Adam Weitsman is a renowned American entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, best known for transforming Upstate Shredding – Weitsman Recycling into one of the largest privately owned scrap metal recycling companies in the United States.
With a keen business acumen and a drive for innovation, he has successfully expanded his ventures beyond recycling into hospitality, real estate, and cryptocurrency investments. His entrepreneurial success has earned him an estimated net worth of $2 billion.
Keep reading to discover more about Adam Weitsman personal life, his entrepreneurial journey, and the remarkable impact he has made in business and philanthropy.
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Who is Adam Weitsman?
Adam Weitsman is an American businessman and philanthropist. He is the owner and CEO of Upstate Shredding Weitsman Recycling, one of the largest privately owned scrap metal processing companies in the United States.
The company is based in Owego, New York, and operates several locations across New York and Pennsylvania. Weitsman is also involved in real estate, hospitality, cryptocurrency mining, wellness, and tequila.
In 2021, he launched Viridium LLC, a cryptocurrency mining company. Furthermore, he owns several restaurants in Skaneateles, New York, including The Krebs and Elephant and the Dove. The profits from these restaurants are donated to local charities.
He is widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts. He has donated a large collection of 19th-century American stoneware to the New York State Museum in Albany.
In 2019, he contributed $100,000 to support the expansion of the Rescue Mission Clarence L. Jordan Food Service and Culinary Education Center. Moreover, he frequently supports nonprofit organizations, schools, and community programs in Upstate New York.
Weitsman is a strong supporter of Syracuse University athletic programs, particularly the men basketball and football teams. He offers Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals to athletes. Under his leadership, Upstate Shredding has become one of the most advanced scrap metal companies.
The company has received several industry awards, including the Platts Leadership Award for Global Scrap Company of the Year in 2014 and 2016. It was also named Scrap Company of the Year by American Metal Market in 2015 and 2016.
Weitsman is also active on social media, where he shares updates about his business ventures and charitable activities. Despite his professional success, he remains committed to making a positive impact on his community through his business and philanthropic work.
Early Life of Adam Weitsman
Adam Weitsman grew up in Owego, New York, in a family deeply involved in the scrap metal business, which would later influence his career path. His grandfather Ben Weitsman founded a scrap yard in 1938, and his father, Harold Weitsman, continued running the company.
This early exposure to the recycling industry played a significant role in shaping Adam entrepreneurial spirit. Adam mother Barbara Weitsman was more private and stayed out of the public spotlight.
He had a sister named Rebecca Weitsman, who tragically passed away from cancer in the early 1990s. Her death had a profound impact on Adam, deeply influencing his personal life and future decisions.
As a child, Weitsman developed a passion for art and antiques, particularly 19th-century American stoneware. His interest was sparked in 1980 when his family discovered a batch of antique stoneware bottles in their scrap yard.
Fascinated by the intricate cobalt blue designs, he and his father researched the pieces at local museums and discovered their historical value. By 1982, he had already built a collection of around 60 pieces.
To fund his growing collection, Adam earned money by doing chores and used his savings to purchase more stoneware. He often traveled along the East Coast and attended auctions to seek out rare pieces.
This hobby became a lifelong passion, eventually leading him to amass an extensive collection of valuable stoneware. Weitsman attended Owego Free Academy, where he completed his high school education in 1986.
After graduating, he enrolled at Long Island University (LIU) in Brookville, New York majoring in banking and finance. During his college years, he remained dedicated to his stoneware collection and continued to acquire and study new pieces.
Is Adam Weitsman Related to Ben Weitsman?
Yes, Adam Weitsman is related to Ben Weitsman, who was his grandfather. Ben founded Ben Weitsman & Son, Inc., a scrap metal business in Owego, New York, in 1938. He has often credited his grandfather legacy and work ethic as key inspirations behind his business success.
Today, the Weitsman family name remains well-known in the scrap metal and recycling industry with Adam expanding and modernizing the company while honoring his grandfather memory.
Adam Weitsman Age
Adam Weitsman is 57 years old as of 2025 as he was born on June 13, 1968, in Owego, New York. Over the years, he has achieved significant success in the scrap metal recycling industry and established himself as a prominent entrepreneur.
Despite being in his mid-50s, Weitsman remains actively involved in his business ventures and philanthropic efforts. His dedication to community support, art preservation, and business growth continues to define his legacy.
Adam Weitsman Height and Weight
Adam Weitsman stands at approximately 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall and weighs around 190 pounds (86 kg). He has a well-built physique and maintains a fit and athletic appearance.
