What happens when life forces you to step up and lead? Shan Latham never expected to find herself at the helm of Cocoa Auto Salvage, but following family tragedy, this second-generation recycler transformed from financial manager to industry leader. Her journey reveals powerful lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the unexpected paths we sometimes must navigate. "Treat everybody fairly," Shan shares, echoing the wisdom her parents instilled when founding their Florida recycling operation ...
Jul 08, 2025•39 min
The automotive recycling industry thrives on connection, collaboration, and community – three elements perfectly embodied in the Florida Auto Dismantlers & Recyclers Association's upcoming 50th anniversary celebration. This milestone event, taking place July 17-20 at Clearwater's beautiful Sheraton Sand Key Resort, promises to deliver extraordinary value for recyclers seeking growth opportunities and industry insights. What began in 1975 as a gathering of forward-thinking salvage yard operat...
Jun 26, 2025•40 min
Auto recycling stands at a crossroads where education and adaptation determine who thrives in tomorrow's market. In this thought-provoking conversation with industry veteran Mike Kunkel of Profit Team Consulting, we explore how the once-stigmatized "junkyard business" has transformed into a sophisticated industry attracting major investment and mainstream acceptance. The landscape is shifting dramatically. Organizations like URG, ARA, PRP, and RCD are aligning their educational initiatives to pr...
Jun 17, 2025•56 min
Few stories in automotive recycling capture the essence of American entrepreneurship quite like Shannon Nordstrom's journey. From the "funny farm" where cows, crops, and cars coexisted to running an industry-leading operation spanning three generations, Shannon's path reveals how vision, faith, and hard work transform businesses—and lives. Shannon's candid storytelling takes us back to where it all began: his parents turning necessity into opportunity when his father purchased a wrecked Ford pic...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr
The electric vehicle revolution isn't coming—it's already here. Automotive recyclers across North America are increasingly encountering high-voltage vehicles, yet many lack the training, tools, and confidence to handle them properly. In this enlightening conversation, Greg Aguilera of International Automotive Consulting shares his journey from early EV technician to industry consultant, revealing practical insights for recyclers navigating this charged terrain. Greg's expertise stems from being ...
May 27, 2025•47 min
What happens when automotive recycling industry leaders gather to share their wisdom? Pure gold for anyone connected to this unique business community. The latest episode of URG On The Go podcast delivers exclusive conversations recorded live from the URG Team PRP Conference in Orlando, Florida. Host DJ Harrington sits down with Marty Hollingshed, past president of the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) and 40-year owner of Northlake Auto Recyclers, who reveals what makes this industry excep...
May 20, 2025•18 min
The automotive recycling industry is experiencing a remarkable transformation as once-separate organizations discover the power of collaboration. In this enlightening episode recorded live at the URG Conference in Orlando, we capture conversations with key industry leaders who are reshaping how recyclers work together. Shan Latham, past president of ARA and owner of Coco Auto Salvage, shares how her vision for greater industry collaboration has blossomed into tangible results. "We are better tog...
May 06, 2025•21 min
The heartbeat of the auto recycling industry pulses through every conversation in this special edition of URG On the Go, recorded live from the vibrant URG Team PRP conference in Orlando. DJ Harrington welcomes old friends and industry leaders who share candid insights about their businesses, relationships, and commitment to advancing the industry. Matthew of Honeycomb Converters reveals how their company represents the powerful marriage between American Iron and Metal (a $4 billion recycling po...
Apr 30, 2025•24 min
At the heart of the auto recycling industry lies a profound commitment to service that extends far beyond business operations. The special edition of URG On the Go podcast from Orlando, Florida captures this spirit perfectly as URG announces their partnership with Tunnel to Towers Foundation to donate much-needed passenger vans for homeless veterans. Matthew Milazzo shares the powerful origin story of Tunnel to Towers, born from the sacrifice of firefighter Steven Siller who, on September 11, 20...
Apr 20, 2025•16 min
Casey Cornell never planned to become an auto recycler. Working at State Farm Insurance with a side business in construction, he stepped in temporarily when his father fell ill, thinking he'd manage the small parts yard until his dad returned. Twenty-two years later, Casey has transformed Cornell's Auto Parts from a modest operation with Hollander books and minimal inventory into a powerhouse spanning 65 acres with nearly 50 employees and multiple delivery trucks on the road daily. What makes Co...
