# Talking Tires Podcast
## Welcome to Talking Tires
Welcome to Talking Tires, the podcast that delves deep into the world of tires. Join us as we explore everything from the science behind manufacturing to the latest innovations in tire recycling. Our aim is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of tires, including how they work, how to maintain them, and how to dispose of them responsibly. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic, curious car enthusiast, or an avid recycler, Talking Tires is the perfect podcast for anyone who wants to learn about this essential component of modern vehicles and heavy equipment.
**So buckle up and join us for an informative and engaging journey into the world of tires!**
### Introduction
Welcome to another episode of Talking Tires. I’m your host, Craig Hunter, president of Tire Reclaim. I’m here today with three very fine gentlemen I’ve had the honor of meeting. Let me introduce them: Andre Salazar, the CMO of Eco Green Equipment here in Salt Lake City; Brad Swinson, the CEO and co-founder; and John Porter, COO and also a founder. Welcome, guys!
Today we’re going to discuss the end of life for tires—a critical topic in tire recycling.
### About the Guests
**Craig Hunter** – I’m thrilled to have Andre Salazar, Brad Swinson, and John Porter here. These gentlemen were gracious enough to show us some incredible equipment. Today, however, we’re focusing on tire recycling.
**Brad Swinson** – Let me tell you about how we started in the tire industry. John and I initially had a business importing products from China. Then, through a fascinating series of events, including a serendipitous meeting in Las Vegas, we shifted our focus toward recycling equipment.
**Andre Salazar** – And yes, the story even includes a bit of drama, such as solving a complicated situation that could have been life-threatening!
### The Tire Industry Journey
Brad mentioned how their venture into tire recycling started somewhat unconventionally. Through encounters at industry events, partnerships were formed, and a company was born. Despite early challenges, such as issues with manufacturing quality in China, they persevered and developed robust solutions for tire recycling.
**John Porter** – We faced initial setbacks head-on, redesigning our equipment from the ground up to handle the demands of tire recycling adequately.
### Current Challenges and Solutions
**Andre Salazar** – We’ve seen a significant opportunity in Off-the-Road (OTR) tires, identified a decade ago. OTR tires, such as the colossal R63, weigh around 10,000 lbs each and cost between $60,000 to $80,000 new. Mines generate up to 10 of these tires daily, creating substantial waste we need to address.
Partnering with mines has enabled us to process up to 12 of these tires daily, providing an eco-friendly alternative to simply burying them.
### Adapting and Innovating
**Brad Swinson** – Our mission is customer success through innovative recycling solutions. We strive to help customers solve big problems, like legislation changes that now require proper disposal techniques for mining tires.
**John Porter** – Hearing stories from customers about how our solutions have provided for their families generationally is incredibly rewarding.
### Future Outlook
Andre explained the importance of not only creating efficient machines but also understanding the entire tire recycling business model. Collaboration and open communication in the industry are keys to success, enabling innovations and creating a sustainable future for tire recycling.
**Craig Hunter** – Thank you for sharing your tire recycling journey with us. Your persistence in finding solutions and creating successful recycling programs is admirable.
**Brad Swinson** – We’ve had significant successes, like establishing recycling plants in Colombia, processing 80% of the country’s tires with no landfill contribution.
### Conclusion
**Andre Salazar** – Engaging with various industries, brainstorming innovative solutions, and seeing tangible environmental improvements affirm our work’s impact. It’s clear that, as an industry, working together can transform tires from waste to valuable resources.
Thank you, all, for joining us today. This has been a fantastic educational experience. Have a great night!