Waste Removal
Storage & Offices
We’re proud to share a major milestone for DW1: Ed Foye, our Founder, has transitioned from CEO to Chairman of the Board, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a remarkable journey of leadership, innovation, and service.
Ed’s story with DW1 began in 1999, when he made the bold decision to found Discount Waste Solutions shortly after relocating from Charleston to Atlanta for his Sales Manager role at BFI. Fueled by a literal dream to introduce a new concept to the waste services industry, he jumped in headfirst the very next morning. Driven by vision, industry insight, and entrepreneurial spirit, he willed and bootstrapped the concept into existence. The company launched with an initial focus on providing permanent waste services for facilities across the Atlanta market.
In the early days, Ed wore every hat: salesperson, manager, accounts payable and receivable, even billing. Despite having no formal experience in back-office operations, he was determined to deliver an exceptional customer experience and learned everything on the fly. He hustled tirelessly, knocking on doors and offering to sweep around dumpsters weekly—not just to keep facilities clean but to build trust and grow his book of business from the ground up.
By 2003, Ed recognized an opportunity to expand beyond permanent waste services. A local contractor needed temporary waste solutions to support Home Depot remodels across multiple states, and Ed stepped in with a solution. This pivotal move led to the creation of Discount Waste Systems, Inc., which began with that single contractor but quickly gained traction. The company soon became a trusted partner for Home Depot-approved contractors and similar general contractors managing national retail rollout programs. What started in Atlanta rapidly evolved into a nationwide operation, establishing DW1 as a go-to provider of waste service solutions for retail construction and renovation projects across the country.
That same year, in August 2003, Richard Gravely joined Ed to help support the company’s rapid growth. What began as a two-person operation has since grown into DW1, a dynamic team of 95 dedicated team members serving contractors in every city, county, and state across the nation. Today, DW1 offers a comprehensive portfolio of essential site services that goes far beyond its early focus on permanent waste and roll-off dumpsters. Under Ed’s continued leadership and vision, the team remains committed to meeting the evolving needs of contractors nationwide.
For nearly three decades, Ed has been the driving force behind DW1’s continued expansion into construction equipment rental, emergency restoration, and commercial waste solutions. His strategic leadership and commitment to service excellence have positioned DW1 as a trusted partner for general contractors and major retail brands across the country.
Beyond business, Ed’s impact reaches deeply into philanthropy. Passionate about improving the lives of children in underserved communities, especially those with special needs, he founded All Children, a charitable foundation focused on providing food, shelter, education, and medical care to those in need. As he transitions into his role as Chairman of the Board, Ed plans to dedicate even more time to growing All Children and leaving a lasting impact on future generations.
As Chairman, Ed will continue shaping DW1’s future by guiding its growth, nurturing the culture he built, and supporting the people who have been instrumental to the company’s success. His legacy is more than a successful business; it is a purpose-driven culture rooted in hard work, faith, and a deep commitment to serving others.
Please join us in celebrating Ed’s incredible journey and this exciting new chapter of leadership and lifelong impact.
Learn more about DW1 here.
