Springfield, MA – When Rick Paixao graduated from college after earning his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bentley University, he intended on pursuing a career in that field. However, following the tragic loss of his sister, Rick’s father asked him to temporarily come home for six months to help while they navigated life.
“43 years later I never left,” Rick said.
Rick took over leadership in 1991, joined by his wife Debbie. Over the years, they continued building on the company’s established foundation, while expanding into several counties and expanding their workforce.
The KleenRite team has grown from a team of 12 to over 70 employees today. Despite this expansion, the company has maintained its small-business feel by staying true to its straightforward approach; high-quality service, reasonable pricing, and local reputation.
Leading the “Part-Time Army”
The success of KleenRite Services today reflects a 70-year journey of growing locally, while never losing sight of its commitment to its staff and the clients they serve.
“We are primarily a part-time army. Our staff comes out after already working an eight-hour day to provide for their families. It’s a long day and you have to completely admire your staff for their hard work,” Rick says. “Our success is based on their dedication.”
The Rule of Leadership
When Rick took over the “boss” role from his father in 1991, he knew he had to earn his place and earn respect.
His leadership philosophy is built on two non-negotiable principles:
- Never ask others to do what you aren’t willing to do: “Don’t ask people to do what you haven’t done,” he insists.
- Family first, business second. Always. Rick learned early on to never lead with a business question. Start your conversations by asking about their family.
“I also care deeply about not only the work they do, but their families that they are supporting. I know employees by name, always ask how they are doing,” Rick said. “One lesson I learned very young was never talk business first. You always ask how the family is doing, how the kids are doing, whatever. Then move into business.”
Evolving for the Next Generation
While the heart of KleenRite Services remains unchanged, the world around it has evolved over the years. Since Rick joined the family business in 1983, many locally-owned family businesses have disappeared due to lack of generational interest or they didn’t have anyone to proceed with them.
“Many of the smaller firms that are my size have gone out of business or purchased by bigger companies,” Rick said.
Rick navigated the transition into the digital age, moving the company from traditional ways of doing things to incorporating modern payroll and billing technology. Now as Jonathan joins the leadership team, the most important lesson Rick is passing down is to treat your staff like family.
“Your staff is your backbone. The only reason that you get to do what you do is because they’re supporting you, they’re holding you up,” Rick said. “Respect your staff, pay your staff. Get to know your staff. The rest follows.”