Born Scrappy

Stu Kagan

This is the podcast for scrap metal traders and operators who want to get sharper without losing their scrappy edge.

  1. Repurposing the Narrative with John Sacco

    -2 J

    Repurposing the Narrative with John Sacco

    Send a text In this week’s episode I chat with John Sacco, former President of Sierra International and former Chairman of ReMA. John has been one of the most influential voices in the recycling industry for decades, helping shape both the culture of Sierra and the broader narrative of our industry. After recently transitioning out of the business he helped build, John reflects on what comes next and why he’s still deeply committed to pushing the recycling industry forward. From brand building to industry storytelling, this conversation is a masterclass on how recyclers can reshape the way the world sees what we do. John shares the story behind building one of the most recognizable brands in the industry and explains why changing the narrative around recycling is more important than ever. In this episode, we talk about: 👉 Tell your story with your phone 👉 Changing recycling’s narrative 👉 Social media winners & losers 👉 Community initiatives matter 👉 Consistency over perfection 👉 Your yard is content 👉 And more! If you care about how your company is perceived by customers, your community, and the next generation, this conversation might change how you think about brand in our industry. Born Scrappy. Brought to you by Buddy. The only marketplace and trade OS built for scrappies, by scrappies. https://www.tradebuddy.io/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradewithbuddy/ WHO IS STU KAGAN ANYWAYS? 27 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. I 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. I thought it was time that tech worked for our industry, so I built THE killer scrap app, Buddy - built for scrappies, by scrappies. Father of two crazy-awesome boys. Husband to Lisa. Kids rugby coach. YPO member. Founder. Lifelong learner. Mentee. Mentor. Committed Stoic. Aspiring cowboy. COME SAY HI ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/stukagan/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/born-scrappy/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradewithbuddy

    46 min
  2. The Art of Buying Scrap (Into a Yard): Winning Tons with Bob Alvarez

    4 MARS

    The Art of Buying Scrap (Into a Yard): Winning Tons with Bob Alvarez

    Send a text In this episode of Born Scrappy, I sit down with Bob Alvarez, President at Shapiro Metals, for a true masterclass on the art of buying scrap into a yard. Bob didn’t grow up in scrap, but over the past decade he’s helped shape Shapiro into one of the most sophisticated industrial recyclers in the U.S. With over 120 years of legacy behind the company, Bob shares how they’ve evolved beyond commodity buying to become a high-value service partner to manufacturers. We unpack how to win tons without just winning on price… how to identify the right customers… and why curiosity, experimentation, and culture matter more than spreadsheets alone. In this episode, we talk about: 👉 Curiosity as a sales tactic 👉 Service over commodity 👉 Protecting your margin 👉 Plan. Do. Check. Act. 👉 “Add value” thinking 👉 Honoring your word 👉 And more! If you buy scrap direct from industry or want to start, this episode is packed with insight you can apply immediately. Born Scrappy. Brought to you by Buddy. The only marketplace and trade OS built for scrappies, by scrappies. https://www.tradebuddy.io/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradewithbuddy/ WHO IS STU KAGAN ANYWAYS? 27 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. I 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. I thought it was time that tech worked for our industry, so I built THE killer scrap app, Buddy - built for scrappies, by scrappies. Father of two crazy-awesome boys. Husband to Lisa. Kids rugby coach. YPO member. Founder. Lifelong learner. Mentee. Mentor. Committed Stoic. Aspiring cowboy. COME SAY HI ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/stukagan/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/born-scrappy/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradewithbuddy

