Hawaii National Bank

About the Entrepreneurs

For more than 40 years, Island Recycling has helped Hawaii manage its recyclable materials and keep waste out of local landfills. Founded by Jim Nutter in 1984, the family-owned business began with just two employees at its original Dillingham location, processing cans and bottles. Today, Island Recycling has grown to approximately 65 employees and handles a wide range of recyclable materials, including metals, plastics and glass.

Jim’s son, Nick Nutter, rejoined the family business after college to help lead its operations. Now serving as vice president of operations, Nick works alongside his father to continue the company’s growth while building on its role in the local community. For the Nutter family, the business is about more than recycling. It’s about creating local jobs, keeping Hawaii clean and carrying a family legacy into the next generation.

More with Nick and Jim

Tell us about how Island Recycling started.

Jim: The company actually started in Seattle under a different name. My wife was born and raised in Hawaii, and she wanted to move back home, so I decided to start the company over here. We opened in Dillingham in 1984 with just two employees—myself and one of my managers. We started with cans and bottles, and as recycling programs developed, we expanded into different recyclable materials. The business continued to grow, and today we have about 65 employees.

What does it mean to you to be a local Hawaii business?

Nick: Being a local company means a lot to us. My mom was born and raised here, and I was born and raised here, too. It's about giving back to the community, creating job opportunities and trying to keep the island as clean as possible. We play an essential role in keeping waste streams as low as possible and making sure recyclable goods leave the island instead of ending up in landfills.

Why did you choose to work with Hawaii National Bank and how have they helped your business grow?

Jim: I was working with a larger bank, and they canceled my line of credit because our company didn't fit what they wanted in their portfolio. I went to the closest bank to our business, which happened to be Hawaii National Bank, and talked to the branch manager. I needed a small loan of about $5,000 to pay off the other bank, and he gave me the check that day. I paid him back two days later, and we've been together ever since.

Nick: We've been banking with Hawaii National Bank since our doors opened in 1984. Having a good bank has been essential to our growth. From [Relationship Officers] Jay to Mike to Stace, they've all been important in helping us grow as a company. They've adapted to our needs, whether it's financing equipment or providing different lines of credit. Every situation is unique, and they've been able to help us find solutions.

What does it mean to you to be a family business?

Jim: Running a family business means having support. Nick went to college and he brought knowledge to the company that I didn't have. A lot of our growth today is due to what he brings to the business. I'm proud to be able to leave the company to him and see him take it to a new place.

Nick: It means a lot to me. The fact that my parents trust me to help run this facility and carry the business forward is a pretty crazy experience. My dad built this company over more than 30 years, and I'm proud that he has faith in me to keep his legacy going. I worked here before, went to college and earned an engineering degree, and then came back with knowledge that has helped the company grow. Now I'm running the day-to-day operations, and my biggest legacy would be having my future kids take over one day.

What excites you about the future of Island Recycling?

Nick: I'm excited about the newer technologies coming out. There's a really big problem with batteries, specifically lithium-ion batteries, and being able to recycle them in a clean and efficient way will be essential in the future. Finding better ways to handle those materials is an important opportunity for our industry.