Jeff Dencek sure has seen a lot of garbage since his college days, and now thanks to his booming business, there’s going to be plenty more in his future. You also could say he’s someone dumpster divers deplore.

As vice president of Shark Shredding, headquartered in Crestwood, Jeff oversees the destruction of professional documents from businesses all over the area. He says his business is thriving mainly because people are becoming more aware of the importance of destroying documents that contain personal information. “One of my biggest competitors is the personal shredder,” says Jeff, who went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago.

One of his most recent jobs brought him back to the halls of Moraine Valley. “I walked in to the college and saw Justin Synnestvedt teaching a class. That man was my philosophy professor; he was actually my favorite teacher. Seeing him brought me back 20 years,” Jeff said, reminiscing about the days he was a student on this campus. “I know a lot of people go to a four-year school first, but it was the best thing for me to go to Moraine Valley first. It allowed me to work and go to school, and save money for Loyola. Plus, I had a great time.”