A Scrap Life
Follow Brett Ekart as he finds people throughout the country living "A Scrap Life"
Episodes
January 9, 2026 • 28 mins
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 R...
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January 8, 2026 • 44 mins
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 substi...
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December 4, 2025 • 40 mins
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 c...
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October 15, 2025 • 77 mins
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.
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October 6, 2025 • 41 mins
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.
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October 1, 2025 • 57 mins
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 maxim...
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September 4, 2025 • 33 mins
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. P...
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September 3, 2025 • 73 mins
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.
Produced by Recycled Media.
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August 26, 2025 • 33 mins
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.
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August 20, 2025 • 59 mins
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. Produ...
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August 14, 2025 • 35 mins
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.
Produced by Recycled Media.
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August 1, 2025 • 26 mins
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 ...
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July 25, 2025 • 30 mins
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...
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July 7, 2025 • 30 mins
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, includ...
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June 13, 2025 • 17 mins
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 busin...
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June 2, 2025 • 11 mins
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 ho...
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May 14, 2025 • 19 mins
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.
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May 9, 2025 • 34 mins
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 ho...
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April 28, 2025 • 17 mins
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.
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April 22, 2025 • 44 mins
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 nav...
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