Albert Boufarah is the Founder and CEO of SAMR Inc., an electronics recycling firm based in Lakewood, NJ. The company has over twenty years of experience in handling electronic waste safely and efficiently.
Boufarah is a New Jersey native with an extensive background in waste management. His long-standing interest in proper computer recycling led him to start his company and turn it into one of the most successful electronics recycling firms in the Northeast.
Albert Boufarah is passionate about sustainability, and his strong personal belief in the importance of recycling drives him to bring SAMR Inc. to new heights within the industry. The company has the infrastructure to handle the recycling output of large employers, allowing them to collect bulk amounts of old & outdated computers and electronic equipment.
Boufarah operates an environmentally friendly company that adopts advancements in e-waste recycling techniques. Both dangerous substances and precious metals can be removed from old computers, and the company makes sure that each type of byproduct is disposed of or repurposed properly.
In addition to implementing proper technology recycling practices, Boufarah’s company ensures that the data on recycled machines is destroyed. They perform US Department of Defense (DOD) standard wipes of all hard drives and/or dismantle the drives to ensure that personal information never ends up in the wrong hands. This is a boon to all businesses because it prevents the chance of their sensitive data about their customers or their inner operations being scavenged.
SAMR Inc. practices corporate social responsibility, meaning that it has become a role model for its neighbors and competitors.
In addition to his productive work in waste management, Albert Boufarah is committed to being a dedicated family man. He believes in work-life balance and that any successful business person should not forget their home life. Giving the right amount of time to his family gives Boufarah great satisfaction and ensures that he is helping his children build positive memories.
Question (Q): Where did the idea for SAMR Inc. come from?
Albert (A): The idea for my company came from recognizing a need for an electronics recycling firm in my region. At the turn of the millennium, computers were booming, and many companies found themselves with outdated and unusable machines that they needed to dispose of. I decided to start my company to responsibly recycle electronic waste and provide a sustainable alternative for companies that wanted to upgrade their computers.
Q: What does your typical day look like, and how do you make it productive?
A: My typical day starts early with a run and then a good breakfast. I like to watch the financial news before anyone else in the house is up. After breakfast, I get ready for work. I’m always there early. I believe that the CEO should be the person in the company who arrives first and goes home last.
In the morning, I have meetings with my staff to go over the work that needs to be done that day. I meet with staff in the office and on the recycling floor. I believe that you can’t neglect your floor employees and be involved in decision-making for the company. In the afternoon, I visit client sites to assess their materials and give quotes.
Q: How do you bring ideas to life?
A: I bring ideas to life with the support of my dedicated team. We brainstorm together and create new solutions to our problems. I frequently create ideas independently, but it is always worthwhile to run them by my employees before putting them into action. I once had a boss who handed down autocratic decisions from above, which rubbed me the wrong way.
Q: What’s one trend that excites you?
A: The increased use of electronics recycling excites me. For too long, electronics were taken to landfills or incinerated along with the regular trash. This could not be more damaging for the environment. It is encouraging to know that electronics recycling companies like mine are working with responsible clients to help protect our planet.
Q: What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
A: I believe that having a positive work-life balance increases my motivation & productivity. Since I take regular breaks to refresh myself and spend time with my family and friends, I don’t become burned out so I can consistently get things done in a timely manner. Some of my employees tend to push themselves too hard into massive bursts of productivity, which can lead to eventual exhaustion. I encourage them to pay attention to their division of time.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self?
A: I would tell my younger self to spend more time on schoolwork. I frequently turned in schoolwork late and didn’t put all of my efforts into it. I have learned as an adult that it is better to dedicate yourself fully to your pursuits.
Q: Tell us something true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
A: Having a hobby is an essential part of being a successful CEO.
Q: As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
A: Listen to your employees. As I said before, being one of those bosses who commands from up high is a poor way to encourage your company to grow.
Q: What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Would you please explain how?
A: We try to keep an eye on electronics buying trends and intensify our marketing in areas where many companies buy new computers. If they buy new machines, they will need to recycle their old ones to be responsible business owners.
Q: What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
A: Everyone has failures from time to time. Failure is a great teacher. I once tried to branch out and start a company in an area not connected to waste management, but my lack of experience hampered its success.
Q: What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A: Even though I have decided to dedicate myself to waste management (specifically electronic waste), I still have ideas for other sectors. I would love to see a company that provides concierge services for businesses.
Q: What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
A: I upgraded my digital camera. I love to take photos of family events and during my travels. Photography is a great way to relax, and it helps me connect with my artistic side as well.
Q: What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
A: This seems simple, but I would be lost without the Reminders app on my phone. You can set reminders at certain times and when you are arriving at and leaving different locations. This helps me remember to pick things up when I arrive at the store.
Q: What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
A: I recommend How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates. As a recycler, I am deeply interested in the state of our planet.
Q: What is your favorite quote?
A: ”Every problem is a gift — without problems, we would not grow.” – Anthony Robbins
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