https://www.tungco.com/cliffs-notes/
On Cliff’s Notes, Cliff sits down with innovators, industry leaders, and thinkers from around the world to talk about the forces shaping manufacturing, metals, and modern business. From technology and sustainability to leadership and legacy, every episode explores what it means to build something that lasts.

Whether it’s a deep dive into the recycling industry or a story about grit, family, and the future — Cliff’s Notes is where real conversations happen with the people moving the world forward.

Theme song written and performed by Adam Howell.]]>enBusinessTungco, Inchttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/9878269c8a3e1d32ef9c8f94d443ad4e.jpghttps://www.tungco.com/cliffs-notes/Wed, 29 Jul 2026 15:35:28 +0000Cliff NanceTungco, Incahowell@tungco.comBorn and raised in Madisonville, Kentucky, Cliff Nance grew up in the tungsten trade — learning the business from the plant floor up to the CEO’s chair. As a second-generation “scrapie” with a global perspective, Cliff brings curiosity, candor, and...
On Cliff’s Notes, Cliff sits down with innovators, industry leaders, and thinkers from around the world to talk about the forces shaping manufacturing, metals, and modern business. From technology and sustainability to leadership and legacy, every episode explores what it means to build something that lasts.

Whether it’s a deep dive into the recycling industry or a story about grit, family, and the future — Cliff’s Notes is where real conversations happen with the people moving the world forward.

Theme song written and performed by Adam Howell.]]>trueepisodichttps://www.tungco.com/2026/07/29/the-man-who-built-tungco-the-tungsten-cold-war-and-a-business-card-in-a-wine-glass-episode-306-with-steve-nance/
Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73238336Wed, 29 Jul 2026 15:35:25 +0000Cliff NanceCliff sits down with the man who started it all — his father, Steve Nance, founder of Tungco. It's one of the most personal and wide-ranging conversations on the podcast: the story of how Steve met his wife Nan at Tungco's trade show booth in 2005 (a...
Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>14562026,china,cliff,cliff's,critical,floor,founder,market,metals,minerals,mining,nance,notes,price,recycling,steve,supply,tungco,tungsten,vaultfalse3306fullhttps://www.tungco.com/2026/07/22/the-software-running-behind-the-scenes-at-tungco-episode-305-with-phil-rafle-of-21st-century-programming/
They cover how Tungco went from running on Excel to a full ROM implementation signed nervously at an ISRI convention, what ROM Infinite brings to the next generation of scrap operations, how GPS geofencing and AI are already changing how recyclers run their yards, and why the honest answer about AI grading material is: it only sees the top of the pile. Plus a very raspy Phil who sounds, as Cliff puts it, soft and buttery. 

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73108252Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:06:50 +0000Cliff NanceCliff sits down with Phil Rafle of 21st Century Programming — makers of ROM, the Recycling Operations Manager software that Tungco has relied on for over 20 years. Phil has been with the company for 22 of its 26 years, and this episode is equal parts...
They cover how Tungco went from running on Excel to a full ROM implementation signed nervously at an ISRI convention, what ROM Infinite brings to the next generation of scrap operations, how GPS geofencing and AI are already changing how recyclers run their yards, and why the honest answer about AI grading material is: it only sees the top of the pile. Plus a very raspy Phil who sounds, as Cliff puts it, soft and buttery. 

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>134121stcenturyprogramming,ai,cliffsnotes,erp,gpsintegration,industrialpodcast,metalsrecycling,operationaltech,recyclingoperationsmanager,rom,rominfinite,saas,scrapindustry,scrapsoftware,tungcofalse3305fullhttps://www.tungco.com/2026/07/15/16000-tons-a-month-vs-150000-tons-a-year-episode-304-with-niki-spies-of-stainless-steel/
SSM moves about 16,000 tons of bulk steel a month. The entire global tungsten industry produces about 140,000 to 150,000 tons a year. Niki breaks down how stainless grades work, why nickel pricing affects everything from aerospace to your kitchen refrigerator, how tariffs are hitting the scrap business (or not), and what ReMA has meant for keeping operators informed in a fast-moving policy environment.

Two Kentuckians, 19 years of shared history, and a Derby invitation at the close. 

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72991421Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:52:58 +0000Cliff NanceCliff sits down with Niki Spies of Stainless Steel Midwest — a longtime industry friend and 19-year veteran of the stainless and nickel alloys space — for a conversation that puts two very different metals businesses side by side. SSM moves about...
SSM moves about 16,000 tons of bulk steel a month. The entire global tungsten industry produces about 140,000 to 150,000 tons a year. Niki breaks down how stainless grades work, why nickel pricing affects everything from aerospace to your kitchen refrigerator, how tariffs are hitting the scrap business (or not), and what ReMA has meant for keeping operators informed in a fast-moving policy environment.

Two Kentuckians, 19 years of shared history, and a Derby invitation at the close. 

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>938alloys,bulk,exemption,hastelloy,inconel,metals,midwest,nickel,pricing,processing,recycling,rema,scrap,stainless,steel,tariff,tariffs,tungstenfalse3304fullhttps://www.tungco.com/2026/07/08/coo-of-tungco-cliffs-notes-episode-303-with-debbie-west/
Debbie has almost three decades in the tungsten industry and she breaks down the difference between being a director of operations and being a COO, why Project 74 has gone from concept to reality, what the zinc reclaim process actually looks like, and why standing up an APT plant is not as simple as the internet would have you believe.

Plus: the chemistry behind sodium tungstate vs. APT — explained without a PhD.

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72869820Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:46:20 +0000Cliff NanceCliff sits down with Tungco's COO Debbie West for an inside look at what it means to step into one of the most demanding seats in a nearly 60-year-old business. Debbie has almost three decades in the tungsten industry and she breaks down the...
Debbie has almost three decades in the tungsten industry and she breaks down the difference between being a director of operations and being a COO, why Project 74 has gone from concept to reality, what the zinc reclaim process actually looks like, and why standing up an APT plant is not as simple as the internet would have you believe.

Plus: the chemistry behind sodium tungstate vs. APT — explained without a PhD.

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>114274,ammonium,apt,chain,cliff,cliff's,coo,debbie,nance,notes,paratungstate,processing,project,recycling,sodium,supply,tungco,tungstate,tungsten,westfalse3303fullhttps://www.tungco.com/2026/07/01/five-generations-one-industry-episode-302-with-phil-rosenberg-of-icd-group-published-by-tungco-cliffs-notes-podcast-series/
Phil is fifth generation in a family scrap business that traces back to the late 1800s, when his great-great-grandfather arrived in Chicago with nothing and started a rags business that grew into one of the city's largest non-ferrous scrapyards.

Phil opens up about his son Jason joining the industry as the sixth generation, the LLC name that made an entire room of family tear up, and decades of buying scrap the old-fashioned way — driving I-95 from Maine to Miami, ripping pages out of the Yellow Pages, and building relationships that still define how he does business today. 

Plus: ICD's niche, high-dollar world of nickel, cobalt, tungsten, molybdenum, and titanium alloys for aerospace. 

