When Adam Rubin joined the scrap metal industry 26 years ago, he thought it was just “old dishwashers lying on the street.” Today, as Tungco’s newly promoted Director of Global Sales & Procurement, he’s helping lead one of the world’s top tungsten carbide recycling companies through the most volatile market he’s ever seen.
In this episode of Cliff’s Notes, Tungco CEO Cliff Nance sits down with Adam to talk about more than just business. They discuss his milestone birthday, the value of bringing fresh perspective to a family business, and what it takes to manage procurement and sales across multiple divisions in a global industry. Being that Adam was born and raised in Montreal, his perspective on the worldwide market is invaluable. And, as a husband and father of two very active teenage sons, his foundation is in alignment with the heart of what Tungco represents.
From Finance to Tungsten: A 26-Year Journey
Adam didn’t start in the metals industry. With a background in finance and investment, he brought a different perspective when he entered scrap metal trading over two decades ago. That outside experience has proven invaluable at Tungco, where innovation and traditional expertise meet.
“I think when somebody comes in from another industry, there’s a lot of new ideas that can come from fresh blood,” Adam explains in the podcast. His financial background helps him understand the complex costing, trading, and strategic planning that goes into tungsten procurement and sales.
A New Chapter: Director of Global Sales & Procurement
Adam’s recent promotion expands his responsibilities across Tungco’s divisions, including 74 Alloys, TPP (Tungco Powder Procurement), and the core Tungco scrap operation. Managing global procurement and sales means coordinating material flow on both sides of the Atlantic while navigating an unprecedented market.
The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on trading. As Adam notes, “Anyone can go buy. But now you want to start taking all the aspects of trading into it. Then it starts becoming real fun. When you start seeing the money that you’re making on both ends, that’s fun.”
Bryce Littlepage, who serves as Managing Director, will provide support on operational execution, allowing Adam to focus on the strategic direction of procurement and sales.
The Tungsten Market: Making Bold Predictions
During the conversation, Cliff and Adam make friendly wagers on where APT (ammonium paratungstate) prices will peak. Tune in for their predictions!
Said predictions reflect just how unusual the current market has become. “Now throw in the craziest market I’ve ever seen in my career,” Adam says. For companies like Tungco that specialize in tungsten carbide reclamation, market volatility creates both challenges and opportunities.
Understanding tungsten pricing is critical for suppliers looking to maximize returns on their scrap material and for manufacturers planning their raw material procurement strategies.
Leadership Lessons: Teaching the Next Generation
One aspect of Adam’s new role that excites him most is developing the team. He’s committed to sharing knowledge and helping others understand the full scope of trading and procurement.
“Going forward, I want everyone to learn. I want everybody to start partaking in everything that I’m going to be doing,” Adam shares. This approach aligns with Tungco’s culture of relationship-building and long-term thinking.
The company’s “Whatever It Takes” philosophy means empowering team members with both skills and responsibility. For Adam, that means moving beyond simple buying and selling to understand the strategic elements that make deals work.
The Value of Experience in a Young Industry
At 50, Adam finds himself as one of the more seasoned professionals in the tungsten recycling space. But rather than feeling out of place, he recognizes the unique position this creates.
“We both have guys in the industry that we looked up to when we were in our late 20s, early 30s. We’re those guys now,” Cliff observes. It’s a responsibility both men take seriously—being the experienced voices that younger professionals can learn from.
Adam’s journey from finance to tungsten, from buyer to director, demonstrates that the scrap metal industry rewards curiosity, dedication, and the willingness to learn. His quarter-century in the business has given him perspective that few others possess.
What Makes Tungco Different
Throughout the conversation, the relationship between Cliff and Adam is evident. This isn’t just a corporate interview—it’s a genuine conversation between colleagues who respect each other’s expertise and contributions.
That authenticity reflects Tungco’s approach to business. Founded in 1969 by Steve Nance and now led by his son Cliff, the company combines family business values with global reach. They specialize in tungsten carbide reclamation, supplying truckload quantities to manufacturers who produce new tungsten products.
Tungco’s procurement team is made up of some of the most knowledgeable tungsten specialists in the industry, and Adam’s promotion strengthens that expertise. The company values relationships and ensures suppliers receive exceptional service throughout the procurement process, with accurate processing, settlement, and payment handled efficiently.
The Road Ahead
As Adam steps into his expanded role, he’s energized by the possibilities. Managing global procurement and sales across multiple divisions during a historic market run presents challenges, but he’s ready.
“Once I get going, I’ll be good,” Adam says with characteristic confidence. And based on his 26-year track record, there’s every reason to believe him.
For suppliers, manufacturers, and anyone in the tungsten industry, Adam’s story offers valuable insights into how experience, fresh thinking, and strong relationships create success in the metals recycling business.
About Cliff’s Notes
Cliff’s Notes is a podcast hosted by Tungco CEO Cliff Nance, featuring conversations with industry leaders, team members, and experts in the tungsten and metals recycling space. Each episode offers authentic insights into the people and market dynamics shaping the tungsten carbide industry.
Theme song written and performed by Adam Howell.
Work With Tungco
Tungco specializes in tungsten carbide reclamation and serves as a global leader in tungsten recycling. Whether you’re a supplier looking to turn tungsten scrap into revenue or a manufacturer seeking reliable material supply, Tungco’s team brings decades of expertise and a commitment to doing things the right way.
Industries we serve include oil and gas, machining, thermal spray, aerospace, energy, healthcare, automotive, manufacturing, and scrap dealers. One of our core values at Tungco is to do “Whatever it Takes.”
Ready to get a quote? Contact Tungco today and let us prove it to you.
www.tungco.com
Keywords: tungsten recycling, tungsten carbide reclamation, scrap metal procurement, APT prices, tungsten market, global metal trading, 74 Alloys, Tungco, tungsten scrap buyers, metal recycling industry, tungsten carbide suppliers
Related Topics: tungsten industry trends, scrap metal trading strategies, metal procurement best practices, tungsten pricing forecasts, industrial recycling
