“The environment is where we all meet; where all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share.”
~Lady Bird Johnson
What do I do if a Homeless Encampment Appears on my property?
When you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having an encampment appear on your property, there are steps to take to deal with the situation. In Ohio, over 10,000 people are homeless at any given time. While homeless encampments are often the outcome of housing insecurity, untreated mental health and/or substance abuse problems, they are unsafe and contribute to health dangers such as environmental hazards, physical health issues, biological waste, and infestations of rodents.
First and foremost, understand and take care when addressing the situation. Confrontations with inhabitants of these encampments can result in unwanted outcomes with the potential for violence and physical harm. Compassion can often result in an effective resolution to the situation.
Second, contact city code enforcement (Code Enforcement at columbus.gov). The contact will depend on location of the camp (e.g., inside or outside city limits). City code enforcement will contact the police and the Columbus Department of Public Works for assistance in notifying the residents of the zoning laws.
Third, contact Bio-One Columbus for a free estimate. Homeless encampments often contain biohazards such as human waste, piles of trash, hypodermic needles and other drug paraphernalia. Clean up requires a professional team with the training and personal protective equipment to safely and effectively remove all trash and regulated waste in order to make the area safe again. Bio-One Columbus will survey the area free of charge, create a customized remediation plan and provide a reasonable estimate to clean the site safely and in a timely way.
Lastly, encourage those living in the camp to seek help from local resources detailed on the Homeless Hotline resource page (columbushomeless.org)
Bio-One Columbus is honoring Earth Day by rallying behind 2023's theme “Invest In Our Planet.” This year's theme highlights the importance of dedicating our time, resources, and energy to solving climate change and other environmental issues. Investing in our planet is necessary to protect it and the best way to pave a path towards a prosperous future. When we Invest In Our Planet together, we are supporting healthy, happy, and wealthy communities worldwide. Visit earthday.org for more information.
“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
~Abraham Lincoln
February is National Senior Independence Month. During this month, we celebrate those older adults who are successfully living in our communities and focus on how to preserve that independence long-term. Successful and healthy aging “in place” requires community engagement & assistance that we all can provide to our seniors.
Risks to losing independence in late life include limited mobility and social isolation. Older adults in the community may struggle to keep up with cleaning due to health issues or hide problems with hygiene due to shame or embarrassment, ultimately resulting in a decline of well-being and loss of independence.
Here are some simple tips to successfully age in place and keep a home safe:
Decluttering is a significant challenging in late life because of the sentimental attachment to objects, fatigue preventing the person from deep cleaning, fear of change, or undiagnosed mental or physical health issues. Hiring a professional to assist with this process can reduce the fear and anxiety as well as reduce the physical burden on the person.
If you know an older adult struggling to maintain their independence due to hoarding behaviors, pile-up of gross filth, or clutter that impairs mobility, call Bio-One Columbus today. We can remediate home spaces to be livable and support seniors to maintain independence for as long as possible.
Ohio has the 18th largest population of adults over 65 in the United States! Other informative statistics include:
The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging supports healthy aging in the community. They plan, fund, & deliver services to keep older adults and those with disabilities safe and independent in their home. Services include assistance in finding home health care, transportation, meals, and homemaking. They also provide educational programs for caregivers and the public. For more information, visit their website at COAAA
In 2022 Bio-One Columbus helped a total of 223 families and businesses. It’s a number that reflects a staggering amount of need for services here in our community. When I talk about that level of need, I’m often asked, “What’s your most common job?” While the scope of our remediation work ranges from trauma scenes to hoarding remediation and beyond, the most common call I consistently receive is from an older adult (or a family member of an older adult).
The situations are invariably similar in their presentation. The resident has some degree of physical disability, often paired with depression, and the situation in the home has progressed beyond their ability to recover without outside help. The home may be full of trash that was too heavy for the resident to get to a proper receptacle. Pets may not have been taken outside for days or longer, and litter boxes may not have been changed in weeks, months or even years. The end result is an environment that is not safe for the resident. Shame makes it nearly impossible to ask for help once this cycle has begun.
This is where Bio-One makes a significant difference. Health, safety and dignity are at the core of what we strive to restore for our clients in these situations. My advice: Reach out for help early and often. There’s no shame in asking for help when you need it. There are resources in place to help.
