It’s an odd coincidence that we’re spotlighting Marin Sanitary Services President Patty Garbarino in the same issue we’re running an article about family businesses. It’s a subject she knows a little something about. In the 1960s, her father, Joe Garbarino, took over operations of MSS from its original founders; over the years, he grew the company both in coverage and in scope. What began as a garbage collection agency serving just five Marin County jurisdictions is now a full-service, countywide garbage removal, hazardous waste disposal, recycling and resource recovery industry with an international reputation for innovation in the field.
Patty joined the company as a part-time secretary in 1987. Today, 11 members of the Garbarino family work there. So what’s it like to run a multigenerational family business? Patty says, “Wonderful! To quote Robert Mondavi, ‘A family that works together knows how important they are to one another.’ And we do.”
What do you love to do outside of work?
I have 109 cousins, and we play a lot! Besides spending time with my family, I like to ride my horse, Jane, who’s a quarter/Morgan, on the trails in Sonoma County and at Point Reyes.
If you had the opportunity to travel into space, would you go?
No. I hate to fly, even though I travel a lot.
If you could solve one unsolved crime or mystery, what would you want to know?
Who killed John Kennedy.
Describe a vivid childhood memory.
When I was 10, I had surgery to correct a congenital defect in my foot (which ended my ballet career, ha!). I remember waking up after surgery to find a huge, orange-haired troll doll on my pillow.
Do you remember your dreams?
I don’t really remember the content of my dreams, but do know they’re “spacey.”
What’s your greatest extravagance?
Malted milk shakes.
What are the best and worst sounds in the world?
The best is laughter, and I think the worst is “Shhhhhhh.”
What compliment did you receive lately that you really savored?
“What’s a nice girl like you doing working in a place like this?”
What’s been the greatest scientific breakthrough to date?
Affordable mammograms.
What’s the best bargain you’ve ever found?
I keep a rare set of dollies that were made during World War II by a Russian noblewoman—a refugee, actually—near my family home in Genova. It just fascinates me that, while my family was eating cats and mice to stay alive, this woman was making dolls. And they look just like my family members from that generation.
Have you forgiven yourself for past personal failures?
No. I guess I love guilt.
What’s your favorite day of the week?
Saturday, when I can work in quiet and catch up.
What would your ideal celebration look like?
A dance party.
What’s one of your favorite local nonprofits?
HeadsUp, because it supports vital education services in our public schools.
What’s something you’ve done that surprised even you?
In 2000, I became the first woman president of the California Refuse Removal Council.
How do you make a difference?
Because I live in fear of global warming, I’ve committed to riding my bike to work three to four times per week. It’s my carbon offset!