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72771115Wed, 01 Jul 2026 13:40:59 +0000Cliff NanceCliff sits down with a longtime friend and one of the most respected names in the scrap recycling industry — Phil Rosenberg, Senior Executive and commercial director of the metals and alloy division at ICD Group. Phil is fifth generation in a family...
Phil is fifth generation in a family scrap business that traces back to the late 1800s, when his great-great-grandfather arrived in Chicago with nothing and started a rags business that grew into one of the city's largest non-ferrous scrapyards.

Phil opens up about his son Jason joining the industry as the sixth generation, the LLC name that made an entire room of family tear up, and decades of buying scrap the old-fashioned way — driving I-95 from Maine to Miami, ripping pages out of the Yellow Pages, and building relationships that still define how he does business today. 

Plus: ICD's niche, high-dollar world of nickel, cobalt, tungsten, molybdenum, and titanium alloys for aerospace. 

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>1288aerospacealloys,carbiderecycling,cliffsnotes,familybusiness,icdgroup,industrialpodcast,metalsrecycling,nickelalloys,philrosenberg,rema,scrapindustry,tungco,tungstenfalse3302fullhttps://www.tungco.com/2026/06/17/smarter-tungsten-not-less-tungsten-episode-208-with-cody-mecham-of-vermeer/
The difference between a tool that looks like it's from a gladiator movie and a tool that actually performs is exactly where his team lives. Plus: a COVID-era near-miss in China that came down to one last commercial flight out of Beijing.

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72563125Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:49:32 +0000Cliff NanceCliff sits down with Cody Mecham, cutting edge product manager at Vermeer Corporation, for a deep look at what it means to engineer tungsten into ground-engaging tools when the price of that tungsten is hitting levels nobody planned for. Cody oversees...
The difference between a tool that looks like it's from a gladiator movie and a tool that actually performs is exactly where his team lives. Plus: a COVID-era near-miss in China that came down to one last commercial flight out of Beijing.

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>926carbiderecycling,cliffsnotes,codymecham,cuttingedge,groundengaging,hdd,industrialpodcast,surfacemining,tungco,tungsten,tungstencarbide,tungstenmarket,vermeercorporation,wearparts,woodwastefalse2208fullhttps://www.tungco.com/2026/06/10/the-tungsten-working-the-hardest-youve-never-thought-about-episode-207-with-andrew-patterson-of-villager-asphalt/
Andrew runs a massive milling operation across the Southeast, consuming boxes of tungsten-tipped teeth every single day, and he breaks down the full picture: how the drum works, why rotation is the real key to tooth longevity, what happens when you hit a buried manhole, the evolution from hand cranks to digital grade controls, and why his wife can now spot a worn tooth from the passenger seat. Plus: the Hayabusa racing habit that paid for a career in asphalt.

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72460315Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:27:56 +0000Cliff NanceCliff sits down with Andrew Patterson, milling department manager for Villager Asphalt, to get into the weeds — literally — on how tungsten carbide performs in one of its most demanding real-world applications: asphalt milling. Andrew runs a massive...
Andrew runs a massive milling operation across the Southeast, consuming boxes of tungsten-tipped teeth every single day, and he breaks down the full picture: how the drum works, why rotation is the real key to tooth longevity, what happens when you hit a buried manhole, the evolution from hand cranks to digital grade controls, and why his wife can now spot a worn tooth from the passenger seat. Plus: the Hayabusa racing habit that paid for a career in asphalt.

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>1359andrewpatterson,asphaltmilling,carbiderecycling,cliffsnotes,groundengaging,hardfacing,industrialpodcast,millingteeth,roadconstruction,tungco,tungsten,tungstencarbide,villagerasphalt,wearpartsfalse2207fullhttps://www.tungco.com/2026/06/03/selling-tungsten-when-the-price-is-going-straight-to-the-stratosphere-cliffs-notes-episode-206-with-josh-mcknight/
Equal parts business conversation, Kentucky roots, and two guys who know exactly where each other came from. 

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72325259Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:47:40 +0000Cliff NanceCliff turns the mic on one of his own — Josh McKnight (Lineage Metallurgical and Cuda Grit). They've shoveled gravel together, worked every corner of the Tungco operation, and now Josh is navigating what might be the strangest sales environment in the...
Equal parts business conversation, Kentucky roots, and two guys who know exactly where each other came from. 

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>11542026,business,carbide,cliffnance,family,grit,industrial,joshmcknight,market,podcast,recycling,sales,spray,thermal,tungco,tungstenfalse2206fullhttp://tungco.com/2026/05/27/three-generations-one-tungsten-market-nobody-has-ever-seen-before-episode-205-with-bryan-mills-of-cp-carbide/
Bryan breaks down how his dad's 1988 trip to China started it all, why CP Carbide's private-label model means their name almost never appears on the product, and what it's like to watch tungsten prices hit levels that haven't been seen since World War Two.

Plus: the honest conversation about polycrystalline diamond as a rising alternative, Trump's critical minerals vault, and what happens when quotes go stale in less than 24 hours.



Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72185473Wed, 27 May 2026 14:53:59 +0000Cliff NanceCliff sits down with Bryan Mills of CP Carbide — a California-based, three-generation family business that has been privately sourcing and supplying tungsten carbide wear parts since 1995. Bryan breaks down how his dad's 1988 trip to China started...
Bryan breaks down how his dad's 1988 trip to China started it all, why CP Carbide's private-label model means their name almost never appears on the product, and what it's like to watch tungsten prices hit levels that haven't been seen since World War Two.

Plus: the honest conversation about polycrystalline diamond as a rising alternative, Trump's critical minerals vault, and what happens when quotes go stale in less than 24 hours.



Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>1345bryanmills,carbiderecycling,cliffsnotes,cpcarbide,criticalminerals,familybusiness,groundengaging,industrialpodcast,mining,pcd,tungco,tungsten,tungstencarbide,wearpartsfalse2205fullhttps://www.tungco.com/2026/05/20/tungsten-hard-facing-ai-data-centers-and-what-30-years-at-vermeer-teaches-you-about-supply-chain-episode-204-of-cliffs-notes-with-matt-keske/
Matt breaks down how AI infrastructure and data center build-outs are quietly driving underground drilling demand, why strategic partnerships matter more than spot pricing when metals markets get chaotic, and what it means to be a wear tools buyer navigating today's commodity headwinds.

Plus: the tornado that leveled a steel building and left only concrete — and how that rebuilt Plant 7 is now one of the best in Pella.

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72083836Wed, 20 May 2026 13:43:51 +0000Cliff NanceCliff sits down with Matt Keske, commodity manager for Wear Tools at Vermeer Corporation — one of the most diversified heavy equipment manufacturers in the world — to talk tungsten, supply chain strategy, and what 30 years inside a company that's a...
Matt breaks down how AI infrastructure and data center build-outs are quietly driving underground drilling demand, why strategic partnerships matter more than spot pricing when metals markets get chaotic, and what it means to be a wear tools buyer navigating today's commodity headwinds.

