¶ URG on the Go Podcast
Welcome one and all . You're there . We're here . This is URG on the go podcast , the true voice of the automotive recycling industry . We do our best each and every episode to bring you new , informative ways to improve your business . We also have Chuck Tamp , the producer . I'm DJ Harrington , our host , better known as the cardiologist .
The doctor will give you a checkup from the neck up and today , like usual once a month , we have Amanda and Kristina . So , amanda , how are you doing Good ? How are you , dj , very , very good . I know you've been busy all day , so this is good reason to be here , and you got Kristina all the right .
So let me ask this Listeners want to know where have you guys been recently , you know , in the last couple of weeks ?
Oh , my goodness , we've been everywhere , dj . I've been . I was actually gone for pretty much two weeks straight . I was at the Tara Show and then I also went to the SICA conference , which is the Collision Industry Conference . The Tara Show is the Texas Automotive Recycler Association , and that was a fabulous show .
We had a great turnout and got to meet up with a lot of current members as well as a couple of potential new members , so it's great to get out there . We had Kristi speak with Dan Snyder over there , so that was a really good session to be able to attend .
They talked about data and keeping your data integrity and making sure that you know where your data is going to , and so it's really key to make sure that you go to these sessions and these different state shows in order to really get some education on what you can be doing with your business .
And then Kristin's been off as well , traveling to yeah , where'd you go ? So I was at the Valley for the National Auto Body Council . I always love going and helping out with that organization . I know that they have , you know , gifted so many vehicles to people who need them and hit certain requirements to get them .
You know it's such a group effort from the collision industry , their cycling industry , body shops , all of those and insurance companies just come together to make a big vehicle for somebody who really needs them . This year was really special . It was on 9-11 .
Obviously a very heavy day for a lot of people , a lot of America , and so we were able to gift three vehicles . All two of them were two wives of fallen soldiers , so that was really cool to see , and then one was a current soldier , so very cool experience . Always good to go out and help .
Yeah , that's what you're saying , yeah , yeah , those things are always tear-darkers for me .
Well , I remind you , you know , 22 years ago , 9-11 , when the towers were down and we lost 343 firefighters who gave their lives running into buildings where most people would run out of a building . They're wonderful people and I'm glad you brought it up . Who's going to report on new members ?
You know we have a few new members . This month I had US Auto and MD Motors . Kristin , I think you had a couple as well .
Yeah .
This was a busy month for us . We've been busy along with traveling . We've also gotten quite a few members . I think we got , I want to say like 11 to 13 members .
Yeah .
Total last month . So you know I can name those off real quick . So we had Hunt , allgaier Auto , amanda got Novak , all my parts Depot , anderson Auto , racking Basement 4x4 , lane Auto , boliver Auto , flores Auto , north End Auto , 422 Auto Sales , dugs Auto Recyclers , tomkinsville Auto Salvation , deer Creek Auto , ohio Auto and Meadows 144 Truckin' Auto .
We've got a lot . Yeah , it's been a really busy month . It's been phenomenal . Kristin's been kicking it out of the park with these new members and really been honing in on making sure these guys are getting signed up for all the different member benefits as well as website services . So , speaking of website services , we had two website launches this past month .
We launched Seymour Auto as well as Belvman's Auto . So go visit those websites and check out the new demo that we have that you can choose from as a template . So the website services are just a great way to either get a new website built for you or you can have just the search function added to your site .
So there's lots of different options between a custom site , as well as choosing between the demos and we're always one to kind of show you what's going on and we also have all of our websites that we've completed on udashr-eatcom that you can visit .
Well , before we take our first break . I got it . So , kristin , I agree with you Dan Snyder is a great presenter . He always presents you URG and he's a great person to listen to . He knows leadership and he definitely knows this industry .
So I agree with him .
He really was , and it was a good presentation , huh .
Oh , it was a wonderful presentation . Yeah , I was one that attended Tara , and Dan always does a fabulous job .
We also spoke at the last show we were at as well , so it's great to go and see him , and he's always really good about revamping his features and making it new and exciting , so it's always really great to hear all the speakers and what their point of view are , so it's good to have Dan , as a yard owner , give some insight on how URG can really benefit
yards as well .
You got it . Well , let's take a fast break , folks , and when we come back we'll ask our guests of the month , amanda and Kristin , to tell us a little bit more about URG . Hang tight , we'll be right back .
URG can help you streamline your business for maximum efficiency and increased profits . Access powerful software and unique tools . Receive top level training with industry experts . Network with hundreds of recyclers . Employee e-commerce solutions to boost business . Receive support , resources and discounts .
Being at just $150 a month is the smartest investment you will make for your business this year . Go to U-R-Gcom and click on Become a Member . Your path to a profitable future is just to click away . That's U-R-Gcom .
