1. How did you first get into the waste and recycling industry?

I was first approached by a recruiter in the waste and recycling industry who described it as a sector with zero volatility… That comment caught my attention, so I decided to look into it further.

After that initial discussion, It didn’t take long to realize that the statement wasn’t quite true! The recycling industry routinely experiences plenty of highs and lows, driven by factors like material demand, emerging technologies, legislation, and the co-dependence on industries such as oil and steel, and global economics. But that fluctuation really intrigued me.

I have a background in mechanical engineering, so I was looking for a role where I could put that expertise to good use. That was 18 years ago, and I’ve been part of the industry ever since.

I became familiar with UNTHA several years ago. During that time, I often heard great things about Bernie and the UNTHA team – never a bad word, in fact. When an opportunity came up that allowed me to join UNTHA, it felt like the perfect next step.

At UNTHA, I combine customer engagement, application assessment, and technical guidance into one integrated role. With an engineering foundation and deep experience in AI, robotics, and turnkey plant design, I help new and existing customers select the optimal shredding solutions and apply industry best practices.wh

Alongside that, I work closely with president Bernie Martinz to facilitate further growth for UNTHA America – developing internal processes, strengthening account management, and helping the business access new markets. I will oversee and guide the sales team to ensure that both new and long-standing customers consistently receive the quality, performance, and support that define the UNTHA brand.

2. What’s one waste material you think deserves more attention in the US and why?

It’s difficult to focus on just one, since there is so much room for improvement in our industry. C&D waste is one of the most overlooked opportunities in the U.S. Recycling rates remain inconsistent, yet the material stream holds huge value – from wood and aggregates to metals and plastics. Improving size reduction, material liberation, and overall system design could significantly increase recovery rates.

End-of-life tires also deserve far more attention. They’re one of the most stockpiled materials in the country, and despite decades of discussion, the infrastructure needed for proper size reduction and recycling still varies dramatically by region. Modern shredding and downstream systems can unlock significantly more value. 

3. Which UNTHA machine is your favorite, and why?

The XR really intrigues me. In shredding, the “holy grail” is a one-step shredding solution, and the XR can process material efficiently in a single pass. 

4. What’s been a personal highlight of your UNTHA career so far?

Honestly, it’s been the team. Before joining, I had met Bernie and Julia at various events, and their personalities were exactly what I was hoping for. Sometimes you start a new role and realize people aren’t quite what you expected, but that hasn’t been the case at UNTHA.

The team was incredibly welcoming, friendly, and knowledgeable, and being part of that environment has been a real highlight for me so far.

5. What’s one skill or quality that will help you thrive in the UNTHA America team?

I’d say being a “dirty fingernails” manager. I don’t like to ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t do myself.

Similarly, when I sit across from a customer, I focus on absorbing all the information they share and understanding that it might not be a shredder sale that day – but there’s always an opportunity to be useful, impart advice, and be remembered as a trusted expert in the field.

6. The phone rings, and it’s your dream customer – who is it?

Waste Management is North America’s leading environmental solutions provider, with plants across the country. Working with them would be a chance to make a real impact, help maximize resource recovery, and create success on a big scale.

7. What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?

One piece of advice I always keep in mind is to treat everyone equally, whatever their role, and always deal with people the way you would like to be treated.

Another, from my Dad, is simple but powerful: “You will never regret being professional, courteous, and attentive.” I’ve found that following both pieces of advice means good things will come back to me.

8. What’s something you think will change the shredding or wider waste industry over the next 10 years?

I don’t have a crystal ball, but I think leveraging data and AI within plants is going to be a major shift. Over the next decade, shredders will need to evolve into smarter, more connected systems.

If you look at existing plants, the progress over the past few years has been incredible. Soon, we’ll have near full autonomy, with “eyes” on every part of a plant – monitoring waste composition, operational efficiency, and performance in real time. Some companies are already leading the charge, and who we partner with will play a big role in shaping the industry.

9.  UNTHA operates worldwide – if you could work from another global office for a month, where would you choose and why?

I’d choose South America, specifically Brazil. There’s a lot of potential in the waste and recycling industry there, and I’d love the opportunity to explore it firsthand. Plus, I speak the language, and I’d get to enjoy some windsurfing while I’m at it!

10. What’s your go-to way to unwind after a busy workday?

I love strumming my guitar, and, depending on the type of day I’ve had, it’s with either a cup of coffee or a glass of wine!