From 'Doing Meth' to Doing Good: The Apple Environmental Story

Welcome back to the Radio Daybreak blog! In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Kameron Thorne, Executive Director of BNI Utah North and co-owner of Apple Environmental. Kameron shared his incredibly fascinating journey, from his background in business coaching to becoming a pioneer in the meth and fentanyl cleanup industry. Today, we'll be diving deeper into the story behind Apple Environmental, exploring the unique challenges, rewards, and the powerful role that networking played in its success. This blog post expands on the key themes we discussed in the podcast and provides additional insights into the world of meth cleanup and the impact of organizations like BNI. If you haven't already, be sure to listen to the full episode titled "From Meth Cleanup to Business Networking: The Kameron Thorne Experience" here.

The Origins of Apple Environmental: A Unique Proposition

The story of Apple Environmental doesn't begin with a grand plan or a carefully crafted business strategy. It starts with a rather unconventional proposition: "Let's do meth." Of course, the intention was never to use the drug itself. Instead, it was a daring suggestion from Kameron's business partner to enter the specialized field of meth and fentanyl cleanup. At the time, this industry was relatively niche, and the need for professional remediation services was rapidly growing. The idea sparked a conversation about addressing a critical public health concern. Kameron recognized the potential to not only build a successful business but also to make a tangible difference in communities affected by drug contamination.

The decision to pursue this path wasn't taken lightly. It required significant research, training, and a deep understanding of the health risks associated with methamphetamine and fentanyl residue. The team recognized the importance of adhering to strict safety protocols and regulations to protect both their employees and the occupants of the properties they cleaned. This commitment to safety and professionalism quickly became a cornerstone of Apple Environmental's operations.

Kameron Thorne's Background: From Business Coaching to Cleanup Pioneer

Kameron Thorne's journey to becoming a leader in the meth and fentanyl cleanup industry is anything but traditional. His background is rooted in business coaching and sales, where he honed his skills in communication, leadership, and strategic thinking. These skills proved to be invaluable as he transitioned into the world of environmental remediation. His experience in business coaching equipped him with the ability to build strong teams, motivate individuals, and navigate the complexities of running a successful company.

Prior to Apple Environmental, Kameron worked in various sales and management roles, where he learned the importance of customer service, building relationships, and delivering results. These experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic and a dedication to providing exceptional service. When the opportunity to enter the meth cleanup industry arose, he saw it as a chance to leverage his existing skills in a new and challenging environment. He embraced the opportunity to learn new technical skills and to lead a team that was dedicated to making a positive impact on their community.

His experience with BNI (Business Network International) also played a huge part in his professional development. BNI allowed Kameron to greatly expand his network and sharpen his professional skills. As an Executive Director for BNI Utah North, he works with other business owners to make their companies successful.

Inside the Meth and Fentanyl Cleanup Industry: Challenges and Rewards

The meth and fentanyl cleanup industry presents a unique set of challenges and rewards. On the one hand, it is a demanding and often dangerous line of work. Technicians must be trained to handle hazardous materials, wear protective gear, and follow strict protocols to prevent exposure to harmful substances. The work can be physically and emotionally taxing, as they often encounter properties that have been severely damaged and contaminated. Dealing with properties that have been the sites of drug use or production can be emotionally challenging.

On the other hand, the work is incredibly rewarding. By removing drug residue and restoring properties to a safe condition, Apple Environmental is making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities affected by drug abuse. They are helping to create healthier living environments, reduce the risk of exposure to harmful substances, and provide peace of mind to property owners and occupants. Knowing that their work is contributing to the well-being of others is a powerful motivator for the team at Apple Environmental.

The industry also requires a strong commitment to ethical practices and compliance with regulations. Apple Environmental is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, ensuring that their services are performed to the highest standards of quality and safety. They work closely with local authorities and regulatory agencies to ensure that they are in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This commitment to ethical practices has helped them to build a reputation for trust and reliability within the industry.

The Power of Networking: Kameron Thorne's Experience with BNI

Networking has played a pivotal role in Kameron Thorne's success, both in his business coaching career and in the growth of Apple Environmental. His involvement with Business Networking International (BNI) has been particularly impactful. BNI is a global networking organization that provides a structured and supportive environment for business professionals to exchange referrals and build relationships.

Kameron joined BNI as a way to expand his network and generate new business opportunities. What he discovered was a powerful community of like-minded individuals who were committed to helping each other succeed. Through BNI, he gained access to a vast network of potential clients, partners, and mentors. He learned the importance of building trust, providing value, and fostering long-term relationships.

