Steve Porter · Ohio operator since 2015

Deals look different on the floor.

Straight advice from someone who runs the plant. I help you buy, build or fix a hands-on business without learning every lesson the expensive way.

Since 2015Ohio operator in tire recycling
Galion + HamiltonTwo plants, about 10M tires a year of combined capacity
COOInnovative Recycling
HomebuilderFormer custom builder: permits, subs, schedules
Med deviceImplants, FDA processes, selling to surgeons
Close-up of tire shredder knives
Where the work happens
The story

Rebuilt from the ground up.

In 2014 I rebuilt from the ground up. That's a story for another day. What matters here is what came next.

In 2015 my in-laws were a small tire transporter in trouble. The shredder they hauled to was closing, and they were about to go down with it. They needed a business mind, so I stepped in and helped broker an asset purchase of a shredding company that was going under. We went to work.

Before tires, I built custom homes and sold orthopedic implants, bone and tissue to surgeons. I imported product and worked through FDA processes. Three different industries, one lesson that keeps coming back:

MedDevice sales & FDA
2014Rebuilt from the ground up
2015Tire shredder asset purchase
TodayCOO, two Ohio plants
The deal on paper is never the deal on the floor.
How I can help

Three ways to work together.

Pay up front, get straight answers. If I can't help, I'll tell you before you spend a dime.

Intro price · first 5 clients

Operator Reality Check

$350$500
60-minute call · $500 after the first 5

One focused call about your deal, your plant or your problem.

  • 60-minute video or phone call
  • I read your intake before we talk
  • One-page list of next steps within 2 business days

Not included: document review, site visits, follow-up calls.

Book & pay $350
Fixed price

Buyer's Operating Review

$2,500
One deal · two calls · written review

An operator's eyes on a specific deal before you commit.

  • Kickoff call to walk the deal
  • Review of the listing, equipment list, numbers and photos you share
  • Written review covering operating risks, equipment, outlets, staffing and what to ask the seller
  • Wrap-up call on findings

Not included: legal, audit, appraisal, engineering or environmental work. Use licensed pros for those.

Start a review
Limited spots

Monthly Operator Advisory

$2,000
per month · about 4 hours

An operator in your corner while you buy, build or turn a business around.

  • About 4 hours of calls a month
  • Text and email questions between calls
  • Month to month, cancel with 30 days' notice

Starts with a Reality Check so we both know it's a fit. No guarantees of results.

Apply for advisory
Who this is for

Built for people who get their hands dirty.

01

Buyers

Looking at a tire, scrap or recycling business and want an operator's read before signing.

02

Owners & operators

Fighting downtime, equipment calls, staffing or outlets for product.

03

Searchers & investors

Coming from another industry and want to know what running a plant really takes.

04

Trades founders

Ready to grow, buy a competitor or get the business ready to sell.

Not a fit if you need legal, tax, engineering or environmental sign-off, or a promise of results. I tell you what I see and what I'd do. You make the call.

How it works

Simple. Fast. No fluff.

Book

Pick a time and pay up front. Takes two minutes.

Intake

Answer a few short questions so I can show up prepared.

Call

We get straight to your deal, plant or problem.

Next steps

You get a written list of what I'd do, within 2 business days.

FAQ

Straight answers.

Don't see your question? Ask me on X.

How do I pay?

By card when you book. Payments are processed securely by Stripe.

Can I reschedule or cancel?

Reschedule up to 24 hours before the call. Cancel more than 24 hours ahead for a full refund. No-shows aren't refunded.

Do you sign NDAs?

Yes, for Buyer's Operating Reviews. What you share stays confidential either way.

Only tire recycling?

Tire, scrap and recycling are my core. I also take construction, trades and other hands-on operating businesses where I can actually help. If I can't, I'll say so before you pay.

Is this legal, financial or engineering advice?

No. It's operator advice from my own experience. Use licensed professionals for legal, tax, financial, engineering and environmental decisions. No outcome is guaranteed.

Do you visit sites?

Not as part of these packages. Ask about it on your call.

When you book

What I'll ask you.

  1. Name, email, phone, and your X handle
  2. Buyer, owner/operator, investor or other?
  3. The business or deal: industry, location, rough size
  4. The decision you're making, and your deadline
  5. The single biggest question you want answered
  6. What you've already tried or looked into
  7. Anything to share ahead (listing, equipment list, photos). Nothing confidential until we talk.

Behind the Business

One email a week with real lessons from running plants and making deals. Free, no spam.

Unsubscribe anytime.
Ready when you are

Get an operator's read on your deal.

Book a call →