How did you get your start in the industry? What was your career path?听
I got started in the dumpster industry in October of 2020 during COVID. At the time, my family and I owned a limousine company that we had operated for about 16 years, and when COVID hit, that business came to a screeching stop almost overnight.听
I had a used, beat up shop truck sitting around and needed to figure out what was next. I bought a small cargo trailer for about $4,000 and started renting it out as what I called a 鈥渄umpster on wheels.鈥� It was a very simple setup, but I quickly realized there was real demand for the service.听
From there, I bought a couple more cargo trailers before eventually discovering roll off trailers and the traditional dumpster side of the industry. That completely changed the direction of the business and became the foundation of what is now American AF Dumpsters.听
At the same time, my son challenged me to start a YouTube channel documenting the journey. Honestly, when I started, there really was not much content online about the day to day realities of using roll-off trailers and equipment. There were very few videos showing practical things like how to load a heavy dumpster easier, how to change a tarp, how to line a truck up properly so the dumpster rolls onto the trailer smoothly, or even how to recover a dumpster that came off the rails.听
I was learning through experience myself, making mistakes, adapting, and figuring things out as I went. The channel was never meant to be an educational 鈥済uru鈥� style platform. It was more me sharing what worked for me, what did not work for me, and documenting the real challenges of building a dumpster company from the ground up.听
Over time, both the business and the audience grew together, and that eventually led into trailer sales, networking opportunities, and creating Dumpster Expo as a way to help bring the industry together.听
What is your current role today?听
Today I鈥檓 the owner and founder of American AF Dumpsters, based in the Dallas Fort Worth market in Texas. We provide roll off dumpster services for residential, commercial, and contractor customers.
I鈥檓 also involved in American AF Trailers, where we work with operators across the country on roll off and hooklift trailer solutions, and I founded Dumpster Expo, which has grown into a national networking and educational event for the waste and dumpster industry.听
Day to day, I still stay heavily involved in operations, marketing, networking, and business development. I enjoy building companies, but I also enjoy helping connect people and creating opportunities within the industry.听
What important lesson have you learned over the years?听
One of the biggest lessons I鈥檝e learned is that relationships matter more than almost anything else in business. Equipment can be replaced. Marketing strategies change. Markets shift. But the relationships you build with customers, employees, vendors, and other operators are what create long term success.听
I鈥檝e also learned that consistency beats motivation. A lot of people get excited about starting a business, but growth usually comes from showing up every day, solving problems, and staying committed when things get difficult.听The waste industry especially rewards operators who are dependable, responsive, and willing to outwork the competition.听
Finally, nothing, and I mean nothing, is achievable without having the support of your family. Everything I do, I do for my family. My wife Jenna of almost 24 years has put up with a lot of my ideas and has never questioned or doubted any of them. My 3 children, Alexis (who works in the business with me and is also a part owner of American AF Trailers), Mariana my middle daughter and Elijah, my youngest. They are my world and my motivation to always achieve more.听
Who was your biggest influence?听
My parents have and will always be my heroes and my motivation. They taught me the value of hard work, sacrifice, and treating people fairly. Watching them work hard throughout my life shaped a lot of how I approach business today.听
Beyond that, many of my influences have come from other entrepreneurs and operators I鈥檝e met along the way. One thing I appreciate about this industry is that there are a lot of people willing to share knowledge and help others grow if you鈥檙e willing to listen and put in the work.听
I鈥檝e also learned a lot through failure. Some of the toughest business moments end up teaching the most valuable lessons.听
What do you love most about being in the industry?听
What I love most is that this industry is full of hardworking, blue collar entrepreneurs who are building real businesses and supporting their families. There鈥檚 a strong sense of grit and independence in the waste industry that I respect.听
I also enjoy that no two days are the same. The industry is constantly evolving with new equipment, software, operational strategies, and business opportunities.听
Most importantly, I enjoy the people. Over the years, I鈥檝e built friendships and connections across the country through this industry, and that鈥檚 a big part of why I created Dumpster Expo. I wanted to help bring operators, vendors, and entrepreneurs together to learn from each other and continue pushing the industry forward. Individually, we may just be one truck, one trailer, or one small company. But together, we become a network of people pushing the industry forward.听