Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacy Richardson
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m Stacy Richardson, Co-Founder and CEO of Mobi Waste Inc. Growing up, I was immersed in the world of raising animals and a love for being outdoors, this developed a profound connection with nature and the responsibilities of caretaking. One of my most memorable experiences was participating in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Calf Scramble, where my efforts of being drug around the Astrodome floor paid off. I caught a calf and that let me showcase a calf the following year. This incredible experience instilled in me a love for the outdoors, understanding the life cycle, and taking care of our environment that continues to resonate today.
My journey took an exciting turn as I ventured into college volleyball, balancing my academic pursuits with the rigors of sports. I was honored to play for the San Jac Ravens, coached by Junior College Hall of Fame coach, Becky Lidolph. After San Jac, I played Division one for Northwestern State University in LA., where I was injured in my junior year. I decided to come back home to Houston and continue my education at the University of Houston- Clear Lake, while working for Central Texas BBQ in Pearland. I graduated from UHCL with a BBA in Marketing and Management. Post-college, I embarked on a career at Chili’s Bar & Grill, dedicating twelve years to mastering various roles, from waiting tables and bartending to ascending to the position of General Manager. I took pride in opening new units and contributing to the Manager in Training Program, honing my leadership and operational skills.
After the birth of my son, I transitioned into a new role at Physicians Mutual Insurance Company, serving as the Assistant Division Manager for the Houston/Beaumont Area. This position allowed me to expand my expertise in management and customer relations.
The past fourteen years have been marked by my tenure at Dow Chemical Company, where I have continued to grow professionally, embracing challenges and opportunities in a dynamic and innovative environment. In 2023, my son at the age of 14 created what I call the Frankenstein 4-wheeler. He repurposed, reimagined this ATV into something new and exciting. He fabricated, found, and swapped all the parts needed to create something new out of recycled materials. This is where it all started.
He and I were approached by a friend that wanted to create a mobile, on-site, waterless device that would reduce the volume of trash up to 70%. Between the two of them creating and proving concept in our barn. I as a mother had to step up and demonstrate to my son what following your passion and dreams looks like. The journey we have embarked on is nothing less than finding our purpose.
In May of 2024, I had the great pleasure of being on The Blox, the largest reality TV show for startups. Out of 80,000 applications, only 100 companies were chosen to compete for Season 15. For five days, we filmed in Tulsa, OK. This experience has been the best so far. The friends and contacts made have been life changing. To have the support of those I spent a grueling week with is hard to put into words. Having access to companies that have competed for the last 21 seasons has added to moving Mobi Waste Inc. forward. The friendships, like-minded community, and a group that supports you in every facet of growing your business is immeasurable. I left that week in Tulsa a new person. I also left being voted as the Most Investable Company.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I believe that the path itself is meant to feel just as satisfying as the destination. This doesn’t mean it will always be a smooth one. How you handle issues that arise is the key. As an entrepreneur, the challenges faced daily cannot be measured. I learned very quickly that you will fail many times. The most important lesson I learned quickly was to fail fast and learn faster. With that, I knew I needed to surround myself with people who could guide and mentor me. My dream team consists of:
Dr. Theresa Ashby – The Scale-ologist
Dr. Dwight Barrett – The Illumin-ologist
Sara Speer Selber – The Connect-ologist
Randall Dobbins – The Supply-ologist
Alejandra Garcia – The Engineer-ologist
The journey has not always been easy. I knew I needed to create a circle of individuals that would guide me in leading a business differently. I am an out-of-the-box thinker. Watching what my son created out of parts recycled or reimagined sets me on a path to create a company that would be the same. Mobi Waste will push boundaries with our school platform that creates a system that uses 80% of the trash schools throw away to create income. We will upskill and reskill students in innovative tech, socially mission-driven projects, and sustainability. Our nonprofit Mobi Waste Outreach a 501-3-C works with schools and communities to move this mission forward. The industry platform with Mobi Waste works to enhance the biofuel and renewable industry sectors keeping waste out of landfills.
There have been many challenges that every growing company faces, such as seeking funding and building the right culture. What has been the most beneficial for Mobi is building a board with diverse people and creating relationships and partnerships early. This has helped with roadblocks as they come up, there is a group of people and resources that I can easily go to, shortening the cycle of those roadblocks’ problems. The entrepreneur’s journey can be lonely at times, lots of self-doubt, and downright fear. What has made this road a little easier is having a team that supports you, puts you back on track when needed, and most of all has your back when times are hard.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Having a diverse career has taught me so many things about now being the CEO of a company that is shifting the way we think of trash. Working in the restaurant industry, insurance industry, and then in manufacturing, I have grown into a leader who listens to others, works to merge skill sets, and looks to everyone in the company for feedback. The growth of Mobi Waste will be with strategic partnerships across industries, white labeling, and licensing to other small businesses. I am leading Mobi to be the company that can reach across industries to enhance sustainability, reduce what goes to landfills, and add value to other companies.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something you might not know about me, if you haven’t figured it out from this article, is my deep love for animals, our planet, and a drive to #GSD. Growing up in a farming family, I was immersed in hunting, fishing, camping, and playing in the great outdoors. I have 4 rescue dogs, and we take in rescue horses until we help find them a home. I have raised just about every animal you would find on a farm and more! As a mom, I have strived to raise my son with the same love of animals, outdoors, and to follow his own drive to look at trash in a whole new way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mobiwaste.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mobiwasteinc?igsh=a3hpbjl5bHA3aDJw
- LinkedIn: Mobi Waste Inc.
- Youtube: @mobiwasteinc
