Staff Profile Series: Matthew Peterkin, Director of Operations

2024 seems to be the year of extraordinary growth at EcoTech Services. We are in the process of onboarding more employees, we finalized our move to our new building in Pomona, and we are shifting our current staff to deliver a stronger customer experience. With this shift, longtime EcoTech employee, Matthew Peterkin, was recently promoted to Director of Operations. With his skills in landscape project management, maintenance, and construction, Matthew is geared to deliver longterm success in his new title. I took the time to speak with him regarding his new role as I now report to him!

What does your new role as Director of Operations entail?

In my new role as Director of Operations, I will oversee the daily operations at EcoTech Services, ensuring that all staff work efficiently and effectively. This includes managing resources, optimizing processes, ensuring quality control, and implementing strategies to improve productivity and customer satisfaction. My role also involves coordinating with Project Managers and Administration to align our operational goals with the company’s overall vision and objectives, ensuring that we maintain high standards of service and continue to grow in a sustainable fashion.

What are your top priorities for the department as you step into this position?

My top priorities at the moment, now that we are setting into our new office space, will be on increasing our field staff to meet the workload of our recently signed contracts and ensuring that our team is equipped with the necessary tools and training to excel in their roles. Following that will be streamlining operational processes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, as well as establishing clear performance metrics while maintaining a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.

How has your previous experience prepared you for this role?

Well, I got my start in this industry as a Field Technician here at EcoTech. That experience has led to an understanding of EcoTech's current and former procedures; what works as well as where things can be improved upon. Both my academic and field education have equipped me with the knowledge to understand the work being done. I have successfully led large teams, managed complex projects, and developed strategies that improved efficiency and customer satisfaction. This role has also honed my skills in resource management, process optimization, and team collaboration, all of which are crucial for my new responsibilities as Director of Operations. My hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of our industry will allow me to make informed decisions and drive positive change in this new role.

What excites you most about this new opportunity?

EcoTech gave me my start in the landscape industry, and though I moved on to a few other companies in my time, I've always had a soft spot in my heart for EcoTech. I was excited to come back and lead the Landscape Department, and I'm even more excited for this new opportunity to help make a broader impact in the company and contribute to its long-term success. The opportunity to work more closely with the leadership team to shape the future of EcoTech Services is particularly motivating.

How do you see the company evolving under your leadership in Operations?

Under my leadership, I envision EcoTech Services becoming more efficient, innovative, and customer-focused. I plan to implement strategies that streamline our operations, reduce waste, and not only enhance, but expand the services that we offer. My goal is to build a culture of excellence where every team member is empowered to contribute to our success, ultimately positioning EcoTech Services as a leader in sustainable and eco-friendly solutions.

What challenges do you anticipate, and how do you plan to address them?

One of the primary challenges I anticipate is navigating the complexities of scaling our operations while maintaining the high quality and sustainability standards that define EcoTech Services. Now is a great time to focus on our growth and ensure we have the best people in the right positions. To address this, I plan to focus on adjusting our standard operating procedures, implementing continuous training and development for our team, and fostering a culture of innovation where new ideas are encouraged and tested.

How do you plan to foster collaboration between departments to achieve operational excellence?

At EcoTech, we've moved beyond traditional departmental divisions, which positions us uniquely to foster seamless collaboration across all functions. With the upcoming addition of another project manager to assist with both our landscape and plumbing programs, my focus will be on creating a cohesive, integrated team environment where everyone works together towards shared goals. I plan to ensure clear communication and alignment by implementing regular check-ins and project updates, where all team members can contribute their insights and expertise. By leveraging cross-functional collaboration and promoting a unified approach, we can enhance efficiency and drive operational excellence across all our programs.

EcoTech wishes the best of luck to Matthew in his new role!