25 years in the metal recycling game and still learning and growing...

I learnt from the best and worked my way up from yard labourer to Executive Director of Trading and Operations for the largest metal recycler in sub-Saharan Africa. Responsible for 4,500 employees, 85 sites, and the overall profitability of a multi-billion dollar operation.

Brought my breadth and depth of knowledge to bear and co-founded the fastest growing, most-loved, and most awarded metal recycling company in New Zealand. No small feat in a country where people are outnumbered 4:1 by sheep (spoiler alert: sheep don’t produce much metal).

I thought it was time that tech worked for our industry, so I took all of my experience as an operator and trader and leveraged that to build THE killer scrap app, Buddy. Thats right - built for scrappies, by scrappies.

Father of two crazy-awesome boys. Husband to Lisa. Under 10 football coach. YPO member. Lifelong learner. Mentee. Mentor. Chief dog walker. Committed Stoic. Undefeated dance-off champion.

PS - if you are a scrap metal exporter looking to up your game, tune into my podcast Born Scrappy https://tinyurl.com/BornScrappy

PPS - if you’re looking to make better trades with less effort, check out the industry’s first and only relationship-led marketplace, Buddy www.tradebuddy.io

Stuart Kagan

The global top 100 most Inspiring Recyclers was released today.

A massive thank you to Recycling International and Martijn Reintjes for putting me in the top 10.

A huge congrats to both my friends Paul Coyte and Bhavna Razdan for being named 1 and 2.

Everyone on the list is awesome and doing incredible things.

It's an absolute honor to be in such great company.

There are so many people doing great things.

Anyone you think is missing this year?

#MetalRecycling #ScrapMetal #Top100

The best life hack I ever found, was marrying someone way out of my league.

13 years I’ve now been married to this absolute legend.

People often think we’re crazy working together.

But we love building cool things with each other.

Of course there are going to be hard times.

But we work our way through them.

Because we have the same goal.

To help our boys become men.

And to grow old together.


Thanks Lisa Elly Kagan (Zaidel) for eventually giving-in and marying me!


To celebrate we spent the night on the town and this was the only picture I got 🤦

#Anniversary #ScrapCouple #Entrepreneurship

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Does your company answer the phone?

It’s accepted in our industry to miss calls.

“We’re so busy, we can’t be expected to answer every call.”

I’ve been told this so many times, it’s crazy.

Then why spend any money on marketing.

Landing a customer starts with awareness. 

Companies pay a lot on advertising for this.

But once they know about you, what next?

Obviously they call you and you answer. 

They may call for:

💰 Prices
🚛 Transport
⏰ Open times

If you miss a call you lose a customer.

In NZ we phoned every scrap yard.

None of them answered the phone. 

We knew how to have an edge.

Answer the damn phone.

It’s really that easy.

So why don’t you answer every calls?

#MetalRecycling #ScrapMetal #MissedCalls

If metals were people.

This is who they’d be.

After years working with metal.

I’ve started to see them as personalities.

So I tried something different.

I imagined what each grade would look like - as a person.

And here’s what came out 👇

Swipe through the 6 images and tell me:

Which one feels most accurate?

Or which one did i get wrong?

Drop your thoughts below! 👇

#MetalRecycling #ScrapMetal #MetalPersonalitiesyt

He’s been bitten by the bug. 

And we all know what that means.

He’s here to stay.

Chase Wymore joined Buddy a few months ago.

And is now visiting yards to get more involved.

Even in tech, the scrap metal bug will get ya.

I always warned everyone that joins us. 

Be careful… you may never leave.

It’s a real thing, that’s for sure.


Why is this a thing in our industry? 

How long fo you think it takes for someone to be hooked?


#MetalRecycling #ScrapMetal #ScrapForLife

Do you know what Tall Poppy Syndrome is?

Because there's a chance you may have it.

It's when you hope successful people fail.

It's not wanting anyone to be successful.

Everyone to be the same level as you.

Next time someone is celebrating.

Check how it makes you feel.

Are you happy for them.

Or you hope they fail.


When I see someone doing great things.

My immediate response is YES MAN!

Do you think there is only 1 winner?

We can literally all win in this life!

