D.J. Harrington 
Come One!! Come All!! After years and decades of service to recyclers, we are proud to announce that Automotive Recyclers of Michigan will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary on May 20 – 21st, 2022. What an accomplishment! This big event will be the ARM Road Show and Business Networking Conference and will probably be the … Read more
This year’s line-up of speakers at URG are the best of the best. If I was picking and choosing speakers at the URG convention, I wouldn’t miss seeing the first two keynote speakers. Eric Maddox is the Army Interrogator who found Saddam Hussein. That session would be a must see for me because Eric is … Read more
Oh Yes! I will see you in New Orleans. Recently, I did a short video message for URG on the upcoming annual conference. When I said that I will see you, I will. However, I will let Rob Rainwater, Ryan Falco, Bill Stevens and Scott Robertson tell you why it will be a good one. … Read more
From all the students that have received a scholarship from URG, there’s a big “THANK YOU.” Last year, URG gave away $40,000 to help our children and fellow employees go to college and vocational schools across this great country. To discover more about URG’s generosity to its own, go to their “URG On-The-Go” podcast episode … Read more
Well, it’s here already! Out with the old and in with the new, right? I knew it was coming but so many things happened in 2021 that made me think planning for the 2022 would be my biggest challenge yet. Listening to the news these days, you’ll hear about doom and gloom everywhere. Covid still … Read more
Before I die, yes, all of us will die sometime. Whether sooner or later, it’s all in God’s time. According to the aging process put into place by our Creator, my time might be closer than yours. So, please read this article as it comes from my heart. For a while now, I have been … Read more
In a recent trade publication Amber Kendrick, owner of Pete’s Auto Parts in Michigan was honored as one of the woment leaders in our industry. I was also glad to see Janice Schroder, the VP of Marketing at Car-part.com. She is a fantastic person and leader. All of us can be proud of what Janice … Read more
For many years, I have attended the URG Annual Conferences. During my first time there, I spent lots of time in the Car-part booth. However, it wasn’t until this year’s annual conference that it hit me on the head. I really didn’t know how many recyclers also own an independent car lot where they sell … Read more
On August 5th- 7th, URG held their premier Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas. It was a solid, packed training conference with over 50 classes being taught by industry experts. At the House of Blues, Friday night’s portion, URG kicked off their scholarship foundation auction which was sponsored by CCC Intelligent Solutions and eBay Motors. Larry … Read more
Just in case you’re wondering if I will be speaking at URG, the answer is Yes, but I’m not alone. We have some great industry icons like: Bill Stevens, Dan Snyder, Rob Rainwater, Ryan Falco, Paul D’Adamo, Chad Counts, J.C. Cahill, John Bessler, Theresa Colbert, Tom Bessler, Mike Kunkel, Lee Worman, Tim Wall, Jen Wilson, … Read more
Yesterday, I completed a podcast with Jay Robie, the President and CEO of Phoenix Automotive Cores. What I discovered was not really a surprise. Jay is a gifted, articulate, and smart guy! During our podcast, Jay described change we need and why so many people fight change. Jay stated, “Change is needed in today’s recycling … Read more
Saying that 2020 was a tough year is putting it mildly. When Don Porter of URG took my advice about doing a podcast to promote his upcoming 2021 conference, here is what happened. For over 10 years, I had been using the TV studios located in Dallas, Georgia. Without fail upon my arrival there, I … Read more
URG Changes Conference Dates! Yes, you are reading this right. The URG conference dates have changed. The URG Annual Conference that was being held in Dallas, Texas at the Hyatt in April will now be held August 5th — 7th, 2021. As you can see, the place has not changed. Only the date has changed. … Read more
Over the past year or so, the lives of our families, businesses and industry have taken on a new look and something we could not see threatened our very existence. Some were prepared for these changes while others were not. And, yet while others perhaps buried their heads in the sand, some saw those changes … Read more
With Covid-19 on the rise again, it appears that everyone needs the vaccine. When it is available for me, you’ll find me in line, waiting to get mine. Thinking about what can help our Auto Recycling industry, my prescription is simple. We need a power-packed, booster shot. And we need it now! Since I’m the … Read more
Going on 25+ years now, it has been my pleasure to write for the Recyclers Power Source Magazine. Even though we are beginning a new year, I believe the first quarter of this year will be remarkably like what we experienced over the last 9 months. However, I am hopeful it will be better. I … Read more
Our memories are special to us because they tell our personal story. Oscar Wilde saw memories as a part of a mental, personal diary that a person adds to throughout their lifetime. So true! As we create them, no one can take your memories from you because each day is a beginning or an addition … Read more
