Rachel Pierson, MBA

I attribute my success to adaptability, a willingness to continuously learn, strong relationship-building skills, and a deep understanding of the industry. Throughout my career, I have embraced opportunities that challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and learn new areas of the business. Rather than being intimidated by unfamiliar territory, I have viewed each transition as an opportunity to expand my knowledge and perspective. The relationships I have built throughout my career have also been instrumental, leading to new opportunities and helping me establish a strong professional reputation. My experience across manufacturing, operations, product management, procurement, fleet management, and sales has given me the ability to approach challenges from multiple perspectives and develop well-rounded, practical solutions.

I have never identified one individual as the single mentor who shaped my career. Instead, I have been fortunate to have different mentors at various stages and transitions, each providing guidance that was meaningful to where I was professionally at the time. Because my career has taken a nontraditional and diverse path across environmental science, manufacturing, sales, operations, product management, and fleet management, I have learned the importance of seeking guidance from people with different experiences and perspectives. The best career advice I have received is to build a strong network of mentors, remain open to learning, and recognize that different people can help you navigate different stages of your professional journey.

My advice to young women entering the waste and recycling industry is simple: go for it and do not let intimidation hold you back. While entering a traditionally male-dominated industry can sometimes feel challenging, I have found that there is far more support, encouragement, and positivity than negativity. This is an incredible industry with diverse career opportunities and a strong degree of stability. Be confident in your abilities, stay open to learning, and do not be afraid to take your seat at the table. There is tremendous potential for women to build successful, rewarding careers in this field.

I see tremendous opportunity in the continued development of digital safety technology and telematics within the waste and refuse industry. Technologies such as advanced camera systems, radar, fleet intelligence, and other connected solutions are helping address the unique safety and operational challenges faced by waste fleets every day. Because these vehicles often operate in demanding environments, practical innovations can make a meaningful difference in driver awareness, equipment reliability, and overall fleet performance. Even highly specialized solutions, such as rodent-resistant camera cables or voice-enabled backup radar systems, can address real-world challenges and improve safety. I also see significant opportunities for women to take on greater leadership roles across sales, operations, fleet management, manufacturing, and technology within an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated. As the industry continues to modernize, there is an exciting opportunity to bring innovative solutions to customers while creating more pathways for women to grow and lead.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are relationships, adaptability, confidence, continuous learning, authenticity, service, and professional integrity. I believe in staying open to change and embracing opportunities that allow me to grow, rather than limiting myself to one job title or a single area of expertise. Building genuine relationships is equally important to me because strong connections create opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, professional growth, and meaningful industry partnerships. I also value giving back and supporting others beyond my professional responsibilities, which is reflected in my involvement with Patriot Cat Fishing and its efforts to create meaningful experiences for veterans. Ultimately, I strive to approach every opportunity with integrity, remain authentic to who I am, continue learning, and use my experience to make a positive impact on others.