Pile of Scrap

Join John Sacco as he discusses the importance of the recycled materials industry, addressing the common misconceptions and the negative imagery associated with the term "scrap." Emphasizing the need for rebranding and using precise language to positively change the industry's public perception. Sacco highlights the unveiling of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries' (ISRI) new name (happening in Las Vegas) at their convention, April 15-19th, as a step towards this goal. Making parallels between the recycled materials industry and other essential but "dirty" industries like agriculture, construction, and healthcare, arguing that these industries are indispensable despite the dirt and hard work involved.

At the Scrap Expo 2023 convention in Louisville, KY, John Sacco brings the podcast to the center stage as he talks with Jay Robinovitz (Alter Trading President & CEO), Danny Rifkin (MetalX President & CEO), George Adams (SA Recycling CEO), and Kevin Gershowitz (Gershow Recycling Vice President). These men emphasize the spirit of business owners in the industry to flourish amidst industry consolidations and how they cultivate talent in large operations. They further touch on growth strategies, the essence of family-run ventures, the potential of AI and robotics, and environmental considerations in the realm of metals recycling. With a blend of stories and insights, highlighting the dynamic nature of the industry, you won't want to miss this episode!

Host John Sacco and ISRI Chairman Brian Henesey discuss the challenges, opportunities, and goals of ISRI and the recycling industry as a whole. Highlighting the importance of recycled materials, the need for advocacy, and the importance of increased member engagement for the betterment of the industry, Brian Henesey's goal is to promote the value of recycling to regulators, policymakers, and the public.

In this eye-opening episode, discover how a simple shift in language can revolutionize perceptions. Join host John Sacco as he engages with communication expert Michael Maslansky, exploring the rebranding of the recycled materials industry. From redefining raw materials to spotlighting its vital role in iconic products, this conversation emphasizes both education and collaboration. Michael's insights guide listeners on embracing recycled materials' value, changing the narrative, and encouraging responsible disposal. With actionable advice, this episode ignites a movement to reshape public understanding and appreciation for the sustainable and essential world of recycled materials.

Host John Sacco sits down with the talented young minds of the ISRI 2023 JASON Learning Project. The winners – Barbie Lin, Ashvin Saini, Yaesung Kim, and Bailey Maltese – delve into their creative processes, motivations, and aspirations behind their designs. Although they're already making huge strides in the world of recycling, we get to be all ears for what the next generation plans for their futures!

We welcome Bill Sulak, the new president of Ferrous Processing and Trading (FPT), onto the podcast! John and Bill discuss Bill's transition into the position and the compatibility between FPT and Cleveland Cliffs, highlighting the value placed on FPT's leadership and industry expertise. Sharing his leadership style and expressing his dedication to the industry, Bill outlines his commitment to developing and implementing a vision that maintains FTP's leadership role and can strategically expand the company's presence.

Bruce Blue, ISRI Lifetime Achievement Award Winner and President of Freedom Metals, Inc., joins the podcast at the 2023 ISRI National Convention to discuss the changes he's witnessed in the recycling industry over the years and the importance of spreading awareness about the industry's societal impact. By delving into a few personal experiences of his, he highlights how each experience has further reinforced his gratitude for life and his dedication to the betterment of ISRI.

Host John Sacco sits down with Michael and Lindy Levell of Lakeside Auto Recyclers at the 2023 National ISRI Convention, where they share their passion for educating others about the importance of the recycling industry. Together, they delve into the importance of reshaping the perception of metals recycling, particularly among younger generations, and fostering enthusiasm for it. The Levells take immense pride in their involvement in an industry that is wholeheartedly dedicated to sustainability, emphasizing the collective effort, hard work, and positive impact of individuals who champion the recycling message.

At the National 2023 ISRI Convention in Nashville, TN, John Sacco invites George Adams' sons, Kurtis, Kalvin, and Tyler on the podcast to delve into their roles as leaders of SA Recycling's many yards and shed light on their commitment to sustainability and innovation within the industry. Emphasizing the importance of finding a balance between work and family while navigating the challenges of running a thriving business, they share their vision for the future, including their plans to expand SA's operations.

At the 2023 ISRI National Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, John Sacco sits with Tom Bird, President of the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), to shed light on the obstacles the recycling industry is facing. While emphasizing the importance of navigating conflicts and trade regulations, Tom discusses the needed support for Ukrainian BIR members affected by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and highlights the importance of promoting recycling to achieve sustainability and address environmental concerns.

