Risk taking does not always involve parachuting out of a plane or bungee jumping off a ledge with hopes that a device will function correctly to break the fall. It does, however, always entail taking a step toward the unknown.

More than six years ago, Paul Boswell, co-founder of Clean Coast Technologies Inc., took his first steps toward creating the company with partners Michelle Boswell and Ronnie Reeves.

“There was a lot of opposition to a new startup company in the environmental and safety business,” he said, remembering initial responses to the business idea. “When our competitors saw our niche and started purchasing from us to resell, Ronnie and I knew we had something.”

A Pasadena, Texas, native, Boswell attended both Sam Rayburn and South Houston high schools. After graduating high school from South Houston High in 1988, he began his career studying at San Jacinto College where he received his chemical process technician’s certificate.

It was while he was employed at Texas Petrochemicals, however, that Boswell recognized the growing need for environmental supplies in the workplace, especially with tighter regulations enacted every year to protect workers who transport or manufacture hazardous chemicals and the growing pre-emptive measures taken by companies.

With years of industry experience in chemical facilities, Boswell said he and Reeves have the knowledge that extends to the field and better provides solutions to everyday problems that customers have. 

He attributes the success of Clean Coast to the respectful and honest relationship between customers and the company’s service team.

“We have always felt like Clean Coast Technologies is a three-team effort — us, the vendors and the customers,” he said. “We want to be known as the company that really will answer call-outs on weekends.

“We want to be known as the ‘go-to’ company in a time of need because we perform at a level better than anyone else. Our night and weekend recording has cell numbers of people who can be reached at all times, and we want people to know that.”

That dedication and work ethic is reflected continuously in Boswell’s actions. In one instance, after a tumultuous 2005 hurricane season for the Gulf Coast region, the company was called to help by providing supplies to those working in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

“For three weeks, we worked sometimes until midnight sending supplies down Interstate 10 East,” he said. “Ronnie and I stayed until the last truck was loaded and gone almost every night.”

Throughout his career, Boswell has had many teachers but none as impactful as his safety team supervisors at Texas Petrochemicals — Gordon Lohmeyer, Mike Haas and Ray Dickson. It was there that he trained every month, in addition to taking emergency response classes on a yearly basis at the Texas A&M Texas Engineering Extension Service Emergency Services Training Institute.

Having taken advice from those with wisdom, he now offers advice to those who have recently taken the risk of starting up a new career.

“Everywhere you go, be honest,” he said. “Plant seeds and make sales calls, and even if you work only a part of the day, always make that day count.

“You can never predict who will be your next contact or customer, but hard work pays off, regardless.”

As an entrepreneur, he has learned the value of keeping true to his philosophies and those of the company. It is those convictions that lead Clean Coast, he said, and a principle that will help many who are starting a business.

“Always do business with companies that have the same work ethic as yours,” Boswell added. “That goes for customers and vendors. These solid companies will be there in a time of need.”

During his time off, Boswell likes playing a nice game of golf, but what he truly enjoys is the opportunity to give back.

“Ronnie and I are on the swine committee for the Houston Rodeo, and we are also in the Pasadena Rodeo committee,” he said. “Raising money for the kids who bring animals to the Houston auction and contributing to the scholarship fund has given us a chance to give back to the community.”

For more information, call (713) 378-0000 or visit the Web at www.cleancoasttech.com.