A rags-to-riches story of a young man who comes to Hong Kong and builds a global metals-recycling business. Keen insights into entrepreneurial drive, Asian business, and business-success fundamentals.
Starting from Scrap: An Entrepreneurial Success Story
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"This book is a wonderful read and a must for young entrepreneurs who will relish this first-rate story. Greer tells first-hand of the trials and tribulations of creating and building a scrap-metal business in the rough-and-tumble world of Asia. Stephen has earned his mark as a true entrepreneur as well as a witty and talented writer. " -- Robert Miller, Founder of DFS / Duty Free Shoppers
From the Inside Flap
This book is a wonderful read and a must for young entrepreneurs who will relish this first-rate story. Greer tells first-hand of the trials and tribulations of creating and building a scrap-metal business in the rough- and-tumble world of Asia. Stephen has earned his mark as a true entrepreneur as well as a witty and talented writer. "
--Robert Miller, Founder of DFS / Duty Free Shoppers
Stephen Greer arrived in Hong Kong in 1993, a recent college grad with no financing, scant
experience, and only a notion of starting some kind of business. Fourteen years later, his company Hartwell Pacific was a $250-million enterprise and a player in the global scrap-metal recycling trade. Along the way he encountered cultural roadblocks, ruthless and sometime unscrupulous competi- tors, and learned critical lessons in what makes a young business thrive. This remarkable story is chronicled here with humor, suspense, and keen insights into the strategies that made Stephen Greer a highly successful entrepreneur.
--Robert Miller, Founder of DFS / Duty Free Shoppers
Stephen Greer arrived in Hong Kong in 1993, a recent college grad with no financing, scant
experience, and only a notion of starting some kind of business. Fourteen years later, his company Hartwell Pacific was a $250-million enterprise and a player in the global scrap-metal recycling trade. Along the way he encountered cultural roadblocks, ruthless and sometime unscrupulous competi- tors, and learned critical lessons in what makes a young business thrive. This remarkable story is chronicled here with humor, suspense, and keen insights into the strategies that made Stephen Greer a highly successful entrepreneur.
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More About the Author
Stephen H. Greer is now a Senior Advisor to Oaktree Capital, the leading distressed debt and private equity firm, a position he assumed after stepping down as CEO of Smorgon Steel Recycling, to which he sold his company in 2005. A frequent speaker and interview subject, he has appeared on CNBC as well as local television programs and his story has been widely covered in the print media. He lives in Hong Kong.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Here's what I learned from this fascinating account how a kid goes from sleeping on a his friend's couch in Hong Kong to selling the company to a large public company.
1 - Always try to make a little business on your first meeting. I've never heard this idea before but I love how the author sees this as a means to learn about your partner before you go big but also getting something done on a first meeting.
2 - Steve's grandfather has some pretty good advice.
3 - Emerging markets are brutal on business. His company gets ripped off in Mexico and China - and Steve is incredibly honest in his recounting of it.
4 - Steve likes his wine and food. The book doubles as a Zagats in Asia.
I'd recommend this book especially to those of us who saw the opportunities in Asia but couldn't join the ride. Starting for Scrap is a great viewpoint into a time and place that was incredibly volatile, exciting and rewarding.
1 - Always try to make a little business on your first meeting. I've never heard this idea before but I love how the author sees this as a means to learn about your partner before you go big but also getting something done on a first meeting.
2 - Steve's grandfather has some pretty good advice.
3 - Emerging markets are brutal on business. His company gets ripped off in Mexico and China - and Steve is incredibly honest in his recounting of it.
4 - Steve likes his wine and food. The book doubles as a Zagats in Asia.
I'd recommend this book especially to those of us who saw the opportunities in Asia but couldn't join the ride. Starting for Scrap is a great viewpoint into a time and place that was incredibly volatile, exciting and rewarding.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
A fascinating, fast paced account of how this entrepreneur realized his dream through persistence and determination. I couldn't put it down! Steve and Mei handled daunting setbacks with grit, patience and humor through understanding the diverse cultural problems they encountered. Most people would have thrown in the towel and quit. What a roller coaster ride! It's a thrilling story of a partnership that works. Beautifully integrated into the book is the tale of their harrowing escape from death in Indonesian waters. This is worthy of a story by itself. If you want to know what makes a successful entrepreneur tick, this book is for you.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Icewalker
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
The book is an excellent details of a Young American Entrepreneur's Success Story in Hong Kong/China. Many Start Up Owners will share the Joys and Pains that one would find with Stephen's Book. Truly Great Reading.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must read for every entepreneur
As an entepreneur in same area of International scrap metal trade, I "swallowed" the book and it's an amazing story. Read more
Published 1 month ago by GIL BEN MOSHE
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Entrepreneurial Business Book
This book is a great read. It was much more witty and hilarious than I thought it would be. Reading the book gives you a taste of how the real business world works, actual practice... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Omar
5.0 out of 5 stars
street truth about running a biz in asia
great book. well told story. if you are starting a business or trying to run a business in asia - this is a fun quick read.
Published 4 months ago by F. L. Lavin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Avid Reader
This is a really good book for those inspiring towards becoming a successful entrepreneur in any business. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Avid Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating entrepreneurial story!
This is just a great entrepreneurial success story! The author had quite a ride in developing his business from the ground up. Read more
Published 13 months ago by William Aakhus
5.0 out of 5 stars
Starting from Scrap
A very interesting entrepreneurial success story about a young man who overcame many financial obstacles to become a financial success. Read more
Published on March 7, 2011 by Jack's Great buys
5.0 out of 5 stars
Destined to be a classic for new import/export entrepreneurs
I read this book on a business trip to China after a favorable review in the Wall Street Journal. It has been the blueprint for building my export business in Asia. Read more
Published on January 17, 2011 by walle mac
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the Best Business Books in Recent Memory
This is a quick read that will be a treasure for any budding international business entrepreneur or anyone interested in what business in Asia can be like (not to mention Mexico,... Read more
Published on August 23, 2010 by Robert E. Kinney
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Book for Adventurous Entrepreneurs
Excellent account of a fresh college graduate who is tired of the 9 to 5 and boards a flight to Asia to explore his entrepreneurial dream. Read more
Published on August 4, 2010 by Coyne
5.0 out of 5 stars
Are you a budding Entrepreneur? In that case this is a must read!
This book is a great look at starting your own company. I love that he just went to Hong Kong and decided he was going to be successful and did just that. Read more
Published on May 31, 2010 by Matthew S. Czarnek
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