WILSON RICARDO CASALLAS | JANITORIAL EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT JULY 2025
- Erin Williams
- Jul 31
- 18 min read
This month’s Spotlight winner brings purpose to everything he does, at work and in life. Grounded by faith, motivated by family, and guided by a mindset of service, humility, and growth, Wilson (who goes by his middle name, Ricardo) defines success through presence, persistence, and learning from every experience. “Ask yourself where you want to go. Focus on growth, not just the paycheck. Lead with spirit, heart, and a sense of family.”
Any custodial worker knows they are more than "just" a janitor— and we agree!
At Accurate Building Maintenance, our team members are the backbone of our team and the heartbeat of our purpose: inspiring personal and professional growth while creating clean, healthy, safe communities. They take care of our customers, so we take care of them like family—the best kind! We are so grateful for all they do each day and love to see them grow and succeed.
Our monthly Janitorial Employee Spotlight series features one of our amazing team members, showcasing what it’s like to work in the cleaning industry at Accurate, where we #KeepItFun.
This month, we're proud to spotlight Wilson Ricardo Casallas, a janitorial team member who has made a big impact in many ways since joining Accurate nearly two and a half years ago. A native of Colombia, Wilson—known throughout at our company by his middle name, Ricardo—leads with humility, intention, and a strong sense of what matters both at work and in his personal life.
He brings more than just skill to the job. He sees every task as a mission, every mistake as a chance to grow, and every day as a new opportunity to give his best. Whether stepping in during a leadership gap or supporting a new site in transition, Ricardo shows up with consistency, care, and a mindset of service. He doesn’t just do the work; he makes it meaningful.
With a mindset rooted in growth and service, Ricardo redefines what professionalism looks like, one mission at a time. He’s thoughtful, faith-filled, and steady, the kind of person who finds joy in doing things well and being present for the people he loves. Read on to be inspired by Ricardo's story, his values, and his unwavering commitment to always give his best.
Special thanks and kudos from creator/author Erin Williams (Marketing) to our dedicated Customer Service Manager Dee Perez for her leadership and assistance in carrying out this month's article!
WHAT OTHERS HAD TO SAY ABOUT RICARDO
Bonnie Miller, Accurate's Director of Workplace and Employee Experience, nominated Ricardo for his reliability, initiative, and drive to grow.
“From the very beginning, Ricardo brought heart and dedication to his janitorial role, quickly exceeding our expectations. He immediately felt like part of [his school worksite's] family, and it was clear we had finally found the right fit. Not long after, when our lead went out on maternity leave, Ricardo stepped up without hesitation—supporting the supervisor and helping keep things running smoothly for months. When the lead returned, we noticed something in Ricardo had shifted. It became clear that he truly thrived when given more responsibility. Recognizing this, we transferred him to another location that was in urgent need of a strong, dependable presence after the supervisor had departed. Once again, Ricardo jumped right in, taking on the challenge with focus and determination. Since then, he has continued to learn, grow, and rise to the occasion. His dedication and willingness to step up wherever he's needed are exactly what we look for in our team. I’m confident that Ricardo will keep gaining the knowledge and experience to go even further within our company.” -Bonnie Miller, Accurate Director of Workplace and Employee Experience, Las Vegas
Ricardo’s teammates describe him as someone who shows up, follows through, and earns trust, not by talking himself up, but by doing things right.
“Ricardo is a hardworking, respectful person who knows how to work as a team. He is a person who knows how to follow rules. I’m happy for him that because of his determination, he has grown in this company.” -Ailed Arreola, Accurate Shift Lead, Las Vegas
“It fills me with satisfaction to be able to say a few words about Mr. Wilson Casallas. It is truly a privilege to know him and interact with him. Those of us who have worked with him have found him to be a person of great value and good habits. He is committed, disciplined, organized, punctual, honest, very well-prepared, hardworking—an excellent human being. It is a privilege that we can count on him. Well deserved!” -Julia Duran, Accurate Crew Member , Las Vegas
"Congratulations to Mr. Ricardo for his commitment and responsibility to the company. He's a team player based on responsibility, trust, and performance. I'm glad to know he's doing well in his new role, and I send him my best wishes." -Joselyne Garcia, Accurate Crew Member , Las Vegas
Ricardo’s mindset and work ethic quickly stood out to our leadership team, earning praise for the energy and high standards he brings to every role.
