Growing Up Fast: Howard County Electronics Recycler Recognized in National Business Growth Ranking

Now, more than ever, we depend on Inc. 500/5000 companies to spur innovation, provide jobs, and drive the economy forward."

Jane Berentson

Inc. Magazine Editor

Being ranked in the top 30% was a tremendous honor for this young environmental services and information destruction company.

“We have been tremendously lucky and blessed over the past eight years,” said Julie Keough, CEO and Co-Founder of E-Structors. “We never imagined that this facility and our operation would have grown so quickly in such a short period of time.”

E-Structors, was founded in 2003 as one of the first operations in the country to provide their clients with environmentally compliant electronics recycling, document shredding, and information destruction services in a single location. After they relocated to a larger facility in 2008, their processing capabilities and employment soared, increasing their workforce by 100 individuals over the next 3 years.

“There were many people who called us crazy at the start,” said Mike Keough, E-Structors President and Co-Founder. “Now those same people are trying to catch-up to us.”

“There were many people who called us crazy at the start. Now those same people are trying to catch-up to us.”

Mike Keough

President of E-Structors, Inc.

When the business began, the Keoughs opted to invest in several pieces of experimental processing equipment new to the electronics recycling industry. Using technology borrowed from the paper shredding industry they designed a unique electronics shredder, making them the first company in the Mid-Atlantic to have this capability. Being able to use an electronics shredder in conjunction with a hand dismantling line, provides for the better processing of end-of-life electronics. It also provides clients with assurance that their sensitive information is destroyed.

E-Structors received two additional honors on the Inc. 5000 list, as the 29th fastest growing business in the Baltimore area and the 18th fastest growing Environmental Services Business in America.

“Environmentalism is at the foundation of our operations,” said Julie. “Last year we recycled over 22 million lbs. of materials, and we consistently work to improve our processes to increase efficiency and minimize our environmental impact.”

In 2008 E-Structors became the first certified recycler in the Mid-Atlantic, earning both their R2 and ISO 14001:2004 certification. They are currently the only certified recycler operating in the state of Maryland.

“This entire experience has been more then we could have ever imagined,” said Mike. “It’s truly an honor to be ranked on this list.”