_JPG.jpg)
A BIT ABOUT US
Two Brothers.
A Big Idea.
A Growing Movement.
Eco Brothers, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) youth-led nonprofit founded on the belief that young people have the power to create real, lasting change in their communities and around the world.
OUR STORY
It Started With a Simple Observation.
Millions of kids didn't have access to books. Millions of books were ending up in landfills. Chase and Zach Hartman were in Tampa when they put those two facts together and decided to do something about it.
The early version of read.repeat. was pretty scrappy. Books got collected, sorted, and delivered out of their house. Their little brothers helped. Their moms drove. It grew slowly at first, then faster than anyone expected, because when you're doing something that clearly needs to be done, people tend to show up for it.
As the work expanded, so did the scope. Zach started Zach's Planet after getting curious about why recycling only ran once a week while regular trash went twice, and ended up building a whole project around rescuing unwanted items from landfills and giving them new life. Sophie Farnan saw high school students in Hillsborough County unable to afford formal wear for prom and homecoming, and started collecting donated dresses and suits to give away for free. A Youth Council formed, grew, and now has members in 24 countries. That part still surprises them.
"Only 1 in 300 kids in struggling areas owns their own books, and kids with books do better in school. We get excited when students tell us they can't wait to pick out a book of their own."
- Chase Hartman, Co-Founder
OUR DIVISIONS
Every Child Deserves a Book
Access to books shouldn't depend on your zip code. We work to close the literacy gap by getting books directly into the hands of students who need them most, especially in Title 1 schools and underserved communities.
Small Acts, Big Impact
From beach cleanups to butterfly gardens to upcycled pet toys, we believe sustainability starts with local action. We reduce waste, protect ecosystems, and inspire the next generation to care for the planet they'll inherit.
Young People Are Leaders Now
We don't believe in waiting until you're an adult to make a difference. Our Youth Council, mentorship programs, and scholarship initiatives exist to give young people the platform, tools, and recognition they deserve.
OUR MISSION & VALUES
OUR JOURNEY
How We Got Here
2016
Read.Repeat. is born
Chase Hartman and Vance Tomasi launch a book drive project from their garage, setting a goal to collect 100,000 books for kids in need. This original effort focused on upcycling used books.
2017
Zach's Planet Launches
Zach Hartman, at age 7, starts his own environmental project, collecting used stuffed animals and turning them into pet toys to keep waste out of landfills.
2019
Eco Brothers, Inc. is founded
Chase and Zach combine their initiatives into a single 501(c)(3) nonprofit, formalizing their mission and expanding their reach nationwide.
2021
Sophie's Closet joins the family
Sophie Farnan launches a formal wear drive for low-income students in Hillsborough County, partnering with Eco Brothers to scale her impact.
2024
Global Youth Council launches
The Eco Brothers Youth Council officially forms, now reaching over 220 members across 24 U.S. states and 24 countries worldwide.
RECOGNITION
President's Environmental Youth Award
EPA Region 4: awarded to both Chase and Zach for environmental excellence
Lightning Community Hero of Tomorrow
Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation: Chase recognized with a $25K grant for dual language books in Title 1 schools
Prudential Spirit of the Community Award
National Gold Medal winner: Vance Tomasi, Read.Repeat. Co-Founder
National Silver Medal winner: Chase Hartman, Read.Repeat., Co-Founder
Featured on National TV
The Drew Barrymore Show, The Doctors, Fox13, WFLA, CBS10, ABC Action News
Coca-Cola Scholar
Chase Hartman named a 2025 Coca-Cola Scholar, one of 150 students selected nationwide
Congressional Award
EPA Region 4: awarded to both Chase and Zach for environmental excellence