About Brilliant

OWNER/PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Phil has had an extensive and distinguished career with more than 35 years of experience in the environmental consulting field. Prior to launching Brilliant Environmental Services, LLC (Brilliant), he was owner of the Toms River, NJ-based Environmental Evaluation Group (EEG) from 1993 to 2003 and became president in 2002.

During his decade-long tenure at EEG, Phil helped grow the company from one office, four employees, and gross sales of $425,000 to two offices, 38 professionals, and $7+ million in sales. In addition, he transformed the firm into one of the most reputable underground storage tank remediation firms in NJ, providing consulting services for a number of Fortune 100 companies.

His well-rounded expertise also includes project management; field supervision; quality control of field data and data-acquisition techniques; development and implementation of site-specific sampling methodologies for air, soil, and water contaminants; environmental permitting for development and site compliance; soil boring; child care licensing environmental assessments in NJ; and well-installation supervision. In October 2009, Phil was approved as one of the first Licensed Site Remediation Professionals (LSRP) in NJ in accordance with the Site Remediation Reform Act.

In May 2010, Phil was nominated by NJ Governor Christie to serve on the State's Site Remediation Professional Licensing Board (SRPLB) as one of the thirteen members. In June 2010, Phil's nomination was confirmed by the NJ State Senate. In 2015, Phil was re-confirmed by the NJ State Senate for another term on the SRPLB as the LSRP who represents a Statewide Environmental Organization (GreenFaith). Phil is the Chairperson of the Professional Conduct Committee and the Independence Professional Judgment Committee.

Phil has managed numerous environmental due diligence portfolios and is frequently tapped for expert environmental litigation testimony. He also provides testimony at planning and zoning board meetings throughout NJ, NY, and PA.

A graduate of Cook College at Rutgers University, Phil earned a Bachelor of Science degree in international environmental studies/law and institutions and has since been awarded numerous registrations and certifications from State and national organizations. In 2021, Phil was appointed as regular member of the Toms River Municipal Utilities Authority by the Mayor and Council of Toms River.  He is past President of the Ocean County Business Association (OCBA), Immediate Past Chairman of the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce and currently the Chairman of the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Board Member of Michael's Feat, Treasurer and member of the Executive Committee of GreenFaith and Past President of Congregation B'nai Israel, Toms River, NJ.  In 2023, Phil was appointed to 2 esteemed Board of Directors in New Jersey’s environmental protection and sustainability fields; those being the Ocean Wind Pro-NJ Grantor Trust Board and New Jersey League of Conservation Voters.

Phil resides in Toms River with man's best friends Leonard and Louie, and has 3 beautiful daughters, Andrea of Charleston, SC, Jessica along with Phil's two grandson Sami and Dean, of Brick, NJ and Louise “Lou” of Erie, CO, along with her best friend Penny (cat). In Phil's spare time, if he has any, he loves hanging out at the Brilliant Resort, attending Rutgers Football and Basketball games and traveling.

Q.  What is your personal 2024 resolution? 

A.   Continue my path to healthier living and travel to Europe or Israel for the first time.

Q.  “I bet you didn’t know (about me).…”  

A.   During my senior year of college at Rutgers, my flag football team competed in the National Flag Football Championships in New Orleans.  You won’t be surprised to find out we spent more time on Bourbon Street than on the football field.

Q.   Your all-time favorite movie:  

A.   Tough to choose, but…”For the Love of the Game”

Q.   If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, famous or infamous, family, friend or foe, who would it be? 

A.   I would welcome anytime again with my mom, not sure 1 dinner would be enough, but if not her, Ronald Reagan (though I did have dinner with him once)

DIRECTOR OF LSRP/INDUSTRIAL SERVICES

Brian has over 15 years experience completing site remediation on industrial and commercial projects in New Jersey and New York. Brian is a Senior Project Manager and Licensed Site Remediation Professional at the Brilliant Environmental Services, LLC (Brilliant) Haddonfield, New Jersey office. Mr. Babcock's experience includes project management of commercial and industrial properties as well as Brownfield Sites and Retail Gasoline Stations; preparation of Phase I ESA's, Preliminary Assessments, and ISRA Compliance; field supervision of projects; development and implementation of site-specific investigation and remediation strategies; soil boring, well installation supervision, and report preparation. He is also responsible for implementation of Remedial Action Workplans, including groundwater and soil remediation. Mr. Babcock has served as a Panelist for Chemistry Council of NJ's Remedial Action Permit Application Training Course. Additional responsibilities include regular communication with clients and local and state regulatory agencies.

Brian is a graduate of Lehigh University with a degree in Environmental Science. Brian resides in Haddon Heights with his wife Mary and their children Roger and Vera. In Brian's spare time he likes to hike, play soccer (coach these days) and attending concerts.

