Fresh perspective

Sam Padnos

Nonferrous metals trader at Padnos

To join the family business or not to join the family business: That is the question.

Sam Padnos, fourth-generation family member and employee of Michigan-based recycling firm Padnos, knew the answer early.

“To a certain degree, I always thought, in the back of my mind, that I’d end up in the family business,” he says, though his path didn’t lead straight there.

After studying economics at Hobart College in Geneva, New York, Sam’s first job upon graduation was in residential and commercial real estate, working for a property management company along with his twin brother, Josh.

“Our family really encourages us to go out, gain new experiences and seek our own path,” Sam says. “If there is an opportunity to come back to the business, you’re more than welcome to it.

“It’s all about making sure you’re truly passionate about what you’re doing.”

When exploring opportunities at Padnos, Sam initially was interested in the company’s plastics operations, but soon found himself gravitating toward nonferrous metals, eventually assuming a role as nonferrous trading manager.

As a trading manager at Padnos, he works to identify the best possible markets, ensuring timely movement of inventory while negotiating spot and long-term deals, but one of his favorite parts of the job is meeting new people.

“Whether it’s on the supply side [or] the consumer side, you’re constantly on this learning journey, and there’s always new things that you’re going to be able to take away from any visit,” he says. “That’s what makes it exciting—the dynamic nature of our business and how things continue to evolve.”

In the following interview, Sam discusses emerging technologies and ways for the recycling industry to recruit young professionals.

"It’s so enjoyable to see how quickly things are changing and to be part of the integration of new technology.”

Recycling Today (RT): What are your favorite aspects of your job?

Sam Padnos (SP): I really enjoy the fact that a lot of new challenges come up on a regular basis. I really enjoy going out and understanding what [consumers’ and suppliers’] pain points are and seeing what we can do ... [to] provide solutions because there’s not a cookie cutter approach.

One of my favorite parts of this industry ... is the continuous technology improvements. It’s so enjoyable to see how quickly things are changing and to be part of the integration of new technology.

RT: What are some technologies you hope to see embraced more?

SP: I caution this to a certain extent, but obviously we’re going to utilize it: Everyone’s going to start embracing AI [artificial intelligence]. … Whether it’s AI for machine learning, sortation, I think we’re going to see a lot more of it. We’re going to continue to adapt and utilize that and see how we can [integrate it] alongside our team, making some tests a little more efficient.

I think you’re going to see continuous advancements in various X-ray technologies as well. There’s going to be some significant efficiency gains.

We recently announced a joint venture with Hydro, and we’re in the process of commissioning a plant right now for alloy sortation. … The theme is that cleaner and cleaner material streams are being produced.

RT: How can the recycling industry recruit more young professionals?

SP: Education is so critical. You’ve got to start young, too, bringing students from the classroom on-site ... to show them what actually takes place.

Try to bring in interns as well. We’ve got some really great team members who have been with us for a long time, and they started as interns. … Once they get into it and see what we’re doing on a regular basis, people—for the most part—enjoy it.