4THBIN Leadership Team
 

John Kirsch
Partner/Co-Founder

John started 4THBIN with another IT expert looking for a solution. John understood the importance of data security and the challenge companies faced with the disposition of their electronics. As the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention, and it is certainly the foundation that 4THBIN is built on.

Prior to 4THBIN John was the Director of Marketing and Business Development for Control Group Inc., a New York City- based enterprise technology and software development firm. In addition, John managed the IT infrastructure for Addison Design’s three offices located in San Francisco, Chicago, and New York. John has also served as Board of Director for Open House New York since 2008 and sits on Public School 8′s Executive Board. For John, a diehard hockey fan, his life’s motto comes as no surprise‚ “You miss 100% of the shots you never take.” For him, this sums up life. You can’t succeed unless you try, and that means putting yourself out there and taking action.

Mina Hatano
Brand and Marketing Strategy/ Dir. of Project Management

Mina has been the creative force behind 4THBIN since its formation. From brand development to its presence in the marketplace, Mina has done it all. With an undergraduate degree in biology from Japan's Women's University, a degree from the Parsons School of Design, and a master's degree in Architecture from Columbia University, Mina has proven that combining art and science is creativity at its best.

With over 30 years of design experience, she has helped numerous companies across diverse markets see the world around them in new ways through her unique and creative designs. Her work has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Educational Interiors Showcase, Ensemble, Interior Design, Metropolis, Columbia Books of Architecture, and JETRO.

Throughout her career, Mina has also mastered the skill of project management. She attributes the key to successful project management to teamwork and creating a shared purpose and mutual commitment. This is a philosophy she models in everything she does and is echoed in her favorite quote by Henry Ford, "Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success."

Olaf Kreitz
Senior Advisor

With more than a decade of experience in the e-waste industry, Olaf has been involved with 4THBIN since 2009. As 4THBIN’s Senior Advisor, Olaf will help guide 4THBIN 4.0 into the next chapter of its evolution. Olaf will focus on technology and strategic development in both the US and Germany.

As a proven serial entrepreneur, Olaf has established several marketing, branding, and software development companies in the US and Germany. His passion for entrepreneurship and innovation directly aligns with his favorite quote by Frank Zappa, “Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.”

Throughout his career, Olaf has acquired expertise in developing and leading multidisciplinary teams. Olaf also has a successful track record in managing digital solutions and growing brands and businesses. After running marketing tech companies in the US and Germany, Olaf assumed Head of Technology and CTO roles in branding agencies in New York and Berlin. More recently, he has been supporting various projects as a freelance digital consultant and a co-founder of an employee happiness and workplace diversity start-up.

Olaf has an MBA from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and speaks German and English. Olaf and his wife Jamie have two young children and currently live in Berlin. When he’s not working, you can find Olaf exploring the city and searching for the best coffee and sushi places.

Jeremy Lechtzin
General Counsel

Jeremy is a passionate and skilled legal advisor with over two decades of experience advising technology, digital media, e-commerce, and software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies. In addition, he has served as the General Counsel and executive team member of The Knot / XO Group, a technology, and media company, as well as outside counsel for two premier New York City law firms, supporting their corporate, commercial, and intellectual property matters, as well as advising on capital raising and M&A transactions.

Jeremy is also an entrepreneur at heart with experience as a founder, launching a start-up to digitize and geo-reference historic urban data sources and co-developed 80s.nyc – the first street-view map of New York City using pre-digital imagery.

Jeremy received his law degree from New York University School of Law and his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, with honors and high distinction, Phi Beta Kappa. His broad knowledge and skills give him a unique perspective and insight, enabling him to offer a blend of legal experience and business strategy to his clients.