Born: I was born April 21, 1971, in Golden, Colorado.
Education: I earned a BA in Theater in 1993 from Doane University in Crete, Nebraska.
Family: I’ve been married 21 years to Michael DeLano, and I have two stepchildren—Rian (35) and Cody (31).
When and how did you enter the paper recycling industry? I started at the Rock-Tenn Recycling plant in Dallas in 2003. I previously was doing outside sales in the staffing industry, and I was looking for a change. A friend at a competing staffing agency had the Rock-Tenn Recycling plant as one of her clients. The plant wanted to hire her as its procurement representative. She declined, but she mentioned that she had a friend who was looking to make a change, and the company agreed to talk with me. When I arrived for my interview, I saw this crazy building with paper blowing out of it everywhere, and I thought, “What IS this?” I knew nothing about paper, but the plant wanted someone who wasn’t afraid to knock on doors—which was me! I took the job and fell in love with the industry. Three years later, Rock-Tenn closed all of its recycling locations in Texas, which led to the amazing opportunity to work with Joel and Craig Litman at Texas Recycling. I’ve been here over 15 years, now serving as vice president of sales. It has been the most gratifying and rewarding place to work.
What was it about the industry that prompted you to build a career in it? One aspect I’ve always enjoyed about outside sales is spending time with customers and learning what they do. I crave being with my customers and could never sit in an office all day. Watching and learning from people fascinates me, not to mention that I love industrial plants and getting to the heart of how things are produced. I’m thrilled anytime I get to put on my safety shoes and safety vest to go on a tour.
What have been your most rewarding professional achievements? Personal achievements? Professionally, it’s been so rewarding to work for a family-owned company, and I’m so proud of my contributions to help Texas Recycling grow. It’s also an indescribable feeling when I help a customer improve its recycling program. I get a lot of my new business through referrals from current customers, which I think says a lot about the quality of our company’s work. We aren’t a “close-the-deal-and-walk-away” company. We look at our customers as part of our family and take care of them as such.
Personally, I’ve completed several half-marathons and hope to get another under my belt before the year ends. I also learned guitar several years ago—something I always wanted to do—and I enjoy playing for family, friends, and my dogs. They are a great audience!
What are you passionate about? I’m passionate about helping to make our company and our customers successful. To me, that means high-touch service, strong communication, and following through on what we say we’re going to do. When I give someone my word, I want them to know I mean it and I’ll take care of them. I feel honored that our customers choose to work with us, and I’ll go to the ends of the earth to make sure they’re happy.
Tell us something about you that would surprise people. I love interior painting! I’ve painted pretty much every room in our house. My husband and I have done a lot of remodeling work, and I look forward to the painting—and even the staining—the most. I find it therapeutic and relaxing.
If you could improve anything about yourself, what would it be? I’m shy by nature—even though I’m in sales—and I wish I liked larger gatherings. My husband loves going to concerts and sporting events, but I definitely prefer staying home away from the crowds.
What do you like to do in your free time? I like to spend time with my husband and our two very spoiled golden retrievers. I also love to work out. In the past year, I picked up golf. I got my first birdie on an island green a few weeks ago, so I was excited about that.
When and why did your company decide to join ISRI and the PSI Chapter? Texas Recycling has been a member of ISRI and PSI since 1993. Stan Litman [Joel and Craig’s late father] was PSI president from 1994-1996, and Joel followed in his footsteps, serving as PSI president from 2012-2014.
What PSI leadership positions have you held? I’ve served as chair of PSI’s Communications Committee for two terms and as chair of its Events Committee for one term. Currently, I’m a director-at-large on PSI’s board of directors.
What motivated you to become a PSI leader? Several years ago, there was a vacancy for the Communications Committee chair under Sandy Rosen [PSI president from 2014-2016]. I accepted the position because I knew it would be a great chance to make a contribution and get to know chapter members better. While I was the Communications chair, I had the PSI website redone from the previous site and created all the eBlasts that went out to PSI members. That was fun and rewarding.
What benefits have you received from your PSI involvement? The biggest benefit is learning from and getting to know the incredibly smart people in PSI. It is so invigorating to talk with members all over the country. We share ideas and get useful industry insights on the paper recycling world. Being involved in the chapter has been a fun experience and a great learning tool.
What are the major challenges facing your company and the overall paper recycling industry today? With COVID always lurking in the shadows, it’s hard to get a handle on many issues in the business world. From employee shortages to supply shortages, we always must have our heads on a swivel to be prepared for the next challenge. Fortunately, Texas Recycling is a nimble company and is constantly working to adapt to the ever-changing market conditions.
