Shane Foye has climbed Mt. Everest.
Sort of.
In September, the 33-year-old President of DW1, a family-owned job site services business headquartered in Peachtree Corners, put himself to a test.
Foye (BBA ’15) traveled to Sun Valley, Idaho, for 29029, a 36-hour endurance event where hikers scale a mountain to a certain elevation, then descend and repeat until they climb, in total, 29,029 vertical feet. That’s the exact height of the world’s tallest peak.
“I completed 15 summits in 29 hours,” Foye says. “I’m proud I pushed my comfort level in an endless pursuit of maximizing potential. I’m even more proud of my mental strength. … We have so much more potential than we realize.”
It’s not the only mountain Foye has faced in his life.
Dyslexia made his school years tough — but also made him persistent. To compensate, Foye made himself read learning materials three times. It trained him to go deep.
“I’m far from being a victim,” Foye says. “Dyslexia became my superpower. It forced me to learn how to focus, to stay determined. It absolutely contributed to my work ethic.”
His work ethic got help from the company founder, too.
Ed Foye, Shane’s dad, would stop on the way to Atlanta Braves games to make Shane sweep around parking-lot dumpsters. Dad also had him bussing pizzeria tables at age 12.
To climb a mountain, Shane learned, you start at the bottom.
Creating a corporation
DW1 is the nation’s leading provider of essential site services for contractors, retailers and other businesses. Think waste collection and disposal, recycling services, equipment rentals and on-site accommodations such as dumpsters, portable toilets, storage units, fencing and mobile offices.
The company made its name with a service model offering single point-of-contact responsiveness to customers. DW1 has 24/7 availability in all 50 states and provides what Foye terms “white glove” customer care.
Foye spent the past decade co-developing Waste Applications, a patented enterprise software platform unique to the industry, helping DW1’s vast network of enterprise partners increase workforce productivity while simultaneously improving DW1’s operational efficiency.
He launched initiatives to strengthen the company culture, focus on people development, stimulate long-term growth and bolster technology so DW1 can scale and innovate.
When founder Ed stepped away from day-to-day operations in 2025, Shane was named president. Richard Gravely, the company’s second hire and a key architect of its success, is serving as CEO for four years while Foye focuses on the next phase for the organization.
Foye becomes co-CEO in 2029, then CEO in 2030 with Gravely’s retirement.
“My dad founded the company,” he says. “Now our team is building a sustainable corporation — a true multigenerational family business that leaves an impact.”
The company handles more than 50,000 deliveries annually to 2,000-plus clients across more than 5,000 active jobsites. During the pandemic, the company showed 40% growth for two consecutive years. Foye sees a clear growth path to double DW1’s scale by 2030.
There’s bedrock where he’s starting.
Fatherhood and focus
Ed Foye bootstrapped the family business into existence in 1999 as Discount Waste Solutions.
At first, the company concentrated on permanent waste disposal at facilities. As it grew, it added services — and people. Shane came home from school one day to find a team member working in his bedroom. Another day, an accountant tallied numbers at the kitchen table.
Shane made it through high school and off to UGA.
As the Foye family’s company continued to expand, so did the family.
A few years after graduation, Shane married Sydney Topper, a 2016 UGA graduate. They became parents in 2020. Shane was 27. His family now has three children and one more on the way.
“Fatherhood transformed my life,” Shane admits. “There’s nothing like having four children in six years to inspire one to reach new heights, lead with intention and strive for peak performance in every part of life.”
The Sealed Collection
Foye has a fascinating passion project.
He started and curates a family contemporary art assemblage, Sealed Collection. Foye spends working hours in the presence of more than 150 beautiful pieces on display at DW1 headquarters, arresting works by Alexis Ralaivao, Alexander Calder, Sabastian Silva, Ben Tong and dozens more renowned artists.
The art presents a startling juxtaposition to what one might expect in a job-site services workplace.
“We believe these surroundings foster innovative thinking and offer our team relief from the noise,” Foye says. “Why not create a crossroads where art and business meet?”
Foye, himself, stands at something of a crossroad, newly enjoying a personal connection to the university and Terry.
In 2025, Foye was recognized as a UGA 40 Under 40 honoree. He proudly displays the award designation on his office desk.
He’s made an ongoing financial commitment to the Management Department, with a focus on logistics, a discipline essential to his business. He serves on the Supply Chain Advisory Board and the Terry Young Alumni Board, along with the boards of the Woodruff Arts Center and Atlanta Contemporary.
Importantly, he often mentors Terry students through one-on-one conversations, guest lectures and panels.
“I have a passion for helping students build confidence, clarity and real-world perspective as they begin their careers,” he explains.
And who knows?
He may have them scaling mountains before they’re done.