Spaulding Decon, a nationally established leader in crime-scene cleanup, hoarding cleanup, mold remediation and meth-lab decontamination, announced the grand opening of its franchise location in Georgia. The new location will provide decontamination services to residents and businesses throughout the state. Franchisee Ken Goodnight will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the announcement on November 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Smokejack BBQ, 29 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

While the event marks the official grand opening of Spaulding Decon, Georgia, Goodnight has already begun operations in his home city of Alpharetta. Goodnight’s venture was born out of his desire serve the citizens of Georgia and have a positive impact communities, statewide.

“Spaulding Decon encompasses more than just cleanup services, it’s an opportunity to ease the burden of those who are recovering from tragedies,” he said. “When a person’s home becomes a crime scene, or when someone struggles with hoarding, expert cleanup and decontamination is an essential part of the recovery process to ensure safe living conditions for everyone, especially for those most susceptible to harmful contaminates.”

Goodnight’s fervor for improving the community was a catalyst that led to his decision to open the franchise. He noted that Spaulding Decon provides him with an opportunity to address public-health issues in Georgia, including the long-term harm of methamphetamine production in homes — a serious problem that has become increasingly prevalent across the U.S.

“The chemicals used to make methamphetamine linger for years after production ends, which causes serious health problems for future occupants, including cancer and respiratory disease,” he said. “I have witnessed the devastating effects this drug has on people who unknowingly live or work in contaminated buildings. It’s a serious threat to public health that the state legislature and regulatory agencies must address. As an expert in meth-lab decontamination, I intend to raise public awareness about this issue and work with our elected officials on developing regulations for the testing, reporting and decontamination of all meth lab properties in our state.”

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, there are currently no state laws in place that require property owners to decontaminate or disclose the contamination to future tenants.

Prior to beginning operations, Goodnight received extensive training and certification in the latest decontamination techniques from Spaulding Decon President and CEO Laura Spaulding-Koppel at franchise headquarters in Tampa, Fla. Spaulding, a former police officer, said Goodnight’s vision of supporting those who are impacted by life-changing circumstances align with Spaulding Decon’s core mission.

“Successful leaders in this industry are those who feel a sense of responsibility to the public and Ken Goodnight is one of those leaders,” she said. “I’m confident that his aptitude and passion will help build safer, healthier communities for the people of Georgia and further solidify Spaulding Decon as a national leader in decontamination services.”