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5Qs With Heather Varner

December 3, 2018 by Heather Varner Leave a Comment

We’ve celebrated and shared stories of several of our team members here on the MASS Blog over the past several months. Today, we are featuring our team member who is actually the writer of this blog itself. Heather Varner, our Special Projects Manager, answers 5 Questions about MASS & her role here with our team. Happy reading!

Hiking at Tom’s Thumb in Scottsdale, AZ

Q1. If you could describe a ‘day-in-the-life’ for you at MASS in just three words, what would they be?

Expect The Unexpected. 

I say this, because every day is different. The variety that comes with my role as Special Projects Manager keeps things very exciting, and while this can be crazy at times it is always worth it. One day, I may find myself completing on-site education sessions for a hospital or a university; working with their staff to become more active recyclers. The next day, I might be compiling a cost-savings report for a client; quantifying for them their success through the MASS methodology. Some days you can find me supporting our Waste Audit Team, and on others, I am holed in up in our webinar room providing online education to our valued clients. I write blog posts, run our social media accounts, and complete internal staff education. I love working in a position where every day is different, because this allows me to have a positive impact in so many unique and exciting ways.

Q2. What has been the most rewarding moment of your work with MASS so far?

At MASS, we always say that we have a vested interest in the success of our clients. In that sense, their accomplishments are our accomplishments. This past summer, I completed an education series with our Waste Audit team prior to a set of annual audits for a client in the restaurant industry. At the end of the audits, their reports were compiled and I was ecstatic to see that their results had increased significantly. We are now working with them on implementation of organics programs for a number of their locations to divert food-waste from landfill, and I am so excited about supporting them in taking this next step forward. Without fail, anytime one of our clients achieves something positive like this, I am filled with pride in the work that we do.

Q3. How have you changed since working for MASS?

When I first came to MASS, it was my second career position after university, and I was still very unsure of what my path would be. I was excited for the opportunity to work for a company that was making a difference, but I had no idea what exactly my future with the company would entail. Now, I look back with immeasurable gladness for each opportunity the company has given me. I’ve been able to learn so much through my work at MASS and develop both on a personal and professional level.

I’ve always been a an advocate for the environment, and I believe a big part of this can be contributed to being raised with a deep respect for nature and the great outdoors. Since coming to MASS, and learning everything I have within the waste and recycling industry, I’ve become very big on an ‘applicable next steps focus.’ By this, I mean that when I am looking for strategies on how to be more environmentally friendly, I want them to be applicable, specific, and tangible items. When working with clients, I try to utilize this approach. I find this helps people to feel empowered and capable of taking responsibility over their own environmental footprint. So much of the messaging out there today about our environment is very ‘big picture thinking,’ which while incredibly valuable, can also be intensely overwhelming. I like to break things down into ‘bite-sized target actions’ that are possible to implement and apply on a daily basis.

Ziplining with Alex Card (Ops Manager) in Costa Rica

Q4. What is it like working in a family business?

I might have a slightly unique answer on this question, because what many of our readers may not realize is that I am actually a soon-to-be member of the Brown family! In May 2019, I will be marrying Mac Brown, our Waste Audit Manager, the son of company founders, George and Marnie. Mac and I met in 2012, while both of us were students at Mount Allison University. After completing my degree, I worked for a year in my hometown of Moncton, New Brunswick before coming out to Ontario where I started with MASS. For me, working in a ‘family business’ has also always meant working for my ‘in-laws-to-be.’

This is undoubtedly a unique situation, but also one for which I am incredibly grateful. It is so special and rare to work towards a common goal with a group of people who are a part of every element of your life. The family focus on waste reduction is not just a part of our office environment, but also, our home environment. We are all avid recyclers and committed composters. Our holiday dinners always involve discussion of waste diversion, mixed in with the regular family updates and typical conversation.

Being a part of a family business, means that I never have to concern myself with ‘Work-Life’ balance. ‘Work’ becomes about so much more than the day-to-day. It’s about the legacy we are building as a family. ‘ And ‘Life’ is about family, relationships, and strengthening those bonds. With these two focuses, ‘Work’ and ‘Life’ create an incredible amalgamation that gives so much meaning to everything we do.

I was raised in an incredibly close-knit family, and this is something I’ve always wanted to continue to be a part of my life as I grow. I am glad that I get to work in a business where this value underlines absolutely everything we do. We always say that we are working to leave behind a healthy and thriving earth for the next generation, and I can’t think of anything more important for a family to work towards, than that.

Kayaking at Hopewell Rocks with Mac Brown

Q5. At MASS, we always say “Change Begins With Just One Step.” What does this mean to you, and what role does it play in your life?

I love this motto and use it often with our clients. So often, people can feel overwhelmed in the face of climate change, and this is a great way to remind them that every single one of us holds power. Whether it’s bringing your own reusable coffee mug with you (starting TODAY!), saying ‘no thank you’ to a plastic straw at a restaurant (starting TODAY!), or bringing reusable bags to the grocery store (starting TODAY), we each have to take responsibility for our own environmental footprint. Each of these small impacts truly do matter.

I often encourage our clients to ask themselves the question “What can I do differently today?” and use that as their starting point to begin making a difference. I ask myself this same question nearly every morning, and not just when it comes to waste diversion. In any area of our lives where we are trying to make a change, grow, or improve, this question can be an incredible way to make self-development possible.

Whether it’s an obstacle you are trying to overcome, a skill you are working to develop, a relationship you are trying to strengthen, or a habit you are trying to break – this question can kick-start incredible change in every area of your life. Change begins with JUST one step. One little step is ALWAYS possible. What will yours be today?

For more about Heather and the rest of our team, CLICK HERE.  We are so grateful to each member of the extended ‘MASS Family’ for all that they do.