“Ricardo brings pride, purpose, and momentum to everything he does. He steps up without hesitation and sets a high standard through his actions. We’re proud to have him on the Accurate team!"” -Alex Finken, Accurate CEO & Visionary, Las Vegas
The pride Ricardo takes in his work and the energy he brings to each day are what others value most—qualities that make him an essential part of the team.
“Ricardo consistently goes above and beyond in his daily responsibilities to ensure the buildings he maintains are always up to standard. His attention to detail, strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence are nothing short of inspiring. No task is too big or small for Ricardo. He takes initiative, tackles challenges head-on, and always makes sure the job gets done right. What truly sets Ricardo apart is the pride he takes in his work and the energy he brings to every shift. He approaches each day with a smile and a can-do attitude that uplifts everyone around him. Whether he’s staying late to ensure everything is spotless or stepping in to assist a teammate, Ricardo is the kind of person who leads by example without ever seeking recognition. Not only is he a hard worker and a go-getter, but Ricardo is also eager to grow and learn, and just as willing to teach and support others along the way. His leadership, teamwork, and willingness to help wherever needed make him an invaluable part of our team. Ricardo, thank you for your outstanding contributions and for being someone we can always count on. We appreciate everything you do, and we’re proud to have you as part of our team!” -Iliana "Lily" Guardado, Accurate Area Manager, Las Vegas
Francisco S., Facility Manager at Ricardo's first worksite and a former Accurate Area Manager, shared his appreciation for Ricardo’s impact and mindset both as a team member and as a human being.
“I would like to highlight the positive impact he has had at Accurate in such a short time. Ricardo stood out from the very first day we met. His politeness and respectful demeanor made a strong impression. Every day we crossed paths, he greeted me with, “¿Cómo está, señor?” As time went on, I noticed that he explored different techniques to make his job duties easier and save time. His ability to view situations from multiple perspectives, identify issues, and think of solutions simultaneously is impressive. He adapts to any challenge or situation that arises with ease. Ricardo is kind-hearted and genuinely cares about his coworkers. He is a natural leader who brings structure and wisdom to everything he does. His outlook on life is truly inspiring! I want to congratulate him for his hard work and dedication to making a difference. Gracias, Ricardo!” -Francisco S., Facility Manager for Accurate Customer, Las Vegas
WHAT RICARDO HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE JANITORIAL INDUSTRY AND WORKING AT ACCURATE
What's your WHY for being a cleaning industry professional? In other words, what brings you to work each day at this job, besides needing to earn a paycheck? I wouldn’t say I’m a cleaning professional. I’m a professional in the art of doing things well, whatever the task may be. If I don’t know how to do something, I approach it the same way I’ve done here at Accurate: I observe, I learn, I listen to those who know more, and I give my best to get the job done. So I don’t limit myself to just being “a cleaning professional.” Whatever task I’m given, I do it as professionally as possible—and in that sense, yes, this term fits.
Who or what inspired you to pursue this career? My inspiration comes from my mother and from God, our Almighty Father. That’s where it starts for me, more than from any one specific person or event.
As for this career, I wouldn’t say it was a planned path. When you arrive in this country, you do the work that comes your way. But what matters is what you choose to build with it, how you start to forge your own path.
I’ve never been one to chase job after job just for better pay. What matters to me is having a clear goal to follow. I believe any project you start in life takes five years to really show results. I’ve been with Accurate for two years and four months now, and I’d say the project is on track. That’s why I give my best always in whatever I take on.
What is your proudest moment working at Accurate? The moments I’m proudest of are the times I was sent back to fix something I didn’t do well. I came in with the right attitude, but no real experience in professional cleaning. Those corrections—being told, “You missed this,” or “Check under here”—taught me how to grow. That’s when I began to understand what professionalism really means in this work.
Before I started working here, I thought, "I already know how to clean because I’ve done it at home. So what could be different about coming here and doing it for work?" But there is a difference, a big one. Especially when you stop thinking about just cleaning and start thinking about customer satisfaction. That changes everything.
What's something people would never imagine you do in your job? People often get me wrong because I have a military background. So when challenges come up—when people try to push your limits or make the day harder—they don’t realize I have a level of persistence and resilience that can handle anything. Anything.
