Building a Culture Rooted in Care

How Environmental Solutions builds belonging, safety, and strength through its people

Published October 22, 2025 – Courtesy of Waste Today Magazine

After spending much of my career in large organizations across the automotive and power generation industries, I have come to appreciate how deeply culture impacts performance, safety, retention and innovation. But I have never experienced a culture quite like the one we have built at Environmental Solutions (ES), Chattanooga, Tennessee.

At ES, our values are not just written on break room posters; they are lived every day. Whether it is the way team members check in on each other, organize help for someone going through a tough time, or raise their hands to support a community cause, this is a company where people genuinely care. And that care shows up in how we serve our customers, how we support our teams, and how we grow together.

That spirit of care is the foundation of our vision: improving lives. It informs every decision we make and every investment in our people, and it has shaped a workplace where team members do not just show up, they genuinely belong.

Formalizing a culture that already existed

Long before we had a name for it, our culture of compassion was already thriving. I saw it firsthand: envelopes quietly passed around to collect donations for a family in need, coworkers organizing meals for someone recovering from surgery or simply listening when someone needed to talk.

In 2018, we formalized this grassroots generosity into what is now the ES Cares Team. What began as a simple idea to coordinate help for those experiencing hardship has grown into a structured initiative, led by volunteers, that has touched hundreds of lives. When team members learn about a colleague in need, they reach out to ES Cares, who then jump into action by making calls, organizing support, collecting donations or offering words of encouragement.

This program did not come from the top down. It came from the heart of the organization. It is one of many examples of how our people define our culture, not the other way around.

Like ES President Pat Carroll always says, our culture is shaped by the behaviors we recognize, reward and repeat. At ES, we encourage empathy and we act on it, and that has a lasting impact far beyond our company walls.

More than a job: Creating belonging and purpose

Across all our locations, we have found that the most effective culture-building happens when it is owned by the people on the ground. That is why we empower site activities teams, volunteer groups at each location that coordinate everything from community service events to holiday gatherings. Whether it is hosting a toy drive, collecting school supplies or partnering with local nonprofits like the Arc of DeKalb County or the Chattanooga Foundation, our people show up with purpose.

We also support culture and inclusion groups that create spaces for open dialogue, learning and connection. These teams help ensure that every individual, no matter their background, role or tenure, feels respected, represented and included.

In addition to monthly charitable initiatives and inclusion events, ES sites also invest in the small, daily moments that build morale. As one of our team leads likes to say, if it lifts one person’s day, it is worth doing. From quick huddles to daily check-ins, these moments create continuity and connection, especially in high-demand environments.

This sense of belonging is more than just a feel-good bonus, it is the bedrock of high performance. When people feel seen, supported and safe, they are more engaged, more productive and more likely to stay. When team members know they matter, not just for what they do but for who they are, they bring their best to the table. That is where innovation, trust and long-term success begin.

Building skill, confidence, and career paths

Great culture means nothing if people are not growing. That is why we invest heavily in training and development across every part of our organization.

Our Manufacturing Skills Development Program (MSDP) is one example. This initiative offers structured, skill-based training that aligns directly to pay progression, so team members know exactly what is required to grow and earn more. It is clear, fair and designed to reward initiative.

In partnership with local technical schools and our internal leads, we also offer an apprenticeship program that creates hands-on learning experiences for the next generation of tradespeople and technicians. It is not just about teaching job skills, it is about building confidence, capability and long-term career potential.

Across our facilities, we have also implemented cell-by-cell work instructions and training videos, helping to ensure consistent, high-quality performance while supporting multiple learning styles. These tools allow us to onboard more efficiently, reduce errors, and build a workforce that is both capable and adaptable.

By focusing on practical, accessible education, we are helping team members succeed today while preparing them for tomorrow.

Safety as a shared responsibility

One of the clearest reflections of our culture is how seriously we take safety. Not because we have to, but because we care. Our team-led safety initiatives go well beyond posters and checklists.

The Find It, Fix It program encourages employees to proactively identify and resolve safety concerns in real time. It reinforces that everyone has ownership over a safe work environment and that every voice matters. We do not wait for a safety committee to act. We empower every team member to be part of the solution.

This philosophy also drives our approach to RCCA (root cause corrective action) and RPN (risk priority number) analysis, which helps us investigate issues, address root causes, and prioritize improvements based on real data. Our safety teams are embedded in daily operations, not isolated from them.

We also go big when it counts. Our Safety Month initiatives bring focus, energy, and education to sites through creative campaigns and practical training. It is a chance to reinforce our priorities while celebrating progress and participation.

Safety, like culture, reflects what we care about. And at ES, we care deeply about the people who make our company run.

Leading with heart, backed by action

At ES, we do not just measure success by output, we measure it by impact. Our mission of Improving Lives applies not only to our customers and communities, but to the people who walk through our doors every day.

That is why we invest in people-first programs that go beyond the basics: culture groups, wellness activities, education initiatives and volunteer-led efforts that meet real needs. That is why our leadership team walks the floor, listens to feedback and builds programs from what they hear. And that is why we believe that culture is not a perk, it is a performance driver.

The waste and environmental equipment industry is evolving rapidly, and companies need to adapt to stay ahead. But while technology and strategy may change, one thing remains constant: Success is built by people.

Any organization seeking to strengthen its teams and grow with purpose can unlock meaningful results by placing greater emphasis on the fundamentals of culture, connection and care. At ES, these priorities have shaped a workplace where people do their best work, and they can bring the same positive change to any company willing to make them a priority.

Heather Stalvey is vice president of human resources at Environmental Solutions, a segment of Terex Corp. and a global leader in environmental equipment and technology. For more information, visit www.terexesg.com.