Life doesn’t always go as planned—whether it’s a biohazard, hoarding, or trauma scene, sometimes people don’t know where to turn. In the Plano and Allen area, Bio-One Plano, led by Kory Tharp, is the answer.
Turning Tragedy Into Support
Kory Tharp’s background is in healthcare, specifically in sleep and respiratory care. Kory wanted to find a new way to help people in their most difficult moments, which led him to start Bio-One Plano. "Health always comes first," Kory says. "Even though this business is different, the principle is the same—helping people when they need it most."
Bio-One Plano offers biohazard cleanup, including crime scene cleanup and hoarding cleanup, along with trauma scene remediation. The company specializes in cleaning after situations that are too overwhelming for most people to handle on their own.
Not Just a Job, but a Calling
The work that Bio-One Plano does is heavy. When people call, it's often because they are facing a life-altering situation. Kory explains that those calling often don’t know where to turn. "We make sure they feel heard and supported," he says. “This is about more than cleaning; it’s about offering care in their time of crisis.”
Handling Sensitive Situations with Care
One of the most emotionally challenging aspects of the business is dealing with hoarding situations. These require great patience and understanding, as hoarders often have an emotional attachment to their belongings. "You can’t just go in and start throwing things away," Kory says. "We have to build trust and help the person feel comfortable letting go of things that are no longer serving them."
In contrast to the emotional weight of hoarding cleanups, other biohazard situations—like cleaning up after accidents or disasters—are traumatic in different ways. Kory points out that in both types of situations, empathy and professionalism are key. “We’re here to help people get their lives back on track,” he says.
Educating the Community
One of Kory’s biggest challenges is educating the public on when and why to call a professional cleanup service. “The police won’t hand out a business card for cleanup services. People don’t know who to call,” he says. Many times, family or friends of the affected person are the ones reaching out for help.
To bridge this gap, Kory has worked tirelessly to spread the word. He networks through local organizations, including churches, property management groups, and the Chamber of Commerce. "We want people to know there’s help when they need it," he says. "There’s no reason to face these situations alone."
Taking Care of the Team
The emotional toll of biohazard cleanup is real, not just for the families involved but also for the workers. “We see things most people never will,” Kory says. “That can affect your mental health.”
At Bio-One Plano, Kory prioritizes the well-being of his team. "We check in with each other regularly and offer counseling when needed," he says. “If someone needs a break or wants to talk, we make sure they have the support they need.”
Looking Ahead
Bio-One Plano is a growing business, and Kory has big plans for its future. "We want to grow three or four times the size we are now," he says. The goal is to add more vehicles, more staff, and expand the service area, all to ensure they can help more people, more quickly. "We never want to say no to someone who needs help," Kory adds.
Eventually, Kory hopes to transition from being the owner-operator to a more managerial role, allowing him to focus on business growth while still maintaining the compassionate service Bio-One is known for.
Pull Quote # 1: “We’re here to offer peace of mind when it’s needed most,” Kory says. "It’s not just about cleaning; it’s about caring for people in crisis."
Pull Quote #2: “We’re here to offer peace of mind when it’s needed most,” Kory says. "It’s not just about cleaning; it’s about caring for people in crisis."