That’s where people have always underestimated me, because I’ll go all the way, as far as I have to, to achieve a goal. You can’t sell me on ideas, like that phrase some people say—a very common one among Latinos in North America: “Why do more if you’re not getting paid more?” That mindset is a trap, a dead end, for anyone who buys into it. It’s not that I don’t work for money, but for me, it’s about the satisfaction of a duty fulfilled.
What keeps you motivated at work? First and foremost, my family—my wife, my son, and my mother, who always comes before everything. They're my biggest motivation and the reason I always strive to give my best.
When it comes to our clients, I see serving them as a mission. Every day I go to work, it’s not just another shift, it’s a mission. I go with the goal of accomplishing something meaningful, even if it can’t always be measured or explained. Whatever I’m assigned, I do it with everything I’ve got. And if I haven’t been trained for something specific, that’s okay too. I’ll still find a way to fulfill the mission.
What advice would you give to someone applying or just starting at Accurate? Don’t ask how much (money). Ask yourself where you want to go. That’s the advice I’d give to anyone applying here. Focus on growth, not just the paycheck. For new employees, it can be hard to give one answer, because we all come from different ages and experiences. But no matter where you’re starting from, if you lead with spirit, heart, and a sense of family, you’ll go far.
What skill do you think everyone should learn? To stop measuring the value of what we do by money, and just do things for the passion.
What's your favorite thing about working at Accurate? I enjoy anything that requires precision, the kind of work that calls for real attention to detail. The routine tasks matter, but they don’t excite me the same way. What I really enjoy is spotting a corner and thinking, “Hmm, that spot wants to be cleaned.” I take a closer look, realize no one’s touched it in a long time, and clean it. That’s detail work. Sometimes when people say, “We’re going to do detail,” respectfully, I think—that’s not really detail.
True detail means cleaning the things that don't often get cleaned, the spots no one regularly touches because there’s no time. That’s real precision. That’s where you see true professionalism in the art of cleaning.
What's the most unexpected or funny thing that's happened to you at work? When I first started working at Accurate, I had some trouble with communication. Even though we were all speaking Spanish, different nationalities have different ways of expressing things. I’m Colombian, and I was mostly working with Mexicans. We’d misunderstand each other sometimes—not their fault, just different ways of speaking. I didn’t want to look dumb, so I stayed quiet. But I’ve had to push past that.
In Colombia, we’re raised to be very formal. We say sir, ma’am, even su merced (your grace). Here, they’d say, “You don’t have to call me that. Just call me Josefina.” But I couldn’t do it. Using first names right away didn’t feel respectful to me. So I’d joke, “Then what should I call you—doncella?” (like a maiden from the colonial days). Eventually, I told them, “You know what? You’re all queens of every era. That’s what I’ll call you. End of discussion.”
Which of Accurate's core values is most important to you, and why? (We Keep Our Word, Opportunity, Respect, Keep it Fun, and Solutions) “Keep It Fun,” to me, is about making any situation fun—in other words, not seeing it as a problem. Whatever situation life throws at you, you have to look for the bright side, the kind side. Otherwise, it all becomes 1,000% more complicated. When I look at a task as negative or boring and think, “I have to do this,” it turns into, “This will take forever,” or “This is going to drain me.” That kind of thinking and saying things like, “This isn’t my job” just makes everything harder. We should make a list of ten phrases no one should use. For example, “My job description says I don’t have to pick up leaves; I’m just supposed to sweep.” But really what’s the difference between sweeping the leaves and picking them up? For me, "Keep It Fun” means showing up with the mindset that “As long as I get to work, I’m always smiling.” That’s what makes the day go better.
How do you balance your career at Accurate with your personal and family life? There are two things I never leave the house without doing: making the bed and saying a prayer. Making the bed might seem small, but it sets the tone for my whole day. My wife and I used to disagree about it; she didn’t see it as important. But I was raised that way, and the military reinforced it. That’s when I realized my mom wasn’t just being strict—she was being wise. Then I pray. That’s where everything is grounded. I ask for protection over my family, especially my son and my mom. Just knowing they’re okay brings me peace. And when I have that peace, nothing can shake me.
