English
Solid waste or recycling problems? Challenge accepted.
ReCollect’s Manager of Customer Success, Kelly Millman, has dedicated her life to the environment. Behind the scenes at ReCollect, she plays an integral role on our team, working with the Customer Success Team and ensuring that the communities we serve are getting the most out of their digital tools.
She meets with a variety of communities every day, and learns about their goals to reduce contamination, improve operations, and better engage their residents. Then, she creates plans specifically tailored to their needs to help them leverage and promote their tools to find success.
Kelly is from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, which she says has encouraged her passion for environmental stewardship. “Cape Bretoners are known for being resourceful, community-focused, and having a love for their environment. I feel lucky to have been raised in such a beautiful and impactful place,” Kelly says.
“That foundation has driven me to seek an education and career where I can be part of a network that is solving waste issues and making a difference.”
After Kelly completed her post-grad work in environmental management, she was ready to tap into all that she had learned, roll up her sleeves, and get to work. But first, she had to figure out the best place to do that. She started in environmental planning, and then accepted a waste management intern position with the Niagara Region.
“The internship was pivotal for me,” she says. “Who knew the waste industry offered such a quick-paced and strategic environment?”
When the internship came to an end, she tried on a few more hats in the industry, dipping her toes in data and technology, before moving to private waste management. Then, she discovered the innovative work ReCollect was bringing to the table of the waste industry.
“I knew it was the perfect fit,” she says.
By this point in her career, Kelly had become quite familiar with the communication challenges the waste industry faced, and she felt like digital communication solutions could make a real and lasting impact.
“It’s exciting to be part of an innovative and creative workplace,” she says.
Kelly is passionate about supporting the work ReCollect customers put in to reduce waste and create a sustainable future, and she enjoys helping them meet their goals. “I get to work with government and waste haulers every day, helping (them) solve program and operational challenges.”
The problem-solving aspect of her job is especially enjoyable, she says. “I love to be challenged,” she adds. “Problem-solving gives me a great sense of fulfillment.”
Kelly also enjoys the opportunity to learn from passionate, like-minded people hailing from all over North America and the U.K. “Many of our customers are industry leaders, and I love to learn about the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities from them,” she says.
When she isn’t at work, Kelly can be found hanging out with her dog, Eddi, her partner in crime. Five years ago, she bet her husband that if the Toronto Blue Jays won the wild card game, she could get a puppy. Edwin Encarnacion’s walk-off home run in the 11th inning, followed by the crowd’s chanting of “Eddie, Eddie,” sealed the deal. Kelly adopted Eddi the following week.
She also enjoys exploring everything the outdoors has to offer — namely, hiking and camping in the summer, and snowmobiling in the winter.
“At the end of the day, I’m grateful to work alongside the ReCollect team and community on a mission to make our world a more sustainable place!”
4 Fast Facts about Kelly:
If you were hot sauce, what level would you rate yourself from a 1-10, and why? “An 8 — but the sneaky, spicy kind of hot sauce, where at first you think, “Oh this is just sweet!” But a few minutes later, you realize it’s more than proficient.”
What gets you through a hard day? “A walk! I create some of my best work if I take a moment for reflection, especially when faced with a challenged.”
People on Planet Earth should: “Try to be mindful of the long-term impact their daily actions have. Sustainability relies heavily on behavior change, but many people remain unaware of their footprint.”
The world could do without: “Single-use plastics!”