With a 125-year history, Alter Trading Corporation recently celebrated their anniversary in New Orleans, Louisiana. As fourth generation to head Alter Trading, Jeff, Rob and Rich Goldstein have managed to maintain a culture reflecting the traits of a small family business despite their growing success as a major corporation. During the celebration, the Goldstein brothers reflected on their upbringing, emphasizing how the company has evolved in maintaining core values that are rooted in honesty, integrity, respect and, most of all, family.

Jennifer Betts, now metal enthusiast, graduated from Indiana University as a major in finance. After stumbling upon the metals recycling industry at a job fair, the rest is history! Now, as a voice of metal recyclers everywhere, Jennifer has taken matters into her own hands to give the industry the recognition it deserves by sharing her experiences and stories on platforms like TikTok, hoping to excite and engage the younger generation about recycling in addition to creating a more diverse workforce within the industry.

Are you still using words like “scrap,” “junk,” or “waste” in your messaging? C'mon, get with the times… It's 2023! For the first episode of the new year, John Sacco sits down to give us some insight into how the recycling industry touches our daily lives. Diving deep into the truths of specific recyclable metals and how they're truly the first step into the manufacturing process, John advises we change our narrative when teaching regulators, policymakers and even children about the industry. After all, it's not about what we say. It's about what they hear.

The recycling industry has always had struggles with finding manual labor workers. But nowadays, as we're living in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, finding those willing to work outside their homes has hit an all-time low. Lizette Patterson, Founder and CEO of Cazador Consulting Group in Bakersfield, CA, joins the podcast with John Sacco to discuss some of the big questions circling the workforce. She tells us that although finding suitable candidates to employ is complex, the struggle also relies on being a good employer. More specific to recycling, Lizette says the pursuit of creating a more attractive image might help the industry in finding more success in the hiring process.

At the ScrapExpo event in Louisville, Kentucky, John Sacco is joined by President and CEO of Alter Trading Jay Robinovitz to discuss all the nuts and bolts of running a facility. The two talk topics across the board such as managing your business's expenses, investing in spare parts, and preparing for environmental concerns later down the road. Jay and John are then joined by United Metals owner Brett Ekart to tell us how he's stepped up to help change the narrative of this industry and the kind of motivation it takes to be successful.

Having over 30 years working with Recycling Today Media Group, Executive President Jim Keefe gives us sharp insight into what it's like working as a content publisher for the recycling industry. At the ISRI Summer Meetings in D.C, John and Jim talk about the enormous evolution in technology that this generation has seen since the original forms of recycling back in the biblical era. Jim also mentions how many recyclers are primarily focused on their own industries rather than the societal obligation they have to the environment, and how that could be detrimental to changing the narrative on how industrial recycling shouldn't be lumped under the same category as waste.

Ready to step up and lead the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), new ISRI Chairman Brian Henesey is prepared to get the ball rolling to change this industry. Brian and John Sacco sit down at the ISRI Summer Meetings in D.C. to discuss what it's going to take to educate our youth and legislators about recycling, enlist community reinforcement, and create an innovative approach to acquire new ISRI members and better serve current ones. Overall, raising the bar and setting new goals for the trade association.

Brothers Joel and Craig Litman of Texas Recycling in Dallas, Texas, join John Sacco to chat about the supply of material made from virgin pulp and recycled fiber and the importance of companies following through with their word on creating more recyclable packaging. Over the years, the brothers have adapted to modern-day business operations but say they keep their late father Stan's "old school business" principles alive. With family businesses being the backbone of the recycling industry, Joel invites his daughter, Hillary, to join the conversation and discuss how they carry on the Texas Recycling legacy.

Mikey and Elliott Foon of Admiral Metals join the podcast with their father, Steven, to talk over some of the hottest topics in the industry right now. As recycling slowly makes its way out from the top-numbered deadliest of industries, the Foon brothers agree that we have nothing to thank other than initiating safety first daily. The Foons also discuss their duties at their yard, the importance of being recycling warriors, and spreading the message of what this industry is all about.

The Adams brothers of SA Recycling joined the podcast to talk about what makes their company tick. With a whopping 125 yards across the nation, it's no surprise these guys know their way around the metal recycling business. As CEO of SA, George Adams is one of the most known faces in the recycling industry today, and his love for expansion has been a significant factor in what keeps the company growing. As Director, Terry Adams, on the other hand, handles much of the legal and environmental responsibilities that keep SA safe and prosperous. While these specific duties help SA flourish, the brothers agree that leadership, positive contribution, and staying proactive are what can overall keep a company in business.

