In a remarkable achievement, local business Bark Boys has been honored with the prestigious “Business of the Year” award by the Salem Chamber of Commerce. This recognition serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence, exceptional customer service, and active involvement in the community. In an exclusive interview with Bill, the owner of Bark Boys, we explore the journey, philosophy, and future plans of this exceptional enterprise.
Bill Riecke, the proud owner of Bark Boys, expressed his overwhelming excitement upon hearing the news. “To be named Business of the Year is a tremendous honor,” he stated. “It means we are running a good business with a great team and are able to be active in the community.”
When asked about the steps Bark Boys took to earn this recognition, Bill humbly attributed the success to running the business with utmost professionalism and providing world-class customer service. He emphasized the significance of treating employees well and valuing customer relationships.
Reflecting on the challenges Bark Boys faced, Bill acknowledged that no specific actions were taken with the award in mind. However, their commitment to conducting themselves professionally, along with a focus on impeccable customer service, played a vital role in earning this accolade.
Regarding the impact of winning the Business of the Year award, Bill stated, “It puts our business in an elite category of local businesses. It is also motivating to work hard in order to stay in that category of elite businesses.” This prestigious recognition not only solidifies Bark Boys’ reputation but also inspires the team to continue striving for excellence.
The journey of Bark Boys dates back to 1973 when Bill’s grandfather, Gene Rico, founded the company as Rico’s DekaBark in Albany. The business relocated to Salem in 1978, becoming The Bark Boys, Inc., when Bill’s father joined as a partner. In 2018, Bill and his wife purchased the company, expanding its growth from six employees to approximately fifty.
Bark Boys’ success can be attributed to simple yet powerful ideas: treating customers with respect, prioritizing employee well-being, and forming valuable partnerships. Bill recognizes the support received from mentors like Oren Posner of Lane Forest Products and his prior experience working for Empire Southwest, where he learned crucial lessons in business acumen.
What sets Bark Boys apart from its competitors is its powerful sense of community. Bill’s deep-rooted connection to Salem/Keizer, his hometown, influences the company’s culture and service approach. Being locally owned and operated by the same family for 50 years is a testament to their commitment to the community they serve.
Bill’s personal values and work ethic have been instrumental in shaping Bark Boys’ operations and culture. His belief in prioritizing customers and leading by example has fostered a dedicated and loyal team. Employees show great enthusiasm and commitment, going above and beyond their call of duty.
Looking ahead, Bark Boys aims to continue expanding its business and market share by recruiting exceptional talent and entering new markets. Bill envisions building an empire that can be carried forward by future generations, ensuring the sustained success and growth of the business.
As Salem celebrates the success of Bark Boys, the Business of the Year award reaffirms their commitment to excellence, community engagement, and exceptional customer service. Bark Boys serves as an inspiring example of a local business that thrives by embracing core values and fostering strong relationships within the community. With their remarkable journey as a testament, Bark Boys paves the way for a promising future.