Scott Seastrand is vice president of Western Elite, a waste management and recycling company that, among other services, rents dumpsters to residential and commercial customers.
What is the best business advice you’ve received?
Never sell yourself short. Everyone has had some failure in order to learn. You are as capable to overcome the obstacles as anyone else, as long as you have the determination to do so.
What’s the biggest issue facing Southern Nevada?
Water. It will always be a huge issue that will have to be managed and balanced with our growth. Appropriate use, conservation and innovation will be required. Also, diversification of our economic base continues to require effort, and we should acknowledge the steps and progress the valley has achieved in attracting industries such as technology, manufacturing and medical.
What has been your most exciting professional project?
After opening the landfill, the opening of our first material recovery facility in Clark County, which has been operating since September 2012. This plant diverts recyclables out of waste that comes off of construction sites. We now have two operating in the Las Vegas Valley, one north and one south. That’s more than 32 acres devoted to processing waste.
How has your industry progressed through the years?
More recycling awareness. More competition in certain segments of the waste market, giving the consumer more choices and improved service. More companies are using a variety of competitors and services.
What’s your favorite place to have fun in Las Vegas?
Bike riding near the Wetlands Park or attending UNLV football or basketball games.
If you could talk to the high school version of yourself, what would you tell him?
Expand your thinking. What you are learning today or experiencing will open more opportunity as things change and if you are looking for them. Don’t be afraid of change — be afraid of not growing.
Describe your management style.
I trust the staff I have around me. I gather the information and counsel, make a decision and assignments, and hold myself and all my team accountable for our deliverables. They all have talent and their own way of getting work done, and I support them in doing it.
Where do you see your company in 10 years?
We will continue to set new accomplishments in waste management in the construction and demolition-waste category and bring recycling closer to our customers. We see Western Elite giving more options to Southern Nevada, offering more choices and more service. We will continue to evaluate and participate in upcoming growth opportunities.
What is your dream job outside of your current field?
Outside of running a company and where money would not be the object, I would enjoy something in creating outdoor adventures or other outdoor entertainment.
If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?
I have a son who lives in Southern California, and I have always loved beach activities and being at the ocean. So I would pick Laguna Beach.
Whom do you admire?
My parents. My father was a businessman in Las Vegas running the Vegas Village company many years back. He also served the community on the North Las Vegas City Council for 21 years, with 16 years as mayor. They were genuine and caring people for not only our family but to all they associated with.
Also, our military men and women who sustain us all by securing our nation, providing all the blessings of our Constitution and freedoms to build the lives we choose.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Traffic. Wasting time always frustrates me, and traffic jams put schedules out the door.
What is your funniest or most embarrassing work story?
Many years ago, I had trapped a mouse that had been running around the office. I put it in a small office garbage can that I was transporting out of the office, when I ran into someone waiting for me in the front room. The mouse began jumping out of the can, and I was catching it on my way out the door. That brought some laughs and a little explanation.
What is something that people might not know about you?
I am a creative writer. I have written three novels about World War II and continue to write. I have been a scoutmaster and supported Scouting all my life, including being an Eagle Scout and a Silver Beaver.