We Also Have Scholarships

When was the last time you told an applicant or a team member that was thinking of going somewhere else to work, “WE ALSO HAVE SCHOLARSHIPS.”  These past two months, I have been making phone calls to remind URG members about the URG Scholarship Foundation and asking owners of companies to send out an email … Read more

See You At URG!

I’ll see you at URG, or should I say, you’ll be sorely missed if you fail to attend the biggest Automotive Recycling Industry Conference, known to many as URG. This conference will be the largest turn out in URG history. There are reasons why. It’s about new acquisitions. How big is Incline Equity Partners? When … Read more

Rob Rainwater, Paul D’Adamo, & Ryan Falco

Now that I have your attention, you know several people who will be speaking at the URG Annual Training Conference. These men want to help other recyclers. As good as they are, they’re not alone either.  Joining this crew is none other than Dalan Zartman, an electric vehicle trainer that is known world-wide. It would … Read more

2 Dollars Are Yours If…

That’s right! You read it right. I want to give every reader of the Recyclers Power Source magazine who will pledge to give $11.00 a month to the URG Scholarship Foundation a two-dollar bill. Yes, a two-dollar bill just like the one my dad put inside my new wallet when I was young. Last year, … Read more

Is Your GPS Working?

Surprise, a New Year is here AGAIN! The years go by quickly, and sometimes we need to reroute ourselves so we’re ready for what’s up ahead. Recently, my wife reminded me that I needed to write an article on “A New Year, a New You” which would center around reinventing oneself in 2023. As maybe … Read more

I Need Your Prayers

First, I promise if you’ll help me now that I will write about recycling topics that are specific to the Power Source readers.  For now, these two precious people have been heavy on my heart for over a month. My neighbors, Kelly and her daughter, Madison were struck by a car in a hit and … Read more

3 Must-Reads For Recyclers

From observations of how our country has declined over past years, I can’t stress enough the importance of reading three books. They need to be read by everyone within the auto recycling and recovery industry as well as all our families. I’ll list the third book first. I don’t think anybody should be allowed to graduate … Read more

Your Podcast Is Growing

We are proud to announce that the URG on the Go podcast keeps growing every week.  No doubt, the good information in each episode keeps our listeners coming back for more week after week. If you’re one of these listeners, thank you for spending your valuable time with us. If you log on, you’ll hear … Read more

“CANI” = Car-Part.com

“CANI” is a phrase that I hope all my regular readers remember. It’s been over 28 years since I wrote my first article for the Recyclers Power Source magazine. The magazine went to press in 1993, and I started writing articles for the Power Source in 1994. Many years ago, I wrote an article about … Read more

Is Your Telescope Set Right?

Even though I’m in my mid 70s now, I continue to work in the podcast center two days a week completing podcasts for URG’s “On the Go” as well as four other towing and recycler-related podcasts. If you are wondering what I do with the remaining three days of the week, I’m proud to say … Read more

Can You Afford to be Negative?

My wife, Sheila and I are in our 70’s now but she doesn’t look it. I do. When I meet someone for the first time, I tell them that I served at the last supper. I usually get a laugh or two, but this week I didn’t. We have been helping a neighborhood friend to … Read more

Tips To Remember

It’s only been a few weeks at the podcast center that we had our guest, Paul D’Adamo. My phone rang when it should have been on silent, but I answered it anyway. Since the sound was on ‘speaker mode’, Chuck Camp the producer of URG “On the Go” podcast was also listening.  When the person … Read more

Come One Come All!

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

Best Of The Best

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

Seen You In New Orleans!

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

Thank You, URG!

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

Goals Map-Out Your Actions

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

Become An Ambassador

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

Other Women in The Industry

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

Learned A Lot at URG

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

DJ and URG

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

The Challenge of Change

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

A Podcast Just For You

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!

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

How Money Works; Secrets of the Wealthy

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

The Doctor Prescribes a Booster Shot

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

Happy New Year to All!

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

Memories Live Forever

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

Be Kind to Your Mind

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

Make More Money on eBay With Car-Part.com

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

Let’s Cal it the “New Normal”

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

Are You a Butterfly?

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

Don’t Panic, Be Prudent

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

How Money Works

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

URG is Awarding $40,000 in Scholarships

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

How Money Works

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

Leadership Skills That Santa Believes In

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

ARA 2019 Award Winners

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

My View of ARNE

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

How to get an MBA

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

Live Your Life & Forget Your Age

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

My Favorite Author

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

Summertime Projects

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

Yes, I Smile at Strangers

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

Do You Have What it Takes?

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

Great Speakers set for URG

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

3 Tips To Having A Better Life

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