Plus: the tornado that leveled a steel building and left only concrete — and how that rebuilt Plant 7 is now one of the best in Pella.

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>959carbiderecycling,cliffsnotes,hardfacing,horizontaldirectionaldrilling,industrialpodcast,manufacturing,supplychain,tungco,tungsten,underground,vermeer,weartoolsfalse2204fullhttps://www.tungco.com/2026/05/13/the-tungsten-squeeze-a-chrome-alternative-and-the-business-built-on-a-yes-episode-203-of-cliffs-notes-with-ashley-hunsaker-of-hts-coatings/
Ashley breaks down what thermal spray coatings actually do (hint: they're inside the landing gear on the plane you flew here on), how HTS developed a proprietary chrome alternative with near-zero porosity, and why the tungsten price environment is forcing the whole industry to ask hard questions.

A family business story that's equal parts grit, strategy, and a husband who briefly said 'I quit' at exactly the wrong moment. 

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71989713Wed, 13 May 2026 13:30:28 +0000Cliff NanceCliff sits down with Ashley Hunsaker, co-founder and CEO of HTS Coatings, for one of the most candid conversations about building a business from scratch — eight months pregnant, living in an 800-square-foot house, and saying yes when everyone else...
Ashley breaks down what thermal spray coatings actually do (hint: they're inside the landing gear on the plane you flew here on), how HTS developed a proprietary chrome alternative with near-zero porosity, and why the tungsten price environment is forcing the whole industry to ask hard questions.

A family business story that's equal parts grit, strategy, and a husband who briefly said 'I quit' at exactly the wrong moment. 

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>1498ashleyhunsaker,chromealternative,cliffsnotes,familybusiness,htscoatings,hvaf,industrialpodcast,manufacturing,scrapindustry,thermalspray,tungsten,tungstencoatingsfalse2203fullhttps://www.tungco.com/2026/05/06/when-the-tungsten-market-goes-vertical-inside-episode-202-of-cliffs-notes-with-chris-capps/
From sorting bits to strategic buying, Chris breaks down why the current tungsten pricing environment is unlike anything the industry has ever seen, and why trust might be the most valuable commodity of all. Plus: boats, baby milestones, and a Rolex with a story behind it.

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71890773Wed, 06 May 2026 13:26:00 +0000Cliff NanceCliff sits down with one of Tungco's own — procurement specialist Chris Capps — to talk tungsten markets, trust in volatile times, and what 16-plus years inside a carbide recycling operation actually teaches you. From sorting bits to strategic...
From sorting bits to strategic buying, Chris breaks down why the current tungsten pricing environment is unlike anything the industry has ever seen, and why trust might be the most valuable commodity of all. Plus: boats, baby milestones, and a Rolex with a story behind it.

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>1297asphaltmilling,carbiderecycling,cliffsnotes,industrialpodcast,procurement,scrapindustry,tungco,tungsten,tungstenmarketfalse2202fullhttps://www.tungco.com/2026/04/29/where-welding-meets-recycling-inside-episode-201-of-cliffs-notes-with-austin-hargett-of-weld-com/
Austin breaks down what makes weld.com a go-to resource for welders working in the most demanding industrial environments.

Equal parts industry insight and "great friend hands you the last drink" energy.

#CliffsNotes #Welding #weldDOTcom #AustinHargett #CONEXPO #IndustrialPodcast #SunsetStripSettings:

• Episode number: 201
• Season: 2
• Episode type: Full 
• Explicit: Yes - discusses alcohol
• Cover art: Custom episode artwork, or it'll inherit the show's default
• Category/tags: Business, Careers, or Industry (matches show's primary category)

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71733043Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:55:10 +0000Cliff NanceCliff sits down with Austin Hargett of weld.com to swap stories, talk high-pressure pipe welding for power plants and refineries, and revisit a legendary night on the Sunset Strip that ended at Whisky a Go Go. Austin breaks down what makes weld.com...
Austin breaks down what makes weld.com a go-to resource for welders working in the most demanding industrial environments.

Equal parts industry insight and "great friend hands you the last drink" energy.

#CliffsNotes #Welding #weldDOTcom #AustinHargett #CONEXPO #IndustrialPodcast #SunsetStripSettings:

• Episode number: 201
• Season: 2
• Episode type: Full 
• Explicit: Yes - discusses alcohol
• Cover art: Custom episode artwork, or it'll inherit the show's default
• Category/tags: Business, Careers, or Industry (matches show's primary category)

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>1954austinhargett,business,career,cliffsnotes,conexpo,industrialpodcast,industry,sunsetstripsettings,welddotcom,weldingtrue2201fullhttps://www.tungco.com/2026/04/22/introducing-project-74-tungcos-urban-mining-initiative/Recorded live on the floor at ReMA 2026 in Las Vegas, this special edition of Cliff's Notes officially announces Project 74 — Tungco's Urban Mining Initiative and a landmark partnership with Victor Fox of the Chem-Met Company and Furkhat Faizulla of Syram Corporation, built on one powerful premise: converting domestic tungsten scrap into sodium tungstate, the critical intermediate chemical that nearly 100% of all tungsten products must pass through before becoming a finished part, and keeping those strategic units inside the United States.

Cliff, Victor, and Furkhat break down why tungsten has surged 5x in price over the last eight months, how China's export restrictions and zero domestic primary production have created a historic supply squeeze, where tungsten shows up across tool steels, defense, AI chip manufacturing, drone components, and TSA security equipment, and why Project 74's reshoring mission — expanding U.S. processing capacity for scrap that would otherwise leave the country — is exactly what the American industrial base needs right now.

Learn more about Tungco at www.tungco.com.

Learn about Project 74 at www.project74.com



Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71537599Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:26:58 +0000Cliff NanceRecorded live on the floor at ReMA 2026 in Las Vegas, this special edition of Cliff's Notes officially announces Project 74 — Tungco's Urban Mining Initiative and a landmark partnership with Victor Fox of the Chem-Met Company and Furkhat Faizulla of...Recorded live on the floor at ReMA 2026 in Las Vegas, this special edition of Cliff's Notes officially announces Project 74 — Tungco's Urban Mining Initiative and a landmark partnership with Victor Fox of the Chem-Met Company and Furkhat Faizulla of Syram Corporation, built on one powerful premise: converting domestic tungsten scrap into sodium tungstate, the critical intermediate chemical that nearly 100% of all tungsten products must pass through before becoming a finished part, and keeping those strategic units inside the United States.

Cliff, Victor, and Furkhat break down why tungsten has surged 5x in price over the last eight months, how China's export restrictions and zero domestic primary production have created a historic supply squeeze, where tungsten shows up across tool steels, defense, AI chip manufacturing, drone components, and TSA security equipment, and why Project 74's reshoring mission — expanding U.S. processing capacity for scrap that would otherwise leave the country — is exactly what the American industrial base needs right now.

Learn more about Tungco at www.tungco.com.