Much has transpired since the last time we sat down with our favorite economist, Jason Schenker. Jason gives us an update on how the world affairs, such as the Russia/Ukraine war and the COVID-19 shut down in China, specifically affect the recycling and metal industries. With price shift and supply as a primary concern, in addition to inflation hitting labor, operational, and equipment costs, Jason tells us what he sees coming in months to come. However, in the grand scheme of things, according to the Federal Reserve Board, the US economy is still predicted to grow strong with the service consumption, fixed investments, and the employment-population ratio at incredibly high rates.

At ISRI's 2022 National Convention, John sits down with Von Fahrenbruch, owner of F&F Iron & Metals in Norton, Kansas. Having known each other for over 20 years through trade shows, John admits Von is the prime example of how to treat people and how to operate a facility. With Kansas as a major producer of agriculture and oil, Von tells us that processing metals from feedlots and farms and the oil and gas industries have considerably impacted his company's growth. However, although that has influenced business, Von says that desire and hard work are the main factors in making a company great.

Stan Silva II and his son Stan Silva III (Little Bud) return to the podcast for a second time at the ISRI 2022 National Convention to talk to us about operations at the A&S Metals facility. Although he says it's not as fun as driving a truck, Little Bud has acquired more presence in the yard and taken over some day-to-day duties. With that said, Stan says he's almost ready to hand over the family business officially. The two discuss how growing up in the industry, taking care of equipment, and keeping good relationships with employees have significantly impacted their growth as a company.

As their father slowly begins to let his sons take over the company, David and Michael Krentzman say they're more than ready to step up to the plate and follow the six generations of Krentzmans before them. The brothers join the podcast to discuss what it's like operating in rural Pennsylvania, the separation of duties they each have, and how they're continuously working to build core strength for their company to "get better every day."

Although growing up in the industry and becoming a multi-generational yard owner is impressive, starting as a first-generation recycling facility deserves a whole new level of appreciation. Brothers John and Nicholas Cohen, owners of NJC Scrap Metal Recycling in Hempstead and Bay Shore, NY, join Pile of Scrap at the 2022 ISRI National Convention to discuss where they see themselves in five years, what it's been like to work with family, and how important it is to hold the value in doing “old school” business.

To recognize the importance that the next generation has on the state of our environment in the years to come, ISRI partners with Jason Learning and invites K-12 students across the nation to participate in The JASON Project to create a video and poster promoting the recycling industry. This year at the 2022 ISRI National Convention, Josephine Tarazzi, Mark Monteleone, Ani Nishanian, and Namira Meghla, the winners of The JASON Project, join Pile of Scrap to discuss the creation of their projects and what their futures look like in the years to come.

During a busy Day 3 of the 2022 ISRI National Convention, President of the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) Tom Bird sits down with John Sacco to share insight on recycling from a global perspective. Tom shares how policymakers in the UK have been working against recyclers much like they have in the US, how the Russia/Ukraine conflict has created division and disrupted material trading, and how the BIR is continuing to make sure needs are met for members despite these challenging times we're experiencing in the industry.

The recycling industry fights many battles day-in and day-out, but ISRI Chairman Gary Champlin says that the COVID-19 pandemic was more of a war than a battle for recyclers everywhere. Having been elected at the peak of shutdown and experiencing two years of sole virtual communication, Gary couldn't be more excited for what's to come at the in-person 2022 ISRI National Convention. Champlin joins the podcast to tell us all about his role in managing the chaos at the start of the pandemic and how ISRI has had major impact in representing the passionate people in this industry.

Back and better than ever, the 2022 National ISRI Convention is, once again, a face-to-face event in Las Vegas, Nevada! As we all prepare for the biggest show in the recycling industry, ISRI President Robin Wiener discusses the victories ISRI has had over the past two years since the COVID-19 pandemic began and doubles down on what needs to change going forward. Although the organization is doing all it can to represent “responsible recycling,” initiate a change in verbiage to create a better narrative and provide resources to members to create a more sustainable and resilient planet, Robin says that ISRI can't do it alone without the help of membership.

