When you first walk into the head office of successful cleaning company, Cleantech Service Group, you’re struck with an immediate sense of inspiration and encouragement. Richmond-based Cleantech specializes in exterior and interior janitorial services for commercial and residential properties but has the splashes of colour and energy perhaps more expected of high tech start-ups in slick urban centres. The entire office features motivational, spirited concepts written on its walls, all focused on keeping every team member informed, involved and celebrated.
“Quite simply, we are a company that puts people first, not machines,” explains Iain Hunt, CEO, Cleantech. “We have 26 employees as part of our administrative vision and 260 in the field working hands-on. The people, their quality of work and commitment to being amazing are what make us tick. If people aren’t inspired, they aren’t happy and healthy.”
Cleantech’s commitment to giving back to Richmond Hospital is clearly an extension of that same mindset. Cleantech has sponsored the Annual Richmond Hospital Foundation Golf Tournament for four years. Last year, Hunt felt it was time for a larger role and now lends his exemplary leadership to the Golf Event Committee. Earlier this month, the tournament raised $318,000 (net), a record since its inception eight years ago.
“The more time I have spent with Richmond Hospital staff, the Foundation and its partners over the years, the more time I want to spend giving back to the hospital,” says Hunt. “The doctors are so committed not only to health care overall but genuinely, to the people. We are cut from the same cloth that way. It’s a natural fit.”
Cleantech was launched in 1996 by two entrepreneurial brothers. After a decade building their company, the high level thinkers began a search for someone who could focus on the details. In 2005, Hunt joined Cleantech as CEO. Cleantech’s growth became more rapid as did the number of clients based in Richmond.
So, when it came time to choose the location for a new headquarters, Richmond was a no-brainer for Hunt. “Knowing so many of our employees would be close to such quality health care absolutely helped swing the decision. Richmond Hospital is here for residents of all ages, but it’s also here for employees of businesses here, including my own.” Hunt adds, “While I haven’t been a patient, I’m reassured by the calibre of professionals I’ve had the chance to meet that I’m in excellent hands if I ever do need care.”
