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RICHARD J. DIONNE

Richard J. Dionne is the owner of Rich Dionne Construction

Date published: 3/26/2008

DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS: We are a Class C contractor working to provide services that a lot of larger contractors don't. We've done projects as complex as bathroom remodels and deck renovations, and repairs and improvements as simple as hanging blinds and replacing door hardware.

EDUCATION: I graduated from Palmer High School in Palmer, Mass. I have attended courses at some community colleges (NOVA and GCC), and have earned an advanced degree from the school of hard knocks. I attend conferences and seminars whenever I can and do as much reading and hands-on training in new techniques and materials as often as I can.

FAMILY: I am divorced and live with my girlfriend, Diane, her adult daughter, Sarah, her son, Ryan, and one of my twin daughters, Linda. My other daughter, Karen, lives with her mother.

CAREER HISTORY: I enlisted in the Air Force as a computer operator shortly after high school and was assigned to the Pentagon for the six years I served. After my honorable discharge, I went to work for GE Aerospace. I spent eight years working on various government computer contracts. I worked for Aerospace Corporation for a year and then on to SAIC on a Y2K contract. I later joined a team of information security professionals at U.S. Customs from 2000 to 2006.

FIRST JOB: I was a dishwasher/busboy in a small restaurant in my hometown from age 14. Working there through high school and after graduation taught me the virtues of an honest day's pay for an honest day's work.

WORST JOB: I worked as a telemarketer part time for a newspaper in northern Virginia while in the Air Force. That lasted one evening.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? I was born in Springfield, Mass., and grew up in Three Rivers, Mass.

HOW DID YOU END UP OWNING YOUR BUSINESS? I started this business in 2004 with the encouragement of a friend and fellow contractor. The goal was to start working part time until the business could support itself and the household. It has taken some time, but I finally took the plunge in late 2006 and have dedicated myself full time to making this a success.

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Date published: 3/26/2008