ENTREPRENEURIAL FRIENDS TURN SCRAP METAL INTO PROFIT

What was once a simple idea to make a little extra spending money on the side for two college students has turned into an incredibly successful small business venture.

While in college at Winthrop University, Rock Hill, S.C., Will Simmons and Josh Rozsak conducted a small recycling business from a rental van. Meanwhile, Jeremy Rozsak was receiving the hands-on experience from another nearby scrap-metal company. The men discovered an open market in Monroe and decided to take what would eventually be the most important step in their careers. The young men collaborated in 1999 to establish Metal Recycling Services. Inc., in Monroe, N.C. MRS is a manufacturer of raw metal materials in which it collects, processes and sells useable scrap metal. The company currently employs over 35 people.

Having a large supply of scrap metal is key, and one source is buildings scheduled for demolition. "Finding structures with a significant amount of scrap metal and using material someone else doesn't want, while earning a profit is exciting," MRS President Jeremy Rozsak said. He has provided over 10,000 tons of scrap through available real estate for the company this past year.

On the sales end of the company is Vice President Will Simmons III. Will helps MRS establish a credible reputation and expand its customer base. In 2004, Simmons brought six key customers to the business.

Knowledge of equipment is particularly important in the recycling business. Always curious to understand how any mechanism functions, is the company Treasurer Josh Rozsak. "It is an advantage to understand how a certain piece of equipment works because it allows us to run more efficiently. When our equipment works, we load trucks; when we load trucks, we are most productive," Rozsak said.

Having this capability, Josh has inspired the company to explore the option of automobile shredding, which requires the installation of a shredder. Taking them into 2005 is the installation of the equipment that will take them down yet another avenue of business.

Jason Lee Horner graduated from Winthrop University with a degree in finance. He joined MRS in 2003 and is responsible for accounting and financial planning.

In March of 2004, as part of MRS debt-management strategy, Jason refinanced capital assets with an SBA loan from First Citizens Bank, which reduced their monthly payments by 40 percent.

MRS also took advantage of North Carolina Small Business & Technology Center counseling. Starting in November 2004 they met with three different SBTDC counselors to discuss different avenues for growth such as offsetting overhead costs and government procurement opportunities.

The U.S. Small Business Administration recognized the accomplishments of the four friends by honoring them with the 2005 National Young Entrepreneurs of the Year Award. The award is given to an individual or individuals who owns or operates a small business with a three year track record and who will have reached the age of 30 by June of the current year. They were also named North Carolina State and Southeast Region Young Entrepreneurs of the Year.