1. How did you first get into the world of shredding?

I spent 25 years working in cement manufacturing, where I was heavily involved in operations and the use of alternative fuels – a tough but rewarding role. During that time, I became aware of UNTHA machinery while visiting various sites and was always impressed by their performance.

I later joined UNTHA after being a customer, which gave me a different perspective on the technology and the business. After a short period away, I’ve recently returned to the team – and it’s great to be back. That experience allows me to bring both the customer and supplier viewpoint when working with clients.

2. What’s one waste material you think deserves more attention in the US and why?

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), without a doubt. In the US, we throw so much away without realizing the potential value that’s sitting in that material stream. There’s a huge opportunity to unlock that value, but we need the right infrastructure in place to do it.

Landfilling is still relatively cheap here compared to places like the UK, which means there’s less incentive to explore alternative waste solutions. I’d love to see more government involvement to help shift that mindset. It’s not just about selling machines – it’s about helping the industry realize what’s possible.

3. Which UNTHA machine is your favorite, and why?

Definitely the XR3000C. It’s such a versatile machine. One day it’s shredding tires, the next it’s tackling carpets or wood waste. It’s incredible how much this one shredder can handle across such a wide range of applications.

4. What’s been a personal highlight of your UNTHA career so far?

One of the biggest highlights has been building long-term relationships with customers and seeing projects evolve over time.

Returning to UNTHA has also been a highlight in itself – the business has moved forward with stronger structure, better systems, and a clear direction for growth, which makes it an exciting place to be right now.

5. What’s one skill or quality that helps you thrive in the UNTHA USA team?

Trust and honesty. I’ve built strong relationships with customers over the years by being upfront and reliable – even if that means telling someone we’re not the right fit.

A big part of the role is helping customers understand what they actually need. Not everyone needs a shredder, and sometimes the value is in guiding them towards the right overall solution.

6. What’s your go-to way to unwind after a busy workday?

Honestly, just being with my family. I have five kids, so watching their soccer games and spending time with them and my wife is how I like to unwind.

7. The phone rings, and it’s your dream customer – who is it?

Reworld. Which also happens to be our largest customer right now, with around 10 UNTHA machines in operation. The company is expanding its alternative fuel capabilities using our XR machines, and it’s exciting to be part of that journey as new sites are rolled out across the US.

8. What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?

“Not all money is good money.” That really stuck with me, especially coming from an operations background where the pressure can be intense. Sometimes the best decision is knowing when to walk away from the wrong opportunity, even if it looks profitable on paper.

9. What’s something you think will change the shredding or wider waste industry over the next 10 years?

I believe the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) stream will grow significantly, which will hopefully drive more innovation and investment in efficient waste management and shredding technologies.

With increased representation and involvement from state governments and regulatory bodies, waste management would become a higher priority environmentally and economically, and we’d start to see stronger policies and standards to help push the industry forward.

One of the biggest opportunities lies in increasing the Total Substitution Rate (TSR) – the rate at which alternative fuels and materials are used in place of primary raw materials. In the U.S., the TSR is only about 16%, compared to around 70% in Europe. That’s a huge gap, and a clear sign that the U.S. has a long way to go, but also enormous potential to improve.

There’s a lot of room for growth, and as awareness, regulation, and technology advance, the shredding and wider waste industries will be ready to support the transformation.

10.  And finally, UNTHA operates worldwide — if you could work from another global office for a month, where would you choose and why?

I’d choose the UNTHA office in Istanbul, Türkiye – a beautiful location with lots of business opportunities and machines already in operation. There would also be a great chance to collaborate with the Türkiye team, who are doing some impressive work.