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. Navigating Market Consolidation Steve Zusman

    2D AGO

    Navigating Market Consolidation 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
  2. Moving From “Good Yard” to “Great Business” with Neil Byce

    FEB 4

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

    Send us 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
  3. Mastering Margin with Steve Deacon

    JAN 28

    Mastering Margin with Steve Deacon

    Send us 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
  4. Shaping Tomorrow’s Industry with Nathan Workman

    08/21/2025

    Shaping Tomorrow’s Industry with Nathan Workman

    Send us 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
  5. Driving Long-Term Success with Michael Sciaba

    08/14/2025

    Driving Long-Term Success with Michael Sciaba

    Send us a text In this week’s episode, I chat with Michael Sciaba, General Manager of Allied Recycling Center. He’s one of the most hands-on, grounded operators in the game! Michael’s journey started young, working in his family’s construction business before pivoting to metal recycling in his teens. By 21, he was running the day-to-day operations. Today, he leads a thriving, self-funded business known for transparency, trust, and long-term thinking. Since taking the helm in 2010, he’s driven company growth, implemented strategic facility upgrades, and built a culture where operators and customers win together. And, yes… the man can cook! Just ask anyone who saw him dominate on John Sacco’s Table Scraps. In this episode, we talk about: 👉 Turning competition into an opportunity to improve your operation 👉 Using transparency to lock in customer loyalty 👉 Using data to buy smarter and sell sharper 👉 The role of culture in keeping great people 👉 And much 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/

    44 min
  6. Leading by Example with Becky Proler

    08/06/2025

    Leading by Example with Becky Proler

    Send us a text In this week’s episode, I chat to Becky Proler, President of SCR Recycling and a powerhouse in the metal recycling world. Becky’s family is credited with inventing the "Prolerizer," the first automobile shredder, a revolutionary innovation in metal recycling. And she’s still innovating today. We cover her decades-long journey from hand-sorting metal as a kid, to building a thriving shredding and processing operation in Houston, to pushing the boundaries of what AI can do for alloy separation. Becky shares what it’s like being a woman in a male-dominated industry, what she’s learned about leadership and trust, and why you should never stop buying, no matter what the markets say. In this episode, we talk about: 👉 Building a business that values loyalty and grit 👉 Why technology alone won’t save the industry 👉 Why “never stop buying” is rule #1 in scrap 👉 Adding value in a world of shifting alloys 👉 And much more! Listen to the full episode, wherever you stream your podcasts. 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 9 rugby 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/

    44 min
  7. Diving into Scrap Expo 2025 with Jim Keefe

    07/30/2025

    Diving into Scrap Expo 2025 with Jim Keefe

    Send us a text In this week’s episode, I chat to Jim Keefe, Executive Vice President of GIE Media and the driving force behind Scrap Expo - one of the most operator-friendly events in the metal recycling industry. Jim shares his 30+ year journey in the business, how he stumbled into the scrap world, and how Scrap Expo was born out of a clear need. Hands-on demos and direct connection for scrappies of all sizes. From running a publishing house to building one of the most action-packed events in the space, Jim’s story is a testament to building with intent and solving real problems. In this episode, we talk about: 👉 Why Scrap Expo attracts ops teams and CEOs alike 👉 How live demos are turning lookers into buyers 👉 Reaching recyclers outside the big associations 👉 Why 2025 is Scrap Expo’s biggest year yet 👉 And much more! Listen to the full episode, wherever you stream your podcasts. 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 9 rugby 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/

    40 min
  8. Blending Heritage and Innovation with Ryan Weinstein

    07/23/2025

    Blending Heritage and Innovation with Ryan Weinstein

    Send us a text In today’s episode I chat to Ryan Weinstein, Vice President of M&M Recycling. He’s a second-generation scrappy who literally grew up in the yard, and now oversees four locations including a shredding facility. Ryan blends old-school hustle with modern tools, from running dispatch to rolling out new software. He’s got deep knowledge from the yard floor to the global market, and has a clear vision for the future of the industry. In this episode, we talk about: 👉 New tools in an old-school game 👉 Building a business that cares 👉 Doing what you say you’ll do 👉 Why service beats pricing 👉 And much more! Listen to the full episode, wherever you stream your podcasts. 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 9 rugby 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/

    38 min
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5
out of 5
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Stu Kagan
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Born Scrappy
  • Show Website
    Born Scrappy