Known for his sharp sense of style, Weitsman is often seen wearing tailored suits at formal events and casual yet stylish outfits in his everyday life.
He has short, neatly styled hair, often sporting a light stubble, which complements his rugged yet polished look. His confident demeanor and approachable personality are notable aspects of his public image.
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Adam Weitsman Career: From Art Enthusiast to Business Mogul
Adam Weitsman is a highly successful entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist best known for transforming his family scrap metal business into Upstate Shredding Weitsman Recycling, one of the largest privately held scrap metal processing companies in the United States.
Beyond his business acumen, he has made significant strides in hospitality, cryptocurrency, and real estate, while also dedicating himself to philanthropic efforts that support local communities. With a keen eye for innovation, Weitsman continues to expand his ventures.
Early Career in Art and Antiques
Before becoming a prominent figure in the scrap metal industry, Adam Weitsman began his career in the art world. After graduating from Long Island University (LIU) with a degree in banking and finance in 1989, he initially worked in finance as the Vice President of Citibank in New York City.
However, driven by his passion for art, he soon transitioned into the antiques and folk art sector. In 1989, Weitsman worked at Hirschl & Adler Folk, a prestigious art gallery in Manhattan specializing in American folk art. This experience inspired him to open his own gallery.
In 1991, he launched the American Folk Art Gallery in Greenwich Village, New York City, where he showcased his growing collection of 19th-century American stoneware. His dedication to preserving and promoting folk art helped him gain recognition in the art community.
Transition to the Scrap Metal Industry
Despite his success in the art world, Weitsman career took a major turn following a personal tragedy. In the mid-1990s, his sister, Rebecca Weitsman, passed away from cancer.
Her death prompted Adam to return to his hometown of Owego, New York, to help his father, Harold Weitsman, run the family scrap metal business, Ben Weitsman & Son, which had been founded by his grandfather in 1938.
In 1997, driven by a vision for expansion, Weitsman launched his own company, Upstate Shredding, at the Tioga County Industrial Park. His goal was to transform the family business into a large-scale, modern recycling enterprise.
Through strategic acquisitions of competing scrapyards across New York and Pennsylvania, he rapidly grew the company into one of the largest privately held scrap metal processing businesses in the United States.
Business Expansion and Industry Leadership
Under Weitsman leadership, Upstate Shredding Weitsman Recycling became a dominant force in the scrap metal industry. His company processes over 1 million tons of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal annually.
In 2005, he acquired his family business, Ben Weitsman & Son, and merged it with Upstate Shredding. This acquisition allowed him to consolidate and streamline operations, significantly boosting the company growth and profitability.
In 2014, Weitsman further expanded the company capabilities by opening a $25 million heavy media plant in Owego. The facility introduced cutting-edge technology for separating and processing metal, which made Upstate Shredding one of the most advanced scrap metal recycling companies in the country.
Weitsman innovative business strategies and industry influence earned his company several accolades such as the Platts Industry Leadership Award and the American Metal Market Scrap Company of the Year award.
Diversification into Real Estate and Hospitality
Beyond the scrap metal industry, Adam Weitsman expanded his business portfolio by investing in real estate and hospitality. In 2010, he and his wife, Kim Weitsman, purchased the historic Krebs Restaurant in Skaneateles, New York.
The couple invested $5 million into renovating the restaurant and transformed it into an upscale dining establishment. Known for its fine American cuisine, The Krebs became a local landmark.
Remarkably, Weitsman donated 100% of the restaurant net profits to local charities, helping fund organizations like the Rescue Mission, the American Red Cross, and the Food Bank of Central New York.
In 2019, Weitsman opened Elephant and the Dove, a Mexican restaurant in Skaneateles. Designed by renowned interior designer Thom Filicia, the restaurant was inspired by the works of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
Known for its vibrant decor and authentic Mexican cuisine, the restaurant quickly became popular among both locals and tourists. In 2022, he expanded his hospitality ventures further by launching Clover Diner, a family-style restaurant named after his eldest daughter.
The diner offers classic American breakfast and lunch dishes in a warm and welcoming environment.
Investments in Cryptocurrency and Emerging Ventures
Weitsman is also a forward-thinking investor expanding into cryptocurrency and other emerging industries. In 2021, he founded Viridium LLC, a company focused on cryptocurrency mining.
Through Viridium, he invested heavily in Bitcoin and other digital currencies as he recognized the growth potential of the crypto sector. Beyond cryptocurrency, Weitsman has invested in various innovative startups. His investment portfolio includes companies like:
- Nushama, a mental health treatment center offering psychedelic-assisted therapy.