Learn about Project 74 at www.project74.com



Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>1845aimanufacturing,circulareconomy,cliffsnotes,criticalminerals,defensemetals,metalsindustry,project74,refractorymetals,rema2026,reshoring,scrapmetal,sodiumtungstate,supplychain,tungco,tungsten,tungstencarbide,tungstenrecycling,urbanminingtrue3301fullhttps://www.tungco.com/2026/01/07/recruiting-top-talent-in-the-tungsten-industry-cliffs-notes-ep-107-with-brice-littlepage/ (00:01:58) Discussing paternity leave and supporting new parents
(00:04:51) Navigating misinformation and building confidence
(00:08:00) Brice's career journey: From Florida State to Tungco
(00:17:00) NCAA regulations and intentional touchpoints
(00:25:02) Starting recruitment early (age 12-13!)
(00:27:03) Comparing Tungco's recruitment to Florida State
(00:28:39) Predictors of success in tungsten operations
(00:31:29) Closing thoughts and gratitude

What does recruiting elite basketball players have in common with building a world-class tungsten recycling team? More than you'd think.

In this episode of Cliff's Notes, CEO Cliff Nance sits down with Brice Littlepage—Tungco's North American Managing Director and former Associate Head Coach for Operations at Florida State University—for a conversation about recruitment strategy, company culture, and what the tungsten industry can learn from Division 1 athletics.

Recording from Helsinki, Finland during a business trip, the conversation covers Brice's systematic approach at Florida State used to identify and recruit top basketball talent—and how those principles could transform hiring practices in the metal recycling industry.

IN THIS EPISODE:
🏀 How college basketball programs identify prospects as young as 12-13 years old
• Building relationships over 4+ years before commitment
• The systematic process of nurturing thousands of prospects down to 5-15 final candidates
• Why being "first" to connect matters in recruitment🔧 Translation to the Tungsten Industry
• How Tungco's current recruitment compares to D1 athletics
• The difference between transactional hiring and relationship-based talent acquisition
• Creating intentional, multi-touchpoint recruitment processes
• Why you're recruiting an "ecosystem," not just a candidate
📊 Predictors of Success in Tungsten Operations 
• Why military veterans excel in tungsten recycling operations
• The "multi-hat" challenge: identifying who can handle diverse responsibilities
• The importance of personality assessments and practical evaluations
• Building better screening tools before making offers🏢 The Campus Visit Strategy
• How Florida State created orchestrated official visit experiences
• Applying the same intentionality to manufacturing facility tours
• Recruiting the whole person: family, relocation, community considerations
• Making your tungsten operation shine for top talent
👶 Supporting People Through Life Transitions 
• Discussion of Tungco's paternity leave policy
• The connection between supporting employees' personal lives and professional performance
• Why "if your home's good, family's good, then you can be a good employee too"

💡 KEY INSIGHTS:
"Without the people, you're nothing. You are a brand. You have an operation, but really you're nothing." - Brice Littlepage

"Florida State does it way earlier in comparison, more intentionally. I mean, you might have four or five visits before you ever commit."

"Every time we get someone that's got military experience, they are almost excited to rip out SOPs or update SOPs."

"At the end of the day, the decision needs to be theirs in a way. But some people are just going to make a decision with their family. And so if you're not pleasing everybody and you're not winning everybody over, you're probably not getting them."Theme song written and performed by Adam Howell.

ABOUT THE GUESTS:
Cliff Nance is CEO of Tungco, a global leader in tungsten carbide reclamation and raw feed supply. As the son of Tungco founder Steve Nance, Cliff has filled many roles over 24 years—from the plant floor to VP of Operations to his current position. His passions are faith, family, and community.Brice Littlepage serves as Managing Director of North America at Tungco. He previously spent eight years at Florida State University, progressing from video coordinator to Director of Basketball Operations to Associate Head Coach for Operations. He brings Division 1 talent acquisition expertise to the tungsten recycling industry. Brice and his wife are expecting their first child in late 2025.

ABOUT TUNGCO:
Tungco isn't just processing tungsten—they're reclaiming it, refining it, and giving it a second life, just like they've done with the company itself, generation after generation. Built in backyards and barns by hands that understood both hard work and heavy metal, Tungco has grown into a global supplier operating locally.Tungco specializes in tungsten carbide reclamation and raw feed supply to tungsten carbide suppliers and consumers. As a global leader in the tungsten recycling industry, Tungco supplies truckload quantities of material to consumers who recycle and produce new tungsten products. The company serves oil and gas, machining, thermal spray, aerospace, energy, healthcare, automotive, and manufacturing industries worldwide.

Mission: Provide exceptional service and deliver high-performance tungsten products through abiding relationships, sustainable global sourcing, and robust financial practices.
Philosophy: "Whatever it Takes" - We weigh every pound of material with care, settle every quote with integrity, and pick up the phone when others hide behind emails. We're global suppliers who operate locally, relationship builders who play the long game, and metal movers with soul.

CONNECT WITH TUNGCO: Website: www.tungco.com
Email: tungco@tungco.com

SUBSCRIBE to Cliff's Notes for weekly insights from the tungsten recycling business, featuring conversations with industry experts, team members, and business leaders exploring topics relevant to the tungsten industry, company culture, and relationship-driven business practices.

Theme song written and performed by Adam Howell.

TOPICS: Tungsten carbide recycling, tungsten scrap reclamation, talent acquisition, recruitment strategies, metal recycling industry, Division 1 athletics, Florida State basketball, hiring best practices, employee retention, company culture, manufacturing careers, industrial recruiting, paternity leave, work-life balance, predictive hiring, relationship-based business, team building, leadership development


Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69341513Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:56:24 +0000Cliff NanceWhat does recruiting elite basketball players have in common with building a world-class tungsten recycling team? More than you'd think. In this episode of Cliff's Notes, CEO Cliff Nance sits down with Brice Littlepage—Tungco's North American... (00:01:58) Discussing paternity leave and supporting new parents
(00:04:51) Navigating misinformation and building confidence
(00:08:00) Brice's career journey: From Florida State to Tungco
(00:17:00) NCAA regulations and intentional touchpoints
(00:25:02) Starting recruitment early (age 12-13!)
(00:27:03) Comparing Tungco's recruitment to Florida State
(00:28:39) Predictors of success in tungsten operations
(00:31:29) Closing thoughts and gratitude

What does recruiting elite basketball players have in common with building a world-class tungsten recycling team? More than you'd think.

In this episode of Cliff's Notes, CEO Cliff Nance sits down with Brice Littlepage—Tungco's North American Managing Director and former Associate Head Coach for Operations at Florida State University—for a conversation about recruitment strategy, company culture, and what the tungsten industry can learn from Division 1 athletics.

Recording from Helsinki, Finland during a business trip, the conversation covers Brice's systematic approach at Florida State used to identify and recruit top basketball talent—and how those principles could transform hiring practices in the metal recycling industry.

