## Welcome to Built to Work

Welcome to Built to Work, the podcast that gets its hands dirty, dives into the grit, and uncovers the heart of what makes the blue-collar world tick. I’m Colin, your host, and I’m sitting down with the people who keep our world running.

### Introduction

Whether you’re in the trenches or behind the scenes, this podcast is for anyone who values hard work, determination, and the stories that build the backbone of our workforce. So, grab your gloves, your coffee, or your clipboard. It’s time to get to work.

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### Interview with Sarah Fuentes

**Colin:** Welcome to another Built to Work podcast. I am here today with the woman, the myth, the legend, Sarah Fuentes.

**Sarah Fuentes:** Thank you so much, Colin, for having me. I’m excited to be here.

**Colin:** I got to know you through a mutual connection and I have been inspired by your story, your company SmartWaste, and your history in the waste industry. Could you give everyone a high-level overview of your career and how you ended up founding SmartWaste?

**Sarah Fuentes:** (Sarah shares her journey from majoring in early childhood development, working with at-risk youth, transitioning to the financial services industry, and then founding SmartWaste.)

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### The Birth of SmartWaste

**Colin:** So then you were working for that company and now you have founded SmartWaste. Tell me what inspired you to start it and what the goal of SmartWaste is?

**Sarah Fuentes:** We all remember COVID in 2020; it really shifted many things. I wanted to work in a place where collaboration and empowerment were at the heart. At my previous company, I was capped on where I could go. During COVID, I realized I needed change and decided to innovate with a friend. By August 2020, SmartWaste was incorporated with a mission to help the commercial and public sector save money and reduce trash.

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### The Trash Business and Its Challenges

**Colin:** Could you share some insights about the biggest changes you’ve seen in the waste or recycling industry during your tenure?

**Sarah Fuentes:** In 2018, the China ban significantly affected our industry. We faced challenges with contamination thresholds leading us to refocus on domestic solutions. AI, compliance, and climate change have also been transformative elements.

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### Women in the Waste Industry

**Colin:** You’ve been a huge proponent in the scrap and waste industries for women. Tell me about your passion in that area.

**Sarah Fuentes:** I’m passionate about working with women to give them a model of how to prevail in male-populated spaces. I strive to be an influence for women that look like me—Native American Latino women—and provide an example that you can succeed in a male-populated industry.

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### Mentorship and Opportunities

**Colin:** If you could advise someone looking to get started in the scrap or recycling industries, what advice would you give them?

**Sarah Fuentes:** I would advise them to experience the trash business firsthand to see if it’s for them. Living a day in the life in compliance, as a driver or a salesperson can help them decide if they’d like to pursue a career in this field.

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### Conclusion

**Colin:** Thanks, Sarah, for your time and sharing your knowledge.

**Sarah Fuentes:** Thank you for having me. If anyone wants to connect, you can find me on LinkedIn at Sarah E. Fuentes or visit smartwasteusa.com. I appreciate being on the podcast today, Colin.

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### Connect with Us

– **Website:** smartwasteusa.com
– **LinkedIn:** Sarah E. Fuentes
– **Instagram:** smartwaista

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Thank you for listening to Built to Work. Stay tuned for our next episode!