## Built to Work Podcast Episode
**Introduction by Colin, Host:**
Welcome to Built to Work, the podcast that gets its hands dirty, dives into the grit, and uncovers the heart of what makes the blue-collar world tick. I’m Colin, your host, and I’m sitting down with the people who keep our world running. From those tackling the tough jobs no one else dares to do to the HR professionals working overtime to find the labor force we desperately need. Whether you’re in the trenches or behind the scenes, this podcast is for anyone who values hard work, determination, and stories that build the backbone of our workforce. So, grab your gloves, your coffee, or your clipboard. It’s time to get to work. Welcome to another episode of the Built to Work podcast. I am here today with my friend Randy Goodman. Randy, thank you so much for joining me today.
**Randy Goodman:**
Thanks, Colin. It’s great to be here.
—
**Colin:**
Yeah. So, I’ve gotten to know Randy over the last couple of years, at different industry events, running into each other, having conversations. Very interesting guy, has a long and varied background in the recycled materials industry and the scrap industry. So, I thought it’d be fun to chat with you and learn about your history and what you’re doing now. So, Randy, how did you get your start in this industry?
**Randy:**
Well, it was at a lake house, Lake Alatuna, Georgia. I met a person who was friends with my sister and he was interested in hiring her, but instead, he interviewed me for a position that was basically a grunt in a brokerage division, a small brokerage house at a scrapyard in Atlanta, Georgia. I had a cousin of my mother’s in the industry and she told me to talk to him. He said, ‘I don’t care if you have to sweep floors and clean out toilets, but if you can get into a family-owned business in the scrap metal industry, it would do you well.’ I wasn’t really a book-smart guy but kind of navigated the world with street smarts and just common sense, and a sales ability, if you will.
**Colin:**
Okay, so um, that was ’89. Fast forward 11 years, they got bought out and bankrupted afterwards. Coming out of that bankruptcy we failed to come out of it. A little company out of New York City named Hugo New Schnitzer Joint Ventures in 2001 picked me up to replace somebody who had been with them for 53 years. It was an amazing jump into the big leagues, international marketing, traveling. And I just loved it. It was an amazing opportunity. So, that’s kind of how I made the jump into the international side of things.
**Randy:**
Along the way, I’ve been extremely active in the trade association, formerly known as ISRI. I named my company Scrapper G, my consulting business while I was on my own for a couple of years. I’ve worked with the ISRI leadership on specifications for nearly 20 years. I actually led that specification group for about 15 years and wrote and modified a lot of the current specifications that we use today in the non-ferrous realm around the world. I was one of the people that helped start the trade committee. Identified a need for something like that with a friend of mine, Andy Wall, and realized we really needed to be on the international front.
—
**Colin:**
Yeah, it’s been quite a journey. Always vital to have those connections and realize the global scope of things, especially in the scrap industry. You mentioned a transition to becoming a buyer for a trading house at some point?
**Randy:**
Exactly, it was in 2015. I shifted to become a buyer for an American trading house and did quite well, thanks to my exposure to ISRI governance. My reputation helped grow their business tenfold in three years. It was amazing. But later, some challenges, especially during COVID.
**Colin:**
Yeah, COVID was tough on many. But now it sounds like you’re settled with a focus on consultancy and Pillar. Could you tell us more about that?
**Randy:**
Absolutely. I met Harsher Romesh, the co-founder of Pillar, about a year and a half ago. They’d just completed their first round of venture capital. Their product is an AI-powered hedging platform, a better mousetrap if you will. It was something I’d wanted to solve for years. Transitioned from advisor to VP of sales now, and it’s been immensely rewarding.
—
**Colin:**
That’s awesome. Sounds like a great blend of your industry experience and new tech. It’s nice to know that your wisdom is guiding these fresh, innovative minds. What’s the energy like working with such a young team?
**Randy:**
It’s invigorating. The co-founders are in their twenties, and they respect the industry knowledge I provide. It’s a good mix of respect for age and embracing young ideas.
**Colin:**
And how about your role at Pillar? What’s on the horizon?
**Randy:**
Pretty exciting times. Proud to have transitioned into the VP of sales for scrap recycling. Their product spans various industries. It’s fantastic to demonstrate its potential, where this spreadsheet from hell becomes manageable. The future’s bright with strong venture backing and dedication to innovate.
—
**Colin:**
As we wrap up, looking back, with all the years you’ve spent in the industry, the experiences you’ve had, what would you say is a key lesson or advice for anyone entering the scrap or metals industry?
**Randy:**
Keeping an open mind is crucial. Look vertically and horizontally; understand the roles from yard workers to international partners. It’s not just the buyer-seller relationship; there are logistics, operations, financials—a whole ecosystem. Respect and awareness are key.
**Colin:**
Wise words. Thank you for sharing your insights, Randy. Best of luck with Pillar, and thanks for joining me today.
**Randy:**
Thank you, Colin. Let’s do this again sometime.
**Colin:**
Absolutely! And for all the listeners, check out Pillar at www.pillarhq.com. Thanks for tuning in!