A Scrap Life: Recent Episodes
Recycled Media
In this July edition of The Trade, Brett and Chad discuss the sluggish July 2026 ferrous trade and historically low steel inventory levels. This episode explores how tariffs and domestic demand are keeping the U.S. market bullish even as the rest of the world faces economic weakness. Produced by Recycled Media.
In this June edition of The Trade, Brett and Chad analyze the June 2026 ferrous market "standoff," focusing on the balance between strong domestic mill demand and a cooling export market. They explore how infrastructure projects like data centers are driving scrap usage and discuss why most experts predict a "sideways" market for the month ahead. Produced by Recycled Media.
In this May copper episode of The Trade, hosts Brett and Aldo discussing how financial speculation and AI-driven demand are currently fueling a volatile copper market despite rising physical inventories. They offer strategic risk-management advice for scrap yard operators, emphasizing the importance of sticking to fundamentals while navigating the disconnect between paper trading and physical supply.
Produced by Recycled Media.
In this May ferrous episode of The Trade, hosts Brett and Chad analyze the bullish scrap metal market, highlighting record-high copper prices and steady steel demand fueled by the "AI boom" and domestic infrastructure projects. They also discuss the operational challenges of rising fuel costs and inflation while emphasizing the importance of staying disciplined and reinvesting in industrial equipment.
Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by John Sacco to engage in a debate over whether their industry should identify as the "scrap" trade or the "recycled materials" industry. The conversation explores whether "scrap" represents a badge of honor and value identifier, or if "recycled materials" is a necessary narrative adjustment to overcome negative perceptions and avoid restrictive government regulations. Produced by Recycled Media.
In this April edition of "The Trade," hosts Brett and Chad discuss the current state of the scrap metal market, specifically examining how the Iranian war has shifted export demand toward Turkey. They further evaluate domestic market health by analyzing steel mill utilization rates, seasonal scrap flows, and the impact of rising freight costs on April pricing.
Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of The Trade - A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Aldo Jordan to discuss he factors driving the March 2026 copper market, including China's economic slowdown, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and the impact of the strong US dollar. Aldo ultimately advises a "buy, sell, and forget it" approach for scrap handlers due to the lack of clear price support above the $6 mark. Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of The Trade - A Scrap Life, Brett and Chad are joined by Atilla Widnell of Navigate Commodities, who explains how satellite technology and thermal imagery provide real-time insights into global steel mill utilization and ferris scrap demand. The discussion also covers the impact of international conflicts on market sentiment, inflation trends in the U.S. and Turkey, and China's significant role in global scrap generation. Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of The Trade - A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Mike Anderson, VP of Materials Trading at Schupan & Sons, to analyze the current state of the aluminum market, focusing on how Section 232 tariffs and record-high Midwest premiums are impacting domestic scrap pricing and international trade flows. The discussion also explores the future of the industry, highlighting the impact of potential interest rate changes and the role of advanced separation technologies in upgrading scrap value. Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of The Trade - A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Aldo Jordan to discuss the unprecedented volatility in the copper market and how financial speculation is increasingly decoupling prices from physical supply and demand. This episode provides expert insights into shifting Chinese consumption while offering essential advice for scrap business owners on managing insurance, credit lines, and operational risks. Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of The Trade - A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Chad to analyze the February 2026 scrap metal market, highlighting copper as a potential "trade of the year" and discussing how small businesses can navigate current market volatility. This episode explores the impact of macroeconomic trends, such as GDP growth and energy costs, on ferrous and non-ferrous positioning to help operators maximize their margins.
Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of The Trade - A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Aldo Jordan to dive into the 2026 copper market, exploring why prices have surged toward $6.00 due to heavy financial speculation rather than supply-side fundamentals,,,. They provide critical insights for scrap operators on managing massive cash flow demands, navigating widening spreads, and the importance of rapid inventory turnover during periods of extreme market volatility.
Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of The Trade - A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Chad to kick off January 2026 by analyzing the current state of the scrap metal industry and reflecting on the "muddle along" performance of 2025,. The duo discusses market trends for ferrous and non-ferrous metals, exploring how macro factors like AI, oil price volatility, and steel demand may shape what they hope will become the "year of the commodity". Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of The Trade - A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Mike Anderson, VP of Materials Trading at Schupan & Sons, to analyze the aluminum market. The episode covers how recent tariffs have dramatically increased the Midwest Premium, leading to historically wide scrap spreads and an influx of supply. They stress that sorting and quality are crucial for scrap traders to maximize value by providing material that can substitute for expensive prime aluminum. The conversation concludes by discussing market uncertainties and the impact of monitoring geopolitical risks. Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of The Trade - A Scrap Life, the guys analyze why iron prices fluctuate, covering the current slow scrap flow and steel mill inventory tactics, while debating a bullish outlook for 2026 fueled by infrastructure projects and anticipated demand for ferrous and non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminum. They also discuss how winter weather slows scrap flow and why steel mills intentionally manage inventory to boost cash conversion, leading to discussions on capacity utilization and import trends. Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Gaby Olson of Redwood Materials, focusing on the scrap metal industry. The conversation details Gabby's extensive career path, from her start in cosmetics and banking to her experiences buying and trading scrap, and eventually pivoting to the innovative field of EV and lithium-ion battery recycling. Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Ian Laffey of Zato North America to discuss the strategic necessity of specialized equipment like dual shaft shredders for bridging processing gaps, navigating market volatility, and finding a profitable niche for growth. Produced by Recycled Media.
The fourth annual Scrap Expo in Louisville, KY concluded on September 17th, 2025. "Maximize Growth, Control Costs and Capitalize on Opportunities", was a session on September 17th that featured Brett Ekart, CEO of United Metals Recycling, as moderator, along with panelists Brian Ferguson, CFO of United Metals, Blake Dorsett, president of ShearWorx, and Aldo Jordan, president of The Metals Agency. They discussed strategies for maximizing growth and controlling costs in the metal recycling sector, emphasized the strategic use of third-party services for operational flexibility, specialized processing, and expanded market access. Key strategies also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology (like AI) for back-end efficiency, maintaining tight communication between operational and financial teams, and building a strong balance sheet to enable capitalizing on growth opportunities during market downturns. Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of The Trade - A Scrap Life, Brett and Chad analyze the "odd" and "sideways" ferrous scrap market in September, noting mill cancellation notices and fluctuating prices, while also discussing macroeconomic factors like interest rates. The guys offer strategic advice for small scrap yard owners, emphasizing strong cash flow management, timely investments, and pursuing growth opportunities during challenging markets. Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Chris Dethmers and his son Austin from Louisburg Recycling. They discuss running their family-owned scrap metal business, highlighting the importance of customer service, effective cash flow management, and strategic growth within the industry, as well as the value of mentorship and a strong work ethic.
Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Jim Keefe from Recycling Today to discuss Scrap Expo 2025. This year marks the fourth annual Scrap Expo, which is scheduled for September 16 and 17 in Louisville, Kentucky. Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Levi Morse, a professional with a strong background in the scrap metal industry, including the unique experience of shredding a Lamborghini for @MrBeast . They discuss his journey in a family scrap business, its sale, and his current deliberate approach to building his own scrapyard, highlighting lessons learned about work-life balance and family dynamics in the industry. Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of A Scrap Life - The Trade, Nick and Brett are joined by Aldo Jordan, who drove from California to discuss the recent volatility in the copper trade. They delve into the dynamics of copper prices, the impact of tariffs, and how small and medium-sized businesses can strategically navigate and grow within the challenging scrap metal industry.
Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Nick, Brett and Chad delve into the current state of the scrap metal industry, dissecting pressing issues. The discussion covers macroeconomic trends, including the impact of high interest rates on demand and the disconnect between a strong stock market fueled by AI expectations and a struggling industrial sector. It also explores the volatility of raw material markets, highlighting how tariffs and global economic conditions affect prices for steel, copper, and aluminum, alongside the outlook for steel and scrap sectors amidst these challenges. Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Nick, Brett and Aldo discuss critical shifts happening in the copper market for scrap recyclers and dealers. The main focus is a significant transition: the industry is moving away from the traditional Comex pricing index to the London Metal Exchange (LME) for copper. This change is occurring because Comex increasingly does not reflect physical trading, with most of its contracts traded by financial institutions rather than physical traders. In contrast, the LME more accurately represents actual physical copper trade globally. Produced by Recycled Media.
On this post-July 4th episode of A Scrap Life, Nick, Brett and Chad analyze the market impact of the "Big Beautiful Bill" on business infrastructure, taxes, and the future of ferrous scrap. The guys discuss the relationship between interest rates and inflation, how tariffs affect domestic manufacturing, and the generally bullish outlook for steel and asset values. Discover insights into ferrous and non-ferrous market trends, including aluminum's recent price increase due to lack of supply and why investing now might be the smartest move.
Produced by Recycled Media.
