The principals at KEI are Larry and Matt Kripke. Larry began in the scrap business over 35 years ago at Sherwin Metals with his father, Sherwin and brothers, Harley and Bobby. Larry graduated in 1965 from the University of Michigan Business School and then came back to Toledo to enter the family business. In 1976, Sherwin Metals merged with Tuschman Steel to form Kripke-Tuschman Industries. Larry became head of all non-ferrous operations. In 1983, Kripke-Tuschman completed a sale to Omnisource Corporation. Larry moved up within Omnisource and eventually became head of the Ohio non-ferrous trading group. At different periods in his non-ferrous career, Larry ran a secondary smelter, a copper granulating line, a hedging operation, and numerous other aluminum and copper operations. In 1993, Larry left Omnisource and started his own company Kripke Enterprises, Inc. In 1994, Kripke Enterprises grew to the point where he needed additional help. His wife, Joanie kept the books and Linda Yohe handled the freight movements and logistics. In October of 1994, Larry's oldest son Matt joined the business. Matt graduated from the University of Michigan Business School in 1990. He worked for 5 years in direct sales and opened offices for Vector Marketing in Toledo, London (England), and Pittsburgh. When the opportunity came to join the family business, he left Vector to come home to Toledo. Matt has become very knowledgeable in all aspects of non-ferrous trading, especially aluminum hedging relationships. Since 1994, the company has grown into one of the country's premiere Non-Ferrous brokerages, now employing five additional traders Marvin Finkelstein, Andy Golding, Chad Kripke, Eric Phillips and Todd Engle. We pride ourselves on running an efficient, honest business. This is only possible due to the high caliber of people that we have in our office.

We are active members of Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). Matt Kripke has served in various roles with ISRI since 2008 including a seat on the national board, President of the Northern Ohio Chapter and has chaired various committees with the national board. Marvin Finkelstein represents Kripke in ISRI and is currently serving as Treasurer of the Southeast Chapter. Andy Golding also represents Kripke in ISRI and is currently serving on the board for the Northern Ohio Chapter.