IAQ Radio

Good Day and welcome to IAQ Radio+ episode 785 this week we continue with Part 2 of our interview with Dr. Gene Cole a public health and infection control titan. Dr. Eugene “Gene” Cole, DrPH, bridges the gap between deep, academic public health research and the boots-on-the-ground cleaning and restoration industries. Dr. Cole has spent over 35 years showing why cleaning is an essential branch of public health. Learn More this week on IAQ Radio+. Dr. Gene Cole is Director of Research for LRC Indoor Testing & Research, Cary, NC; and formerly Professor of Environmental Health Sciences at Brigham Young University, Provo, UT. He has 35 years of research experience, with a primary focus on the ecology of indoor and work environments, with special emphasis on identification and reduction of pollutant reservoirs and sources, bioaerosols, human exposure assessment and control, product evaluation, cleaning and restoration, mold and sewage remediation, and biocides. Since 2000, he has continued to conduct research on the relationship between the use of antibacterial cleaning and hygiene products in the home, and antibiotic resistance; as well as on the effectiveness of cleaning to reduce the transmission of disease agents in schools. He has also worked with national and international organizations to address environmental health and infectious disease concerns such as medical waste management in Central Europe and South East Asia, hygiene promotion in Africa, and healthy homes and buildings in the U.S. and Asia. Dr. Cole is a member of the Scientific Advisory Council of the Cleaning Industry Research Institute (CIRI), and a Fellow of the American Industrial Hygiene Association. He holds a Master of Science in Public Health Microbiology and a Doctor of Public Health in Biohazard Science and Occupational Health, both from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Gene Cole is Director of Research for LRC Indoor Testing & Research, Cary, NC; and formerly Professor of Environmental Health Sciences at Brigham Young University, Provo, UT. He has 35 years of research experience, with a primary focus on the ecology of indoor and work environments, with special emphasis on identification and reduction of pollutant reservoirs and sources, bioaerosols, human exposure assessment and control, product evaluation, cleaning and restoration, mold and sewage remediation, and biocides. Since 2000, he has continued to conduct research on the relationship between the use of antibacterial cleaning and hygiene products in the home, and antibiotic resistance; as well as on the effectiveness of cleaning to reduce the transmission of disease agents in schools. He has also worked with national and international organizations to address environmental health and infectious disease concerns such as medical waste management in Central Europe and South East Asia, hygiene promotion in Africa, and healthy homes and buildings in the U.S. and Asia. Dr. Cole is a member of the Scientific Advisory Council of the Cleaning Industry Research Institute (CIRI), and a Fellow of the American Industrial Hygiene Association. He holds a Master of Science in Public Health Microbiology and a Doctor of Public Health in Biohazard Science and Occupational Health, both from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Luis Suarez is a seasoned technical educator and consultant with over a decade of experience in the Restoration industry. His journey in this field is marked by a passion for education and a strong commitment to helping others succeed. As the founder and leader of RestorRight Bilingual Academy, Luis has created a dynamic platform aimed at advancing knowledge and skills within the restoration community. This endeavor was inspired and supported by Recovapro LLC, a prominent water and fire restoration company whose mission aligns with Luis’s dedication to education and mentorship. Luis’s primary objective is to guide and mentor aspiring professionals in the restoration industry, helping them navigate the challenges that come their way. His immediate goal is to become an approved IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification) instructor, enabling him to provide certification courses in both English and Spanish. This reflects his commitment to making high-quality training accessible to a broader, more diverse audience. Beyond his professional pursuits, Luis is a loving husband and the father of two energetic youngsters who keep him on his toes whenever he’s not furthering his own education.

Ken Siders, CMP is ETA’s Senior Environmental Consultant. He is the past Vice President of Environmental Services at Housecheck. Ken has over 20 years working as an environmental Consultant doing projects around the world including for the Navy, Air Force and TSA. He is also a Commercial and Residential Building Contractor and an Expert Witness specializing in Structural Environmental Disaster Response and Essential Responder Services. This presentation chronicles a challenging three-year project journey at Word of Life Church, titled 'Word of Life Church The Saga Ends”, stemming from complex moisture intrusion following hurricane damage to a unique multi-layer roof system. Referencing standards such as the IICRC S-500, this case highlights the critical steps and obstacles encountered from initial assessment through legal challenges. The presentation will detail the project's key phases, including the intricate initial moisture intrusion and physical building inspections, the meticulous monitoring and documentation of the drying process, and the significant delays and disputes encountered while seeking necessary funding from the insurance company. The narrative culminates in the critical deposition phase, where the project's technical findings and procedures were rigorously examined. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into the paramount importance of thorough documentation and strict adherence to peer-reviewed industry standards like the IICRCS-500 when managing complex restoration projects, particularly those involving potential insurance litigation. In conclusion, the 'end' of this saga underscores how diligently prepared documentation serves as essential evidence, validating proper restoration processes and navigating legal challenges often faced in large-scale, disputed claims.

Leslie Anderson, is a IICRC Chairperson and a highly respected learning, and development professional She has been driving positive outcomes in the restoration industry for over 25 years. Her journey with Paul Davis Restoration, Inc. began in 2010, where she coached franchises to achieve profitability, capitalize on new revenue streams, and effectively manage their operations. In 2016, she transitioned to training and played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and implementing Learning and Development (L&D) programs and eLearning systems. Kristy Cohen is the Chief Executive Officer of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), the leading international network of restoration professionals dedicated to advocating for, educating, and elevating the restoration industry. With more than 20 years of nonprofit management experience, Kristy brings deep expertise in strategic planning, financial management, consensus building, advocacy, certification, and standards development. As CEO, Kristy partners with volunteer leaders to advance the RIA’s mission and ensure restorers have a unified voice. Darrell Paulson is an Honorary Board Member and Shareholder Group Spokesperson. He is a past IICRC Chairman and retired CEO of Advanced Restoration Specialists, Inc. Mr. Paulson has been an integral part of the IICRC since 1983 as a member of the BOD, Shareholder and Committee Chair. Mr. Paulson is also a well known industry veteran, speaker at conventions and association volunteer. Mark Springer is RIA Restoration Advocate Carrier Relations a highly regarded and experienced President/CEO. Mark has a demonstrated ability to drive market-leading performance, dynamic growth, and profitability. He grew his company from 1 to 7 profitable locations through several acquisitions and greenfield growth. He led the acquisition of the company by private equity in 2020, positioning it as the platform company for FLEET Response, which surged from $20mm to over $150mm in less than 18 months.

Dr Irene Grant is an Infectious Disease specialist with expertise in infectious complications in the immunocompromised and unusual infections in the immunocompetent. In the 1980’s, in the midst of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, she trained at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, under Dr. Donald Armstrong (former President of the Infectious Disease Society of America) where she acquired training in Microbiology and Hospital Infection Control. Thereafter she spent years in academic medicine as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine (1988 – 2000) and later Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at New York Medical College, involved in teaching, clinical epidemiology, and research, while treating inner city patients in the HIV “epicenter” in the Bronx. Later, in private practice, she applied her experience investigating unusual illnesses to help her patients sick from hazardous indoor exposures. For the past 24 years, she has evaluated and treated hundreds of debilitated patients and families with environmentally proven hazardous microbial exposures, correlating the development of multi-system illness with hazardous exposures, the reliability of diagnostic tests, and efficacy of anti-fungal treatment.