Brothers in e-scrap: smartphone recycler among fastest-growing US companies    

An IT asset disposition (ITAD), electronics buyback and recycling solutions company from the US Midwest has been named in the 2025 list of America’s 5 000 fastest-growing private companies. The recognition reflects the company’s swift expansion, commitment to innovation and leadership in technology reuse.

Founded in 2018 by Christopher Hale, SmartphonesPlus started in a basement in Cedar Rapids, Iowa as a side project buying and selling used smartphones and electronics online. Early growth came through local Facebook marketplace transactions and customer recommendations. As demand increased, Hale brought in his brothers, Devin and Kyle, and the team expanded into retail stores in Coralville and Cedar Rapids.

Simple mission

One thing led to another and, in 2022, the company moved into a larger warehouse and new headquarters, enabling nationwide growth. What began with a simple mission – make it easy and secure for people to trade in used electronics while keeping devices out of landfill – is today a company serving businesses, schools, charities and consumers across the US, offering secure, efficient and environmentally responsible technology processing.

Circular approach

SmartphonesPlus’ services promote the circular economy by extending the lifespan of electronic devices and reducing e-waste. Key offerings include data destruction, IT asset buyback and remarketing, and electronics recycling.

‘This recognition isn’t just about our growth; it’s about the people and businesses that have supported us,’ says company founder and ceo Christopher Hale. ‘Every device we process keeps materials in circulation, protects data, and provides affordable technology for others.’