Advertise on podcast: 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 complexity and tight margins. We dig into the real levers of profitability: protecting your core parts business, saying no to distractions, and using metrics to separate vanity volume from contribution margin. David explains why weekly manager development, hands-on leadership, and ride-alongs translate directly to better dismantling flow, cleaner inventory, and faster customer responses. He also breaks down the tech stack that actually pays off, from URG’s modern web services to a warranty platform that functions like a purpose-built CRM, complete with call recordings, technical bulletins, and expert support to help parts stick and returns drop. Vehicle acquisition remains the heartbeat of a buy-or-die industry, so we explore Green Vehicle Disposal—a marketer’s moat designed by recyclers to route local sellers back to licensed, environmentally credible operations. With national SEO authority, lead capture, and certification, yards see stronger supply, including late-model units they once missed. It’s a practical blueprint for taking back your market from brokers and unlicensed operators while raising community trust. If you care about sustainable growth in auto recycling—recruiting and training people, picking the right tools, and staying laser-focused on the work that pays—this conversation is a field guide. Subscribe, share with a fellow recycler, and leave a review telling us the one distraction you’re dropping this quarter.

A good goodbye doesn’t end a story—it reveals why it mattered. We gathered with DJ Harrington, the voice who helped shape URG On The Go, to celebrate the lessons, laughs, and leadership that lifted automotive recycling and the people who power it. Amanda shares a deeply personal tribute, Michael steps in with warmth and respect, and DJ opens the playbook that built his legacy: simple phone scripts that win trust, service habits that compound, and a brand—the “Doctor”—that made big ideas easy to remember. We dig into the path from General Motors and the PGA to global stages, and how a few smart choices turned expertise into impact. DJ champions association membership—state groups, URG, ARA—not as a checkbox but as leverage. Show up, learn in the hallways, and switch tables at meals to multiply your network. We talk about cooperation over rivalry, how unified leadership earned mainstream attention, and why this industry’s story is stronger when we tell it together. The conversation lands on education and legacy. The URG Scholarship Foundation opens doors for four-year programs and skilled trades, with applications arriving right after the new year. DJ gets candid about health, shares the moment he chose to pass the mic, and still can’t resist teaching—cue the “Garden for Success” and the twist that turns “drink, swear, steal, and lie” into a pledge to study, serve, and tell the truth. It’s humor with a spine, delivered by someone who believes people are the point. If you care about leadership, branding, and building a community that lasts, this sendoff is a toolkit. Follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a review with your favorite DJ lesson so we can carry the work forward together.

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 pricing, and clear availability. Andy explains why SSL, supported plugins, and reliable hosting matter, and how quiet failures—broken forms, missing images, stale pricing—silently drain revenue. Then we dig into Google Merchant Center and nightly product feeds that force faster indexing, so new parts and updates show up in search sooner, right where buyers are already looking. Mobile-first design takes center stage, with most traffic now arriving by phone. We cover what a frictionless experience looks like: fast search, tap-to-call, streamlined checkout, and clear policies. We also explore video’s growing role, including YouTube walk-around integrations that boost trust and conversions while expanding reach to the web’s second-largest search engine. For SEO, Andy breaks down practical basics—specific H1s, unique titles and meta, and structured data—so search engines and AI systems can actually understand your pages. Looking ahead, the shift to full e-commerce continues as younger buyers skip phone calls and expect to buy in minutes, not wait on quotes. Refreshing design every four to five years, updating content monthly, and integrating orders back into your yard management system keeps operations smooth and customers happy. If you’ve wondered why your site isn’t selling more—or how to future-proof for AI-driven discovery—this conversation gives you a clear roadmap. If this helped, follow the show, share it with your team, and leave a quick review so other recyclers can find it. Ready to modernize your site and sell more parts online? Subscribe and tell us your top upgrade priority.

Want a real playbook for running a sharper, more profitable recycling operation? We sit down with industry leader and past ARA president Marty Hollingshead to unpack the exact moves that cut returns, speed delivery, and keep body shops coming back. Marty traces his journey from parts puller to owner, then breaks down how consolidation, technology, and shifting buyer behavior reshaped the business—and why the winners pair modern tools with seasoned judgment. We get tactical fast. Marty explains why sales are a byproduct of three upstream drivers: buying the right vehicles, doing thorough and accurate inventory, and running a repeatable process that gets parts shelf‑ready. He lays out how full dismantle, clean presentation, and clear, plain‑English descriptions reduce friction in e‑commerce while competitive pricing and high‑quality images turn “Do you have?” calls into “I see you have” orders. We dig into the number one cause of returns—sloppy selling—and how a culture of proactive disclosure builds trust and slashes costly do‑overs. Fulfillment takes center stage. Using Amazon as the benchmark, Marty shows how operational discipline—location audits, pre‑verified condition, and on‑time delivery—wins the day with collision shops that value reliability as much as price. He shares leadership lessons from hockey about coaching, standards, and choosing respect over popularity, then highlights ARA’s peer‑to‑peer mentoring as a force multiplier for owners who want to level up. The message is clear: evolve, participate, and think two shots ahead. Use technology as a tool, train your people well, and make quality the default, not the exception. Subscribe, share with a fellow recycler, and leave a review to help others find the show. Have questions or want us to cover a specific challenge next time? Send them our way and join the conversation. Amanda and Marty both show their appreciation for DJ Harrington as he announces this will be his last Podcast, he does however promise to jump in from time to time to see how things are going

