The administrative staff at the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility are responsible for keeping the day-to-day operations running smoothly and efficiently. From soliciting new business customers to managing the compost process to coordinating operations, the admin staff is always ready to help. Let’s meet the group behind the scenes at the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility.
Name: Al F.
What is your position/title?
Biomass Processing Manager
How long have you worked at the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility?
8 years
What are your daily job duties?
Responsible for the management of the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility’s operations, soliciting new business customers, maintaining existing customer relationships, staffing, marketing products, budgeting, development, and public contact. Also, maintain compliance with SMSC, local, state, and federal laws as appropriate with air, water, and transportation regulations for a compost facility.
Favorite part of working at the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility:
Working with a great staff and leaders and the opportunity, resources, and leverage to develop and grow the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility into what it is today.
Favorite hobbies:
Spending time with family and 10 grandchildren, hunting, fishing, going to the cabin, and working on my farm.
Favorite food:
Swedish meatballs
Describe yourself in one word:
Dedicated
Personal motto or favorite quote:
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
What is something people may not know about you?
My wife Patty and I operate a farm by Webster, Minnesota, where we raise crops and beef cattle. It’s a place where our kids grew up and learned how to work hard. That work ethic is now being passed on to our grandchildren—who are at the farm whenever they can!
Name: Jenny A.
What is your position/title?
Office Coordinator
How long have you worked at the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility?
About 6 weeks
What are your daily job duties?
To keep the office running.
Favorite part of working at the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility:
No two days are the same—lots of variety.
Favorite hobbies:
Following NKOTB on tour
Favorite food:
In-N-Out Burger
Describe yourself in one word:
Diligent
Personal motto or favorite quote:
“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”
What is something people may not know about you?
I am a miracle baby.
If you could have one superpower for a day, what would it be and why?
Time travel because it would be interesting to see the past and future events.
Name: Dustin M.
What is your position/title?
Biomass Processing Assistant Manager
How long have you worked at the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility?
7 years
What are your daily job duties?
Managing compost operations, colored mulch production, off-site wood grinding, sales, and delivery of products, as well as ensuring a fun/safe work environment.
Favorite part of working at the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility:
I enjoy working with my coworkers and the USCC to teach and promote compost worldwide, as well as participating on the board of Minnesota Composting Council and Legislative Committee.
Favorite hobbies:
Relax at home, ride my motorcycle, and hang out with my kids
Favorite food:
Buffalo Wild Wings
Describe yourself in one word:
Dedicated
Personal motto or favorite quote:
“It starts with the soil, not the seed.”
What is something people may not know about you?
I used to live on a sailboat off the coast of California.
If you could have one superpower for a day, what would it be and why?
Time travel so I could make smart investments and sports bets.
Name: Erin S.
What is your position/title?
Environmental and Compliance Tech
How long have you worked at the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility?
4.5 years
What are your daily job duties?
I monitor the composting process, sample and test finished compost, inspect incoming loads of organics, and ensure compliance with regulations.
Favorite part of working at the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility:
I like the variety. Every day is different. I also enjoy giving tours and educating the public on our facility.
Favorite hobbies:
I like traveling, hiking, kayaking, gardening, and being outdoors.
Favorite food:
Sushi
Describe yourself in one word:
Adaptable
Personal motto or favorite quote:
“When you can’t find the sunshine, be the sunshine.”
What is something people may not know about you?
I lived in Wyoming for a year and had a job tracking herds of wild horses.
If you could have one superpower for a day, what would it be and why?
Teleportation so I could travel all over the world.
Name: Jon Z.
What is your position/title?
Supervisor Biomass Processing
How long have you worked at the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility?
8 years
What are your daily job duties?
Coordinating activities of all the operators.
Favorite part of working at the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility:
Working with my wonderful coworkers.
Favorite hobbies:
Ice fishing and snowmobiling
Favorite food:
Steak
Describe yourself in one word:
Loud
Personal motto or favorite quote:
“Work, my home away from home.”
What is something people may not know about you?
I started working on the farm when I was in fifth grade.
If you could have one superpower for a day, what would it be and why?
Mind reading so I know what people are thinking.
