Rare earth elements are essential to electrification, decarbonization, and modern technology, yet only 1% of these materials are currently recycled globally. Cyclic Materials is changing that.

In this episode of Building Better, Ahmad Ghahreman, CEO of Cyclic Materials, shares how his company is pioneering rare earth element recycling to create a circular supply chain for critical materials. He discusses the challenges of recycling rare earth elements, the impact on sustainability, and how Cyclic Materials' proprietary technology significantly reduces carbon footprint.

The conversation covers the role of rare earth elements in clean energy, the business model behind recycling, and Ahmad’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship. With policies increasingly mandating the recycling of critical metals, this episode explores the future of sustainable materials and the innovations driving change.

About Building Better:Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called the Future of Mobility podcast, the show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, leadership, and more.

About Cyclic Materials:Established in 2021, Cyclic Materials is a cleantech company creating a circular supply chain for rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical materials for supporting the clean energy transition. Through its innovative technology, the company economically, sustainably, and domestically transforms end-of-life products into valuable raw materials that are essential to the production of electric vehicles, wind turbines, and motors for the electronics we use in our daily lives.

In 2023, Cyclic Materials commissioned a commercial demonstration facility of the first stage of its process, MagCycle℠, which recovers rare earth magnets from end-of-life materials. In 2024, the company opened a second commercial demonstration facility in Kingston, Ontario, using its proprietary hydrometallurgical technology, REEPure℠, to produce Mixed Rare Earth Oxide. As global demand for REEs continues to rise, Cyclic Materials is scaling its technology across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Key Takeaways:

• Cyclic Materials focuses on recycling rare earth elements to build a circular supply chain.

• Only 1% of rare earth elements are currently recycled globally.

• Electrification and decarbonization are driving the demand for rare earth elements.

• Cyclic Materials' technology reduces carbon footprint by 63%.

• The company operates on a spoke-and-hub model for recycling.

• Rare earth magnets are found in various products, including electronics and vehicles.

• Collection schemes for recycling are essential for material flow.

• The recycling industry is evolving to include critical metals.

• Cyclic Materials aims to provide cleaner, more sustainable materials.

• Policies are increasingly mandating the recycling of critical metals.

About the Guest:Ahmad Ghahreman is a serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in cleantech and one of the world’s top hydrometallurgists. He has co-invented more than 20 patents and commercialized multiple technologies, focusing on transforming the rare earth elements market with sustainable, ethical solutions.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Cyclic Materials: Company Website

• Connect with Ahmad Ghahreman: LinkedIn

• Show Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/ahmadghahreman

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For more than a century, window cleaning for skyscrapers has been a dangerous, labor-intensive job. Skyline Robotics is changing that.

In this episode of Building Better, Ross Blum, President and COO of Skyline Robotics, discusses how their flagship robotic system, Ozmo, is transforming facade maintenance through automation. Ozmo cleans windows three times faster than traditional methods, reduces risk for human workers, and creates new opportunities in the industry.

The conversation explores the challenges of implementing robotics in an established industry, how trust is built with stakeholders, and the role of human labor in automation. Ross also shares insights into privacy concerns, cost drivers, and the technical complexities of working with outdoor robotics.

About Building Better:Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called the Future of Mobility podcast, the show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, leadership, and more.

About Skyline Robotics:Skyline Robotics is a deep tech robotics and automation company bringing robotics to facade maintenance. Its flagship product, Ozmo, is the world’s first high-rise window cleaning robot, offering a safer, faster, and more effective alternative to human window washers. With artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning, Ozmo is disrupting the $40B window cleaning industry. While Ozmo automates the physical task, human operators remain an integral part of the process, overseeing operations and ensuring efficiency.

Key Takeaways:

• Skyline Robotics is revolutionizing window cleaning through automation.

• The company’s mission is to own the facade, extending beyond just cleaning.

• Automation presents major opportunities in outdoor environments.

• Trust-building is critical for successful implementation of robotics.

• Privacy concerns must be addressed when using data collection technologies.

• The cost of window cleaning is influenced by labor, weather, and regulations.

• Human labor still plays a role in the automation process.

• Transparency and humility are key in building client relationships.

• Technical challenges include adapting to various building designs and conditions.

