Steve Figgatt, the founder and CEO of West Grove-based Sycamore International and a member of the inaugural class of VISTA Millennial Superstars, will be the keynote speaker at the VISTA NextGen Superstars Awards Reception & Celebration on Thursday, May 8 at Penn State Great Valley.
Like Figgatt, past Superstars have gone on to launch successful startups, lead philanthropic efforts, and bring innovative ideas to life, making Chester County a hub of creativity and progress. Figgatt’s story of turning a small idea into a thriving enterprise with a global footprint exemplifies the potential of the VISTA NextGen Superstars and their capacity to shape the world for the better.
The West Chester native and 2004 graduate of Henderson High School founded Sycamore International in 2011 with a mission to create a more sustainable future by addressing the growing problem of electronic waste. The company’s unique model focuses on securely refurbishing and repurposing electronics from schools, businesses, and organizations, ensuring that valuable resources are reused instead of discarded.
This marks the sixth year that VISTA Today has been identifying and honoring Chester County’s most dynamic business and professional leaders, under the age of 40, who are shaping the county’s bright future. VISTA Today recently rebranded the program formerly known as VISTA Millennial Superstars to VISTA NextGen Superstars in an effort to acknowledge an evolving generational landscape.
Figgatt, who started Sycamore International in a basement and built it into a dynamic company that employs 70 people today, was recognized in the first class of Superstars and said he’s looking forward to addressing the next group of honorees.
“What I like most about what is now VISTA NextGen Superstars is how it connects a lot of young people who are doing great things in their industries,” he said. “The networking side of it has tremendous value. I still connect with people I met at the reception, and we often get lunch and exchange ideas or messages on LinkedIn. It’s just cool to see all the different things that young people are doing to change things in the region.”
Figgatt, for his part, has become a trailblazer in the electronic recycling industry. Sycamore International operates at the intersection of sustainability and technology, providing eco-friendly solutions for electronic waste management. Under Figgatt’s leadership, the company has not only kept thousands of tons of e-waste out of landfills but has also developed a microgrid to power its facility using renewable energy, reducing its environmental footprint and setting a new standard for corporate responsibility.
In his keynote speech, he will encourage the 2025 VISTA NextGen Superstars to explore their passions.
“Think critically and always be curious,” said Figgatt, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Ithaca College. “You’ll be surprised at the opportunities that come at you sideways if you pursue your passions. People are out there doing cool stuff. If you have a great idea, lean into it. This region is great for entrepreneurship. You don’t have to go to San Francisco to start a company.”
This year’s class of VISTA NextGen Superstars will be announced the week of Feb. 17, and their profiles will be featured on VISTA Today beginning March 10.
A portion of the proceeds from the Awards Reception & Celebration will benefit The Arc of Chester County, a nonprofit that promotes and protects the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Sponsors are being sought for the event. Learn more about the various opportunities available to partner with VISTA Today as it honors Chester County’s next generation of leaders.
