The Ross Group of companies (“Ross”) named five executive promotions. Neil Gorman was promoted within the executive team while Carolyn Piskur, Chris Fada, Joe Sherman and Mike Sunyak are new additions to Ross executive management team.

Neil Gorman is now the Chief Operating Officer and President of Ross Incineration Services, Inc. Gorman just celebrated 25 years with the Ross companies and served as General Manager and, most recently, Vice President of Ross Incineration.

Piskur was appointed as the Vice President of Total Solutions Selling (TSS), and Sunyak as the Vice President of Field Services.  Both individuals were previously General Managers of these critical-growth business segments.

Fada was appointed as the Vice President of Ross Transportation Services, Inc. and Sherman as the Vice President of Business Development for Ross Environmental Services.

The four new vice president promotions bring the Ross executive team from nine to 13 members. All five individuals’ expertise will help guide various sectors of the Ross group of companies.

Industry demand continues to create a growing need for the disposal of hazardous waste. Ross continues to provide safe, environmentally-protective methods of hazardous waste disposal to numerous companies nationwide.

Due to this demand, these five individuals will be crucial in managing operations and seeking out ways to improve Ross now and in the future as the companies continue to grow in service offerings and annual revenue. They will be critical in continuing Ross’ legacy as a leader in safety, health and environmental service in the waste management industry.

“Neil, Carolyn, Chris, Joe and Mike are committed, experienced leaders of the organization,” said Jim Larson, President and CEO of Ross Environmental Services, Inc. “As we continue to grow and diversify the member companies of the Rossway Group, it is critical to ensure we have the resources necessary to support our growth objectives.  I’m confident that these five individuals will continue to excel in their new positions and contribute significantly to the companies’ ongoing success.”

These executives are all dedicated to Ross’ values of operating safely; respecting associates; serving customers well; complying with laws and regulations; protecting the environment; giving back to the community and using all resources wisely.

(Tommy walking to receive his award at our decades-themed service awards event.)

Tom Nichols, a 25-year employee of Ross Incineration Services, Inc. (RIS), has been named the recipient of the Philip T. Schaefer Vision Award by the Ross Group of companies. The Ross Group includes Ross Environmental Services, Inc., Ross Incineration Services, Inc. and Ross Transportation Services, Inc.

The Vision Award is presented annually to an associate of the Ross companies who exemplifies the companies’ mission, vision and values.

Nichols was presented the award at the Ross companies’ Annual Service Awards event held this year on February 17. Nichols is currently an Operations Support Team Lead at RIS.

Nichols’ nomination for the award said he “is known for never hesitating to assist anyone in need. He embodies the Ross Group values through activism with organizations like Wounded Warriors in Action, Toys for Tots, Free Masons and several others.  Tommy is recognized for his key role in organizing fundraisers for his fellow associates in need.”

Nichols is a Ross Associate Ambassador and frequently participates in community events both on his own and on behalf of the Ross companies.

Bill Cromling III, president of Ross Transportation Services and co-owner of the Ross Group of companies, presented Nichols his award.

The Vision Award was created by the Ross companies to honor the memory of Philip T. Schaefer, who was the Vice President of Operations for Ross Incineration Services, Inc. at a critical time in the history of the company.

Phil was active in several community organizations and was a true ambassador of the Ross companies’ values. Phil was a tireless volunteer, athlete, environmentalist and sportsman. He demonstrated a daily commitment to his coworkers, health and wellness, the community and the environment. Phil passed away in 2011 after a fearless battle with a rare form of cancer.

(Left: Ron Berkel. Right: Duane Asmus.)

Truck drivers, Duane Asmus and Ron Berkel of Ross Transportation Services (RTS), recently reached 1 million and 2 million Consecutive Safe Driving Miles, respectively. These incredible achievements mean that Asmus and Berkel accumulated those millions without a single traffic incident.

“Our drivers’ commitment to safety is unparalleled,” said Chris Fada, General Manager of RTS. “Ron and Duane choose to make safety their highest priority every day. Those choices have led to these amazing milestones, and I’m proud I get to work with these amazing drivers every day.”

Asmus started driving for RTS in September of 2013 and Berkel in May of 2001.

With consistently changing routes, weather conditions, heavy traffic and construction areas, the RTS drivers must constantly adapt to new scenarios while hauling vessels loaded with hazardous materials.

It took Asmus 10 years to hit his first million and Berkel 9 years to add on his second million.

Asmus is the seventeenth driver for RTS to earn 1 million safe driving miles. Berkel is the third driver in RTS history to be in the 2-million-mile category for safe driving.

