# Welcome to “A Scrap Life”

## **Introduction**

Welcome to *A Scrap Life*, a podcast solely focused on the hustlers, grinders, operators, and business owners who live and breathe the scrap metal industry every day. Here is your host, Brett Eart.

## **Episode 2: Q&A Session**

Alright, we got episode two of our new Q&A. We’re kind of figuring this thing out. We want more questions. We get a lot of questions, but we’ll be putting up a post to get more questions in there. We’ll highlight you if you ask a question. We’ll figure something out there.

### **First Two Questions**

Brett, I got three questions. The first two kind of go together, and people have hit me up over the years. They’ve wanted me to ask you these questions, so this is a good platform for it.

**Q&A Monday, guys!** We talk about it all the time — we don’t know everything, but we’re here to help. If you think we might have more knowledge on something or you’re curious, reach out. We’re a pretty open book, and that has enabled us to build a community around *A Scrap Life*. Many people appreciate the podcast because we share what’s worked for us and steer you clear of mistakes.

### **Engaging with Listeners**

If you have questions, by all means, send them in. Text, email, put them in the notes, or in the reviews of the podcast. Anywhere you can think of — we’re on social media, and we peruse it pretty hard. We’ll find your question, so fire away. We love this part of it. Even the banter — if you have an opinion on our answer or want to add to it, we’re open to learning too. You won’t hurt our feelings.

### **Identifying Key Employees and Family Members**

#### **Part One: Key Employees**

This is a two-part question. Firstly, how do you identify and promote some of your key employees and decision-makers?

The U.S. economy is slower right now. We’ve always had luck hiring people because we’re on a growth trajectory. We’re always trying to grow our business. Some years, we have exponential growth, and others, less so, but we’re always growing. In slower economic times, there are a lot of good people out there. Before promoting, you need to get good people into your business, to begin with. You’re always on the lookout — someone who’s already got a job. We prefer bringing people in from outside our industry, showing them our way.

It comes down to heart. When someone cares, shows up on time, and wants to learn, they’re key. It could be starting with cans and moving to running a recycling center. Every game has levels; you want someone who cares, treats your business like their own, and works hard. When small, you can see who’s doing well. As you grow, trustable opinions become crucial, and promoting involves ensuring they’re willing to train others.

#### **Part Two: Family Dynamics**

Secondly, how do you identify key family members in a family business and handle conversations with those not performing?

In a family business, financials often start the separation. The business can only support so much family depending on its size. Those who move the needle financially tend to stay. Additionally, it’s about getting along. If management can’t get along, family or not, you won’t keep good people. Family dynamics can be tricky. If it’s creating a true rub, you have to remove those not contributing.

### **Handling Stress and Risks in the Industry**

How do you handle the stress and risk of working in this industry and find the motivation to continue?

For me, it’s knowing where the business came from and what it took to build it to here. I believe I could do it quicker today because I know where I previously messed up. The financial risk is mitigated by trusting our financial team. I’m confident in our people and, if it all went to zero, I believe I could build it back up, potentially faster.

### **Closing Remarks**

That’s episode two. Keep the questions coming! We have people interested in being on the podcast and are working on formatting for guest appearances. If you want to join us or simply have a question, let us know. We love sharing about the industry and connecting with people who are hustling and getting things done. This is why we do it — because we love it.

Thank you, everybody!

*Music*