U-R-G On the Go

A great yard isn’t built on luck; it’s built on discipline. We sit down with David Gold of Standard Auto Wreckers to unpack how a third-generation operator navigated expansion, a public roll-up, and an uncommon buyback to rebuild momentum with people, process, and profit at the center. From the early days of turning a “junkyard” into an environmentally responsible recycler to leading industry boards, David shares what still works—and what no longer does—in a market defined by vehicle complexi...

A high-performing recycler website is more than a logo and a phone number—it’s a 24/7 salesperson that turns searches into paid orders. We sit down with Andy Alonso from URG Web Services to unpack how yards across the U.S. and Canada are modernizing outdated sites and unlocking real e-commerce with clean structure, secure hosting, and tools built for this industry. We start with the foundation: WordPress sites powered by the IIS Auto Part Search plugin to surface real-time inventory, accurate...

A blown engine, a rodeo barn, and a dirt lot aren’t the usual ingredients for a thriving auto recycling business—unless you’re David Markham. We sit down with the founder of EAT Partz to unpack how grit, mentorship, and the right tech stack turned a side hustle into a disciplined, growing yard in Middletown, Ohio. We trace the path from that first teardown to buying property, laying gravel, installing racking, and transforming chaos into a location-based, barcode-driven system. David shares ...

Warranties aren’t the enemy of profit—bad accounting and fuzzy reporting are. We sit down with Bret Buike of National Reinsurance to unpack a simple shift that helps automotive recyclers stop bleeding cash on claims and start building a durable revenue stream: move the warranty risk into a reinsurance company you own and pair it with clean, actionable reporting. We walk through the nuts and bolts without the jargon. What does it mean to reserve for 90-day warranties and extended terms? How d...

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 "st...

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 expe...

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 op...

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...

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 e...

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 recyclin...

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 make...

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 f...

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 ...