
Speaker 3 (19:16):
Krystal, I understand.
Speaker 5 (19:18):
Are times about up.
Speaker 2 (19:19):
Is there anything that you want to leave the listening
audience with any anything you want to say about this
kind of industry that they should know if they think
that they might be coming into a situation where they
need these kinds of services. What do you what do
you pray and hope that they know when they go
into this.
Speaker 3 (19:36):
Well, Number one, if you don't have the heart to
do it, don't do it.
Speaker 2 (19:42):
So look for an agency that that values that personal connection,
not just bouncing the books.
Speaker 3 (19:47):
Absolutely, you you have to have a heart.
Speaker 4 (19:49):
Then you have to have a heart to serve if
this is not just a job and you know, not
just looking for a paycheck. You know, there's there's individuals
that you're caring for and when you go and you
go into their home and they're connected to you, you're
almost responsible for them.
Speaker 2 (20:05):
And would you recommend that a family that needs this
kind of care for someone that they meet with the
owner before they make a final decision.
Speaker 3 (20:12):
Oh yes, yeah, absolutely sure.
Speaker 1 (20:15):
That's always that's always good advice. Chrystal, thank you so
much for being our first guest. You did an excellent job.
Thank you, even though you were a little bit nervous.
It worked out just fine and we appreciate it. Lane
and I will be back in just a moment with
our second guest for this inaugural episode of A Heart
for Business.
Speaker 2 (20:32):
Did you know our area has over forty thousand businesses.
Some are old, some are new, but they all have
a story to tell about why they sell, how someone
took a chance once upon a time, someone with a
heart for business.
Speaker 5 (20:44):
Hi.
Speaker 2 (20:45):
This is Lane Monts, the host of the Better Business
Bureaus Heart for Business podcast. We know a thing or
two about our area's companies, after all, we've been keeping
tabs on them since nineteen nineteen. Join me in Toledo
radio legend Fred la Fever every week as our BBB
superheroes tell their origin story and share a few industry
secrets along the way. Well, welcome back everybody to a
(21:06):
Heart for Business by the Better Business Bureau. Our second
guest today is Ashley chick Massey from Mold Medics.
Speaker 5 (21:13):
Hi, Ashley, Hi, how are you.
Speaker 3 (21:15):
I'm doing great?
Speaker 5 (21:16):
How are you good? Are you excited to be on
the program.
Speaker 3 (21:19):
I'm very excited.
Speaker 2 (21:20):
We're excited to have you because Mold Medics is a
relatively new business opportunity, not opportunity, but a new business
here in our area.
Speaker 6 (21:27):
Right, Yes, you are correct.
Speaker 2 (21:30):
So, just by way of background, mold Medics is somewhat
related to USA Insulation, a name many people might already recognize.
Speaker 5 (21:36):
Tell us about that connection.
Speaker 3 (21:37):
Absolutely so.
Speaker 6 (21:39):
Mold Medics was born from USA Insulation and for those
that don't know, they are a two time BBB Tortu
Award winner for ethics. And with that, Mold Medics has
the same principles and values. So we're coming from an
(21:59):
already a stay ablished way to do things, just a
new business venture, new opportunities and services that we can
offer to our local community.
Speaker 2 (22:11):
Yeah, a new line of business founded on the same
core principles of trust and reliability.
Speaker 1 (22:16):
Surely would you just mention Lane real quickly because some
people aren't familiar with the Torch Awards, explain why those
are given out, and that'll help us understand how Ashley
is tied in with this.
Speaker 5 (22:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (22:29):
So The Torch Awards are a sort of a legacy
program from the Better Business Bureau. I think our Better
Business Bureau has been doing it for over twenty years
and we take nominations from all sorts of people in
our listening area, in our business area, and those that
choose to compete, they are competing to be the winner.
And we have four typically that we give away cheer.
(22:49):
One is for nonprofits and then we give them away
for small, medium, and large businesses. So it's not easy
to win one because first you have to be nominated,
then you have to pass a vetting process, then you
have to submit a package, and then you have to
be scored by judges who are not the BBB.
Speaker 1 (23:06):
Right, So the principles that got USA Insulation a couple
of these Torchwards, you've carried these through to Mold Medics.
Speaker 6 (23:14):
Yes, just in how we do business. We are for
the customers and just standing behind that. It just is
very important to us and who we are.
Speaker 1 (23:27):
What do you actually do Because when when I Hearst
first heard the name, Lane gave me the name, and
I was thinking in my head, you guys are molding things,
you know, along with USA Insulation, So you go into
a house and you see that in my attic, I
have a really odd shape and you were taking the
insulation and molding it to fit in that place. That's
not what it is at all.
Speaker 5 (23:47):
I don't think that's it.
Speaker 1 (23:49):
I don't think that's okay business, What do you actually do?
Speaker 6 (23:52):
We are completely different than the USA Insulation company. We
offer mold remediation and kind of air quality insurance. So
we're taking care of the health and the quality of
the air that you're breathing in your home.
Speaker 1 (24:06):
Okay, okay, that makes a little bit more sense and
does that tie into what they do? So if USA
Installation comes into my house and I have them do
the attic or maybe the basement and they see the mold,
are they going to say, Hey, you need to talk
to Ashley over here. She can help you.
Speaker 6 (24:23):
It is crazy how tied in these two companies are
pretty much it is. You go in for insulation, we're
in addicts, we're in call spaces, we're in basements. Well
that's where mold really likes to grow, and a lot
of people don't see that. So there is a referral
of mold medics. Give them a call, they'll get out
of here, we're quick efficient. I usually go out same
(24:46):
day for specific problems, depending on what's going on.
Speaker 1 (24:50):
Now you going out yourself, I am Is that unusual
for a woman to be in this kind of business?
Speaker 6 (24:56):
Yes, I'm gonna say we get that a lot both companies,
but we pride ourselves in how we do all of that,
so it is it is different unique.
Speaker 1 (25:06):
I would think, So, how did you manage to get
into that?
Speaker 4 (25:09):
Then?
Speaker 1 (25:09):
Because obviously it's unusual for a woman to be crawling
around the cross space looking for mold? What made you
do that?
Speaker 6 (25:16):
I am a big person on challenges. I don't like
norm So you asking even that question of is it
odd to have a woman doing this? That's kind of
where I want to be, to break those boundaries.
Speaker 2 (25:31):
So if I was your manager and I wanted you
to do it, and I wasn't sure if you'd want
to do it, I'd say I would say, actually, we're
going to start this new business, but you're not going
to really be involved because it doesn't seem like your
cutout for it.
Speaker 1 (25:42):
I don't and that would don't think you could handle that.
Speaker 2 (25:44):
Yeah, a little reverse psychology there, and then you're going
to be working your behind off to get rid of
mold and everybody's home.
Speaker 6 (25:51):
Sadly, that would one hundred percent work.
Speaker 1 (25:54):
Yes, yeah, do you feel like you had to when
you first started? Well, and how did you start?
Speaker 6 (25:59):
You?
Speaker 1 (25:59):
Did you to prove yourself in order to get to
where you're at today?
Speaker 6 (26:03):
Well, of course, I feel like anybody moving through a
company or trying to gain more has to prove themselves. Sure,
but yes, there was a learning curve for me I started.
I've spent the last four years with the other company,
USA Insulation, but everything I've learned and gained in all
that experience gave me more when this opportunity was brought
(26:27):
and I handed to me.
Speaker 1 (26:30):
Okay, well, wasn't I get the impression? Wasn't handed to you?
Speaker 2 (26:34):
She probably took it from somebody else's hands.
Speaker 1 (26:36):
And somebody said we have a position here, We're going
to move into this area of the business, mold remediation.
And you raised your hand and said, well, I'll like
to give that a try.