IN THIS EPISODE:
🏀 How college basketball programs identify prospects as young as 12-13 years old
• Building relationships over 4+ years before commitment
• The systematic process of nurturing thousands of prospects down to 5-15 final candidates
• Why being "first" to connect matters in recruitment🔧 Translation to the Tungsten Industry
• How Tungco's current recruitment compares to D1 athletics
• The difference between transactional hiring and relationship-based talent acquisition
• Creating intentional, multi-touchpoint recruitment processes
• Why you're recruiting an "ecosystem," not just a candidate
📊 Predictors of Success in Tungsten Operations 
• Why military veterans excel in tungsten recycling operations
• The "multi-hat" challenge: identifying who can handle diverse responsibilities
• The importance of personality assessments and practical evaluations
• Building better screening tools before making offers🏢 The Campus Visit Strategy
• How Florida State created orchestrated official visit experiences
• Applying the same intentionality to manufacturing facility tours
• Recruiting the whole person: family, relocation, community considerations
• Making your tungsten operation shine for top talent
👶 Supporting People Through Life Transitions 
• Discussion of Tungco's paternity leave policy
• The connection between supporting employees' personal lives and professional performance
• Why "if your home's good, family's good, then you can be a good employee too"

💡 KEY INSIGHTS:
"Without the people, you're nothing. You are a brand. You have an operation, but really you're nothing." - Brice Littlepage

"Florida State does it way earlier in comparison, more intentionally. I mean, you might have four or five visits before you ever commit."

"Every time we get someone that's got military experience, they are almost excited to rip out SOPs or update SOPs."

"At the end of the day, the decision needs to be theirs in a way. But some people are just going to make a decision with their family. And so if you're not pleasing everybody and you're not winning everybody over, you're probably not getting them."Theme song written and performed by Adam Howell.

ABOUT THE GUESTS:
Cliff Nance is CEO of Tungco, a global leader in tungsten carbide reclamation and raw feed supply. As the son of Tungco founder Steve Nance, Cliff has filled many roles over 24 years—from the plant floor to VP of Operations to his current position. His passions are faith, family, and community.Brice...]]>1950acquisition,basketball,business,careers,company,culture,development,employee,hr,industry,leadership,management,manufacturing,metal,recruitment,recycling,sports,talent,tungsten,work-lifefalse1107fullhttps://www.tungco.com/2025/12/16/jonathangoodrum/ (00:03:05) Misfit Social Podcast & Evan's Respect
(00:03:31) Basic Carbide: 44 Years of Excellence
(00:05:49) The February 2024 Acquisition Story
(00:07:53) Sintering Process: From Chalk to Diamond-Hard
(00:09:09) Quality Control & Microscopy
(00:10:07) Mirror Polish & Complex Geometries
(00:12:15) Mutual Respect & Friendship

In this heartfelt episode of Cliff's Notes, Cliff Nance sits down with Jonathan Goodrum, President of Basic Carbide Corporation, for an intimate conversation about family business, tungsten carbide manufacturing excellence, and the relationships that define the tungsten recycling industry.
Jonathan "Johnny Cavs" Goodrum shares his remarkable journey from working at Basic Carbide since age 14 to leading the company through 44 years of innovation and growth. Discover the American dream story of the Goodrum family and learn how Basic Carbide became a fully integrated tungsten carbide manufacturer after their strategic February 2024 acquisition.

In this episode, you'll learn:
• The intricate process of tungsten carbide manufacturing - from isostatic pressing to sintering to mirror-polish finishing
• How tungsten carbide transforms from a "chalk-like" green state into one of the hardest man-made materials
• The role of cobalt and nickel binders in creating diamond-hard tungsten carbide components• Quality control processes using 200X and 1500X magnification microscopy
• Strategic vertical integration in tungsten carbide manufacturing
• How family values and multi-generational leadership shape business success
• The importance of relationships over transactions in the metals industry

Jonathan opens up about becoming a father to Baby Ari (turning 2 in October) and how fatherhood has transformed his perspective on life and business. He shares touching stories about his late mother's impact on everyone she met and the deep respect between the Nance and Goodrum families built over decades in the tungsten industry.

This episode offers valuable technical insights for tungsten industry professionals including tungsten recyclers, carbide manufacturers, scrap dealers, and anyone using tungsten carbide products in oil and gas, aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, medical, or military applications. Whether you're sourcing tungsten carbide scrap, looking for secondary tungsten materials, or interested in precision manufacturing processes, this conversation delivers practical knowledge and industry context.

Cliff and Jonathan discuss the challenges of COVID-era labor shortages, the evolution of customer demands from preform blanks to fully finished components, and how strategic acquisitions can solve supply chain integration problems. They also share laughs about luxury Loro Piana shoes, discuss Cliff's son Evan's respect for Jonathan, and even joke about creating a "tungsten tequila" together.
Basic Carbide Corporation, founded in 1981, specializes in complex geometry tungsten carbide preforms and precision-finished components for demanding applications. With dedicated manufacturing facilities for both cobalt binder and nickel binder materials, plus high-volume pressing capabilities, Basic Carbide delivers exceptional quality, competitive pricing, and industry-leading lead times.

Tungco is the premiere global leader in tungsten recycling and tungsten carbide reclamation. For over 50 years, Tungco has specialized in tungsten carbide scrap reclamation and secondary tungsten raw material supply, serving industries worldwide with a "Whatever it Takes" commitment to customer service and relationship-first business practices.

Connect with Tungco at www.tungco.com for tungsten carbide scrap recycling, tungsten powder procurement, tungsten alloys, and comprehensive tungsten reclamation services across our global divisions: 74 Alloys, Tungco Powder Procurement (TPP), Tungco GmbH, HSS Recycling, Lineage Metallurgical, and Cuda Grit.

This is Cliff's Notes - where authentic conversations happen between industry leaders, innovators, and the people who make tungsten move. Every episode explores the human side of the metals industry, the stories behind the metal, and the relationships that define success in global tungsten markets.

Theme song written and performed by Adam Howell.

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69081988Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:00:08 +0000Cliff NanceIn this heartfelt episode of Cliff's Notes, Cliff Nance sits down with Jonathan Goodrum, President of Basic Carbide Corporation, for an intimate conversation about family business, tungsten carbide manufacturing excellence, and the relationships that... (00:03:05) Misfit Social Podcast & Evan's Respect
(00:03:31) Basic Carbide: 44 Years of Excellence
(00:05:49) The February 2024 Acquisition Story
(00:07:53) Sintering Process: From Chalk to Diamond-Hard
(00:09:09) Quality Control & Microscopy
(00:10:07) Mirror Polish & Complex Geometries
(00:12:15) Mutual Respect & Friendship

In this heartfelt episode of Cliff's Notes, Cliff Nance sits down with Jonathan Goodrum, President of Basic Carbide Corporation, for an intimate conversation about family business, tungsten carbide manufacturing excellence, and the relationships that define the tungsten recycling industry.
Jonathan "Johnny Cavs" Goodrum shares his remarkable journey from working at Basic Carbide since age 14 to leading the company through 44 years of innovation and growth. Discover the American dream story of the Goodrum family and learn how Basic Carbide became a fully integrated tungsten carbide manufacturer after their strategic February 2024 acquisition.

