When you don鈥檛 get the job. Then something better happens.
Justin Alvarado 鈥23 was nearing graduation and had his eyes open for his next step. He attended an on-campus career fair where he visited the Old Mill District鈥檚 table. OMD had a marketing position open, which he applied for 鈥 and got an interview.
鈥淭o be honest, we don鈥檛 know if you鈥檙e suited for this role 鈥︹ he remembered hearing. Then the interviewer mentioned that OMD鈥檚 sustainability manager was looking for an assistant. A social science major, also pursuing a double degree in sustainability, Justin had already shared his passion for the environment.
Now, nearly two years later, Justin is helping lead OMD鈥檚 sustainability efforts. This summer, he co-led a 鈥済reen鈥 team of 90 to divert almost 90% of waste generated at concerts at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater from the Knotts landfill. It鈥檚 one of the best diversion rates in the country according to Live Nation, which manages concert performances. Justin is beyond proud.
鈥淚t鈥檚 all about working with the artists鈥 teams and food vendors and our green team to create continuous improvement. They can really see the impact they have,鈥 said Justin.
His work has impressed his managers, too. He was recently promoted to also oversee waste diversion in the OMD鈥檚 retail area, too. It鈥檚 an effort that starts with understanding shoppers鈥 behaviors before moving to practical tactics like where to place waste, recycling and compost bins, and signage.
鈥淲hen you see people like Justin who bring positive energy to others and everything they do, we want to keep them,鈥 said Beau Eastes, director of marketing at the Old Mill.