“People say your life flashes before your eyes at the end, and you regret what you didn’t do. I don’t want to live like that. I try to leave nothing unsaid. I talk to my mom, I bless my son, and every night my family prays together. That moment matters. It’s not just about raising our son well. It’s about protecting our bond, our values, and our connection as a family.”
Describe your Accurate team members in 3 words. I haven’t been with this team long—they’re my second worksite since joining Accurate—but across the company, I’d use four words: stubborn, efficient, introspective, and realistic.
Stubborn. Some people are set in their ways. In Colombia, we’d call them amalgamados: used to doing things a certain way and slow to change. But I’ve learned to meet that with patience. I remind people, “It’s not about age, it’s about learning.” And I include myself in that. My persistence and resilience are high voltage. Push me as far as you want—I won’t back down from a good idea.
Efficient. People here know their jobs, stay focused, and get things done. Like ants, organized and always moving forward.
Introspective. Some are quiet, but they’re thinking. You can tell they’re observing what works and what doesn’t.
Realistic. They’re grounded. They respect the work, and they respect each other.
Which Accurate team members inspire you the most? For me, inspiration goes both ways. It’s not just about people who set a good example; it’s also about noticing what not to do. If someone acts a certain way, I ask myself, “Do I want to be seen like that?” That can be just as powerful. I once worked with someone who always had 20 reasons to say no before ever saying yes. Everything became more complicated than it needed to be. That mindset showed me exactly who I didn’t want to become. Some of my discipline came from that—not wanting to make excuses, delay things, or pass off responsibility.
As for positive inspiration, one person stands out: Ailed Arreola (click here for her Spotlight article), the night shift supervisor at my first site. She’s raising four beautiful kids, managing a full home life with her husband, and still shows up strong—working nights, staying positive, and giving her best. Watching her handle all of that made me reflect. If someone with that much on their plate can do this job with grace and consistency, what excuse do I have? Why would I complain? That, to me, is true inspiration.
WHAT RICARDO SHARED ABOUT HIMSELF
What’s one important lesson you’ve learned in the last three years?
Humility. That’s the biggest one. I come from Colombia, where everything is classified by economic strata—stratum one being the lowest, stratum six the wealthiest. But the definition of poverty there is distorted. If you have a roof, even cardboard, a stove, and a TV, you’re considered middle class, even if you don’t earn minimum wage. Stratum five often looks wealthy from the outside, but many are just living in debt and appearances. I see that here too, people trying to look like more than they have. So I came to the U.S. with that framework. I’d been here before for work, but living here is different.
“You say, ‘I know how to do other things,’ but no one cares. They just hand you a broom or a brush. You feel like you don’t matter—like the skills and experience you brought with you don’t count. That’s when you have to re-educate yourself. The word is deconstruction. You knock down the walls of your past identity and start again, brick by brick. The foundation stays, but the structure has to be new. That’s how I started building humility: by doing what needed to be done, without letting ego get in the way. At first, your pride resists. You think, ‘Why am I doing this?’ But eventually, it doesn’t weigh on you anymore. That’s when you’ve learned humility.”
How do you define success? Success is a series of mistakes. A lot of people define it with phrases like, “Don’t worry, the sun will rise tomorrow,” or “Everything will work out.” To me, that’s just fluff.
I’ve found success through failure. Being sent back to fix my work. Struggling to get things right. That’s how I started to grow, to build a real path in this profession—one where people value not how nice I am, but what I can actually do when it’s time to deliver.
I think of success like climbing a mountain—full of rocks, cliffs, traps, and a few easy stretches. It’s not about finding the easiest way up. It’s about taking the hard path, because that’s where growth happens. The hard parts shape you. And when you finally reach the top, success—like happiness—might only last a second. Sometimes even less. But the mistakes you made getting there are what make it real.
What’s something unique about you, something most people don’t know or would be surprised to find out? Most people only see about 1% of who I really am. I’ve always been private—my mom and my wife both complain about it—but I learned early on to only share certain parts of myself. It’s not about hiding, it’s about choosing how to move through life. I’m someone who slows down. I take my time to eat, make Colombian hot chocolate or coffee, enjoy a book, and just be. If I can’t enjoy something, I don’t force it. If it’s just to check a box, I’d rather not.
Maybe my biggest secret is that I’ve learned how to be content on my own. That doesn’t mean I don’t love people. It means I don’t hand over my foundation to anyone else. You can share your life, but your center has to stay grounded in yourself. We’re all human. And being human is our greatest flaw, but also our greatest truth.