With how fast the economy changes, we've invited Jason Schenker, one of the most accurate financial forecasters and futurists in the world, back again for his third time on the podcast. Being so close-knit with the recycling industry, Jason gives us the full rundown on the labor market, what's going on in the metal commodity sector, and issues such as shortages in manufacturing equipment. Jason also discusses some major talking points, such as the global debt and the Russian-Ukraine crisis and how these issues can slow growth for recyclers in 2022.

Looking back at 2021, John Sacco does a solo podcast to address today's most significant issues facing the recycling industry. With the government as our biggest competitor trying to label our commodities as waste and recyclers not making enough noise about it, we've begun to lose our voice. As John says, 2022 is the year we start standing up and advocating more for this industry, doing more for our communities, and educating the public on how the recycling industry operates. New year, new us.

The word “sustainability” has been a buzzword in the recycling industry lately. With many different interpretations of what the term means, Cheryl Coleman, ISRI's Vice President of Sustainability, joins John Sacco on the podcast to clarify some confusion. The two discuss the importance of recycling profitably, how the packaging industry is a critical factor in furthering that push, and how ISRI has created a plan with brands to implement some protocols to execute it. As we sit down with Cheryl, we get some overall insight into what's in store for this industry to keep sustainability intact.

John Sacco goes for a walk with a good friend and ISRI's 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award winner David Borsuk. These two discuss topics across the board, including the negative connotation of the word “scrap,” environmental justice, the responsibility this industry has to our communities, and how legislators don't understand a recycler's role in the supply chain. Even while retired, David's continued involvement in ISRI is due to how vital this industry is to him and the environment as a whole.

As the Co-Chair of ISRI's Membership Committee and the Chair of the Investment Subcommittee, it's clear that Neil Byce has a passion for this trade association. John and Neil meet up for a walk-and-talk episode in Washington, DC, to discuss how ISRI has supported their companies to grow into their success by providing education, networking, and advocacy. The two also touch on how recyclers' motivation and endless opportunities benefit from being a for-profit industry.

John is boots-on-the-ground in Washington, DC for ISRI's Summer Board and Committee Meetings! John meets up with Andrew Lincoln, Vice President of Lincoln Recycling and member of ISRI's Executive Committee, for a walk-and-talk episode. They discuss how ISRI is proactive in growing this industry and the importance of maintaining relationships with lobbyists and government officials, educating and promoting the recycling industry, and keeping the term “environmental justice” at the forefront of our minds.

As we commemorate Memorial Day, we acknowledge the brutal reality that each American service member faces. Jason Geis, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Portrait of a Warrior Gallery - Kern County and a veteran himself, gives John Sacco a heart-wrenching and surreal tour of the gallery to celebrate the twenty-seven men from Kern County who sacrificed their lives in combat post 9/11. By working directly with the men's Gold Star Families, the gallery keeps their memories alive through art and education. It holds their motto true when they say, “Always Remembered, Never Forgotten.”

Experts in recovering resources through recycling since 1994, Balcones Resources leads the charge for a cleaner recycling stream in Austin, Dallas, and Little Rock, Texas. CEO Kerry Getter and Vice President of Strategy, Richie Getter, discuss the multitude of changes needed to create a greener environment, including educating the public, increasing curbside programs, and adequately recycling small-format packaging. As Richie says, there’s a long way to go in North America, but getting a grasp on these significant issues is a tremendous start.

Recycling doesn’t stop at the recycling bin. As recyclers, we know that, but do consumers? After touring Sierra Recycling & Demolition, former NFL quarterback and current ESPN Analyst Mark Sanchez got valuable insight into the recycling industry, the common misconceptions, and steps consumers must take to recycle correctly. Sanchez then discusses the life-altering moments crucial to gaining the confidence he needed to become the sports icon he is today.

As someone who’s spent his entire youth and most of his adult life as an avid surfer, President of Atlantic Packaging Wes Carter has seen the damages that plastic pollution has had on our oceans firsthand. When approached about what the packaging industry is doing about it, a lightbulb finally went off. Since then, Wes is leading the charge in advocating for better ways to clean up landfills and save our oceans’ wildlife, all of which includes getting consumers and packaging manufacturers to join the conversation, get the Elon Musks and the Bill Gates of the world to believe in this initiative, and altogether address the misconceptions of plastic recycling

The service technicians over at Sierra bring a new light to the term, “Young Guns” as they sit with John Sacco to talk all about how this industry has transformed them from “boys to men” seeing as their maturity levels have grown over the years. Ricardo Diaz, Angel Mariscal, and Arturo Madrigal (Jr.) together discuss the common mistakes all the way to the impressive attributes they see at their customers’ yards, the importance of having smart, young and talented individuals in the industry, and their experiences on the job.

