In 1944, Roy Strom and his son, George, founded The Roy Strom Company. They began with a pooled capital investment of $900.00 and a six-wheel dump truck. Their primary business was hauling dirt, stone, and refuse. The fledging company was run from their residence on the west side of Chicago. Quality, efficient excavating and hauling work for the Milwaukee Railroad lead to the company being recommended by the railroad to provide scavenger service for a number of the railroads freight customers. The recommendations lead to expanding the core business, and the start up of Roy Strom Refuse Service, Inc Six decades later Roy Strom Excavating and Grading Company is one of the most respected names in the industry and Roy Strom Refuse Removal Company is one of the areas premier independent waste and recycling hauling companies, and a leader in the refuse hauling business in the Chicago metropolitan area. Company Quickly Expanded As the company began to grow, the headquarters was moved to a new location on Long Avenue in Chicago. Soon the hauling fleet was expanded, and excavating equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, scrapers, and end loaders were acquired to meet the demands of the growing excavating business. From the onset the construction and service work done for the railroad made up a large segment of the Roy Strom Companys business. The companys ability to produce, and meet project deadlines helped cement a solid working relationship with the Milwaukee Road, and to build a reputation respected in the railroad industry. The heritage is still evident today as Strom Companys unique logo, derived from the Milwaukee Roads famous Hiawatha Line is still proudly displayed on all company equipment. To this day, Roy Strom Company still performs a large amount of work for major railroads in the Chicago area. By 1961, after 17 years of business growth, the Roy Strom Company out-grew its Long Avenue facility, and moved to its current location in Maywood, Illinois. The Excavating and Refuse Collection companies, a recycling processing center, a permitted landscape waste and a fully permitted MSW Transfer facility are also operating on the recently expanded site. The company is also approved to process construction / demolition debris at the conveniently located near west suburban location. Roy Strom passed away in 1965 at the age of 65. His son George (passed away in 2009) solidified the vision, and now his grandson Roy (Georges son), is adeptly guiding the companys business growth and success for a third generation.