Meet the new leader of Novak Sanitary
April 18, 2018
This piece is presented by Novak Sanitary Service.
Mike Herbst’s 20-year military career has taken him all over the world, but his post-retirement move to Sioux Falls is quickly feeling like home.
Herbst is the new general manager at Novak Sanitary Service, where he will spend the next 10 months learning from founder Bob Novak, who is retiring but staying on to consult.
“He’s one of those guys who, when you meet him the first time, you like him,” Novak said. “I wanted someone who would treat the team well, and he’s that guy. He’s a high-integrity guy.”
Herbst, a Wyoming native, graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in business management. Following his military service, he began his career with Novak parent company Waste Connections as an assistant district manager in the Omaha office. We sat down with him recently to learn more about him and his impressions of Sioux Falls.
How did you get connected to Waste Connections?
It was through one of my old soldiers from years ago. I met him when he was brand new and I was his leader. I ran into him in Alaska when I was leaving the Army. He’s a division controller at Waste Connections and introduced me to the culture of the company. After I learned what Waste Connections was about and the people and servant leadership, I felt like I needed to be a part of this company. It’s the right place, and it worked out well.
You lived in six states plus Italy while in the military. Had you ever been to South Dakota?
I had never been to South Dakota, and what a great surprise it is. People here are amazing.
What are your first impressions of Sioux Falls?
The people. Everybody is very kind. It just seems like very genuine people here. People really care about each other. It feels like a small community in that sense where people really care about each other.
What’s it been like being at Novak so far?
It’s a great team. Bob has built a phenomenal team here. I feel very fortunate to come in here with what Bob has built and be able to carry on the legacy of Novak.
What else people should know about you?
I’ve got a wife, Sonia, four small children and love riding bicycles and spending time with my family in the community.
Interested in joining the Novak team? Click here for information on job opportunities.