Celebrate others more often.

Do you cheer or jeer?

#Entrepreneurship #CelebrateOthers #TallPoppySyndrome

Before we started building Buddy.

Lisa Elly Kagan (Zaidel) spoke to 150 scrap metal recyclers.

This is not so easy to do.

It takes serious commit.

The findings were vital.

Here's what they said:

🤝  Relationships are everything
📩  There are way too many emails
🤨 Trust is hard earned on both sides
⌛  It takes too long to vet new buyers
🤑  Everybody wants more for their metal

Before these calls we didn't know what we were building.

Afterwards we knew exactly what the industry needed.

Even though I've been doing this for over 27 years.

Hearing it from everyone else was validating.

And it was the beginning of this journey.

To help operators out there.

Make more money.

And save time.

Safely!

Do you speak others before starting a project?

#MetalRecycling #ScrapMetal #Buddy

Recycling metal before it was cool!

Entrepreneurs before it was sexy!

It started with the Grubbers.

Immigrants that needed to make money.

They found their opportunity in metal.

Finding old “junk” scrap to remove.

This was not an easy days work.

They worked harder than most.

And slowly but surely grew.

They started with nothing.

Grew into Billions.


These guys were real entrepreneurs.

Hustling just to make ends meet. 

Grinding to make an impact.

And boy did they ever!

Anyone made a bigger impact? 

#Entrepreneurship #MetalRecycling

Pick your favourite cap.

At Buddy we love our merch.

Looking back at this incredible year.

Which of these caps was your favourite?  

Please comment the “name” of the cap you like the most. 

2026 is going to have even better merch. 

With your help, you’ll get what you want.

If you have pics of your Buddy cap in the wild, please add to the comments too.

#MetalRecycling #StayScrappy #MetalAF

Cash is king, they say!

In scrap metal recycling it’s more important than that.

We pay for the metal as we receive it.

We sort, process and load the metal.

For best prices we wait for payment.

Average cash turn is +- 45 days.

We can take the lower prices.

And get paid on packing. 

But in order to compete.

We need top prices.

So without cash.

No growth.


Trade finance is the best way to grow.

By borrowing against invoices.

You get money in fast.

And top prices.

But it’s risky.


Anyone else know a better way to manage this cash flow situation?

#MetalRecycling #ScrapMetal #TradeFinance

I’ve been working on something quietly.

For a few months now.


Scrap’s always been tough.

And the pressure stacks quickly.
No space between the hits.
Little time to recover.

In our world, resilience is everything.
It’s not about just bouncing back.
It’s about expecting the punch.
And planning accordingly.

That’s what Balls of Steel is about.

It’s not about me.
It’s about a new kind of resilience.

One that helps reduce surprises.
Make much sharper decisions.
And survive the next cycle.

The book is nearly done.
Now I need your help:
Which cover do you like best?

 1 or 2?

PS: See full blurb in the comments.

#MetalRecycling #ScrapMetal #BallsOfSteel

The yard of the future.

Fiction or an impending reality?

I had a very quick play with Gemini today.

Asked it to create a futuristic scrap yard.

Its interesting that you see no people.

Except maybe in the control centre.

Years ago I would've said fiction.

Now I totally believe its coming.

Maybe not in the next decade.

But it'll get there I believe.

What do you think?

Fiction or reality?

#MetalRecycling #ScrapMetal #FutureOfRecycling

Are tariffs good or bad for the metal recycling industry?

George Adams got up at the BIR - Bureau of International Recycling and made a great argument for why they are great for the USA.

Its real hard to to get everyone to agree in general, I get it.

When it comes to tariffs it seems a lot don't like them.

They made sense to me as I can see the benefit.

However, export controls I see how they can be terrible.

“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.” — Margaret Fuller

So I would love to hear if you think they're good or bad and why?

Any actual impacts on you would be great too.

#Tariffs #MetalRecycling #KnowledgeShare

Buddy Lego Masters - Scrapyard Edition!

A few weeks ago we surprised the team with 2 Lego sets at their door.

We met online from different parts of the world.

We all raced to build the metal yard together.

Then we threw a curveball for the team.

Everyone opened their 2nd Lego set.

