SKB Environmental is committed to DCTC and our community
SKB Environmental has been a leader in the waste disposal and recycling industry for more than 30 years. Under the leadership of RickO’Gara, the company’s former owner and president, SKB grew from a fledgling new business into the largest privately held waste management firm in Minnesota. In the summer of 2012, Rick and his business partner, Mark Ryan, sold SKB to Waste Connections, Inc., a premier national solid waste firm. Rick continues to manage SKB’s activities as a divisional vice president. John Domke (pictured above), SKB’s longtime vice president, also continues to direct company operations as a divisional landfill manager.
SKB Vice President Rick O’Gara (right) accepts DCTC Advocacy award from DCTC President Ron ThomasSKB’s commitment to their employees and surrounding communities is reflected in the company’s flawless environmental record and excellent safety record as well as the strong relationships the company has forged with their neighbors and organizations in Dakota County.SKB has always placed a priority on environmental protection, a guiding principle showcased in facility designs that far exceed regulatory requirements. That principle is also advanced through the responsible management of precious resources that includes recovering valuable materials from landfill sites. SKB is perhaps most proud of never receiving a single environmental violation at any SKB facility throughout the company’s entire history.
In 2008, SKB received a Meritorious Achievement Award from Governor Tim Pawlenty and the Minnesota Safety Council in recognition of excellence in injury prevention performance and occupational safety. This award resulted from more than 210,000 work-hours without a reportable incident.
John Domke acceptance speech for DCTC Advocacy Award
SKB has gone to great lengths to be a good corporate citizen and valued asset to the community. In addition to championing many community organizations in Dakota County, SKB has proudly supported DCTC and the important role thecollege plays in educating and training our future workforce. SKB has funded several annual scholarships for more than a decade, donated in-kind earthwork services for the construction of the campus soccer complex, and provided tools for students working in technical program labs. In addition to other numerous contributions over the years, SKB is also proud to hire DCTC graduates, including the company’s most recently hired technician. SKB’s generous support of the college mission represents collaboration at its best between industry and higher education.
For more information about SKB Environmental and the DCTC Advocacy Award, contact:
- Tharan Leopold
Executive Director of DCTC Foundation and Alumni
651-423-8293
