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This Alum Is Awash With Gratitude

Charles “Chuck” L. Caranci, Jr. ’88

Self-described “numbers” guy Charles “Chuck” Caranci says his career adds up exactly as it should.

“My parents urged me to study business because it would play on my strengths in mathematics and it would open up a world of opportunities in accounting or finance,” he says. “Though I was initially uncertain, I enthusiastically enrolled at Bryant, my uncle and godfather’s alma mater, because of its stellar reputation and proximity to home and friends.”

At Bryant, Caranci thrived, soaking up the wisdom and expertise of professors such as Chet Piascik, professor of Mathematics, who taught him that building blocks can only be effective when supported by sound foundations. “These are principles easily applicable to everyday business situations,” says Caranci. “I also found it very cool that he actually wrote the books we used in class.” In fact, he still has those applied mathematics and statistics books stored somewhere.

Variety of Skills

Like many Bryant alumni, Caranci can name several professors in a range of disciplines who made a lifelong impact on him. From the Management lecturer, Ted Gautschi, who stressed exceptional soft skills — interpersonal, work ethic, communication, time management and networking/relationships — as more important for success than book smarts, to the inimitable English and Humanities Professor Pat Keeley, who taught him refined writing and communication skills, to Accounting professors such as Dr. Kathy Simons, who made auditing fun and interesting.

“I learned and excelled at a surprising variety of skills at Bryant,” Caranci says.

Initially a Finance major, Caranci switched to Accounting in his junior year for what he felt were better immediate career opportunities. Upon graduation, he started out in one of the “Big Eight” accounting firms and earned his CPA, then transitioned to the construction and real estate development sectors in top executive capacities before deciding to spread his wings further and be his own boss.

“I’ve enjoyed building organizations throughout my career and taking companies to the next level,” Caranci says. “One of my first mentors, Jack Marshall, advised me to ‘always surround yourself with a strong team and never be afraid to hire people smarter than you.’ I believe that I have always built exceptional teams around me, thanks to his counsel.”

That philosophy in management, he contends, is key to his success. “I advise anyone who asks: Hire the smartest people, and don’t micro-manage them. Throw them in the deep end and see how they do, but always keep an eye on them and jump in when/if you need to. Setbacks often plant the seeds of opportunity.”

Not Your Grandpa’s Car Wash

Now Chief Executive Officer/Owner of TE Ventures (Tommy’s Express Car Wash franchisee), Caranci currently owns and operates 11 franchises and has more than 30 other sites in development or construction slated for opening in the next 18 months. His focus is on the use of technology to improve the guest experience and ensuring that all his employees are flourishing.

“Work shouldn’t be difficult or painful,” he says. “I want our employees driving to work with a smile on their faces. That’s what keeps me going. It’s important to me to instill an entrepreneurial spirit in my team members.”

The car wash business has been good to Caranci, and he knows the foundation and networks he built at Bryant helped him achieve his goals.

“Since graduation, I have always contributed to Bryant’s annual fundraising campaigns. A while ago, I was contacted by Bryant’s University Advancement Office, and we assessed ways in which I could increase my level of commitment to the University.” Caranci boosted his annual giving and started guest lecturing on campus about his career path and experience at work as a leader and mentor.

Deepening Bryant Relationships

When Dean Madan Annavarjula approached Caranci to be one of the founding members of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Business, he recognized the special opportunity and jumped at it.

“This experience has been incredible,” he says. “Being able to engage with faculty, staff, students, other alumni and peers in business has been truly rewarding, and a great way to give back to the University.”

Caranci has worked with Brian Lachapelle of Bryant’s University Advancement Office to significantly increase his giving to the University in three ways: annual giving at the Bryant Leadership Council (BLC) level, through an endowed fund, and a bequest.

First, his multi-year annual giving pledge to the College of Business Dean’s Fund will advance innovation in the College of Business benefiting students, faculty, staff and programs. A multi-year commitment helps the University plan more precisely.

Next, he’s created the Charles L. Caranci, Jr. ’88 Entrepreneurship Endowed Fund, which will help recent graduates launch their new ventures.

“We want students and alumni to be able to look to their alma mater for capital when launching their ventures,” he explains. As an entrepreneur, Caranci finds that establishing the Entrepreneurship Fund is a special and uniquely meaningful donation, and because it’s endowed, the Fund will help Bryant advance entrepreneurship in perpetuity.

Isil Yavuz, director of Bryant’s Entrepreneurship Program, says the endowment is invaluable.

“A gift of this magnitude elevates our program and helps bring the sound business ideas and plans of our students and alumni to realization,” she says. “It’s a great extra marketing feature for prospective students along with the access that students have to Bryant’s network of successful alumni.”

In addition to this endowment, Caranci has named Bryant’s College of Business in his will.

“My bequest to Bryant has been one of the easiest decisions I’ve made,” he says. “The University helped make this financial decision a win-win.” Caranci adds, “It’s comforting to know I will continue to make a difference at the University after I’m gone — in a manner the College of Business sees fit and needs the most — while receiving financial benefits now.”

Contact Bob Ferrell at 401-232-6171 and rferrell@bryant.edu to learn more about how you can create a legacy at Bryant University with your estate plan.

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