Speaker 6 (26:46):
Well, it goes with so I don't want to keep
bringing up USA Insulation. But at the same time, they
focus on comfort of your home and energy efficiency, and
we were missing that part when we would go and
look in those atticts and find that mold. We were
leaving customers with another problem. That's not how we like
(27:08):
to do things. So this now we have a way
to pass customers to mold medics and get the process
started so that we can take care of all of
the issues and not leave them with out a solution.
I think that's the biggest So.
Speaker 2 (27:25):
I spent over twenty years in the damage restoration industry,
so I know a little bit about mold in buildings
because most damage involves water of some sort, even if
it's a fire, right, absolutely, and so I know a
lot about it, but I want you to talk about it.
One of the things that people may be surprised to
learn is that mold remediation is fairly scientific and fairly technical.
(27:47):
So why don't you talk about that a little bit?
Speaker 6 (27:49):
Okay, I do want to kind of start with a
lot of people don't know. Seventy percent of US homes
have mold, so seriously, yeah, a lot, and people don't know.
They don't know what to look for. So the science
behind it is water, air, and a food source. If
you have those three things in a home, mold's gonna grow.
(28:13):
It can grow within twenty four to forty eight hours
and it becomes a problem. A lot of people don't
realize that leaving it untreated, you're gonna hurt the structural
integrity of your home over time.
Speaker 5 (28:26):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (28:26):
Yeah, and food source could be like, they won't eat
the dry wall filler, but they'll eat the paper on
the dry wall. They'll eat wood gets insidious once it
gets going, as long as it has dust, dustkin, cells, skin.
Speaker 1 (28:39):
Right, the mold eats all of those, all of them.
Speaker 6 (28:43):
Yep.
Speaker 1 (28:44):
I never realized that. Always thought it was just mold
just there and you go in and spray it with
some chemical and it goes away. That's not the case.
Speaker 6 (28:54):
No. It kinda like weeds, so they grow roots. If
you visually see mold and you just wipe it up,
most likely you are not taking care of your problem.
Oh you pick a weed, don't get it all the
way up the root. The weed's going to grow right back.
Same concept.
Speaker 5 (29:11):
Yep.
Speaker 1 (29:12):
Is there a place well, No, I just bought a
home out in Wallbridge. I don't have a basement, have
a crawl space. Uh and uh, and I don't have
a second floor. It's a one floor house. So is
there a place that I should check. Obviously, the crawl space,
I would guess, But are there other places in a
one story home that people should check that there might
(29:32):
be a problem.
Speaker 6 (29:33):
Yes, you want to check your attic. The crawl space
is a big one. But attic is the place that
not everybody ventures to, right.
Speaker 1 (29:41):
Yeah, I wouldn't go up there because there's not really
any space for me to move around or anything.
Speaker 2 (29:45):
You'd be surprised how many homes have the bathroom fan
or some exhaust fan vented to the attic, but not
all the way to the soft So it's pumping water
vapor into your attic. And you might as that's like
a vacation place Petrie dish. Hell yeah, Petrie, your home
is a Petri dish for mold, Is that right?
Speaker 5 (30:02):
Ashes?
Speaker 6 (30:02):
Well yeah, and then imagine that you have that bathroom
vent not connected and your sofits are completely blocked. You've
just created a whole entire environment for that mold to grow.
Speaker 5 (30:13):
Well.
Speaker 2 (30:13):
USA installation would never block those softit vents.
Speaker 5 (30:16):
Maybe other people they would fix this. Fix it right now.
Speaker 1 (30:19):
I just had a new roof put on, so I
know all my sofits are good and everything, But I
should call you guys, and have you come out, go
in the crawl space and go in the attic and
look around.
Speaker 3 (30:30):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (30:31):
What's the process after that? Do I have to leave
the house because you're bringing chemicals in? And I mean seriously,
because most people don't know what's going to happen after that.
Speaker 6 (30:40):
No, pretty much, after we come out and do a
free inspection, we find the problem, we go over everything
with you the homeowner, and then once you are set,
you accept the estimate and we go forward. I set
you within one to three days. We're proud to say
we're pretty quick on turnaround to get this problem taking
(31:00):
care for people because we understand it can be scary.
Speaker 1 (31:04):
Now, besides the structural part which you mentioned that it
can eat away at the structure, how damaging is this
to someone's health. I'm over seventy. I know, thanks, I
don't look at it. How damaging is that going to be?
To my wife and I, who are both seasoned citizens.
Speaker 2 (31:22):
Said, you can say you're over twenty, that's still true.
I'm over twenty because there's no reason why.
Speaker 1 (31:27):
You have to say seventy you're going to start doing that?
Is it a big health issue? Also? Along with a
structural issue, there are.
Speaker 6 (31:33):
A lot of symptoms that can come from prolonged exposure
to mold. It's respiratory issues, irritation, nasal congestion, headaches are
a big one, and people at higher risk are ones
with weakended immune systems.
Speaker 1 (31:51):
Okay, so this is key that you get this checked. Yes,
and do you think you have a problem or not?
Speaker 5 (31:58):
Well so?
Speaker 2 (31:58):
And another thing that people always think of, especially if
you're in a newer home, newer homes. Can you think
all a newer home won't have a mold problem? Right,
that's a newer home. A lot of people think that
a lot of people think that, But the truth is
the newer homes are better insulated and there's less airflow,
so you're not exchanging the air in your house with
fresh air from the outside as often as an old,
older home. And that's where it can build up and
(32:20):
you don't even know it because you can't see it.
Speaker 1 (32:22):
How much do like a water heater or a furnace
impact on this? And I'm going to ask you a
lot of questions because.
Speaker 5 (32:29):
I just got a new water heater and a new roof.
Speaker 1 (32:32):
And a new roof, Okay, but how much would your
appliances if you have a washer and dryer in the house,
you have a water heater, you've got to furnish, you
have all those things. How much impact do those have
on what might be happening that you can't see.
Speaker 6 (32:46):
They're adding moisture to the air, So it is giving
that moisture that mold needs and letting it be there.
It's not taking it out, it's adding it too.
Speaker 1 (33:00):
Is there a bathroom, for instance, is there any way
to avoid that because everybody has a vent, so everybody
leaves that vent on for a while after your shower.
Is there something that people can do to avoid getting
this or is it just going to happen and you
just might not notice that.
Speaker 6 (33:16):
Well, the good the fun fact with the bathroom vent
fans is you should run that bathroom vent for an
hour after you take a shower. That's how long it
takes to remove that moisture.
Speaker 1 (33:28):
I'll forget any.
Speaker 6 (33:31):
Not everybody does or realizes what that fan is doing
to help.
Speaker 3 (33:37):
So what was your question?
Speaker 1 (33:40):
Do those things? Do those things impact on that?
Speaker 3 (33:44):
Oh?
Speaker 6 (33:45):
Yeah, it's like I was saying, it adds the moisture
to the air. It's going to impact all of it.
So furnaces, they might have a humidifier attached to it,
and if people don't have that on the correct setting,
if it's too high, adding that extra moisture as it goes.
Speaker 2 (34:02):
Gotcha and you want to you know, people tend to
want to do that because it's comfortable to have that
extra moisture.
Speaker 6 (34:07):
Well in winter it's dry.
Speaker 2 (34:08):
Yeah, let me ask you, how does how does the
problem because the problem of mold, how does it come
to you? Do people usually call you and ask for
an inspection? Are you spotting it and letting them know?
How are people connecting with you?
Speaker 6 (34:23):
Typically it's mixed of both of those. So I'm being
referred by USA Insulation. Once they come across it, they
pass it. People are looking up how to fix mold problems,
and so they're searching for us.
Speaker 2 (34:39):
There's a there's a shock factor or a fear factor.
I think you told me, a shame factor even talk
about talk about those and how you handle those.
Speaker 6 (34:48):
Well, that one is just taking in consideration our customers.
