Alcan Environmental Inc.

• Position: Environmental services firm - Business Profile

The classic formula for starting a business is to find a need and fill it. David Henry and Harvey Frankel did that in 1993 when they founded Alcan Environmental Inc. Alcan provides a full range of environmental services to clients throughout Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.

David and Harvey acquired years of experience working in the environmental industry prior to starting Alcan Environmental. Their combined administrative and field accomplishments give them the insight to meet the exacting requirements of environmental contracting.

As with many success stories, hard work, attention to detail and long hours have made the difference for Alcan. Alcan's philosophy of a team effort is evidenced by the fact that over two/thirds of its employees have been with the company since its inception.

The company has three divisions: Asbestos/Lead, Hazardous Materials and Survey & Design. The Asbestos/Lead Division manages the containment, removal and disposal of asbestos and lead. Additionally, UST removal, installation and contaminated soils projects are managed by certified members of Alcan's staff.

The Hazardous Materials Division provides waste management services to a growing number of clients. This division furnishes effective and economical project management options from waste characterization and packaging, to logistics coordination and final disposition in full compliance with federal, state and local regulations.

The Survey & Design Division provides value engineering by promoting partnering with its clients. This division produces site surveys that identify asbestos-containing materials, lead-based paint and other regulated materials.

Alcan Environmental's continuing success in Alaska prompted David and Harvey to open a Northwest Regional office in Spokane, Wash. "Many of the firms we do business with in Alaska are active in Washington, and extending our operations into this region was a logical step for Alcan," says David.

"Part of our success is due to the fact that we'll consider taking on any project, no matter how large or...