Jeff Baldasarri hails from the midwest City of Cleveland Ohio but has always felt a connection with Southern California. Baldasarri has had several prestigious jobs in his adult life, some of which brought him to California for work trips. Now, as President and CEO of US Rubber Recycling, Inc. in Colton, Baldasarri is convinced that he landed in the right place. He is enjoying helping the company grow and is confident that he is making a difference in the lives of his employees.
US Rubber Recycling, Inc. diverts used truck tires from the landfill and manufactures crumb rubber from the tires. “They must have no white walls or name in white, and no fiber used on the inside of the tire. Car tires won’t work,” said Baldassari. The crumb rubber not only makes beautiful LEED-certified custom colored flooring, but is sound-absorbing and makes a great flooring underlayment, as well as other products.
Starting in 2019 and during the pandemic in 2020, US Rubber’s sales for commercial use fell by 50%. However, during that same time, the company entered into a contract with Home Depot. Through online sales and the pandemic-led growth of home gyms, the company overcame the decrease in sales and ended 2020 with an overall growth of 41%. 50% growth is predicted for this year.
Beginning in the late 90s, Baldassari began to grow his hiring of persons who are often seen as difficult to hire, such as certain veterans and former felons. He worked with Leslie Morales, VP of Operations, to seek out and give a second chance for success to many employees, calling it the Bounce Back Program. “I found them willing to work, and to do good work,” said Baldassari. “They may have issues, but we have staff who can help.”
US Rubber Recycling, Inc. was recently honored as Best Manufacturing Entrepreneur and “Best of the Best” overall at the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards honoring the company’s achievements and the spirit of the Bounce Back Program. The awards are sponsored by the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship at Cal State University, San Bernardino, and the annual event is now in its 18th year.
On February 1, 2022, the City Council of the City of Colton honored US Rubber Recycling, Inc., for their recent award and their philosophy for a successful business and workforce. Baldassari told the Council that he feels it is important to seek input from his employees and to value their opinions. “When you value people and find out what their needs are,” Baldassari said, “it makes a positive difference, both in their lives and in our business in Colton.”
Congratulations to US Rubber Recycling, and we are proud of your business!
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