J. Harold Hatchett, III: Leading Tier-One Property Services with Vision and Values


J. Harold Hatchett, III is more than just a name; he’s the driving force behind Tier-One Property Services LLC as its President and Chief Executive Officer. With a career path marked by strategic financial leadership, Hatchett’s journey to the top has been a testament to his unwavering dedication and visionary leadership. We at EliteX, are proud to introduce J. Harold Hatchett, III as one of the 20 Elite CEOs in 2024.

His career began with notable positions such as Vice President of Finance at BMG Music’s Classical Division and later as Chief Financial Officer at Citi Corp Venture Capital’s Turnaround Division. His journey continued with pivotal roles at Shell Oil Company, where he served as Chief Financial Officer for the North American Upstream Division and later as Chief Operating Officer for Financial Services at Royal Dutch Shell. His expertise in finance and strategic planning culminated in leadership positions like Head of Investor Relations and Chief Strategist of Government Affairs at Shell. Before taking the helm at Tier-One Property Services, he served as Group Managing Partner & CFO at OCTCET Inc.

“Embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth, learning, and ultimately, for playing to win.”

But what inspired this remarkable career trajectory? For Hatchett, it was the allure of building a national commercial janitorial company from scratch. He envisioned a company that would redefine excellence in its industry, and with a strong executive team by his side, he turned that vision into reality, expanding Tier-One Property Services to over 30 states nationwide. At the core of his success lies his inclusive and democratic leadership style. By fostering cohesion and productivity within his teams, Hatchett has cultivated an environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. Guided by core principles of safety, excellence, transparency, innovation, inclusion, and ethics, he ensures that every decision aligns with the company’s values.

Like many CEOs, Hatchett faced a significant challenge: navigating the uncertainties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. With Tier-One’s clientele largely consisting of essential businesses, ensuring the safety of their employees was paramount. Through strategic planning, adherence to CDC guidelines, and transparent communication, the company weathered the storm, emerging stronger than ever. Innovation is another cornerstone of Tier-One’s success. By incentivizing staff to bring forth new ideas and embracing technological advancements, the company stays ahead in a competitive market while maintaining efficiency and profitability.

Despite the demands of his role, Hatchett prioritizes work-life balance. With a competent executive team to rely on and a steadfast commitment to family and personal well-being, he sets an example for maintaining equilibrium in a fast-paced environment. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords for Hatchett; they’re integral to Tier-One’s ethos. By championing DEI initiatives and fostering an environment of belonging, he ensures that diversity isn’t just celebrated but embedded in every aspect of the organization’s operations.

“Success isn’t just about reaching the top; it’s about bringing others along through honesty, transparency, and mutual respect.”

In the world of business, where leadership is tested and challenges are constant, Harold Hatchett stands out as a beacon of vision, values, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Under his guidance, Tier-One Property Services continues to thrive, setting new standards of success in the industry.

When it comes to sustainability and corporate social responsibility, Harold Hatchett’s approach is grounded in Tier-One Property Services’ core values. Facing challenges with integrity, the company engages with industry leaders for training in sustainable development programs. Leveraging equipment to reduce the carbon footprint and prioritizing the use of green chemicals showcase their commitment to environmental stewardship. For aspiring leaders, Hatchett offers invaluable advice: be deliberate, honest, and transparent. He emphasizes the importance of information exchange and treating people with respect as key principles for making a lasting impact.

Looking ahead, he envisions the industry evolving with technology driving efficiency gains. Tier-One is actively pursuing digital transformation tools and dedicating resources to test products and engage thought leaders, ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry advancements. Reflecting on his tenure, Hatchett takes pride in guiding Tier-One through the challenges of COVID-19, developing strategies that allowed the company to thrive during unprecedented times. Cultivating a positive company culture is paramount to Hatchett, who emphasizes honesty, relationship-building, consistency, and a “can do” attitude. Recognizing and celebrating contributors who go above and beyond fosters a culture aligned with Tier-One’s vision and values.

“In challenging times, demonstrating our core values is paramount for navigating uncharted waters with integrity.”

Elite CEOs, according to Hatchett, excel as consensus builders, encouragers, and strategic thinkers. He embodies these qualities through consistent leadership and effective communication. Staying informed about emerging trends involves reading, engaging with experts, and participating in industry events. Mentorship and continuous learning are essential for personal and professional growth, with knowledge sharing accelerating productivity. Challenges are viewed as opportunities for growth, with setbacks used as learning experiences to prevent recurrence. Hatchett’s mantra of “Play to Win” encapsulates his approach to overcoming obstacles. Fostering open communication and collaboration involves creating a safe environment for participation, encouraging questions, and facilitating inclusive conversations.

Looking ahead, Tier-One is focused on developing talent, identifying growth-enhancing technologies, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to create additional company value. Under Hatchett’s leadership, Tier-One Property Services continues to lead the industry with a commitment to excellence and innovation.