Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin McMillan.
Hi Benjamin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started Rubber City Reuse 5 years ago after selling my food truck in LA and moving back Akron. I became aware of the issue with food waste when after recycling everything in food truck except plastic film and food scraps. I started looking for places to take my food scraps and became intrigued about the business model. When I moved back I interviewed a company locally that recycles organics and after receiving their blessing and a crash course – Rubber City Reuse was born.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a steep learning curve and there are always bumps along the way. Our biggest struggle was getting started right before the pandemic. Our customer base was commercial cafeterias and that business dried up as soon as we got started. We pivoted and won an award from GAC for our business plan pivot to meeting folks in their household through our curbside program. Both programs are now in full swing and the gamble paid off.
We’ve been impressed with Rubber City Reuse, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are Summit County’s only sustainable waste management. We recycle organics like yard waste and food scraps and specialize in landfill diversion. I am proud to be Summit County’s only carbon negative company.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Camping in Mohican
Contact Info:
- Website: rubbercityreuse.com
- Instagram: @rubbercityreuse
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041791734299
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-mcmillan-313760122/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rubbercityreuse2704