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! 🎙️♻️ Produced by Recycled Media.
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 Average
08:50 Consumer Confidence
11:15 Dry Powder
13:50 Crude Oil WTI Futures
16:08 Steel Lead Times
21:04 Inflation Data
23:40 US Midwest Domestic HRC
24:30 US Steel Imports
26:30 Copper
29:30 HMS 1&2 (80:20) US - origin CFR Turkey Consumer
32:30 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.
On this special episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Stephen and Todd from DLA Disposition Services to discuss what they actually do and the interesting world of military scrap. Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is a guest on the "Born Scrappy" podcast hosted by Stuart Kagen, to discuss the importance of marketing, having a good team dynamic and the entrepreneurial spirit. Produced by Recycled Media.
It's another Bulls vs Bears and Brett and Chad are back to discuss the markets. 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 special episode of A Scrap Life, Brett gives a speech at Scrap Expo on growing your business and the value of good people, time and consistency. Brett is joined by Jake Bronstein who shares his journey as well. Tune in to catch this inspirational speech. Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of A Scrap Life Brett is joined by Mario Jurcic from Secure Recycling and they talk more than just scrap. Tune in to hear about Mario's start and experiences in the industry. Produced by Recycled Media.
It's that time of the month again and Brett and Chad are here to discuss what September could bring, including tons of outages and how the UAW strike is affecting the markets. Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett sits down with Chad Ellerbrock and Jennifer Betts to discuss the latest in steel mill consolidation. Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Chad is back with a market recap and to share some charts and statistics and the guys make predictions for scrap markets in August. Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett has Jim Keefe, publisher of Recycling Today, on the show to discuss the upcoming Scrap Expo 2023, how they plan to build off last year's show and the value it provides for small to medium yards. Scrap Expo will take place in Louisville, Kentucky, September 12th-13th. For more information visit Recyling Today's dedicated page: https://www.scrapexpo.net
Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Chad is back with a market recap and to share some charts and statistics and the guys make predictions for scrap markets in July. Tune in to hear why China's steel mills are running at such high capacity, why nickel is getting crushed, and more. Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Matt Venuto of CRC Scrap Metal Recycling to talk about the terminology of scrap vs recycling, the value of customer service and networking in the industry.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Chad is back with a market recap and to share some charts and statistics and the guys make predictions for scrap markets in June.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett's a special guest on the podcast Dirty Scrap, hosted by Julio Quintero.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett's down in Nashville for ISRI's spring meeting. In this podcast he sits down with David Palvere to discuss his start in the industry and the evolution of Genesis Attachments.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Chad is back with a market recap and to share some charts and statistics and the guys make predictions for scrap in May.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett's down in Nashville for ISRI's spring meeting. In this podcast he sits down with Mikey Foon of Admiral Metals to talk about his experience working in a family business, his passion for getting the younger generations involved in the industry and what it's like to operate in a market such as Detroit.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett's down in Nashville for ISRI's spring meeting. In this podcast he sits down with Matan Rosenberg of Northern Ohio Scrap Service to discuss his upbringing in the industry, working with family and alternative paths to success that don't necessarily include college.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett chats with Bob Emery of Metals Recycling Magazine about his start in the industry and how Metals Recycling Magazine came to be in the first place.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett sits down with Keny Daniele of Prestige Scrap & Metal to discuss his start in the industry and what sets him apart from competitors.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Chad is back to share some charts and statistics and the guys make predictions for scrap in April.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Chad is back to share some charts and statistics and the guys make predictions for the coming month.
When you find smart people, you keep asking them to come back and spread their knowledge. Matt Watson is one of those guys and he drops in again to discuss current PGM markets along with green movement and what it really is going to take to get everything to electrified.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Dennis Laviage of C&D Metals to talk about the industry, how his company came to be, and influencer marketing.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Nick and Brett answer a few of the questions sent in by viewers. If you have a question you want the guys to answer send it to (208) 487-4311
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett and Chad share their predictions for February scrap metal pricing.
It's week 3 of the playoffs and Nick and Brett are back for Football Friday, tune into see their picks for this round! Use our pick sheet to follow along: https://umrecycling.com/instagram-landing/ Also in this episode, the guys answer some questions sent in by viewers. If you have any industry related questions send them to (208) 487-4311
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett and Chad share their predictions for 2023 and even some for 2024 regarding the markets and factors that impact them.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Tom Parker of All American Tire Recyclers to discuss tire recycling and how his business was born.