The events of 2020 might have changed the looks of your business today. What have you done to prepare your people for next year? Are your employees working as individuals, doing their own thing? Or are they working efficiently as a team? During my previous travels to businesses, some of them have synergy and they … Read more
Before writing any article, I ponder whether it would benefit me rather than helping everyone else. Usually, it is self-help for me. I must ask if COVID-19 has been getting to you. It has me. Have you been drinking, smoking, or eating more than usual? I have, and I have also been having too much … Read more
Here is a great story. Two months ago, I received a call from Doug Williams, an old customer who owned Eagle Auto Parts located in Martinsburg, WV. Doug and his wife, Lori, purchased Eagle Auto Parts back in 1983. I have been there many times and would speak to all their employees and follow up … Read more
It’s my intention to write about the “How Money Works” book because I wanted to thank lots of you who have ordered the book and either have given copies away to friends and family or have asked for copies for your teams. While listed for $16.95 plus shipping on Amazon we have sold over a … Read more
Do me a favor, please! I am asking all recyclers to refer to this unpresented time as the “New Normal”. I really dislike using the word “abnormal” because what we are going through right now is not abnormal. However, it is the future. Our customer base is telling us that this is “Amazon Time” because … Read more
Life, as we have known it, has come to a screeching halt because of an invisible threat. We can’t see it! But we surely can see the effects of what it’s done. Thousands of people have been infected and thousands have lost their battle against it. As if they haven’t already been involved enough in … Read more
For the past several months, America has been experiencing eye-opening financial burdens because of a virus threat they can’t see. During strange and unnerving times such as these, Americans always step up to trudge forward. We’re resilient no matter what comes our way. That brings me to what my friend within another industry requested from … Read more
Last week, I had two recyclers, who read this column, go online, and order the book, How Money Works, Stop Being a Sucker, which was written by Steve Siebold and Tom Mathews. Though small, the book is great, packed with valuable information for all ages, and an easy read. They paid $16.99 for each book, … Read more
Many industries and associations help students with scholarships, but I am happy to report that the caring folks at URG are not surpassed by other industries. In 2020, URG will be awarding $40,000 dollars’ worth of scholarships. You heard me right! $40,000 in 2020. Other associations that I’ve been a part of will offer much … Read more
Look at the title of this article. How Money Works will be the title of my talks for 2020. I’m already booked for the upcoming URG training conference in St. Louis at the Arch. For that conference, which is being held at the Hyatt Regency, you should bring your team to experience this premier event … Read more
I recently received a book as a Christmas gift from Mike James of James Environmental and eComply. Every year without fail, Mike uses a book at his annual employee retreat. In the past, he used the book, Who Moved My Cheese. Phenomenal book. This year he chose a book by Eric Harvey, Leadership Secrets of … Read more
Yes! It was the best ARA convention ever. You’ve probably heard me say that it was the best before which makes one ask why I’m saying it now. How did they surpass previous years? What really made it better this year? Well, since Jim Counts, Mike James and yours truly were given awards, it was … Read more
Ever been inside a courtroom while in session? Even though each case is different, there’s commonality. Each case has an assigned a court stenographer. When a court stenographer captures what’s said in the court room, there’s no way he or she can report on the way things were said, because they are only authorized to … Read more
Most everyone remembers Dave Thomas who was the Founder of Wendy’s. We see his successful fast-food stores everywhere. However, some people do not know the complete story of Dave Thomas. Dave Thomas may have become a wealthy man, but he was born an orphan and was adopted at 6 weeks of age. This gracious man, … Read more
On May 7th, 2019, stem cells were injected into my right leg. I had been living with severe pain for two to three years and consulted with eleven doctors from various ends of the healthcare market in the last 16 months. To my chagrin, I’ve seen more doctors than some people see in a lifetime. … Read more
Perhaps, after finishing book #40 by my favorite author, I would find it less desirable than the other 39. Not so! I’m still enamored with his writings and must admit that Max Lucado is still my favorite author with #40, Unshakable Hope. Purchased by my daughter, it was presented for Father’s Day. Not only is … Read more
As it happened this time a year ago, summer has started again. With every summer, banners with graduation notices and well-wishes can be seen at entrances to subdivisions. As with most years, I can truly say I attended multiple graduations for children of my good friends and family. This year alone, I attended two kindergarten … Read more
