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Featured WBE Interview
Traci-Anne Boyle

AirQuest Environmental, Inc.

Tell us a little bit about AirQuest Environmental, Inc.
AirQuest Environmental, Inc. is a full service industrial hygiene and environmental consulting firm. We provide cost-effective solutions to air, soil and groundwater contamination concerns, assist in environmental permitting requirements, and provide expert witness and litigation support. We assist corporations by managing environmental compliance, due diligence investigations and responding to worker air quality and chemical exposure concerns.

Since many do not understand how our services apply to their business, I’ll provide some examples.

If a retailer is looking to renovate their store, under federal law, an asbestos survey is required prior to any renovation or demolition activities. The law applies to all facilities, regardless of when they were constructed. AirQuest conducts asbestos surveys and manages the abatement for any asbestos containing materials that are found.

A business is looking to purchase a building. AirQuest conducts the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment that most lending institutions require. In addition, we can conduct asbestos, indoor air quality, lead based paint or tenant environmental compliance surveys to assist the buyer in negotiating the purchase price based upon environmental considerations.

We also provide corporations with environmental compliance programs such as a water intrusion response plan to quickly mitigate water emergencies and prevent indoor air quality problems such as mold growth. Similarly, we develop Indoor Air Quality Operations and Maintenance Programs to promote employee health and productivity on the job.

In short, AirQuest’s services are integral to the success and growth of businesses with either facilities or employees or both!

What made you go into this business?
In college I majored in biology and was drawn to the sciences for my career. After working for nearly 10 years in the environmental consulting industry, I realized that there was a gap between good, scientific consulting with the needs of the business community. I went back to school and earned an MBA before incorporating AirQuest. AirQuest was born out of a desire to bridge the gap between the science behind the consulting and the needs of Corporate America.

What has been the worst or the biggest obstacle you’ve faced or had to overcome?
Our biggest obstacle is the misconception that we are too small to service large contracts. Oftentimes large corporations believe that they can only be effectively serviced by a large firm with offices throughout the United States. However, it has been my experience that large contracts have only one point of contact or one office that manages the work regardless of how many satellite offices the firm has. If qualified, this person or firm can be located anywhere and effectively and efficiently service projects all over the country. AirQuest’s corporate structure and business philosophy is uniquely designed to service large contracts from a central location providing consistency, quality and value that goes beyond what larger firms are capable of producing.

What had been your biggest triumph?
AirQuest was contracted to provide indoor air quality, asbestos and lead based paint inspections at over 400 Florida Turnpike facilities across the state. The 6 month contract was valued at over $400,000, had strict deadlines and required the preparation of over 1,200 reports. Given the success of the project, we were awarded a continuing services agreement with the Client, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
No matter what happens, if you are honest with yourself and others you can always hold your head high.

Is there anyone who inspired you and why?
I don’t have one person that served as my mentor or inspired me. I have found that everyone you meet has something to offer in terms of advice, support, insight and guidance. Of course I draw significant inspiration from my family, with each of them contributing in their own unique way. My colleagues continue to challenge me with new ideas and techniques. My clients inspire me to think outside the box and act quickly as situations change.

What is the best book you ever read and would recommend?
The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal. It is the true story of a concentration camp survivor that is asked for forgiveness by a dying Nazi soldier. The book explores the limits and prospect of forgiveness on many levels. Forgiveness is something that we all have to deal with at some time in our life and Mr. Wiesenthal’s story provides a unique backdrop to explore our own feelings on the subject.

What is your favorite quote?
“That which does not kill you makes you stronger” - Nietzsche. I think of this quote often as I am faced with challenges in all aspects of my life.

What are your goals now and where do you see yourself going?
Most of our clients call us because they have a problem. My goal is to have our clients call us before there is a problem so that they have the procedures in place to eliminate, reduce or manage their environmental challenges. My short term goal is to educate Corporations on the benefit of knowing the answer to the question “who is your environmental consultant?”

I see us expanding further into green buildings. AirQuest has joined the US Green Building Council and our personnel are working to become LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified consultants.

How has being a member of the WBDC and WBENC helped you?
As a 5 year member of the WBDC and WBENC, I have had the opportunity to meet with corporate executives, attend personal and professional development seminars, and refine my personal and business image. Most significantly, when I have to make an important business decision, I have a network of experienced and successful women with whom I can seek advice.

What do you want to be remembered for?
Honesty, integrity and success as a businessperson, woman and mother.

How does someone get in contact with you at AirQuest Environmental?
We can be reached at 877-247-8146. I can be reached at extension 112 or by email at Traci@AirQuestInc.com.