Meet the Team
Larry Schwartz
Chief Executive Officer, Founder
Larry Schwartz is an industry-leading expert in medically sound indoor air quality and preventative risk services. Larry specializes in indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, building science, safe construction protocols, consulting and other air quality solutions. Throughout his career, Larry has worked on over 8000 indoor air quality investigations around the country, residential and commercial.
Larry is a Council Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant by the American Council of Certified Accreditation and has been qualified by the state of Illinois to teach his proprietary mold course to accredited real estate practitioners.
He is a member of the Surviving Mold Round Table as an Indoor Environmental Professional, IEP, along with many Certified Physicians and health care providers in the United States and around the globe, headed up by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker.
Larry is also a founding member of the International Society of Environmentally Acquired Illness, a member of the Indoor Air Quality Association and a listed consultant of the American Industrial Hygienist Association.
Larry was lead author of a peer reviewed paper along with Dr Ritchie Shoemaker, Dr Keith Berndston, and 3 other certified IEPs, titled, “How to Perform Medically Sound Investigation and Remediation of Water Damaged Buildings”. This may be found on the Survivingmold.com website.
Previously, he has made guest appearances on Fox News, CBS and other Chicago based news channels. As an author on mold prevention, Larry consults for numerous homebuilders, architectural and engineering firms. He has strong recommendations from various health departments, physicians, lawyers and contractors. Larry received his BSME degree from Purdue University and his MBA from Northwestern University.
Michele Fisher
Chief Operating Officer & Environmental Consultant
Michele Fisher brings personal experience, operational leadership, and environmental expertise to her role at Safestart. After a 27-year career in education, she was diagnosed with CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) in 2016. This turning point led her to join Safestart in 2018, dedicating herself to helping others navigate the same challenging journey.
Working closely with founder Larry Schwartz, Michele has helped shape Safestart’s approach to client care and operations. She has developed deep expertise in healthy home practices, testing protocols, and safe cleaning strategies. Michele is a trusted resource for clients, providing guidance on testing methods and protocols, cleaning to remove Actinomycetes, and outlining next steps. She has particular expertise in supporting clients who are moving or need help safely handling and cleaning their home contents.
A trained Integrative Health Coach from Duke Integrative Medicine, Michele brings practical guidance, compassion, and hope to every consultation. Having lived through CIRS herself, she understands how isolating the journey can feel. Her goal is to help clients move forward with clarity, focus, and confidence, knowing that recovery is possible.
Carley Swartz
Business Manager
Carley brings 8 years of corporate project management experience to Safestart Environmental. She graduated with a Business Administration degree with a concentration in Advertising & Marketing and a minor in Spanish. She understands the needs of the organization and the impact the work has on our client community. Her attention to detail and organization with business processes allows Safestart to streamline their client communications to include contracts, finances, and client records.
Carley brings 8 years of corporate project management experience to Safestart Environmental. She graduated with a Business Administration degree with a Concentration in Advertising & Marketing, Spanish Minor. She understands the needs of the organization and the impact the work has on our client community. Her attention to detail and organization with business processes allows Safestart to streamline their client communications; to include contracts, finances, and client records.
Suzanne Fushi
Client Intake Specialist
Suzanne serves as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring their experience is welcoming, informed, and well-supported. She manages client intake, gathers detailed information about homes and health concerns, and coordinates consultations and investigations.
Her background supporting artists in the music industry shaped her strengths in listening, organization, and relationship-building, skills she now brings to every client interaction. Through her work at Safestart, she has gained extensive knowledge of methods to improve indoor air quality and support healthier living environments.
Suzanne's passion for helping others, attention to detail, and genuine commitment to client care make her an integral part of the team.
Suzanne’s passion and commitment to helping others is flourishing in our work. Suzanne makes sure that our clients are always welcomed by an attentive and empathetic listener.
Mark Ripley
Onsite Investigator
Mark Ripley is a medically sound CIEC investigator with a unique blend of construction, remediation, and environmental inspection experience. With over 25 years in residential and commercial construction and 10 years in the remediation field, Mark brings a highly trained eye for identifying potential problem areas during inspections.
He holds multiple certifications through the IICRC, including water and fire restoration, odor removal, cleaning, and mold remediation. Mark has traveled throughout the country facilitating inspections and leading specialized cleaning teams for clients suffering from CIRS and other environmentally related illnesses. Through this work, he understands the critical differences between traditional mold remediation and the more careful, detailed approach required to create a healthy environment for sensitive individuals.
In addition to his professional background, Mark brings a deeply personal perspective to his work. Several years ago, one of his children developed PANS, and Mark and his family experienced firsthand the frustration of seeking clear answers and direction through traditional medical channels. Because of this journey, he is able to relate to and empathize with many of the clients he works with who are navigating similar health challenges while trying to reclaim their quality of life.
Mark understands that thorough inspections and detailed reports are an essential piece of the puzzle when working toward a healthier home or workplace. Known for his honesty, attention to detail, and ability to connect with clients, he approaches every inspection with professionalism, responsibility, and care.
On top of Mark’s work experience he utilizes his personal experience to approach home inspections and business from a different perspective. Several years ago, one of his children developed PANS. The path for healing was one of great frustration as Mark and his family sought clear answers and direction from traditional doctors and hospitals. He can relate and empathize with many of his clients who have had similar frustrations along their journey to gain their health and quality of life back. Mark believes his inspections and detailed reports are an integral piece of the puzzle needed to begin creating a healthy work or living environment. Mark prides himself on his honesty, attention to detail, ability to relate well to others, and takes the responsibility of this line of work seriously.
