Southern Waste Systems Leader Named an “Ultimate CEO”

Charles Gusmano, president and CEO of Southern Waste Systems (SWS), a full-service waste and recycling company based in Lantana, Fla., has been recognized by the South Florida Business Journal as a 2012 Palm Beach Ultimate CEO. The award is given annually to business leaders in South Florida who have set a high standard in business and in the community.

Gusmano has nearly 30 years of experience in the solid waste and recycling industry. He co-founded Southern Waste Systems and Sun Recycling in 1999. During the past decade, he has been instrumental in the growth of the company, from one recycling yard in Pompano Beach, Fla., to 12 facilities spread throughout southeast Florida. Today, Gusmano heads four separate business units, including Southern Waste Systems, Sun Recycling, Sun Disposal and All Star Toilets, and leads a team of 450 employees.

Gusmano says his success lies in valuing the importance of people and relationships. Hiring the right people and focusing on their personal development is essential to building a great team, he adds.

“I hold each member accountable and I care about them as individuals,” Gusmano says. “I want to grow responsible individuals that are focused on the team’s success."

He continues, "It’s an honor to be recognized among other distinguished CEOs in our community. This recognition would not be possible without my family and our team at SWS.”