Founder sells Computer Recycling Center

Ken Reiss has sold Computer Recycling Center, an electronic-waste business he founded about a decade ago.

The center was purchased Oct. 31 for an undisclosed amount by Luke Westerman, who previously worked with Springfield ReManufacturing Corp. for eight years, and Jim Conley, an associate with Kingsley Group Business Brokers and an executive in residence for the Edward Jones Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Drury University.

Conley said Reiss had been working with the Kingsley Group for about a year to sell the center, located at 1434 N. National Ave.

Chuck Woolley, a partner with the Kingsley Group, brokered the sale of the center, said Conley, who will continue with his other business roles while serving as co-owner of the recycling center.

Westerman will serve as general manager for Computer Recycling Center, which will keep its name, Conley said, adding that he would be serving in a support role and working with new and current clients to keep them informed on the center's capabilities.

"Our highest priority is data security," Conley said. "Computers have hard drives, and they have sensitive material. We ensure 100 percent destruction of all data on all hard drives."

He added that while the primary deciding factor in buying the center was that it was a good business proposition, it also allows the two partners to become involved in the green movement.

"If we can continue to efficiently and economically recycle all of this product, it's that much less that goes in the landfill," Conley said.

The center, which has three full-time and three part-time employees, recycles a variety of electronics, including computer and television equipment, washers and dryers, and vacuum cleaners, according to its Web site.[[In-content Ad]]