Since our founding in 1970, Waste Industries has strived to achieve one all-encompassing goal: To provide a waste collection service that is so streamlined and stress-free that it falls almost entirely out of our customers’ minds.
Our goal has always been to provide a level of service that is truly unmatched by anyone in the industry. From sustainable efforts, environmentally conscious decisions, and a caliber of customer support unparalleled by any service-based company, we have always aspired to be more than what we are today.
This goal, a desire to always accomplish more, to always achieve that next great moment in a string of unforgettable advancements for the residents of each community we service, has been embedded in the core business principals of our company, as seen in our mission statement that has stood true, unchanged and unaltered since our founding:
“To grow and prosper through the efficient and responsible utilization of our resources while providing our customers with cost-effective, responsive, and environmentally sound solutions to their solid waste management needs.”
We believe in being the best, not just for our customers today, but for each and every potential customer in the generations that follow. We are driven to protect, preserve, and inspire change that benefits the lives of the communities we impact and the environment that surrounds them.
At Waste Industries, we believe in a sustainable future for waste. We believe in the promise of a greener world tomorrow, built upon the actions of today. We believe in more.
Ven joined the Company in 1990 as its Director of Risk Management and was named the company’s Chief Executive Officer in 2009. In 2015 Ven also assumed the role of the Board’s Chairman. Ven has served as the company’s Risk Management Director (1990-1995); Vice President of Support Services (1995-2002) and Vice President, Corporate Development (2002-2008).
Ven graduated from North Carolina State University in 1985 with a BS in Aerospace engineering. From 1985-1990 he was a Senior Engineer in the systems engineering group with Martin Marietta Orlando Aerospace.
He currently serves on the Boards of the Environmental Research and Education Foundation (Treasurer), Detachable Container Association (Treasurer), the NC State University Entrepreneurship Initiative, and St. David’s School (Treasurer).
Ven is a licensed pilot and enjoys Blue Marlin fishing and travel.
Greg joined the company in early 2013 as Senior Vice President of Operations and assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer on January 1, 2014. Greg brings almost 30 years of experience working directly within the waste industry. Before joining Waste Industries, Greg’s background included detailed and highly experienced work across multiple states, including his time holding the position of Corporate Vice President for Operations and Business Solutions. His background also includes 12 years as an Area Vice President with full responsibility for collection, recycling and landfill disposal services in NC, SC and GA for a competing company.
Steve joined the Company in 2001 as Chief Financial Officer. Steve has 38 years of controllership and CFO experience including 16 years of Chief Financial Officer for Austin Quality Foods which was acquired by Keebler Foods. He holds a B.A. in accounting from North Carolina State University. Steve is a Certified Public Accountant and is a member of the American Institute of CPA’s and the North Carolina Association of CPA’s.
Lisa joined the Company in 2010 as its Vice President, General Counsel, and has a total of 15 years of experience providing legal services to the solid waste industry. Before becoming a member of the Waste Industries team, she was a partner with the law firm of Wyrick Robbins Yates & Ponton, LLP in Raleigh, North Carolina, the Company’s outside counsel. Lisa was recently selected by her peers as a member of “North Carolina’s 2012 Legal Elite Hall of Fame” in Business North Carolina magazine, as the State’s top vote recipient in the Corporate Counsel category. Lisa received her undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, from Rice University in Houston, Texas, and received her law degree, with honors, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Michael joined the Company in 2006 as Vice President of Administration and Support Services. Prior to joining the company Michael was CFO and Controller for an Engineering and Design firm for 7 years. He also has 17 years of solid waste experience with Waste Management where he held various management and financial positions throughout the Southeast United States. Michael has more than 40 years of business experience with over 25 years in the solid waste industry. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Florida State University, is a Certified Public Accountant, a Chartered Global Management Accountant and a member of the American Institute of CPA’s and the North Carolina Association of CPA’s.
Mike joined the Company in 1991 and since 2009 has served as Vice President of Corporate Development. He held various management positions throughout the Company his initial fourteen years and served as Vice President of its South Division from 2005 to 2009. Mike holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina and has over 25 years of experience in the Solid Waste Industry.