When Louise Johnson first set foot into Waste Pro鈥檚 Ft. Myers office in 2005, little did she realize that this would be the place she would call home for the next twenty years.聽 At the time, she needed a job but didn’t know anything about the solid waste and recycling industry.聽 She interviewed for an office assistant role, knowing a few people in the office, and was hired the same day by the Division Manager at the time, Keith Banasiak.聽 鈥淭hey needed someone in a hurry, and I had known both Keith and another co-worker, Connie, previously, so I was happy to help.鈥�
From day one, Louise was treated like an 鈥渙ld friend.鈥� Her journey at Waste Pro has been guided by her 鈥済lad to help鈥� motto. The office had only been operational in the Southwest Florida region for three months. Back in those early days, there was an opportunity to build processes from the ground up, billing was done by hand, and all record keeping for accounts was with pen and paper. Louise tapped into her accounting background and got right to work, and has since moved into an accounts receivable role.聽 鈥淭he friendliness of the team, combined with the stability and opportunities presented to me to create something from the ground up, is all the reason why I truly love it here. Little did I know then that I had made the best decision in my career.鈥�
Louise has never been afraid to ask questions, and colleagues were readily available to help her learn.聽 鈥淓veryone was so kind and listened, which is how I have been able to share that philosophy with others. This supportive company culture is what makes Waste Pro a great place to work.鈥�
Her day starts at 6:30 a.m. with administrative tasks like checking mail, handling accounts receivable, and keeping the books in order.聽But Louise explains how relationships are the most meaningful aspect of her work. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the people who make it worthwhile for me and make each day special.鈥澛� Louise’s positive attitude is evident in her approach to work and life. She explained that there are so many moments throughout her time at Waste Pro that she looks back on fondly, and how much she enjoys what she does, still getting excited every day to come to work.聽 She is grateful for how the company fosters an environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities.聽 鈥淓very day brings new challenges, and we have to keep learning and laughing.聽 Even when you make a mistake, you learn, but you can鈥檛 take it too seriously because everyone makes mistakes, and no one is perfect.鈥� Louise’s optimism and willingness to learn are a source of inspiration for her colleagues.
Six years ago, Louise faced a significant personal loss when her husband of over 40 years passed away.聽 She credits her colleagues at Waste Pro for helping her through those tough times. 鈥淚f it weren鈥檛 for Waste Pro, I would not have pulled through.聽 Bill Jones, my boss and Divisional Vice President for Lee and Collier Counties, was at the helm of making sure I was ok every day.聽 He, along with Janice Slater, our Regional Controller, allowed me the time I needed to be with my husband during those last few months. The people here have made a significant impact on my life: all the great managers and supervisors, and, of course, the team. I also really enjoy interacting with our customers and the opportunities to solve their problems and build lasting relationships.
Louise shared, 鈥淭here are so many opportunities for career paths and growth, from frontline workers to management and other corporate roles. I truly believe that is due to the culture that has been built over the years. I know we are in good hands with Sean Jennings, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Keith Banasiak, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, at the helm. They are always ready to acknowledge employees and their hard work.鈥澛� Keith reflects fondly on his time with Louise, 鈥淲eezie, man, you gotta love her!聽 She was there at the beginning and has grown with Waste Pro over the years.聽 She鈥檚 lively, vivacious, and has a smile to light up a room.聽 But more importantly, she is dedicated to helping this company grow and remain profitable. We are a people company, and Louise is one of the best we have.鈥