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1) What materials do you recycle? Can you describe the volume and types of incoming materials you process?
We currently process construction and demolition debris, commercial waste, and yard waste. In 2022 it was 956,700 tons, 79 percent of which was C&D. WE are on track to process around 1 million tons in 2023.
2) How did you get started in the business?
I was fortunate to grow up in the business and had great role models in both my father, Dennis Pantano, and my grandfather, Horace Pantano. As early as I can remember I spent early mornings, late nights and often Saturdays and Sundays working with my dad who always made sure that customers were serviced, no matter what it took. I did everything from cutting the grass and working on rear load routes to making runs to the landfill in a tractor trailer. The vast experience in all departments was instrumental in understanding how the business ran, but more importantly helped hone me as a leader. It was the firsthand interaction with so many different people, performing so many stressful jobs, that made me appreciate the value of taking care of people.
3) What are the biggest challenges in your market and C&D recycling?
Like many markets, there has been considerable consolidation over the past 10 years and the larger companies have taken a strong hold. Many of them own landfills. That had a bigger impact on us in the beginning than it does today. Our strong customer service, network of facilities and rapid growth has allowed us to make a huge dent in the market and we continue to grow market share and expand our services.
4) Where are the biggest opportunities?
We began Coastal in late 2017, when my business partners saw the untapped opportunities in South Florida. Unlike most private equity back projects, they sought me out to build and lead the Coastal team at a time when the market was lacking an independent that had the capital and experience to make a meaningful effort in capturing market share. In our first year, we made four acquisitions and had growth organically. By the third quarter of 2020 we had 250 employees, over 100 trucks and nine (9) facilities, including four (4) material recovery facilities. Today, we have over 1000 employees, over 700 trucks and twenty-five (25) facilities, that include five (5) material recovery facilities and 4 transfer stations. Our first facility is undergoing expansion and we have an additional facility projected to open in 2024.
5) How long have you been a member of CDRA?
Coastal has been a member the past few years. I also know that members of my leadership team have been members and involved for many years.
6) What inspired you to join CDRA?
I feel it is really important to support the trade associations that support our industry. The educational value and industry support it brings to our team is immeasurable. In the earliest days of Coastal, we didn’t have the extra time to get actively involved, but as we’ve grown, we look forward to participating and engaging more.
7) What do you find most rewarding about working in this industry?
The relationships. I have met some truly amazing people over the years that continue to inspire me to want to grow and push to new levels. This industry attracts a lot of great humble people that love to work hard and have fun!
8) What challenges have you faced over the years and how have you overcome them?
I think the biggest challenges have come from a few baskets. The early challenges were our lack of “company” experience when it came to participating in the franchise bid processes. While our management team had the experience, our company did not. Navigating that over the years was tough but we finally worked our way up, contract by contract and now have the resume to play with the big companies. Second, I would say is the supply chain issues. It has forced us to pre purchase equipment in anticipation of winning new work. So while we have over come the challenge, it came at a huge cost of spending capital without correlating income. Lastly, the cost volatilities. I have never seen inflation hit the way it has. It was very hard to keep up since it hit on every aspect of the business from parts to people. It forced us to get more nimble with our pricing strategies.
9) What's a fun fact about you that not many people know?
I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie. I love actions sports and adventure. I spent years racing motocross, wakeboarding and love racing and driving fast cars!
10) How do you think the industry is changing and what trends do you see coming up on the horizon?
I think there will continue to be a push toward technology. Whether its robotics in the MRFs or electric equipment, I think we will all need to embrace new technology to continue to elevate our operations. In fact, we have a MACK EV ASL coming this year, in addition we will be starting a project with VOLVO CE on an electric excavator.
Certainly, the move to electric vehicles is on the horizon. We placed an order for our first EV truck this year.
11) What advice would you give to someone interested in this industry?
If you like to work hard and have fun this is the industry for you! Its an industry filled with hard working blue collars people that love we do. The passion the people in this industry have for their trade is contagious. Once you’re in you will never leave!
12) Best piece of business advice you've gotten or learned over the years?
Never burn a bridge! The is a tight industry, you never know when you will need someone or when they will need you. You can be competitive and tough and still keep great relationships.
