Think forensics. Think Trinity DNA Solutions. This state-of-the-art, accredited private forensic laboratory is one of only 12 of its kind in the entire United States. It is also the first of two in the state of Florida. Trinity DNA Solutions provides DNA testing to law enforcement agencies, courtroom officials, and the general public based on three areas of expertise: forensic, paternity, and identity.
The brainchild behind Trinity DNA Solutions is Northwest Florida native Candy Zuleger, a woman who by her own admission never envisioned herself as an entrepreneur. Nevertheless, she is the force behind this innovative and successful business. On any given day, Candy can be found in a lab coat peering through a microscope or powering up the CrimeScope to review evidence from a case.
Zuleger started Trinity DNA Solutions after working in law enforcement for nearly eight years and recognizing a blatant void: quality private forensic DNA testing. She couldn’t help but raise the bar when it came to this critical matter. She certainly has played a role in an ever-changing, ever-vital field.
Ten to 15 years ago, scientists required a large amount of blood or hair to make a DNA match. Today, Trinity DNA can get a profile from a spot of evidence the size of the tip of a pen. The demand for private lab has also skyrocketed in light of the current backlog of cases at state and county crime labs, where processing can take upward of a year. Trinity DNA can solve cases in about 30 days and rush cases in 10 days or less.
It’s good business. But, the reality is this: Business aside, Zuleger is still a scientist at heart. Her background in cellular and molecular biology coupled with her firsthand experience in law enforcement serve as the strong foundation for Trinity DNA, which is the lead DNA facility serving North Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.
Zuleger chose to locate Trinity DNA Solutions in Santa Rosa County partly because of its proximity to multiple states but, moreover, because of the region’s business climate and its brand promise: Life By Design.
TEAM Santa Rosa Economic Development Council and the University of West Florida’s Small Business Development Center were both instrumental in attracting Trinity DNA to Santa Rosa County. Bottom line, they helped secure Trinity DNA property in an enterprise zone, offered attractive financial incentives, and pledged ongoing support, which continues to this day.
Trinity DNA is headquartered in Santa Rosa County, Florida, but because it is internationally accredited can process cases and consult throughout the United States and beyond. Now, that’s putting Northwest Florida on the map.