Welcome back listeners . You are listening to the URG on the Go Podcast each and every week , like this episode with Amanda and Kristin from URG . We do our best to bring you informative information , so , please , we're available on Spotify , itunes , pandora , google Play , stitcher , iheartmedia , amazon or wherever you get your podcast .
Now , ladies , can I ask you when I did seminars for Card-Parkcom , I was always amazed how many people showed up that never took full advantage of all the benefits that you offer . So what I want to ask some of the benefits that people get from URG , is there some that people don't take advantage of ? That really should ?
Yes , 100% . So one of the biggest ones is data tiering and being able to tier in , broker other yards parts through CCC and Park Straighter .
So that's a huge key part of being able to be a part of a network and being a part of URG making sure that you're getting as many parts out there and getting as many quotes as you can , and having people be able to see your inventory safely .
That's what we focus on in really getting your inventory out to these people so they can eventually see it and be able to buy from you . So being able to set markups and delivery days for each of these yards that you are tiering , that is key . And through URG , you do not have to pay anything extra to data tier or to broker through these avenues .
So that's a huge benefit .
Just being a base number , being able to broker those parts and then also just have access to the third party vendors such as APU , ccc , and making sure you have all of your information set up with both of those carriers so that you guys can also get quotes from those different data feeds , and just making sure you know exactly where your data is going , as
well as just taking advantage of the free search function such as autopartsearchcom . So if you're a URG member , you are able to be an autopartsearchcom . There's no fee , except for when you sell parts . There's a 5% fee and we cap that at $300 a month .
So it can be really beneficial just to get your parts online and it's a way for your customers to be able to shop your inventory as well as check out the checkout function . So there's a . We have , like I said , we have so many different benefits that and we just keep adding more .
So Chrissy is huge about you know , making sure that we have the most up to date programs , getting you guys connected with the latest and greatest , and so just making sure that you're keeping up with all the different newsletters and everything that we come out with each month is a big thing for these recyclers .
I got you , and more and more people just keep going to the website . If they need to know the more , amanda , did they just go to the website , or what's the best way to get them to work ?
Yep , you can go to U-R-Gcom and you can search through all the different benefits that we offer out there , and then you can always just reach out to me or Kristen as well . We also have a support email , so support at U-R-Gcom and you can direct any questions that you have . That as well as just giving us a call .
So you know we're here for you guys and here to help you guys get signed up and have more knowledge about just different programs . So really making sure that we're honing in on each one of these different benefits and making sure you're set up correctly as well , as you know , taking advantage of everything that we've got .
Now , as you said that for a listener , if they want to reach you , what's the best way to get an email and a phone number ? Could you do that , amanda ?
So my email is amoresson at U-R-Gcom and my direct line is 512-887-3951 , and then I'll let Kristen give her info . Yeah , so mine is just payalexander at U-R-Gcom , and then my phone number is 512-887-7922 .
Yeah , so those are the best ways to get a hold of us , as both our direct lines and we're always answering emails and that support email is great to email as well . If we're out of town , if we're going to conferences , a lot of times it will be Thursday , friday .
I have different conferences , so it's good to just kind of add that support email in there too , to make sure we're getting to you .
Well here's what I want to ask you what conferences are you going to next ?
We are headed to Arnie , so Albany , new York , is where ARA NE is going to be . We'll be there September 21st through the 23rd at booth 18 . So we were really looking forward to seeing all the members up there , as well as the PRP Northeast members , and so it's going to be a great event . We hope to see you guys there .
We'll be discussing , you know , a lot of our new benefits , such as the WHI connection , so Chrissy will also be there . She'll be a part of a session . I believe She'll be on a panel , so that'll be good session to sit in on and make sure that you attend .
Oh wow , you know what , Pamela , you're on , Kirsten , that's because this is a great PRP Northeast . That whole group is a great turn . I mean this is going to be a great conference , All right . But , now I know you guys are also going to ARA up in Kansas State . Yes , we are .
Yep , so we'll be headed up there as well . So we just posted about it on our social media to make sure that you guys are registered for that and getting ready and geared up to go to ARA . That's also just a wonderful show to go to and really learn from your fellow automotive recyclers that are doing well in this industry .
And making sure that you're getting the most up-to-date information on all the different programs and all the different vendors and making sure you're going and talking to these vendors about all their new products and just keeping up with the Joneses , essentially . So that's what all this is about is just making sure you're getting all the info you can .
And those are the dates . If you guys want to know , kansas City is October 12th through the 14th and if you need more information , just go to A-R-Aorg forward slash convention and it'll tell you everything about it . It's at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel , at Crown Center in Kansas City , missouri , and it will be .
