## Talking Tires Podcast

**Craig Hunter (Host):**
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, a curious car enthusiast, or an avid recycler, Talking Tires is the perfect podcast for anyone who wants to learn about this essential component of the modern vehicle and heavy equipment. So, buckle up and join us for an informative and engaging journey into the world of tires.

**Craig Hunter:**
All right, we’re back for another episode of Talking Tires. I’m your host Craig Hunter, the president of Tire Reclaim. Today I’m here with Zach Devin from BSG Recycling. He’s pretty much the head of getting stuff done, covering sales, marketing, and operations. We’re really glad to have you, Zach. Welcome.

**Zach Devin:**
Thank you so much for having me. It’s a pleasure.

**Craig Hunter:**
Really excited about this. We like to talk tires and not just their life but also the end of life, which is where you come in. It’s exciting to learn about BSG Recycling in Detroit. You’re the only processor in the Motor City, right?

**Zach Devin:**
Yes, we’re fully equipped, from hauling to processing all the way to the end of life. We’re the only one in the Motor City.

**Craig Hunter:**
Awesome. Before we dive into that, I want to get to know you a little bit. Are you from Detroit?

**Zach Devin:**
Born and bred. I hail from Livonia, Michigan. I grew up on 8 Mile and went to a small school district called Clarenceville. After high school, I went to college and played some college baseball while studying health and exercise science.

**Craig Hunter:**
Did the path to tires happen around that time?

**Zach Devin:**
Never thought about it. It was happenstance, really. I didn’t even know this kind of business existed until recently, but it’s been a great learning curve.

**Craig Hunter:**
Baseball seems like a big part of your life. How do you apply what you learned in sports to your current day-to-day?

**Zach Devin:**
Team sports taught me a lot about life. Baseball, in particular, represents life well—you can do everything right and still fail. It’s a game of failure, and so is life. It has equipped me with resilience and the enjoyment of successes amidst challenges.

**Craig Hunter:**
And after college, did you pursue playing baseball professionally?

**Zach Devin:**
Yes, I chased the dream of playing professionally, playing for barnstorming teams and independent leagues. Eventually, I made it into a professional league, which was always my goal.

**Craig Hunter:**
You mentioned having a health and exercise science degree. Did that help?

**Zach Devin:**
Absolutely. It helped me take care of my body, allowing me to compete at a professional level without any significant injuries.

**Craig Hunter:**
After baseball, you eventually found your way to tire recycling. How did that come about?

**Zach Devin:**
A good friend connected me to my current employer. I was looking for a career change to spend more time with my family, and it turned out to be a rewarding transition into tire recycling.

**Craig Hunter:**
Was the move from baseball and bartending to tire recycling daunting?

**Zach Devin:**
Yes, it was a big leap. But the team at BSG Recycling has been supportive, and I’ve learned so much about the industry since I started.

**Craig Hunter:**
What does a typical day look like for you at BSG?

**Zach Devin:**
I start with checking LinkedIn for updates, followed by reaching out to potential clients. My role has evolved from cold calling to developing a new operational system called Treadset, which helps optimize our logistics and operations.

**Craig Hunter:**
Can you tell us more about Treadset?

**Zach Devin:**
Treadset is a comprehensive system that tracks client data, routes, and manifests electronically, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. It’s transformed how we operate, both administratively and for our drivers.

**Craig Hunter:**
That’s impressive. What challenges did you face in developing Treadset?

**Zach Devin:**
The learning curve was steep, as I had no tech background. There were a lot of trials and errors until it functioned smoothly. Collaboration with our driver, Brener, was crucial for refining the system.

**Craig Hunter:**
How do you see Treadset impacting the industry?

**Zach Devin:**
Treadset aims to streamline operations and compliance, potentially helping other processors by providing a tailored system for tire recycling. It’s designed with the industry’s specific needs in mind, offering data-driven insights and operational efficiency.

**Craig Hunter:**
That’s a significant contribution. Looking forward to seeing its impact. As we wrap up, any advice for newcomers in the recycling field?

**Zach Devin:**
Clear communication is vital. It’s essential to maintain transparency and ensure everyone is on the same page to avoid operational hiccups and build trust with clients.

**Craig Hunter:**
Thank you, Zach, for sharing your journey and insights. Looking forward to seeing what you achieve with Treadset and at the upcoming Tire Recycling Conference.

**Zach Devin:**
Thank you so much. It’s been a pleasure being here.