Starting from Scrap: An Entrepreneurial Success Story

by Stephen H. Greer

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.

Genres: Business, Biography

256 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2010

Reviews

[Belston Campfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think about this book often. Highly recommend for anybody interested in business or a real-life adventure that spans continents and nearly ends in personal ruin more than once. Most people talk about taking risks, but Greer did it and then lived it, and then wrote about it honestly. Great story.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engaging account for setting up and then exiting a weird, niche and profitable business - scrap metal. Lots of scrapes, risks and entertainment along the way. Gives a good insight into an American turning up in HK and making his fortune. Recommended for those looking for inspiration - gives you the feeling of just wanting to jump on a plane and do it! Congrats - both useful and entertaining.

[Kimera Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very rare gem

What an incredible story, for three sleepless nights I just couldn’t put the book down! Would love to meet some day...

[Hugh HACKETT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very much a personal memoir. Lots of raw business material, but some of the anecdotes are drawn out.

[Raiyhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book of 2023.
A real insight into the struggles but also pure adrenaline-filled excitement an international start-up can bring.
A must read for any wannabe entreprenuer & business enthusiast. Not only does the book read like a fiction thriller it also has great nuggets of solid business & negotiation advice sprinkled throughout.

[Peers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story of a guy with zero experience in the steel business building a scrap business and selling it. A lot of it parallels what I have been thru.

[Jerry Chernock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool book about Greer shipping off to China with nearly nothing and building a scrap empire after a few fits and starts. Inspirational.

[Marcus Solberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down! Insanely interesting entrepreneurial story. Also, a lot of interesting aspects of doing business in China.

[Theodore Kinni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great read for wannabe entrepreneurs!