Business Pickup
Gary Diamond returns as a guest—three years after appearing on the show’s very first episode—to share what’s changed at Quantum Lifecycle Partners and why the company has leaned into acquisitions to “complete the lifecycle” of electronics.
He opens by naming three things he’s most proud of at Quantum: a strong, values-driven culture (measured through low turnover and high customer satisfaction), a solid financial/market position backed by supportive shareholders, and the company’s evolution from a recycling-first business into a true end-to-end lifecycle partner. Gary explains that Quantum’s work now spans much more than recycling: it includes services that help put products on the market, warranty and repair, end-of-first-life asset disposition and reuse, and—when necessary—responsible recycling and commodity recovery.
The conversation then dives into Quantum’s acquisition strategy since early 2023—roughly one deal per year—and what each brought to the table:
- Paragon Bay added warranty repair and new product fulfillment, helping Quantum play earlier in the device lifecycle (0–3 years), not just ITAD and recycling.
- DCR Systems Group strengthened core asset disposition while also adding meaningful capability in imaging/configuration and other front-end services.
- Second Gear (USA) marked Quantum’s first U.S. acquisition and brought direct resale channels to end users (including institutions like school boards), expanding reach for refurbished equipment and supporting circular outcomes.
Gary frames the rationale as both defensive (diversifying services and geographies so the business isn’t dependent on one revenue stream) and offensive (deepening existing customer relationships by offering more lifecycle services). He also emphasizes that there’s no single established playbook for building a best-in-class circular electronics lifecycle company—Quantum is actively figuring it out through a mix of strategy, experimentation, and integration.
On the realities of integration, Gary is candid about the hardest parts: reorganizing teams, addressing role overlap, aligning compensation structures, and managing the emotional weight of change. He also highlights how critical systems integration is—especially IT and operational infrastructure—and notes that Quantum’s cultural “system” and operational maturity can make acquired companies stronger and more scalable.
For leaders listening who are considering acquisitions (or partnerships) to advance circularity, Gary’s advice is simple: look outside your lane. Circularity requires connecting multiple players across the value chain, and that may mean acquiring capabilities—or forming strategic partnerships—to bridge the gaps.
He closes with an unexpected but practical final takeaway: prioritize health and wellness. Gary shares that consistent exercise and better habits help him show up with more energy and creativity, and that some of his best thinking happens during workouts, walks, or time away from the daily grind.