Jeremy Sparks joined his father in the construction business right after high school, later forming his own company. After years of success in the business, in 2009 he began to feel the economic slowdown. It was harder to find new customers, and the jobs he had were smaller. That’s when he started looking for a new career and a way to make a substantial living for his family.. After years of success in the business, in 2009 he began to feel the economic slowdown. It was harder to find new customers, and the jobs he had were smaller. That’s when he started looking for a new career and a way to make a substantial living for his family.

“In the past five years I have learned that an appreciation for my efforts to create healthy spaces for families is as gratifying as an appreciation for the art of a trade.”

After much research, he decided 1-800-GOT-MOLD? was what he wanted. His knowledge of building science made it easy to learn the mold assessment business. The initial investment was low compared to the earnings potential, but the recession seemed to have little impact on it. He could have three to six customers a week, or more, instead of three or four customers a year. It was the ideal step forward.

Sparks, 34, became the first 1-800-GOT-MOLD? franchisee in the fall of 2009. He took over the company’s core New Jersey territory from CEO and founder Jason Earle, further cementing a lifelong friendship. Sparks and Earle have known each other since grade school, but never thought they would be in business together. The company plans to award 300 franchises in the next few years. For more information on the opportunity, go to http://www.1800gotmold.com/franchise_opportunity/ .

“After 13 years in the construction industry as a carpenter and general contractor, I became interested in building science and indoor air quality,” says Sparks. “In the past five years I have learned that an appreciation for my efforts to create healthy spaces for families is as gratifying as an appreciation for the art of a trade.

“When I got to know the team at 1-800-GOT-MOLD? it seemed like a natural progression for me and I wanted to join,” Sparks adds. “I look forward to having the chance to improve the health and well being of all my customers now.”

1-800-GOT-MOLD? has become a magnet for people seeking a second, or third, career. The typical applicants share certain key characteristics:

• They are mature and willing to learn
• They have skills complementary to mold inspection and consulting services
• They are family oriented
• They are health conscious
• They love dogs
• They want to help others
• They have personal experience with mold, asthma, allergies, sinusitis and other air quality issues
• They seek a home-based business with excellent income potential

Sparks and the 1-800-GOT-MOLD? management team will be attending the Indoor Air Quality Association’s (IAQA) 13^th annual Indoor Air Expo in Tampa, FL, March 7 through 9.

Tampa is also home to 1-800-GOT-MOLD?’s headquarters, and where the company’s Mold Dogs™ are trained. Sparks will be returning from Tampa with his canine partner following a week of training with his dog.

1-800-GOT-MOLD? will also be represented at the International Franchise Expo, operated by the International Franchise Association, in Washington, DC, April 9 through 11, in booth 435. This is an excellent opportunity for interested people to get a first-hand glimpse of the company and meet its president, Allen Castleman, and its Canine Executive Officer, Oreo, the dog who started it all.

“We believe passionately in doing well while doing good, and having a great time doing it,” said founder and CEO Jason Earle.

SOURCE T 1-800-GOT-MOLD?