Born Scrappy

This is the podcast for scrap metal traders and operators who want to get sharper without losing their scrappy edge.

Born Scrappy is a business podcast hosted by Stu Kagan, with 90 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Stu Kagan hosts Born Scrappy, a business show with 90 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #15

  Spotting the Next Opportunity with Brett Ekart

  May 20, 202659 minS5

  <p>Send us Fan Mail</p><p>In this episode of Born Scrappy I sit down with Brett Ekart, Serial Entrepreneur, Owner of United Metals Recycling and the host of A Scrap Life podcast, for a masterclass in what it really means to grow. Not just bigger, but smarter, broader, and with the right people alongside you.</p><p>Brett has built one of the most diversified operations in the scrap industry. From eight scrapyards in Idaho and Oregon to pipe supply, trucking, tire recycling, property development, and media.<br/><br/>But this episode isn't just about the businesses he's...

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  Episode #14

  Growing Through Adversity with Michael Lion

  May 13, 202646 minS5

  <p>Send us Fan Mail</p><p>In this episode of Born Scrappy I sit down with Michael Lion, Former Owner of Philipp & Lion and Former Consultant & Chairman at Sims Metal Management, for a masterclass in what really happens when it all goes wrong and what you can learn from it.<br/><br/>Michael's career is one of the industry's most extraordinary stories. He entered the business at 17, built Philipp & Lion into one of the world's largest non-ferrous scrap traders, pioneered copper trade routes into China in the late 1970s, and operated at a scale most traders only read about.<...

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  Episode #13

  Earning the Right to Lead with Jonathan & Alex Ross

  Apr 22, 202643 minS5

  <p>Send us Fan Mail</p><p>In this episode of Born Scrappy I sit down with Jonathan Ross from John Ross & Sons Ltd., and his son Alex Ross, VP of Ops and Sales. Recorded live at ReMA 2026, this is a candid, unfiltered conversation about what it actually takes to bring the next generation through a fifth-generation family business the right way.</p><p><br/>Jonathan has spent decades building one of Canada's largest and most respected metal recycling operations. A company now in its fifth generation, which puts it in rare company. Alex came up through the yards at 12...

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  Episode #12

  Persistence, Partnerships, and the Future of Scrap with Lenny Formato

  Apr 15, 202644 minS5

  <p>Send us Fan Mail</p><p>In this week’s episode, I chat to Lenny Formato, Co-founder of Empire Metal Trading. A third-generation recycler out of New York, Lenny has lived and breathed this industry from a young age. From riding trucks as a kid to building a business that’s still evolving today.</p><p><br/>We cover everything from persistence and patience in deal-making to the power of going “all in” when it really counts. Lenny shares stories that only come from decades in the game, including the deals that took years to land, lessons from starting again in...

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  Episode #11

  Attracting Young Talent with Andy Golding

  Apr 8, 202647 minS5

  <p>Send us Fan Mail</p><p>In this week’s episode, I chat to Andy Golding, Chief Strategy Officer & Partner at Kripke Enterprises and incoming ReMA Chair.<br/><br/>This one’s a proper masterclass on attracting young talent, and more importantly, what to do once you’ve got them.<br/><br/>Andy shares how the industry needs to rethink some of its oldest habits if we want to stay relevant. From moving away from the “everyone must start in the yard” mindset, to hiring for specialization and actually trusting people to do what they’re good at.<br/><br/>We also...

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