As I get to know more of the people who work for Waste Management, I come across some amazing stories. Prior to the 2012 Olympics, I discovered that we had a on our staff and an . This month, I learned about Ammie Brandon, a route manager and professional roller derby skater. Her team is the World Champion San Francisco Bay Bombers (from the American Roller Derby Skating League).
Over the next month, we will blog about her experiences as a Roller Derby Blocker as we lead up to the Bay Bomber’s return to San Francisco on October 13. But first up is the Brooklyn Red Devils on Saturday, September 15 at Memorial Auditorium in Sacramento.
We encourage readers to share their questions and comments.
Who is Ammie Brandon?
I am a daughter, mother, sister, Waste Management Route Manager and Roller Derby Chick for the San Francisco Bay Bombers (in that order).
How did you get involved with roller derby?
I’ve been a street skater for about 18 years. Street skating is finding a smooth pavement and going for it. Three years ago, when I was working at Starbucks, my then co-worker asked if I’d be interested in roller derby. I went to try out and the rest is “my story.”
Do you have any roller derby role models?
My role model is Pam Schwab, the Bay Bombers’ 2010-11 Most Valuable Player. She helped me learn about the game, and she continues to inspire me to skate faster and block harder. Her belief in me and her ability to push my limits paid off when I was honored with the 2010-11 Rookie of the Year award. In addition, she’s one of the fastest skaters in the game. She flies around the track with such grace, and the fans are just captivated. I also admire the old school derby skaters (early 70s) because of their true sportsmanship and athletic abilities. My favorite skater is Delores Holmes. She was the best “back up” skater ever! She listened to her captain and carried the plays out meticulously.
How did you get into skating in general?
I loved skating over riding bikes as a kid. Growing up, I went to the rink every Saturday night with my cousins, and that passion remains as an adult. I skate at least 20 miles per week. I do prefer to skate on the street versus the rinks because there’s no structure and set activities on the street. And I can skate freely and not worry about accidents.
What kind of roller skates do you wear?
I wear Riedell Vandals.
Blogging with a Roller Derby Blocker is blog series written by Waste Management employees Ammie Brandon and Joe Camero. A resident of Hayward, Brandon is Route Manager serving East Oakland. She manages 18 routes and 22 residential drivers. In addition, she conducts site surveys to determine service level and alleviate any safety concerns. Brandon also works with Waste Management customers on what and how to separate waste and recyclables. A former sports editor for the Southwestern Sun, Camero is a Waste Management Communications Specialist.
ABOUT WASTE MANAGEMENT OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Waste Management of Northern California is a community-based provider of environmental solutions. We offer residential and commercial curbside collection for recycling, composting and disposal. Our fleet of natural gas vehicles are powered with gas made from trash at the Altamont Landfill in Livermore. WM EarthCare (www.wmearthcare.com) is our closed loop solution to organic waste. We deliver local solutions with the knowledge and resources of the nation’s largest recycler, Waste Management.