• Data analysis can enhance building maintenance and efficiency.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Skyline Robotics

• 05:52 The Importance of Facade Maintenance

• 08:47 Cost Drivers in Window Cleaning

• 11:34 Automation and Labor Dynamics

• 14:58 Privacy Concerns and Data Management

• 17:49 Facade Management Opportunities

• 20:44 Technical Challenges in Robotic Cleaning

• 23:41 Building Trust in Automation

• 26:48 The Journey of Innovation

• 29:54 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

• 46:17 The Complexity of Window Cleaning Automation

• 48:40 Building Trust in Automation Industries

About the Guest:Ross Blum is the President and COO of Skyline Robotics, leading operations across Israel and the USA. With a background in business operations and strategy, Ross previously served as COO of Quidd and CAO of pingmd, leading both companies through successful acquisitions. He holds a J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, an M.S. from Georgetown University in Sports Management, and a B.S. in Business Management from Babson College.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Skyline Robotics: Skyline Robotics LinkedIn

• Connect with Ross Blum: Ross Blum LinkedIn

• Show Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/rossblum

Connect with Building Better:Follow the podcast for more inspiring conversations:

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• Spotify

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The ability to learn on your own is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. The world is moving too fast to rely only on formal education or structured training. If you want to stay ahead, you need to take control of your own learning.

In this solo episode, Brandon Bartneck breaks down three key pillars of effective learning:

1. Depth & Breadth – Why becoming a T-shaped individual makes it easier to pick up new skills.
2. Mastering the Fundamentals – Why struggling through the basics builds intuition and adaptability.
3. The Pace of Learning – Why learning faster (without sacrificing understanding) gives you a massive edge.

This episode explores why these concepts matter, how they apply to real-world success, and how you can train yourself to learn better, faster, and more effectively.

About Building Better:

Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called the Future of Mobility podcast, the show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, leadership, and more.

Key Takeaways:

• The best learners aren’t just deep or broad—they’re both.
• Once you master one field, it becomes easier to pick up new ones quickly.
• Learning fundamentals builds intuition and makes you less dependent on external tools.
• The ability to learn fast without sacrificing quality is a competitive advantage.
• Learning compounds like investing—what you master today makes it easier to learn something new tomorrow.

Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Why Self-Learning Matters
• 02:30 – The T-Shaped Individual and Orthogonal Thinking
• 07:20 – Mastering the Fundamentals and First-Principles Learning
• 12:15 – The Pace of Learning: Why Speed Matters
• 17:40 – Applying This Framework to Career and Business
• 20:10 – Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Links & Resources:

• Show Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/selflearning

Connect with Building Better:
Follow the podcast for more insights on learning, leadership, and innovation:

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Tony Olivo and Ken Rahn from FlexGen join the conversation to discuss the evolution of energy storage and its role in grid stability. FlexGen has transitioned from a hardware-focused company to a software-first approach, helping utilities and developers optimize energy storage solutions.

The discussion covers the challenges of communicating value in a complex industry, the growing importance of batteries in balancing supply and demand, and the future of renewable energy. Tony and Ken share insights into how FlexGen is solving real-world energy problems through advanced software and analytics.

About Building Better:Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called theFuture of Mobility podcast, the show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, leadership, and more.

About FlexGen:Based in Durham, N.C., FlexGen is an innovative software and services provider in the global energy storage sector. At the forefront of the energy transition, FlexGen leverages decades of engineering and software expertise to help shape the future of sustainable power both in the United States and globally.

FlexGen's HybridOS™ software seamlessly integrates with any hardware vendor and with both traditional and renewable power sources. Their advanced analytics and AI-driven insights enable energy storage owners to effectively deploy diverse power market strategies, enhancing grid stability and increasing economic returns. With 1.5M hours of runtime and 8 GWh of energy storage systems managed with HybridOS™, FlexGen provides field-tested software and services solutions that are trusted by developers, utilities, government agencies, and industrial companies worldwide.

Key Takeaways:

• FlexGen focuses on turning batteries on, keeping them operational, and extending their life.

• The company has evolved from hardware manufacturing to a software-first approach.

• Batteries play a crucial role in stabilizing the grid and managing energy supply and demand.

• Effective communication of value propositions is essential in the energy sector.

• The energy storage industry is influenced by the growth of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources.