What topic could you give a 20-minute presentation on without any prep?
Several: self-knowledge, objectivity, self-respect, professionalism. People think that being a professional in this line of work means I specialize in cleaning things like desks, but it's something else entirely—showing up on time, with the right supplies, and knowing exactly what you need for the job. That’s different. I could also speak about self-worth or how to approach your role as a key part of a company, not just someone going through the motions. Instead of asking someone in an interview, “What do you know how to do?” I’d ask, “What is your greatest value? Who are you?” Most people freeze when you ask that. But that’s a conversation I’m always ready to have.
If you had to eat one food every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pasta. It doesn’t need much, but it’s a real meal. People will pay $100 for it just because someone added shrimp and a few leaves on top. Pasta has what every woman would want in any moment: elegance, flavor, attitude—and it always looks good. Never out of place.
If you could give your 13-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be? “If you're doubting, it's probably because you’re wasting your time.” That phrase is on my phone screen—it shows up every time I plug it in. It’s a reminder to stop overthinking and move.
At 13, I was full of doubts. I’d tell myself two things:
1. Don’t just think—act. There’s a time for reflection, but once you’re in it, you need to move.
2. Don’t say, “I’m worried.” If something’s bothering you, take action.
That’s what I needed to hear. Back then, I thought, “I’ll never make it. Everyone else is better.” But that was just noise in my head.
Life isn’t designed for everyone to be successful or young and healthy. It’s not designed for me to be whatever I want, either. It’s designed for me to do what I’m meant to do.
If you could be anyone for a day, who would you want to be?
A homeless person. Because I’ve never seen the world from that perspective where society can shows its true face. I’ve seen it in my country and here too: people walk by, and if they ignore you, that’s it—you’re “just a homeless person.” But they’re not just that. They’re people in all kinds of situations.
I’ve had conversations with people living on the streets back home in Colombia, and the way they see the world is completely different. But to really understand it, you’d have to live it. You’d have to feel what it’s like to be ignored, to be rejected. That’s why I’d want to be homeless for a day—to understand that life from the inside, and to see why, even with everything they face, some of them still smile. And when they do, it’s a real smile—not one of pain or shame.
Honestly, it shakes me, what we’re capable of as humans. How easily we can just ignore someone else.
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you want to play you? Yul Brynner in The Magnificent Seven. I’ve always loved cowboy movies. There’s something about how they settle things directly, without dragging things out. Brynner had this intense look and commanding presence. That’s the kind of lead actor I’d want: direct, strong, no nonsense.
You're happiest when _______ [fill in the blank].
When my mom smiles. That’s it. That’s my greatest joy. Our connection runs deep now, but it wasn’t always like that. When I was younger, I wanted a different kind of mom. I thought she was harder on me than the other parents in the neighborhood, but of course, I didn’t live with them. I only saw how they acted in public. My mom was firm and direct, especially when I acted out. Like a lot of kids, I saw my parents as obstacles to “freedom,” not realizing they were shaping me. Now, our bond means everything. We don't live close, and that’s the sacrifice. She's dealing with health issues, but if I can help give her peace and joy from afar, that means everything. I stay in close contact, send her what she needs, and most of all, I make her laugh. When she says, “Don’t start with your nonsense,” I know she’s alive, sharp, smiling—still herself. I don’t want her crying about missing me.
My son brings a different kind of satisfaction. He reminds me of myself—only better. He’s growing, responsible, and steady.
What’s the last movie you watched or book you read?
The last movie I watched was about Formula 1 racing. Sometimes I feel like the stork dropped me off on the wrong planet—my passions are just different. Fast cities, fast cars… Formula 1 grabs me in a way nothing else does. I’ve read about 25 books since moving here. The last one, El Biosoft, questions whether we’re living in a programmed reality and how much of life is truly ours. I also re-read Crime and Punishment, and La Taberna stuck with me—it’s about a woman who rises from poverty, only to be pulled back down by a system that wasn’t built for her to succeed. Both are powerful stuff. One helps you understand your inner demons, the other shows how hard it is to overcome what society throws at you.
Thank you, RICARDO, for being a highly valued team member and an inspiration! We are so glad you’re part of The Accurate Family.
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