Lessons from the Curb

by Daniel Dumas

Overview

Lessons from the Curb takes you from the back step of a garbage truck to the offices of corporate America to uncover practical, hard-won lessons on leadership, integrity, and resilience. In vivid, honest stories from decades in the waste industry, the author shows how tough jobs and cold early mornings became an unlikely classroom for servant leadership, humility, and doing the right thing when no one is watching.

This isn't a book about garbage, it's a book about people. It's about the power of showing up, setting the example, and understanding that small actions ripple through teams, companies, and communities. You'll learn why the picture you leave behind matters, how to lead from any seat, and how consistent, careful work beats flashy metrics every time.

Whether you're leading a crew, managing a company, or aiming to live with purpose, Lessons from the Curb is a clear, down-to-earth guide to building trust, elevating standards, and leaving every place better than you found it, one stop at a time.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798319696366
Publisher:	Barnes & Noble Press
Publication date:	09/16/2025
Pages:	108
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.22(d)

About the Author

Daniel P. Dumas is a career professional whose leadership journey began in one of the toughest classrooms imaginable, the back step of a garbage truck. With more than 35 years of experience in the solid waste industry, Daniel built his career from the ground up, starting in frontline roles and working his way into management and executive leadership. His perspective is shaped not by theory, but by decades of hands on work, tough decisions, and the quiet lessons learned in moments most people overlook.

Raised with a strong work ethic and a determination to provide for his family, Daniel discovered early that integrity, consistency, and respect matter more than titles or positions. From his earliest days in waste collection to managing large hauling operations, he learned that real leadership is about serving others, solving problems under pressure, and leaving every place better than you found it. These experiences became the foundation of Lessons from the Curb, a book that weaves practical insights with hard earned wisdom.

Daniel has spent much of his professional life fixing broken operations, mentoring teams, and helping companies succeed by focusing on the people who do the hardest work. His approach emphasizes humility, accountability, and the belief that leadership is measured not by numbers alone, but by the picture you leave behind, whether that is a clean street, a satisfied customer, or a motivated crew. His management style has always been straightforward: take care of your people, and they will take care of the mission.

Daniel currently lives in Virginia with his family. When he is not working, he enjoys time with loved ones, grilling and smoking meals to share, and exploring new ideas for business and community service. His story is proof that you do not need a title to lead, and that the strongest lessons often come from the hardest jobs.