4 Minutes With…Barry Breede, Chief Innovation Officer, Cox Recovery Solutions

Tell us about your organization and it’s role in the Advanced Bioeconomy.

We are the largest producer of utility poles in the U.S. We are trying to develop an alternative solution for the disposal of treated utility poles other than landfill, and have been actively working with biofuel producers on the creation of a feedstock program that involves used, treated poles.

Tell us about your role and what you are focused on in the next 12 months.

We are focused on developing a technology and logistics solution which allow for used poles to be affordably transported, grinded and placed into most likely a gasification-based facility. In doing so we hope to offer utilities a more sustainable future solution for pole disposal.

What do you feel are the most important milestones the industry must achieve in the next 5 years?

Funding from capital markets
Commercialization of technology at scale, so that multiple locations can be developed thereby resolving current logistic issues for feedstock suppliers.

If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about the Advanced Bioeconomy, what would you change?

Capital market funding

Of all the reasons that influenced you to join the Advanced Bioeconomy industry, what single reason stands out for you as still being compelling and important to you?

Bringing environmentally sustainable solutions to our customers (major utilities).

Where are you from?

Born: Portland, Oregon
Worked in San Francisco, CA and now Greenville, SC

What was your undergraduate major in college, and where did you attend? Why did you choose that school and that pathway? 

University of Oregon. Journalism degree—absolutely no connection to my professional path!

What’s the biggest lesson you ever learned during a period of adversity?

Keep the faith!

What hobbies do you pursue, away from your work in the industry?

Various sports (running, golf, etc.)
Youth coaching of sports

What are 3 books you’d want to have with you, if you were stranded on a desert island?

Unbroken
The Art of The Start
Bible

What books or articles are on your reading list right now, or you just completed and really enjoyed?

Leading the Revolution
Left To Tell
Driving Growth Through Innovation

What’s your favorite city or place to visit, for a holiday?

San Luis Obispo, CA