When Jon Ransom started Environmental Management Specialists out of his basement in 2000, he faced some challenges. He had just moved to Ohio from North Carolina, and he had a lack of customer relationships, minimal knowledge of the regional marketplace and had little credit with vendors and suppliers.
What he did have was a background in environmental services and an ability to meet a challenge head on with an intense focus on the solution and his pursuit of constant improvement. Slow but steady growth followed at the company founded as a waste brokerage that aids environmental consulting firms and contractors with the transportation and disposal of hazardous waste, and by 2008, Ransom had 12 employees and a positive reputation in the marketplace.
Following the economic downturn in 2008, EMS had a challenging first half of 2009, but by the second half of that year, the company had hit its stride. By 2010, EMS had 38 full-time employees and had expanded from being just a waste brokerage to offering full-service brownfield site remediation, tank removal and installation, emergency spill response, and waste management and industrial services for private and public sectors.
Ransom believes in leading by example and has worked side by side with associates in various capacities, gaining respect because they know he is willing to tackle any job they face. He also supports a culture marked by mutual respect, empowerment and integrity, and employees are regularly asked for ideas that might improve the company’s performance. The professionalism and combined expertise of the company has earned the esteem of regulatory agencies, customers and competitors and has paved the way to a growing awareness of its capabilities across Ohio and beyond.
How to reach: Environmental Management Specialists Inc., (440) 816-1107 or www.emsonsite.com
