FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2025
Team Big Tex Trash Co. Wins FILA – Deal Me In Competition at Industry Conference
San Antonio, TX – The Future Industry Leaders Alliance (FILA) hosted its annual Deal Me In competition last week in San Antonio, coinciding with the National Waste & Recycling Association’s (NWRA) Industry Conference. Sponsored by longtime supporter Stifel, the competition challenged participants to develop a competitive bid in an MBA-style case study format.
Six teams were given just a day and a half to strategize, analyze, and prepare their presentations before facing a panel of esteemed industry judges, including Steve Brum of Recology, Josephine Valencia of the San Antonio Solid Waste Management Department, Randy Meier of Texas Disposal, and Josh Connell of LRS.
At stake were charitable contributions to organizations chosen by the winning teams. The first place team will also be recognized at the Investor Summit at WasteExpo this May.
Winning Teams and Charitable Contributions
First Place – Big Tex Trash Co.
Team Members:
- Kevin Duffy, LRS
- Morgan Lovett, Liberty Disposal Inc.
- Charyl Poche, Rockwell Automation
- Tyler White, New Way Trucks
Charity: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children ($5,000)
Second Place – Eagle Ford
Team Members:
- Sylvain Auger, Machinex Technologies
- Matt Callier, BTR
- Jack DeBell, Republic Services
- Andrew Tortora, Walters Recycling and Refuse, Inc.
- Patrick Whalen, LRS
Charity: Kaleo Foundation ($2,500)
Third Place – Lone Shamrock
Team Members:
- Manish Anandpara, Macquarie Asset Management
- Cameron Brigance, Liberty Disposal Inc.
- Kemrey Kidd, Rehrig Pacific Company
- Jessie Nichols, Environmental Solutions Group
- Mike Thomson, Republic Services
Charity: Support the Enlisted Project (STEP) ($1,000)
“The Deal Me In competition is a testament to the expertise and strategic thinking of the future leaders in our industry,” said Michael E. Hoffman, NWRA president and CEO. “It was incredible to see participants collaborate, develop solutions, and deliver compelling presentations under a tight deadline.”
With the success of this year’s event, NWRA continues to foster professional growth and leadership within the waste and recycling industry.
“We were proud to partner with NWRA to host Deal Me In for the fourth consecutive year,” said John M. McNamara, Managing Director at Stifel. “We look forward to upping the ante again next year.”
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ABOUT NWRA
The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) represents the private sector waste and recycling services industry. Association members conduct business in all 50 states and include companies that manage waste, recycling and medical waste, equipment manufacturers and distributors, and a variety of other service providers. For more information about NWRA, please visit www.wasterecycling.org.
