Remember not so long ago when business recycling programs were considered cutting edge? Welcome to the future, where companies like Marin’s iReuse are leading the way.
Founded five years ago by Ken Kurtzig, iReuse is a sustainability consulting and software company focused on operational efficiency for businesses. “We’re not a green company,” he explains. “We’re a consulting and software company that’s focused on helping business clients maximize their operational efficiency, which produces measured environmental benefits. We’re entirely focused on making environmentally friendly solutions better, faster or cheaper than conventional options, so businesses can make smart financial and environmental decisions.
“We’re also very focused on transparency, so businesses aren’t doing a bunch of green things just to do green things, but rather are implementing a well-organized plan to maximize their environmental, financial and social impact.”
…And the empty cans go where?
Growing up, who were your inspirations?
My father gets full credit for my passion for sustainability. He was an early founder of Sustainable Marin, supported [architect and early sustainability proponent] Bill McDonough before Bill was Bill, and worked with Coca-Cola on how to conserve water before people realized saving water was a good idea. Now I’m just trying to follow his lead and stay ahead of the curve.
My mom is considered by some to be the “Mother of Silicon Valley,” because she was the first female CEO to take a software company public. She’s also the one who was skeptical of this whole “environmental business,” until I could show her that you can make a profit doing the right thing. Now she’s drinking the Kool-aid, and even considered a Tesla…until she saw the price tag.
Are you a high- or low-maintenance person?
I think my wife is a better person to ask on this one, although she’s so ridiculously low maintenance that I’d certainly be considered very high maintenance in comparison. I think the more accurate description is that I’m extremely Type A. I’m constantly thinking about new ideas to solve problems and the next steps, which is usually great—until it keeps me up at night.
Describe your dream home.
My dream home has my wife and two kids in it. Seriously, we live in Marin County, with wonderful weather and all the character of the Bay Area. It doesn’t get much better.
Do you believe in destiny?
I’ve been very lucky in my life but have also had my challenges. I’d say that I’m very blessed. I guess I believe in karma more than destiny.
What possession or item in your office has special significance for you?
I have a wonderful Dutch porcelain plate hanging above my desk. It was given to my grandfather as an award for his community service in his hometown in Holland maybe a century ago. It’s an inspiration for me to have a positive community impact.
Where did you go to college and what was your major?
I went to UCLA and studied human anatomy. I was planning to become a doctor, because I loved helping people and wanted to save lives. Little did I know that, after interning for three summers in the hospital and operating room and working with many doctors, I’d decide changing the world through business was a better fit.
If you could possess an extraordinary talent in the arts, what would it to be?
I wish I knew how to play the piano, and I’ll absolutely make sure my kids play. It’s supposed to be a lot easier to learn as a kid. I tried in college but gave up. To be honest, I’d much rather have the power to reverse environmental degradation or help conflicting cultures see eye-to-eye and end war and conflict.
How long could you last in solitary confinement? How would you do it?
I’ve done about seven hours of meditation in silence and was pleasantly surprised I survived. I plan to do it again, but I think that’s about my breaking point.
What do you love to do outside of work?
I love to spend time with my wife and children. I take my son for bike rides, camping trips, baseball games and just about anything that will get him outside and appreciating all the fun things we’re so fortunate to have in the North Bay. I also love to play golf, go road biking with my friends, sailing and traveling (my major non-eco-friendly splurge, but I usually buy offsets to suppress my guilt for getting on an airplane).
