Title: Recycling and Forestry Specialist
Company: Vermeer Southeast
Location: GA/USA
Education: BA in Actuarial Science, Accounting, Central College (2010-2014)
Career History: Recycling, Forestry Specialist, Vermeer Southeast (2024-Present); Swing Driver, Waste Management (2015-2024); Plant Manager, Midwest Sanitation & Recycling (2015); Truck Driver, Midwest Sanitation & Recycling (2011-2015); Janitorial Services, Merle Norman Cosmetics (2008-2012); Resident Advisor, Central College (2011-2012); Associate Salesman, Theisen’s (2008-2009); Head Cook, Dr. Salami’s (2006-2008); Product Specialist, Recycling, Forestry, Vermeer Corporation
Blaize R. Van Rheenen, Recycling and Forestry Specialist at Vermeer Southeast, has been recognized as a Marquis Emerging Leader for their contributions and achievements in the field of waste management.
Wielding a Bachelor of Arts in actuarial science and accounting from Central College in his hometown of Iowa, Mr. Rheenen initially aspired to be an accountant but, after interning for a firm, he realized he could not sit behind a desk all day. Amid his studies, he worked in janitorial services at Merle Norman Cosmetics and as a truck driver with Midwest Sanitation & Recycling, where he later became plant manager and oversaw 20 employees.
Since 2015, Mr. Rheenen has been active as a swing driver for Waste Management, an environmental services firm, where he works independently while on route and operates a wide range of trucks, including rear load, side load, front load, roll-off, and tractor-trailer.
He has also found success, since 2024, as a product specialist for recycling and forestry at Vermeer Corporation, the company his uncle and mentor worked at for 25 years; following his example, he quickly established himself as an engaging, customers-minded professional. With nearly five years of experience accrued in the waste management industry, he has developed a wealth of knowledge and expertise in household and green waste recycling, now with a focus on processing and full-circle recycling.
Amid his myriad responsibilities at Vermeer, Mr. Rheenen spends four out of five days a week on the road, visits current customers who own their recycling and forestry equipment, as well as potential buyers, and helps customers improve their efficiency and make better use of their resources. In addition, he introduces equipment to customers for them to see if it meets their needs and prioritizes building relationships over making immediate sales.
A dedicated member of the US Composting Council and Georgia Composting Council, Mr. Rheenen plans to continue growing in his career at Vermeer, which he believes is the best company he has ever been part of. A proud churchgoer, he deeply values the company’s faith-based philosophy, which has had a significant impact on him.
Looking ahead, he envisions himself as an account manager, ideally in a management role rather than a specialist position. Additionally, outside of his primary endeavors, he has coached the Pella Shooting Team since 2011, enjoys outdoor activities, such as hunting and fishing, and spends time with his family on weekends; he has three children.