Welcome to our year‑long series celebrating the entrepreneurs and small businesses that have shaped the nation’s economy for 250 years. You can view the entire series here.
Based in Cicero, IL, United Scrap Metal has evolved from a single-site business into a multi-location recycling and commodity solutions provider serving customers across the Midwest and Northeast. Growth has been fueled by long-standing customer partnerships and a willingness to move quickly when opportunity demands it.
Brad Serlin, President of United Scrap Metal, points to a major expansion in 2012 as a defining moment, when a key customer required the company to rapidly scale operations across more than 100 locations in the Northeast.
“The change agility that we successfully demonstrated proved we could overcome any challenge, adversity, and roadblocks,” said Serlin.
The project required securing a facility, building infrastructure, hiring a new workforce, and launching operations in a new region in just a matter of months—an effort that ultimately launched ahead of schedule and set the tone for future expansion.
Never be fearful of failure as it will happen through temporary setbacksBrad Serlin, Co-founder and President of United Scrap Metal
According to Serlin, entrepreneurship requires both discipline and flexibility, especially when growth accelerates faster than expected.
“Entrepreneurship is both an art and science,” explained Serlin. “It won’t go as planned with all the moving parts and pieces.”
He also emphasizes resilience and learning through setbacks, noting that temporary failures often become long-term advantages when used as learning opportunities.
“Never be fearful of failure as it will happen through temporary setbacks,” Serlin said.
At the core of United Scrap Metal’s growth is a clearly defined mission and set of core values that guide decision-making across the organization. These principles help align teams and sustain culture as the company scales.
“Our mission is: ‘making a positive impact in the lives of others,’” added Serlin.
Together with its core values—trust, commitment, loyalty, passion, respect, service, and performance—those principles continue to serve as the foundation for the company’s growth and expansion strategy.
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here.
Apply for the CO—100
Applications are now open for the CO—100 — the U.S. Chamber of Commerce awards program recognizing the top 100 businesses in America. If you’ve built something that’s driving real innovation and impact, this is where it gets recognized.
