Tom Racobaldo, EVP/ Housekeeping Services

What was your first job?

12 years old – Summer jobs both cleaning and doing odd jobs in our family owned Italian Bakery
Shop, and on many occasions, I took two buses both back and forth to work.

When did you join Crothall?

May 13, 1993.

What was your first job at Crothall?

Senior Regional Manager in the South. I had responsibility for six accounts, of which a Regional Manager, Tom McCullough, was newly promoted over five of the accounts and I personally oversaw one account myself. This was a job I accepted with Crothall after leaving a competitor where I was a West Coast Regional Vice President overseeing $60M in revenue, 5 RM’s and 55 Accounts.

Who is your biggest influence?

Joe Corbi, my high school football coach. He proved to me that working hard and staying focused can allow you to deliver better results than others—even if you or your team possess less talent and skill. He was also instrumental in helping me gain entrance to the University of Delaware, where I eventually graduated with a B.S in Business Administration.

What CD do you have in your car right now?

Stylistics – love the Motown Sound!

What is your funniest Crothall moment?

In 1993, Graham Crothall, Ken Krauss, John Gianotti, me, and others were driving together in a van to present our housekeeping proposal at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore. Ken Krauss, who reported directly to me, announced to the group that he had invited his boss and his boss had accepted an invitation to his home for dinner. While I realized that he was speaking about Graham Crothall, I let him know that I didn’t realize I was invited to his home for dinner and I am sure that Susie and I could rearrange our calendar to be there. We had a lot of fun with this for many, many years to come.

What is your most special Crothall moment?

In my mind, it was the sale of WCMC in the Fall of 1993. We were a young, up- and- coming company and did not possess an account of this size. I was intricately involved in the costing and presentation. I felt that this particular sale was really the launching pad for the success of our company.

What is your favorite book?

THE FIRM. I read it many years ago and it motivated me to continue reading.

What’s in your VCR, DVD or TIVO?

Don’t laugh…“Three’s Company.” I enjoy the lighthearted humor of the show.

Who is your favorite American Idol?

I have none—never watched the show.

What advice would you give to someone who just joined Crothall?

Work hard, work smart, and keep your promises to whomever you deal with day-to-day. If you do this, you will be noticed and have a great career with our company.

Describe Crothall in October 2021 (another 15 years).

Firstly, I will be 65 years old and will probably be retired! However, I truly believe that we are so deep in young talent that this company will continue to thrive. I would expect about $3 Billion in revenue, roughly 3,000 accounts, we would be the market leader in healthcare and have a strong presence in B&I and Higher Education. We will likely offer additional services and penetrate new markets, and as always, be number one in quality!

“Pizza and beer” or “Sushi and Sake?”

Definitely Pizza and Beer.

What is the one thing that nobody knows about you?<

There’s probably not much that people don’t know about me. I’m pretty open with who I am, the things I do, and the things that are important to me. Some people may believe that I am easy going and understanding, which I am; however, there is also a side of me that is impatient and there is an immense fire burning inside of me to do things correctly and to be successful.

Country, Rap, or Rock? <

Definitely ROCK.

Favorite sports team or athlete?

Sports team has got to be the “EAGLES.”

Biggest “Pet Peeve?”

I have no patience for those who are lazy and have a poor work ethic.