The challenge:

They had a week to create a scrap metal recycling scene using both sets.

Here’s what the other sets were:

🪄 Harry Potter
🛸 Star Wars
❄️ Frozen 
🧱 Minecraft

Extra points were given for the best images.

These were all physical builds presented.

Obviously some used AI for the images.

See the teams images below.

Which is your best? 

#MetalRecycling #ScrapMetal #LegoScrapYard

Buddy Lego Masters - Scrap yard edition 

If there's 1 thing I've instilled in my kids it's this!

Always be the hardest working person out there.

Whether they're on the field or in a classroom.

Its out of their control to always be the best.

But effort is 100% in everyone's control.

It may not get you noticed right away.

But its not about being #1 today.

It's about finishing on top!

Hustle wins every time!

If you weren't watching the game on Sunday.

This clip is from the end of the Eagles vs Cowboys game

Score was tied 24-24. Eagles had been up 21-0 in 2nd quarter.

This tackle won the Cowboys the game!

I was screaming at my kids... 

"Look at Clark never giving up! He just won the Cowboys the game!"

#Hustle #Entrepreneurship #NeverGiveUp

United Metals Recycling

3rd generation operated scrap metal recycling organization founded in 1972 by my grandfather. Our company specializes in servicing retail and commercial (B2B) customers' recycling needs. We drive value for our customers by identifying strong markets for their recyclables and creating a customer service experience second to none. 

We have grown from 1 location in Caldwell, Idaho to 8 full service scrap metal recycling facilities in Idaho and Oregon. Our brands and Partners include B&K Recycling & Auto Salvage and CBASS Recycling & Auto Salvage.

Our client base includes some of the largest manufacturing companies in the Northwest and our services include the following: 

Complete Facility Scrap Management
Asset Disposition
Demolition
Transportation/Logistics
Mobile Processing

RECYCLING

TV Pipe Supply

Founded in the 1950's TV Pipe Solutions and Supply is currently one of the largest steel culvert distributors in the US. Our key partnerships with experts in the pipe manufacturing and distribution have allowed us to grow into a full service solutions based company over the years enabling us to efficiently and effectively service the following markets:

Complete line of Corrugated Metal & HDPE Pipe Sizes
Complete Slip Lining/Pipe Rehabilitation Portfolio
Storm Water Detention and Filtration Systems
Bridges and Bridge Decking

We currently operate 3 fully stocked Pipe locations for the following items across the states of Idaho and Oregon.

PIPE

United Hauling

Started in 1974 with the purpose of transporting recycled scrap metal to the west coast, United Hauling now operates as a full service logistics and transportation company. Specializing in heavy haul transport for flat bed freight, United Hauling's efforts are still primarily focused on hauling recycled scrap metal in the North West and Rocky Mountain regions with return freight focused around lumber and various building products.  Proudly operating a fleet of Peterbilt trucks and Western Trailers 53' Flat beds, United Hauling takes pride in our fleet and attends many trucks shows across the country.

TRANSPORTATION

Tire Reclaim

A business started as a way to solve our own tire generating problem, Tire Reclaim is a full service tire recycling and processing company that has the ability to manufacture various Tire Derived products from TDF (tire derived fuel) to crumb rubber for athletic fields and playgrounds, and so many other great applications.  

Operating a state of the art Jomar Machining complete tire processing plant as well as two Tana mobile tire shredders we have the ability to handle everything from large volume cleanups with thousands of tons of tires to small pickups with a few hundred tires. 

We offer 7 drop off locations Idaho and Oregon including 2 processing locations to service the states of Idaho and Oregon. Our services also offer multiple on-site pick options including: route truck pickup, 40yard drop boxes, 28' and 53' trailers for customers who have the means of filling them and our team will bring them back to our sites for further processing and recycling.

TIRES

United Storage

Storage facilities comprised of covered RV and Boat storage space as well as larger units and open space for industrial/business storage needs.

STORAGE

Recycled Media

Recycled Media, headquartered in Idaho, is at the forefront of transforming the recycling sector's marketing landscape. Their avant-garde media strategies shine a spotlight on opportunities and emphasize the importance of metal recycling. Founded in 2019 by Brett Ekart, owner, and CEO of United Metals Recycling, Recycled Media has excelled in podcast production, social media outreach, and brand recognition.

