The Arlington Chamber of Commerce says that the late Erik Gutshall is the 2020 inductee into the Arlington Business Hall of Fame.
The Arlington Business Hall of Fame honors men and women with a connection to Arlington County who have demonstrated a long record of successful management expertise and business skills, along with notable achievements and exceptional civic and community involvement.
“It feels absolutely fitting for Erik to join the esteemed group in the Arlington Business Hall of Fame as our 2020 inductee. I had the privilege of first working with Erik as a small business owner, and active member of the Arlington Chamber, and advocate for the business community," said Kate Bates, President & CEO of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.
"Erik was not only a successful business owner, but he was also a person who championed for small businesses in general, and celebrated all that the business community brings to Arlington.”
Erik Gutshall was the owner of Clarendon Home Services, a small business which he founded in 2008 in Arlington after recognizing that many homeowners didn’t have adequate time to care for their homes. Clarendon Home Services offers regular routine maintenance to subscribers, along with full Class A contractor services for remodeling and renovations. In 2012, the Chamber recognized Clarendon Home Services as the Small Service Business of the Year, an achievement that Erik spoke of proudly.
Erik won a seat on the Arlington County Board in November 2017, and took office in January 2018. As a County Board member, Erik was able to call upon his experience as a small business owner and years of community volunteer leadership to advance conversations about the role that Arlington’s businesses play in strengthening our community.
Upon receiving a diagnosis of a brain tumor, Erik lost his short but fierce battle on April 16, 2020. Erik leaves behind his wife, Renee, and their three children in the Clarendon neighborhood. Click here to view Erik's full biography. Erik will be inducted into the Arlington Business Hall of Fame at the 34th Annual Arlington Best Business Awards hybrid event on October 27. For virtual tickets or additional information, visit https://www.arlingtonchamber.org/events.html or call 703-525-2400.