EARTH FIRST AID / Scott Berens, Owner
Celebrating nine years in business, Earth First Aid offers curbside recycling for both business and residential customers in the Billings area. In 2013, Earth First Aid kept 1,000 tons of material from going to the landfill through its recycling program.
Entrepreneurial inspiration
I really wanted to provide a service that makes a difference in the community and provides people with quality job opportunities.
My mom was an entrepreneur, and her voice was always in the back of my mind saying, “You can do it if you put your mind to it.” The idea developed from a conversation with my dad about the obvious lack of curbside recycling available in Billings. I did online research and wrote letters to other curbside recycling companies. I was hoping for their recommendations and to tour their facilities, but I never got a response so I just went for it. I had a truck, bought a trailer, invested in some bins and the idea was born.
was essentially starting blind, learning on the fly and creating my own path. I didn’t really know what it could become because there was nothing to compare it to. After nine years, we’ve gone from one guy, one truck and one customer, to six guys, four trucks and lots of customers.
Personal strengths A competitive fire to succeed, a
the landfill through recycling; and happiness found in successfully balancing my work and family life.
What challenges do startups encounter? It’s not what you know but who you know. At $14 per month for each recycling customer, it takes a lot of customers for me to turn a profit, so it’s important to make good
What keeps you motivated? Pride, reputation and a desire to provide a good service. I put my name on this business so it was important that I kept my word and made it work for my customers and for myself. I really wanted to provide a service that makes a difference in the community and provides people with quality job opportunities.
Your toughest lesson was… The importance of hiring good employees. The people you hire can make or break your business. Bad employees distract you from business obligations, but dependable people allow you to focus on what’s important.
What changes have you made? When I started the business, nothing like it existed in Billings, so I
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strong work ethic and the knowledge that success requires more than just punching a time clock.
Biggest myth about starting a business: Owning a business means you’re the boss, and you can make your own hours. When you start a business you never stop thinking about it. It’s always with you.
How do you measure success? I measure success in three ways: My ability to hire employees and give people good-paying jobs; the volume of material I keep out of
connections. For new entrepreneurs, be nice to everyone. That high school kid you met on the street might just be your next foot in the door at a new customer site.
Advice to others Never give up and have confidence in yourself. Believe in your work ethic and your dreams. If you’re passionate about it, make it work.
Learning or Knowing. Which is more important? Learning is definitely more important. Once you learn, then you know.
Photo by Casey Page