If there is no tests to back you up, that's where I'd start. I work in a similar company in the past, and having tests / a build server is step 1 to empower ot

If there is no tests to back you up, that's where I'd start. I work in a similar company in the past, and having tests / a build server is step 1 to empower other to refactor more. The lack of tests is usually what brings people to paralysis / creep / huge tech debt ime. And don't forget that beautiful code is not actually necessary for business. What is needed is delivering value to your users in a consistent manner. Well structured code will be needed if the project is here to last in the long run, but it is not always the case. As far as I can read, you're doing great. Keep it going and other are likely to look up on you in the future, and you'll grow a lot.