What Property Owners Wish Every Environmental Professional Knew

What happens after the environmental report is delivered?

Consultants investigate. Engineers design. Contractors install. But ultimately, someone has to decide what happens next.

In this episode of The Indoor Environments Project, host Diane Swecker welcomes Mark Quimby, Vice President of Ashley Capital and former environmental consultant, for a conversation about vapor intrusion from a perspective rarely discussed—the property owner responsible for balancing environmental risk, redevelopment, business objectives, and long-term stewardship.

Drawing on nearly two decades of consulting experience before moving into commercial real estate development, Mark shares what he looks for when selecting environmental consultants and contractors, how technical recommendations influence business decisions, and why collaboration is essential to successful projects.

The conversation explores lessons learned from large redevelopment projects—including the historic Buick City redevelopment in Flint, Michigan—and highlights the importance of transparency, community engagement, and building trust throughout the environmental decision-making process.

In this episode:

•  Why environmental consultants are hired to support decisions—not just deliver reports 
•  How property owners evaluate vapor intrusion risks 
•  What distinguishes outstanding consultants and contractors 
•  The role of transparency, documentation, and "showing your work" 
•  Why professional organizations and peer networks matter 
•  Lessons from brownfield redevelopment and community engagement 
•  Why every building—and every project—deserves its own approach 

Whether you work in vapor intrusion, radon, environmental consulting, brownfield redevelopment, engineering, indoor air quality, or environmental regulation, this episode offers valuable insight into how successful projects are built through collaboration and informed decision-making.

About the Guest

Mark Quimby is Vice President of Ashley Capital, where he oversees environmental strategy for redevelopment projects across North America. Before joining Ashley Capital, Mark spent nearly twenty years as an environmental consultant specializing in vapor intrusion, remediation, and brownfield redevelopment. His unique experience on both sides of the table gives him valuable insight into what owners need from environmental professionals and how successful project teams are built.

Resources

•  Learn more about the Indoor Environments Association: https://IndoorEnvironments.org
•  Register for the Indoor Environments 2026 Symposium (October 4–7, Norfolk, VA) 
•  Follow The Indoor Environments Project on your favorite podcast platform.