Skills
About
Bo Howard is the Vice President of Business Development for Shapiro, a company focusing on building recycling and sustainability programs for manufacturers. Over the 120+ years of Shapiro’s history, most of that has been focused on metal recycling. Bo and others have helped transition Shapiro from a metal-focused company, to a sustainability-focused company over the last several years. Living near the Gulf of Mexico on the Alabama coast, along with growing up in Florida, helped shape a love of nature and a responsibility to it from a young age. From writing protest letters to corporations with bad environmental policies in fifth grade to watching the impacts of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in his backyard, nature has always played a critical role in his life. When not visiting client sites to help improve the impact on the environment, Bo tries to travel as much as possible with his wife and three kids. Showing his kids the beauty of the world is critical to helping them appreciate why it’s so important to protect our resources and wild areas. Expanding on his appreciation of nature, Bo works with clients to tell the right story about what improvements are being made. It's not enough to prove it; people have to understand it. That's where the spark comes from, turning a byproduct into a sustainability story. In addition to early exposure to sustainability and nearly a decade working at Shapiro, Bo is working towards a Master's Degree in Sustainability from the Harvard Extension School. Adding academic knowledge to practical applications helps connect the dots of how and why for him and his clients.
Bo Howard
Published content
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To grow a business today, you need strategies that earn attention, trust and loyalty in equal measure. Every business reaches a point where their products alone aren't enough to bring in new customers. From forming authentic partnerships to using AI for smarter outreach, sustained growth is about combining creativity with precision. The most successful entrepreneurs know how to turn data, relationships and reputation into engines for expansion. To that end, Rolling Stone Culture Council members share the proven tactics they’ve used to reach new audiences and build customer loyalty that lasts.
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Are you climbing a mountain or running on a hamster wheel? Who knows, and who has time to find out?
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Behind nearly every successful entrepreneur is a web of mentors, peers and trusted advisors who provided guidance when it mattered most. Whether it’s by helping you sharpen your skills, offering honest feedback or giving you the courage to take a leap, the right support network can accelerate both personal and professional growth. But mentorship isn’t one-size-fits-all — it can come from seasoned leaders, peers in other industries or even younger professionals who bring fresh perspectives. What matters most is cultivating relationships built on trust, honesty and shared values. Below, Rolling Stone Culture Council members reflect on how mentorship and community influenced their paths and share advice on finding the right support for yours.
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Strengthening connections during the holidays can help your business enter the new year with momentum and confidence. Every new year begins with fresh possibilities, but the businesses that thrive are the ones that prepare before January arrives. The holiday season gives businesses a natural moment to reflect, reconnect and show gratitude to those who make progress possible. By approaching these weeks with intention, you can honor the past year while laying the foundation for stronger partnerships and a successful year ahead. To spark ideas for the holiday season ahead, Rolling Stone Culture Council members share five ways companies can deepen stakeholder relationships and set a positive tone for the new year.
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The final quarter of the year is make-or-break for many companies. Here are some goals and actions to close out Q4 on a high note. As the year winds down, many leaders shift their focus to holiday campaigns, budget wrap-ups or end-of-year reporting. But Q4 can also be a strategic springboard into the year ahead. The goals businesses set in these last few months often determine whether they simply coast to the finish line or create lasting momentum. Below, Rolling Stone Culture Council members share the most important goals they’re prioritizing in Q4. These strategies can help you finish the year strong and start the next one on solid footing.
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Whether you're pitching to investors or sharing an idea with your team, these tips can help you persuade your audience and achieve your goals. Persuasion is one of the most valuable skills in business, shaping outcomes in everything from investor pitches to client negotiations. Especially in creative and culture-driven industries, where ideas and storytelling carry extra weight, the ability to influence others often determines whether a vision gains traction or fades away. Taking the right approach to communication can directly influence how you connect and inspire confidence in your ideas. To help, the members of Rolling Stone Culture Council share their best strategies for persuading others and why these approaches are so effective.
Company details
Shapiro
Company bio
Shapiro is a sustainability-driven company committed to circularity programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting recyclable materials such as metal, wood, cardboard, paper, and plastic from landfills. Founded in 1904, Shapiro remains privately owned and operates across North America, including Canada and Mexico, while also trading materials internationally. With 12 locations including a corporate office in St. Louis, Missouri, the city where Shapiro first established its business, they continue to expand their network to best assist clients in reaching their sustainability initiatives.