Liquidity Services Xochi Schumann talks surplus as a financial opportunity on Money Under the Mattress: Turning Surplus Steel into Liquidity
When you talk to Xochi Schumann about surplus steel, you don’t get theory; you get 30 years of oil and gas field experience distilled into practical advice. As a Senior Account Executive in the Capital Asset Group (CAG) Energy division at Liquidity Services, Xochi has lived the reality of project delays, over‑ordering, and crowded yards, and she has a clear message to energy operators: Your surplus assets represent untapped liquidity.
Why Surplus Accumulates
In the podcast episode “Money Under the Mattress: Turning Surplus Steel into Liquidity” Xochi joins host Geoffrey Cann to discuss the causes of surplus and how leading operators manage unused materials. Xochi explores how cautious purchasing, long lead times, and shifting project scopes lead to valuable assets piling up in yards and warehouses, and reassures the listener that surplus isn’t a sign of poor management it’s an inevitable outcome of complex capital projects. The key is learning how to see surplus materials as a financial and operational opportunity.
Data Is Money: Make Surplus Visible
Xochi’s experience in operations at a turnkey drilling company, where she managed inventory for over a decade, gives her a practical, experienced perspective. She observed that even though they remain on the balance sheet, unused or underutilized equipment and materials can be overlooked after project completion. This insight informs her current approach: assess on-the-ground realities first, then apply data and digital tools to realize value.
Many energy and industrial organizations lack a unified view of what they own, where it sits, or what it’s worth, and with that in mind, Xochi has a clear message: “Data is money.” When accurate details such as dimensions, grades, location, photos, and documentation are captured, real value data is consolidated, and surplus stops being a liability and starts becoming an asset.
Connecting Assets to Global Demand
Through AllSurplus, Liquidity Services’ digital marketplace, surplus materials find new life. Rather than relying only on local buyers or scrap yards, energy operators can access a global network of more than six million vetted buyers. This transparent and competitive auction environment consistently yields higher recovery values and faster cash conversion — turning idle steel into working capital.
From Underutilized to Productive and Sustainable
Monetizing surplus materials improves cash flow, but the benefits extend beyond liquidity. It also:
- Frees valuable yard space
- Reduces carrying and storage costs
- Supports circular‑economy and sustainability goals by keeping usable steel in circulation
These results reflect what Xochi helps clients achieve through structured surplus management programs and the global reach of Liquidity Services.
Key Takeaways
- Surplus often results from cautious purchasing and evolving project scopes.
- Accurate, consistent inventory data enables price discovery and monetization.
- Digital marketplaces like AllSurplus connect surplus steel to real‑time demand.
- Structured surplus management delivers liquidity, efficiency, and sustainability gains.
If you’re an energy or industrial leader managing underutilized materials or equipment, Xochi’s perspective provides both insight and a practical roadmap. Listen to Geoffrey Cann’s “Money Under the Mattress: Turning Surplus Steel into Liquidity” featuring Xochi Schumann and learn how data and digital marketplaces can help convert “money under the mattress” into capital for future projects.
