The name that comes to mind when talking about success in the recycling industry is definitely him—American entrepreneur and owner, who also serves as the chief executive officer of Upstate Shredding-Weitsman Recycling. This scrap metal processing company is based right in Owego, New York, a place that’s close to his heart since he was born and raised there. Over the years, he’s built not just a business empire but also a significant public presence, amassing an impressive 17 million followers on Instagram, which speaks volumes about his influence.
Before all the fame and recognition, he laid the groundwork for his future by majoring in banking at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University in Brookville. His early career took a creative turn when, in 1989, he started working at Hirschl & Adler Folk, a well-known Manhattan art gallery. That experience paved the way for him to open his own venture—the American Folk Art Gallery in Greenwich Village—in 1991. For a time, the art world seemed like his true calling.
But life had other plans. After tragically losing his sister to cancer in the early 1990s, he made the heartfelt decision to leave behind his art-gallery career in New York City. He returned home to Oswego to rejoin the family business. In 1995, he stepped into a leadership role as vice president of Ben Weitsman & Son, the scrap processing company founded by his family. Eventually, he purchased the company from his father, transforming it into what is now known as Upstate Shredding-Weitsman Recycling under his direction.
On a personal note, he shares three children with his ex-model wife, Kim DeFrance. Through both triumphs and hardships, his journey reflects resilience, dedication, and a deep connection to his roots—all key elements that define his legacy today.
He’s someone who’s deeply passionate about the food industry, working as a restauranteur with years of experience under his belt. Back in 2021, he took a bold step into the tech world by founding Viridium LLC, a cryptocurrency mining company that quickly gained attention. But beyond business ventures, he has another lifelong interest—collecting 19th-century American stoneware. He’s been quietly dedicated to preserving history, regularly donating pieces from his collection to the New York State Museum in Albany since 1998. He truly balances innovation and tradition in his own unique way.