IAQ Radio

Dustin Poppendieck is an environmental engineer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). He received his PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 2002. He is a fellow of the International Society for Indoor Air Quality and Climate (ISIAQ). Dustin has been investigating indoor air chemistry since 2002. Most of his efforts have involved characterizing primary emission sources and heterogeneous reactions at material surfaces. He has investigated emissions from kerosene can lamps used by nearly a billion people throughout the developing world, spray polyurethane foam, non-smoldering cigarette butts and indoor air cleaning devices. In addition, Dustin has studied the disinfection of biologically contaminated building materials (i.e., anthrax) using high concentrations of ozone, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide and methyl bromide. Recently, Dustin has been involved in writing and revising standards related to chemistry of portable air cleaners, including ASTM D8625, UL867, ASHRAE 241 and ASHRAE 145.4.

Eugenia Mirica, PhD is the Laboratory Director of the Materials Science Laboratory at EMSL Analytical, Inc in Cinnaminson, NJ. Eugenia received her Ph.D. in Materials Science from Stevens Institute of Technology in 2002. She joined EMSL at the end of 2002 and she has been with the company ever since. Her expertise involves complex analyses employing a large variety of analytical techniques, utilized for the identification and the comprehensive characterization of various types of materials.

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.

Ralph Moon, PhD is a Building Scientist with more than 42 years of consulting experience in the areas of duration of loss studies, material testing, risk assessment, project management, industrial hygiene, and indoor air quality assessment. Dr. Moon has published over 60 peer reviewed and 40 technical articles and papers and is a frequent expert witness on insurance-related claims and projects. Dr. Moon has a unique background that combines extensive field experience, seminar development and presentations, research, and legal services in IAQ, building science and disaster restoration. Jeremy Beagle is a CIH and Senior Principal Scientist with SDII Global and has been performing causation assessments and providing expert witness testimony pertaining to water damage, fungal growth, and other indoor environmental concerns in the built environment for over 21 years. Jeremy speaks at conferences, workshops, and provides continuing education in the insurance services, indoor air quality and indoor environmental spaces. He has authored industry-related articles and has published papers as part of the ASCE Forensic Engineering Congress. He is the Vice Chairman of the IICRC S530 Standard for Indoor Environmental Assessment for Suspected Mold Contaminated Structures consensus body and is on the Board of Directors for the Indoor Air Quality Association.

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.

This week, IAQradio will interview Dr. Jake Avila, Associate Professor at Middle Tennessee State University, to discuss his work at MTSU’s School of Concrete and Construction Management. The question for the restoration industry is, will its chance at a 2nd Act with higher education advance the practice and trade of restoration and damage repair, to be recognized by government and general industry as a profession? Tune in this week for an engaging interview with Dr Jake as he discusses a plan the restoration industry can embrace and build off the lessons learned from its first act with Purdue to advance the business of restoration to become a recognized profession! LEARN MORE this week on IAQ Radio+.   Dr. Avila's industry experience spans over seventeen years in the construction industry where he worked primarily in general management. Prior to his transition to academia, he served as executive vice president and general manager of CA Construction, a family-owned construction firm specializing in disaster restoration and government contracting. As general manager he oversaw the business operations as well as construction and consulting services to government agencies, homeowners, property managers, law firms, AEC firms, third-party administrators, and major insurance carriers. He is a scholar-practitioner and is committed to enhancing the work of restoration industry professionals through applied research. The underlying goal in all his work is to help disaster restoration firms build capacity by systematically advancing the understanding of industry dynamics, improving the design and application of best practices, and strengthening connections between scholarly and professional activities. His research recently examined family business dynamics in the restoration industry and, in collaboration with faculty at Purdue University; he is currently the principal investigator of a study that is examining employee burnout and engagement in the restoration industry. Since 2008 Dr. Avila has taught in business, engineering, and construction programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Prior to coming to MTSU he served two other institutions as an associate professor, business department chair, MBA program director, and program director in a college of engineering. Dr. Avila holds a bachelor's degree in industrial/organizational psychology from Pepperdine University, a master of business administration from California Baptist University, and a doctorate from the University of Southern California. As an undergraduate he studied at ITESM in Guadalajara, Mexico, and while pursuing his master’s degree he studied at Regent’s Park College of the University of Oxford in Oxford, England. He and his wife, Becca, have been married since 2004 and they have three children: Jackson, Liv, and Jeremiah. They live in Franklin, Tennessee and love to travel, explore, hike, fish, hunt, and do many other things outdoors.

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.  

