Our Southwest Sales Team Gathers for a Productive Start to 2025
On February 10-11, 2025, VLS Environmental Solutions hosted the Southwest (SW) Sales Team Meeting in sunny Phoenix, Arizona. Held at the Residence Inn Downtown, this gathering brought together key members of our VLS team from various departments, including Sales, Operations, Marketing, and Risk Management, to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and align our goals for the year.
The event kicked off Monday evening with a relaxed meet-and-greet dinner, hosted at BATL—an axe and knife throwing venue. This unique activity gave everyone the chance to loosen up (and test their aim!) while making meaningful connections with teammates. The event was a perfect icebreaker for the relatively new SW Sales Team, who appreciated the opportunity to build camaraderie with colleagues from across the company.
Tuesday was packed with valuable presentations designed to deepen the team's understanding of VLS processes, services, and operations. Executive Vice President Bob Goldberg, along with key leaders such as Al Montero, Director of Mexico Operations, and Pam Colvin, Sr. Director of Process Engineering and Controls, spoke on topics critical to team success. From risk management strategies shared by Randy Cooper to marketing insights from Keith and Abby, the sessions provided actionable takeaways for everyone in attendance.
The SW Sales team members particularly appreciated the engaging format of the presentations and the depth of knowledge shared by the speakers. It was a day not just to listen but to learn, connect, and ask questions, ensuring that the team is equipped with the tools they need to thrive.
Thank you to everyone who participated, presented, or planned this incredible event. Special shoutout to Abby for snapping pictures during our delicious dinner—watch for those on our internal channels! Also, thank you to the SW Sales Team for bringing your enthusiasm, questions, and energy to the table. It’s clear that this group is ready to make an impact, and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead for 2025.
Here’s to a strong start, continued collaboration, and even sharper results for the year ahead.
Meet David Price: Solutions Sales Manager
With an impressive twenty-eight years in environmental services and account management, David Price brings a wealth of expertise and a deeply consultative approach to his new role as Solutions Sales Manager at VLS Environmental Solutions. Throughout his career, David has worked closely with clients to develop customized, environmentally sustainable solutions, cultivating trusted partnerships and driving operational success through a collaborative mindset.
Previously, David served as a Project Manager and Business Development Manager for a West Coast environmental services company, where he honed his skills in aligning client needs with innovative solutions. At VLS, he is eager to continue this mission by delivering tailored sustainability strategies to clients across his assigned territory.
David joined VLS on August 1, 2024. Outside of work, he enjoys quality time with his five grandchildren, traveling with his wife, and tackling home improvement projects.
Please join us in welcoming David to the VLS family!
Meet Ryan Pietrzyk: Solutions Sales Manager
We are excited to welcome Ryan Pietrzyk as our new Solutions Sales Manager, who joined VLS Environmental Solutions on September 3, 2024. Ryan brings over eight years of sales experience, having previously worked with two start-ups and a large software company, as well as serving as an Account Manager at Univar Solutions ChemCare, where he achieved impressive sales performance across significant territories. He holds a background in Chemistry, Biology, and Environmental Science and has pursued additional studies in Robotics Engineering.
In his role, Ryan will focus on developing the Orange County and Coastal Los Angeles territories, aiming to build a $1M+ account base by 2025 while providing exceptional customer service and promoting innovative disposal solutions.
Outside of work, Ryan is passionate about outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking, and freediving, and he has recently founded a nonprofit to continue his environmental efforts in Indonesia.
Please join us in welcoming Ryan to the team!
Meet Maria Perez: Solutions Sales Manager
We are thrilled to welcome Maria Perez to the VLS Environmental Solutions team as our new Solutions Sales Manager, who joined us on October 1, 2024. Maria brings over 25 years of experience in the environmental industry, starting her career as a Customer Service Representative, which ignited her passion for this field. She has since progressed through various roles, including Customer Service Manager and Sales Account Manager, where she honed her expertise in client management, technical support, waste management, contract administration, project management, and account sales.
In her new role, Maria will focus on client relations and business growth within the Southwest Region, with the goal of building strong internal and external partnerships.
On a personal note, Maria values her family, friends, and pets immensely. While she hasn’t had the opportunity to travel extensively yet, exploring different countries is high on her bucket list. Maria takes pride in her work ethic and is committed to giving 100% to VLS. She feels fortunate to be part of such a talented team and looks forward to contributing to the company’s growth and success.
Please join us in welcoming Maria to the VLS family!
Meet Kelly Kraft: Solutions Sales Manager
We are excited to welcome Kelly Kraft to the VLS Environmental Solutions team as an Account Manager, who joined us on October 28, 2024. Kelly brings over 23 years of experience in environmental services, specializing in both hazardous and non-hazardous waste management, environmental compliance, and strategic account management.
In his previous roles at Clean Harbors and Safety-Kleen, he successfully managed waste programs for Fortune 500 companies and government agencies, focusing on delivering innovative and compliant solutions.
In his new role at VLS, Kelly will support our clients in San Diego by providing customized waste management and sustainability strategies that align with their goals and meet regulatory requirements. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys practicing guitar and bass riffs, showcasing his passion for music.
Please join us in welcoming Kelly to the VLS family!
Meet Trevor Hembera: Sales Solution Manager
With twenty six years of experience in the environmental services industry, I have dedicated myself to promoting sustainable practices and delivering innovative solutions that protect our natural resources. Throughout my career, I have consistently worked to improve environmental outcomes while driving operational efficiency and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. Trevor Hembera has worked for VLSES for over four years.
Previously, Trevor served as Director of Industrial Services for a Southern California company leading a team on various large scale demolition projects, high hazard lab packs and projects with the Federal, State and Local Governments.
Trevor Joined VLS in February of 2021. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and anything to do with baseball.
Meet Brady Smith: Solutions Sales Manager
Brady Smith brings a dynamic and client-focused approach to his role as Solutions Sales Manager at VLS Environmental Solutions. Starting in the industry in July 2020 with SRE Environmental, Brady quickly became an invaluable asset by immersing himself in every aspect of non-hazardous waste management. His hands-on experience, combined with a strong eagerness to learn and grow, helped him build a solid foundation in the field.
As a Solutions Sales Manager, Brady is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, with a particular emphasis on honesty and integrity. His focus on understanding client needs and delivering tailored solutions has helped him build lasting relationships and drive success.
When VLS Environmental Solutions acquired SRE in January 2023, Brady was both challenged and excited by the opportunity for professional and personal growth within the new company structure. He continues to thrive, leveraging his expertise to deliver value-driven results to clients across his assigned territory.
Outside of work, Brady enjoys spending time with his family and pursuing outdoor activities that keep him active and energized such as; hiking, camping, and off roading.
Meet Brian Hogentogler: Solutions Sales Manager
Having worked in the environmental services field for over 17 years, Brian brings a unique perspective and extensive industry knowledge to support client requirements. In collaboration with clients, he delivers customized solutions to attain desired outcomes for his numerous accounts.
Brian’s clients value his timely responsiveness, his attention to their needs, and his ability to solve problems. In each instance, using his industry knowledge of disposal facilities and various waste streams, he produces solutions that contribute to his clients’ business success.
Brian joined VLS in December 2022, in his off time he enjoys watching his daughters play soccer, playing with his dog, and golf.
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