Q. What is your personal 2024 resolution? 

A. Maintain healthy eating habits and stay involved in local activities and groups. 

Q. “I bet you didn’t know (about me).…”

A. I am the very first Room “Dad” at my son’s school. 

Q. Your all-time favorite movie 

A. Goonies and Jaws

Q. If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, famous or infamous, family, friend or foe, who would it be? 

A. Phil Lesh

Sean has over 26 years of experience completing soil, groundwater, and indoor air assessments, and remediation oversight of various impacted media throughout New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania and the 5 Boroughs of NYC. Sean is a Senior Project Manager and a Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) at the Brilliant Environmental, Jackson, New Jersey office. Mr. Barnes's experience includes assessment and project management of commercial and industrial properties as well as asbestos and mold assessments and remediation oversight; preparation of Phase I ESA's, Preliminary Assessments, Site Investigations, Remedial Investigations, Remedial Workplans and Remedial Action reports; ISRA compliance, field investigations, field supervision and proactive communication with clients and State/County/municipal agencies. 

Sean is a graduate of Penn State University with a Degree in Environmental Resource Management. Sean resides in Falls Township, Pennsylvania with his wife April and daughter Lilli. Sean loves to go skiing, jetskiing, motor/sail boating, and anything related to water activities. Sean has recently accumulated a "Flotilla" of river tubes during/post-Covid period to float down the Delaware River on weekends with his friends and family.

Q. What is your personal 2024 resolution? 

A. To spend more time with my family, lose a few pounds and visit friends from the past

Q.“I bet you didn’t know (about me).…”  

A. I was kicked out of a Karaoke bar after trying to sing “Lady” by the Commodores and the DJ played “Lady” by Lionel Richie (so it really wasn’t my fault) 

Q. Your all-time favorite movie

A. Has to be Bohemian Rhapsody now just to listen to Freddy Mercury’s one of a kind voice and see that performance again from Live Aid in Philly.

Q. If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, famous or infamous, family, friend or foe, who would it be? 

A. My father, I would like to tell him how proud I am to be a father now and the amazing traits I adopted from him on being a great father.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Louise (they/them) received their Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Appalachian State University in Sustainable Development and a specialization in Environmental Science. They are rejoining the Brilliant team since leaving in August, 2020 to relocate to Denver, Colorado where they expanded their areas of expertise as an urban beekeeper, middle school science teacher and environmental public interest fundraiser. Most recently Louise has been employed by the City of Boulder, Department of Open Space, Mountain and Parks on the Vegetation Stewardship Crew where the main focus is to mitigate the spread and lifespan of invasive noxious weeds, grasses and trees. No matter what their job is, they strive to have a hand in combating the climate crisis in any way possible.

Louise will remain remote, working from their beautiful Erie, Colorado office with their two very professional and furry assistants; Penny and Ladybird. Louise is a NJ Devils fan, but enjoys every opportunity to see hockey live, as well as snowboarding, camping and hiking.

What is your personal 2024 resolution: Successfully grow a native meadow in my yard

I bet you didn't know about me: In my free time I like to paint and make sculptures with bones I collect.

Favorite movie: Clue (with Tim Curry, duh)

Dinner with anyone alive or dead: Jeff Probst

DIRECTOR OF UST OPERATIONS/TECHNICAL SERVICES

Jon has over 25 year experience performing consulting services on site remediation projects. Jon oversees Brilliant's underground storage tank operations, including soil and groundwater investigation and remediation on residential and commercial properties. He is responsible for remedial activities and investigations, along with the firm's remedial action workplan design and implementation in NJ, using technologies like in-situ chemical oxidation and multi-phase recovery. Jonathan provides development and implementation of site-specific sampling methodologies for contaminants in the air, soil, and water; permitting and operation of remedial systems for contamination of soil, groundwater, and surface water; soil boring; well-installation supervision; groundwater modeling; and report preparation.

Jon has a degree in Geology from Rutgers University. Jon currently resides in Manchester, NJ along with his wife Kim and their children Colin and Megan. Jon enjoys long walks on the beach and boardwalk at the Jersey Shore, as well as the Outer Banks.

Q. What is your personal 2024 resolution? 

A. Continue the healthier lifestyle I started in 2023.

Q. “I bet you didn’t know (about me).…” 

A. “I’ll bet you didn’t know that I’ve seen Mettalica 3 times”

Q. Your all-time favorite movie 

A. “Caddyshack”

Q. If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, famous or infamous, family, friend or foe, who would it be?

A. “George Washington”

OFFICE MANAGER

Karen is the glue that holds the Brilliant team together. There is a time to be serious and a time to have fun and Karen completely understands the time to have fun part! Karen has a unique ability to relieve the stress of any situation, collect money from clients even when the clients are fighting to pay and manage both accounts receivable and payables. When Brilliant went through the toughest of times in 2017-2019, Karen stood by Phil's side with great advice, support and concepts to get Brilliant through the end. The best word to describe Karen is dedication. Since her graduation from the Stuart School of Business Administration in 2001, she has only been employed by one law office and now Brilliant since 2013, while raising her daughters and managing her house.

