Joe, Maurice, & Jeff
This was a common phrase my dad used to say. It had to do with teaching a work ethic. Turns out that he got some traction, we 4 boys learned how to work hard and stay busy even when we weren’t being watched. Now the saying has a different meaning because I am focused on identifying lead for homeowners and professionals. The path may have been circuitous but the destination is worthy of mention. “Not all those who wander are lost”. Lead is an element that has no business being in humans or pets.
In Search Of The Wylie Element PB 82
Early in my remodeling career, I was approached by the EPA to verify that I was following the RRP rule as it developed. Fortunately, I am a rule follower and I was. I became concerned that the rest of the local remodelers were not and I set out to educate and be an advocate for the rule. I also saw an opportunity to be the point man for my remodeling association.
Lead Locators Became a Thing For Awhile
Our Innov X XRF
Lead Locators was established with friends Gail and Carter Duke. They jumped on it and became a dynamic duo. We worked together to create amazing reports for the clients and earned accolades from the EPA. “These are the best reports in the country” according to an EPA inspector. We went on to buy 2 XRF analyzers and produced about 150-200 residential, commercial, governmental, and industrial tests in and around the Treasure and Magic Valley over about 6 years. We taught classes and brought awareness to many. Carter tragically passed in an accident and the company shut down.
Phoenix Rising From The Ashes
It was November 2nd, 2023 and an interesting email came across my computer from the EPA. 3M had stopped making and selling their lead test swabs leaving the country in a pinch. This got the wheels turning, Gail had become consumed by her commitment to 4-H so she encouraged me to pick up the pieces of Lead Locators and run with them. My passion for finding and identifying lead for contractors came rushing back. Several promising tech ideas came and went as there was little enthusiasm for miniature XRF analyzers and less for high-tech gizmos that could sniff lead out or measure it in the wild. A chemical I thought was beyond my capability to create. As it turns out, on the other side of the world, some amazing discoveries were being made that played right into my hand.
My Vision Quest
From the outset, I imagined an iPad in one hand and a tool in the other for professionals to gather the information to create a report using an App. Fast forward a few months and here we are on the verge of bringing the very thing I envisioned to life with a twist. I present, a chemical, a special flashlight, an iPad, and a custom App. Stay tuned for more on this saga as I realize my vision. This should be quite the show.
Your comments are welcome. To ask questions or get more information about lead testing, click here to email me directly, or call 208-908-4418
If you or someone you know is lead testing or just wants to speak to a trustworthy guy, please contact me. You’ll be glad you did.
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