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 how mentors like JC Cahill, Eric Pearson, and Rob Rainwater fast-tracked his learning, why yard tours matter, and how a collaborative industry culture lets the “big dogs” help new operators avoid costly mistakes. Along the way, we dig into the tools moving the needle: PowerLink for operations, URG’s core program for added revenue, and WHI’s eBay integration for stronger listings and cleaner order flow—now streamlined with URG Sales Support to cut tabs and clicks for busy teams. We also get personal about leadership, capital discipline, and balance. David’s week blends yard work, rodeo responsibilities, and family life, all anchored by a simple playbook: invest profits back into capacity, build process before scale, and keep learning every day. Looking forward, we explore where recycling tech needs to go—faster photos, flexible cloud workflows, and changes that respect how different yards operate. The takeaway is clear: automotive recycling is resilient, community-driven, and full of opportunity for operators willing to share, systemize, and evolve. If you enjoyed this story and want more practical insights from the people shaping modern recycling, follow the show, share this episode with a colleague, and leave a quick review so others can find it. Got a takeaway or question we should cover next time? Drop us a note—we’d love to hear from you.

Shops are buying parts online every day through the TraxCollision platform. We invited Bryan Holzinger from OEConnection to walk through how the new URG and TraxCollision direct integration gets recycled parts in front of 15,000 buyers daily, right at the decision point: online. If you have ever lost a sale due to a slow quoting process, missed emails, or uncertain vehicle fitment, this integration offers a clear path forward with live inventory, parts quoting based on OEM part numbers, and integrated reporting inside your URG portal. We break down the real problems recyclers face: visibility gaps, manual workflows, and margin pressure, and show how to overcome them with a system shops already trust.    The data tells a compelling story: $4B annually in parts orders flow through TraxCollision. In the first three weeks of October alone, the URG direct integration resulted in $1.7M in sales with members maintaining a 100% quote response rate.   In this episode, you will hear how integrated orders, trim and color details, photos, and reliable delivery ETAs help make shops more confident buying recycled parts and make the order fulfilling process for suppliers faster, without adding busy work. Small yards get a big lift from URG’s tiering system. When your stock is out, the integration automatically sources from your trusted network using your rules for pricing, markups, and delivery days, so you keep the customer relationship and the revenue while offering a much larger virtual inventory.    We also share practical steps for how to get connected: provide your customer list for bulk matching, adjust your tier settings quarterly, and use the URG dashboard to track quotes, orders, and trends. Plus, look for upcoming webinars and meet us at the URG Conference in Denver to see the integration workflow live and learn from peers already winning on the platform.   Ready to turn demand into dependable revenue? Visit https://go.oeconnection.com/trax-urg-integration to get started. Subscribe, share this episode with your team, and leave a review with the one question you want us to cover next.

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 do you net claims, keep access to cash, and still gain the tax advantages of a specialized entity? Brett breaks down a million-dollar monthly example, shows how to right-size reserves for your cash cycle, and explains why pooled programs and trust-heavy structures held recyclers back. The punchline: you can achieve better tax outcomes at year-end without panic-buying equipment, then start Q1 with cash in hand. Data is the second engine. Together, we outline a practical way to fix credits and codes so refunds, exchanges, defective returns, partial credits, brokered vs in-stock parts, and second-ship freight are accurately captured. With URG’s warranty program and enhanced Pinnacle/Easy Suite reporting, ASE-certified techs triage claims, sales teams get back to selling, and owners finally see true loss ratios by 90-day, 1-year, and 3-year terms. We also dig into upstream insights—auction source, buyer, dismantler, QC—that reveal why certain parts or customers drive outsized failures and how to correct course fast. If you’ve wondered whether your warranty program could be a profit center, this conversation gives you the roadmap: reserve, measure, price, and review every 90 days. Own the risk, keep the cash, and use the surplus to buy cars, reduce debt, or fund growth. If this resonates, tap follow, share with a fellow recycler, and leave a quick review—what’s the one change you’ll make to your warranty process this quarter?

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 [email protected] or [email protected] 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.