Our NextGens to Watch Class of 2025 demonstrates the myriad ways young family members can define “legacy stewardship” in their own lives and careers. Introducing 21 standout rising-generation members who are making a difference in their family enterprises, providing fresh perspectives while honoring the generations that preceded them.
Samuel Shine
Fifth Generation
Manitoba Corporation
Denver, Col.
Sam Shine is a fifth-generation recycler and director of sales for Utility Recyclers International (URI), a joint venture owned by Manitoba Corporation and Green-Port Environmental, focused on recycling utility-generated materials. Sam’s great-great-grandfather founded Manitoba Corporation in 1916, starting as a rag recycler and expanding the business through the generations to encompass the family-owned, non-ferrous metals recycling business it is today.
Sam recently reached the milestone of 10 years working in the business full-time, and throughout his tenure has demonstrated “tremendous enthusiasm, passion and skill,” says his father, Manitoba Corporation CEO Brian Shine. Sam has become heavily involved with Manitoba Corporation’s national trade association, the Recycled Materials Association, having co-chaired and founded a NextGen committee to support and encourage young owners, operators and industry participants as they embark upon their careers.
Additionally, Sam was recently appointed to a highly entrusted position on the audit committee. In addition to his daily activities of leading a joint venture company, Sam founded a new business, Freight130, within Manitoba Corporation, which is a technology SAAS-based application for freight and logistics management.
Sam says it is a joy to work alongside family every day. His father Brian and uncle Adam Shine, who serves as president, run the business and represent the fourth generation. Meanwhile, Sam’s grandfather, Richard Shine, who serves as secretary/treasurer, is also actively involved in the business. “I am incredibly lucky to work alongside, and learn from, them every day,” Sam says. “It is a privilege to work in a family business, and I feel very lucky to be able to do so. It adds an element of trust and support that can be more challenging to feel outside of a family relationship.”
Sam says he has always held the family business near and dear to his heart, but originally intended to strike out on his own and had no plans to join URI until one fateful day. “I went to school away from home and started off my career in logistics, without planning on joining the family business. One day, I got a call from my dad explaining that there was an opportunity to join the business. I took the weekend to think about it and decided to move forward. During my tenure at URI, I have helped the business expand to recycling additional items such as electric vehicle charging stations, and grow our supplier and customer bases.”