Like mold can be embarrassing. It can make you feel dirty,
but that's not how I want people to feel. When
I'm coming out to take a look, I know there's
an underlying problem. I'm here to find a solution to
(35:08):
fix that problem.
Speaker 3 (35:09):
I don't.
Speaker 6 (35:10):
I'm not even concerned about why it's happening. It's more
how how can I get this done taking care of
so you don't have to deal with this any longer.
Speaker 1 (35:20):
It's kind of like anybody who has bugs, any kind
of infestation or anything like that. They think that if
they hire somebody to come out to the house and
take care of it, it reflects poorly. Oh, they're going
to think I've got a horrible house. So they've run
through the house cleaning it all up, they still have
the bug problem, and they still haven't corrected the problem.
You don't care about that.
Speaker 6 (35:40):
I do not want them to clean up the problem
at all. I want to see I'm chasing So this
is kind of like a mystery. Just because of where
the mold is and what you can see does not
mean that's the problem. I have to chase it backwards
to see what started it.
Speaker 2 (35:57):
Yeah, there's the mold you can see, and then there's
them that you can't see. And if you wipe the
top of the mold off where you can't see it,
and you haven't done it properly, you've left behind the
seeds for the next growth. It's going to keep coming back,
and it absolutely will. But the shame causes people to say, well,
I think I'm just going to try to take care
of this myself.
Speaker 1 (36:16):
There was something over there. Yeah, So what I'm curious
what kind of training did you have to go through
for this particular aspect of what you're doing now? And
is it an ongoing thing? Is there something like every
year you've got to recertify or something.
Speaker 6 (36:30):
It's an ongoing learning experience. So I am IAQ certified.
It just means I have been trained to identify and
address mold issues. We also have corporate training, which is
all the hands on we go over equipment, standard operating procedures,
(36:52):
all of that just more in depth.
Speaker 2 (36:54):
Let's talk about both. There's two things you mentioned there
that I think the audience will want to know more about. First,
you say that I'm IAQ certified, So first question, what's
I What does that mean?
Speaker 5 (37:03):
Why is that important?
Speaker 6 (37:05):
Indoor air quality certified And it's kind of what I
was just explaining. It just means I'm trained in identifying
and addressing I'm I know what remediation needs are needed
from what I see.
Speaker 2 (37:20):
But that's a trade organization that gives that qualification. You
have to prove that you're competent in that right, yes,
and not everybody has it no, yeah.
Speaker 1 (37:28):
Oh so that's something to check for.
Speaker 2 (37:30):
Oh absolutely, yeah, anybody can. I can walk out the door.
You could walk out the door thread and put a
sign on your on your back that says mold remediator.
Speaker 5 (37:40):
That doesn't mean anything.
Speaker 2 (37:41):
If you're looking for somebody, you got to look for
the right training and certification, and the first one you
want to look for is the IAQ, right, yeah.
Speaker 5 (37:49):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (37:49):
And then you also mentioned corporate. What does that mean
by corporate? Do you mean USA Insulation? What do you
mean when you say corporate?
Speaker 6 (37:56):
I'm USA Insulation and Mold Medics. We are united in
the sense that we have one owner, but we are
completely separate companies. But mold Medics is a franchise, so
there is we have the backing, technical support or even
(38:16):
expert advice helping us through this, but we are completely
in control of our own business and it allows us
to have that control and pursue what we need to
do to help our local community.
Speaker 2 (38:30):
So you have the best of both worlds, it seems
to me and I found that quite interesting. So you've
got you've got back end corporate support for technical issues,
for technical expertise, but you're going to implement that locally
here in northwest Ohio. Yes, where's your service area?
Speaker 6 (38:47):
So northwest Ohio and southern Michigan.
Speaker 1 (38:50):
That seems to layer pretty well with my territory is
now in studying this and obviously you've looked at other places.
Do we have more of a problem because we were
sitting at one point on the Great Black Swamp, Then
maybe some of the other places in Ohio and elsewhere
across the country do they have this kind of problem, Say,
you know in Arizona where everything's dry and they don't
(39:12):
have this problem.
Speaker 6 (39:13):
I can't necessarily speak for Arizona. I'm more or less
if there is more water, more moisture, yes, you're going
to have the issues.
Speaker 1 (39:24):
Yeah, and we have a lot of We have a
lot of foliage here that they just don't have in
other parts of the country. And as spores and all
of this I would imagine play some part in all
of this.
Speaker 6 (39:34):
Yes, mold is everywhere. It's part of the circle of life.
But with those spores, you're trying to keep those from
growing inside your home. So if as long as you're
taking away the environment to help it grow, you're fine.
It's a problem when it can kind of go rampant.
Speaker 2 (39:54):
Yeah, and you may have noticed Toledo gets a little
cloud cover over the course of the year. So the
clouds come in and they stop at this western corner
of Lake Erie. There actually is a reason for that,
And so I think you're right, Fred. I think we
are a fairly moist area of the country, and I
think that that probably plays a role.
Speaker 1 (40:13):
Yes, where can people contact you at? You have a website,
phone number, all that stuff.
Speaker 6 (40:18):
Yes, our website is www dot Moldmedics dot com. And
when you go to the website, you can search for
our location to call us, or if you fill out
one of their forms for an inspection, it comes straight
to us and I contact.
Speaker 1 (40:32):
And again, once I contact you, what's the process? How
long will it take before I can find out what
it's going to cost? And a truck pulls up and
starts to take care of it.
Speaker 6 (40:43):
So it once the first contact happens, I set you
within one to two days. You're getting that estimate at
that free inspection, and I'm setting a day within one
to three days, depending on what needs to be done.
Speaker 1 (40:58):
Excellent, all right, touch for nine name how long does it?
Speaker 2 (41:02):
How long does a typical project take once you get started,
Like I think, did you say you put up plastic containment?
Talk a little bit about that, because I think we're
going probably have to wrap up here pretty soon on time,
but I want to get some of that out there
for people.
Speaker 1 (41:14):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (41:14):
So with containment, we're just trying to contain the spores
to that area so that you're not cross you're not
cross contaminating. We pretty much come in with our chemicals
which are safe and effective. They keep in consideration of
the families that live in the home, including kids and pets.
Speaker 5 (41:35):
One day, one day.
Speaker 3 (41:37):
Typically one day.
Speaker 5 (41:38):
That's amazing.
Speaker 2 (41:39):
So I was gonna say, is there anything that you
want to leave the Is there something that you wish
that the You know that the listening audience knew that
about mold remediation, mold inspection. Is there something important you
want to leave them with?
Speaker 6 (41:54):
Yes, d I y remediation is not the way to go.
Call us, call us we are experts in this field.
We're going to help you take care of the issues
going on.
Speaker 1 (42:08):
As she pointed out in the beginning of the interview.
If you don't get the root, uh, then you're not
going to kill the mold. Ashley is with Mold Medics.
Tell us the phone number once again.
Speaker 6 (42:21):
Or six four seven two six two.
Speaker 1 (42:24):
Thanks a lot, Ashley. Mold Medics a sister company with
USA Insulation. They can get rid of your mold remediation.
If you need to have something done, get a hold
of them soon for lamee months. I'm Fred Lafever. This
is the first episode of what will be a continuing
podcast called A Heart for Business. If you'd like to
(42:46):
get a hold of the BBB, there's a number of
ways you can do that BBB dot org, slash Toledo.
You can go to their Facebook page or call them
directly at four one nine five seven eight six thousand.
You'll be able to hear this potodcast on iHeartRadio and
wherever podcasts can be found.
Welcome to a Heart for Business. I'm Fred Lafever and
along with Lane Months, President CEO the Better Business Bureau
of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, we'll highlight a local
business weekly. You'll discover why these small local business owners
have a passion for what they do and why the
(00:28):
Better Business Bureau has a Heart for Business. Now here's
Lane Months.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Well, hello everyone, and welcome to the show. This is
Lane Months from the BB and B and I'm here
in the studio today with Crystal Brown from Smith Family Homes.
