Questions: Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
Answer: Strategic Sanitation Services, Inc. is a service business located in Mission Viejo, California, that specializes in high-value trash management for residential apartment and HOA communities. We offer ten plus services to help communities in Orange County, Inland Empire and San Diego manage trash, improve curb appeal and reduce operating expenses. Strategic’s 70 team members carry out its brand promise to show Respect, Reliability and Responsibility in every service, interaction and communication as we care for people and the environment.
Questions: What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
Answer: In 2007, Rick Hilgert’s wife Erin noticed a continual trash problem at a large residential community she managed. The inefficiency of trash pick-up was causing the community to lose curb appeal and money. She encouraged Rick to look at the issue.
Rick assessed the situation. He found that some bins were only partially filled, and others were overflowing. He saw furniture and mattresses piled high. The community was in desperate need of a cleanup.
Rick determined the community’s three main problems: inefficient trash distribution, untidy enclosures and large, bulky items. His solution was the beginning of Strategic’s Waste Optimization TM Plan to help communities become cleaner and happier.
Questions: To what do you most attribute your success?
Answer: Respectful, Reliable and Responsible work to Honor God, care for people and guard the environment.
Questions: How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Answer: Historically, we have marketed through satisfied customers’ word of mouth. Now, we also utilize a range of business listings, SEO, Google Ads, social media and email marketing.
Questions: What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Answer:
(1) High-quality Respectful, Reliable and Responsible work, which leads to customer satisfaction and retention.
(2) Dedication to taking care of team members, which increases personal and professional employee satisfaction and decreases turnover rates.
(3) A consistent effort to evaluate and improve business practices to better accomplish the company Mission.