♻️ Junk Man Mike: Sustainability, Grit & 40+ Years in the Auto Core Industry
In this special episode of The Underswell, I sit down with my dad, Mike Sabori—a.k.a. Junkyard Mike—for his first-ever podcast appearance.
With over 40 years in the automotive core and recycling industry, Mike shares the journey of building a small business from the ground up, working through extreme Arizona heat, navigating evolving technology, and finding purpose in sustainability before it was a buzzword.
From his early days rebuilding alternators to sourcing high-value parts from auto recyclers, Mike's story is about passion, grit, adaptation, and a lifelong love of cars. He opens up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the future of the automotive recycling industry, and why he doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon.
This one’s full of old-school wisdom, hard-earned lessons, and stories that need to be heard—especially if you're a young entrepreneur or career builder looking to go your own way.
🎙️ What We Talk About:
- What the auto core industry is and why it matters
- How Mike built his business from scratch
- Working in 115º heat and still loving it
- Entrepreneurship: the freedom and the stress How the automotive recycling industry supports the circular economy
- Why there’s a future in “junk”—and why he’s proud of it
- Advice for anyone considering business ownership or a non-traditional career path
🌊 Key Takeaways:
- "Failing is part of the learning process—get up and keep going."
- The parts business is deeply sustainable—everything from aluminum to precious metals can be reused.
- Working for yourself is rewarding but comes with pressure—freedom isn’t free.
- There's a massive opportunity for young people in the evolving world of auto recycling and circular economy careers.
- Adaptation is everything, especially when the industry evolves around you.
💬 Memorable Quotes:
- “You don’t need to be a mechanic to work in this industry—you just need heart.”
- “When I walk into a junkyard, I see opportunity.”
- “Passion is success. If you don’t love what you’re doing, it’s just a job.”
- “Retire? I still get excited every morning. I’m not done yet.”
🎧 Listen to this if you are:
- Exploring entrepreneurship or side hustles
- Curious about sustainability beyond buzzwords
- A car lover, gearhead, or fan of old-school ingenuity
- Looking for an alternative to corporate careers
- Considering a career pivot
Connect with Mike:
📍 LinkedIn – Mike Sabori https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-sabori-5a7b73105/
🌐 L&M Cores Auto Core Recycling https://www.landmcores.com/
Music by Lidérc.
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