Welcome Crystal, thanks for having me all right. How do
you feel being the very first guest on A Heart
for Business?
Speaker 3 (00:50):
Oh my goodness.
Speaker 4 (00:51):
I am extremely grateful to be here. It's a complete honor,
but I am nervous.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
Yeah, no pressure, but you we'll set the tone for
every single podcast episode that comes from here on out.
Speaker 1 (01:04):
Don't let them scary, all right. You're only talking to
the the You're talking to us too. That's it. Don't
worry about anybody else at this point.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
Well, Crystal, welcome, And so you know I scheduled your
first for a reason because when I called you, when
you showed some interest and we we had a little discussion.
Your story really touched me, so I'm really looking forward
to hearing it.
Speaker 5 (01:23):
I think the audience will enjoy it.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
So tell us a little bit about Crystal Brown and
Smith family homes and where you came from and why.
Speaker 3 (01:32):
Well, I am.
Speaker 4 (01:34):
Up from Camden, Arkansas and that's a small town outside
of Little Rock.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
Do they have ice storms down in Camden?
Speaker 4 (01:40):
They have lately they have? Oh okay, yeah, they've been
having ice storms. But you know, growing up there, it
was always nice. Okay, So when I was sorry, So yeah,
born and raised in in Arkansas, and you know, all
(02:03):
of my family on my father's side is from Arkansas.
My grandmother she was ill and she came to live
with us after being sent home from.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
The hospital, and we were her caregivers, you know, and
the family took care of her.
Speaker 4 (02:19):
Yes, the family took care of her. I was eleven
years old and you know, just seeing her there and
she ended up passing away at our home. But you know,
at eleven years old and seeing your grandmother, you know,
passed away, and wanting to do more and not being
able to do that as eleven year old, a young
you know girl, That's where my heart of desiring to
(02:41):
help people stemmed from and so you know, everything that
I did after that, it kind of brought me to
where I am today.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
What path did that follow when you got to high school?
And then if you followed education after that secondary, what
path did you take to get to hear?
Speaker 3 (03:02):
Well, we moved here.
Speaker 4 (03:06):
Let me see, my grandmother passed away in ninety five
and my father and mother were you know, led here
after that, and as eleven year old girl, I don't
have a choice. So you know, I came here with
my parents and we've been here ever since.
Speaker 3 (03:23):
I did not.
Speaker 4 (03:26):
I went to high school, but I did not graduate
high school. I dropped out in eleventh grade. And I later,
you know, I had all of these you know, passions
within and I couldn't do anything because I didn't have
a high school diploma or GED, you know, and so
I worked under agencies and I you know, I I
(03:53):
know I was in the right spot and I wanted
to do more. However, I couldn't advance because of you know,
the lack of education. So that's when I you know,
I started branching off and I said, you know what,
I'm going to go back and get my GED. I
was supposed to graduate in twenty and twenty fifteen, went
and got my GED and that was partner through Owen's
(04:16):
Community College, so I was able to walk across the
stage and do all of that. And after I got
my GED.
Speaker 5 (04:24):
How old were you when you did that, Crystal?
Speaker 4 (04:26):
When I got my GED, that was in twenty fifteen,
so let's see, I was, Yeah, I was about thirty.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
Yeah, So that was always in your mind though, because
of what you watched your grandmother go through, and there
was always a drive in you to do something about that,
wasn't there. That's what you told me?
Speaker 4 (04:50):
Well, yes, and ultimately the care that I would have
liked to provide for her, and what I'm doing now
you know with the agency is an extension of that.
So I'm able to you know, care the individuals that
are under the Smith Family Homes. I'm able to you know,
(05:11):
that keeps me grounded and it also allows me to
honor her through the care that you know, my staff
that I hire provide.
Speaker 1 (05:21):
So is the home and actual home where you're caring
for people who need your services then, and it's located
in Wilbridge on Guy Street.
Speaker 4 (05:28):
But well, Walbridge is the office and yes, the individuals
that are under Smith Family Homes, they have their own homes,
and so I hire staff in home care.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
Yes, yes, Now what kind of home care is it, Crystal,
Because I know there are different.
Speaker 4 (05:44):
Kinds there are right now, we cater to individuals with
developmental disabilities. But I don't want to just limit myself there,
you know, because Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities are partnered
with are your Office of Aging, Ohio Department of Medicaid.
So I don't want to limit myself to just individuals
(06:06):
well with disabilities. But I like to say capabilities, you know,
because they are capable.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
Well, and those people do age just like the rest
of us. And the problem that a lot of us notices.
You know, you see a young man or a young
woman with developmental disabilities with an aged parent, and you know,
at some point when that parent passes away, I thought
has always gone through my head. I wonder who's going
to take care of that kid. It's going to be
(06:32):
thirty or forty by the time as parents die, and
that's kind of where a Smith Family Home steps in.
Speaker 4 (06:38):
Yes, this is it's not only a job to me,
you know, it's personal.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
I see that, and it's.
Speaker 4 (06:49):
It's also a calling, it's a mission, you know, because
you know, I come in contact with so many different
people from all over you know, Ohio and not just
here's specifically in Toledo. There's different counties and we can
you know, service throughout the different counties. But you know,
when I meet people, I meet them for a reason,
(07:12):
you know, because like I said, this is not only
a job, it's not a career. It's a calling. It's
a mission. And so you know, it's important to me
to build relationships. It's important to me to be to
meet the family and be hands on with the family
because I am considered a link to connect the right
person to the families that we serve.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
You're talking about the people that you put in their
homes to take care of them, and does that all
go through you before a final assignment is made.
Speaker 3 (07:41):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
I want to circle back for a minute, Crystal, because
you know you talked about getting your GED. But if
I'm not mistaken, home healthcare in Ohio is now a
licensed profession.
Speaker 5 (07:51):
Is that correct?
Speaker 3 (07:52):
It is?
Speaker 2 (07:52):
So that requires something more than a high school GED.
I don't know if people understand that.
Speaker 4 (07:57):
It does require more, you know, But of course in
order for me to get more education, you have to
have a high school diplomba GED.
Speaker 5 (08:03):
That's a starting So I.
Speaker 3 (08:04):
Started with my GED.
Speaker 4 (08:07):
And you know when I when I did that, I
was able to become an independent provider.
Speaker 3 (08:12):
Okay.
Speaker 4 (08:13):
And so when I became an independent provider, I did
that for seven years.
Speaker 1 (08:18):
So you're doing the work yourself as an independent provider.
Speaker 4 (08:21):
I was an independent provider for seven years and then
I knew I wanted to own an agency. One day,
I was actually working under an agency and I remember,
you know, during the interview process, the lady of that
that owned that agency, she asked me, she said, hey,
you know, what is it that you desired to do?
(08:42):
You know later on and I told her, well, I said, well,
I desired to own my own healthcare agency. One day
and you know, I remember her, uh I was she was.
She asked me to be a team leader, and she
asked me to if I could oversee a home where
there was an individual who was blind and there was
an individual who had a feeding tube. And you know,
(09:04):
I remember like, oh, you know, let me think about
this because I'm I'm a young woman, right and so
but obviously she as a woman of experience. Knew that,
and with me desiring to own my own home health care,
you have to have individualized care, you have to have
that experience in many different areas. So she was setting
(09:26):
me up for that and I went home and I
thought about it. I ended up taking that position and
I ran multiple homes under her, and then you know,
that's when I branched off.
Speaker 3 (09:39):
I became an independent provider. And you know, I knew
I wanted to.
Speaker 4 (09:47):
Become an agency provider one day, but I had to.
I had to get my bachelor's churt well.
