Tech Defenders earns Inc. 5000 ranking

Tech Defenders, a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based information technology asset disposition (ITAD) and electronics recycling and repair company, has ranked 657th on 2020 Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list. According to information submitted by Tech Defenders to the publication, it has grown at a 714.68 percent clip in the three years from 2017 to 2019.

The company describes itself as the fastest-growing ITAD firm in the United States. Its owners—Garry VonMyhr (CEO and co-founder), Jordan Notenbaum (co-founder) and Steve Barnes (co-founder)—also have placed two previous companies on the Inc. 5000 list.  The other companies that made the list were Mobile Defenders (at number 214 in 2017) and Genius Phone Repair (at number 750 in 2016).

The co-founders say the most notable service of Tech Defenders, which was founded in 2014, is Device Buyback. That business model involves purchasing used mobile devices (laptops, tablets and phones) to then repair and refurbish them and “thoroughly wipe all sensitive data.” Once devices are in a sellable state, they are sold to retailers around the world.

Tech Defenders says it works with organizations that have large fleets of mobile devices, such as school districts, hospitals and businesses. In 2019 alone, the company says it kept 496 tons of electronic scrap from ending up in landfills. The company also seeks appropriate certifications, such as R2.

“Making the Inc. 5000 list has been a goal of ours for years,” VonMyhr says. “This award allows us to be part of an elite group of rapidly growing companies that are innovating and providing incredible solutions to their customers. This is a great privilege for me, my company, but most importantly, my teammates who are the backbone of our organization.”

VonMyhr says the COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the demand for quality IT equipment. “This award is also very timely, as our staff has worked harder than ever before to serve our customers, who either need technology or require additional funds for their IT program. We are grateful we can serve in such a big way during these unprecedented times.”