This month's Janitorial Employee Spotlight Winner is a respected mentor, all-star floor tech, and devoted dad! "The energy we bring to the workplace is what makes our team so special."
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: 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 are turning the spotlight on Rodrigo Palacios! He's been with Accurate since 2006 and is one of our all-star floor techs. He was nominated for his exceptional interpersonal skills, being a dedicated, patient mentor and motivator, and his commitment to high-quality, meticulous work. Even relying on public transportation, he's incredibly dependable, with only two call-offs in his entire 18-year tenure! Rodrigo loves training new hires and sharing his knowledge, ensuring our team always hits the highest standards.
We had the privilege of getting to know more about Rodrigo during a recent Question & Answer session. His story is one of quiet strength, dedication, and a deep commitment to his craft and his coworkers. Read on for the inspiring insights of this extraordinary individual!
Special thanks and kudos from creator/author Erin Williams (Marketing) to our dedicated HR Coordinator Mirtha Eusebio and Customer Service Manager Dee Perez for their assistance in carrying out this month's article!
WHAT OTHERS HAD TO SAY ABOUT RODRIGO
Several of our leadership and management team members nominated Rodrigo for this month's Employee Spotlight. Dee Perez, our Customer Service Manager of 13 years, has deep respect and admiration for him both professionally and personally.
"Rodrigo is an extraordinary employee. He doesn't drive and rides the bus, but he always shows up no matter the time, place, or weather. He prides himself on quality work and is a perfectionist. The interpersonal skills, knowledge, and qualities this man possesses are admirable! He is soft spoken, a quiet observer, skilled and tactful in his approach; a good listener, motivator, mentor, and team member. Rodrigo preaches respect and firmly believes if you want to be treated with respect, you must give respect. As he says, 'If you keep a cool head and a warm heart and treat your employees with respect, they’ll want to do more for you than if you act off of impulse.' " -Dee Perez, Accurate Customer Service Manager, Las Vegas
Founder Ron Finken said emphatically, "Rodrigo is an excellent trainer and is impeccable in everything he does." Mirtha Eusebio, Accurate's Human Resources Coordinator, observed Rodrigo's humility, consistency, and excellent character. "He is reserved yet outstanding and very knowledgeable," she said.
Rodrigo is held in high esteem by his Accurate crew members, several of whom jumped at the opportunity to share their respect for him for this Spotlight article.
"I had the joy of working with Rodrigo for a year. In that time, I learned a lot from him about how to clean and maintain the floors. His ethics and the detail that he applies to his work is admirable. The recognition he receives for everything he does every day is well deserved!" - Juan De Laud, Accurate Utility Porter, Las Vegas
Another fellow Accurate floor tech, Jose Orellana, told us, "I'm happy to know that Rodrigo is the Spotlight winner this month! He's an obvious choice. He's a good coworker to me and very hardworking."
"Rodrigo is the most consistent person I've ever worked with. For the last two years he has given 200% every shift. His attention to detail and his level of integrity are the two traits that come to mind when describing Rod's work ethic. He is a good worker, but an even better human!" - Terrance Hamilton, Accurate Floor Tech, Las Vegas
"In my experience working with Rodrigo, he has to be the most patient person I have ever come across! He is a phenomenal trainer as well. Rodrigo cares about what he does and always does his best work. He is very knowledgeable about his field and takes pride in sharing his talents with anyone who wants to learn. He is definitely an asset to our Accurate family!" - Bonnie Miller, Accurate Director of Workplace & Employee Experience, Las Vegas
As a floor tech, Rodrigo has worked in many different buildings for Accurate's customers over the past nearly two decades and is well known for his skill and expertise. Bonnie added, "Whenever one of our clients sees the floors after we have completed a job, they know if Rodrigo has been there. His work is top quality!"
"Every time Rodrigo does floor work in my buildings, the floors look outstanding when he gets done." -Jeff A., Senior Facilities Manager for Accurate Customer, Las Vegas
Rodrigo handles the yearly floor care for a Las Vegas church. Their staff was eager to share their glowing praise for this Spotlight on Rodrigo.
"Rodrigo Palacios has been the lead technician on our account since its inception - now approaching ten years. He has always done an exceptional job. He always arrives on time and coordinates the activities of his crew so that the work is completed effectively, efficiently, and with a minimum of disruption to our normal activities. The quality of his work speaks for itself! Thanks to Rodrigo's efforts, our floors retain a clean, durable shine for months. We very much appreciate the work that Rodrigo and his team do for us!" -Pastor Al B., Accurate Customer, Las Vegas
Former Accurate Area Manager Francisco Sanchez now works in maintenance for one of our longtime educational customers and asked to give feedback for this Spotlight, saying, "I admire and respect Rodrigo's work ethic, but most of all, I respect him on a personal level."
"I want to start off with a shout-out to all Accurate floor techs for their hard work and dedication. Floor work is not easy; it is one of the toughest jobs in the janitorial industry! Rodrigo Palacios' work ethic and attention to detail make him an outstanding employee. He's a quiet, soft-spoken man but the most respectful and honorable person I've met. I'm fortunate to have worked with him and learned about floors, carpet, floor scrubbers, and any equipment in general. He has the knowledge and the patience to train and ensure proper operating and maintenance procedures are being followed on any piece of equipment. Not only does Rodrigo have floor work experience, but he also has a janitorial background that is very helpful, as he is able to give advice and point out or identify issues. He sees things from a different perspective that can be very helpful for a building supervisor to improve and correct issues on the spot. I'm looking forward to working with Rodrigo, Dee, and the floor crew this summer. Rodrigo, I want to thank you on behalf of [our entire school] for always going above and beyond and providing the best service possible every time you step foot on campus. We appreciate you!" - Francisco Sanchez, Maintenance Staff for Current Accurate Customer and Former Accurate Area Manager, Las Vegas
In her role as Accurate's Director of Finance/HR for the past 12 years, Tammy Hanson has limited direct interaction with some of the janitorial crew members but knows Rodrigo well due to his long-established excellent reputation and incredible work ethic.
