Lotzkar: ‘Consolidation doesn’t need to be viewed negatively’

After 112 years in business, Pacific Metals Recycling from Vancouver, Canada is no longer in the hands of the Lotzkar family.

In early August they announced they had sold their recycling operations to ABC Recycling and Pacific Materials Destruction, both based in the greater Vancouver area. ‘It was a hard decision,’ Jacqueline Lotzkar tells Recycling International.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO SELL?

‘It was not a decision we made lightly. We spent a lot of time as a family discussing succession plans. We determined that selling was the best decision for both our family and our business. It was the right time.’

IT’S A BIG CHANGE. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOUR DAD, MARK LOTZKAR, AND TO YOU PERSONALLY?

‘My Dad is retiring and looking forward to spending more time with my mum. They plan on travelling and enjoying this next stage of life together.

I will be taking some time to find the right career opportunity for me. I would love to stay in the industry and continue to be involved in recycling and sustainability. One of my passions is travelling and I have a few trips planned. Lots to look forward to.’

ARE WE WITNESSING A TREND – AT LEAST IN EUROPE AND AMERICA – OF FAMILIY-OWNED SCRAP BUSINESSES BEING EATEN UP BY OTHER, OFTEN BIGGER PLAYERS? 

‘There is a global trend towards consolidation. As industries mature, I believe some consolidation is to be expected. I was previously a board member of a family business association called Family Enterprise Canada.

From that experience, I know that, as enterprising families move into third, fourth, fifth generations and beyond, it is not uncommon for the family’s original operating businesses to be no longer the primary asset in the family business portfolio.

Property values in Vancouver are comparable to cities like New York, Los Angeles, London or Hong Kong – very high. Our decision to exit the operating business was a strategic pivot. We are still very much an enterprising family; only the operating company has changed, as it does for many family businesses over time.

Consolidation doesn’t need to be viewed negatively, it can be a win-win for the seller and the buyer.’

WHAT ARE THE MAIN LESSONS LEARNED DURING THE TEN YEARS YOU’VE BEEN INVOLVED IN THE DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT OF PACIFIC METALS?

‘Too many to list but the most important is that I’ve had the opportunity to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, experiencing all aspects of the business including sales and marketing, operations, international commodity trading, logistics & supply chain, finance, human resources, safety, international government relations & advocacy.

I am also grateful to have gained the knowledge to have an expert understanding of global recycling & sustainability. I have learned what it takes to run a business and the mindset of an owner, which I believe is a valuable lesson for any leadership role I take on in the future.

Moreover, I am proud of the reputation and values we maintained as an honest and fair company over 112 years. I learned many more leadership lessons both at Pacific Metals and while volunteering at ReMA, previously ISRI, over the past ten years. Naturally, I am grateful for all of these opportunities and I will take these lessons with me into the future.’ 

WILL YOUR FUTURE BE IN RECYCLING OR SOMEWHERE ELSE?

‘I would like to stay in the recycling and sustainability space and I’m interested in making a move within North America or Europe for the right opportunity. If anyone is interested in connecting, the best place to find me is on LinkedIn. I’d be happy to chat.’