Shimar Recycling: Conserving Natural Resources One Small Business at a Time

SHIMAR RECYCLING

Owner: Meredith Marley

Lending Partner:  SunTrust Bank

Location: Durham, NC

Project: Purchase of 2.68 acres with 22,512 sq. ft. building

Community Impact:  Eight jobs created

Company Mission: Provide a professional and affordable recycling collection service for businesses and institutions in the Triangle area, with an emphasis on customer satisfaction

In 1997 recycling educator Meredith Marley was only in her mid-20s and had no thoughts of becoming a business owner. But when asked to join forces with veteran commercial recycler Larry Shively to take over the relics of a one-time thriving commercial recycling department from SunShares Recycling in Durham, she dove in.

 “As a young, yet-to-be established business, we were able to make an integral move at a crucial time in our company’s development, thanks to our SBA 504 loan. SunTrust and Self-Help guided us through the paperwork so that the process seemed almost effortless.”
                 Meredith Marley, President

Starting with that strong small client base, the pair made the transition to entrepreneurship. Meredith’s husband, William Marley, joined the management team as operations manager.

Shimar Recycling is now a non-hazardous waste recycling coordinator helping businesses optimize their recycling systems, maximize cost savings and conserve natural resources. Shimar ultimately helps its clients, mainly small businesses, contribute to the development of sustainable communities.

In 2000, the company worked with SunTrust and Self-Help to take out an SBA 504 loan that allowed it to move into a larger, more adequate recycling facility. The move improved its ability to increase market revenues for its recycled materials. In turn, this helped keep customer service fees down. Also, the 504 loan allowed Shimar to expand the quantity and type of materials it could collect.

For the past 10 years, Shimar Recycling has survived the ups and downs of volatile recycling markets to grow eight-fold in revenues and size. It provides service to more than 600 businesses and continues to grow mainly through referrals. The company is committed to providing the best recycling service in the Triangle area.

“Our biggest challenge is to continue growing in a practical and efficient way, while keeping up with our industry’s newest technology,” said Meredith. “We’ve got lots of room to grow, since the number of businesses needing our services is so big.”

Ultimately, the new 22,512 sq. ft. facility helped the company keep Triangle businesses and institutions on the cutting edge of waste reduction. In 2004, Shimar invested in new equipment and two new trucks with the help of a State of North Carolina grant.
Shimar is committed to its community and hires many of its employees through the Rescue Mission’s local Temps to the Rescue program. Management has promoted seven such workers from part to full time status.

For more information, visit www.shimar.com