TRADITION. TRUST. INTEGRITY.
Few young people speak with a passion for cleaning as Zachary Hoyt, except maybe his wife, Katie. The two left their stable careers to take over the family business name and bring it to the North Country. Six years later, Zach and Katie are growing their business and committing themselves to our community. Zach uses his training and experience from the Federal Bureau of Prisons in conjunction with his hard work ethic and commitment to detail to sustain the high level of performance and service the company provides. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for six years which provided him a foundation to continue Spar-Kil-Kleen’s efforts to give back to their community.
Current Business & Job Title: General Partner Spar-Kil-Kleen
Hometown: Middletown, NY
Age: 31
Education: High School and Some College
Community Involvement: Rotarian, ADKYP Board of Directors Civic Chair, BHA Volunteer Event Coordinator
What are you doing to make a difference in your community?
I regularly participate in Civic Engagement with Adirondack Young Professionals and Rotary International. For example we have assisted people move, helped build handicap accessible ramps, and assisted in building maintenance of several local not-for-profit organizations.
What can the North Country do to make this region more appealing to a younger generation?
I believe the North Country creates abundant access and opportunity to the younger generation. Especially with networking and service based organizations like Adirondack Young Professionals and Rotary International. Plattsburgh ranked 26th in economic strength out of 542 micropolitan communities in the nation. We live with the Adirondack Park in our backyard. It is one of the largest publicly protected parks in the contiguous United States. If you can tolerate the winters, you will have plenty of recreational opportunity.
What’s your biggest professional success?
Although the business name has been in the family since 1981, in June of 2014 we formed a partnership and established Spar-Kil-Kleen in the North Country. We have been satisfied with our growth and place in the community.
How has COVID-19 impacted you professionally and personally?
On the professional side we have seen an increase of cleaning frequency, as well as extra precautions to prevent cross contamination. Throughout the peak of the pandemic we regularly provided preventative disinfection services to essential businesses. We also respond to several known and unknown COVID-19 exposure sites to professionally remediate. More recently we have provided businesses with emergency response plans and consulting to assist in their reopenings. On the personal side, not much has changed. We take a great many precautions on a regular basis due to the nature of our work.
What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
The biggest risk we have ever taken was leaving a stable career and going all in with Spar-Kil-Kleen. I say we because my wife and business partner took the same risk simultaneously.
What important lesson have you learned in your career?
I learned the value of education. It seems like I’m constantly taking courses or webinars to be as efficient and innovative as possible.
What’s your dream job?
I believe I have it! If you are passionate about what you do and have purpose, happiness will follow.
How do you contribute to the culture of your company?
I try to create a family atmosphere, as well as establishing standardized training, clear expectations and engaging in fun activities beyond work.
What is something that no one would guess about you?
I have a passion for baking bread, pastries, pies, and pizza.
Write a note to your younger self…
This world is an art of balance. Too much of one thing has the ability to throw you off course. Stay focused, flexible and driven. When it comes down to it, success is not measured in your bank account. Time is the most valuable asset in your life. What you choose to do with it is up to you.