Speaker 1 (09:51):
And I like the idea that you're not asking anybody
who works for you to do anything that you haven't
already done yourself. Right, you have the experience that can
teach them and help them along career.
Speaker 4 (10:04):
I'm very hands on. I'm very hands on now, and
to me, that's very important because how can you be
the link to get the right person in the home
if you don't know the individuals that you're caring for,
if you don't know their family.
Speaker 2 (10:20):
And I got to believe that's a tough that's a
tough business to be and there's an emotional price to
be paid caring for people like that. There's no doubt
about it, and if you don't have a.
Speaker 5 (10:30):
Heart for it.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
And crystal story really spoke to me, Fred And when
she told me her story, coming from where she did
in Arkansas, moving up here and making a life and
owning a business, that's not easy to do what you did.
Speaker 5 (10:43):
And you kept saying, you know your heart. You were
led through your heart.
Speaker 1 (10:46):
So what's the reward for you at this point? Because
you've gotten part of your dream? You said part of
your dream was owning your own agency, and you have
that now Smith Family Homes on Wallbridge. Is there a
place to expand, to get bigger, to hire more people?
Speaker 3 (11:03):
Yes, you know.
Speaker 4 (11:05):
I remember when I told her that I desired to
own my own home care agency one day, right and
I told her, I said, you know, I don't want
to get big.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
I told her.
Speaker 4 (11:17):
She said, you know, it's not about getting big, it's
about having quality people. You know, because you can't help
what is in store for you. You know, you can't help
what God has for you. And you know, and so
I can't believe where I am two years, two years
in business. I can't believe where I am today.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
How many employees do you have? Sixteen that's really good
for two years. Yeah. Now they all go through some
kind of vetting process and everything.
Speaker 4 (11:45):
What's that like, Yes, everyone has to go through a
vetting process because I have to be in compliance with
the State of Ohio Board of Developmental Disability. Okay, so
we have a process that we have to do, and
you know that requires background checks. It requires a number
of things in order for those staff to be able
(12:05):
to be put in the home and care for those individuals.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
Sure, and let me just weigh in for a second.
So we get a lot of businesses applying to join
the bb and B, and if they have a competency
license like your business requires, we have to check that
and we have to verify that, and many do not
because that law is somewhat recent. It's not particularly old
to have that license. And so when you see a
company as the nice as Crystal's here, we're super happy
(12:30):
to have them.
Speaker 1 (12:31):
Well, I'm really curious because I've talked to a lot
of business people over the years and they talk about
those first steps and all the hoops that they have
to jump through. So you drop out of high school,
you get your deed, you go to Owens, you get
your certification, there and decide to start your business and
then everything hits you. Oh, the state wants me to
do this, the county wants me to do this, this
(12:52):
agency wants me to do that. Was there ever a
point when you said, you know what, I'm just going
to continue on by myself, I'm not going to start
my own agency, or what made you push through all
of that?
Speaker 4 (13:05):
Well, actually, that is a very good question. Yeah, that's
a very good question. Three years ago, my father passed away. Okay,
my father was a pastor, and you know, I remember
sharing with him my dream of wanting to you know,
(13:27):
start this this agency. You know. He was my biggest supporter.
And I remember, you know, going to school for my
bachelor's degree because I'm working towards trying to open this agency,
you know. And then he ended up passing and you know,
I remember taking two academic leaves and I was almost
(13:49):
at the finish line, but you know I had just
when he passed away, it just it I was unmotivated.
Speaker 3 (13:56):
I wasn't driven anymore.
Speaker 4 (13:58):
And at that point I did I felt like everything
that I you know, was leading up to I wanted.
Speaker 1 (14:03):
To give up, you know, But gon't you the prize.
Speaker 4 (14:07):
What got my eyes back on the prize is you know,
number one, honoring my grandmother, honoring him, you know, because again,
this is not just a job. It's a it's a calling,
it's a mission, you know, and you have to have
a heart to do it because there's so many things
that you know comes with the territory and you know,
(14:30):
you can't be sensitive to everything. Everybody cannot be in
this position because you have to. I mean, it's so
many different things that come my way on a daily basis.
I'm dealing with so many different personality. Yes, it's very emotional,
but you know, I don't think I would be here
(14:52):
if I if it wasn't for me to do you know,
I don't think I would be in this position.
Speaker 1 (14:57):
But there's some faith involved in this too.
Speaker 3 (14:58):
I Smith Family Homes is a faith based organization, you know.
Speaker 2 (15:03):
So because of that, I can say this. You said
you didn't want to become big, You weren't sure you
wanted to grow. You can make all the plans you want, Crystal,
but if God has a different plan in it, you're
going to be following his plan.
Speaker 4 (15:14):
He absolutely does have a bigger plan, and every and
my growth right now has simply been through word of mouth,
you know, and it has you know, I have gotten
in there myself and I have given my alle to
my clients are like they're like family to me, you know.
And my staff is just as equally as important, because
(15:38):
if you don't have quality staff, you don't have an agency.
And that's just what it is. And so you know,
it is very important to me that you know, I
remember just the basic human connection to people.
Speaker 1 (15:51):
Yeah, you know, and that's all it is. I've dealt
with that with when my mother in law was suffering
from dementia. You have to find that right person to
go with the person that needs the care because maybe
you'll pick out, you know, lucretia and she's just not
the right one to deal with this lady. So you
have to know a bunch of personalities and a bunch
(16:12):
of emotional I do sensitivity.
Speaker 4 (16:14):
And sometimes you know, I'm not perfect. You know, I
don't have a crystal ball to see, you know what
I mean. And so the reason why I love this,
my the agency Smith Family Homes is because of what
it's rooted in. And I wholeheardly believe that, you know,
based on this being a faith based organization and what
(16:37):
it is that this agency represents. I just wholeheardly believe
that if the right person is is the wrong person
is there, they won't they'll they'll fall off. And that's
just what it is. You know, if I if I
hire someone that is not you know, seem to be
(16:58):
working out, because I pray for excellence, I pray for growth,
you know, under the agency. And if it's not working out,
let's say, if they come because it's very structured, you know,
and I have I get people coming from you know,
agencies in the past and it's like, okay, well I
did this here, and it's like, well, not here.
Speaker 1 (17:20):
This is how this is how Smith Family Homes does it.
Speaker 4 (17:23):
Absolutely absolutely, So you're either going to come up to
that or you're gonna You're not gonna be there FORENDS.
Speaker 2 (17:29):
My original the original name of the podcast was going
to be the Voice of Business, right, And then I
talked to Crystal and I realized I was sorely mistaken
and that it had to be a heart for business
because of her story.
Speaker 1 (17:41):
You certainly do have a heart for it. And the
thing I love about your story is that you have
persevered through all of this because There's a lot of
people who, after watching their grandmother die at home, would
just say, Okay, I'm not gonna have anything to do
with this. That was just too emotional wrenching for me.
You took the different path and said, you know, rather
than allow other people to deal with that, I'm going
(18:03):
to see if I can help them get past that. Now,
if people want to get a hold of you, it's
the Smith Family Homes in Walbridge, Ohio. You have a
number or a website or Facebook that you can share
with us, Yes.
Speaker 6 (18:14):
I do.
Speaker 3 (18:15):
I have.
Speaker 4 (18:15):
My phone number is five six seven two one eight
zero nine zero three. I do have a Facebook page
Smith Family Homes, LLC. And also a website Smith familyhomesllc
dot com.
Speaker 1 (18:28):
All right, and then whatso we mentioned your plans for expansion.
You're headed to Swanton at some point.
Speaker 4 (18:35):
Actually, I'm actually working on that now. And this is
actually through my neighbor. My neighbor that I live next
door to. He inherited you know property, you know, excellent.
Speaker 3 (18:51):
Yeah, and so.
Speaker 1 (18:53):
See somebody saw you were doing something good.
