ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS, INC.
CLEVELAND, OH

Mission Statement We have an intense drive to succeed, with each incremental improvement bringing us closer to our potential. We compare ourselves not to any competitor but rather to the progress of our step-by-step pursuit of excellence. Our reputation as the best-of-the-best is our most valued asset, and we are determined to maintain and build on that reputation. We maintain a consistent focus on sustainable, profitable growth, with the understanding that building a great company is achieved by recruiting and retaining great people who thrive on teamwork. We have a fundamental belief in doing right by our employees, as well as our customers, and we take great care to cultivate a meaningful and enjoyable workplace for the environmental industry’s best of the best where they are challenged, appreciated, supported and empowered to maximize the value delivered to our customers. EMS founder and president Jon Ransom received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2011 Northeast Ohio Award in the Specialty Products and Services category. Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year® celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 140 cities in more than 50 countries. EMS’ Emergency Response division responded to a rail car derailment for a major transportation terminal following the release of 13,000 gallons of flammable liquid. Upon arrival, EMS’ incident commander applied his extensive remediation system experience to expedite installation of a product recovery system. EMS mobilized a multidisciplinary crew to complete installation and provide 24-hour product recovery service. EMS simultaneously assisted in delineating the extent of the spill through precision test pitting, including air knife excavation near a major fiber optic line. EMS also conducted extensive confined space entry work, examining on-site subterranean structures for spill-related waste. After establishing the limits of the spill, EMS assisted in the design of remediation technologies to mitigate off-site migration and consequently completed the installation of approximately 500 linear feet of sheet piling to prevent product from impacting a nearby marsh. Following the initial response, EMS was retained to provide daily product recovery support and waste transportation services while assisting the on-site consultant with additional exploratory excavation, temporary water treatment system installation and site maintenance. In total, EMS mobilized two incident commanders, two project managers, six supervisors, 10 operators, 15 technicians, seven vacuum trucks, three roll-off trucks, two air knives with compressors and 12 service trucks, in addition to multiple pieces of heavy equipment, 10 carbon vessels and four fully equipped project trailers. The OSRO classification process provides standard guidelines by which the Coast Guard and plan developers can evaluate an OSRO’s potential to respond to and recover oil spills of various sizes. Classifications are based upon minimum equipment amounts and response time standards outlined in the Coast Guard’s OSRO Classification Guidelines. Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification EMS is a certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE). This classification can be helpful to prime contractors in satisfying contract goals and requirements. By developing and maintaining strong personal relationships with our customers, we are able to fully understand their needs and execute the work accordingly. To succeed in a highly competitive market, it is critical that we provide high-quality services in a cost-effective manner. The expectations of our customers determine the minimum performance standards by which we measure our success. Whether we are solving a customer problem or providing routine services, we always strive to provide the most value for the dollar and bring all work to completion to the customer’s full satisfaction. EMS conducts a formal strategic planning process, which is updated annually, in order to leverage our strengths and maintain alignment throughout our various growth initiatives. Wide participation across all business groups leads to a comprehensive planning process and results in a broad commitment to achieving our common goals. EMS maintains substantial insurance coverage, including general liability, pollution liability, professional liability and automobile liability insurance. Our insurance certificate can be provided for detailed coverage information. Instead of taking the easy route and ending up with negative long-term consequences, we step to the plate and deal with difficult issues in an honest and upfront manner. We are committed to being fair and reasonable. We take our reputation very seriously, and we recognize that everything we do has an impact on our reputation. EMS started in Ohio in November 2000 as a single-employee waste broker aiding environmental consulting firms and contractors with management of hazardous waste. EMS founder Jon Ransom began his career in the environmental industry as a sales representative with Ashland Chemical in 1991. Subsequent positions with environmental service companies in North Carolina added to his knowledge and experience. Family ties brought him back to Ohio in 2000. Starting out of Jon’s basement, EMS overcame many early challenges typical of startups as the company developed an extensive network of transportation and disposal vendors to broker. In 2006, EMS recruited a core group of remediation professionals and began self-performing remediation projects from start to finish. Through 2009, EMS experienced steady growth expanding to 12 employees and one small warehouse. Throughout this time frame, EMS developed a solid company culture, a strong balance sheet, and a quality reputation in the industry, thereby establishing the foundation for future growth.