Joe Spurgeon, PHD, has a multidisciplinary doctorate degree in Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Health from the University of Pittsburgh; and was a Certified Industrial Hygienist from 1993 - 2013. His career has included working as a research chemist on the NBS Lead-Paint Poisoning Program, directing the FAA’s Combustion Toxicology Laboratory, performing Health Assessments for CDC/ATSDR, implementing US EPA’s Laboratory Exposure Assessment Project, and working as a consultant specializing in microbial indoor air quality for US PHS. He has performed numerous residential and commercial investigations involving water intrusions and microbial contaminants; has taught courses on mold investigations, sampling, and data interpretation methods; and has served as an expert witness in numerous mold cases. His books are available at http://expertonmold.com/ Danny Gough calls himself a slow learner trying to retire. He works out of Yadkinville, NC and his specialties include Building Performance Consulting, Psychometric analysis and advanced humidity control, Design of HVAC systems for Low Energy Buildings, Geothermal, Solar, Radiant, and Service hot water. Mr. Gough is also an Approved Instructor for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). He also provides continuing education Instruction for The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and for the NC licensing board for General contractors.

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.

Scott Maysura is a seasoned business consultant and advisor with over 20 years of experience in the restoration and services industry. Beyond owning and operating restoration companies, Scott successfully grew a plumbing and HVAC startup, providing him with firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities faced by trade businesses. Scott works closely with clients to drive growth and operational excellence by developing and implementing strategic plans, systems, and processes. His expertise includes operations management, commercial large-loss experience, and leadership development. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a diploma in Small Business Management, and recognition as a Triple Master Restorer, Scott combines a unique blend of business acumen and industry-specific insights. Scott is passionate about helping business owners simplify complexity, optimize their operations, and achieve sustainable success. Connect with Scott at smaysura@gmail.com.

This week we welcome back Jon Isaacson the Intentional Restorer, to discuss an issue that comes up across disciplines and project management. With all the new tools available today what seems to be working and what is a waste of time lets LEARN MORE this week on IAQ Radio+. The Intentional Restorer, is a contractor, author, educator, and host of The DYOJO Podcast. The goal of The DYOJO is to help contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.

As President and Chief Acquisitions Officer for ATI, Jeff Moore drives the company’s growth and spearheads key initiatives that focus on the future of the organization. His current role involves overseeing mergers and acquisitions and ensuring ATI’s continued expansion. In his current role, Jeff leverages his industry expertise to identify growth opportunities, forge strategic partnerships, and expand ATI’s footprint across the United States. By focusing on acquisitions and fostering a culture of innovation, Jeff propels ATI forward, consistently exceeding industry expectations. With his extensive experience and deep understanding of the industry, Jeff has successfully led ATI’s steady growth through more than 15 acquisitions, positioning the company for continued success.

Derrick A. Denis, a Senior Vice President with Clark Seif Clark, Inc. (CSC) and is an internationally recognized environmental health and safety (EH&S) expert. CSC is a full-service industrial hygiene (IH) and environmental testing/consulting company with locations in Arizona and multiple locations in California. CCS has extensive expertise working across the country in anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of hazards in indoor and outdoor environments. They are also specialists in wildland-urban-interface fires and lithium-ion battery fires (EVs, mobility devices etc.). Mr. Denis is a practitioner, inventor, educator, author and volunteer, who has provided professional industrial hygiene (IH), environmental health and safety (EH&S), infection control (IC), and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) services domestically and abroad for over 32 years. He is also a renowned impartial expert in insurance and litigation disputes (composing declarations, providing depositions, and testifying in trials, etc.) for both plaintiffs and defendants. In addition Mr. Denis is a sought-after presenter and instructor, who has provided hundreds of educational sessions for associations around the world.

Carl Zimmer is the author of  fifteen books about science. His latest book is Air-Borne: The Hidden History of the Life We Breathe. Zimmer writes the “Origins” column for the New York Times. His writing has earned a number of awards, including the Stephen Jay Gould Prize, awarded by the Society for the Study of Evolution. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he contributed to the coverage that won the New York Times the public service Pulitzer Prize in 2021. Three of his books have been named Notable Books of the Year by the New York Times Book Review. His book She Has Her Mother’s Laugh won the 2019 National Academies Communication Award. The Guardian named it the best science book of 2018. Zimmer is a familiar voice on radio programs such as Radiolab and professor adjunct at Yale University. He is, to his knowledge, the only writer after whom both a species of tapeworm and an asteroid have been named.

A graduate of the Institute of Technology at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Wane A. Baker is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) and Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH retired) with four decades of experience in the operation, maintenance and evaluation of various building types. This includes more than 30 years at a professional level in environmental consulting, construction and energy conservation. Wane offers his clients a powerful combination of education, experience and enthusiasm in his role as a forensic engineer, building scientist and occupational hygienist. Mr. Baker has managed or personally conducted thousands of assessments of the built environment, from private residences to surgical suites, and elementary schools to million square foot training centers. He has also performed forensic investigations of building failures and has offered expert testimony in litigation support. Following are just a few of his many volunteer activities: ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force (ETF), Air Filtration and Disinfection Team Chair, ASHRAE Environmental Health Committee (2016-17) Chair, AIHA IEQ Committee (2012-13) ASHRAE SSPC 62.1, 52.2, GPC 27, TC 2.3, 2.4 ASHRAE IAQ Conference Steering Committees (2013, 2016) Peer-reviewer, ASHRAE Journal

Barry Costa's distinguished career in carpet installation, cleaning, and restoration spans over 50 years, including 39 years as an instructor. He has served on and chaired numerous national committees, contributed to national water damage standards, been a key speaker at conventions and special events, and authored many articles in industry publications. Since becoming an IICRC-approved instructor in 1986, Barry has taught thousands of cleaning and restoration contractors worldwide, helping them earn certifications in carpet repair and reinstallation, water damage restoration, and other areas. After many years of in-person WRT training, Barry transitioned to exclusively live stream/online training in 2020. Now a legend in the cleaning and restoration industry, Barry has had an immensely positive impact on both the industry and his students.