“To drive that many miles is one thing, but to also consistently exceed safety standards while doing it is beyond impressive,” said William Cromling III, President of RTS and Owner.  “I’m so thankful to have these guys in our Ross family. They really are a level above.”

When Eaton Township officials hosted its annual “Dumpster Days” event earlier this month, it marked the 34th time that the Ross Group of companies (Ross Environmental Services, Inc., Ross Incineration Services, Inc., Ross Transportation Services, Inc.) teamed with the township to collect household hazardous waste from residents.

Once again, community members  freely discarded trash, debris and unwanted furniture. Ross associates on site carefully accepted environmentally harmful substances like paint, pool chemicals, motor oil and pesticides.

Materials were immediately slated for treatment at the Ross plant on Giles Road, roughly a half-mile from the drop-off point.

Ross personnel collected more than 2,500 gallons of household hazardous waste in 2023, proving that the need was greater than ever. Since 1993, Ross  has collected more than 142,810 gallons of household hazardous waste from “Dumpster Days” drives.

Pat Lawson, Vice President of Corporate Compliance and Risk Management at Ross Environmental Services, said the event gives our community a better understanding of the types of materials that are managed by Ross.

“A lot of the materials Ross receives from industries are similar, or the same, as the materials used every day in our homes,” Lawson added. “Our collection drive at Dumpster Days provides a necessary environmental service to local residents.”

Ross associates accepted waste from around 80 households this year.

Nick Pakosz, a 40-year employee of Ross Incineration Services, Inc. (RIS), has been named the recipient of the Philip T. Schaefer Vision Award by the Ross Group of companies. The Ross Group includes Ross Environmental Services, Inc., Ross Incineration Services, Inc. and Ross Transportation Services, Inc.

Pakosz accepted the award at the Ross companies’ Annual Service Awards banquet held earlier in the year. He began working for RIS in September 1982 as an Incineration Operator. Over the years, he’s contributed to departments that include Operation Support and Receiving. Since 2022, he’s served in a leadership role as a Project Safety Management Coordinator on the Environmental, Health and Safety team.

“Nick’s loyalty is humbling,” said Bill Cromling III, president of Ross Transportation Services and one of the owners of the Ross Group of companies. “We’re thrilled that he’s chosen to be a member of the Ross family for four decades, and his commitment to safe work practices is equally special. He personifies our commitment to safety.”

The Vision Award is presented annually to an associate of the Ross companies who exemplifies a commitment to the companies, the community and the environment.

In addition to his 40-year commitment to the companies, Pakosz is known for a leadership style that has molded countless associates over the years. He embodies the Ross Group values through activism with organizations like the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Lorain County and charity events that benefit cancer research. He volunteers with his church and assists his daughter who trains seeing-eye dogs for the blind.

The Vision Award was created by the Ross companies to honor the memory of Philip T. Schaefer, who was the Vice President of Operations for Ross Incineration Services, Inc.

Phil was active in several community organizations and was a true ambassador of the Ross companies’ values. Phil was a tireless volunteer, athlete, environmentalist and sportsman. He demonstrated a daily commitment to his coworkers, health and wellness, the community and the environment. Phil passed away in 2011 after a fearless battle with a rare form of cancer.

Nick Pakosz accepts the Phillip T. Schaefer Vision Award from owners Bill Cromling III and Jon Cromling

Left to right: Scott Wesp, Darrell Zielinski, Neil Gorman, Pat Lawson, Nick Pakosz, Steve Goldman, Bob Ward, James Kovelan and Jim Larson.

Ross Environmental Services recently spoke to Fox 8 about the important “Stop the Bleed” campaign that put first aid kits in every classroom districtwide at Midview Local Schools.

RES donated about $18,000 to the Eaton Township Fire Department, which purchased the kits and buckets to store them in. Fire officials trained teachers and district staff members on how to properly use the materials should the unthinkable happen.

Watch the full piece to hear from district officials, firefighters and Ross personnel. 

Associates at the Ross Group of companies rolled up their sleeves and planted more than a dozen evergreen trees for Arbor Day.

Many associates chose to dedicate trees in memory of loved ones. Thirteen memorial trees in total were planted. Seven additional evergreen saplings will grow roughly 40 feet high. Associates arranged the trees in rows and planted them in space west of the main associate lot at RIS in Grafton, OH.

Trees were ordered through the Arbor Day Foundation, which has a goal of planting 500 million trees by 2027. Research shows that trees slow climate change and support biodiversity.

The Arbor Day Foundation celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022.