Before I focus on what it’s like to be a successful woman in a man’s world, let me tell you a little about myself and how I made it happen.
My childhood was a bit unique growing up in North Charleston. I attended a private Catholic school as a non- Catholic, and my parents owned and ran a biker bar. Like I said, a unique environment for a kid. We also lived on a main thoroughfare with tons of traffic, which necessitated my sister and I spending most of our time isolated inside the house or in the backyard. It did have a positive, long-term effect, however, as she and I have a very strong bond as a result that has continued to this day.
As a teenager, I partnered with a friend to start a landscaping business. Over time, I ended up with the responsibility of all day-to-day operations. In seven years’ time and with lots of hard work and determination, the business ended up growing into one of the largest in town.
In 2002, I was blessed with another role in life. “Mother” was added to my résumé with the birth of my son, Styles. Obviously, I had to learn the new tasks that came with that and how to balance my responsibilities in both of my worlds. He’s a genius… Just sayin’.
I met my husband Jeff Polutta in 2008 and, with his support, started Trash Gurl February 15, 2009. Competitors were quick to discourage me and were always ready with negative comments or opinions that I would not be successful or didn’t know what I was doing. We started small, focusing on just one aspect of waste management. We put all resources into roll-off containers and watched as our client list grew. It was obviously a very “hands-on” situation in the beginning as we grew, but that is something I take pride in continuing to this day.
I remain personally involved with every aspect of my business, right down to dispatching my drivers. I did have difficulty in being taken seriously in the beginning, both by clients and employees. Statements I made were often ignored, and yet my husband could walk into a room or a meeting, make the same statement and it was jumped on as gospel. I never gave up on being taken seriously and continued to stand my ground as an individual. I’m happy to say that I’ve proven the naysayers wrong and have not only grown my business, but now I enjoy great respect from my peers, my clients and my employees. My company has become known for being the poster child for how to do things right in the waste-management field.
I have expanded the company through a slow and deliberate business plan that has been very successful. I’ve even had to put the brakes on many times so I didn’t let too large of a growth surge to actually drag us down or overwhelm us. It’s nothing short of being a happy monster. We are involved in almost every aspect of the waste-management industry today and anticipate only great things in our future. Wish I could tell you more, but I don’t want to spoil the fun. After all, my husband always told me I don’t have to work, which makes every day more appealing.
Keeping myself grounded is something that I think is critical for success. I make time for me, for family and for doing the things that are important. I believe in giving back to my community and strive to do that with both business services and personal time. Where I can help, I always do and I stay involved with community groups both in and outside of my industry to help promote successful ventures and programs for everyone. I believe that everyone has a responsibility to make their circles or surroundings better so that everyone else can benefit. Causes that are very important to me include animal welfare, children’s education and welfare, the environment and humanitarian relief, and I’m sure many of you share those views. When I really need to recharge I enjoy spending time outdoors with nature and target practice at our family farm. We are currently building our “forever” house there as well. There’s nothing like it to reconnect you to who you are and what you’re all about.
I have two awesome stepchildren from Jeff. There is Sydney, who is my backbone in my office. She will hopefully be the next Trash Gurl. Or maybe her daughter, Summer, will take the throne. And then there’s Jeffrey II, who is doing great at our heating and air business that Jeff started in 1981.
Almost forgot to mention… My hippie parents are doing okay today.
I wanted to finish by saying to others who may be struggling with businesses or careers: Never, ever give up. You are your own biggest source of strength to overcome whatever the world may throw at you. Some will try to be dismissive of your efforts and ideas and may even try to flat-out ignore you. With persistence and determination (and making sure you know your stuff), nobody can shut you out or down forever. Take each small acknowledgement and build on it one step at a time, and before you know it you will be enjoying success on your OWN merits. My name is Melissa Vaughn Polutta, and I’m the Trash Gurl.