D.J. Harrington 
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 moreSummertime Projects
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 moreYes, I Smile at Strangers
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 moreDo You Have What it Takes?
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 moreGreat Speakers set for URG
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 more3 Tips To Having A Better Life
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 moreAs Proud As I Can Be
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 moreTell Me About Sam Walton
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 moreCongratulations!
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 moreNordstroms 2.0 – Open House
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 more3 Awards to 3 Friends
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 moreLeadership From Within – Part II
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 moreLeadership from Within
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 moreWhat would you say during a commencement address?
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 moreThe Spirit Ride
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 moreMore Hands In My Pocket
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 moreReally? DJ Has a New Book?
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 moreDon’t Blame Me!
What, exactly is mental toughness? Is it a state of the mind? Or does it mean being mentally ready for battle at a moment’s notice? I’m happy to answer your questions so you can see it first-hand at the next URG meeting in April down in sunny Florida. Mental toughness is the control and manipulation … Read moreWhat Is Mental Toughness?
It’s easy to feel gratitude when you are at the Thanksgiving table. The atmosphere is perfect, food masterfully prepared, and everyone’s usually on their best behavior. That’s one of the beautiful things about that holiday. Every year at our family thanksgiving celebration, before we even eat anything, everyone takes a turn sharing with the group … Read moreDo You Practice Gratitude?
AOL Instant Messenger is shutting down after 20 years. The pioneering chat app that taught many of us to use instant messaging is now pulling the plug. On December 15th, AOL Instant Messenger will shut down after running since 1997. AOL dominated online chat in North America at the turn of the century. Reason for … Read moreSay, “Goodbye AOL Instant Messenger” and “Hello iCPM”
At a recent meeting, we heard about fraud and how creative and undermining it can be within business walls. Specifically, employee fraud or theft-by-taking. What causes this? Is it sickness? Greed? Jealousy? Addiction? To have an employee stoop that low, there must be a change of the heart. They’ve rationalized that their fraud is somehow … Read moreWho Has Their Hand In Your Pocket?
As I travel from convention to convention, I’ve noticed that some recyclers are making money and some are not. For a self-assessment, which are you? The recyclers making money are doing some things others may not. “Money-making” recyclers keep a closer eye on expenses backed up by good, record keeping. Better yet, they’re street smart. … Read moreMaking Money
Having returned from NACE ‘s Automechanika held in Chicago, Illinois, I have much to report. From my perspective, even though the McCormick Place Convention area housed lots of helpful and informative vendors, it seemed like there were less attendees than last year. That’s not good! When fellow auto recyclers that come all this way to … Read moreThinking Outside the Box
Every time I hear about a fire at a tow yard or recycling center, I cringe. With so much inventory sometimes stacked closely together, it could be a disastrous and devastating situation if there was a fire. Personally, I’ve heard witnesses describe, “flames that were high as the sky”, “a facility on fire with rising … Read moreFire, Fire In The Yard!
Have you ever listened to your customers? Probably. Digging deeper, I must ask if you’ve ever asked them how you’re really doing? Sometimes hearing the truth can hurt, but it can also help. So far, it’s been a great week. Having just finished speaking at Volvo of Memphis, located in Memphis, Tennessee. I discovered that … Read moreThe Voice of Your Customer
Here’s how it started. At the end of January, I spoke for the Colorado Automotive Recyclers Association. We sent out a small, “DJ video” to every past and present member of this great association. Results? We DOUBLED the attendance! In the room was Ryan Hochmiller and his dad from Active Truck Part. During a break, … Read moreGreat Meeting in Michigan
What makes URG different from lots of other conventions is that URG’s really all about training. Yes, there was golf on Thursday and the URG Education Foundation raised over $12,000…many thanks to Bo Wroten. An amazing accomplishment! All the proceeds of golf and the generous players helped to raise this kind of money. Don Porter, … Read moreURG Has Another Great Conference