Good Day and welcome to IAQ Radio+ episode 753. This week we welcome Tom McGuire of Large Loss Mastery for an interview on major disaster restoration projects. Large losses can make or break companies, today we learn from one of the best how to handle these business making or breaking events. LEARN MORE this week on IAQ Radio+. Tom McGuire is the founder and owner of At Large Loss Mastery. He is a Trainer, Teacher, mentor, and Learner. Tom is a 39-year Large Loss and Disaster Recovery veteran specializing in structural damage restoration/decontamination, ambient control/stabilization, and vital document recovery/vacuum freeze-drying systems. He has worked around the US and internationally in Kuwait City, Singapore, and Costa Rica.

This week we welcome Chris White “The Worlds Most Interesting Engineer”. Chris is a third-generation Professional Engineer and a LEED Accredited Professional experienced in solving mold and indoor air quality problems, conducting asbestos and lead inspections and designing environmental cleanup/remediation after disasters. This week we learn where he picked up the moniker “The Worlds Most Interesting Engineer”.

Kenneth Mendez became CEO and President of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) in 2018. Mendez’s career has bridged the corporate and non-profit sectors. Since joining AAFA, he has led the organization in establishing a new multi-year strategic plan that emphasizes dramatically reducing the impact of asthma and allergies on the underserved and tripling the size of AAFA’s online asthma community. The new strategic plan’s vision is for AAFA to be recognized as the most trusted ally serving the asthma and allergy community. He is quoted in outlets such as the New York Times, Washington Post and NBC Nightly News, among others. Mendez has an MBA in marketing from Columbia Business School and a B.A. in American History and American Art from Harvard College. Mendez also has a personal stake in AAFA’s mission as he and two of his children manage asthma and allergies.

John T. Hull, RRO has 25+ years in the roofing, waterproofing, and coatings industries. He is a recognized authority on building envelope inspections and assessments, roof restoration, quality assurance, roof asset management; reroof assessments, and roof restoration scope of work and specification development. Specialties include moisture detection within the roof and building envelope as well as roof condition assessments. Mr. Hull has provided technical support, training, and consulting in over 30 Countries. He is an internationally recognized speaker having delivered technical presentations throughout all the America’s, Europe, and Australia. His expertise in roof and building envelope restoration has contributed to projects at NFL stadiums, airports, universities, hospitals, military bases and even the White House. Andrew C. Ask, B.S. (English). J.D., P.E. is a mechanical consulting engineer who specializes in the retrofit and remediation of HVAC systems in buildings. Early in his career he worked in the Great Lakes region and spent time in construction and installing air conditioning in many types of buildings. The past 20 years have been devoted to solving humidity problems and replacing HVAC components in Southwest Florida buildings. Andy has five decades of experience solving building science problems and helping people live in healthier environments. John P. Lapotaire is a Building Envelope & Indoor Environment Consultant providing IAQ consultation for commercial and residential properties. He is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor, a Council-certified Environmental Thermography Consultant, CETC. Council-certified Indoor Environmental Consultant CIEC. John’s professional experience has led to appointments and elected positions to several international industry association committees and boards. As a CIEC, he has earned the most respected certification in the field of indoor environmental consulting based on his training and field experience in building sciences, industrial hygiene, and indoor environmental risk assessment. The certification documents John’s skills and knowledge regarding design, construction, and operation of buildings with respect to the quality and efficiency of the indoor environment in a manner that could be relied upon by individuals and organizations seeking John’s services as a consultant or advisor for the assessment and management of new or established indoor environments. John’s specialties are, Expert Witness, Cause & Origin Forensic Water Intrusion Investigation, Building Envelope Failure, Indoor Environmental and Indoor Air Quality Assessment, Nuisance Odor Investigation. Sarah Fanger is the first full-time Executive Director of IAQA to come out of the indoor air quality and restoration industry. She owned and ran an independent restoration company focusing on water mitigation and mold remediation. In addition to running the business, she often worked in the field with her crews and achieved the IICRC WRT and Odor Control Technician certifications. She later shifted course and became a full-time indoor environmental consultant specializing in investigations for mold, moisture, and other indoor environmental hazards in residential and small commercial buildings. Sarah also brings over a decade of experience in association management. She has been Executive Director of IAQA since fall of 2023.