Tagged With: family, family business, staff appreciation

5 Qs with Jesse Moring

September 4, 2018 by Heather Varner Leave a Comment

Image may contain: 5 people, people smiling, people standing, tree, plant, child, outdoor and nature

The Moring Family

Our Administration Manager, Jesse Moring has a big role to fill here at MASS! Since joining our team in October 2017, he has become a crucial asset to what we do. In his position, Jesse is responsible for Accounts Receivable and Payable, Human Resources, and Information Technology – which means that he keeps very, very busy!

When Jesse goes home at the end of the day, the busyness definitely doesn’t stop!  Jesse, and his fantastic wife Laurel are parents to three adorable young boys, and are actively involved in their community.

In recognition of all that Jesse does, we wanted to take this opportunity and celebrate him and his hard work.  Keep reading for “5 Questions with Jesse Moring,” and CLICK HERE to learn more about him and the rest of our team!

 

Q1. What first sparked your interest in working for MASS Environmental Services Inc.?

I first applied for after a recommendation that the Brown’s were looking to fill a position with someone with my skill set and background. The person who recommended the position to me also told me how wonderful the family is, which was great to hear. I quickly became interested in learning more. After meeting George and Marnie (our President and Vice-President), I started to really see how it could be a great fit. The passion they both show for their work is contagious, and after that first meeting, I was able to develop a better grasp of what MASS offers, and who MASS is as a team, and family, I knew it would be a fantastic place to work.

Q2. What do you like to do outside of work?

Lately, most of my ‘outside-of-work’ hours have been devoted to renovating our house. When we aren’t busy renovating, my wife, Laurel and I enjoy relaxing together and playing board games. Of course, this is all in-between taking the kids to their baseball and jujitsu practices. Parenting definitely keeps us busy!

Q3. When you envision how Canada will evolve as we move into the future, what do you hope to see change (in terms of waste, recycling, and environmental initiatives) for our country?

When I look to the future of Waste Diversion in Canada, I believe more people will become aware of their own impact. Individually, we each have a role to play, and we should be trying our hardest to minimize our footprints. I know a lot of people tend to think their individual environmental impact is too small to make a difference, but this could not be further from the truth. Large changes are made up of many smaller ones coming together. As Canadians, I hope we can shift our perspective to see that that every little bit helps, no matter how small.

Q4. What have you learned or how have you changed since working for MASS?

The world of waste and recycling is a system that is vital to everyone, but not something that many of us actually spend time thinking about.

The Moring Family

Since I have started working for MASS I have learned, and am still learning how this system operates. This is a part of each of our daily lives, and something we each should make an effort to become more educated on, in order to do our part for sustainability.

Q5. What is it like working in a family business?

Having a young family of my own, it is interesting to also get to experience the dynamic of working in a family business. My experience with MASS has really brought home what a “team” should be. Family is a huge part of who I am, and working in an environment where everyone is on the ‘same team’ in the way that a family is, is a very special experience, and one that I am glad to be a part of!

 

 

Tagged With: business blog, environment, family, family business, ontario, recycling, staff, staff profile, waste and recycling, waste disposal, waste diversion

Family Business & A Family Wedding –  A Special Celebration For the MASS Team

July 18, 2018 by Heather Varner Leave a Comment

The Happy Couple – Nate & Alex Card

Just after 3:30 PM on Saturday, July 14th 2018, MASS President George Brown walked his daughter, Alex down the aisle to marry the love of her life, Nate Card. Alex, who is the Operations Manager here at MASS hugged her father, followed by her mother Marnie, the VP of MASS, as she joined her soon-to-be husband at the altar. At their sides stood Heather Varner as Maid of Honour, who happens to be the Special Projects Manager here at MASS, and Mac Brown as groomsman, who happens to be the Waste Audit and Business Development Manager here at MASS.

In the congregation sat family and friends, who were joined by the wonderful colleagues who make up the MASS Team, and members of our Advisory Board – all joining in the wedding festivities following the ceremony.

When it comes to life in a family business, family milestones like this are special celebrations.  This is why  a big part of why it is important to us that each member of our team is truly valued as a member of the “MASS Family.”

Just as we do with our own loved ones, MASS maintains a vested interest in the success of each of our employees, clients, and partners; and as our company continues to grow, these are the values that have set the foundation for our success as a business.

Nate and Alex with MASS President & Vice President – George and Marnie Brown  

If you visit the  Our Story page of our website, you will read:

Family Focus is the core value which underlies our work-ethic and commitment to making a difference every day. It is also is a driving force behind the Innovation and proactive solutions MASS provides to customers. There is no greater motivation to work towards a Legacy of a more economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable future than the thought of the many future generations to come.

This focus contributes to MASS’ ongoing commitment to Reliability and Accountability. MASS is proud to maintain true Vested Interest in the Success of all Our Clients, Partners, and Team Members. These values form the structural integrity of the company.

These are the values that the entire team at MASS aspires to implement in our daily life at the company, and they are also a part of what it means to us to keep ‘family’ at the forefront.

Alex and Nate Joined By Family

When memorable moments like a family wedding happen, our team revels in the joy of celebration. This is a part of what makes the company culture here at MASS so unique and special, and also something we work hard to maintain year after year, as we continue to grow.

In sharing this blog post today, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate this company culture that makes MASS a great place to work. We are grateful to each member of our team for being a part of the “MASS Family,” and thank each of them for their commitment to making a small difference every day.

Congratulations to the happy couple, Alex and Nate! We know that you will have an eternity of happiness, love, and laughter. With your commitment to one another – and protecting our planet – we are confident that you will do great things everywhere you go!

Tagged With: family, family business, wedding

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