In the lead: Manny Bodner provides leadership beyond his Houston scrap company's property lines - Cover Story

Recycling Today, Dec, 2003 by Brian Taylor

The era of the large shredder has dawned since Manny became involved in the scrap industry, and he is continuing to compete in that environment. "We're able to serve clients that other companies are not able to serve; we can still serve new customers," Manny remarks. "Regardless of what equipment you have, you must adapt, and I feel confident we have. We're boosting our tonnage, we're growing and we continue to grow."

While keeping one eye on operations, the buying and selling aspects may be what Manny enjoys most. "I find I enjoy trading most, because, as we develop our trading side, that is developing our marketing side," he says. "By being active in trading and marketing, we can develop new customers and to grow our business."

Relationships remain a key reason Manny enjoys his work as well. "I enjoy my work in the industry through ISRI, and I enjoy the relationship I have with my family. My Father Eugene is chairman with us and he is very involved. He's our founder. My sister Karen serves as Corporate Secretary. Karen is our representative to generating customers. She has a wonderful disposition and is able to discuss a variety of subjects with our clients."

Each of the Bodners has a defined role, and they function well as a team. "I get to work with both of them on a daily basis," notes Manny.

The image the company projects has been a key to its ongoing success, he also notes. "People enjoy doing business with us, quite frankly. They know we're going to be honest with them and tell them what we can do and what we can't do. We're not perfect; nobody is."

Integrity is a quality that Manny says helps set successful operators apart. "I think credibility, reliability and integrity are keys. You have to say what you're going to do and you have to do what you're going to say. And explain when things when go wrong. Accountability is another important word."

There is no crystal ball Manny can look into to determine the future, but he feels that a carefully managed company should continue to be presented with opportunities in the Houston area. "I see continued growth in the Houston area in the metals industry," says Manny. "That is not to say that some companies won't move out and move in. But I continue to see Houston in a very positive light. The market is as it is; we work with that market."

No matter what the market brings, Manny says Bodner Metal & Iron is preparing to work with what comes its way. "We're always going to evolve. We're always going to try to be in a position to service our markets in the best of our ability, and to grow and to respond as best we can."

BRINGING THE INDUSTRY TOGETHER

Manny Bodner is one of several people who has worked in the past several years to make the ISRI Gulf Coast Summer Convention a gathering that brings recyclers and suppliers from throughout the Gulf Coast region and well beyond together in one place.

Bodner has been among those planning the 2004 Gulf Coast summer event, which will take place June 16-19 in New Orleans.