About Us In 1988, when the laws in Illinois changed diverting landscape waste out of the landfills, composting pioneer Robert "Bob" Gillespie spotted an opportunity. Since little was known in the United States about large scale composting, Bob went over to Europe to learn from the masters (composting has been a part of European culture for generations). After months of intense study, Bob came back to establish the area's first composting facility. About the same time, David "Sid" Gorter was intrigued by what he perceived as a void in the market in terms of composting. It was clear that the new state mandate would create an opportunity for those who could figure out how to establish a large scale composting enterprise. After months of research and countless visits to sites around the country, Sid came to learn that perhaps the foremost authority on the subject lived in his own back yard. This realization sparked a meeting which resulted in months of debate and the sharing of ideas between the two. After countless hours of analysis, Sid decided that while there was much potential, the concept was simply too green (no pun intended) and untested for his tastes and he decided to pursue other ventures. Bob on the other hand, was hooked and plowed full steam ahead, establishing DK Organics. Despite going their separate ways, the new friends kept in touch and talked frequently about the industry. Fast forward to 2002 when Bob approached Sid about expanding the business. As one can well imagine, the composting industry in the United States had come of age and was now a vibrant, growing subset of the waste management world. And Bob's enterprise was no different. He had established and nurtured a fledgling idea into a sophisticated company serving the needs of countless thousand residents in Lake and Cook Counties. Over the previous 15 years much had been learned as universities and private enterprise alike studied the process and perfected the science of composting (while establishing the need/understanding the benefits of adding compost to soils). Needless to say, the success of Bob's business in particular coupled with the maturing of the industry in general, piqued Sid's interest. Within months they were conspiring to grow the business and take it to the next level. In 2004 Sid bought out Bob and to this day continues to follow the traditions and methodology established years earlier. While much has changed, with new equipment and expanded and updated facilities, the fundamental principles have remained the same. So has the company's commitment to producing and selling the finest composts, mulches, soils and blended products available in northern Illinois.
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