Charlie Stevens knows the joy of having his own business. Twenty-six years ago, he started RLS Recycling with two partners. He was working at DuPont at the time and a good friend said he'd like to see him make some money. So Stevens quit after 16 1/2 years and borrowed $20,000. He got another partner to bring in additional money and the business became Roseboom, LeMaster and Stevens, or RLS after the three original owners. In 1992, Stevens bought the last partner out becoming strictly a  family owned and run company.

Starting a business and keeping it going takes a lot of hard work. With strong dedication and commitment, Stevens and his family have built a company which today employs over 30 people. Much of the credit he gives to his loved ones. Daughter Connie Wells has worked beside her father for the last 20 years, dispatching trucks and running the office. His son Vince also plays an active part in the daily activities by heading up the disposal sector and pitching in to do whatever needs to be done. Steven's wife Sybil and Rachael Lindsey, help in the office and do all the billing for disposal. Sybil's daughter, Kristen Hough, runs the Western Avenue office. "My family is the backbone of my corporation," says Stevens. But, working together can present a few challenges. "It's hard. We are all employees when we're here, we try to keep the family part out of it. Sometimes it doesn't work, but I try to emphasize that we are all employees, even myself."

Stevens was born and raised in Ross County. He raised his family here. The community has been good to him and he wants to give back. "I feel like to make Chillicothe grow and attract more people, business people have to do it," Stevens said. "Government can't do everything."

 Stevens belongs to the Chillicothe Ross County Chamber of Commerce. When he finds time to relax he hunts, golfs or escapes to his other home in Fort Meyers, Florida. Daughter Connie says "he loves to walk on the beach, it calms his nerves and gets his mind off business."

Even after twenty-six years, his excitement in the corporation continues to grow. He continually responds to the needs of new industry and this ever changing world of technology.