“What do you do for a living?”
It’s a question I get asked all the time.
When I tell people I’m the Vice President and co-owner of Bio Clean, Inc., they usually smile and nod. But when I explain that we specialize in biohazard cleanup, crime scene cleanup, hoarding remediation, drug contamination testing and remediation, and other trauma-related services throughout Washington, their expression almost always changes.
Some look surprised.
Some look uncomfortable.
And almost everyone says the same thing:
“I could never do that.”
The truth is…there was a time when I probably would have said the same thing.
This Wasn’t the Career I Planned
If you had asked me twenty years ago where I’d end up, I don’t think I would have ever imagined owning a biohazard remediation company.
Like many people, I thought success looked a certain way. I built a career, raised a family, and focused on doing my best in every role I had. Then life opened a door I never expected.
When my husband, Josh, and I became part of Bio Clean, I quickly realized this business wasn’t about cleaning.
It was about people.
That changed everything.
Behind Every Cleanup Is a Story
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that no one calls Bio Clean because they’re having a great day.
People call us after an unattended death.
After a traumatic accident.
When a loved one has struggled with hoarding for years.
When a rental property has been contaminated by methamphetamine or other hazardous substances.
When they don’t know where to begin.
They’re overwhelmed.
They’re grieving.
They’re scared.
In those moments, they’re not just looking for a company that knows how to perform biohazard cleanup safely. They’re looking for someone who will answer the phone with compassion, show up without judgment, and help them navigate one of the hardest days of their lives.
That’s a responsibility I never take lightly.
Compassion Is Our Greatest Tool
Yes, our team is highly trained.
We follow strict safety protocols, use specialized equipment, and understand how to properly perform crime scene cleanup, drug contamination remediation, and infectious disease cleanup.
But if you ask me what makes Bio Clean different, my answer isn’t our equipment.
It’s our heart.
I’ve watched our technicians comfort families before they ever unload a piece of equipment.
I’ve seen them patiently help elderly homeowners sort through treasured belongings.
I’ve watched them stop what they’re doing just to listen.
Those moments rarely make it into photographs or social media posts.
But they’re the moments that define who we are.
Why I Continue to Do This Work
People often ask how I can work in an industry where we see so much tragedy.
The answer is simple.
Because I don’t focus on the tragedy.
I focus on the opportunity to help.
Every day, we have the privilege of walking into situations where people feel hopeless—and leaving them with a little more hope than they had before.
Sometimes that means restoring a home after a traumatic event.
Sometimes it means helping a family reclaim a house from years of hoarding.
Sometimes it simply means showing kindness when someone needs it most.
I’ve learned that healing doesn’t always begin with words.
Sometimes it begins with someone showing up.
More Than a Business
Bio Clean has become so much more than a company to me.
It’s become a mission.
A mission to serve people with compassion.
A mission to educate our communities about the importance of professional biohazard remediation.
A mission to support first responders, healthcare professionals, property managers, and families when they need us most.
Every project reminds me that our work isn’t about what we’re cleaning.
It’s about who we’re helping.
My Hope
If you’ve found this article because you’re searching for information about biohazard cleanup, hoarding cleanup, crime scene cleanup, or drug contamination remediation in Washington, I hope you found more than answers.
I hope you found reassurance.
Because when you call Bio Clean, you’re not calling a company that simply cleans properties.
You’re calling a team that genuinely cares about the people behind every door.
Thank you for reading the very first edition of From Rhea’s Desk.
I look forward to sharing more stories, lessons, and behind-the-scenes experiences with you each month. My hope is that these conversations help people better understand our industry—and more importantly, remind us all that compassion has the power to change lives.
Until next time,
Rhea Toles Vice President & Co-Owner Bio Clean, Inc.
“When the Worst Happens, We’re Here.”
