As a Women’s Business Enterprise National Council Certified hauler, SBC Waste Solutions prides itself on having the best team in the industry in one of the most competitive markets in the U.S. From their drivers to management and office support, SBC Waste Solutions’ mantra of “Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork!”, resonates throughout the company and drives their momentum forward.
With a passion for the environment and a background in customer service, Karen Coley had the opportunity to gather a team of Chicago’s most enthusiastic players in the waste hauling market to form SBC Waste Solutions (Broadview, IL). Starting on St. Patrick’s Day in 2018 with four trucks, SBC Waste Solutions has quickly grown to more than 50 trucks in less than five years in the most competitive market in the U.S.
Currently, the company has more than 60 employees with full benefits and is a proud member company of the AFL/CIO UNION. SBC Waste Solutions deals with every type of recycling there is, including all residential, commercial, C&D, industrial, and brokering. The company serves mainly the greater Chicagoland area, including the entire city of Chicago and surrounding Lake, Cook, DuPage, and Will Counties consisting of more than 100 suburban communities and a total population of more than 14 million people.
Photos courtesy of SBC Waste Solutions.
Impacts
While the pandemic had a huge impact on SBC Waste Solutions in the beginning, they are proud of the fact that they did not lay off one employee during that terrible time and kept all of their employees paid and working. “We encouraged all of our staff to care for their families and their health and anyone who needed off was paid in full,” says Coley, President of SBC Waste Solutions. “We actually grew tremendously after the initial effects of COVID due to other haulers not being able to provide the personalized services that commercial customers were requiring.”
Coley points out that the number one concern right now is controlling operational costs to maintain profitability. Challenges in supply chain shortages have made new truck availability and parts for trucks hard to get, sometimes taking months. This has forced them to prepare more ahead and buy more trucks to keep up with the pace of their growth. Another industry challenge is obtaining and hiring top notch and highly qualified drivers. “It’s the key to sustaining growth and top customer service. We recognized this and we go above and beyond with all our drivers in many ways with regards to compensation and benefits,” says Steve Stronach, General Manager. SBC Waste Solutions offers incredible benefits, such as Union benefits, 401K with generous match to office staff, and perks like Drivers Lounge snacks and beverages, friday lunches, holiday parties and baseball games. “When you take great care of your employees, they take great care of your customers,” says Coley.
Company Programs
Since waste hauling is one of the top 10 injury prone jobs and SBC Waste Solutions recognizes that their staff health and safety mean everything, safety meetings are held monthly, and they hold bi-yearly safety meetings with their insurance carriers. “We promote safety daily and currently have one of the best insurance records in the industry,” says Stronach.
With community involvement ingrained in the company DNA, SBC Waste Solutions is also very involved in sustainability initiatives. Coley chairs the Village of Broadview’s Sustainability board, mentors young women through #WeCanToo programs, and holds a board position on HumbleDesign, which helps house homeless in Chicagoland. SBC Waste Solutions also plants trees in Broadview, as well as sponsors youth sports and local schools through scholarships. “We truly try to give back to our communities,” says Coley.
Exponential Growth
As a WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) certified hauler, it is a company goal to also have their facility solar powered by the end of 2023. With brand new roofs on both buildings, SBC Waste Solutions is sourcing their panels for an install by year end. “We would like to open a new waste and recycling facility of our own by end of 2025 and be over 100 million in sales by the year 2030,” says Coley. “We will achieve these goals through our outstanding leadership, including industry veterans like Steve Stronach, General Manager, and our incredible sales team and adding new team members like Paul Cuda, Director of Technology. Our customer-centric office team lead by Michele Mele, Office Manager, and the industry’s best drivers truly deliver on our mantra: Teamwork makes the dream work!”
Exponential growth, especially in entering the residential market so quickly, has made SBC Waste Solutions’ first five years so incredible. “We have won Business of the Year Awards, Entrepreneurial Awards, and securing our WBENC certification in year three was both special and empowering. We have the best team in the industry.” | WA
For more information, contact Karen Coley, President of SBC Waste Solutions, Inc., at (708) 828-0026 or visit sbcwastesolutions.com.