A Scrap Life

In this episode of A Scrap Life: Q&A, Brett and Nick are recording for the first time in our brand new podcast studio. They talk about how they've been growing the business beyond just scrap, getting into things like pipe and storage facilities. The guys also share a story about a rim-to-rim hike through the Grand Canyon that seriously pushed their limits, and how doing hard things like that builds confidence for life and business. Tune in to hear how big goals happen one step at a time, and all the little efforts really do add up. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this episode of "The Trade," Brett and Chad discuss the current state of the scrap metal market. They dive into a fragmented and soft market influenced by broader economic factors and trade conditions. The conversation touches on conditions in the steel and copper markets, noting challenges and potential bright spots. They also explore the impact of tariffs and market uncertainty on the industry. Despite the difficulties, the hosts discuss strategies for navigating a down market and finding opportunities to improve efficiency and solve problems. Tune in to get insights into the May trade and whether the market might be nearing a bottom. Produced by Recycled Media.

Brett and Nick discuss building a business by solving big problems, sharing the story of their tire recycling venture. He also explores the challenges of growth and the critical need for finding and training the right people ("peanut butter") to support expansion. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this episode of "The Trade," Brett and Chad discuss the current state of the scrap metal market. They dive into a fragmented and soft market influenced by broader economic factors and trade conditions. The conversation touches on conditions in the steel and copper markets, noting challenges and potential bright spots. They also explore the impact of tariffs and market uncertainty on the industry. Despite the difficulties, the hosts discuss strategies for navigating a down market and finding opportunities to improve efficiency and solve problems. Tune in to get insights into the May trade and whether the market might be nearing a bottom. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this week's Monday Q&A, Nick and Brett discuss different brands of equipment and which ones to choose to be the most efficient. Produced by Recycled Media.

In this second episode of "The Trade," Brett dives deep into the copper market with special guest Aldo Jordan. They break down the current wild volatility and record-high copper spreads. Aldo explains how the COMEX index is increasingly influenced by financial markets rather than just supply and demand from consumers. They discuss the importance of liquidity, quality, and relationships for small to medium-sized scrap businesses navigating this challenging market. Aldo also shares advice on how to approach buying and selling in the current climate and touches on China's changing role in copper consumption.For help and more insights, you can reach Aldo Jordan at themetalsaggency.com.Produced by Recycled Media.

On this week's Monday Q&A, we're diving into the topic of employees. We discuss hiring the right employees, highlighting key ones and the appropriate time to do it, and how to work with ones within the family. Produced by Recycled Media.

In this special episode of the Scrap Life Podcast, Chad Ellerbrook sits down with Brett Ekart and Nick Snyder to dive into their early days in the scrap industry. From funny moments to tough lessons, they share the stories that shaped their journey and built the foundation for their success. Tune in for an honest, entertaining look at what it takes to grow in the world of scrap. Produced by Recycled Media.

It's Monday and Nick and Brett are back with a new segment: Monday Q&A! On this episode the guys answer questions about navigating challenges in times of growth, achieving your goals, and the power of movement. If you have any questions you'd like the guys to answer, send them in to us or just leave them in the comments wherever you see this. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this inaugural episode of "The Trade," a commodities round up focused podcast, the guys discuss the tariffs announced today, the power of persevering through difficult and unprecedented times, and why communication is key. Produced by Recycled Media.

Brett and Chad are back for another Bulls vs Bears to talk about how to navigate market downtrends, understanding the new tariffs, and what the future looks like. Produced by Recycled Media.

In this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett sits down with Cole Berube and Coleman Neill from United Catalyst Corporation (UCC) to talk about the power of family as a support system, why educating and maintaining a strong brand standard matters, and how taking care of employees creates a deeper sense of commitment to the company. It's all about leadership, culture, and building something that lasts. Don't miss it!

Brett and Chad are back for another Bulls vs Bears to discuss the country's reactions to the new tariffs, copper prices and preparing for some down markets. Produced by Recycled Media.

Brett and Chad are back for another Bulls vs Bears to discuss the metals markets in the new year as well as the changing political environment. Produced by Recycled Media.

Brett and Chad are back for another Bulls vs Bears to discuss the metals markets, the optimism seen domestically and the truth about New Year's resolutions. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Colin Douthit of Premier Scrap Services to talk efficiency in business, outsourcing to increase productivity, and the struggles faced with growth. Produced by Recycled Media.

Brett and Chad are back for another Bulls vs Bears to give insights into what to expect with either a Trump or Harris presidency, how domestic mills are doing, and what demand is looking like. Produced by Recycled Media.

Brett and Chad are back for another Bulls vs Bears to give insights into the ever changing metals markets and discuss the upcoming election. Produced by Recycled Media.

Brett and Chad are back for another Bulls vs Bears to give insights into the ever changing metals markets. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Phil Matteson who shares his journey and career in the metals industry. Produced by Recycled Media.

Brett and Chad are back for another Bulls vs Bears to discuss how the markets are looking for the rest of the season while everything seems to be slowing down and what to expect in an election year. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Brandi Harleaux, who has been in the metals industry her entire life. They discuss entrepreneurship, the importance of quality customer service and building a lasting legacy. Produced by Recycled Media.

