CONTRACTOR SUCCESS STORY was still in his teens , Gus started working alongside our father in the demolition , asbestos and lead abatement field – going from being a laborer to supervisor , to operations manager and then estimator ,” shares Lizbeth . “ So , although Gus and I were only in our 30 ’ s when we started Quality Environmental Inc ., he already had extensive field experience and I had been honing my administrative skills .
While working for other remediation companies , Gus had frequently witnessed profit being prioritized over worker and client well-being and vowed that he would never do that in his own business . As Lizbeth explains , “ He saw companies cutting corners to save money , treating their workers as dispensable , providing minimal and low-quality PPE [ personal protective equipment ] and not following important safety procedures .” In contrast , Gus and Lizbeth founded their company based on core values that include doing business with integrity , adhering to all regulations and best practices , treating others with respect , and putting their employees ’ and clients ’ safety first .
In 2005 , after Gus obtained his state license for asbestos remediation and demolition , Quality Environmental was launched from his home garage . The company found its first clients the old-fashioned way – by going through the phone book . “ We looked up general contractors in the Yellow Pages and sent them our cover letter introducing ourselves and our areas of expertise ,” recalls Lizbeth . “ We started full force , so for
my part , the biggest challenge was being taken seriously as a young woman and minority in this industry . We had to prove ourselves . We had to show them that we had the knowledge , experience and could save them money by doing things the right way .” Orange Coast College , the company ’ s first major prevailing wage project , is one of many original clients who have remained with Quality Environmental over the decades .
Gus Escutia , President , and Lizbeth Delval Escutia , Vice President , Quality Environmental , Inc .
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