Episode 505 – Rob Doner: Rockstar Buyer, Family Man, and Misfit at Heart

What happens when a guy from youth ministry, banking, and the coal mines lands at one of the world's leading tungsten recycling companies — and becomes their best buyer ever?

Meet Rob Doner.

Rob's journey to Tungco started long before his first day on the job. He first crossed paths with Misfit co-host Paul Cook back in the late '90s through youth ministry in Ohio. And his connection to CEO Cliff Nance? That goes even deeper — Rob married Cliff's cousin. But don't let the family ties fool you into thinking it was all smooth sailing. Cliff once told Rob on a fishing trip at Peewee Lake in Madisonville, Kentucky — at just 15 years old — "I don't like you." Three fingers pointed and everything. But that’s water under the bridge and they can laugh about it today.

Fast forward through banking careers, a stint working in the coal mines to make ends meet, and a pivotal Christmas Day conversation — and Rob found his way to Tungco, where he's now been for over a decade as a Senior Buyer in Procurement. He's built relationships with suppliers that took nine years of calls, visits, and trade shows before he ever bought a single pound of material. That's grit. That's tenacity. That's the Tungco way.

In this episode, Rob and Cliff sit down with the Misfit crew (including co-hosts Paul Cook and Royce Wilson) to talk about what it really means to build trust in business, why relationships matter more than résumés, and how a father-son duo (Rob and his son Nate Doner) are now working side by side on the Tungco procurement team.

You'll also hear about Nate's journey through the National Guard and Air Assault School at Fort Campbell, the story behind Tungco's "10 Truths," why Rob believes you have to be willing to do what other people won't, and a hilarious mountain-climbing story from Austria that still needs some therapy.

🎧 This one's got heart, laughs, and wisdom for anyone in sales, procurement, or business relationships.