In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen sit down with David Stover, Co-Founder and CEO of Bureo, a company that transforms discarded fishing nets into high-performance materials for brands like Patagonia, Outerknown, Nike, and Costa. The conversation traces David’s journey from corporate finance to mission-driven entrepreneurship, the early days of collecting nets and making skateboards in Chile, and how Bureo evolved into a global circular-materials supplier through its NetPlus program. They dive into the economics and challenges of competing with cheap virgin plastic, the potential of sectors like apparel and automotive, and the importance of pairing environmental impact with financial viability. The episode also touches on broader themes like the politicization of environmental issues, the role of consumers and younger generations in driving change, why taking action now rather than waiting for policy is critical for building a cleaner, more responsible future, and so much more.
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
Welcome to Today’s Episode (0:58)
Joel’s LA Property Sale, Taxes, and 1031 Exchange Dilemma (1:39)
Why Multifamily Is Not Passive and Mentions Short Term Rental Loophole (3:53)
Using Real Estate as a Clean Energy and Decarb Testbed (5:31)
Introducing David Stover and Bureo’s Mission to Transform Fishing Nets (8:13)
From Garage Skateboards to Global Network and Brand Partnerships (10:03)
Why Chile Became the Launchpad For Bureo’s Net Collection Program (12:19)
The Surfing Aha Moment and Seeing Plastic Crisis Firsthand in Indonesia (14:36)
Leaving Corporate Jobs to Build a Mission Driven Company (16:56)
Pivoting From Branded Products to Supplying NetPlus Materials to Big Brands (20:22)
The Economics of Recycled Nylon vs Cheap Virgin Plastic (24:59)
Why Automotive and EVs Are a Huge But Price Sensitive Opportunity (28:13)
How Much Fishing Net Waste Exists and Bureo’s Path to Scaling Collection (31:59)
The Costs, Risks, and Reality of Running Physical Recycling Infrastructure (34:52)
How Bad Ocean Plastic Really is and Parallels to Renewables and EVs (36:53)
Politicization Of Environmental Issues and the Role Of Consumers (40:06)
Climate, Regulation, and Why Waiting For Policy is Not Enough (44:17)
Why the Younger Generation Gives David Hope For the Future (47:48)
Where to Find NetPlus Products and Bureo’s Solar Powered Facility in Chile (49:46) The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at www.lesstalkmoreaction.com.
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