How Todd & Alex Found Their Path at Sahd Metal Recycling

Share your full names and where you are from. 

Todd: My name is Todd Kauffman and I’m from Columbia, PA. Graduated from Lancaster Catholic High School in 2020

Alex: My name is Alex Vazquez, also from Columbia, Pennsylvania.

How did you both get started with Sahd Metal Recycling, and what did those early days look like?

Todd:  I graduated from high school during the COVID-19 pandemic and had no clue what I wanted to study in college. I decided to take a year off and ended up working at Sahd’s with my best friend, Alex. Since it is his family’s business, I naturally gravitated toward joining him.

Alex: I started at Sahd’s as a summer job right after graduating from Lancaster Catholic in 2020. Covid forced me to stay home instead of going away to college, so I began working part-time, which eventually grew into more responsibility.

What inspired you to continue building the family business and shape it into what it is today

Todd: The biggest thing has always been the family atmosphere. As I get older, I realize how rare it is to find a workplace culture that feels this genuine. That motivates me to help keep that family feeling alive as we grow.

Alex:  I want to carry on the reputation that Sahd’s has built in the community over generations. I also want to grow the business into something even stronger for future generations. Making the earlier generations proud keeps me going.

How have your roles evolved as the company has grown over the years?

Todd: Our roles have changed a lot over the years. As we learned the business, Dan and Mike continued to push us in ways that helped us grow. Today, I supervise the non-ferrous area of the yard and manage our marketing.

Alex: My role has expanded into big-picture planning and helping refine processes throughout the yard. I am also heavily involved in building our online presence. Even with those added responsibilities, I still work alongside the crew in the yard every day.

What has been one of the biggest challenges you have faced along the way, and how did you overcome it?

Todd: My biggest challenge early on was confidence. I second-guessed myself a lot and worried I wasn’t cut out for certain tasks. With experience and support from the team, I am growing out of that and stepping into my role more confidently every day.

Alex: My biggest challenge is balancing yard work with office responsibilities. Switching back and forth can be tough, but I’m getting better at managing it.

What inspired the creation of the Dumpster Talk podcast?

Todd: The idea originally came from Dan, and over the past four years, Alex and I have taken the lead. The goal is to interview professionals from different industries and share how they got to where they are today.

Alex:  For me, the biggest benefit has been becoming more comfortable talking with people. I now have confidence speaking with guests I haven’t met before, and I’ve gained valuable life lessons and insights from hearing their stories.

What have you learned from producing and hosting the podcast?

Todd: That everyone has a different path in life. Hearing how people pivot between industries and find passion in unexpected places has been inspiring

Alex:  It has helped our company’s reputation tremendously. At almost every community event we attend, someone mentions the podcast and how great it is for both the business and our personal growth.

What do you love the most about Lancaster?

Todd: The sense of community. People here show up for one another, take pride in where they are from, and care deeply. Lancaster has the perfect blend of small-town heart and big-picture vision.

Alex: I love being surrounded by strong leaders across many industries. These experiences have helped me mature and feel more confident in professional environments.

How has the podcast helped connect with your customers and community?

Todd: It has helped us build long-lasting relationships with customers while also giving them a platform to showcase what they do.

Alex:  It has given our company great visibility and credibility. People recognize us through the podcast, and it creates easy conversation and connection at community events.

Looking back, what has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?

Todd: Being able to genuinely love what I do every day.

Alex: Having the opportunity to grow alongside strong leaders and learning from so many different people across industries.

When you hear the phrase Next Generation of Lancaster, what does it mean to you?

Todd: It means a lot. The next generation is often overlooked, and having a group that supports us means everything. Real change starts with the next generation.

Alex: It gives me a sense of excitement knowing there is a strong community we can be a part of for years to come. Business is all about relationships, and this group helps build connections that will last a lifetime.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Todd and Alex and the impact they are making at Sahd Metal Recycling. Their journey is a reminder of what happens when young leaders are trusted, encouraged, and supported.

The Next Generation of Lancaster is rising, and Todd and Alex are proof of the promise and potential that lives within this community.