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2021 ROAD-EO National Championship Showcases Best Drivers, Operators and Technicians
In December, Republic Services hosted its 2021 National ROAD-EO Championship where the best of the best from our company competed in technical and skills challenges. After a day of competitions, winners were named in eight categories.Byline: BTB Editor
December 15, 2021 / Time to read: 5 minDecember brought together the best Republic Services’ drivers, heavy equipment operators and technicians from across the country for the 2021 ROAD-EO National Championship. The event, held at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Phoenix, AZ, was an opportunity for frontline employees to show off their skill, experience and instinct through a variety of challenges.
More than 80 finalists arrived in the Valley for the National Championship, which was held Dec. 7. This included 41 drivers, 22 operators and 21 technicians. All the finalists had to first compete at the local level in order to qualify for the championship.
Each driver was tasked with navigating specific obstacles while being timed and assessed by multiple judges throughout the course. Drivers battled an obstacle course, which required maneuvers like weaving through barriers in forward and backward directions, parallel parking and alley backing parking, among others. Judging was based on time and distance to obstacles – within mere inches!
Heavy equipment operators were challenged with maneuvering through each station without disturbing soil or striking any barrels. Their tasks included forward and backward driving, picking up and dumping materials, a 360-degree reverse turn and pushing barrels between barriers.
Technicians were assigned either a collection or post-collection vehicle. They were given just 10 minutes to identify 10 different problems on the vehicle.
The road was long, and the competition was fierce. And in the end, first, second and third place winners were awarded in each category.
Rear-Load Driver
- First Place: Returning Champion Jesus Lizares, Gardena, CA
- Second Place: Jose Ruiz, San Antonio, TX
- Third Place: Tyler Majchrzak, Delmar, MD
Front-Load Driver
- First Place: Mark Solorz, Sauk Rapids, MN
- Second Place: Oscar Tienda, Lewisville, TX
- Third Place: Jonny Wyant, Boise, ID
Side-Load Driver
- First Place: Returning Finalist James Thompson, Telford, PA
- Second Place: Brad Sebastian, Edwardsville, IL
- Third Place: Juan Esquivel, North Las Vegas, NV
Roll-Off Operator
- First Place: Jose Duarte, Huntington Beach, CA
- Second Place: Ron Kahler, Delmar, MD
- Third Place: Phil Flumefreddo, Chicago, IL
Wheel Loader Operator
- First Place: David Talas, Phoenix, AZ
- Second Place: Steve Nourie, Devens, MA
- Third Place: Curtis Foster, Grands Pass, OR
Bulldozer Operator
- First Place: Returning Finalist Greg Schaff, Commerce City, CO
- Second Place: Brad Dugan, Brook, IN
- Third Place: Fermin Paniagua, South Anchor, SC
Collection Technician
- First Place: Matt Gallus, Sauk Rapids, MN
- Second Place: Ryan Gilden, Springfield, MO
- Third Place: Sam Peiffer, Leesport, PA
Post Collection Technician
- First Place: Corey Blair, Bishopville, SC
- Second Place: Brad Durnall, Conestoga, PA
- Third Place: Shane Benedicto, Las Vegas, NV
In addition to a trophy and bragging rights, first, second, and third place winners all received additional paid time off and cash prizes.
Congratulations to this year’s winners and every individual who participated in this year’s championship! Want to hear from some of this year’s competitors? Visit our
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