Born: I was born Sept. 3, 1971, in La Junta, Colo.
Education: I attended the University of North Texas, where I earned a double-major degree in French and economics in 1996.
Family: My husband, Johnny Stout, and I have been married 15 years, and we are a blended family of five children—Dillon (27), Simon (20), Eleanor (19), Margaret (15), and Victoria (13). The youngest two still live at home, and all are a big part of my reason “why”!
When did you enter the recycling equipment industry? I started with RISE Equipment, a Harris equipment distributor, and Himes Service Co., the service leg of our group of companies, in the fall of 2015.
What was it about the industry that prompted you to build a career in it? The more I learned about recycling and scrap, the greater my thirst for knowledge and involvement in the industry. After getting involved with both state and national recycling organizations as well as after interacting with colleagues and customers, I realized how much I respected the objectives and goals of recyclers. Those companies and organizations who are true difference-makers. Above all, I felt like a career in this industry would be a means to leave a lasting legacy for my family, community, and region. Goals beyond financial success are very important to me, as I have a very strong servant’s heart and calling. I am blessed to have found a real fit in the recycling and sustainability industry, especially with Himes Service Co. leadership Roy and Jennifer Daily, who themselves have strong hearts toward service and intentions to make a difference through recycling. I am ever grateful for their support, coaching, belief, and investment in me. It is in this mix I believe I can attain several goals—professional success and a solid legacy of service are just two.
What have been your most rewarding professional achievements? In 2019, I had the privilege of serving as a Business Council Member on the State of Texas Alliance for Recycling. That group advocated for passage of Senate Bill 649, which resulted in the funding and subsequent publishing of the Texas Recycling Market Development Plan. That plan has outlined the economic impact of recycling in Texas—such as that there are over 31,000 recycling-related jobs, outside of scrap processing facilities—and continues to promote for-profit recycling and greater use of recycled content in new manufactured products. The plan’s economic impact reflects an amount exceeding $7.4 billion, and its effect is just beginning.
Personal achievements? Working daily to raise my daughters to be independent, intentional, and well-rounded young women. With prayers and time, I do my best to share with them approaches to industry, travel, art, history, sweeping experiences, and scientific discussions.
What are you passionate about? Making a difference in the lives of those around me and leaving a legacy for my children, with the expectation that they learn to consider their legacies as well.
Tell us something about you that would surprise people. Although I am a land person—a horse lover my whole life—would you believe I have surfed three oceans and am scuba-certified? On any given Saturday, I am happy with my family in my garden, watching my chickens, riding my horse, or roller skating with my girls to some great soul tunes.
If you could improve anything about yourself, what would it be? Organization! Are we ever really organized enough? Also, I have found it more challenging to maintain personal friendships beyond my girls these past few years.
What do you like to do in your free time? Making memories with my daughters is an utmost priority for me. I attend their dance, athletic, band, anime, and Renaissance events whenever I am able. I encourage the development of their talents and horsemanship. I create girls-only experiences for them, such as traveling on adventures to Harry Potter World, the beach, skiing in the mountains, and taking time to explore and savor new places. For myself, I have come to really enjoy the experience of a good bourbon pour in front of a [New Orleans] Saints game.
When and why did your company decide to join ISRI and the Gulf Coast Region? Himes Service Co./RISE Equipment has been an ISRI and GSR member for over 20 years. Himes/RISE was a fledgling recycling equipment and service company when it joined ISRI, which was an ideal place for the company to establish its roots and expand its contacts in the industry. I have found the GCR is not only great for networking, but also for training and staying abreast of trends that impact our employees, community, and customers. I have the exciting job of visiting and consulting with a variety of recycling operations on a monthly basis, and every exchange is one of learning, in and out of ISRI. In case you can’t tell, I love to talk about equipment, and am always up for a good story!
Which GCR leadership positions have you held? I recently accepted the invitation to join the GCR board as Membership Chair, thanks to GCR President Nidhi Turakhia and the coaching offered by other GCR leaders. I was honored to be asked to serve as a GCR leader.
What benefits have you received from your GCR involvement? To start, I have gained an exceptional foundation in industry knowledge, training, and professional development. Himes Service Co. had the vision to integrate GCR and national ISRI seminars and conventions as training and exposure.
I also have benefited from the guidance and mentorship of past and present GCR leaders, such as Mel Wright and Alton Schaubhut. Even ISRI national Chair-Elect Brian Henesey has offered his kind assistance. I am fortunate that they and other ISRI/GCR leaders—including GCR President Nidhi Turakhia—are willing to take a call, answer questions, and discuss relevant industry policy. I truly appreciate how the industry connections I make through GCR and ISRI can become lifelong friendships, sharing the call of a servant’s heart with minds toward profitability as professionals in the essential recycling industry.
What are the major challenges facing your company and the overall recycling equipment industry today? In addition to labor challenges and unpredictable supply chains, spreading a deeper understanding of the benefits of recycling as part of the circular economy is a major challenge facing our industry overall. The cradle-to-cradle philosophy of the circular economy—of which recycling is an essential part—is about reducing waste to the absolute minimum. As an industry, we need to continue to fill in the details, explain the overlap of commodities, and encourage entrepreneurs to explore and define profitable opportunities, all while we pursue efforts to clean up and improve our planet.
