-
Get Certified
-
Training
-
Tools & Services
Gap Analysis & Implementation Plan
Get a head-start on ISO 9001
ISO 9001 Internal Audit Service
Outsource your internal audits
ISO 9001 Consulting
Expert guidance for any situation
Document Review
Optimize your ISO 9001 procedures
ISO 9001 Documentation Templates
Pre-written documents, forms and checklists
-
Resources
- About Us
- Contact
The Challenge
A key military contract required ISO 9001 certification, presenting EPA with a mandatory hurdle. Initially seen as a "check the box" requirement, they quickly realized their informal systems needed a fundamental upgrade.
A Critical Client Mandate: Certification was a non-negotiable requirement for a key military contract, making it a business continuity issue.
Overwhelmed Internal Team: With ongoing internal reorganization and rebranding, and without quality management experience, the team found themselves unable to tackle ISO 9001 in-house.
The Solution
Faced with an overwhelming task and a tight deadline, EPA knew they needed an experienced consultant. A Google search led them to schedule a call with 9001Simplified. That initial conversation was a turning point.
During the conversation, their perspective transformed. We showed them that ISO 9001 was the precise tool to solve their daily organizational problems: disorganized systems, internal communication gaps, and a lack of controlled processes.
After our first conversation with 9001Simplified, we saw the value in adding controls to our system and the projects it affects through certification.
Abraham Couch
Executive Director
Environmental Painting Alternatives
What began as a client mandate became a strategic opportunity to build a more resilient company.
Following this "very positive initial meeting," EPA selected our ISO 9001 Certification Service as their complete solution:
Guaranteed Certification: Provided the certainty of on-time success and the confirmation letter needed to secure their military contract.
"We Do It All" Efficiency: Our service managed the entire project, freeing their team to focus on core business during a period of internal change.
Remote Flexibility: The full consultancy was delivered seamlessly through video conferencing, minimizing disruption.
This solution provided the framework, but its success relied on expert execution.
The project was led by Andrew O'Reilly, a senior Consultant, Instructor, and IRCA Certified Lead Auditor with over 25 years of experience. His background as a Six Sigma Black Belt and Change Management Practitioner made him ideally suited to guide EPA through the entire process.
The combination of roles was critical to the success of the full-service engagement: as their Consultant, he designed and tailored the entire QMS; as their Instructor, he patiently trained and upskilled the EPA team; and as an Auditor, he conducted the rigorous internal audit that ensured they were perfectly prepared for certification.
The Implementation
Andrew O'Reilly began the project in January 2024 by interviewing top management to understand EPA's unique operations and "haphazard" systems. The initial challenge was that the team struggled to grasp ISO 9001's value and how it would integrate with their daily work. Andrew overcame this not with rigid theory, but with patient, tailored training that translated the standard into the practical language of their painting projects.
The project's complexity was compounded by major internal initiatives – a company-wide rebranding and an expedited leadership succession. Andrew's flexibility was crucial; he adapted the timeline and approach to accommodate these changes without derailing the certification goal, working around their limited availability.
Andrew was extremely patient and a very good trainer for us. I couldn't be happier with him and his engagement.
Abraham Couch
Executive Director
Environmental Painting Alternatives
By May 2024, this consistent guidance culminated in a comprehensive internal audit led by Andrew, which confirmed the system was robust and EPA was fully ready for its certification audit.
The Certification Audit
For their certification audit, EPA selected the globally recognized registrar BSI from the 9001Simplified partner network. The certification process consisted of a remote Stage 1 documentation review in June 2024, followed by a rigorous 3.5-day on-site Stage 2 audit in August.
The audit proved the system's effectiveness, concluding with just two minor nonconformities. Abraham Couch reported the process felt "pretty easy," noting that "everything our registrar asked for we had."
Keys to Success
When we asked about tips for other companies or lessons learned, Abraham Couch shared the following insights:
"ISO 9001 benefits any company"
He clarifies that ISO 9001 can benefit any business, regardless of size or industry, for its positive impact on operational discipline and culture. "Although the commercial painting sector, which constitutes 80% of our business, is not highly regulated, the benefits of ISO 9001 are still substantial," Abraham emphasized.
"Everything depends on your consultant"
Selecting the right consultant is crucial, particularly when certification is time-sensitive and directly impacts business continuity. "Andrew's extensive knowledge and experience were essential for us to achieve our certification goals smoothly and efficiently," Abraham noted.
"Start early and build in a buffer"
Abraham's final piece of advice is to plan for the unexpected. Internal changes, like their rebranding and succession, are inevitable. Starting the process early provides the flexibility to navigate these challenges without jeopardizing critical deadlines.
The Results
The value of the project extended far beyond the certificate, delivering immediate improvements to EPA's daily operations, internal communications, and company culture.
ISO 9001 has increased communication between departments, resolving a lot of tension and finger pointing.
Abraham Couch
Executive Director
Environmental Painting Alternatives
Operationally, ISO 9001 brought order to their previously disorganized systems, with enhanced job tracking and documentation bringing new efficiency to their projects. By replacing their "haphazard" approach with a structured QMS, they gained control over project delivery.
Most importantly, achieving certification secured their key military contract, turning a compliance mandate into a foundation for controlled, quality-driven growth.
Ready to Replicate This Success?
When a critical contract depends on certification and your team is already at capacity, the full-service path is the only way to guarantee success without diverting focus from your business. Let our experts secure your certification and streamline your operations, just like we did for EPA.
Environmental Painting Alternatives, Inc.
765 Big Tree Dr., Longwood, FL 32750, USA
https://www.epaflorida.com
