**Welcome to “Scrap Life” Podcast**

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**Host: Brett Eart**

Welcome to “Scrap Life,” a podcast solely focused on the hustlers, grinders, operators, and business owners who live and breathe the scrap metal industry every day.

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**Conversation between Brett Eart and Ian Laffy**

**Brett Eart**: All right, here we go. Another episode of Scrap Life. I’m sitting here with Ian Laffy. I was trying to recall when we actually met. Was it at Scrap Expo or ISRI?

**Ian Laffy**: I remember it was in Nashville. I walked up to your booth. You were setting up a podcast with Jennifer Betts, and I introduced myself as Ian from Zato. I knew you didn’t have a shredder then, but I offered my card in case you ever needed one.

**Brett**: You know how many times I walked by the Zato booth thinking I didn’t need a shredder? Last year, I started looking into it because of the volume of scrap we were dealing with. I enjoy having people on the podcast that I’ve worked with or have bought equipment from because it gives me a chance to share my genuine opinion on the equipment or business.

**Ian**: Absolutely. About 55% of our market in the US is pre-shredding, and the other 45% deals with an unaddressed segment where there’s a need for more than just cutting and baling but not quite a hammermill.

**Brett**: Exactly, and that’s what attracted me to the dual shaft shredder. It fills the gap for us and lets us manage our over-supply issue more efficiently without the need to invest in another baler.

**Ian**: It’s fantastic to hear when our product helps businesses make those connections and solve specific needs. We’re finding niches like yours who can benefit from introductions to really dense shredded materials, opening up new markets, and serving new consumers.

**Brett**: Yeah, you’re right. It was a process of trying various methods and realizing the shredder could relieve the pressure off our bailers. And then, the tires—well, we found another niche we could address, and it was a natural fit for us.

**Ian**: That’s exactly it. We find our customers are looking for efficient, new ways to process materials, and shredders can often fit into those strategies.

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**Background and Insights about Ian Laffy**

**Brett**: So, Ian, how did you get into the scrap business? Give me a little history on your journey.

**Ian**: I didn’t come from a scrap or recycling background; I actually studied Information Technology at the University of Kentucky. My initial job fair encounter was with Big Ass Fans, where I started in sales. After that, a friend brought me over to Steiner, where I got my first real exposure to the scrap industry.

**Brett**: That’s quite a transition, from IT to sales, and then into scrap. Do you have any advice for students in high school considering their future paths?

**Ian**: It’s so variable depending on each person’s interests. If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be not to overlook alternative routes apart from college, especially now with changing educational resources and technologies. The network and experience you gain are invaluable if you choose to go to college.

**Brett**: It’s crucial to gauge what fits personally because the dynamics of education and job markets have changed, and will continue to do so, adapting to technologies like AI.

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**Industry and Future Outlook**

**Ian**: There’s something to be said about trades and practical skills complementing formal education. In the next 20 years, trade expertise will remain indispensable, as we need workers who understand the hands-on technology applications in our industries.

**Brett**: It’s definitely a real consideration for the future workforce. The middle-sized businesses in particular need to adapt quickly with tech advancements or they risk being squeezed out by AI and automation.

**Ian**: True. It’s about finding that niche and exploiting it, being lean, or discovering a market gap to ensure survival and growth.

**Brett**: Right. The scrap business is continually evolving, and staying adaptable is essential. I love hearing about businesses finding their unique fit in the industry and thriving.

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In closing, Brett thanks Ian for joining the podcast and praises the collaboration between their businesses. Ian invites anyone interested to connect with him on LinkedIn or visit Zato’s website, emphasizing the importance of forming meaningful partnerships in the industry.