"Keeping people inspired in recycling isn't just about dollars—it's about purpose, impact, and reminding everyone that even waste deserves a second chance."
—Mark Whitley, CEO
In the world of recycling and waste management, retaining top talent is not easy. It's a competitive market and it can be difficult to find people who are not only knowledgeable, but passionate about what we do. I've found that creating a productive workplace is the best way—not just to hire the right people, but to keep them. People want to feel that what they do is important, and that's something I've really wanted to do over the years.
"Purpose-driven" sounds like a buzzword, but I tell you it is. For us, reminding our teams every day is a real impact of their work. When someone joins us, it's not about doing waste or sorting waste. They are part of a mission to keep millions of pounds of recyclables out of landfills. And that mission is what gets them into it—and keeps them here.
When I started Whit's Services, I knew that environmental sustainability should be more than just a slogan. I wish everyone on my team thought as strongly about our interests as I do. So I began to incorporate that message into everything we did. We celebrate our victories, such as when we reach a recycling milestone or launch a new sustainability initiative. And everyone, from our facilities to our field staff, knows exactly what they are doing in this bigger picture. It's amazing how much it pays off for our team when they see the real results of their work—less waste in landfills, more resources being used.
When it comes to attracting new talent, we see more and more people coming to us with a strong desire for sustainability. We get a steady stream of applicants who see what we do and want to be part of it. And, of course, that's a big help in an industry where employee turnover is high. Finding people who not only excel in a position, but bring passion to the table, has helped Whit's work without compromising our values.
Creating meaningful culture is not just a strategy but the heart of our company. Our people exist because they know their work is important and they change every day. And that commitment? It shines through in everything we do. When your team believes in this concept, you're not just running a company; you're creating something sustainable for the environment and everyone else.