# A Scrap Life Podcast

**Host:** Brett Ehart
**Guest:** Gabby

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

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**Brett:** All right, I’m back. A scrap life. Um, I met Gabby at an ISRI convention, I believe, about four years ago. It was in Vegas if I recall. Either you came up, introduced yourself, or I introduced myself, and I think it was around the time you started at Redwood Materials. Is that correct?

**Gabby:** Yeah. So, it’s almost three years ago we met at ISRI.

**Brett:** I remember Redwood Materials sounded familiar. I have a pipe business as well, and we sell plastic HDPE, and reline materials, mainly corrugated steel. Long story short, we got this large PO from Redwood Materials, and I was wary about the payment because it was a huge order. But my accountant did some research and assured me they could pay. And yes, you guys paid the bill. That was my first experience with Redwood.

**Gabby:** And when you have batteries, you ship them to me from your other contact, Brett.

**Brett:** Yes, United does battery recycling. You guys do the recycling, we do the collecting and packaging.

**Gabby:** It’s essential to have aggregators in the recycling business to avoid the nightmare of picking up everywhere.

**Brett:** When we first met, battery recycling wasn’t as common. But just in the last few years, it picked up steam due to more batteries being produced.

**Gabby:** Exactly, you’re starting to see more because even ICE vehicles have three computers now. Every car has components creating challenges in the auto shred business.

**Brett:** Let’s talk history. How did you get into our industry? Were you born into it or did you fall into it?

**Gabby:** I was born in Athens, Georgia. I’m a bulldog, born at the university, while my parents were doing their PhD work there. My parents are originally from Chile, then moved to Venezuela during the oil boom of the 70s. After the economy went sideways in Venezuela, they moved to Georgia. I grew up learning about various cultures with different passports at one point.

**Brett:** So, you moved to California when you were 11 and your first job was babysitting three kids at 11, which seems crazy now that we think back.

**Gabby:** I worked during summers because I didn’t like asking for things. I earned my own money, but during the school year, education was prioritized by my parents. I worked at various odd jobs, into cosmetic sales eventually, before exploring other professional avenues.

**Brett:** Your parents laid a foundation of responsibility. Did that shape your career decisions going forward?

**Gabby:** Yes, after high school, I pursued various roles, leading me to scrap industry involvement through a client interaction at my banking job, which eventually led me to work in scrap operations. Learning on-the-job was invaluable.

**Brett:** You weren’t afraid of making changes. People are often afraid of change or missing out on something unfamiliar.

**Gabby:** True. Change is crucial in business and personal growth. I’ve evolved from cosmetic sales, banking, to the scrap industry, learning continuously.

**Brett:** How do you teach your kids about resilience and not being spoon-fed everything?

**Gabby:** I say no a lot and create scenarios where they have responsibilities. The goal is for them to understand the value of hard work and gain independence.

**Brett:** Moving onto your transition to Redwood Materials, how did that shift happen?

**Gabby:** I initiated contact with Redwood out of curiosity about the EV market. After a few months of recruitment back-and-forth, I joined due to the team and leadership at Redwood, drawn to innovative projects and a smart team.

**Brett:** Working with like-minded, driven people is crucial. Being surrounded by goal-oriented individuals is energizing and impactful.

**Gabby:** Absolutely, working in motivated teams drives success, and I’ve grown significantly with Redwood’s ambitious projects.

**Brett:** Any parting advice?

**Gabby:** Don’t fear failure. It’s about getting back up every time you fall. It’s a life lesson applicable to every scenario, both professional and personal.

**Brett:** Thanks, Gabby, for joining. If anyone wants to connect, they can find you on LinkedIn, correct?

**Gabby:** Yes, LinkedIn is the best place.

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Gabby shared insights on resilience, the importance of seizing opportunities, and her journey through various industries, emphasizing continuous learning and adaptability.