Leadership and Legacy: Past Chairs, Future Leaders, and the Family Ties in ReMA

In the recycled materials industry, legacy isn’t just about the businesses built—it’s about the values passed down. Many of ReMA’s past chairs have watched their children step into the family business—and into active leadership within the association itself. In this new series, we connect with ReMA leaders and the next generation carrying that family legacy forward.

First up: A conversation with Brian and Sam Shine of Manitoba Corporation in Lancaster, New York.

Family-owned Manitoba Corporation creates high-quality recycled material from nonferrous metals. Founded in 1916, Manitoba has grown from a one-person job into a multimillion-dollar operation. Today, fourth- and fifth-generation members of the Shine family lead the company.

ReMA News spoke with Brian Shine, chief executive officer, and Sam Shine, new business development officer, for their perspective on leading a family-owned business, the importance of trade associations, and advice for future generations.

Brian and Sam Shine

ReMA News: Sam, you participated on a panel about family-owned businesses at the 2026 CARI Convention. Could you summarize what you discussed there?

Sam Shine: What I shared as a fifth-generation recycler was the incredible experience of learning from my dad, my Uncle Adam and my grandfather Richard. I talked about some of the things I’ve learned as well as some of the things we’re doing differently now with software and adopting new technology.

ReMA News: What sparked your interest in becoming a fifth-generation leader in the company?

Sam Shine: One of my earliest memories of the business was doing a tour with my cub scout group when I was 6 or 7 years old. I was incredibly proud of what my family had built over the years. I was always interested in the business, but I didn’t  really see myself joining the business.

ReMA News: What changed your mind?

Sam Shine: I went away to school and stayed in Colorado after I graduated. I started off with a logistics company as a freight broker. My dad called me one day because he knew I was getting a little restless. He told me about an opportunity with one of Manitoba’s joint ventures, Utility Recyclers International, and asked if I would consider working there. I took the weekend to think about it and decided I was all in. That was 11 years ago.

ReMA News: Brian, could you tell me what brought you into the family business?

Brian Shine: I knew right away I wanted to be in the business. I started in high school, working every summer and every school break. I was out in the plant, learning the business from the ground up. Then in college I started to transition and shadow sales staff.

ReMA News: You became interested in trade associations, including ReMA, early in your career, right?

Brian Shine: I quickly realized that if I only ever knew the family business way, I wasn’t going to bring anything of value to the business. So I got involved in trade association work—in the industry and outside the industry—to work with and learn from others. I fell in love with the trade association experience.

ReMA News: What advice would you have for other family-owned businesses for both the younger generation stepping into the business as well as the older generation?

Brian Shine: What I recommend is going to do something outside the family business first. You bring back a level of confidence demonstrating that you can show up for work. You can work within somebody else’s rules. That outside experience also breeds confidence in the organization that you have not just been anointed or appointed.

ReMA News: How do you know what kinds of things should stay the same and what you should allow to change and grow?

Brian Shine: Both the older and younger generations need to be willing to understand the current system—not because they need to follow it, but because they need to understand the background. What led to the current system? As an individual, you need to respect what came before you, but look at things with a critical eye. Why do we do it this way? What have we tried? What have we learned? What are the pitfalls? The advent of technology has been great for our industry, but most old-timers are afraid of new technology. I think it’s an opportunity for the younger generation to bring a fresh approach and perspective.

ReMA News: Sam, from your perspective as a young leader, what advice do you have for the next generation?

Sam Shine: I think my dad put it well in terms of honoring all the generations that have come before you. Balance and value both curiosity and creativity. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—not thinking you know better, but respecting how decisions have been made; not trying to prove yourself, but from a place of curiosity. Why are things the way they are? But then have the creativity to ask questions. Have you thought about doing things another way?

ReMA News: Brian, when you were starting out, what were some things that you found yourself wanting to change?

Brian Shine: I remember early on having a little battle with my dad. His thinking was that you could create more action for the company by calling people. I thought it was worthwhile to get involved with trade associations. It gave me a fresh perspective and helped me collaborate with others. I learned a lot from that experience. Over time he came to understand this meant personal growth and development for me that would translate to the benefit of the business.

ReMA News: Is there anything else you would like to say that we have not covered?

Brian Shine: I would encourage people like Sam to push the envelope a little bit and try things. Any business idea or opportunity must be well thought out and robust in thinking, and it should consider potential impacts like the environment and market risk. I don’t expect Sam or anybody else to have all the answers, but getting good input and presenting a well-organized case is a good start.