It will be a networking connecting and of course this year is called Plugging to Success . So it's 80-year anniversary and they're asking people to bring pictures of when they started and all . And if they got that idea from a good article written by a really nice guy and I said , think about how many people have been celebrating 80 years themselves .
You got George .
Weller , she got so many .
Yeah sure , she's been there a hundred years .
A hundred year anniversary . Sham for a hundred years . So let's take a fast break and when we come back , folks , we're going to talk a little bit about URG for next year . So hold tight and we'll be right back .
¶ URG Scholarship Foundation and Conference Updates
The URG Scholarship Foundation was founded in 2014 in honor of individuals who give their talent , time and , very often , their own finances to ensure the growth and success of the automotive recycling industry .
We understand college is not for everyone , so each year the foundation offers substantial financial scholarships to auto recycling employees and the children of employees that are attending four year and technical or trade schools , to assist with their education . Don't leave money on the table .
If you have a child or if you're interested in attending continuing education , this money is available to you . Go to U dash or dash G dot com and click on the Scholarship Foundation tab . You are G keeping our industry strong through education .
Welcome back listeners You're listening to . You are G on the go podcast with two very busy ladies . Remember to like the review , every share and share everywhere . I will mean if you want to listen to another industry expert like Amanda and Kristen , I will mean style or you are G hotline number here at the podcast center 706 409 5603 .
706 409 5603 and leave your name , all right . So , without further ado , before we took a break , you were going to look up Kristen Christie is going to speak at the Northeast PRP in Northeastern also a R A , northeastern together . Yeah , what is that ? That's that classical machine .
So she's yeah , she's going to be speaking Saturday 9 23 . So it's a number 23 on data and inventory and it'll be a panel with Ray Butler , Matt Hamlin and then Christie and then Teresa Colbert will be moderating .
So it'll be a really good session to sit on in on and learn more about where your data and inventory is going and how you can really evaluate that .
And I want to tell all listeners we're doing our best to get to reach on . We've had more people down the number asking for Teresa to be on the podcast , so we have reached out to the corp work so we'll make a deal here .
I love Theresa she's such an awesome lady .
Wonderful . She is a real gift to our industry and she is a true ambassador , such as I found her website . She's the ambassador . She is . Okay , who's going to talk about URG for next year ?
I'll talk about it , DJ .
Alright , go ahead .
Alright . So for those of you who don't know , we've already announced . Our theme for this year is we Are One , we are joining with PRP , so it's going to be a great joint conference with URG PRP all in one place . As you know , it's April 4th through 6th . It's in St Louis , missouri .
You guys just listened to a quick little ad about the URG Scholarship Foundation , so a great way to get involved in that is to sign up for the golf tournament on April 4th . It's a great way to give back and have a good time playing golf . Alright , and then after that the activity on Thursday night will be at the Arch in St Louis .
It's a really cool venue area to see that cool big arch that's in Missouri . Then on Friday night we have a great venue in Ballpark Village . It's a big venue with lots of bars . It's called PBR . We have a mechanical bull , so we'll have lots of fun there and just get a good crowd going .
They're definitely riding on bulls , I'm excited to see that it's going to be a good time for her . I heard you guys were laughing . I'm hoping and praying that they have a lot of padding around that bull , the last one I rode on the bull at one of these functions , one of these conventions . My butt got thrown off that bull and I must have went ten feet .
Oh , no , oh that boy , thank God . It's just like the whole cushion , exactly .
Well , did you get a couple more things ? We do have our keynote locked in . It's Ross Schaffer , so for those of you who don't know , he's a really great speaker . He is known for funny leadership motivation . He's going to make you laugh , but he's also going to teach you some great things and get you motivated . Just a reminder about our conference .
We will be opening our registration November 1st . We have a lot of great sponsorship opportunities , so just make sure you look out for that . We can't wait to see you guys in St Louis Yep , and with those sponsorship opportunities , those are our first comfort serves .
So you definitely want to hop on that November 1st open date and get registered for the event , especially soon .
And people don't realize that , how important it is to be there and to support the Scholarship Foundation , which I'm glad , kristen , we had a new one , a new commercial , because last year we were giving more money away , this year because we raised so much .
But we're looking for people when they say , you know , for scholarships for colleges , but they also do vocational trade schools , and people don't realize . If you have a daughter who wants to go and become a cosmetologist , you know , a beauty salon owner , we cover that . And people don't realize .
If you have a son who wants to become a plumber , he doesn't have to go into recycling If he wants to go to trade school to become a plumber or electrician , if your dad , bob , works for , you know , for a URG facility , by all means , you're , yes , covered .
So that's the reason why we're trying to awaken people to say you know a lot of kids today are not going to college , they don't go into a vocational school . And then they turn around and say well , do they have to go to a recycling school ?