Karen lives in Brick with her daughters Kayleigh and Ava, as well as 4-legged friend Bentley. Karen likes to spend time with her daughters and close friends when she is not managing the office. If the opportunity comes along, she enjoys getting shitfaced too.

Q. If the obstacle of money (and your job at Brilliant) was removed, what would be the first trip of 2023? 

A. Greece

Q. What did I like doing when I was younger that I’ve lost touch with? 

A. Not paying bills!!!  I couldn’t wait to be an adult. If only I knew then what I know now.  SMH

Q. What is your personal 2024 resolution? 

A. Stop stressing about the things I cannot change

Environmental Scientist II

Olivia is a recent college graduate of Rutgers University, with a degree in Environmental Science. Olivia has proven to not only be a fast learner, but an analytical thinker on the presentation of laboratory analysis and completion models. Cold days, hot days, rainy days, snowy days, Olivia balances her responsibilities in the field and in the office.

Olivia is enjoying life at the Jersey Shore, but still makes her back to North Jersey every chance she gets. Olivia likes to go to the beach with friends and family in her free time.

Q. What is your personal 2024 resolution? 

A. Say yes to more thing’s aka be more adventurous. 

Q. “I bet you didn’t know (about me).…” 

A. I bet you didn’t know that I was a nationally ranked paddle tennis player when I was 14 years old. 

Q. Your all-time favorite movie 

A. Grease. 100%

Q. If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, famous or infamous, family, friend or foe, who would it be?

A. My best friends. We always have the best time together. 

Environmental Scientist II

Bill is a graduate of Ramapo College of New Jersey, with a Bachelors of Arts in Environmental Studies and a Minor in Environmental Science.  Bill has over 4 years of environmental experience, including performing field bench testing and application of in-situ remedial technologies, such as chemical oxidation and bioremediation at petroleum and chlorinated solvent contaminated sites.  He also has over 4 year experience collecting soil, sediment, surface water and groundwater samples at contaminated sites throughout New Jersey.

Bill was raised in Jackson, New Jersey, but currently lives in Bordentown, New Jersey.

Q. What is your personal 2024 resolution? 

A. Spend more time with my family and to buy a house 

Q. “I bet you didn’t know (about me).…”

A. I have a cat and his name is Rasin. 

Q. Your all-time favorite movie 

A. Nocturne 

Q. If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, famous or infamous, family, friend or foe, who would it be?

A. Lil peep 

Due Diligence Coordinator / Senior Project Scientist

Zach is a graduate of Kean University with a Bachelor’s degree in Geology/Earth Science.  Zach has over 3 years of environmental consulting experience in New Jersey, completing tasks for Project Managers and LSRPs on site remediation projects.  Zach is an experienced groundwater and soil sampler, as well as a soil logger on the installation of soil borings and monitoring wells.  Having overseen underground storage tank removals, Zach is also experienced in the regulatory and technical requirements in New Jersey of tank closure activities.  Zach is working on underground storage tank as well as industry site remediation at Brilliant and preparing draft milestone reports for LSRPs.

Zach lives in Brick, NJ and when not working, he likes to surf, hang with friends and family and travel whenever he gets the chance.  Fun fact about Zach…he is a triplet with two sisters (not identical).  They were all womb-mates!

Q. What is your personal 2024 resolution? 

A. More reading, less screen time.

Q. “I bet you didn’t know (about me).…” 

A. I am a triplet. (Can I use that again?) 

Q. Your all-time favorite movie 

A. The Shawshank Redemption

Q . If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, famous or infamous, family, friend or foe, who would it be?

A. Nothing beats a nice dinner with family and closest friends.

SENIOR REMEDIATION TECHNICIAN

Scott has almost 20 years of site remediation experience, providing technician services from groundwater sampling to operation of Multi-Phase Recovery (MPR) Units (High Vacuum Extraction). Scott single handedly can take apart the mobile MPR units, repair or replace the engine and have the system operating in 24 hours. Scott is the ultimate technician, combining his knowledge of equipment and engines with his ability to solve problems, to keep Brilliant's fleet of vehicles, equipment and treatment systems operating 365 per year.

Scott is responsible for daily operation of remediation systems, including but not limited to MPR. Scott is well versed in the operation of soil venting, air sparge and high vacuum extraction systems, as well as mobile MPR. Scott's knowledge of remediation equipment and site conditions, improves his ability to efficiently operate system under the most adverse conditions on the eastern portion of the United States.

Scott resides in Toms River with his wife Mary and enjoys riding motorcycles and driving fast cars.

Q. What is your personal 2024 resolution?

A. Figure how to get rich quick

Q “I bet you didn’t know (about me).…”

A.  Like to play ping pong

Q. Your all-time favorite movie

A. Apocalypse Now 

Q. If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, famous or infamous, family, friend or foe, who would it be?

A. Dan Marino