Tom Szaky started TerraCycle in 2001 while he was a freshman at Princeton University. His company offered just one product in those early days (organic fertilizer), but it has since blossomed into an eco-friendly powerhouse that sells more than 50 products made from non-recyclable waste—for example, tote bags fabricated from discarded Capri Sun® packages.
During the company’s rise to prominence, TerraCycle has forged partnerships with Fortune 500 firms and won accolades for its environmentally responsible business model. Along the way, Szaky, TerraCycle’s chief executive officer, has himself won more than 50 awards for entrepreneurship, published a book (Revolution in a Bottle), and currently stars in the reality TV show Garbage Moguls on the National Geographic Channel.
On October 13, Szaky added one more “trophy” to his mantle when the School of Business presented him with its second Award for Innovative Leadership during a ceremony held in the Mildred and Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall.