The Engine Behind DW1: Richard Gravely Named CEO of DW1

At DW1, leadership has always meant more than titles. It is about service, resilience, critical thinking, and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities. Today, we are proud to announce a major milestone in our company’s story.

Richard Gravely, our longtime President and first employee, has officially transitioned into the role of Chief Executive Officer after nearly 25 years of dedicated service.

This is more than a well-earned promotion. It reflects the natural evolution of a leadership journey built on operational excellence, disciplined decision-making, and an unwavering commitment to the people who make DW1 what it is today.

An Engineer’s Mind, A Servant’s Heart

Before joining DW1, Richard spent over a decade in the fiber optics industry as a Product Manager, honing his expertise in technical operations, systems thinking, and customer-centered solutions. His engineering background remains a cornerstone of his leadership style.

Richard approaches every challenge with a methodical, analytical mindset, carefully balancing innovation with operational discipline. His ability to assess complex situations, anticipate obstacles, and implement decisive solutions has kept DW1 on a consistent growth trajectory year after year.

A Pillar of DW1 from the Start

When DW1 was founded, Richard Gravely was there from day one — wearing every hat, facing every obstacle, and building the operational foundation that would set the company apart. From managing accounts and leading sales efforts to overseeing financial operations and developing internal teams, Richard has been the steady force driving DW1’s success.

While our Founder, Ed Foye, cast the visionary roadmap, Richard turned that vision into reality. He handled the daily fires, made critical decisions, and served as the grounding influence that kept DW1 focused, stable, and moving forward.

One of Richard’s greatest strengths is his ability to listen deeply to his team. His genuine care shines through in every conversation. He values diverse perspectives and actively encourages input from every level of the organization. Even when long-standing habits create resistance, Richard challenges individuals to evolve, adapt, and embrace new approaches. His leadership has kept DW1 agile, competitive, and positioned for future success.

His servant leadership style fosters resilience, inspires personal growth, and empowers people to lead with purpose.

A Legacy of Growth and Stewardship

As President, Richard helped drive DW1’s remarkable expansion across equipment rental, waste management, and emergency restoration services. We have built trusted partnerships with contractors, retailers, and restoration professionals across the country.

Richard’s leadership also helped spearhead DW1’s evolution into a technology-enabled organization. By building an in-house enterprise software platform based on his proven business processes and operational procedures, he positioned DW1 to scale efficiently and innovate from within.

Even as DW1 expanded nationally, Richard ensured that our core values remained at the heart of everything we do. His focus on people-first leadership has built a culture rooted in loyalty, camaraderie, and continuous improvement.

From his earliest days managing client relationships directly, Richard defined the standard of customer service excellence that DW1 is known for today. He has always prioritized making the customer experience seamless, responsive, and exceptional.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

As Richard steps into the role of CEO, DW1 is ready to enter its next era of innovation, service, and growth. His operational expertise, commitment to servant leadership, and dedication to empowering our people will guide us forward as we continue to lead, evolve, and serve.

Richard embodies the spirit of DW1: resilient, disciplined, humble, and relentlessly focused on excellence. Under his leadership, we are not simply preserving success; we are building a future filled with new opportunities, deeper partnerships, and a renewed commitment to the mission that has defined us from the start.

The future is not just bright. It is limitless — fueled by the foundation Richard helped build and the possibilities he will help us unlock.

Our entire DW1 family is deeply grateful to have been led by Richard for so many years. We cannot fully express how much his personal care, not only for our business development but also for our personal lives, has meant to every one of us. His investment in people goes far beyond professional growth, creating a culture of trust, loyalty, and genuine support that will continue to shape DW1 for generations to come.

Please join us in congratulating Richard Gravely on his new role as CEO. The best chapters of DW1’s story are still ahead, and we are proud to have Richard leading the way.

Learn more about DW1 and our mission at www.dw1.com

Ed Foye: A Legacy of Leadership, A Future of Purpose

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.

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Learn more about DW1 here.

How to Optimize Your Construction Schedule with Efficient Equipment

In the competitive landscape of commercial construction, maintaining project timelines and maximizing efficiency can make or break your project's success. The effective use of construction equipment plays a crucial role in optimizing schedules, minimizing costs, and enhancing productivity. In this article, we will explore some of the ways to streamline your construction operations.

