Providing Exceptional Service Since 1896 Metal Recycling Service in San Antonio
Our History
Our History
Company founder, Abraham Vexler, fled Romania in 1887 at the age of 16 amidst social and political turmoil. Having gained his parents’ blessing, young Abraham boarded a ship for the New World, never to see them again. Expecting to arrive in the United States, Abe was disappointed to learn that he had boarded a ship bound for Montreal, Canada. Being short on cash but having a strong back and even stronger will, Abe worked as a stevedore loading and unloading ships to earn his keep. In 1895, he saw value in the things that people were throwing away and began collecting bottles, rags, and metal for repurposing and recycling.
In 1908, a recession hit Montreal and Abe set off for new opportunities in Texas. Believing opportunity existed in moving scrap from Mexico into the U.S., he set off for Monterrey, Mexico, the company’s namesake.
These were turbulent times in Mexico, and in 1912 he was aboard a train that was hijacked by Pancho Villa. All of the American men aboard were taken hostage and never heard from again. Abe, being a Canadian, was spared.
Once again trying to escape unrest, Abraham settled in San Antonio in 1916. Building a hand-cut limestone warehouse at the corners of Medina and Chihuahua Streets, he and a handful of hard workers and a few horse-and-buggy rigs began the local metal recycling operation.
The next challenge to hit Abraham was felt by everyone around the country – the Great Depression. Business had slowed to a near halt, but thanks to a good friend and a generous banker, Franz Groos, Abe kept the plant and made it through with even stronger resolve to succeed.
During World War II, the scrap industry was called upon to collect and process the metals needed to support our troops during those desperate times. All three of Abe’s sons – Sheldon, Harold, and Marvin – served their country during the war. In February 1944, Abraham celebrated the birth of his first grandchild, Jack. Two months later, Abe passed away.
Hoping to fill his father’s shoes, Harold stepped up to the task of running Monterrey Iron in 1945. Harold had grown up at “the yard” and worked there at least part-time since the age of 12. Over the next few decades, Harold bore witness to great advances in the recycling industry, including the advent of the Newell shredder and the roll-off truck.
In 1969, Harold’s eldest son, Jack, became the third generation of Vexlers to join Monterrey Iron. Forced to relocate in 1982, Monterrey lost 70% of its customer base overnight. Though it took time, today Monterrey Iron handles the greater majority of industrial metal accounts in San Antonio and the surrounding area. The new yard, near Port San Antonio, is a prime example of the modern metal processing plant and is suited to serve the needs of industrial San Antonio for generations to come.
Giving Back
Having been a part of the San Antonio community for nearly 100 years, Monterrey Iron & Metal believes fundamentally in supporting our community. We provide support for numerous organizations and causes in the area. We are proud to sponsor several scholarships each year as well as provide support for many other important causes. A few of the organizations we help are:
- Alamo Colleges
- Black Employee Network of Union Pacific
- Boy Scouts of America
- Brackenridge High School
- Brackenridge Park Foundation
- Cancer Therapy Research Center
- City of San Antonio
- College Vista
- Family Violence Center
- Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center
- Guadalupe Street Coffee Shop
- Kelly Elementary
- Palo Alto Community College
- Rice University
- San Antonio Area Foundation
- San Antonio Botanical Center
- San Antonio Community College
- San Antonio Food Bank
- San Antonio Fire Department
- San Antonio Library Foundation
- San Antonio Police Department
- Southwest Research Foundation
- San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo
- Texas Public Radio
- Trinity University
- UTSA
- Wounded Warrior Skeet Shoot
We were honored in 2006 to be presented with the first award for ethics in business from the Ecumenical Center for Religion and Health and the UTSA School of Business.
Multigenerational Recycling Company in San Antonio
Harold Vexler – Chief Historian
The second generation of Vexlers to run the yard, Harold started working with his father, Abraham, in the early 1920s. At the time of his death in 2015, at 100 years of age, he served as Monterrey Iron historian and was frequently heard saying things such as, “In the times before aluminum ….” Up until weeks before his passing, Harold came in every day to visit with beloved coworkers and customers. He is greatly missed, but his memories and traditions remain a part of our every day.
Jack Vexler – Owner and CEO
Jack is the third generation to lead Monterrey Iron and has been at its helm since 1969. Jack is the lead contact for industrial accounts and chief problem solver – the buck stops with him.
Jordan Vexler – Ferrous Sales and COO
The “Pink Chimpanzee,” as the family lovingly calls her, started in 2009 and quickly found that metal recycling ran thick through her veins. Bringing much-needed organizational skills as well as intensity and intelligence, Jordan personally designed and oversaw the installation of our newest shredder and nonferrous downstream. Today, she handles our ferrous sales as well as being an active member of numerous industry groups. Jordan also heads up the charitable giving and community involvement of Monterrey Iron.
David Vexler – Account Services
Dave joined Monterrey in 2003 and started as a scalemaster. In 2008, he opened Toucan Recycling, a nonferrous satellite yard. After his return to the main yard, he began to work on new business, marketing, and inventory control.
Jeff Vexler – Toucan Recycling
Jeff is the eldest of the fourth generation of Vexlers involved in Monterrey Iron. He currently oversees the operation of our satellite collection facility, Toucan Recycling. Jeff is a walking sports encyclopedia. Don’t get him started if you don’t have an hour to debate.
Steve Goldberg – Nonferrous and Accounts Payable
Born and raised in “Big D,” Steve cut his teeth at Okon Iron & Metal in the early ‘70s. In 1980, Steve moved to San Antonio and joined the Monterrey Iron team. Today, he handles all of our nonferrous warehouse operations as well as all sports-related inquiries.
Alan Jones – Scale and Dispatch Manager
Alan has been the scalemaster at Monterrey since 2006 and has a memory that would make an elephant jealous. If you have a question, metal recycling-related or not, Alan can help you out.
Heather Hatzenbuehler - Controller
Heather obtained her accounting and finance degree from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, TX, where she was born and raised. While she loves to travel, Heather is a Texas girl at heart and can't imagine living anywhere else! Heather joined the Monterrey Iron team in March of 2018, bringing more than a decade of experience in accounting, financial and project management. If she isn't talking about work, Heather is raving about her family or her latest fishing trip!
Tim Ramos - Safety & Yard Supervisor
Tim has worked at Monterrey Iron for 8 years, starting as a truck driver and now working as a yard supervisor & safety officer. He has completed OSHA 10 and 30-hour training and has a Supervisor Certification. In his free time, Tim enjoys fishing and gaming with his three boys.