Brett and Chad are back for another Bulls vs Bears to discuss how the markets are looking for the rest of the season, demand is soft. Tune in to see where the numbers lie. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Aldo Jordan, longtime friend and former business partner, they discussed the importance of believing in yourself as an entrepreneur, the benefit of giving everyone an equal platform to share their success and how his business servicing end consumers helps small to mid sized yards. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Bruce Bacon and Salvatore Lacorte of SAS Forks to discuss what it's like to walk into a business and try to sell a product, how important the relationship building aspect of the metals industry is, and how word of mouth and networking can make or break your business. Produced by Recycled Media.

Brett and Chad are back for another Bulls vs Bears to discuss how the markets are looking going into summer. Produced by Recycled Media.01:46 Dow Jones Industrial Average08:50 Consumer Confidence11:15 Dry Powder13:50 Crude Oil WTI Futures16:08 Steel Lead Times21:04 Inflation Data23:40 US Midwest Domestic HRC24:30 US Steel Imports26:30 Copper29:30 HMS 1&2 (80:20) US - origin CFR Turkey Consumer32:30 Crude Steel Production

On this special episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Nick to discuss and reflect on the things he's learned from hosting A Scrap Life. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by a family of scrappers, John, Matt and Michael Rongey of Louisiana Scrap Metal to discuss equipment, workflow and growth. They also discuss how to find and keep good employees, and the trials and tribulations of growing a family owned business. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Don Sackett of SciAps to discuss the importance of scaling customer service as your business grows, innovative measurement techniques, and the push for emerging global markets in the industry. Produced by Recycled Media.

Brett and Chad are back for another Bulls vs Bears to discuss how the markets are looking in May. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined once again by Alex and Todd from Sahd Metal Recycling, or as they're more widely known, the hosts of Dumpster Talk. The guys talk about how their own podcast has significantly increased their exposure in the industry, and about how important it is to show people outside of the metals industry how much positive change is taking place on a daily basis. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Seth Alter and Adam Rubin from Tungco's sister company, 74 Alloys, to discuss how 74 Alloys was started and why, their own starts in the industry, and the importance of doing whatever it takes to stay ahead of the competition. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this special live edition of A Scrap Life: Generational Courage, Brett is joined on the ISRI 2024 main stage by his dad Rod Ekart and longtime business partner/friend Jay Robinovitz to have an in depth conversation about family businesses. Produced by Recycled Media.

Brett sits down with guest host Jennifer Betts and founder of Greenway Steel Randy Charles to dive deep into the topic of sustainability. They go over the different benefits of sustainability including business efficiency, marketability, and doing the right thing. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Jennifer Betts, CEO of Recycled Media, to promote ISRI, which takes place April 15th - 18h in Las Vegas. Produced by Recycled Media.

Brett and Chad are back for another Bulls vs Bears to discuss how the markets are looking in April. Produced by Recycled Media.

Brett sits down with Any and Mark of K&L to discuss their business. They talk about the company's origins, the different approaches to running a private vs publicly owned business, and their motivation to keep growing. Produced by Recycled Media.

Brett and Chad are back for another Bulls vs Bears to discuss how the markets are looking in March. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Blake Dorsett and John Wright of ShearWorx. They go into detail on how they were introduced to the scrap industry, what sets them apart from potential competition, and why preparation is essential in making their business model work. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Nick Macan of Algoma Steel. Nick tells his story of how he got into the metals industry, the difference between EAFs and BOFs and the history behind Algoma. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this episode of A Scrap Life: Generational Courage, Brett is joined by Nidhi Turakhia of Allied Alloys. Nidhi tells the story of how her family got into the recycling business, discusses the movement of bringing attention to it, and explains why the people in the industry are its biggest draw. Produced by Recycled Media.

Brett and Chad are back for another Bulls VS Bears, tune in to see how the markets are doing! Produced by Recycled Media.

Sydney and Kip speak on their nearly 3 decade career in the tire recycling industry. They get into their story, why politics are so important to tire recycling, and discuss the importance of being stubborn to survive as a tire recycler. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this episode of A Scrap Life: Generational Courage, Brett is joined by John Sacco to discuss his upbringing in the industry, his family and what drives him to succeed, and the work he's put into Repurposed: season one, and the exciting things coming with season two. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Jason Glei, vice president of marketing for ISRI to discuss marketing and the metals industry. Produced by Recycled Media.

It's the first Bulls vs Bears of 2024 and Chad is back with the latest news regarding metals markets and to share some insights for the coming year. Produced by Recycled Media.

On the first episode of A Scrap Life Presents: Generational Courage, a new series focusing on the grit and determination needed to persevere in a family business, Brett is joined by Cliff Nance of Tungco, Inc. to talk about staying humble, his drive to succeed, and how to get along with others. Produced by Recycled Media.

It's the last Bulls vs Bears for 2023 and Chad is back with the latest news regarding metals markets. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by cousins Jay and Jeff from Ruby Recycling to discuss their journey into the industry, the origins of their name, and the drive for success needed to compete in a large market like Detroit. Produced by Recycled Media.

It's another month and Brett is back with the bear himself, Chad Ellerbrock, to share some statistics and insights on what the market is doing and why it is. Tune in to find out how geopolitical events, the UAW strike and the strength of the dollar are affecting pricing. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Matt Fries of Millbridge Metals to talk about his story coming up in the metals recycling industry. Produced by Recycled Media.