Giving A Second Life To Industrial Waste

Summary

In this episode of BizNinja Entrepreneur Radio, host Tyler Jorgenson dives into the innovative world of industrial repurposing with Damon Carson, founder of repurposedMaterials. Damon shares how his company gives discarded industrial items a second life, transforming waste into valuable resources. From rubber conveyor belts used in farming to old street sweeper brushes turned into livestock back scratchers, Damon's creative approach embodies the principles of reuse, resourcefulness, and environmental sustainability. His entrepreneurial journey, inspired by both rural roots and early exposure to industrial waste, showcases the power of seeing potential in what others discard.

Damon recounts his early challenges and triumphs, including the pivotal moment in 2010 when a simple suggestion about billboard vinyls sparked a whole new business idea. He discusses the logistical hurdles of sourcing and storing industrial waste, as well as the ingenuity required to match materials with customers' needs. From partnering with major corporations like Apple to providing solutions for industries ranging from trucking to agriculture, Damon's business model proves that one company's trash can indeed become another's treasure.

Throughout the conversation, Damon also offers insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of taking calculated risks and starting with "baby steps." With over 15 million pounds of material saved from landfills annually, Repurposed Materials is not only a thriving business but also a testament to the ecological and economic benefits of innovation. Tune in to hear Damon’s remarkable journey and how you can think outside the box—whether you’re an entrepreneur or simply someone looking to make a difference.

 

Takeaways

1. The Power of Repurposing: Repurposing industrial waste can reduce environmental impact while creating valuable business opportunities. Damon's approach showcases the benefits of finding second lives for discarded items.
2. Innovation Through Resourcefulness: Success often lies in seeing potential where others see waste. Listening to customers and leveraging creative thinking can lead to surprising and impactful solutions.
3. Entrepreneurial Wisdom: Start small, manage risks, and take incremental steps to grow a business. Damon’s story illustrates how "baby steps" and calculated gambles can lead to significant breakthroughs.
4. Strategic Scaling: Expanding a logistics-heavy business like Repurposed Materials required careful planning, from locating warehouses to hiring the right people. Strategic choices can help manage complexity.
5. Environmental and Economic Impact: Beyond profitability, Damon’s work underscores the importance of sustainability, with millions of pounds of material diverted from landfills every year.