Coming as a sigh of relief to many, 2020 is finally over, and it’s time to start gearing up for the year ahead. Looking back on all the experiences we’ve had and memories we’ve made on Pile of Scrap, we can say that we’ve learned a few things that we can carry with us into 2021. To kickstart new beginnings, John goes over the importance of this industry, getting our voices heard and, overall, how critical it is to stay positive moving forward through the year.

Ep. 39: Business Must Continue by Sierra International Machinery

John Sacco joins his brother, Philip Sacco, and nephew, Philip Sacco II, in Wyoming for a special Pile of Scrap episode focusing on the importance of family business and what it’s like growing up at Sierra, all while reminiscing on a few crazy stories.

Working in the scrap industry is a little different than your average day job, and A&S Metals owners Stanley Silva, II (Buddy) and Stanley Silva, III (Buddy Jr.) can attest to that. Taking after generations before them, these guys are the embodiment of what hard work looks like. To discuss the history of the company and the essential aspects of recycling, John Sacco and his nephew, Philip Sacco, travel to Castroville, CA, to catch up with old friends over at A&S.

Unlike your typical Pile of Scrap episode, John Sacco decides to shake things up a bit by putting recycling on hold for a moment and discussing a topic everyone can resonate with: music. While enjoying a couple of steaks and sitting down with singer/songwriter Matthew Shafer, better known as Country music star Uncle Kracker, these guys waste no time in talking about how different music artists and music genres have played such a critical role in Matthew’s career all while including legendary stories involving Hank Jr. and ACDC.

Walking through Sierra’s scrapyard, John Sacco realizes he has a few things he needs to get off his chest. Although touching on topics all across the board, he doubles down how exactly government legislators are silencing those in the recycling industry when it comes to how recycled commodities should be labeled. John says enough is enough! It’s time to speak up and get our message out there: Scrap is not waste.

Surprise! John Sacco packs his bags and heads to Sterling Heights, Michigan to pay his good friend, Mikey Foon, an unexpected visit. As the fourth-generation owner of Admiral Metals, things are a bit different for Mikey than when his great-grandfather owned the place during the horse-and-buggy days. Through mastering social media, putting plans in place for a second location, and learning to cope with the toll COVID-19 has taken, Mikey still expresses his excitement for this business every day.

Initially establishing itself as a small welding and repair shop in 1972, JWR has evolved into a national waste and recycling equipment company offering additional services over the years, such as sandblasting, painting, truck and hoist repair, and container repair. Traveling to Johnson Creek, Wisconsin, John Sacco joins Dave Wolf, Owner of JWR, to talk about the lack of recycling in rural America, how COVID-19 has affected business, and present safety concerns.

Back in Moscow, Idaho, John visits the Beauchamp’s to hear how a Pile of Scrap episode influenced their company, Bulrushed Books. For a business that began its start in repairing old, abused books, Mark and Kristen Beauchamp have since made quite the impact within the recycling industry… All thanks to the insight of Pile of Scrap guest Leonard Zeid, President of Paper Stock Industries. Figuring that books are incredibly tricky to recycle due to their binding, Mark and Kristen developed the idea to debind their books to help maintain a clean recycling stream, which ultimately assisted their company’s growing success.

John Sacco is thrilled to finally log off of Zoom, let loose, and give you the full Pile of Scrap experience after the COVID-19 nationwide shutdown. John travels to Moscow, Idaho, to sit down face-to-face with Jeremy Spencer, West Coast Representative of Atlantic Packaging, to cover everything from how packaging can increase sustainability to how consumers can participate in recycling without negatively affecting the quality and content of their products.

Sierra founder, Ben Sacco, had a vision for his company: to improve the recycling process with better equipment and share that throughout the World. With John and Philip Sacco at the helm, they have been able to fulfill this vision. However, this success wasn’t handed over on a silver platter. Between leading an organized and clean recycling facility to Ben’s philosophy to always “telling the customer the truth,” there’s no surprise that Sierra is a recognized leader in the recycling industry. John and Philip sit down to tell us all about Sierra’s roots and the man behind the legacy.