Community Waste Disposal

Cleaning up

Greg Roemer sees wisdom in recycling

Roemer, 49, opened the doors of Community Waste Disposal in 1984 with two used garbage trucks, a handful of dumpsters and two employees. Now the company has 149 employees and 95 trucks and counts Trammell Crow, Lincoln Property Co. and Capstar Commercial among its private clients and the cities of Allen, Dallas and Frisco among its public-sector clients. He was interviewed by Cynthia D. Webb.

Tell us about your family.
My wife, Vicki, and our children, Nicole, 17, and Jason, 16.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the southern Minnesota town of Mankato.
Where did you get your education?
I attended Mankato State University and studied business and aviation.
What was your first job?
I went to work as the marketing sales manager for BFI in 1980. I learned to make up for any shortcomings and to outwork my competition.
In a year, what will your company look like?
Similar to what it is today with a heavy focus on recycling.
How about in 10 years?
Currently, recycling accounts for 30% of our business; by 2016, that will expand to 50%. Recycling is a part of our business where we're very competitive, so we are putting in money, technology, people and equipment, and it's where we are expanding to the greatest degree.
Who do you want as a client?
We have a contract with the city of Dallas where we now do all of their curbside recycling and we recycle for 240 of their buildings. Next year, Dallas is looking to do single-stream recycling with a 95-gallon cart and we would like to be their recycler.
What will impact your industry most in the next quarter?
The cost of fuel. In the past 12 months, our fuel expenses have effectively doubled. It has come down in the past 30 days, but it is still our largest and most volatile expense. And we can't project what the price will do in the next 120 days.
What's the smarest business decision you've made?
Starting CWD in 1984.
What's the worst?
In 1985 we expanded too fast, we had more clients than we could buy equipment to service.
What three words describe how others think of you?
Driven, focused and knowledgeable
Who's your most respected competitor?
Houston-based Waste Management
Who's had the greatest influence on your career?
Ed Hamlett, Windell Thomas, Earl Mikolitch, who were once in upper management at BFI, which was purchased by Allied Waste in 1999.
What advice do you have for someone graduating from college?
Find something you're passionate about. If you do, you'll likely be successful.
CD or iPod and what's the music you've purchased?
A CD of The Rolling Stones' "A Bigger Bang"
What's your first choice for a new career?
I'd be an F-16 fighter pilot.
What are your pet peeves?
Lack of follow-through and lack of passion.
What's your favorite restaurant?
Vito's Pizza Restaurant in Irving.