Speaker 4 (18:55):
Yes, yes, and so this has been divine in nature,
and it's just you know, when this opportunity came about
this is a property.
Speaker 3 (19:05):
Out in Swanton that sits on just a little under
five acres.
Speaker 2 (19:10):
Well, you're going to have a whole lot of fun
because growing from one to two locations may have a
few challenges that come along with it.
Speaker 3 (19:16):
Krystal, I understand.
Speaker 5 (19:18):
Are times about up.
Speaker 2 (19:19):
Is there anything that you want to leave the listening
audience with any anything you want to say about this
kind of industry that they should know if they think
that they might be coming into a situation where they
need these kinds of services. What do you what do
you pray and hope that they know when they go
into this.
Speaker 3 (19:36):
Well, Number one, if you don't have the heart to
do it, don't do it.
Speaker 2 (19:42):
So look for an agency that that values that personal connection,
not just bouncing the books.
Speaker 3 (19:47):
Absolutely, you you have to have a heart.
Speaker 4 (19:49):
Then you have to have a heart to serve if
this is not just a job and you know, not
just looking for a paycheck. You know, there's there's individuals
that you're caring for and when you go and you
go into their home and they're connected to you, you're
almost responsible for them.
Speaker 2 (20:05):
And would you recommend that a family that needs this
kind of care for someone that they meet with the
owner before they make a final decision.
Speaker 3 (20:12):
Oh yes, yeah, absolutely sure.
Speaker 1 (20:15):
That's always that's always good advice. Chrystal, thank you so
much for being our first guest. You did an excellent job.
Thank you, even though you were a little bit nervous.
It worked out just fine and we appreciate it. Lane
and I will be back in just a moment with
our second guest for this inaugural episode of A Heart
for Business.
Speaker 2 (20:32):
Did you know our area has over forty thousand businesses.
Some are old, some are new, but they all have
a story to tell about why they sell, how someone
took a chance once upon a time, someone with a
heart for business.
Speaker 5 (20:44):
Hi.
Speaker 2 (20:45):
This is Lane Monts, the host of the Better Business
Bureaus Heart for Business podcast. We know a thing or
two about our area's companies, after all, we've been keeping
tabs on them since nineteen nineteen. Join me in Toledo
radio legend Fred la Fever every week as our BBB
superheroes tell their origin story and share a few industry
secrets along the way. Well, welcome back everybody to a
(21:06):
Heart for Business by the Better Business Bureau. Our second
guest today is Ashley chick Massey from Mold Medics.
Speaker 5 (21:13):
Hi, Ashley, Hi, how are you.
Speaker 3 (21:15):
I'm doing great?
Speaker 5 (21:16):
How are you good? Are you excited to be on
the program.
Speaker 3 (21:19):
I'm very excited.
Speaker 2 (21:20):
We're excited to have you because Mold Medics is a
relatively new business opportunity, not opportunity, but a new business
here in our area.
Speaker 6 (21:27):
Right, Yes, you are correct.
Speaker 2 (21:30):
So, just by way of background, mold Medics is somewhat
related to USA Insulation, a name many people might already recognize.
Speaker 5 (21:36):
Tell us about that connection.
Speaker 3 (21:37):
Absolutely so.
Speaker 6 (21:39):
Mold Medics was born from USA Insulation and for those
that don't know, they are a two time BBB Tortu
Award winner for ethics. And with that, Mold Medics has
the same principles and values. So we're coming from an
(21:59):
already a stay ablished way to do things, just a
new business venture, new opportunities and services that we can
offer to our local community.
Speaker 2 (22:11):
Yeah, a new line of business founded on the same
core principles of trust and reliability.
Speaker 1 (22:16):
Surely would you just mention Lane real quickly because some
people aren't familiar with the Torch Awards, explain why those
are given out, and that'll help us understand how Ashley
is tied in with this.
Speaker 5 (22:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (22:29):
So The Torch Awards are a sort of a legacy
program from the Better Business Bureau. I think our Better
Business Bureau has been doing it for over twenty years
and we take nominations from all sorts of people in
our listening area, in our business area, and those that
choose to compete, they are competing to be the winner.
And we have four typically that we give away cheer.
(22:49):
One is for nonprofits and then we give them away
for small, medium, and large businesses. So it's not easy
to win one because first you have to be nominated,
then you have to pass a vetting process, then you
have to submit a package, and then you have to
be scored by judges who are not the BBB.
Speaker 1 (23:06):
Right, So the principles that got USA Insulation a couple
of these Torchwards, you've carried these through to Mold Medics.
Speaker 6 (23:14):
Yes, just in how we do business. We are for
the customers and just standing behind that. It just is
very important to us and who we are.
Speaker 1 (23:27):
What do you actually do Because when when I Hearst
first heard the name, Lane gave me the name, and
I was thinking in my head, you guys are molding things,
you know, along with USA Insulation, So you go into
a house and you see that in my attic, I
have a really odd shape and you were taking the
insulation and molding it to fit in that place. That's
not what it is at all.
Speaker 5 (23:47):
I don't think that's it.
Speaker 1 (23:49):
I don't think that's okay business, What do you actually do?
Speaker 6 (23:52):
We are completely different than the USA Insulation company. We
offer mold remediation and kind of air quality insurance. So
we're taking care of the health and the quality of
the air that you're breathing in your home.
Speaker 1 (24:06):
Okay, okay, that makes a little bit more sense and
does that tie into what they do? So if USA
Installation comes into my house and I have them do
the attic or maybe the basement and they see the mold,
are they going to say, Hey, you need to talk
to Ashley over here. She can help you.
Speaker 6 (24:23):
It is crazy how tied in these two companies are
pretty much it is. You go in for insulation, we're
in addicts, we're in call spaces, we're in basements. Well
that's where mold really likes to grow, and a lot
of people don't see that. So there is a referral
of mold medics. Give them a call, they'll get out
of here, we're quick efficient. I usually go out same
(24:46):
day for specific problems, depending on what's going on.
Speaker 1 (24:50):
Now you going out yourself, I am Is that unusual
for a woman to be in this kind of business?
Speaker 6 (24:56):
Yes, I'm gonna say we get that a lot both companies,
but we pride ourselves in how we do all of that,
so it is it is different unique.
Speaker 1 (25:06):
I would think, So, how did you manage to get
into that?
Speaker 4 (25:09):
Then?
Speaker 1 (25:09):
Because obviously it's unusual for a woman to be crawling
around the cross space looking for mold? What made you
do that?
Speaker 6 (25:16):
I am a big person on challenges. I don't like
norm So you asking even that question of is it
odd to have a woman doing this? That's kind of
where I want to be, to break those boundaries.
Speaker 2 (25:31):
So if I was your manager and I wanted you
to do it, and I wasn't sure if you'd want
to do it, I'd say I would say, actually, we're
going to start this new business, but you're not going
to really be involved because it doesn't seem like your
cutout for it.
Speaker 1 (25:42):
I don't and that would don't think you could handle that.
Speaker 2 (25:44):
Yeah, a little reverse psychology there, and then you're going
to be working your behind off to get rid of
mold and everybody's home.
Speaker 6 (25:51):
Sadly, that would one hundred percent work.
Speaker 1 (25:54):
Yes, yeah, do you feel like you had to when
you first started? Well, and how did you start?
Speaker 6 (25:59):
You?
Speaker 1 (25:59):
Did you to prove yourself in order to get to
where you're at today?
Speaker 6 (26:03):
Well, of course, I feel like anybody moving through a
company or trying to gain more has to prove themselves. Sure,
but yes, there was a learning curve for me I started.
I've spent the last four years with the other company,
USA Insulation, but everything I've learned and gained in all
that experience gave me more when this opportunity was brought
(26:27):
and I handed to me.
Speaker 1 (26:30):
Okay, well, wasn't I get the impression? Wasn't handed to you?
