About Mill Valley Refuse

As the President and third-generation owner of Mill Valley Refuse Service, David immerses himself in operations and community engagement. Growing up in Mill Valley, he was an active participant in local town leagues for soccer and baseball. David fondly recalls donning a garbage man costume for Halloween and riding alongside his dad on the garbage truck during town parades. After completing his education at Marin Catholic and San Diego State, David entered the solid waste industry, gaining comprehensive experience across various business facets before assuming ownership in 2010.

David’s primary focus revolves around nurturing robust relationships with MVRS employees and customers, emphasizing top-notch customer service within a positive work environment. He finds genuine joy in connecting with customers at numerous community events where MVRS participates.

Outside of work, David enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, mountain biking, snowboarding, and family travel. He also dedicates time to activities promoting personal growth, such as reading and exercising, embodying the hardworking ethics he learned. Now, David imparts these values to his own children. He resides in Petaluma with his wife, Allison and their three sons.

Jennifer Dami, MVRS’ first woman owner, joined the company in December 2005. As Chief Financial Officer, Jennifer oversees the financial strategy and management of the organization, handling tasks such as budgeting, reporting, payroll, and ensuring the overall fiscal health of the company. Apart from diving into the financial details, Jennifer takes the reins of Human Resources, playing a pivotal role in fostering a positive workplace culture. Living by the motto “take care of those who take care of you,” Jennifer strives to create an environment where employees thrive making her a key architect of the company’s vibrant and cohesive team. Over her 18-year career, she has fostered strong relationships with City Managers, Jurisdiction Finance Staff, Teamsters Union Representatives, and employees and their families.

Before venturing into the waste industry, she worked in Sonoma County’s nonprofit sector, wearing multiple hats as a fundraiser, event planner, office manager, and membership manager. Jennifer’s commitment to supporting neonatal nurses and special needs children blossomed during her time at the National Association of Neonatal Nurses and Early Learning Institute, focusing on the 0-3 age group. Raised in Corte Madera, Jennifer’s Marin roots remain deep, with her parents residing in the family home since 1964.

Her husband of 24 years, Raymond Dami, retired after 43 years with the company first as garbage man then as a second-generation owner for 20 years. They share a family of four children – Ryan, Ashley, Alyssa, and Nicole. Jennifer’s daughter Nicole, serves as MVRS’ bookkeeper and assistant.

Jennifer’s passions include family, travel, and golf.

Gene Della Zoppa is a third generation managing partner of Mill Valley Refuse Service (“MVRS”). Gene has been immersed in solid waste management from an early age, gaining insight from his grandfather, uncles, and father. He is a big believer that we stand on the shoulders of giants and has immense appreciation for the foundational work and wisdom imparted by those who’ve pioneered and shaped the solid waste management industry. Gene’s role is leading strategy and overseeing reporting, playing a pivotal role in operations, finance, and community relationships.

Before joining MVRS in 2021, Gene worked in corporate finance at Autodesk and became a CPA in public accounting at Armanino. Through his early experiences at MVRS, Gene worked on a truck, delivered portable toilets, and exchanged containers while he earned his bachelor’s degree at University of San Francisco.

Outside of work, Gene is an enthusiast of emerging technologies and always eager to read and explore. His dedication to personal growth extends to staying active as well as being a diehard Golden State Warriors and San Francisco 49ers fan.

Gene resides in San Rafael with his wife, Candy, and their yorkie, Joe.

Alex Iavarone is the driving force behind Mill Valley Refuse Service managing the MVRS shop where he ensures the optimal functionality, efficiency, and safety of the fleet. This includes the strategic procurement and specification of essential equipment, including trucks, tools, and facility enhancements.

Alex, a third-generation managing partner and the son of Jim Iavarone, along with being the grandson of Romolo Iavarone, has played a pivotal role in the family business since his teenage years. During his youth, he often found himself hanging off the back of trucks, assisting with collection routes and servicing porta-potties as a summer helper.

After earning a bachelor’s in English from SF State, he shifted his focus to mechanics. Alex completed a two-year diesel tech program at City College of Alameda, simultaneously gaining hands-on experience as an apprentice in the MVRS shop. Starting with basic tasks like changing truck oil, he gradually advanced his skills to diagnose and repair more intricate mechanical issues. Don’t be surprised to find Alex turning a wrench when duty calls.

Beyond the world of refuse management, Alex has a lifelong passion for martial arts and a love for diving into the imaginative realms of comics and sci-fi novels. He lives in Mill Valley with his wife Lindsay and their two children.