Eva Metcalfe and her mother started their e-recycle business with some tools, one table, one chair, and a desire to make Clark County greener. Although the work is physically hard, she likes working with her mother, Rachel Treasure.
Metcalfe said, “Responsible recycling now leaves a better Earth for future generations. I am doing this for my children and future generations.”
Name: Eva Metcalfe.
Job/employer: Started E-Cycle Wise with her mother, Rachel Treasure, in June.
Age: 37.
Education/professional background: I went to Everest College to become a paralegal but instead I became a stay-at-home mom for 19 years.
Working in Clark County, a brief profile of interesting Clark County business owners or a worker in the public, private, or nonprofit sector. Send ideas to Mary Ricks: mary.ricks@columbian.com; fax 360-735-4598; phone 360-735-4550.
How did you get into this line of work: I learned as much as I could about recycling and my mom and I decided to start our own recycle company. We started with only a table, a chair and some tools. I was fortunate that my parents have a large warehouse on their property that I could use for storage. I did not have a drop-off site for donations but instead I offer a free pick-up service. We take everything apart and nothing is thrown away. Soon after we started the business, people started contacting us to pick up their electronics. A couple of local businesses, Computer Technology Services in Camas and Curves in Orchards, have since offered to be a drop-off place for us.
Most rewarding part of job: I have loved meeting people in our community. As we go to different houses and businesses I have found many people excited to clean up our county. Reactions have been positive. I have become involved in the Ridgefield and Camas business associations, as well as with other small businesses.
Most challenging part of job: It is a lot of hard work, physically hard. Some of the printers and servers are very heavy.
Business philosophy: Responsible recycling now leaves a better Earth for future generations. I am doing this for my children and future generations.
Something you would like to do over: I don’t want to do anything over but it would have been good to know a little more about the business side of the company. I am very blessed to work with my mom, who is my best friend. We find humor through most difficult situations and just keep on working.
Residence: Orchards.
Best feature of my Vancouver/Clark County community: I think everybody wants to get involved in the community and make this a great place to live.
What would make your community a better place: I would like to see people make a bigger effort to recycle more.
Favorite restaurant/pub/coffee shop/store: Mexican Villa Restaurant.
Hobbies: Hiking and being outdoors.
Favorite travel destination: Pacific City, Ore.
Most interesting play/movie/arts event: My all-time favorite movie is “Armageddon.”
Most interesting book in last 12 months: I read a lot of true crime. Ann Rule’s are my favorites.
One thing you want to do this year: I would like to get more involved in volunteering in Clark County.
Something you want to do within five years: I would like to see my business grow. I am excited to see where we are in five years.
One word to describe yourself: Driven.
Person you’d most like to meet: I would like to meet my uncle, my mother’s brother, who lives in Florida.