Bio-One of Columbus is a leader in crime scene cleanup and biohazard decontamination services in Columbus. Our technicians are highly skilled and have been trained on OSHA's safety standards. Bio-One of Columbus continues to be the most passionate and caring company in the cleaning services industry. For more information, visit us at https://www.bioonecolumbus.com/
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Denver, CO – Bio-One Inc. ranked #381 in Entrepreneur magazine’s 43rd annual Franchise 500®. This is the sixth year in a row that Bio-One has been included in the ranking.
A total of 1,177 companies met the requirements, and each franchise was given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points. The 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500® in ranking order.
“We’re grateful to be recognized by Entrepreneur for the sixth year in a row,” said Brian Brinegar, President of Bio-One Inc. “The ranking is a direct reflection of our growth, strength of our franchisees, and our ability to consistently deliver care and compassion to our clients.”
Succeeding 12 years of franchising, Bio-One has over 115 offices in more than 40 states with services that include crime and trauma scene cleaning, hoarding remediation, odor removal, sewage backups, and more. In 2021, Bio-One also ranked #1 in Entrepreneur’s Best of the Best for Crime-Scene Cleaning.
About Bio-One Inc.
Bio-One provides high quality decontamination and biohazard cleanup services while treating clients with the privacy and compassion that difficult moments demand. Bio-One services include suicide cleanup, homicide cleanup, hoarding remediation, junk removal, deceased animal recovery, feces removal, and more. Bio-One was first created in 2006 and began franchising in 2010. In 2021, Bio-One joined the Five Star Franchising portfolio. Five Star Franchising is a highly innovative conglomerate of franchisor brands with a mission to ensure its brands are top performers in technology, marketing, branding, and people. For more information about Bio-One, visit us at www.bioonecolumbus.com.
Inc. Magazine Reveals Annual List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies—the Inc. 5000
Denver, August 17, 2021 – Inc. magazine today revealed that Bio-One, Inc. is No. 2,476 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.
“We’re honored to be recognized in the Inc. 5000,” said Brian Brinegar, president of Bio-One Inc. “The ranking is a direct reflection of our business model, and Bio-One’s unique ability to consistently deliver essential services with care and compassion.”
Not only have the companies on the 2021 Inc. 5000 been very competitive within their markets, but this year’s list also proved especially resilient and flexible given 2020’s unprecedented challenges. Among the 5,000, the average median three-year growth rate soared to 543 percent, and median revenue reached $11.1 million. Together, those companies added more than 610,000 jobs over the past three years.
Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000. The top 500 companies are featured in the September issue of Inc., which will be available on newsstands on August 20.
“The 2021 Inc. 5000 list feels like one of the most important rosters of companies ever compiled,” says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Building one of the fastest-growing companies in America in any year is a remarkable achievement. Building one in the crisis we’ve lived through is just plain amazing. This kind of accomplishment comes with hard work, smart pivots, great leadership, and the help of a whole lot of people.”
About Bio-One Inc.
Bio-One Inc. is the first crime and trauma scene cleaning franchise, operating in over 39 states with 117 locations. Bio-One is committed to providing excellent service in recovery and suicide cleanup, homicide cleanup, hoarding situations, junk removal, deceased animal recovery, feces removal, pest and rodent droppings and much more. Each office is independently owned and operated by a member of the local community. For more information about becoming a Bio-One franchisee, visit bioonecolumbus.com.
More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000
Methodology
Companies on the 2021 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2017 to 2020. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2017. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2020. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2017 is $100,000; the minimum for 2020 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine company rankings were calculated to three decimal places. There was one tie on this year’s Inc. 5000. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.’s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at https://www.inc.com/inc5000.
About Inc. Media
The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including web sites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Vision Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
For more information on the Inc. 5000 Vision Conference, visit https://conference.inc.com/.
Bio-One answers the call to help our community and remediate a variety of scenes. From hoarding, crime scene cleaning, or simply giving back, we'd like to bring you into the Bio-One world by sharing stories of the unique and important work we do.
Here is this week's Weekly Wrap-Up.
Arizona Law Enforcement Grant - Voting Ends August 15
Voting for the 2021 Bio-One AZ Law Enforcement Grant is almost over. Don't miss your chance to vote for an AZ law enforcement agency! First place receives a $5,000 grant from Bio-One and second place will receive a complimentary brats and burgers catered BBQ.