In this episode, you'll learn:
• The intricate process of tungsten carbide manufacturing - from isostatic pressing to sintering to mirror-polish finishing
• How tungsten carbide transforms from a "chalk-like" green state into one of the hardest man-made materials
• The role of cobalt and nickel binders in creating diamond-hard tungsten carbide components• Quality control processes using 200X and 1500X magnification microscopy
• Strategic vertical integration in tungsten carbide manufacturing
• How family values and multi-generational leadership shape business success
• The importance of relationships over transactions in the metals industry

Jonathan opens up about becoming a father to Baby Ari (turning 2 in October) and how fatherhood has transformed his perspective on life and business. He shares touching stories about his late mother's impact on everyone she met and the deep respect between the Nance and Goodrum families built over decades in the tungsten industry.

This episode offers valuable technical insights for tungsten industry professionals including tungsten recyclers, carbide manufacturers, scrap dealers, and anyone using tungsten carbide products in oil and gas, aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, medical, or military applications. Whether you're sourcing tungsten carbide scrap, looking for secondary tungsten materials, or interested in precision manufacturing processes, this conversation delivers practical knowledge and industry context.

Cliff and Jonathan discuss the challenges of COVID-era labor shortages, the evolution of customer demands from preform blanks to fully finished components, and how strategic acquisitions can solve supply chain integration problems. They also share laughs about luxury Loro Piana shoes, discuss Cliff's son Evan's respect for Jonathan, and even joke about creating a "tungsten tequila" together.
Basic Carbide Corporation, founded in 1981, specializes in complex geometry tungsten carbide preforms and precision-finished components for demanding applications. With dedicated manufacturing facilities for both cobalt binder and nickel binder materials, plus high-volume pressing capabilities, Basic Carbide delivers exceptional quality, competitive pricing, and industry-leading lead times.

Tungco is the premiere global leader in tungsten recycling and tungsten carbide reclamation. For over 50 years, Tungco has specialized in tungsten carbide scrap reclamation and secondary tungsten raw material supply, serving industries worldwide with a "Whatever it Takes" commitment to customer service and relationship-first business practices.

Connect with Tungco at www.tungco.com for tungsten carbide scrap recycling, tungsten powder procurement, tungsten alloys, and comprehensive tungsten reclamation services across our global divisions: 74 Alloys, Tungco...]]>826basic,business,carbide,leadership,manufacturing,nickel,powder,precision,pressing,process,reclamation,recycling,scrap,secondary,sintering,tungco,tungstenfalse1106fullhttps://www.tungco.com/2025/12/10/william-parry-jones-on-the-global-tungsten-market/ (00:00:23) Launching Wolfram Advisory
(00:01:17) Current Market Conditions & Supply Challenges
(00:01:53) Understanding the Global Tungsten Market
(00:02:55) China's Export Controls & Import Surge
(00:03:33) Three Theories on Supply Reduction
(00:04:31) End-of-Life Mines in China
(00:05:00) Cost Curves & Byproduct Production
(00:06:41) Future Mining Projects & Solutions
(00:07:36) William's Engineering Background
(00:08:06) Career Journey: London to Vietnam
(00:09:41) Cliff's "University of Hard Knocks"
(00:10:20) Family Life & Work-Life Balance
(00:11:37) Industry Talent Retention Challenges
(00:12:06) Building Strong Teams in Tungsten

In this episode of Cliff's Notes, Cliff Nance sits down with William Parry-Jones, founder of Wolfram Advisory, to discuss the rapidly evolving tungsten market and critical supply challenges facing the industry.

William shares insights from his impressive career journey—from studying materials science and aerospace engineering at Imperial College London to spending 10 years in physical metals trading in the City of London, followed by six and a half years with Masan Resources in Vietnam as part of the largest non-Chinese tungsten producer. Now, as an independent consultant, William is helping companies navigate market entry, market segmentation, and the complex dynamics of the global tungsten supply chain.

Key topics covered:
• The current tungsten market boom and supply squeeze
• China's dominant role (80-83%) in global tungsten production
• The 30% drop in Chinese tungsten exports following February 2025 export controls
• China's simultaneous 30-40% increase in tungsten imports
• End-of-life mine challenges and declining primary production in China
• The shift from byproduct tungsten to higher-cost mining operations
• Rising production costs due to improved environmental and safety standards
• Future mining projects in Zimbabwe, Kazakhstan, and Central Asia
• The opaque nature of the tungsten market and data reliability challenges
• The impact of critical raw materials demand on industry talent retention

William also opens up about his personal life, including his recent marriage, his 20-month-old daughter Florence, and the transition to running his own advisory business.

This episode provides essential market intelligence for anyone involved in tungsten recycling, critical materials sourcing, or strategic metals procurement.

Theme song written and performed by Adam Howell.

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68976379Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:47:14 +0000Cliff NanceIn this episode of Cliff's Notes, Cliff Nance sits down with William Parry-Jones, founder of Wolfram Advisory, to discuss the rapidly evolving tungsten market and critical supply challenges facing the industry. William shares insights from his... (00:00:23) Launching Wolfram Advisory
(00:01:17) Current Market Conditions & Supply Challenges
(00:01:53) Understanding the Global Tungsten Market
(00:02:55) China's Export Controls & Import Surge
(00:03:33) Three Theories on Supply Reduction
(00:04:31) End-of-Life Mines in China
(00:05:00) Cost Curves & Byproduct Production
(00:06:41) Future Mining Projects & Solutions
(00:07:36) William's Engineering Background
(00:08:06) Career Journey: London to Vietnam
(00:09:41) Cliff's "University of Hard Knocks"
(00:10:20) Family Life & Work-Life Balance
(00:11:37) Industry Talent Retention Challenges
(00:12:06) Building Strong Teams in Tungsten

In this episode of Cliff's Notes, Cliff Nance sits down with William Parry-Jones, founder of Wolfram Advisory, to discuss the rapidly evolving tungsten market and critical supply challenges facing the industry.

William shares insights from his impressive career journey—from studying materials science and aerospace engineering at Imperial College London to spending 10 years in physical metals trading in the City of London, followed by six and a half years with Masan Resources in Vietnam as part of the largest non-Chinese tungsten producer. Now, as an independent consultant, William is helping companies navigate market entry, market segmentation, and the complex dynamics of the global tungsten supply chain.

Key topics covered:
• The current tungsten market boom and supply squeeze
• China's dominant role (80-83%) in global tungsten production
• The 30% drop in Chinese tungsten exports following February 2025 export controls
• China's simultaneous 30-40% increase in tungsten imports
• End-of-life mine challenges and declining primary production in China
• The shift from byproduct tungsten to higher-cost mining operations
• Rising production costs due to improved environmental and safety standards
• Future mining projects in Zimbabwe, Kazakhstan, and Central Asia
• The opaque nature of the tungsten market and data reliability challenges
• The impact of critical raw materials demand on industry talent retention

William also opens up about his personal life, including his recent marriage, his 20-month-old daughter Florence, and the transition to running his own advisory business.

This episode provides essential market intelligence for anyone involved in tungsten recycling, critical materials sourcing, or strategic metals procurement.

