Triumph: Turning Scrap Metal Into a Thriving Business Success Story

In the competitive world of scrap metal, success is never guaranteed—but Triumph has proven that vision, strategy, and sheer determination can turn even the most traditional industry into a powerhouse. Founded in April 2021, Triumph began as a scrap metal brokerage and quickly expanded into trucking with Triumph Express, now operating nine semi-trucks and 13 dump trailers. This story dives deep into how founder Ryan leveraged early sales experience, a passion for entrepreneurship, and an unshakable commitment to his vision to build a resilient, growing company. From navigating volatile commodity markets to handling unpredictable on-the-ground challenges, Triumph’s journey is a testament to innovation, grit, and the power of doing things differently.

The Birth of Triumph

Triumph’s origins are rooted in Ryan’s early exposure to the scrap metal industry. While working in sales at Costco Wholesale, he was introduced to a mentor who invited him into the scrap metal world—a move that would shape his career. From his first visit to a scrap yard in Akron, Ohio, Ryan quickly understood the business’s unique dynamics: a small, competitive “gentleman’s club” where relationships and industry knowledge are everything.

Ryan saw potential in this niche market and embraced the challenge, learning commodity values, trading, and freight logistics—all skills that would later become essential to Triumph’s operations.

Overcoming Challenges in a Volatile Industry

The scrap metal industry is unpredictable. Prices fluctuate daily, mills consolidate, and competition is fierce. Ryan describes it as a roller-coaster, comparing it to sports: every day brings a new strategy, negotiation, or deal. Triumph had to navigate these challenges from day one:

• Managing scrap purchases from dealers and demolition companies.
• Trading exclusively within the U.S., with focus in the Midwest.
• Scaling operations with limited capital, starting small but thinking big.

Despite these hurdles, Ryan’s leadership and strategic vision allowed Triumph to gain credibility with mills and expand its brokerage operations efficiently.

Triumph Express: Diversifying Into Trucking

Recognizing the need for vertical integration, Ryan launched Triumph Express, a trucking arm that supports scrap operations. With a fleet of semi-trucks, dump trailers, and roll-off boxes, Triumph Express ensures reliable transportation for scrap metals, giving the company a competitive advantage.

This move reflects a forward-thinking approach: not only controlling trading, but also logistics, giving Triumph flexibility and independence in an industry where timing and reliability are everything.

Lessons from Experience

Ryan’s journey isn’t his first rodeo. Before Triumph, he founded Cobra Trading, a $50 million per year scrap brokerage. The experience taught him critical lessons:

• Resilience: Personal hardships, including the loss of his daughter, tested his ability to persevere.
• Financial discipline: Saving and reinvesting were crucial for stability.
• Entrepreneurial instincts: Betting on himself, he consistently identified opportunities others overlooked.

These lessons have shaped Triumph’s philosophy: combine grit, creativity, and operational excellence to thrive in a demanding market.

The Unique Culture of Scrap Metal

Ryan emphasizes the “locker room” feel of the industry. Relationships matter, but competition is constant. Triumph thrives in this environment by:

• Building trust with suppliers and mills.
• Negotiating effectively in a volatile commodities market.
• Handling unpredictable on-the-ground situations, from security concerns to regulatory challenges.

This combination of street-smart strategy and professional discipline differentiates Triumph from competitors.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Consolidation

Triumph’s vision is clear: grow the company into a $10–20 million enterprise while maintaining agility. Ryan anticipates further industry consolidation but positions Triumph as a boutique brokerage with unique capabilities, blending trading and trucking services to stay competitive.

By investing in infrastructure, technology, and strategic partnerships, Triumph is ready for future challenges, demonstrating that success comes from adaptability, foresight, and relentless execution.

FAQs

Q1: What makes Triumph different from other scrap metal companies?
Triumph combines brokerage expertise with logistics, ensuring a seamless supply chain and responsive service across the U.S.

Q2: How did Triumph start with limited capital?
Ryan leveraged personal savings, a line of credit, and strategic investor support to bootstrap operations while carefully managing cash flow.

Q3: Is Triumph involved in recycling or environmentally friendly operations?
Yes, both the brokerage and trucking arms focus exclusively on scrap metal, contributing to recycling and sustainability.

Q4: What regions does Triumph serve?
Primarily the Midwest, Southeast, and eventually expanding westward in the United States.

Conclusion

Triumph’s story is a testament to entrepreneurship, resilience, and vision. From a young salesperson in Costco to a founder leading a growing scrap metal brokerage and trucking company, Ryan’s journey shows that success is about strategy, grit, and continuous learning.

If you’re ready to partner with a reliable scrap metal brokerage that values efficiency, trust, and results, contact ScrapTrade.com.au to explore opportunities.