Marsha Serlin

Marsha Serlin is the Founder and CEO of United Scrap Metal, an Award-Winning Leader in Recycling Solutions. Serving over 6,000 customers nationwide, United Scrap Metal is recognized as one of the largest recyclers in the United States. The company employs more than 650 team members and operates facilities spanning over 1 million square feet of building space across 200 acres. With locations in Chicago, IL; Philadelphia, PA; Richmond, VA; Charlotte, NC; St. Louis, MO; Indianapolis, IN; Largo, FL; Tampa, FL; Atlanta, GA, and Birmingham, AL, United Scrap Metal’s reach and impact in the recycling industry are extensive.

A pioneer in recycling, Marsha Serlin has shaped the industry by uncovering value in materials others discarded, enabling both her business and her clients’ businesses to thrive.

In 1978, Marsha founded United Scrap Metal with just $200 and a rented truck. As a divorced single mother solely responsible for two young children, she saw an opportunity to support her family by collecting scrap from alleys, manufacturers, and various facilities.

With relentless determination, Marsha knocked on doors, actively soliciting businesses to gain customers and forge lasting relationships.

United Scrap Metal has been recognized by over 30 global, national, and local organizations, receiving prestigious awards such as S&P Global’s Metals CEO of the Year, the Small Business Administration’s National Subcontractor of the Year, Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year, Grant Thornton’s Executive Woman of the Year, and the Illinois Recycling Association’s Outstanding Recycling Business and Lifetime Achievement Awards. Additionally, United Scrap Metal ranks third among the top 100 women-owned, privately held companies in Crain’s Chicago Business.

Marsha was appointed to the United States Department of Commerce Manufacturing Council. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Manufacturing Association, a member of the Board of Governors of the Chamber of Commerce, The Committee of 200, The Chicago Network, the Economic Club of Chicago, the National Women’s Business Council, the International Women’s Forum, served as a Commissioner on the Cook County Commission on Women’s Issues, and on the Planning Commission Board for the Town of Cicero.

In addition to being a successful leader and entrepreneur, Marsha is also a dedicated philanthropist. Grounded in her roots and grateful for her opportunities, she is committed to sharing her success with those less fortunate. Marsha actively supports her community and numerous charities, encouraging others to get involved and make a meaningful difference for those in need.

An active partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, Marsha served as a Co-Chair of the Campaign Leadership Team that was responsible for building the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House. She serves on the boards of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the United Way/Community Chest, After School Matters, and the Children at the Crossroads Foundation.

Marsha Serlin’s success and story have been featured in the media including The Oprah Winfrey Show segment entitled, Entrepreneurial Moms, Bloomberg TV, CBS, Rock Center with Brian Williams, NBC with Kate Snow, the New York Times, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, CNBC, CNN, Forbes, Fortune Small Business, Nation’s Business, Pink Magazine, Waste News, and Modern Metals.

Marsha Serlin’s energy is boundless. Her passions include a strong commitment to giving back, a deep appreciation for the arts, and a love of gardening, boating, and global travel.
HONORS AND AWARDS:
2024 – Illinois Manufacturing Association Janice M. Christiansen Leadership Award
2023 – Smart Business Dealmakers Hall of Fame
2022 – Women Presidents Organization 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies
2022 – JP Morgan Chase 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies
2021 – Aronberg Goldgehn Women’s Initiative Inspiration Award Recipient
2021 – Crain’s Chicago’s Largest Privately Held Companies
2020 – Platts Global Metals Corporate Social Responsibility Award Finalist
2020 – Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame Inductee
2019 – Platts Global Metals Scrap & Recycling Industry Leadership Award
2018 – ComEd Supplier Diversity, Overall Performance Award, Construction and Material Services
2018 – Platts Global Metals Scrap & Recycling Industry Leadership Award
2017 – Exelon Diverse Supplier of the Year
2016 – Platts Global Metals Awards CEO of the Year
2016 – Chicago Business Journal Woman of Influence Award
2015 – American Metal Market (AMM) Steel Excellence Award Finalist Scrap Company of the Year
2015 – Appointed to United States Department of Commerce Manufacturing Council
2015 – Womenetics POW! Award Honoree
2012 – McGladrey Lifetime Achievement Award
2012 – Fortune Magazine Most Powerful Women Summit Attendee
2012 – Enterprising Women of the Year Award
2012 – Athena Leadership Award
2011 – Illinois Recycling Association Lifetime Achievement Award
2011 – Today’s Chicago Woman 100 Women Making a Difference
2011 – Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and NW Indiana Smart Cookie Award
2010 – Chicago’s 25 Largest Women-Owned Businesses
2009 – Anti-Defamation League Woman of Achievement Award
2008 – Arnstein & Lehr LLP 2008 Woman of Vision Award
2006 – 2009 – Crain’s Chicago Fastest Growing Companies, 3 Consecutive Years
2006 – Chicago Tribune Small Business Feature/Women Owners Face Financial Walls
2006 – Selling Power Sales Excellence Award-Manufacturing Sales Organization of the Year
2005 – Association of Women in the Metal Industries (AWMI) Company of the Year
2005 – Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
2005 – Chicago’s 101 Best and brightest Companies to Work For
2004 – Mass Mutual National Family Business of the Year
2001 – Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Award
2000 – Appointed to Governor Ryan’s Task Force on Recycling
1998 – State of Illinois Outstanding Recycling Award
1998 – John F. Kubik Humanitarian Award
1997 – Grant Thornton Executive Woman of the Year Award
1997 – White House Delegate select for the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development
1996 – Arthur Andersen Enterprise Award for Best Business Practices
1996 – National Small Business Subcontractor of the year, United States Small Business Administration