"Rodrigo is by far one of the most dedicated employees I have ever worked with! He will do whatever it takes to not only make it to work, but is always early and ready to start before his shift. He goes out of his way any time he is asked to work without complaint. Rodrigo takes extreme pride in all that he does, and that level of quality shines through in his work. He is not only extremely knowledgeable in floor care but is well versed in all aspects of what we do here at Accurate. Rodrigo will gladly share his knowledge and expertise with anyone who is willing to learn. He is extremely patient and will take the time to explain things and the reason behind what is being done." - Tammy Hanson, Accurate Director of Finance/HR, Las Vegas
"When I think of Rodrigo, these words immediately come to mind: thorough, detailed, intelligent, patient, kind, humble, reliable, talented, expert at his skill, trainer, and someone who truly knows his stuff. For 18 years, Rodrigo has been an invaluable member of our team, consistently demonstrating his meticulous attention to detail and profound knowledge. His intelligence and patience make him an outstanding trainer, always willing to share his expertise with others. Rodrigo's kind and humble nature endears him to everyone he works with, and his unwavering reliability ensures that every task is completed to the highest standard!" - Alex Finken, Accurate CEO/Visionary, Las Vegas
WHAT RODRIGO HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE JANITORIAL INDUSTRY AND WORKING AT ACCURATE
What is it about your work that you take pride in and find satisfaction from? I take immense pride in delivering high-quality outcomes and constantly strive to exceed expectations. The autonomy to work independently fuels my creativity and helps me achieve my goals more efficiently. I am grateful for the opportunity to work in an environment that values and creates independence.
What drew you to the cleaning industry?
At first, I found the work unenjoyable, but with time, I realized it was an opportunity to learn and grow. I began my journey as a janitor, responsible for cleaning bathrooms and taking out the trash. Despite the mundane nature of the work, I was fortunate enough to have colleagues who were patient and willing to teach me the ropes. Over time, I honed my skills and worked up the ladder to become a supervisor. Eventually, I was promoted to the position of a floor technician, where I could put my expertise to use and help others learn and grow, just as my colleagues had done for me.
What part of your job do you enjoy the most? I feel grateful for the level of trust and autonomy that my employer has bestowed upon me over the years. I value the fact that I have been a part of this company since 2006, and it has been a privilege to be a part of its growth and success. I like gaining more experience every day and learning something new. It's something that I find fulfilling and motivating, and it keeps me going.
What's one thing you wish people knew about your work? The importance of my work cannot be overstated, as it is the first thing people notice when they step into a building. Every detail counts, from meticulously stripping and waxing floors to delicately polishing marble and tiles to a sparkling finish. My job is to ensure that the floors and surfaces shine brilliantly, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who steps into the building.
What do you enjoy most about working at Accurate? I absolutely love the connection I share with my coworkers! There's never a dull moment amongst us. We always have a great time while we work, and it's amazing how much fun we can have while still being productive. The energy and enthusiasm that we bring to the workplace is what makes our team so special, and I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of it.
What's the best piece of work-related advice you've ever received? In order to promote a positive and thriving workplace culture, it is essential to treat your colleagues with respect and express gratitude for their contributions. After all, a company's success is heavily dependent on its employees' hard work and dedication. By creating an environment that values teamwork, communication, and mutual respect, everyone can work together towards achieving common goals and driving success for the company as a whole.
What makes the team culture at Accurate unique? I've observed that mutual respect is the cornerstone of our team's success. Whenever we collaborate on a project, I feel heard, and my insights are given the attention they deserve. This level of consideration enables me to contribute meaningfully to the group's efforts and create a positive work environment.
What advice would you give to recent new employees? My advice would be to stay open to guidance and not take any corrections personally. As someone who has experienced this, I understand that even if you have done the same job before, every company has its own set of rules. Therefore, it's essential to be receptive to the guidance provided and learn from it to have a better future in the company.
WHAT RODRIGO SHARED ABOUT HIMSELF
What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome in your life so far? Raising my daughter and doing the right thing for her. It involves being there for her always, even if she doesn't live with me, and making sure that she has a bright future.
What is your favorite family tradition?
As someone who values traditions, one of my favorite family traditions is celebrating two types of birthdays. In Mexico, we celebrate the day we were born and the saint associated with our name. I get double gifts.
What is something unique about you? I am a very patient person. People often mistake my quietness for anger, but when they get to know me, they realize that I am a pleasant person who can be kind, fun, and even sarcastic. However, I don't take anything too seriously or get too personal.
Do you collect anything?
I collect a lot of CDs and Blu-ray DVD movies. I have always loved movies and music, and collecting them is something that brings me joy.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? To lead a work group and be a manager. I am a demanding person, and while some people may not appreciate it, those who want to work hard and grow would allow themselves to be guided and listen to me.
What's one thing on your bucket list? To have a family of my own, including a wife, children, and a place to call home. It's something that I have always wanted, and I hope to achieve it someday.
Thank you, Rodrigo, 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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