5-15-2025
To the loyal customers of Kimmel Scrap.
This past month an article was shared with me written by Kevin Trimm from HRH Metals in Moody, Alabama. I felt the article was well conceived and describe the feeling we at Kimmel have always felt. Why a smaller independent family-owned scrap metal dealer is your best partner in recycling your scrap metals.
Four Reasons There Will Always Be Small Scrapyards
April 29th 2025
By Kevin Trimm
Small scrap yards like ours will stay around because we have relationships and connections and are able to move fast. I have always maintained that there will always be a place for nimble, efficient scrap yards. Each time the big get bigger, international companies acquire bigger firms with layer upon layer of bureaucracy. They leave crumbs under the table and miss opportunities that we will not. This is what we do at Kimmel for the last 75 years. We go into places others do not want to bother with and work with our customers to make sure we do it right, the first time.
We run on relationships and knowledge. We don’t have bankers, bean counters or analysts telling us what we can or can’t do.
I am a small scrap yard dealer who drove a truck for the first 15 years of my career, operated loaders and occasionally worked our cranes. I still answer the phone if everyone is busy.
1. Relationships
There are still companies and people out there who value human contact and a human voice. People like to speak to people when they make a deal. They also want someone who understands why Your requirements are important and will perform what we promise.
Experience matters, and when people know you are honest and experienced, they will call you when they need help. Small scrap yards are in a great position to keep these relationships strong. TJ Yarema has been working with me for over 15 years. He listens and is always willing to refer a friend or acquaintance if he knows it can help.
2. Speed
Let’s say you have a question regarding a new alloy or some metal you are not familiar with? With 75 years of experience and two pieces of analytic equipment we can usually help. At some of the bigger yards you might be waiting days or weeks for someone able to answer your questions. With smaller recyclers you are able to reach the correct person quickly and get responses more timely.
3. Longevity
Big companies come and go. They are sold, merged and sold again. Personnel are transferred from scrap divisions to flooring to building divisions. Small yards tend to keep the same owners and maintain employees who are given more responsibility and respected for their knowledge. The core employees stick around; this builds trust and connections. When you have long term employees be proud and talk it up. It might be something your competitors can’t touch.
4. Connections
At Kimmel our phone rings constantly, Between Holly and Nicole, you will get the service and information quickly. Ken is on the phone with both our vendors and suppliers constantly during the day providing information and maintaining our long-term relationships with both. Many times he tells me about a vendor who he has helped find the correct material they might need. These conversations don’t always bring financial gain to Kimmel immediately but long-term relations build long term gain. Sam who manages everything coming in or leaving our facility is the unsung hero. When we need to move mountains or piles of material, he is the man who makes things happen. His attention to details and communications between every aspect makes Kimmel run efficiently.
These are the reasons you need a smaller scrap yard, it’s the people who care and make me proud. They make a difference, and earn your trust every day.
Wishing you a wonderful day.
Sincerely,
Robert Kimmel
President/CEO
