Born: I was born June 30, 1992, in New Orleans, La.
Education: I graduated from Louisiana State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing. I then attended Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, where I earned my JD in 2017.
When and how did you enter the recycling industry? My dad, Larry Evensky, opened Transportation Provider Services (TPS) in Shreveport in 1989. I was born three years later and grew up in the industry. Brokering freight is not a Monday-to-Friday, 8-to-5 job, so I was always aware of what he was doing and how the industry worked.
After earning my law degree, I spent a few years as a contract attorney in New Orleans doing commercial title work, estate planning, and business transactions. My dad asked me to join TPS at the end of 2018, and I accepted his offer.
What was it about the industry that prompted you to build a career in it? I switched from transactional law—which I still do part time on the side—to this because of the sustainability of the industry. I saw this unfold before my eyes during COVID in 2020; we never shut our doors. My dad was able to keep all of us employed during those dark times, and for that I am so thankful. There was a certain pride in being an “essential worker,” which pushed us through that rough patch. This business isn’t always pretty, but there’s always work and you can make it what you want.
What have been your most rewarding professional achievements? Personal achievements? Not to be corny, but I was honored when the Gulf Coast Region asked me recently to serve on its board of directors. It was nice to have the GCR leaders recognize and reward my passion to be involved. Also, I have learned to appreciate the little day-to-day achievements in this business. Every time a meeting goes well and we get a new client, I feel accomplished because it means someone believes in our abilities. Every time I get an email from a client thanking us for saving the day, I feel accomplished. Over time you notice how the small victories add up to great success. If I’m doing better than I was at the same time last year, I’m happy with myself.
As for recent personal achievements, in 2020 I bought a house, was asked to be the tennis coach at my old high school, and became vice president of the North Louisiana Jewish Federation board. Also, this August, the ladies’ tennis team I play on won the state championship. We will head to Kentucky in October to represent Louisiana on the national level.
What are you passionate about? At work, I’m passionate about streamlining our business to make our day-to-day tasks easier and more efficient. I watch webinars and read articles on new trends to keep up with this ever-changing industry. In my personal life, I’m passionate about making connections with the people around me and adding value to my community. I’m always on the go: mentoring, coaching, practicing, planning, volunteering, and more.
Tell us something about you that would surprise people. I love to play the piano! I have a piano at home and will bust out “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley when friends come over. They’re always surprised by that.
If you could improve anything about yourself, what would it be? My No. 1 goal would be to have more patience. The logistics industry has challenged me in that there are so many aspects of the business that are out of my control. I’m used to seeing the result I want after I have worked hard for it. So even if we miss a delivery appointment due to circumstances I couldn’t have controlled, I still get frustrated and scared to let the client down. I need to be more like my dad, who never gets worked up. He rolls with the punches and always has a backup plan. He has the perfect personality for this industry. Maybe more patience will come with time—hopefully!
What do you like to do in your free time? Tennis, baby! I play seven days a week, and I’m usually on two to six teams at a time. I’m also a tennis coach at Caddo Parish Magnet High School, my alma mater. We went to state last year! I also love to spend time with my friends and family, take on do-it-yourself projects in my house, and play with my Labrador pup, Gracie. I found her on the highway in Texas in January. She hopped in my car, and we’ve been best friends ever since.
When and why did your company decide to join ISRI and the Gulf Coast Region? I asked my dad, and his first reaction was, “Oh wow, a long, long time ago.” Such trade associations are so important to our logistics company. Almost all of our clients are from ISRI, which has been a great way for us to connect with our customers and vice versa. It’s invaluable to know the person behind the phone and know we all have each other’s best interest at heart. These companies have so many logistics providers to choose from, so being able to make those connections is so important for us. And though I’ve attended only a few GCR and ISRI events so far, I’ve already made so many connections and friends.
Have you held any volunteer leadership positions within GCR? I’ve only been in the business since 2019, and I was fully prepared to become a volunteer leader after my first GCR convention. I try to assume leadership roles in all aspects of my life that are important to me. Then COVID hit, and my opportunities dwindled. That’s why I was thrilled when the GCR leaders asked me to become a board member for the 2021-2023 term. I plan to do everything I can to have an actual impact on GCR!
What benefits have you received from your GCR involvement? This coincides with why we decided to join ISRI—getting the opportunity to see our customers face to face and for them to see us as people who are out here working our hardest for them every day. The connections I’ve made with my clients have led me to more business and a deeper connection to the industry.
What are the major challenges facing your company and the overall recycling industry today? On the logistics side, the biggest challenge has been the scarcity of available drivers and trucks. Fewer trucks means higher prices and greater demands on the trucking end, which translates to our customers as higher prices and less reliability—two things I hate. It’s harder now to find the balance of keeping all parties happy, but we’re up for the challenge! I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
