Michael De Fortuna is the Director of Business Development at R2 Recycling, Michael is a thought leader, influencer, visionary, and successful entrepreneur. Michael provides the leadership and energy that has inspired the creation of Business Development at R2 Recycling.
Michael De Fortuna joins other leading Bestselling Authors, International Speakers & Entrepreneur, CEOs and Founders taking part in our Leader Roundtable Interview Series. The DotCom Magazine editorial team is delighted to have Michael join us for our Leader Roundtable Interview.
Michael De Fortuna is the Director of Business Development at R2 Recycling. They specialize in safely and securely erasing and destroying hard drives, computers, and electronic equipment while properly recycling all materials used in its construction.
R2 Recycling focuses on providing the best possible services to its customers. Their goal is to make the process of electronics recycling safe, quick, and easy. Safety is the most important goal since no one wants their sensitive business or personal data available for someone to take advantage of.
R2 Recycling uses state of the art shredding and destruction methods. Reformatting, degaussing, and wiping hard drives is simply not enough. R2 Recycling uses military-grade data destruction processes. If a hard drive cannot be completely wiped, it will physically destroy the drive. This eliminates the chance that the data could be used by someone else.
Recycling is a high-security business, and R2 Recycling makes sure that its facilities are completely secure. The facility is gated and equipped with keycard access, alarm systems, on-site security personnel, and an excellent system of security cameras.
Michael De Fortuna has a background in sales, marketing, and business development, meaning that he has a broad professional skill set when it comes to leading the R2 Recyclings business development team. His skills make him uniquely suited to the electronics recycling business. He is focused on expanding R2 Recycling’s reach across the country, truly making R2 Recycling your national electronics recycler, “Recycling, Done the Right Way”.
Let’s start by telling us about your business.
We provide nationwide electronics recycling and specialize in careful, secure disposal & recycling of electronic items. We can handle computers, laptops, phones, or anything carrying data that has a plug and much more.
Q: Please tell us how you make sure your customers will become raving fans of your company?
It is easy to deal with our friendly staff, and we make sure that the process of securing your data is as foolproof as possible. We are certified to use the same processes as the Department of Defense when erasing and destroying electronic equipment. We can pick up e-waste nationally using our fleet of 150 trucks as well as partnering with R2 compliant companies to help bring your data safely to our warehouse for secure and professional data destruction and e-waste recycling.
We have a number of different options when it comes to disposing of your electronics. We can leave a container at your municipal building, business, or organization so that you can securely deposit old equipment at your convenience. We can also hold electronics recycling collection events which can be open to the public, or do live white glove pick-ups.
Q: Please tell us the one thing that separates your business from the competition.
Our technical know-how separates us from the rest of the industry. We only use the most secure methods to dispose of your data, making sure that bad actors can never access your sensitive business information. Our processes are complex, but it is worth it to put in the extra effort for an outstanding service.
Q: And to finish this section, please tell us what is the one major key to your company’s success?
A major key to our success is our national reach. We believe that there is a strong niche available for a nationwide electronics recycling firm, and we are doing our best to make our service seamless and easy to use.
Q: For our readers just starting to build a company, what advice can you give entrepreneurs just starting out with a new venture?
Starting a new business can be a nerve-wracking endeavor. There are so many moving parts, it can be overwhelming to get started. Many people go into business for themselves and are naive about the amount of work and dedication that it will take to succeed. Many of these businesses flame out because the owners just weren’t ready for that kind of responsibility.
I would advise surrounding yourself with a quality team. R2 Recycling understands that in order to have a successful business you have to surround yourself with others that have a drive to succeed. People who do not know how to delegate responsibilities often find that they are left with too much on their plate.
Q: For entrepreneurs seeking to build a business as successful as yours, what one big piece of advice can you give them when times get a little challenging?
Be sure that you have your priorities in order. If your number-one priority is customer service, never let that slip even if other aspects of your business are not doing so well.
I would also advise that entrepreneurs engage with a mentor when they feel they are in trouble. It can be tough to find a mentor, but once you have that person lined up, hang on to them. A mentor can take a long-range view of your problems and encourage you to find creative solutions.
Q: In today’s fast-changing business environment, how do you stay abreast of things?
This is a difficult question because the business world does, in fact, move incredibly quickly. I would suggest using a service like Reuters, which breaks down what you need to know without going into unnecessary information. Avoid listening to the “talking heads,” as they will only confuse you when it comes to learning about current events.
I think that one of the best ways to stay up-to-date in the business world is to keep a finger on the pulse of your local community. Get involved with your local chamber of commerce, for example.
Q: What is your “Why”? In one sentence, why do you get up in the morning?
My family is the number one reason why I get up in the morning. Business is a close second, but I never lose sight of the fact that everything I do is for my family.
Q: In one sentence, what is the most important thing one has to do to be a great leader?
You have to listen to your employees. You need to be aware of any issues, big or small, that are happening in your company. This is especially true in a small but growing recycler like ours where new hires are coming on all the time.
Q: In one sentence, describe how important your customers are to your business?
Our customers are everything to us. We pride ourselves on having the means & methods to provide quality service to them while focusing on good stewardship of the environment.
Q: In one sentence, describe a positive way that technology can make the world a better place?
Technology gets an unjustified bad rap sometimes. Today, we are all using technology so much more to connect with our families and loved ones.
Q: In one sentence, tell us how something positive to motivate our readers?
“It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” This is a great Babe Ruth quote and it shows the value of persistence.
Q: In one sentence, tell us how you start your day to get ready?
I like to get coffee and watch the business news. I feel centered and ready for the day after I have my little morning ritual.
Q: In one sentence, describe how you handle rejection and setback?
Setbacks are a part of life. You just need to adjust your perspective from a punishment mindset to a growth mindset. Ask yourself what you can learn from your troubles instead of beating yourself up.
Q: In one sentence, describe what your hiring philosophy is?
We like to be open-minded in our hiring process. There aren’t that many companies like ours, so we are always open to people from other industries coming in.
Q: In one sentence, describe how you keep your sanity in a competitive business environment?
This may sound corny, but I like to count my blessings. It’s pointless to dwell on jealousy and thinking that someone else has it better than you do. Focus on what you can do with your skills.
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Michael De Fortuna, thank you so much for participating in the DotCom Magazine Leader Roundtable Interview Series. We appreciate you participating in this important roundtable interview series, and helping our readers learn more about what it takes to build a great company and become a great leader. We wish you, your family, and of course Business Development at R2 Recycling, nothing but the best.
