2024 Shred School Curriculum

Join us in Chicago, October 23 & 24 for two full workshop days of learning, networking, and professional development.

We are releasing our newest album during Shred School 2024! Discover the latest tracks you can expect during this year’s workshop:


Day 1 – Side A

8:00 - 8:30 am: Check-In and Registration

Check-in with i-SIGMA at The Drake Hotel to get settled in for two great days of Shred School! Find a spot, grab your notebook, and be ready to learn!

8:30 - 9:00 am: Welcome to Shred School 2024

Welcome to Shred School 2024! Hear from i-SIGMA CEO, Nate Campbell, as he covers what you can expect from the next two days.

9:00 - 9:45 am: For Those About to Shred, We Salute You - Sales

Presented by: Ray Barry, Shred America

Kicking off with a tradition since 2003, we will present the top 10 mistakes in shredding and how to avoid them.

9:45 - 10:00 am: Break

10:00 - 11:00 am: Winning - Sales

Presented by: Ray Barry, Shred America
Sponsored By: Allegheny Shredders

What are the behaviors and processes that winning sales professionals possess? In this session, we discuss 3 real-life examples of getting meetings with decision makers, controlling the sales process, actual communications, and winning at a higher price than the competition.

11:00 - 12:00 pm: Eye of the Tiger - Sales

Presented by: Ray Barry, Shred America
Sponsored By: Alpine Shredders

Participants will then break into groups and devise a strategy to get in the door of a top 10 prospect , develop a sales plan, how they plan to control the process, and share with the class

12:00 - 1:00 pm: Lunch: Provided

Sponsored By: Bins4 Shredding

Take a break from learning to enjoy lunch, provided to attendees.

1:00 - 2:00 pm: The Safety Dance - Safety

Presented by: Industry Panel
Moderated by: Jennie Gift, CSDS, i-SIGMA
Sponsored By: BMO

Shred Truck Safety: Ensuring Security and Operational Excellence: Ensure Your Organization’s Success with Essential Safety Practices

Join us for an insightful session featuring the industry’s four Shred Truck OEMs. We will delve into critical safety, security, and operational best practices for shred & collection trucks. Learn how to protect your workers, safeguard your business, ensure pedestrian safety, and maintain the privacy of your customers’ data. This session is essential for anyone looking to enhance their organization’s safety protocols and operational efficiency.

2:00 - 2:45 pm: Life in the Fast Lane - Marketing

Presented by: Industry Panel
Moderated by: i-SIGMA
Sponsored by: CSR Privacy Solutions, Inc.

Marketing, SEO, and Lead Generation

2:45 - 3:00 pm: Break

Sponsored by: Infiniti HR

3:00 - 4:00 pm: A Matter of Trust, Part One - Sales

Presented by: Ray Barry, Shred America
Sponsored by: Jake, Connor and Crew

In this session we will discuss the most effective ways to build trust and keep it with your prospects and clients. We will discuss strategies to avoid “sales triggers” from your prospects and take away the pressure from the buying process. Participants will learn how to manage expectations and outcomes in a collaborative sales environment and maybe do a little role play.
Part 1-Presentation format with takeaways.
Part 2-Breakout groups on mitigating objections and role play in class

4:00 - 4:45 pm: A Matter of Trust, Part Two - Sales

Presented by: Ray Barry, Shred America
Sponsored by: KEITH

In this session we will discuss the most effective ways to build trust and keep it with your prospects and clients. We will discuss strategies to avoid “sales triggers” from your prospects and take away the pressure from the buying process. Participants will learn how to manage expectations and outcomes in a collaborative sales environment and maybe do a little role play.
Part 1-Presentation format with takeaways.
Part 2-Breakout groups on mitigating objections and role play in class

4:45 - 5:00 pm: Break

Sponsored by: Netgain

5:00 - 6:00 pm: Have a Drink on Me - Networking

Moderated by: i-SIGMA
Sponsored by: All Shred School Sponsors

Amplify Your Connections in a Fun, Fast-Paced Environment : Get ready to rock your networking game in our Speed Networking session, This event is designed to maximize your connections and help you build meaningful relationships with peers and industry leaders in a lively, engaging setting.

6:00: Dinner: Provided

End the day with dinner, provided to all attendees

Day 2 – Side B

8:00 - 8:30 am: Morning Recap and Day 1 Reflections

Start the second day with renewed energy and a clear focus on the day’s objectives. This session will include reflections, an overview of day two agenda, and housekeeping items.

8:30 - 9:15 am: Another Brick in the Wall - Sales

Presented by: Ray Barry, Shred America
Sponsored by: O’Neil

In this hands-on session, participants will design and develop their own robust account management program and scorecard, creating a truly resilient “Brick Wall” strategy.

What You’ll Achieve:
Custom Program Design: Learn the key elements of a successful account management program and tailor one to fit your specific needs.
Scorecard Development: Create a detailed scorecard to track performance, ensure accountability, and drive continuous improvement.
Collaborative Learning: Engage in group discussions and activities to share insights and refine your approach.
Actionable Outcomes: Leave with a fully developed plan that you can implement immediately to strengthen client relationships and enhance your business’s stability.

9:15 - 9:30 am: Break

Sponsored by: ShredFast / ShredSupply

9:30 - 10:30 am: Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2 - Sales

Presented by: Ray Barry, Shred America
Sponsored by: ShredMetrics

Build a solid foundation for your client relations with a strategy that’s built to last.

10:30 - 11:00 am: Hip to Be Square - Operations

Presented by: Nate Campbell, i-SIGMA
Sponsored By: Shred Nations

Attendees will analyze how tracking and optimizing KPIs can lead to improved operational efficiency, financial outcomes, and profitability.

11:00 - 12:00 pm: You Get What You Give - HR

Presented by: Eva DuPont and Matt Gutierrez, Infiniti HR
Sponsored by: Shred-Tech

Attracting Valuable Employees and Best Hiring Practices: Today’s competitive job market, it is crucial to implement effective strategies to attract and retain top talent. This session will cover various methods and best practices to help your organization stand out and secure the best candidates. Learning how to build a strong company culture, effective recruiting strategies, creating inclusive job ads, streamlining the hiring process, and fostering employee engagement and retention can help attract and retain talent!

12:00 - 1:00 pm: Lunch: Provided

Sponsored by: TransLease, Inc.

Take a break from learning to enjoy lunch, provided to attendees.

1:00 - 2:00 pm: Bust a Move - ITAD

Presented by: Luke Westerman, Big Bear Shredding
Sponsored by: Vecoplan

Understanding ITAD: Gain insights into the fundamentals of ITAD, including what it entails, its importance, and the value it can bring to your business.What is it? How it’s different, What you need to know to get into it, current trends, and What’s the future?

2:00 - 2:15 pm: Break

2:15 - 3:00 pm: With a Little Help From my Friends - i-SIGMA Resources

Presented by Jennie Gift – Membership and W. Price Brannon Certification Director

i-SIGMA Support and Certification (NAID AAA and PRISM Privacy +)

3:00 - 3:30 pm: Closing Time

Presented by: Ray Barry, Shred America

Reflect on lessons learned the past two days and create an action plan to implement these ideas in your everyday business.

4:00 - 6:30 pm: CSDS Test

Location: French Room

Take the CSDS test to earn your credentials and show your industry professionalism! i-SIGMA has recently rolled out a new rendition of the CSDS test, that is now free of essays!