His experience with BNI also helped him to develop his leadership skills. He served in various leadership roles within the organization, including president and vice president of his chapter. These roles provided him with opportunities to hone his communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. He learned how to motivate and inspire others, and how to create a positive and productive environment for networking.

BNI's Impact: Success Stories and Millionaires Made

BNI has a proven track record of helping businesses grow and thrive. The organization boasts numerous success stories of members who have significantly increased their revenue, expanded their operations, and achieved their business goals. Kameron Thorne has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of BNI, both in his own business and in the businesses of his fellow members.

One of the most compelling aspects of BNI is its emphasis on referrals. Members are encouraged to actively seek out and provide referrals to each other. This creates a powerful network of trusted advisors who are constantly looking for ways to help each other succeed. The referrals generated through BNI can be a significant source of new business for members, leading to increased revenue and profitability.

In the episode, Kameron shares stories of several BNI members who have achieved remarkable success through the organization. One example is Caleb, who was able to grow his business significantly through the referrals and support he received from his BNI chapter. Another example is Jen, who became a millionaire as a result of her involvement with BNI. These stories are a testament to the power of networking and the impact that BNI can have on the lives of its members.

Community and Diversity: BNI's Role in Daybreak

BNI is not just about business; it's also about building community and fostering diversity. BNI chapters are typically composed of members from a wide range of industries and backgrounds. This diversity provides members with access to a broad range of perspectives and expertise.

The Daybreak chapter of BNI is particularly known for its strong sense of community. Members are actively involved in local events and initiatives, and they are committed to giving back to the community. They support local charities, participate in community service projects, and mentor young entrepreneurs.

BNI also places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. The organization is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. BNI recognizes that diversity is a strength, and that it can lead to greater innovation, creativity, and success.

Building Trust and the 'Giver's Gain' Philosophy

At the heart of BNI's success is its philosophy of "Giver's Gain." This principle emphasizes the importance of giving to others in order to receive. Members are encouraged to focus on providing value to their fellow members, rather than solely on what they can get out of the organization. When members focus on helping each other, they build trust and foster strong relationships. This creates a positive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

Building trust is essential for successful networking. People are more likely to do business with those they trust. BNI provides a structured environment for building trust through consistent interaction, shared experiences, and a commitment to the Giver's Gain philosophy. By consistently providing value to others, members can establish themselves as trusted advisors and build long-term relationships.

The Giver's Gain philosophy is not just a nice-sounding idea; it's a proven strategy for success. When members focus on giving to others, they create a positive cycle of reciprocity. The more they give, the more they receive. This leads to increased referrals, stronger relationships, and greater overall success.

Beyond Cleanup: Kameron Thorne's Other Interests and Future Plans

While Kameron Thorne is deeply passionate about Apple Environmental and BNI, his interests extend beyond the business world. He is a curious and inquisitive individual with a wide range of hobbies and pursuits. One of his long standing interests is UFOs and other fringe science topics. He hopes to do a future podcast covering these topics and interviewing different people that also have a love for the unknown.

Kameron is always looking for new challenges and opportunities. He is a lifelong learner who is constantly seeking to expand his knowledge and skills. He is also a dedicated mentor who is passionate about helping others achieve their goals. He is committed to making a positive impact on his community and on the world.

In the future, Kameron plans to continue growing Apple Environmental and BNI, while also exploring new business ventures and personal interests. He is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, and he is confident that he can continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

Conclusion: The Unexpected Journey of Apple Environmental

The story of Apple Environmental is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship, networking, and a commitment to making a positive impact. From its unconventional beginnings with the proposition to "do meth" to its current status as a leading company in the meth and fentanyl cleanup industry, Apple Environmental has demonstrated the importance of innovation, dedication, and ethical practices. Kameron Thorne's journey is an inspiring example of how one individual can leverage their skills, experience, and network to build a successful business while also making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Through his involvement with BNI, Kameron has also demonstrated the power of networking and the importance of building strong relationships. By embracing the Giver's Gain philosophy, he has created a positive and supportive environment where businesses can thrive and individuals can achieve their goals. This blog post is an extension of our insightful conversation with Kameron on Radio Daybreak. Be sure to check out the episode "From Meth Cleanup to Business Networking: The Kameron Thorne Experience" here to hear the full story and gain even more valuable insights from Kameron Thorne himself.