Meet Gary Frost, Operations Manager at Willshee’s

Hailing from a background in logistics, Gary Frost’s move to the waste sector quickly became a passionate career choice. His extensive experience in transport and operations proved invaluable, laying the groundwork for his vital role in managing Willshee’s diverse operations. At Willshee’s Gary is proud to be part of a business that truly feels like an extended family, all while championing a crucial zero waste to landfill policy that actively protects our planet.

Q. Please describe your current role. How long have you worked at Willshee’s and what does a typical day look like for you?

A. I joined Willshees in November 2018 as the company’s Operations Manager. Coming from a transport, project and operations background (and having spent nearly 25 years within the sector), I have experience in most waste streams and their optimum process methods. A typical workday will see me becoming involved in personnel, operational and transport issues as they arise. With three internal and countless external sites, we have varied scope for operational issues which we overcome as a team on a daily basis. I really enjoy working with the team at Willshees. They demonstrate real determination, commitment, and teamwork each and every day.

Q. How did you get started in the waste management industry and what has your career journey been like?

Starting my career in the logistics sector in 1993, I worked as a Yard Shunter at a Dairy in Preston. From there, I took my Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in 1994 intending to buy a truck myself. I joined Wincanton in 1996 where my CPC afforded me a Transport Supervisor job and it went from there, I forgot the notion of buying my own truck and rapidly rose through the ranks in Wincanton gaining valuable experience. I began working in waste in 2000 and that was that – it’s poles apart from road transporting and warehousing, but I was addicted to the sector.

Q. What do you find most rewarding about working at Willshee’s and in the waste management sector?

For me, Willshees has the ultimate process. We have a zero waste to landfill attitude and a real sense of responsibility. I get a sense of pride working in a senior position within a business that is so seriously focused and committed to doing it right first time. I take great personal pride in the services we offer, our competitive rates and our zero waste to landfill policy. We really are the best option within the East and West Midlands. One of the many things I enjoy about my role is being able to apply change and have a positive influence on the environment. We only have one planet and not everyone respects it. For me, it’s an opportunity to process waste in the most environmentally friendly way possible. As a large fuel producer, our waste is used to generate energy and as such, there are no legacy issues arising from our process.

Q. What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your role, and how do you overcome them?

The biggest challenge for me is sourcing the right individuals to complement our year-on-year growth. Our team is always growing and as an investor in people, our business relies on hiring the right people to do the right jobs. I’m good at identifying peoples’ strengths and applying those strengths to the most appropriate position. Happy people perform well, and it’s my job to find them, train them and deploy them in the best possible place.

The waste industry isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. So, we do all we can to make our jobs appealing by providing state of the art equipment, sites and facilities. Willshee’s hasn’t stopped investing in its infrastructure which makes the business successful and attracts new people to us. We all feel like an extended family member. A unique quality of Willshee’s is that the family all work within the business and engage with the staff on a daily basis. The reputation Willshee’s has built over the last 40 years means that there is no shortage of local people wanting to join our team.

Q. What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

After a full on week at work, I like to relax in the garden. As a Dad, Granddad, Stepdad and Partner to Suzanne, my family life is quite hectic! Also, my partner and I are looking for another barge so we can explore the canal network again! We sold our last boat about 2 years ago and really miss it.