This month, we’re proud to celebrate Maintenance Awareness Month and shine a spotlight on the skilled technicians who keep our fleet of trucks and heavy equipment in top condition. Their expertise, attention to detail and dedication ensure that every vehicle and piece of equipment is ready to safely and reliably serve our customers each day.
In celebration of Maintenance Awareness Month, we spoke with our 2025 ROAD-EO National Championship Top Technicians Joe S. and Conrad L. to learn about their daily responsibilities, safety tips and the ways they mentor others.
#96 Joe S.
Chicago, IL
Midwest Area
Post Collection Technician
2025 ROAD-EO National Championship Winner and Multi-Year Finalist (2023)
How did you get started with Republic Services?
I started with Republic Services in 2000, at the City of Chicago Sorting Centers working on the processing and post collection equipment.
Can you describe your daily routine or the most important tasks you do each day?
My daily routine is to ensure that heavy equipment is up and running at multiple sites throughout the city and prevent equipment breakdowns as much as possible.
What’s your favorite thing about your job?
My favorite part about my job is the challenge of keeping all equipment up and running, getting repairs done in a safe, efficient manner and also having good communication with our operators.
What’s something most people don’t realize about your job?
Most people don’t realize that since being a repeat Finalist and winning the 2025 ROAD-EO National Championship, I’ve found coworkers looking towards me for leadership, safety and direction in their day-to-day work performance.
#51 Conrad L.
Milpitas, CA
West Area
Collection Technician
2025 ROAD-EO National Championship and Multi-Year Finalist (2023)
What types of training do you need to take on this role?
Having a mechanical background or hands-on experience is helpful. Republic Services also provides training through the Technical Institute for individuals with or without prior experience.
What do you like most about working on big trucks?
The most rewarding part about working on our big sanitation truck is seeing how all the systems and moving parts come together and perform after making repairs.
What are some experience-driven safety tips that you live by for protecting yourself and others?
The safety tips I live by every day to protect myself and others are the practices we follow at work. I make it a point to never cut corners on safety—whether I’m in the shop or out on the road. Defensive driving, paying attention to blind spots, and following our Focus Together procedures all play a big part in keeping myself and the team safe.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in this industry?
If you’re considering a career as a technician in this industry, my best advice is to be patient, observe experienced team members closely, ask questions, and learn from every opportunity.