Conducted by the Waste Age editors

Recent years have been interesting ones indeed for John Jennings, president and CEO of Longwood, Fla.-based Waste Pro USA. Not only has he seen his company grow by leaps and bounds since its founding in 2001, but he was inducted into the Environmental Industry Associations’ Hall of Fame this past May. In this installment of our monthly lighthearted Q&A, Jennings reveals, among other things, which superpower he most craves and what has been his most adventurous undertaking.

Waste Age: What is your pet peeve?

Jennings: Negative people.

Waste Age: What is your idea of the perfect day?

Jennings: A safe day throughout the company and time with family.

Waste Age: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Jennings: Treat employees as the heart and soul of the company, because they are.

Waste Age: What was the last book you read?

Jennings: “The Immortality Edge” by Michael Fossel.

Waste Age: What is your favorite TV show?

Jennings: Do not watch much TV.

Waste Age: Beatles or Rolling Stones?

Jennings: Rolling Stones.

Waste Age: What is the strangest piece of trash you’ve ever come across?

Jennings: An alligator.

Waste Age: Do you prefer the beach or mountains?

Jennings: Beach.

Waste Age: What is the one thing you couldn’t live without?

Jennings: Family and friends.

Waste Age: If you weren’t the CEO of Waste Pro USA, what would you like to be?

Jennings: Form a business relating to motivation.

Waste Age: What is your favorite sports team?

Jennings: St. John’s basketball.

Waste Age: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Jennings: Ability to fly, since I travel so much.

Waste Age: What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done?

Jennings: White water rafting on class 5 [rapids] or starting Waste Pro. I’ve had as much fun with both.

Waste Age: What’s the one talent you have that not many people know about?

Jennings: If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret.

If you have suggestions for future interviewees, send us an e-mail at [email protected].