Restoration logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Restoration logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products & Technologies
    • Submit Your Product
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • EDUCATION
    • KnowHow.
    • Podcasts
    • Trade Shows & Expos
    • Training & Certification
    • Webinars
    • Whitepapers
  • TOPICS
    • Water Damage
    • Fire & Smoke Damage
    • Mold
    • Contamination
    • Odor
    • Contents
    • Architecture
    • Catastrophe
    • Cleaning
  • BUSINESS
    • Managing Your Business
    • Insurance/Legal Matters
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • VIDEOS
    • Ask Annissa
    • Ask the Expert
    • Ironclad Marketing Minute
    • TradeTalks
    • Video Channel
  • INFOCENTER
    • Mold and Mycotoxins
  • THE EXPERIENCE
    • Conference & Exhibition
    • Convention & Trade Show
    • R&R Special Issue
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP

Buyer Beware

By Gordy Powell
September 2, 2009


In the bio-recovery industry, these words have never rung more true. There is a natural intrigue that makes you wonder and want to know what happens behind the distinctive yellow tape that separates you from the crime scene.

Crime scene cleaning firms have been portrayed on television as well as the big screen. You may have seen the documentary that runs on a regular basis on the Discovery Channel that spotlights Ron Gospodarski’s firm in New York City, Bio Recovery Corporation. This is a well-produced documentary that takes you inside the workings of a bio-recovery firm.

Last year Samuel L. Jackson stared in a movie titled “The Cleaner.” In the film we see Jackson’s character coming into the office every morning, going to the fax machine and collecting the requests from local law enforcement on scenes to go and clean up.

Wouldn’t that be great if the real business worked like that?

Earlier this year, you may have caught “Sunshine Cleaners” which portrays two sisters struggling to make ends meet who open up their own crime scene cleanup company. This movie, even with Hollywood’s spin, was pretty much on target.

One of my personal favorites is Marty, the rambunctious crime scene cleaner on “CSI.” Marty is a little bit on the bold and brash side of life, but I liked when they introduced his character by asking him where his American Bio-Recovery Association patch was. Honest. Catch the rerun.

In today’s world of economic hardship, it is projected that there will be a rise in the start up of small businesses. Americans are survivors, and we look for opportunity to provide for our families. We all see the sensationalism surrounding the bio-recovery industry, but this is one industry in which you cannot afford to take short cuts.

You need training, proper and good training, from a sanctioned school and instructor. It is sad, but in some states all you need is $20 to get yourself some business cards, run through the garage and put some makeshift tools together, go into the garden and grab the garden sprayer used for killing weeds, put it all in back of the family minivan with some magnetic decals and your good to go.

So, what’s wrong with this picture? First of all, it is a reality; this is what some of the masses are doing to start a business. Second, you have individuals mixing cleaning chemicals, more than likely bleach with weed-killer residue. Not such a good combination. They are probably also using a painter’s dusk mask, which is not adequate protection from the vapors.

Third and most sad is the use of the family minivan. A call comes in for a suicide on a Saturday afternoon, the cleanup takes place and the medical waste is hauled off in black contractor bags headed for the local landfill.

Yes, this is wrong in all kinds of ways, but they used the family minivan for transporting the medical waste, the same van that will probably be loaded up with the family for church the next morning. Maybe they will use it for grocery shopping that evening after the clean up.

Cross contamination, anyone?

Recently a company was cited for dumping medical waste in a roll of container behind a shopping center on the east coast. Workers showed up the next morning to find that their roll off had been used and was partially full, so they climbed in and opened the bags to look for evidence of who had used it.

Needless to say, the local police were called and, initially, the scene was treated as a possible homicide. In the end, the company representative was arrested. Not only did the bio-recovery firm have to pay for the expenses for a state-approved company and the medical expenses of the men who had climbed into the dumpster, but it was fined by the state EPA. It is rumored that the fines were in excess of $55,000.

In the end, it all comes down to three simple words: education, education, education. For more about ABRA go to www.americanbiorecovery.com or call (888) 979-2272.

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Gordy Powell entered the victim service industry/crime, trauma & death scene clean up in June of 1996. Today, he operates Georgia Clean with Doug Cunningham, a former FBI agent, and helped create the Bio Professional Trade organization to develop regulation in the bio recovery industry in Georgia. He has also served as VP of ABRA, and on the association’s board of directors.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • mold remediation

    Fighting Mold and Bacteria Damage

    Successful mold remediation can be multidisciplinary,...
    Contamination Restoration & Remediation​
    By: Josh Woolen
  • certifications and licenses for restoration professionals

    Certifications and Licenses Every Restoration Company Needs

    Restoration companies need to make sure they have the...
    Restoration Training/Education
    By: Sharon Elzarat
  • a wall covered in moss and fungus

    Zero Tolerance for Toxic Molds: Essential Steps for Successful Remediation

    Understanding the importance of zero tolerance for toxic...
    Mold Remediation
    By: Michael A. Pinto CSP, SMS, CMP, RTPE, FLS, ERS and Kendra Seymour
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Subscribe For Free!
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Popular Stories

Ask the Expert: Unlocking Efficiency in Water Damage Restoration

Unlocking Efficiency in Water Damage Restoration

Jon-Don and Aramsco

Aramsco Acquires Jon-Don Assets to Ensure Seamless Service and Support for Customers

Ask the Expert: Catastrophe Panel - Back to the Basics Part 1

Catastrophe Panel – Back to the Basics Part 1

Submit Your New Product/Technology to R&R!

Would you like to promote a new restoration, remediation or cleaning product/technology with Restoration & Remediation? Fill out the question below to start your submission:

Events

September 3, 2025

The Experience Convention and Trade Show

The Experience Convention & Trade Show logoJoin us in Las Vegas for The Experience Convention & Trade Show, the leading event for cleaning, restoration, and remediation pros, packed with hands-on demos, expert speakers, and high-impact networking. Happening September 3–5, 2025 at Caesars Forum—this is where the industry comes to learn, connect, and grow!

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Restoration Services

What restoration/remediation service do you prioritize most?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary.

See More Products
×

Stay ahead of the curve with our eNewsletters.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Submit a Press Release
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Reprints
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing