Dave Young of WHI Solutions shares a compelling story about transforming automotive recycling through e-commerce innovation. Having celebrated 31 years with the company, Young's journey parallels the evolution of digital parts sales, particularly since WHI's acquisition by eBay in 2012.

What started as a technology gap has blossomed into a game-changing partnership. While WHI excelled at helping sellers list new aftermarket parts on eBay, they lacked specialized tools for the unique challenges of salvage yards. Enter URG (United Recyclers Group), whose industry expertise perfectly complemented WHI's technological capabilities. Together, they've developed solutions that address the specific needs of auto recyclers - from handling fitment data to incorporating mileage, condition, and other crucial details that differentiate recycled parts.

The results speak volumes: nearly 60 yards now collectively sell millions in parts monthly through the platform. URG members using WHI Solutions average a 25% revenue increase, with standout performers like Bessler Auto Parts achieving an astonishing 440% growth in just months. This success stems from the dramatic efficiency gains of bulk listing - what once required 30+ minutes of manual work per part now happens automatically at scale.

Beyond impressive numbers, Young emphasizes the mutually beneficial relationship that makes this partnership special. "It's good for everybody," he notes, describing the synergy that creates value for WHI, URG members, and parts buyers alike. He particularly values the community atmosphere at URG events, which feel more like "family reunions" than typical industry conferences.

For recyclers curious about boosting their digital sales channels, the process starts with a simple 30-minute conversation. WHI representatives work closely with each yard to understand their current operations, management system, and goals before crafting a personalized implementation plan. Experience this partnership firsthand by connecting through URG or meeting the WHI team at upcoming industry events like the ARA conference in Birmingham this October.

Ever wonder how a small-town auto recycling business thrives in today's complex market? Sherri Smith takes us behind the scenes at Smith Auto Inc in Pawnee City, Nebraska, revealing how a field of leftover parts cars evolved into a multi-faceted operation with 26 employees serving a town of fewer than 800 people.

What began as a collision repair center in the late 1980s naturally progressed to rebuilding vehicles, which generated parts cars that accumulated until Bob Smith suggested they "start a salvage yard" in 1996. From that humble beginning, they've expanded to include full-service recycling, self-service operations, and scrap metal processing—all while maintaining the family values that form their company's foundation.

The secret to their success? Creating a workplace culture where team members feel like family. Their weekly Friday lunches (the only time they close for an hour) bring everyone together for home-cooked meals and conversation. Company outings include employees' families, strengthening bonds beyond work hours. This approach has yielded impressive workforce stability in an industry often challenged by turnover.

Technology adoption plays a crucial role in their ongoing evolution. From yard management systems to VIN decoders, texting platforms, and e-commerce solutions, Smith Auto Inc embraces tools that enhance customer service while adapting to changing consumer preferences. As Sherri notes, "People are in different time zones with different work schedules, so they're not always available to talk when we're at work."

Looking forward, Sherri acknowledges significant challenges facing the industry—particularly the increasing complexity of vehicle technology that limits part interchangeability and requires specialized reprogramming. Yet their commitment to "constant and never-ending improvement" positions them well for whatever comes next.

Whether you're in the recycling business or simply appreciate stories of entrepreneurial grit and adaptation, this conversation offers valuable insights about building a resilient enterprise through community, continuous learning, and unwavering commitment to quality. Subscribe now to hear more inspiring stories from the true voices of automotive recycling!

Are excessive auction fees eating away at your profits? Meet the company that's challenging the status quo in salvage vehicle sourcing and putting more money back in recyclers' pockets.

When Dan Oscarson walks into a recycling yard and mentions Salvato Auctions' business model, he typically gets two reactions: "You guys must be crazy" immediately followed by "I hope you succeed." After three decades in the industry, including years at IAA, Dan understands why. The salvage auction marketplace has operated as an unchallenged duopoly for too long, with fees steadily climbing to 25-30% of vehicle purchase prices.

Salvato Auctions represents a fresh approach – selling insurance vehicles where they sit through a decentralized model that eliminates unnecessary transportation costs and vehicle handling. This streamlined process allows them to guarantee 20-40% lower buyer fees while providing the same quality insurance vehicles recyclers need. Their timed auction format with proxy bidding ends the inefficient practice of monitoring multiple screens all day waiting for vehicles to come up for bid.

For smaller recyclers especially, this model could be transformative. The ability to secure inventory without the burden of excessive fees creates an opportunity to compete more effectively with larger operations and consolidators. With digital titles appearing in buyer dashboards within hours of sale and a simplified fee structure, Salvato is addressing the pain points recyclers have endured for years.

While currently operating in Texas, Salvato aims to expand nationwide as more insurance companies embrace their model. The company invites recyclers to participate in their growth by registering at salvatoauctions.com/URG, where URG members receive a $100 account credit. Supporting this initiative means contributing to more competition in the marketplace and potentially reshaping how the industry sources vehicles for years to come.

Cyber criminals have significantly stepped up their game, with attacks costing businesses $22.5 billion in 2024 – a staggering increase from just $1 billion in 2022. For auto recycling yards, this presents a new frontier of security challenges that can't be solved with traditional measures like fences and security cameras.

VGM Forbin's Jeremy Heideman and Nick Gerrans join the URG On the Go podcast to break down what this means for recyclers of all sizes. Drawing on Jeremy's 14 years of experience working directly in an auto recycling yard, they provide a practical roadmap for protecting your business in the digital age.

The conversation shatters several dangerous myths, including the belief that small yards aren't targeted (they often are precisely because they typically have weaker security) and that basic antivirus software provides adequate protection. The experts detail how comprehensive security requires addressing three critical components: the human element through training, appropriate software implementation, and robust infrastructure.

One particularly eye-opening segment covers email security – revealing how free email accounts (Gmail, Yahoo) not only create significant security vulnerabilities but may be actively costing you business. When potential customers compare two similar service providers and one uses a professional domain-based email while the other uses a free account, the professional impression can be the deciding factor. Beyond appearance, business-grade email solutions provide essential security controls that free accounts simply can't match.

The experts also walk through practical steps any yard can implement immediately, from multi-factor authentication to incident response planning, while emphasizing that the investment in proper security measures is far less expensive than recovery from a successful attack. With server downtime directly impacting revenue in the fast-paced recycling industry, cybersecurity isn't just an IT issue – it's a core business concern.

Ready to strengthen your digital defenses? Visit forbincom or reach out directly to the experts featured in this episode at jeremyh@forbin.com or nickg@forbin.com to learn how they can help protect your yard from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

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 in 1979. This simple principle has guided her through complex business decisions and helped build a thriving company culture. Her story about repositioning an underperforming employee who became her star parts puller demonstrates her keen insight: "Sometimes you have the right person, they're just in the wrong seat."

Shan credits industry connections as her lifeline during challenging transitions. Unlike many competitive fields, automotive recycling fosters a collaborative spirit where even competitors freely share knowledge and support. Her involvement with FADRA, ARA, and URG provided crucial education and relationships, ultimately leading to her presidency of both state and national associations. "What you put into it is what you'll get back," she advises newcomers, emphasizing the unlimited opportunities available.

Looking ahead, Shan identifies securing affordable salvage vehicles as the industry's most pressing challenge, with global demand driving fierce competition. She advocates for balanced export regulations and stronger partnerships with insurance companies and auction houses. While acknowledging industry consolidation will continue, she remains optimistic about the future of independent recyclers, noting their ability to pivot quickly gives them certain advantages over larger corporations.

Want to connect with industry leaders and access valuable education? Join us at the FADRA conference July 17-19 (celebrating its 50th anniversary!) and the ARA conference in Birmingham October 15-18. These events aren't just educational—they're transformative opportunities to build the relationships that can help your business thrive.

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 operators has evolved into one of the nation's most respected state associations. The founders, who recognized the power of a unified voice, created a framework that continues to deliver tangible benefits to Florida's auto recyclers. Remarkably, several original founding members – now industry legends – will attend this historic gathering, creating a rare opportunity to connect with those who shaped the industry's development.

The conference agenda balances education with celebration, kicking off with a stunning sunset dinner cruise and culminating in a decades-themed concert featuring Majesty of Rock performing Journey and Styx classics. Between these memorable events, attendees will gain invaluable knowledge from industry leaders like keynote speaker Tom Andred from Everett's Auto Parts, alongside other renowned experts including Rob Rainwater and Mike Kunkle.

FADRA's legislative advocacy represents perhaps its most crucial function. The association actively shapes policy affecting recyclers, from successfully implementing catalytic converter theft prevention measures to navigating the complex territory of electric vehicle disposal regulations. This work exemplifies how collective action produces results that individual businesses could never achieve alone.

For yard owners considering which team members to bring, FADRA's president Phil offers clear guidance: focus on those with leadership potential. With many recycling operations lacking clear succession plans, the conference provides an ideal environment for developing future leaders across sales, production, and U-Pull-It operations. Most attendees identify two or three implementable ideas that deliver immediate business impact.

Don't miss this historic gathering of the industry's brightest minds and most innovative problem-solvers. Whether you're seeking practical business solutions, legislative updates, or meaningful connections with fellow recyclers, FADRA's 50th anniversary celebration delivers exceptional value in a spectacular beachside setting. Register now at FADRA.org or contact Kim O'Dell at 407-614-8354 to secure your place at this landmark industry event.

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 professionalize the industry. As Kunkel notes, "If McDonald's spends $1,400 annually teaching employees to make a consistent Big Mac, we must invest similarly in our teams." This focus on education comes at a crucial time – the average age of owners has decreased significantly, bringing fresh perspectives but requiring knowledge transfer from industry veterans.

What's particularly fascinating is Kunkel's revelation about profitability: most recyclers are merely "one to two parts per vehicle short" of substantially improved financial performance. This seemingly small optimization represents the difference between struggling and thriving in today's competitive environment. With artificial intelligence transforming inventory management and customer interactions, the industry must balance technological adoption with the irreplaceable human element of relationship building.

We also explore how international expansion into markets like Australia, Canada, and Argentina offers valuable lessons for domestic operations. The expected impact of tariffs will likely increase the average vehicle age beyond today's record 12.6 years, potentially creating opportunities reminiscent of the 1950s-60s era when customer-pay used parts were more common.

Whether you're an industry veteran or newcomer, this episode reveals why now is the time to invest in your team's development. Consider incentivizing conference attendance as Kunkel suggests for the upcoming URG/PRP Annual Conference in Denver. As he powerfully concludes, the auto recycling community offers "a shot of energy, enthusiasm, and intellect like you've never received before." Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights that could transform your operation's future.

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 pickup, fixed it up, and discovered a $71 profit margin that would change their family's trajectory forever. With characteristic humility, Shannon credits his mother as the driving force behind many pivotal business decisions, including the launch of what would become the nationally syndicated "Under the Hood" radio show. What started with a 19-year-old Shannon talking cars on local radio has evolved into a multimedia platform reaching hundreds of stations and generating over 5 million podcast downloads.

The bedrock of Nordstrom's success isn't just business acumen but a deeply held faith expressed through their motto PTLA—Praise The Lord Always. This principle appears across their operation as a reminder that gratitude remains central to their mission of serving customers, employees, and the industry. Shannon's passion for automotive recycling extends beyond his own facility to his work developing a unified quality assurance program that combines the best elements of ARA and URG certification standards.

As Shannon prepares to be installed as the next ARA president in Birmingham this October, his enthusiasm for giving back to the industry that shaped him is palpable. Whether sharing how he met his wife of nearly 30 years when she came to buy tires (he kept her phone number from her father's check) or explaining the transformative impact of industry connections, Shannon exemplifies how relationships build successful businesses.

Want to see what three decades of industry reinvestment looks like? Visit nordstromsauto.com to explore their URG-designed website, subscribe to the Under the Hood Show on YouTube to help them reach 10,000 subscribers, or better yet—experience their customer service firsthand by ordering quality recycled parts from a family that's dedicated their lives to excellence in auto recycling.