Understanding the Importance of Equipment Efficiency

Before diving into optimization techniques, it’s essential to understand why equipment efficiency matters. According to industry studies, a significant portion of construction costs is related to equipment management, including rental fees, maintenance, and labor. By maximizing the effectiveness of your equipment, you can:

Minimize downtime and reduce rental costs
Improve overall project timelines
Enhance employee productivity
Lower the risk of project delays caused by equipment issues

Proactive Planning: The Key to Efficient Equipment Use

1. Conduct a Comprehensive Equipment Inventory

Before planning your construction schedule, take the time to evaluate your equipment inventory. Understand the capabilities and limitations of each piece of machinery. This proactive approach allows you to select the right equipment for the job, avoiding last-minute adjustments that can lead to delays.

2. Schedule Equipment Usage Wisely

To optimize your construction schedule, it’s important to plan equipment usage in conjunction with project milestones. Anticipating peak activity periods where equipment will be in high demand allows you to strategically time rentals and avoid bottlenecks. Consider using a Gantt chart or calendar view to visualize your equipment schedule alongside project stages.

Streamlining Equipment Processes

3. Standardize Equipment Training

Ensure that all operators are adequately trained on the equipment they will be using. Standardizing training procedures enhances safety and reduces the likelihood of operational errors. This can minimize delays associated with equipment malfunctions caused by operator inexperience or ignorance of best practices.

4. Consider Equipment Rental Options

For large projects that demand a variety of specialized equipment, consider leasing machinery instead of purchasing it outright. Renting can provide flexibility, allowing you to access new and advanced equipment without the long-term financial commitment. Additionally, rental companies often provide maintenance services, further easing your management burden.

Monitor and Adjust as Needed

5. Track Performance Metrics

After implementing your equipment schedule, continuously monitor performance metrics. Key indicators such as equipment usage rates, rental costs, and labor productivity can provide insights into how effectively your equipment is being utilized. Analyzing this data allows you to make informed adjustments to your strategy and budget as needed.

6. Be Flexible and Adaptable

Construction projects often face unexpected changes, whether due to weather conditions, supply chain delays, or design modifications. Cultivating a flexible approach to equipment use will enable you to swiftly adapt your schedule and resource allocation to these changes without sacrificing overall project timelines.

Conclusion

Optimizing your construction schedule through efficient equipment use is essential for large commercial construction companies and general contractors seeking to remain competitive in the industry. By proactively planning, leveraging technology, and implementing effective processes, you can enhance your project timelines, reduce costs, and ensure smoother operations. At DW1, we understand the unique challenges faced by the construction industry and offer a wide range of rental equipment solutions tailored to meet your needs. For more insights on optimizing construction efficiency or to explore our extensive inventory, visit our website today!

What to Expect When Partnering with DW1 for Your Construction Equipment and Services

When you undertake a construction project, having the right equipment and services is crucial to keeping your project on schedule and within budget.

We understand the unique challenges that come with managing a jobsite, which is why we strive to provide a seamless experience for obtaining construction equipment. Here's what you can expect when partnering with DW1 for your construction services and equipment needs.

Comprehensive Service Coverage and Reliable Follow-Through

At DW1, we handle delivery to service and removal. Taking away the need to worry about coordinating with multiple vendors or juggling different schedules. Our team takes care of it all, ensuring that your jobsite is always equipped with the tools and services you need. DW1 handles the delivery, service, and removal of all equipment and services —nationwide!

What You Can Expect

Reliable Follow-Through

When you work with DW1, you can trust that we will deliver on our promises. We pride ourselves on our commitment to follow through, making sure every piece of equipment arrives on time and in excellent condition. Count on excellent customer service and simplified rental experience to ensure all services to be completed on time and as expected, because your project's success is our top priority

Simplified Billing

Managing a construction project involves enough complexity without adding convoluted billing processes into the mix. At DW1, we simplify invoicing with convenient and consolidated billing for all equipment and services. Enjoy flexible payment scheduling and eliminate the burden of tracking multiple invoices. This allows you to focus on what really matters—getting the job done.

Ongoing Support from Start to Finish

From the initial planning stages to the finishing touches on your project, DW1 is there to support you every step of the way. We work closely with you to provide reliable services with ongoing support to ensure your project is a success. We believe our role goes beyond providing equipment—it’s about becoming a partner in your project’s success.

Your construction project is more than just a job—it’s a significant investment of time, money, and resources. That’s why we are committed to providing you with the highest level of service and support. When you choose DW1, you're not just obtaining equipment; you’re gaining a partner dedicated to the success of your project.

Explore Our Equipment & Services | Contact Us

At DW1, we handle everything—from delivery to service and removal—taking away the need to coordinate with multiple vendors or juggle conflicting schedules. Our team takes care of it all, ensuring that your jobsite is always equipped with the tools and support you need. DW1 handles delivery, servicing, and removal of all equipment and services—nationwide!