With an unwavering commitment to raising awareness in an industry often overlooked, Recycled Media produces over a dozen podcasts a month and is poised for further expansion. The company's proven methods have yielded remarkable results, and their goal is to extend these successful strategies to their clients.

Founder

A Scrap Life

This podcast is solely dedicated the the scrap metal recycling industry, where I seek out interesting stories and great people in our industry to sit down with me and discuss how this industry has played a role in their life. 

In an effort to keep it honest and fun, I am always on the lookout for interviews with people who believe in, and have a similar passion for the scrap metal recycling industry as I do!

PODCAST

Recycled Idaho

Traveling around the great State of Idaho with my friend and colleague Nick Snyder, Recycled Idaho aims to spotlight organizations and individuals who are making a difference ENVIRONMENTALLY and ECONOMICALLY in Idaho. 

Growing up in the recycling industry and understanding that there are so many organizations and individuals who are "doing the RIGHT thing" it is our focus to help get these stories out there and let the general public in on some of the real hidden gems that the GEM STATE has to offer and be proud of.

Converter Reclaim 

Founded in 2014, Converter Reclaim is subsidiary of United Metals Recycling that specializes in catalytic converter recycling purchasing and processing and decanning. Converter Reclaim has a state of the art decanning operation at its Caldwell, ID facility with the ability to safely and efficiently process large volumes of catalytic converters.

Copper Reclaim

Established as the first mobile "weigh and pay" Idaho recycling company,  Copper Reclaim focuses solely on copper bearing materials such as copper wire, and has the ability to pick up and pay for material at job sites or your facility directly eliminating the hassle of hauling the material to a recycling facility. The on-board scales ensure weights are accurate and the weekly "wire recovery videos" aim to eliminate any questions of what your copper bearing scrap's true value is.

A dad, a husband, a guy from Idaho who loves to build businesses with his friends. As time goes by I have found myself enjoying the journey, the process, and the hustle far more than the destination… a little bit of what we do and who we are: 

Recycling: 

The United Metals Recycling Division of our organization was founded in 1972 by my grandfather with a small scrap metal recycling operation in Caldwell, Idaho. Now with 8 full service scrap metal recycling facilities in Idaho and Oregon, United Metals Recycling continues to expand our recycling opportunities through our newest ventures. Converter Reclaim, Copper Reclaim and most recently Tire Reclaim where our goal remains to continue exceeding customer’s expectations in our day to day traditional operations. 

Transportation / Logistics: 

The United Hauling Corp. organization focuses on flatbed heavy haul transportation and logistics. Founded in 1974 with the purpose of hauling scrap metal to the Northwest and West Coast and return hauling building materials inland as Idaho, Oregon, Utah and other surrounding states began experiencing exponential growth. 

Corrugated Pipe Sales:

TV Pipe Supply was founded in 1957 in Caldwell, ID and was acquired by the Ekart family in the late 70's.  An integral part of our organization, TV Pipe Supply is a direct supplier of culvert steel pipe and culvert HDPE and has become one of the largest corrugated steel pipe suppliers in the country.

Real Estate/ Storage Facilities:

United Storage is a multi facility storage company that focuses on RV/Boat and larger sized units. Based out Idaho with facilities in Idaho Falls, Mountain Home and more in the planning and development stages this an exciting addition and diversification of our holdings. With emphasis on space and convenience United Storage was developed to support all of forms of recreation and industrial storage needs. 

Media: 

Beginning with a single podcast and a mission to create brand awareness around businesses that we owned and operated, Recycled Media was born.  

Today we produce and host over a dozen podcasts every single month with a mission to revolutionize how the recycled materials industry promotes itself. 

A few of those podcasts include: 

A Scrap Life- hosted by myself, interviewing owners and operators throughout the recycled materials industry. 

Talkin’ Tires- hosted by Craig Hunter, discusses all things tires and tire recycling. 

Recycled Idaho- hosted by Nick Snyder

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Stuart Kagan

Brett Ekart

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The Battle

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Engagements

Likes

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