Director of business development for Advetec North America, Scott Owen is a respected business professional, having operated at a senior level in the construction, finance, and waste industries. In his role at Advetec, Scott is supported by a dedicated and experienced technical team. Together, they are poised to seize the myriad opportunities in the United States, leveraging their collective expertise to help organizations realize their waste management potential — embracing Advetec’s cutting-edge biotechnology to reduce waste, curb methane emissions, and conserve materials for more eco-friendly use elsewhere. Here, Scott shares a little more about his role at Advetec North America, as well as some key insights from the world of waste.
How did you get your start in the industry?
Having worked for 15 years in both the finance and construction industries, I realized I wanted to do something that had more of a positive impact, on both the planet and its people. In my college days, I worked as a garbage man, collecting residual waste destined for landfills or incineration. At the time, it occurred to me that there must be a better way of processing such vast amounts of trash. This experience left a lasting impression, fuelling my interest in waste and its full lifecycle. Now, years later, I’ve come full circle, re-entering the industry not as a collector but as a waste management expert, committed to helping businesses implement strategies that are not only better for users, but also for our environment.
What is your current role at the company?
In my role as director of business development for the US, I oversee Advetec’s Florida base while playing a leading role in cementing the company’s presence in the industry — growing its diverse portfolio of clients and exploring new sectors to work alongside. Recently, we’ve been exploring strategies with leading universities aiming to reduce their waste and carbon footprints. Due to their substantial populations, campuses generate large amounts of waste, resulting in growing pressures to showcase their carbon reduction efforts. Advetec’s biotechnology offers a solution to elevate sustainability credentials, achieve notable environmental ratings, and spearhead societal change towards reducing waste that isn’t recycled, and achieving net zero targets in the United States.
What important lesson have you learned over the years?
To love what you’re doing, and never stop challenging yourself — whether that’s in the shape of a new project, role, or different industry altogether.
Who was your biggest influence?
Professionally, it’s the people I come into contact with every single day. Customers, partners, colleagues — everyone has such a passion for what they’re trying to achieve, and it’s inspiring to see. On a personal level, I would have to say my grandfather. He grew up in The Depression facing huge adversity. As a result, his work ethic and drive to achieve always stood out to me.
What do you love most about being in the industry?
I love seeing the conversation and interest around sustainability continue to grow in the US. The global movement is picking up pace, and more people are recognizing the collective responsibility to better our planet. Reducing and diverting waste away from landfill has a huge potential in minimizing our environmental footprint today, fostering an improved future for each other and the generations to come.
To learn more about Advtetec’s waste-eating biotechnology, head to the website, follow the company’s LinkedIn page, and connect with Scott Owen.
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