Rick Kimbrell Recognized as Entrepreneur Of The Year® Finalist by EY US

In a notable announcement, Rick Kimbrell, the founder and CEO of StartKleen, has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Southwest Award, presented by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US). This program, which is now in its 41st year, acknowledges trailblazing entrepreneurs who are disrupting traditional business landscapes and innovating within their industries.

Celebrating Business Pioneers

The Entrepreneur Of The Year awards aim to honor those bold leaders who are making significant contributions to their respective fields, uplifting communities and driving economic development. By focusing on individuals whose transformative ideas have made a tangible impact, EY US recognizes the visionary thinkers of our time.

Kimbrell's selection as a finalist underscores his commitment to delivering high-quality food safety solutions through StartKleen, a third-generation family business dedicated to helping food processing facilities maintain stringent safety standards.

A Legacy of Food Safety

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Gunter, Texas, StartKleen has rapidly expanded its reach and reputation. The company provides comprehensive sanitation services, chemical solutions, and food safety training tailored to USDA and FDA-regulated facilities. With over 200 plants serviced across various food processing sectors—ranging from protein and produce to baked goods and soups—StartKleen has established itself as a reliable partner in food safety.

Kimbrell proudly attributes the company’s success to the foundational principles instilled by his father, Ray Kimbrell. He believes in doing what you say you will do, emphasizing integrity as the cornerstone of their operations. This principle has led to an impressive client retention rate of 97% and a workforce of more than 1,500 dedicated staff members.

Recognizing Entrepreneurial Excellence

An independent panel of judges assessed Kimbrell alongside 44 other finalists on various metrics including entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, business growth, and their lasting influence on creating long-term value. His gratitude towards his clients and team reflects the inclusivity and teamwork that define StartKleen’s culture: “I am grateful for our clients, who trust us with their brands, and for our people, who take real pride in a profession most of the world never sees.”

Commitment to Growth and Innovation

Under Kimbrell’s leadership, StartKleen transformed from a single-plant operation to one of the most trusted sanitation service providers in the Southwest. The company has actively developed innovative employee programs such as the “Dos Amigos” mentorship initiative and the WINS (Women in the Sanitation) training program, championing diversity and professional growth within the organization.

The Entrepreneur Of The Year award not only spotlights business leaders for their ingenuity and courage but also recognizes those who have adeptly adapted their business models for sustained success. It celebrates original founders who works tirelessly to bootstrap their businesses from inception, as well as leaders who have infused innovation into existing entities to propel them forward.

This year’s finalists hail from various regions including North Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, covering diverse sectors such as professional services, consumer products, healthcare, mobility, and more. The culmination of this award celebration will take place at a formal event, where the overall winner will be announced, honoring exceptional entrepreneurial achievements across the Southwest.

Looking Ahead

As StartKleen continues on its path of growth, Rick Kimbrell remains focused on enhancing food safety standards while fostering a positive corporate atmosphere where employees feel valued. His vision not only encompasses the operational success of StartKleen but also its social responsibility towards the communities it serves.

For more information about StartKleen and its innovative food safety solutions, visit StartKleen’s website.