Apr 07, 2025•40 min
Family. The word comes up repeatedly when URG CEO Kristy Werner describes what makes the automotive recycling industry special and why the annual URG Conference matters so much. "I never would have expected to have so many people in this industry as close friends," she explains, highlighting the connections that drive business growth and professional development. From April 10-12, 2024, Orlando becomes the epicenter of automotive recycling as industry professionals gather for what promises to be...
Apr 01, 2025•33 min
Auto recycling isn't just about selling parts—it's about building a legacy. In this captivating episode, we're joined by Brian Bachand, CEO of Westover Auto Salvage and a second-generation auto recycler who's transforming his family business through innovation, education, and industry advocacy. Brian takes us through his remarkable journey from a child sweeping floors and stacking tires to a forward-thinking leader planning for the next generation. With his father's powerful credo—"we move forwa...
Mar 30, 2025•35 min
The automotive recycling industry has hit a challenging period, and JC Cahill doesn't sugarcoat it. As he shares with URG On The Go hosts, recyclers across the country are experiencing significant margin compression - with parts prices dropping roughly 30% while vehicle acquisition costs remain stubbornly high. This financial squeeze marks a stark reversal from the pandemic-era boom when supply chain disruptions made recycled parts more valuable than ever. Now, as manufacturers have restored the...
Mar 28, 2025•48 min
The auto recycling landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation from what Mike Kunkel calls "our grandfather's industry" into a sophisticated business sector attracting mainstream financial players and consumer acceptance. This eye-opening conversation with one of the industry's most respected consultants reveals both the tremendous opportunities and significant challenges facing recyclers in 2023 and beyond. Kunkel's work with Profit Team peer groups offers a fascinating window into how ...
Mar 11, 2025•42 min
Discover the fascinating journey of Daurio Auto Truck, a family-run business with a history that dates back to 1957. In this episode, we sit down with Greg Daurio, who shares his grandfather's story of starting with a tow truck and evolving into a 26-acre automotive recycling powerhouse. We explore the importance of adaptability in business amid changing industry demands and the ongoing challenges of hiring skilled labor. Greg emphasizes the need for fostering a strong workplace culture that pro...
Mar 04, 2025•30 min
Unlock the secrets of maximizing your automotive recycling business potential with insights from our vibrant URG On the Go podcast! Join hosts DJ Harrington and Amanda Morrison, along with our special guest Kristen Alexander, as we share our adventures from top industry events like the National Auto Body Council Gala and the Profit Team meetings. Discover the power of networking and the myriad benefits URG offers its members. From the innovative Mitchell program to OPS integration, we reveal too...
Feb 04, 2025•33 min
What happens when you mix a fourth-generation automotive recycler with a fresh business perspective? Blake Roberts joins us to share his intriguing journey from a family entrenched in the recycling industry to finding his own path through education and an eye-opening internship. Discover how Blake's early reluctance transformed into ambition, leading him back to Kansas City to revolutionize operations at County Line Auto Parts without the burden of traditional titles. His story is a testament to...
Jan 30, 2025•42 min
What if your family's small repair shop could evolve into a $50 million auto recycling powerhouse? Join us as we uncover this remarkable journey with Matt Cramer, Dakota Reinert, Doug, and JR from Chuck's Auto Part Solutions. They share their story of transforming a modest repair operation started in 1972 into a thriving enterprise, detailing key milestones like expanding to a new location in York and learning from industry associations like the ARA. Listen in to hear how Matt transitioned from ...
Dec 23, 2024•42 min
Discover how Davyd Silkovskky from A Plus Auto, along with his brothers, is redefining automotive recycling with a revolutionary approach. We explore their innovative business model at A Plus Auto, which specializes in dismantling newer vehicles, targeting models from 2019 and selectively going back to 2017 for certain German makes. This episode highlights their journey from Michigan to Kentucky, where they transformed their operations by stripping vehicles down to the bare shell, maximizing par...
Nov 26, 2024•40 min
Discover the heartwarming legacy of the automotive recycling industry as Jason Howell from All Imports in Fort Worth takes us on a journey through his family's rich history. With roots dating back to his great-grandfather's entrepreneurial spirit, Jason's story is one of passion and perseverance. We explore his transition from radio, television, and film studies to carving his niche in the business world since 2013, all while nurturing a profound love for racing. Jason's narrative not only highl...
