Business Spotlight

with Atmosphere Supply

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT written by: pete healy // photo by: mike cyrus

Justin Byall is a second-generation owner of Atmosphere Supply, which is based in Nicholasville Kentucky. His father, David started the company in Kentucky in 1986 after launching several franchise models in the Western states finally settling his family in Lexington. Justin learned the business by working with him since he was 14. He believed strongly in mentorship from an early age to instill business sense, and work ethic. The company started as a franchise and evolved into its own brand in 2011. Under Justin’s leadership the company has now expanded and has two sister divisions. "My father is and always has been the greatest influence in my life," Justin says. "He taught me to spend time with people getting to know them on a personal level whenever possible. The business would then build naturally." David Byall passed nearly six years ago, but his mentorship lessons continue.

Atmosphere Supply is a Janitorial Supplies and Services company. Our core business is sourcing and delivering on-time commercial cleaning tools, supplies, specialty chemicals, fl oor cleaning equipment, PPE and paper products. Atmosphere’s trained cleaning crews are there to handle diffi cult cleaning challenges which most companies cannot do in-house. Our strength is knowledge and know-how. Sister companies include Hydrosphere Services which offers environmental exterior cleaning and Atmosphere Air Quality which offers air duct and dryer vent cleaning as well as odor fogging. Many of our clients are horse farm owners, or suppliers and service partners to the equine industry. What makes each day enjoyable for me is that our clients always bring us new opportunities and challenges. Over the past 16 months we have spent much of our focus on the equine industry. This was inspired by some equine clients, because Rotovirus B had reared its ugly head during their 2020 foaling season. This novel virus caused havoc on foal mortality. We were also challenged by a prominent local equine veterinarian to see how we could help farms with implementing their biosecurity more effectively and effi ciently. The challenge was accepted. The culmination of this work is the recent publication of a book titled “Biosecurity for the Equine Industry – A Practical Guide to Proper Implementation”. The book was not written from a veterinary perspective, but rather from a Janitorial/Sanitation perspective. Primarily educational, the book offers real world practical strategies and solutions – customizable for each farm, to enhance farm biosecurity. It is primarily focused on biosecurity for breeding farms, where keeping precious foals alive is vital for the farms’ success. The book is a tremendous guide for how to thoroughly clean, sanitize or disinfect all the different types of surfaces found on farms. There is a valuable section on which tools, equipment, chemicals, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are best for each job. This is a very timely publication which we hope will be a valuable resource to everyone involved in the equine industry. Atmosphere Supply is now uniquely positioned to serve the Kentucky thoroughbred industry as a Biosecurity resource.

Janitorial Supplies

Chemicals Matting Cleaning Supplies Paper Cleaning Equipment Trash Cans + Liners

Skin + Personal Care

Dispensers Sanitizers Soap Wipes

Facilities & Grounds

Batteries Safety Apparel Safety Footwear Gloves Equipment

Equine Products

Disinfectants Cleaner/Degreasers PPE Products Sprayers + Autoscrubbers Equipment

Atmosphere Supply’s mission is “building strong customer relationships through superior service”. My personal mantra in life is “every client should be a friend”. We are proud to have clients that have been with us over 30 years, without any contracts, because they trust us and appreciate that we do what we say we will, we do it well and we do it on time. We always stand behind our work to ensure each client is satisfi ed and happy. We have helped many horse farms over the last 18 months to revamp their Biosecurity. If you aren’t moving forward, you are going backwards. We are glad to offer new solutions.

"In my personal life I am most passionate about spending time with my two boys, before they leave home. We enjoy time boating at the lake and most recently playing pickleball together. My oldest runs cross-country at school and we love supporting his events. In his spare time, he also runs his own lawn care business so he’s got an entrepreneurial side that we love. I have been very fortunate in my life to make great business contacts through my own hobbies, especially as a scuba instructor for over 25 years. Many have become lifelong friends, including my lovely wife, Heather." To someone considering starting a new business I would offer this advice. Most successful businesses are evaluated on their ability to connect on a personal level with their customers. It is important to love people, all people. It’s easy to fi nd common ground with those that think and sound like you. When you meet those who don’t, make them feel appreciated and listen to their needs. Then you’ll have a long-term friend and customer. Any business should be about people, especially your associates. When your whole team is customer focused and rowing in the same direction, on the same boat, then you have a successful business model. Teamwork is always fun and rewarding.

"We wish great success to all the Breeders Cup Owners, Trainers, Jockeys and Racefans coming to Lexington in November. God bless you and your horses" -Justin Byall