On the last episode of Bulls vs. Bears for 2022, Brett and Chad discuss what's driving pricing globally and domestically as well as what to expect in 2023.
On the November edition of Bulls vs Bears, Brett and Chad sit down to discuss what's driving pricing nationally and globally, what current events could contribute to it and what to expect in November.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett sits down to talk with John Gross from The Copper Journal about historical copper pricing and the different bull and bear market cycles.
On the October edition of Bulls vs Bears, Brett and Chad sit down to discuss what's driving pricing globally.
Brett is at Scrap Expo in Louisville, KY doing live podcasts from the booth with people working in the industry every single day. On this episode he sits down with Isaiah Budesheim, Alex Vazquez and Todd Kauffman of Sahd Metals Recycling to talk about the younger generation of recyclers and what they look forward to as the industry advances.
Brett is at Scrap Expo in Louisville, KY doing live podcasts from the booth with people working in the industry every single day. On this episode he sits down with Sean Davidson from Davis Index to talk about innovation in the industry and what he and Davidson are both looking forward to in their respective ventures.
Brett is at Scrap Expo in Louisville, KY doing live podcasts from the booth with people working in the industry every single day. On this episode he interviews Drake Hougo of ReMatter to find out exactly what ReMatter offers and why it was developed in the first place.
Brett is at Scrap Expo in Louisville, KY doing live podcasts from the booth with people working in the industry every single day. On this episode he interviews Justin Trentadue of UpTime PM to hear more about how and why the need for UpTime was even discovered as well as Trentadue's start in the industry.
On the first 'A Scrap Life' of September, Brett and Chad are back to discuss domestic and global markets and pricing.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett sits down with the CEO and President of Sennebogen to discuss the company's roots and how they've progressed over the years.
Brett and Chad are back to discuss the market movements from the past month, tune in to find out if it's been more bullish or bearish.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Chad Ellerbrock is back for another round of Bulls vs Bears. Tune in to see who's coming out on top this month!
In this special anniversary episode, Brett sits down to discuss the history of United Metals with two of the men who made it what it is today.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is a guest on the IC-DISC Show, hosted by David Spray, founder of Export Advisors. They discuss different business practices and what those look like specifically in the scrap metal industry.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Chad Ellerbrock is back for another round of Bulls vs Bears. Tune in to see who's coming out on top this month!
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett sits down with the founder and CEO of Vortex De-Pollution to talk about logistics of the metal markets and inside details on September's Scrap Expo in Louisville, KY.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Chad is back to present his case for a bearish market. The guys also discuss how pricing was looking as April wrapped up and what May is shaping up to look like so far.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, host Brett Ekart, interviews guest Jim Keefe from Recycling Today about the scrap expo he is organizing and just about the industry in general.
On this episode of Scrap Life, Brett and Chad meet up again for Bulls vs Bears, or as some may say this month, Bulls vs Neutrals. The guys discuss ISRI, the markets and NFTs.
It’s not easy to get from Idaho to NewYork… there are no direct flights… but
Sometimes you have to travel a little bit to catch up to people worth talking to… Brett sits down with Adam Weitsman the owner of Upstate Shredding and discusses everything from 3rd generation scrap biz to life and Crypto mining. Enjoy!
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is back with Chad Ellerbrock for another special episode of Bears vs Bulls. The guys discuss how things went in February and how March is shaping up to look like.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett interviews Jacob Bronstein of Merrillville Recycling in Indiana. Bronstein shares how he got started in the scrap industry and gives advice to any newcomers looking to start their own scrap recycling business.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is back with Chad Ellerbrock for another special episode of Bears vs Bulls. The guys discuss how logistics is affecting the market and slowing everything down, and how the scrap market differs region by region.
Chad's website: https://www.bestscrapever.com
On this episode of A Scrap Life Brett and Chad debate their cases for a bullish market or a bearish market, respectively, and share their projections for 2022.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett talks with Matt Watson, founder and president of Precious Metals Commodity Management, LLC about how solar is affecting different metals markets, the push for greener mining techniques and the importance of recycling metals already extracted from the ground.
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett and Chad discuss how the previous year has impacted not only the scrap industry, but also steel manufacturers. They also share their predictions for the next year and talk about the decoupling of scrap from hot roll coal.
Brett sits down with John Betz of Argus Media as they discuss his company's effect on the Scrap Metal industry.
Brett gives some sage advice using stories from his past - straight from the cab of his own truck.
In this episode, Brett and Chris sit down together again and discuss what really makes a person Scrappy.