• FlexGen aims to solve real-world problems in energy management.

• Understanding the character of energy is vital for effective grid management.

• The company is open to future opportunities beyond current technologies.

• Grid stability is affected by the balance of supply and demand.

• FlexGen's software can help utilities optimize their energy resources.

About the Guests:

Tony Olivo is the Senior Vice President of Software Engineering at FlexGen. With 17 years of experience in large-scale power conversion and energy storage systems, Tony leads the software development division for FlexGen's products in energy storage control, analytics, and orchestration. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is the author of seven patents.

Ken Rahn is the Vice President of Marketing and Customer Solutions at FlexGen. Based in San Francisco, he brings extensive experience in technology and leadership, with a background in organizational communications and biomaterials. His career began in the U.S. Navy, where he led a team of over 50 Nuclear Electronics Technicians. He has since held roles at NRG Energy, Medallia, and Iterable, navigating multiple pre-IPO to post-IPO transitions. Ken is excited about FlexGen’s potential for explosive growth in the energy sector.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about FlexGen:FlexGen Website

• Access insights and downloads:FlexGen Resources

• Show Notes:brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/flexgen

In this episode of Building Better with Brandon Bartneck, Kacie Freeberg, a leader in automotive returnable packaging, joins the conversation to discuss the critical role of sustainable packaging solutions in the supply chain. Kacie is Senior Director, Industrial at ORBIS Corporation. With a deep understanding of returnable packaging, Kacie shares insights on how it drives cost savings, reduces waste, and enhances sustainability in automotive manufacturing.

The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration, problem-solving, and clear communication in achieving continuous improvement. Kacie also provides valuable perspectives on supplier relationships, career development, and the innovations shaping the future of automotive packaging and manufacturing automation.

About Building Better:Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called the Future of Mobility podcast, the show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, leadership, and more.

About ORBIS Corporation: Menasha Corporation, ORBIS’ parent company, celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2024. With 175 years of material handling expertise and 70 years of plastics innovations, ORBIS helps world-class customers move their products faster, safer, and more cost-effectively with reusable totes, pallets, containers, dunnage, and racks. Using a proven approach, ORBIS experts analyze customers’ systems, design solutions, and execute reusable packaging programs to create a more sustainable supply chain for their business. ORBIS uses packaging life-cycle assessments to provide directional guidance on environmental impact data, helping customers make informed decisions on the benefits of reusable vs. single-use packaging to achieve longer-term cost savings while minimizing their overall environmental impact. As a steward of sustainability, ORBIS is committed to a better world for future generations. ORBIS is a part of Menasha Corporation, one of the oldest family-owned manufacturers in the United States. Headquartered in Oconomowoc, ORBIS has more than 3,300 employees and almost 50 locations throughout North America and Europe.

Key Takeaways:

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In this episode of Building Better with Brandon Bartneck, Trevor Blondeel, founder of Manufacturing Greatness, joins the conversation to explore the evolving landscape of manufacturing leadership. Trevor brings over 25 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, sharing insights on bridging the gap between expectations and reality in leadership roles, fostering self-awareness, and driving continuous improvement.

The discussion highlights the importance of transparency, curiosity, and core values in shaping a positive organizational culture. Trevor shares actionable strategies for connecting the top to the shop and emphasizes the power of emotional intelligence and feedback in developing engaged, accountable teams.

About Building Better: Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called the Future of Mobility podcast, the show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, leadership, and more.

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Connect with Building Better:

In this episode of Building Better with Brandon Bartneck, Tim Huntzinger, founder of California-based XOTO, shares his journey from designing in the aerospace and automotive industries to creating a revolutionary three-wheeled vehicle. With over 20 years of experience working for top companies like NASA, Boeing, Fisker, Rivian, GM, and Kittyhawk, Tim’s expertise informs his innovative approach to enhancing the joy of motorcycling while improving safety.

Tim discusses how XOTO combines the joy of riding with advanced safety features, including a self-stabilizing three-wheel design that ensures stability, maneuverability, and fun. The conversation highlights the challenges of building a sustainable business model, the importance of human-centered design, and how XOTO’s rental program introduces the vehicle to new riders.

About Building Better:

Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called the Future of Mobility podcast, the show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, leadership, and more.

