Meet the Founder: Robert Weitz, CMI
Robert Weitz is an environmental testing expert, certified microbial investigator, and the founder and principal of RTK Environmental Group. He has more than 30 years of experience helping homeowners, businesses, and institutions identify and address environmental hazards such as mold, lead, asbestos, VOCs, water and soil contaminants, radon, and indoor air quality issues.
RTK is recognized as a trusted leader in unbiased environmental testing in the Northeast, and many hospitals, schools, housing authorities, government agencies, and corporations rely on Robert and his team for accurate data and clear guidance.
From construction to environmental testing
Before founding RTK Environmental Group, Robert owned and operated a construction firm in Westport, Connecticut, focusing on commercial and residential construction and remodeling for more than a decade. Through this work, he gained deep knowledge of building systems—how structures are put together and how they can fail over time.
As awareness of the health hazards of lead grew, Robert purchased one of the first X‑ray fluorescence (XRF) instruments used to test for lead in paint, dust, and soil. Seeing first‑hand the importance of lead testing before renovation, and recognizing the lack of clear industry guidance, he launched his own lead inspection company and helped drive new standards in the field.
Founding NALI and shaping lead‑testing standards
To support and professionalize this emerging industry, Robert founded the National Association of Lead Inspectors (NALI). He served as president for four years, during which NALI grew to about 300 members and held multiple conferences each year.
NALI helped shape many practices that later became industry standards for safe lead testing and renovation. Robert was invited to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to contribute to the development of high‑quality, safe lead testing protocols that protect the public.
Building RTK Environmental
In 1995, Robert expanded his services beyond lead to include a full suite of environmental testing services under the newly formed RTK Environmental Group. Today, RTK operates throughout the Northeast, including Connecticut, the metro New York area (Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, and Orange counties, Long Island, and New York City), and northern New Jersey.
Over the course of his career, Robert has personally performed more than 4,500 home environmental inspections and reviewed more than 40,000 environmental testing reports. He also personally trains and oversees RTK’s team of inspectors, who serve commercial, industrial, and residential clients. These inspectors bring backgrounds in fields such as biology and environmental sciences, which strengthens RTK’s collective expertise and benefits every client.
Certifications, media, and community work
Robert is a Certified Microbial Investigator, board‑certified through the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC) and the American Indoor Air Quality Association. He holds multiple lead testing and consulting credentials in New York and Connecticut through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Connecticut Department of Health.
He is frequently called upon as an expert source in the media and has been featured in major outlets such as the New York Times, NBC’s Today, New York Post, Martha Stewart Living, Bob Vila, Inside Edition, Home & Garden, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and Stamford Advocate, often discussing mold, spore morphology, and environmental testing best practices. Robert also gives back to the community by providing free environmental inspections for low‑income residents and supporting educational initiatives for future environmental professionals.
Robert is a graduate of Siena College and lives in Connecticut.