Last year, congratulations went to the Snowflake Taylor Police Department. The $5,000 allowed them to purchase 15 fully stocked Modular Trauma & Bleeding First Aid Responder Kits, enough to equip every patrol vehicle!
Thank you to the AZ Bio-One offices for making this possible!
National Law Enforcement Museum Post - 9/11 Exhibit
Bio-One, Inc. is a sponsor of the newest exhibit at the National Law Enforcement Museum, Post - 9/11: The Evolution of American Law Enforcement.
As described on LawEnforcementMuseum.org:
Since 9/11 law enforcement has come together – in partnership with other agencies, the private sector, and the general public – to help make us all safer. In response to the threats raised by 9/11, law enforcement has seen changes in the areas of intelligence collection and analysis, interagency partnerships and information sharing, technology and innovation, training and preparation, and community engagement.
The National Law Enforcement Museum will present a new exhibition to mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and honor the officers who rose to the challenge that day. This will be the first exhibition to focus on the significant changes to U.S. law enforcement that occurred in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
The exhibit opens August 27, 2021 and tickets are available for purchase.
To learn more about the exhibit, register for the August 19 virtual conversation The Post-9/11 Story: Questions, Reflections, and a Museum Exhibit. This program will pull back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes conversations that go into crafting an exhibit about the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and life since. Learn more and register here!
What to Ask Before Hiring a Crime Scene Cleaner
New blog post! Today, there are hundreds of companies that advertise crime and trauma scene cleaning, and a simple Google search may prove overwhelming when you're experiencing one of the most traumatic moments in your life.
To help, we've listed pre-qualifying questions to ask before choosing a crime and trauma scene company. Here's a link to our recent blog post!
Bio-One answers the call to help our community and remediate a variety of scenes. From hoarding, crime scene cleaning, or simply giving back, we'd like to bring you into the Bio-One world by sharing stories of the unique and important work we do.
Here is this week's Weekly Wrap-Up.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
On August 3, Bio-One teams participated in their local National Night Out, an annual crime prevention event and community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships.
Check out these National Night Out Facebook posts from Bio-One teams in Marion County and Des Moines!
U.S. POLICE AND FIRE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Bio-One was the Presenting Sponsor of the 2021 U.S. Police and Fire Championships and we were thrilled to meet first responders all over the U.S. To see the action, scroll through our Bio-One Inc Instagram Highlights.
Here's a sneak peek!
IN THE NEWS
In case you missed it, Bio-One has been in the news! Here's the latest from Franchise Times and The Denver Gazette.
Bio-One, Inc. Donates 5,000 First Aid Kits and Pays Tribute to Fallen Officers
In recognition of National Police Week, May 9-15, Bio-One, Inc. will thank first responders by donating 5,000 first aid kits as part of their nationwide campaign #HelpFirst for First Responders. Throughout the week, Bio-One offices in 41 states will distribute the first aid kits, which include alcohol swabs, Advil, gloves, gauze pads, and an assortment of bandages.
Since 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
“As crime and trauma scene cleaners, Bio-One works closely with law enforcement across the country and National Police Week is a great opportunity to say thank you for their service and sacrifices,” said Nick-Anthony Zamucen, founder of Bio-One, Inc. “Our #HelpFirst campaign aligns with our motto, Help First, Business Second, and it is our hope that these kits will help officers and community members in the event of a minor medical emergency.”
As a 2021 corporate sponsor of the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Bio-One will also pay tribute to fallen officers during the virtual 33rd Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13 at 8:00 p.m. The event will be broadcasted live on Facebook, YouTube, and LawMemorial.org/CV.
“We are so thankful for Bio-One’s corporate partnership and their continued support of the Memorial Fund,” said Marcia Ferranto, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund. “This partnership will further bolster the Memorial Fund’s mission of honoring America’s Law Enforcement, as well as provide support for the Museum’s upcoming exhibition opening in September. We are grateful for their commitment.”
Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the fallen, telling the story of American law enforcement, and making it safer for those who serve. The Memorial Fund maintains the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., which honors the names of all of the 22,611 officers who have died in the line of duty throughout U.S. history.
Lives in the Atlanta area were forever altered on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 after a shooting spree at three metro Atlanta spas left eight people, including six Asian women, dead within the span of 45 minutes.
Our hearts and sympathies are with everyone impacted by this tragedy.
We sincerely hope businesses never experience these types of events, because that means it’s the worst day of their lives. However, Bio-One teams are ready 24/7 in the event biohazard remediation services are needed.
