Semi-finalist Q&A: Waste Cycle Solutions

Waste Cycle Solutions is a consulting firm specializing in identifying cost saving and recycling strategies for all types of companies. We have a special niche in the hazardous waste management field due to in-house expertise (Ph.D. in chemistry). Advances in new technology are creating tremendous opportunities for chemical companies to recycle and recover hazardous waste, significantly improving their environmental impact. We help them identify where and how to achieve these goals.

Information from their grant application is available here. Read below for more, and if you have questions for our semi-finalists don't hesitate to ask them in the comments section.

Also, don't forget to cast your vote! YOUR vote will determine which entrepreneurs most deserve to be amongst the finalists.

How did you come up with the idea for your business?
As a previous co-owner of a small chemistry-based research company I experienced first-hand the difficulties in hazardous waste disposal, compliance, and the high cost that comes with it. As a small business, we were unable to afford disposal without reusing any of our raw materials and so we were essentially forced to find ways to reuse and recycle our chemicals. We were lucky enough to find a vendor that could help us out but it took many hours of research just to locate a vendor capable of handling our waste streams. Out of that experience I thought it would be extremely valuable to help connect companies with hazardous waste needs with vendors that can help them reuse and recycle chemicals, thus reducing costly disposal.

What do you love most about running your own business?
I love the accountability that comes with running a business. I’m totally responsible for all the success my business has. I have the freedom to make decisions without running it up a ladder first. Although there can be added stress that comes along with the pressure to succeed, the satisfaction of creating value and being directly responsible for it outweighs the additional stresses.

What makes your business unique?
Our value proposition is extremely unique in the consulting world. Most consulting engagements require the buyer (aka: the client) to take all the risk. Typically a flat fee or an hourly rate is quoted and then the client is responsible for paying the consultant regardless of the quality of work delivered. At Waste Cycle Solutions we flip the risk profile upside down and take the risk on ourselves. We’re so confident that we can achieve meaningful results for our clients that we don’t require them to pay us unless we can deliver real value.

What are some of your top business-related accomplishments, or business lessons learned?
I consider signing up my first client as my top accomplishment. Starting a business can be scary and getting someone to believe in you can be very difficult when you don’t have a track record of proven results. So landing that first contract was a tremendous confidence booster and I consider it to be a great achievement.

Why should the Idea Cafe regulars vote for you?
Our company is all about delivering value to our clients while also looking out for the environment. We’re doing our best to bridge the gap between financial benefit and environmental sustainability. Many people have misconceptions that doing the right thing for the environment is more expensive than maintaining the status quo. Our job is to educate our clients on the true cost benefits associated with environmental sustainability. Idea Café regulars should vote for Waste Cycle Solutions because our corporate values align with responsible environmental stewardship and delivering true bottom-line value to our clients.