It’s true that companies across the board write at length about the values they carry and the goals they aim to accomplish. Yet only a few go the extra mile, sharing how their internal policies support such aspirations. WM has always been committed to inspiring, educating, and empowering current and future generations, with the ultimate goal of helping communities thrive. It all sounds incredible, though it’s only when people come across stories like Kyle Weber’s that they can measure the real impact of the company’s philosophy.

Working at WM isn’t just about having a job to pay the bills. In many cases, it’s about starting a career path that will likely change the trajectory of one’s life. There are countless stories of WM’s employees who took on a role to make ends meet, and before they knew it, they had a 30-year-long career that allowed them to build a solid financial footing to support their loved ones.

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I started by throwing cans on the back of a rear-loader garbage truck.

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Kyle Weber, a 34-year-long WM employee based in Alturas, California, is one of them. He began working at WM in 1998 as a do-it-all laborer when he was 20 and did not have a solid career ambition. Nevertheless, over the years, Weber worked his way up the ladder to become a district manager responsible for the northernmost outpost of Northern California. He currently oversees 12 employees, a hauling district, and a regional transfer station.

From Novice Laborer to District Manager

Weber wasn’t even looking for work at Alturas Disposal when the business owner called him offering a job. At the time, he had just finished working for a hay contractor and was helping at his family’s ranch. He took the job and never looked back. “I started by throwing cans on the back of a rear-loader garbage truck,” he explains.

As usually happens when hard work encounters a supportive environment, Weber found within WM the room to grow. When Weber turned 21, he earned his driver’s license and began operating garbage trucks, collecting from commercial customers. Eventually, he became an operations manager and grew to the challenges of being a district manager.

“I never had visions of working my entire career in this industry; it just worked out. I enjoy working here and appreciate the trust I have been given to run the business,” he says.

Dedication, Commitment, and Growth

Weber’s success at WM has helped provide the financial stability to grow a family. He’s been married to his wife, Gerese, for 17 years, and they have two teenagers. Over the past three decades, he has witnessed many changes, technological advancements, and the rise of new ways of managing waste. The passage of time, however, hasn’t challenged Weber’s commitment to his work and his firm belief that career advancement is a matter of hard work and patience. “There are numerous changes that go on through the years in this business. You might not like change, but if you are patient and give it time, it will all work out,” he advises.

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