All Smiles: Rene Agenord & Sam Joseph
By Susan Bohan

We at The Reef are very fortunate to have so many Associates support our envious lifestyle. Two of the best workers according to many Members are Sam Joseph and Rene Agenord, from Ocean Reef Solid Waste, who are the smiling gentlemen who pick up your trash on the assigned days or make a special trip if you need it.

According to their Director, Israel Salgado, “Sam who has been here 18 years and Rene for over 25, have one of the hardest jobs here. They work from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. regardless of holidays and no matter the weather. Their positivity is contagious.” Israel recalled when he joined the group in 2008, Sam and Rene were already in place. He bragged that he has never had to worry that the job would be done any way but properly and in a timely manner. He has even tried to do each of their routes himself and has yet been able to complete it within their time frame!

Both Sam and Rene are originally from Haiti. Each has family here but say they take responsibility for those who remain in Haiti. Their path here was a circuitous one but their advantage is that they had a CDL or Commercial Drivers License and a hard work ethic instilled by their families.

When I asked how they always have a smile on their face, the answers were similar. According to Sam, “If you make the homeowner happy, it makes me happy. I know who can bring their garbage near the street and whose remains in or near the garage. People trust me and I always make sure they get taken care of.” Rene echoes those sentiments and added, “When I come by in the morning the homeowners expect good service and it is important to me that I give it to them.”

As I finished listening to stories of their life before Ocean Reef and how they came to be here, it was very apparent that these two men enjoy what they do and make fun out of their work. In fact, Israel added that they often finish their day with “push up” contests and admire their muscles afterwards! Laughing and smiling all the time. How did we get so lucky?

Pictured above: Rene Agenord and Sam Joseph, from Ocean Reef Solid Waste, are known around
The Reef for always having a smile on their face.