- Azucar Tequila, a woman-founded tequila brand that is vegan, gluten-free, and kosher.
- Anti Fund, a venture capital firm founded by Jake Paul and Geoffrey Woo, which focuses on disruptive startups.
Weitsman investment philosophy revolves around supporting bold, innovative ideas and backing industry disruptors. He is also a hands-on investor, often serving on the boards of the companies he supports.
Sports Involvement and NIL Deals
Adam Weitsman is also known for his involvement in sports, particularly with Syracuse University athletics. He is an avid supporter of the basketball and football programs and frequently attends games.
In 2022, Weitsman made headlines for offering NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals to Syracuse University athletes. These deals allowed student-athletes to earn money through brand endorsements and sponsorship agreements and helped the university attract top-tier talent.
His generous support and investment in the NIL program not only benefited individual athletes but also bolstered Syracuse University athletic program overall.
Philanthropy and Community Impact
Throughout his career, Adam Weitsman has remained deeply committed to philanthropy. He regularly donates to local charities, hospitals, and nonprofits across Upstate New York.
In 2019, he founded CNY Tuesdays, a charity program that offers weekly $2,000 grants to local nonprofits and individuals in need. Due to the program success, he launched Southern Tier Tuesdays in 2021 and expanded the initiative to benefit more communities in the Southern Tier region of New York.
Weitsman is also a long-time supporter of the Boys and Girls Club of America, particularly the Tioga chapter, which was founded by his grandfather, Ben Weitsman. His philanthropic contributions have made a significant impact on the local community.
A Visionary Entrepreneur and Community Leader
Adam Weitsman career is a testament to entrepreneurial vision, resilience, and philanthropy. From his early days in the art world to building a scrap metal empire and diversifying into hospitality, cryptocurrency, and venture capital, Weitsman has demonstrated a remarkable ability to identify and capitalize on new opportunities.
Equally important is his commitment to giving back, using his success to support charitable causes and strengthen his community.
His combination of business acumen, innovation, and generosity has made him not only a successful entrepreneur but also a respected and influential figure in Upstate New York and beyond.
What Companies does Adam Weitsman Own?
Adam Weitsman is a prominent entrepreneur with a diverse business portfolio spanning recycling, hospitality, real estate, cryptocurrency, and investments.
He is widely known for building one of the largest scrap metal recycling companies in the Northeastern United States, while also expanding into hospitality, digital assets, and charitable ventures.
His businesses not only contribute to economic growth but also support local communities through philanthropic efforts.
- Upstate Shredding – Weitsman Recycling
- Ben Weitsman & Son, Inc.
- Weitsman Hospitality Group
- Viridium LLC
- Real Estate Holdings
- Weitsman Investments
- Tequila and Wellness Ventures
- NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) Ventures
Adam Weitsman diverse business portfolio reflects his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation, community support, and economic development.
Why did Adam Weitsman leave Syracuse?
Adam Weitsman left Syracuse University athletics in April 2023, ended his NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals with athletes and discontinued his celebrity appearances at games.
He cited concerns raised by Chancellor Kent Syverud, who was reportedly uncomfortable with the media attention surrounding Weitsman activities.
Additionally, Weitsman expressed frustration with the NCAA unclear NIL regulations and stated that the time and energy required for these deals took away from his family and business ventures.
Despite stepping back, he remained a personal supporter of Syracuse athletics and continued his philanthropic efforts in the region.
Adam Weitsman Cars
Adam Weitsman is known for his impressive collection of luxury and exotic cars, which reflects his passion for rare, high-performance vehicles. His collection includes some of the most exclusive and sought-after models in the world.
Among his prized possessions is the Bugatti Chiron, a hypercar valued at over $3 million, known for its quad-turbocharged W16 engine and breathtaking speed. He also owns a Ferrari Monza SP1, a rare, limited-edition supercar with a sleek, open-top design, valued at around $1.8 million.
Weitsman fleet features other remarkable vehicles, such as the Ferrari LaFerrari, a hybrid hypercar with a V12 engine paired with an electric motor.
His collection also includes a McLaren P1, another hybrid hypercar valued at more than $1.5 million, celebrated for its futuristic design and blistering speed. Additionally, he owns a Pagani Huayra, an ultra-rare Italian hypercar famous for its handcrafted design, worth around $3.5 million.
His love for performance extends to muscle cars and SUVs including the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ a high-performance supercar with a V12 engine, valued at approximately $600,000.