    45 min
  3. Demystifying Technology in Scrap with Evan J. Schwartz

    25 FÉVR.

    Demystifying Technology in Scrap with Evan J. Schwartz

    Send a text In this episode of Born Scrappy I sit down with Evan J. Schwartz, Chief Innovation Officer at AMCS Group, to demystify technology and understand its practical application in the scrap metal industry. Evan has spent 35+ years across resource-intensive industries and now sits at the forefront of innovation at AMCS, operating across 80 countries. His job? Spot what’s coming next and help companies adopt it without blowing themselves up in the process. With all the buzz around tech right now, this episode is a masterclass in cutting through the hype. In this episode, we talk about: 👉 Turning data into cash 👉 Agentic automation 👉 Data over gut feel 👉 Cloud resilience 👉 Practical AI use 👉 Why ERPs fail 👉 And more! If you’re a scrappy trying to future-proof your business, then don’t miss this one. Because over the next 10 years, the companies that use data to make better decisions will win. Born Scrappy. Brought to you by Buddy. The only marketplace and trade OS built for scrappies, by scrappies. https://www.tradebuddy.io/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradewithbuddy/ WHO IS STU KAGAN ANYWAYS? 27 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. I 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. I thought it was time that tech worked for our industry, so I built THE killer scrap app, Buddy - built for scrappies, by scrappies. Father of two crazy-awesome boys. Husband to Lisa. Kids rugby coach. YPO member. Founder. Lifelong learner. Mentee. Mentor. Committed Stoic. Aspiring cowboy. COME SAY HI ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/stukagan/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/born-scrappy/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradewithbuddy

    49 min
  4. Trade Flows & Global Markets with Craig Weber

    18 FÉVR.

    Trade Flows & Global Markets with Craig Weber

    Send a text In this episode of Born Scrappy, I sit down with Craig Weber, Vice President of Global Recycled Scrap at Metal Exchange, for a masterclass on how scrap prices are really set. Craig has spent 30 years at Metal Exchange. He’s lived and worked in Zurich, Shanghai, and Singapore, building a global view of spreads, hedging, risk, and market structure that very few in our industry truly understand. We break down what “spot,” “forward,” and “hedge” mean in practice. We talk about how LME and COMEX influence pricing, why volatility has changed forward contracting, and what happens when suppliers don’t understand the risk behind a hedge. In this episode, we talk about: 👉 Diversifying your buyers 👉 Understanding spreads 👉 Managing contract risk 👉 Practical hedging 👉 LME vs COMEX 👉 Market volatility 👉 And more! Whether you buy or sell, this episode will sharpen how you think about pricing and risk. Born Scrappy. Brought to you by Buddy. The only marketplace and trade OS built for scrappies, by scrappies. https://www.tradebuddy.io/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradewithbuddy/ WHO IS STU KAGAN ANYWAYS? 27 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. I 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. I thought it was time that tech worked for our industry, so I built THE killer scrap app, Buddy - built for scrappies, by scrappies. Father of two crazy-awesome boys. Husband to Lisa. Kids rugby coach. YPO member. Founder. Lifelong learner. Mentee. Mentor. Committed Stoic. Undefeated dance-off champion. COME SAY HI ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/stukagan/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/born-scrappy/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradewithbuddy

    46 min
  5. Navigating Market Consolidation with Steve Zusman

    11 FÉVR.

    Navigating Market Consolidation with Steve Zusman

    Send a text In this episode of Born Scrappy, I sit down with Steve Zusman, Vice President and Co-Owner of Metro Metals, for a masterclass on navigating market consolidation in the scrap industry. Steve brings decades of experience to the table - from growing up in a family-run yard to overseeing multiple business divisions including scrap, real estate, and garbage transfer across the Pacific Northwest. We talk about the real forces behind consolidation, what it’s like competing with the corporates, and how private operators can still win with strategy, discipline, and heart. In this episode, we talk about: 👉 What’s actually driving consolidation 👉 Rising insurance & compliance costs 👉 Capital pressure on smaller operators 👉 Why disciplined growth matters 👉 Preparing properly for M&A 👉 And more! Whether you’re a one-yard hustler or a regional player, this episode will help you rethink how to survive and thrive in today’s market. Born Scrappy. Brought to you by Buddy. The only marketplace and trade OS built for scrappies, by scrappies. https://www.tradebuddy.io/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradewithbuddy/ WHO IS STU KAGAN ANYWAYS? 27 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. I 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. I thought it was time that tech worked for our industry, so I built THE killer scrap app, Buddy - built for scrappies, by scrappies. Father of two crazy-awesome boys. Husband to Lisa. Kids rugby coach. YPO member. Founder. Lifelong learner. Mentee. Mentor. Committed Stoic. Undefeated dance-off champion. COME SAY HI ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/stukagan/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/born-scrappy/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradewithbuddy

    45 min
  6. Moving From “Good Yard” to “Great Business” with Neil Byce

    4 FÉVR.

    Moving From “Good Yard” to “Great Business” with Neil Byce

    Send a text In this week’s masterclass episode, I sit down with Neil Byce, Owner of CW Companies, Vice Chair of ReMA, and future Chair of the association. Neil built one of the fastest-growing scrap companies in the U.S., with 15 yards and counting. But he’s done it the hard way, by learning what breaks when you scale fast. This episode is a deep dive into the shift from being a hands-on owner running a good yard, to building a high-performance business that can scale, sustain, and succeed without you in the room. In this episode, we talk about: 👉 Recognizing the signs you’ve outgrown your systems 👉 Scaling people before you scale problems 👉 Leadership lessons during rapid growth 👉 Why letting go is key to leveling up 👉 Moving from hustle to process 👉 And more! If you’re a scrappy leader trying to grow your yard the right way, Neil’s insights are absolute gold. Born Scrappy. Brought to you by Buddy. The only marketplace and trade OS built for scrappies, by scrappies. https://www.tradebuddy.io/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradewithbuddy/ WHO IS STU KAGAN ANYWAYS? 27 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. I 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 waste). 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. That’s right - built for scrappies, by scrappies. Father of two crazy-awesome boys. Husband to Lisa. Under 11 football coach. YPO member. Lifelong learner. Mentee. Mentor. Chief dog walker. Committed Stoic. Undefeated dance-off champion. COME SAY HI ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/stukagan/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/born-scrappy/

    42 min
  7. Mastering Margin with Steve Deacon

    28 JANV.

    Mastering Margin with Steve Deacon

    Send a text In this season opener, I sit down with Steve Deacon, Chief Commercial Officer at EMR Group, for a masterclass on margin… where it’s made, where it’s lost, and how to take control of it across your operation. Steve shares stories from his 20+ years in the industry, including starting out in a North Philly scrap yard, building and selling his own business, and ultimately taking on leadership roles across the US and now UK. We explore the art and science of margin: why it’s about much more than pricing, where it leaks away quietly, and how well-run yards build culture and systems to protect it. If you’re looking to sharpen your commercial thinking and spot the margin killers in your business, this episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about: 👉 The #1 place margin disappears in your yard 👉 Why “grade creep” can quietly kill your profits 👉 How to stop data overload from paralyzing your team 👉 Managing position like a trader (even if you’re a single yard) 👉 Why culture eats equipment for breakfast 👉 And more! Born Scrappy. Brought to you by Buddy. The only marketplace and trade OS built for scrappies, by scrappies. https://www.tradebuddy.io/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradewithbuddy/ WHO IS STU KAGAN ANYWAYS? 27 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. I 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 waste). 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. That’s right - built for scrappies, by scrappies. Father of two crazy-awesome boys. Husband to Lisa. Under 11 football coach. YPO member. Lifelong learner. Mentee. Mentor. Chief dog walker. Committed Stoic. Undefeated dance-off champion. COME SAY HI ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/stukagan/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/born-scrappy/

    43 min
  8. Shaping Tomorrow’s Industry with Nathan Workman

    21/08/2025

    Shaping Tomorrow’s Industry with Nathan Workman

    Send a text In this week’s episode, I sit down with Nathan Workman from Pure Aluminum. We explore the future of aluminum and the lessons he’s learned from over a decade in the industry. Nathan started his career at Kaiser Aluminum, where he worked in casting, logistics, and metals trading before making the leap to Franklin Metals and Pure Aluminum. Today, he’s helping launch Pure Aluminum’s new secondary facility, rolling out an ERP system, and using data and AI to make smarter, faster trading and operational decisions. We dive into his journey from atmospheric science graduate, aka weather buff, to aluminum trading pro. In this episode, we talk about: 👉 Lessons learned from trading and negotiations 👉 Using AI and data to drive smarter operations 👉 Culture, empowerment, and leadership 👉 Building partnerships that last 👉 And more! Born Scrappy. Brought to you by Buddy. The only marketplace and trade OS built for scrappies, by scrappies. https://www.tradebuddy.io/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradewithbuddy/ WHO IS STU KAGAN ANYWAYS? 26 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. I 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 waste). 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. That’s 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. COME SAY HI ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/stukagan/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/born-scrappy/

    42 min
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À propos

This is the podcast for scrap metal traders and operators who want to get sharper without losing their scrappy edge.

Informations

  • Création
    Stu Kagan
  • Années d’activité
    2023 - 2026
  • Épisodes
    82
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Born Scrappy
  • Site web de l’émission
    Born Scrappy

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