Employee Spotlight: Bryan Stokes

Leadership starts at the top. Spend any time with Bryan Stokes, and it is easy to see why Quincy Recycle is successful. Bryan’s commitment to the company and, more importantly, the employees is evident, and it empowers and inspires those around him. That trickles down through the entire company and helps to make Quincy Recycle the industry leader it has become today. Getting Bryan to talk about himself instead of his employees isn’t easy, but he made an exception for the company’s 50th Anniversary!

When did you start with Quincy Recycle?

1995

What was your job title when you started?

Operations Manager

What is your current title?

President

If you had to pick one, which Core Value is your favorite and why?

I will always pick Alive & Well first. There is nothing more important than sending our associates home safely at the end of a shift. After Alive & Well, Be Courageous & Try It has been a huge part of who we are and how we’ve grown. We try lots of things that don’t work, but when the new idea works, it’s usually a pretty big deal company wide.

What was the most challenging thing to learn in your roles?

It took me a decade to embrace that in most areas of our business, someone else on our team has better ideas than me. It’s embarrassing, 10 years is probably a little longer than it should have taken!

What was the most surprising or fun thing to learn?

That we can control our own destiny and the business can be anything we want it to be.

What’s your favorite part about working at Quincy Recycle?

Our people and the success that they have.

What would you like prospective employees to know about Quincy Recycle?

One Team, One Dream, One Family is a real core value at our company. I am grateful to have a team that cares about each other and our company. The team demonstrates this Core Value every day.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?

Golf and any activities with Brooke and our kids.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever read or received?

When we opened recycling plants in New Haven and Alsip, we initially tried to manage sales, growth, and market leadership from Quincy. My dad had been retired for about 10 years, but he helped me realize that we needed local leadership and new ideas in markets so far away. It was a very important piece of advice and contributed to our success enormously. I will always appreciate that conversation. (Not at first, it took me about two weeks to make it my own idea and run with it)!

If you had to pick a song to portray the culture of Quincy Recycle, what would it be and why?

Most People Are Good – Luke Bryan

Our culture is positive, optimistic, and forward-looking. Our people put those traits on display every day.