Susan Anderson
Susan Anderson is the Founder and CEO of TBK Environmental and TBK One, where she has led vision, strategy, and growth for more than five years. Her companies have more than doubled in size and are positioned for continued expansion, fueled by a disciplined commitment to integrity, regulatory compliance, quality, and people-first principles..
With nearly two decades of experience across the industrial, manufacturing, and environmental sectors, Susan brings extensive scientific and operational expertise to complex regulatory environments. Her career began in environmental health and safety, where her background in chemistry, physics, and biology from the University of Texas at Arlington laid the foundation for her strength in compliance, risk management, and operational excellence.
That expertise fueled the growth of TBK Environmental into a full-service waste management and environmental consulting firm, and the launch of TBK One, a vertically integrated chemical blending and manufacturing company delivering custom, high-performance solutions nationwide. Susan holds multiple certifications through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and is an ISO Quality Standards Auditor.
Recognized early in her academic career with a STEM scholarship, Susan remains deeply committed to mentorship, innovation, and building strong teams. She believes the future belongs to organizations that lead with purpose, operational discipline, and a clear commitment to people, performance, and sustainability.
• The University of Texas at Arlington - Physics, Chemistry, Biology
• TACA (Texas Aggregates and Concrete Association)
• STEP (Society of Texas Environmental Professionals)
• Environmental Bankers Association
• SOCMA
• Carroll Athletic Booster Club
• Young Men's Service League - YMSL National
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong competitive drive and a commitment to continuous improvement. I’m motivated by the challenge of doing things better, building stronger systems, raising standards, and delivering better outcomes for our clients and teams. That mindset pushes me to adapt quickly, learn continuously, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve received is to separate emotion from the decision. Approaching choices with facts, clarity, and a long-term view helps me make better decisions and lead with consistency, even in high-pressure situations.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never give up. There will be obstacles and moments of doubt, but resilience is what moves you forward. Stay committed, keep pushing, and don’t let anyone convince you that you don’t belong.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field is navigating people effectively. The ability to communicate clearly, build trust, and lead through differences has become just as critical as technical skill. Strong leadership today is defined by how well you navigate people, not just processes. Strong interpersonal skills not only strengthen relationships and teamwork but also create opportunities for more impactful leadership, better outcomes, and a more positive organizational culture.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me, both professionally and personally, are integrity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to people. I believe in doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult, and holding myself to high ethical and professional standards. Accountability and regulatory discipline build trust and long-term success, but people always come first. Treating others with respect, fairness, and empathy guides how I lead, collaborate, and serve.