PSS—From the Ground Up:  Twenty Years in the Making 

With workplace hazards a constant concern, prioritizing  safety is essential for every business. Pearson Safety Solutions (PSS) has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to ensure the well-being of their employees and compliance with industry standards. PSS has expanded to include clients all over the USA, Canada, and the UK. No company is too small or too large to qualify for our services, and we are very proud of that fact.  For twenty years, customer service has been and will always be the focus of PSS. 

Ground Zero—One Woman’s Vision 

PSS started with my vision of a safety company that would provide on-site and in-person safety training.  It became a reality through a discussion with a friend of my late husband, Lee Allen Pearson, who valued safety as much as I did. Lee always believed that I could build a safety consulting firm that provided safety excellence in the workplace and incorporated my passion for not just having a safety program but also fostering a safety culture. Unfortunately, Lee died suddenly at the age of 44 in 2000, leaving me without my constant cheerleader. However, the strength and faith he instilled in me would be the catalyst I needed to follow my dreams. His friend, along with the team of owners at Jabezco, Inc., which he was part of, stepped in to support my efforts in making this dream a reality.

In 2005, through a series of unexpected events, Pearson Safety Services was launched. To this day, I remain deeply grateful for their faith in me and the lasting friendships that grew from that joint venture.

Years 0-10: Building a Woman-Owned Business

PSS began in a spare bedroom before expanding multiple times to accommodate more space, training rooms, and new branches, ultimately offering a wide range of services worldwide. As a woman in the safety industry, I encountered many unique experiences, and it wasn’t long before I became known as “The Safety Lady,” a title I still wear with pride today.

PSS initially focused on the construction and industrial sectors, where workplace safety was a top priority yet often overlooked. Having worked in environments with inconsistent safety practices, my team and I became dedicated to helping organizations address the root causes of safety issues through proper education, risk management strategies, and ongoing support.

From the start, my vision for PSS was to become the premier safety consulting firm, known for unparalleled expertise and exceptional customer service. Our team has always been a blend of seasoned safety professionals with years of field experience and emerging experts bringing fresh, innovative ideas. Through my experience across various industries and trades, I identified a critical gap in the market—practical, customized safety programs that not only met regulatory standards but also fostered a true culture of safety among employees. To continue growing the business and establishing myself as a highly qualified safety professional, I have earned my CSP and multiple training certifications. I also encourage my team to do the same, ensuring we provide the highest level of service to our clients.

Years 10-20: Expanding Beyond a Woman-Owned Business  

Pearson Safety Services, Inc. expanded to encompass all aspects of safety, including staffing, training, and site audits nationwide. We became known for our top-tier, down-to-earth trainers who delivered real-world expertise. As our reputation grew, we began attracting larger and more prominent clients.

In 2019, Compliance Management—the company that had purchased our online safety training and developed it into a robust LMS—approached me about getting involved. After discussions, we agreed that merging the two companies would allow us to grow more effectively together. Under my leadership at Pearson Safety Services and Colton McKinney’s leadership at Compliance Management, we combined forces to create Pearson Safety Solutions (PSS). 

With Colton overseeing day-to-day operations, I was able to return to the core principles that built PSS—ensuring quality services and driving our marketing efforts. PSS has since experienced rapid growth, offering a broad range of services tailored to the unique needs of various industries. Our online training platform and contractor qualification system, LinkSuite, have also flourished, providing companies with an efficient and compliant solution for training and contractor management in the expanding digital marketplace.

And just like that, 20 years have passed. Yet, our commitment to our clients and team remains unwavering. As we embark on the next 20 years, we will continue to deliver innovative safety solutions, foster strong safety cultures, and, most importantly, save lives.

Mission, Milestones, and Mainstays 

The mission of PSS has remained steadfast since its founding: to create safer workplaces for businesses of all types and sizes by providing comprehensive safety solutions, risk management, and training. Over the years, PSS has expanded its client base, working with industries such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and more. From small family-owned businesses to large corporations, we have helped organizations build safer work environments and reduce workplace accidents.

As PSS grew, we earned a reputation for excellence and professionalism in the safety industry. Our approach—combining technical expertise with a personal touch—has resonated with businesses nationwide and around the world. A key to our success has been our team’s commitment to understanding each company’s unique safety challenges and providing tailored solutions that make a real impact.

Each expansion, branch opening, and new area of expertise has been a milestone in our company’s journey. Throughout this journey, PSS has reached significant milestones, and I’ve been honored to receive personal recognition along the way. Some standout achievements include:

• Prestigious Pinnacle Award – Jackson, TN Chamber of Commerce
• Emerging Business of the Year Award – Murray, KY Chamber of Commerce
• National Safety Representative for the MCAA
• President of the Local Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers (Professionals)
• Certified as a Nationally Recognized Woman-Owned Business (WBENC)
• Minority Member of Memphis Business Entrepreneurs (MMBE)
• Uniform Certified Woman-Owned Business
• Certified by the Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprises for the State of Tennessee (Retired)

A particularly meaningful personal milestone was being selected from over 1,000 professionals to co-author the ASSE book, Consultants Business Development Guide. The proceeds from this book support scholarships for students pursuing Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) degrees—a cause I am deeply passionate about.

These achievements are not just personal successes; they represent the dedication, hard work, and collaboration of the teams, partners, clients, and employees who have contributed to PSS over the years. At our core, we remain committed to delivering exceptional customer service every day, ensuring that safety remains a top priority for the businesses we serve.

Forever Grateful

Like any success story, the journey has come with its challenges—but also with incredible investors, supporters, employees, family, friends, and contributors who have all played a role in shaping PSS. Without their unwavering support, PSS would not be the company it is today.

And then there are the clients—what a blessing it has been to meet and work with so many remarkable people over the years. Their trust, collaboration, and dedication have made this journey a true labor of love. After 20 years, there are too many to name, but each one knows the impact they have had and how much they will always mean to me.

PSS’s journey from its founding in Jackson, TN, to becoming a leading provider of safety services is a testament to our unwavering commitment to workplace safety. Through tailored solutions, expert consulting, and ongoing education, PSS helps businesses reduce risk, ensure compliance, and promote a strong safety culture—one company at a time. Because at the heart of it all, we’re investing in what matters most: people.