Employee Bios

Explore the stories behind the leadership and frontline team at Tough Stuff Recycling. Each bio highlights the journey, role, and impact of our team members—from our CEO and Safety Compliance Officer to our Customer Support Manager and operations staff.

These bios offer an inside look at the people shaping our mission, driving innovation, and supporting sustainability efforts across Massachusetts. Learn how each individual contributes to making mattress recycling more efficient, compliant, and community-focused.

Carlos Gonzalez – Recycling Center Supervisor

Carlos Gonzalez – Recycling Center Supervisor

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...

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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...

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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...

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Alex Perez – Transportation Manager

Alex Perez – Transportation Manager

As Transportation Manager, Alex Perez plays a critical role in ensuring that Tough Stuff Recycling’s services run safely, efficiently, and on time. From overseeing daily operations to navigating long-term logistics strategy, his leadership directly supports the...

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Tashiana Woodie – Customer Support Manager

Tashiana Woodie – Customer Support Manager

When Tashiana joined Tough Stuff Recycling, she never imagined her journey would evolve into such a critical role. Today, she serves as the Customer Service Manager, representing the voice of the company and leading communications with customers, municipalities,...

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Rosemary Arteaga – Operations Manager

Rosemary Arteaga – Operations Manager

Rosemary's journey with Tough Stuff Recycling (TSR) is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the transformative power of hard work. Starting as a temporary employee in California, she has risen through the ranks to become the Operations Manager at TSR's...

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