MDL Enterprises LLC is proud to celebrate its 18-year milestone in effective waste management solutions in New Orleans. Over the years, the company has grown from a simple local contractor to a trusted regional partner for municipalities, event managers, and industry clients. MDL has successfully executed numerous projects ranging from street sweeping to pressure washing, full landscaping, debris removal, post-disaster clean-up, and more.
Michael D Lee, a former high school educator and football coach with 25 years of experience, launched his company, MDL Enterprises, in 2008. But it was not until 2013 that he took it full-time. The inspiration for Lee’s venture was born in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which left devastating damage in and around New Orleans.
“I remember growing up and noticing that Waste Management was one of the only companies handling trash collection. As a child, I never really thought much about the scale or importance of waste management. It wasn’t until Hurricane Katrina that I truly realized just how significant and impactful this industry is,” says Lee.
Though he was quick to find a business opportunity in post-disaster relief, the 2008 economic downturn limited his ability to secure the financial resources needed for his venture. But Lee, who draws strength from his coaching days, approached business the way he approached football: with grit, discipline, and a positive mentality.
That perseverance paid off. With the support of local banks and his unwavering commitment, Lee grew his company from a one-man operation to multiple crews. What makes the company truly stand out is its commitment to hiring from within the local community and providing opportunities for individuals who have faced challenges, including formerly incarcerated people. By offering second chances, the company not only supports those rebuilding their lives but also strengthens the community as a whole beyond waste management. “I invest in the city, and I hire all local people,” says Lee.
The company’s impact can be seen almost everywhere in New Orleans. Be it celebrations like Mardi Gras, St Patrick’s Day, or debris removal for local government contracts and landscaping for individuals, MDL Enterprises plays a major role in keeping the city clean.
Lee and the crew’s efforts in making the city beautiful extend to cleaning up illegal dumping each month, and they have even taken charge of sign placements at the airport to help commuters. The demand for his work is massive, and the growth is visible. “It’s crazy, the amount of debris that builds up in this city,” Lee says. “But we’re out there every day, getting it done.”
In addition to local contracts, Lee has expanded operations to Houston, Atlanta, Florida, and other parts of Texas. In the future, Lee wants to establish a permanent presence in more neighborhood cities as well. “You start small, and you grow big—that’s the dream,” Lee says.
As the business continues to grow, Lee is focused on strengthening the company’s infrastructure to meet rising demand. “Right now, I have 3 front-end loaders, six trucks, and multiple crews. But within five years, I want to acquire more trucks and equipment to expand into an entirely new section of operations,” he explains.
Looking ahead, Lee envisions his business as more than just a company—for him, it is a movement built on resilience, community investment, and sustainable growth. His ultimate goal is to establish a full-scale waste management enterprise that becomes the leading choice for professional cleanup services across the southern cities.