Speaker 2 (26:34):
She probably took it from somebody else's hands.
Speaker 1 (26:36):
And somebody said we have a position here, We're going
to move into this area of the business, mold remediation.
And you raised your hand and said, well, I'll like
to give that a try.
Speaker 6 (26:46):
Well, it goes with so I don't want to keep
bringing up USA Insulation. But at the same time, they
focus on comfort of your home and energy efficiency, and
we were missing that part when we would go and
look in those atticts and find that mold. We were
leaving customers with another problem. That's not how we like
(27:08):
to do things. So this now we have a way
to pass customers to mold medics and get the process
started so that we can take care of all of
the issues and not leave them with out a solution.
I think that's the biggest So.
Speaker 2 (27:25):
I spent over twenty years in the damage restoration industry,
so I know a little bit about mold in buildings
because most damage involves water of some sort, even if
it's a fire, right, absolutely, and so I know a
lot about it, but I want you to talk about it.
One of the things that people may be surprised to
learn is that mold remediation is fairly scientific and fairly technical.
(27:47):
So why don't you talk about that a little bit?
Speaker 6 (27:49):
Okay, I do want to kind of start with a
lot of people don't know. Seventy percent of US homes
have mold, so seriously, yeah, a lot, and people don't know.
They don't know what to look for. So the science
behind it is water, air, and a food source. If
you have those three things in a home, mold's gonna grow.
(28:13):
It can grow within twenty four to forty eight hours
and it becomes a problem. A lot of people don't
realize that leaving it untreated, you're gonna hurt the structural
integrity of your home over time.
Speaker 5 (28:26):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (28:26):
Yeah, and food source could be like, they won't eat
the dry wall filler, but they'll eat the paper on
the dry wall. They'll eat wood gets insidious once it
gets going, as long as it has dust, dustkin, cells, skin.
Speaker 1 (28:39):
Right, the mold eats all of those, all of them.
Speaker 6 (28:43):
Yep.
Speaker 1 (28:44):
I never realized that. Always thought it was just mold
just there and you go in and spray it with
some chemical and it goes away. That's not the case.
Speaker 6 (28:54):
No. It kinda like weeds, so they grow roots. If
you visually see mold and you just wipe it up,
most likely you are not taking care of your problem.
Oh you pick a weed, don't get it all the
way up the root. The weed's going to grow right back.
Same concept.
Speaker 5 (29:11):
Yep.
Speaker 1 (29:12):
Is there a place well, No, I just bought a
home out in Wallbridge. I don't have a basement, have
a crawl space. Uh and uh, and I don't have
a second floor. It's a one floor house. So is
there a place that I should check. Obviously, the crawl space,
I would guess, But are there other places in a
one story home that people should check that there might
(29:32):
be a problem.
Speaker 6 (29:33):
Yes, you want to check your attic. The crawl space
is a big one. But attic is the place that
not everybody ventures to, right.
Speaker 1 (29:41):
Yeah, I wouldn't go up there because there's not really
any space for me to move around or anything.
Speaker 2 (29:45):
You'd be surprised how many homes have the bathroom fan
or some exhaust fan vented to the attic, but not
all the way to the soft So it's pumping water
vapor into your attic. And you might as that's like
a vacation place Petrie dish. Hell yeah, Petrie, your home
is a Petri dish for mold, Is that right?
Speaker 5 (30:02):
Ashes?
Speaker 6 (30:02):
Well yeah, and then imagine that you have that bathroom
vent not connected and your sofits are completely blocked. You've
just created a whole entire environment for that mold to grow.
Speaker 5 (30:13):
Well.
Speaker 2 (30:13):
USA installation would never block those softit vents.
Speaker 5 (30:16):
Maybe other people they would fix this. Fix it right now.
Speaker 1 (30:19):
I just had a new roof put on, so I
know all my sofits are good and everything, But I
should call you guys, and have you come out, go
in the crawl space and go in the attic and
look around.
Speaker 3 (30:30):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (30:31):
What's the process after that? Do I have to leave
the house because you're bringing chemicals in? And I mean seriously,
because most people don't know what's going to happen after that.
Speaker 6 (30:40):
No, pretty much, after we come out and do a
free inspection, we find the problem, we go over everything
with you the homeowner, and then once you are set,
you accept the estimate and we go forward. I set
you within one to three days. We're proud to say
we're pretty quick on turnaround to get this problem taking
(31:00):
care for people because we understand it can be scary.
Speaker 1 (31:04):
Now, besides the structural part which you mentioned that it
can eat away at the structure, how damaging is this
to someone's health. I'm over seventy. I know, thanks, I
don't look at it. How damaging is that going to be?
To my wife and I, who are both seasoned citizens.
Speaker 2 (31:22):
Said, you can say you're over twenty, that's still true.
I'm over twenty because there's no reason why.
Speaker 1 (31:27):
You have to say seventy you're going to start doing that?
Is it a big health issue? Also? Along with a
structural issue, there are.
Speaker 6 (31:33):
A lot of symptoms that can come from prolonged exposure
to mold. It's respiratory issues, irritation, nasal congestion, headaches are
a big one, and people at higher risk are ones
with weakended immune systems.
Speaker 1 (31:51):
Okay, so this is key that you get this checked. Yes,
and do you think you have a problem or not?
Speaker 5 (31:58):
Well so?
Speaker 2 (31:58):
And another thing that people always think of, especially if
you're in a newer home, newer homes. Can you think
all a newer home won't have a mold problem? Right,
that's a newer home. A lot of people think that
a lot of people think that, But the truth is
the newer homes are better insulated and there's less airflow,
so you're not exchanging the air in your house with
fresh air from the outside as often as an old,
older home. And that's where it can build up and
(32:20):
you don't even know it because you can't see it.
Speaker 1 (32:22):
How much do like a water heater or a furnace
impact on this? And I'm going to ask you a
lot of questions because.
Speaker 5 (32:29):
I just got a new water heater and a new roof.
Speaker 1 (32:32):
And a new roof, Okay, but how much would your
appliances if you have a washer and dryer in the house,
you have a water heater, you've got to furnish, you
have all those things. How much impact do those have
on what might be happening that you can't see.
Speaker 6 (32:46):
They're adding moisture to the air, So it is giving
that moisture that mold needs and letting it be there.
It's not taking it out, it's adding it too.
Speaker 1 (33:00):
Is there a bathroom, for instance, is there any way
to avoid that because everybody has a vent, so everybody
leaves that vent on for a while after your shower.
Is there something that people can do to avoid getting
this or is it just going to happen and you
just might not notice that.
Speaker 6 (33:16):
Well, the good the fun fact with the bathroom vent
fans is you should run that bathroom vent for an
hour after you take a shower. That's how long it
takes to remove that moisture.
Speaker 1 (33:28):
I'll forget any.
Speaker 6 (33:31):
Not everybody does or realizes what that fan is doing
to help.
Speaker 3 (33:37):
So what was your question?
Speaker 1 (33:40):
Do those things? Do those things impact on that?
Speaker 3 (33:44):
Oh?
Speaker 6 (33:45):
Yeah, it's like I was saying, it adds the moisture
to the air. It's going to impact all of it.
So furnaces, they might have a humidifier attached to it,
and if people don't have that on the correct setting,
if it's too high, adding that extra moisture as it goes.
Speaker 2 (34:02):
Gotcha and you want to you know, people tend to
want to do that because it's comfortable to have that
extra moisture.
Speaker 6 (34:07):
Well in winter it's dry.
Speaker 2 (34:08):
Yeah, let me ask you, how does how does the
problem because the problem of mold, how does it come
to you? Do people usually call you and ask for
an inspection? Are you spotting it and letting them know?
How are people connecting with you?
Speaker 6 (34:23):
Typically it's mixed of both of those. So I'm being
referred by USA Insulation. Once they come across it, they
pass it. People are looking up how to fix mold problems,
and so they're searching for us.