Key Takeaways:

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In this episode of Building Better with Brandon Bartneck, Felix Leach, Associate Professor at the University of Oxford, and Nick Molden, CEO of Emissions Analytics, join the discussion on sustainable transportation. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of mass and distance in determining the environmental impact of transportation, highlighting these as the most important variables for sustainability.

Felix and Nick also advocate for a radical reset in public policy and taxation systems to simplify and better align with environmental realities. They discuss the interconnectedness of the transportation ecosystem, the role of consumer choices, and actionable steps toward a more sustainable future.

About Building Better:

Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called the Future of Mobility podcast, the show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, leadership, and more.

Key Takeaways:

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About the Guests:

Felix Leach is an Associate Professor at the University of Oxford, specializing in emissions and efficiency in thermal propulsion systems. Felix is the author of Racing Toward Zero and co-author of Critical Mass, which advocates for a simplified understanding of vehicles’ environmental impact.

Nick Molden is the CEO of Emissions Analytics, a company he founded in 2011 to assess the holistic environmental impact of vehicles. Nick co-authored Critical Mass and chairs multiple European standardization groups on vehicle emissions and air quality. He is also an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Imperial College London.

Links & Resources:

Connect with Building Better:

In this episode of Building Better with Brandon Bartneck, we explore the multifaceted nature of sustainability in the automotive industry with two guests: Bridget Grewal, Director of Packaging Continuous Improvement at Magna International, and Kellen Mahoney, Director at the Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP).

The discussion highlights the critical role of packaging in sustainability, emphasizing challenges in recyclability, the importance of returnable packaging, and how automation shapes packaging requirements. Bridget and Kellen underscore the need for collaboration across the supply chain and the role of education and awareness in advancing sustainable practices.

This episode is essential for anyone interested in innovation and sustainability in the automotive sector.

About Building Better:

Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called the Future of Mobility podcast, this show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and the lessons we can learn from their experiences. If you care about making an impact, this show might be for you.

Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, impact, leadership, and more.

Brandon also serves as General Manager at Edison Manufacturing and Engineering, which specializes in low-volume contract manufacturing for complex mobility and energy products, and supports growth and operations at PJ Wallbank Springs, a leader in spring solutions for critical applications.

Key Takeaways:

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Sustainability in Transportation

05:52 Defining Sustainability in the Automotive Industry

08:43 The Role of Packaging in Sustainability

11:53 Historical Context of Sustainable Practices

14:45 Decision-Making in Sustainable Packaging

17:24 Complexities of Sustainable Packaging Design

20:32 Challenges in Achieving 100% Returnable Packaging

23:45 Overseas Packaging Challenges

27:28 Innovative Container Pooling Systems

33:01 Complexities of Supply Chain Collaboration

43:26 Sustainability in Packaging Design

46:39 The Future of Automation in Packaging

49:41 The Broader Scope of Sustainability

50:42 Key Lessons in Sustainable Practices

51:39 The Importance of Packaging in Sustainability

About the Guests:

Bridget Grewal is the Director of Packaging Continuous Improvement at Magna International. Since 2013, she has supported 140 North American plants with packaging improvements and led global strategies for 350 plants worldwide. A recognized leader in packaging sustainability, Bridget also leads industry teams focused on sustainable packaging and returnable assets.

Kellen Mahoney is the Director at the Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP), where he collaborates with automakers and suppliers to advance environmental sustainability initiatives. Kellen is actively involved in defining best practices for carbon neutrality, sustainable materials, and EV battery recycling, making him a key voice in the industry.

Links:

Edison Manufacturing Exchange: https://brandonbartneck.substack.com/publish/home\

In this reflective episode, Brandon Bartneck reviews the year 2024, discussing the evolution of his podcast, what he has learned about his core values, and the lessons learned throughout the year. He emphasizes the significance of love, growth, and joy in his life and work, while also sharing insights on systems engineering, problem-solving, and the complexities of building a strong organizational culture.

Links:

Takeaways

Building Better

Building Better with Brandon Bartneck is focused on the people, products, and companies that are creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. This show was previously called the Future of Mobility podcast.

I aim to have real, human conversations to explore what these leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. If you care about making an impact then this show might be for you.

Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, impact, leadership, and more.

Edison Manufacturing and Engineering:

Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.