Worried about something not mentioned? PACE Field Services has you covered. CEO Steve Plough began environmental consulting in 1989 and founded PACE in May 1998. The firm conducts indoor air quality and personal exposure testing in the Southern Indiana region and “tri-State” area. Along with his associate of 20 years, Jennifer Ethridge, they test the air for hundreds of airborne contaminants covered by OSHA and EPA regulations. Subsequently, they conduct noise surveys to ensure employees wear proper hearing protection. Compressed air testing ensures food grade airlines are water, particle, oil, and fungi-free as well. They also conduct asbestos and Lead paint inspections.
Giving an insight, Plough explains that indoor pollution is two to five times worse than outdoors, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. PACE assesses airborne health issues for “anything with a valid sampling method” and use several accredited laboratories for analysis. PACE also assists with getting new sampling methods developed. They have investigated hundreds of commercial projects over the years. The industries he has worked in include: pharmaceutical, construction, manufacturing, factories, power plants, and school corporations.
"We monitor work shift exposures for hundreds of airborne pollutants recognized by OSHA or other agencies using sampling pumps, canisters, and badges." Popular choices include hexavalent chromium and other metals that may be present during welding activities, general nuisance dusts, lead, formaldehyde, silica, asbestos, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and acids, just to name a handful.
Airborne risks can hurt employees, but air monitoring protects employees from airborne contaminants by informing them if respiratory protection is adequate, or if increasing workplace engineering controls is necessary.
PACE tries to stay within a 75-mile radius of Evansville, Indiana, but will go further when they can. Plough states its reaction time to schedule a project is “days instead of weeks”, which has helped them advance in the industry. Their prices have remained competitive, and definitive, simplistic reporting has excelled their popularity, especially with home owners. “We are always excited about new technology and instrumentation being introduced in this field. Innovative sampling techniques continue to evolve in exciting ways, as do reporting capabilities.”
Mr. Plough currently has 34 years of experience. He previously worked for different firms that offered portions of the work he conducts these days. He started the company to bring together all the testing and consulting needs that he felt had been lacking during his first decade in the field. Subsequently, he noticed a special need in the residential sector, and decided to fill the niche.
PACE does more residential work than the current competition. “It’s an area that many don’t want to deal with, as homeowners can be quite complex to work with, especially when they feel their home is making them sick.” The residential sector takes on a different line of airborne concerns including mold, radon, dust mites, Lead paint, and asbestos. The physical hazards are identified and evaluated, but the remediation plan is forwarded to contractors specializing in abatement measures.
As a leader, Plough suggests listening, which requires practice and patience. He listens to consumers who have concerns about the air quality in their homes or offices. Adding an example, he explains; “many talk to friends, doctors, or competitors and complain that nobody is taking their difficulties and symptoms seriously. I like to change that.”
Plough believes trust will bring repeat business. They take delight in positive remarks. Their website testimonials and Tri-State word-of-mouth promote sales and reduce the need for aggressive advertising. Many new customers come from referrals. Customers, both commercial and residential, laud their responsiveness, and most customers provide feedback. By handling every aspect of estimating, developing sampling plans, implementing much of the field work, reporting, and billing, he feels he has a solid, well-rounded approach to his leadership role.
Their market continues to be around 25% commercial, 25% residential, and 50% industrial. They continue to raise awareness about many of the daily airborne hazards that can affect the home and workplace and reach out to certain groups on a regular basis.
Posted in CLF | Top 10 Inspiring CEOs of 2023, Steve Plough, Chief Executive Officer of PACE Field Services Profile