Theme song written and performed by Adam Howell.

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>800advisory,carbide,chain,chinese,critical,earth,exports,market,materials,metals,parry-jones,rare,raw,recycling,strategic,supply,trading,tungsten,william,wolframfalse1105fullhttps://www.tungco.com/2025/12/03/adam-rubin-on-leadership-and-navigating-the-tungsten-market/Join Cliff Nance as he sits down with Adam Rubin, Tungco's newly promoted Director of Global Sales & Procurement, for a candid conversation about a birthday milestone, building a career in the tungsten industry, and taking on new leadership challenges.In this episode, Adam opens up about celebrating his 50th birthday, his 26-year journey in the scrap metal industry (starting from a finance background), and what his expanded role means for Tungco's global operations. From managing procurement and sales across 74 Alloys to navigating the craziest tungsten market he's ever seen, Adam shares insights on leadership, learning, and why fresh perspectives matter in an industry built on tradition.

Highlights include:

• Adam's transition from finance to scrap metal 26 years ago
• Taking the helm of global procurement and sales across multiple divisions
• Market predictions for APT prices and what's driving current volatility
• The value of bringing outside experience to a family business
• What it's like being "one of the old guys" (his words, not mine!) in the room—and why that's actually pretty cool

Whether you're in the tungsten industry, interested in leadership transitions, or just appreciate honest conversation between colleagues who've become friends, this episode delivers the authentic, relationship-driven insight Tungco is known for.Theme song written and performed by Adam Howell.

About Tungco: Tungco specializes in tungsten carbide reclamation and is a global leader in the tungsten recycling industry. Founded in 1969 by Steve Nance and led today by CEO Cliff Nance, we believe in doing things the right way, not the easy way—building relationships that last and giving tungsten a second life.Learn more www.tungco.com. 

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68841864Wed, 03 Dec 2025 11:00:08 +0000Cliff NanceJoin Cliff Nance as he sits down with Adam Rubin, Tungco's newly promoted Director of Global Sales & Procurement, for a candid conversation about a birthday milestone, building a career in the tungsten industry, and taking on new leadership...Join Cliff Nance as he sits down with Adam Rubin, Tungco's newly promoted Director of Global Sales & Procurement, for a candid conversation about a birthday milestone, building a career in the tungsten industry, and taking on new leadership challenges.In this episode, Adam opens up about celebrating his 50th birthday, his 26-year journey in the scrap metal industry (starting from a finance background), and what his expanded role means for Tungco's global operations. From managing procurement and sales across 74 Alloys to navigating the craziest tungsten market he's ever seen, Adam shares insights on leadership, learning, and why fresh perspectives matter in an industry built on tradition.

Highlights include:

• Adam's transition from finance to scrap metal 26 years ago
• Taking the helm of global procurement and sales across multiple divisions
• Market predictions for APT prices and what's driving current volatility
• The value of bringing outside experience to a family business
• What it's like being "one of the old guys" (his words, not mine!) in the room—and why that's actually pretty cool

Whether you're in the tungsten industry, interested in leadership transitions, or just appreciate honest conversation between colleagues who've become friends, this episode delivers the authentic, relationship-driven insight Tungco is known for.Theme song written and performed by Adam Howell.

About Tungco: Tungco specializes in tungsten carbide reclamation and is a global leader in the tungsten recycling industry. Founded in 1969 by Steve Nance and led today by CEO Cliff Nance, we believe in doing things the right way, not the easy way—building relationships that last and giving tungsten a second life.Learn more www.tungco.com. 

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>616alloys metal,alloys tungsten,business,carbide scrap,growth manufacturing,industry apt,industry metal,leadership career,market global,metal,notes adam,prices tungsten,procurement scrap,recycling,recycling tungsten,rubin tungsten,trading,trading 74,tungco cliff's,tungstenfalse1104fullhttps://www.tungco.com/2025/11/26/tatiana-hainzls-journey-in-tungsten-purchasing/ (00:01:59) First Introduction to Tungsten
(00:04:37) The Transition from Finance to Purchasing
(00:06:27) Why Purchasing Over Finance
(00:08:09) Coolest Thing About Tungsten
(00:10:50) Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Cliff's Notes, Cliff sits down with Tatiana Hainzl, Expert Strategic Raw Materials Purchasing at Wolfram Bergbau und Hütten AG, to discuss her unique journey in the tungsten industry. From her early days in finance to her current role in purchasing, Tatiana shares how she discovered tungsten through WBH and learned to navigate the complex world of W03, impurities, and conversion rates.

Tatiana opens up about her diverse background as both a German and English teacher and a financial manager, and how that structured mindset helped her transition into purchasing. She talks about the differences between working in finance versus purchasing, the importance of building relationships, and why she finds the people side of the business so rewarding.

The conversation takes a personal turn as Tatiana shares about her recent 45th birthday celebration, her brown lab Pablo, and what makes her passionate about tungsten's applications—especially in the medical field. From drilling machines to cancer treatment containers, Tatiana highlights how tungsten plays a peaceful, life-saving role beyond its industrial applications.

This episode celebrates the power of career transitions, the value of relationships in the tungsten industry, and the global partnerships that make Tungco successful. Whether you're in the industry or just curious about the people behind the metal, this conversation offers an authentic look at what it takes to excel in tungsten purchasing.

Subscribe to Cliff's Notes for more conversations with the people shaping the tungsten industry.

Theme song written and performed by Adam Howell.

About Tungco:Tungco specializes in tungsten carbide reclamation and raw feed supply to tungsten carbide suppliers and consumers worldwide. As a global leader in tungsten recycling, we believe in doing things the right way, not the easy way. We're relationship builders who play the long game—metal movers with soul.

Learn more at www.tungco.com

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68757367Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:00:24 +0000Cliff NanceIn this episode of Cliff's Notes, Cliff sits down with Tatiana Hainzl, Expert Strategic Raw Materials Purchasing at Wolfram Bergbau und Hütten AG, to discuss her unique journey in the tungsten industry. From her early days in finance to her current... (00:01:59) First Introduction to Tungsten
(00:04:37) The Transition from Finance to Purchasing
(00:06:27) Why Purchasing Over Finance
(00:08:09) Coolest Thing About Tungsten
(00:10:50) Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Cliff's Notes, Cliff sits down with Tatiana Hainzl, Expert Strategic Raw Materials Purchasing at Wolfram Bergbau und Hütten AG, to discuss her unique journey in the tungsten industry. From her early days in finance to her current role in purchasing, Tatiana shares how she discovered tungsten through WBH and learned to navigate the complex world of W03, impurities, and conversion rates.

Tatiana opens up about her diverse background as both a German and English teacher and a financial manager, and how that structured mindset helped her transition into purchasing. She talks about the differences between working in finance versus purchasing, the importance of building relationships, and why she finds the people side of the business so rewarding.

The conversation takes a personal turn as Tatiana shares about her recent 45th birthday celebration, her brown lab Pablo, and what makes her passionate about tungsten's applications—especially in the medical field. From drilling machines to cancer treatment containers, Tatiana highlights how tungsten plays a peaceful, life-saving role beyond its industrial applications.

