Founder And President, Reclaimed Textiles Co.
Scott Birnbaum, a former CPA, founded a business that recycles items otherwise destined for the garbage heap. He established Reclaimed Textiles Co. (RTCM), which repurposes discarded textiles for new use. As president, he is active in all aspects of the company and constantly relies on skills learned while a student at the Jindal School. In addition to his 18 years in textile recycling, he has experience in defense manufacturing, transportation and publishing. Scott established RTCM based on his values regarding quality, innovation and customer focus, and he is committed to developing new means to repurpose used goods in the U.S. and in developing countries.
Tell us the highlights of your professional career. What are your proudest achievements?
I created, own and manage five companies, collectively referred to as Reclaimed Textile Co. (RTCM). Founded in 1994, RTCM is a textile recycling company that fundamentally does the same thing that metal, paper, plastic and any other commodity recycling companies do. We collect refuse and prevent such items from being sent to landfills in an effort to promote environmental and social responsibility. RTCM then finds a market for the collected goods and sustains a profitable business model. Whereas, the metal recyclers collect scrap copper, aluminum, steel and such from manufacturing factories; RTCM collects used textiles, shoes and other related byproducts from thrift, charitable and nonprofit organizations. I am proud of what RTCM does, as each month we process and divert from landfills in excess of 4 million pounds of refuse. Like other companies, we have to make a profit and employ 150 people and operate out of two plants. Beyond that we support hundreds of nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and assist in building sustainable economic growth in developing countries. Our collected clothing and shoes are made available at affordable prices to some of the poorest people on the planet. RTCM is making a lasting impact both here and around the world.
What brought you to UT Dallas?
I decided to attend UT Dallas because of the affordable tuition and the quality education. I also needed a program that offered classes in the evening since I worked full time during the day. The classes worked well within my schedule, and I was able to balance a full-time job, family obligations and my studies. This would not have been possible at a different university.
What is your favorite UT Dallas memory?
I do not have a specific favorite memory but rather a great feeling of pride when I think about my time at UT Dallas. I am so proud of what the Jindal School has become in the last 29 years. My degree from the Jindal School has only enhanced in value since my graduation, much like the aging process of a fine bottle of wine. UT Dallas and the Jindal School have accomplished great things and will only continue to do so in the future.
Who was your favorite professor and/or what was your favorite class and why?
I liked all my professors. I was encouraged that many of my professors worked full time during the day and then taught at night. At the time, I was also working full time during the day, so I could relate to their ability to balance both work and education. In addition, they were able to share real industry experience in classroom. I enjoyed all of my accounting classes and gained a lot from those classes. I also took an elective course called Prisons and Asylums and it was very interesting.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
When I have free time, I enjoy traveling and exploring new destinations.
What advice do you have for current students hoping to succeed in the business world?
I would tell current students to always be honest and make ethical decisions. I would also suggest that students pursue a career path that they are genuinely interested in and will love.
What makes an effective leader?
I believe that in order to be an effective leader, one must always be honest. I know I listed this response in an earlier question, but that just emphasizes my belief that in order to be successful in the business world, you must value honesty in the workplace. In order to be successful, I believe a leader in a business must be considered an honest individual by his employees and customers.
