Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

I immigrated from Poland at 7. My dad was a Polish Air Force officer, but gone by the time I was 16 and I haven't seen him since. My mom raised my sister and me mostly alone, working hard her whole life. Once, I spent a 12-hour day drying cars for $70 — invisible, undervalued, just another set of hands. I left deflated but determined: I wanted to make a difference and do it differently. ETP is my promise to my kids, my employees and our schools that treating people right is never wrong.

How do you stay motivated?

My family, my team, and our schools. I wanted to build something my kids continue one day — that drives everything. Our employees, loyal, talented, many here from almost the beginning 10 years ago, remind me I'm not alone in believing in what we're doing. Our clients — some also with us nearly 10 years — inspire me to keep earning their trust. 90% of our growth has been word-of-mouth. I think that says a lot.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Honestly? Two things. First, bonuses for my team. These people have shown up through the hardest stretch of this company's life — loyal, dedicated, and underpaid for their sacrifice. I wouldn't be in this competition without them. Second, a family vacation. My kids are at the perfect age for Disney and we haven't taken a real trip in many years because the business always came first. $25,000 would let me look my team and my family in the eye and say — you matter, and I'll never forge