He also owns a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, a luxury SUV renowned for its elegance and comfort, with an estimated value of $400,000. Weitsman frequently showcases his car collection on social media. Many of his cars are customized with unique paint jobs and interior finishes.
Why was Adam Weitsman in Jail?
Adam Weitsman was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison in 2004 for his involvement in a bank fraud case. The charges stemmed from a check-kiting scheme in the late 1990s, where he deposited checks between accounts without sufficient funds.
This fraudulent activity, which involved over $1 million, led to 86 felony counts of bank fraud. Weitsman served eight months at Otisville Federal Prison in New York before he was released in 2004. Despite the legal setback, he used the experience as a turning point.
After his release, he focused on rebuilding his business and significantly expanded Upstate Shredding Weitsman Recycling into one of the largest privately owned scrap metal recycling companies on the East Coast.
Weitsman has been open about his past. He stated that while it takes only moments to damage a reputation, it can take decades to rebuild it.
Adam Weitsman Net Worth
Adam Weitsman has an estimated net worth of $2 billion as of 2025. His primary source of income comes from Upstate Shredding Weitsman Recycling, one of the largest privately held scrap metal processing companies in the Northeastern U.S., which generates hundreds of millions in annual revenue.
In addition to his recycling business, Weitsman diversified his income through real estate investments and owns several commercial and residential properties in Upstate New York.
He also earns from his hospitality ventures, including high-end restaurants like The Krebs and Elephant and the Dove. He also invests in cryptocurrency and technology, which have significantly boosted his earnings.
Despite his immense wealth, Weitsman is also known for his philanthropy, frequently donating large sums to local charities, hospitals, and community programs, while leading a lavish lifestyle with luxury cars, private jets, and upscale properties
Adam Weitsman Wife
Adam Weitsman is married to Kim Weitsman (Kimberly Ann Tarbox), a former fashion model who later became actively involved in his business ventures. The couple got married in 2006 and have three children together. They reside in Skaneateles, New York.
After leaving her modeling career, Kim took on a key role in managing their hospitality ventures. She helps oversee their restaurants in Skaneateles. She was instrumental in the restoration and reopening of The Krebs, which donates its profits to charity.
In addition to her role in the restaurant business, Kim also assists with the operations of Upstate Shredding Weitsman Recycling. Despite her involvement in the business, she generally maintains a private lifestyle, occasionally appearing alongside Adam at public events and on social media.
Known for their charitable efforts, Adam and Kim frequently donate to local charities, schools, and hospitals. They support various community initiatives throughout Upstate New York.
Adam Weitsman Children
Adam Weitsman and his wife Kim Weitsman have three children together. Their daughters are named Clover Weitsman, Monet Weitsman, and Grey Weitsman. The family resides in Skaneateles, New York, where they are known for their strong family values and active involvement in the community.
Despite Adam high-profile business ventures, he prioritizes spending time with his children and often involves them in his philanthropic efforts to teach them the importance of giving back.
Though the Weitsmans generally prefer to keep their family life private, Adam occasionally shares glimpses of their moments together on social media and reflects their close-knit bond.
Is Adam Weitsman Still Married?
Yes, Adam Weitsman is still married to Kim Weitsman. They have been together since their wedding in June 2006 and share three children. The couple resides in Skaneateles, New York, where they manage their business ventures and actively support philanthropic causes.
Despite their public presence, they maintain a close-knit family life, with Adam occasionally sharing glimpses of their moments on social media.
Adam Weitsman Social Media
Adam Weitsman is active on social media, sharing glimpses of his business ventures, philanthropy, and personal life. On Instagram, he frequently posts about his family, business activities, and interactions with celebrities and athletes.
On X, he shares business insights and candid reflections on entrepreneurship. His Facebook page highlights his charitable initiatives and business updates, while LinkedIn focuses on professional growth and industry insights.
He also has an official website, adamweitsman.com, where he shares more about his business ventures and philanthropic efforts. Through his platforms, Weitsman offers an authentic view of his life.
Conclusion
Adam Weitsman is a successful entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist who transformed Upstate Shredding Weitsman Recycling into one of the largest scrap metal recycling companies in the United States.
Beyond business, he actively supports charitable causes and frequently gives back to Upstate New York through donations and community initiatives, which reflects his strong commitment to philanthropy.
With a passion for innovation, Weitsman continues to explore new industries and expand his hospitality ventures, which reflects his forward-thinking approach and dedication to growth.
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