Conversations with the Inspiring Michaela Scarla

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michaela Scarla.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In a nutshell… I grew up watching my dad build a business from the backyard to his current machine shop in North Phoenix. I helped around the shop on and off throughout my teenage and college years. Outside of the family business, I held positions in architecture, healthcare, retail, modeling, and aerospace manufacturing, before finding my passion for auditing and business systems.

I was offered a contract auditing position with Great Western Registrar. With their help, I was able to learn many standards and achieve Lead Auditor credentials for ISO 9001 and AS9100. I also opened a consulting practice, Scarla Consulting Group, where we implement or improve business systems in preparation for ISO 9001/AS9100 certification audits.

Then, in 2016, I was elected to the Board of Information Systems Security Association Phoenix Chapter as the Director of Sponsorship. We worked tirelessly to rebrand the chapter and bring Security Titans to life. A conference with no tracks, panels, or any other distractions. It was a full day of A-List speakers and worth every ounce of love and energy we poured into it.

Near the end of 2018, news came that Great Western Registrar had sold to a larger certification body. I had a decision to make – stay the course and transfer my auditing contract or branch out as a boutique certification body. With the support of my loved ones and a few days of consideration, I decided not to transfer my contract and start Kalos Certifications, the only Phoenix-based certification body.

Has it been a smooth road?
Owning businesses always has its up and downs – but the best advice I can pass along is to ‘start now.’ You’ll never feel ready and you’ll never know everything, but an open mind, a list of actions, and willingness to learn will take you as far as you want to go. And no matter how fast or slow your business grows, it’s all progress and your beautiful creation to be proud of.

Another perspective to keep is that any struggle I have a business owner is a privilege. I get to wake up every morning and create my own path. It can’t always be smooth, but I know I’ll have the tools get through the rough patches.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Kalos Certifications story. Tell us more about the business.
Kalos certifies business systems to the ISO 9001 standard.

The ISO 9001 standard a set of rules for what a business should do relating to the design of products, handling customer orders, making/delivering a product or providing a service, handling customer complaints, and continually improving.

While ISO means equal, it does not mean ‘the same’, the fingerprint in our logo is meant to remind us that each company is unique and may present a different way of complying with the ISO standards.

Kalos has auditors that evaluate the company’s system and find opportunities for improvement. Based on those auditors’ recommendations and the recommendation of my technical board, we provide an accredited certificate stating the company is complying with ISO 9001 and maintaining the system.

Kalos is also committed to developing and retaining the best auditing talent available. At this time, we are the only CB that has an apprentice program for people seeking a career in auditing. Kalos helps potential auditors navigate the path of taking the right classes, getting authenticated, and building audit hours.

When I on board auditors, I emphasize that we are ambassadors of the standard and visit clients not just to learn/report about their business, but also teach about the standard. Each audit should be educational and not feel like a regulatory body is trying to squash the individuality of the company’s approach.

In addition, Kalos sponsors and coordinates a free, public networking event every quarter as a way of giving back to the community. Many small businesses don’t have the resources to send their team to large seminars and conferences. The AZ Quality Network meeting is a great way for them to learn about the standard, meet other suppliers, share experiences and best practices. We welcome all disciplines and levels of interest.

Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
Initially, I believe watching my dad grow as an entrepreneur was most inspiring to me.

Now, I’m surrounded by them… my best friends and my clients are all successful entrepreneurs that continue to amaze me every day. The stories of how each one came to where they are, lets me know that’s no set path and we define our own success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kaloscertifications.com
• Phone: 480-486-8007
• Email: info@kaloscertifications.com

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