40 Under Forty: Lilian Radke, 33

Photo | Erika Sidor Winners of the WBJ 2018 40 Under Forty award (from left): Victor M. Archila, Lilian Radke, Madeline Mendoza and Che Anderson.

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President

Unic Pro Inc., Shrewsbury

Lives: Worcester

Birthplace: Sao Paulo, Brazil

College: University of Arkansas

In 2010, when her husband hired her into the business he cofounded and then left to pursue a different passion, Unic Pro was generating $350,000 in revenue and had three employees. After eight years with Radke at the helm, the cleaning company has grown to $5 million in annual sales and 124 employees, adding accounts for commercial, medical, military, educational and professional clients, as well as YMCAs and child care centers. Radke immigrated from Brazil to attend the University of Arkansas, where she later became the captain of the volleyball team, and one of her passions now as a company owner is to mentor others – especially women – in developing their own business ventures. Every year, Radke rallies the Unic Pro team to do one community project. In 2017, the company took a shelter with 100 people, and bought a new outfit for each of the 40 children there before their first day of school. Unic Pro donated the materials and the employees donated their time to clean and wash the carpets for the shelter. This year, the U.S. Small Business Administration named Radke the Massachusetts Woman Small Business Owner of the Year.

From 40 Under Forty judge Michael Arnum: “Lilian has catapulted her entrepreneurship skills to not only achieve business success, but to use it to the benefit of her community.”

If you could go back in time, when would you go back to? To 2007 when I separated from my husband for three months. I am very glad we got back together, and today we have beautiful family.

What is the best advice you've ever gotten? My pastor and father-in-law said, “First prioritize your relationship with God, second your family and third work.” If you follow this order, you will always have peace and feel accomplished.

Read about the entire 2018 Class of 40 Under Forty

Michael Alden - Ascentria Care Alliance

Che Anderson - City of Worcester

Victor M. Archila - VMA Electric Inc.

Allison Beckler, DO - YOU, Inc.

Sam Bitar - Webster Five

Mark A. Borenstein - Seder & Chandler LLP

Kate D. Campanale - Massachusetts House of Representatives

Derek Canton - paerpay

Ryan Canuel - Petricore, Inc.

Jennifer Caron - Body Therapeutics

Danielle J. Clark - Clark Career Coaching