Meet Luis Rodríguez, Scale Clerk
Coming from the retail to the recycling industry, Luis Rodriguez didn’t quite know what to expect when he accepted the role of the Scale Clerk at Federal Recycling’s Houston plant.
Previously working as an Assistant Manager at Sears, Luis’ background in project management, customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills has made him a vital part of the plant’s success. Luis’ role has him wearing many hats, from assisting Federal Recycling truck drivers with loading and unloading materials at the plant to handling customer information in the company database.
He also works with the Plant’s Grader, Camillo Gomez, to identify incoming materials and ensure they’re directed to the correct station. Additionally, he coordinates with the Plant Loader, Carlos Martinez, to determine which recyclables should be loaded onto outbound trucks. Part of this process involves making sure each truck leaves with the required material weight to meet customer requirements and adding more if a load falls short.
“When I took the job, I was completely new to the industry,” Luis says. “Seeing the baler in action and learning about the baling process was mind-blowing. It took some time to learn the ropes, but everyone here was so helpful.”
More Than Just a Scale Clerk: Luis’ Role and Impact
Luis says one of his favorite parts of being a Scale Clerk is the people—both employees and customers—he gets to interact with every day. He enjoys the fast-paced environment, which keeps him on his toes and helps with multitasking.
“It’s never the same day twice,” he shares, and that variety is something he really values about his role.
A big part of his day is spent entering receiving data into the internal company database. He makes sure everything is recorded accurately and completed by the end of the day, something he takes pride in doing on time. He also works closely with Office Manager Kelsey Gonzalez, who oversees the database.
But Luis’s impact goes far beyond the scale house. He provides Spanish translations during plant safety meetings and assists Spanish-speaking employees with ordering work shoes through the Custom Fit Me program.
“I like to think of myself as more than just a scale clerk,” Luis says. “I help out wherever I can and really enjoy the variety of the job.”
A Personal Connection
When he’s not at the plant, Luis enjoys partaking in local poker tournaments. A player of 12 years, he’s developed a sharp eye for reading opponents and prides himself on his disciplined, strategic play—skills that have earned him a reputation as a formidable contender at the table.
He lives by the motto “work hard, life harder.” His years in retail taught him the value of hard work and customer service, but the demanding schedule often left little room for personal time. Now, with weekends off and a healthier work-life balance, Luis appreciates having the chance to recharge and focus on his passions—whether that’s competing at the poker table or spending time with family.
A family man at heart, he enjoys doing arts and crafts with his 22-year-old daughter, especially painting, which he loves as a creative outlet. An animal lover, Luis has a cat of his own, and his daughter’s cat and dog make pets an important part of their family time as well.
Why Join Federal Recycling?
For those looking to join Federal Recycling, Luis had this to say: “If you enjoy a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same and you like helping wherever you can, this is a great place to be. The team is supportive, and there’s plenty of opportunity to grow and take on new challenges.”
To learn more about Federal Recycling careers, click here.