Not only that , it must be a plumber or an electrician or a cosmetologist or whatever you know some of those in plumbing make more money than attorneys .
Oh yeah , yep , you can make a lot of money in those trade schools , so it's great that it covers all of that .
Yes , and URG is very generous in doing all this , and the people and , of course , the conference to me is like a family reunion , so this is something that goes up All right Before we get done . Is there anything you'd like to say that we didn't say ?
Amanda and Chris can you say anything you want to say that we didn't say otherwise , we'll say okay , see you at the next convention .
Yeah . So one thing that I like to just highlight is that we do like to go to these conferences and all these different events like NABC and CICA and CIC , just to represent , you know , the recycling industry in all these different avenues .
So the collection industry , the insurance industry , you know , making sure that we're getting the name of recycling out there and that it is an option . So during the CICA conference , I noticed that there was a lot of OEM repair procedures , oem backing , and I kind of wanted to stand up and be like where's the recycled parts in this ?
And so making sure that we are , all you know , a part of those discussions and making sure that we're a part of these committees is really big and key for the automotive industry as a whole .
Ara and URG both support CICA and CIC and NABC , and they're just all great different ways to get automotive recycling out there and making sure that we're a part of the discussion . So just making sure that we're a part of that , and also these trade shows . So we hope that we get to see you at these trade shows here coming up at Arnie and ARA .
You got it . And when Kristen talked about the National Autobody Council giving away the vehicles , I have more time . It's because of Don Porter and the relationship that URG has with the National Autobody Council , and now all their towing is being done by INA .
You know the people who do Amazon and Kroger and Home Depot and Lowe's and the Red Cross , and they're the largest network across North America . And now they're doing towing and they volunteered and did it as a charity , because all these vehicles that the NABC gives away go to needy families .
And you know , just like Kristen talked about those three vehicles giving away , this you know this time and they're just wonderful . They give away over 300 vehicles a year . People don't realize how generous those people really are .
Yeah , and they work with all different repair facilities and different companies that will help donate these vehicles too . So it's really cool the way that they can really kind of integrate into this industry and get our name out there .
Yeah , when Debbie was there from the who's the executive director of N-A-B-C when she was at URJ , she was stunned and Porter said no , just call this number and they're going to do your towing from now on . And you say , no , nobody's going to do our towing from now on . Oh yeah , they will .
And they have , that's phenomenal and Debbie was like where does Porter meet these people ? It's just a passion shift and they're happy to do it . And one last thing before we get off the seat I want to . I'm a sad note , but it you know he was a safe man .
But Rachel Rigsby , who sang at URJ's conference and just you know , sang those times her dad passed away last week .
Oh .
Rachel Rigsby passed away , and so he's in heaven . You know he's a good man , he's in heaven .
But I just have that a Rigsby family .
All our prayers go out to him Because when these you know , and she's a wonderful person and I know she'll be in St Louis too , so Awesome .
Yes , our prayers are with their family .
Yeah , because he's , he's . He was on the cover of the magazine . I brought it with me for her to send back to him , so he signed my magazine .
Oh , thank you .
Yeah , he signed my magazine . Okay , back , here's my senior job , the front covered magazine . But he was just a gifted guy and of course went with all the family hanging around them . You know they live on a golf course , so he was overlooked in the golf course and said good , body was family . That was it .
So I , I , I , Chris , anything you want to add before we get off your parting shot ?
We definitely want to highlight . You know , going to trade shows , going to sessions , educating , you know , your staff , your employees , everyone on the benefits , aside from your G , you know everybody , all these different companies come together for a purpose . It's not just to sell you something and they're created for a reason .
But we also want to highlight the fact that you know we're we're getting more active on social media . So Instagram , facebook , you know we put videos to YouTube . You know we're doing the podcast . So you know , show your love for you , like , share , comment , post , do all you can . You know , write reviews . That always helps .
You know , as a business owner and staff of a business , you know how important reviews are . So , you know , definitely put those out there for your G and we would appreciate it .
All right . And my parting shot and I want to tell everyone ARA at the conference up in Kansas City is going to interview DJ Hanks . I told Amanda the other day I think they're interviewing me , just so they get me on tape before I take the bucket Stop .
That's not true . That's terrible .
And I said well , I'm being interviewed by ARA up there , so make sure you come by and say hi to me and tell me you like the podcast and by all means , come by and visit URG booth . That'll be important and I look forward to seeing everybody there .
By all means , come over and say hi and if you don't know me , I'm the guy walking around with Dr Alphanon , the doctor , the cardiologist . Until next time , I can't thank you enough for giving up your afternoon here to spend some time with our listeners and we'll see you on the next URG on the go podcast .