About this program:

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Cut through the fear and confusion surrounding mold with a practical, no-nonsense session designed to give you real-world clarity. In this presentation, we’ll break down what mold is—and what it isn’t—how to recognize common types, and why not every situation requires alarm. We’ll focus on the root cause of mold growth, where it typically develops in residential and commercial spaces, and how simple moisture control strategies can make a significant difference in prevention.

 

This session is ideal for property managers, facility managers, homeowners, real estate professionals, and anyone responsible for maintaining indoor environments. If you’ve ever wondered whether a mold issue is serious, how to respond, or how to prevent it in the first place, this presentation is for you.

 

You’ll leave with a clear understanding of warning signs to watch for, practical steps to reduce risk, and confidence in knowing when a situation can be handled on your own versus when to call in professionals. Most importantly, you’ll gain the ability to approach mold situations with knowledge instead of fear—making smarter, more informed decisions for your property or clients.

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What You'll Learn:

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• What is mold

• Common types of mold

• Warning signs mold might be present

• How to prevent mold

• What steps to take if you have mold

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About the Presenters:

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Matthew Burke is a Project Manager at Octagon Cleaning and Restoration and an accomplished property restoration professional with over 20 years of experience in mitigation and restoration. He specializes in restoring both commercial and residential properties affected by water, fire, and mold damage throughout New England. Matthew is a Certified Structural Mold Investigator and Certified Mold Remediator, and holds IICRC certification in Water Damage Restoration.

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Robin Mullins is the Business Development Manager for Octagon Cleaning and Restoration, bringing extensive experience in relationship building and organizational growth. She holds a degree in Elementary Education and a master’s in Adult Education with a focus on HR and Training & Development from the University of Southern Maine. She spent over 20 years with Hannaford in operations and HR, and later served as President/CEO of the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, earning Maine State Chamber Executive of the Year in 2023. At Octagon, Robin leads business development by cultivating referral networks, building strategic partnerships, and supporting marketing and project teams to drive growth and deliver exceptional client service.

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Program Level:

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Basic

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Content Area(s):

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Mold Remediation and Verification

The Impact of Mold on Human Health

Investigating Mold and Chronic Dampness

Mold Communications: Managing Occupant Concerns

Strategies to Prevent Mold in Buildings​

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