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President
Shawn Elam
Shawn first had his start in the recycling industry back in 2007. Shawn worked for STEP Commodities hauling scrap materials for their customers. From STEP Shawn went on to become a supervisor for their recycling facility where he immersed himself in the industry and became an expert in all components of industrial services. Along this journey he educated himself on the different commodities from paper, to plastic, to ferrous, and nonferrous. Eventually Shawn went on to join the consulting branch of the company where he helped companies develop and implement waste stream management programs.
After several years on the consulting side, he was promoted to VP of operations where he oversaw the entire commodities division. This included launching the scrap metal facility Tri-County Recycling. Once making an exit from STEP Commodities Shawn was recruited by Cohen Recycling to develop their non metallic division.
Throughout seven years at Cohen Recycling he served in several roles, from operations manager, to scrap metal buyer, and eventually director of nonmetallic commodities where Shawn managed the scrap, plastic and paper materials for all 15 locations. He developed a plastic granulating facility, as well as assisted in the acquisition and relocation of a 100 year old paper recycler.
Since 2007, Shawn has had the privilege of developing relationships with countless recyclers that process across the country, as well as industrial servicers and have overseen over $1Billon in scrap transactions in all commodity categories.
Our Story
A&A Recycling was founded in 2007 by Doug Blair in Arlington Heights, Ohio. With a keen eye for recognizing the needs of the public, Doug set out to create a recycling center that went above and beyond, serving the community when they needed it most. While other recycling centers adhered to standard business hours, Doug made the bold decision to extend his operating hours into the evenings, offering a warm welcome to customers when others had closed their doors. This commitment to exceptional service quickly earned A&A Recycling a reputation as a reliable and customer-focused establishment, leading to the decision to open seven days a week.
Doug's unwavering dedication to providing excellent customer service became the cornerstone upon which A&A Recycling stands today. His passion for going the extra mile laid the foundation for the company's growth and success.
After leading the company for sixteen remarkable years, Doug Blair decided it was time to pass the torch. On May 1st, 2023, A&A Recycling experienced a transition of ownership, as Shawn Elam and his team took over the reins. While this change signaled a new chapter for A&A Recycling, the fundamental values of service, transparency, and integrity that Doug instilled in the company remain firmly in place.
At A&A Recycling, we pride ourselves on our commitment to providing top-notch customer service, fostering environmental sustainability, and exceeding expectations. As we move forward, we carry the legacy of Doug Blair's vision, and we strive to build upon the strong foundation he established.
Join us on this journey as we continue to serve the community, promote responsible recycling practices, and make a positive impact on our environment. We are honored to have you as a part of our story.