This episode celebrates the power of career transitions, the value of relationships in the tungsten industry, and the global partnerships that make Tungco successful. Whether you're in the industry or just curious about the people behind the metal, this conversation offers an authentic look at what it takes to excel in tungsten purchasing.

Subscribe to Cliff's Notes for more conversations with the people shaping the tungsten industry.

Theme song written and performed by Adam Howell.

About Tungco:Tungco specializes in tungsten carbide reclamation and raw feed supply to tungsten carbide suppliers and consumers worldwide. As a global leader in tungsten recycling, we believe in doing things the right way, not the easy way. We're relationship builders who play the long game—metal movers with soul.

Learn more at www.tungco.com

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>727b2brelationships,careerdevelopment,industryleadership,metalsrecycling,procurementleadership,supplychain,tungstenindustryfalse1103fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-102-easy-ran-maimon-metal-tech-ltd-president--68645303Tungco CEO and Owner, Cliff Nance, welcomes industry specialists from across the globe and shares noteworthy insight into the world of everything tungsten. In this episode, Cliff sits down with Ran Maimon, President of Metal-Tech LTD and a master relationship builder with over 30 years in the tungsten industry. As a mentor, friend and trusted partner to Tungco, Ran brings invaluable wisdom on problem-solving, trust-based business, and what it really takes to build a legacy in metal recycling.

🔹 In This Episode:
✓ The philosophy of "Easy" – how perspective transforms problem-solving
✓ Building unbreakable trust in a competitive industry
✓ Why consistency in product quality is non-negotiable
✓ Going the extra mile: service that crosses continents
✓ Creating partnerships that last 25+ years
✓ How the best leaders empower their teams

🔹 About Tungco: Since 1969, Tungco has been THE reputable U.S. supplier for tungsten scrap reclamation, raw feed supply, and tungsten carbide recycling. We serve oil & gas, aerospace, automotive, healthcare, manufacturing, and machining industries across America and globally.
Looking for where to buy tungsten in America? Need a trusted tungsten supplier with global reach? We're the call you make.

💼 Why Tungco? 
✓ Truckload quantities available
✓ Accurate processing & fast payment
✓ "Whatever It Takes" mentality
✓ We answer the phone (no hiding behind emails)
✓ Global sourcing with local U.S. operations
✓ Relationships built on trust and integrity
📞 Ready for a price quote? Visit Tungco.com or call us today.

#TungstenSupplier #TungstenRecycling #TungstenCarbide #MetalsIndustry #Recycling #SustainableManufacturing #USManufacturing #GlobalSupplier #TungstenScrap #SecondaryRawMaterials #MetalReclamation #CliffNotes #TungcoWorldwide #MetalTech #RelationshipBuilding #IndustryLeadership


Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68645303Wed, 19 Nov 2025 21:22:36 +0000Cliff NanceTungco CEO and Owner, Cliff Nance, welcomes industry specialists from across the globe and shares noteworthy insight into the world of everything tungsten. In this episode, Cliff sits down with Ran Maimon, President of Metal-Tech LTD and a master...Tungco CEO and Owner, Cliff Nance, welcomes industry specialists from across the globe and shares noteworthy insight into the world of everything tungsten. In this episode, Cliff sits down with Ran Maimon, President of Metal-Tech LTD and a master relationship builder with over 30 years in the tungsten industry. As a mentor, friend and trusted partner to Tungco, Ran brings invaluable wisdom on problem-solving, trust-based business, and what it really takes to build a legacy in metal recycling.

🔹 In This Episode:
✓ The philosophy of "Easy" – how perspective transforms problem-solving
✓ Building unbreakable trust in a competitive industry
✓ Why consistency in product quality is non-negotiable
✓ Going the extra mile: service that crosses continents
✓ Creating partnerships that last 25+ years
✓ How the best leaders empower their teams

🔹 About Tungco: Since 1969, Tungco has been THE reputable U.S. supplier for tungsten scrap reclamation, raw feed supply, and tungsten carbide recycling. We serve oil & gas, aerospace, automotive, healthcare, manufacturing, and machining industries across America and globally.
Looking for where to buy tungsten in America? Need a trusted tungsten supplier with global reach? We're the call you make.

💼 Why Tungco? 
✓ Truckload quantities available
✓ Accurate processing & fast payment
✓ "Whatever It Takes" mentality
✓ We answer the phone (no hiding behind emails)
✓ Global sourcing with local U.S. operations
✓ Relationships built on trust and integrity
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#TungstenSupplier #TungstenRecycling #TungstenCarbide #MetalsIndustry #Recycling #SustainableManufacturing #USManufacturing #GlobalSupplier #TungstenScrap #SecondaryRawMaterials #MetalReclamation #CliffNotes #TungcoWorldwide #MetalTech #RelationshipBuilding #IndustryLeadership


Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>771business,businessleadership,cliffnotes,globalsupplier,industryleadership,leadership,metalreclamation,metalsindustry,metaltech,recycling,relationshipbuilding,secondaryrawmaterials,sustainablemanufacturing,tungcoworldwide,tungstencarbide,tungstenrecycling,tungstenscrap,tungstensupplier,usmanufacturingtrue1102fullhttps://www.tungco.com/2025/11/12/cliffs-notes-the-voice-of-tungsten/ (00:04:45) Between Numbers and Nature
(00:08:30) Brotherhood and Banter

Tungco CEO and Owner, Cliff Nance, welcomes industry specialists from across the globe and shares noteworthy insight into the world of everything tungsten. Tungco’s own – newly appointed CFO – Ryan Sizemore is the guest on the debut episode. Cliff has his finger on the pulse of what’s happening today while keeping an eye on the future to inform others about the recycling industry.

You won’t want to miss Cliff’s Notes!

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68545459Wed, 12 Nov 2025 23:54:43 +0000Cliff NanceTungco CEO and Owner, Cliff Nance, welcomes industry specialists from across the globe and shares noteworthy insight into the world of everything tungsten. Tungco’s own – newly appointed CFO – Ryan Sizemore is the guest on the debut episode. Cliff has... (00:04:45) Between Numbers and Nature
(00:08:30) Brotherhood and Banter

Tungco CEO and Owner, Cliff Nance, welcomes industry specialists from across the globe and shares noteworthy insight into the world of everything tungsten. Tungco’s own – newly appointed CFO – Ryan Sizemore is the guest on the debut episode. Cliff has his finger on the pulse of what’s happening today while keeping an eye on the future to inform others about the recycling industry.

You won’t want to miss Cliff’s Notes!

Hosted by Cliff Nance of Tungco — where hard work meets honest talk about leadership, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts.]]>792business metal,economy cliff,industry recycling,innovation industrial,insights sustainable,leadership tungsten,manufacturing circular,market,metal,nance ryan,notes,podcast cliff’s,podcast scrap,recycling metal,recycling tungco,scrap recycling,sizemore cfo,spotlight recycling,trends tungsten,tungstentrue11full