Automatic Side Load Residential Driver, Sanford, FL
Patricia Aldridge’s office has always been behind the wheel. At around 5:00 AM, she drives onto the lot at the Sanford Division of Waste Pro. After clocking in, she begins to review the day’s call sheet to map out what her day will look like. She then heads out to her Automatic Side Load (ASL) truck and begins a tip-to-toe inspection, looking everything over for her pre-trip safety check. If anything seems off, she brings it to the safety lane attendant’s attention. Everything must be in good working order for her to start her route. If it’s a Thursday, she attends the safety meeting to see what topics are top of mind for management and if there are any changes or updates she needs to be aware of. Then she climbs into the driver’s seat and heads out on her route for the day. She is independent, careful, and conscientious on her route, ensuring her residents and customers are well cared for. Along her path, a neighborhood child comes out, excited to see the automated arm reach down and grab their garbage can. She smiles, waves, and shouts, “See you next week, friend!” This small interaction with folks along the way keeps the job fun and engaging.
At the beginning of her professional career, she tried a few other opportunities but liked driving. She quickly found that working behind a desk was not her happy place; she needed to be outside. Her journey in the driver’s seat started over three decades ago, first as a school bus driver in New York for over 8 years. In 2004, she found an opportunity to move south to Florida to escape the harsh New York winters. During hurricane season of that year, she began driving for FEMA. Between August 13 and September 25, the 2004 hurricane season brought four back-to-back hurricanes — the worst in Florida’s history. Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne, and caused more than $45 billion in damages. The need for CDL drivers in Florida was the perfect opportunity for her to relocate and lend a hand, where she assisted with driving trucks for debris removal. Once that was over, she found full-time work in Central Florida for solid waste and recycling haulers. She worked with two other companies before finding a home at Waste Pro in 2011. Now celebrating 13 years with the company, Patricia knows she found a home at Waste Pro.
She recently earned her first $10,000 Safety Award and is already working towards earning her second. To earn the coveted $10K Safety Award, employees must exhibit the Waste Pro Way daily and meet safety-specific criteria for over three years. Eligible drivers receive $10,000, and a similar award of $5,000 is offered to eligible helpers. “Some say I am outspoken, but I am ok with that; safety comes first,” she said. “I want to ensure things are done right, and if that means ruffling a few feathers, that’s ok. Safety is my main concern with my truck, customers, and myself. I check and recheck things; if something needs to be corrected, I ensure it’s fixed.”
Eric Saxton, Division Manager for Waste Pro Sanford, shares, “She’s a tough cookie but exceptional at what she does. I know she is at the top of her game when she rolls out of the lot. I have had several newer drivers mentor with Patricia, and they are better off for it. If she sees a better way to do things, we adjust. We take her experience to heart and know it’s important to constantly work on improving things for the betterment of the company.” “She’s been a tremendous asset to our team, and we are grateful to have her.”
What has kept Patricia engaged at Waste Pro? “Waste Pro ensures I am filled with care, compassion, and fellowship. It’s a blessing to have been offered the opportunity to learn to drive the different types of trucks on the lot so managers can use me to help where needed. You can see it is a company that truly focuses on people; there is true camaraderie among everyone, and although we all have our jobs to do, we are part of a bigger picture and are all valued. That matters.”
So, what’s next for Patricia? She recently bought a house with her daughter, and they are excited about the fresh start. With two children and two grandchildren, Patricia values her family time and looks forward to spending more time with her grandkids now that they will be in a multi-generational home. “Family is everything, and I look forward to being there for the everyday moments.”
Patricia has many talents that her co-workers might not know: she went to school to study web design and is also a certified nurse’s assistant. In her spare time, she has found a creative outlet as an artist and painter. She creates large-scale graphic murals and is extremely proud of a mural she did for a local restaurant. These personal interests and talents are not just hobbies; they are a part of what makes Patricia who she is and contributes to her success at Waste Pro.
“I look forward to serving my neighbors as part of the Waste Pro team every morning. This is my home and where I belong. I owe Waste Pro so much, and I look forward to continuing driving for Waste Pro for many more years.”