The ONE Way of Doing Business

At ONE, we’re one of a kind.

We’re client-focused. We’re creative. We’re collaborative.

“There are no curtains to pull back at ONE,” Principal Eli Holland stresses. “We tackle our mission by effective communication and collaboration both in-house and with our clientele.”

Long before the COVID-19 pandemic forced many businesses to scramble, the ONE team had transitioned to cloud services, laptops and wireless cards. The reasoning behind our proactive approach to technology nearly six years ago stemmed from our growth. While we’ve always been headquartered in Richmond, ONE has opened multiple satellite offices spread throughout the MidAtlantic and Southeast over the years. In order to be effective and efficient on behalf of our clients, we knew we needed a streamlined approach to keep everyone connected and mobile. Additionally, operating satellite offices has allowed us to continue to attract the top professionals in the field and retain them.

“We went where the talent was rather than having the talent come to us,” Holland says.

Today ONE doesn’t just rely on state-of-the-art technology to further collaboration among team members. While using the latest tools does contribute to improving our employees’ work-life balance, ultimately, it’s our clients who benefit the most. Happy, healthy employees are essential to delivering cost-effective deliverables in a timely manner. We do our best by our employees who in turn give their best to our clients

ONE’s mobility and cloud offerings provide a streamlined path for communication, file sharing, and collaboration similar to what we see in-house.  Large files are seamlessly transferred and living files (both from the field and office) are shared, allowing our clients to follow progress in real time.

Technology isn’t stagnant and neither are we. That’s why we’ve solidified relationships with cutting-edge application developers who consistently seek better options for custom applications that track compliance, field services, decommissioning, commissioning, etc. We understand how critical it is for our clients to be in the loop in real time.

By embracing collaboration, we are ONE in tackling the challenges that pose a wide array of environmental issues to our clients. Our team members are committed to clients in a personalized way that a large corporation cannot match.

One client. One project. ONE team. That’s our way of doing business.

Dylan Gottlieb

Environmental Consultant

ONE Environmental Group Consultant Dylan Gottlieb was a criminal justice major in his sophomore year at University of North Carolina at Charlotte when a sustainability class piqued his interest in the environment.

“I was fascinated with that class and took more classes about groundwater and surface water and atmosphere,” he said. “I learned about the remediation of contaminants and completely switched gears.”

Dylan graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Hydrological Sciences. He joined ONE in April 2022 after previous positions at a drilling firm and a plant nursery.

Dylan is based in ONE’s Raleigh location, where his time is divided between working remotely and collecting groundwater and soil samples in the field. In addition, he performs erosion and sediment control inspections.

“This job is exactly what I’ve been looking to do since I graduated,” Dylan said. “I like that I still get my hands dirty, and I get to understand what’s actually happening at the site. Previously, I would do the labor and never learn anything about the why. Now I get to understand what’s in the groundwater, what’s in the soil and what are we going to do about it?”

Dylan’s comfort level at ONE started during his initial interview, which felt like a casual conversation. “It was inviting and comfortable,” he said. “Everyone is really friendly and encouraging. They let me know if I need help with anything, they’re here for me.”

In his free time, Dylan tinkers with cars, including his 2003 silver Corvette that he bought at a salvage auction and a 2001 Subaru Forester. Surfing, paddling and hiking are welcome retreats, and dating back to his days working with plants, he developed an affinity for bonsais. He’s happy to reside in his hometown, where almost all of his family lives, too.

Larson Wolfe

Environmental Consultant

Larson Wolfe originally planned to be an engineer but discovered the Integrated Science and Technology major at James Madison University. The combination of sciences and critical thinking appealed to him and laid the foundation for the Environmental Consultant position he accepted at ONE Environmental Group in April 2022.

Larson grew up in Chesterfield County in suburban Richmond, where, as a three-sport athlete, he starred in football, wrestling and lacrosse. He visited multiple schools and attracted Ivy League interest before deciding on JMU, following in the footsteps of his brother, Logan.

“I always wanted to go to JMU, and I really liked the major because it’s not just focused on one area. You got exposed to the science and the tech world,” Larson said. “It creates these broad problem solvers.”

Larson works remotely based in ONE’s Richmond location, focusing on the environmental side of the energy industry. He spends roughly half of his time in the field developing Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans and ensuring hazardous materials meet Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and EPA safety standards.

“Everyone at ONE has been super helpful,” Larson said. “There’s not any closed doors. Everyone helps everyone else, true to the ONE team theme. I also like the diversity of industries and sectors I’ve been exposed to.”

Outside of work, Larson loses himself in electric guitar, which he has played for years, and is a gym rat who enjoys fishing and golf.

Nuclear radiation symbol painted on wall

Radiation Services: Addressing the Invisible Hazard Around Us

Radioactive material is fairly common in nature, and it is usually harmless in that state. In fact, Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) exist all around us at harmless doses. However, when NORM becomes concentrated due to human activity, it is called Technologically Enhanced NORM (TENORM), and it is often subject to government regulations.

