When it comes to entrepreneurial endeavors, C2 Environmental, Inc., (C2) owned and operated by Dr. Christine Conrad, tops the chart as a successful “Woman-Owned Enterprise.” Located in the heart of Oyster Point, on Rock Landing Drive, C2 is a privately owned environmental consulting firm that focuses on planning, permitting and compliance for public, private and government sectors.
Founded in 2016, C2 started as a one-woman show with Conrad at the helm. Today, it employs nine individuals, five of whom were hired in the last six months. C2’s recent growth forecasts a bright future for this Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned Business (SWaM) of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Providing expertise in areas such as the National Environmental Policy Act, (NEPA) compliance, the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) certifications, stormwater compliance and sediment control planning, C2 offers a personal, hands-on approach that stands out from similar firms with more than 100 employees. Unlike some of these larger firms, C2 employees are able to develop close relationships with their clients. “They know they can rely on us to help them through their projects,” Conrad says. “We’re going to give them a good product, be responsive and get them what they need.”
On any given day, employees can be found in the office writing reports, completing permit applications and/or working on Geographic Information System Mapping (GIS), or they’re out in the field conducting wetland delineations, performing erosion and sediment control studies, completing construction access reviews and/or monitoring for environmental compliance. Whatever the task, says Conrad, “we have a team of motivated, smart and capable individuals who work hard for our clients. We deliver the same quality product as any larger company, with less red tape and a lot more flexibility and control…”
Though it is a small firm, C2 has been involved with some hefty projects, one of which was a tower replacement of two transmission lines for Dominion Energy. “We did all the permit apps and planning and construction compliance monitoring as well during the demolition,” says Conrad. “Crews had equipment transported to them by helicopter and portions of the tower being taken down by a crane were being controlled remotely from California,” Conrad continues. When asked about the best part of this project, Conrad says, “I got to ride in the helicopter and wave to the men. Anytime you get to go in a helicopter on a workday, it’s pretty fun.”
While discussing her decision to go out on her own, Conrad says, “I remember being so anxious about starting the company and then, about three days after it opened, I woke up one morning and asked myself why I didn’t do it sooner.” By the same token, Conrad is careful not to downplay the importance of getting her start in the larger consulting firm of Williamsburg Environmental Group. “They took a chance on me and me on them — my foundation was built there.”
And, taking chances in business is not the only place Conrad is willing to step up. She recently began learning how to play cello, and when she’s not doing that, she enjoys time with family, going out on her boat, taking bike rides and, of course, entertaining her very high energy, four-year-old German short-haired pointer, Grimm.
Conrad is clearly no stranger to the message of Dr. Seuss: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose.” And with C2 Environmental, Inc., the direction Conrad has chosen appears to be a win-win proposition.
TO THE POINT:
C2 Environmental, Inc.
Address: 11818 Rock Landing Dr.,
Newport News, VA 23606
Phone: 757-223-0071
Contact: Christine Conrad, Ph.D., president/owner
Email: cconrad@c2environmental.com
Website: www.c2environmental.com
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