Gary Jacobsen: Alaska car crushing & recycling.

• Author: Stomierowski, Peg
• Position: VIEW FROM THE TOP

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Gary Jacobsen, of Alaska Car Crushing & Recycling says, "I've been doing this for more than 25 years. At 20, I'd built my first tow truck and was hauling in cars, living from hand to mouth."

While his current operation has spread out in 10 years at a site west of Wasilla, last summer the salvage crew showed it still has heart. They made the "oddity" headlines when they rescued kittens from a pickup truck that'd been crushed, strapped and loaded onto a flatbed trailer under eight other flattened vehicles bound for the shredder--until they heard mewing.

Two of Jacobsen's three children are involved in auto yard work with him.

ABM: How's the view from the top? How do you see your role?

Jacobsen: I feel I was born to crush cars, so it's been my mission to become a recognized industry leader. Continual research, updating equipment and incorporating new technology are crucial ... while remaining sensitive to our community's needs.

We have 10 acres and three buildings devoted to recycling; one we are finishing up, for aluminum and copper and catalytic converter buying. Our plans are to set up a you-pull-it auto salvage yard.

Ten acres? We could use 20 or 30. We started with five, bought the five next door, and are always growing.

ABM: How have recent historic events impacted business?

Jacobsen: In early 2008, scrap-metal prices hit historic highs. Reinvesting was critical. We purchased a remote-controlled crusher and added a scrap bailer and a large shop area to process cars and crush them all under one roof. Upgrading is always wise in a fluctuating market. By that September, we'd hit the recession, and revised goals and strategies. Downsizing was inevitable. Older equipment was sold off and layoffs were necessary.

Business knowledge and a firm foundation are imperative. Also, a crystal ball would really help.

ABM: Primary strengths, weaknesses, obstacles and threats?

Jacobsen: There's a huge learning curve in this business. Strengths are starving and learning how to do it better than competitors. I've also been with Schnitzer Steel from the beginning, so they know who I am. Where I come from, this helps allow me to work out a good price for our commodity. Honesty and integrity play a huge role in this business.

We also face diversified seasons here. Shipping nonferrous metals to the Lower 48 is a...