Reid Stewart is a seasoned business leader, entrepreneur, sales executive, and trusted advisor whose career spans more than three decades of helping organizations grow, transform, and achieve sustainable success. Throughout his professional journey, he has built a reputation for combining strategic vision with practical execution, enabling businesses to navigate challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and create long-term value. His experience extends across environmental services, waste management, business consulting, transportation, sales leadership, and operational management, making him a uniquely qualified executive and board candidate capable of contributing across multiple industries and business models.
Raised with a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for leadership, Reid developed an early understanding that successful organizations are built on relationships, accountability, and continuous improvement. These foundational principles would guide his career as he steadily progressed from frontline operational roles to executive leadership positions responsible for multimillion-dollar business units, large teams, and complex strategic initiatives. His ability to understand both the operational and commercial sides of a business has become one of the defining characteristics of his leadership style.
After earning a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Manufacturing from Appalachian State University, Reid began building a career grounded in operational excellence and customer service. Recognizing the importance of business acumen in driving organizational success, he later earned his Master of Business Administration from Appalachian State University. This combination of technical understanding and business education provided him with a strong foundation for leading organizations through growth, change, and market expansion.
One of the most significant chapters of Reid’s career began with Waste Management, Inc., where he quickly distinguished himself through his ability to drive sales performance, improve customer retention, and develop high-performing teams. Starting as a Major Account Specialist, he managed and expanded relationships with large industrial and commercial customers while consistently exceeding sales expectations. His success led to participation in the company’s Sales Management and Revenue Training Program and ultimately to promotion into sales leadership roles overseeing multiple markets across Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
As Market Area Sales Manager for Waste Management, Reid assumed responsibility for sales operations spanning numerous hauling companies, transfer stations, and landfill operations. In this role, he managed substantial revenue portfolios while implementing strategic sales initiatives designed to improve performance and profitability. His leadership extended beyond sales results, as he played an instrumental role in training and developing commercial teams while introducing corporate sales effectiveness programs that improved consistency, accountability, and growth across multiple regions.
Entrepreneurship became a defining aspect of Reid’s professional identity when he co-founded United Waste Solutions, Inc. Drawing upon his experience in sales, operations, finance, and customer service, he helped build the organization from the ground up. As President and Partner, he led efforts to secure investment capital, establish operational infrastructure, recruit talented employees, and create a culture focused on customer satisfaction and operational excellence. Under his leadership, the company successfully expanded its market presence, completed acquisitions, and developed a reputation for reliability and innovation within the waste services industry.
One of Reid’s most notable accomplishments during this period was the creation and growth of High Country Waste Solutions, a subsidiary that began with a single truck and a handful of containers. Through determination, disciplined execution, and a relentless focus on customer service, the company achieved remarkable growth, expanding its operations and customer base year after year. The success of the venture ultimately led to its acquisition by Republic Services, demonstrating Reid’s ability to create significant enterprise value while positioning organizations for successful transitions and strategic exits.
Following the acquisition, Reid continued to broaden his leadership experience through executive roles in both operations and consulting. As General Manager for Waste Industries in Eastern Tennessee, he assumed responsibility for every aspect of business performance, including personnel management, equipment operations, financial oversight, sales, customer service, and profitability. His leadership produced measurable improvements in maintenance efficiency and EBITDA performance while strengthening organizational culture and operational accountability.
Reid’s passion for helping businesses grow led him to the North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center, where he served as a Senior Business Counselor supporting business owners and leadership teams across fourteen counties. In this role, he became a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, municipalities, and privately held companies seeking guidance on strategic planning, capital acquisition, mergers and acquisitions, revenue growth, and operational improvement. His ability to combine executive-level insight with practical business solutions enabled countless organizations to strengthen their competitive positions and pursue sustainable growth strategies.
At BenNic Solutions, Reid further expanded his advisory capabilities by providing consulting services focused on business development, environmental management, commercial real estate opportunities, and financial performance enhancement. His work with business owners and management teams reinforced his belief that successful organizations are built through a combination of disciplined leadership, strong relationships, strategic planning, and continuous adaptation to changing market conditions. His consulting experience also enhanced his understanding of governance, risk management, and organizational development—critical competencies for board service.
Most recently, Reid served as Business Unit Sales Manager for Republic Services, one of North America’s leading environmental services organizations. In this role, he managed commercial operations across Western North Carolina, Eastern Tennessee, and Southwest Virginia while leading a team of sales professionals responsible for significant revenue generation. Through strategic business development initiatives, acquisitions, and disciplined sales management, he helped grow annual revenues from approximately $56 million to nearly $90 million. His success reflected not only his expertise in sales leadership but also his ability to align people, processes, and strategy around shared organizational goals.
Throughout his career, Reid has cultivated deep expertise in sales leadership, business development, strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, customer retention, environmental services, operations management, and organizational growth. He has also developed significant international exposure through professional and personal experiences in Europe, the Mediterranean region, Turkey, Greece, Colombia, and Belize, providing him with a broader perspective on business relationships, cultural dynamics, and global opportunities.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Reid is deeply committed to community involvement, personal development, and leadership service. His interests include rugby, endurance sports, triathlons, skiing, and coaching. As a Certified Rugby Coach and Ironman finisher, he understands the importance of discipline, resilience, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities that have consistently influenced his leadership philosophy. He is also active in several fraternal and civic organizations, reflecting his commitment to service, integrity, and lifelong learning.
Today, Reid is actively pursuing board opportunities where he can leverage his decades of experience to help organizations navigate growth, improve performance, strengthen leadership teams, and create long-term stakeholder value. Having built businesses, advised executives, led commercial organizations, and managed complex operations, he brings a balanced perspective that combines entrepreneurial insight with executive-level leadership. His passion for sharing knowledge, mentoring leaders, and helping companies succeed continues to drive his desire to serve in governance and advisory capacities where his experience can make a meaningful impact.
Character:
Reid demonstrates integrity in every aspect of his leadership and decision-making. He consistently prioritizes accountability, transparency, and long-term relationships over short-term gains. His commitment to service, mentorship, and ethical business practices has earned the trust and respect of colleagues, customers, and business leaders throughout his career.
Knowledge:
He possesses extensive expertise developed through more than thirty-five years of leadership across environmental services, waste management, consulting, sales, and operations. His broad understanding of business growth, mergers and acquisitions, revenue generation, and organizational management allows him to provide valuable guidance across diverse industries. He combines practical experience with advanced business education to deliver informed and effective strategic insight.
Strategic:
Reid has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to identify growth opportunities, execute expansion initiatives, and create enterprise value. His experience leading acquisitions, scaling businesses, developing commercial strategies, and improving organizational performance reflects a disciplined strategic mindset. He excels at aligning resources, people, and processes to achieve sustainable long-term objectives.
Communication:
An accomplished communicator who effectively connects with stakeholders at every level of an organization. His experience leading teams, advising business owners, conducting training programs, and speaking publicly has strengthened his ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively. He fosters collaboration, builds consensus, and inspires confidence through thoughtful and authentic communication.