For example, most all earth moving, mining, and drilling activities involve NORM and the build-up of this material creates TENORM. Many other industries and processes are affected by TENROM as well, such as pulp and paper, phosphate fertilizer production, coal combustion, water and sewage treatment, and the medical industry. It is likely that more industries will be impacted by radiation regulations in the future.

Facilities must be safe and comply with myriad radiation regulations, standards, and practices. This can be a challenging and extremely complicated undertaking. Radiation sources must be monitored and handled properly, something that is best left up to experts.

The ONE Environmental team provides a variety of radiation safety, assessment, monitoring, and compliance services in accordance with NRC, OSHA, EPA, DOT, and applicable state regulations.

ONE Environmental has vast experience providing radiation management services. These include comprehensive radiation survey programs and monitoring and the disposal of construction materials, such as the fire brick used in furnaces and certain types of ceramics, to ensure site compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations while helping to protect workers and the environment.

ONE also provides nuclear gauge services, including required leak tests, shutter tests, and inventory audits for compliance and reporting purposes. The ONE team can facilitate maintenance and service on variety of gauge models, ensuring they meet operational and safety requirements.

For organizations required to monitor their employees’ exposure to radiation, ONE can help establish and implement dosimetry monitoring programs. ONE can also conduct equipment and personnel contamination surveys.

Phase I Environmental Assessments are also part of ONE’s radiation services portfolio, helping organizations confidently evaluate the environmental risk or liability associated with a real estate transaction to avoid costly mistakes.

By offering radiation services backed by years of experience and best practices, ONE Environmental is able to help clients minimize costs, maintain compliance, and maximize safety – bringing peace of mind during increasingly challenging regulatory climates.

Supporting Cancer Research and Remembering a Special “Irish” Dad

Bob Van Shura was all about Notre Dame.

Imagine his joy when his daughter, Kerry, was recruited to play lacrosse there.

Kerry McAvoy, Principal at ONE Environmental Group, was part of a nationally ranked Fighting Irish lacrosse team while earning her undergraduate degree in environmental science. While there, Notre Dame made its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 in 2004 followed by a first-ever appearance in the Final Four in 2006.

Bob Van Shura, or “Pops,” as Kerry called him, never missed a game despite living halfway across the country in Bel Air, Maryland.

Bob Van Shura passed away on January 13, 2021, a loss still fresh for Kerry, who is participating in the Notre Dame Women’s Lacrosse Daughters for Dads fundraiser, a virtual 5K held throughout the month of March with proceeds benefitting the Harper Cancer Research Institute. Kerry did not lose her father to cancer, but in addition to believing in the cause, she values its mantra stated by another former player, “Dollars Lead to Research; Research Leads to more Time; More Time is priceless.”

“There’s never enough time with those we love,” she says. “You never think it’s going to happen to you. It might sound cliché, but it’s true.”

Bob Van Shura wasn’t in any way a sad man, so Kerry strives not to be in remembering her dad, who said “every day is Saturday” after retiring from medical sales. He enjoyed golf, showing off his singing and dancing talents, and spending time with his family, both human and canine. 

“He bought his granddaughter a lacrosse stick for Christmas last year; the lacrosse tradition lives on.” “He was my number one fan, and we are all so lucky to have had him as our Pops,” Kerry says.

To register for the Daughters for Dads 5K or to access the donation page, click here.

It’s Always a Good Day When You’re Supporting a Great Cause

ONE Senior Project Manager Brad White weathered wicked temperatures and a cold rain at the Publix Atlanta Half Marathon to support a worthy cause, the Kyle Pease Foundation.

The foundation creates awareness and raises funds to promote success for people with disabilities by helping meet their individual needs through sports.

White was among a four-person team that competed in the 13.1-mile event on Feb. 27, a wet, 45-degree morning. Each of the men took turns pushing the wheelchair of 10-year-old Kaitlyn Wright, the daughter of Jeff Wright, a longtime friend of White’s.

Team Kaitlyn raised $1,350 for the Foundation, far exceeding their goal of $700. Several of White’s friends, family, and coworkers at ONE contributed to the fundraiser.

“It’s truly special when your coworkers get involved like that,” White said.

White is an avid runner who often competes in Tough Mudder events but pushing the wheelchair three separate times for a mile, including mile 12, made for a rigorous morning.

“The worst weather I’ve ever run in,” he said. Rain rarely let up during the two hours and 10 minutes it took to complete the race. Pushing the wheelchair was especially challenging on the hills, which often required the four men to work as one unit.

Despite the conditions and clothing that felt as if it weighed 100 pounds by the end of the morning, White left the race inspired by the heavy participation and those who lined the sidewalks to cheer on the runners.

“It was great to see so many people come out with umbrellas and signs,” he said.

The flagship event exceeded its goal, raising $107,369 thanks to 483 donations.