Speaker 2 (34:39):
There's a there's a shock factor or a fear factor.
I think you told me, a shame factor even talk
about talk about those and how you handle those.
Speaker 6 (34:48):
Well, that one is just taking in consideration our customers.
Like mold can be embarrassing. It can make you feel dirty,
but that's not how I want people to feel. When
I'm coming out to take a look, I know there's
an underlying problem. I'm here to find a solution to
(35:08):
fix that problem.
Speaker 3 (35:09):
I don't.
Speaker 6 (35:10):
I'm not even concerned about why it's happening. It's more
how how can I get this done taking care of
so you don't have to deal with this any longer.
Speaker 1 (35:20):
It's kind of like anybody who has bugs, any kind
of infestation or anything like that. They think that if
they hire somebody to come out to the house and
take care of it, it reflects poorly. Oh, they're going
to think I've got a horrible house. So they've run
through the house cleaning it all up, they still have
the bug problem, and they still haven't corrected the problem.
You don't care about that.
Speaker 6 (35:40):
I do not want them to clean up the problem
at all. I want to see I'm chasing So this
is kind of like a mystery. Just because of where
the mold is and what you can see does not
mean that's the problem. I have to chase it backwards
to see what started it.
Speaker 2 (35:57):
Yeah, there's the mold you can see, and then there's
them that you can't see. And if you wipe the
top of the mold off where you can't see it,
and you haven't done it properly, you've left behind the
seeds for the next growth. It's going to keep coming back,
and it absolutely will. But the shame causes people to say, well,
I think I'm just going to try to take care
of this myself.
Speaker 1 (36:16):
There was something over there. Yeah, So what I'm curious
what kind of training did you have to go through
for this particular aspect of what you're doing now? And
is it an ongoing thing? Is there something like every
year you've got to recertify or something.
Speaker 6 (36:30):
It's an ongoing learning experience. So I am IAQ certified.
It just means I have been trained to identify and
address mold issues. We also have corporate training, which is
all the hands on we go over equipment, standard operating procedures,
(36:52):
all of that just more in depth.
Speaker 2 (36:54):
Let's talk about both. There's two things you mentioned there
that I think the audience will want to know more about. First,
you say that I'm IAQ certified, So first question, what's
I What does that mean?
Speaker 5 (37:03):
Why is that important?
Speaker 6 (37:05):
Indoor air quality certified And it's kind of what I
was just explaining. It just means I'm trained in identifying
and addressing I'm I know what remediation needs are needed
from what I see.
Speaker 2 (37:20):
But that's a trade organization that gives that qualification. You
have to prove that you're competent in that right, yes,
and not everybody has it no, yeah.
Speaker 1 (37:28):
Oh so that's something to check for.
Speaker 2 (37:30):
Oh absolutely, yeah, anybody can. I can walk out the door.
You could walk out the door thread and put a
sign on your on your back that says mold remediator.
Speaker 5 (37:40):
That doesn't mean anything.
Speaker 2 (37:41):
If you're looking for somebody, you got to look for
the right training and certification, and the first one you
want to look for is the IAQ, right, yeah.
Speaker 5 (37:49):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (37:49):
And then you also mentioned corporate. What does that mean
by corporate? Do you mean USA Insulation? What do you
mean when you say corporate?
Speaker 6 (37:56):
I'm USA Insulation and Mold Medics. We are united in
the sense that we have one owner, but we are
completely separate companies. But mold Medics is a franchise, so
there is we have the backing, technical support or even
(38:16):
expert advice helping us through this, but we are completely
in control of our own business and it allows us
to have that control and pursue what we need to
do to help our local community.
Speaker 2 (38:30):
So you have the best of both worlds, it seems
to me and I found that quite interesting. So you've
got you've got back end corporate support for technical issues,
for technical expertise, but you're going to implement that locally
here in northwest Ohio. Yes, where's your service area?
Speaker 6 (38:47):
So northwest Ohio and southern Michigan.
Speaker 1 (38:50):
That seems to layer pretty well with my territory is
now in studying this and obviously you've looked at other places.
Do we have more of a problem because we were
sitting at one point on the Great Black Swamp, Then
maybe some of the other places in Ohio and elsewhere
across the country do they have this kind of problem, Say,
you know in Arizona where everything's dry and they don't
(39:12):
have this problem.
Speaker 6 (39:13):
I can't necessarily speak for Arizona. I'm more or less
if there is more water, more moisture, yes, you're going
to have the issues.
Speaker 1 (39:24):
Yeah, and we have a lot of We have a
lot of foliage here that they just don't have in
other parts of the country. And as spores and all
of this I would imagine play some part in all
of this.
Speaker 6 (39:34):
Yes, mold is everywhere. It's part of the circle of life.
But with those spores, you're trying to keep those from
growing inside your home. So if as long as you're
taking away the environment to help it grow, you're fine.
It's a problem when it can kind of go rampant.
Speaker 2 (39:54):
Yeah, and you may have noticed Toledo gets a little
cloud cover over the course of the year. So the
clouds come in and they stop at this western corner
of Lake Erie. There actually is a reason for that,
And so I think you're right, Fred. I think we
are a fairly moist area of the country, and I
think that that probably plays a role.
Speaker 1 (40:13):
Yes, where can people contact you at? You have a website,
phone number, all that stuff.
Speaker 6 (40:18):
Yes, our website is www dot Moldmedics dot com. And
when you go to the website, you can search for
our location to call us, or if you fill out
one of their forms for an inspection, it comes straight
to us and I contact.
Speaker 1 (40:32):
And again, once I contact you, what's the process? How
long will it take before I can find out what
it's going to cost? And a truck pulls up and
starts to take care of it.
Speaker 6 (40:43):
So it once the first contact happens, I set you
within one to two days. You're getting that estimate at
that free inspection, and I'm setting a day within one
to three days, depending on what needs to be done.
Speaker 1 (40:58):
Excellent, all right, touch for nine name how long does it?
Speaker 2 (41:02):
How long does a typical project take once you get started,
Like I think, did you say you put up plastic containment?
Talk a little bit about that, because I think we're
going probably have to wrap up here pretty soon on time,
but I want to get some of that out there
for people.
Speaker 1 (41:14):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (41:14):
So with containment, we're just trying to contain the spores
to that area so that you're not cross you're not
cross contaminating. We pretty much come in with our chemicals
which are safe and effective. They keep in consideration of
the families that live in the home, including kids and pets.
Speaker 5 (41:35):
One day, one day.
Speaker 3 (41:37):
Typically one day.
Speaker 5 (41:38):
That's amazing.
Speaker 2 (41:39):
So I was gonna say, is there anything that you
want to leave the Is there something that you wish
that the You know that the listening audience knew that
about mold remediation, mold inspection. Is there something important you
want to leave them with?
Speaker 6 (41:54):
Yes, d I y remediation is not the way to go.
Call us, call us we are experts in this field.
We're going to help you take care of the issues
going on.
Speaker 1 (42:08):
As she pointed out in the beginning of the interview.
If you don't get the root, uh, then you're not
going to kill the mold. Ashley is with Mold Medics.
Tell us the phone number once again.
Speaker 6 (42:21):
Or six four seven two six two.
Speaker 1 (42:24):
Thanks a lot, Ashley. Mold Medics a sister company with
USA Insulation. They can get rid of your mold remediation.
If you need to have something done, get a hold
of them soon for lamee months. I'm Fred Lafever. This
is the first episode of what will be a continuing
podcast called A Heart for Business. If you'd like to
(42:46):
get a hold of the BBB, there's a number of
ways you can do that BBB dot org, slash Toledo.
You can go to their Facebook page or call them
directly at four one nine five seven eight six thousand.
You'll be able to hear this potodcast on iHeartRadio and
wherever podcasts can be found.
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