My great-grandfather came to America from Russia, traveling
through Ellis Island in 1897. He came with $5 and nothing else.
With that money, he bought himself a horse and wagon, collecting
junk in the form of scrap metal, rags and other unwanted
materials. Over time and through perseverance, he transformed
this humble practice into one of the largest recycling companies
in America. I honor his story about coming from nothing and
making something glorious — it has inspired my work as a
designer today. Hope and determination are American traditions
that never seem to go out of style.