Employee Ownership Month: Raul E. Perez Jr.

As we celebrate Employee Ownership Month this October, we are proud to highlight colleagues who have served on the ACRT Services Board of Directors. At ACRT Services, our independence as a 100% employee-owned company empowers every employee-owner to share in our success and play a role in shaping our future. This commitment reflects our mission: to engage the best people and make them better to foster resiliency, environmental stewardship, compliance, stakeholder partnerships, and safer communities. Those who step up to Board service embody the ownership, leadership, and collaboration that drive our culture forward.

Raul E. Perez Jr., Safety Manager, ACRT Pacific

What inspired you to run for a seat on the ACRT Services Board of Directors?

My desire to grow within our organization and to have my name be known for the right reasons. For contributing, making a difference, and representing my peers well. I also wanted to understand how our business worked and how key decisions were made. Growing up, I didn’t excel in school, but I was taught that if I worked hard, good things would happen. That lesson instilled in me by my family has carried me throughout my career, and running for the board felt like a way to prove that determination can open doors, no matter where you start in life.

How did serving on the board deepen your understanding of our business and our mission?

Serving on the board mattered to me because it gave me a front row seat to how our business and mission come to life. I was able to see firsthand that our executives and board members genuinely care about the interests of our employees; it wasn’t just something we say on paper. Discussions were made on how decisions would impact the people who make our success possible as an organization. I can recall an example where I was asked to provide how our field employees felt about our growth path or recent changes that had occurred.

Can you describe what it felt like to sit at the same table as company leaders and external advisors?

Sitting at the same table as company leaders and external advisors was both nerve-racking and humbling. I was surrounded by people with years of business experience and advanced education, and I felt anxious about how I would measure up. And to make it even more memorable, it was pretty much the first time I had to wear a business suit, so I was breaking in my boardroom legs in more ways than one. But I reminded myself that I was there for a reason; my peers had voted for me to represent them because of my work actions and the trust I’ve built within our organization. That gave me the confidence to speak up, contribute ideas, and prove that I belonged in that room. Having a great mentor helped. David Burke was in the employee voting seat, and I was there to listen for my first year.

In what ways do you think our independence strengthens the company, its employees, and the communities we serve?

I believe our independence strengthens the company, employees, and communities we serve because it allows us to approach every job without bias. Our outstanding employees can use their skills and training to call things as they are, without any bias towards any specific organization. We focus on following the job specifications outlined in our contracts and ensuring work is completed to a standard we can be proud of. We Lead for Excellence, it’s in our Management Commitment, we strive to be the best and top performer in our industry.

How did board service change how you view your role and voice as an employee owner?

Being on the board gave me a deeper appreciation for the influence we all have as employee owners. Reinforcing my commitment to performing my job safely and to the best of my abilities and encouraging my fellow teammates to do the same. I have come to realize that work and safety aren’t just a checklist; it’s good business. When we deliver quality, safe work, we set the standard for our industry, earn the trust of our customers, and create continued growth.

People like Raul are the key to our success at ACRT. If you want to start a career at a company that values its people, we might be the right fit for you.