Two weeks after the tragic events in Atlanta took place, Bio-One answered the call to remediate the spa in Cherokee County. Led by Michele O'Brien and Rebecca Phillips, the Bio-One team provided a quick response and thorough decontamination.
“When we walked into the spa, it was like time stopped,” said Phillips. “Things were there just like a normal day and then chaos happened. It was a heavy feeling, and we appreciate the opportunity to help.”
Previously, Bio-One has been trusted to remediate several mass shooting tragedies including Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay, Pulse Nightclub, the San Bernardino schools and Sandy Hook.
Have you ever seen hoarding shows on TV? Our team has first-hand experience remediating these situations with care and compassion. From clutter, trash, to animal hoarding, we understand that the removal of items can be stressful and sometimes overwhelming for families involved. Bio-One will make it a priority to establish trust to ensure everyone is comfortable and ready for each day to begin.
It's as simple as 1, 2, 3.
First, we always offer estimates at no cost to you. An experienced crew leader will tour the home and propose a plan based on your needs, expectations, and goals.
Second, our certified technicians are trained to be mindful of all possessions. We make it a priority to find and save items of value whether that's a wallet, coin collections, legal documents, photo albums, or baseball cards.
Third, we want to make sure you are 100% satisfied and happy with our work. If for some reason something else needs to be done, we are here for you.
Call Bio-One today to learn how we can help.
Bio-One teams across the U.S. answer calls to help their communities and remediate a variety of scenes. In our new blog series, we'd like to bring you into the Bio-One world by sharing stories of the unique and important work we do for local communities.
Here is Week 1 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up.
Homeless Encampment Clean-Up - Temecula, CA
On the west coat, the Bio-One team was called by the Hemet San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce to safely decontaminate an area outside their office. With homelessness on the rise, there is in increase of biohazardous waste that is sadly starting to accumulate in zones of our cities.
While Bio-One teams have been actively remediating homeless encampments for decades, we just refreshed this information on our Bio-One website. View it here.
"We are actively looking for partnerships to help keep our cities clean and safe for children and families." - Jason and William, Bio-One Owners
COVID-19 Disinfection to Raise Money for Local Police Sgt. - Asheville, NC
In the fall of 2020, it was announced that Jax, the 3 year-old son of Sgt. Jordan Warren at the Henderson County Sheriff's Office, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Sgt. Warren has served the community in Henderson County for 10 years, and the community has rallied on his behalf by donating thousands of dollars for the family in their time of need.
To help raise money, the Bio-One team in Asheville raffled off a COVID-19 disinfection, up to 5,000 sqft for any home or business. The raffle ran through January 2021 and raised over $600. This week, the team happily treated the winner, Strong Hand Fitness, to the disinfection.
"Police officers and their families make big sacrifices to serve their community, most of which go unseen. So, when first responder families are in need, we want to help anyway we can. We wish the entire Warren family the best as Jax continues his fight." - Matt Gregg, Bio-One Owner
Cat Rescue - Flagstaff, Arizona
In January, the Bio-One team in Flagstaff answered the call to remediate an unattended death. They learned from the next of kin that a husband had passed away in the home while his wife, at the time, was fighting for her life at the local hospital after being diagnosed with COVID-19.
Once the team arrived, it was clear this would be a multi-day job. Not only was there a biohazard to remediate, but the home was hoarded and restoring the home to a safe environment was an urgent need. While working, the Bio-One crew identified three cats lingering in and around the home. Initially, it was assumed one cat was owned by the family, and the other two were part of the neighborhood. The first cat, nicknamed Hunter, was given to the Ark Cat Sanctuary for a checkup and to eventually find a new home. In the spirit of kindness, the team also provided food and water for the other two neighborhood cats when working onsite.
Several weeks passed, and the Bio-One team received word that the wife had sadly lost her life due to complications from COVID-19. The next of kin asked the team to revisit the home and remove remaining items. Shortly after work began, the two neighborhood cats were found. It was then revealed that the two animals were owned by the deceased couple. After living off the land for months, they were rescued by the Bio-One team and turned over to the Ark Cat Sanctuary for care. We hope each animal finds a loving home.
"We are very fortunate that our staff and owners have a heart for animals and will do whatever they can to help the pets like we do our clients." - Rebecca Wallace, Bio-One Owner