In this episode Brett meets with Jay Milligan of Converter Reclaim to discuss the importance of catalytic converters to the scrap metal market, and discuss team's upcoming SEMA show!
In this episode, Brett has special guest Chad Ellebrock on to debate different Metal Market approaches.
In this episode, Chris Yerbey talks with Brett about Tradefox and it's effect in the Scrapping world.
In this episode of A Scrap Life, Nick and Brett get a chance to sit down with their good friend Darren Doane.
Brett gets a chance to sit down and talk with Jim Keefe, a publisher at Recycling Today.
In this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett gets a chance to sit down and talk with Jennifer Sherman Betts.
I love my job for a lot of reasons, but one of the main reasons is I get to work everyday with most of my best friends. We get to hustle together, grind together, and just enjoy work and life together. Nick Snyder is one of those guys, and a guy that I have the upmost respect for! A true hustler that is probably the most optimistic guy I know. Willing to take on any task or crazy project that we can scheme up together, Nick is one of us… a true Scrapper… I hope you enjoy the podcast!
It's no secret I've bought a few pieces of Sierra equipment over the years. So, when Phil Sacco came into town the other day, we had an opportunity to sit down and talk scrap, talk equipment, and more importantly, family business. Both of us are third generation family business guys, who love the scrap industry, and become friends over the years. I really enjoyed this podcast, and I hope you guys do as well.
When I started doing this podcast a year ago, I knew it'd give me an opportunity to meet great people in our industry. Chris Proler of PH Group down in Texas is one of those guys. We got personal, we discussed scrap, and shared some great family business stories. Good times, and I hope you enjoy this podcast.
I'm always on the hunt for knowledgable scrap people. I was lucky enough to get introduced to Nathan Fruchter of Idoru Trading. We operate in very different arenas of the scrap industry, but I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the history of the export scrap industry here in the U.S. Nathan is a scrap guy through and through, and I have a feeling you'll enjoy this podcast!
Technology is crazy! I finally got my buddy Danny Jones, the CEO of EG Metals, to carve out some time for a podcast, while he was in Dubai of all places. We've done a lot of business over the years, and I always enjoy talking to this guy about life, our history, and why we both love the scrap industry. Enjoy!
Check out the video episode here on our YouTube: https://youtu.be/6Qq-PcxsKxA
I had heard about Sean Davidson through the grapevine and I became more and more curious about his scrap pricing index as I began to dig for more accurate information. In the process, I got to meet Sean and realized his passion for the scrap industry was genuine, so I asked him to sit down and tell me the story on this podcast of the Davis Index.
Check out this video episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/kqfC12uhTQU
The POWER of social media is real, without LinkedIn we would have never met with Eddie Orensten from Alliance Steel. Eddie knows his way around a scrapyard and was able to share some knowledge with us. Check it out
You don’t need a college degree to be successful in life... but you do have to be willing to bust your ass, and Berry Prescott is the king of busting ass. From truck driver, to dispatcher, to head of our maintenance department company-wide... to say Berry knows his stuff is an understatement. Check out this podcast with my brother from another mother, and an all-around great guy: Berry Prescott!
If you are going to design a new form education in the scrap industry you better have a strong foundation with a ton of real world experience. My buddy Brad Rudover, one of the owners of Detroit Scrap has just that, along with a cool new idea on how to engage and teach more individuals about the nuances of the scrap metal recycling industry and the products we handle every day. Listen to Brad and I discuss our personal history, how far we have come as an industry, and why we love SCRAP so much!
In this special 9/11 episode Brett has Nick from Recycled Idaho and United Metals on where they discuss the importance of our troops and what Patriot Day means to them. Brett also signs a check for The Semper Fi Fund.
Sometimes vacation travel turns into work travel, or just the opportunity to sit down with a fellow scrap guy that you have a lot of scrap history in common with. Hank Doane from PNW Recycling came to town and we discussed scrap, life, business partnerships and his family roots in the scrap game.
Listen as Brett gets a chance to sit down with Amie Oldham from United Metals Recycling. Amie is a great person with as much grit, hustle and ambition as you will find in someone. Amie is truly living "A Scrap Life"
In this episode of "A Scrap Life", Brett talks to long-time scrap guy and friend, John Sacco. Take a listen
In this first episode Brett is able to sit down with his parents Rod and Debbie. We are in for a treat as we get to hear some of the history of how United Metals became what it is today. And how this family business is truly living "A Scrap Life"