It’s fair to say John Spagnuolo’s loyalty runs deep, to his city, his state, and even his teams. Born about 45 minutes north of Detroit, he’s stayed close to his Michigan roots ever since. “I love the state where I’m at,” he said. “And it’s the perfect time to be a Detroit sports fan: Lions, Tigers, Pistons and Red Wings.”
That pride extends beyond the playing field. Spagnuolo is quick to defend the Motor City’s reputation, recalling its tough years and its rebound. “There’s never been a lot of positive news about Detroit,” he said, “but the city’s flourishing now. You go downtown and it’s a great, positive vibe.” The collapse of old industry opened space for new energy, with companies like Rocket Mortgage, Ford family investments, and a crop of entrepreneurs turning cheap land into opportunity.
Spagnuolo has seen the city’s cycles firsthand. He graduated from college just as the 2008 financial crisis hit, watching foreclosures sweep through neighborhoods. “You’d go down a block of 20 houses and 17 were for sale,” he said. Still, he kept moving, earning degrees in business administration and marketing analytics from Baker College, then landing an internship at a local ITAD firm that launched his career.
Now president of IQ Reseller, he oversees a global business with clients in the US, Canada, the UK and Europe, but Detroit remains his anchor. He travels often but always returns home. “There are many great places,” he said, “but there’s no place like home.”
This year’s E-Scrap Conference will see him swap spreadsheets for spotlights, taking the stage to share his insights on ITAD operations and the evolving reseller landscape. But before Detroit’s favorite data-driven sports fan heads to Texas, it’s time to step away from the warehouse floor and into the E-Scrap Spotlight with John Spagnuolo.
What’s your default karaoke song?
First off, I have a horrible voice and I’m a horrible singer. The last karaoke song I did was at my old neighbor’s 40th birthday party in January. He forced me to sing and it was a Red Hot Chili Peppers song. I can’t remember which one now, but that was the last time I performed.
What song or band makes you crank up the volume in the car?
Right now I’m on a country kick. Luke Combs or Bailey Zimmerman, anything they play, I’ll crank it up for sure and sing to myself. I think Bailey’s from Tennessee, maybe Texas, I can’t quite remember.
What’s your guilty-pleasure TV show?
I don’t watch a lot of TV. I’m a big football fan, so my guilty pleasure is Monday, Sunday and Thursday football. That’s my downtime.
When was the last time you took public transport, and where to?
The last time I took public transport was in Munich about a year ago. I needed a haircut and took the subway from outside the city into downtown. Here in Detroit, there really isn’t public transport. This is the automotive capital, you drive.
Who would you most hate to be stuck with in an elevator?
Somebody who just doesn’t stop talking. You know the type, rambling on about a lot of nothing. That would drive me crazy.
What piece of business advice do you think is overrated?
Anyone who says you can’t do something. That’s completely wrong. People love to tell you, “maybe this isn’t the right position for you,” but if you try hard enough, you can make it work.
What’s your most irrational superstition or habit?
I do follow horoscopes a bit. Not religiously, but I follow a few accounts on Instagram and read them daily. I’ll look at what they say and think, “OK, could that make sense today?” Then later I’ll reflect on how it lined up.
Aliens land and ask you to explain capitalism in one sentence. What do you say?
America.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing now, what different job would you secretly love to do?
An airline pilot. I’ve always loved the idea of flying.
Who was your childhood hero?
I don’t think I had one. I grew up in an Italian-American family where you had to work. There wasn’t much time for superheroes or movies, it was about getting things done.
What ringtone is on your mobile right now?
Silence. My phone never makes a sound.
What’s the most recent book you gave up on and why?
Fairy Tale by Stephen King. Interesting concept, but I just couldn’t get into it and finally had to give up.
When did you last do something for the very first time?
I picked up golf two years ago. I’m 36 now and completely obsessed with it. Two years ago, if you’d told me I’d be playing golf, I’d have said no way. Now I play about five days a week. It clears your mind, it’s physical, and it can also be the worst financial decision you’ll ever make. But I love it.
What’s pinned to your fridge door?
I’ve started collecting magnets from every country I visit. It’s become a bit of a tradition.
What’s the strangest thing on your desk right now?
Chapstick. I’m obsessed with it. I’ve got three tubes sitting right here. People find that strange, but it’s totally normal to me.