Nov 13, 2024•39 min
What if the secrets to a successful automotive recycling business lay in a pharmacy background? Join us for an engaging conversation with Tom Bessler, a seasoned veteran of the automotive recycling industry who started his journey in 1985 alongside his brother Joe. You’ll hear how they transformed Bessler Auto Parts from modest beginnings into a thriving business, eventually transitioning to new ventures like Wrench-A-Part and Snyder Corporation in Texas. Tom offers his seasoned perspective on t...
Oct 25, 2024•41 min
Explore the compelling journey of Kelly Roepke from Y-Yard in Illinois as she transitions from a career in teaching to a pivotal role in the automotive recycling industry. Gain insights into the origins of her family's business, established in 1970, and her experiences growing up immersed in auctions and operations. As a newly appointed board member of URG, Kelly shares her passion for driving the industry's growth and fostering success through collaboration and inclusive management. Uncover val...
Oct 22, 2024•49 min
Discover the insider secrets of the automotive recycling industry with our special guest, Mike Kunkle, as he shares invaluable insights on the upcoming ARA convention in Reno. Together with my co-host Amanda Morrison, we dissect the power of collaboration between organizations like URG and ARA, and how this unity can steer the industry through economic hurdles. Mike provides an intriguing glimpse into his and Jer Banta's sessions, focusing on crucial topics like selling extended warranties and c...
Oct 10, 2024•33 min
Discover the secrets to revitalizing your business operations as we gear up for the 81st Annual ARA Convention and Expo in Reno! Join us for an engaging conversation with our special guest, Paul D'Adamo, who provides an exclusive inside look at the wealth of opportunities awaiting attendees. You'll get to know more about the must-see exhibitors like Razz, URG, CoPart, and eBay, and why you shouldn't miss Amber from Pete's discussing how to overcome complacency in business. Whether you're new to ...
Sep 24, 2024•33 min
What if you could transform a family business into a community pillar through sheer dedication and innovation? Damian from Glenn's Car and Truck joins us to share his compelling journey growing up in an industry pioneered by his Yugoslavian immigrant grandfather. From early inventory days to steering the sales division, Damian paints a vivid picture of how quality and customer satisfaction have always been their guiding principles. The automotive recycling landscape is rapidly evolving with tech...
Sep 09, 2024•34 min
Curious how a small family business can grow into a massive industry leader? Join us as we chat with John Catalano Jr. of Bionic Auto Parts, who shares his dynamic journey from inheriting his family's three-acre auto parts business to expanding it into a sprawling 15-acre facility in Chicago, with a recent expansion into Milwaukee. John’s story is full of personal anecdotes about growing up in the business, the relentless hard work, and the challenges of running an ever-evolving company in today...
Sep 02, 2024•43 min
Discover the secrets to transforming your automotive recycling business with our latest episode featuring John Cahill, better known as JC from VinMatchPro. With years of experience as a consultant and CEO, JC offers a treasure trove of insights into optimizing recycling operations. From addressing family dynamics to uncovering new profitability opportunities, JC's expertise promises to guide recyclers through the complex landscape of the post-pandemic world. Maximize your sales potential by mast...
Aug 22, 2024•47 min
Eric Downer, the Director of End-of-Life Feedstock at Cyclic Materials, joins us to unravel the complex world of automotive recycling. Eric delves into the innovative strategies Cyclic Materials employs to recycle hard-to-recycle EV components, such as those from hybrid transmissions and traction motors. Hear the compelling story of how the company was founded with a mission to address these recycling challenges and discover how their operations are expanding in the U.S., forming high-impact par...
Jul 31, 2024•31 min
Are you ready to unlock the secrets behind a successful family-run business in the automotive recycling industry? Join us as we sit down with Amber Kendrick from Pete's Auto Parts, who shares an intriguing story of resilience, innovation, and collaboration. Discover how Pete's Auto Parts, founded by Amber’s grandfather in the 1950s, transformed from a towing service to a flourishing auto parts enterprise under her father’s leadership. Learn about their strategic adoption of advanced inventory sy...
Jul 22, 2024•54 min
What if your business could not only survive but thrive in the post-COVID landscape? This episode of URG On the Go promises to equip you with transformative insights. Join us as we welcome Richard Flint, a seasoned expert, who breaks down the five critical areas where COVID-19 has reshaped traditional business operations. From shifting mindsets towards future readiness to the validation of leadership strength and the prioritization of people over profits, Richard covers it all. We also delve int...
Jul 05, 2024•43 min
