Riley, 37, founded One Stop Environmental LLC 10 years ago and the company has consistently ranked as one of Birmingham’s fastest-growing. The company, which provides a variety of environmental services for both businesses and the public sector, has topped $4 million in sales each of the past three years and in 2006 was been recognized by Inc. 500 magazine as one of the fastest-growing companies in the country.
Education: B.S. Chemistry – Furman University, 1994 B.S. Chemistry – University of Alabama, 1996
Where do you live? Mountain Brook
Family: Richard – Husband and High School Sweet Heart, Kids – Griffin (10), James (9), Harris (6.5) Reagan (3.5)
What was your first job? In school – secretary for my father’s company; after school – research chemist at Los Alamos National Laboratories.
Why did you choose your profession? After spending time at Los Alamos National Laboratories working on the destruction of Nuclear waste, I realized this was a perfect industry for me – revolutionary work was being performed while spending time outside.
What was the turning point in your career? Landing a large contract in St. Bernard Parish after Hurricane Katrina and surviving the cash flow crisis that followed.
What is your ultimate career goal? Become a CEO with a company so full of talent that I have time to spend enriching the lives of those around me.
What is your guiding business principle? To be a light in a dark industry.
What is your yardstick of success? When “Yes” is the answer to: Are those working for One Stop better for having worked here? Are our clients better for working with us?
What are the characteristics a good leader must have? Serve, protect and respect those that work for you.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned? Cash is King