Carlos Gonzalez – Recycling Center Supervisor

Oct 2, 2025 | Employee Bios

A Journey Through TSR

When Carlos Gonzalez joined Tough Stuff Recycling through an employment agency, he started at the ground level — working as a forklift driver. From there, he transitioned into customer service roles, moved into leadership, and eventually earned a position as supervisor. Each step of that journey reflects his willingness to learn, adapt, and support TSR from the inside out.

What Drives Me & What I Do

In his current role, Carlos emphasizes a few guiding principles: listen and learn, stay punctual, bring proactivity and positivity, and adapt to the culture and procedures. Over time, those qualities have become central to how he leads. Though his duties have evolved, the focus remains the same: help the team succeed while keeping operations aligned with TSR’s goals

When challenges arise, Carlos meets them with calm optimism. “Stay positive” isn’t just advice—it’s a mindset. Among his proudest moments is completing a difficult project that tested both leadership and perseverance.

Making a Difference

Carlos sees his role as more than task execution—it’s about aligning his unique skills with company goals. Over the years at TSR, he’s witnessed many changes—“a lot, and very positive,” as he puts it—and feels honored to be part of that growth. His advice to new teammates?

“Whatever your life work is, do it well.”

Looking Ahead

Carlos has clear ambitions for his future at TSR: advancing into leadership roles, where he can influence strategy and help define our long-term vision. He believes in building compelling, long-range goals backed by actionable plans—and sees TSR’s growth as a chance to bring those goals to life. Reflecting on what drives him, one of his favorite pieces of encouragement from leadership is:

“You don’t have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great.”

With motivation, inspiration, and hard work guiding his path, Carlos looks forward to continuing as a positive force in TSR’s future.

Related Blogs Posts

Emily Gomez – Safety Compliance Coordinator

Emily Gomez – Safety Compliance Coordinator

Dedicated to Safety, Built on Determination Emily Gomez brings a deep sense of responsibility and heart to her role as Safety Compliance Coordinator at Tough Stuff Recycling. Born and raised in North Central Massachusetts, Emily is a proud mother of four and...

read more
Mike Gurnee – Chief Executive Officer

Mike Gurnee – Chief Executive Officer

Building Systems That Solve Big Problems Mike Gurnee leads Tough Stuff Recycling with a mission rooted in innovation, environmental responsibility, and scalable systems. As CEO, he brings a systems-engineering mindset to one of the most overlooked challenges in the...

read more