In 2005, Laura Spaulding, a seasoned cop in Kansas City homicide, found herself facing an unexpected question during a gruesome murder investigation. A family member of the victim asked when the police would be returning to clean up the crime scene. Spaulding recalls having to tell the woman that cleanup wasn’t part of their job, which prompted her to consider this massive opportunity to break into an untapped market.
Little did she know that this simple question would spark the inception of a $20 million business known as Spaulding Decon. After researching existing businesses revealed a gap, she seized the opportunity to carve her own path into the market. Despite facing rejections from multiple banks for a startup loan, Spaulding’s determination prevailed. She secured $15,000 and embarked on her entrepreneurial journey.
Spaulding’s innovative approach to the business didn’t stop at decontamination. She saw an opportunity to combine her passion for crime scene cleanup with her interest in real estate. This led to the unique business model of acquiring the properties where crimes occurred and flipping them for resale.
However, introducing the concept of crime scene cleanup proved challenging, as many assumed it fell under the responsibilities of law enforcement. Without a large budget for advertising, Spaulding turned to social media, a move that was initially met with skepticism from her team. Contrary to expectations, the strategy paid off, rapidly gaining Spaulding Decon a substantial online following. The company’s YouTube channel alone boasts 1.36 million subscribers, with millions more on TikTok and Instagram.
Today, Spaulding Decon thrives with 25 locations across the United States, a testament to Laura Spaulding’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to solving a critical problem for individuals experiencing the trauma of crime.
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