Last month while attending URG, you probably heard Michael Clay, the speaker that did a presentation on how to use social media correctly to make money. There aren’t many guru’s comparable to Mike because he’s an expert in SEO, “on-web” design, and digital marketing plans. Others may feel they measure up to his ability…but they … Read more
Having come back from Northlake Auto Recyclers in Hammond, Indiana, I bet you’re wondering if it snowed while I was there. I was prepared for it, but thank God, it didn’t. Here’s what I discovered. Northlake Auto Recyclers is run by Marty Hollingshead, the new Secretary on the board of ARA. In the past, Marty … Read more
URG’s Theme for 2019 is “Expand the Possibilities”. Their premier conference is slated for April 11th – 13th in the inviting, sunny and warm state of Florida. Leave behind snow and cold weather for tourism of Orlando to hear the best speakers in our industry. I’m quite certain you’re familiar with speakers like, Ryan Falco … Read more
Having a better life can be achieved through implementation of 3 helpful tips. The first tip is simple and only takes seconds to do. While on her way to work only a few weeks ago, Sheila pulled into one of two lanes at a fast-food chicken place close to home. She was in a huge … Read more
Last year while attending the ARA Convention and Exposition in Florida, I discovered that Marty Hollingshead was to be confirmed by the Board of Directors as the next Association Secretary. As an outstanding individual himself, Marty will be joining an outstanding team. While seated in the audience listening to the award winner announcements, my mind … Read more
Here it is again, another New Year. For that, we need new learning skills and a larger appetite for learning. All of us know something about the great, business person, Sam Walton. Here are some facts that I know about Sam Walton. Sam was very inquisitive and eager to learn. In fact, there was nothing … Read more
Congratulations to the Executive Committee of the ARA Annual Convention. That convention was one of the best I’ve witnessed. The association elected Jonathan Morrow as President of ARA at this convention. Jonathan and family owns M&M Auto Parts located in Virginia. Jonathan completed his master’s degree in business administration from Liberty University. Jonathan succeeds David … Read more
It was a great turnout for Nordstrom’s 2.0 open house that was held September 7th and 8th at their home office location in Garretson, South Dakota. A large crowd of 500 people came out on Friday and an even bigger crowd of 900 toured their new facility on Saturday. Many inquisitive folks came to see … Read more
Last month, three friends of mine received three different awards. It’s my privilege to give each of them accolades and to reveal why they’re deserving of their awards. First person is none other than Jeff Schoeder, CEO of Car-Part.com. Jeff received the NACE Automechanika at the Expo held in Atlanta, Georgia this past August. The … Read more
In my last month article, Leadership from Within, I referenced two leaders, Jim Butler and Shannon Nordstrom from our industry. Jim Butler of Butler’s Auto Parts is in Pensacola, Florida and their newest yard is in Milton, Florida. The Milton location used to be an old Lumber 84. I met Shannon Nordstrom many years ago … Read more
My articles this month and next are about Leadership. In these articles, I’ll reference two locations. This month’s article is about the leadership of Jim Butler, GM at Butler Auto Recycling located in Pensacola, Florida. It’s a family-run, family-owned, second generation business. Next month, I’ll show-case the leadership of Shannon Nordstrom from Nordstrom Automotive located … Read more
At dinner, a couple nights ago, we were gathered around the television reviewing soundbites from Jimmy Fallon’s latest commencement address. Pondering his words of wisdom, I wondered what I might have said to those graduates if I had been given that opportunity. First, a speech to that kind of audience needs to be short – … Read more
While covering a story for American Towman magazine last week, I felt it necessary to share what I experienced. The mission of Spirit Ride is to raise public awareness of the “move-over” law as it journeys in Honor of Fallen First Responders. Since the Ride began last year, Spirit Ride has generated media coverage across … Read more
Remember when I wrote the article, “Who Has Their Hand in Your Pocket”? Instead of writing about employees, I’m now referring to buyers who have malicious intent. After helping a family friend who had to move up north, I was blessed with a white-washed, Henredon Armoire. After trying antique and consignment stores, a thoughtful friend … Read more
After recently finishing a writing project with seven authors, I wanted to share with you what has been included in the book, Race to the Finish Line. Race to the Finish Line encompasses the idea that anyone can create winning customer relationships that will last for life. Each of the authors was asked to write … Read more
Last month, I wrote about mental toughness and how Steve Siebold helps people from all walks of life to get better. This is the same Steve Siebold that you’ve seen on Fox Business Channel and all the other stations talking about his new book, SECRETS SELF-MADE MILLIONAIRES TEACH THEIR KIDS. Heads up, folks. Review the … Read more