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Network: August 1990

Network reader-to-reader advice.

No One Mentioned Planters
It's hard to predict which queries readers will respond to, so we tried not to be surprised as answers poured in for Vincent P. Melvin Jr. He wanted to know what he could do with the unusable tires he is left with after salvaging cars (End of the Road, May 1990, [Article link]). Who knew there were this many uses for an old tire?

* * *

Mr. Melvin's problem is becoming common as landfills, for both economic and environmental reasons, are beginning to refuse tires. The solution? Shredding. Equipment now on the market can shred tires to grades ranging from small chunks to fine powder. A company in the West uses the finer grades in an asphalt mix. Another company uses the powder in highway guardrails.

Mr. Melvin should consider starting his own shredding business, contracting with other salvage yards, garages, and land-fills to dispose of their tires. Or he could look for a shredding company to dispose of his tires.

Gordon Rahn

President

The Lakeland Agency

Princeton, Ky.

* * *

Preschools in our area have been using shredded tires to mulch playgrounds. They absorb shocks, making the area safer for children.

Kim Blunt

Secretary

Pyramid Business Forms

Wilmington, Del.

* * *

Here in Santa Rosa, the Oxford Energy Co. can turn old tires into electrical energy. Recycle those babies!

Martin Sussman

Marketing Manager

Cinnamon Designs

Santa Rosa, Calif.

* * *

I read that the actor Dennis Weaver used tires as insulation in his new house in Colorado. Mr. Melvin might want to research that application.

Kirsten Moorehead

Owner

Accounting Plus

Fresno, Calif.

* * *

Our company provides equipment to the retread industry. Retreaders will buy the old tires that Mr. Melvin is trying to throw out. The treads are no good to them, but they will often pay up to $4 per casing.

Brian R. Beckett

Export Service Manager

National Group of Companies

Lima, Ohio

* * *

Illinois's Energy and Natural Resources Department publishes a newsletter, and the April issue lists organizations that could help Mr. Melvin with his problem. The National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association, for instance, is located at 1250 I Street N.W., Suite 400, Washington D.C. 20005. The state government in Kansas may provide similar local information.

Robyn Michaels

Research Assistant

Center for Urban Economic Development

University of Illinois

Chicago

* * *

Our company makes a protective collar for trees from the sidewalls of scrap tires. We also take the tread portion, cut it, open it up, and stack about 20 together to make a parking lot bumper. Nathan B. Shimp

Vice-President

Port Industries Inc.

Palmyra, Mo.

* * *

The Indirect Approach
Bruce Houghton runs a booking agency representing recording stars of past decades. But his sales calls to corporations often don't get past the switchboard, and he asked Network for help (Gotta Find Her or Him, May 1990, [Article link]). Readers suggested asking for the meeting planner, the marketing department, even the executive assistant to the CEO. But many proposed other approaches entirely.

* * *

Mr. Houghton should know names, not just titles. He needs to get involved in the meetings and conventions industry. The magazines Successful Meetings and Incentive cover the people who plan corporate events. Professional associations such as Meeting Planners International and the Society of Company Meeting Planners hold functions where he could network. Also, he should cultivate relationships with meeting planning consultants and travel companies, who are often hired by companies to plan events.

Read more:

How Lincoln Became A Great Leader

How to Be Liked at Work (or Anywhere)

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